Bib
ca. 1947 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The design of the child carrying an exaggeratedly large banana, together with its accompanying slogan of 'Only a dream', clearly refers to food rationing during World War Two (1939-45), and in particular to the scarcity of bananas and other imported fruit during those years. Imports took up valuable resources such as fuel and manpower, and the ships which brought most of the imports were targeted by enemy bombs. The UK government needed to make sure that all possible resources went toward winning the war rather than protecting consume choice.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Appliqued and embroidered cotton |
Brief description | Baby's bib, cotton decorated with appliqué of a child with a banana; made in England, ca. 1947 |
Physical description | Baby's oval bib of loose weave white cotton, with a scalloped edge buttonhole-stitched in blue except for the round neck, which is plain. The centre of the bib is decorated with an appliquéd image of a small child wearing a blue sleep suit and carrying a gigantic banana, above the words "ONLY A DREAM" embroidered in blue. The bib fastens at the neck back with tying tapes of white cotton. |
Dimensions |
|
Credit line | Given by Joan Laurance |
Object history | Bought for the donor's daughter, Pamela Laurance (born 25/09/1947): given by Joan Laurance (RF 92/355) |
Historical context | The design of the appliqué clearly refers to food rationing, and in particular the scarcity of bananas and other imported fruit during World War Two. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | The design of the child carrying an exaggeratedly large banana, together with its accompanying slogan of 'Only a dream', clearly refers to food rationing during World War Two (1939-45), and in particular to the scarcity of bananas and other imported fruit during those years. Imports took up valuable resources such as fuel and manpower, and the ships which brought most of the imports were targeted by enemy bombs. The UK government needed to make sure that all possible resources went toward winning the war rather than protecting consume choice. |
Collection | |
Accession number | MISC.146-1992 |
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
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | July 1, 2009 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSON