My Seventies 'Things' Gallery
The seventies were aesthetically designed/defined by brown, orange, heavy patterns, plastic etc. From time to time, I’ll buy/acquire something that could only have come from the 70s – the kind of item that a viewer would just know was of the time even if they had never seen one before. This area of the site will showcase (click on the images to enlarge them) some of these treasures (from my perspective) so that you can enjoy the retro charm too. Some say, wrongly in my opinion, that it was the decade that style forgot, this is my pictorial challenge to that kind of negativity!
Love the items or hate them, make up your own mind!
Love the items or hate them, make up your own mind!
Metamec Sunburst wall clock
Metamec Sunburst Wall Clock – a family heirloom - September '12
Here is a very special clock in the Baldwin household – a seventies style statement without doubt and presented to me by my wonderful nan as a gift on my 40th birthday. Taking into account the ‘rays’, the clock is pretty large; as a result, it is photographed in-situ on my lounge wall. This very clock had been on my nan’s wall throughout my childhood – it was bought for her by my granddad who died in 1975, when I was just four years old.
It was important to my nan and that’s why it is treasured by me!
My 40th party was a seventies themed evening and Nan, well aware of my love of the decade, couldn’t think of a better present. Receiving it was a significant and genuinely moving experience!
Here is a very special clock in the Baldwin household – a seventies style statement without doubt and presented to me by my wonderful nan as a gift on my 40th birthday. Taking into account the ‘rays’, the clock is pretty large; as a result, it is photographed in-situ on my lounge wall. This very clock had been on my nan’s wall throughout my childhood – it was bought for her by my granddad who died in 1975, when I was just four years old.
It was important to my nan and that’s why it is treasured by me!
My 40th party was a seventies themed evening and Nan, well aware of my love of the decade, couldn’t think of a better present. Receiving it was a significant and genuinely moving experience!
Lyons Maid Superman Lolly Stick Collection - July 2020
There are a few very niche subject areas where my website is a “go to” resource. Peter Lightfoot prints (see below) is one, Lyons Maid Superman lolly sticks is another. With regards to the later, the superhero lolly sticks have generated a number of articles and a subsequent dialogue with visitors. Here’s a list of posts that you can review if you are interested.
2012 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/lyons-maid-supermans-superheroes-ice-lolly.html
04/12/2012 http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/the-sequel-to-the-supermans-superheroes-stick-story
25/02/2015 http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/fantastic-plastic-perranporth-find
15/02/2017 http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/first-class-ice-lolly-cool-cornwall-catwoman
10/03/2019 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/lolly-stick-happiness
13/03/2019 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/lyons-maid-supermans-superheroes-lolly-sticks-in-colour
19/03/2019 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/lolly-legacy
Following on from the last 2019 post, I framed up my complete set of sticks and share them here for your enjoyment.
There are a few very niche subject areas where my website is a “go to” resource. Peter Lightfoot prints (see below) is one, Lyons Maid Superman lolly sticks is another. With regards to the later, the superhero lolly sticks have generated a number of articles and a subsequent dialogue with visitors. Here’s a list of posts that you can review if you are interested.
2012 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/lyons-maid-supermans-superheroes-ice-lolly.html
04/12/2012 http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/the-sequel-to-the-supermans-superheroes-stick-story
25/02/2015 http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/fantastic-plastic-perranporth-find
15/02/2017 http://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/first-class-ice-lolly-cool-cornwall-catwoman
10/03/2019 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/lolly-stick-happiness
13/03/2019 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/lyons-maid-supermans-superheroes-lolly-sticks-in-colour
19/03/2019 https://www.adrianbaldwin.net/blog/lolly-legacy
Following on from the last 2019 post, I framed up my complete set of sticks and share them here for your enjoyment.
Modernist Midshires Money Box - July 2016
Here is another money box; this one is made of orange plastic. It’s a modernist owl branded with the identity of the Midshires Building Society (MBS). In the seventies these money boxes were branded by other banking type institutions too. I also have a yellow one from the TSB somewhere. MBS was merged in 1986 with another building society to form Birmingham Midshires.
Here is another money box; this one is made of orange plastic. It’s a modernist owl branded with the identity of the Midshires Building Society (MBS). In the seventies these money boxes were branded by other banking type institutions too. I also have a yellow one from the TSB somewhere. MBS was merged in 1986 with another building society to form Birmingham Midshires.
The owl and the pussy cat - July 2016
Here are two vintage ceramic money boxes presented in orange (my favourite colour) with hand painted detailing. These things were bought more than a decade apart in different parts of the country. They go very well together and I am sure they came from the same Italian-made collection.
Here are two vintage ceramic money boxes presented in orange (my favourite colour) with hand painted detailing. These things were bought more than a decade apart in different parts of the country. They go very well together and I am sure they came from the same Italian-made collection.
A trio of trays - July 2016
Here is a trio of rather funky trays. The patterns/colours/designs are great fun and so seventies decade-perfect. Each tray measures 16 inches by 12; they are made of a material with a fibre class kind of look about it – more obvious when the trays are turned over.
