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Explanatory Collection

"Unveiling the Past

Background imageExplanatory Collection: WW2 poster, How to tackle a fire bomb

WW2 poster, How to tackle a fire bomb, indoors and outdoors, with explanatory illustrations, by the Ministry of Home Security. Date: early 1940s

Background imageExplanatory Collection: New German incendiary bomb by G. H. Davis

New German incendiary bomb by G. H. Davis
Details of the new German explosive incendiary bomb produced during the Second World War. Explanatory drawings showing how the bomb is constructed, and the proper methods of tackling it. Date: 1942

Background imageExplanatory Collection: German U-boat by G. H. Davis

German U-boat by G. H. Davis
The battle of the Atlantic: explanatory drawings of German U-boats (submarines), and how they operate when at sea. Various aspects of undersea activities during the Second World War. Date: 1941

Background imageExplanatory Collection: British six-pounder gun by G. H. Davis

British six-pounder gun by G. H. Davis
The British six-pounder gun: explanatory drawings. It was an efficient field and anti-tank gun of high velocity, used for example against Rommels German army in the desert, Second World War

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Launching of V2 rocket bombs by G. H. Davis

Launching of V2 rocket bombs by G. H. Davis
The launching of V2 rocket bombs during the Second World War: an official photograph and its explanation. On the left: a scene at Peenemunde, birthplace of the V2

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Ypres Battlefield Markers and signs

Ypres Battlefield Markers and signs
Over the 40 years that we have been writing about these battlefields, there has been many attempts to signpost the places of interest

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Table of Moveable Feasts and De Partibus Orationis

Table of Moveable Feasts and De Partibus Orationis
Two leaves, one large and one small, both paper. The larger leaf is a Tabula des festes mobilibus (table of moveable feasts) and the smaller leaf is an explanatory note in the same hand

Background imageExplanatory Collection: The Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and the Coronation of the Empress Josephine in

The Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and the Coronation of the Empress Josephine in
698765 The Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and the Coronation of the Empress Josephine in the Cathedral Noter-Dame in Paris, 2nd December 1804

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Dante A Drama by V Sardou and E Moreau, some explanatory notes by an Italian student (colour litho)

Dante A Drama by V Sardou and E Moreau, some explanatory notes by an Italian student (colour litho)
584256 Dante A Drama by V Sardou and E Moreau, some explanatory notes by an Italian student (colour litho) by English School

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Plate 25 Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified

Plate 25 Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified
Plate 25, Elgin marbles from the Parthenon at Athens: exemplified by fifty etchings, selected from the most beautiful and least mutilated specimens in that collection;

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Plate 33 Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified

Plate 33 Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified
Plate 33, Elgin marbles from the Parthenon at Athens: exemplified by fifty etchings, selected from the most beautiful and least mutilated specimens in that collection;

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Fates Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified

Fates Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified
The Fates, Elgin marbles from the Parthenon at Athens: exemplified by fifty etchings, selected from the most beautiful and least mutilated specimens in that collection;

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Centaur Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified

Centaur Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified
The Centaur, Elgin marbles from the Parthenon at Athens: exemplified by fifty etchings, selected from the most beautiful and least mutilated specimens in that collection;

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Plate 46 Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified

Plate 46 Elgin marbles Parthenon Athens exemplified
Plate 46, Elgin marbles from the Parthenon at Athens: exemplified by fifty etchings, selected from the most beautiful and least mutilated specimens in that collection;

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Photography of a Smell by F Breitenbach

Photography of a Smell by F Breitenbach
The odour of camphor made visible: photography of a Smell by F Breitenbach. Exhibited in the Royal Photographic Societys annual exhibition, with an explanatory note headed

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Canadian Pacific to Canada and USA, Third Class

Canadian Pacific to Canada and USA, Third Class, information page listed names of ships and destinations. Date: circa 1930s

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Copy of German original medallion - sinking of the Lusitania

Copy of German original medallion - sinking of the Lusitania
This is a British strike of the German original medallion made to celebrate the sinking of the Lusitania by a German submarine on the 7th May 1915

Background imageExplanatory Collection: German flying bomb by G. H. Davis

German flying bomb by G. H. Davis
The flying bomb: Germanys latest weapon used against England during the Second World War. Explanatory drawings of the flying robot launched across the Channel to southern England. Date: 1944

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Flying at the speed of sound by G. H. Davis

Flying at the speed of sound by G. H. Davis
Flying at the speed of sound: radical aircraft conceptions in a new era of aeronautics. Explanatory drawings showing how the problem of compressibility is being tackled

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Detailed drawing of the Corvette by G. H. Davis

Detailed drawing of the Corvette by G. H. Davis
Introducing the Corvette: an explanatory drawing, revealing details of a war-designed vessel that earned honours in the battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Date: 1943

Background imageExplanatory Collection: The ungrateful children, Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo, Joos de Bosscher, 1590

The ungrateful children, Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo, Joos de Bosscher, 1590

Background imageExplanatory Collection: The bagpipe gives no sound, only when full, print maker: Hendrick Goltzius attributed

The bagpipe gives no sound, only when full, print maker: Hendrick Goltzius attributed to workshop of, Karel van Mander I, Franco Estius, 1590 - 1594

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Each believes his owl to be a falcon, Karel van Mander (I), Franco Estius, 1590 - 1594

Each believes his owl to be a falcon, Karel van Mander (I), Franco Estius, 1590 - 1594

Background imageExplanatory Collection: Four mills Kleef, Caspar Luyken, 1695

Four mills Kleef, Caspar Luyken, 1695

Background imageExplanatory Collection: The Great Aerial Navigator, or Atmospheric Machine

The Great Aerial Navigator, or Atmospheric Machine! An article with a detailed diagram showing an aerial machine claimed to be capable of transportation to India and China in the space of five days



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"Unveiling the Past: Explanatory Insights from WW2 Posters and Artifacts" Step back in time as we explore a captivating collection of historical artifacts that offer explanatory glimpses into the events of World War II. Among these intriguing hints are eye-catching posters, informative photographs, and insightful literature that shed light on various aspects of this tumultuous era. One such artifact is a striking WW2 poster titled "How to tackle a fire bomb. " Created by G. H. Davis, it serves as an educational tool for civilians during air raids, providing crucial instructions on dealing with incendiary bombs. A companion piece by the same artist showcases the menacing German U-boat, offering viewers an insight into one of Germany's most feared naval weapons. Moving on to weaponry used during this period, we encounter another artwork by G. H. Davis depicting the British six-pounder gun – a formidable weapon employed in battles against enemy forces. Its presence highlights the importance of firepower in combat scenarios. Venturing beyond land-based warfare, we delve into space exploration through G. H Davis' depiction of the launching of V2 rocket bombs – a technological marvel developed by Nazi Germany during WWII. This image offers us an explanatory glimpse into their advancements in missile technology. Our journey takes an unexpected turn towards academia with two fascinating pieces – "Table of Moveable Feasts and De Partibus Orationis. " These works provide valuable insights into religious practices and linguistic studies prevalent during that time period. Continuing our exploration, we come across Ypres Battlefield Markers and signs - poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by soldiers who fought bravely amidst devastating conditions on Belgian soil. Intriguingly unconventional is F Breitenbach's photography project capturing smells visually - pushing boundaries to convey sensory experiences through imagery alone; it leaves us pondering how art can transcend traditional mediums.