Off with his head

In which G.M. Norton seizes control of his follicly-challenged head.

Review: Savile Row Company

In which G.M. Norton samples some new shirts from Savile Row Company.

Dreaming of a warm Christmas

In which G.M. Norton looks at some warm, snug options for this Christmas time.

The right trousers

In which G.M. Norton pockets a new pair of trousers.

Norty's Christmas gift ideas

In which G.M. Norton puts on his Christmas thinking cap.

Review: Penelope Cream tie

In which G.M. Norton is enchanted by a knitted tie.

By order of the Peaky Blinders

In which G.M. Norton wonders what all the fuss is about.

Remembering my great-grandfather

In which G.M. Norton shares his sombre thoughts on a sombre day.

Timex goes back in time

In which G.M. Norton alerts you to a new watch that has gone back in time.

Why I've resigned from In Retrospect magazine

In which G.M. Norton explains why he's stepped down as magazine editor.

Review: Piper Speciale quilted jacket from English Utopia

In which G.M. Norton finds a new way to keep off the autumn chill.

You may recall that last year, I worked myself into a relative lather over my Floyd tweed jacket from English Utopia.

Well, I’m now in proud possession of one of their quilted jackets – their Piper Speciale to be precise. Colour options include black and navy, but being a traditionalist, I opted for the time-honoured olive.

On film: Kingsman - The Golden Circle

In which G.M. Norton indulges in a little escapism.

Yesterday, my beloved and I sloped off for a pleasant afternoon together. After a nice spot of something to eat, we ambled over to the local picture house to watch Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

I love the cinema. There’s something about the darkness and relative solitude (I usually avoid times where it will be particularly busy as unless I’m feeling particularly extrovert, I detest crowds and noise). The last film that I watched at the cinema was Dunkirk, which I actually went to alone. It was the first time that I’ve ever gone to the cinema on my own and it was absolutely wonderful. I felt like Don Draper sneaking away from the office to be transported to somewhere else for a couple of hours. Bliss.

Being a jerk

In which G.M. Norton ponders a potential purchase.

Now chums, I've been mulling over a purchase for a good year or so - a reproduction leather jerkin, worn by British armed forces in both world wars. 

Robert Shaw worn one alongside Barbara Bach and Harrison Ford in war flick, Force 10 from Navarone.

Corduroy is back!

In which G.M. Norton comments on the burning issue of corduroy.

Apparently, corduroy is the big hit for fashionistas the world over this autumn, after Prada clad one of their models in this most triumphant of fabrics and shoved them down the old catwalk.

For me, corduroy has never gone away, although that’s not the same for everybody. 

Review: Submariner jumper from Outdoor Knitwear

In which G.M. Norton follows in the footsteps of Royal Navy servicemen.

I've been coveting a cream turtleneck submariner jumper for a good six years. It’s a truly iconic item of clothing, supplied as standard issue to Royal Navy servicemen during the Second World War. 

Worn under duffle coats and serge wool, it became a vital part of the naval uniform with the roll neck providing all important protection on perishing night watches.

Norty joins The British Beard Club!

In which G.M. Norton joins the brethren of bearded brothers.

Since chopping off the over-sized soup strainer and relinquishing my membership to the prestigious Handlebar Club, I've felt a little lost. There's something about being in a gang. Alas, the gangs that congregate where I live aren't really the sort of fellows that I'd like to spend time with, or vice versa.

So a couple of weeks ago, I applied to become a member of the British Beard Club and I'm tickled pink that they granted me admittance. 

Norton of Morton turns 5 today!

In which G.M. Norton feels paternal pride.

Today marks the fifth anniversary of Norton of Morton.

As is tradition, every year I devote a periodical post to my blog's birthday as quite frankly, I'm amazed that it's still running.

For five years, I've published a new entry on the same day and time every week without fail.

Mad Dogs and Servicemen: Peter Freuchen

In which G.M. Norton introduces you to possibly the most extraordinary person ever.

