The Media Collection

Maurice Toussaint poster advertising colonial recruitment, from World War II, 1938
France - 20th century, Second World War - Engagez-vous Rengagez-vous dans les Troupes Coloniales. Maurice Toussaint poster advertising colonial recruitment, 1938

Death Of Cricket, The Sporting Times mock obituary 1882
Australia and England first met in Test match cricket in Melbourne in 1877, but the legend of The Ashes, the symbolic trophy the two teams play for, only began in 1882 when at the Oval in London

Fleet Street
circa 1926: A busy day in Fleet Street, the home of many national newspapers. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

Victoria Arduino espresso coffee machine, by Leonetto Cappiello (1875-1942), illustration, 1922
Posters, Italy, 20th century. The Victoria Arduino espresso coffee machine. Illustration by Leonetto Cappiello (1875-1942), 1922

Antique printing press
Antique illustration of printing press typography machine

Pirate Radio
Screaming Lord Sutchs pirate radio station, located just off the Kent Coast. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Shoe Lane
August 1919: The Daily Sketch, Evening Standard and Edward Hulton offices in Shoe Lane, off Fleet Street, home of Britains national press. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Sheet of paper peeling away from a printing forme imprinted with the letters ABC and image of a flower

Auc Coucett the Champion Monocyclist of the world, advertisement for unicycle
Posters, United States of America, 19th century. Auc Coucett the Champion Monocyclist of the world. Advertisment for the unicycle

Poster for recruitment from World War II, by Abram Games, illustration, 1941-1942
England, 20th century, Second World War - Airborne Forces. The Airborne Forces of the British Army consist of parachute troops and glider-borne troops of all arms of the service

Theatre du Vaudeville: La Passerelle, by Leonetto Cappiello (1875-1942), illustration, 1902
Posters, France, 20th century. Theatre du Vaudeville: La Passerelle, 1902. Illustration by Leonetto Cappiello (1875-1942)

Old lead letters forming the word Podcast

W H Smiths
January 1921: Exterior of W H Smith & Son booksellers, newsagents and stationers. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

19th Amendment Votes for Women Illustration
Illustration promoting votes for women with hand drawn lettering

Printing Press used by Benjamin Franklin
Vintage engraving of a Printing Press used by Benjamin Franklin

North America map
Vector illustration of a detailed map of North America. Reference map was created by the US Central Intelligence Agency and is available as a public domain map at the University of Texas Libraries

French horseracing magazine La vie au Grand Air 1904
3666027 French horseracing magazine La vie au Grand Air 1904 by Sem (Georges Goursat) (1863-1934); Universal History Archive/UIG

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"The Media: A Journey Through Time and Influence" From the infamous "Death Of Cricket" to the birth of Fleet Street, it has always been a powerful force shaping our world. In 1882, The Sporting Times mock obituary sent shockwaves through cricket enthusiasts, forever changing the game's landscape. As we delve deeper into history, we encounter Maurice Toussaint's captivating poster advertising colonial recruitment during World War II. Its striking imagery reminds us of the media's ability to sway public opinion and rally support for causes. Leonetto Cappiello's iconic illustration of Victoria Arduino espresso coffee machine in 1922 showcases how advertisements became an art form in themselves. This fusion of creativity and commerce laid the foundation for modern marketing techniques that continue to captivate audiences today. The antique printing press stands as a testament to journalism's humble beginnings. It symbolizes countless hours spent meticulously crafting stories that would inform and inspire generations. Pirate Radio emerges as a rebellious chapter in media history, challenging conventional broadcasting norms from secret offshore locations. These renegades dared to defy censorship and gave voice to alternative perspectives. Shoe Lane becomes synonymous with journalistic excellence as it housed renowned newspaper offices like The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times. This bustling street witnessed countless breaking news stories unfold before our eyes. A sheet of paper peeling away from a printing forme imprinted with ABC letters and an image of a flower captures both fragility and resilience within journalism. It serves as a reminder that even amidst technological advancements, print remains an integral part of storytelling. W H Smiths takes center stage as a trusted purveyor of knowledge throughout centuries—a sanctuary where readers could lose themselves in literature or discover new worlds within its walls. Old lead letters forming the word Podcast remind us how technology revolutionized media consumption once again—ushering in an era where anyone can share their thoughts with millions at just a click away.