Hair Helmet, the Newest Fashion for Women Cyclists in 1964

Both of these cyclists are wearing crash helmets – the lady’s a nylon-hair wig on a heavy plaster-composition base.

Made by a London hairdresser in a variety of colors and hairdos, the wigs are the rage with women riders. Skintight, they are water-proof and can be worn on any occasion.

Michael Jackson Dressed as His Idol Charlie Chaplin in London, 1979

Michael Jackson always admired Charlie Chaplin as he many times said that he was one of his inspirations. We can definitely see moves on his dancing and his moving.

In 1979, whilst in the UK, Michael dressed up as Chaplin for a photoshoot in the road where Chaplin once lived. Michael was taken to a local shop to buy the outfit and the famous black and white photos were taken by British photographer Tony Prime.

Four years later in 1983, Michael donned a Charlie Chaplin outfit and had more photos taken. At the time, Michael said: “This is in memory of a great man who has touched the hearts of the world with his art of making people laugh and cry. You will always be in my heart. I love you, Charlie Chaplin.”

Michael most famous association with the silent star though, came in 1995 when he recorded Chaplin’s classic song “Smile” for the HIStory album. It was originally planned to also be released as the final single from the album, but was sadly canceled days before its release date, due to issues with making the short film. Only a few copies of the single were produced, and as a result it has become one of the rarest of Michael Jackson memorabilia, with copies selling for large amounts of money online.

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Wonderful Vintage Kodachrome Photos of London in the 1950s

These beautiful vintage Kodachrome pictures of Britain’s capital city were taken by an unknown American tourist. “I’ve found that Americans tend to take pics of ‘mundane’ things that us Brits would take for granted and never photograph, like the sandwiches!” Glen Fairweather, the collector, expressed. “So you often end up with some unusual subjects showing regular everyday life.”

More fascinating photographs of London at the time could be found at Glen’s amazing Flickr site.

Oxford Circus.

Buckingham Palace Road.

Art sale.

St Paul's Cathedral.

The 'Happy Wanderers'.

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Street Scenes of London in 1987 Through Fascinating Photos

The 1980s in London was a decade of considerable change. Long established industries, street scenes, shops and ways of life were being swept away and the often divisive politics of the time were visible painted along the walls.

These fascinating photos were taken by EuroAsia Vizion that show street scenes of London in 1987.

“London is not a museum. It is a cosmopolitan capital with a polyglot population. By all means, let's make a pilgrimage to the monuments of the English-speaking world : Tower Bridge, the red double-deckers, Westminster Abbey, The Big Ben... there is also contemporary London, intensely active theater, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music, the punks and the peers and everything in between.”

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Fascinating Vintage Color Pictures of London in the ‘60s

These beautiful vintage pictures of London come from the brilliant collection of Glen Fairweather. It hardly goes unnoticeable that the capital city was undergoing the cultural phenomenon that was the Swinging Sixties.

More fascinating photographs of London at the time could be found at Glen’s amazing Flickr site.

Piccadilly Circus from Regent Street, 1961.

1969.

1965.

Carnaby Street, 1969.

Carnaby Street, 1966.

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In the 1940s, the Metropolitan Police Was Looking for Good Looking Female Officers, and They Mustn’t Marry!

Here’s an old advert for the Metropolitan Police recruitment aimed at women with misogynistic overtones that really won’t fly in this day and age.

In the 1940s, London’s Metropolitan Police force was looking for fairly good looking female officers, and they must be hefty enough to withstand a “rough and tumble.”

These women must never marry or their career with end! They will answer to Sir Philip Game, the Met’s Chief Commissioner from 1935 until 1945. His vital statistics are not revealed.

Candid Photographs of Elton John and Rod Stewart Playing Soccer in Watford FC Shirts, 1973

Sir Elton John has been connected to Watford Football Club for decades, including ownership and even sending kids to play for them. The Club were adopted by their most famous fan in 1973 first as president and from 1976 as chairman.

In 1973, during a training session he was photographed with the players at the Club’s Vicarage Road ground, plus his mate, singer Rod Stewart, also a big soccer-head. The shots show Elton and Rod working up a sweat, and then getting rid of that sweat in the changing rooms with the other players.

Elton remains a large shareholder, and on December 13, 2014, Watford reciprocated the support, opening the Sir Elton John Stand. “One of the greatest days of my life,” said Elton John.

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Elton John in His Closet, London, 1975

Sir Elton John is known for his outrageously amazing outfits that he pairs with equally outrageous pair of shades he’s been collecting since the 1970s. And he had shelves built into the eaves in his attic.

Here, Terry O’Neill captured Elton John, wearing a vest top and satin shorts, at his home in London, 1975, with part of his wardrobe, notably a large collection of platform shoes.

“That’s a great one. When I was at his home, I suggested we just walk around and I’ll take some photos of him with some of his collections. I was thinking at the time, he’ll show me some sculptures or paintings. Little did I know what I was getting myself into!” – Terry O’Neill

Fascinating Vintage Snapshots of London in 1978

In 1978, Ed Sijmons and his partner Louise took a trip to London. Their grainy snapshots show a gritty look at the capital city at the time when many people were still struggling to make ends meet after the mid-1970s recessions, while the early 1980s recession was already on the horizon.

More fascinating photographs could be found at Sijmons’ brilliant Flickr site.

The Wimpy Bar at the junction of Old Compton Street and Moor Street.

Cheshire Street in E2.

St. Paul's.

Shakespeare's Head.

Hamleys at Regent Street.

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Family Ride on a Five Seat Bike in England, 1950

Who needs a van when you can ride as a family! How cool is this family circa 1950.

Mr. Eric Jewell, of Dukes Avenue, Finchley, London, finds the solution to go with his whole family to the countryside: a five seat bike.

Here, Jewell with his wife and children on a “quinticycle” – adapted from a tandem with a sidecar.

London in 1979 Through Fascinating Photos

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. The city stands on the River Thames in the south-east of England, at the head of its 50-mile (80 km) estuary leading to the North Sea. London has been a major settlement for two millennia. Londinium was founded by the Romans.

The City of London, London’s ancient core and financial centre − an area of just 1.12 square miles (2.9 km2) and colloquially known as the Square Mile − retains boundaries that closely follow its medieval limits.

London is one of the world’s most important global cities. It exerts a considerable impact upon the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transportation.

London has a diverse range of people and cultures, and more than 300 languages are spoken in the region. it is the third-most populous city in Europe, and accounts for 13.4% of the U.K. population.

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret’s Church; and the historic settlement in Greenwich where the Royal Observatory, Greenwich defines the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. Other landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and The Shard. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world.

These fascinating photos were taken by George Kindbom that show street scenes of London in 1979.

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Elizabeth Taylor Has Some Fun Surrounded by Pigeons in Trafalgar Square, London, November 1948

Trafalgar Square in central London is a public square that has been a significant landmark since the 13th century. It is thought of as a meeting place between the east and west of the capital city, and as a result Trafalgar Square has played witness to numerous community gatherings, political demonstrations and public celebrations.

The site originally contained the King’s Mews, but after George IV moved the mews to Buckingham Palace, the area was redeveloped by John Nash. Progress slowed after Nash’s death and the square was eventually reopened in 1844.

The square was once famous for feral pigeons and feeding them was a popular activity. Pigeons began flocking to the square before construction was completed and feed sellers became well known in the Victorian era. In November 1948, 16-year-old Elizabeth Taylor has some fun surrounded by pigeons in London’s iconic square. Here are some candid photographs taken by Chris Ware:

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