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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

1791-2020: The Observer history in 12 front pages

The first ever copy of the Observer, from December 4, 1791. It contains four rows of text with an eye in side a sun between
The first ever copy of the Observer, from December 4, 1791. It is overlaid on the front pages of all 2016 copies to date, and a few from 2015, in celebration of the 225 year anniversary. Composite: The Observer/Guardian Imaging

Created to support Media Studies teachers and students, this resource examines historical and contemporary front pages of the Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper and analyses the changes that have happened to the Observer in both style and content over its lifetime.

1791-2020: The Observer history in 12 front pages

‘The Observer history in 12 front pages’ also complements resources provided by exam boards.

Further resources and information about the Observer and its history

A short history of the Observer
Key moments in the Observer’s history: A Timeline
The Observer’s 225th Anniversary Timeline
Headlines, deadlines: Observer front pages
Interactive Observer history
Archive guidance on researching the history of the Observer

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