More items in my showroom containing flowers. From carvings to paintings, to painted ceramics, clocks sets, coffee tables, 17th century botanicals, Dutch hanging marquetry inlaid wall cabinet, Italian Murano chandeliers. 19th century English Parian ware jugs in off whites and blues/ floral painted jugs/First half 19th century English masons jugs,
Many items in my showroom contain flowers. From carvings to paintings, to painted ceramics, clocks, even a delightful green tea cup and saucer once owned by the most beautiful woman in the world š©š». Sun flower paintings/19th century landscape oil painting/Jasmine in glass vase/flowers in vase in an old advertisement photo/floral carving in oak to the top of French pollard oak poudreuse/19th century English Parian ware jugs in off whites and blues/ floral painted jugs/first half 19th century English masons jugs and mugs/English Deco chinoiserie clock/Italian Noveau Majolica vase-jardiniĆØre.
A day in the life of an antique dealer. Had to bank a cheque this morning, sold a particularly nice small sized Regency style chest of drawers yesterday, several of my customers still use cheques. Drove down to Acland St to deposit and had a coffee at Abbey Road Cafe. My friend, the prettiest, grooviest, waitress in Melbourne, SimonĆØ, always brings me the perfect coffee…
A few random snaps of the back room of shop. I could spend all day just photographing if I was able. From large contemporary art 2014 to my favourite botanical artist, Hendrick Draakestein 1686. 18th century French fruitwood dough bin, with 19th century English Parian Ware Jugs See video..
The beauty of plants and flowers in your home. I recently replaced the plants to my jardinier in living/dining room. Theyāre quite perfect, but very hard to photograph. I have many plants inside and outside my apartment, most belonged to my mother Nina, so I love having them around. I look after my plants even compliment every now and then.. The flowers I regularly place on my dining table āinterlopersā to the indoor plants are also well maintained, trimmed and re watered, to last as long as possible. Thought Iād take a few quick snaps this morning and post. Flowers and antiques blend beautifully āØ
Ongoing Retirement Sale Two out of three storerooms SOLD! My son, Charlie will be joining the business next year and eventually taking over. It’s wonderful having his fresh energy involved. UP TO 50% OFF all stock. Come in and see the rarest pieces in Australia!
Charlieās second restoration job. 18th century English country oak gate-leg table. Charlie restored this table for Behruz, where it sits in their entrance foyer to the centre of a stunning rug. Charlieās worked with Amir, Omid and all their wonderful staff for some time now, until he departs for Thailand later this month. This is Charlieās ‘thank you’ to the boys
Charlie Allpress polishes his first piece Thanks to Jack for showing him. I look forward to continuing to teach Charlie restoration skillsā¦
Georgianised 19th century English oak long chest This week we finally completed a chest of drawers I purchased around a decade ago. Iām so glad I waited, as now looking perfect in my bedroom. I Georgianised a 19th century English oak long chest (Victorian) Originally had fancy shaped Victorian mouldings to the top and base. With turned rosewood handles, diamond shaped rosewood inlaid escutcheons and rosewood drawer cockbeading. Finished off with fancy turned feet.
The Johnston Collection 2010 – The Kitchen TheĀ Kitchen: The applied wall shelving was highlighted dark green and gold, from memory. We suggested to re paint to blend with the existing wall colour. Bridget Evans and Suzi Mann, cut back and re painted them, while the furniture was being placed. I had such a wonderful team back in 2010. Having the best suited assistance is imperative when running a specialist business. As you can see how nice they now blend in, rather than fighting for attention with ceramics. We were very proud of this change.
The Johnston Collection 2010 – Mr Johnston’s Study 2010 I was invited to re-arrange the entire contents of The Johnston Collection, to create my own interpretation and to give visitors to the house a fresh experience. I heard about the Johnston collection many years ago and on seeing it was āenthralledā by the overall quality and uniqueness of Mr Johnstonās collection. Visually for me sometimes less is more and my initial reaction was to lighten the content. Thus began a process as an example, I placed one painting where previously there had been two, lots of subtle changes. I certainly donāt appreciate minimalism but on the other hand, I donāt like a cluttered appearance.
The Johnston Collection 2010 – The Yellow Room 2010 I was invited to re-arrange the entire contents of The Johnston Collection, to create my own interpretation and to give visitors to the house a fresh experience. I heard about the Johnston collection many years ago and on seeing it was āenthralledā by the overall quality and uniqueness of Mr Johnstonās collection.
Dressing the Johnson Collection 2010 2010 I was invited to re-arrange the entire contents of The Johnston Collection, to create my own interpretation and to give visitors to the house a fresh experience. I heard about the Johnston collection many years ago and on seeing it was āenthralledā by the overall quality and uniqueness of Mr Johnstonās collection.
Rearranging my showroom Always rearranging my showroom as selling a lot recently, so forever changing. My storerooms are emptying faster than I thought, so workshop is also busy preparing stock. Come see me Saturday if youāre not away for Easter. Coffees on me
Several beautiful pieces Iāve sold recently. I know exactly where each piece sits, dressers, coffers, chests, farmhouse tables, chandeliers, art etcā¦ Dealing in rare, more one off pieces has always been my way of trading. My sale is going strong, the best will always sell, so come see me soon
Latest Window Display Almost impossible to photograph on such a windy day! Felt like we were in windy Wellington!