More Fireworks!

C.T. Brock, Britain’s, oldest fireworks company was founded 1698. They were the sole pyrotechnists to the Crystal Palace and were known their free displays, or “Brock’s Benefits” starting in 1826.

The company changed hands a number of times toward the end of the last century and even landed under Chinese ownership. Brocks Fireworks Limited is now once again in the UK and aims " To produce high quality Pyrotechnics back in the United Kingdom and to protect the history of the British Firework Industry "

These gouache paintings by Phil George are from a group of 34, found in “C.T. Brock & Co.'s Crystal Palace Fireworks.” The book is at Brown University’s John Hay Library, in the Paul R. Dupee Collection on Fireworks.

60 Shades of Queen

In a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s signature style of monochromatically coordinated outfits, Pantone has issued this dazzling color wheel for the Diamond Jubilee.

The wheel, which was devised for Pantone by Leo Burnett London, assigns numbers and colors to specific outfits worn by the Queen on various occasions. Take Pantone 13-0755. That would be the Primrose Yellow she wore to the wedding of Will and Kate, which “speaks to the future with hope and optimism.”

The creators may have gotten a bit carried away with symbolism, however. Here’s the explication of Pantone 13-5414.

During the Queen’s landmark state visit to Ireland, the first since the country gained independence in the 1920s, she was seen in a cool shade of green. Her colour choice echoed the sentiment of her visit as green is widely seen to symbolise new beginnings, fresh thoughts and rejuvenation.

And here I thought the wearing of  Ice Green to Ireland spoke entirely for itself.

Don't expect a royal color wheel as a Pantone promo. It was printed in an extremely limited edition of 60.

VIA STYLEITE

Three Objects

Unfinished shoe last, turning section still attached, 1930s.

(Collection: London College of Fashion)

Industrial polishing tool, wool and other fibers,1984.

(Collection: University for the Creative Arts at Farnham)

Tapestry beater, 20th C.
(Collection: University for the Creative Arts at Farnham)

These digitally "found" sculptures are from VADS (Visual Arts Data Service) of the UK, which is a phenomenal collection of archives pertaining to the visual arts. It was created for the academic community and is meant for educational and research purposes. They’ve got everything from Charles Rennie Mackintosh´s sketchbook to war posters and Guinness ads.

Courier Magazine

The British Postal Museum & Archive has a wonderfully rich website that is well worth a visit, even if it’s just to view the online exhibit of poster design (if you haven’t already seen it).

In 1966, Courier, was launched for Royal Mail Group employees. It replaced Post Office Magazine, which started in 1933. For Courier’s 40th anniversary, in 2006, back issues were posted online as well as this survey of the changing masthead design and typography (alas, no Courier) over the years. Read more here.