Guide to the Bombing of London During World War II Photograph Collection, 1939-1940 SC.1966.01

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Bombing of London During World War II Photograph Collection
Creator
Graphic Photo Union
Creator
Associated Press of Great Britain
Collection Number
SC.1966.01
Extent
143 items
Date
1939-1940
Abstract
The Bombing of London during World War II Photograph Collection consists of 143 pictures from the early 1940s that visually document the bombing of London by the Nazis known as "The Blitz." Some are dated while most are not. Images were produced by the Associated Press and Graphic Photo Union.
Language
English .
Author
Jennifer Chan.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

Custodial History

Transferred from the Fines Art Library to Special Collections in 1966.

History

The photographs in this collection depict the bombing of London by the Nazis during the period of World War II known collectively as "The Blitz." This period of the intense bombing of London and other cities began on September 7, 1940 and ended May 16, 1941. Adolph Hitler was preparing for a German invasion of England and ordered the Lutwaffe to target RAF airfields and radar stations. Hitler abandoned these plans and executed an air strike to destroy London, demoralize the population, and force England to surrender to his terms. London sustained bombings for 57 consecutive nights, which resulted in the damage and destruction of more than one million London homes. Other important landmarks, such as hospitals, churches, and Buckingham Palace were targeted during the air raids resulting in significant human casualties. The Blitz ended on May 11, 1941 when Hitler called off the raids in order to move his bombers east in preparation for Germany's invasion of Russia.

On the backs of these photographs contain a stamp stating that copyright is attributed to the Associated Press and the Graphic Photo Union. Nearly all photos have detailed captions typed onto paper and glued to the back. Some photos include "PASSED FOR PUBLICATION BY MINISTRY OF INFORMATION" on the back.

Copyright

The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.

Previous Citation

Bombing of London During World War II Photograph Collection, 1939-1940, SC.1966.01, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh

Preferred Citation

Bombing of London During World War II Photograph Collection, 1939-1940, SC.1966.01, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Scope and Content Notes

This collection contains 143 pictures, taken by the Associated Press during the bombing of London throughout 1940-1941. The photographs are arranged in folders, maintaining the original order and numbering system in which they were received from the Frick Fine Arts Library. The majority of the photographs in this collection measure 8 x 10 inches. However, there are a few of smaller size. Most of the photographs are undated.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the Frick Fine Arts Library in 1966.

Subjects

    Personal Names

    • Elizabeth, Queen, consort of George VI, King of Great Britain -- Photographs
    • George, King of Great Britain, VI -- Photographs
    • Churchill, Winston -- Photographs

    Geographic Names

    • London (England) -- History -- Bombardment, 1940-1941 -- Photographs

    Genres

    • Black-and-white photographs

    Other Subjects

    • World War, 1939-1945 -- Great Britain -- Photographs
    • World War, 1939-1945 -- England -- London -- Photographs
    • World War, 1939-1945 -- Destruction and pillage -- Great Britain -- Photographs
    • World War, 1939-1945 -- Aerial operations, German -- Photographs

Container List