Author: modculture

Categories / Design and Interiors

Poltrona Frau Sanluca 1960s armchair by Achille Castiglioni

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Sanluca

From the man behind such gems as the Brionvega RR226 audio system and the Snoopy lamp comes a lesser-known reissue – the Poltrona Frau Sanluca armchair by Achille Castiglioni.

Designed in 1961, it's all about the curves, stripping out non-essential padding to create something that offers optimal support, as well as that other armchair essential – distintive good looks.

The chair has a rigid wooden structure, with upholstery in Pelle Frau leather and feet semi-glossed in black. Not cheap, as you might expect, selling for £3,724.75.

Find out more at the Nest website

Categories / Sportswear

New York Cosmos reforms – Umbro makes retro-styled kit

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Cosmos1

It seems that the New York Cosmos, the legendary US football (or 'soccer' if you like) team from the 70s and 80s, have reformed. Not only that, there's a new kit – the shirt is pictured above and a track top is pictured over the page, worn by the club's most famous son, both made by sportswear firm Umbro.

The club is apparently back under new ownership, with Pele as its honorary chairman and with the aim of (eventually) competing in the Major League Soccer tournament in the US. But right now, it's focusing on 'elite' youth academies to bring the best players through.

Despite the lack of league action, the club is producing new kits before the end of the year. No news on price or availability, but we suspect there will be big demand when it lands in a matter of weeks.

Umbro website

Via His Knibs

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1960s Dansette Tempo portable record player

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Dansette

Scan through eBay and you'll find a good number of Dansette record players for sale, some cheap, some not-so-cheap, some working, some nothing more than a pile of parts. This Dansette Tempo portable record player is probably near the top of the pile, with a few bids already placed for it.

It's a classic Dansette in both shape and colour, oozing authenticity and after being on the receiving end of a full service, working as well today as it did back in 1962. The 4 speed Garrard Autoslim autochanger will play speeds of 16, 33, 45 and 78 rpm manually or can load a selection of up to six records of either 7, 10 or 12 inch to be played automatically. 

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Categories / Design and Interiors

Matthew Hilton for Ercol Treviso Desk

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Ercol1

A useful modern-day item with a midcentury twist – this Matthew Hilton for Ercol Treviso Desk.

Yes, cool designer meets heritage furniture brand, producing a desk that's good for writing letters or using with your modern-day notebook (note that slot for your wires at the back).

It's made from American oak solids and veneers and finished with a wax-look lacquer. It also features sliding drawers on the desk tidy, and underneath the desk top is a sliding drawer. Like those angle, tapered skinny legs too. Available online, it sells for £899.

Find out more at the John Lewis website

Categories / Food and Drink, Homeware, Toys and Games

Pac-Man heat changing mug

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Pacman_mug

If old arcade games (and hot drinks) are your thing, you might just like this Pac-Man heat changing mug.

An officially licensed product via Namco, the mug holds your hot drink and does something else – when a hot drink hits it, the characters and power-ups suddenly appear within the maze on the side. Presumably, when it cools, they go away again.

You can get one from Firebox, priced at £5.99.

Find out more at the Firebox website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1960s Lumitron Flexi lamp by Robert Welch

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Lumitron

A sought-after piece of design on eBay right now, with this Lumitron Flexi lamp by Robert Welch still at a modest price.

Designed in the late 60s, it has a cast iron 'tulip' base with a red enamel finish, along with an aluminium shade and of course, that 'Flexi' stem to direct light anywhere you want it.

According to the seller, it is in 'very good vintage condition' and 'full working order'. It also has the original ‘Lumitron Made in England’ label at the base of the stem. Right now, a real bargain at £25.

Find out more at the eBay website