The Antiquer

Hermes Scarves

2011-09-14T22:46:00.000-04:00

Hermes Classic Design: Part I

Recently, I was lucky to find 11 vintage Hermes scarves in perfect condition. They were previously owned and worn by one of the most beautiful and stylish person that I have ever known. Perfect taste and a classic mid-century style was how I remember her. Allison was her name and I will write more about her in a later post.

That Allison had fabulous style is evident by the scarves she purchased from Hermes from the 50s through the late 70s. Some of the most elaborate designs were created by artists for Hermes in the early 60s. Exotic, with surprising details, they illustrates why Hermes scarves were sought after and worn by royalty and style makers alike. Queen Elizabeth II and Jackie Onassis are two names that come to mind.

According to a recent issue of Vogue, fashionable women are not just wearing scarves tied around their necks, but they are tying them on their purse or turning them into a purse. My all-time favorite way to wear a Hermes scarf is to tie it into a halter top. Worn with a great pair of pants, it is a fabulous summer look. I have a vague memory of wearing a scarf of my Mother's tied into a halter in the 70s.

All of the scarves shown below can be found on my website within the next few weeks. Note the amazing details.

www.VandM.com/gabrielgibson

Tahiti

Navy, taupe and creamy white

Louis xiv

Aren't you just dying to see the entire design?

Turquoise, gold and gray- a magnificent color scheme

This border design is so classical and reminds me of images in the design guides published in the late18th and early 19th centuries.

Early 60s design

This one is in the richest rust. I can see it worn with a beautiful creamy-colored wool dress, perhaps a vintage dress by Norrell or Scassi.

My favorite image on this scarf.

Riding a dolphin!

Is it surrealism?

The designer signature

Photographs by Nancy Gibson

Heavy Metal Lust

2011-08-30T14:52:00.000-04:00

Rediscovery Frank Rebajes

Below is my article for DESIGNinTELL @VandM.com

on the fabulous mid-century artist Frank Rebajes. His work is everywhere, but always look for the mark because he was heavily reproduced. Also, below is a rare bracelet with earrings (not shown) worked in sterling silver. It is for sale at my store Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts-link below.

http://designintell.vandm.com/2011/07/heavy-metal-lust/

http://vandm.com/Rare-Sterling-Silver-Rebajes-Bracelet-With-Earrrings/3_266_product=158631.aspx

The Clockwatcher: An 18th Century Status Symbol Gets Its Due

2011-08-18T22:34:00.000-04:00

by Nancy Gibson

Inspired by the opulence of 18th century France and the Court of Versailles, wealthy Americans of the 18th and 19th centuries coveted all things French. From richly-colored-plate-printed textiles to classical marble statuary, French luxury goods, a sure sign of status, were imported into the United States in abundance.

Especially prized were the classically designed French mantle (or shelf) clocks crafted in bronze ormolu, marble, porcelain and wood. Mantle clocks replaced tall case clocks as the go-to timepiece in fashionable America homes by the 19th century. Those decorated in the classical style–think Greek and Roman figures–were the most sought after.

Americans traveling abroad brought mantle clocks back with recorded regularity and others placed them at the top of their list when ordering from their overseas agents. American merchants traveled to France to select the very best mantle clocks made by the most skilled craftsmen to ship back to the United States in order to satisfy the taste of their most demanding customers. Probate inventories often list mantle clocks as one of the most expensive items found in the home, and newspaper advertisements confirm that they indeed were quite costly. Not just for the mantle, these clocks were also found on pier tables another luxury good decorating early American homes.

Most mantle clocks were made with brass or wood movements, key wound with swinging pendulums, and were 30 hour or 8 day clocks. American clockmakers didn’t reproduce the style until Eli Terry (1772-1852) of Connecticut began mass-producing them for a burgeoning middle class market.

Why They Are Worth The Price:
1. French bronzes are considered by connoisseurs to be the finest in the world
2. Each clock was designed and assembled by a number of highest-skilled artisans. It was a time-consuming process that took several skilled artisans to complete.
3. The bronze decoration was elaborately detailed and overly splendid.
4. English, European, and Russian royalty collected French bronze mantle clocks.
5. Their movements were made by the finest clock makers of the period.
6. Today, many still retain their original bronze.

