1940s Gallery

Dali Atomicus (1948)

Dali Atomicus (1948). This photographic artwork by Latvian-born US photographer Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) shows Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali (1904-1989) in mid-air, with suspended objects, cats and water caught in surreal motion. At right is Dali's work Leda Atomica (1949). This is the unretouched version of Halsman's work, with an assistant (left) and strings (right) still visible. The scene was attempted 28 times before Halsman achieved the desired effect. Halsman and Dali collaborated on a number of works, of which this is the most famous

© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Mitsubishi A6M Zero aircraft, World War 2

Mitsubishi A6M2 (Zero). US Air Force photograph of a test flight of a captured Japanese Mitsubishi A6M2 (Zero). This aircraft was being refined and improved by the Japanese during the final days of World War II (1939-1945). They increased the low octane rating of their gasoline by adding ethanol to the fuel. The Mitsubishi Zero was already a feared fighter aircraft, and this higher octane fuel helped to improve engine performance

© US AIR FORCE/US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Patrolling the permanent way, Manningtree, Essex, May 1948

A ganger patrolling the permanent way, Manningtree, Essex, May 1948. Maintanence of the permanent way was essential for the safe running of the railway. The ganger checks the sleepers, the fastenings of the chairs holding the rails, the tightness of fishplates and the size of the gap between the rails. He carries a hammer for knocking in loose keys securing the rails in their chairs. Photographer Cyril Herbert was one of the few enthusiasts who produced studies of railwaymen. Herbert worked on the railway himself and took this photograph while on duty