It is all happening in Shepton mallet this week!

As you may have seen on Niki's blog in recent weeks, there is a lot of activity in the town of Shepton Mallet at the moment.

Today I went over to see the next transformation and collect the items I had lent them for filming the previous era.

It is now the 1940's, and the streets are realistic with sandbags, taped windows and vintage vehicles....

This is the building (below) which was a 30's dress makers last week where I met the lovely Gilly Woo.
We wanted to see inside today, but sadly they were filming.

We had to console ourselves with a delicious lunch in Peppers (well recommended Niki!) surrounded by the cast having their last big meal before living on wartime rations for the next week. They were all suitably dressed in wonderful 40's attire, brilliant to see. For those of you who have not heard about this new programme. It is going to cover the history of the High Street, next will be the 50's, 60's and 70's, so watch this space! Belinda gave a very good explanation on her blog a while ago, click here to read it.

Textiles..... Fame at last!!

Much excitement at Washerwoman HQ this morning! I have just braved the early morning rush hour down to the paper shop to collect the August edition of BBC Homes and Antiques.

The reason for my enthusiasm is that some of my fabric stock are featured in the article on mid-century textiles. This is all thanks to the lovely Kiera Buckley- Jones who I met at the Bath Vintage Fashion Fair a while ago.

 Thank you Kiera, it is a super article!

If anyone is reading the blog for the first time (and as a result of the magazine article) a percentage of my textile stock can be found at Dairy House Antiques. At present I have curtains from the 1950's, 60's and 70's there, as well as a selection of French Textiles.

Helping at Home

 Since I have been busy decorating and generally having a good old clear out, I have come across lots of  old books that I have kept for one reason or another...............

This ladybird book first published in 1961 is a charming idyllic snapshot of family life in the 1960's.

    I think the illustrations are great (JH Wingfield is the artist)

"The large clear script, careful choice of words and frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures  enable children almost to teach themselves to read" (taken from the opening page)

"The subject of the book is one that will greatly appeal to children" (mmmm, not so sure about that!)

     It certainly wouldn't work today would it?

 Anyway, I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into the past!