Tag: retro

On our radar: Camp Snap camera

Yellow Camp Snap camera

I was a child of the late 70s/early 80s. I listened to my music via vinyl, cassette and 8-track tapes. I watched films on BetaMax… or at the cinema. TV was only a couple of channels – live as it was shown or, if you could work out how to do it, it could be set to be recorded on to videotape. Phones all had rotary dials… and a lead that was attached to the wall. Mobile meant that the cord was a few yards long, and you could carry the 2lb phone, possibly all the way into the adjoining room.

Cameras were simple point and shoot boxes that you held up to your face, shut one eye and peered through a view-finder with the other before pressing the button. The only option available in those days was flash on or flash off. And you had to wait a whole week to see the photos you took, because that was how long the pharmacy (it was always, and only, a pharmacy) took to process the roll of film you took into them. The roll of film could only hold 24 photos – or 36 if you paid extra. I’ve lost count of the number of times that not a single satisfactory image materialised as I eagerly shuffled through the photos on the pavement outside the shop. Blurry, underexposed, overexposed, superimposed… excitement quickly turned to dismay!

Black Camp Snap camera, front and rear views

Which brings me on to this week’s On our Radar item – the Camp Snap camera. It has all the good bits of a 1970s camera; the attractive retro looks, the point & shoot simplicity, combined with the useful 21st century technology; it’s digital, you can attach it to your computer to download, share and print the images you want. It’s available in 9 colour options and allows you to take up to 500 photos before it needs recharging. And all at the exceedingly reasonable price tag of £52.00 (as at May 2024).

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by CampSnap️ (@campsnapcamera)

Transform your outdoor space into a retro retreat

Transform your outdoor space into a retro retreat

Who says time travel isn’t possible? With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of nostalgia, you can whisk your garden back a few decades and create a retro retreat that’s the envy of all your neighbours.

Forget about keeping up with the latest trends. It’s time to dive into the charm of yesteryear and transform your outdoor space into an attractive throwback haven where every corner whispers tales of the past.

Start with colour and pattern

First things first, let’s talk colour. Retro is all about bold shades and playful patterns. Think of the vibrant oranges, yellows and greens that dominated the 60s and 70s or the pastel hues that were all the rage in the 50s. Choose garden furniture with these colours, or give existing pieces a facelift with a lick of paint.

Don’t shy away from pattern, either. A chequered tablecloth or a floral patterned outdoor rug can instantly add a vintage vibe to your space.

Furniture: mix and match with flair

The heart of your retro retreat is the furniture. This isn’t the time for matching sets; it’s about mixing and matching pieces with character. Scour second-hand shops, antique stores and online marketplaces for those unique finds – a metal garden chair here, a wrought iron table there. And remember, a touch of rust or a few weathered edges only add to the charm.

For a stunning focal point, you can easily create your luxury garden with a metal pergola from Woodlark Garden Luxury. It’s a nod to the elegance of garden parties of yore and a perfect frame for hanging plants or string lights.

Lighting: soft and whimsical

When it comes to lighting, soft and whimsical is the way to go. Drape string lights around your pergola or along fences for a gentle, inviting glow. Vintage-style lanterns can also add to the atmosphere, casting interesting shadows and providing a warm light that’s perfect for those long, lazy evenings chatting with friends or lost in a good book.

Accessorise with a personal touch

Accessories are where you can really let your personality shine through. Think quirky garden gnomes, a brightly coloured bird bath or even a classic, pedal-powered bicycle leaning nonchalantly against a tree. Planters made from repurposed items like Belfast sinks or animal feeding troughs can also add a fun, eclectic touch.

And why not throw in a hammock or a swing seat? They’re not just great for adding a sense of relaxation, but also for invoking those nostalgic memories of carefree childhood days.

Create a vintage garden party corner

No retro retreat is complete without a designated area for hosting those vintage-themed garden parties. A classic wooden bar cart, stocked with all the essentials, can serve as the centrepiece. Add a few retro-inspired outdoor games – think croquet, badminton or ring toss – and you’ve got yourself the perfect setup for an afternoon of fun.

Don’t forget the greenery

Finally, let’s talk plants. Opt for varieties that were popular in the past, that boast those aforementioned retro colours, or which have a timeless appeal. Fragrant flowers like lavender, roses and jasmine can add a sensory layer to your garden, while a selection of herbs offers both practicality and a connection to the kitchen gardens of old.

Transforming your outdoor space into a retro retreat is about more than just decorating; it’s about creating an experience. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the nostalgia and create new memories in a setting that’s uniquely yours.

