Vintage SuperTed Bath Set from St Michael

SuperTed's Fight Against Grime

Over the last year, I’ve started to develop an interest in all things St Michael. Yes, that’s right, the in-house brand which Marks and Spencers used for decades. Mostly, I’ve been looking to pick up a few pieces of 1980s fashion and, so far, have been lucky enough to get some real gems. But the launch of Curious British Fashion will have to wait for another day.

However, what’s interesting about St Michael is that, in the 1980s, they were particularly lucky in picking up all manner of licences to produce TV-related merchandise. And, whilst browsing through Ebay the other night, I discovered this vintage SuperTed bath set hailing from 1985 and, coincidentally, priced at a whopping £85. Yes, E-I-G-H-T-Y F-I-V-E pounds.

Whilst I was a big SuperTed fan as a child, it’s unlikely I’ve watched more than a clip of the show since 1989. So, no, I won’t be shelling out on it or even putting in an offer. In fact, I’d be surprised if anyone buys it, as my understanding is that SuperTed doesn’t have a huge, as the kids call it, fandom in the modern world. Putting this all aside, though, I have to admit that it does look quite, quite remarkable.

Clearly, the marketing bods at St Michael were teamed up with some skilled graphic designers as this gift set is an absolute eye-turner. I dare say that few children would have failed to notice this nestling on the shelves. And the contents - yes, including the no-doubt carcinogenic Cosmic Dust talc - would have taken pride of place in any avocado green bathroom of the era.

What’s intriguing me most about this set, though, is that - aside from the Cosmic Dust - would it be safe, 37 years on, to still use? The sponge, although a little musty, is clearly safe, and the soap (don’t quote me on this) is probably safe-ish, right? The magic bubbles, though, provide me with the most concern, as they’ve probably broken down into a toxic, chemical goo.

I could try and ‘relive the past’ by washing myself with some vintage bath products, but unfortunately I’m not the type of person who looks good with chemical burns. And, besides, £85 will buy me plenty of St Michael jumpers and cardigans to, aside from the odd itch, safely relive the past.