I love Art Deco Bakelite

by Lesley
(Sydney)

My passion is everything made of Bakelite. Invented in 1907, it was the first really durable and heat resistant plastic. By the end of the 1920s jewellery and many household items were being mass produced in the new bright colours of Bakelite (also called Catalin). Lots of it has lasted into the present day and is now highly collectable. I have a large collection, mainly of jewellery, but also kitchenalia - canisters, bowls, and even a corkscrew. I also love the ring boxes in really Art Deco shapes.

The best bakelite necklaces are the ones with unusual geometric shapes, and I have a few of these in various colours. But my ambition is to get one by Jacob Bengel, when I've saved up enough!

My favourite kitchen item is my huge cream and green cake canister which sits on the counter and is used every day. That's the wonderful thing about Bakelite, it is as practical and useful today as it was the day it was made.