New permanent exhibition opens at Worcestershire County Museum.
Lavish Living: Worcestershire in the 1950s, the new permanent exhibition at Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle invites visitors to take a nostalgic look at life in the 1950s. The exhibition officially opens from 4th July.
Lavish Living allows visitors to step back into the past, with immersive interior sets including a 1950s Milk Bar and wonderful items from the museum collection such as beautiful costume, a fabulous jukebox, and one of the first ever dishwashers.
Claire Cheshire, Curator, Worcestershire County Museum said: “We are delighted to welcome people to this exhibition. We had such a lot of fun putting it together!
“We really hope it captures the excitement and optimism of the era and that some of our visitors enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time to their youth.”
The 1950s is sometimes referred to as the ‘optimistic’ decade. Although some of the hardships of the previous decades lingered on – some items were still being rationed as late as 1954 – Britain’s economy boomed and living standards rose rapidly too.
Britain entered a new era of consumption, with labour-saving devices like vacuums and washing machines becoming the norm rather than the exception. For the first time working people had spare money and, crucially, increasing amounts of spare time in which to spend it.
It was a time of exciting cultural change: the golden age of cinema, the emergence of rock’n’roll and the increasing popularity of television which all transformed leisure time for the masses.
There will be something for the whole family to enjoy including activities for children, quiz to test visitor’s knowledge and a notice board where those who remember the 50s can contribute their memories.
The exhibition opens officially on 4th July, 11am – 4pm, staff and volunteers will be dressed in 50s style and visitors are welcome to join in – there will be a prize for the best dressed! Get into the swing of things and enjoy music by the fabulous Bluebird Belles who will be singing popular songs from the period in the Castle’s Great Hall. Children can get crafty with 1950s-inspired activities to make and take home too.
Hartlebury Castle is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am–5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 11am–5pm. For information on admission prices visit hartleburycastle.com.