Visual Literacy Timeline

1950s 1950 Labour win general election, Clement Attlee, returned as Prime Minister. British troops sent to support USA in Korean War. USA Hydrogen Bomb Programme confirmed. 1 in 7 UK families owned a car. Average UK annual salary £101. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer by Bing Crosby. Andy Pandy BBC as part of Watch with Mother. 1951 Festival of Britain opened by George VI. Site chosen for festival was the Southbank which was rebuilt after bombing- to house the modernistic, Royal Festival Hall. The dominant artistic mood of the festival was neo-romantic. Identity cards introduced in South Africa to identify race. I Taut I Taw a Puddy Tat by Mel Blanc. 1952 Elizabeth II succeeds her father, George VI. The ‘Neo Edwardians’, ‘Teddy Boys’ or ‘Teds’ emerge as a memorable youth cult in UK. Churchill became Conservative Prime Minister. World War II identity cards and then food rationing ended. Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Men BBC Watch with Mother. Unforgettable by Nat King Cole. 1953 Queen Elizabeth II crowned Mount Everest conquered by Hillary and Tensing. DNA discovered by James Watson and Frances Crick. McCarthy witch hunt hearings took place in USA. A new regime took over in the USSR when Stalin died. Rag, Tag and Bobtail joined the Watch with Mother series. I Believe by Frankie Lane. 1954 Racial segregation made illegal in USA. The four minute mile is broken by Roger Bannister. Secret Love by Doris Day.

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1950s 1955 USA’s civil rights campaign got underway. Warsaw Pact agreement signed. In England, the felt-tip pen was introduced. Tests begin on fibre optics for future mass digital communication. Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock rocks the world. Mary Quant opened boutique, Bazaar, in Kings Road London. Rock and film idol James Dean dies in a car crash. Winston Churchill retires as Conservative PM. Anthony Eden, Conservative, succeeds him. First ITV/commercial broadcast. Blue Peter first magazine programme for children first broadcast BBC Crackerjack! BBC “It’s Friday, it’s five to five, it’s Crackerjack!” Mr Sandman by Max Bygraves. 1956 Cambridge students, Burgess and Maclean emerge as KGB, soviet spies. John Osborne’s play, Look Back in Anger is staged. The Suez Crisis. The Suez Canal was nationalized and control taken from Britain and France, demonstrating Britain’s subordination to USA. Elvis Presley becomes international star with Love Me Tender film. IBM created the first hard disk drive. The Ballad of Davy Crockett by Bill Hayes. Tim All Alone Illustrator: Edward Ardizonne Publisher: OUP 1957 Prime Minister Anthony Eden resigns and is replaced by, Harold Macmillan. Ghana becomes first British colony in Africa to gain independence. Britain tests first hydrogen bomb. Sputnik 1, first satellite to orbit earth, launched by Russians. European Economic Community established and Channel Tunnel proposed. Lasers developed. Average price of a UK house was £2170. Love Letters in the Sand by Pat Boone. Mrs Easter and the Stork by VH Drummond, Published by Faber

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1950s 1958 De Gaulle becomes President of France. NASA Founded. Stereo LP records first sold. Last debutantes presented at Court in UK. Berlin Airlift. Britain’s motorway system opens with M6. Magic Moments by Perry Como. 1959 Castro takes power in Cuba and becomes new dictator. Barbie dolls introduced for children. Microchip invented. Mary Quant designed suit shapes to become the hallmark of sixties fashion look. 1 in 3 UK families owned a car. Average UK male annual salary £190. Motown Records starts. Only Sixteen by Sam Cooke. Kashtanka by William Stobbs Publisher:OUP A Bundle of Ballads Illustrator: William Stobbs Publisher: OUP

