Atlas Continental Candle Lamps

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

I’m a fan of Hula Seventy’s Photobooth Friday. This is the first time I have found a photobooth picture in a second hand shop and in true Hula Seventy style I’m calling her Joan. Taken by Jerome Studios, Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 24 March 1964.

• Photobooth Friday Flickr group

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.