PLASTIC

The development of plastic began in the 19th century and was very fashionable. The first popular plastic to be mass produced for both commercial and industrial use was Bakelite and was used in electrical fittings, sockets and light switches. The Fifties style was also called kitsch and artefacts from this period are very distinctive - this is due to the styling and the materials used to make them. Re-create the look in the kitchen with retro tea towels and Frosted accessories.

Ideas in many areas flourished and a modern, abstract look unfolded. Until the television was introduced, everyone listened to the radio. Infact, the Radio was the centre piece of the kitchen or sideboard in the lounge area.

THE HOME

The 1950's home was an important aspect of lifestyle in the fifties. It's decoration and furniture revealed what type of person you were and how well off you were. The look of the fifties home was very important. There was a surge of interest in interior design and DIY, and the modern look was in. This after all was the first time people had thought about such matters. One fad which took over was poodle mania. This crossed all the boundaries of clothes, ceramics and furnishings and memorabilia of this kind is collected by scores of people today.

Television became the most important part of the time. It changed the way people lived. The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953 is prime example of this phenomenon. Television sets were bulky and cumbersome. The basic design requirements for these products have changed very little and some manufacturers have reverted back to those design classics produced back in the 1950's.

Fifties clothes and accessories fill many charity shops and bargains are easy to come by. If you want to buy some fifties memorabilia, watch out for plastic handbags with poodle motifs, dresses with elaborate patterns or cigarette items as well as Marilyn Monroe pictures.