I found this beautiful little linocut chair series by Eric Rewitzer over at the 3 Fish Studios site. Each 6″ x 8″ print comes in a signed and numbered limited edition of 100. The best part is they’re only $25 each. There are more to be seen on the 3 Fish Studio site and the whole set can be purchased for $200. That’s not bad for a design lover on a budget!
Ray & Charles Eames designed the Fibreglass Shell Chair in 1948 and was the first industrially manufactured chair of its kind. Initially manufactured by Zenith Plastics using the latest tooling technologies and materials developed during WWII, these iconic chairs have maintained their popularity in the decades since they were first produced. These were the first one-piece plastic chairs offered without upholstery or other covering, keeping with the Eameses mandate of showcasing honest materials. The original chairs were made of fiberglass-infused plastic and these vintage items can be from time to time be found for sale on lushpad, but licensed modern versions of the chair which can be purchased from Unica Home are now made in recyclable polypropylene which is more environmentally-friendly.
I can’t believe I only just found this stop motion film by Eames Demetrios. The plywood elephants were designed in 1945 but only recently have they been put into production by Vitra. I love the fact the elephants passed by my place on their way to the Eames Studio in Venice. There’s also a sneak peak at the Eames house, as well as the fabulous view they had from their woods. The making of the film was documented for the DASFilmFest.
You can buy these cute little critters at Unica Home.
Robert Chaplin, a Vancouver-based artist, gemstone carver, poet, and publisher, has recently opened up shop on Etsy so the world (not just Vancouver) can buy his delightful books for children and adults alike. The 32-page hardcover books contain everything from learning to count, to cooking the perfect pot of delicious chicken soup. The writing is devilishly witty and the ink drawings are exquisite. They truly make the perfect gift for anyone.
Head over to Robert’s shop, Library Editions and pick up a copy or three. You definitely won’t regret it.
Mon Oncle is Jacques Tati’s 1958 comedy about Monsieur Hulot, a socially awkward yet lovable character and his quixotic struggle with postwar France’s infatuation with modern architecture, mechanical efficiency and American-style consumerism. The dialogue in this movie takes a back-seat to the lively musical score and visuals.
At its debut, Mon Oncle was denounced by some critics for what they viewed as a reactionary view of an emerging French consumer society, which had lately embraced a new wave of industrial modernization and a more rigid social structure.
I recently rediscovered Plan 59 and really felt like it was worth a mention. Any self-respecting mid-century modernist and vintage aficionado will spend hours here going through the fantastic array of their stock of commercial art from mid-century America. They have everything from home decor (my fave) to cars, Christmas and floor wax ads!
They sell their images for use in advertisments and brochures, and they also have a fab store where you can buy poster art for your home – the largest size available is a whopping 76″ x 44″.
Three generations of West Coast modernism has been documented in this upcoming film by Vancouver film makers Gavin Froome and Michael Bernard.
Michael and Gavin take us on a journey from Los Angeles to Vancouver; from 1922 up to the present exploring modernist architecture on the West Coast. A core group of architects embraced the Coast with its particular geography and values and they have left behind a legacy of beautiful and inspired dwellings. Today, architects have picked up the thread and they continue to explore and celebrate the principles established by their predecessors.
Intimate interviews and unprecedented access to architects in the film include Arthur Erickson(Vancouver),Fred Bassetti(Seattle), Henrik Bull (Berkley), Michael Folonis(Santa Monica), Dion Neutra(Los Angeles) -son and partner of Modernist pioneer Richard Neutra- , Barbara Bestor(LA) and others. They all share their insight into the Modernist Movement, and its relevance in our lives today.
Legendary photographer Julius Shulman is also be featured along with the photographs that brought world attention to the work that has been done in Southern California. His photographic career has spanned 70 years and he is known for creating one of the most comprehensive visual chronologies of Modernist Architecture.
Dwellers in modernist houses will be also interviewed; from renowned hip-hop producer DJ Greyboy who inhabits an 1950s Edward Killingsworth-designed house in LA, to a Vancouverite who restored a vintage Ron Thom house to its original luster. They will talk about how the space that one lives in influences their life. The modernist houses themselves will take centre stage, shot in high definition: the open plans, simplicity of form and integration of site will awe and inspire.
We’ll keep you updated on the release date of this great documentary that will definitely become a must-have for any modern architecture lover.
Tiny Little Chairs is a wonderful series of pendants celebrating mid-century modern design. Each tiny chair pendant has been hand made by Canadian design studio BruxeDesign.
The pendants come in Gold, Silver and Antiqued Bronze and are miniaturized perfection of Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair, Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Chair, and Ray & Charles Eames’ LCW Chair, Shell Chair(with Dowel Base), and Aluminum Series Management Chair. They are rather expensive, but are a unique homage to iconic mid-century design for any modern design enthusiast. I know what’s on my Christmas list for next year…
Bruxe Design also sells these fabulous t-shirts in a number of colors.
Rejuvenation Lighting is having a great give-away this month. Enter your name to win your choice of light fixture from their Hourglass Collection based on the 1959 Stockholm Series manufactured by EJS Lighting. The Hourglass Collection is available in Brushed or Bronzetone Aluminum, Black or White Enamel.
The lighting shapes are iconic of mid-century modern and would look great in any modern home. Fresh and futuristic when first introduced, the handcrafted aluminum fixtures are an elegant update for pre-war, postwar, mid-century modern, and contemporary houses. More than just “retro,” the Hourglass family truly stands apart. With authentic space-age materials and sleek, streamlined profiles, they feel a bit like the past tense in fast forward.
Every now and then we come across some really great books on mid-century modern furniture, architecture and contemporary design. Here are some of our favourites. Full list here.
The Story of Eames Furniture
This book blows wide open the myth of Charles Eames and the Eames Office. As one reviewer puts it, “It seems Saarinen, Bertoia, Ain and Albinson designed, refined and were given little if no credit for the entire line of furniture of the Eames’, whereas Charles Eames had his focus on women, photography (lots of [...]
Chic Green Interior Design
I’ve been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at Lori Dennis’s upcoming book, Green Interior Design. It’s a wealth of information about environmentally friendly materials and building practices. For the lost soul who is navigating this new trend, this easy to use book is truly worth every penny.
Lori explains every aspect of residential interior [...]
5 Must-Have Mid-Century Modern Books
I’m always being asked which books to buy on mid-century modernism, so I’ve compiled a list of my current top 5 books under $50. Lushpad has a larger list of books over at Amazon if you want to have a look for some more great mid-mod books.
If you’ve got any suggestions to add to the [...]
Library Editions by Robert Chaplin
Robert Chaplin, a Vancouver-based artist, gemstone carver, poet, and publisher, has recently opened up shop on Etsy so the world (not just Vancouver) can buy his delightful books for children and adults alike. The 32-page hardcover books contain everything from learning to count, to cooking the perfect pot of delicious chicken soup. The [...]
Mid-Century Modern Cool – Kevin Dart
“A Kiss from Tokyo” is a beautiful animation created for Kevin Dart’s newly released book about Yuki 7 entitled, “Seductive Espionage, the world of Yuki 7″ which chronicles the production of this imaginary 1960’s spy film franchise. The world they have created is beautiful and definitely inspired by two of my favourite shows growing up, “The Avengers” and “James Bond”. You can purchase the book via Fleet Street Scandal.
