Truly Fine English Antiques & Accessories

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - Still so many memories from the invitation-only opening night preview of the latest Antiques, Art & Design at the Armory show this past September 21 at the Park Avenue Armory in NYC, co-hosted by Ellie Cullman, Jamie Drake, and Dr. Eva Andersson-Dubin.

With my South African orientation to all-things British, it was a pleasure to peruse the booth at Michael Pashby Antiques. When I asked the NYC dealer what his favorite items were, he said, "They're all special - otherwise they wouldn't be here." Well put. One of my cardinal rules in decorating a home is to include only those items which are special enough to be there. No waste, no dross, but just things you love and want to live with. Well, I could certainly live with the sandalwood and engraved ivory writing slope (Vizagapatam, India c. 1820 - top photo) ... or the exquisite pair of George III armorial mahogany hall chairs (English 1795 - above, middle photo) ... or the rich "plum pudding" Cuban mahogany George II tripod table (English c. 1740 - below, top photo) ... or the exceptional Charles II lacewood oyster veneer decorated walnut and fruitwood cabinet - on a stand with silvered feet, no less (English c 1680 - bottom photo). 

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Blown Away by Unusual Objects from Il Segno del Tempo

Irwin Weiner ASID - Still so many memories from the invitation-only opening night preview of the latest Antiques, Art & Design at the Armory show this past September 21 at the Park Avenue Armory in NYC, co-hosted by Ellie Cullman, Jamie Drake, and Dr. Eva Andersson-Dubin.

One of the show's absolute standouts was a collection of unusual technical and industrial antiques from Il Segno del Tempo, the collaboration of two gentlemen (Pier Luigi Carboni and Pierangelo Marengo) and their operation online and in Milan, New York, and Miami Beach. Yes, I'd like to possess most everything they were exhibiting. Examples of their amazing inventory: a rare thin stainless steel rug (top photo); a beautiful compound lever and compass - a scientific instrument that would add conversational interest to a coffee table tablescape (below, top photo); an industrial iron cart with wheels and a rotating glass tabletop (below, middle photo); and contemporary art from their "Are You Prepared?" series (below, bottom photo).

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Paris Flea Market Great DIY Idea

Irwin Weiner ASID - Shopping around. That's how I love to get some great design ideas. While in the Paris flea market - I believe it was in the Marche Dauphine - I found this great item. Quick digression - Parisians refer to their world's-largest antique markets as Les Puces (meaning "The Fleas").

How cute is this little settee made from an old steamer trunk? It's a great do-it-yourself furniture project, don't you think? Even though the booth where this was being sold had a sign prohibiting photographs, I couldn't resist taking a clandestine snap and sharing it with you.

And on the subject of sharing, we invite you to go to Design2Share's feature on the Paris Flea Markets for more information and an overview video. 

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Scenes from the Fall Armory Show Preview Night

Irwin Weiner ASID - We wanted to share our photos from the invitation-only opening night preview of the latest Antiques, Art & Design at the Armory show this past September 21 at the Park Avenue Armory in NYC, co-hosted by Ellie Cullman, Jamie Drake, and Dr. Eva Andersson-Dubin.

General observations: We loved how Donghia supplied all the seating in the center of the show, contrasting an elegant, luxurious, modern look with all the antiques and traditional works. The show focuses on items that are

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