Here is a trio of rather funky trays. The patterns/colours/designs are great fun and so seventies decade-perfect. Each tray measures 16 inches by 12; they are made of a material with a fibre class kind of look about it – more obvious when the trays are turned over.
Bright orange Westclox Big Ben Repeater
Seventies, bright orange Westclox Big Ben - Feb 2016
Arguably an iconic mechanical alarm clock design - the Big Ben from Westclox. Mine is a “Repeater” presented in bright orange. Though these clocks were produced across a few decades, this is a seventies, Scottish built model in a colourway that was so of the time (pun intended).
This wind-up clock runs well, keeps good time and, in my opinion, looks suitably funky in its orange and gold suit. A deserving addition to my gallery.
BTW, the dial is spotless, the dark marks a flash induced phenomenon.
Arguably an iconic mechanical alarm clock design - the Big Ben from Westclox. Mine is a “Repeater” presented in bright orange. Though these clocks were produced across a few decades, this is a seventies, Scottish built model in a colourway that was so of the time (pun intended).
This wind-up clock runs well, keeps good time and, in my opinion, looks suitably funky in its orange and gold suit. A deserving addition to my gallery.
BTW, the dial is spotless, the dark marks a flash induced phenomenon.
Decades – The 70’s Edition
Decades – The 70’s Edition - Jan 2016
The third jigsaw puzzle to feature in my gallery and for obvious reasons given the title and subject matter. This 600+ piece puzzle was completed over the course of an evening in the run up to Christmas. With a MKIII Cortina, Starsky & Hutch, the Sex Pistols, Kiss, David Bowie, The Banana Splits and much, much more, the imagery was bound to appeal to me.
The third jigsaw puzzle to feature in my gallery and for obvious reasons given the title and subject matter. This 600+ piece puzzle was completed over the course of an evening in the run up to Christmas. With a MKIII Cortina, Starsky & Hutch, the Sex Pistols, Kiss, David Bowie, The Banana Splits and much, much more, the imagery was bound to appeal to me.
"Another Time" E.A.Baker
Another Time – Eugene Ames Baker - November 2015
Here is the latest piece of artwork to adorn the walls of the Baldwin household. This painting, entitled “Another Time” is by the artist Eugene Ames Baker. Mine is reproduction that was framed by Boots in the 1970s. I love the colours and the decidedly retro feel of the image.
Dimensions are 36” by 20”
If you are interested in finding out more about Baker’s work, the link below will take you to an informative Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/EugeneAmesBaker?fref=nf
Here is the latest piece of artwork to adorn the walls of the Baldwin household. This painting, entitled “Another Time” is by the artist Eugene Ames Baker. Mine is reproduction that was framed by Boots in the 1970s. I love the colours and the decidedly retro feel of the image.
Dimensions are 36” by 20”
If you are interested in finding out more about Baker’s work, the link below will take you to an informative Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/EugeneAmesBaker?fref=nf
Crown Devon storage jars
Crown Devon Storage Jars - February 2015
Check out the retro print on these vintage Staffordshire beauties! The tea, coffee and sugar storage jars have wooden lids and Crown Devon, S. Fielding & Co. Ltd. printed on the base. They stand about six inches tall and look groovy. The stylised floral print complements this gallery quite nicely don’t you think?
Check out the retro print on these vintage Staffordshire beauties! The tea, coffee and sugar storage jars have wooden lids and Crown Devon, S. Fielding & Co. Ltd. printed on the base. They stand about six inches tall and look groovy. The stylised floral print complements this gallery quite nicely don’t you think?
1970s Shopping Basket - Gibsons - click image to enlarge
1970s Shopping Basket - February 2015
Like the jigsaw puzzle listed almost 12 months ago, this item is not vintage per se either (though once again the subject matter quite clearly is). This 1,000 piece jigsaw from Gibsons is entitled “1970s Shopping Basket” and is from the Robert Opie inspired “Memories of the 1970s” series (you can also get “Sweet Memories” - see the post a little lower down the screen - and “Toy Shop”).
My favourite pictured item – “Tab” – it’s pretty much bang (or rather pop) in the centre. The pink canned, sugar free, carbonated soft-drink was the precursor to Diet Coke (the Tab brand belongs to the Coca Cola Company). Personally, I prefer the Tab brand treatment to its Diet Coke sibling – it’s the font that does it.
Like the jigsaw puzzle listed almost 12 months ago, this item is not vintage per se either (though once again the subject matter quite clearly is). This 1,000 piece jigsaw from Gibsons is entitled “1970s Shopping Basket” and is from the Robert Opie inspired “Memories of the 1970s” series (you can also get “Sweet Memories” - see the post a little lower down the screen - and “Toy Shop”).
