We had some well-needed rain recently and although the sun was in full view today, it reminded me that Summer is on the wane and I soon must turn again to my beloved bookshelf for cold-weather comfort.  I was gleefully encouraged by a terrific lost Ladybird Book that found itself to the top of a [...]

I’m loving the intrinsic folkiness of James Pearson Howes‘ photography work at the moment. His unique choice of subject matter in each series is an acid commentary on the absurd twists and turns of modern British culture. I’m not sure if the work is supposed to be a ongoing catalogue of present day folk circles [...]

The internet is leaning rather heavily to one side with all the Sasek pictures, Sasek posts and Sasek chat that is out there. I also have been tempted to spill my ‘Sasek beans’ more than once through this blog, but have always declined through fear of having nothing to say that hasn’t already been said. [...]

I used to have a handmade bookshelf when I was a kid that my Dad made. It was painted in deep red, the colour of a pomegranate jewel.  At each end, the sides were cut into the shape of horses heads in a Scandinavian style and there was a time when the whole bottom shelf [...]

I have no shame in admitting that I’m English (I can see my Scottish mates rolling their eyes right now when I say that… heh heh). Although, I have to say that my personal hierarchy of loyalty goes in the following order: I’m a Yorkshireman first, then I’m British and English last. But why English [...]

A few months ago I took a position working for the Imperial War Museum as a designer – a move which has been rewarding, motivating, challenging and tiring. One thing I became aware of quite quickly was that working in situ at the museum has provoked me to think acutely about the way in which [...]

I’m currently in revision purgatory for my fast approaching RHS Horticulture exams and it seems to me that I need a break. Some time back on my course I designed a series of revision-aid posters in a vintage biology book style. I produced the first three of diagrams to highlight some basic botanical principles of [...]

I was given this Graphis Annual as a present a few months back and have been meaning to put up a post about it for what seems like ages now (sorry Angharad). Anyway. Graphis has an extraordinary record of celebrating design talent and has produced a series of annuals and magazines each year that represent [...]