Tag: design

Categories / eBay watch

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

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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

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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

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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 / Design and Interiors, Homeware

Audrey Chair by Kartell

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L_d1_UT30034 
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.

Categories / Design and Interiors

Tu midcentury-style Dark Wood Flower Wall Clock at Sainsbury’s

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Sains_clock

Better-known for grocery shopping, Sainsbury's has a home section too, with one or two interesting finds amongst it, including this Tu midcentury-style Dark Wood Flower Wall Clock.

There's a touch of the George Nelson about it, or at the very least, a 1950s or early '60s feel. If that's the look your after, this is great value. 35cm in diameter, it has that dark wood construction with contrasting hands, able to wall mount easily, as you probably guessed.

Powered by a single AA battery, you can grab one online for just £18.

Find out more at the Sainsbury's website

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1975 Volkswagen Beetle convertible

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Beetle

Looking for a summer runaround? This 1975 Volkswagen Beetle convertible should be just the thing when the sun starts to shine.

Taxed and tested, the 1600cc Beetle isn't an original convertible, it's been converted sometime in its past. But it been restored pretty well, most recently a new stereo and a full set of tyres. What we don't know is the mileage, with 11 previous owners it could be high.

But on the plus side, this isn't the most expensive car in the world, with bidding at £1,700 and a 'buy it now' of £2,000. For a good runner (or what claims to be), that's certainly an affordable classic. More images on the listing.

Find out more at the eBay website