Author: modculture

Categories / Cars and Bikes

Derringer bicycle – 1920s-style eco bike

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Derringer

I don’t think these are selling anywhere in the UK (at least, not as far as we can see), but if you happen to be in the US (or fancy paying the shipping), the Derringer bicycle is a stylish way of cutting through the traffic.

Not just a retro-styled bike, the Derringer is a motorised bicycle, designed to look like a 1920s racing bike. And with a fuel economy upwards of 150 mpg from the 49cc engine (capable of up to 35mph), it’s also a cost-effective way of getting around. Even better if you use the pedals.

Plenty of distinctive designs to choose from, all the work of industrial designer Adrian Van Anz and all guaranteed to turn heads as you travel. If you want to know or want to find all those all-important prices, drop Derringer an email via the website.

Find out more at the Derringer website

Categories / Film and TV

A tribute to Reg Varney

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Reg Varney – one of Britain’s finest comic actors and of course, star of classic 60s/70s sitcom On The Buses, sadly died this weekend. But he did at least manage to rack up a fair old innings of 92 years. Interestingly, Varney was also the first man to use a cash point – opening the first machine in Enfield, North London, back in 1967. Remember that if you ever do a pub quiz.

Anyway, rather than ramble on, how about we just feature a clip – like the intro to the first On The Buses movie from 1971 – the highest grossing British movie of the year, even taking more at the box office than the year’s Bond movie (Diamonds Are Forever). If you’ve never seen the show, this clip tells you just about everything about it. Here’s to you Reg…

Categories / Art and Photography, Film and TV, Music

Christies’ Pop Culture auction in London

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Marquee
The forthcoming Pop Culture auction at Christies is something of a mixed affair, covering everything from pop art to film posters and music memorabilia. And one item in particular covers all bases.

This is a Quadrophenia poster from the 1979 movie – but it’s not any old Quadrophenia poster. This is actually a prop from the movie, announcing The Who’s upcoming residency at London’s Marquee club. I can’t say for sure whether this is a mock up or a copy of an original – maybe someone out there knows?

Sized at 76 x 51cm, it’s selling for what sounds like a fairly reasonable £300 – £500, especially when you consider how unique this item actually is. Find out about the poster and all the other lots via the link below – the auction takes place at the South Kensington auction house in London on 4th December 2008.

Find out more at the Christies website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Hans Wegner 1960s Pendant light

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Wegner_pendant

He might be known mainly for furniture designs like the Shell Chair and the Ox Chair, but he’s also turned his hand to lighting too – including the Hans Wegner Pendant light.

Dating back to 1962 (but with definite earlier modernist influences), this simplistic light is actually quite clever technically – move the aluminium shade up the cord for brighter light around the room, run it down for more focused light (round a table for example).

Look out for it in white, black or a metallic finish, priced around £460.

Find out more at the SCP website

Categories / Christmas

Stefi Orazi Modernist London Christmas cards

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Modernist_cards

Another option if you’re on the look out for something different this Christmas – the Stefi Orazi Modernist London Christmas cards.

The card pack contains icons of London’s ‘modern’ era  – although we’re very much in the mid-century era in practice with the BT Tower (formerly the Post Office Tower), the Isokon Building, the Barbican, Golden Lane estate, the K8 telephone box and the Royal Festival Hall. All with added snow obviously.

Each pack contains one each of the six A6-sized designs (with envelopes) and you can buy them online – retailing for £12.

Find out more at the TwentyTwentyOne website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Pillow Fight! Batman-inspired giant floor cushion

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Pow_cushion
Ideal for fans of Batman or lovers of pop art, the Pillow Fight! giant floor cushion is also perfect for a lazy weekend.

If you hadn’t guessed, the design is based on the old Batman TV show of the 1960s, the words on the suede-finished cushion being the sound effects of the Batman punch-ups.

Not that you’d be advised to hit anyone with this – at 100cm x 100cm, it’s more suited for sitting on in front of the TV. Available online, you can pick one up for £80.

Find out more at the Octopus website