Good to Know:1.Decorative and functional, mantle clocks were the most popular form of clock found in 19th century American homes
2. One of the best bronze foundries of his time, Frenchman Victor Paillard (1805-1886) ran a bronze foundry that employed close to 100 people by the mid-19th century, and worked for some of the finest cabinetmakers in France. His mantle clocks are highly collectible and sought after.
3. Eli Terry (1772-1852) mass-produced the first affordable wooden shelf clock made with interchangeable parts.
4. Simon Willard (1753-1848) inventor of the Banjo clock also popularized shelf clocks in Massachusetts.
5. The clock faces were commonly made of porcelain or enamel.
6. Some mantle clocks had calendars inserted into their clock faces.

Very rare antique French LXVI style dore bronze boar clock with porcelain face. Circa 1820.

John J. Nelson Antiques

French Severe porcelain clock with dore bronze decoration. Keys inclued. Base is 9.5'' square. 19th century. John J. Nelson Antiques

This article was reproduced from DESIGNinTELL at www.vandm.com. All clocks can be purchased from VandM.com.

On Collecting

2011-02-14T22:27:00.000-05:00

I wonder if collecting is genetic? I am pretty sure it can be learned. Since I am a collector and love flea markets, especially those really scary ones on out-of-the-way highways, I had to encourage my kids to collect so they wouldn't moan and groan when forced to accompany me to flea markets on our annual summer vacation. Some years, it was Maine, on the road between Bath and Wiscasset and other years it was that long flat highway heading into Seaside, Florida. They were troopers. Ultimately, only one child caught the bug.

The child collector began with acorns and graduated to toy weapons. He got as far as a small BB gun and moved on. Whew! That was close.

The young collector never let me throw anything away. Is another name for collecting, hoarding? Maybe. It runs in the family. His grandmother is a hoarder. For years we blamed the Depression. Eighty-six-years old and she collects junk mail. In a plastic bag it goes, and like a drug addict hiding weed, it gets stashed anywhere and everywhere. Behind the bed, the TV-every surface in the house is covered. Even in the bathroom. It is amazing where you will find these bags.

Now, the collecting gene has passed to another generation. The young collector's son, now 8 years old, has been bitten. Just like the young collector he began with toy guns.

Last Thanksgiving we had a guest from London with us. He, like most 20-somethings from London, think all Americans have guns and are gun crazy. Even though we told him our house was a no-gun zone, I doubt he believed us. We had guns everywhere. Tiny, less than an inch toy guns on a shelf in a bedroom, squirt guns of all sizes on end tables, in baskets of towels in the bathrooms, on the stair landing, and on floor-everywhere. It was so embarrassing.

Although he seems top be growing out of the gun phase and acorns aren't his thing, he is definitely a collector.

Well, you will see.

"Granny, I need a real big basket," he said. "Why?" I asked.
"I have some things to put in it." "What kind of things?"

"Lots of things."

A 1938 French Wallpaper Book and The Kings Speech

2011-02-10T23:14:00.001-05:00

Colin Firth as King George VI. From The King's Speech

I recently saw The King's Speech and was fascinated with the wallpaper. In fact, some have called the wall in Lionel Logue's office a character all by itself. I agree. But, my favorite was the wallcoverings in the rest of his home and elsewhere. They reminded me of something I had seen before.

Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue in The King's Speech

Last year I purchased a French wallpaper sample book from a dealer of French decorative arts. I couldn't resist it-imagine my delight when I realized the front cover was dated 1938. The cover was a little worn, otherwise everything was intact.

The art director for the movie could have used the patterns in the book as inspiration for the set design.
Take a look.

You can barely see the gold stamped "1938."

Following are some of the hundreds of patterns in this very heavy book.

Complex pattern

WOW!

My favorite.

Reminds me of an art quilt.

This one looks like a linoleum pattern.

Another one perfect as a floor covering.

Linoleum!

I think these flowers are particularily fabulous!

Soft and exquisite.

Iconic!

I call this one "I think my grandmother had this on her bedroom walls."

What a color combination. Elegant and cool!

On the wall this will read as a solid red.

Another iconic pattern

I am still trying to figure out if that is a helicopter at the top right.

Looks familiar-iconic French children's illustration.

Hare, dead or alive

Marie Antoinette?

It cannot be French without a toile.

Love the wallpaper inset into the picture frame molding.

Very Elsie De Wolfe.

The Chase. There is always a chasse!

