I love an elegant label ...

Labels. I really love labels.

I love finding interesting labels in things, not on things - quiet, elegant labels that stand the test of time and speak of beautiful quality, attention to detail and sometimes a sense of humour. Showy colourful labels with quirky names and symbols - they are all interesting. I enjoy typography of all kinds, so this love of labels is yet another way to enjoy lettering and mark-making.

Some are classics, like the Harris Tweed label and the CC41 Utility Mark seen on wartime clothing - others are evidence of a disappearing culture of British pride in production - embroidered labels and company names marking quality household goods - cotton sheets from Finlays, Riggs & Willow Royal, pure wool blankets from Otterburn Mill, Melin Tregwynt in Wales and the C.W.S at Littleborough.

Vintage labels mark special occasion clothes and extravagant lifestyles from the past, while other, modern labels speak of 21st century creativity, cultural awareness that mimics the past while embracing the present.

My label collection grows as I recycle unwanted clothing for other projects and hoard beautiful dresses for dancing. A once commonplace way of marking clothes and everyday household products has developed historical significance with the passage of time, and I rejoice with every interesting label I discover. I don't plan on doing anything with them, I just enjoy looking at them every now and then.

http://bit.ly/240jNxm

http://www.melintregwynt.co.uk/