Categories / Art and Photography, Books

Modern British Posters by Paul Rennie

Modern

If you are interested in how the poster developed as a means of communication in the 20th century (and indeed, interested in looking at some classic poster art), you'll want to pick up a copy of Modern British Posters by Paul Rennie.

Paul Rennie looks at the poster and its impact on all walks of life over the last century, their cultural significance as means of mass communication and how they developed over those years.  The posters cover topics as broad as transport, new towns, art, architecture, the seaside and popular culture, with works from the likes of Paul Nash, Edward Bawden, Edward McKnight Kauffer, Abram Games, Peter Max and Tom Eckersley featured.

Public and corporate artwork is becoming more valuable as the years pass, making Modern British Posters a perfect reference tool as well as an interesting read. Available in hardback from Black Dog Publishing, the 192-page book sells for just over £25. Check out an image from the book over the page.

Find out more at the Amazon website

Via Wallpaper

Read more

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Pieff leather and chrome sofa

Pieff

If you want something interesting, well-made and in many cases, stylish from the 1970s, just type 'Pieff' into eBay and you'll be offered a fine selection of interior design for not a lot of cash. Like this Pieff leather and chrome sofa.

It's a typical 1970s design by the company, mixing chrome and leather for something eye-catching and comfortable, Pirelli underbases adding to the comfort. This one is a three-seater, still with a good dark brown colour with leather that has been 'fed regularly' and chrome that's without rust or pitting.

Just 99 pence right now, which seems like a steal. if you like the look and want something smaller, the same seller has a two-seater too and yes, it's also at 99p.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Homeware

Maisie duvet set from John Lewis

Maisie duvet

It's got a design that looks like it's straight from the 70s but this Maisie duvet set from John Lewis is actually a contemporary design.

Certainly not the duvet to go for if you want a calm and neutral look in your bedroom, this design has a strong folk influence and uses birds, flowers and other trailing plants to create its distinctive pattern. The retro feel is enhanced by the blue and green against white colour scheme. 

The duvet cover costs between £35 to £65 depending on size while pillow cases are £15 to £18. 

Buy them online

Categories / Design and Interiors, Food and Drink

Welovekaoru nautical tea service

Nautical_set

You may remember Welovekaoru's nautical but nice tea cup and saucer featured last year. Well, the design has now been applied to an entire tea service

The service includes all the mugs and plates you'll need to set sail on the high seas for high teas in high style. All the items are decorated with the blue and white stripe and anchor insignia and the design of the objects, such as the elegant shape of the teapot, suits the pattern well. The set is made in England from bone china. 

Prices range from £10 for a sugar bowl and go up to £50 for the all important teapot. 

Buy it online

Categories / Design and Interiors, Homeware

50s-style Scandinavian homeware at New House Textiles

Orchard

You don't need to buy vintage to get a vintage look – check out the all-new, 50s-style Scandinavian homeware at New House Textiles for a stylish midcentury vibe.

There are several collections available, all taking inspiration from Sweden in the 1950s and taking in the kitchen, the living room and the dining room. As just one example, the Red Orchard design offers up that eye-catching leaf print as an oil cloth above, but also offers it as pot stands, trays, chopping boards, cushions and even fabric, if you want to make something yourself from it.

Check out all the ranges at the website, with prices vartinh according to your choice of item and design. But as a quick guide, that oil cloth is £17.50 per metre, while a cushion on the same design sells for £20.

Find out more at the New House Textiles website

Categories / Homeware, Toys and Games

Lego Lights Torch

Lego_torch

Yes, it's more Lego, but the Lego Lights Torch does at least perform a very practical function.

But let's look at the fun bit first. This is a 19cm-tall Lego man, officially licensed and posable, so you can use him as an ornament or desktop buddy. But when the darkness falls, that in-house companion lights up with a touch of the logo, shining LED Light through one of its feet, enough to see you through a fusebox emergency for sure.

Powered by 3x AAA batteries, the Lego Lights Torch sells for £14.99.

Find out more at the Firebox website