As my little introduction suggests, I was recently alerted to an extraordinary human being who died on this very day 60 years ago. His name? Peter Freuchen.

Review: Madcap England velvet breed jacket

In which G.M. Norton unleashes his 1960s dandy.

When I was five years old, I was interviewed by the local newspaper (goodness knows why). One of the questions posed to me was the old favourite, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. My response was that a career in the police force beckoned. Possibly influenced by a plastic toy policeman that was strewn across my bedroom floor, while his motorcycle lay on its side, wheels spinning.

As the years passed by, my career aspirations have changed somewhat. 

Big head strikes again

In which G.M. Norton insists that he's a wallflower really.

Over the years, my silly face has appeared on billboards, the back end of buses, and in the lost and found section of the local newspaper. Now though, the matter has really got out of hand.

Sauntering to the office one morning and what should I be greeted with? Well, I'm going to tell you. A ten foot banner of your favourite protagonist, draped over the town hall. 

Saul Bass: credit where credit is due

In which G.M. Norton admires the iconic work of Saul Bass.

As I've mentioned many times before, I'm an enormous Alfred Hitchcock nut. There's just something about his films that keep my attention, resulting in me watching them again and again. The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, Rebecca, Rear Window - they're all absolutely marvellous.

Hitchcock's three films from 1958 to 1960 stand out in particular, which is a combination of the director's signature style added to the haunting film scores by Bernard Herrmann and the film title sequences by Saul Bass that sets the scene for each story so well.

A graphic designer by trade, Saul Bass wisely used his skills for films across four decades, beginning in 1955 with The Man with the Golden Arm, through to the 1995 crime caper, Casino.

Vertigo (1958)

Saul Bass first collaborated with Hitchcock on the haunting Vertigo with James Stewart and Kim Novak in the leading roles. The opening title sequence begins with an intense close-up shot of Kim Novak's eyes, with the audience left to wonder just what is making her pupils dilate so much as Herrmann's film score adds to the feeling of uneasiness. Things don't ease up as it ends with Hitchcock's name spiralling out of Novak's eye.

North by Northwest (1959)

I've previously lauded North by Northwest, starring the fellow idolised by millions, Mr Cary Grant. This is probably my favourite Bass title sequence out of the three Hitchcock films. The green screen is overlaid by blue wireframes set at an angle as different credits quickly race across the screen. Eventually, the wireframe slowly fades and is replaced by the side of a New York office building, and the hustle and bustle of city workers below.

Psycho (1960)

Then there's Psycho. Set to an intense film score by Herrmann, doing a sterling job yet again, the opening sequence features a series of horizontal lines choppily moving across the screen. It all adds an air of high anxiety, setting the tone for what was to follow. I'm on edge just thinking about it.

Saul Bass was a true pioneer, changing the way films were introduced so that the title sequence conveyed the mood of the story that was about to unfold. Clever stuff.

G.M. Norton

Protagonist of 'Norton of Morton'

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Vintage Smiths watch

In which G.M. Norton feels ready to take on the world. 

I recently managed to purloin a vintage Smiths Deluxe watch. Made in England at their Cheltenham factory, Smiths watches have a truly fascinating history. Edmund Hillary wore a Smiths Deluxe (the A404) when he climbed Mount Everest in 1953. And when Vivian Fuchs and Edmund Hillary successfully led the Trans-Antarctic Expedition across Antarctica in 1958, the entire team also had Smiths Deluxe watches strapped to their wrists (the A454). 

My vintage Smiths watch is the A460, which replaced the A454 (although they are identical in every way, except that the A460 is shock-proofed). 

Cravat Week

In which G.M. Norton embarks on a sartorial mission.

This week, on the spur of the moment, I decided to embark on a personal mission to wear a cravat every single day of the week. Rather cleverly, I called this Cravat Week (I believe in simplicity!). Naturally, I documented this on my Instagram page, which is packed full of my sartorial endeavours.

