Methods of Dance (a small collection of 80's electro vinyl)

I was having a bit of a clear out a few days ago when I came across a large hefty envelope, further investigation revealed a collection of early 80's electro albums and 12 inches. 

Yes this seems to be all that remains of my vast collection, the rest of which has just disappeared. The selection is pretty eclectic and obscure but would almost certainly be considered gold dust to any number of my Dalston hipster neighbours.

I thought I would share the art work . If you want to check out any of the tracks most of them can be dug up on youtube. The album above is a compilation including the likes of B.E.F, Devo, Heaven 17, Japan and Magazine. The back cover features a long and wordy sleeve note from Paul Morley.

Technodelic the 1981 album by Japanese hipsters Yellow Magic Orchestra.

'Looking for St Tropez' by the obscure belgian trio Telex.

This is so obscure I can't even remember anything about it . I think I probably only bought it for the cover, which used the incredibly desirable and oh so unobtainable for me at the time, Sony Walkman. (back cover below)

Riuichi Sakamoto previously member of YMO , then became famous for the music of the David Bowie film 'Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence'

Sparks a 12 inch from their fabulous 1979 'album no.1 in Heaven'

this is actually made from yelow vinyl (see below)

and now for the rather large collection of Visage ephemera, here their 2nd album cover photographed by Helmut Newton dressed by Anthony Price and 'presentation' by Peter Saville. (below inside cover)

12 inch 'Mind of a Toy' (back cover below)

12 inch 'The Damned don't Cry' again Hemut Newton photography and Peter Saville design.

Tombées du Camion - Paris

I discovered this cute little boutique whilst visiting Paris at the end of the summer. It is tucked away in one of those wonderful arcades known in France as Passages (of course must be pronounced with thick French accent) One often comes on them completely by accident when wandering the Sentier area, where traditionally all the rag traders are based. This one is grandly called the 'Passage des Panoramas' and contains a selection of inviting french bistros old jewellery shops, and and odd selection of dealers in themes varying from art to military mementos.

This little gem of a store specialises in job lots of flea market ephemera, the kind of thing we would call dead-stock, and evidently the owners manage to source plenty of these small treasures as they have 3 shops in Paris, one of which can be found in that mecca of all flea markets the 'Marché de Puces de Clignancourt'

I

I found the displays especially pleasing like 3d collages creating repetitive patterns that would easily translate into superb textile designs. The name of this shop literally translates as 'Off the back of a lorry' I'm not sure if the meaning translates in the same way, but this is surely in one way or another 'Hot' merchandise !

Why not make a trip to visit them when you're next in Paris .

Tombées du Camion

Shiver Me Timbers !

Earlier this year The Curious Eye paid a visit to Conrwall , we stayed with our dear friends the Johnstone-Clarkes' (see last year post on their fabulous house) Being fellow junk enthusiasts the trip included some visits of second hand and junk shops, but nothing prepared us for this gem, as Sue nonchalantley proposed a visit to some crazy place a little futher up the coast. The day was as can only be expected from an early summers one in the UK, rather grimm with a chilly breeze and the wet mizzle that seems to personify Cornwall was blowing in from the sea. After a few wrong turns and and rather fruitless visit to a midweek car boot sale we drew up out side 'Shiver Me Timbers' . Well fellow enthusiasts you can see why we hesitated and procastinated before posting this treasure, the simple fact is we weren't sure we wanted to share it. It is however a long drive from the grimey streets of London so if you're prepared to hit the road you're welcome to visit. 









The whole place has a rather bizarre atmosphere, a mix of the usual architectural salvedge like old fire places, banister rails and the suchlike, then a selection of oddities that look like they come from stage or film sets, and even stranger some constructions seem to suggest at one point the place was a kind of home made pirate theme park !







This hoard of pirated treasures can be located at Long Rock , just a stones throw  down the coast from Penzance. 

And Stret-c-h

Some domestic problems are hard to solve.  How often have you wondered how to get those pesky Chateau Lafite stains out of your white cashmere carpet? Or the most efficient way to clean your priceless antique crystal chandelier? 


Most common of all - how do you stop your freshly laundered doilies from shrinking and losing their shape?


Reader - we have a solution.





Simply purchase a vintage Pinabord Doily Stretcher and misshapen doilies will be a thing of the past. Place your doily on the board, use the highly mathematical grid to pin it into the correct shape , spray on some starch, et voila!





(NB. Strictly for domestic doily use only. Antimacassar stretching should only be attempted by qualified professionals.)

The Knitterati

We at The Curious Eye have always considered ourselves above discussing celebrities to boost our exposure. However in this case we feel we must make an exception. 


After all, how are we supposed to resist this?

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you - it's a knitted Bette Davis as "Baby Jane" doll. You have to admit, the resemblance is uncanny.

Baby Jane is not alone, she is part of a cache of fabulous celebrity knitted dolls from the 60s and 70s found by our dear friend Sean Barnett (and currently for sale at his stall at Ezra St Market, just off Columbia Rd).


Here we see Frank and Peggy Spencer, the ballroom superstars of their era.

Max Miller, The Cheeky Chappie (poised to offend with his 'blue book' of jokes).

And the other Max - Max Wall, looking very dapper.

This lady has caused some debate, is it Hermione Gingold? Danny La Rue?

No. After a lot of research, I've come to the conclusion that it's Phyllis Diller.

(If it isn't the resemblance is uncanny)


Last but not least - everyone's favorite musical genius (and comedy straight man) Mr André Previn.

Which gives me the perfect excuse for us all the enjoy this...

The best part of this whole thing is that Sean not only has the dolls - he has the pattern books for them too - the creator of these little gems (the aptly named Dolly Robertson) actually wrote down how she came up with her designs, presumably so that future generations could knit obscure characters from the 70's too. So if you ever feel the urge to knit yourself a miniature Molly Sugden, or a tiny Windsor Davies, or even a Pam Ayres of your very own - now's your chance.

For the patriotic amongst you - here's a sneak peak of how to create a scale model of everyone's favorite heir to the throne.

Time to get the knitting needles out!


The dolls (and other delightful goodies) are available at Seans stall, every Sunday on Ezra St, E2.

How curious eye is this ?

Lille installations

Some of the displays I saw wandering around the Lille flea market were like unintentional art installations. Here are some of my favorites.