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Father Christmas, nativity scenes and young people: Christmas photos, 1930s-‘60s
As we approach Christmas, we are taking a look back at our history. So far we’ve seen some of the images we created for our supporters from 1907 through 1952.
Today please enjoy these heartwarming photographs from our archives. These photos date from the 1930s into the 1960s. While they are primarily based at children’s homes that we no longer operate, the photos’ spirit of supporting vulnerable children is just as vital today as it was when Edward Rudolf founded our organisation in 1881.
Please enjoy these images and continue to check back for one more update between now and Christmas.
Images from our archives, 1930s-1960s
Children and female staff watching Father Christmas handing out presents at St Cuthbert's Nursery, Darlington, County Durham in the 1950s
Children wearing party hats sat at tables pulling crackers at a large children's Christmas party in the 1950s
A boy standing on a step ladder hanging Christmas decorations with a second boy passing them up to him from lower down the ladder, watched by eleven children leaning over the banisters - c.1950s
Leicester Home, Leicester, Leicestershire c.1940s - Matron and four boys and a girl by the Christmas tree. One of the boys is holding the girl up to take something from the tree.
Canada, c.1940s - Eight small children queuing to receive a present from Father Christmas who is distributing toys from a Canadian Red Cross packing crate. One girl is sitting on the floor with her present and a boy is watching from behind the Christmas Tree.
Eight small children standing by the banisters on the stairs, with one hand raised looking at a young Father Christmas standing on the top step of the flight below. The matron is standing at the back carrying a small boy - c.1940s
More photographs
Please visit our Facebook page for more Christmas-related photographs from our archives
Visit Hidden Lives Revealed for photographs and information about our archives
What you can do next
Help us to continue making a difference to the lives of children – donate today
Read more from
Ian Wakeling, Records, Archive and Data Protection Manager From the Research team
Subjects: Our history, Christmas events
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