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A rare set of six 1920s revival dining chairs

A rare set of six 1920s revival dining chairs

These chairs are around 100 years old. The 20s was a huge revival period.

They have Queen Anne rear shaped splats and shaped top rails 1705.
George I and George II cavletto style moulds 1714 – 1740
all blending so well.

Would you believe I used bitumen to build this beautiful walnut/period oak colour.
A long, complicated, somewhat monotonous restoration job indeed!

Photographed by Russell Winnell.

Included in my retirement sale
All stock reduced by 50%

Restoration of "A Rare 20th century American Retro painted folding leaf support dining table base, with rectangular glass top."

Restoration of “A Rare 20th century American Retro painted folding leaf support dining table base, with rectangular glass top.”

Early December I drove to Port Melbourne to meet Linda and her sweet dog Boof, and see their sad damaged table base.

The rectangular glass top shattered when a hot plate was resting on a supposed safety mat, purchased on Amazon.

The black painted base was damaged in many places, many were deeper than gouges and scratches. Remarkably no guests were hurt when the top suddenly imploded!

I originally quoted for my friend David Glynn Davies to touch out. For 35 years David has kindly restored many dozens of painted pieces for me. Some you would never recognise the before and afters. But once we picked up the table, the amount of work required was too much to ask him, as was more than just a few patches and a touch out. The table deserved a complete make over, so we did.

Eddie and I restored this unique table base in many stages, off and on over several weeks.

The weight and awkwardness of moving the base was hard during the entire process, I completely under quoted, but would have just about done for free, as the job was so challenging and in the end incredibly rewarding, I’d happily do it again.

After Eddie filled and patched dozens of chips and gouges, I cut back the base overall and coloured every piece of filler. I then cut back again and proceeded to paint in sections, first the interior, then the folded leaves in their entirety, then the stepped base.

Three times and covering up the surrounding areas every time, to stop the overspray messing the finish.

Became quite easy by the end, but the so called satin finish was too shiny and the old worn damages still stood out. So I decided to cut back the entire finish, hard! Then I sealed in a lacquer to soften the finish and disguise the remaining visible damages. This was a huge gamble, so before doing this, I prepared a large sample of timber and gave the same amount of coats over a ten day period, allowing drying time to be the same. BTW, this also gave the painted table base a lot more time to firm up. Then I cut back one final time and lacquer finished. I came in the following day and was so happy to see the finish was absolutely perfect. So I did the exact same to the base, and once again in three stages over three days, I couldn’t have wished for a better result.

So many hours I lost count, but wow!

Then replacing the glass, that was a huge task on its own.

I contacted W Bremner and Sons, I’ve been dealing with them for over 35 years. They were originally for many decades on the corner of Grange and Dandenong Roads, then moved out to Noble Park. But they had closed, I only used them last December for two coffee table tops, and perfect as always, oh and affordable.

I had based my quotation on their prices. But searching for a reputable, fairly priced glass table top maker these days is like taking a lottery! My sister Maxine had this task. If I wrote one of the conversations she had with

a glass supplier, nobody would believe someone in business would speak to a customer in that way!

I’ll tell you the story if you call me….

His Google ratings were like 1✨ even lower than mine!

(Pays to keep one’s political views private 😉) or thou shall cancel thy enemy…

Anyway, she didn’t contribute to his collection of I’d say factual complaints!

Also some of the prices were beyond acceptable. God knows how they actually sell any glass.. anyway, she eventually located a good bloke that did as he said and at a fair price.

So the glass was delivered this morning, three men to lift onto Linda’s home and it was raining! OMG, trying to dry off and balance between three was a massive undertaking. But we eventually got there. That could be a short story on its own.

So at the end, Linda and Boof were very happy vegemites and we all lived happily ever after…

Delightful 19th century Chinese red lacquered and gilt chinoiserie decorated elm sideboard

Delightful 19th century Chinese red lacquered and gilt chinoiserie decorated elm sideboard

Touched out minor marks and re wax finished this delightful 19th century Chinese red lacquered and gilt chinoiserie decorated elm sideboard, today.

