Uncool Britannia - The Pakamac Years

Steve Punt presents a new three part history of the Britain that's ubiquitous yet unashamedly uncool. Steve argues the nation's recent past has been hijacked by the fashionistas and that it's time to celebrate the past as it really was - deeply unhip. Forget the Rolling Stones, Mary Quant and the Aston Martin, what Britons really love is a nice melody, a sensible coat and a reliable motor... Steve re-imagines the 50s and 60s as the Pakamac Years. He argues that it wasn't beatniks that epitomised the spirit of the era - but the foldaway mac. The Pakamac flew off the shelves in their tens of thousands as Britons rejoiced in the sheer novelty and practicality of a plastic raincoat which you could pop in your handbag. Steve also considers the importance of anoraks, cagoules, parkas and snorkels as emblems of uncool Britain. Producer: Laurence Grissell (repeat).