This exercise involves collecting as much reference as can be found for the 1950’s. This is taking some research and whilst I am doing this I am also starting on other exercises for this course
Here is a short review typed out on A4 of the 1950’s from a visual perspective:-
And a photos of interior of a house found on google that has not altered in decor since the 1950’s:-
Kitchen example which shows the coloured tiled floor and pretty pink curtains:-
And a sitting area example of rosy wall paper and two tiered curtains:-
I try to respond to the requirement of the exercise, however despite the research I cannot relate to the substance of the 1950s that well. I feel my illustration falls short in an attempt to paint patterned wall paper and dress. The lady’s face is a struggle. I just enjoy making swirls in the paint, try to show the expansive use of material in the dress, the hour glass figure and trendy colours. I had best move on to the next exercise…….
I shall probably re-visit this illustration in my own time someday ……..
Today (6th May 2020) I watch a you-tube video “ultimate fashion of the 1950’s” This being very comprehensive regarding the sophistication of the 1950’s with formal wear of hat/gloves. The ” New Look” and return to family and female femininity after the working girls of the war. The obsession with Paris and all things French – eg poodles (French poodle), so poodle skirts and poodle hair cuts.
The films of the day were: Funny Face, Gigi, The Last Time I saw Paris, An American in Paris. The era of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly.
Further information (following coursework feedback):-
Today 5th September 2020 I research further information regarding the 1950’s and find a BBC documentary (dated 30th June 2020) regarding the postwar home in Britain presented by Dr Suzannah Lipscombe:-
The documentary explains that during the 1950’s the public embraced modern design after years of austerity and self-denial. (The 1950’s were post two world wars).
The decade of the 1950s brought a bright new era encompassing a host of social changes including higher living standards and improved technologies.
There was a sense of optimism. New homes were built as part of an ambitious building programme with new labour saving materials and devices. It was a time of affluent revival and a belief that science could transform everything.
During the 1950s more people were able to afford to buy their own home as wages grew at a faster rate than house prices. However tradesmen were tied up rebuilding war torn Britain, so began the phase of DIY (Do it Yourself) as an “epidemic of home improvement gripped the nation”. Dulux paint went on sale in 1953. Black & Decker started up in 1954. The Practical Householder magazine launched in October 1955.
Innovative materials discovered during the second world war (eg in the making of gas masks/aircraft) became applied to home furnishings eg fibreglass, plywood, plastics and polyester.
There began an obsession with the new plastics and polymers which were cheap and pliable. Different types of polymers resulted in varying degrees of structures and strengths and manufactured into a range of products from furnishings to clothing to toys. Objects which were previously luxury items were now cheap and available via mass production.
As homes were improved and modernised interior usage altered. The kitchen moved from being a private space to more public as an area to entertain guests, so more attention was given to what it looked like:-
After 14 years, food rationing came to an end on 4th July 1954. As restrictions on meat and bacon were lifted, a wider range of food choices gave way to new exciting possibilities of presenting food and creating recipes. Cookery writers eg Marguerite Patten became popular.
The development of labour saving goods began to take some of the drudgery out of household chores eg fridges, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, toasters, irons, hair dryers.
The major transformation in technology was the development of the television. By 1956 there was a television in every second home and it was designed to fit into the living room like a piece of furniture.
In summary the 1950s was a time of affluence, euphoria and optimism, with an unprecedented experimentation and development in science and technology used to solve the problems of the future.
It is these changes that allowed for new styles and experimentation in design of furnishings and fittings too.
Reference: BBC 4 documentary, Lipscomb,S, (June 2020), The Postwar Home.
Now to collect some visual referencing material as possible examples of the 1950s:-
Chairs:-
Lighting:-
Other possible examples; houseplants, toy, posters:-
Now a few sketches of 1950’s items to be incorporated later into the final illustration. (I really like the chunky phone):-
Quick kitchen sketch:-
Silhouettes:-
A few more objects:-
And there just has to be a poodle !:-
It feels good to be addressing this exercise more thoroughly even though it is some time after completing Assignment Two. My approach to “Key Steps in Illustration” is to learn whatever the final outcome may be. The fact that I can revisit this exercise with more confidence having reached part four of the course and with a better understanding of the requirements feels a really positive move forward.
The next stage is to plan the final illustration. It helps to refer back to the brief which is to produce an illustration of someone sitting in a chair surrounded by typical artefacts to give a teenager an idea of the 1950s.
This drawing will be photocopied and colour added.
29th October and here is the final result – a bright 1950’s kitchen to demonstrate the style to the youth of today. The background is kept white so the items show up clearly:-
It feels really good to have finally completed this exercise with a much better result than previously.
Adelaide Art 