The Birth and Evolution of Barbie The story of Barbie begins with Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Inc., who was inspired by her daughter Barbara’s fascination with paper dolls. Noticing that Barbara preferred to give her dolls adult roles, Handler realised there was a gap in the market for aRead More →
Origins in the United Kingdom Car boot sales, a quintessentially British phenomenon, have their roots in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. The concept originated from the idea of selling unwanted household items from the boot (or trunk) of a car. This practice was inspired by traditional flea markets andRead More →
History of Cash’s Silk Woven Pictures Origins and Development The history of Cash’s silk woven pictures dates back to the mid-19th century, with the establishment of the firm J. & J. Cash in Coventry, England, in 1846. Founded by Joseph Cash and his brother John, the company initially specialised inRead More →
Origins of Transformers by Hasbro The history of Transformers by Hasbro traces back to the early 1980s, marked by a collaboration between Japanese toy company Takara Tomy and American toy giant Hasbro. Takara had developed a toy line called Diaclone, featuring transforming robots that could change from vehicles to humanoidRead More →
Origins of Auction Houses Auction houses have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The concept of auctions can be traced to ancient Greece, where they were used to sell goods, property etc. The Romans also conducted auctions for a variety of purposes, including the sale of assets seizedRead More →
Introduction My dad (who unfortunately is no longer with us) was a classic car enthusiast. He would buy cars that required work and enjoyed restoring them in his spare time. I remember as a child taking an interest in the mechanics and the welding, that went on under the carportRead More →
Understanding Ephemera Ephemera is a fascinating category of collectibles encompassing a wide array of transient materials, typically designed for short-term use and intended to be discarded after use. Despite their disposable nature, ephemera hold significant historical, cultural, and social value. Examples include tickets, brochures, postcards, posters, menus, playbills, and tradingRead More →
Origins and Early Development of Funko Pops Funko Pops, those adorable vinyl figures with oversized heads and captivating designs, have become a cultural phenomenon since their inception. The story begins in 1998 when Mike Becker founded Funko, a company initially focused on creating nostalgic bobblehead figures. However, it wasn’t untilRead More →
Introduction The term “ghetto blaster” typically refers to a large, portable stereo system that gained popularity in the late 1970s and 1980s. These devices were characterised by their powerful speakers, often accompanied by a radio tuner and cassette tape player. The ghetto blaster played a significant role in the culturalRead More →
Origins and Early History of Costume Jewellery Costume jewellery, also known as fashion or imitation jewellery, has a rich history dating back to ancient civilisations. The concept of adorning oneself with non-precious materials for aesthetic purposes can be traced to ancient Egypt, where people used glass beads and coloured stonesRead More →