My favourite pictured item – “Tab” – it’s pretty much bang (or rather pop) in the centre. The pink canned, sugar free, carbonated soft-drink was the precursor to Diet Coke (the Tab brand belongs to the Coca Cola Company). Personally, I prefer the Tab brand treatment to its Diet Coke sibling – it’s the font that does it.
Retro leather wall art lion - Lewis
Decidedly retro looking leather lion wall art - January 2015
I liked/wanted this original art creation as soon as I saw it. The lion is made of pieces of leather that have been shaped and tacked to the dark stained timber back board, the effect of the shaping and positioning gives the piece a three dimensional quality. The leather is coloured, textured, embossed and otherwise worked; the overall impact is that the lion has a decidedly retro look about him. The reds, oranges and browns help as does the heavy and rather psychedelic styling of the lion’s body and limbs.
I don’t actually know when this picture was made but it looks groovy enough to feature in this gallery – it reminds me of the lead character from “Heyyy it’s the King” by Hanna-Barbera.
I can’t be sure who the artist is either – see the signature; could be HQ Lewis, QH Lewis, RH Lewis or HR Lewis. If you can help with identification or dating, please get in touch.
Though born under the star sign of Leo, Mrs Baldwin is not a fan but I am very grateful that she was prepared to let me hang it on the wall.
Dimensions 41 x 28 inches
I liked/wanted this original art creation as soon as I saw it. The lion is made of pieces of leather that have been shaped and tacked to the dark stained timber back board, the effect of the shaping and positioning gives the piece a three dimensional quality. The leather is coloured, textured, embossed and otherwise worked; the overall impact is that the lion has a decidedly retro look about him. The reds, oranges and browns help as does the heavy and rather psychedelic styling of the lion’s body and limbs.
I don’t actually know when this picture was made but it looks groovy enough to feature in this gallery – it reminds me of the lead character from “Heyyy it’s the King” by Hanna-Barbera.
I can’t be sure who the artist is either – see the signature; could be HQ Lewis, QH Lewis, RH Lewis or HR Lewis. If you can help with identification or dating, please get in touch.
Though born under the star sign of Leo, Mrs Baldwin is not a fan but I am very grateful that she was prepared to let me hang it on the wall.
Dimensions 41 x 28 inches
Dinky Capri 3.0 GXL - 2162 - 1:25 scale
Ford Capri 3.0 GXL 1:25 scale – Dinky 2162 - January 2015
It was my birthday recently and during a trip to Warwick, I bought myself a birthday present from an antiques emporium. This Dinky Ford Capri is in great shape and is now on display in my living room. The larger-scale model is 175mm long and has opening doors, bonnet, boot and front seat backs that move. Much as I’d like a real one, the model will have to do for now. Produced between 1974 and 1976 this Capri is nearly as old as I am…though it’s aged much better.
It was my birthday recently and during a trip to Warwick, I bought myself a birthday present from an antiques emporium. This Dinky Ford Capri is in great shape and is now on display in my living room. The larger-scale model is 175mm long and has opening doors, bonnet, boot and front seat backs that move. Much as I’d like a real one, the model will have to do for now. Produced between 1974 and 1976 this Capri is nearly as old as I am…though it’s aged much better.
Paula figurine W-160 A.V.M 1971
1971 Paula sofa characters - November 2014
I came across this silly thing in a charity shop in Daventry today (29/11/14). These rather kitsch Paula figurines were sold all over the place in the sixties/seventies. This one, code W-160 was made in the UK and is dated 1971. The caption on the front reads "The opinions expressed by the husband of the house...are not necessarily those of the management". This thing is a bit of vintage tat really but its message is just bang on for the Baldwin household. It made me laugh and so I bought it - even Mrs B. and the kids chuckled.
I came across this silly thing in a charity shop in Daventry today (29/11/14). These rather kitsch Paula figurines were sold all over the place in the sixties/seventies. This one, code W-160 was made in the UK and is dated 1971. The caption on the front reads "The opinions expressed by the husband of the house...are not necessarily those of the management". This thing is a bit of vintage tat really but its message is just bang on for the Baldwin household. It made me laugh and so I bought it - even Mrs B. and the kids chuckled.
The big blue glass thingy - November 2014
I bought this piece recently because I liked the retro look of it and could see it having a use over Christmas as part of Mrs B’s decoration scheme (it’s the right colour). I have two things to admit, I didn’t know if it was old or not and I didn’t (and don’t) actually know what it is.
My best guess so far, perhaps it’s a punch bowl. If you can help identify its maker and purpose, your help will be much appreciated.
It’s big (30cm tall, 24cm diameter) and made of glass with embossed patterns around the outside – balloons, flowers, plants etc.
Whilst watching “It was alright in the 70s” (read review), a clip from Casanova 1973 showed Leslie Phillips with one of these things behind his head. That dates the piece perfectly and warrants its inclusion in my ‘stuff’ gallery.
I bought this piece recently because I liked the retro look of it and could see it having a use over Christmas as part of Mrs B’s decoration scheme (it’s the right colour). I have two things to admit, I didn’t know if it was old or not and I didn’t (and don’t) actually know what it is.
