Dworsky

Powder Perfect

dworsky — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:08:31 +0000

An underrated object amongst the old fashioned toiletries: Talcum powder!

It keeps your body dry and cool during hot summer days, and relieves itching and razor burn after shaving. In addition it is not only for use on the body, but can also be shaken into sheets, towels and blankets to add a nice fragrance and keep them fresh. The best talc comes from Italy, known as Viennese chalk or cosmetic talcum. One of the original brands is Italian Borotalco. Penhaligon’s and Caswell-Massey sell talcum in a variety of scents and in decorative canisters for both men and women. If you find the canisters’ appearance threatening to your masculinity, you could always opt for an old fashioned barber’s talc duster…

Combat Stuckism

dworsky — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:13:53 +0000

Writing procrastination can be a pain, but proper writing tools might help you with the motivation. Such as the manual typewriter from Olympia. There’s nothing more satisficing than pulling a failed page out, crushing it between your palms and throwing it into the bin before twisting a blank sheet onto the roll.

If that doesn’t help, with objects from El Casco, at least you will have something beautiful to look at while sitting at the desk. Casco is a Spanish manufacturer originally specialising in revolvers, but during the Great Depression began making staplers. Today they craft a variety of exclusive desktop accessories including the classic M-5 stapler.

Chocolate Comfort

dworsky — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:20:45 +0000

When the warm summerdays suddenly turns rainy and grey, autumn is not far away. Better get ready to find warmth and comfort in cups of hot chocolate and serve it in this old fashioned jug designed specifically for that purpose. It has a nifty wooden stirring spoon to make sure all the lumps of chocolate get blended with the hot milk. Pillivuyt make them by hand in their factory from 1818, guaranteeing for their quality with century- old craftsmanship.

Naturally, you would also need a Danish TEDDY varimixer to whip up tonnes of fluffy cream and make a batch of hot cross buns.

Ready for Bumpy Rides

dworsky — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:10:12 +0000

Brooks of England make exquisite bicycle accessories and have a large selection of the finest leather saddles. Check out their saddles made for leisurely upright riding, preferably wearing a tweed jacket and sixpence…

Links to The Past

dworsky — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:57:27 +0000

One of the few types of male jewellery widely accepted, personalised cufflinks allow for the discrete dandy. Longmire have an international reputation for making exceptional cufflinks of highest standard, and their customised cuflinks in 18k yellow or white gold are hand engraved or hand enamelled to portray your intials, family crest or favourite pet…

Coffee for one or two

dworsky — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:58:35 +0000

Melitta Bentz (1873-1950) invented the drip brew coffee paper filter in 1908, and it’s still a favourite method for brewing coffee. If you’re looking for an easy method of making a quality cup of coffee for one, a bit lighter on body and without the cholesterol rising oils you get from a french press, then this is the apparatus for you. Made from porcelain it’s both good looking and easy to clean. Make sure you use bleached paperfilters – the brown ones give a cardboard-like taste to the brew. If you should find yourself walking in the streets of Covent Garden or Borough, you can try a wonderful cup of coffee brewed this way at Monmouth Coffee – one of the best coffee shops in London.

Travelling in style

dworsky — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:40:22 +0000

Rimowa is one of the most wellknown brands of luggage and have been selling their Topas range since the 1950s. Designed in aluminium to withstand tropical conditions and rough handling, they last many generations as marks and dents become part of their historical patina.

The Swedish company Alstermo Bruk have been making their suitcases and accessories out of AMO-fibre since 1895, originally being a hand paper mill in beautiful south east Småland. Their Atlas Collection has been modernised with wheels and telescopic handle, and come in all sorts of colours. The cases are handmade from AMO-fibre and a wooden frame with cloth lining and leather trimming. If you are looking for a one-off piece, then they will be happy to customise any luggage for you from their Pegasus range – whether it’s about matching the colour to your car or creating bespoke compartments.

Frenchback Boxershorts

dworsky — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:14:59 +0000

I know mens’ underwear probably doesn’t qualify as heirlooms or desirable inheritance, but the fact that this model has been manufactured for hundreds of years deserves some attention. Brooks Brothers sell them fitted as they are non-elastic, and for a small charge they will also beautifully embroider your initials on the leg or the waistline. *sigh*

Summerhats

dworsky — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:42:27 +0000

The quintessential british summer accessory: the Panama hat. They can cost a small fortune and take weeks of craftsmanship. The most expensive ones are tightly weaved with hand flattened fibres. James Lock & Co sell stylish models in all price ranges, for both men and women. Established no later than 1676 in London St.James, Lock & Co are known as one of the best hatters in the world. Best of all, their hats come in the most beautiful hatboxes…

Silver curiosities

dworsky — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:41:03 +0000

The British love their traditions – and their silver objects. Who can blame them.

Silver trinket box from Penhaligon's

Silver Colman's Mustard Lid

Silver collar stiffeners from Ede & Ravenscroft