Delicious Industries

Howdoos are back in stock!

2012-01-28T00:03:00.000Z

Our Etsy store is fully stocked with Howdoos again - so what are you waiting for? Hop over here and get yours now!

EE Chrisp letterpress printers

2012-01-26T10:59:00.000Z

I just received this little die-cut card from Phil at EE Chrisp letterpress printers. I love the Advertisers! You need good printing illustration on the back - so true!

From the reference box # 121

2012-01-23T13:49:00.000Z

#121 - Vintage Tourist Map of Greece.

I love the contrast of the traditional style cover against the gorgeous graphic maps inside - they're so bright and colourful with a very modern feel.

It was designed in March 1967 for The National Tourist Organization of Greece by M Katzourakis.

Shrug off those January blues with some tea, a slice of cake and a dig around in our reference box!

American Sampler - The Art of Corita Kent

2012-01-15T22:49:00.000Z

American Sampler - The Art of Corita Kent is boxed 40 page booklet (14.8 x 21cm) and 6 limited edition prints (50 x 70cm) showcasing the beautifully bold and bright work of Corita Kent (formerly Sister Mary Corita Kent) that we posted about here.

This is the second large-scale publication from 50by70 created by designer Tim Fishlock to celebrate the work of wonderful artists and designers. It's only an edition of 350, so if you want one you better by sharpish!

Images copyright 50by70.
Via CR Blog.

Twentynine ways to stay creative

2012-01-09T19:50:00.002Z

Saw this Ed Hall poster over on Sell! Sell! - it's a nice little reminder at the start of the year and it reminded me how much I love doing what I do!

Copyright Ed Hall.

Auto Type XVIV

2012-01-04T15:03:00.000Z

Here's some fabulous European, US and Japanese Auto type to start off the new year. Best enjoyed with a hot drink (or something stronger) and left-over Christmas chocolate!

2012 here we come!

2012-01-04T10:09:00.003Z

Happy New Year! Hope you all had a lovely break - here's to a fun and prosperous 2012.

From the reference box # 120

2011-12-23T00:29:00.000Z

#120 - 1950/60's Christmas cards. A festive offering as we sign-off for the holidays.

Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and a very merry New Year - see you on the other side!

And if you do find yourself browsing the internet on your new ipad, or pretending to work on your laptop to escape from the relatives, have a look through the rest of our reference box - it'll keep you 'busy' for hours.

A Taste Of The Extraordinary

2011-12-16T20:05:00.001Z

Our friends at Sell! Sell! have been beavering away on a new campaign for Drambuie - A Taste Of The Extraordinary. The campaign launches worldwide next year but in the run up to Christmas Londoners are getting a little preview.

We are loving the ads (above), they have such a timeless look that oozes sophistication. Simple yet beautifully weird. Sell! Sell! set out to create imagery that reflected the uniqueness of the drink - a whisky liqueur made from a blend of aged Speyside malt whiskies, spices, heather honey and herbs. Imagery that created intrigue and curiosity.

To create that classic feel, photographer John Ross shot the ads on large format film (yes, that does still exist - just!) and it really makes a difference.

There's so much attention to detail in these ads, that it's the behind the scenes pics that really had me intrigued - seeing how all the elements were shot to create the right shadows and perspective, how the floor was made and how the drip was added. Just see for yourselves...

Great work guys, please post up more behind the scenes pics.

Images copyright Sell! Sell!

From the reference box # 119

2011-12-08T10:54:00.000Z

#119 - Vintage meat cuts leaflet from, 'the most extensive - Curers of Bacon & Hams in Europe', Denny's. I'm guessing here, but I think it dates from the mid 50's. The cuts of meat are really well illustrated and they're all number/letter coded so you can cross reference which part of the pig each cut comes from.

Henry Denny & Sons Ltd. were an Irish meat curing company started in 1820 in Waterford who expanded during the late 1800's opening pork processing plants in Denmark, Germany and the US. They are also credited for patenting many production methods for bacon and helping the development of the Danish bacon industry.

This leaflet was used to advertise local butchers who stocked their meat. 'Denny's Star brand' with it's trademark star graphic (seen on the front of this leaflet - top) was their brand established purely for the UK market.

According to Wikipedia "Denny’s sausages receive a mention in James Joyce’s Ulysses - ‘And a pound and a half of, Denny’s sausages…The ferreteyed porkbutcher folded the sausages he had snipped off with blotchy fingers, sausage pink’ and the company also claims to have invented the skinless sausage in 1941".

For more vintage ephemera and paper goodies, have a root through the rest of the reference box.

'Christmas Pudding' cards now on Etsy!

2011-12-07T11:38:00.000Z

Our final Christmas cards are packed up with their envelopes and ready to ship!

As with the 'Mince Pies' and 'Holly' designs the 'Christmas Pudding' cards are available here in packs of 10 - so what are you waiting for!

Fifty years of progress in advertising...

2011-12-02T18:59:00.000Z

We're loving the cartoons our friends over at Sell! Sell! have started posting - funny little anecdotes of life in an ad agency (or most ad agencies!).

There's only been two so far, but we're hoping they'll keep doing more. Here's the first one if you missed it.

Thanks Sell! Sell! for making us chuckle.

Tools of Criminal Mischief - Roger Gastman prints

2011-11-30T13:59:00.001Z

Roger Gastman, collector of all things graffiti and co-creator of Swindle magazine has released this set of 3 hand-numbered posters showcasing his wonderful collection of vintage spray cans, Tools of Criminal Mischief: The Cans.

Designed to coincide with his new limited edition book 'Tools of Criminal Mischief', the posters featuring cans recently exhibited at MOCA as part of their Art in the Streets exhibition and include, "coveted brands such as Krylon, Rustoleum and Red Devil as well as off-brands with colors such as Silver-Skate Aluminum and Baa Baa Black".

The posters are available individually or as a set, so bag yourself some graffiti memorabilia here.

Images copyright Roger Gastman.
Via World Famous Design Junkies.

'Holly' Christmas cards now on Etsy!

2011-11-24T16:43:00.000Z

Our second batch of hand-letterpressed Christmas cards, 'Holly' are all packed up and ready to ship. They're available here in packs of 10 with envelopes as are our 'Mince pies' cards.

There's still one design to come, so keep watching this space!

Vintage Thanksgiving Parade Balloons

2011-11-23T16:52:00.000Z

Tomorrow the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade will work it's way through the streets of Manhattan and what better way to celebrate (if you can't actually be there) than to look through these vintage photos of the giant parade balloons.

Happy Thanksgiving my American friends - have a great day tomorrow!

Images copyright Macy's.
Via Buzzfeed.

Soviet anti-alcohol posters

2011-11-22T13:52:00.000Z

Rio Wang has some great Soviet anti-alcohol posters mainly from 1920 - 1990.

Their post “In eternal memory” outlines the background to these posters - Russia's social history, their struggle with alcoholism and drunkeness, cheap alcohol readily available and a drop in the average male life expectancy to 47!

Above are some of the more graphic ones that really caught my attention.

See the full post and collection of posters here.

All images from Rio Wang.
Via Notcot.

Our hand-letterpressed Christmas cards!

2011-11-20T20:56:00.000Z

Our freshly printed Christmas cards are now available on Etsy.

Lovingly letterpressed by our own fair hands on our vintage press, they're the first of a few designs we'll have available for the festive season - watch this space!

