Downhearted Collection

RF- Head portrait of Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) covered in snow, captive born in 2000

Wolverine (Gulo gulo) climbing birch tree, Kamchatka, Far East Russia, April

Are we downhearted? (colour litho)
3641634 Are we downhearted? (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Are we downhearted? Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Endymion Ah! well-a-day, Why should our young Endymion pine away -Keats
989818 Endymion Ah! well-a-day, Why should our young Endymion pine away -Keats, (oil on canvas) by Riviere, Briton (1840-1920); 102.9x142.9 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Endymion Ah)

Best Friends, (oil on canvas)
650348 Best Friends, (oil on canvas) by Brown, John George (1831-1913); 61.3x50.8 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Best Friends. John George Brown (1831-1913). Oil on canvas

Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) on the tundra in autumn, Dovrefjell NP, Norway, September 2008

Are we downhearted?
A happy Dutch couple arm in arm. Artist: Ethel Parkinson Date: 1915

Small Boy Dressed as Soldier with Tent, England. Are we Downhearted - No. Date: 1917

Advice to would-be brides - The housework ahead
Advice to ladies about to be married - To get used to house-work! Try a few weeks Charing. The sender of this card has added the waggish line: " Hope you won t grease the stairs for me

Are We Downhearted? WWI postcard
Patriotic WWI poem - relating to the early part of the conflict and the Little Army sent in as the British Expeditionary Force to combat German advances in 1914/15

The Servants Insurance Act - Are we downhearted? No! Three housemaids show delight at the terms of the Domestic Servants Insurance Act

Downhearted at Morecambe
We are never down-hearted at Morecambe (Lancashire)

So Sad to Go to School
A young mother in a mini dress stands sadly at her front door and watches her downhearted little son, hands behind his back, as he walks down the garden path to go to school

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In the vast wilderness of Kamchatka, a Wolverine bravely scales a birch tree, its determined spirit shining through even in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, a majestic Giant panda finds solace amidst a snowy landscape, reminding us that beauty can be found even in the coldest of times. As we ponder upon these scenes, we are reminded of Keats' poignant words: "Ah. Well-a-day, Why should our young Endymion pine away?" It serves as a gentle nudge to not let despair consume our hearts and minds. The painting "Best Friends" captures an enduring bond between two souls, emphasizing the importance of companionship during challenging moments. And so we are encouraged to smile more; for it is often through shared laughter that resilience blossoms. On the autumn tundra of Norway's Dovrefjell National Park stands a Muskox - sturdy and unyielding against nature's trials. Its unwavering strength reminds us that within ourselves lies untapped courage waiting to be unleashed. Amidst all these reflections comes another question: Are we downhearted? This query echoes throughout history - from World War I postcards to Welsh referendums - urging us to rise above despondency and find hope in unity and progress. A small boy dressed as a soldier with his tent symbolizes innocence amidst chaos; his youthful optimism serves as an inspiration for us all. And while advice may warn would-be brides about housework ahead, it also implies that challenges can be conquered with determination and perseverance. So let this collection of images serve as reminders – reminders that no matter how tough life gets or how heavy our burdens become, there is always light at the end of every tunnel. Let us embrace each other's company like Best Friends do and face every obstacle with smiles on our faces. For truly, why should we allow ourselves to stay downhearted when there is so much beauty and strength to be found in the world around us?