We recently found this amazing book at one of the many antique fairs we regularly attend. Whilst on the hunt for new stock for the website, Mike stopped to browse at an antique bookstall and couldn't resist this 1950s pop-up book. Although it is a child's book, the pop-up illustrations of a typical 50s house are just amazing so I thought I would share it with you. Here is the kitchen - I love those Rose kitchen units which were all the rage then - and how about that mangle?!
Oh look, the ironing board is out - anyone for an afternoon of ironing?!
Here's the living room - this would have been considered very 'with-it' for that era!
The 'modern' bedroom - looks like a nice cosy eiderdown on the bed! Can you see the 'party frock' hanging in the wardrobe?
It's all mod-cons in the bathroom - they even have a shower!
This is not only a wonderful piece of social history but a really fantastic example of a vintage children's book - I hope you've enjoyed having a peek inside!
That was a real treat, thanks! I've got some 50s copies of The Practical Householder magazine and the illustrations always make me smile! I wish that party dress could pop out so we get a better peek!
ReplyDeleteKim x
Oooh Clare, I just love that! What a find. I have not seen one like that before. adorable!
ReplyDeleteOh yes I did enjoy looking, it is a wonderful book.
ReplyDeletecd&m
http://catondarlingandmoore.typepad.com
Oh my gosh, Clare! That book is just fabulous, and so fun! What a treasure!
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful treat full of my favourite things. And I love interiors and childrens books. I love the simplicity of those rose kitchens, would love to have one now. What a lucky find
ReplyDeletewhat a treat
ReplyDeleteI love books like that, I could spend hours pouring over each page :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming little book. The simple life...
ReplyDeletethis blog is heaven...why does it take me so long to get back here. love it, love it all...i wanna see what you did with the white empty room. i love it! blessings!
ReplyDeleteThat was fun! Thanks for sharing that.
ReplyDeletePenny
Hi Clare, what a great little book, I seem to remember my mum's kitchen looking something like that when I was small, definately had blue units and a checked floor! I love those wall units with the sliding doors and little shelf underneath.
ReplyDeleteLucy
As a designer, finding vintage books like that are always a treasure! I just found your website and since I have visited the Cotswolds and loved the area, was so excited to find you. The area is so absolutely charming I am hoping to visit again someday. In the meantime, please stop by and visit me at my blog called "From the Nest".
ReplyDeletebest,
carol
www.caroleldridge.typepad.com
That is so cute! But I hate when it's referred to as "vintage", (sort of like on tv when they refer to "mid-century" style) because I was there. And I refuse to be vintage!
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely charming!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous book. My grandparents used to have some of my mum's and aunt's books with similar pictures in which I loved to look at when I went to stay. I know they have all disappeared now, which is such a shame. Thank you for sharing your find!
ReplyDeleteCathy XX
Hi Clare,
ReplyDeleteYes, I could live in a house like that! - What a fabulous piece of history the 'Dolls House' book is.
Enjoy your weekend, ;-)
Niki
By golly, I forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday here! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday (plus one day) Clare!!! Hugs.
What a lovely book! Thanks for sharing those pictures.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Monika
Hi Clare, well it must be the week for old vintage books! I just found a wonderful book at the library, not as wonderful as yours, but quite interesting to read, and funny, check out my blog, as I have written a bit about it also.I just love the illustrations.
ReplyDeleteSue
If I enjoyed it? I loved it!! How wonderful to find a tresure like that, amazing! Yes, so fun and also interesting to see how it all looked like. It seemed like the woman then took more proud in beeing a housewife. Like you said, a wonderful piece of social history. Thank you for sharing Clare!
ReplyDeleteI also loved how your chair turend out. What a pretty looking Vintage chair, even though I like pattern to be simple, I like this one. It fits perfect for you :))
Sending you a warm winter hug!
What an amazing find! I loved it!!
ReplyDelete:<)
What a FUN book- its fun to look at all the little details and see how everything has changed- and most things have!
ReplyDeleteOooooh love love love that book! The 50's is such a love of mine. If you ever decide to sell it Clare do let me know :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is the most adorable book I have ever seen. Now I'll be on the lookout for one! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat book is a treat.
ReplyDeleteA PRECIOUS book...thanks much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI live in a 50's house and altho we have remodeled it a little, it is still a house built in 1957.....and I so love it. At times, I think I want a newer house and then....I think not!
bj