Michelin Bibendum Building

2011-11-15T16:20:00.000Z

I had the pleasure of seeing the Michelin Bibendum building for the first time a few weeks ago. It's a fantastic piece of architecture designed by Francois Espinasse - a Michelin employee at the time, who wasn't even a trained architect.

The building sits at 81 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London. It first opened in 1911 and over it's early years served as the company's general sales office, a tyre fitting centre, warehouse, distribution centre and in the 1950's, Michelin's UK commercial headquarters.

"A truly unique building that incorporated design ideas that anticipated the Art Deco movement 10 years later. It was the first building in London to use reinforced concrete in its
construction and its distinctive style was never copied, leaving Michelin House a totally unique building."

These days this magnificent building houses the Bibendum Restaurant, the Oyster Bar, the Crustacea Stall, a forecourt café and The Conran Shop. After being bought in 1985 by Sir Terence Conran and Paul Hamlyn who had the full building restored and all the original features put back to their former glory.

It really is well worth a visit, but if you can't see it in person there's more info here.

Before and after images copyright Bibendum.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T11:07:00.003Z

Photograph by Tony Hepburn.

From the reference box # 118

2011-11-08T15:12:00.002Z

#118 - 1961 Karta över Skansen (Map of Skansen). This beautifully illustrated map is one of my favourites. I bought it purely for the folk style illustrations and had no idea what or where Skansen was.

After some research I was fascinated to discover that Skansen is a living open-air museum in Djurgården, Stockholm, Sweden - the first in the wolrd in fact!

Founded by Artur Hazelius in 1891 as the outdoor annex to his Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum), Skansen was the culmination of years of collecting and saving ethographical relics. In 1872 he had realised just how quickly life in Sweden was changing and set about " collect clothing, household utensils, furniture and hand-tools from the old farming culture: everything that needed to be preserved for posterity".

"At the beginning of the 1870s, three million of Sweden’s population of just over four million people still lived in the countryside. But country life had changed. The number of independent farmers had declined and the ranks of the landless had grown. The increase in population created a growing body of tenant cottagers, servants to the gentry and indentured labourers. Land reforms that destroyed villages and re-allocated the fields transformed the way of life in the countryside as well as its buildings. Agriculture became mechanized, industrial products did away with crafts and new means of communication opened up more efficient ways of distributing goods."

"The landless classes left their homes to seek work on the railways, in the shipyards and the factories and in the sawmills of northern Sweden. Sweden developed into an urban society. Crop failures at the end of the 1860s caused more than 100 000 Swedes to emigrate to America. This wave of emigration reached a peak in the 1880s when 325 000 Swedes left for America and a further 52 000 emigrated to other countries."

It wasn't enough for Hazelius to show static exhibitions, he wanted people to experience complete environments; the everyday life and sounds of the old Swedish culture, "fully furnished houses occupied by people wearing period costume surrounded by their domestic animals in a natural landscape".

Skansen is still a popular tourist attraction today, though I think it will look a bit different to how it did in 1961 - here's the full fold-out map from back then in all it's glory...

Unfortunately I couldn't find out who the illustrator was, there is the word Järk in the map border, but that's the only clue. If you do have any ideas as to who it might have been, please let me know.

Rob Ryan at Castor + Pollux

2011-11-07T23:59:00.000Z

Rob Ryan launched his lovely new book, 'A sky full of kindness' with an exhibition at Castor + Pollux last week. Once again I missed the preview but I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

"A Sky Full of Kindness’ which has been written and illustrated by Rob using his intricate and beautiful paper cuts, telling the story of two birds who are preparing for their egg to hatch."

The exhibition runs until the 5 December. It's a collection of new prints and hand-cut illustrations from the book, along with a selection of cards, laser cuts, plates, bunting, books and mugs always available at Castor + Pollux. Great for some early Christmas shopping!

Don't worry if you can't get down to Brighton though, there's a great selection of his work available from their online store.

80's Firework Packaging

2011-11-04T10:17:00.001Z

With Guy Fawkes tomorrow I thought it was a good excuse to post up some of Jason Liebig's fabulous collection of 1980's fireworks packaging.

This huge collection is pasted into a scrapbook, above are a few of my favourites, but there are pages and pages in his Flickr set, with 3 or 4 packages on each - I'm guessing Jason enjoyed the 5th November growing up!

Another great collection of vintage fireworks packaging can be seen at the Firework Heritage Museum or read my previous post here.

All images copyright Jason Liebig.

Warhol is Here

2011-11-01T12:02:00.000Z

Entrance to the first floor gallery, sneaking a peek at Camoflage, 1986

Butterfly Day, 1955

Brillo, 1970 and Muhammad Ali by Andy Warhol poster, 1978

Andy Warhol designed posters and commercial work

Dollar sign, 1981 and Cow, 1966

The De La Warr Pavilion is always a great weekend drive out - it's an amazing building, there's always an interesting exhibition on and the cafe has such delicious cake, what's not to like?! But until 26 February 2012 there's an added bonus to taking a trip out there...

Warhol is Here, the best collection of Andy Warhol work I've ever seen in one place. I've read a lot about this exhibition over the last month, but I was still amazed by it's size and content. There are some of Warhol's most iconic pieces in little old Bexhill, pieces I've discussed and written about in many art history lectures and essays so to see them in all their enourmity was a real treat.

The ground floor gallery guides you through the main part of his career from early pan & ink illustrations, through his commercial works, self-portraits, photography and on to some of his most famous 60's and 70's pieces; the wonderful Marilyn Diptych (1962), all ten Mao (1972) screenprints, the Brillo Boxes (1968), two prints from the Campbell's Soup series (Green Pea & Tomato, both 1968) and a selection of the Electric Chair series.

The First floor gallery, papered floor to ceiling in the bright pink & yellow cow print, focusses on Warhol's later 80's work including one of my favourite pieces - the giant bold and brash Dollar Sign (1981).

And for those with enough energy to make it to the rooftop foyer, there's a sound installation by Dr. Jean Wainwright to accompany the exhibition. Tape recordings of interviews, stories and conversations about Andy Warhol with those that knew him well.

I can't recommend this exhibition enough, it's exhibition of the year for me and to top it all, it's free admission!

"The show is assembled from a selection of works from ARTIST ROOMS, (a new collection of modern and contemporary art held by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland for the nation), as well as those sourced from Tate collection, The British Museum, V&A, Cecil Higgins Art Gallery other private collections."

All works copyright of The Andy Warhol Foundation for The Visual Arts, Artists Rights Society (ARS, New York/DACS London

Auto Type XVIII

2011-10-28T09:52:00.000+01:00

More fabulous Auto Type from my travels, though I can't actually remember where these were taken. As ever they all have their charms, but it's the goofy, 'Rover 110' type that I'm drawn to the most - I think it's the R and the E, they seem almost hand drawn.

There's plenty more to see in my Auto Type Flickr collection or see previous Auto Type posts here.

From the reference box #117

2011-10-21T09:17:00.001+01:00

#117 - French Carte-de-Visite (vintage photographic studio cards) from the early 1900's. They're my first European cards and it's amazing how similar they are to the UK ones I have.

As always the lettering and design is delicate and beautiful, but something I haven't seen before is a red background. It's now my favourite card, the red and gold really adds a touch of luxury.

Find out more about Carte-de-Visite here and see more of my collection here.

Lo Cole at Castor + Pollux

2011-10-10T16:52:00.002+01:00

Our favourite seafront gallery, Castor + Pollux is currently showing (and selling) illustrator Lo Cole's bold and colourful prints until the 18 October.

