During the 1950s social and economic changes meant that younger consumers benefited from higher amounts of disposable income. More money was available to spend on luxuries such as entertainment. Portable radios had handbag-style handles and were conceived as fashion accessories for young people, in contrast to the heavy cabinets that their parents had used. References to American automobile dash-board styling in the appearance of this radio reinforced the message of portability and versatility. It even came with a socket for a car aerial.
Physical description
Oblong radio, with rounded corners. Handle over the top, made of cream plastic and chromium struts. Circular dial in front with chromium trim. 'BUSH' in chromium letters on front. Dark coloured leathercloth surround on top and sides. Tuner inset in top.
Place of Origin
Plymouth (England), England (made)
Date
ca. 1959 (made)
Artist/maker
Ogle, David, born 1921 - died 1962 (Designer)
Bush Radio Ltd (maker)
Materials and Techniques
Plastic case, leathercloth-covered surround, chromium trim and perspex dial
Marks and inscriptions
'BUSH'
Dimensions
Height: 21 cm, Width: 28.8 cm, Depth: 8 cm
Historical context note
Features which contrived to appeal to a younger market with vastly increased spending power greatly influenced the marketing of consumer goods during the 1950s. Portable radios had handbag-style handles and were conceived as fashion accessories for young people, in contrast to the heavy cabinets of their parents' generation. References to American automobile dash-board styling in the appearance of this radio reinforced the message of portability and versatility. It even came with a socket for a car aerial.
[Gareth Williams, 'British Design at Home', p.146]
Descriptive line
Radio, Bush Radio Ltd., TR 82C, ca. 1959
Labels and date
Twentieth Century Gallery
Bush Model TR 82C
Designed and made by Bush Radio Ltd, Plymouth, Devon, Great Britain, about 1959
Plastic case, leathercloth-covered surround, chromium trim, perspex dial
W.16-1992
This is an all-transistor 'hand-bag' portable displaying the then popular large chrome knob centred in an easy-to-read low-geared tuning dial. It was promoted as a versatile and robust outdoor radio and features a socket for a car aerial. [1992]
Production Note
Reason For Production: Retail
Materials
Plastic; Perspex; Chromium
Production Type
Mass produced
Collection code
FWK
