Back in July we rented a cottage in St Mawes, Cornwall. It was a fattening week of cream teas, Cornish pasties and boat rides (sadly no sea swimming, the weather seems to have it in for us all this summer). On a rainy day we visited the maritime museum and discovered this Fresnal lens which was used to concentrate the light source in lighthouse lamps. Science aside, I was struck by how beautiful this functional object was. I love the symmetry, when you walk around it you see different layers of the glass and their reflections, quite extraordinary for something that was developed in the early 1800s.

Our Doctors is ‘at sixes and sevens’ as my Nana would say. Extensive building work means they’re rerouting patients around the vast building to various waiting rooms. I loved the temporary signage, someone with a mischievous mind could have a lot of fun with them!

Thanks for shouting about our Type map Homes & Gardens, we’re delighted you like it. x

I doubt UK residents are looking for campsite recommendations right now, but if you’re happy to brave the weather, take a trip to Eweleaze in Dorset before the end of the month. It is a gem of a campsite with organic farm shop, composting toilets, solar showers, great grub and a friendly festival atmosphere, fires are allowed and at night the chinese lanterns floating out over the bay are mystical. Here are some snaps from our rather damp but tranquil weekend down there, courtesy of our pals Matt and Algy.

We’re big fans of maps and here are some more from our beautifully crafted collection – London, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

At the start of the year we collaborated on some Christmas 2010 ideas with Waitrose. A handful of typographers and illustrators were asked to create lettering for their festive campaign. Here are some preview pics of the serendipitous mix.

Only a few days left to view this wonderful piece of TV on i-player. Alan Yentob considers the influence of play with some of Britain’s leading artists. I don’t watch much telly, but this is a real gem.

As adults we can loose the carefree approach we had as children and become self conscious about the work we create and what we do in general. Picasso summed it up when he said ‘It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child’ and he is right. How do we stay in touch with that blissful, intuitive place where we doodled and played?

Gavin and Tracey share their thoughts on the subject.

She didn’t let the side down, even in full length gown there was plenty of our ‘Bad Billy’ (as Annabel is known) on her wedding day, a title that came from her dance floor antics. Lets hope that she can still live up to her name now she is a Grimshaw – big congratulations to you both and thanks for such an ace day.

Sunny weekend approaching and think it will be a belter! We’re off to Southwold with Uncle Si and Uncle Iain for a picnic and seaside swim. Thought you might like to see some early morning snaps from our May camping excursion to Loves Lane in Ashwell. Proof that you don’t need to travel far for a relaxing break, just 15 mins up the road!

Mini Moderns stunning designs stood out. The folk rock collection of wallpaper and cushions includes their ‘pet sounds’ design – which uses graphics of woodland animals along with musical instruments in a woodblock style. Forget the funky chicken, we’re digging the badger!