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1960s 1960 Harold Macmillan delivers the Wind of change speech. First oral contraceptive pill -changed attitudes to marriage and sex. Cathy’s Clown by Everly Brothers. Old Winkle and the Seagulls Illustrator: Gerald Rose Publisher: Faber 1961 John F Kennedy takes office as President of the USA and establishes the Peace Corps. American forces arrive in Vietnam. Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley. Mrs Cockle’s Cat Illustrator: Anthony Maitland Publisher: Constable 1962 Formation of The Rolling Stones. Animal Magic narrated by Johnny Morris shown by the BBC. That was the Week That Was First broadcast by BBC. Come Outside by Mike Sarne and Wendy Richard. A.B.C. Illustrator: Brain Wildsmith Publisher: OUP 1963 France vetoes Britain’s entry to European common market. New Universities open and students receive state support. Sir Alex Douglas-Home becomes Conservative PM. John F Kennedy assassinated. Summer Holiday by Cliff Richard. Borka:The Adventures of a Goose with no Feathers Illustrator: John Burningham Publisher: Cape 1964 Harold Wilson elected as Labour Prime Minister. The Beatles introduced to cannabis by Bob Dylan and subsequently spoke openly to the press about their drug use. Vision On Art programme BBC. Anyone Who had a Heart by Cilla Black. Shakespeare’s Theatre Illustrator: C.W. Hodges Publisher: OUP

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1960s 1965 Comprehensive education system is initiated. Death penalty abolished. Malcolm X assassinated. Jackanory and Play School are first broadcast BBC. The Magic Roundabout first broadcast BBC. It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones. The Three Poor Tailors Illustrator: Victor Ambrus Publisher: OUP 1966 England win the World Cup. Mary Quant popularises short skirts worn 6-7 inches above the knee, known as the ‘mini skirt’ which defined 60’s fashion. Abortion and homosexuality are legalised. Beatles release Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band LP. Beatles began meditation with guidance from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The summer of love with ‘Love-Ins’ ‘Be-Ins’ and ‘Flower Power’ – giving this decade the title of the Psychedelic Sixties. HOW! Science programme on ITV. You don’t have to say you love me by Dusty Springfield. Mother Goose Treasury Illustrator: Raymond Briggs Publisher: H Hamilton 1967 Do Not Adjust Your Set with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. I’m a Believer by The Monkees. Charlotte and the Golden Canary Illustrator: Charles Keeping Publisher: OUP

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1960s 1968 Student and worker riots in France. Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Magpie ITV’s rival to Blue Peter is shown for the first time. Jumpin Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones. Dictionary of Chivalry Illustrator: Pauline Baynes Publisher: Longman 1969 Concorde, the world’s first sypersonic airliner, makes it’s maiden flight. US President, Richard Nixon inaugurated and promises peace with honour to end Vietnam War. Man walks on the Moon. Monty Python’s Flying Circus first broadcast BBC. Woodstock Festival. Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley Mary, Mungo and Midge first broadcast BBC. Two Little Boys by Rolf Harris. The Dragon of an Ordinary Family Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury Publisher: Heinemann

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1970s 1970 Edward Heath wins General Election. Micro/mini/midi/maxi skirts/tank tops/kaftans are all in fashion. The hippies of the sixties brought clothes from different ethnic groups – popularising unique styles and natural fabrics. American soldiers accused of murdering entire town of Vietnamese civilians. Computer floppy discs introduced. Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel. Mr. Gumpy’s Outing Illustrator: John Burningham Publisher: Cape 1971 First British soldier killed in Northern Ireland. Decimalised currency replaces, Pounds Shillings and Pence. London Bridge sold to the U.S.A. VCRs Introduced. Hot pants and spandex tops as disco wear. Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm Maclaren open King’s Road shop: Sex. Mr. Benn on television. Maggie May by Rod Stewart. The Kingdom Under the Sea Illustrator: Jan Pienowski Publisher: Cape 1972 Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland – British army kills 14 in Londonderry. Idi Amin expels Ugandan Asians – Many come to Britain. M*A*S*H T.V. show premiers. Mark Spitz wins seven gold medals at Olympic Games. Pocket calculators introduced. Terrorists attack at the Olympic Games in Munich. Watergate scandal. Racy women’s lifestyle, sex and fashion bible, Cosmopolitan, was launched in the UK after taking America by storm Rainbow pre-school series Newsround BBC John Craven retells daily news to younger audience Got to be There by Michael Jackson.



