Real Modern, Everyday New Zealand in the 1950s and 1960s
The latest book from
Te Papa Press brings to life a ‘golden age’ of God, Queen and Country, full employment, the baby
boom, Sir Edmund Hillary and ‘Ladies, a plate!’ – as well as the birth of the teenager and the
seedbed of later change. But what was life really like?
Novelist and reviewer Catherine Robertson says “‘Joyful’ is the perfect word to sum up this book. Somehow we’ve been led to believe that New Zealand at this time was cautious, stodgy and dull, but Real Modern shows it was anything but. The New Zealand in this book is witty, inventive, adventurous and eager for new experiences. And the clothes were just gorgeous. Real Modern does more than diligently record the familiar objects of the 1950s and 1960s; it captures the feeling of what it was like to live then.”
Real Modern tells a vibrant and varied story of real life in this compelling era through images and, above all, objects. It is a rich compendium of the things that New Zealanders acquired and desired, that they used at school, work or play, and that they wore and saw around the country.
Renowned historian Jock Phillips says “For those who lived through the 1950s and 60s this book brings back powerful and intimate memories of daily life; for those who did not, it reveals a fascinating and surprising world.”
Radio New Zealand National host Wallace Chapman says “Like an archaeological dig, objects give us meaning to an era in history. From the fabrics to the furniture, the Three Flowers talcum powder to the Vance Vivian shops, Real Modern does just that, taking us beyond the usual Kiwiana and retro labels.”
This is Te Papa Press’s second major foray into the world of material history, following the success of Holding onto Home: New Zealand Stories and Objects of the First World War by Kate Hunter and Kirstie Ross.
Featuring hundreds of stunning new photographs from Te Papa and collections nationwide, Real Modern is a celebration of the things of the 1950s and ’60s and the people who used them. It is a fresh and nuanced view of these familiar yet surprising times.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronwyn Labrum is an associate
professor in the School of Design at Massey University, and was formerly curator of history and
textiles at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She has written widely about New
Zealand’s cultural and social history, museums and material culture, and has a long-‐standing
interest in the mid-twentieth century and its objects.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Te Papa Press is New Zealand’s unique museum publisher, creating popular nonfiction books about
New Zealand’s art, culture, and natural world for museum visitors and readers everywhere. To see
our other books visit: www.tepapapress.co.nz
Contact Details
Angela Radford Te Papa Press publicist
PHONE: 0275 401 104 or 09 579 7351
EMAIL: [email protected]
Contact Details
Kate Camp Te Papa Communications Manager
PHONE: 04 381 7083 or 029 601 0180
EMAIL: [email protected]
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