Britishisms

Britishisms Cards

2009-10-06T02:53:00.001-07:00

What is it to be British?

What sets the people of Shakespeare’s “sceptred isle” apart? Many are the ways. Certain habits, quirks, orders of conduct, idiosyncrasies, ways of doing things and of having things done, manners and mannerisms are singularly British. Humour is another quality, as is typified in this unique folio of greeting cards.

The Cup Final

2009-10-06T02:49:00.000-07:00

No.8 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

The FA Cup, the Football Association Challenge Cup, is the most sought after trophy in British sport. It is the one competition where clubs of all divisions, all manner of ability and potential, compete for the honour of the Cup. Since its inception in the 1871-72 season, the rules have changed, the players’ kit has changed and the footballs have changed, but the glory abides.

A Cuppa

2009-10-06T02:46:00.000-07:00

No.7 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

Together with the Royal Family, nothing is more quintessentially British than a piping hot cup of tea. The taking of tea is a time-honoured tradition. Tea eclipses all social barriers. There is no celebration worthy of its name, and no tragedy so great, that it can’t be improved with a proper cup of tea. On average, 3.5 cups of tea are consumed every day for each person of British stock.

Remembrance

2009-10-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

No.6 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

Remembrance Day. At the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month each year, Britain observes a minute’s silence to commemorate those members of the British armed forces, who have given their lives for King and Country, in all conflicts, since World War One. Traditionally worn in the lapel, the red poppy from the fields of Flanders is the symbol of this hallowed occasion.

The Seaside

2009-10-06T02:38:00.000-07:00

No.5 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

The seaside in summer is a magnet to Britons. Perhaps it’s the fact that the weather is so beastly for so much of the year that, at the first hint of sunshine, Britons head in droves for sandy beaches. Not always as one might imagine to Turkey, Cyprus, or the Costa del Sol, but more often to Blackpool, Eastbourne, Brighton, or Penzance - Britannia’s own peaceful seaside idylls.

Page 3

2009-10-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

No.4 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

Page 3 of The Sun newspaper is famous for displaying the busty attributes of glamourous young female models. The first Page 3 Girls appeared in late 1969 as a gimmick to bolster flagging circulation figures. Titillating puns and risqué double entendres caption the poses. Much imitated by other tabloid newspapers worldwide, Page 3 remains proudly British in content and cultural contribution.

Sorry

2009-10-06T02:29:00.000-07:00

No.3 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

One facet of being “frightfully British” is to be exceedingly polite, whatever the circumstances or provocation. This characteristic of the British psyche is found in the frequent use of the word “Sorry” to cover a multitude of transgressions real or imagined. Sorry may be the most widely misused word in the English language.

The Shipping Forecast

2009-10-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

No.2 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

The Shipping Forecast is a four-times-daily BBC radio broadcast of weather conditions and forecasts for waters around the British Isles. So distinctive – and to the uninitiated, humourous – are the announcements that the broadcasts have an appeal and affection to many not solely interested in nautical conditions.

The Weather

2009-10-06T01:55:00.000-07:00

No.1 in a portfolio of 8 original insights

The weather in Britain is a subject of constant enquiry,conversation and debate. Such is Nature’s unpredictable whim, a sunny morning, even a summer morning, can easily turn to rain before noon. So much so that a furled “brolly” – a sturdy black umbrella – is considered an indispensable wardrobe accessory.

Information

2009-10-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

A delightful gift set collection comprising of eight unique Britishisms, presented in a greeting card format. The original concept is realized with rich, colour illustrations. Each card features a tantalizing die-cut preface and an insightful and amusing annotation on the reverse. Printed on brilliant white 250gms Econo stock, the set is collated in a bespoke white box containing an introductory page and distinctive celebratory envelopes.

Conceived and designed by Scott Lambert. Illustrated by Joanna Gregores. Annotated by John Archer. Photographed by Kevin German and Andrew Wright. Creative consultant George McIntosh.