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Mural decorations in the Beckenham British Restaurant during the Second World War
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Mural decorations in the Beckenham British Restaurant during the Second World War
Mural decorations in the Beckenham British Restaurant during the Second World War, on the theme of Wind in the Willows and carried out by the local art school. Picture on the right shows a detail of the mural while the left photograph shows the interior of the restaurant and the pictures in situ on the wall. British Restaurants were communal restaurants during the Second World War providing a cooked meal, with dessert and a cup of tea or coffee, for around the cost of 1s.2d. While operated on a canteen basis, meals were eaten at a table and allowed people, including war workers and those who had bombed out of their homes or might have difficulty cooking or making a packed lunch at home, a nutritious and affordable meal, which could be eaten in addition to wartime rations. Many restaurants were decorated inside with murals as a way to make the surroundings pleasant. Date: 1946
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Media ID 19806117
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Beckenham Décor Eating Ministry Mural Murals Paintings Rationing Restaurant Willows Wind
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the enchanting mural decorations that graced the walls of the Beckenham British Restaurant during the Second World War. Located in the heart of Beckenham, London, this communal dining establishment provided a nutritious and affordable meal for war workers, those who had been bombed out of their homes, and individuals struggling to make ends meet during the rationing period. The mural, inspired by the beloved children's book series "The Wind in the Willows," was the handiwork of local art school students. The intricate detail in the right photograph showcases the skill and creativity of these young artists, as they brought the magical world of Mole, Rat, Toad, and their friends to life. British Restaurants, like the one in Beckenham, offered a cooked meal, complete with dessert and a cup of tea or coffee, for around 1s.2d. Despite being operated on a canteen basis, diners were able to enjoy their meals at a table, creating a sense of community and normalcy amidst the chaos of wartime London. The interior photograph on the left offers a glimpse into the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, with the murals serving as a delightful distraction from the daily hardships of life on the home front. The Ministry of Food played a crucial role in ensuring that these communal dining establishments were not only affordable but also offered a pleasant dining experience. This photograph, dated 1946, stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the British people during the Second World War. The mural decorations in the Beckenham British Restaurant not only brightened the lives of those who dined there but also served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the power of art and community could bring joy and hope to all.
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