The Woodcutter’s Duck Illustrator: Krystyna TurskaPublisher: H Hamilton

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1970s 1973 Britain joins the EEC. U.S.A. Pulls Out of Vietnam. Glam rock is the style of the year. The Wombles of Wimbledon Common arrive on TV. Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack. Father Christmas Illustrator: Raymond Briggs Publisher: H Hamilton 1974 Harold Wilson is elected Prime Minister. Halie Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia deposed. Mikhail Baryshnikov defects. Patty Hearst kidnapped. Terracotta Army Discovered in China. U.S. President Nixon Resigns. TISWAS started on Saturday mornings in a show that revolutionized live TV in Britain. Floaty chiffon scarves are a hit with women. Bagpuss.



Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John. The Wind Blew Illustrator: Pat Hutchins Publisher:Head 1975 Arthur Ashe first black man to win Wimbledon. Civil war in Lebanon. Microsoft founded. Pol Pot becomes communist dictator of Cambodia. Trouser suits, flares and bell bottom trousers, platform shoes and clogs, Dr Who long scarves. Malcolm Maclaren produces punk band Sex Pistols and their shop becomesn centre of punk fashion. Men flocked to get their hair frizzed after footballer Kevin Keegan popularised the cut, and women began to leave the ‘natural look’ behind in favour of more outrageous waved styles. Bye Bye Baby by Bay City Rollers. Fame by David Bowie. The Mister Men TV. Horses in Battle and Mishka Illustrator: Victor Ambruss Publisher: OUP

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1970s 1976 Harold Wilson resigned – replaced by James Callaghan. Nadia Comaneci given seven perfect tens at the Olympic Games. Socialist Republic of Vietnam formed. Tangshan Earthquake Kills Over 240,000. Multi Coloured Swap Show was shown by the BBC making Saturday mornings live and interactive. Safety pins, studs, pierced faces and torn jackets of Punk fashion started to appear. Charlies Angels premiered on television. Convoy by C W McCall. The Post Office Cat Illustrator: Gail E Haley Publisher: Bodley Head 1977 Elvis Presley found Dead. South African anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko tortured to death. Star Wars movie released. The film Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta. Flares evolved from bell-bottom trousers. Dancing Queen by Abba. Dogger Illustrator: Shirley Hughes Publisher: Bodley Head 1978 First test tube baby born in Oldham. John Paul II becomes Pope. Grange Hill began on the BBC, first contemporary school drama. The winter of discontent – strikes paralyse Britain. Tracksuits and figure hugging lycra arrive. Night Fever by Bee Gees.



Each Peach Pear Plum Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg Publisher: Kestrel

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1970s 1979 Margaret Thatcher becomes first woman prime minister of Great Britain. IRA kill Lord Mountbatten. Ayatollah Khomeini returns as leader of Iran Iran takes American hostages in Tehran. Mother Theresa awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Sony introduces the Walkman. Designer jeans arrive from Calvin Klein. Worzel Gummidge on TV. YMCA by Village People. The Haunted House Illustrator: Jan Pienkowski Publisher: Heinemann

1980s 1980 Ronald Reagan becomes President of the USA. Iraq invades Iran. John Lennon murdered. Bjorn Borg takes Wimbledon men’s singles title for fifth consecutive time.



King Rollo on TV. 22nd Olympic Games held in Moscow, and are boycotted by over 50 nations. Dallas asked us ‘who shot JR’? and promoted power dressing for women – broad padded shoulders, gold glitz and glamour. Going Underground by The Jam. Fashion influenced by economic boom, youth culture lost its impetus as dominant culture was getting older. Mr Magnolia Illustrator Quentin Blake Publisher: Red Fox 1981 Prince Charles and Lady Diana marry, her romantic wedding gown began her status as a fashion icon and trendsetter throughout the eighties and nineties. Racial tensions spark riots in Brixton and other areas. Humber Bridge opens, the longest single-span bridge in the world. Hunger strike by Republican prisoners ends after 10 deaths. First flight of the US space shuttle. 11