My best guess so far, perhaps it’s a punch bowl. If you can help identify its maker and purpose, your help will be much appreciated.
It’s big (30cm tall, 24cm diameter) and made of glass with embossed patterns around the outside – balloons, flowers, plants etc.
Whilst watching “It was alright in the 70s” (read review), a clip from Casanova 1973 showed Leslie Phillips with one of these things behind his head. That dates the piece perfectly and warrants its inclusion in my ‘stuff’ gallery.
The Homepride Gang
The Homepride Gang - July 2014
Here is a small collection of Homepride figures – these characters transport me right back to my youth. The flour characters are as memorable as the Smash robots for kids of the seventies. Thanks to the bowler hats, they remind me of Mr Ben too; a seventies animated character with a penchant for adventure.
The black and white colourway rather suits our kitchen colour scheme don’t you think?
Here is a small collection of Homepride figures – these characters transport me right back to my youth. The flour characters are as memorable as the Smash robots for kids of the seventies. Thanks to the bowler hats, they remind me of Mr Ben too; a seventies animated character with a penchant for adventure.
The black and white colourway rather suits our kitchen colour scheme don’t you think?
Super Seventies Sun Lounger
Seventies Sun Lounger - July 2014
Here is a super seventies style summer accessory. How cool is this sun lounger? You may hate it but for me the brown and orange heavy floral pattern is perfect. Take a look at the tent further down the page and you’ll see that it will complement the camping accommodation nicely.
I've even updated a banner on my website with this pattern - see if you can find it!
Here is a super seventies style summer accessory. How cool is this sun lounger? You may hate it but for me the brown and orange heavy floral pattern is perfect. Take a look at the tent further down the page and you’ll see that it will complement the camping accommodation nicely.
I've even updated a banner on my website with this pattern - see if you can find it!
Dinky Star Trek USS Enterprise - 1976 Paramount TV
Star Trek USS Enterprise - Dinky 1976 - July 2014
This is my latest Pigeonhole purchase - a Star Trek USS Enterprise from Dinky. The English made model dates from 1976 and is in pretty good shape for its age. I haven't seen one of these for years so it was a good result to find one. Being able to buy it for a sensible price, the icing on the cake!
Facebook: pigeonhole Daventry
Address: Bishop Crewe House, North Street (opposite library), Daventry NN11 4GH
This is my latest Pigeonhole purchase - a Star Trek USS Enterprise from Dinky. The English made model dates from 1976 and is in pretty good shape for its age. I haven't seen one of these for years so it was a good result to find one. Being able to buy it for a sensible price, the icing on the cake!
Facebook: pigeonhole Daventry
Address: Bishop Crewe House, North Street (opposite library), Daventry NN11 4GH
1970s Sweet Memories
1970s Sweet Memories - March 2014
This jigsaw puzzle is not vintage per se but as the subject matter so clearly is, I have given it a gallery posting anyway (and as it’s my site, I can do whatever I like). The 1,000 piece puzzle from Gibsons is entitled “1970s Sweet Memories” and is from the “Memories of the 1970s” series (you can also get “Toy Shop”, which I have and “Shopping Basket” also featured).
This jigsaw was completed over two nights and was well worth the effort. As a child of the 1970s, the sweets of the decade are firmly lodged in my memory and associated with happy times. With regards to the images, care of the Robert Opie collection, my personal favourites are the Texan and the Spangles.
This jigsaw puzzle is not vintage per se but as the subject matter so clearly is, I have given it a gallery posting anyway (and as it’s my site, I can do whatever I like). The 1,000 piece puzzle from Gibsons is entitled “1970s Sweet Memories” and is from the “Memories of the 1970s” series (you can also get “Toy Shop”, which I have and “Shopping Basket” also featured).
This jigsaw was completed over two nights and was well worth the effort. As a child of the 1970s, the sweets of the decade are firmly lodged in my memory and associated with happy times. With regards to the images, care of the Robert Opie collection, my personal favourites are the Texan and the Spangles.
Tagetes - Anne & Philip Plant Sept.1971
Tagetes – Anne & Philip Plant September 1971 - March 2014
This is a piece of original art that hangs on the wall in my lounge. It’s a ceramic creation bolted on to a brown hessian covered board. The piece is called Tagetes and as you can see from the back of it was created by Anne and Philip Plant in September 1971
This is a piece of original art that hangs on the wall in my lounge. It’s a ceramic creation bolted on to a brown hessian covered board. The piece is called Tagetes and as you can see from the back of it was created by Anne and Philip Plant in September 1971
A Sylvia Watmough creation
Sylvia Watmough – Dashboard - March 2014
Here is another piece of original art from my lounge wall – this piece created by Sylvia Watmough is signed but unnamed. I call it ‘Dashboard’ because every time I look at it I think of the dashboard of an old car. The piece is made from plaster of Paris applied to a stained timber backing and then painted - I just love the colours.
