Vintage Magazines

 







Vintage Magazines

transport the

reader into an almost forgotten world. Their individual styles and contents provide a fascinating glimpse of the outstanding events, celebrities, fashions, and endlessly


 

Dedicated collectors save magazines because an issue has an intriguing article or photograph, or because of other specialist interests such as fashion or film stars.

In vogue

Vintage Magazines

Fashion magazines offer a unique record of period styles and are filled with excellent photography showing the designs of the clay. Vogue, launched in 1916, has documented decades of evolving fashions.





 The vintage' of the edition is important, as is the style and subject of the cover - striking covers are often associated with Vogue. Values vary from about £2-10 for a copy from the 1980s or 90s, to around £20-30 for a copy from the 1960s.




 An issue from the 1930s featuring the designs of a leading couturier like Elsa Schiaparelli can be worth £30-100. Other notable fashion magazines include Queen, Nova, and Harper's Bazaar, but these are often less valuable than Vogue.

Vintage Magazines

 

Star attraction

Magazines featuring well-known personalities can attract anyone who collects subjects such as royalty or movie stars. The face on the cover is a good indicator of value.



 The first issue of

a nude centrefold of Marilyn Monroe and a cover image of her waving, sold more than 54,000 copies, ensuring a second issue. The first issue is rare and can command £500-1,500.



 Another sought-after example is the October 1961 issue of Life with a cover shot of Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, which can be found for about £20-30. Radio Times and 'A' Times usually fetch less than £10, but covers showing Doctor Who, Steptoe and Son, and James Bond can command up to £30.

The value of music magazines is often determined by the cover story. Following a revival of interest in music - and magazines - from the 1960s, magazines from the 1970s are becoming valuable. It may be worth hunting out 1980s issues of magazines such as Smash Hits and Record Mirror, as interest in this era may grow too


.

Vintage Magazines

Newspaper colour supplements are rarely worth keeping - mainly because so many people have been doing so for years. There are a few exceptions, like those featuring enduring icons such as Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn. They can sell for £5-15.

Landmarks in history

Vintage Magazines

The history of vintage magazines recording national events goes back more than 100 years - 














The Illustrated London News commemorated Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. From the 1950s onwards, so many people kept royal souvenir issues that they are worth little, but values may rise. An issue of Vogue covering the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer can be worth £20-25, while a Life magazine from 1969 showing the Earth from Apollo 8 can be worth £40-60. Look for events of lasting importance.

On the domestic front

Vintage Magazines

Lifestyle and interiors magazines are generally not as valued as other niche publications, but Ideal Home, House & Garden, and Good Housekeeping have a small following. The value of 1950s, 60s, and 70s issues may rise, as there is a growing market in retro styles.

Many people collect by cover image or inside illustrations. Values vary depending on the artwork, but range from about £5-10 for a lesser-known

publication with simple artwork up to £100 or more for classic examples of Art Nouveau or Art Deco.

Some people buy magazines for their advertisements, focusing on a brand name or a particular product. Values can vary from as little as 50p to around £20-40. Wear and tear is to be expected and