1980s 1981 Assassination attempt on President Reagan. Pope John Paul II shot. First cases of AIDS in the US. The New Romantics epitomised by Adam Ant was a manufactured fashion scene in London nightclubs. Postman Pat on TV. Don’t You Want Me by Human League. Prince Charming by Adam Ant. The Highwayman Illustrator: Charles Keeping Publisher: OUP 1982 The Falklands War began in April and ended 10 weeks later on 14th June. Unemployment reaches 3 million. Do you Really Want to Hurt Me by Culture Club. Long Neck and Thunder Foot Illustrator: Michael Foreman Publisher:Kestrel and Gollancz Sleeping Beauty and Other Fairy Tales Illustrator: Michael Foreman Publisher: Kestrel and Gollancz 1983 First video game system. Korean airliner shot down by Soviet military plane kills 269 people. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is re-elected by a landslide. 1999 by Prince . Gorilla Illustrator: Anthony Browne Publisher: Julia MacRae 1984 Torvill and Dean scored perfect sixes in the winter Olympics at Sarajevo in ice dancing. Libyans expelled from UK following shooting of policewoman Yvonne Fletcher. Miners Strike began over pit closures. IRA bombers strike at Conservative conference in Brighton. Like a Virgin by Madonna. Hiawatha’s Childhood Illustrator: Errol Le Cain Publisher: Faber

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1980s 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev becomes President of Soviet Union. Wreck of Titanic is discovered. Live Aid concert on July 13th to help famine in Africa. Wimbledon’s youngest winner, Boris Becker won Men’s Singles final.



Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears. Sir Gawain and the Loathly Lady Illustrator: Juan Wijngaard Publisher: Walker 1986 Oil prices plummet. US Challenger explodes after take-off, killing all seven astronauts. Maradona scored the winning goal in the World Cup semi-final against England with the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal. The results of the world’s worst nuclear disaster from Chernobyl were detected. Major national industries are privatised. The Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh. Snow White in New York Illustrator: Fiona French Publisher: OUP 1987 Zeebrugge ferry disaster. Terry Waite kidnapped. Irangate scandal. Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wins third term. £50 billion was wiped off the value of UK companies in just one day, known as Black Monday With or Without You by U2 Fireman Sam on TV. Crafty Chameleon Illustrator: Adrienne Kennaway Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton 1988 Hurricane Gilbert hits Jamaica. Barbour jackets, ripped jeans and DM’s. Faith by George Michael.



Can’t You Sleep Little Bear? Illustrator: Barbara Firth Publisher: Walker



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1980s 1989 The Berlin Wall comes down in November. Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie was released to demonstrations from Muslims regarding the alleged blasphemy. The end of the Cold War. Tiananmen Square massacre. World Wide Web invented. Byker Grove school drama set in Newcastle. Two Hearts by Phil Collins. War Boy: A Country Childhood Illustrator: Michael Foreman Publisher: Pavillion

1990s 1990 Nelson Mandela freed. The Gulf War began in August when Iraq invaded Kuwait. Lech Walesa wins elections in Poland. Riots at Strangeways prison in Manchester due to the appalling conditions in which prisoners are held. Reunification of East and West Germany. Channel Tunnel is completed. Introduction of new local taxes sparks ‘poll tax’ riots in London. Margaret Thatcher resigns and John Major becomes Prime Minister. Vogue by Madonna. The Whales’ Song Illustrator: Gary Blythe Publisher: Hutchinson 1991 Freddie Mercury dies from an AIDS related illness. Kurdish refugees flee their homes and take refuge in the mountains above the Turkish border. Liberation of Kuwait begins as allies launch Operation Desert Storm. Puffa jackets and the Grunge look. Everything I Do by Bryan Adams. The Jolly Christmas Postman Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg Publisher: Heinemann

