A Family in Wartime

On 3 September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany. For every family in Britain life would never be the same again. Through the eyes of the Allpress family this exhibition tells the story of how ordinary people braved the challenges of life on the home front during the Second World War.

William and Alice Allpress lived in Stockwell, London with their ten children. The experiences of the Allpress family reflect what life was like during the war years. Rationing, evacuation, war work and events such as the Blitz and VE Day shaped everyday life and the story of a nation.

Featuring a model house of the Allpress family home as well as photos and interviews, the exhibition brings this time of courage, duty and determination vividly to life. You will also be able to explore a recreation of an Anderson shelter, scan the airwaves for radio shows from the archives and discover more about life in wartime Britain through film, iconic posters and paintings from our collection.