Atlas Continental Candle Lamps

Part of Colour Week

Penguin book covers

Part of Colour Week

‘The Junior True Book of Cloth’ first published 1960, reprinted 1969. By Esther Nighbert illustrations by Chauncey Maltman

Part of Colour Week

Hungarian matchbox label depicting road safety

Part of Colour Week

Philips audio tape

Part of Colour Week

My interest in matchbox labels lies primarily in the design but also the concept that these small images can communicate to a large number of people.

1950s and 60s Eastern European labels captivate me most. Why did this area of the world embrace modern design and imagery when many countries, including Britain, still preferred the Victorian aesthetic?

Subject matter is also fascinating. As with advertisers, governments were quick to realise the potential of these far reaching messages. Propaganda was popular but so too was public service announcements including fire safety, hygiene, money saving, alcohol abuse and road safety.

This combination of subject and design has left behind an invaluable archive of its time.

• My Matchbox Label Flickr set

Samples of recently purchased vintage fabric, mostly found at Wheatfields Hospice charity shop day.

Links

Alvin Lustig Fabrics

Alvin Lustig (1915-1955) prolific designer of architecture, interiors, books and print.

Designing Britain 1945-1975

The visual experience of post-war society (via Print and Pattern)

twentyonetwentyone

Re-released collection of Lucienne Day linen tea towels (via Oh Joy!)

Repro Depot

Vintage reproduction fabrics.

Tonic Living

More vintage reproduction fabrics.

Textile Designs

Look past the bad cover – 200 years of textile design in 1823 illustrations.

Fabric set

More fabric finds in my flickr set.

My parents are clearing out their house in preparation for retirement and a big move. I am trying hard not to transfer the piles of unwanted stuff to my flat. My Dad’s architecture books were too good to pass. I love the similar style of design – blocks of colour with transparent monocrome photography.

It makes me happy that this came from a charity shop. Granted that the woman behind the counter didn’t know how an empty curtain box got into the shop, perhaps it had some shoes in it at some point, but it was potentially throw away packaging that I was willing to spend money on.

I came across the Casino Carpet Gallery by Die is Cast (via Apartment Therapy).

David G Schwartz

“In a strange way, though, it’s sublime work of art, rivalling any expressionist canvas of the past century. Note the regal tones of Caesars Palace, the bountiful bouquet of Mandalay Place, the soft, almost abstract pointilism of Paris, all whispering, “gamble, gamble” just out of the range of consciousness as people walk to the nearest slot machine.”

I photographed the interior of Mecca Bingo Hall and Social Club in Sheffield last year and particularly liked the carpets. I’m not sure they convey any sublime messages but definitely offer a glitzy escapism that makes me want to visit more bingo halls with my camera.