MOVING-----HERE WE GO

   PAINTING......

........more painting

MOVING...all of this

As you can see, the take down has begun....and that's just one section..........yikes!!!!! But you just cannot imagine what Roberto can accomplish in one day. Fortunately, the basics--painting and installing a couple of my antique panels--are done. So now it's simply fitting all of the puzzle pieces together.

Wish us luck.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Mary & Jones & Cole

KISS--Keep It Simple (Stupid)

Just about any time that I'm able to stop to ponder, I choose to honor my commitment to KISS. But this time, should I really, really keep it simple? Or should I venture out into the more creative realm of design--out where I'm not too sure that people will be attracted to and actually PURCHASE my flights of creativity.

I bought this great pair of period French Deco Louis XV-style bergeres on Thursday. I had spotted them the week before, but since I only wanted the chairs (and they were attached to an en suite settee), I had decided against them. This week I sat with my friend Hillary who wanted the settee; so I took the chairs. (I am in awe every time the world conspires to grant me my heart's desires)

This is the third set of French Barrel back chairs that I have purchased this year.
Here's a reminder of the others...............
Pair of c. 1950-60's barrel backs before and after new upholstery.

I don't think that I took a photo of this next pair of 19th c. Louis XVI barrel backs before they went out to be upholstered. Don't they look great in the same fabric? Lalo does an amazing upholstery job when he puts his mind to it.

My dilemma is what fabric to upholster this third pair of bergeres in, taking into consideration that I had successfully sold the above two pairs of chairs by upholstering them in the same French blue-gray 100% linen (actual color has a bit more blue) fabric. I have enough gorgeous Ralph Lauren linen in a mottled charcoal gray, but I had intended to use it on the Directoire-style chaise longue.

I have enough of the trusty French Blue/gray linen for the chairs....... maybe I can add a kidney shaped down pillow to add just the right amount of interest to the back of the chairs? But these are a really classic deco form and I do not want to distract from the purity..... Ah, Hah! Maybe a kidney pillow in the Ralph Lauren charcoal linen?

And while we are not on the subject don't you think that the set of French Deco marquetry table would look great paired with the Deco chairs? Hmmmmmm

Yep, it works, plus the tables add the extra interest that I was craving.

Roberto and I will be working on the move all next week..........although the distance is only 100 ftt., it's almost as time consuming as moving across country. I've picked out a blue/gray intense tone for one wall. I'm not too sure about what will happen on the others.

We've had two days of rain this October; I'm thankful that we are off to a good start on breaking the back of this awful drought. However, please keep praying as we still need an additional 15" to be out of the woods.

Sending blessing for the week-end and for great trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Mary & Jones & Cole

FALL RAIN

PLUVIOPHILE. I never knew there was a name for people like me. I love the rain; I love it in all of its myriad incarnations. We have had two nights of unexpected rain in the past 8 days and a full inch of rain is expected late Thursday into Friday.

Our nation desperately needs rain....the blessings of rain to cleanse us of the negativity of this Presidential campaign. Rain to cleanse us of the toxic ideas spread by isolationist fear mongers.

I, like so many others, long for a return to civility and the belief in the importance of truth, generosity, respect for others..........the cult of the bully ending with the vote on Tuesday, etc., etc., etc. PLEASE VOTE. THE OUTCOME OF THIS ELECTION IS OF PRIME IMPORTANCE TO THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION. THE STATUS OF WOMEN NEEDS TO BE AFFIRMED AND PROTECTED.

I am ready for rainbows

Now, for a quick update on another one of my passionate causes. Please stay with me.

Since the Vietnam War Monsanto has been on my radar for its creation of chemical weapons of war and various other chemicals that have harmed, harm and will harm all of creation. Finally this huge corporation is being taken to task. This suit is probably just a small thorn in its bloated, corrupt side--but Rome wasn't built in a day and this mega-corporation will be brought down by individuals standing up to its power and destructive intentions.

And finally, I just have to add in my little business venture news. I'm moving locations within the Pasadena Antique Center to the prime spot!! Yeah. I really have needed additional space (I'm packed to the gills with inventory) and this location will be just about perfect. I have Roberto slated to work with me most of next week--painting and lighting first and then the big stuff. (Wish me luck).

I haven't been buying much as I haven't had any room, but I did acquire this set of period Art Deco Macassar and marquetry nesting tables. They are in fairly good original condition; Roberto will spiff them up and they'll be set to go on 1stdibs.

I love that the marquetry work and the visual movement makes these tables stand out.

Going to Preview today--I wonder what else I can squeeze in.

PLEASE VOTE.

Blessings for the day.

Mary & Jones & Cole

JONES UPDATE

My best buddy did not want to get out of bed........

Isn't he still gorgeous at 10 1/2?

I'm going to the West Hollywood flea market tomorrow........we'll see what turns up. I'm not a flea market buyer as I need more time to decided, but this should be fun. I'll post some photos tomorrow.

Mary, Jones & Cole

I THINK I'VE DEVELOPED A PROBLEM--NEW INVENTORY

I love what I do--the hunt, the gifts (God dropping finds in my lap to provide my daily bread), interacting with trades people, learning something every day--and my wonderful clients.

