Mixing antiques from different parts of the world can work very well. Not all styles mix well, but 18th and 19th century English and French furniture mixed very well.
Six from a harlequin set of eight, last quarter 18th century English elm country Hepplewhite dining chairs, with a handsome first quarter 19th century French figured elm, two plank farmhouse table.
Absolutely beautiful. Classic lines with unequalled style, well that’s my opinion.
Late 18th Century French fruitwood (cherry) centre/serving/sofa/hall/entrance table. AA1934
Of good deep proportions and fantastic overall faded colour and patination. The rectangular cleated top above a shaped frieze, housing three drawers, all the original turned handles and knotted elm drawer linings, resting on long slight shaped cabriole legs.
The first complete flora from the East Indies. A very fine example of copper engraving.
My favourite botanical master of the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
1686 ‘Hortus Indicus’ was published in Amsterdam.
To me, he was the master. Posted are several of his more attractive florals.
My showroom always boasts at least six Draakestein’s.
Also, in my apartment I have one, but once completed hanging, I’m sure I’ll place at least one more.
On top of his distinctive style, he wrote the name of each subject to the top right of each page in, Latin, Malaysian, Indian and Arabic.
Truly fascinating.
These natural shapes and colours blend with period furniture so well, whereas bright loud flowers can take the attention away from the piece or entire display.
Well, that’s how I see the scheme of things…
These are ‘Buddha’s Hand’
From East Asia.
They sit so well on 18th-19th century English pewter chargers and compliment my beautiful 18th century English country oak chest of drawers.
As well as the Mid 17th century hand coloured copper engraving ’pseudo struthium’ by Basil Besler 1640 (above).
Loving my time spent creating displays in my showroom.
18th Century English country oak and walnut X-banded chest of drawers AA2128
The rectangular walnut x-banded oak top, above two short, then three long walnut x-banded, cock-beaded drawers, having brass stuart-drop handles.
We recently restored this beautiful first half 20th century American mahogany extension dining table for some of my favourite customers.
It would have been easy to strip, sand and re finish.
Would have cost substantially more and the dark red/brown mahogany colour would have returned.
The overall fade is what’s so attractive re this table.
The carriers delivers to our workshops. We cleaned back the surfaces, retaining the original finish (most important) Shane, very cleverly filled the deep gouge/scratch perfectly level, no damage to surrounding surface! Exceptional!
Jack re french polished the table, during the processes, I coloured out the repair.
Once completed, the table was cut back and wax finished, to soften the shine.
Note: retaining the original fade and overall markings is most important.
Very happy customers and looks magnificent back in place, alongside the matching English Regency mahogany sideboard, we restored at the same time.
I’ll probably post that tomorrow….
Team work here, something we all enjoy…
We recently restored this 19th century Italian terracotta amphora.
They rest on the 31st floor and a freak wind gust broke one into pieces.
Here’s a few after and during photos of our work.
The first photos were taken once back in place.
Restoring is certainly our bread and butter when it comes to business income.
Seeing the smile on a customers face when delivering a finished piece can be more rewarding than the payment…
BTW, the views from this outstanding building are the best I’ve seen in Melbourne.
Napoleon III in neo-Greek style, the central panel having animated characters enjoying the pleasures of life.
Supported by palm leaves, terminating on lion paw feet.
Signed F. Levillain
32 x 73cm
Note: Chains remaining to the rear to enable wall display.
The serpentine shaped tilt top, retaining the original rear brass catch. Above an ebonised and gilt decorated support column, resting on shaped out-swept legs.
Still to be cleaned up, old chips black wax filled and coloured over.
An exceptional watercolour by Mali Moir.
In my opinion one of Australia’s most exceptional versatile artists. From botanicals to charcoals to portraits in any medium.
It’s always wonderful working with and selling for her
