Guest blog by Lily
In 1946, the world’s first computer – ENIAC – was developed. It occupied a staggering 167m2 and was considered the forefront of cutting edge technology. Jump forward 70 years and we all have access to computerized technology that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Although we have progressed exponentially from the days of the Betamax, floppy disk and (thank goodness) the mullet… the technology that got us to where we are today played a very important role in our lives. These days everything is competing to be smaller and faster with a more modern design and it seems the fond memories of rabbit ear aerials and using a biro to wind a cassette tape are fading away.
However, no one can deny that the technology of the last century has a definite charm to it and in many ways, the original versions beat any remake in quality and design. Retro tech has character to it… something that you will be hard pressed to find in modern design.
That’s why we have trawled our stock, unearthed some classic items and compiled a list of our top five retro items. These are classic appliances from well-known brands that are just as reliable now as they have always been.
At number five we have the Roberts Radio’s Revival RD60 in pastel cream. A slight modern twist to a wonderfully vintage style Radio by the well-known and very reliable Roberts Radio who have been manufacturing radios since 1932. With DAB and FM tuner, headphone socket, a portable option and a smooth faux leather casing, this is a must have for 50’s fanatics.
Our number four spot goes to the GPO 746 rotary telephone. What vintage style home would be complete without the nostalgic chimes of an authentic rotary dial phone? Standing for General Post Office, the GPO had the monopoly on telephone sales upon their release to the general public consumers from 1920. Straightforward to use and to install and comes in three classic colours; red, black and cream.
In third place is the Smeg FAB28QP1 fridge in cream. There is a reason why this fridge has not changed since it was first conceived 60 years ago… because nothing quite surpasses this robust machine in quality or design. Smeg took advantage of the economic growth and urbanization of the late 40’s and revolutionised home living; making home appliances more of a status symbol than merely a convenience. Today, little has changed and this beautifully designed fridge is a shining example of Smeg quality manufacturing. With and impressive 222 litre capacity, a respectable 26 litre ice box and automatic defrosting this is so much more than a pretty piece of furniture.
Our runner up at number two is the Kitchenaid K45SS mixer. Although we do sell other brand varieties of the classic stand mixer, we have chosen the Kitchenaid for one simple reason… it was the first of it’s kind. Invented in 1919 it was an instant hit and was brand named almost accidentally when the wife of one of the company directors quoted “I don’t care what you call it, it’s the best kitchen aid I’ve ever had.” Apparently countless other consumers agree; the Kitchenaid mixer is as popular and sought after today as it has ever been. With 3 attachments and keeping it’s original design is a testament to just how loved this product is.
So what item is deserving of first place? Of course, what would a top list of retro items be without the ultimate, the epitome of all that is vintage… the turntable. Introducing the Lenco L90 wooden turntable with USB connection. Why this item? It sings out style (literally) and with the USB connection it allows you to digitize your record collection onto your PC. Swiss brand Lenco introduced a turntable with a unique heavy tonearm, which was their foot in the door of the 1960’s hi-fi market. This tonearm allowed Lenco to beat competitors in many areas and was ultimately adopted by other brands in their turntables.
View our full range of products at hughes.co.uk or find your nearest store today.
