The annual 1940s Relived event at Brooklands Museum south-west of London is one of my firm favourites. Apart from the historic vehicles, many visitors make a special effort to dress the part — with their trilbies, pinstripe suits with wide turn-ups, padded shoulders or forces uniforms. The event is a photographers’ delight because it is invariably true that people who dress up love having their photographs taken. A quick request, an almost certain positive response, and that’s another unusual portrait for the record.
There will be an extensive vintage market featuring clothes, shoes, homeware, books and wartime memorabilia. And bring your dancing shoes because the large dance marquee where you can put your “jive, jitterbug and Lindy Hop into practice”. Never heard of the Lindy Hop, but not to worry, I’m sure it will be fun. And there’s no need to dress up if you don’t want to.
Unless the weather is absolutely awful (at the moment it is showing light showers with sunny periods) I’ll be there between 11 am and 2 pm. It would be great to meet any other Macfilos readers, but please drop me an email in advance so I can let you know what’s happening. The 1940s Relived takes place this Saturday, May 12, from 10 am to 9 pm. Advance tickets can be booked here and cost £13.50 (or £15 on the day).
Brooklands Museum is near Weybridge, Surrey, and full travel details can be found on the museum website.
Dave is right NADA in USA except costume parties.
What a Hoot! Too bad we don’t have one here in the good old USA.
Are you sure, David? I would have thought there must be something like this in the USA. Mind you, the British are a bit eccentric at the best of times.
Great shot of the clippie – what memories – I must be getting (very) old.
Thanks, David. But do you remember ordering a thupp’ny one?
Very interesting, Mike – perfect for black and white.
Quite right, Richard. I think I did one a few years ago with the Monochrom but I am always tempted to convert these shots because the B&W doubles the authenticity!
Very engaging, Mike. But is that a mobile phone I see in the lady’s hand (first picture)? !!
Hi John,
I think you may be right, I missed it initially as I was wondering why Captain Mannering was in the back of the image to the left of the main chap.
Nice images Mike. I might add this to my future events to attend.
Dave
That is indeed Captain Mainwaring in the background. For non-British readers, he was the leader of the hapless Home Guard detachment in the 1970s comedy Dad’s Army. Thanks to endless reruns, most people have heard of the pompous little officer, played unerringly by the late Arthur Lowe.
Oh dear, Do you not know the difference between a mobile phone and a dark slide PLATE HOLDER for a Speed Graphic. I.E. The camera!
Don, I know it’s a year ago but I was convinced she was holding the plate holder. I think I would have noticed if it had been an iPhone. I will let you be the arbiter on this one.