Truly Fine English Antiques & Accessories
October 12, 2011 
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).
