Jan 31 2009
Archive for January, 2009
Jan 30 2009
links for 2009-01-30
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I love these cars – I have seen a few around London.
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No!!!!!!!!!!! I can't afford to see her this year – what's she doing this for? Great to see her at the O2 mind you – much more intimate than at Wembley.
Jan 30 2009
Anglepoise at 75
Every era has its iconic images, and in the lighting world for many decades it’s been that of the Anglepoise lamp. Designed in 1934 by George Carwardine, it’s become synonymous with both quality and flexibility. Others have tried to produce cheaper versions but, whilst enjoying limited success, none have achieved the enduring popularity of the original.
Now, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the lamp, Anglepoise has announced the release of a limited edition reproduction of its original design. Available exclusively from John Lewis for a period of 3 months, the 1227 comes in 4 colours: black, blue, red and cream.
I bought one of the cream ones yesterday from John Lewis for the new flat.
Should look great on my new desk/diningroom table. I agonised for ages over the decision cream or black, black or cream. Went for the cream in the end, thought it had a more retro look, and would fit in well with my desk, which I think is going to be dark wood. It had a more tired, original feel I think.
Whilst we may take the lamp for granted now, it’s interesting to look back at the history of the design, which was so innovative it was considered revolutionary at the time. George Carwardine started out as an engineer with the Horstman Car Company and by 1916 was Works Manager and Chief Designer. When they went out of business in 1924, he took the opportunity to set up his own company, Cardine Accessories, producing car parts.
George became fascinated with spring-based mechanisms and using 4 springs he designed his first lamp in 1932. Realising that he needed a business partner to take the product onto its next stage (and there being no ‘Dragons’ Den’ at the time!) he linked up with spring manufacturers Herbert Terry & Sons, and commenced manufacture of the lamp in 1934.
However, it wasn’t until he later modified the lamp to the 3-spring design – the 1227 model – that Carwardine and Terry really saw sales take off in the domestic market. The key advantage of the Anglepoise lamp, as it came to be known, was that it held its position, yet could be moved with the touch of a finger.
Originally for the industrial market, modified designs were soon used in a variety of applications such as dentists’ surgeries, operating theatres and offices, and as a trusted reading light for the home. During World War 2 a special version was commissioned for use on navigators’ tables in bombers; these had to be non-magnetic so that they didn’t interfere with the aircraft’s compass.
Sales continued to increase but in the 1960s a design change was prompted by the deletion of the classic Crabtree lampholder. The design was further modified during the 1970s to meet new safety regulations. Although over the years there have been several design modifications, the basic premise of the lamp remains the same.
Since 2001, designer Kenneth Grange (also responsible for the new London taxi and the Kodak Instamatic camera) has been Anglepoise’s consultant design director. He designed the type 75 and 1228 ranges currently sold. Anthony Dickens has designed other domestic products for Anglepoise, including the fifty chandelier.
Mindful of the importance of sustainability, the team at Anglepoise has also developed kits to enable people to safely rewire old lamps that have stopped working. (These are available directly from Anglepoise.)
And as befits a British icon, the 75th anniversary of Anglepoise is being commemorated by Royal Mail as one of of 10 special British design classics stamps. These will be available from 13 January, and mean that now everyone can own a little piece of British design history.
And as a homage to my new purchase and to my history as a philatelist, I just bought a sheet of 30 of the stamps that I can frame for the new flat – will look ace.
Jan 30 2009
Happy Birthday Morph
Morph gets a 30th birthday makeover, courtesy of Esquire magazine and his creators, Aardman Animations.
Jan 29 2009
New pics of my flat
Found this new picture of my new block on-line – getting very excited about it all – can’t wait to see it on Sunday. I like the driftwood sculptures – I hope they don’t get vandalised.
Jan 29 2009
@Media 09
@Media is back in June with a new concept:
A highly relevant conference for trying times, @media ’09 is an invaluable guide to winning in today’s web design landscape
New lower prices this year – need to book by the 27th March to get it for £299 (+VAT).
Wonder if I will get to go this year. I’d like to take the guys to FOWD and FOWA too.
Jan 29 2009
Great Quote
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in an attractive well preserved body; rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly worn out, covered in scars and screaming “yahoo! What a ride!
Jan 28 2009
Pantie Man
Very strange indeed. Saw something similar myself at the Orangery Kensington Palace, a man in girl knee-high boots. I do like that there are people out there that do this – we need people that buck the trends!
I love a good werido, and a good geek!