Lo Cole is a freelance illustrator and print maker based in Gloucestershire with a career already spanning 20 years and a very impressive client list including; Vogue, The Guardian, Greenpeace, The Royal National Theatre, Harper Collins and Royal Mail Stamps.

All his pieces are vibrant and energetic, but some are simple and graphic whilst others are wild and abstract. It's the more graphic prints that do it for me though, especially the bird one above with the lovely little pink and red birds.

I really need to get down there and see it before it finishes!

Images copyright Lo Cole.

Steve Jobs (1955 - 2011)

2011-10-06T09:31:00.001+01:00

From the reference box #116

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000+01:00

#116 - Cover of (what I think is) a Hawker P.1067 advertising supplement in the 30 November 1951 issue of 'Flight' magazine.

I bought it purely for it's unusual cover and the big yellow block of colour. Originally I thought it was an issue of Flight magazine, but it's actually full of Hawker Aircraft Ltd. history, from biplanes to their 'new' Hawker P.1067 - the aircraft that broke the sound barrier for the first time in April 1952.

Whilst trying to find out about this publication I came across Flight Global, a great resource with every (or almost every) issue of Flight magazine from 1909 to 2004 scanned in page-by-page for all to view. Some of the old ads are great - well worth a look.

Information on Hawker P.1067 from Thunder & Lightnings

Retro Tesco at Goodwood Revival 2011

2011-09-19T18:26:00.000+01:00

I was very happy to see the Retro Tesco back for a second year at Goodwood Revival this weekend - a typical 1960's Tesco store, complete with products in vintage packaging (many of which were for sale), period dressed staff and authentic signage.

The shelves were stacked with a mix of vintage products and packages for display purposes only that sat alongside modern products with classic packaging (like Lyon's Golden Syrup and Wrigley's Chewing Gum) and modern products re-packaged in a vintage style that could all be purchased.

I loved the single product displays like Double Diamond and Fairy with loads of the products stacked high. It's great to see all the old packages on the shelves together and really good fun buying them at the 60's style check-out. I hope it's there again next year!

If you want to have a virtual tour of the Retro Tesco there's a short video here.

Auto Type XVII

2011-09-14T10:24:00.000+01:00

Auto Type XVII - more delicious logos from the world of automobiles. There are some gorgeous big numbers in this selection - my favourite is the 260/V8 at the top.

It's Goodwood Revival this weekend - 3 days of classic racing, so stand by for lots more auto type in the coming weeks!

If you can't wait to see more, take a look at our previous Auto Type posts here or check out our Flickr set.

United Nations Postage Stamps

2011-09-10T14:47:00.000+01:00

These gorgeous UN postage stamps are my favourites from Aqua Velvet's post, 'United Nations Postage Stamps - Part 1' showcasing some of their collection. I love the bright colours and bold graphics, especially the big silver arrow on the one above. Really looking froward to seeing part 2!

Images copyright Aqua Velvet.
Via Notcot.

LA Artist David Buckingham

2011-09-05T13:24:00.000+01:00

I came across an article this weekend in Dazed & Confused about LA artist, David Buckingham and the fact that he is Wrangler's muse for their new Autumn/ Winter 2011 collection.

It's the first time I've seen David's work and now I'm desperate to see one of his shows. His pieces are fantastic. They're created from cut and welded scrap/ found metal and they're amazingly big, bold and brash. Many incorporate lines from films or song lyrics, and others are pop-art style typographic and graphic masterpieces. And when I say big, I mean big...

For those of you lucky enough to be in Berlin this month, make sure you check out David's latest exhibition, Hung Like Elvis at Kit Schulte Contemporary which just opened on the 2nd September.

All images copyright David Buckingham.

Own Label: Sainsbury's Design Studio

2011-08-31T12:57:00.001+01:00

We're really looking forward to the launch of Fuel's new book, Own Label: Sainsbury's Design Studio. Due for release in October, it looks in detail at Sainsbury's 'own label' packaging created between 1962 and 1977 by it's in-house design team headed by Peter Dixon.

This era of Sainsbury's packaging has always been a good source of inspiration for designers - it's modernist style, simple graphics and bright colours are a winning combination. "Their striking modernity pushed the boundaries, reflecting a period full of optimism. They also helped build Sainsbury’s into a brand giant, the first real ‘super’ market of the time. This book examines and celebrates this paradigm shift that redefined packaging design, and led to the creation of some of the most original packaging ever seen."

Images copyright Fuel Design & Publishing.
Via CR Blog.

Boston Sign Project

2011-08-24T23:58:00.001+01:00

I stumbled across pantone356's Boston SIgn Project last week on Instagram and I've been hooked since - Instagram filters, good photography and great signage is a tough combination to beat and definitely not one to be ignored. So I thought I'd share my discovery.

The Boston Sign Project is a growing collection of Instagram photos by pantone356 (aka Keith Sliney, Creative Director for the Boston Celtics) celebrating the signage in and around Boston. From bright neon, to faded 'ghost' signs they're all gorgeous and I love reading the descriptions and history of each one. Luckily he's only up to #59 of his 100 target, so there's still lots to look forward to.

Follow pantone356 on Instagram to see the rest of the project (while you're at it, check deliciousind out too!) or view the full collection and lots more lovely signage here.

All images copyright pantone 356/ Keith Sliney.

From the reference box # 115

2011-08-22T15:32:00.003+01:00

#115 - First Book of German, published in 1966 by the 'Société Internationale des Écoles Berlitz' (International Society of Berlitz Schools), Paris.

It's not very often you see a beautifully designed text book cover, so this language book with it's subdued colour palate and bold, geometric shapes really jumped out at me.

I love the contrast between the simple cover design and the detailed Berlitz schools logo - you never know, it might even help to improve my German!

Dig deep in the reference box for more delicious design and ephemera!

Smells I Like by Gordon Stowell

2011-08-17T13:45:00.000+01:00

I picked up this gorgeous children's book at the weekend - Smells I Like by Gordon Stowell. The illustrations are fantastic. I think they're paper and line drawing collages which gives them their bold, brightness and wonderful simplicity.

Illustrator and cartoonist Gordon Stowell sadly died in 2003. He sold his first cartoon to a newspaper in 1942 aged only 14. Throughout his very long career he wrote and illustrated many children's books (including the one above published by AR Mowbray & Co Ltd. in 1969) and had his cartoons published regularly in the likes of Private Eye and Punch magazines - he believed, "cartoons could put over serious subjects".

There are 8 more books in this range, so the search is on - not sure how many of them I'll be able to pick up for 20p though!

From the reference box # 114

2011-08-12T13:57:00.000+01:00

#114 - Vintage cotton cards. Some new additions to my sewing ephemera collection - really love the little Pringle card and the colour of the wool!

See more reference box goodies here.

Auto Type XVI

2011-08-09T13:05:00.000+01:00

I have been very busy snapping these fabulous examples of auto type recently - it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it!

As ever, some wonderfully rare examples with many Italian marques today.

See our full Auto Type collection on Flickr here or look through other Automobilia posts here.

Similarities

2011-08-05T11:37:00.000+01:00

I love Bob Caruthers' Flickr set Similarities - a collection of design pairs showing the original design and a 're-contextualized', 'inspired' or 'appropriated' later design. Some are 'homages' to the original design and a few, I'm sure are just coincidental.

As Bob says, "They are presented without judgement as to the motives of their creators. The viewers of the pieces can form their own opinion(s) about what they see". It must have taken him a long time to gather so many examples and he must have a very in-depth knowledge of design history!

