Islington Tribune
Publications by New Journal Enterprises
spacer
  Home Archive Competition Jobs Tickets Accommodation Dating Contact us
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
Islington Tribune - by TOM FOOT
Published: 21 August 2009
 
Women’s magazines down the years: Spare Rib in 1972, Peg’s Paper from 1926 and Boyfriend from 1965
Flick through history of women’s magazines

WOMEN’S magazines have come a long way since the “Ladies’ Diary” almanac was published 1728 with its range of helpful tips on “what all women ought to be: innocent, modest, instructive and agreeable”.
Today’s equivalent – a tranche of glossy, celebrity-obsessed style mags – may not be a great testament to the huge strides made by the liberation movement.
But taken in the context of key points in history, as women’s aspirations have changed and society has progressed, they certainly make for interesting reading.
An exhibition at the Women’s Library includes a series of classic titles such as Peg’s Paper, Home Companion, Nova and The Queen. Many include contradictory messages, arcane beauty secrets, thrifty domestic shortcuts, bizarre advertisements and unlikely lifestyle tips.
Home Chat, first published in 1895, was aimed at working-class housewives while the launch of Cosmopolitan and the feminist bible Spare Rib in 1972 tapped into the spirit of the sexual revolution.
The earliest magazine on display is The Ladies Diary (1728), an annual almanac with hints on perfumes, pastry and courtship, together with brain-teasing mathematical puzzles.
The exhibition includes a film by photographer Annis Joslin about the voices and opinions of contemporary magazine readers.

* Between the Covers is at The Women’s Library, London Metropolitan University, 25 Old Castle Street, E1, until August 25. 020 7320 2222.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:


 

 
 
spacer














spacer


Theatre Music
Arts & Events Attractions
spacer
 
 


  up