POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Radio with toilet roll holder

Object No. 2004/61/1

This toilet roll holder with radio is a good example of the type of novelty radio that was popular during the 1960s and 70s. The transistor was discovered in the late 1940s and initially the devices were not widely used due to their expense, and the fact that valves performed better for the use in radio receivers. However by the early 1960s portable transistor broadcast radios were hitting the market. These radios were ideal for broadcast reception on the long and medium wave bands. They were much smaller than their valve equivalents, they were portable and powered by batteries. In 1957 Sony produced the first pocketable transistor radio and it was a worldwide success and till the mid 1960s a large variety of models in all shapes, sizes and colours were produced by dozens of large and small Japanese manufacturers. The transistor radio transformed the way radio was regarded and used. The radio was transformed from a home accessory, controlled by the head of the family to a personal piece of equipment that could be taken anywhere by each individual. This toilet radio is a good example of this 'go anywhere' technology, now each member of the family could listen to their choice of broadcast even in the bathroom. Parents wouldn't have to miss the news or sports broadcast and the children needn't miss their favourite hit. Radio and personal stereos for the bathroom are still available today, some even made waterproof for use in the shower.