Owed Collection

Churchills praise for RAF Pilots
" Never was so much owed by so many to so few" - Prime Minister Winston Churchill from a speech made on 20th August 1940

Wartime poster of Churchills famous words: Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few, referring to the pilots of the Royal Air Force, fighting the Battle of Britain

Propaganda poster: prime ministers statement
Second world war propaganda poster. Above a photograph of five brave airmen is a quotation from the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill: Never was so much owed by so many to so few

WW2 poster, Per Ardua Ad Astra, Winston Churchill speech
WW2 poster, Per Ardua Ad Astra. Never in the field of human conflict have so many owed so much to so few. Winston Churchill speech, 20 August 1940. Date: 1940

Poster, Churchills praise for RAF Pilots
Poster, Never was so much owed by so many to so few - Prime Minister Winston Churchill from a speech made on 20 August 1940

WW2 Birthday Card, Foil Spitfire
A WW2 birthday greetings card with a foil image of a Spitfire fighter plane. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by many to so few. Date: circa 1940s

A new law gave the tenant a right to a third of his freehold, seven years rent; twenty-one years rent being the average value of a freehold in Ireland

Owed to the Christmas Tree, by Alfred Crowquill (engraving)
1097538 Owed to the Christmas Tree, by Alfred Crowquill (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Owed to the Christmas Tree, by Alfred Crowquill)

Early struggles 1858
Interior scene of a city dwellings, in the harsh winter months with snow on the rooftops outside and few coal on the grate, a family have got behind in their rent and a broker has come round

The receipt of custom (engraving)
5198848 The receipt of custom (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The receipt of custom. Illustration for The Life of Our Lord (Frederick Warne, c 1880)

Short Bomber of 1915 owed much to the earlier Type 184 83 built, the type being withdrawn from use in April 1917

Felixstowe F2A -used by the Royal Navy, it owed much to the Curtiss H-16

WW2 Christmas card, Battle of Britain -- So much owed by so many to so few (Winston Churchill). By F Gordon Crosby. Date: 1941

Senior NCO, most probably a CSM or SNCO Acting Officer
A portrait of a senior NCO, most probably a CSM (Feldwebel) or SNCO Acting Officer (not commissioned), known as an Offizierstellvertreter

French patriotic WWI postcard - Debt owed to those who die
(transalation) To you who give your life - the flowers that you are owed from your Fatherland. Date: circa 1916

The Bank Nun
Sarah Whitehead, sister of a failed businessman, believed the Bank of England owed her money, lost her mind, flitting about the City until she became known as The Bank Nun

Coronation Ring
THE CORONATION RING used to help crown English sovereigns was given to pilgrims in the Holy Land by Saint John the Evangelist who owed Edward the Confessor a favour

TALLY MAN
A TALLY MAN in a cottage - a house-to-house trader who sold goods on instalment, keeping a tally of what his customers owed him - an early form of buying on credit

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"Owed: A Tribute to Churchill's Praise for RAF Pilots and Wartime Heroes" In the midst of World War II, Winston Churchill's words echoed through the nation, inspiring courage and resilience. His famous praise for RAF pilots adorned wartime posters, reminding us of their unwavering dedication. Propaganda posters proudly displayed the Prime Minister's powerful statements, urging citizens to stand united in the face of adversity. The iconic phrase "Per Ardua Ad Astra" became a rallying cry as Churchill delivered his impassioned speeches. Even in times of celebration, gratitude was owed to those who fought bravely. A birthday card featuring a foil Spitfire symbolized our indebtedness to these valiant warriors. Yet history reveals that owing goes beyond battles and victories. In 1858, early struggles paved the way for progress and change. An engraving titled "The Receipt of Custom" showcased how society owed its growth to trade and commerce. A new law granted tenants rights they were long owed - a third of their freehold after seven years' rent. This escape from claims highlighted an opportunity for justice amidst challenging circumstances. Not only did aviation owe much to past innovations but also naval forces benefited from earlier designs. The Felixstowe F2A aircraft used by the Royal Navy exemplified this debt by building upon previous successes like the Type 184 bomber from 1915. Artistic expressions captured our appreciation too; Alfred Crowquill's engraving "Owed to the Christmas Tree" reminded us that even simple joys deserved recognition during difficult times. As we reflect on these diverse instances where debts were acknowledged or repaid, let us remember that owing is not just about financial transactions - it encompasses gratitude towards those who shaped our world with their sacrifices and contributions throughout history.