Miller's Collecting the 1950s

by Madeleine Marsh

Filled with period classics ranging from the finest designer creations to chainstore kitsch,  Miller's Collecting the 1950s  evokes the halcyon days of the era. After offering a useful outline of the chronology of the decade, the guide is then divided into three sections. "Homestyle" steps inside the 1950s house, featuring everything from furniture, ceramics, and glass to lighting, kitchenware, and what was then the latest technology. "Fashion" uncovers womenswear and men's style, as well as desirable accessories. "Leisure" presents an array of nostalgic children's toys, books, cinema, and rock and pop. The important names featured include Terence Conran in Britain, Charles and Ray Eames in North America, Christian Dior in France, and Arne Jacobsen in Denmark.

Genres: Reference

144 pages, Paperback

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).