Neon lighting for font nerds at Aram Store

There's a term I have for when you're over something before it's even become mainstream: trade jade – because it is possibly only something that happens when you work in a job that surrounds you with said things. It's a bit how I feel about typograhpical neon lighting... 

And yet I'm also aware how easy it could be to become an inward-looking media twit... so I thought I'd share these new neon lights on sale at Aram Store, which are beautiful and also not too pricey. Any strong opinions either way?

They get bonus points for the lovely font, inspired by American typewriter lettering.

'Sex' or 'art', above, are currently going for the reduced price of £118.15, down from £139. The letters (and you can design your own bespoke creation; cost varies, depending on what you go for) measure 17cm high.

So. Whaddya reckon: neon art: shark jumper or enduring thing of beauty?

If you are still
undecided, check
out the work of
Chris Bracey
(see left)
Godfather
of modern
neon art.

Eley Kishimoto exhibition at Aram – and rugs

I've long loved the quirky graphic prints created by the Brit-Japanese fashion design duo, Eley Kishimoto. 

I like designs that stray from the classic ideas of what is classically stylish, or flattering – and while the the bold, brave distinctive Kishimoto look isn't always something I'm bold or brave enough to pull off, I like looking at it (and seeing bolder, braver types wearing it well).

So I was pleased to hear about an exhibition of the pair's work during – and beyond – London Design Festival; Living with Patterns takes place at the Aram Gallery, alongside the launch of a new range of Eley Kishimoto-designed rugs, exclusive to Aram Store, using archive prints. I can't afford the rugs (they start at £850). So I'm just enjoying them as part of the exhibition...

"Chains"

"Chains" in cream and brick red 

"Damask" in blue and cream

"Flash" in cream and black 

"Jigsaw"

"Ropey" in blue, cream and black 

"Ropey" in mustard, cream and black

The exhibition – which also includes other Aram-favourite designers and artists – celebrates 40 years of Aram, as well as the working relationship between Zeev Aram and Wakamo Kishimoto, which began when he put on her graduation show in the early 90s. Eley Kishimoto designs will also be on display on seven Moorcroft vases in the exhibition, as well as some lace drapes they have designed for MYB textiles.

The rugs are exclusive to Aram, and in store this month priced £850 each (Chains, Flash, Jigsaw and Ropey, which are hand tufted and measure 170 x 240 cm) or £950 (Damask, which comes in hand made Dhurry and measures 200 x 300 cm).

Find out more about the Aram-Kishimoto collaboration, and the names behind the label – husband-and-wife design team Wakako Kishimoto and Mark Eley – at the Aram website. 

Exhibition details 

The gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10am–6pm (Thursday until 7pm). Find it at Aram Store, 110 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5SG