The Price List

The End

If you are interested in purchasing this book, check out

www.vandm.com/gabrielgibson

http://vandm.com/My-Dashboard/French-Wallpaper-Sample-Book-Sanitex-Dated-1938/19_260_dealer=78503_product=138890.aspx

Photography by Valerie Hutnan

Something To Crow About: My latest on DESIGNinTELL

2011-01-27T02:54:00.000-05:00

If you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the antique shows in New York during the "antique season" then you need to read my latest article at DESIGNinTELL, the blog at http://www.vandm.com/.

VandM (Vintage and Modern) is the antiques marketplace where I keep my shop. There are around 150 dealers that sell just about everything. It isn't a flea market-like site-there are some pricey goods there. These dealers are a sophisticated bunch.

DesignINTELL, the blog, covers everthing from art exhibitions to top ten lists of the latest trends in fashion and design. I am one of six writers. I write about objects and events. I recently posted about The American Antiques Show, the top folk art venue in the country and my favorite show.

On the other hand the Winter Antique Show is considered the nation's top high-end antique show, but you have to be a gazillionaire or be buying for a museum to purchase anything. However, it is great fun to see what is selling and to study pieces in person, but I would rather hang with the folk art crowd.

Folk Art is fun! And surprising. Who would expect to find exquisite gold and silver jewelry-and it isn't costume-at a folk art show. These dealers always bring the unexpected to this show. And , of course because it is in New York there are usually celebrities. Some attend the preview-Martha and Bunny almost always, but others shop at off hours like early morning when it has just opened or between 4 and 6 when everyone else is just getting home from work and thinking about dinner. The show stays open until 8 each night. Here are some highlights of objects I loved that were not included in the post I wrote for DESIGNinTELL.

A glass bead necklace in various shades of red. Made in Venice in the 1910s. Offered by Leah Gordon.

The lovely Ben, showing Roy Roger's mexican-made cowboy wrist-watch at Stella Rubin

A gate or piece of fence found in Virginia at the booth of Stella Rubin.

A group of homemade stuffed animal toys from Jeff and Holly Noordsy

More adorable homemade toy animals at Stella Rubin

A rose gold, diamond and ruby wide bangle from Stella Rubin

It is not a cuff, which has an opening. A bangle has no opening.

A bowl of balls at Jeff and Holly Noordsy

Antique bottles at Jeff and Holly Noordsy

Holly Noordsy

TAAS 2011

Read my article about the TAAS show here: http://blog.vandm.com/2011/01/something-to-crow-about-american.html

Beautiful appliqued table cover at Jeff and Holly Noordsy

Fabulous! An art deco desk at Cherry Gallery. Price? VERY EXPENSIVE!

The back is made of pieces of old shipping crates.

The adorable Scott Sanderson, designer, signing his new book Picture Perfect. Next to him is Marcy Carsey, signing her book Unfinished. These are two of the nicest people. Extraordinary talent and extremely down-to-earth.

An iron shell unbrella stand at Leatherwood. The coolest umbrella stand ever! Look at the tiny turtle feet.

Turtle Feet

This is the only cigar advertising quilt that I have ever liked. The composition is nice and would look great in a modern interior. At Roberto Freitas.

At Roberto Freitas

At Jeff Bridgeman

These would look awesome on a mantle.

All photographs by the author

Doing the Big Flea

2011-01-09T21:37:00.000-05:00

January is the big month for the Big Flea, a huge, two-building antique market located at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The Big Flea is held every other month and January is known as the best time to buy. Both buildings are open (the North building is being bought by Walmart) and they say there are more than 1000 dealers. Everyone shops the Flea-curators, collectors, dealers, and anyone looking for a deal.

When I worked as a curator I always looked forward to the Flea, because you never knew what you might find and prices were reasonable. Plus, it was fun!

These are a few of my favorite things

I took pictures with my cell phone-sorry!- of my favorite finds. Since I missed the first day, things were picked over. A dealer friend who always gets the goods, went early saturday morning and found an early 19th century quilt, fabulous jewelry (really expensive) and several purses.

If you go next month be advised the South building is the best. Everyone goes there first. Be sure to check out The Brandts booth. They are from Ohio and always have great early furniture and fabulous primitive smalls.

Jim, with the electric appliances in the 2nd row on the right side, has awesome stuff, especially early industrial. Check out his magazines and ask him about his appliances under the table. He has the best and there are always a lot of men checking things out. He never has a bad show!

