Diversions Collection

Bowling in Chicago
Belles of the Bowling Alley - the Athletic Diversions of an Association of Dashing Damsels in their Club Rooms in Chicago

The Diversions of the Court of Lilliput. From Gulliver's voyage to Lilliput
2963122 The Diversions of the Court of Lilliput. From Gulliver's voyage to Lilliput. Illustration from Gullivers Travels published c.1875; Private Collection; Photo © Hilary Morgan

Optical Amusements (engraving)
3628622 Optical Amusements (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Optical Amusements. Illustration for The Boyss Own Book (Lockwood, 1861)

Deaf and Dumb Alphabet (engraving)
3628618 Deaf and Dumb Alphabet (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Deaf and Dumb Alphabet. Illustration for The Boyss Own Book (Lockwood, 1861)

Divertissement de Noel, a la campagne (engraving)
2793737 Divertissement de Noel, a la campagne (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Divertissement de Noel, a la campagne)

Tricks with Cards (engraving)
3628619 Tricks with Cards (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tricks with Cards. Illustration for The Boyss Own Book (Lockwood, 1861)

Solitaire (engraving)
3628613 Solitaire (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Solitaire. Illustration for The Boyss Own Book (Lockwood, 1861)

Rackets (engraving)
3628623 Rackets (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Rackets. Illustration for The Boyss Own Book (Lockwood, 1861)

Legerdemain (engraving)
3628620 Legerdemain (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Legerdemain. Illustration for The Boyss Own Book (Lockwood, 1861)

Ladies Read at Table
Bored with male-dominated conversation, women find their own diversions in cards, books and magazines; the chaps seem rather peeved... Date: 1927

Patients race, Quex House garden
Four patients are seen taking part in a race in the garden of Quex House, two nurses and a lady civilian are in the background watching

Bedmaking race, Quex House garden
Three nurses are taking part in a bedmaking race, watched by Hannah Powell-Cotton (VAD Commandant) and a male civilian. The beds are positioned against the line of a tennis court marked out

Hospital Sports, Quex House garden
Patients in shirtsleeves are playing the game of trying to eating an apple hanging from a string tied to a horizontal line

Apple Bobbing, Quex House garden
Seven patients are gathered around at least one chair and some buckets. Five amused nurses are watching. The men are apple bobbing - trying to grab, using only their mouths

Quex VAD patients in fancy dress outside the front door of Quex House. There was a collection of dressing up clothes at Quex House and they were used occasionally by the patients to put on plays

Patients boxing
Quex Park VAD Hospital patients. Entertainments and diversions were a regular part of the life of the hospital. The Quex Park VAD Hospital opened on 15 October 1914 and closed on 31 January 1919

AM170720 083354
8, AM170720 083354

Burial Punchinello ca 1800 Pen brown ink brown
Artokoloro

The diversions of high society. Illustration shows a large crowd of men and woman, all wearing formal evening clothes, three women wearing short red dresses have secured the attentions of several

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"Diversions: A Kaleidoscope of Entertainment and Fun" Step into the world of diversions, where laughter and excitement fill the air. From bowling in Chicago to optical amusements, this collection of engravings captures the essence of entertainment throughout history. Intriguingly, we begin with an engraving showcasing a game that has stood the test of time - bowling in Chicago. The sound of crashing pins and friendly competition echo through the lanes as friends gather for a night filled with strikes and spares. Moving on, we delve into optical amusements that captivate both young and old. Engravings depict mesmerizing illusions crafted by skilled magicians who leave audiences spellbound. Tricks with cards become a spectacle as nimble fingers manipulate each shuffle to create mind-boggling tricks. The journey continues with solitaire, a game that challenges one's strategic thinking while providing moments of solitude amidst life's chaos. As players move their pieces across the board in rackets or engage in legerdemain (sleight-of-hand), they find solace within these diverting activities. Engravings also transport us to festive scenes like "Divertissement de Noel, à la campagne, " where joyous celebrations unfold against picturesque landscapes. Families come together to revel in merriment during holiday seasons, creating memories that last a lifetime. But they can not limited to indoor settings alone; outdoor activities bring people closer too. Ladies read at table under shady trees while patients race through Quex House garden, their determination evident on their faces. Bedmaking races add an element of speed and precision as participants showcase their skills amidst cheers from spectators. Even hospitals embrace diversions through sports events held within Quex House garden – healing takes place not only through medicine but also through camaraderie forged on fields filled with laughter and healthy competition. They have always been an integral part of our lives, offering a temporary escape from the mundane.