Designed back in the 1960s by Gresham Dodd, this mid-century-style house in the sought-after location of Jordans, Buckinghamshire is what you might call a ‘project’.
It’s a single story house, with a design influenced by Mies van der Rohe, Craig Ellwood and Philip Johnson and little changed from the day it was built – which means wall-to-wall windows for enjoying the view and wood paneling throughout. And those views are guaranteed – a covenant on the land forbids any further building.
The One Ton Show at Shoreditch Town Hall brings together 100 artists, illustrators, graphic designers, photographers and print-makers to sell their work for just £100.
Why the retro interest? As well as the £100 restriction, the show has a theme of “London Lyrics” so all of the pieces are inspired by London-related songs. This has resulted in some great pieces inspired by favourite songs from the past, including “Itchycoo Park”, “Dedicated Follower of Fashion”, “Rain Fall Down”, “Down at the Type Station at Midnight” and “Electric Avenue”. Unsurprisingly, The Clash feature heavily with several pieces namechecking “London Calling”.
Perennial Retro to Go favourites, People Will Always Need Plates” are exhibiting at the show and above is their piece inspired by The Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset”.
The show runs from Thursday 4th December to Sunday 7th December at Shoreditch Town Hall. Further details can be found The One Ton Show website.
As they do from time to time, Topshop currently have a small selection of t-shirts in stock that feature images of retro icons. Pictured here is the Sid & Nancy T-Shirt.
Described as a sleeveless tee (which I’d probably call a vest), it had a black & white photograph print of the doomed pair on the front. For added punk aesthetics, the top also has a raw edge around the armholes.
It costs £18 and is available to buy from the Topshop website. There is also a similar style t-shirt with a picture of Mick Jagger.
Boiled wool seems to have all but disappeared from women’s fashion racks, which is a crying shame for lovers of a classic. Thankfully, those in the know never rule such things out, and Classiques Entier have utilised the fabric to great effect in this reversible jacket.
With the structured seaming details, this is almost reminiscent of a dressmaker’s doll, which is no bad thing. The simple, classic shape conjures up an air of 1960s Chanel and its peers, too. The two images show the same jacket reversed, so it can’t be called anything less than practical, either.
It’s available online from Nordstrom for $178.
If boredom is setting in over as the nights get longer, you could relive the gaming of your childhood with the Subbuteo Flick & Kick ice tray.
Yes, this is a Subbuteo team in ice. Just add your water, throw in the freezer and pull them out for a full team of ice footballers – plus an authentic Subbuteo goalie. Ok, the players have a little more bulk up top, but that round base still means they’re playable. Just use a frozen pea for a ball.
And of course, you can use them to cool your drinks. Pre-ordering is available now (for late November delivery), priced at £5.99.
Another chair fit for a Bond villain – indeed the Geoffrey Harcourt F585 lounge chair even has that 1960s authenticity.
First introduced by Artifort back in 1967, this space age-style chair stands on a silver metal base, with a cushioned seat covered with a choice of fabric or leather, combining to produce a seat that’s good for the living room as well as the managing director’s office (should you be lucky enough to work for an affluent company).
The seat itself retails for £1,687, with the ottoman costing a further £669.
Find out more at the Nest website
