Code: 10106
Dimensions:
Original vintage London Life magazine dated March 18th 1939, an authentic pre-war British society and picture weekly featuring period advertisements, theatre and fashion interest, and evocative late 1930s London social history.
A wonderful piece of British pre-war ephemera, capturing the glamour and atmosphere of London just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Historically, publications of this type are recognised as part of the visual culture that later influenced John Willie, whose post-war Bizarre magazine drew inspiration from earlier British glamour and society periodicals.
An evocative original issue of London Life published in the final peaceful months before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Rich in period glamour and cinematic history, this pre-war issue features a wonderful selection of Hollywood and stage personalities including Constance Bennett, Joan Blondell, Gloria Dickson, Billie Burke, Gale Sondergaard, Jean Rogers and Martha Raye.
The central feature is a striking double-page Paramount Pictures advertising spread for Never Say Die, promoting Martha Raye playing opposite Bob Hope in their latest 1939 screen comedy — a superb surviving piece of original film ephemera from the golden age of Hollywood.
Also included is the atmospheric interior photograph “Grisha et Brona” by Achille Volpe, adding further Art Deco theatrical and dance interest.
London Life is particularly notable as a publication that later influenced John Willie, the creator of the highly influential magazine Bizarre, making this issue especially appealing to collectors of period glamour, fashion and subcultural print history.
A beautifully preserved piece of late 1930s social history, filled with period advertising, celebrity features and the visual elegance of the era, making it an exceptional decorative and collectible object.
A particularly appealing example for collectors of pre-war magazines, Hollywood memorabilia, theatre ephemera and Art Deco display pieces.
CONDITION REPORT
Good original condition overall, with light wear to the edges consistent with age and handling. There is a tear to the back cover corner underscored in pencil, rusting to the staples, and an old pencilled price notation to the cover. The internal pages are complete, with only age-related discolouration, as expected for a pre-war publication of this date.
