Well-read on children's mags

"As a young girl I used to love reading magazines," says Cherie, who works at Birmingham's Central Library.

"We only have one Jackie magazine in our Parker Collection and it would be great to have more donated because they encapsulated the 1970s.

"Thirty years ago the magazine was selling a million copies a week, it came out on a Wednesday and pin-ups would include Donny Osmond and David Cassidy and there were agony aunts Cathy and Claire."

The magazine is just one of around 16,000 items which can be found in Central Library's Parker Collection, which was donated to the library in the 1950s.

When James Fredrick Parker and his wife Alice started collecting children's books they never dreamed they would one day take pride of place there.

The Bewdley couple, who lived at Tickenhill Manor, collected children's books and magazines published from the early 1800s.

In the 1950s, after the death of James Fredrick, Alice donated the collection to the library. "We have had people from all over the world come to view it," says Cherie.

"Since then we have added to the collection and the earliest children's book we have goes back to 1538 and was aimed at the nobility who were expected to be literate.

"The Parkers also acquired a collection from Mildred Berkley, who lived near Worcester, and specialised in moral stories for children. It is interesting to see what adults believed children enjoyed reading."

Books and magazines in the vast collection include The Golden Treasure Book from 1937, Champion Annual For Boys from 1955, Blackie's Boys Annual 1928, Billy Bunter from the 1950s and Little Folks from 1903 onwards.

In June magazine from May 1962, which was priced at 5p, there was an item on buying cool cotton dresses which says: "Crisp, crunchy, charming cottons sum up the picture of summer fashions."

Another item in June magazine, titled At Your Fingertips, says: "Have you ever gone to shake hands, or pass something to a friend or relation at the table, and suddenly wished you could hide your hands in shame? Ugly nails are not very pleasant for you, or anyone else, to look at, but if you start following this simple routine you'll notice the difference in no time."

In Eagle boys' magazine from May 1960, priced 5p, the front page article is a story on Dan Dare, there are directions on how to make model boats and submarines as well as a four-page supplement on space. Judy magazine from 1964, also 5p, is filled with stories such as Penny the Post and the Golden Girl.

In Jackie magazine from 1973, priced 4p, there are a number of articles on love and relationships – and a poster of a young Rod Stewart.

Cherie says: "One of the earliest books we have is Stacey Grimaldi's The Toilet, from 1821, which is a moveable book designed to teach virtuous behaviour to children. My favourites are the science-fiction stories."

* Do you have an old magazine collection? Contact Cathy Spencer on 01902 319572.