Here’s a snap of each cravat from Monday to today.

Monday

Paisley cravat from eBay

Potty about pins

In which G.M. Norton reveals his extensive pin badge collection.

My name is Norty and I have an addiction. I can't stop acquiring pin badges which adorn the lapels on my jacket.

This is how my collection of lapel pins currently stands. I tried counting them, but I lost count so I gave up, poured myself a generous gin and just admired them instead.

Sun’s out, mag’s out

In which G.M. Norton celebrates issue 11 of the best magazine in existence.

Rejoice, chumrades, for the new summer issue of the most noble of publications, In Retrospect magazine, is now out and available to squander your spending money on.

We’re now on issue 11, which is packed to the rafters with tip-top articles from chalk hill figures, vintage motorbikes, classic toys and Viva Las Vegas.

New summer hat!

In which G.M. Norton has no excuse to get heat stroke

Panama hats are exceptionally magnificent. But a Panama hat that can be rolled up, perfect for one’s travels, achieves messiah status.

I now own such a messiah item of headwear, after the lovely chums at Peter Christian Gentleman’s Outfitters very kindly dispatched one to me. It also arrived with an all-important travelling tube to store the summer hat in, and other goodies including a spotty cravat, neckerchief, socks adorned with hares (which my beloved has claimed) and pin badge. I’m a very lucky chap indeed.

Right honourable gentlemen?

In which G.M. Norton feels nauseous. 

One of the big headlines in Britain over the last couple of days has been the decision that male MPs no longer have to wear ties in the House of Commons.

The Speaker of the House, John Bercow, made the unexpected announcement after being questioned on the matter by a wag who had spotted a Liberal Democrats MP sans tie.

So naturally, I thought I’d give my two penneth on the matter.

The running men

In which G.M. Norton hears a penny drop.

As regular readers of this periodical will know, I do enjoy sitting down to watch a film or three.

Last week, I found myself in the rare circumstance where I was home alone for a couple of hours. Naturally I didn't waste this opportunity and settled down with early 90s thriller, The Fugitive.

I'm yet to watch a film starring Harrison Ford that I've not enjoyed. For me, his name is a quality mark.

Style icon: Howard Stark

In which G.M. Norton gets clothes envy. 

I’ve been enjoying a few Marvel television shows recently, my favourite being Agent Carter which is set in 1946 America, following the Allies victory against fascism in the Second World War. Full of enthralling action, daredevil adventure and truly glorious period costumes, I quickly consumed the two mini-series that were made (sadly the series was subsequently cancelled - boo and indeed, hiss).

Hayely Atwell’s title character, Agent Peggy Carter, is a clever, resourceful and not to mention beautiful agent struggling in a chauvinistic 1940s world. Her entire wardrobe is absolutely first rate but as a menswear enthusiast, my eyes were of course drawn to Peggy's chum, Howard Stark (played by Dominic Cooper), who like real-life inspiration Howard Hughes, is an inventor, film director and international playboy. 

The pied piper of peace

In which G.M. Norton finds the perfect excuse to publish lots of pictures of pipes.

For the last few weeks here in Blighty, you haven’t been able to escape from a constant shower of political views as we edged towards a general election, held last Thursday.

Although I have strong political views, this periodical is not the place to delve into such matters. I like to keep things more light-hearted. So here’s lots of pictorials of one of Britain’s finest ever politicians, Mr Tony Benn. Why? Well, he just exudes style. And to be completely honest, after only two hours sleep on election night, I'm running on empty and an afternoon nap sounds like absolute heaven.  

Roger Moore's best Bond moments

In which G.M. Norton looks back at Moore's finest James Bond moments.

It would be bad form not to mark the passing of Sir Roger Moore so I thought it would be fun to recall my top five moments from his tenure as 007.

Righty-o, here goes.

Stark contrast

In which G.M. Norton is happy just to get through the week.

