Last month Argos announced it would stop printing it’s seminal paper catalogue (apparently once found in three quarters of British homes, and only the Bible was found in more homes!), as online shopping increases. It was first printed 47 years ago, and for many of us it evokes childhood memories of flicking through the pages and annoying parents with making wish lists of toys and goods.
But it is also a great history of design and British tastes over these decades, whether it be furniture, interior design, graphic design, accessories or technology. Apparently it was also the most targeted shop for looting during the London riots back in 2011. But fear not! Retromash have been lovingly collating collections of old catalogues that can be viewed and searched online. Nostalgia overload at the ready.
If you feel the need to see a real life vintage catalogue, we do hold a couple in the Special Collections but as this is currently closed, as with all our libraries, due to the corona virus pandemic, you will need to wait until we re-open (no date at time of writing).
Related previous posts:
Interior Design student exhibition
