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 →
Origins of Fortune Telling Fortune telling, also known as divination, has a rich and varied history that spans across cultures and civilizations. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when people sought to understand the mysteries of life and predict the future. One of the earliest forms ofRead More →
The Birth of the Acme Whistle The history of the Acme whistle dates back to the 1870’s when Joseph Hudson, a toolmaker from Birmingham, England, began experimenting with various designs. His aim was to create a more reliable and effective whistle. Hudson’s innovation was driven by a growing need forRead More →
Introduction We start 2024 with a blog about Feng Shui, why? I hear you ask. You have heard of the expression “New Year, new me” and the big clean and tidying away of the festive items. As humans we like to think a clear mind not only starts with ourRead More →
Introduction The modern celebration of Christmas has evolved over centuries and is influenced by a combination of religious, cultural, and historical factors. While the roots of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan and religious celebrations, the modern Christmas celebration has been shaped by various traditions and customs. HereRead More →
The Stereoscope The stereoscope was invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in 1838. It was one of the earliest devices designed to create a three-dimensional illusion from a pair of two-dimensional images. Wheatstone’s stereoscope utilized the principle of stereopsis, which is the ability of the brain to perceive depth and dimensionRead More →
Origins of Ukiyo-e Ukiyo-e, which translates to “pictures of the floating world,” originated in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The term “floating world” refers to the transient nature of life, especially in the pleasure districts of cities like Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Ukiyo-e began as black and whiteRead More →
Introduction Sometimes at Wildcard Curiosities we acquire an item that really challenges our knowledge. The Apocrypha Book studied by Reverend Alex Fletcher was one such item. We thought it would be an idea to share our research with you in our latest blog. It is an interesting read whether youRead More →
The Origins of the Anglepoise Lamp The Anglepoise lamp, a timeless and iconic piece of industrial design, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Its inception can be attributed to the ingenious work of George Carwardine, a British automotive engineer and designer. Carwardine was inspired toRead More →