Old time radio
By William Gregory MRICS, Golding Young and Mawer.
Bygone and ephemeral items from a previous age are a regular staple at auctions. Nostalgic reminders of childhood in items can evoke memories in all but the most focused auction goer – the radio or wireless is one such item. With its history dating back to the late 19th century, even the original name, “wireless”, has been lost to modern technology and changing fashions.
These once large, and sometimes smelly, items held pride of place in households. Designs developed with technology and fashions from early mahogany boxed crystal sets, to table top and larger free standing radiograms. Materials such as Bakelite and plastic allowed designs and colours to replicate modernistic ideas and movements. Art Deco is an obvious example from the late 1920s and 1930s as the radio reached out to households throughout the land.
Radios regularly appear at auction and with modern internet catalogues, collectors can be found bidding from all parts of the world. With the exception of one or two very rare models, prices tend to be in the tens of pounds and low hundreds. Although caution should be taken with regards to modern health and safety regulations, a professional electrician may be required before you plug it in and you find the Top 40 has just gone off with a bang!
Main image: A Murphy red Bakelite portable radio, with cream coloured knobs.
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Grantham school joins Carol Service in celebration of town’s hospital![]()
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Pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy are taking part in the first Carol Service to celebrate the special relationship Grantham and District Hospital has with the town and surrounding communities.![]()
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The school children will join in the singing of favourite Christmas Carols as well as perform their own set musical piece at the Carol Service on Thursday 11th December at 7pm, in St Wulfram’s church, Grantham.![]()
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Deputy Head Teacher Olivia Mumford said: “The Carol Service is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to share the joy of music while showing appreciation for the incredible work done at Grantham and District Hospital. It’s a privilege to support such an important event in our town."![]()
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The Carol Service has been organised by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, who work closely with staff at Grantham and District Hospital and provides those extras for staff and patients that NHS budgets are unable to fund. ![]()
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Further details on the Grantham NHS Carol Service can be found by visiting www.ulhcharity.org.uk/news/christmas-carols-at-grantham-st-wulfram-church-in-thanks-for-towns-sup...