Down at the country show: Farming photography in the Daily Herald Archive
These images show all aspects of farming – with plenty of surprises too! Some of our favourites were taken at agricultural shows. From beautiful bulls to charming chickens... Down at the country show, there’s lots to see.
A photographic print of Industry, Agriculture, Shows - Royal Welsh A photographic print of Industry, Agriculture, Shows - Royal Welsh (1953-07) by Stephens, DennisNational Science and Media Museum
At the National Science and Media Museum, we look after the amazing Daily Herald Photographic Archive. The Daily Herald (1912–64) was once the world’s bestselling national newspaper, and its archive is a photographic history of the 20th century.
Daily Herald Photograph: A Bull at Tavistock Agricultural Show Daily Herald Photograph: A Bull at Tavistock Agricultural Show (1948-08-31) by JayNational Science and Media Museum
Among the many topics covered are thousands of photographs of farming, agriculture and animals.
Daily Herald Photograph; Jersey Cows at Agricultural Show Daily Herald Photograph; Jersey Cows at Agricultural Show (1948-07-20) by Greaves, FNational Science and Media Museum
The greatest show
The agricultural show has long been a key date in the country calendar. The earliest show, staged by the Salford Agricultural Society, was recorded in 1768. Today, agricultural and country shows are held throughout the UK, drawing spectators in their thousands.
Shows bring rural communities together, providing what can be a rare opportunity for farmers to celebrate their achievements, swap news and ideas and see the latest innovations. For city-dwellers, shows are the perfect place to learn more about rural life.
In it to win it
A major feature of the agricultural show is competition. From best ploughing to heaviest cabbage, winning that coveted rosette means an incredible amount for the winner, as well as their friends, family and wider community.
Daily Herald Photograph: Royal Counties Show, Pit PoniesNational Science and Media Museum
Competitions are wide-ranging, with categories open to children, amateurs and professionals. But it’s the prized and beloved animals that take star billing. The agricultural show is where the best pigs, horses and cows – and their proud owners – really get to strut their stuff.
Finishing touches
Winning ‘best in show’ can be financially rewarding. The finest livestock fetch high prices, but even those born to near perfection require some final flourishes! This chicken is enjoying a bubble bath as part of the 1954 Poultry Show at Olympia, London.
We are the champions!
Prizewinning animals would often be immortalised in photographs and news reports – such as champion Jersey cow ‘Miranee’s Lynette’, the ‘lady with the turned-up nose and curling eyelashes’ in this picture from the 1951 Royal Welsh Show.
Daily Herald Photograph: Agricultural Show, Ayshire BullNational Science and Media Museum
‘Balscalloch Mainspring’, an Ayreshire bull, does a circuit of the ring after winning first prize at the Great Yorkshire Show in 1951. For the safety of adoring fans, the bull’s horns were fitted with stoppers.
Highland steer ‘Whisky of Strathallen’ had to spend some time in the hospital room at Earls Court after he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Fortunately, he not only recovered but won first prize at the Smithfield Show in 1963.
It’s the taking part that counts
10-year-old Ashley Paine brought his much-loved pet, ‘Phantom of Prinkwash’, to the 1948 Three Counties Show, Gloucester. Unfortunately, the imaginatively-named pooch didn’t win any prizes – but at only 6 months old, he’d have plenty of time to try again.
Daily Herald Photograph: Agricultural Show, Prize Winning Bull Daily Herald Photograph: Agricultural Show, Prize Winning Bull (1954-07-07) by Tanner, ArthurNational Science and Media Museum
The agricultural show must go on
Through the amazing photographs in the Daily Herald Archive, we can appreciate the agricultural achievements of the past – but country shows continue to be extremely important. They bring communities together and are an opportunity to learn about an industry that affects us all.
Daily Herald Photograph; Smithfield Agricultural Show, Devon SteersNational Science and Media Museum
Food production, both animal- and plant-based, is a feature of our daily lives – how it’s produced and where it comes from is more important today than ever. As we try to lead greener, healthier lives, the agricultural show is perhaps an event to add to all our diaries.
All images are from the Science Museum Group collection. Copyright Mirrorpix, Hulton Archive/Getty Images, and TopFoto.