The last row on the left side has all the difficult, weird, creepy, dealers. If you are into Death-photos of shooting victims, mortuary pictures, and really weird medical instruments this dealer is for you! What is it about seeing medical instuments under a picture of a dead man in a casket that gives you a chill up your spine. UGH!

And right next to him is a strange, creepy, mid-century modern dealer that wears knee socks-you know the kind- you wore these with your plaid skirt and penny loafers in 8th grade. She is strange and has a reputation for being extremely difficult with just about everyone. Go down this aisle at your own peril.

Great purse

As a redhead, I always look for chestnut-colored anything. This red fox coat with brown leather belt was yummy! So seventies.

The perfect simple gold dress.

It is hanging up backwards.

Black Velvet and a Peacock

I think Ava Gardner had one of these.

It actually looks awesome on-not as vintage on as it looks off. The dealer said it was Jaguar-I think it is endangered and illegal to sell this.

Nice lines

Nice shine

Love the seltzer bottle.

For smokers or to hold your earrings

A "must" for your library if you are a textile lover. Printed Textiles by Florence Montgomery.

I would be interested in hearing your comments about your opinion of the Big Flea.

The next Big Flea is in March 5-6

Batik Bedcovers: Quilts by Donna Radner

2011-01-03T23:14:00.000-05:00

Donna Radner has been making quilts for more than 25 years and we have been friends for almost as long. You might say we grew into adults together. When we first met, at a quilt guild meeting Northwest, DC, we were both just beginning to explore quiltmaking. There were very few places in the DC area to buy interesting fabrics at that time.

Radner was always fascinated by color and pattern. In the early years it was clear she had a real talent for putting unusual colors together in a way that made her quilts stand out.

As Radner's quiltmaking evolved and her use of color and pattern became more intricate and complex, she began to develop a style of her own. She admits that part of her ability to evolve in this particular direction was due to the opening of several quilt shops in the DC area that supplied her with a large variety of contemporary cotton prints. Without access to these shops her style may have gone in an entirely different direction.

Radner worked hard making quilts-almost doing nothing else for years. Her output was more than 20 quilts a year and these were all hand-sewn. She used local quilters to quilt her tops to her specifications.

Quiltmaker's and people who just loved quilts began to recognize her work and seek her out at local shows. Soon she was being asked to teach. She has had a long successful career teaching color and design. And, she continues to learn herself. Always looking for more beautiful hand-painted fabrics and new topics to inspire her, Radner's work is still evolving.

With the advancement of quilting by machine in the past few years, Radner now quilts most of her work herself. She sells select pieces through the Textile Museum gift shop and on my website www.vandm.com/gabrielgibson.

Even the backs of her quilts are fabulous!

I have selected a group of her quilts to sell on my site that highlight her work with batik cottons and hand-painted batik panels. I love how these quilts look with the Asian fabrics popular with interior designers today. Fabrics soften interiors and batiks look great with woods and contemporary furniture and designs.

From www.lonnymag.com

The above bedroom would be even more perfect with one of Radner's quilts.

From www.lonnymag.com

Another great modern interior that would be a nice setting for a quilt made by Radner.

Radner's use of color and the exquisite way she puts colors together make her quilts very popular with collectors. Her work can be seen in the homes of prominent residents in the DC area.

For more information about her or her quilts please check out my website or call me at 301-339-4919.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-31T12:56:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Ian Livingston

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianlivingston/

We all make them and we all break them!

But, this year I promise I will try to keep mine.

So here goes, it is in writing so I have to do it-right?

Lose weight.

So you thought I really looked like my Facebook picture? Ummmhhh yeah right!

Photo courtesy of Jason

Network More

Networking is good for all my businesses-as an antiques dealer, freelance writer, and job hunter (public relations)

Write thank you notes

I am from the South and this is ingrained in me. My Mother sends me boxes of cards and they are ever at the ready. But, do I use them? Nope, never. This has to change.

Photo courtesy of the V & A Museum in London

Photograph and upload at least one item a day to my website.

I have many fabulous antiques and vintage finds that are not my on website at www.vandm.com/gabrielgibson that I am sure someone is dying to buy. I need to get them up there-you can't buy them if they aren't there to sell!

There is probably a 5th one, but four is already too many so I will stop.

Happy New Year!

