In the land of submarines

I adore collecting things, not just any old thing but things that I genuinely enjoy. This includes all kinds of things really, but items that relate to my biggest loves are obviously the most precious to me. My collections aren't necessarily anything special or rare, owning something I'm not in love with just so I can say I own it really isn't my style and a mindset I've never understood. But each item is special to me and that's good enough! I've shared some things as they've come into my possession before, but I thought I would enjoy going back and documenting some of my favourites. My vintage Yellow Submarine book seemed like as good of a place to start as any!




My complete adoration for the artwork of Yellow Submarine should be obvious by now, so an item like this being in my possession should be expected really. This book was released in 1968 to promote the film's release. Each page is made of card and contains various characters and artwork with perforations so you can pop them out and arrange them on a shelf or wall to your own design. The book contains various instructions and ideas, it even suggests making a mobile of them.

I really love the art in this book, and am always a little tortured as to what should be done with it. I've entertained the idea of framing the book to protect it, but it seems a sin to hide away it's colourful pages which I enjoy flicking through so much. I've also considered buying another and punching out the characters as is intended, but I'm far too sentimental to take apart something that has remained intact for 46 years!

They're wild, weird, wonderful - but nice. The Yellow Submarine itself...John, Paul, George and Ringo in their new gear...Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band...the Blue Meanie...the Apple Bonker...the Boob...the Snapping Turtle Turk...and more, more, more of the fantastic characters featured in the smash hit movie. Twenty amazing, amusing decorations, printed on special art board in dazzling full color - fun for the family, a delightful gift for a friend. Brighten up your home in the mod mood. Have a pop-out party. Arrange them on a wall, mount them on books, wastebaskets, luggage, whatever. Stand them on a shelf. Make mobiles. It's easy, and fun for young and old. So cut out for Pepperland - your fun-cruise on the Yellow Submarine starts here!

A lot of the artwork is made up of the clip art we've come to know so well over the years, but it contains some real gems that are lesser seen. And even the clip art pieces are a joy to look at with their muted colour palette and the added textures (for example, I love the small details of the additional thinner stripes on Ringo's jacket and the tweed like pattern on his trousers and George's top.) Each character has a real hand drawn quality about it which I just adore.