In my first ever periodical post back on 8^th September 2012, I described my little slice of the interweb as “a safe refuge, an air raid shelter or bunker if you will”, a little escapism away from what’s happening in the world.

Well, it’s been difficult to escape the horror of Monday night’s terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena. For those that don’t know, I reside in Manchester. I was born here and I’m proud to still call it home.

Manchester responded in typical defiant fashion, so I’m going to follow suit and carry on regardless. Which means waffling on about the weather and clothes.

Review: James McCabe Watches

In which G.M. Norton adds a real beauty to his growing collection of watches.

Until very recently, my watch collection consisted of diver, field and chronograph watches but for somebody that tries to put an effort into what I wear, I was bereft of a dress watch. Thankfully, James McCabe Watches came to my rescue, who sent me a watch from their Heritage line.

What I particularly like about James McCabe Watches are that they're assembled in the UK. Given that a made in Britain watch would today cost thousands and thousands of pounds, a watch assembled here in Blightly is the next best thing.

Given the choice of any watch from their site, after a good day or so umming and ahhing, I settled on this beauty.

Long Live Victoria!

In which G.M. Norton possesses a piece of Victorian history.

As I've rambled on in previous periodical entries, I have a particular fondness for the Victorian era.

It all began poring over Sherlock Holmes stories, which then led to reading about real-life crimes from Jack the Ripper and Dr Crippen (Holmes writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle attended his trial).

Rampley & Co have recently released a new collection of pocket squares, based on pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum in the Big Smoke.

On film: Million Pound Note

In which G.M. Norton enjoys an old classic.

A little while ago, I mentioned the delights of Talking Pictures TV, a television channel in Blighty that shows classic film fayre from yesteryear (I’m quite proud of that little rhyme).

As a midweek treat, on Wednesday evening I enjoyed watching a film that I’d recorded, the early 1950's film The Million Pound Note (released as Man with a Million in the US). I have fond memories of watching this as a child (thank you, mother) so it was a treat to watch it again. 

Gregory Peck is an American, who arrives in England by accident, after a spot of bother at sea. He is penniless, with only the ragged clothes on his back, but with a willingness to find gainful employment.

Over the Moon

In which G.M. Norton takes the time to show off his new watch.

I have a particular obsession for watches at the moment, which is showing no sign of waning.

Things that have a story always catch my interest and that’s the same with watches. In 1969, when man went to the moon, every astronaut was wearing an Omega Speedmaster Professional, the only watch certified by NASA. As such, it became an icon for watch and space fans alike. Alas, at £3,500 it’s ever so slightly out of my budget.

However, in 2015, it emerged that another watch also went to the moon, during the 1971 Apollo 15 space mission.

It's a corker!

In which G.M. Norton rejoices at reaching double figures.

Well chumrades, Spring has now sprung with daffodils standing as flowery proof. As we’re now in a new season, it means that a new edition of In Retrospect magazine is available for your reading pleasure.

We’re now on issue 10 which feels like quite an achievement to move into double figures.

He is risen

In which G.M. Norton is not here for he has risen.

Not only is tomorrow Easter Sunday, but it also happens to be my birthday. 35 years old. Thank you, that's very sweet of you. Yes, I do look young. And yes, sometimes I do get challenged for ID when buying alcohol. Okay, that last bit isn't true, at least since I've been sporting face whiskers. 

I like Easter and not just because it's my birthday. After all, unlike Christmas Day, Easter has no fixed date (which I must admit, I find this a little annoying).  Plus, I don't really do birthdays. 

Anyway, yes, I like Easter. After all, what's not to like? Not only did the son of God come back from the dead, which is a little far-fetched even for Christianity, but there's the small matter of eating lots and lots of chocolate. 

When Mr Norton met Mr Jenks

In which G.M. Norton rabbits on about silk hankies.

As you may have discovered through reading this periodical, I enjoy collecting things.

I've always been this way. It's my inner magpie.

One of the collections that I'm most pleased with is my apparant stockpile of pocket squares. After all, any self-respecting gentleman needs plenty of options for peacock preening purposes.

