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Air raid cartoon
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Air raid cartoon
Cartoon depicting Oxford Circus tube station during an air raid. Date: 1940
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 32241698
© A Illustrated London News Ltd / Mary Evans
Amusing Blitz Consumer Humourous Raid Raids Shelter Sheltering Shelters Sleeping Spirit Stations Tube Underground
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This evocative black and white cartoon print, dated 1940, depicts the bustling scene at Oxford Circus tube station during the height of the London Blitz. The image, created by the Illustrated London News (ILN) and held in the Consolidated Archive Holdings Ltd collection at Mary Evans Prints Online, captures the spirit of resilience and determination that defined the British people during wartime. In the illustration, we see a crowded tube station filled with Londoners seeking shelter from the air raids. Men and women, some carrying suitcases or bundles, huddle together on the platform, while others sit on benches or lean against the walls. The station's advertisements, displaying consumer goods and services, are a stark contrast to the grim reality of the situation. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, there is a sense of humor and amusement in the scene. A man in a bowler hat is shown sleeping soundly on a bench, oblivious to the commotion around him. Another man, wearing a gas mask, is seen reading a newspaper with a smirk on his face. These small moments of levity serve as a reminder of the human capacity to find joy and humor even in the most challenging of circumstances. The cartoon also highlights the importance of the tube system as a vital lifeline for Londoners during the Blitz. Despite the risks, the tube continued to operate throughout the war, providing a crucial means of transportation and shelter for millions of people. This image is a testament to the enduring strength and resourcefulness of the London community during wartime.
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