The Swinging Sixties

Encompassing art and design, objects, ceramics, pictures, as well as ephemera, toys, posters and collectables from a period that used new techniques, new styles and new materials. 

This period saw the race for space and the moon and saw explorers reach new depths and heights to conquer the last parts of our unexplored planet. 

Conformity was thrown out - the new generation wanted something different. Music developed quicker in this period than ever before which rolled out Rock ‘n’ Roll to Punk. Fashion saw a shift from the clean lines to the crazy psychedelic colours of the 1960s’ counter-culture.  From Buddy Holly to the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix to Ziggy Stardust, Teddy boys to Glam Rock. 

Technological advances helped new architectural styles and buildings, develop in a way never thought possible from the Skylon, in the Festival of Britain to the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The first computers commercially successful were developed and the world saw the awakening of a network technology that would ultimately emerge as the world wide web.

Brionvega, Sony, Hitachi and Braun all became household names through their electrical products that became widely available to millions. From rationing to the new techniques in farming practises the world saw a revolution in how the world was fed, how food was stored and how food was eaten. Families sat eating ‘Fast Food’ and ‘TV dinners’ while watching the greatest nation on earth lose a war in Vietnam. The great TV shows such as Star Trek, Monty Python and Thunderbirds emerged as favourites and James Bond, Hitchcock’s Psycho and Kubrick’s 2001 Space Odyssey defined a new style in film. New stars were born and were followed by the ‘Beat Generation’ such as James Dean and Marlon Brando. 

Plastic became the material of choice in furniture, sculpture and fashion. Studio pottery became more sculptural. And metal was cast and moulded into unbelievable forms. 

Be sure not to miss out on the launch of a new catalogue by signing up for alerts here and follow the department on Instagram @swordersdesign

Our specialist

Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online valuation form to enquire about the auction value of your items.