20th century London (1900 – 1999)
Explore objects, stories and blogs shining a light on London during 100 years of enormous and rapid change.
Blogs-And-Stories
The Grunwick strike, 1976–1978
One of the defining industrial disputes of the 1970s happened in a north-west London suburb
St Paul's: Through Dickens & Doré's Victorian Lens
Explore how David Lean's Oliver Twist linked Dickens' London to Doré's art through St Paul's iconic dome
How London Pride began
And the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights gained momentum in the 1970s
The origins of Notting Hill Carnival
London’s biggest street festival is a celebration of Caribbean culture and Black identity
What after the Smithfield Poultry Market Fire of 1958
Curator Kate Sumnall dives into one of the most dramatic episodes in the rich history of Smithfield Market
A history of London’s Heathrow Airport
The story of one of the world’s busiest airports – and what was discovered during its construction
How Sainsbury's packaging evolved over 150 years
From paper bags to pop art, what influenced design changes at Sainsbury’s
London’s Brutalist buildings
Love or loathe it, London is home to many concrete icons built in this striking architectural style
The Port of London’s role in Antarctic expeditions
Antarctica, Ahoy! Preparing for polar expeditions
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
Celebrated by Londoners in the streets – and on their screens
Take a tour along the River Thames in the 1930s
An atmospheric trip through lost London riverscapes
The Blitz in London: A New Year's Eve letter
An informal, chatty letter from a fireman to his wife, describing the damage from the bombing during Christmas
Who were the Young British Artists?
How a group of rebellious, mostly London-based artists changed the 1990s art world
From London Museum to the Battle of the Somme
The story of London Museum’s first paid employee, Maurice Edgar Read
Anna Pavlova's Swan costume & the evolution of tutus
Deconstructing the complex artistry behind Anna Pavlova’s most famous tutu
200 years of royal weddings in London
From Queen Victoria to Prince Harry, royal romances have been loved and loathed by Londoners
Twickenham’s Eel Pie Island
This little island had a thriving rhythm and blues scene – where the Rolling Stones were residents