Yesterday I counted my square collection and discovered that I had 33, including two new additions from a Dublin-based men's accessories company called Mr Jenks.

Introducing Percy Le Moo Moo

In which G.M. Norton receives a big surprise.

I recently made the acquaintance of two frightfully good eggs, Percy Le Moo Moo and Binty Bagshot. They make all sorts of things from bags, cushions and aprons to cravats and boxer shorts. What’s more, they are in Bury in Greater Manchestershire, which is only a few short miles from where I reside.

As they seemed so lovely and unable to resist a liberty print cravat and the prospect of a tweed coin purse complete with Tintin lining, I fired off an order on Etsy. The cravat and coin purse was posted out the very same day and arrived quickly and beautifully presented.

The wonder of the fake tweed jacket

In which G.M. Norton reveals his ruse to wearing tweed when it's warm.

With Spring now here, it really is time to consider what to wear when the sun decides to show its face.

I must admit to being something of a forward planner so such thoughts have been whirling around my over-active, confuddled and extremely warped mind for quite a few months.

You see, I simply despise putting away the old tweeds. That’s where the fake tweed jacket comes into play. 

Now, fear not chumrades. I’m not about to encourage counterfeit and illegal wares and risk the good Norton name. I’m referring to a cotton jacket that looks like tweed. Lighter, cooler and unlined.

At this point, I can almost hear mouths dropping open and teaspoons dropping in shock that such items exist. Well, yes they do.

Odds stacked in my favour

In which G.M. Norton wins on the horses. 

I had a flutter on the horses this week. I don’t usually partake, other than the Grand National but I arrived in the office to be told that a horse was running in the Cheltenham Cup called Fox Norton.

Well, that was too much of a coincidence to pass up. Not only is there the obvious Norton link but my beloved’s family name is Fox and I’d had a meeting was a fellow with the surname Fox only the day before. What’s more, the red moleskin waistcoat that I was wearing features a fox on one of the buttons. By this point, I was convinced that I would win oodles of money and was already planning what to spend my winnings on.

New life, new adventures

In which G.M. Norton takes pleasure in the little things.

If you were to ask me what my favourite season was, I’d always plump for autumn, followed by winter. Although spring doesn’t officially start for another week or so, it is definitely starting to feel like it’s spring. And I must say, I am absolutely loving it.

The seersucker might even make another appearance soon

I put something on the Twittering Device on Thursday about a moment I enjoyed on my walk to the office. I was idly walking along, at my usual slow pace, when the random thoughts in my mind were momentarily paused by one of the most beautiful things that I’ve ever had the good fortune of hearing. A symphony of sparrows in full song, high up in a nearby tree. I literally stopped in my tracks, and looked up to see where the noise was coming from. Almost every branch was occupied by one of our two-footed friends, as they entertained me.

Fair Isle and Tintin

In which G.M. Norton brings two loves together.

When I was a young boy, my uncle gave me his copy of a Tintin hardback book, The Calculus Affair. 

From that moment on, I fell in love with the characters, stories, humour and artwork. I found myself consuming absolutely anything I could find that was Tintin related, which included getting up very early to record radio shows onto tape (well, I was an '80s child). 

Recently, I acquired some Tintin pin badges from Messrs E&Bay so have been wearing them frequently ever since.

Bow ties are cool

In which G.M. Norton takes a bow.

I do love a bow tie and over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself wearing them more and more. It all started when my five year old daughter asked me to wear one as it made me look “handsome and smart”. I now find that both my daughters seem to appreciate them, and generally, the world at large.

Four shades of grey

In which G.M. Norton declares that grey doesn't need to be dull.

Over the last few days, I’ve found myself wearing a great deal of grey. But far from being dull or bland, I’ve found it to be the perfect canvas on which to get some of my more lavish paints out.