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1990s 1992 First woman Rabbi ordained in the Jewish religion. Race riots in Los Angeles. Prince Charles and Princess Diana separate. Conservatives win General Election returning John Major as Prime Minister. Birkenstock sandals. It Must be Love by Madness. Zoo Illustrator: Anthony Browne Publisher: Julia MacRae 1993 World Trade Centre bombed when a van exploded inside the garage killing 6 and injuring over 1000. Bill Clinton becomes President of the USA. The Hubble telescope repaired. Jurassic Park grosses $500 million worldwide. Waco siege ended with the deaths of David Koresh, its leader and 74 of his followers. Surf, Skate, Bike and Board wear. Young at Heart by Bluebells. Black Ships before Troy Illustrator: Alan Lee Publisher: Frances Lincoln 1994 Plane crash kills Rwandan President sparking the worst instance of genocide in Africa’s history. Nelson Mandela becomes President of South Africa. The Channel Tunnel opened after six years of construction and a cost of more than £10 billion. Ayrton Senna killed during the San Marino Grand Prix. The Wonderbra uplifts some women. Love is all Around by Wet Wet Wet. Way Home Illustrator: Gregory Rogers Publisher: Anderson Press 1995 Russians wage war in Chechyna. Ethnic cleansing in Bosnia. Slogan T Shirts, combats and camouflage trousers. Back for Good by Take That. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey Illustrator: P J Lynch Publisher: Walker 15

1990s 1996 American football star O.J. Simpson acquitted of first-degree murders of ex wife Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman in internationally televised trial. Ban on British beef in the EC after BSE discovered. The Cool Britannia look. Don’t look back in Anger by Oasis. The Baby Who Wouldn’t Go To Bed Illustrator:Helen Cooper Publisher: Doubleday 1997 Diana, Princess of Wales killed in car crash in Paris with Dodi Al Fayed, son of Harrods owner . The world was shaken by her death and her funeral received unprecedented coverage. The Spice Girls stormed the charts. Labour wins General Election with Tony Blair as Prime Minister. Britain hands Hong Kong back to China. Scotland and Wales vote in favour of devolution. Black rimmed glasses fashionable for men and women. Candle in the Wind (1997) by Elton John is the best selling single of all time. Teletubbies BBC TV. When Jessie Came Across the Sea Illustrator: P J Lynch Publisher: Walker 1998 Peace in Northern Ireland with the Good Friday agreement gives hope for an end to the country’s troubles Sarongs. SM:tv Live! Saturday morning television for children. Spice Girls say ‘Goodbye’ with their song Goodbye. Pumpkin Soup Illustrator: Helen Cooper Publisher: Doubleday 1999 Britain decides not to join the European Single Currency. Clothing – millennium novelty wear. She’s the One by Robbie Williams. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury Publisher: Walker

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2000s 2000 Britain celebrates the new millennium. The ‘millennium bug’ which had been predicted to cause global material meltdown failed to materialise. Global stock markets tumble as ‘dotcom bubble’ bursts. Bob the Builder, Can We Fix It? by Bob the Builder. I Will Not Never Ever Eat A Tomato Illustrator: Lauren Child Publisher: Orchard Books 2001 Foot and Mouth wreaks havoc on rural Britain. Labour wins General Election with Tony Blair returned as Prime Minister. Iran terrorists crash aircrafts into World trade Centre killing over 3000 people. Don’t Stop Movin by S Club 7. Pirate Diary Illustrator: Chris Riddell Publisher: Walker 2002 CBBC and CBeebies digital channels devoted to children’s programmes. In your Eyes by Kylie Minogue. Jethro Byrde-Fairy Child Illustrator: Bob Graham Publisher: Walker 2003 Britain joins US Invasion of Iraq. Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas. Ella’s Big Chance Illustrator: Shirley Hughes Publisher: The Bodley Head



2004 Toxic by Britney Spears. Gulliver Illustrator: Chris Riddell Publisher Walker

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2000s 2005 Kyoto protocol on climate change. Labour win third consecutive term with Tony Blair as Prime Minister. Suicide bombers kill 52 people in London. Civil partnerships give same-sex couples legal rights. Is this the way to Amarillo? By Tony Christie with Peter Kay Wolves Illustrator: Emily Gravett Publisher: Macmillan 2006 Chip and Pin introduced for credit and debit card users. World Cup held in Germany I Predict a Riot by Kaiser Chiefs

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