I find it really interesting to see the original designs, when often you didn't even know the current one wasn't the original. It reminds me when I was younger and loved a new song in the charts, only for my dad to say the original version was better!

I came across this Flickr set via Quad Royal, who has posted a great article about The Sunday TImes poster (immediately above) and the other posters in the 1960's campaign.

Images copyright Bob cruthers.

From the reference box # 113

2011-08-03T14:15:00.001+01:00

#113 - Vintage Road Maps. I seem to be gathering quite a collection of these old road maps.

The two above are new additions; a complimentary Washington DC Map and Visitor's Guide from Exxon (the parent company of Esso & Mobil), 1977 (left) and a complimentary Arizona - New Mexico Tourgide Map from Gulf, 1965 (right).

The Gulf one also has a map of the United States on the reverse with little crosses and notes in all the states the original owner had visited - I love details like this on old ephemera!

See more vintage maps and ephemera here.

Should I work for free?

2011-07-29T13:24:00.004+01:00

Jessica Hische's, Should I work for Free? flow chart is a very amusing (and painfully true) read. All those blags people try to get cheap/free work - I've heard them all at some point.

I think every studio and freelance designer should have a copy on the wall by the phone. It's not only a lovely 5-colour letterpress print but very sound advice to boot!

See the full version here and purchase the print here.

Copyright Jessica Hische.

Revolutionary Film Posters

2011-07-28T10:16:00.002+01:00

Revolutionary Film Posters: Aesthetic Experiments of Russian Constructivism, 1920-33 is an exhibition just coming to an end at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in New York.

The exhibition comprises of 95 posters including works from Alexander Rodchenko, 'The Stenberg Brothers' (Georgii & Vladimir) and Alexander Naumov. Many of which are the only known surviving examples and have never before been publicly exhibited.

"Reacting to the chaos of the Russian Revolution, the Constructivists sought order and felt it their civic duty to engineer a more stable and harmonious society."

I love the bold colours and dynamic compositions. It's such a shame I've only just found out about it. Don't worry though if you missed it too, all the posters along with photos of the exhibition can be seen here.

Images taken from Tony Shafrazi Gallery.
Via MUBI.

More Racing Numbers

2011-07-27T15:52:00.003+01:00

We've just updated our Racing Numbers Flickr set with some mighty fine examples, so if you need some numeric inspiration, check them out here.

F & F: Flowers and Fleurons

2011-07-26T12:04:00.002+01:00

Flowers & Fleurons is the Brighton based letterpress workshop of graphic designer, John Christopher.

John has a passion for typography and letterpress. His home is shared with two letterpress machines; 1906 Harrild platen and a vintage 1965 Vandercook, as well as trays of vintage wood and metal type all used to create limited edition prints.

He's known in the industry for producing large scale prints, the most popular of which are his shipping forecasts, the first of which, 'Sailing By' was selected for the New North Press, Reverting to Type exhibition in London, 2010 (Mini versions are available here).

I met John at the AT Open House during the Brighton Festival and he kindly gave me one of his magnificent business cards - surely this is the longest business card on record!

Keep up-to-date with the happenings at Flowers & Fleurons here.

From the reference box # 112

2011-07-20T13:33:00.000+01:00

#112 - Vintage 'The Young Artist' Watercolours. I picked this little beauty up on a boot sale for a bargain 20p and even though I only bought if for the lovely box, it has a full set of watercolours still inside - shame I can't paint!

The packaging and colour palate screams 1950's (1957 it seems) and I love the paintbrush graphic. All-in-all a very well spent 20p.

See more fabulous vintage packaging and ephemera in our reference box.

Vintage bread wrappers

2011-07-18T14:59:00.002+01:00

Who would have guessed that bread packaging could be so great?!

Bread used to be packaged in a waxed paper and sealed at either end with a sticker (in fact in the UK some brands still use the waxed paper, but heat sealed with a glue at the ends instead of with stickers).

These fine examples are waxed, bread wrappers from the 40's & 50's. I think the Victory Vitality Bread is my favourite because if it's simplicity, although the Skylark is giving it a run for it's money (it's that little chef hat on the skylark graphic!).

Se more of the collection here.

Via the How to be a Retronaut.

Auto Type XV

2011-07-15T11:17:00.000+01:00

Auto Type XV - As promised, here's the second installment of the auto type I snapped at The Goodwood Festival of Speed. Again some rare beauties like the Chaparral (you don't see many of those around!) and some lovely typography. I love the Renault 3 one - so clumsy it works!

See the full collection here.

A room full of letters

2011-07-13T18:38:00.003+01:00

I need this much old signage in my life - where do they get it all from?
Actually it's best for my home and my bank balance that I don't know!

Via ffffound.
Originally from Graphic-Exchange.

Auto Type XIIII

2011-07-11T16:03:00.002+01:00

More fabulous Auto Type spotted and snapped at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend. It's all about the old cars for me and there were plenty to look at including quite a few rare beasts.

These are only half the auto type pics I took in one day - more to come later in the week!

View our full collection here and if you're a bit of a petrol head on the quiet, check out the beauties over on Super Ninety.

Store Front: The Disappearing Face of Old New York

2011-07-07T09:53:00.002+01:00

I love these pics over on How to be a Retronaut. They're taken from Store Front: The Disappearing Face of Old New York by James and Karla Murray, the result of years of photographing and "faithfully documenting the generations-old stores and shop windows of New York's neighbourhoods".

When it was published in 2009 the Murray's estimated that a third of the stores photographed had already closed, so I wonder how many are still open now, or even still standing? It's sad to think of those beautiful old signs being torn down as they add such character to a street, so much nicer than the bland plastic signage we see so much of today.

It's not just in New York either, it's the same story in every city - regeneration, redevelopment it's a never-ending cycle and I know it boosts the local economies, creates jobs and is good for the community, but I like the faded glory.

Two of my favourite places are Manchester and Blackpool, UK - purely for the charm and character of the old buildings and abandoned signage hidden in the back streets.

All images taken from Store Front:The Disappearing Face of Old New York. Copyright James & Karla Murray.

Published by Gingko Press.

From the reference box # 111

2011-07-04T15:41:00.001+01:00

#111 - Vintage Lemon drink labels.

I've already posted about the lime drink and orange drink labels I bought as part of a collection, so here are the lemon ones; C&C (Cantrell & Cochrane) Lemonade, 'new' Kia-Ora Low calorie Lemon Drink and Sunparlor Lemonade with 'New turn off cap!'.

There's something about the print quality and design on these labels that really appeals to me. Sunparlor is my favourite of this bunch - I Just love the slightly off set startburst and the weird centred, but to the right contents info.

More Country Fair covers

2011-07-01T16:38:00.002+01:00

Remember our post about Country Fair: The monthly journal of the open air? Well we've just uploaded lots more of the gorgeously illustrated 50's & 60's covers to Flickr.

As it's July 1st, the covers above are from July issues only, but you can see the full collection here.

If you like these it's quite likely you'll like these and these!

Auto Type XIII

2011-06-30T10:19:00.003+01:00

Auto Type XIII - a few more additions to our auto type collection, including some from a couple of lovely commercial vehicles.

See our full collection here and if autos are your thing, check out our sister blog Super Ninety.

From the reference box #110

2011-06-25T19:42:00.003+01:00

#110 - Printing Ephemera circa, 1965. I came across a bundle of old printers booklets ata boot sale recently, they were only a couple of pounds so I couldn't resist.

