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Put out those dress shirts
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Put out those dress shirts
Cartoon by Mel highlighting the risks run by gentlemen in immaculate eveningwear during the Blitz. Date: 1939
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Media ID 32241538
© Illustrated London News Ltd / Mary Evans
Blackout Blitz Dandies Darkness Eveningwear Humourous Lights Nightlife Precautions Raid Shirt Shirts Warden Wardens
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Put out those dress shirts: A humorous take on the risks run by dandies in immaculate eveningwear during the Blitz, as depicted in this satirical cartoon by Mel for the Illustrated London News (ILN) in 1939. The ominous backdrop of the air raid siren and the looming threat of darkness signify the imminent danger lurking in the London night. The elegant gentlemen, clad in pristine white dress shirts and ties, are oblivious to the impending air raid, engrossed in their nightly pursuits of leisure and socializing. The warden, in contrast, is shown in practical attire, alert and prepared for action. The cartoon serves as a stark reminder of the precarious balance between the mundane and the menacing during the Blitz. The contrasting scenes of the dark, ominous night and the brightly lit, carefree interiors of London's social establishments highlight the risks run by those who chose to ignore the warnings and continue with their nightlife. The caption "Put out those dress shirts" adds a humorous touch to the serious subject matter, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. The Blitz, a period of intense bombing campaigns by the German Air Force during World War II, brought London to a standstill, with air raids and blackouts becoming a part of daily life. The cartoon encapsulates the spirit of resilience and the dark humor that emerged during this challenging time in history. The image is a poignant reminder of the contrasting realities of the 1930s, where the threat of war coexisted with the pursuit of pleasure and normalcy.
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