Author: modculture

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

USB retro wooden speaker and sound system

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Wood

A mix of the old and the new with the USB retro wooden speaker and sound system.

The old is obvious, with a design that wouldn't look out of place in the 1970s. That's unless you look close up, with this portable audio system packing slots for SDHC, SD, MMC and USB memory drive playback, as well as hosting a rechargeable battery and coming complete with a remote control.

The 6W of audio output isn't exactly wall-shaking, but with a price of $29 (around £17), it's not likely to shake your finances either.

Find out more at the USB Geek website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Pierre Paulin 1950s Archi armchair for Ligne Roset

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Archi2

Pierre Paulin sadly died earlier this year, but his designs live on and indeed are reaching a new audience via Ligne Roset, which is re-introducing more of his forgotten gems, including the Archi armchair.

First seen in back in the 1950s, this new edition offers up a satin black lacquered of chromeed tubular steel base, which holds a metal frame and webbed support for the sculpted foam and fabric covering. It's also ergonomic, designed to be just perfect for kicking back and relaxing, with support for your head and shoulders, should you fancy a quick nap.

New in for 2009, expect to pay around £1,400 for one.

Find out more at the Ligne Roset website

Categories / Bags

Sailcloth bag at the National Maritime Museum

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Sailcloth

Eco-friendly, as well as being a stylish piece of pop art-style design – the Sailcloth bag at the National Maritime Museum.

It's eco because it's been handcrafted from 'retired sails', featuring all of the original characteristics of the particular sail, including reefing eyes, repairs and baton pockets. And as it is based on each sail, each one is unique.

Sized at 70cm x 37cm, you can pick one up for £89 online.

Find out more at the National Maritime Museum website

Categories / Music, Toys and Games

Saint Etienne Foxbase Alpha CD Subbuteo boxset available next week

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Etienne_sub

We got very excited about this a couple of months back, but now we've got a date for the Saint Etienne Foxbase Alpha CD Subbuteo boxset.

That date (according to the band's website) is Monday 10th August at 3pm (UK time) – and with only 1,000 available, it looks likely that both fans of the band and Subbuteo collectors will be scrapping over the stock as soon as they go on sale.

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Categories / Design and Interiors

Fritz Hansen 1950s PK61 coffee table by Poul Kjaerholm

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Pk61

Sometimes keeping it simple is the best way to keep a design fresh – it's certainly worked for the Fritz Hansen PK61 coffee table.

Designed back in 1956 by Poul Kjaerholm, it looks as contemporary today as it did over 50 years. In fact, it's probably more 'today' than 'yesterday' in terms of looks – that satin brushed stainless steel base and glass top wouldn't look out of place in any modern furniture emporium.

But this is an original, retailing for a design classic price of £2,260, although cheaper versions are available with a marble or slate top. Chair isn't included either – that's a PK22 armchair from the same designer and indeed the same year, which will cost you almost £2,000 more.

Find out more at the Skandium website

Categories / Homeware

Yoyomaker – Homemaker homeware for the 21st century

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Yoyo2

Homemaker homeware is something of a mid-century classic, sold on the high street in the 1950s (most notably, in the now-departed Woolworths), it was cheap and cheerful at the time, but is now sought-after by anyone who wants something period and kitsch for their tea and cake. If you don't believe us, check eBay for some price estimates. Which makes Yoyomaker all the more appealing.

At first glance, you might think it's much the same as the original. But look closely and you'll see that the original's images of period sideboards, spoons and lamps have been replaced by items from the last 30 years – including Nokia mobile phones, iPods, Panton chairs and a Braun food processor. In fact, half the fun is picking them all out.

You can buy the mugs and plates individually or in a set, priced from £15 per piece. See the mug over the page.

Find out more at the YoYo Ceramics website

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