Jan.'17 A fellow Watmough fan gets in touch - read the blog post.
Here is another piece of original art from my lounge wall – this piece created by Sylvia Watmough is signed but unnamed. I call it ‘Dashboard’ because every time I look at it I think of the dashboard of an old car. The piece is made from plaster of Paris applied to a stained timber backing and then painted - I just love the colours.
Jan.'17 A fellow Watmough fan gets in touch - read the blog post.
Ricog Digilarm EC 75003
Ricoh Digilarm EC 75003 - March 2014 -SOLD -
Here is a great seventies digital ‘flip’ alarm clock. The Ricoh Digilarm model EC 75003 was made in Japan by the Ricoh Watch Company. This is a mains powered clock; it still runs properly and keeps time too. This is a new addition to the Baldwin household; it took me a long time to find one at the right money. Approximate dimensions 6.5 inches by 3 inches. Orange is my favourite colour too!
Here is a great seventies digital ‘flip’ alarm clock. The Ricoh Digilarm model EC 75003 was made in Japan by the Ricoh Watch Company. This is a mains powered clock; it still runs properly and keeps time too. This is a new addition to the Baldwin household; it took me a long time to find one at the right money. Approximate dimensions 6.5 inches by 3 inches. Orange is my favourite colour too!
Smiths Desk Thermometer
Smiths Desk Thermometer - hot or not? - March 2014
Here is a vintage, working and pleasingly retro looking, English made Smiths desk thermometer. Encased within a cream wave shaped plastic body and finished off with a pleasing burnt metallic orange facing strip, the thermometer was clearly designed /made somewhere in the vicinity my favourite decade. It reminds me a little of the old horizontal speedometer found in the base model HC Vauxhall Viva. Approximate dimensions 15cm by 4cm by 3.5cm. I think it’s cool but are you warmly disposed towards it or does it leave you cold?
Here is a vintage, working and pleasingly retro looking, English made Smiths desk thermometer. Encased within a cream wave shaped plastic body and finished off with a pleasing burnt metallic orange facing strip, the thermometer was clearly designed /made somewhere in the vicinity my favourite decade. It reminds me a little of the old horizontal speedometer found in the base model HC Vauxhall Viva. Approximate dimensions 15cm by 4cm by 3.5cm. I think it’s cool but are you warmly disposed towards it or does it leave you cold?
P. Lightfoot - Autumn Ash
P Lightfoot – Autumn Ash - February 2014
I love this picture, it’s been in the family for years, first owned by my uncle and aunt, then by my nan and finally by me. I really like the caramel/chocolate colours of the image and the brown hessian inner frame gives it a pleasing retro provenance. The picture interests me because it manages to suggest warmth through its earthy colour palette but at the same time the landscape is quite cold and bleak. The framed print is quite large 109cm wide x 59cm high; the image is applied in some way to a thick, black edged board that sits proud of the frame. I am not sure if this piece is from the seventies because I can’t find any reference to the artist or the work but I am happy to put it in this gallery because it’s seventies enough for me.
July 15 update - the owners of the original painting of Autumn Ash got in touch with me. Read the story here. It turns out that the painting dates back to 1976.
I love this picture, it’s been in the family for years, first owned by my uncle and aunt, then by my nan and finally by me. I really like the caramel/chocolate colours of the image and the brown hessian inner frame gives it a pleasing retro provenance. The picture interests me because it manages to suggest warmth through its earthy colour palette but at the same time the landscape is quite cold and bleak. The framed print is quite large 109cm wide x 59cm high; the image is applied in some way to a thick, black edged board that sits proud of the frame. I am not sure if this piece is from the seventies because I can’t find any reference to the artist or the work but I am happy to put it in this gallery because it’s seventies enough for me.
July 15 update - the owners of the original painting of Autumn Ash got in touch with me. Read the story here. It turns out that the painting dates back to 1976.
Cartwrights Ironstone Bull Plates
Cartwrights Ironstone Bull Steak Plates - November 2013
Here is the final set of picture-print plates to be featured. These Ironstone bull plates, again produced in Stoke on Trent, were produced by Cartwrights. These were not as colourful or psychedelic as their Beefeater equivalents and were made later. Still they are nice and rather more rare too.
Here is the final set of picture-print plates to be featured. These Ironstone bull plates, again produced in Stoke on Trent, were produced by Cartwrights. These were not as colourful or psychedelic as their Beefeater equivalents and were made later. Still they are nice and rather more rare too.
Beafeater Steak & Grill Bull Plates
Beafeater steak & grill plates - November 2013
Here is a complete set of Beefeater steak & grill plates from the seventies featuring rather cool psychedelic bull prints. Made from English Ironstone on College Road, Stoke on Trent. I love this set for a few reasons, firstly my Nan had a set of these when my sister and I were kids. We used to eat fish, chips and peas off them when we visited her. Some of this set are actually her original plates – a few extra had to be purchased to complete the collection!
The next reason that these plates work for me me is that they were made on the very street I went to university many years later.
