'Into the heart', by unknown artist, 1909.
Published by Underground Electric Railway Company Ltd, 1909.
From the collection of the London Transport Museum.
I’m loving this brilliantly creative Christmas tree by Dutch graphic designer Jane Schouter of All the Luck in the World. She made it with “useless but pretty objects” she’s collected over the years. So very clever.
via Lobster and Swan.
'Why is a railway time-table like life?' by Clifford Ellis and Rosemary Ellis, 1935.
Published by London Transport, 1935.
From the collection of the London Transport Museum.
Merry Christmas, by Dudley Dyer, 1932.
Published by Underground Electric Railways Company Ltd, 1932.
From the collection of the London Transport Museum.
I've collected some of my favourite Christmas posters from the archives of the London Transport Museum, and I'll be posting them every day from now until Christmas. They're a fascinating insight into London design over the past century, where illustrators were commissioned to design posters instead of advertising agencies.
I was also bemused to find that many of the issues addressed in the posters carry much relevance today, such as urging shoppers to "buy British", politely asking them to move down into the carriage to avoid crowding (100 years later and they're still not listening), and advising Londoners to shop early in the day to avoid Christmas crowds.
The 'Art of the Poster' exhibition is currently on at the London Transport Museum until 31 March 2009. In the meantime, you might like to send some free Christmas webcards from the museum's poster archives.
The London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden Piazza
London WC2E 7BB
Tel. 020 7379 6344
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Apologies for my absence this week – I’ve just emerged from a tangle of ribbons, wrapping paper and sticky gold stars. Those things get everywhere, don’t they? It was only on Wednesday night that I discovered I’d been walking around London all day with a gold star stuck to my bottom. At least my arse had something festive to say. Season’s greetings, Londoners!
Sartorial misfortune dealt with, I made my way to Columbia Road for their late night Christmas shopping event. I love walking around this part of East London in December. The Victorian lamps and cobbled lanes offer a rare glimpse into what it would have looked like 150 years ago. And the makeshift bonfire-in-a-bin blazing at the end of Ezra Street offered local kids the chance to do their very best impressions of street urchins looking for trouble.
Fortunately, the glow from the flames conveniently led to a stand selling Bloody Mary oyster shots, instantly providing the perfect antidote to the cold and frosty evening. (As did the complimentary vodka shots at Ryantown; mulled wine and mince pies at Treacle; and a large glass of red wine from a rather generous barman at the Royal Oak.)
Columbia Road’s little shops looked extra inviting with fairy lights and flickering candles, offering frozen shoppers a warm and cosy retreat from the cold darkness outside.
Suck and Chew – shop tour coming soon!
Illuminated bunnies and mushrooms at Bob & Blossom.
It was my first chance to check out Buddug Humphries and Jessie Chorley’s new shop, upstairs from Marcos and Trump at number 146, which was packed with whimsical-kooky bird accessories and vintage-style jewellery. Perched at the top of a narrow, rickety staircase, it resembled a slightly shambolic Victorian girl’s bedroom. Too tiny and tightly packed to take any pics!
I also dug the paper-cut Christmas decorations at Ryantown (check out the giant safety pin), as well as Rob’s new line of Christmas stockings and hand-signed cards (affordable art at £5).
Before I made a beeline for Kingsland Road and its fantastic Vietnamese restaurants, I picked up a bunch of fresh mistletoe, which proved to be an amusing prop for the rest of the evening’s entertainment.
Apparently there's been a bumper crop of mistletoe this year, so there's plenty around. Head down to Columbia Road flower market on Sunday for the freshest and cheapest bunches in London.
Columbia Road's shops are also opening all day on Saturday 20th December from 10am to 4pm.
10. Best “I’m Not a Cracker” Alternative
Whimsical wonderballs, £5.35 each, from Pedlars.
The booty: A hybrid of a cracker and a ready-made pass-the-parcel, each wonderball is made using 90 metres of tightly-packed crepe paper streamers and lots of tiny prizes inside.
9. Best for festive design
Christmas crackers, £199 for a box of six, from Harrods.
The booty: Each cracker contains a party hat, snap and joke together with a luxury accessory, such as a leather credit card wallet or crystal perfume bottle.
8. Best for eco and ethical credentials
Handmade recycled crackers, £28.95 for a set of six, from Green Ribbon.
The booty: Each cracker contains jokes, facts and a wide range of environmentally-friendly gifts.
7. Best for crowd-pleasing and guaranteed Christmas cheer
Terrific Tipples crackers, £39.15 for a box of six, from Fortnum and Mason.
The booty: Each cracker contains a miniature bottle of booze.
6. Best for seriously luxe booty
The Asprey Christmas Cracker, £145 for one, or £840 for a box of six, from Asprey.
The booty: Each cracker contains a paper crown, quotation, balloon and luxury gift (e.g. silver yoyo, deco cufflinks, silver and lizard tape measure, mini clock, silver heart bracelet). Holy moley.
5. Best for crafty birdies on a budget
Fill your own crackers (includes snaps), £4.85 for a pack of six, from John Lewis.
The booty: Fill them yourself with hand-made crafty goodies, hand-written jokes, sweets and paper hats.
(p.s. I’m also loving Robert Dyas‘ luxurious gold crackers at the bargainous price of £4.95 for a big box of 12)
4. Best at defying restrained recession style
Royal velvet crackers finished with peacock feathers, £391.49 for a box of six, from Fortnum & Mason.
The booty: Each cracker contains a luxury accessory, such as beauty aids and stationery.
Recession tip: Take inspiration (purple + gold + peacock feathers = super luxe) for DIY crackers.
