I visited nearby customers today, to see the framing Vicki Hutchins
did for the three 18th century Elizabeth Blackwells I sold them.
While there I enjoyed some of their other pieces, including the decorative
18th century French walnut panetiere and petrin/dough bin/jardinier.
Three beautiful Botanicals, newly framed.
Elizabeth Blackwell (nee Blachrie) was among the first women to achieve fame as a botanical illustrator.
She was born in Aberdeen in about 1700, but moved to London after she married. She undertook an ambitious project to raise money to pay her husband’s debts and release him from debtors’ prison.
Her project was a book called ‘A Curious Herbal’.
She learned that physicians required a reference book which documented the medicinal qualities of plants and herbs. In order to develop the publication she examined and drew specimens of plants available in the Chelsea Physic Garden. Sir Hans Sloane provided financial support to publish ‘A Curious Herbal’.
Elizabeth Blackwell is notable for being one of the first botanical artists to personally etch and engrave her own designs. This saved the expense of hiring a professional engraver. In total, the enterprise took Blackwell six full years to complete and in the end she was able to release her husband from prison. ‘A Curious Herbal’ was published between 1737 and 1739.
The book contained the first illustrations of many odd-looking, unknown plants from the New World.
Rearranging my showroom is always a pleasurable experience. Bringing new pieces of stock into the mix, moving something, replacing a mirror with art, changing the ceramics etc…
Period oak furniture, English country furniture, 16th Century English oak coffer, French provincial furniture, 19th Century Chinese screen, Armoire, Coffee table, Early 18th Century English oak dresser base,Pewter, Green majolica, Italian majolica, 18th Century corner cabinet, Masons, Country oak wine tables x 7, Dough bin, Petrin, Elizabeth Blackwell, Martin Tighe, Windsor armchair, Ceramic jugs, 19th Century landscapes, 19th Century french gilt mirror and more in the back room of shop…
Recently when returning a wine table I had restored for a couple, I noticed a beautiful 19th century French marble female statue.
Jim’s 88, he told me this was his first purchase aged 12. Jim’s equally wonderful wife Judith is 80.
Every time I visit them I learn more fascinating stories of their lives together, true romantics indeed.
Gives me a lot of hope, that’s for sure.
They have a fantastic collection of 18th-19th century furniture, art and ceramics.
Jim then showed me Norman Lindsay and Streeton watercolours he had purchased before they were famous.
It’s always nice going to customers homes that have a good eye for art and furniture.
I’ve sold them several pieces, including this 18th century English figured walnut writing bureau and 18th century English country oak chest of drawers.
My son Charlie and his girlfriend Victoria helped me deliver recently, I wanted them to see true romance still alive after around 60 years of marriage.
Such a wonderful business to be in. So many beautiful, fascinating people I meet daily…
The shaped top rail, above a fret carved tapered centre splat, flanked by shaped tapered uprights.
The freshly upholstered soft mint chenille seats blending beautifully.
Resting on a square leg, joined by stretchers.
This set of chairs were very tired, so we cleaned back the surface and refinished them in a soft white.
Would never dream of doing this to a period chair, however this method of restoration has vastly improved these.
These chairs would look fantastic with a period french fruitwood farmhouse table.
The last set I sold through a decorator in 2009.
These chairs also featured in a home I dressed in Elwood 2009.
To see the story of the Elwood home, search ‘Elwood’ on this website.
Above is a one off set of 19th Regency period watercolours of Indian birds, in Kamataka, Southwest India.
Dated 1828
Also, my favourite 17th Century botanical engraver, Hendrick Draakestein 1686.
From time to time I’ll continue showing beautiful parts of beautiful pieces inside my showroom or home…
This afternoon my shop.
Stylish shapes and angles of the decorative arts & furniture said, here I am, show my beauty…
“Snapshots of the elegance of design”
This is what I will miss once I make my final sale of my final piece of stock in the next year or two…
A slow retirement is certainly the way I’ll remove myself from the antiques & art trade…
No hurry from me, suits my obvious ‘working in country time’ style of doing things.
I hope you enjoy the beauty as I do…
Today’s photos are from my showroom.
A Terns head and tip to a wave, from beautiful Art Deco Bronze.
‘Constantinople’ showing on a perfectly maintained Art Nouveau Terrestrial Globe. Now Istanbul, changed 1930.
Lower right corner of a decorative English Art Deco chinoiserie design mantle clock.
The tip of one of a pair of 19th century tusks. They originally belonged to a gong that was dismantled.
The shaped coloured and clear glass lower point, from a mid century Italian Murano chandelier.
Central carvings on a 19th century French, fruitwood, burr elm & oak dough bin.
The corner of a decorative 19th century Japanese scalloped edge charger.
The moving mouth and teeth of a mid century Hanging Face ‘Ivory Coast’
The cheeky smiling faded rosewood face of a 19th century Chinese door gong.
The silver face on handle of a 19th century Persian jug.
Stock in showrooms, in storage and from our recently sold family home are now to clear.
Always best to make an appointment, but I’m usually in 11.30am til 4.30pm Mon – Sat.
Window signs supplied by Luke Signs, fantastic service as always, thanks Luke.
I sold these to good customers twenty years ago.
They are now moving and need to sell.
I’m always happy to re sell rare items I’ve handled over the past three decades, as they’re so hard to find.
