1950s timeline
From scientific breakthroughs, post-war British optimism and political developments, discover the key events of the 1950s and the spirit of the times in which these exquisite dresses were worn.
1950
Hardy Amies receives first order from then-Princess Elizabeth.
3 May 1951
George VI opens Festival of Britain
6 February 1952
Queen Elizabeth II succeeds the throne
25 April 1953
Watson and Crick discover the structure of DNA
2 June 1953
Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen and peeresses wear gowns and robes designed by Norman Hartnell
1954
Beatnik Generation manifesto is published - TIME magazine "This Is the Beat Generation"
4 July 1954
Rationing ends in the UK
5 April 1955
Winston Churchill retires as Prime Minister
22 September 1955
ITV’s first broadcast
17 October 1955
Rebel Without a Cause staring James Dean is released
November 1955
Bazaar, Mary Quant’s first shop opens
19 April 1956
Grace Kelly marries Rainier III Prince of Monaco
5 July 1956
Worsening pollution prompts the passing of the Clean Air Act
17 October 1956
Britain switches on first nuclear power station
1956
Suez Canal crisis
1957
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) formed
15 May 1957
Britain tests first hydrogen bomb
4 October 1957
Soviet Union launch first space satellite Sputnik 1
Christmas Day 1957
Queen Elizabeth II’s first Christmas broadcast on television
3 July 1958
Last debutante formally presented to The Queen
29 August 1958
Cliff Richard releases first British rock and roll single ‘Move It’
26 August 1950
First Mini goes on sale
