M&S Company Archive Reminiscence Image Pack Spring & Easter Image Notes
Underwear advert, 1932 We’ve sold clothing at M&S since the 1920s. Vests and slips have always been popular, but the man in this advert wears long-johns and an under-shirt – a very warm outfit once he’s finished getting dressed!
Advert for garden bulbs, 1932 Spring is the time to watch all your daffodils and snowdrops coming up, and to start thinking about what to plant in summer. This advert for bulbs to plant in Spring and Summer was printed in a customer magazine. The advert features a letter from Mr Benton, who bought gladioli bulbs at M&S, and won first prize in his local horticultural show with the results.
Poem by an M&S employee, 1946 This poem was published in our staff magazine, sent in by a sales assistant from Darlington store. Employees were encouraged to send in their poems, stories and photographs to share with their colleagues. The poem was written during the first Spring of peacetime after the Second World War.
Information on Spring Hats, 1949 This leaflet is taken from a staff magazine. It shows sales assistants which hats suit which type of customer, to help them sell when working on the Millinery counter. Which hat is your favourite?
A Happy Easter from Jill Adams, April 1955 Jill Adams starred in over 25 films during the 1950s and 1960s including The Green Man and Brothers in Law. In this article she talks about shopping in M&S, and how she modelled for an advert for oranges before she was famous.
Easter Bonnets, 1953 An Easter bonnet is traditionally a new or fancy hat worn at Easter, part of the tradition of wearing new clothes at Easter. These hats wouldn’t look out of place at an Easter parade or service.
Easter fair, 1954 This photograph shows the Easter Fair in Blackburn, just outside Marks & Spencer. In Blackburn, the fair is an institution, and has been held in the town since 1750. Staff at work in the store in 1954 were surprised when the store filled up with customers carrying streamers, balloons and toy trumpets, wearing paper hats. They also noticed that the shop smelled of burgers and diesel fumes all day…!
Spring Blossoms, 1959 Spring brings out the blossom, and the pretty dresses! This polka-dot dobbycloth dress was one of a ranges of dresses for sale in Spring 1959 for 45s. The gloves were made from nylon, and cost 5s. They were very popular as they dried overnight and didn’t need ironing. Image Notes
Patterned skirts for Spring, 1959 These brightly coloured skirts came in cotton or dobbycloth, but we also offered skirts made from tricel and rayon – these synthetic fabrics were popular as they were hard- wearing, washable and travelled well.
Springtime advert, 1963 This advert comes from a staff magazine. The magazine helped staff learn about new products, so they could provide better customer service. The model in this photograph has managed to find some flowers amongst the late snow, and she wears her jersey two- piece suit to keep warm.
Spring seaside holiday, 1965 As soon as the sun comes out, it’s time to take a trip to the seaside. This advert shows our beachwear range from 1965, and was shot on Babbacombe Bay in Devon. It doesn’t look like a very warm day!
Women’s and Men’s Spring Fashion, 1968 New ranges and styles are launched in Spring. For women, Spring is the perfect time for bright colours and sleeveless dresses. For men, polo shirts are ideal for the warmer weather (though you might still need your jumper…!).
Brightly patterned briefs, 1968 These bright floral knickers were a popular product in Spring 1968. We’ve sold underwear at M&S since the 1920s, from boned corsets in the 1940s to panty girdles with attached suspender clips in the 1960s.
Easter egg, 1971 This photograph shows Karen holding a chocolate Easter egg in 1971. The egg had been passed down her family after being bought in M&S in 1934 by her great-grandmother, when chocolate Easter eggs cost 1s 11d. Karen was given some new M&S goodies as compensation for not eating the 37 year old egg!
Easter food, 1975 Lots of countries have traditional food at Easter: in Greece lamb and lemon stew is a favourite, while in Russia, Kulich, a decorated bread is popular. This advert shows Easter food available at M&S in 1975, it includes chocolate eggs and the Easter bunny, as well as fruit cake and chocolate almonds. The only thing missing is hot cross buns!
Easter eggs, 2016 Eggs are an ancient symbol of new life, and have always been associated with Spring celebrations. The first chocolate eggs were made in Europe in the 19th century. These eggs in brightly coloured foil would be perfect for an Easter egg hunt in the garden! Underwear Advert, 1932 © The M&S Company Archive Advert for garden bulbs, 1932 © The M&S Company Archive Poem by an M&S employee, 1946 © The M&S Company Archive Spring Hats, 1949 © The M&S Company Archive © The M&S M&S ©CompanyThe Archive
Sheet Music, c1910 Easter Bonnets, 1953 © The M&S Company Archive Easter fair, 1954 © The M&S Company Archive Spring Blossoms, 1959 © The M&S Company Archive Patterned skirts for Spring, 1959 © The M&S Company Archive Springtime advert, 1963 © The M&S Company Archive Spring seaside holiday, 1965 © The M&S Company Archive Women’s Spring fashion, 1968 © The M&S Company Archive Men’s Spring fashions, 1968 © The M&S Company Archive Brightly patterned briefs, 1968 © The M&S Company Archive Easter Egg, 1971 © The M&S Company Archive Easter food, 1975 © The M&S Company Archive Easter eggs, 2016 © The M&S Company Archive