Ration Books to Moon Landings

3rd June - 30th August 2026

An exhibition of life in the Alnwick Area from 1950 to 1970

The 1950’s and 60’s were two of the most significant decades in the history of the United Kingdom. Coming out of the ravages and losses of World War II, the nation had to literally and emotionally rebuild itself. The period saw great changes in the lives and living standards of all Britons, including the inhabitants of Alnwick and its surrounding area.

This exhibition will draw on a wide range of artefacts, images and sound recordings from throughout the Bailiffgate collection, and has been carefully curated to appeal to all ages. It will consider e.g.

• Home life -domestic items of the period, and how these changed to allow housewives to widen their horizons and ambitions
• Education -the selective system then in place with “11+” examination, and the different schools in Alnwick at the time
• Shopping -advertisements for shops in the town centre and how their offerings were different from those today
• Entertainment -the coming of the TV age, the decline of cinema and rise of the bingo hall, pirate radio etc. Toys of the era. Postcards, the “social media” of the period.
• Transport – The rise in motor cars, resultant rail closures, buses in the Market Place, the Great North Road coming right through the town.
• Health -rising life expectancy and lower infant deaths through the expansion of the National Health Service and increased vaccinations
• Social changes -the coming of the “teenager”, changes in musical tastes (from Sinatra and Vera Lynn to Heavy Metal and Psychedelia). Fashion changes from the New Look to miniskirts. Children’s books, and notably Topsy and Tim, who were “born” in Alnwick in 1960.

There will be number of free, hands-on activities for children, including Museum Detectives below, as well as much to interest all adults, including those who were lucky enough to grow up in the period.

Don’t miss it. Save money and book your flexible tickets now.

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