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

19th Century Finds

I recently paid a visit (virtually) to Ken Spelman rare books in York, England. In addition to the shelves and shelves of books, were drawings, prints, ephemera, and some unusual objects.

These Victorian word wheels date from, c.1870. The star-shaped cutouts, are handwritten on both sides, with slogans relating to love and fortune. I’m not quite sure how they worked, but apparently the string (that’s tangled around the one on the left) was for spinning the wheel.

Brass stencils, probably used by a surveyor, chart-maker, or architect. These pictured, are from a collection of 91 pieces. Many include the folded paper ‘envelope.’


Mahogany box with original watercolor cakes and china mixing dishes. I wonder if this set was American--there is no “u” in the word “colors.”


Until self-adhesive envelopes were introduced in the mid-19th Century, medallion wafers were used for sealing documents. They were discs made from a paste that included flour. As explained here, in detail, “the wheat gluten, when hydrated, dries to becomes an excellent adhesive.”


I love the scale on this marbled paper—the large shapes on a fairly small book.


Wooden star most probably for inlay work, c. 1830.

DIY Stonehenge: Infographic

[via geek in heels, via Flavorwire, via Designboom]
Some 18,000 people gathered at Stonehenge yesterday to witness sunrise on the day of the summer solstice. To welcome the new season, I’m sharing the IKEA assembly instructions for the ancient monument. This awesome infographic by Justin Pollard, John Lloyd and Stevyn Colgan, appeared in this year’s Qi Annual.

Small print at the bottom:

Important! Ensure all components are free from mud, dung and evil spirits before assembly. Wear appropriate safety equipment (spear, flint knife etc.) in the event of bears. Small parts are not included.

If plagued by demons or suffering from pestilence, seek advice from a druid before attempting assembly.

May contain quartz.

I’m pretty sure you need to supply your own magician and beer. Also, there's is no mention of lingonberry preserves, but they are a must for human sacrifice.

Just a few pix ...
Solstice, 2011. via Daily Mail.

Solstice, 1984.Photo copyright Alan Lodge.
via Andy Worhington

Residue of the 36,500-person solstice gathering in 2009. Daily Mail

Stonehenge News and Information urges solstice revelers to
use public transportation.