At first glance, this appears as a frothy, trivial little poster. Pretty ladies on a night out but, on closer inspection, there is a lot going on here.
This is a lithograph of a poster designed By CRW Nevinson in 1924 to advertise the British Empire Exhibition that was held at the purpose built Empire Stadium, the famous towers of which you can see in the background.
The British Empire Exhibition of 1924 was a major international exhibition held at Wembley Park in London, England. It showcased the products and cultures of the countries within the British Empire. The event aimed to strengthen imperial bonds and promote trade within the empire. It attracted millions of visitors from around the world and featured pavilions representing various colonies and dominions.
Critics of the British Empire Exhibition of 1924 raised concerns about its extravagant cost, which some argued could have been better spent on addressing social and economic issues within the empire. Additionally, there were criticisms regarding the exhibition’s portrayal of colonial peoples and cultures, with some accusing it of promoting imperialistic attitudes and stereotypes. Critics also highlighted the environmental impact of constructing such a large-scale event and questioned the long-term benefits it would bring to the empire as a whole.
The National Archive have an interesting essay on the exhibition and it’s failings here
Within Nevinson’s image, the funfair attractions in the background with the fireworks exploding above show the fun that was to be had. The crowds queuing to enter one of the many pavilions, along with those moving towards us hint at the popularity of the exhibition, encouraging one and all to come along. Nevinson uses headwear to depict the various social classes in attendance with the flat cap, trilby, bowler, top hat and monocle for the gents, and the on-trend cloche hat to show the modern woman. As advertising, Nevinson has hit the mark.
The main image of two 20s flappers show off the fashion of the day. Low cut shift dresses covered by voluminous wraps and coats, influenced by Japanese patterns, and by the jazz style coming out of America, France and Germany.
More on fashion here: https://glamourdaze.com/history-of-womens-fashion/1920-to-1929
Within the pavilions was a film show depicting the urban apocalypse of London – not something you would imagine being a part of a celebration of the alleged might of the Empire.
The London Defended exhibit was a prominent feature of the British Empire Exhibition of 1924. It was a simulation of a hypothetical air raid on London, showcasing the city’s preparedness and defense mechanisms against potential aerial attacks. The exhibit aimed to reassure the public about the city’s ability to withstand threats and to demonstrate the importance of national defense. It included displays of anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and other defense technologies of the time.
The Courtauld hold a fascinating essay on this exhibit and the others that fascinated and frightened in the visitors in equal measure:
‘The Abbey in Ruins and Ablaze’: Staging Disaster at the 1924 & 1925 British Empire Exhibitions
After the British Empire Exhibition ended, the exhibition site at Wembley Park was repurposed. Some of the pavilions were dismantled, while others were converted into permanent structures. The Empire Stadium was renamed Wembley Stadium and became one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.
travels with my art 