I bought two tiny leather bound Thackeray novels from one of those cardboard boxes that you find outside antique shops thinking that they would always make good props. When I got home and was flicking through them this beautiful and pristine National Book Token with separate book plate fell out. I have no idea of the date or who illustrated it - though it looks a bit like Bawden c1930. Does anyone have more information? Post Comment

These knitting patterns were unearthed at curio shop ‘Past Caring’ in deepest Islington. The three boleros are from the carefree days when a ten year old girl had no qualms about being dressed the same as her four year old sister. The ‘chap’, sporting a 1940s ‘slipover’, is equally untroubled, with an inch of fag ash about to burn his fingers if the photographer faffs around any longer! Post Comment

Andrew found this fantastic deck of playing cards in a car boot sale in a field in Norfolk. It was one of those finds that made the whole trip worthwhile. Every card shows a 1950s pin-up girl in a different pose and slightly revealing outfit. Illustrated by renowned Swiss artist, Heinz Villiger, this set is not as saucy as some!

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OK so it’s spiral binding - but how clever is this re-use of old annual book covers and coasters rebound as notebooks and journals. We picked these up at a Vintage fair in Islington, fully intending to send them as christmas gifts but we couldn’t part with them. Made by Retro From Scratch the Schoolgirl Annual is just the right side of naughty and the Pony coaster - the little drink with the big kick - was one of my favourite teenage tipples back in 1981.

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Sometimes an idea is so simple you just can’t help but admire it (and wonder why you never thought of it). These ‘Toast It’ coasters are perfectly conceived and packaged, designed by Patricia Naves and bought at the MOMA store in NYC. We love them.

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Our new design for Ideal Standard’s Concept brochure has just arrived from the printer and we are very pleased with the new uncoated feel. This version extends the original range, designed by Robin Levien and launched in 2008, with new vanity basins and furniture. We shot new images on location, photography by the lovely Alex Wilson, styling by Avril and set building by Tim Chapman. This spread features Andrew’s ingenius axonometric detailing the full furniture range.

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