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 !