Exhibition Preview - Catalyst: Contemporary Art and War
Exhibitions & Displays, IWM North
Men, women and children queue for fish along High Road, Wood Green, London. Fish was not rationed during the war but was often scarce, and by 1941 prices were 17% higher than in 1939.
Like many other foods, oranges, although not rationed were also scarce in wartime, so priority was given to children over adults.
A group of boys set to work with forks and spades amidst the rubble of a bomb site in the East End of London. They are creating an allotment on this small patch of wasteland.
Jimmy West, aged 11, smiles as he begins work on the allotment. According to the original image caption Jimmy had been evacuated to Hertfordshire but was now returned to ‘put London right’.
Tending the allotment on Dulwich Common. These allotments had been created from the tennis courts which had originally been there. The Dig For Victory campaign was launched in October 1939.
Weekly rations of sugar, tea, margarine, ‘national butter’, lard, eggs, bacon and cheese. Rationing continued long after the war. It was finally lifted on 4 July 1954, when meat became freely available for the first time in nearly 15 years.
Explore the impact of war on people’s lives from the First World War to the present day. IWM North is home to a diverse collection of artefacts from a Russian tank to a tin of powdered egg; from a make do and mend toy dog to a section of the World Trade Center.
Entry to the Museum is free. Please allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
Groups of ten or more people are asked to book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Booking at least four weeks in advance entitles you to free coach parking and free group passes to our Air Shard viewing platform.
You can also add a charged activity, tour or handling session to your visit. Find out more.
Explore IWM North on a self-directed visit, or for a charge add a learning session to your itinerary. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Find out more.
Youth groups can book a charged tour, handling session or storytelling session with an optional craft session (not available on Saturday afternoons). Find out more.
For local public transport and a map of the area please check our Visitor Information page.
Exhibitions & Displays, IWM North
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Tours, IWM North
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Tours, IWM North
Family activities, IWM North
Family activities, IWM North
Tours, IWM North
Family activities, IWM North
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From the World Wars to the Cold War, IWM gives teachers and students in UK schools everything they need to explore the course, causes and consequences of conflict from the First World War to today.
IWM North are looking for people who have been affected by conflict - either serving or in another way - who are willing to share their stories.