Search

Artefacts of the Atomic Age

Explore the time popular culture went mad for nuclear

Step into the fascinating world of the atomic age, a transformative era defined by scientific breakthroughs, cultural shifts, and powerful imagery. This collection of photographs captures the essence of a time when human innovation was both awe-inspiring and deeply sobering. From vintage atomic-themed memorabilia to tools and artefacts that symbolize the dawn of the nuclear age, each image tells a story of ambition, ingenuity, and the complexities of progress. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about this pivotal period, explore these iconic items that shaped a generation and left an enduring mark on our collective memory.

The Atomic Age began after the detonation of the first atomic weapon. The Trinity test occurred on the 16th of July 1945 during the Second World War. After the end of the war, the name ‘Atomic Age’ become associated with a positive outlook at the future made possible by peaceful uses of the atom. These included hopes that nuclear technology would be able to replace all traditional forms of power generation and would enable incredible scientific breakthroughs across almost all aspects of life. This era of optimism produced a vast range of interesting cultural phenomena, life-styles, products, and philosophies. Explore a selection of these below in our gallery of artefacts.

Las Vegas – Enric Cruz López – Photography (pexels.com)Free Stock Photo & Video License – Pexels

Mushroom Cloud – National Nuclear Security Administration / Nevada Site OfficePublic domain

Exercise Desert Rock 1 – Federal Government of the United StatesPublic domain

Atomic Cocktails – US ARMY Information FilmPublic domain

Atomium – Marek ŚliweckiCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Lounge at Los Angeles Airport – Payton Chung – CC BY-SA 2.0

Neon Museum – Elizabeth K. JosephCC Attribution 2.0 Generic

Miss Atomic Bomb – Las Vegas News Bureau

Bikini – Warner BrothersPublic domain

Flying Saucer Dress – Issey Miyake

Atom Shaped Ceiling Light – Duncan~ – CC BY 2.0

Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab – Tiia MontoPublic domain

Revell Westinghouse Atomic Power Plant – Reddit

Atomic Bomb Toy – The Children’s Museum of IndianapolisCC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Atomic Reactor Steam Toy – Cloud atlasCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Atomic Pistol – Smithsonian InstitutionPublic domain

Atomic Fire Balls – Unknown authorPublic domain

Atomic Mouse – Al FagoPublic domain

Adventures inside the Atom – George RoussosPublic domain

Radium Dial – Arma95 – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Uranium Glass – Raimond SpekkingCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Ford Nucleon – Unknown authorPublic domain

Ingersoll Radiolite Watch Advert – Perry County RepublicanPublic domain

Atoms for Peace Stamp – Bureau of Engraving and PrintingPublic domain

Convair NB-36H – USAFPublic domain

Radithor – Sam LaRussaCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0

Tho-Radia – CinémagazineCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Doramad – SuitCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Radior – Radior cosmeticsPublic domain