Britannia and Eve, 1926–1957 - Key Data

Formed in 1929 following a merger between Eve: The Lady’s Pictorial (established in 1926) and Britannia (established in 1928), Britannia and Eve was one of the various “sister” titles owned by The Illustrated London News (ILN). From the outset this new magazine marketed itself to a predominantly female readership, especially to wealthy and conservative women. Throughout its existence it maintained a particular emphasis on fashion, beauty, and the home. It also featured contributions from some of the most influential female artists and writers of the time. This collection contains over 38,000 images from more than 350 issues of Britannia and Eve and its predecessors Eve: The Lady’s Pictorial and Britannia, published between June 1926 and January 1957.

Unlike other ILN-owned periodicals, Britannia and Eve appeared monthly. As a result, it was considerably longer than many of its “sister” publications, each issue often comprising more than 100 pages. Over time, it became well-known for the artistry of its illustrations and for its wide-ranging coverage. It printed articles and stories by esteemed writer Laura Troubridge, whose famous Book of Etiquette remained, for decades, a core text for young upper-class Britons; by Joanna Cannan, popular author of both children’s fiction and detective novels; and by diarist, politician, and arts patron Violet Bonham Carter. Given its popularity, eclecticism, and far-reaching influence, Britannia and Eve provides critical insights into the history of fashion, gender history, and the history of British print culture.