Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1960s Dansette Viva record player in mint condition

Dansette

Yes, there are plenty of cheaper Dansette record players on eBay, but none in quite the condition of this 1960s Dansette Viva record player.

It's described as being in 'perfect working order' and 'stunning condition'. Indeed, you might well think it was a new model. That's because the turntable, motor and inner workings have been serviced, any worn parts have been replaced, it has a new plug, new stylus and the casing has even been re-upholstered. It's almost perfect, but still has that valve amp for a rich, vintage sound.

Check out the other photos on the listing to see how impressive this is. £89.99 is the current (and opening) price. If you got it for anywhere near that, it would be an absolute bargain.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Books, Design and Interiors

Eames on Design: The Collected Words by Daniel Ostroff

Eames

Usually, the work of Charles and Ray Eames is highlighted by imagery of the classic design work. Eames on Design: The Collected Words by Daniel Ostroff takes a different approach.

The clue is in that title, with Eames obsessive Daniel Ostroff bringing together the pair's collected words from magazine articles, television interviews, film scripts, personal letters and lectures, courtesy of archival material held by the Eames family, the Eames Office, Herman Miller, Vitra and many other sources. The result? A 272-page book that should give you an in-depth insight into the thinking behind the designs, as well as an understanding of Charles and Ray Eames themselves.

Just published by Fiell, you can pick up a copy from Amazon for £21.21.

Find out more at the Amazon website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Arne Sideboard designed by Robert Cain

Arne sideboard

The Arne Sideboard, designed by Robert Cain, is a contemporary piece in the mid-century style. If the name and its looks hasn't given it away, the design has been inspired by the Danish '50s and '60s designs of Arne Vodder.

That translates to straight lines paired with colourful doors and drawers, although it's made from walnut rather than the rose or teak Vodder would have used. The design is practical too – you can adjust the shelves to get the most suitable storage arrangement for you. 

The sideboard costs £624. Not bad when you consider prices for original Vodder sideboards go into the thousands. 

Buy it from Blue Sun Tree

Categories / Toys and Games

Rubik’s Cube notepad

Rubik's cube

We've featured this classic 1980s game in many forms but surprisingly not yet in the form of this Rubik's Cube notepad.

Unlike some of the designs we feature, this is official Rubik's Cube merchandise. That doesn't add too much, except a logo on the packaging. It's purely a block notepad, printed with the image of a completed cube. You peel the pages off as you work through the pad: much simpler to understand than the actual puzzle!

The pad costs £4.99. 

Buy it from Find me a gift

Categories / Design and Interiors, Music

Victorian Collage Cards by Spotted Sparrow

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Spotted Sparrow has produced the great Victorian Collage Cards range, which combines Victorian imagery with 1980s pop references. An unusual combination, but it works well.

There are eight designs to pick from, some more credible than others. As well as the Last of the Famous International Playboys design pictured here, I like the designs based on Love Will Tear Us Apart, Lips Like Sugar and You Spin Me Round (featuring a Penny Farthing). The cards cost £3.50 each which includes the option of having your own personalised message printed inside.

Go to the Spotted Sparrow website to see the whole range.

Categories / Design and Interiors, Homeware

Audrey Chair by Kartell

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Audrey Hepburn has had been things named after her, but Kartell’s Audrey Chair is certainly one of the less obvious tributes.

Designed by Piero Lissoni, the chair has an aluminium frame and is available with a variety of seat colours. It is versatile enough to work in a variety of settings. And its name? Apparently like Ms Hepburn it has an elegant silhouette, with clean and simple lines.

The chair is available to buy from Utility Design with prices ranging from around £175 to £333.