Here is a complete set of Beefeater steak & grill plates from the seventies featuring rather cool psychedelic bull prints. Made from English Ironstone on College Road, Stoke on Trent. I love this set for a few reasons, firstly my Nan had a set of these when my sister and I were kids. We used to eat fish, chips and peas off them when we visited her. Some of this set are actually her original plates – a few extra had to be purchased to complete the collection!
The next reason that these plates work for me me is that they were made on the very street I went to university many years later.
Aquarius fish plates from Washington Pottery
Aquarius fish plates from Washington Pottery – November 2013
Here is a complete set of super-duper retro fish plates from the Aquarius range produced by Washington Pottery. These are colourful and cool, at least I think so. I have a similar set of English Ironstone Beefeater bull plates. At some point, I’ll picture those too.
In the seventies, there was no better crockery to eat your fish and chips off!
Here is a complete set of super-duper retro fish plates from the Aquarius range produced by Washington Pottery. These are colourful and cool, at least I think so. I have a similar set of English Ironstone Beefeater bull plates. At some point, I’ll picture those too.
In the seventies, there was no better crockery to eat your fish and chips off!
Peter Hoot - Ostrobogulous - Kristin Baybars 1962
Meet Peter Hoot from the zoo of the Ostrobogulous - November '13
Here’s a vintage something that technically shouldn’t be in the gallery - it’s sixties rather than seventies. However it’s cool, unusual, the first vaguely cuddly thing presented and you might not have seen one before. This is a 1962 creation from the Ostrobogulous zoo – an owl named Peter Hoot, designed by Kristin Baybars and manufactured by Arkana Industries, Falkirk, Scotland. There is a clown from this series in the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green; but aside from that character, I have never seen another.
Here’s a vintage something that technically shouldn’t be in the gallery - it’s sixties rather than seventies. However it’s cool, unusual, the first vaguely cuddly thing presented and you might not have seen one before. This is a 1962 creation from the Ostrobogulous zoo – an owl named Peter Hoot, designed by Kristin Baybars and manufactured by Arkana Industries, Falkirk, Scotland. There is a clown from this series in the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green; but aside from that character, I have never seen another.
Seventies canvass accommodation - August 2013
The Baldwin family’s 2013 summer holiday was spent under canvass in the Yorkshire Dales. Not just any canvass but a vintage Raclet eight berth frame tent from my favourite historical period. This tent has been in my family for decades and was originally bought second-hand by my parents when I was a youngster. Honestly, I camped in this tent as a kid and now my children have stayed in it too. The orange and brown colour scheme is perfect and the floral interior is just spot on seventies. The tent is still watertight too and I love it!
The aluminium frame is bulky, the outer tent is heavy and then there’s an inner tent too. It takes a while to put up and to take down and you need a big car to pack it all in, but I have to state that it’s great despite these drawbacks. The upsides; you can stand tall anywhere in it, you can cook inside the tent and people actually come up to admire it!
The aluminium frame is bulky, the outer tent is heavy and then there’s an inner tent too. It takes a while to put up and to take down and you need a big car to pack it all in, but I have to state that it’s great despite these drawbacks. The upsides; you can stand tall anywhere in it, you can cook inside the tent and people actually come up to admire it!
Retro Ride - Skateboarding Seventies' Style
Vintage skateboard with 70mm blue Kryptonics
Here is my vintage skateboard; this retro high rider features 70mm blue Kryptonics (the wheels, and in my opinion one of the best words/brand names that ever came from the seventies), mounted on ACS 651 trucks and topped by a dark, hard wood deck with a gripper strip running through its length (the deck is narrow as was the style at the time).
This board is quite heavy but blimey it is fast – in fact fast enough to scare me a little these days (not that it did when I was a kid of course)! My son and his mates ask to ride it but I don’t let them use it without supervision because I am worried that they might hurt themselves.
And obviously I don’t want the board damaged either!
This board is quite heavy but blimey it is fast – in fact fast enough to scare me a little these days (not that it did when I was a kid of course)! My son and his mates ask to ride it but I don’t let them use it without supervision because I am worried that they might hurt themselves.
And obviously I don’t want the board damaged either!
Terrific tiled top table - too cool for coffee! - June 13
This is the first piece of furniture to feature in this section. I saw this seventies tiled top coffee table and just had to have it. It's one of three in the Baldwin household; maybe I'll share some images of the others in due course!
Tiled top tables are not that unusual but finding a suitably retro/funky set of tiles is far less straightforward.
This one is great in my opinion. What do you think?
Tiled top tables are not that unusual but finding a suitably retro/funky set of tiles is far less straightforward.
This one is great in my opinion. What do you think?
1975/6 APF mark 82 electronic calculator - May 13
APF mark 82
Here’s my latest seventies purchase – a spotless and fully functioning APF Mark 82 electronic calculator in its original box and with its original instructions. This LED calculator was Japanese made and in production between 1975 and 1976. I think it’s most amusing to see the box make the statement “with percentage key” – what sophistication! It runs on a 9v battery although you could plug in an adaptor and run it off the mains. This calculator even has a serial number - j039913.