The stash included 3 x 1965 copies of Reproductions Review (August, September & December issues), 6 x copies of Inklings: Coates Bulletin for Printers (June & December 1965, March, September & December 1967, June 1969 issues) and a copy of 'acid' paper and ink drying produced by The British Federation of Master Printersin August 1965 as no.4 in their 'production aids for the printing industry' series.

It's really interesting to read about the new printing techniques and machines available in the mid 1960's. These two ads in particular, from Reproductions Review made me smile...

There's lots more vintage ephemera in our reference box, so have a root around it here.

Daphne Padden Original Sketches

2011-06-21T11:31:00.001+01:00

Cute, original illustrations and sketches by designer Daphne Padden in the 1970's, bought from her estate sale (she died in 2009) by the very lucky Quad Royal.

They discovered she did quite a lot of packaging design in the 70's, mainly for M&S (or St Michael as it was back then) and kept the original design sketches as well as the finished packaging which is really great to see.

I love seeing the original sketches more than the finished design - they have so much more character. So thanks Quad Royal for sharing your bounty!

Quad Royal have been researching and championing Daphne Padden's design work for some time, so there's lots more to read see here and here.

Images copyright Quad Royal.

Sunny Side Up

2011-06-18T18:04:00.001+01:00

Andy Smith's new exhibition Sunny Side Up at Soma Gallery, Bristol promises to be great. It previews on Friday 24th June and then runs until the 20th August.

The exhibition will include 12 new large, hand-screenprints featuring "bold statements, strange visitors, warnings from gurus, the thoughts of CaptainScott and other random themes", new 3d arrows, moose heads, totes and stickers all in the distinctive Andy Smith illustration and lettering style.

All the artwork in the show will be available online too, so don't worry if like me you can't make it over to Bristol for the show.

For more info visit Soma, or see teaser images of Andy's new work here.

Image copyright Andy Smith.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Lettering

2011-06-17T11:48:00.003+01:00

I found these great lettering details from Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps over on BibliOdyssey. They've collected them from map and map publications dated between 1880 and 1920.

After completing a successful commission preparing insurance maps for the Aetna Insurance Company, surveyor D. A. Sanborn saw their value to the fire insurance industry and established D. A. Sanborn National Insurance Diagram Bureau in New York City,1867.

The lettering above shows how each town/city had a uniquely designed heading, title page or legend. They remind me of the very elaborate Carte-de-Visite reverses of the same period. I find it interesting that in the late 1800's, companies here in the UK and in the US were producing similar style lettering designs.

Reading some of the typographers comments on BibliOdyssey, I learned the difference between Lettering (hand-lettering created a purpose, not using pre-designed fonts), Typography (arranging pre-designed fonts) and Calligraphy (hand-lettering with a pen or brush). I did know the calligraphy definition but had never really given much thought to what was defined as 'lettering' or 'typography' - you learn something new everyday!

Images copyright BibliOdyssey.
Via FFFFound.

Displacement - new work by Mark Havens

2011-06-13T00:57:00.005+01:00

I bet you can't guess what these images are?

No idea?

They're large photographic prints of the vintage model car decal sheets you probably had as a child - "tiny snapshots of color and shape that over time become elemental symbols and glyphs in the personal mythologies unique to each of us".

Seeing these tiny decals exploded to such a large scale really exaggerates the print quality and colour creating a wonderful patina and a warm feeling of nostalgia.

Displacement - new work by Mark Havens is currently showing at JAGR: Projects Philadelphia, until the end of July 2011.

Images copyright Mark Havens. Via The Chicane.

MOMA's Department of Advertising & Graphic Design

2011-06-11T00:32:00.019+01:00

MOMA's Department of Advertising and Graphic Design (their in-house design team) have launched a portfolio site showcasing a selection of their recent exhibition design, advertising and print.

It's really interesting to see how they use the gallery space for each exhibition and how well they design the info graphics/signage to enhance the visitor experience and compliment each artists work. I also love that they've commissioned traditional billboard artists too!

I've always wanted to visit MOMA, but after seeing these pics I want to go even more.

Images copyright Museum of Modern Art.
Via Swissmiss.

Vintage typewriter logo decals

2011-06-07T09:10:00.002+01:00

These wonderful Typewriter logo decals are part of Georg Sommeregger's (Shordzi) collection on Flickr.

He has the most amazing typewriter based Flickr sets I've seen - vintage typewriters, their marketing materials, instruction booklets, advertising as well as collections of British, American and German typewriter ribbon tins.

A real feast of graphics that will keep you staring at your screen for hours!

Images copyright Georg Sommeregger.
Via @shelfappeal

From the reference box # 109

2011-06-06T12:55:00.006+01:00

#109 - Fly BEA Map of Copenhagen. I picked up this little gem at the weekend. It was the detailed cover illustration that first caught my eye - it reminded me of the E-boy cityscapes.

The leaflet was a complimentary guide given to passengers of BEA when traveling to Denmark's capital city in 1964. It folds out to a large map on one side and is packed with tourist information on the other.

It opens portrait, to a gorgeously graphic map and suggested places to see from 'Kongens Nytorv (The King's New Market) to Tivoli...

Or opens landscape to reveal a 'Railway Skeleton Map of City, Suburban and Districts Services with Connections'. I love the 'S' graphic with the wings and crown...

and on the back has a handy currency guide...

BEA operated domestic and European flights from airports across the UK from 1946 to 1974 when they merged with their parent company BOAC (British overseas Airways Corporation), Cambrian Airways and Northeast Airlines to become British Airways.

Whilst researching BEA, I found some great old adverts from the late 50's and 60's here and also a selection of timetables from the same period here.

Erik Nitsche for General Dynamics

2011-06-02T11:25:00.003+01:00

I love it when I browse my favourite blogs in a morning and see something I haven't come across before, and that's just what happened today.

I saw a great collection of General Dynamics posters over on Words & Eggs created by late Erik Nitsche - graphic designer/art director for the General Dynamics in the late 50's.

Nitsche was responsible for all General Dynamics brand communication from 1953 - 1960. He brought an optimistic, modern dynamic to the brand and produced bold, graphic designs which can be seen in the selection of posters (above), in these adverts...

and in these annual report covers...

Images sourced here, here and here.
Copyright held by image owners.

From the reference box # 108

2011-05-31T14:01:00.005+01:00

#108 - Vintage French, Lait En Poudre (powdered milk) tin. This delightful 300g tin of powdered milk was produced by the Société France-Lait in St Martin Belle-Roche.

I love it's 2 colour print and the overprint created by the dark green on the excess pale green around the pale green type and graphics. I also like the little factory graphic on the France graphic.

Too pretty (and big) for the reference box, this one lives happily on the plan chest in the window enjoying admiring glances from passers-by.

See more vintage packaging and ephemera here.

AT Open House - Last Weekend!

2011-05-27T13:11:00.003+01:00

AT Open House (42 Hendon St, Brighton) will be opening it's door 12-6pm, Saturday and Sunday for the last weekend of the Artist's Open Houses. We'll be down there tomorrow so if you're in the neighbourhood drop in and say hello.

There's plenty to see (and buy), it's 10 minutes from the seafront and there will be lots of lovely tea and cake - what more could you want from a day out?

Don't worry if you can't make it though, the web shop will remain open for a couple more weeks so you won't totally miss out!

Paul Thurlby's Alphabet Book

2011-05-26T23:29:00.004+01:00

We've posted about London based illustrator, Paul Thurlby a couple of times over the last couple of years, mainly about his gorgeously retro Alphabet Prints (above).

