Mary Evans collection of the week: Boy’s Own Paper and Girl’s Own Paper
Just a note before we kick off with this week’s collection: due to the current crisis we’re working remotely, but we plan to continue providing an excellent service to help with any image and licensing requests you might have. We may not be able answer calls as quickly as usual, but please do contact luci.gosling@maryevans.com, tom.gillmor@maryevans.com or jessica.talmage@maryevans.com or our general email pictures@maryevans.com, and we’d be delighted to assist in any way we can. And of course, our website remains available 24 hours a day with images instantly downloadable for those of you with access.
The first issue of the Boy’s Own Paper came out in January 1879, swiftly followed by the Girl’s Own Paper a year later. Both were originally published by the Religious Tract Society, as a means of encouraging young children to read while instilling Christian values.
Early issues of the Boy’s Own Paper championed the British Empire, and up until it ceased publication in 1967, adventure stories and tales of sporting prowess were a staple. The girls’ version, which continued until 1956, also included sport, as well as etiquette and advice on dress and household matters, along with an early agony aunt column and careers advice.
The array of images, both black & white and coloured plates, is remarkable. Romanticised historical scenes such as Charles II landing at Dover prior to Restoration or Roman chariot racing mingle with beautiful chromolithographs of flower displays and Victorian ladies rollerskating.
This engaging selection gives a good outline of the volumes we have both in our own archive and from contributors, but do get in touch at pictures@maryevans.com if you can’t find what you’re looking for or would like a quote.
Mary Evans Picture Library newsletter – March 19, 2020.