Miller's: Collecting the 1950's

by Madeleine Marsh

Conjuring up the festival atmosphere of those days when we never had it so good, Miller's Collecting the 1950s is filled with period classics, ranging from the finest designer creations to the ultimate in chainstore kitsch, from objects worth thousands of dollars to neglected treasures that can still be picked up for under $10. It contains all the essential information a budding collector needs and there is a price guide for every item shown. The book is divided into three sections. Homestyle takes the reader inside the 1950s house, featuring everything from furniture, ceramics and glass to the latest technology, lighting and kitchenware. Fashion uncovers womenswear and examines men's style and desirable accessories. Leisure features children's toys books, movies, and music, capturing the fun of the 1950s and the excitement of its collectables.

Genres: Reference

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 1997

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was full of nostalgia for me, showing and describing many items that I remember from my childhood.
However, it was more than just “a trip down memory lane”- it was well presented and contained some useful information for those who are interested in collecting memorabilia from this important post- World War 2 decade. It was interesting to see the use that was made of new materials developed during the war years and also how the world burst into colour! Ceramics, furnishing, clothing took on new life. This was also the era of change in music and literature. Elvis Presley burst onto the music scene, along with Bill Haley; it was the age of the “angry young man”, reflected in the writing of Stan Barstow and John Osborne.
I would recommend this well illustrated and informative book, not only to collectors, but also to anyone interested in the social history of the decade.

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, lots of fun stuff. Jesus, old Levi's are worth a lot. And again, with the rock record prices, she may very well be high...and they're all English issues anyway (so who cares?). As with the other volume, the Fashion part was least compelling to me (despite the way she refers with martini-like British dryness to "certain collectors" of lingerie for bondage-type themes); maybe if they'd put the clothes on models--then I could tell what they look like (as well as having another A-1 gawking opportunity). But I guess that would've been pricey, and doubtless not de rigueur antiquing procedure. Still, at least they had the stripper bimbo martini shaker ("Stirs up the drinks and the drinkers too!"). And the Jayne Mansfield hot water bottle (allowing purchasers to claim that they had slept with her).