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Archaeology of domestic life in early 20th century Britain

The aim of this blog is to publish data on early 20th century buildings, whilst this is still accessible. Much material of interest to the historian is being destroyed through 'home improvements' and DIY, and objects are increasingly being divorced from their context through dispersal after the death of their owners. By creating an easily accessible contextual record of material culture, it is hoped that those interested in this period of history may have a resource through which the details of domestic life might be studied.

If you have any artefacts of interest, or make discoveries during the process of your own investigations that you would like to share, please contact me!

Friday 23 December 2011

Early 20th century (and a little later!) Christmas decorations

These Christmas lights look quite early - with fabric-covered cord, bakelte lamp-holders, and ceiling light socket fitting:


However, the label ('Japan Electric Lamp Man. Assoc') suggests that they date to after 1957 (see: www.jelma.or.jp/99english/jelma_english.pdf)


 The box decoration is also more comparable with post-war styles:




The following paper 'lanterns' may date to WWII, considering the limited use of colour (although the first has more than four colours):






 This Christmas decoration has close parallels in photographs dating to WWII (e.g. see Brown, Mike 2004 Christmas on the Home Front, Sutton):






This Christmas tree fairy is probably post-war, perhaps late 1950s -1960s:

 
 This fairy may date to the later 30s, but is more probably of post-war date:



Finally, this paper decoration may date to any time between the 30s and 60s, although the metal tags, and the 1/2 pencilled on the rear, suggest a relatively late date:


1920s Goose-feather Christmas tree (with some early decorations), and spruce tree decorated in 1930s style to follow...

Happy Christmas!

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