Well, his illustrated Alphabet has taken on a life of it's own since we last posted. The lovely letters are now available as signed/numbered, limited edition Giclee prints, as greeting cards and have just been made into a children's ABC book (below)!

Paul Thurlby's Alphabet will be published by Templar and released on July 1st. I for one can't wait to get my hands on a copy - I think it's going to be as popular with adults as it will with children.

Pre-order your copy here for only £8.69!

Images copyright Paul Thurlby.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration

2011-05-25T13:56:00.005+01:00

Last night we had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Amelia Gregory at the Brighton launch of her new book, Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration at Castor + Pollux. Unfortunately I couldn't make it until late and missed the actual talk (which by all accounts was very inspiring and informative) but I did have chance to chat with Amelia and enjoy the complimentary mini-cupcakes and Juiceology drinks.

Amelia is big on the values of social media and it's importance to the fashion industry - I agree and think the same goes for any designers and illustrators. I was amused to realise that I actually knew more about social media than the young, newly graduated fashion students also present, who didn't really know what Twitter was nevermind be on it!

Amelia's Magazine was first published in May 2004 and over the following 4 years Amelia produced 10 successful issues all championing the work of up and coming fashion illustrators, ethical fashion designers and ways to create a more sustainable future for our planet. In 2008, Amelia decided to cease publishing the magazine and concentrate all her efforts on it's fast-growing website, where Amelia's Magazine still lives on.

Amelia's compendium of Fashion follows the success of her first book, Amelia's Anthology of Illustration and "brings together the best illustration from Amelia’s Magazine alongside the best new ethical fashion designers". It showcases the work of 30 illustrators, features interviews about their design practice and profiles almost 50 of the very best ethical fashion designers working today including Fifi Bijoux, Minna, Partimi Prophetik and Ute Decker.

It's a really gorgeous book, packed full of inspiration and ideas - definitely one for the coffee table!

Keep up with Amelia's comings and goings by following Amelia Gregory and Amelia's Magazine on Twitter.

From the reference box # 107

2011-05-23T12:07:00.006+01:00

#107 - 29 Embroidery Stitches, a vintage booklet issued by Clark & Co. of Paisley, Scotland.

In the early 1800's Patrick Clark invented a way of twisting cotton threads together to produce an alternative to silk thread which was unattainable due to the French blockade. Clark & Co. opened their first cotton thread plant in 1812 and went on to offer a range of embroidery threads called 'Anchor Embroidery Threads'.

Clark & Co. merged with J & P Coats in 1952, dating this charming little booklet in the late 40's or very early 50's (I've also read that they merged in 1896, but there is no way this booklet is that old!).

The introduction encourages, "Try out some of the less well-known stitches and you will find a fresh absorbing interest in embroidery". There's a comprehensive guide to the correct threads, fabrics and needle sizes (see below) as well as a lovely illustration demonstrating the correct technique for each of the 29 stitches.

For more fabulous ephemera, have a rummage through out Reference box!

Dana Tanamachi's Chalk Lettering

2011-05-18T18:29:00.003+01:00

This fantastic chalk lettering is the handy work of Brooklyn based graphic designer, Dana Tanamachi. Her chalky masterpieces have adorned the walls of The Ace Hotel, NY, The Wes Anderson, Brooklyn and Google's NYC offices among many more.

I love her type choices and I'm amazed at the amount of detail and definition she can get from a piece of chalk! As you can see in these time-lapse films she works completely freehand, sketching and re-sketching to get the desired design (see below).

I would be terrified of smudging it right at the end, or of someone else smudging it! Although that vulnerability does add to their charm.

Images copyright Dana Tanamachi.
Via Grain Edit.

Vintage Circus Posters

2011-05-17T12:13:00.001+01:00

These gorgeous, vintage circus posters have been tucked away here for quite a few years. They're American and mostly from the 60'/70's with the exception of the black, red and yellow, Royal Hanneford Circus one, which is from 1990.

I absolutely love the off-set print on the graphics, the sometime garish colours and the big type. The circus would have lots of the posters printed with blank space at the top or bottom to have the dates printed as and when required.

All the above posters are printed onto a thick card and are approx. 357 x 560 mm in size. They're currently part of the AT Open House at 42 Hendon Street, Brighton and have just been added to their new web shop. Quick, grab yourself a bargain vintage poster!

AT Web shop now live!

2011-05-15T17:20:00.006+01:00

Alphabet 3. Mark Pavey - £30.

The At Open House web shop is now live, so those of you who can't make it down to 42 Hendon Street, Brighton over the next couple of weeks, won't miss out on the wonderful work for sale...

Staffordshire Figures for the clumsy. Alice Pattullo - £15 each.

A Collection of Pointless Miscellanies #2. Jonny Hannah - £3 each.

Owl softies. Snorkus - £15 each.

Don't Worry be Happy print. Delicious Industries - £15 each.

Starlet Brooch. Amanda Fatherazi - £45.

But for those of you who can make it down, we'll be there next Sunday 12-6 enjoying the live performances by Lonny Pop, Deborah Tyler-Bennett, and Josephine Dimbleby - pop in and say hello!

Images copyright AT Open House.

New Howdoos in stock

2011-05-13T18:47:00.003+01:00

Our new Howdoos have arrived! This latest batch are printed on off-white, beermat stock - a smooth, pulpy board which is slightly thicker than the old grey board and we're really pleased with them, maybe even prefer them to the originals!

Anyway we've been busy bees packing them up and they're now available in our Etsy store.

For more information about our Howdoos, see our original post here.

From the reference box # 106

2011-05-11T13:01:00.004+01:00

#106 - Vintage Orange Drink labels. Here are the orange drink labels that came in the collection along with the Lime Cordial ones I bought a couple of weeks ago.

They've all got something interesting to me; the Safeway one (top) is actually gold and has great 'orangeade' type - random, but fun. It's the NAAFI logo I like on the middle label and on the Batemans (bottom) it's the little orange graphics.

There are still the Lemonade and Ginger Beer ones to come!

Pics from the AT Openhouse

2011-05-09T13:42:00.006+01:00

So Saturday afternoon I worked the vintage tearoom at AT Openhouse (complete with vintage pinny) I sliced cake, poured tea and chatted to visitors about the artists/work on show. It's the first Openhouse I've been involved with and although it was only day one, I really enjoyed it.

The house looks incredible, April and Tim have completely given their lovely home over to the show - every room, corner and shelf is full to bursting with prints, paintings, vintage clothes, jewellery, soft furnishings and cake from 17 different artists, designers, crafters and print makers.

AT Openhouse is at 42 Hendon Street, Brighton BN2
Open throughout May 12-6pm, Saturdays & Sundays.

Keep up to date with AT goings on here.

AT Openhouse kicks off tomorrow!

2011-05-06T10:20:00.007+01:00

AT Openhouse finally throws open it's doors tomorrow for a month of fabulousness!

It really is going to be the best Openhouse, with a terrific mix of artists and designers; a vintage Boudoir, vintage tea room, a knitting room, prints/paper ephemera room and live performances in the garden.

We're selling our Howdoo business cards...

Our Don't Worry letter-pressed prints...

And some vintage circus posters we've been hoarding for years...

You'll also find button jewellery by Lorna Davies and fabulous knitted creations from Winsome & Saucy...

Some quirky Jonny Hannah illustrations...

Recent work from illustrator Alice Pattullo...

Mr Wingate's printed textiles and home accessories...

Fun prints and vintage fabric cats & owls from Snorkus...

Pinky's psychedelic paintings and paper cuts...