I hope all your wishes for 2011 come true

Daytrip to Beaver Creek Mall and An Auction

2010-12-30T02:06:00.000-05:00

A friend and I drove to Carlisle, Pennsylvania to check out an auction and on the way stopped at Beaver Creek Antique Mall in Hagerstown, Maryland. This mall has long been a place to pick up antiques at close to wholesale prices. I have found many things here in past years. The staff at Beaver Creek are knowledgeable and have an "eye." The Christmas and Holiday booth, back in the corner, is always fun and has so much!

Bottle Brush Trees

More Bottle Brush Trees

Jimmy Creamer's Booth-Fabulous!

Note the applique pillow case.

The Auction

Early Hoover electric cigar lighter-perfect condition in original box.

But, this little lighter is the only electric object in a folk art auction.

I love this red and white barber pole!

A very nice Pennsylvania cupboard

Always fun to see one of these spinning wheel chairs-A Colonial Revival icon

Sewer Owl in perfect condition

A box of miniature sheep

A pin cushion with stuffed dog and a toy puppy.

An geometric hooked rug worked with wide strips of wool-reminds me of a Frank Stella painting.

Piles of quilts, most made in Pennsylvania.

This auction featured the estate of a recently deceased antiques dealer around York, Pennsylvania. I put in an absentee bid on a nice Tinsel painting-Still waiting to find out if I got it.

The auction was listed on http://www.auctionzip/, my favorite place to find great local auctions!

Someone Is Really Reading This Blog!

2010-12-13T21:50:00.001-05:00

Good News!

When you write a blog you never really know if anyone is reading it, unless they post a comment. Since very few people actually take the time to sign in and post something, I usually feel like I am writing this just for myself. It takes a lot of determination and tenacity to keep on writing and posting and hoping that someone is reading it and hopefully enjoying it, identifying with something I have written, learning something, or even just getting pissed off at an opinion or my lack of taste. I'll take any of the above.

These female art students at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm, Sweden have NOT read my blog!

Unfortunately, I am not as tenacious about The Antiquer as I would like, especially since I began writing for DESIGNinTELL at www.vandm.com in July and for www.potomac.patch.com in August. Both sites, along with my antiques business and public relations clients, keep me busy.

Imagine my surprise when I got an email saying The Antiquer had been included in a list of the 50 Best Antiques Blogs on the web. It actually came in at #26. Well, I can do better than #26-- so now I am challenged and inspired to write more and more often.

An art student at Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee.

The second best thing about this acknowledgement, the first being the validation by others, is that it was awarded to my blog by a website called, Aguidetoartschools.com. Although I am not an artist, I am in admiration of all those who are. Art, in all its mediums, has always been vitally important to me and a big part of what I believe makes one truly have a full and deep life.

For those fortunate enough to have been given a talent, it is imperative that that talent be nurtured. What better way than art school? This website gathers together information to help artists select the right school for them.

Young artists showing their work

I am grateful for the recognition and will work hard to next get in the top 10 next year!

Here is what they had to say about The Antiquer:

The Antiquer: “Adventures of an antiques dealer” brings an extremely knowledgeable eye and savvy to readers who may not know quite as much.”

Toys for Sale:The Forbes Collection Goes on the Auction Block

2010-10-26T19:01:00.000-04:00

http://blog.vandm.com/2010/10/toys-for-sale-forbes-toy-collection.html

One wonders what the late Malcolm Forbes would think of his sons' selling his collection of toy boats, soldiers and games. Probably that it was about time. He might possibly think the boys are just a little late - the fabulous collection has been on exhibition at the Forbes Galleries on 5th Avenue in New York for 25 years. The installation, in the rabbit-warren of spaces in the lobby of the Forbes Magazine building looks a little tired and out-dated. On December 17, 2010 the Forbes Collection of toys and games will go on the auction block at Sotheby's on York Avenue in New York City. The collection is estimated to bring in $3 to $5 million.

Malcolm Forbes was a legendary entrepreneur whose collection of Russian Faberge eggs helped make him a household name in the 1970s until his sudden death in 1990. According to Sotheby's press release announcing the sale, Malcolm was not the first in his family to admire and collect toys. B.C. Forbes, Malcolms' father, began the tradition of purchasing toy boats for Malcolm and his brothers. Malcolm continued the family tradition, when, in 1973, he noticed an antique toy boat at FAO Schwartz that was similar to the boats his father had bought him as a child. He was hooked. It wasn't long before his son Robert was hooked as well.

