
Hello ! It might be Monday but this week it feels like a friday because I get to start my first ever blog on DS…beginning with an introductory shot of me, my battered fishy friend and a Christmas knit on the Isle of Wight.
Over the next few days I hope to show you some interesting, pretty things from recent days and those gone by. The kind of delights that keep us ticking at P&C and some bits we have found along the way.
On her majesty’s service.
Whilst we love the idea of our Betty sitting there with a photocopier and a jumbo pack of staples, we don’t think that The Queen’s involvement in her stationery office has been so great (she has corgis to walk and jewels to polish !).
HMSO was founded in 1786 to help ease corruption surrounding stationery sales. Later on, especially during the war, they published some graphically stunning public information booklets. Designed to inform people how to use their rations, preserve fruit and make a mean salad.


These covers are smashing, check out that fish and the 3D type. They could have been designed last week but these date back to 1948. The Ministry of Food logo is also pretty neat. Stick a crown on anything and we’re happy.



Here are some other examples of their work, a school notebook and a highway code.
Post, modern.
If you have ever visited P&C you will know how much we like postal ephemera, An old stamp can be a cheap, modernist masterpiece and , en masse, they are great in a frame. Here are a few recently found favourites. Those Dutch ones win gold !




From my bookmarks.
Each day I will post a link to one of my favourite bookmarked sites. Today it is the turn of Modern House. A souped up real estate agent for a little fantasy and inspiration. The properties on their books are of architectural merit, whether it be a modernist abode or something built last year. There are some dodgy interiors but, generally speaking, I wouldn’t say no to many of them !

16 Comments
Paint it orange and count me in! I think I’d add a roof garden too!
Please say hello to the I.o.W. for me. I was born there – though that’s a lifetime and half a globe away
Fab blog! Gorgeous graphics!
Those booklets are just awesome. The kind of thing I dream of finding in charity shops…
hello! love P&C finds, the Dutch stamps are super!
Thank you for the Modern House site!
ok so where can we buy these stamps!?!?
I like the quote – “Stick a crown on anything and we’re happy” :)
P&C is a treasure trove of graphic design & illustration inspiration – Keep up the great work!
I’m an avid stamp collector and would LOVE to know where I can find the stamps featured here. They are glorious. Thanks for all the delightful bits.
Stamps: they just don’t make them like they used to.
I agree – I MUST have those stamps. Or at least a print. Need to know!! :-)
Hi readers. I picked those stamps up in Amsterdam and am saving some for my own walls :-) I have a few more so keep your eyes on P&C!
Thank you for all of your comments, this blog writing thing is fun!
neal
do you have a link to P&C and who IS P&C; give us some personal info pleeeeze
ds
follow the link about this post where it says “neal from present and correct” it links to the company on each of his posts :)
grace
BEAUTIFUL PRINITNGS! and as an architect i share your love for this house you chose to post from Modern Home!
wonderful stamps!!!
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