I’m selling for customers, so No GST! I’ll place and photograph tomorrow.

I sat outside enjoying the hot afternoon sun and exhaust fumes, between colouring.

As I’m so fussy – I colour then take a photo, then see where I’ve missed.

One example here to see. Even though I never over restore, imperfections always stand out to me!

Two chairs 320 years apart. Mid 17th century English oak wainscot chair C.1660, one from a pair.

20th century later painted Australian ash chippendale dining chair. C.1980

One from a set of six.

Love working while listening to my favourite Australian music on Spotify! “The greatest list of Australian songs ever!”

50% OFF - Rare, beautifully carved 19th century French oak standing church pew.

50% OFF – Rare, beautifully carved 19th century French oak standing church pew.

A Stylish unique piece I still have in stock and reduced by 50%.
$3,400 reduced to $1,700

Makes an interesting entrance piece, key or hall table.
To the top of a landing or as a piece of art in an open living family room.

Free local delivery.

Rare beautifully carved 19th century French oak standing church pew.

The unusual narrow dimensions are perfect as a narrow hallway or entrance piece.
Linen fold panels with fruits (pineapples and pomegranates) happy to be corrected..
above, the three large panels with grapes and vines, the central with bold flowers and leaves.
Scrolled hand rests to the ends, disguising the end joints.

The unusual narrow dimensions are perfect as a narrow hallway or entrance piece.
Linen fold panels with fruits (pineapples and pomegranates) happy to be corrected..
above, the three large panels with grapes and vines, the central with bold flowers and leaves.
Scrolled hand rests to the ends, disguising the end joints.

✨50% reduced, Magnificent rare first half 18th English oak low dresser ✨

✨50% reduced, Magnificent rare first half 18th English oak low dresser ✨

The well patinated two plank moulded top, above a deep ogee shaped skirt.

Housing three brass dressed central drawers.

Resting on elegant top moulded slender cabriole legs, terminating to a pointed pad foot.

C.1740    H.85cm 
W.195cm 
D.48cm   AA2494

Wonderful patina, never over restored.

Note: Fruitwood lined drawers.

 

Reduced from $28,000 to $14,000.

 

20th century pastel of Caravaggio’s Medusa 1597.

Frame 185cm x 132cm

Such a fascinating painter.

Love his work!

Selling for a customer.

Original photos by 
Russell Winnell Photography ✨

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

1571 – 1610

Call me for further details.

Reflecting on My Special Friend, Now Passed: Mary Carson

Reflecting on My Special Friend, Now Passed: Mary Carson

Mary wandered into my showroom one morning on her way to her magical acupuncture appointment with Alan Yuen (the gentleman) just two shops down. She always dressed so eloquently, with everything blending perfectly ✨. We hit it off immediately. She popped back in after her treatment, and from then on, we talked and talked. We shared our life stories: the happy ones, the sad ones, the truly torturous. We felt each other’s happiness and pain deeply.

All my life, I’ve connected best with older friends, many much older than me. I value their hard-earned knowledge and the kindness they show in sharing it. Serious advice from a well-experienced elder is invaluable.

My heart ached knowing she hadn’t received the love she deserved from those closest. I won’t say any more, but I had to say the minimum. Just remembering it, I feel the anger inside building! Poor, beautiful, kind, loving Mary. At least she found complete appreciation from me and a few other close friends I’ve met. (By the way, with all my might, I kept my tongue tied at her wake.)

Back to the nice story: She often brought me flowers from her garden, like these from the QLD Golden Shower tree (see the photo). Some lasted three weeks in a vase. Once she gave me a box of “Mary’s Gone Crackers” (the organic ones—see the photo on my website; search the words and it’ll appear), perfect to enjoy with beautiful NZ Mainland cheese. I treasured her visits. I looked forward to seeing her every Wednesday morning like clockwork.

