Economising Collection

Camouflage v Camouflage During Invasion Practice
William Heath Robinson has come up with a solution to save on man-power in the East Coast of England. Revolving helmets being paraded around on a primitive pulley system with the locals clapping

The internal economy of Dotheboys Hall, illustration from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens (1812-70)
KW259163 The internal economy of Dotheboys Hall, illustration from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens (1812-70) published 1839 (litho) (detail of 259164) by Browne

Royal economy in World War I (litho)
3638939 Royal economy in World War I (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Royal economy in World War I)

Double cross tennis, for economising space in local tournaments and generally gingering up the game (litho)
1090685 Double cross tennis, for economising space in local tournaments and generally gingering up the game (litho) by Robinson

Sir Eric, Geddes, 1926 (colour litho)
473548 Sir Eric, Geddes, 1926 (colour litho) by Ritchie, Alick Penrose Forbes (1868-1938); Private Collection; (add.info)

Light Switch 1940S
Remember to switch off lights last thing at night or when going out, saving energy and economising on household bills. Date: 1940s

Belling electric fires advertisement, WW1
Advertisement for Belling electric fires, with the revelation that families could do without one servant as a result of the modern device

Darn It by Edmund Blampied
A pretty sketch of a young woman darning a stocking - a fine example of war economy. 1916

War Economy by A. Wallis Mills, WW1
Lady Sybil de Vere: " Do look at those extraordinary people. Their clothes are quite new!" Sir Hugo: " Rotten bad form

Mrs C. S. Peel, 1917
Dorothy Constance Peel, 1868-1934, aka Mrs CS Peel, prolific journalist and writer of numerous books on household management and domestic history

Keeping a check on fuel consumed by G. H. Davis
Your fuel target: keeping a weekly check on the fuel consumed in an average household during the Second World War. Electricity and gas meters will tell you if you are keeping to your proper average

Day in the life of an average household by G. H. Davis
Your fuel target: a day in the life of an average household during the Second World War. Detailing economies that need to be practised in order to keep within the limits of fuel consumption laid down

Fuel for domestic appliances by G. H. Davis
Your fuel target: details that will help in planning economy during the Second World War, so that fuel rationing can be avoided

Londoners come with prams, carts, in fact anything on wheels for the morning ration of 28 lb of coke from the yard of Nine Elms Gas Works, London

Salvation Army Canteen Van
The London Fire Brigade had dispensed with its own canteen vans, due to financial cutbacks, and relied on the services of the Salvation Army to provided refreshments to fire crews at major fires

Ww2 Salvage Handbill
BOMBS AND BULLETS FROM YOUR DUSTBIN - Every Woman can help to Win the War - every Patriotic household is asked to save every scrap of paper, rags, bottles, empty tins

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"Economising: Necessity Breeds Innovation" In times of crisis, the art becomes paramount. From the intriguing concept of camouflage during invasion practice to the humble light switch in the 1940s, society has always found ways to make do with less. Just like the internal economy of Dotheboys Hall depicted in Charles Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby, where resourcefulness thrived amidst scarcity. World War I witnessed a royal economy that demanded sacrifices from all walks of life. A lithograph captures this era's spirit as it showcases how even tennis tournaments were modified through double cross matches, saving precious space and revitalizing the game. Sir Eric Geddes, an influential figure in 1926, understood the importance of efficient management and clever strategies for economic stability. His colorful lithograph serves as a reminder that innovation can be both practical and visually striking. During wartime advertising campaigns such as Belling electric fires advertisement or Edmund Blampied's "Darn It, " artists showcased products designed to aid households while conserving resources. The war economy by A. Wallis Mills exemplifies how creativity flourished under pressure. Even ordinary individuals played their part in economising efforts. Mrs C. S Peel's portrait from 1917 symbolizes resilience and determination amid challenging circumstances. Meanwhile, G. H Davis meticulously kept track of fuel consumption and chronicled a day in an average household's life - emphasizing responsible usage and mindful spending. Through these glimpses into history, we see that economising is not just about financial savings; it represents adaptability and ingenuity when faced with adversity. Whether on a grand scale or within our own homes, finding innovative solutions allows us to thrive even during challenging times.