The Mayor relaxes with a glass of bubbly in the 1952 Room

It was a time when the austerity of post-war rationing was giving way to a new world of technology, glamour, bold design and prosperity. 1952 – A celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, is a new exhibition allowing people to step back in time to see what life was really like in 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II became queen.

The Exhibition was opened this week by Colin Sampson, the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, who gave a short speech to invited guests:

Attitudes to smoking were completely different in the 1950's, the strongest warning being 'Don’t Smoke — Unless You Like It'

“I think it’s tremendous that we’ve been able to set up this exhibition. Those of us who can remember will know it really was like this back in 1952. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who spent the time, effort and enthusiasm to set this up.

“It’s always amusing when you get to exhibitions of this sort because you stand there thinking ‘oh yes I’ve been there and done that’ It’s a very entertaining and instructive exhibition and everyone should come along.”

Themed information boards, covering topics such as transport and health, allow visitors to build up a comprehensive picture of what life was like for the average person in 1950s Britain. As well as being a fantastic learning resources for scholars, pieces such as the re-creation of a 1950s living room, complete with authentic wallpaper and furnishings, along with dresses and shoes from the era, really bring the period to life.

1952 Exhibition Poster

Children’s activities have a distinctive ’50s flavour inspired by ‘Watch with mother’ and ‘Bill and Ben’. Youngsters will be able to find out about the sorts of toys their forbears would have had to keep them entertained and will be able to learn about sweet rationing.

There will also be a display of British postage stamps from the last 60 years.

Cllr David Pope, Cabinet Member for Leisure Assets, said: “With the approach of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, people are reflecting upon her sixty year reign. This exhibition focuses upon 1952, not just upon the momentous State occasions, but also on the real, everyday life on ordinary people. The range of material, particularly the re-construction of a 50s living room, really brings this part of our history to life.”

The exhibition, created by the Tourist Information Centre, is open from 9 May until 30 September and costs £1 for adults and 50p for children. Housed within the Custom House, King’s Lynn. It is open from 10 am – 4.30 pm Monday – Saturday and 12 noon – 4.30 pm Sunday.