So, roll up your sleeves and let the retro revival begin!

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Get their look: Retro Jo’s home

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Retro Jo (@retrojo5)

Retro Jo is an Etsy jewellery shop owner and Instagrammer (she’s a host of #RetroHauls) and this is her whistle-stop tour of the ground floor of her home.

I love her use of colour blocking; something you’ll also find evident in her jewellery making. I’m also in awe of her sewing skills, her bright pink quilted seat covers are amazing – I just want to run the palms of my hand over those chair backs!

I’ve zeroed in on Jo’s stunning kitchen area in this post – we may revisit other rooms sometime in the future. The kitchen was made by by a company called Plykea (see what they did there?). They create custom doors, drawers and counter-tops for good old basic IKEA METOD carcasses to give you a one-of-a-kind space.

I really need to up my Insta-skills – I’ve still not embraced video and don’t make the most of stories and reels. I may steal Jo’s method of vari-speed, stop-motion film editing… if I can figure out how to do it… and only once our house has had a tidy!

Get their look

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Year planner
Year planner
Cerise pink velvet quilted fabric
Cerise pink velvet quilted fabric
Vintage Finn Ostergaard ‘Albert’ lounge chairs
Vintage Finn Ostergaard ‘Albert’ lounge chairs
Orla Kiely ‘Oval’ oilcloth – grey
Orla Kiely ‘Oval’ oilcloth – grey
Intu instant boiling water tap
Intu instant boiling water tap
Kitchen units
Kitchen units
Year planner
Year planner
Cerise pink velvet quilted fabric
Cerise pink velvet quilted fabric
Vintage Finn Ostergaard ‘Albert’ lounge chairs
Vintage Finn Ostergaard ‘Albert’ lounge chairs
Orla Kiely ‘Oval’ oilcloth – grey
Orla Kiely ‘Oval’ oilcloth – grey
Intu instant boiling water tap
Intu instant boiling water tap
Kitchen units
Kitchen units
Year planner
Year planner
Cerise pink velvet quilted fabric
Cerise pink velvet quilted fabric
Vintage Finn Ostergaard ‘Albert’ lounge chairs
Vintage Finn Ostergaard ‘Albert’ lounge chairs
Orla Kiely ‘Oval’ oilcloth – grey
Orla Kiely ‘Oval’ oilcloth – grey
Intu instant boiling water tap
Intu instant boiling water tap
Kitchen units
Kitchen units

Auction alert: Online 20th Century Retro Interior Design Auction

ROBERT HEAL - LADDERAX - THREE BAY TEAK MODULAR WALL UNIT

The upcoming Online 20th Century Retro Interior Design Auction is being held by East Bristol Auctions. There will be 202 lots in the sale.

Quite a few of the lots have caught our eye; we’ve highlighted some below. There are some original mid-century modern items, in our experience, that will always be snapped up. Anglepoise lamps, Ladderax modular shelving and Whitefriars glass are all extremely popular.

The timed auction is being run completely online between the following dates & times:

Started: 12th July 2022, 12 noon
Ends: 24th July 2022, 8pm

If you plan on bidding via East Bristol Auctions’ own website, their additional charges (on top of the hammer price) are as follows:

  • Buyer’s premium: 19%
  • Online commission: 3%

Online bidding is also available at Invaluable, Live Auctioneers and The Saleroom. Check each of their websites for their individual fees and charges.

International packing & shipping is offered by the auction house on all lots.

HERBERT TERRY MODEL 1227 - PRE WAR ANGLEPOISE LAMPLot 16: HERBERT TERRY MODEL 1227 – PRE WAR ANGLEPOISE LAMP
A vintage pre war Anglepoise table / desk lamp light having a cream paint finish. Features a solid cast two tiered painted base ‘The Anglepoise – Made by Herbert Terry & Sons’ to the front of the fork. The original conical shade with cooling holes along the back. Fully extended measures approx; 92cm tall.
Estimate: £50 – £80

MID CENTURY DANISH TEAK METAMORPHIC SEWING TABLE

Lot 25: MID CENTURY DANISH TEAK METAMORPHIC SEWING TABLE
A retro mid 20th Century Danish teak and wicker metamorphic sewing table having a single drop-leaf sliding top with single fitted drawer below with recessed handles. Below a wicker pull out basket section with all raised upon straight tapering supports. Measures approx; 64cm x 62cm x 43cm.
Estimate: £100 – £200