I bought this for next to nothing on May 1st in Milton Keynes shopping centre from a Salvation Army stall - and very pleased I am with my find too!
I bought this for next to nothing on May 1st in Milton Keynes shopping centre from a Salvation Army stall - and very pleased I am with my find too!
Retro lighting at its brownest best - April 2013
Here is a substantial piece of ceramic illumination. This lamp base and its funnel type shade are marvellous in my opinion - a perspective that I'll admit is not universally shared amongst the Baldwin household members. The base stands 40 cms high and is topped by a shade that extends a futher 82 cms. This is not a shy and retiring item! As you will appreciate from the picture, the lamp has a bulb inside the base as well as one in the usual location on top.
I acquired this brown behemoth from my good friend Gary Martin; it was languishing in his garage and has now been returned to service. Getting the lamp back from Norfolk with a car load of family and holiday baggage was comedic at times but that's a story for another post!
I acquired this brown behemoth from my good friend Gary Martin; it was languishing in his garage and has now been returned to service. Getting the lamp back from Norfolk with a car load of family and holiday baggage was comedic at times but that's a story for another post!
All strung out – seventies' style wall art - December 2012
Here’s a retro alternative to a picture or a painting. It’s a thing made with string (well thread of some sort anyway)! This butterfly is a variant of the geometric Spirograph style of pattern that was commonly seen on walls in the sixties/seventies. Sometimes objects were represented instead of patterns – my nan had a vintage car design on her wall for many years.
The way these pictures were made was to knock nails into a backing board and then run the threads repeatedly, and tightly, between the nails to create the desired pattern. The problems come when the threads fail (the effects of aging or abuse), then the whole piece just loses its tension and falls apart.
The nails of varying heights allow the threads to be strung in such a way that the picture has a relief and/or a three dimensional appearance. Hopefully this is clear from the image!
This butterfly works for me because the threads are orange, red, gold and brown (the perfect 70s colour combination), the felt background is dark brown and the finishing side strips are gold. The butterfly has this hippy sort of feel to it that I like.
Naff or not? Your call!
The way these pictures were made was to knock nails into a backing board and then run the threads repeatedly, and tightly, between the nails to create the desired pattern. The problems come when the threads fail (the effects of aging or abuse), then the whole piece just loses its tension and falls apart.
The nails of varying heights allow the threads to be strung in such a way that the picture has a relief and/or a three dimensional appearance. Hopefully this is clear from the image!
This butterfly works for me because the threads are orange, red, gold and brown (the perfect 70s colour combination), the felt background is dark brown and the finishing side strips are gold. The butterfly has this hippy sort of feel to it that I like.
Naff or not? Your call!
L.E.D. calculators – do your sums in retro mode - November 2012
Here are two seventies calculators from the pre LCD era. Both these calculators work with LEDs; the Texas Instruments Ti-30 scientific calculator with red diodes and the Texet 1800 standard eight digit calculator with green diodes. The TI calculator is a chunky thing and works with a 9v oblong battery. I am pleased these things still work and make sure that batteries are never left in them to degrade and leak!
1974 Dinky Space 1999 Eagle spaceship - October 2012
1974 Dinky Space 1999 Eagle
Here is a seventies gem that I think I have owned for longer than anything else that I currently possess. This Eagle from Space 1999, manufactured by Dinky in 1974 to accompany the TV series, has been a treasure of mine since I was a child. It shows its age in places but it is still complete and the ejector mechanism for the accommodation pod still works.
I cannot remember a time when I didn’t own this spaceship; it survived the teenage discarding process that did for so many of my childhood things and, having survived for so long, I can’t envisage a reason for ever parting with it.
30/07/13 Another Eagle lands in Daventry
I cannot remember a time when I didn’t own this spaceship; it survived the teenage discarding process that did for so many of my childhood things and, having survived for so long, I can’t envisage a reason for ever parting with it.
30/07/13 Another Eagle lands in Daventry
Camy Airport Superautomatic - October 2012
Here is another of my seventies watches, this behemoth is chunky, very chunky. It has lived a long and hard life but bears its scars with a certain dignity. The retro time piece is big, it is heavy, it’s an odd shape and to many it is ugly too – think an aging bare-knuckle, heavy weight boxer of a watch. The case is machined from a lump of solid stainless steel (no case back) and the complete movement lifts out of the case from the front. The mechanics are Swiss, automatic and the day wheel is presented in Dutch. The Camy has been subjected to a full service recently and is now well placed to serve the seventies cause for a bit longer.
Richard Askham recently wrote on his website about this type of watch and you can read his review here.
Richard Askham recently wrote on his website about this type of watch and you can read his review here.
Kitsch clowns - January '13 update
Here are two brightly coloured Murano glass clowns. My parents had one of these when I was a child and I guess that’s why the slightly freaky things have some nostalgic appeal to me.