She painted and always showed me her latest works. She had fresh display ideas for the shop, and I used a few because she was right. I loved that. Mary was so caring; she thought about her friends constantly. Such a rare find.

I’ll certainly miss those weekly visits and our sometimes very personal conversations. She was one of the few I could sit and talk to about anything, once again very few and far between.

Our lives were completely opposite from start to finish. She was once a school principal, very well educated and well spoken, and remained active in her community as a Parish Councillor and choir member at St Paul’s East Kew, her nearby Anglican parish, where her gentle guidance and beautiful voice touched so many lives. I grew up and maintained my life in a much different way. Yet we loved each other’s contributions to the world. We discovered she’d taught a very close friend’s wife, Amanda, as a young woman. Amanda remembered Mary’s caring guidance. When I told Mary, she remembered every detail about Amanda. Truly remarkable. I was so happy they caught up before Mary passed, and so were they.

Mary wrote the most touching letter to the courts on my behalf after my harsh run-in with a parking inspector (my fault). Her words brought tears to my eyes. She saw things inside me that I’d never said. She simply knew. My gratitude was and still is immense. I’m sure the judge took her words in; I received a slight telling-off (“well deserved”), but the minimum fine. 🙏

We gained a mutual friend, John Adam. John made the effort to come by most Wednesdays too. Three completely and outrageously different characters had a bond that was truly remarkable. Not so long ago, but I wish I could go back, just for one more group chat. Lots of laughter and love always ✨.

See the story on my website: “My Wednesday crew are back!”

You’ll also see how much she loved my dog Jack and bird Joey—both now passed. The last time we saw Mary, Jack wouldn’t leave her side. I now know why. When Joey passed, Mary wrote the most touching eulogy for him.

She brought me back into my business. During the government controls I totally disobeyed and was aggressively against, Mary always brought me back to near normal (not easy at times, to be honest). I was never your typical antique dealer! Her logic, her ways of explaining, and her calming presence were far above normal, much like my other beautiful friend Behruz Aligorgi, also passed on. I know I was meant to be part of their lives, as they were my guiding angels.

For that reason, I’d put retirement-sale signs in the windows and only price stickers on the stock. I’d lost interest in the shop. Mary turned me around, bringing me back to full attention with proper full descriptions and a few other important details. She reopened my eyes.

Mary loved my writing and encouraged me to pursue it. I have so much to thank Mary for. I know she sees me from above.

Mary died unexpectedly at 80 on January 22, 2024.

The following Christmas, I had to delete her name from my Christmas Day call list (I keep one for close friends and relatives so my bad memory doesn’t let anyone down). I lost yet another close friend. And on that note, in life, we don’t find these connections easily. We hold on to them tight. When they pass on, nobody can take their place.

Mary was also devoted to her beloved cat Mitty, who brought her quiet joy and companionship at home in Kew, another part of the gentle, nurturing soul she shared so freely.

One gift I’ll treasure forever is the book Be Bold she inscribed to me:

Especially for Jamie

my “All Time Friend”

Mary

With special thanks and memories

2022

I just wanted to say a few more words about my “All Time Friend.” She already knows I miss her, and I’m looking forward to seeing her again, hopefully in many years to come. ✨🙏

A most beautiful 19th century French green chinoiserie display cabinet of narrow proportions

A most beautiful 19th century French green chinoiserie display cabinet of narrow proportions

The rectangular moulded top, above two long hinged doors, opening to reveal a cord covered interior, with a small light above each shelf.

The doors having a double throw lock.

With narrow glassed viewing sides, resting on short turned tapered legs.

Classic chinoiserie design overall. Notice the designs flow between joins, incredibly stylish always.

Chinoiserie style started in the early 17th century throughout Europe. The word derives from “chinois” French for Chinese.

