This week we’ve taken a look at Birmingham during the pre-war era of the in the 1930s.
Brum was one of the largest cities which experienced an economic boom in the 1930s era. More than 60,000 new homes were built in the city during this decade and the institute of fine arts opened.
The following pictures show snapshots of life in Birmingham in the 30s:
1. Birmingham Christmas in the 1930s
31st October 1933: A worker at the Chad Valley Company at Harborne in Birmingham, who works 12 hours a day in order to get the Christmas orders out | Getty Images
2. The Alhambra cinemas, 367 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, B12 9DE
The Alhambra, the second “atmospheric” cinema in Britain, was designed to create an outdoor illusion in its auditorium. Directors of the Robin Hood Theatre brought this American concept to Birmingham, modelling the cinema after Spain’s Alhambra Palace. Visitors were greeted by a patterned floor, a sun-like ceiling light, imitation marble columns, and gold-embroidered blue velvet curtains. | Flatpack Festival - Wonderland Birmingham
3. British politician Nancy Astor
British politician Nancy Astor with Sir Oliver Lodge (physicist) and the Chancellor of the University Viscount Cecil and Sir Austen Chamberlain in a ceremony at the University of Birmingham. 14th October 1930. Photograph. | Getty Images
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4. CIRCA 1930: Springtraining young ladies at the Lady Wrigt Riderschool in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Photograph. 1930. (Photo by Imagno/Getty Images)
1930s birmingham | Getty Images