Prices and style of life in 1957?

Question

i am trying to put together a book for my mum who was born in aug 1957 in london i can not find any prices of anything back in the day if anyone could help i would be really great full.

Answer 1

You should check out a tv show called Mad Men.  While it does take place in early 1960's USA, it is a wonderful example of what life was like (3 yrs later).  

I heard an interview on NPR with a producer from the show, and the thing that struck me about style in those days was that women weren't as "fashionable".  Magazines like Elle and Marie Claire weren't as available, and clothing wasn't massed produced for low costs like it is today, so people's wardrobes were much more limited.  And it was normal for women to wear clothing for a many years (instead of getting rid of it next season).

Answer 2

What a unique and wonderful idea!  Your Mom is sure to love it and appreciate your efforts :)  Here are some websites I found that should help:

http://www.joesherlock.com/America-57.ht...

http://www.retro-housewife.com/life-in-t...

http://dvd.ciao.co.uk/The_Time_Of_Your_L...

Answer 3

Weekly average wage £10 0s 0d (unskilled)

bar of chocolate 6d

pint of beer 1s regional, 1s 6d or 2s London

house pirce £2,300

basic state pension £2/week (or 20% of weekly average, which is more than the current 18% of weekly average!)

Some items have become comparatively cheaper though we think otherwise. The UK rationed some things like petrol long after the war was over into the mid 1950s, and as a proportion of income, car owners spend less on petrol today than they did then. Housing costs as a proportion of income are lower now.

1957 was also the year of Britain's first nuclear accident, at Windscale, Cumbria. (now known as Sellafield)

Answer 4

Order "The Time Of Your Life - 1957" DVD

http://dvd.ciao.co.uk/The_Time_Of_Your_L...

tcw