Above: Linoleum by William Morris, 1875

Living: Linoleum. An organic floor covering once 

respectable enough for use in Victorian hallways, 

its reputation was sullied by the upstart Vinyl. 

Now re-gaining acceptance into Society.

Thriving: The exclamation mark. Once shunned 

with no typewriter key of its own, this mark of cheer 

has become ubiquitous in electronic communication.

'Blast', 1967, Liberty & Co.

Living: Bernard Nevill, b. 1934. A consultant designer

for Liberty in the 1960s, his Art Deco inspired prints 

led to the Deco craze of the late 60s and early 70s.

Extinct: Sherbet Fountain swaps paper 

for plastic. "Consumers wanted a more 

hygienic pack that can also be resealed."

Extinct: The Window Tax, 1696-1851. Ten to twenty 

windows: 4 shillings, over twenty windows: 8 shillings. 

RIP: Jack Cardiff, cinematographer, 1914-2009.

Oote Boe, 2009

Albrecht Durer, 1503

Living: Weeds, truly ancient and admirably 

persistent. Nettle beer and dandelion wine 

recipes available in The Country Housewife's 

Book, re-published by Persephone Books.

Living, in absentia: Ancient Industries 

will be Abroad for a fortnight.

Living: The Hot Cross Bun. Banned by 

Protestant monarchs, the bun was eventually 

pardoned by Elizabeth I, with the proviso 

that it only appeared at Xmas and Easter.

Farmers Carrying Shocks of Wheat, 1989

Farmer Laying Hedge, 1976

Thatchers Working on Roof, 1974

Living in pictures: James Ravilious (1939-1999). 

A chronicler of ancient rural industries in England, his 

photographs echo the pre-occupations of his father, Eric.

Living: Easter. Eostre, the Pagan goddess 

of Fertility, was very fond of eggs and bunnies.

Living: Baseball. 

"The Ball once struck off,

Away flies the boy

To the next destin'd Post

And then Home with Joy."

John Newbery, England, 1744

Saved: The Bakewell Tart, or Pudding. 

Created by accident whilst attempting 

to make a jam tart, this 150 year old pud

was in steep decline. Until this week.

"Jim Powell was a Jelly-bean."

Jellybean (He's a Curbside Cutie)

Living: The jelly bean. A pocket size energy booster 

for soldiers during the Civil War, it became Deco 

slang for "indolent dandy" before being hijacked 

by the Easter Bunny during the last Depression.

Living: The Scorpion Tail. Set to make a 

massive comeback in Fall 09, this shoe has 

its roots in the Medieval age, when the length 

of the toe was an indication of status.