But I think I am developing a small problem: I do not have an extra inch of space in the shop. I am firmly committed to the principle of not having inventory in storage, but it looks like I may be headed in that direction. Or--I can stop this buying problem. 

I haven't decided in which direction to go, but this amazing recamier/daybed will not fit--not even if I stand it on end.

Of course, the two main issues are (1) I love the hunt; (2) You have to buy when you find a great item because you know it won't wait for you to come back or to have made space for it.

So I put that decision off for another day last Thursday and bought that amazing French Directoire Style Recamier (daybed); so now I have four recamiers!!??

The price point on this piece was just too good to pass on.

Here are a couple of detail photos

The upholstery, although vintage, is in near mint condition--and just look at the quality of the workmanship and the yards and yards and yards of (most probably) Scalamandre silk braid.......just too good to let it go.

I also found (and bought) a very rare form of French Faux Bamboo Secretaire a Abattant (secretary).

I managed to squeeze in this piece with 0 inches to spare. And I already have two requests for more information and one person put it on hold. Which means that if I had gone passive, deciding that I didn't have enough space and that I shouldn't buy it, I would have lost a great sale..........like most things in life: there are no perfect solutions.

We are frying here in Southern California. I now live within 3 miles of the beach and it usually never goes above 85*; but right now the temperature is reading 102* with humidity at about 10%--those desert winds are rolling in.

I'm watching the debate tonight and praying for our girl.

Blessings for the week.

Mary, Jones & Cole

ROBERTO AND I HAVE BEEN BUSY

Yesterday, Roberto and I really hustled. There was so much heavy lifting (not for my body) and organizing that I thought we would never finish. 

I love being able to sell on the various internet venues--1stdibs is really the best for my type of inventory--but in case you haven't tried it, selling on a website requires that you take and post excellent photos. Front-on shots, side shots, detail shots, underside shots, etc. To take all of these photos, all of the furniture pieces need to be moved. And not just moved: everything on top or displayed on the furniture needs to relocated to just the right spot. All this moving needs a strong (hopefully tall) body===that does not describe my particular body. So taking photos is a slow process without Roberto who actually thinks for me. Yesterday we were in the groove working as one. All of the photos got taken, the needy pieces of furniture were restored or waxed and we (Roberto) redid the back wall and another vignette featuring one of the 18th c. Tuscan consoles and a gorgeous Marbro alabaster lamp.

Not too shabby if I do say so. I am so grateful for Roberto-we have worked together for 7 great years.

Blessings,

Mary & Jones & Cole

FINE ARTS AUCTION

Today was "........."(I don't say where I buy) Quarterly Fine Arts Auction. Darren and I went bright and early. I usually skip the Quarterly Auction and stick with Thursdays, but thought that there might be a few things that I could bring home.

......But today was just not my day! Another dealer that I know was bidding against me on just about everything and I do not get into ego-based bidding wars. And besides, there is always more.......

I thought I would post about a couple of lots that drew exceptional interest and exceedingly high prices.

First a little background

I reserved seats for us and Darren and I were seated in the middle of the third row (my favorite spot); so our view was great. I'll introduce you to some of the guys that have become my true friends after going to auction almost every Thursday for 24 years. On the far left (and half-hidden) is Robert II, next is Miguel who is the floor manager and organizes the positioning of the items on the floor and is in charge of the team. Miguel looks chubby, but he is one solid mass of muscle and stands over 6 feet tall. Miguel can pick up just about anything--never get on the wrong side of Miguel. Bobby is holding the painting that is being auctioned (more on this particular painting later) and then there is Steve--another gentle giant. Steve and I joke around a lot.

Now back to lot items. First up:

This is a very unusual gold and rock crystal necklace by the famous American expatriate, William Spratling who, in the 1940's and 50's, resurrected Mexico's silver industry and turned Taxco into the creative silver capital of Mexico. His silver pieces are widely known and are collected by all the elite silver connoisseurs. Spratling was not well-known for his gold pieces, but they are highly desirable. This beautiful piece came from the Estate of Millard Sheets, a well-listed Plein Aire California artist. The necklace was estimated to sell for between $8,000 and $12,000. I think the bid opened at $2000 and shot beyond the $12,000 high estimate is less than a minute. On and On and On and On the bidding went with the energy rising with every bid. The winning bid was $132,500 or 11 times its high estimate. And remember on top of the bid amount is the buyer's premium of 10%, bringing the total amount to $147,500.....and then (if it was a retail buyer), an additional sales tax amount of 9% for a grand total of $160,750. I'm pretty sure that this was an auction record for any Spratling work.

Next Up

This 15" x 25" painting by Czech artist Vaclava Spala may appear inconsequential, but it sold for $67,500 (plus 10% lot fee) or about 5 times its high estimate. That's a lot of spare change, although I did love the work--post impressionists paintings are some of my favorites.  

There was an update on Kiki's post surgery recovery--she is looking so much more perky, but she's still in ICU. Please continue to pray for this little one, as her recovery will be an up hill journey.

And finally,

This pretty 19th c. Chinese Coromandel screen did not receive a single bid today. I think I'll call Don, the owner of the auction house, to see if I can buy the screen tomorrow. It's not super big--measuring 43"h x 86"w. Wish me luck.

Thanks for following along with me in the twists and turns of this crazy business.

Best,

Mary & Jones & Cole