BOOM
FlashbackPyrotechnic fanatics and illustration lovers are going to explode over this nugget we found on Colossal: illuminating catalogues of fabulous Japanese fireworks from the beginning of the 20th century. Take us back!
Poster power
FlashbackSaul Bass's legacy continues to inspire with a comprehensive archive project focused on his posters. We love the universality of Saul’s work expertly explained by the archivist Matthew McCarthy: “I think the timelessness of the work comes down to an ability to distill a film’s story, message and atmosphere into a single, powerful image.” Approaching half a century on they still pack a punch. Find out and see more at It's Nice That.
12.12.18 
Hued-in
FlashbackWerner's Nomenclature of Colours from way back when has been reimagined for the right now. Pre-Pantone colours were described with reference to the natural world, for example, #71, Straw Yellow, on the fur of a polar bear. Still practical for those with an imagination! Get hued in on Fast Company.
11.10.18
Deep Dig
FlashbackStrictly speaking Amsterdam's newest museum is really a metro station on the recently opened North South line. During construction of the new line some 630,000 fragments were found, categorised and catalogued with nearly 9,500 on display in specially made vitrines between the escalators at the Rokin stop. It's a fascinating collection of all manner of things from cameras, coins and old phones through to fragments of ancient vessels and other things, some dating back 112,000 years. Don't miss your train taking it all in! Check out the accompanying website Below the Surface to get an idea ...
#archivefever . 28.08.18 
The Scream
FlashbackDon’t scream but we recently discovered that there are some 7,600 plus drawings the Munch Museum in Oslo has digitised and made available from one of Norway’s most famous artists. We had no idea that he was so prolific, or that he had a contentious relationship with his neighbour’s ‘Angry Dog’ (above). We highly recommend checking the online-archive and reading the Hyperallergic article for more insights. Image: Munch, “Angry Dog” (ca 1938–43), watercolor, courtesy of the Munch Museum.
#archivefever . 14.08.18
Brand Bridging
FlashbackWe love bold identities, so we were elated to read dezeen's informative article on Russia's tourist board's new branding referencing the graphic style of Suprematist art. We're particularly impressed that creatives from different agencies came together and won! The benefits of joining minds and bridging differences speak for themselves. Bravo!
20.04.18 
Step Back in Time
FlashbackThere will be some cutting the rug at this years Salone del Mobile Milano with Italian furniture brand Gufram paying homage to their radical design from the 1960s and 1970s via Disco Gufram. We say podium perfect. Bust a move on designboom.
11.04.18
The Face
FlashbackRecently published by Thames & Hudson The Story of The Face, The Magazine that Changed Culture steps back in time to chronicle the penultimate 1980s magazine, The Face. With tales and images a plenty, not to mention a design delight thanks to Neville Brody, this is one for our Christmas list. Check out an insightful article on Creative Review.
07.12.17
Enchanting Darling!
FlashbackThe pièce de résistance of window shopping is, and we think without doubt, at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. It's here that Leïla Menchari has worked her infinite magic creating enchanting window displays for Hermès that go beyond merchandising and enter the realm of theatrical wonderlands! We wish we could sashay into Paris to experience an exhibition showcasing 35 years of superb displays at Grand Palais on through to 3 December 2017 ourselves, but for now we're happy ogling outstanding images on Trendland and getting the lowdown on Vogue. Image: Véronique-Mati.
#archivefever #onfleek . 21.11.17
Get Giffed
FlashbackCalling all gif-makers! The deadline for annual international gif-making competition organised by Europeana, Digital Public Library of America, DigitalNZ or Trove is fast approaching. Creatives, history nuts, animators and all other gif afficionados are invited to mine the archives of the organisers to produce inventive animations with a historical bent. We've posted a few of our favourites here, and highly recommend a visit to the online gallery. From top: Phillippe Carter, Mars Attaque Two, source material via Europeana; Morgane Perrie, Ball Game! Source material via Europeana;
#archivefever #publish . 27.10.17
Mortdale Milkbar
FlashbackWe just read all about Milk Bar Cafe 2223 on Concrete Playground. Think big burgers and malted milkshakes, pinballs and mixed bags of lollies with a decor channeling 1970s with accompanying paraphernalia and you'll get a good idea of this charming local hideaway in the south of Sydney. We reckon it's sweet in every way and for a double dose of nostalgia hit up their Facebook photos.
12.09.17
Pop Life
FlashbackIt hard not to smile, or laugh out loud, when looking at Alan Fear's paintings, either in admiration of the pop stars or the wonderfully surreal pathos of the scene depicted. For him it's about how great/stupid humans/life can be and how 'the pointlessness in life is the point to life.' We're struggling to choose a favourite, there are too many to love. Hop over to It's Nice That's article for more plus insight into his process and an inspirational quote or two from Alan. Images courtesy of Alan Fears.
08.06.17