CARTER'S MID 20th CENTURY

Collectables ~ Design ~ Decor

by William and Dorothy Hall

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New hardcover book, published 2006, 224 pages with full-colour photos throughout.

The 1950s and ’60s are considered by many to be the most exciting and influential design and décor decades ever. In Carter's Mid 20th Century, William and Dorothy Hall, well known writers for the antiques, 'modern' and collectables trade, explain the reasons for that belief, while providing numerous examples of 50s/60s style together with décor tips and other information. They take the reader on a visual journey through a fastinating maze of fifties and sixties collectables, furniture, pottery, toys, artwork and fashion, along with some other more unusual paraphernalia.

Elegantly and concisely written, Mid20thC explains the features of each of the objects shown, and pdovides a simple 1 - 4 star rating system to denote their respective collectability. As such, it is a brilliant resource for everyone interested in this increasingly popular period of Australia's heritage.

This book fills a gap. It is about many mid20C products that have become, or are likely to become, collectable in Australia. One reason for today's considerable interest in the mid20C is because of the special nature of many of the products' designs, summarised as 'fifties and sixties modern', covered extensively in this book.

The book has a broad coverage, but with an Australian focus. It is written for collectors who are able to spend as little or as much as they wish for mid20C collectables. How about some plastic beads for $ 2, or a vase for $ 10, or a Cadillac costing $ 250,000, or something in-between like a designer watch for $ 50,000? It is also written for the decor conscious, because it has a design and decor theme throughout, showing the uses to which collectables may be put within different room settings.

The book will be useful by providing structure to the complexity of mid20C collecting, and to provide an overview of the main features of the era's products. Also, and primarily, the book will be enjoyed by everyone.

Contents include:

• What was special?
• Furniture
• Living rooms
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Bedrooms
• Mid20thC homes
• Leisure: inside
• Leisure: outside
• Clothing and fashion
• Looking after collectables
• Further reading, glossary and index

About the authors

William and Dorothy Hall have written numerous books and articles, including many for the antiques/collectables trade. In addition, together with Dorinda Hafner they co-authored the international prize-winning book, Ethnodelicious.

Carter's Mid 20th Century by William and Dorothy Hall