Categories / Design and Interiors

Heal’s Archive unit – vintage shop-like storage

Heals_archive
Based on an original linen/drapery cabinet, the Heal’s Archive storage unit is adaptable enough to store a lot more than your spare handkerchiefs.

Made of American white oak, it’s actually three units in one. First up, there’s a bottom level sideboard with three doors and three glass-fronted extension drawers. Then there’s a second unit with a further six glass-fronted drawers and finally, a top unit with six lift-up doors on glass lift struts.

All of that obviously comes at a price, with the individual units start at £1,095. And there’s no point shopping around – this is exclusive to Heal’s.

Find out more at the Heal’s website

Categories / Art and Photography

Catherine Colebrook vintage-inspired artwork

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Catherine Colebrook
cards can be found in the likes of The Art Group and Paperchase, but her vintage-inspired artwork can be bought with a click of the mouse.

The Retro Collection mixes vintage images (the kind you might see in an old 50s or 60s magazine) with period fabric and a witty comment. All of which is mounted in an appropriate frame.

And as I said earlier, you can pick them up online. Balaclavas (above) retails for £22, while the larger Young and Wild (in an oak frame) sells for £65.

See the full range at the Catherine Colebrook website

Categories / Books

Junkshop Gem: Ward Lock’s Complete Letter-Writer for Gentlemen

Letter_writing Ever wondered where The Chap gets its inspiration from? I’m guessing from genuine period publications – like our latest Junkshop Gem, Ward Lock’s Complete Letter-Writer for Gentlemen.

Words cannot do this book justice, but I’ll do my best. It’s seemingly part of a series that also includes ‘The Young Wife’s Advice Book’, ‘Games For Parties’ and ‘Etiquette For Gentlemen – Don’t!’, all of which are now high on my wants list. But let’s look at this one first. Published (I’m guessing) in the early 50s, the book is packed with letter-writing advice for every conceivable eventuality, from business to pleasure and (amazingly) wedding proposals (should you feel a little nervous about the prospect).

Or if you fancy a day off work tomorrow, the following letter might be useful:

Sir,
I am sorry to inform you that, in consequence of a bad attack of gout, I am quite unable to get to business to-day. I hope, however, to be able to attend in the course of a day or two. Trusted that my enforced absence will cause you no inconvenience,
I am Sir,
our obedient servant,
(Your Name)

The book cost just £1 – secondhand copies are unlikely to be going for much more. See Abebooks for availability.

Find out more at the Abebooks website

Categories / Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion

John Smedley factory sale

Smedley_top
If you’re on the look out for a John Smedley bargain, there’s only one place to head – the John Smedley factory sale.

As you’d expect, it’s on at the John Smedley factory or more specifically, the Lea Mills Factory, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5AG. It’s on over the weekend of April 5th and 6th and prices will start at just £10 – so make sure you have plenty of boot space.

View the current range at the John Smedley website

Via Retro To Go

Categories / Design and Interiors

Aldo Londi’s Rimini Blu collection

Blu_5
Early in 2007, we drew your attention to the Aldo Londi’s Rimini Rosso Cat, which had been re-issued by Bitossi to celebrate the centenary of his birth. Londi also produced the Rimini Blu line for Bitossi, which has been in production since 1953 and reproductions of the animal series are now on sale at the National Gallery shop.

The collection includes a lion, horse, porcupine, cat and bird, with this rather random assortment of creatures apparently representing the divisions of a traditional Italian city, which each had heraldic symbols. Prices range from £25 up to £100 depending on the size of the piece.

Visit the National Gallery website to see the other pieces.

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Phonofone II – gramophone-style speaker for your iPod

Phonofone
It might cost more than most iPod sound systems – but the Phonofone II offers a lot more style and doesn’t need any power.

Designed by Tristan Zimmerman, this gramophone-style ceramic speaker needs no power – it uses ‘passive amplification’ to transform music from a portable player and earphones into an output of up to 55 decibels. Apparently, it’s better for blues, classical and folk rather than electronic sounds and rock, but should give a decent output across the board – and it looks good on your desk even when not in use.

Not cheap at $500 (around £250), but it’s only available for a limited time – so could be one for collectors.

Find out more at the Charles & Marie website