Thanks to Bernard Lodge for forwarding comps to The Brighton Art Fair. I’ve never been before but I wouldn’t pass-up the chance to see more of his splendid work so I headed down with our truculent and restlessly wriggly toddler.

Last year we bought an abstract map print and we’ve got a keen eye to a couple of others, only right now we’re pouring resources into a build and heaping stuff into storage for six months!

Like his wife (the equally talented and prolific children’s illustrator, Maureen Roffey), Bernard is characteristically dismissive of his skills, but there’s still time for you to decide for yourself; the fair runs all day Sunday.

Please leave something for me!

Trade fairs tend to ape the structure of little towns in their layout and, to date, we've been quite lucky with our neighbours. Though last week we were especially fortunate to spend a few days in the good company of Ligne Claire illustrator and Kenny Everette lookalike, Robbie Porter.

We also saw some lovely new bits'n'bobs from our competitors: Wrap's stand looked even better than last year, while Francesca Iannaccone's open window illustration is just plain gorgeous. And who could blame us for picking up a couple of things at cost, like these stripy Moroccan bowls from Skoura.

Managed to get these bold, bright and graphic zigzag lamp bases finished in time for the trade fair earlier this week. Phew! Pity we can't make them quickly or inexpensively enough to wholesale… yet.

Buzz-Whir-Click!

Workbots, Lisa and Edward, will be operative this September on stand Q42 of Top Drawer.

The trade fair initiates at Kensington Olympia on Sunday 14th and termites Tuesday 16th, so there's plenty of time to engage those social circuits in direct interface!

Bleep! End transmission.