This phrase was coined by American Newspaper Editor Arthur Brisbane, in 1911. It’s a simple notion that can be applied to many facets of our lives, but it especially holds true for historical photography. These photos all have a story to tell – from catastrophic events, to times gone by, to hardships and wars, to innovation and historical landmarks.
Let’s step back in time…
The majestic Titanic leaving its port in Southampton UK, on 10 April 1912.
In 1938, the threat of war prompted a large-scale evacuation of France’s public art collection. Consequently, the Mona Lisa had left the Louvre in 1939, but, as seen in this photo, it was brought back safe and sound to its rightful place after the 2nd World War ended.
Bondi Beach in Australia circa 1900, before surfing and sunbathing became popular.
Racial segregation in North Carolina, USA, in 1950.
Retro photo of the first McDonald’s in San Bernardino, California in 1940.
A great photo from the Disneyland staff cafeteria in 1961.
The last prisoners of Alcatraz, leaving the prison in 1963.
A vehicle from 1900.
Hugo Gernsback, a Luxembourg-American inventor, writer, editor and magazine publisher. Here he is seen wearing his TV glasses invention.
A young Charlie Chaplin, aged 27, in 1916.
Queen Elizabeth back when she was a princess, during her military service in World War II.
A photo depicting Che Guevara and Fidel Castro.
Martin Luther King with his son, removing a burnt cross from their front yard in 1960.
A photo of the (Ringo-less) Beatles back when they first started.
Construction of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro between 1922 and 1931.
Leo the Lion, mascot for the well-renowned logo of the Hollywood film studio MGM.
The last Tasmanian Tiger, referred to as Benjamin who was held captive in the Hobart Zoo after being caught in the Florentine Valley in 1933. The animal died three years later, believed to be due to neglect.
This is what Nagasaki looked like 20 minutes after the atomic bombing.
The construction of the Eiffel Tower in July 1888.
The unbroken seal on King Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered in 1922. It’s incredible how that rope lasted 3,200 years without deteriorating.