A selection of elephants and badges from Beatty Hallas...

The wonderful Odds and Bobs vintage boudoir...

Stunning paintings from Natalie Martin...

Badges, books and prints from local illustrator, Carlos Garde-Martin...

Amanda Fatherazi's glamorous brooches and dolls...

Screenprints, books and letter-pressed prints from Mark Pavey...

And last, but definitely not least paintings by Rhys Trussler...

So if you find yourself at a loose end over the weekend (or any weekend in May) pop over to 42 Hendon Street and say "hello".

Image copyrights with the individual artsists.

Auto Type XII

2011-05-04T11:48:00.003+01:00

Auto Type XII - Some fine new additions to our collection - loving the quirky Corsair typeface (top).

We've now got quite a collection - if Auto Type does it for you check out the full set here or if the cars themselves are more your bag, hop over to our sister blog Super Ninety.

From the reference box # 105

2011-05-03T14:36:00.003+01:00

#105 - Vintage Lime Juice Cordial labels. I recently came across a small collection of juice and soft drink labels to add to the reference box. I'm not sure of dates, but would guess late 60's early 70's.

I love the simplicity of the Sainsbury's one (top) and the overlays on the Hooper Struve graphics (bottom), but those limes on the C&C label (middle) look like they've seen better days!

The collection also includes Orange cordial, ginger beer and lemonade labels from a similar era - watch this space!

Lasse Skarbovik at Castor + Pollux

2011-04-26T23:00:00.003+01:00

Hope you all had a lovely Easter Bank Holiday weekend. We kicked ours off in fine style Good Friday evening at the Castor + Pollux preview (pics below) of Norwegian graphic artist and muralist, Lasse Skarbovik's paintings and prints.

Lasse Skarbovik currently works and lives in Stockholm where he's part of the Stockholm Illustration Collective. His fun, graphic illustrations that have graced the pages of the New Yorker, TIme Magazine and The Economist will be exhibited throughout the Brighton Festival (until 30 May). But don't worry if you can't make it down to Brighton - many of the prints are available to buy in their online store.

Image copyright Lasse Skarbovik.
Gallery images copyright Castor + Pollux.

From the reference box #104

2011-04-20T20:58:00.002+01:00

#104 - Vintage OXO tin, but no ordinary OXO tin! No, this one is a souvenir celebrating the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2 June 1953 - "LONG MAY SHE REIGN".

Whilst everyone seems to have Royal Wedding fever I thought it only fitting to share this fabulous little tin. It's not in the best condition, but I love it's kitschness - there's even a timeline of the Queens life on the inside of the lid (below).

If you get bored over the Bank Holiday (or any day really) make a cuppa and have a good look through our reference box.

It Pays to Advertise - The Answers!

2011-04-18T11:41:00.001+01:00

From the reference box #103

2011-04-15T13:44:00.002+01:00

#103 - Vintage Pepys Party Game (Castell Brothers) 'It Pays to Advertise'.

This quirky game has been in the reference box for quite a while and unfortunately most of the cards are missing. As far as I can tell it's from the late 50's, players had to write down the product the characters are associated with as well as filling in the missing words in the famous slogans.

So, are you ready for a just-for-fun Friday game (answers on Monday)...

Your Bets Mate

2011-04-13T21:37:00.004+01:00

Our friends Sell! Sell! have just launched a great TV campaign, 'Your Bets Mate' for the new Racing Post App.

The 3 ads - 'Lederhosen', 'Snake charmer' (above) and 'cow' feature quirky clips of Getty library footage pieced together with shot scenes that match closely (but not that closely!).

They're a refreshing change, entertaining and funny - check out the full campaign here.

Draplin's Show and Tell

2011-04-11T10:40:00.004+01:00

It's reassuring to know I'm not the only person with drawers full of what most people would call 'old crap', but that I call 'design reference'.

The images above are stills from Level Mag's Show and Tell with Portland's renowned graphic designer, Aaron Draplin of Draplin Design Co.

Filmed by Jared Sourney whilst video-documenting Draplin for a snowboard website, the clip shows, "a guided peak into the big man’s drawers of dirty delights"!

Watch the full video here.

Stills/footage copyright Level Mag.
Via Notcot.

Wim Crouwel: A Graphic Odyssey

2011-04-05T14:08:00.003+01:00

The Design Museum, London are currently showing the UK's first retrospective of Dutch designer Wim Crouwel's work, Wim Crouwel: A Graphic Odyssey. An exhibition showcasing posters, print, typography and exhibition design from his 60 year of his career.

Crouwel is recognised for his love of grids and typographic systems to create dynamic, experimental work. "Regarded as one of the leading designers of the twentieth century, Crouwel embraced a new modernity to produce typographic designs that captured the essence of the emerging computer and space age of the early 1960s".

Wim Crouwel: A Graphic Odyssey runs until 3 July 2011. A set of 5 limited edition 'C' prints (above) designed exclusively for the Design Museum by Spin are available here throughout the exhibition.

Images copyright of the Design Museum.

Qantas Travel Posters

2011-04-04T11:19:00.006+01:00

Here's some fabulous Monday inspiration in the form of 50's and 60's Qantas Travel Posters designed by William F Schey and Harry Rogers.

The full range can be seen here.

Images copyright GMJames.
Via Stickers and Stuff.

No time for average Joes!

2011-03-31T10:58:00.003+01:00

Our lovely friends over at Sell! Sell! are on the look out for a new account/project manager. They're after someone with zero to two years experience, but don't have time for average Joes.

If this sounds like the job for you, read more about it here and download an application form here.

Good luck!

From the reference box #102

2011-03-29T12:23:00.005+01:00

#102 - more vintage tins, small but perfectly formed!

The Songster Gramaphone Needles tin (top) is my favourite of this bunch. All that detailed design, illustration and typography on such a small tin - it's easy to see why they have become so desirable in recent years.

I think the Snowfire Jelly tin (middle) is from the 1940's - Snowfire Jelly was a hand cream, "for beautiful hands".

The QA Brand Tablet tin (bottom) is really, really small - only 25mm high and 12mm in diameter. QA Brand "quick acting Asprin" were produced by Thompson & Capper, a homeopathic chemist company based in Liverpool.

As always, there's lots more vintage packaging and ephemera in the reference box if you feel like a root around.

More Vintage Packaging

2011-03-21T10:33:00.005Z

There's nothing better on a Monday morning than some vintage packaging! This wonderful selection is from Neato Coolville's Vintage Packaging Flickr set.

My favourite is the little 1960's box for Rediplete Pediatric Syrup (above) made by Merck Sharp & Dohme - it's such a clever, fun design.

It's a great collection, which is definitely worth a look. Here are a few more that caught my eye...

Images copyright Neato Coolville.
Via The Fox is Black.

The Movie Title Stills Collection

2011-03-16T10:59:00.003Z

The Movie Title Stills Collection is a fantastic online resource for movie titles and end frames. Collated by designer Christian Annyas, the collection ranges from the early 1920's to the present day and can be viewed by decade or by 'Western' and 'Film Noir' genres.

There's plenty to look through - some are old classics, others are more obscure, some are bold and minimal, others are charmingly ornate, but they all have great typography. Enjoy.

Via our friends, Sell! Sell!
Images copyright The Movie Title Stills Collection.

From the reference box #101

2011-03-15T13:39:00.002Z

#101 - Vintage tins. There can never be enough vintage tins in the reference box! My favourite of this little lot is the John Bull, Mend-a-tear one (top) with it's stripey-edged lid. You can't really tell in the pic, but it has a lovely pale grey background. I really love the Ogden's and Bondman type too.

