Monday, 25 July 2011

Tourist memorabilia: trivia or treasure?

Whenever I go away, I like to visit any flea markets and curiosity shops in the area, so I can rummage for quirky vintage bits and bobs. However, there’s really no need to go abroad, as local junk shops and car boot sales are perfect for sourcing retro holiday souvenirs – which have become curiously collectable of late.

A few of the pieces I've found are now available at ShopCurious: I tried to sift out the most tasteful items - including a beautifully hand painted cigar box, a characterfully antiquated Flamenco dancer, and a fabulously fierce looking doll in traditional Spanish dress.


























































Many such curiosities are probably unwanted gifts. But what is it that compels people to bring back these kitsch mementoes from their travels? And what’s the most curious thing you’ve been given by someone returning from foreign parts? Do tell…

Will you?
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6 comments:

  1. Annie Wright25 July 2011 at 09:08

    The girl would ward off the evil eye. Come to think of it, she IS the evil eye!

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  2. Susan25 July 2011 at 14:43

    Does anyone else think the male doll bears a curious resemblance to Jackie Stallone?

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  3. Jan25 July 2011 at 14:55

    That doll means business.

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  4. worm26 July 2011 at 01:52

    yes doll that is Jackie Stallone personified, only less masculine!

    I dont think anyone has ever bought me a souvenir :( I've always coveted a straw donkey

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  5. David28 July 2011 at 08:44

    I once brought back a table lamp from Spain - a Spanish dancer - she had bared bronze breasts and a long, brightly coloured skirt (the lamp shade). You shoved your hand up the skirt to turn her on and she began to shimmy (if that's the right word), shaking her hips like a good 'un. Lost her playing cards when drunk.....Tchhhh!

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  6. Susan29 July 2011 at 00:07

    Oo er, that's quite a story David..

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