Fashion: Darling, you may have opted for a tailored suit with a pencil skirt...
After years of wartime austerity, by golly glamour returned to Britain in the 1950s. With clothes rationing ending in 1949, young ladies with an eye for fashion were demanding outfits made with increasing amounts of fabric. Christian Dior's New Look was all the rage, with his seemingly frivolous styles mimicked in high street shops. Other popular styles were the straight sheath dress or pencil skirt.
I agree. I would have. I still do. (Though trousers are also a preferred option for me nowadays.
Music: Being a jazz fan, you would probably have opted for the era's traditional jazz revival or bebop...
The NME's first UK hit parade in 1952 was dominated by easy listening styles, such as that of Nat King Cole. But traditional jazz was also popular. The classic Dixieland and New Orleans "hot" style was revived in Britain and US bebop records were influencing British artists, such as Johnny Dankworth and his Melody Maker All Stars as well as Ronnie Scott.
M'eh. Maybe.
Food: You may well have started to sample Mediterranean food, as championed by Elizabeth David...
In 1952, Britons were still struggling with the aftermath of WWII. Many foods, including meat, were still rationed. Others were in short supply.
Research by University College London on children's eating habits at that time found that bread and milk made up a large part of their diets. Most had either eggs or cereal with bread for breakfast, meat, potatoes and vegetables for lunch, and bread and jam, cake and sometimes biscuits for tea. Fish and chips would have been your takeaway treat.
Bleargh.
Work: Professional opportunities were limited for women, but you may have become a teacher or nurse...
In 1952, Britain was a powerful trading nation, with manufacturing accounting for a third of national output and 40% of employment. But for today's managers or professionals, like you, there would have been fewer opportunities. Just 25% of the workforce had such roles, compared to 44% now. However, the public sector employed the same number of people (6 million) as today.
For women, options were extremely limited. Just 35% worked - compared to 71% today. While many took up jobs as secretaries, telephonists, teachers or nurses, pioneering women did make it into other professions or even traditional male trades in manufacturing. However, most were still expected to give up work and become housewives once married.
Now that is a cracker. Boo. Hiss.
Home: You would have been lucky to have a large detached house, as this was out of most people's range...
Following the war, housing was in crisis. Bombing raids had destroyed a quarter of Britain's stock and many families lived in cramped Victorian slums. In response, thousands of prefabricated homes were built and Victorian terraces were demolished to make way for cheap maisonettes, terraces or high-rise flats. Large-scale building on the outskirts of cities saw many families move to suburbia or to planned New Towns
Thank God for small mercies.
White house on right = Doctor's. Count the cars!
