James Bowskill is a British Art Director at A.C.O. Tokyo, where he develops brands on-line.

He also collects Japanese packaging, occasionally writes articles for Tokyo's web magazine PingMag, and is a member of London design team Superblue.

British Branding Since 1604 Jul 05 2006

Whilst explaining to Japanese colleagues the difference between England's white and red St. George's Cross and the more familiar blue, white and red Union Jack, I came across design proposals from the era:

Designer: Behold m'lord, the fruits of these pasts twelve nights' labours... (shows the Union Jack as we know it)

Boss: A fine design I do hold before me, but alas, one proposal shalt not suffice. Our good King requesteth more patterns than the night sky hath stars.

Designer: But m'lord, we must depart for presentation when the sun riseth, there is no time for more designs!

Boss: I careth not for thy whimpering, knave. By candlelight thou shalt toil and come sunrise, a half dozen patterns I shall see! (Exit boss to tavern round the corner)

Designer: I'll give you patterns you old bastard...