Even if you missed the launch of Bronwyn Labrum’s Real Modern: Everyday New Zealand in the 1950s & 1960s you have almost certainly heard about it by now. Real Modern featured in the Dominion Post on Saturday the 31st of October, and Bronwyn chatted with Kim Hill on Radio New Zealand – but the in store launch on Thursday the 29th of October was when it sprang into the world for the first time.
The crowd was sprinkled with folks in gladrags of the era – probably the greatest number of puffy petticoats that Willis Street has seen in quite some time. Introducing the speakers and wearing a circle skirt of her very own was Unity’s Becky Popham, who gestured to her dress as she told as all ‘As you can tell, I’m excited.’
Claire Murdoch of Te Papa Press was the first speaker of the evening, acknowledging the historical importance of where the launch was taking place – with some of the most noteworthy cafes and restaurants of the 50s and 60s originally located along our stretch of Willis Street. She then wound her way through all the thank yous – and with a book this beautifully and carefully put together, there were plenty of people to mention.
She talked about the heft of the book – the first thing many people mention – and pointed out that, with ‘more than 500 images and objects’, it is a book ‘weighted with memory and loaded with significance’. ‘We hope it will transport some of you back to younger years.’
Professor Charlotte Macdonald took on the mantle of official book launcher, and began her speech by telling us ‘I have 429 things to say – one for each page of this splendid book.’ She may not have kept precise count, but the things she shared were effusive indeed.
She particularly noted how evocative some of the pictures and descriptions were for her, as someone who grew up in the era explored. ‘The pages open to me a history I lived,’ she told us, referencing things like ‘school texts, prickly school gym frocks and disgusting warm milk at morning tea’.
These objects and captured moments provide markers of time, she told us, and provide a lens to ‘what it was for a society to be that young’. As she handed the mic over to Bronwyn, Charlotte commented that she was ‘very grateful and excited about what Real Modern does.’
Bronwyn warmly thanked Charlotte for her speech before beginning her own. She explained a little of the concept and aims of the book, referencing its introduction. ‘The book puts a large array of more ordinary objects in the spotlight … [which] are put back into their everyday context.’ Her thank yous included academic associates and family members as well as the Te Papa Press team.
‘When I received my advance copy from Te Papa Press, I could not believe my eyes.’ Bronwyn’s sentiments were echoed by those in attendance, who seemed in agreement when she added ‘Finally, can we all agree that this is the most beautiful book published this year?’.
Beautiful is certainly the word for it, and with the media attention it has been getting, as well as appreciation from all who examine it in store, it’s one to grab as soon as you get the chance.
Real Modern: Everyday New Zealand in the 1950s & 1960s (Te Papa Press) is available in store and from our online shop HERE.
Photos by Tamsin Grigg and Jane Harris, words by Briar Lawry.
Real Modern on display. /TG
Bronwyn and Charlotte chatting before their speeches. /JH
Becky Popham speaking on behalf of Unity. /TG
Claire Murdoch of Te Papa Press. /JH
Professor Charlotte Macdonald of Victoria University of Wellington. /JH
Author Bronwyn Labrum. /TG
The crowd before the speeches. /TG
Bronwyn signing copies of her book. /TG
