Communal Kitchens, WWI by Will Owen
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Communal Kitchens, WWI by Will Owen
Cartoon by Will Owen, a humorous comment on the rise of the communal kitchen, introduced during the First World War as a way of providing war workers and the poor with nourishing meals, produced in the most efficient and economical way possible. This cartoon appeared after Alderman C. F. Spencer, Director of National Kitchens outlined a proposal for the establishments where distribution could potentially be via tramways, motor or gas-bag buses. He also mentioned how hanging baskets could be used to decorate the kitchens, music from gramophones or electric pianos could pass the time while people were waiting to be served and public baths might be used for washing dish cloths! Owen has done his best to visualise this Utopia with tongue firmly in cheek.
1918
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Media ID 14229484
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Alderman Buses Catering Communal Director Feb16 Kitchen Kitchens Meals Owen Rationing Spencer
Communal Kitchens, WWI - A Utopian Vision of Efficiency and Entertainment by Will Owen
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this satirical cartoon by Will Owen, published in 1918 by the Illustrated London News, we witness a humorous commentary on the communal kitchens that emerged during World War I. These kitchens were established to provide nourishing meals for war workers and the economically disadvantaged population in the most efficient and economical way possible. Alderman C.F. Spencer, the Director of National Kitchens, had recently proposed a plan for these communal kitchens, suggesting potential transportation methods such as tramways, motor buses, and even gas-bag buses for the distribution of meals. In his vision, he also envisioned hanging baskets for decoration, music from gramophones or electric pianos to pass the time while people waited to be served, and public baths for washing dishcloths. In this cartoon, Owen playfully illustrates Alderman Spencer's Utopian proposal with a tongue-in-cheek approach. The image shows a bustling communal kitchen, with people of all walks of life gathered around long tables, eagerly waiting to be served. In the background, we see a tramway delivering meals, while a man plays a gramophone, and a woman washes a dishcloth in a public bath. The overall scene is lively and full of energy, showcasing the spirit of community and cooperation that emerged during wartime. Despite the humorous tone, Owen's cartoon highlights the innovative solutions that were implemented during this period to address the challenges of wartime catering and rationing. The communal kitchens were an essential part of the war effort, providing nourishing meals to those who needed it most while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. This cartoon serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the British people during the First World War.
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