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Alternative music Christmas cards by Piper Gates Design

Alternative music Christmas cards by Piper Gates Design

20 affordable retro tech gift ideas

20 affordable retro tech gift ideas

10 of the best retro alarm clocks

10 of the best retro alarm clocks

Categories / Christmas, Film and TV

BFI Santa’s Grotto in London and Derby

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Santas_grotto_470

The Mediatheque is the BFI’s digital jukebox of rare and outstanding film and television footage. To celebrate the festive season, Mediatheque has added a selection of Christmas treats from the archive, which they are calling “Santa’s Grotto”.

The programme focuses on classic British Christmas television, in particular the light entertainment specials of the 1970s. These include Tommy Cooper’s Christmas (1973), Cilla (1974), Rod Hull and Emu Sing a Christmas Song (1976), and of course Morecombe and Wise.

None of the selection is available on DVD and it does include some rarities you are unlikely to have come across. Father Christmas Union sounds like a particularly interesting piece, featuring striking Santas, a reminder of just how gloomy things could be in the Seventies.

The service is free and available at the BFI Southbank or at QUAD Derby. Visit the BFI website for further details.

Categories / Design and Interiors

Dwell’s 70s-style low walnut coffee tables

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Walnut

I have a table just like this, dating back to the early 70s – but these Dwell low walnut coffee tables are actually modern designs.

Also reminiscent of the Merrow Associates designs of the late 60s/early 70s, the tables feature a walnut veneer for the surface, as well as a stainless steel frame for support.

And you get two of them, one standing at 30 x 80 x 80cm, the other at 23 x 70 x 70cm. And they sell as a pair for £245.

Find out more at the Dwell website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Lomography launches limited edition Diana Glow camera

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Lomo_glow

Not just a Lomo Diana camera, this is a limited edition – the Diana Glow.

So what’s new? Well, the image and name might give it away. Yes, this is a glow in the dark version, which will certainly turn heads in darkened bars and clubs. As will that original 1960s design and those slightly ‘out of focus’ images that the camera produces.

Other additions for the limited edition pack include the Diana+ flash, a ‘More True Tales & Short Stories’ Diana Vignettes hardcover book, colour gel filters, 12 and 16-shot format frames, a shutter lock, neck strap and a lens cap. You can pick one up for £80.

Find out more at the Lomography website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Kids

Alexander Taylor Kids Rock – mid-century style rocking chair for kids

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Kidsrock

It’s not easy being a child – all that running around, playing games and watching TV, it’s bound to take it out of you. Which is where the Alexander Taylor Kids Rock comes in.

It’s a rocking chair for kids, perfect for kicking back into after a tough day at school. And not just any old chair – this one packs some stylish mid-century style curves, a solid oak frame and a natural rubber seat inlay (think easier to clean).

Produced by Thorsten Van Elten and available online in four colours, priced around the £350 mark.

Find out more at the Made in Design website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Geoffrey Harcourt 1970s space age Cleopatra chaise longue

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Cleopatra

Quite simply, a stunning piece of design – that’s the Geoffrey Harcourt Cleopatra chaise longue.

Designed in 1970 for Artifort, this wonderfully space age design is a modern-day (well, relatively) take on the classic chaise, adding sweeping curves and bold colours to your daytime relaxation.

Indeed, you can choose from four colours for the fabric finish, all available at the same price – £2,718.

Find out more at the Nest website

Categories / Cars and Bikes

Original Freestyler – a BMX classic updated

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Freestyler

Not a replica, the Original Freestyler is an update of the original 1970s BMX bike ridden by BMX legend Bob Haro.

The new version of the 1978 cult classic features a throwback Haro Freestyle Division frame, Skyway Tuff Wheels with Haro MS4 tyres, tubular 4130 three-piece cranks, 44/16 gearing with ACS Mainline freewheel and as befits a limited edition, chrome aplenty.

If you’re into your BMX, all of that will no doubt mean something to you. if it doesn’t let’s just say it’s a bike that’s both fun to ride and cool to be seen with. The Original Freestyler sells for around the $545 (£355) mark.

Find out more at the Haro Bikes website

Thanks to David Washington for the tip off!