Pair’s passion for wartime fashion
PARTNERS Ruth Shelley and Robert Oastmann always dance to their own tune – which just happens to be from wartime Britain.
They always wear clothes and listen to music from their favourite era and are restoring an old Morris Minor to drive in.
Home is a tiny wooden cabin, built for research historian Ruth in her parents’ back garden in Bilston, West Mids.
And a peep through the keyhole is like stepping back in time.
The kitchen is kitted out in 1940s-style with crockery dating back to 1930.
The only piece of modern furniture is a sofa bed for guests
– but Ruth covers it with a 1940s quilt.
She said:
“I’ve probably spent £1,000 on the interior as some items are inherited or gifted. I don’t think it would be possible to furnish a modern home for that price.”
Ruth, 28, and whisky seller Robert, 27, love spending time in their vintage surroundings.
She said: “Sometimes we listen to ballroom or 1940s music. Our taste may be old-fashioned, but we like it.”
The couple also love wearing vintage clothes, with Robert donning 1930s suits and flat caps and Ruth wearing frocks from the same period.
She said: “We’re in love with the style. We do get stared at a lot, but we don’t mind at all.”
Robert added: “I didn’t like the sound modern synthetic clothes made when I walked. “Our wardrobe is different to today’s casual look.
“There’s nothing wrong with casual, but it’s not for me. I like to make sure I’m looking somewhat presentable.”
The couple have made one small concession to modern life, however. Ruth said: “We both have smart phones as they are useful – but Robert would ditch his in a heartbeat.”
We do get stared at a lot, but we don’t mind that at all RUTH SHELLEY ON HER HEAD-TURNING STYLE