Forthcoming Attractions: Mid July 2017

We put loads of new items in the web shop last week – one of our a ‘Forthcoming Attractions‘ posts would have been very much in order, but we didn’t get round to it – slapped wrists! We vowed to do one soon though – so here it is! It’s a much smaller selection this week, but some nice pieces all the same.

For starters, a lovely selection of glass. Various sizes, shapes and colourways – and some famous designers such as Per Lutken and Otto Brauer.

Next up we have a very cute little spice rack. There’s a wall-mountable metal shelf with six labelled metal tin pots. It dates from the 1950s era and is in very good condition – the perfect vintage touch for any kitchen.

We don’t normally pick up part sets of cutlery, but we had good reason this time. We had some of this walnut-handled Mills Moore cutlery in our web shop a couple of years ago – and so many people have enquired about it since it sold that we vowed to keep an eye out for more. Perhaps someone out there would like to add these soup and dessert spoons to their collection. It’s very stylish and beautifully made.

One of last weeks item’s was a Hornsea ‘Birthday Mug’ by John Clappison. We’ve decided to add another example from our collection this week – a magnificent spooky witch design. The sweet verse underneath reads:

If I but had THREE WISHES
And only one came true,
I’d ride with these THREE WITCHES
Upon their broom to YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

From monochrome to eye-popping colour! This fab orange fondue set looks like the perfect thing for a cold winter’s evening. Log fire, glass of wine, melting cheese – bliss!

…and finally a late arrival (today in fact) – the Esquire Drink Book dating from the 1950s. It’s interesting, informative and funny… and is packed with the most gorgeous illustrations by renowned artist (and one of our personal favourites) Bill Charmatz. We already own a copy, so this one’s for sale.

As usual, these pieces will be split between web shop and physical shop, but blog readers will have first dibs – so let us know if anything catches your eye!

Get their look: Classic design lounge diner

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This lounge diner belonging to Toronto-based architect, Stephane Chamard is tastefully filled with classic design furniture pieces. Examples from international leviathan designers, manufacturers and retailers in the interior design world such as Holmegaard, Otto Brauer, Vitra, Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, Norman Cherner and Serge Mouille. There are also contemporary, classics-in-the-making such as the green Ploum sofa designed by brothers, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Ligne Roset.

The rest of the house is equally awe-inspiring – go take a look!

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Bookmarks: Miller’s Mid-Century Modern

In today’s Bookmarks post, we’re taking a peek at Miller’s Mid-Century Modern – living with mid-century modern design by Judith Miller.

Well, a bit more of a peek, really, as we linger over some of the wonderful pieces on display!

Mid-century modern is one of our favourite eras for interior design, illustration, textiles and product design…

…so as the pages turned, there was a soundtrack of many oohs and ahhs!

Judith Miller is most famous for her all-encompassing antiques & collectables guides which are published annually.

In recent years, they’ve included an ever-increasing number of 20th century pieces in response to interest & demand.

This book concentrates solely on mid-century modern – 1950s to the 1970s being the period generally accepted.

A wonderful introductory chapter covers its evolution and influential designers.

The movement perfectly encapsulated a new mood of optimism after the war years with revolutionary designs, materials & techniques.

The fresh ideas, and indeed disposable income, of a whole new generation began to soar.

There are examples of houses & interiors that encapsulate the era – less cluttered and designed for modern living.

A broad array of objects is included, with chapters given over to furniture, lighting, glass, ceramics, metalware & textiles.

In addition, an extensive section covers the people responsible for these wonderful & iconic designs.

There are about 200 familiar & not so familiar names who are given a short, individual write up.

We’ll just scratch the surface by mentioning Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Eero Saarinen, Alvar Aalto, Robert Welch, Stig Lindberg, Lucienne Day, Per Lutken, Charles & Ray Eames.

The book is packed with quality, full colour photographic references throughout…

…and as with all Miller’s guides – estimated values to accompany each item image.

There’s also a useful directory included of international dealers and their contact details – broken down into categories such as ceramics, glass, furniture, lighting etc.

As well as auctions & fairs and museums if you fancy going to see or sometimes handle wares in the flesh.

The book is well researched and accessible – a perfect coffee table browser or excellent source book for your library.

Mid-Century Modern – living with mid-century modern design is available from the publishers Octopus, Amazon and AbeBooks.

[Many thanks to Octopus for the review copy]

H is for Home Harbinger

Tag: Otto Brauer

Forthcoming Attractions: Mid July 2017

Get their look: Classic design lounge diner

Bookmarks: Miller’s Mid-Century Modern