Mood Board

Brown Paper Bags

Even though it's been trading since 1870, I stumbled across Gardners in the East End of London for the first time just a few months ago. I was so taken with it I returned last week with camera in hand.   Paul Gardner must be the nicest man in carrier bags, his unique 'paper' shop has been in the same family for almost 150 years. His great grandfather James originally opened the business which specialised in scale repairs, catering for market traders working in and around Spitalfields at the time.Four generations...

Keep reading →

Vladimir Bobri

  Vladimir Bobri was an illustrator, author, composer, educator, guitar historian - and all round clever clogs. Celebrated for his prolific and innovative graphic design work in New York since the mid-1920's, Bobri was also a founder of the New York Society Of The Classic Guitar.   I know nothing about guitars but I do know a brilliant illustrator when I see one. The composition and colours used in this exquisite alphabet are sublime, they're taken from the book 'N is for Nursery' published in 1956. To see more of Bobri's work as well as heaps...

Keep reading →

Brilliant Beards

  Today's post is in honour of Movember which last year raised over £92 million for prostate and testicular cancer research. Not many ideas can claim to change the face of mens health whilst literally changing the faces of men all around the world. As a beard wearer of over 20 years I know I'm biased but virtually every man looks better with facial hair. Don't you think?So three cheers for all you furry faced fellas out there. Thank you for finding your inner bear, you're helping make the world a better...

Keep reading →

The Letter R

  The letter R came from the Phoenician letter rosh. The word rosh meant head as the letter resembled a neck and head. It also looked like a backwards P. When the letter entered the Greek alphabet, the Greeks turned the letter around to the position we are familiar with today and added the short leg to the side. They called the new letter rho.

Keep reading →