Curators
- Laurie Tudge (History)
- Nyssa Addae (History)
- Laura Werrett (History)
- Martha Fox-Adams (History)
The wild 70s!
The 1970s is often referred to as the "decade that taste forgot." Our cabinet was inspired by our shared module 'Britain in the 1970s' and we aimed to display how everyday taste was shaped by people during this decade.
Food in the 1970s
British cuisine in the 1970s left much to be desired, with tinned canned food and microwaveable ready-meals making up most people's diets. The convenience of the microwave as well as the national economic downturn meant most meals looked rather bland and depressing. Despite the mass inflation that occurred, this era of food had extremely low prices. For example, a pint of milk cost only 5p in 1970! Additionally, the 1970s saw brands such as Coca-Cola, Mcdonald's and Kellogg's become more prevalent during this decade as they advertised heavily to consumers. Therefore, studying the history of food provides an important insight into the everyday lives of Brits in this era and shows how brands and advertising permeated into domestic life.
Jewellery: The Era of Disco'
It would be most appropriate to describe the jewellery of the 1970s as ‘gaudy’. Earrings and necklaces in this period served their purpose as statement pieces, as opposed to previous decades in which they typically complimented an outfit. Whilst the 1970s has certainly been criticised for its flashy trends, these jewellery pieces provide insight into how subcultures had the power to influence fashion,
Gold was undoubtedly the colour of the decade for jewellery, with golden hooped earrings as a staple piece that can be noticed throughout. These replaced the vibrantly coloured earrings that defined the 1960s, shifting to a more traditionally glamorous mindset regarding jewellery. Designers of dangling, eye-catching earrings took their inspiration from the disco scene, intending to reflect those dazzling lights.
Chain necklaces were commonly layered in the 1970s, once again to emulate that of a more glamorous appearance. Vogue covers throughout the decade highlighted this design; this practice would stay ‘in fashion’ for the majority of the period. These necklaces were not just for women, they were also fashionable for men to wear.
The Music
The 1970s was an iconic decade for music, with artists such as ABBA, David Bowie and the Bee Gees dominating the scene. In particular, genres like punk, disco, funk and glam rock grew exponentially, showing how the types of music people listened to were quickly changing.
Importantly, music was a powerful force in bringing people together as concerts, festivals and discos saw thousands of visitors. Additionally, the way people listened to music changed as vinyl record players and stereo systems became commonplace in the home. Cassette tapes also allowed individuals to listen to music whilst moving or working. Here, it can be argued that music became even more important in everyday life in the 1970s. Also, the rising popularity of British television shows such as Top of the Pops exemplifies this importance, with both glam rock artists David Bowie and Roxy Music featuring on the programme in 1972. Viewing these shows was an inherently social event in the 1970s, with the typical British household only having one television. During the decade music became much more important not only to listen to, but to watch.
Black British culture in the 1970s
The 1970s was a pivotal decade for Black British culture, fashion, and activism, shaped by both resilience and struggle. Caribbean immigrants who arrived during the Windrush era faced racism, police brutality, and systemic discrimination in housing and employment. The rise of the National Front and frequent racist attacks created a hostile environment, leading to the formation of self-defense and activist groups like the British Black Panther Movement (BBPM) and the Race Today Collective.
Fashion became a statement of identity and resistance. Young Black Britons embraced Afro hairstyles, wide-collared shirts, flared trousers, and reggae-inspired styles, reflecting both their Caribbean heritage and the growing influence of Black power movements. Sound system culture, with pioneers like Jah Shaka, gave a voice to Black youth, shaping the UK's music scene.
The 1976 Notting Hill Carnival uprising exemplified the tensions of the time, as police harassment led to clashes between officers and young Black Britons. Shedding light on this era is vital; it reminds us of the resilience of Black communities, the origins of today’s anti-racist movements, and the cultural contributions that continue to shape Britain. Understanding this history ensures that past struggles are not forgotten, but used as a foundation for progress.
A 70s tea set
This glossy brown stoneware coffee set decorated with a ‘barbeque’ pattern encapsulates 70s taste. It was produced by Barrats of Staffordshire during the decade. This pottery, who were based in Stoke on Trent, had been established in 1943 but later merged with Royal Stafford China in 1992. The 1970s saw the popularity of coffee consumption in the home increase – whether instant, filtered, percolated, or prepared in a French press – coffee was now more accessible than ever. Individuals were choosing to drink in the home rather than in coffee bars, the popularity of which were beginning to wane. The set has a sociable use, with the large pot for serving coffee accompanied by six mugs. It was designed to be used in company, perhaps at a dinner party, so it was an object that acted to display the owner’s taste. The wallpaper pattern that provides the backdrop for this set is ‘Palladio 9’, designed by Peter Jones and manufactured by Arthur Sanderson & Sons in 1971, which can be found in the
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