VINTAGE MID 20TH CENTURY RAILWAY / INDUSTRIAL TROLLEY

Lot 99: VINTAGE MID 20TH CENTURY RAILWAY / INDUSTRIAL TROLLEY
A vintage mid 20th Century railway / industrial luggage trolley having tubular metal frame supported turned oak handles to each end. Slatted base with all raised on a iron base with iron wheels. A good example. Measures approx; 99cm x 94cm x 43cm.
Estimate: £60 – £80

BERTRAND BALAS FOR RAAK - SPRINGFONTEIN LIGHT - 1970s CEILING LIGHTLot 180: BERTRAND BALAS FOR RAAK – SPRINGFONTEIN LIGHT – 1970s CEILING LIGHT
Bertrand Balas for Raak of Amsterdam – Fountain / Springfontein Light – An original 1970s brushed aluminium hanging ceiling pendant light. The split shade effect forcing the light swirling up and being concentrated down at the same time. Measures approx; 33cm x 35cm diameter.
Estimate: £100 – £200

WHITE & NEWTON - 60s TEAK WOOD TWO TIER COCKTAIL TROLLEYLot 239: WHITE & NEWTON – 60s TEAK WOOD TWO TIER COCKTAIL TROLLEY
White & Newton – A retro 1960s teak wood two tier cocktail drinks / tea trolley having removable trays and a raised bar handle to one side, all supported by spindle legs and raised on castors. Applied makers plaque to the underside of the top tray. Measures approx; 76cm x 64cm x 44cm.
Estimate: £50 – £80

WHITEFRIARS - THREE MID CENTURY STUDIO ART GLASSWARESLot 248: WHITEFRIARS – THREE MID CENTURY STUDIO ART GLASSWARES
Whitefriars – A collection of three retro mid 20th Century designer studio art glassware in ruby red to include a Knobbly bowl and a Bubble controlled example. Together with vase having a waited neck and boulbs body. No signs of visible damage. Vase measures approx; 23cm x 13cm diameter.
Estimate: £30 – £50

LATE 20TH CENTURY HANGING WICKER EGG CHAIR AND STANDLot 255: LATE 20TH CENTURY HANGING WICKER EGG CHAIR AND STAND
A retro late 20th Century hanging basket chair / pendulum chair of wicker construction. The pierced egg shape form chair hanging from a metal hook atop the main support attaching to a metal stand. The stand terminating into a rounded tubular base. Measures approx; 183cm x 103cm.
Estimate: £100 – £200

ROBERT HEAL - LADDERAX - THREE BAY TEAK MODULAR WALL UNITLot 260: ROBERT HEAL – LADDERAX – THREE BAY TEAK MODULAR WALL UNIT
Robert Heal – Staples – Ladderax – An original retro vintage 20th Century teak wood modular three bay modular wall unit comprising of four white metal painted upright supports with a series of adjustable shelves, sliding door cupboard, full front bureau section and chest of three drawers all with brass supports. Measures approx; 163cm x 273cm x 36cm.
Estimate: £300 – £500

RETRO HANGING CEILING LIGHT / CHANDELIERLot 586: RETRO HANGING CEILING LIGHT / CHANDELIER
A retro 20th Century hanging ceiling light / chandelier having a thick central chrome column with a series of five further column supported by shaped arms with each having domed shades. Ceiling bracket to the top. Sold as untested by ourselves. Measures approx; 87cm x 55cm.
Estimate: £200 – £300

GUY ROGERS - LARGE MID CENTURY TEAK FRAMED SOFA / DAYBEDLot 605: GUY ROGERS – LARGE MID CENTURY TEAK FRAMED SOFA / DAYBED
George Fejer & Eric Pamphilon – Guy Rogers – A large retro 20th Century Designer three seater sofa settee / daybed having a teak wood frame with shaped armrests with all raised on tapering supports. Light purple fabric upholstery. Wear commensurate with age. Measures approx; 70cm x 200cm x 83cm.
Estimate: £200 – £300

P. B. COW & COMPANY LTD - AVIATION - ALUMINIUM-CLAD DRESSING TABLELot 632: P. B. COW & COMPANY LTD – AVIATION – ALUMINIUM-CLAD DRESSING TABLE
P. B. Cow & Company – Hunting Aviation Ltd – A retro 20th Century Art Deco aluminium-clad Basildon Bedroom Furniture dressing table desk of twin pedestal form having a central kneehole recess flanked by three banks of drawers to each side. Each drawer with bakelite handles. Makers label present. Wear commensurate with age and loose mirror. Measures approx; 128cm x 108cm x 54cm. Further parts of the bedroom suite in the following lots.
Estimate: £80 – £120