London Photo Gallery - Art Exhibitions & Special Events

Spineless Wonders: The Power of Print Unbound (July 2025)

Spineless prints are stapled, sewn, folded, or a single sheet. They're fragile and not intended to last, but cover a wide assortment of subjects including political movements and creative expression. This oldest item on display at this Senate House Library exhibition dates back to 1491. This almanac was produced when printing was new in Europe.

The Communist Manifesto was first published in German in 1848 and this stapled pamphlet was published in Scotland around 1909.

Pamphlets were among the first medium to debate current events. These include political satire, which flourished in the early 19th century.

This 1851 item contains a folding diorama showing the Great Exhibition. You need to peek into the hole to see more.

These items promote health and well being. During World War II, the govenrment used leaflets and pamphlets to give advice on cooking while food rations were in place and to promote continued restrictions after the war. In the 1970s, milk and healthy meals for students were cut back by the government, prompting attack flyers.

Sensationalist literature in these chapbooks were sold by hawkers, which featured topics on the supernatural and crime. By the 19th century, book production became cheaper, and the selection blossomed.

This 1925 leaflet promotes a lending service at a radical bookshop.