Setting the Scene - Life in the 50s
Although it was five years since the end of the World War II, life still hard, particularly in terms of food rationing that had been so prominent during the war times. Notably, West Germany, compared to Britain had abolished rationing by this time.
Rationing -
The quantity of bacon was still set at the small amount of 3 ounces a week with steak worth a whopping 3 ration books. But in contrast, the end of petrol rationing literally brought with it a 'new sense of freedom'.
Rise of the Supermarket -
This new phenomenon reached our shores in the 1950s with what was then termed the new 'self-service' stores with its 'Q-less shopping'. More commonly known as the 'supermarket' with 3,000 stores existing in 1956, rising to 12,00 by 1962. This was regarded as foreign and hostile especially as people missed their daily chat with the shop clerk and being waited on.
A Changing Diet -
Unsurprisingly, tea was still the nation's favourite non-alcoholic beverage with Tetley introducing the first 'tea-bag' in the 1950s. Coffee however was gaining in popularity with Maxwell House launching its famous brand to rival Nescafe's strong hold.
Pre-packed foods were on a noticeable increase particularly that of chicken, burgers and vegetables with luxury foods now becoming the staple - how things had changed considering that rationing was still strong at the turn of the decade. And Birds Eye introduced the first frozen peas in 1952.
Consumer goods -
By 1955, the economic journalists of the time were talking of a new wave of prosperity with a surge in the purchase of TVs, refrigerators and washing machines.
Kitchen technology made a huge leap with the Hotpoint washer, spin dryer and the twin-tub - costing approx. 75 guineas (£79). Portable food mixers were available to buy along with electric kettles and toaster (the kettle didn't switch itself off nor the toast pop-up, but is was a revolution in the kitchen all the same).
Wipe-down surfaces emerged so did new aluminum saucepans, as many people had donated theirs to the wars efforts, left with old chipped enamel ones. This led to a new focus on design and the aesthetics of appearance than ever before. Women were surely now becoming very 'house-proud'.
Go to 1977 - 2002
