Fuel Crisis Collection

Old Woman Warming her Hands, 1883. Creator: Jozef Israels
Old Woman Warming her Hands, 1883

In the winter of 1946 - 1947 the UK experienced several cold spells, beginning on 21 January 1947, bringing large drifts of snow to the country, which blocked roads and railways

Blackout. Fuel-crisis shopping in London, 1947
The Candlelights of London: business as usual in the capital. Fuel-crisis shopping with department store lighting - modern style

A signing on a petrol pump informing customers of the lack of petrol during the fuel shortage. November 1956

Jean Kerwin of Chorlton-on-Medlock calls in her neighbour, Mrs. Lydia Fox, to share their fire. They ve been burning lino, and their gas-light goes out when they light the kitchen stove

Black Friday in London at 2pm today - cars were obliged to light up in the sudden darkness. November 1969 Z11029

Here is the news about power cuts. Radio newsreader Alan Rogers tells listeners about the power crisis - with candles lighting his studio

Beating the power crisis. With most firms in Britain only allowed to use electricity on three days a week due to the power crisis

Taxi cab with gas-bag device on specially fitted roof, 1914-1918, (1935). Creator: Unknown
Taxi cab with gas-bag device on specially fitted roof, 1914-1918, (1935). During the War years there was an acute petrol shortage

Londoners come with prams, carts, in fact anything on wheels for the morning ration of 28 lb of coke from the yard of Nine Elms Gas Works, London

Fuel crisis of 1947: London offices and shops, when the lights went off as a result of the electricity cuts, carried on with varying types of illumination

Because electricity obtained from windmill generators is exempt from the Order prohibiting the use of power for advertisement lighting

Diesel fuel pump
Diesel pump in a filling station

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During the winter of 1946-1947, the UK was hit by a series of bone-chilling cold spells that brought about an unprecedented fuel crisis. As Londoners braved the bitter temperatures, they were confronted with scenes of desperation and ingenuity. In one striking image captured in 1947, amidst a blackout caused by the scarcity of fuel, people flocked to shops in London searching for any available source to keep warm. The streets were filled with anxious faces as individuals sought solace from the biting cold. Looking back even further, a photograph from 1914-1918 showcased a taxi cab equipped with a gas-bag device on its roof. This ingenious contraption allowed drivers to store extra fuel during times when resources were scarce due to war efforts. Fast forward to 1935 and another unknown creator presented us with an intriguing picture: a petrol pump adorned with a sign informing customers about the dire lack of petrol during this tumultuous period. It served as a stark reminder that access to such essential resources had become increasingly limited. Amidst this chaos, communities came together in solidarity. Jean Kerwin from Chorlton-on-Medlock called upon her neighbor Mrs. , symbolizing how people relied on each other for support during these trying times. One particular day etched into history is known as "Black Friday. " At precisely 2 pm on that fateful day in London, cars were obliged to light up their headlights due to sudden power cuts plunging parts of the city into darkness. It was yet another manifestation of the ongoing struggle caused by this crippling fuel crisis. But amidst adversity comes resilience. Businesses across Britain adapted swiftly by embracing electricity restrictions imposed upon them – finding innovative ways to beat this power crisis while keeping their operations running smoothly. Londoners demonstrated their resourcefulness too; prams, carts - anything on wheels became vehicles for transporting morning rations as people made do with what little they had.