One Day Bus Pass Poster (1985)

Lockdown was a funny old time, wasn't it? Kept apart from society and overdosing on baking and introspection, it was easy to descend into an unusual brand of madness. And, naturally, people presume that this was the unbalanced lull which caused me to purchase this majestically ephemeral London bus poster. But they would be wrong. Not mistaken, but wrong. Because while this was acquired mid-pandemic, I’d have had to be entirely insane not to buy it.

St Michael Knitted Track Top (1981)

Without question, this is my most adored artefact of vintage intent: a knitted track top (or is it a zipped cardigan?) which hails from Mark & Spencer under their unmistakeable St Michael brand. It is, and I say this without hyperbole, a monumental slice of early 1980s fashion. Not simply red in the way that a fire engine, post box, or lips on Valentine's Day are, this is all of those rolled into one and multiplied by the power of ten. It also featured that iconic St Michael logo - ubiquitous in the 1980s - which instantly creates a warming rush of nostalgia and reliability.

Casio SL-702C (1984)

So, the first bit of 1980s technology to be featured on Ephemeral 80s and, of course, it must wear that insignia of digital excellence - Casio. Better yet, it's a calculator, beloved of many a schoolchild - not for tackling fiendish mathematics, but instead for typing in absolute filth about the lack of mammary glands. Behold, the Casio SL-702C from 1984: a marvel of pocket technology, a gadget you'd slyly reveal to divine the mysteries of long division, or simply work out how much change you'd have from a tenner after a pint of mild.

I bought this little relic some years ago, since then, it's mostly gathered dust in my bedside drawer - yes, dear reader, this is the tragic peak of my bedroom activities. Whilst it's an undeniably charming scrap of circuitry, it's solar energy credentials are woefully weak - despite the claims of the packaging, and it clearly needs to be close to the surface of the sun to deliver its digits in bold. Yes, it's a tidy illustration of the era's technological ambition - and it comes in a sleek leather jacket - but in practice it merely limps you over the line when you're trying to free up your brain from the rigours of arithmetic. 

St Michael Cup and Saucer (1982)

Today's offering from Ephemeral 80s is this delightful stoneware cup and saucer which was sold by Marks & Spencer under their St Michael brand in 1982.

Acquired, a couple of years ago now, from the vintage bazaar which is Ebay, it came as part of a quarter still carefully wrapped in its original packaging - a bargain at just £11, including Royal Mail's begrudging trudge. with postage. And, my oh my, if this isn't the very essence of the early 1980s then I'm Boy George's teaboy. With a palette best described as "1982", it dabbles boldly in beige, flirts with brown and laces a grey hue throughout. Its visual appearance is as riveting as watching paint dry, but filled full of coffee in the morning, it gives you a proper Proustian jolt in stoneware. Far superior to any emoji-splattered cup of the 21st century.

The Sainsbury Book of Children's Party Cooking (1983)

As a youngster, there's nothing like the thrill of a party. From the frantic games through to the obligatory tantrums and pleasing finale of a goodie bag, they're fantastic experiences for all involved (aside from the hosting parents). But a party is nothing without a fine spread of food to soothe the rumbling tums of rampant children in need of fast-digesting carbohydrates. That's why The Sainsbury Book of Children's Party Cooking by Carole Handslip was such a must have for parents in the 1980s.

Ephemeral 1980s Donations Required

I'm always picking up 1980s curiosities - hence why I started this website - but you can't have too much of a good thing, so I'm also open to donations of any 1980s ephemera which help shine a light on Britain during this intriguing decade.

If it's obscure, mundane, or something that you feel was pointless holding on to, it's likely I'll be interested. So, for example, if you have a parish council newsletter from 1987, an old cereal box from 1982 or a 1986 city guide to Guildford, I'd be delighted to feature this on Ephemeral 80s.

I'm happy to pay for postage and will return any items if you cherish them deeply. Alternatively, I'll hold on to them for posterity or donate them to one of the local vintage shops. All help is much appreciated.

Parker 45 Pen (1986)

First up on Ephemeral 80s is this rather fantastic Parker 45 ballpoint pen which I picked up on Ebay at the start of the year. Now, whilst Parker was founded in the US back in the 19th century, it was bought out in 1986 and its headquarters relocated to Newhaven, East Sussex, England. And that's the exact year this pen was made.

Welcome to Ephemeral 80s

Welcome to Ephemeral 80s - a website dedicated to the forgotten curios of Britain in the 1980s.