European designers imitated the fanciful decorative designs on Chinese silks, art, lacquerware and furnishings.

The style has never fallen from grace. The Queen Anne period in the early 18th century was one of the most chinoiserie desired periods. Over the past three and a half decades in business, I have sold dozens of chinoiserie decorated pieces, from silk and rice paper art, to folding lacquered screens (two over the past year) many hanging bow-shaped hanging corner cupboards, desks, chairs, Chinese export sewing tables (two in storage)

The thing about a beautiful decorative chinoiserie piece is, there is only ever room for the one piece in your room. That one piece sits there either demanding attention or quietly rests saying, look here I am, you can’t beat my style and colouring, so take a seat and enjoy me.

H.159cm

W.116cm

D.27cm

$14,500 reduced to $7,250

A rare 19th century French oak, pine and walnut table d’entrée.

A rare 19th century French oak, pine and walnut table d’entrée.

The narrow rectangular top, above a central carved rosette with the original steel oval ringed handle, flanked by deep upright carved flutes, then exceptionally turned lunettes, quite a feature.

With a scratch carved hanging Fleur de Lis and turned fluted uprights with a serpentine shaped panelled back-board, featuring a central moulded oak diamond, joined to a serpentine shaped base shelf, on regressed block feet.

 

H.90 W.67 D.34

 

Going through my stock I’m clearing at 50% reduction. I found this rare 19th century French table d’entrée – entrance table.

 

These pieces sell quickly as are a very hard find. Being so stylish and unique, yet small and narrow, so perfect for most entries, especially an apartment.

 

I sold two similar pieces in my showroom last year. This piece still needs some re gluing and a good clean, a few touch outs and a fresh wax finish. Will look as if never touched and well preserved when I’m finished.

 

This style of side table originated from a 16th/17th century English oak miniature livery cupboard. I sold a beauty to the western district around 25 years ago. I remember the incredible 19th century farmhouse it’s still residing in, along with some magnificent examples of rare museum quality 17th – 19th century English and European pieces.

I’ll create a post featuring some of my most prized pieces I’ve sold over the decades soon. Such incredible beauty to the eye✨

 

One of pair of late 17th Century oak side chairs, North West England.

C. 1700

 

A small last quarter 18th century English pewter charger.

Dated 1797.

Dia: 24cm

 

19th century English green majolica plate decorated with an embossed grape and vine leaf pattern.

 

19th century English pewter potty.

Used in displays for over 30 years.

H.11cm

W.29cm

 

Amber glass bull

A rare find.

A rare find.

Something interesting to think about.

Captain James Cook was 9 years old when this rare publication was printed.

History is so fascinating ✨

Original hand coloured copper engravings by Elizabeth Blackwell 1737.

‘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.

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.

One of my favourite women in world history ✨

A Recent Sale of Eighteen ‘Elizabeth Blackwells’

A Recent Sale of Eighteen ‘Elizabeth Blackwells’

Yet to be professionally photgraphed, these are iPhone photos.

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.

Sizing Down Made Easy

Sizing Down Made Easy

With over 35 years as an antique and art dealer, I’ve helped countless people navigate the process of sizing down. From deciding which pieces to keep for a new home, to finding the right ways to part with the rest, whether through trusted dealers, collectors, or auction houses, both nationally and internationally, I’ve guided customers through every step.

Many of my clients own rare, lifelong collections, often built over decades and sometimes passed down through generations. In these cases, professional and knowledgeable advice is essential, especially when dividing assets between siblings, or when aiming to achieve the best possible result from a sale. Interestingly, the most desired pieces are not always the most valuable, and there can be many welcome surprises along the way.

I also assist with the logistics of moving treasured furniture and artwork, whether across suburbs, between cities, or even overseas. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with excellent transport providers, and I always recommend owner-drivers and small family-run businesses rather than large corporations. They don’t only give far better personal, respectful service, they are usually far less costly.

