Luxuries Collection

Elizabeth Arden Soaps advertisement, 1940
Advertisement for Elizabeth Arden Soaps. A little luxury a woman earned after a hard day during the Second World War. The advertisement reads

Advert for Elizabeth Arden soaps, promoted as a little wartime luxury. Date: 1940

Pronk still life, with a roemer, an upturned silver tazza
CH349497 Pronk still life, with a roemer, an upturned silver tazza, a half-peeled lemon on a pewter plate, with a pie, a timepiece and a knife, 1631 (oil on panel) by Heda, Willem Claesz

The Spanish-American War, at Camp Blatch, near New York, the British Fleet in Chinese Waters, Luxuries at last (litho)
1039612 The Spanish-American War, at Camp Blatch, near New York, the British Fleet in Chinese Waters, Luxuries at last (litho) by English School

"There was an Old Man of Kilkenny, who never had more than a penny", from A Book of Nonsense
LLM386660 " There was an Old Man of Kilkenny, who never had more than a penny", from A Book of Nonsense, published by Frederick Warne and Co

Ms Fr 2810 f. 54, Fishing for pearls and gathering turquoises in the Gaindu Province
EDI42190 Ms Fr 2810 f.54, Fishing for pearls and gathering turquoises in the Gaindu Province, from the Livre des Merveilles du Monde, c.1410-12 (tempera on vellum) by Boucicaut Master

Opening the New Years Hamper (engraving)
3637876 Opening the New Years Hamper (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Opening the New Years Hamper)

British troops in Berlin are getting a little extra luxury this week. Although this little extra luxury is only a modest kipper, which arrived from Hull, England in large numbers

Frys Cocoa advertisement, WW1
Advertisement for Frys Pure Breakfast Cocoa, Always on Active Service, being enjoyed by three British soldiers at the Front. 1918

Fortnum & Masons advertisement, WW1
Advertisement for quintessential British department store, Fortnum & Mason and its service for sending boxes of food to the front during the First World War

WW1 poster, National Savings Campaign, How you can help. Date: 1914-1918

Eve and her luxuries, WW1
Eve, the fictional gossip columnist of The Tatler magazine, pictured surrounded by some of her favourite luxury items - hats, dresses and lingerie

The effects of WW1 on French Food Prices - AFTER (2 / 2)
The Household Accounts The effects of the First World War on French Food Prices - in 1918 (2/2) Date: circa 1918

Duty-free Cigarettes and Alcohol - Norway
Two women and a man pose on the deck of a Norwegian ferry boat wit their duty free spirits and cigarettes. Following WW2 there was still considerable rationing of food and drink in the UK

Luxuries versus lifeboats. Illustration shows an ocean liner sinking amid icebergs with many passengers jumping into the sea for lack of enough lifeboats

Luxurious Car
This car, fitted with silver brocade blinds and countless innovations and luxuries, is a wedding gift for the only grand-daughter of wealthy Indian Bai Rahematbai. Date: 13 March 1930

Wrights Coal Tar soap
Advertisement for Wrights Coal Tar soap showing a British soldier (or Tommy ), writing a thank-you letter to his sweetheart

Oppian Law Opposed
Valerius persuades the Senate to rescind the 20-year old Oppian Law which prohibited women from using expensive luxuries

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Luxuries have always been a symbol of indulgence and refinement, captivating our senses and transporting us to a world of opulence. From the elegant Elizabeth Arden Soaps advertisement in 1940, enticing us with their exquisite fragrances, to the Frys Cocoa advertisement during World War I, offering comfort amidst chaos, they have provided solace and pleasure in times of need. In Pronk's still life painting, we are presented with a scene adorned with a roemer glass and an upturned silver tazza. These objects represent wealth and sophistication, reminding us that they were not only reserved for the elite but also celebrated by artists who immortalized them on canvas. During the Spanish-American War at Camp Blatch near New York, soldiers from the British Fleet in Chinese Waters finally experienced luxuries they had longed for. This lithograph captures their joy as they indulge in these rare treats after enduring hardships on distant shores. "There was an Old Man of Kilkenny" is a whimsical verse from A Book of Nonsense published in London around 1875. It humorously reminds us that even those with limited means can dream about luxuries beyond their reach. Ms Fr 2810 f. 54 depicts people fishing for pearls and gathering turquoises in Gaindu Province. These precious gems were highly sought-after luxury items throughout history due to their rarity and beauty. Opening the New Year's Hamper engraving evokes anticipation as it unveils an array of luxurious delights carefully selected to celebrate new beginnings. The contents hold promises of indulgence and delight that accompany this special occasion. In Still Life with a Lobster painted around 1660, we witness an arrangement featuring sumptuous fruits alongside silverware and china ware - all symbols of abundance enjoyed by those who could afford such extravagance during this period. World War I brought forth posters urging citizens to support national savings campaigns while Eve herself became a symbol of luxury in wartime.