Following WW1, there was a boom in affordable radios. Very soon, almost every home in developed countries owned a radio, and it was normal for families to sit around listening to their favourite programmes or news, just as they do now with televisions.

Younger readers under a ‘certain age’ might find this amusing to see, but until televisions became widely available in the 1960s, this was what passed as entertainment for most families. Performers on the radio were real stars and celebrities, no less so than the most famous TV stars of modern times. Advertising was common on some radio stations too, with whole shows sponsored by a particular brand.

Sports fans would listen to live events, and tune in for the results of the leagues and teams. Once pop music became increasingly popular, smaller radios powered by batteries and using transistors instead of valves were sold as ‘Portable Radios’ that could be taken anywhere outside the home. With the facility to combine record players and radios in one unit, ‘Radiograms’ were also sold in large numbers.

These stylish young women from the 1920s are enjoying some contemporary music.

Listening alone, and adjusting the volume.

Children using headphones. Not all radios had speakers at the time.

Getting ready to listen to their favourite show as dad tunes into the right station.

The whole family sitting close to the radio so they don’t miss anything.

A young girl delighted to be able to hear her radio.

A rural family gather round to enjoy a programme.

During WW2, this family are listening to war news while keeping their gas masks handy.

This nurse is listening to some music during her break at the hospital.

The baby twins hear their first sounds on the family radio.

This lady has brought her reel-to-reel tape recorder close to the radio so she can tape the music.

A young woman next to her radiogram.

Freedom to listen outside, on a trip to the country with her transistor radio.