I love vintage objects, junk to some but small works of art to me, sometimes they inspire me to scribble a few words.
I love this brooch by Kordes & Lichtenfels of Pforzheim, Germany – modernist, industrial design with a touch of luxury. The glitter of gold contrasts with the textured surface of the concave circle. It looks quite futuristic although it was actually created in the 1950/1960s. Ref: RJ136
Fireworks bring in the New Year … More The Big Bang Theory
fluttering gold leaf… … More Autumn
To begin a new year on Retromode, I have chosen this colourful bottle from my collection of mid-century ceramics. It features a lively decoration of a cockerel and was produced in the 1950/60s by the DeSimone Pottery, Palermo, Sicily. It’s been some time since my last post in April 2015 and since then much has happened. I don’t think many of … More Year of the Rooster
Actually a Norwegian leaf, from well known silversmiths David Andersen, (D-A). Originally founded in Oslo in 1876, succeeding generations of the Andersen family developed the company and employed many talented designers, goldsmiths and silversmiths over the years. This lovely example of midcentury design was created by Willie Winnaess during the 1950s. Gold washed sterling silver … More Norwegian Wood…
Lively, modernist bangle or bracelet, probably a studio piece from the 1960s/1970s. When I first saw this piece it was upside down, so looked quite abstract and then I turned it the other way up and surprisingly the dancing figures appeared! Perhaps inspired by tribal art it seems to embody the spirit of dance. http://www.retromode.co.uk
Still on the theme of blackbirds, I couldn’t resist posting this image taken on a recent holiday, this little blackbird perched every evening outside our window, overlooking Badachro and Loch Gairloch. He wasn’t singing though, probably exhausted after feeding his brood but at least he could enjoy this lovely view at the end of the day.
These retro, stylised black birds are some of my favourite ceramic pieces, simple elegant shapes cast in earthenware with a black, satin or matte glaze. The tallest is about 12cm high. Unsigned, they probably date from the 1950s/1960s and are similar to pieces by Midwinter and Hornsea. I’m not sure if they represent a particular species of bird but I like to think … More Blackbird has spoken…
Although I have titled this post ‘Boy’s Toys’, I couldn’t resist this lovely die-cast model tractor myself with its cheery orange-red body and pale blue rubber tyres. It has obviously provided many happy hours of enjoyment and despite being a little bashed and missing the driver’s seat it is still very appealing. It measures 10 cm x 5.5 cm, is … More Boy’s Toys
From Finland, small, angular, Pala glass vases or candleholders, simple in form, rich in colour and surface texture. Pala translates roughly as part, piece or element. There is something elemental about these, like building blocks of life, structured but flowing and filled with light. They are not unlike another ubiquitous plastic Scandinavian building block. Designed by Helena … More Cool Scandinavian Glass
Personal Musings and Thought Experiments
fine stationery & artists' supplies
art and photography
independence - self-determination - autonomy
mostly painting
Reflections on Canadian Culture From Below the Border
featuring West German art pottery, Fat Lava and more 20th century ceramics
collecting retro
Purveyors of Bijouterie, and Beautiful Bits and Bobs.
the intersection of graphic design + picture books
Retromode 