TRANSFORMATION

Lalo just brought these guys back. I was pretty excited to see them. My last adventure with Lalo was not one that I wanted to repeat. But Lalo truly did a bang up job with this pair.

Here's what they looked like before reupholstery

 

Here are the detail photos.

To modernize the form, I had Lalo replace the "puffiness" of the 1940's upholstery with clean tight lines. The blue/gray 100% linen also updates the chairs. The French carved walnut frames are top notch. Note the scalloped bottom edge (not an easy job to apply the welt) and the reeding to the back/side rail. I love the moderne detail of the exaggerated arms. And they are super comfortable. Now, buyers, please walk in the door tomorrow.

I went grocery shopping today. We are having Standing Rib Roast (I usually don't eat red meat--but will make an exception) and shrimp. Plus all of the usual stuff.  I only have a couple of little presents to get for The Girls--so I'm ready--just about everything is wrapped, too.

Sending Christmas blessings.

Mary & Jones & Cole

BIG AND GORGEOUS

When I bought these guys, I didn't realize how amazing they really were as some (i____) had topped them with small, dorky, grandmotherly shades. These alabaster bases are very large--at least 18"-20"h and in mint condition. The plinths and toppers are gold leafed, but the best part is that the alabaster urns are lit from within

and they were definitely manufactured by Marbro Lighting in the 1960's. Those hefty flame finials are solid brass. Roberto thinks that the lamps weigh about 50 lbs. each. I've haven't seen anything similar to these guys. Although I originally thought they were ugly, I'm coming around to the aesthetic. I'm still debating whether to custom order shades for them--which will cost a pretty penny as even the frames will have to be custom.

Although the lamps have lost their Marbro stickers, there are several design elements that identify them as Marbro. Marbro usually used a double socket electrical configuration such as these; they normally attached brass or other types of balls to the pull chains; Marbro was well known for its unique custom bases and gold leafing of the wood elements. And finally, the remnants of the correct Underwriters Laboratories sticker is present on one of the sockets and the footprint of the Marbro sticker is also present.

Here are a couple of detail shots of the lamps

I think that I was on an Italian glass binge last Thursday.  I also bought this c. 1960's large opaline glass lamp that (I think) I can firmly attribute to Fontana Arte--these usually go for $$$, but I guess that I was the only bidder to check out the wiring--which was definity old French 220!!!! And this guy lights up in the bottom section, as well as the top glass shade. (I will need to acquire new electrical fittings/sockets and wiring) The spider that holds the shade is white painted brass which is a Fontana Arte feature. There are several current reditions (similar copies) of this lamp created today; so you really have to be careful when buying this form.

And then, I fell for a pair of 1960's Salviati (Murano) somerso and bullicante bookends in the form of a very fat apple and large pear. I grabbed this photo from 1stdibs.com--my pair is the same size (9"h pear), but in a gorgeous, nearly irridescent, green (ie--color is better).

And the last good thing that I bought was this signed Dansk Viking form ice bucket design by Jens Quistgaard. It didn't quite look like this, but Roberto waxed and rubbed and waxed until it was perfect.

Now, for the truth-telling--I also bought a couple of items that weren't great--but not everything has to be amazing.  Amazing can also mean a bit boring.

It's a bit too chilly to go to the p-a-r-k; so I'll take Jones to work tomorrow. He loves all of the attention.

Wishing you a fantastic pre-Christmas week-end.

Mary & Jones & Cole

CHRISTMAS IS REALLY COMING

Here is one-half of the crew (plus Jones). It's looking full of potential for Jones--at least one cookie, PLEASE.

However, his hopes quickly faded.......... the girls weren't sharing.

I've been a little slow getting into the Christmas spirit this year. But when Jones and I arrived home from the shop last night, the house smelled like sugar cookies, vanilla and lots of little girls. And I've definitely sprung into Holiday mode--even going out shopping today--I dislike Christmas shopping to the nth degree, but am determined to make this fun. 

WHEN YOU SNOOZE: YOU LOOSE

I literally was dozing off at auction this week --it can get pretty boring and I somehow became separated from my bidding buddies (we keep each other focused) and lost out on two items that I had set my eye on

This is a mid-ching noire monchrome vase (18th c.) and they rarely come up for auction--I've sold several sang-de-boeuf (ox blood) examples. Although this particular vase has been drilled for a lamp, it is still a great example of this form of antique Chinese porcelain. I waited and waited for it to come to the block--I lost my focus... and away it went. Darn! I'm sure that the price point was low because of the drilling and hairline crack, but it was still gorgeous and large. Note to self--stay with friends.

But I did manage to stay focused enough to spend a chunk of change--I'll post photos in next blog.

Roberto starting restoration of Tommi Parzinger Table:

The table needs to be "tightened"; Roberto will remove the legs and clean out the old glue; then he will re-glue and clamp the legs for 48 hours. After the clamps come off, Roberto will do the touch up finish work to the frame. Once this stage has been completed, I'll take the table to my leather craftsman who will restore the leather top w/o harming the incised gilt scoring and stars...........It's a process, but once it's completed the table will be gorgeous.

Wishing ya'll a stress free pre-Christmas week.

Mary & Jones & Cole

GRIEF

Cowards--all of them. San Bernardino is less than an hour from where I live. Redlands is a beautiful, small and peaceful college town. 

How do sane individuals choose to target a center for developmentally delayed children and adults?

These individuals are cowards.

Terrorists are ultimately cowards.

It remains for us to stand up to all acts of terrorism and affirm that we will continue to live our lives free, with integrity and with humanity. FEARLESSLY.

Mary

SERIOUSLY ON THE HUNT

This pair is on its way out the door

  

One of the problems with selling well (and I am infinitely grateful for the sales of the past month) is that one must "Hunt Harder"..........so I was at my auction bright and early this morning checking out what is coming up on Thursday. There is quite a bit of stuff (and it is all stuff)....

This trio of original Tommy Parzinger tables--love the bottom yellow leather covered coffee table. The pair of side table is nice, also--but a bit too "grandmotherly" for me. Roberto can fix all of the imperfections; so now all I need is for me to be the only bidder--wouldn't that be nice.

But there are more goodies,

How can I pass up this brutalist iron rooster?

Or these antique bronze castings--probably not Roman, but definitely not new.

And, of course, there always has to be a piece-de-resistance--an original Serge Roche Palm Tree Torchere or floor lamp

As you can see, there is a crack to the plaster, but Roberto can fix it!! This piece will probably draw big money, but you just never know.......

And then there is this large 20th century copper wine or champagne bucket

And finally this amorphous carved marble abstract sculpture.

I'll just have to bide my time and sit in a non-obvious spot and see what happens.

Took Jones to the park tonight and it was 48* which is a bit chilly to spend an hour at the park. But Jones loved it, even played with puppies. He's back to his former self and full of the beans.

Wishing the best for a wonderful December.

Mary & Jones & Cole