As a restorer, I’ve personally worked on many thousands of damaged pieces since I first entered the trade as a child in the late 1970s, often the result of careless or inexperienced carriers. Whenever moving home, apartment, or office, my advice is simple, ask a reputable antique dealer who the most trusted professional carriers are. I couldn’t state that any more strongly.

At times, I also restore dining tables and other significant pieces before a move, ensuring they arrive at their new home in perfect condition, ready to become the centre of attention once again.

By handling these complexities, I’ve removed much of the stress from the process for so many families, leaving them relieved, happy, and grateful.

That said, when it came time for me to downsize, from a large Edwardian family home to a 110 square metre apartment, I found myself facing an enormous challenge. Deciding what to keep and what to let go was no easy task, especially as a passionate and highly selective collector. After spending 20 years perfecting our family home, the idea of parting with pieces felt daunting. (For a glimpse, see “Selling My Home” under Media on my website.)

To my frustration, the buyers of my home didn’t purchase a single item, not because I was seeking sales, but because everything suited the space so perfectly. Even pieces I hadn’t intended to sell had to be reconsidered when dressing the apartment.

Being particular about my surroundings, I’ve carefully curated my apartment over the past six years, replacing anything that didn’t feel quite right. Now, it’s finally complete. My collection spans centuries, from an Otto van Veen (1615), to a Hendrick Draakestein botanical engraving (1686), through to contemporary Australian works by Mali Moir, Lydia Ciconte, Lucinda Chambers, and Martin Tighe.

With such beauty around me, I could happily stay in my space for days on end, but I do venture out, often walking down to Acland Street for a great coffee and a little people-watching, there’s never a dull moment.

After closing my showroom in June 2025, I moved all remaining stock into my warehouse and workshop in Fitzroy North. All visible on my website allpressinc.com and still reduced by 50%. I’m now free to travel around Australia, primarily to advise on sizing down, but also to help clients refine and perfect ongoing collections.

Sizing down doesn’t have to be overwhelming, stressful, or expensive. Choose your pieces thoughtfully, after all, they’ll likely be with you for the rest of your life. Make your space beautiful.

I’m always happy to offer advice on carriers, storage options, restorers, dealers, auctioneers and trusted real estate agents. Helping people create happier homes has been one of the most rewarding parts of my working life.

In early 2023, Russell Winnell photographed my apartment, and I wrote this story around the same time. I’ve held off sharing it with magazines until now, as I’ve continued refining everything, improving displays, changing plants in my beautiful French fruitwood jardinier, replacing furniture, including the chest in my bedroom, and continually changing the display shelving in my living room.

I’ve also been selling directly from my apartment, everything from farmhouse tables and dining chairs, to side chairs, dressers, smaller decorative pieces, and a great deal of art.

Soon, I’ll have Russell back for final photographs, and then this story will finally go to print.

Jamie Allpress
Allpress Creations, 2023–26

Picasso Rare publication by Cercle d’ Art, Paris 1961

Picasso Rare publication by Cercle d’ Art, Paris 1961

I recently contacted my friend and European art supplier and have purchased his latest find of Picasso’s. Unframed limited edition lithographs Printed in France 1961 73 cm x 58 cm Remaining at half my retail price, as all of my art and furniture since closing June 2025. I have a handful remaining from my previous shipment some years ago. The first five group shots are coming soon… Message me for availability. Note: a few are double sided, but same price.

Thinning out my personal collection

Thinning out my personal collection

Thinning out my own personal collection or for better word “collections” talk about having way too much! I don’t regret gathering so many beautiful pieces over the past 58 years, as I age, it’s becoming easier to part with them. So here’s the first group of my own pieces I photographed today. I’ll do a few separate posts describing each item, along with measurements etc… The glass display shelves and entrance are nearly completed, looking forward to stopping replacing items within my apartment. In the meantime, if you would like some info or would like to make me an offer on anything, don’t hesitate to text or call me. Call or text Jamie 0415555998