Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Ettore Sottsass-designed Olivetti Valentine typewriter

Val

Always nice to see one of these on eBay. While the Olivetti Valentine typewriter by Ettore Sottsass isn't as useful as it once was, it is still a design icon – and in this case, still cheap.

Designed back in 1969 (and named after its day of launch – Valentine's Day), this lightweight period gem comes with its own matching carry case to protect the inner machine, although if you bought it, you'd probably want to have it shown off on a desk or table without the casing.

It's described as being in 'absolute working and cosmetic condition', as well as having 'no scratches, dings or cracks'. No reserve, so bid away, the current price is just 62 pence.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Women's Fashion

Converse x Marimekko All Star Ox plimsolls

Mari1

Fashion meets design with the Converse x Marimekko All Star Ox plimsolls.

Two classic Maija Isola-designed Marimekko cloths, Unikko above and Paprika over the page, are used for the uppers of this classic Converse shoe, with a contrast lining, two sets of laces, embroidered branding on the tongue plus a matching carry bag.

Available online, it sells for £60.

Find out more at the Size? website

Read more

Categories / Homeware

Classic Snoopy alarm clock

Snoopy

If cool and kitsch is more important to you than cutting-edge technology in the morning, you just might be the perfect customer for this Snoopy alarm clock.

Featuring the ever-popular Peanuts character (now over 50 years old would you believe) and his sidekick Woodstock having a snooze on the dog house, the clock is an old school bell-ringing clock, which has both a light and an alarm. Which is probably why it needs a battery rather than just being a wind-up clock.

Cheap enough, you can get one online for £13.50.

Find out more at the Past Times website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Architect’s lamp from Bluesuntree

Architects
Looking for a lamp with retro style? How about this Architect's lamp from Bluesuntree?

In terms of the lamp's head, it's a very similar shape to one of Arne Jacobsen designs for Louis Poulsen, done in the early 60s. Couple that with the adjustable aluminium body and the weighted steel base and you've got a handsome design at a reasonable price. 

How much? The lamp costs £125. 

See it online

Categories / Art and Photography, Design and Interiors

Eames Inspired Midcentury Prints

Il_570xN_250857856 
Etsy seller, The Modern Stylographer specialises in pop culture inspired illustrations, which includes a series of Eames Inspired Midcentury Prints.

Pictured here is my favourite featuring a Starburst Clock, but the others designs are worth a look too, featuring a variety of Eames iconic chairs. As well as the simple illustration of the Eames design, each print also features a short product description. The prints measures 6 inches squared and cost $10 (around £6.50) each.

Order them online from the Etsy store.

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Pieff Alpha armchair by Tim Bates

Pieff

I think we've waxed lyrical about Pieff before, a British company that made interesting and indeed quality items, particularly in the 1970s. While prices for other British makes (like Merrow Associates for example) have gone up, Pieff products are still very reasonable. As this Pieff Alpha armchair demonstrates.

It's a modernist-inspired design from Tim Bates, still looking very stylish 30+ years on. It has three removable cushions, pirelli seat support and a chrome frame. A 'vinyl stretcher' is fixed to the back frame to supports the two back cushions.

It's been well looked after, with only minor wear over the years, with the leather 'fed with quality leather cream' in the recent past. Bidding stands at £21 right now.

Find out more at the eBay website