The monogram on this vintage photo back is stunning. Each letter has it’s own pattern and details, yet they all feel married to one another and are perfectly interwoven. Monograms are so simplified nowadays. After seeing this, I’ll never be satisfied with a monogram again. Sigh.
Via Designspiration.
The monogram on this vintage photo back is stunning. Each letter has it’s own pattern and details, yet they all feel married to one another and are perfectly interwoven. Monograms are so simplified nowadays. After seeing this, I’ll never be satisfied with a monogram again. Sigh.
Via Designspiration.
I thought it was interesting to see the evolution of design through the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet menus. The typography and supporting illustration gradually becomes more complex in a span of only 7 years. Just looking at the 1881 menu next to the 1887 menu, they look like there from two completely different eras.
Do you think kids in the 1500s really got excited to play these? The word “game” could not have possibly had the same meaning to kids then as it does today. Games could not have been associated with entertainment- look at them! Speaking of which, wouldn’t these be great framed on a wall? Lame for them, pretty for me : ) Continue reading
The pen & pencil ad’s date is unknown, but it’s thought to be from the late 1800s. I grabbed this particular ad because of the great ‘W’ on it that interacts with the product. The angled pens and text and the ‘W’ ever so slightly breaking outside of the space make it pretty dynamic for the 1800s. The piano ad bookmark (ca. 1905) is just another example of how even the seemingly lousy little cheap-o ads back in the day were just ridiculously exquisite. I seriously want to know how this passion and pride died out over the years.
I had never heard of these until now. Their use is best summed up by an article from 1948:
“Watchpapers were discs that were used by Georgian and Victorian watchmakers, they were used to prevent dust from entering through the keyhole and were put between the watch and the outer case.” Of course they slowly involved into a valuable ad space. Hop inside the post to read more about the history of these and how they were used. It’s actually pretty interesting.
More images and history inside the post! Continue reading
So today I’ve been digging through the digital archives of the New York Public Library. It took me a few hours just to get through the menus of the 1800s! I had no idea they had such a massive collection online. I found about 40 out of roughly a couple of thousand, so there will be a few posts sprinkled over time.
More menus inside the post! Continue reading
Vintage Me Oh My 