I have a grey suit from M&S that I enjoy wearing. It’s double-breasted with super sharp lapels so usually attracts plenty of compliments. As well as this, I have a grey tweed suit from Messrs Walker Slater of Edinburgh. This is a three-piece suit and is a joy to wear. Perhaps it’s only downside is sometimes, it’s too hot to wear. And that’s coming from somebody who loves being warm and lives in a very wet part of England.

Commander of keeping warm

In which G.M. Norton plays toy soldier

There’s something indescribably comforting about pulling on a warm jumper on a cold day.

At the moment, my personal style is evolving towards two looks - university professor and gentlemanly explorer. For the university professor look, it’s all about the tweed, bow ties and glasses with lots and lots of texture. The explorer look is about thick jumpers, coats and a sturdy pair of boots. Of course, there will be crossover from time to time.

As part of the adventurer chic I’m going for, I bought a Woolly Pully commando style navy jumper from a UK company called Outdoor Knitwear. Based in Leicester, Outdoor Knitwear produce the Woolly Pully for the military and government.

Double silk

In which G.M. Norton coins the term ‘double silk’.

‘Double silk’ is a phrase that I now claim ownership of (oh go on, you can use it too). Like most things I come up with, this was dreamt up on the spot when I was wearing a silk cravat and pocket square.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, my beloved secretly ordered me a pocket square from Cravat Club’s new Japanese Ukiyo-e collection. Then my generous chums at Cravat Club decided to surprise me themselves with one of their cravats. They sent me their INDIANA cravat, which perfectly complements the orange hues in the pocket square.

All decked out

In which G.M. Norton is smitten with his new jacket.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I recently managed to snaffle a reproduction N1 deck jacket from Messrs E & Bay.

Given that I'm so attached to it, I thought I would show it off.

There's an iconic pictorial of actor and sauce entrepreneur, Paul Newman, wearing one. Isn't it extraordinary how a jacket can transform you to look like one of the most handsome men alive? Paul's enormously lucky to now look more like me.  He just needs to grow a beard now and take that cigarette out of his mouth.

Indiana Jones and the Four Film Challenge

In which G.M. Norton embarks on a four night adventure.

This week I had an overwhelming urge to watch Indiana Jones, so I did just that.

Rather than just watch one film, I decided to go full pelt, all or nothing, and watch the entire film canon. So on Monday, I began with Raiders of the Lost Ark, followed by Temple of Doom on Tuesday, The Last Crusade on Wednesday and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on Thursday (apologies, it’s all going a bit Craig David there).

I love these outstanding, ripping adventure yarns that George Lucas and Steven Spielberg so ably crafted. Indiana Jones is the perfect hero; wise-cracking and whip-cracking, intelligent but strong, brave but still scared of snakes. The films are so memorable, with fast action sequences following, one after the other. These film adventures really do have it all – an intrepid protagonist, exotic locations, deadly traps and villains – making them perfect fodder to forget the humdrum of real life.

I thought I’d share some of my random thoughts that ran through my mind during this movie marathon.

What happened this week

In which G.M. Norton reflects on the last seven days.

One of my absolute favourite blogs to read is Retro Chick. I absolutely adore the writing style of Gemma, who is the lovely lady behind it – it’s warm, thought provoking, interesting and very funny indeed. In tribute to her ‘This week I......’ feature which rounds-up her last seven days (by ‘in tribute’, I mean blatantly steal), this week’s periodical offering will follow a similar pattern. Except my personal effort will NOT contain any visits to the gymnasium. I’m far too lazy for that.

Tried and failed to watch Uncle Buck

Shackleton and tales of derring-do

In which G.M. Norton marvels at Ernest's exploits.

This week marked the 90th anniversary of the death of antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Since the leaves started falling from the trees last year to signal the beginning of autumn, I found myself drawn towards adventurers and their tales of derring-do.

Of course, I naturally turned to Ernest Shackleton, who is perhaps best known for leading the Imperial Trains-Antarctic Expedition from 1914 to 1917.