Black-Out thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Black-Out

Board Game
1940-1945 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The board game is an unusual survival. It was made during the Second World War when there was a shortage of materials, as many were rationed or utilised for the war effort. Therefore, any toys which were made tended to be of cheap and poor quality materials. The playing pieces represent typical vehicles one might have encountered in 1940s London. The player's aim would be to navigate their vehicle safely across London during a night-time blackout, when no lights could be shown because of the danger of attracting enemy bombers.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 4 parts.

  • Board Game
  • Cards
  • Gaming Pieces
  • Instructions
TitleBlack-Out (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Printed card and paper, wood
Brief description
Board game 'Black Out', made in the 1940s during the Second World War in England
Physical description
'Black Out' board game made of printed card and paper. The back of the board is completely back, with a label with the name of the game, and a silhouette image of London. The playing side of the board is marked out with a street map, with the four corners labelled Marble Arch, Holborn, Hyde Park Corner and Charing Cross. The edge of the board has a border with three stripes red, white and blue. The game has a pack of cards with which the game is played, four playing pieces resembling 1940s road vehicles, made from printed card with wooden bases, and printed instructions.
DimensionsHeight: see each part
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Mavis Keitch
Object history
Given to the Museum in 2004 by Mavis Keitch.
Subjects depicted
Places depicted
Association
Summary
The board game is an unusual survival. It was made during the Second World War when there was a shortage of materials, as many were rationed or utilised for the war effort. Therefore, any toys which were made tended to be of cheap and poor quality materials. The playing pieces represent typical vehicles one might have encountered in 1940s London. The player's aim would be to navigate their vehicle safely across London during a night-time blackout, when no lights could be shown because of the danger of attracting enemy bombers.
Collection
Accession number
B.94:1 to 4-2004

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdNovember 16, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest