Dispatches from the UK: Bell Jar Inspiration

I came across these interesting bell jars over at Present and Correct yesterday and proceeded to ask Neal and Mark about them.  Turns out Mark made them up after collecting a few of them from markets they frequent when shopping for P&C.

Mark tells us, "Initial inspiration for the contents of the domes came from some plaster shapes, seen in a French auction house. I then wanted to form my own, modern interpretation, based on paper polyhedra shapes. The relationship between the forms and playing with colour can be quite satisfying. The domes have a nice sense of protection which I also like.  At this early stage the jars are purely personal, the love of creating something for no other reason than for fun. Also, paper shapes are less smelly than a taxidermy bird and we only have a small freezer! I don't currently have them for sale, although you may find one sitting on a shelf at the new Present & Correct bricks and mortar store at some stage soon!"

I love that!

Check out Present & Correct online and say Hi by leaving them a message off their site contact form –they have a cool interface to do so (and it's just kind of a nice experience)! Thanks Gentlemen!  (See more after the jump).

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Dispatches from the UK: Jailhouse Hand Planes

Take body surfing to a whole new level with these Jailhouse Hand Planes by Karl Mackie out of the UK. "Keep a Handplane in the boot of your car and match with a set of fins, they are a heap of fun in the water and will get you into waves you didn't think were ever possible". Handmade in Cornwall and beautifully crafted each one is sealed with linseed oil and ready for the sea.  They are selling in the U.S. at ReForm School (online) and at their brick and mortar at 3902 Sunset Blvd. (Sliver Lake), Los Angeles, CA or you can also catch them on Etsy at Karl's shop here.  If you get a chance too, be sure to check out Mackie's blog which features some of his amazing photography, featuring surf and sea and his cute little 2 year old boy. See a few faves below!

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Dispatches from the UK: David Levenson's "British Rituals"

Beginning his career at Fleet Street press agency Fox photos, David Levenson (UK) has shot the Brixton riots, the Iranian Embassy siege and the early days of Lady Diana. Throughout the '80s he photographed Charles and Diana on Royal Tours, producing 16 illustrated books on their travels visiting over 50 countries, two which made the Sunday Times Best Seller list.  He's also the only photographer ever granted full behind the scenes access into the Bank of England, for a story that ran in the Daily Telegraph magazine.  Now Cafe Royal books offers British Rituals, shot over two years, which originally ran as a ten page feature in the Sunday Times Magazine. Click here for more info.

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