Colour Bar Collection

Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (engraving)
2972959 Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (engraving) by English School, (20th century); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (coloured engraving)
2972958 Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (coloured engraving) by English School, (20th century); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Front cover of 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (litho)
3084442 Front cover of 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (litho) by English School, (20th century); 23.8x35 cm; The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (coloured engraving)
2972960 Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (coloured engraving) by English School, (20th century); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (colour litho)
3084443 Page from 'Useful Artistic Furniture', c.1900 (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); 23.8x35 cm; The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Young West Indian men standing outside the Brixton Labour Exchange looking for employment. 11th March 1954

John Umelo an apprentice engineer from Nigeria, who can only get employment as a bus cleaner due to the colour bar. 11th March 1954

Page from William Tarn and Co.s Illustrated Catalogue: with prices of furniture
2972977 Page from William Tarn and Co.s Illustrated Catalogue: with prices of furniture, bedding c.1890-1900 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Study of Fruits and a Landscape, 1892 (w / c on paper)
NUL116420 Study of Fruits and a Landscape, 1892 (w/c on paper) by Gauguin, Paul (1848-1903); 25.5x33.5 cm; Private Collection; French, out of copyright

Page from Useful Artistic Furniture, c. 1900 (colour litho)
3084445 Page from Useful Artistic Furniture, c.1900 (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); 23.8x35 cm; The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London, UK; eGeffrye Museum; English, out of copyright

Page from Supplement to the Illustrated Catalogue of Duplex and Other Table Lamps
3084475 Page from Supplement to the Illustrated Catalogue of Duplex and Other Table Lamps, Suspension Lamps, Wallback Lamps, Brackets, Lanterns, &c

Page from Designs for furniture and decorations for complete home furnishing
3084420 Page from Designs for furniture and decorations for complete home furnishing, 1892 (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); 25.2x36.3 cm; The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London

Page from Illustrated Catalogue of Wire Goods, 1887 (litho)
3084410 Page from Illustrated Catalogue of Wire Goods, 1887 (litho) by English School, (19th century); 27.7x21.9 cm; The Geffrye Museum of the Home, London, UK; (add.info.: S)

Page from William Tarn and Co.s Illustrated Catalogue: with prices of furniture
3084398 Page from William Tarn and Co.s Illustrated Catalogue: with prices of furniture, bedding, &c, c.1890-1900 (litho) by English School, (19th century); 25x32 cm; The Geffrye Museum of the Home

Young West Indian men in Brixton looking through the small ads in the local newspapers for jobs. 11th March 1954

Barrows Stores Ltd. advert, 1910. Printed with Gittings, Hills & Boothbys Ltd inks. From The British Printer Vol. XXIII. [Raithby, Lawrence & Co. Ltd, London and Leicester, 1910]

Colour temperature spectrum. This spectrum shows how the overall hue of a source of visible light can vary in terms of a calculated characteristic known as colour temperature

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"Exploring Opportunities and Barriers: The Colour Bar in Brixton" In the vibrant streets of Brixton, young West Indian men navigate through a world overshadowed by discrimination. With determination etched on their faces, they scour the small ads in local newspapers, hoping to find a glimmer of opportunity amidst the prevailing challenges. Outside the Brixton Labour Exchange, these resilient individuals stand united, seeking employment that seems elusive due to an unjust colour bar. Despite their skills and aspirations, doors remain closed for many. John Umelo's story epitomizes this struggle; an apprentice engineer from Nigeria forced into accepting work as a bus conductor instead of pursuing his true potential. Amidst this backdrop of adversity, glimpses of beauty emerge. Pages from William Tarn and Co. 's Illustrated Catalogue showcase exquisite furniture pieces with prices that seem distant dreams for those facing economic hurdles. A Study of Fruits and a Landscape painting transports us to another era with its delicate watercolors on paper – reminding us that art can transcend barriers. Useful Artistic Furniture from around 1900 captivates our imagination with its colorful lithographs – perhaps offering solace or inspiration within these pages. Designs for furniture and decorations beckon us towards complete home furnishing possibilities - inviting all to envision spaces filled with creativity and comfort. Illustrated Catalogues provide insight into diverse industries such as wire goods showcased in 1887 - revealing innovation even during times when opportunities were limited by prejudice. Barrows Stores Ltd. 's advertisement from 1910 hints at changing times ahead while reflecting upon the past struggles faced by communities like theirs. Through it all, we witness resilience shining bright within these young West Indian men who persistently search for better prospects despite facing systemic obstacles daily. Their unwavering spirit serves as a testament to human strength against injustice. As we delve deeper into their stories intertwined with catalogues and advertisements spanning decades, we are reminded of the long and arduous journey towards equality.