Seventies? Not sure, could be fifties or sixties to be honest!
I have met a few people over the years that hate clowns generally but I bet more will specifically hate these. Both have some damage but let’s face it the overall impact, love it or hate it, is hardly affected!
Seventies? Not sure, could be fifties or sixties to be honest!
I have met a few people over the years that hate clowns generally but I bet more will specifically hate these. Both have some damage but let’s face it the overall impact, love it or hate it, is hardly affected!
A plastic expression of love - September '12
Why express your love for someone with flowers and chocolates when you could present a piece of moulded plastic instead? Well, just think about how long this piece of plastic sentimentality has lasted! Flowers and chocolates are temporary; this declaration has lasted for longer than many modern marriages. The colours, the hat, the figure’s style, all hark back to those halcyon days of bellbottoms and big collars.
Try and buy one for the love in your life!
Try and buy one for the love in your life!
Retro Rubbish Bin - September '12
Here is a distinctly seventies waste paper bin. A bold print, bright colours and a stylised floral pattern – it couldn’t have come from any other time.
It’s plastic, it was undoubtedly cheap at the time but whilst the stuff that goes in it is rubbish, the bin isn’t; instead it’s a retro gem.
It’s plastic, it was undoubtedly cheap at the time but whilst the stuff that goes in it is rubbish, the bin isn’t; instead it’s a retro gem.
Vintage Fire Starter - September '12
Here’s a smoking related throwback. The lighter you see before you is essentially a blue glass cube with concave sides and a lighter fitted into the top.
It’s clunky, it’s heavy, it’s obvious but on the other hand it’s fun, it’s a talking point and it still works.
It’s clunky, it’s heavy, it’s obvious but on the other hand it’s fun, it’s a talking point and it still works.
Britvic Pineapple ice bucket - September '12
I just love this Britvic ice bucket, it’s shaped like a pineapple, it has retained its original colour (where many hardened and faded), it has retained its leaves and it has a certain Del-Boy charm about it.
In the past these things were ridiculed and considered the height of naff. These days though they capture a past time and have transcended naff and become as retro-cool as the intended contents (in my opinion of course).
In the past these things were ridiculed and considered the height of naff. These days though they capture a past time and have transcended naff and become as retro-cool as the intended contents (in my opinion of course).
Seventies Seiko Chronograph - September '12
Seiko UFO 6138 0011
Here is a rather chunky seventies Seiko automatic chronograph affectionately known as the UFO. The model, a 6138 0011, was built in November 1971 so is almost the same age as me. At approximately 45mm top to bottom and side to side, excluding the crown, and 15mm thick, the watch is pretty big and pretty heavy too. There is no doubt that it radiates a certain retro charm - fortunately it keeps time very well too and is still in regular use.
Hornsea Heirloom, heavy pattern homeware - September '12
Hornsea Heirloom - Green
Here are a few items from the range of Hornsea Heirloom pottery that lives in the Baldwin household. In the seventies, Hornsea had a range of popular patterns that also included Saffron and Bronte. Heirloom came in three colours, brown, green and cobalt blue. Green was my choice and pictured are the tea, coffee and sugar caddies. The heavy pattern is typical of the seventies and I guess you either love it or hate it!
Table lamps never looked so cool..….ice cool - September '12
Here is my pair of decidedly retro table lamps. Solid and heavyweight, brightly-coloured cylindrical Perspex bases that look like they are full of ice; complemented by plastic cylindrical shades.
The blue is cool, the orange is hot; both are as 70s as Jack Regan and George Carter.
An acquired taste or an essential lighting accessory – illuminate me?
The blue is cool, the orange is hot; both are as 70s as Jack Regan and George Carter.
An acquired taste or an essential lighting accessory – illuminate me?
Sounds of the Seventies - Superb Solid-State Sony Stereo & Speakers - August '12
Sony HP-511A
Here is my seventies Sony stereo – the HP-511A manufactured in Japan in 1973 (or thereabouts). The stereo has a robustness and weight that you’ll struggle to find in anything modern, the knobs are metal, the frame is timber and the build quality is superb. The stereo functions properly too and it has an FM radio! The speakers with their brown inlaid fabric, and the brown coloured perspex lid on the record deck just sing the seventies.
Orange, plastic, funky, fantastic - July '12
This is a flip calendar that sits by my front door at home. You press the button on the top to change the date and roll the wheel underneath to change the month. This orange plastic delight oozes seventies design and I love it. It just couldn’t be more retro!
Brown, Beswick, Beneagles haggis - July '12
Here is an interesting creation from Beswick Pottery. Have you seen one before? The creature in question represents the mythical haggis and the item is actually a whisky miniature. Produced in 1972, in ubiquitous 70’s brown, modelled by A Hallam and produced by Peter Thomson (Perth) Ltd; the‘flask’ originally contained Beneagles scotch whisky (contents long since gone). The creature’s proportions are approximately 8 by 7 by 5.5 cms.
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