London Life Magazine November 5th 1938 | Ginger Rogers Cover | Astaire & Hedy LaMarr

Original vintage London Life magazine dated November 5th 1939, an authentic pre-war British society and picture weekly featuring period advertisements, theatre and fashion interest, and evocative late 1930s London social history.

A wonderful piece of British pre-war ephemera, capturing the glamour and atmosphere of London just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Historically, publications of this type are recognised as part of the visual culture that later influenced John Willie, whose post-war Bizarre magazine drew inspiration from earlier British glamour and society periodicals.

An evocative original issue of London Life published in the final peaceful months before the outbreak of the Second World War.

An original and highly collectible pre-war issue of London Life, dated 5th November 1938, offering a superb snapshot of late-1930s cinema glamour, fashion, stage stars and popular culture on the eve of war.

The front cover features the legendary Ginger Rogers, captured in a stylish studio portrait that perfectly reflects the elegance and sophistication of the period.

Internally, this issue contains a wonderful selection of Hollywood and theatrical imagery, including photographs of Ethel Merman, Shirley Ross and Virginia Bruce, together with an especially attractive centre photographic spread featuring Mary Neilson, Hedy Lamarr and Betty Grable.

Of particular note is the photograph of Wendy Hiller taken from her performance in Pygmalion, a highly desirable inclusion given the importance of both the production and Hiller’s rising status at the time.

Further enhancing its collectability is a photograph of Ginger Rogers with Fred Astaire, one of the most iconic screen partnerships of the golden age of cinema.

The back cover features Jane Withers in Arizona Wildcat, adding further film and Hollywood interest to an already exceptionally strong issue.

A wonderful piece of original 1930s British magazine ephemera, ideal for collectors of pre-war magazines, film memorabilia, Hollywood stars, fashion imagery and period photography.

CONDITION REPORT

Good original vintage condition overall, with honest age-related wear consistent with a pre-war magazine of this period.

The covers show general age-related toning and discolouration, together with scattered foxing and handling wear. There is a diagonal crease / fold line visible across the front cover, together with some additional light surface creasing and minor edge wear.

There are also period pencil annotations to the front cover, including handwritten notes referencing Ginger Rogers and pricing, as shown in the photographs.

The lower corners show small areas of wear and minor losses / rubbing, most notably to the lower left edge of the front cover and slight softening to the corners.

Internally, the pages remain clean, complete and highly displayable, with the photographic plates presenting particularly well.

A very attractive surviving example with strong visual appeal and excellent collector interest.