AA-2026-D15814
On the image
Two young women sit confidently on a low wall, one in a flowing maxi dress and the other in wide bell bottoms, capturing the definitive look of the 1970s. The casual thumbs-up from one suggests a general approval of life, or perhaps just the picture being taken. This era had a certain unshakeable optimism, even when the news suggested otherwise.
Behind them, a manicured hillside spells out large patterns in carefully tended plants, a form of civic horticulture that required significant effort to express simple ideas. The "peace" symbol is clearly visible, a common and hopeful sentiment cultivated in public spaces during a period marked by significant social upheaval.
It was a time when public statements were often made through floral arrangements, offering a gentle, slow-growing message in contrast to the rapid-fire media of today. These women, embodying the casual confidence of the decade, seem perfectly at home amidst such deliberate, optimistic displays.
The historian's note
The image captures two young women in what appears to be a public park or garden during the 1970s. The landscaped hill features carpet bedding, a horticultural technique using low-growing plants of different colors to create patterns or text.
In this instance, a prominent peace symbol is formed by the plantings, reflecting a widespread cultural motif of the era. This type of elaborate public horticulture was a common feature in many cities and botanical gardens, serving both aesthetic and communicative purposes.
The presence of the peace symbol aligns with the social and political consciousness prevalent throughout the 1970s, advocating for non-violence and social harmony, often displayed in highly visible public areas.
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Visually related — by likeness
1970s Park Scene: Women by Floral Peace Sign. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-D15814. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-park-scene-women-by-floral-peace-sign.
@misc{aaAA2026D15814,
title = {1970s Park Scene: Women by Floral Peace Sign},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-D15814},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-park-scene-women-by-floral-peace-sign}
}TY - ART TI - 1970s Park Scene: Women by Floral Peace Sign PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-D15814 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-park-scene-women-by-floral-peace-sign ER -
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