Carolling Collection

Christmas Carols
A mid-ninteenth century scene showing a Victorian householder with his wife and children standing on their porch listening to carol singers

Pupils from Frederick Bird Junior School, Coventry, singing carols in the Hillfields area in aid of Freedom from Hunger Campaign. 18th December 1962

Lady Alexandra Haig and Lady Lettice Ashley-Cooper
Christmas carol party at Londonderry House organised by Miss Olga Lynn in aid of the Devon Nook Home for Unmarried Mothers, December 1938

The Villagers kept up the Christmas Carol, illustration from
617053 The Villagers kept up the Christmas Carol, illustration from The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith, c.1910 (colour litho) by Jameson

Carolling, 1887, printed January 1890 (photogravure)
2968215 Carolling, 1887, printed January 1890 (photogravure) by Robinson, Henry Peach (1830-1901); 11.6x18.2 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL, USA; Restricted gift of Miss Lucia Woods; English

Christmas supplement front cover for 1875
Christmas front cover supplement for The Illustrated London News, 1875. Showing a group of musicians being greeted at the door with a big bowl of wassail. Date: 1875

The Christmas Waits, 1911
A group of singers and musicians (or Waits) walking through the snow to entertain their fellow men at Christmas time. Date: 1911

Good Housekeeping front cover, December 1931
Front cover of Good Housekeeping magazine with three angelic carol singers dressed in medieval hooded robes. One plays a lute while they all sing from a song sheet

Caleys Christmas Cracker label
A Christmas cracker box label for Caleys of Norwich featuring a young boy in medieval costume singing carols

Children Carolling
Four children sing carols by moonlight, accompanying themselves on music instruments

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"Spreading Joy through Song: The Tradition of Carolling" Every year, the enchanting melodies of Christmas carols fill the air, bringing warmth and cheer to all who hear them. Pupils from Frederick Bird Junior School in Coventry continue this timeless tradition by spreading joy through their angelic voices as they sing carols in the Hillfields area. Carolling has been a cherished part of Christmas celebrations for centuries. From Lady Alexandra Haig and Lady Lettice Ashley-Cooper leading a group of carolers in an elegant Victorian illustration to the villagers depicted in "The Villagers kept up the Christmas Carol, " captured beautifully in a photogravure from 1887, these images remind us of the enduring power of music during this festive season. The spirit is not limited to formal settings; it extends even to children singing joyously on a vintage Christmas card or brave souls known as "The Christmas Waits" serenading neighborhoods with their harmonious tunes back in 1911. These heartwarming scenes evoke memories and emotions that transcend time. As we delve into history, we find ourselves transported further by glimpses into past Christmases. A Good Housekeeping front cover from December 1931 showcases a family gathered around a piano, united by song and love. Meanwhile, vibrant labels adorning old Christmas cracker boxes serve as reminders that carolling was not only about singing but also about sharing laughter and merriment with loved ones. In today's fast-paced world, where technology often dominates our lives, let us remember the beauty and simplicity found within this age-old tradition. Whether it be joining community choirs or simply humming along while strolling through snow-covered streets adorned with twinkling lights – let us embrace the magic and allow its melodies to touch our hearts once more.