Turn Back Time, the 1930's and 1970's High Street in Shepton Mallet

A few months ago I had a phone call asking if I could supply some vintage clothing for a unique and very special project.

 A series of television programmes were being made in Shepton Mallet which Niki  has covered from beginning to end as she was right there in the midst of all the action and activity in the town.

 I was able to dip in and out as I was asked to supply for 2 of the decades being covered. My first job was to find some 1930's clothing and hats to supply Gill (below) with items to work on or sell in her workroom (above).

Always ready  for a challenge I managed to gather a selection dresses, coats and lingerie for the researchers to use.
However I WISH they had consulted me on the toy shop as I was appalled to see this imported pink dolls house in the window! What a shame they didn't use a doll house from the 30's. It was a time when Triang toys were making the most fantastic dolls house and many survive today so it shouldn't have been hard to find one.

 I know I am a bit of a perfectionist (blame the star sign I was born under!) but that is just the way I am!

 However, I did think the attention to detail on the shop fronts and clothing that the  families wore were fantastic... Some of these photos are from Niki's blog (with permission of course) as most of the piccies I took didn't come out clearly.

On one of the days I went over to Shepton Mallet I was able to see the families close up as they enjoyed lunch before being launched into the next decade. Their clothing  was beautifully put together and attention to detail was superb. I also loved the fact that there were vintage cars dotted around the streets.

My next involvement was for the 1970's. Once again I had to supply clothing for Gill's shop (above).

I went armed with lurex dresses, hot pants, flares and maxi dresses.....

The shop was obviously a great success as a lot of my clothing sold in the week it was open and Niki tells me that it is now open as a Vintage shop. That is great news as it shows that despite being entertaining  and informative TV it has also achieved something it set out to do.... and that is to get the High Street back and to open up shops that people want to visit...

Lastly my favourite, the 70's record shop.. fantastic! Unfortunately there are unlikely to be any takers for this one. As the programme pointed out most of us nothing to play vinyl on anymore....if want a bit of nostalgia click here, or if you want to watch any of the programmes on iplayer click here.