If vintage tins and ephemera are your thing - make a cup of tea, grab a biscuit and have a root through our reference box.

We are 3!

2011-03-11T11:14:00.005Z

Today we're celebrating 3 years of our Delicious blog.

It's been a busy, fun-packed few years, we've made lots of new friends and been exposed to fantastic opportunities. So we'd just like to say a huge thanks for all your support and for continuing to stop by.

Here's to the next inspiration filled year!

Auto Type XI

2011-03-09T11:04:00.005Z

Auto Type XI - more fabulous Auto Type, taken on Sunday at the first Goodwood Breakfast Club of the year. The sun was shining and as you can see it brought out some mighty fine automobiles.

See lots more Auto Type and Automobilia here.

Otl Aicher's Munich 1972 Olympic Graphics

2011-03-07T10:51:00.004Z

What a lovely way to start the week - looking through a collection of Otl Aicher's, Munich 1972 Olympic graphics!

We're all familiar with the bright and colourful Munich 1972 Olympic branding, but it's rare to see so much of it in one place. This website has a huge range of items designed by Aicher and his team including memorabilia, posters, programmes, pin badges, match books, medals, publications and stationery. It really is a fantastic resource, the items above are only a small selection.

All images copyright 1972 Munich Olympics.
Via Wanken.

The AT Open House

2011-03-03T14:39:00.004Z

Big news! We've been kindly invited by April and Tim to join AT Open House for this years Brighton Festival of Artists Open Houses in May.

Each weekend throughout the Festival artists around the city open their doors to the public creating, "a great opportunity to view unique work in artists’ homes and studios and to buy directly from the artist or maker".

AT Open House (April and Tim's lovely 3 storey home and garden) will be open weekends 12-6 showing a feast of textiles, knitted jewellery, prints, paper ephemera, vintage fashion and art from the likes of Jonny Hannah, Winsome & Saucy, Mark Pavey and Alice Pattullo.

There'll be something for everyone, from a vintage tea shop, to a knitting room, outdoor poetry readings, and even a vintage boudoir. It's very exciting and we're thrilled to be involved.

The AT Open House blog will be up and running very shortly for regular updates, but in the meantime you can see the full list of participants, join the mailing list and find out more here.

From the reference box #100!!

2011-03-01T14:01:00.004Z

#100 - Make Do and Mend, WWII booklet. I promised something special for number 100, and I don't think this will disappoint. It's an original Board of Trade, booklet published in 1943 as part of their 'Make Do and Mend' campaign.

The Board of Trade produced many leaflets and booklets during WWII. This one was specifically designed to:

• Keep clothes looking trim as long as they have to last
• Renovate children's outgrown clothes so cleverly that none is ever wasted
• Turn every scrap of good material you possess to advantage
• Keep your household linen in good repair
• Make do with things you already have instead of buying new

Clothes rationing was introduced in June 1941 and originally allocated 66 coupons per person. By 1943 the number of coupons had been reduced to 60 per person and emphasis put on the maintenance and care of clothing and household linens - cue the Make Do and Mend campaign.

There are 29 illustrations throughout the booklet including these lovely section headings...

I was lucky enough to pick up this original booklet for 50p!! But if you would like one, the Ministry of Information have published reproductions of all their wartime information publications in the, 'Historic Booklet Series'. This one can be purchased here. Also there's a great article about clothing rations during WWII here if you would like to know more.

John Hollows Superior Alcoholic Ginger Beer

2011-02-25T18:23:00.003Z

Congrats to our friends over at Sell! Sell! for creating the fabulous branding and advertising for Fentiman's new Alcoholic Ginger Beer - John Hollows.

Research is my favourite part of a project, so I loved reading about the branding and how it developed through their research into Fentiman's and Hollow's brewing history.

The advertising is bold and fun, challenging the 'fake' ginger wine-based or flavoured lager ginger beers of the competition and warning customers, 'Beware of imitations'...

And to promote the new drink in pubs and bars, they've created the 'not a genuine ginger?' beermat - perfectly designed to disguise yourself as a true ginger...

Read more about the project here.

Images copyright Sell!Sell!

P&O Menus & Entertainment Programmes

2011-02-23T10:21:00.008Z

P&O Entertainment Programme, Dorrit Dekk.

P&O Entertainment Programme, Dorrit Dekk. 1962.

P&O Entertainment Programme, Dorrit Dekk. 1962.

P&O Gala Menu, Daphne Padden. 1962.

P&O Entertainment Programme, Daphne Padden. Circa 1950's.

P&O Gala Menu, Daphne Padden. 1958.

P&O Entertainment Programme, Daphne Padden. 1959.

P&O Menu/Entertainment Programme cover, Daphne Padden.

P&O Gala Menu, Daphne Padden. 1956.

Here's a bit of inspiration for a dreary, wet Wednesday morning.

I first saw a P&O Entertainment Programme designed by Dorrit Dekk over on Quad Royal and was instantly drawn to the bright, graphic illustrations/collages.

On further investigation I found Bonito Club's Flickr and yet more fabulous P&O covers (Menus and Entertainment Programmes) from the late 50's and early 60's. All the ones I've seen were designed by either Daphne Padden or Dorrit Dekk, but I'm not sure if they created all the covers during this period.

There must be hundreds more in existence, as it seems the designs changed every year and each P&O liner had different designs. I'll have to keep my eye out for some of these on Ebay!

If you like this post, chances are you'll also like these:
Gebrauchsgraphik Magazine
Modern Packaging
Holiday Magazine
Country Fair Magazine
Which? Magazine
Mac Fisheries

Images copyright Quad Royal and Bonito Club.

Don't drain my anti-freeze!

2011-02-22T14:37:00.003Z

"Don't drain my anti-freeze it protects my engine, winter and summer"

I snapped this Shell sticker last Summer - the cute little chappie was on the front screen of a very old car and by the looks of it, he'd been there for quite some time.

If found type/old signage is your thing, check out previous posts here.

Burning Love - Jonny Hannah at Castor + Pollux

2011-02-17T11:40:00.003Z

Burning Love is illustrator, Jonny Hannah's Valentine's exhibition currently showing at the fabulous Castor + Pollux until the 13 March.

Mr Hannah himself curated the exhibition and hung the work which includes lots of lovely screen prints, lino prints, hand drawn type and cut out letters (see pics below). I couldn't make it to the private view, but I'm really looking forward to seeing it this weekend.

I love Jonny Hannah's prints and already have a few myself. They always make me smile with their quirky typography and funny illustrations.

Don't worry if you can't make it down to sunny Brighton to see the show - all the prints above and many more are now available in the Castor + Pollux online shop.

Images copyright Jonny Hannah, taken from Castor + Pollux.

From the reference box # 99

2011-02-15T11:56:00.003Z

#99 - Cats and kittens: The magazine for every cat-lover, September 1947. Who can resist cats and kittens? Not me that's for sure, so imagine my delight finding cat related ephemera!

I've been unable to find out much about this monthly publication (other than there is a publication by the same name still going strong today, but in the US). I've found references to this Rolls House Published version dating back to the early 30's, but unfortunately I can't find an exact launch date.

Anyway, even without all the history, it's great that back in the 30's and 40's people loved their cats so much there was a need for a monthly publication and how great is that 'kitten' type?

Check out some of the wonderful cat related ads below...

There are lots more items in our reference box, have a root here.

And watch out for #100, it's going to be a special one!