1950's Homes and the festival of Britain.

As part of the unit research we were asked to research the festival of Britain and 1950's homes.

The 1950's was know to many as the 'age of the consumer'
This period of time brought around massive change.
'out with the old, in with the new.'

Houses were now smaller compared to pre war homes.
This now meant designers had to think of ways for furniture to stack or design pieces that needed to be light enough to move around.

A few examples of 1950's inventions were sofa beds and furniture 'trolleys.'
Homes were now open plan living, bold primary colours were used as well as animal prints. Bright fabrics with abstract patterns were also used. As well as this new materials were introduced such as rubber, fiberglass, vinyl and plastics.

Many influences on design were made in this period.
Salvador Dali also influenced certain pieces in the 1950's with his Surrealism 'Lips' Sofa.
1930's and Modernism had a high influence in the 1950's as well as scientific research such as DNA molecules. America also gave a large influence to Britain at this time with jukeboxes and 'huge' fridges.

Designers who were the most recognized of this period were Charles and Ray Eames and team working together to produce plastic, leather and plywood furniture. As well as this team, Robin and Lucienne Day created fabrics and furnitures.
Ceramic ware created by Wase and Poole was also highly sought after. Crockery was mixed and matched and Tupperware was invented.

The Festival of Britain was a national exhibition that opened in May 1951.
It had travelling exhibitions which toured all across Britain to places either on Land or even on Sea. Some of the places included; Bath and Stratford upon Avon.
The official designer for this was Abram Games. Festival was described as a 'tonic for the nation.' The festival was intended to encourage post war optimism and regeneration of the country, it was a statement of social, scientific and cultural achievement.
A month after the festival closed it soon became short lived. Conservatives gained power which meant the future was re interpreted through materials and individualism.