“It's clear to me that it was nostalgia more than anything else that sparked both the toy boat and toy soldier collections - the warm embracing memories of the endless fun we had with them,” stated Forbes in an article for Art & Antiques in 1989.
The toy boat collection is considered by collectors as one of the finest in the country according to Sotheby's. The collection is strong on sports, luxury, naval, and commercial toy boats - most being made during the Golden Age of Toys - 1870s through the 1950s. Examples of every major toy boat maker in the Nuremberg area of Germany - manufacturers such as Mäklin, Bing, Fleischmann and Carette are all represented.

Andre the Giant

The largest boat in the collection and one of the expected top lots of the sale, according to Sotheby's is the one-of-a-kind French cast-iron gas-powered gunboat (est. $200,000 to $300,000), a replica of a battleship known as Andre the Giant. This unique boat is 47 inches long with zinc and bronze details.

Märkin's Luistania

In 1983, Forbes purchased from Sotheby's for a record-setting (at the time) $28,6000 - the Märkin produced “Luisitania” ocean liner ($100,000 to $200,000). The prototype for this ocean liner was sunk by a German submarine in 1915 and helped coalesce popular opinion that led to the US entering World War I.

Märkin's Weissenberg

Other boats for sale are a Venetian-style canal boat, several Noah's Arks and working submarines. An original box of Titanic Soap (“Guaranteed to Sink”) will also be on the auction block.
Forbes son, Robert said, “My brothers and I concluded it best that others now have a chance to own them, collect them, and maybe even wind them up on a pond or pool and watch them go.”

Richard Courtenay Knight

Also being sold on December 17 are the collections of antique toy soldiers. The Forbes family sold a large part of the collection soon after Malcolm Forbes death. What was left are thousands of soldiers, marching bands and fox hunts from leading manufacturers such as Britains, Mignot, Heyde and Elastolin. Cowboys and Indians, Kings and Queens and the amazing knights made by Richard Courtenay will also be offered for sale in lots of 250.

The earliest homemade Monopoly board game, complete with a set of rules will be offered for sale, making the total number of toys offered in the Forbes sale 7,500.

Girls Gone Wild on WWW.VandM.com

2010-08-16T20:38:00.000-04:00

Read the latest post and check out the American Folk Art Museum exhibition Women Only.

http://blog.vandm.com/2010/08/girls-gone-wild-salute-to-women-artists.html

I love tinsel art!

Tinsel paintings are definitely under-the-radar for folk art collectors. Made by women during the 19th and 20th centuries, these charming paintings were created by painting designs on glass and then backing them with crinkled foil. Little has been published about these second cousins of theroems, but they are charming and sometimes surprising. Most can be found, if you find them at all, in their original frames.

To see them check out museums such as the American Folk Art Museum and the Shelburne Museum in Vermont. I recently sold several at my shop on www.vandm.com/gabrielgibson and will be offering others for sale soon. But, none are as nice as the 2 below-now on view at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. The exhibition closes September 12 so check it out now.

Tinsel Painting: Jenny Lind, Artist unidentified, United States, c. 1850, Reverse painting and foil on glass and paper collage, 28 1/2 x 24 1/2" framed, Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Susan and Laurence Lerner, 2009.13.3, Photo © 2006 Andy Duback

Tinsel Painting: Wreath, Birds, and Daguerreotype, Artist unidentified, United Statesc. 1855 - 1865, Reverse painting and foil on glass and hand-colored photograph in stamped-brass mat, 11 7/8 x 14", Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Day Krolik Jr., 1979.3.1

An inside view showing the white background paint on glass around the painted floral design of a tinsel in my collection.

An upclose view from the back

The foil backing

The Backstory: Collecting Early Appliances

2010-07-26T20:37:00.000-04:00

Part of the Patrick Sheary collection, photographs courtesy of the author

Patrick Sheary has been my friend and antiques shopping buddy for almost 20 years. We met when he came to the museum, where I was curator, to oversea the furniture collection. His talents were quickly evident and he gradually, more or less, took over the rest of the museum's collection of early American decorative arts. Except for the textiles (my part) of course.

I have spent countless hours with Patrick; examining objects, discussing conservation issues, arguing about historical accuracy and listening to him talk about his passions-preserving DC's historical and cultural architectural treasures and early electric appliances. This man is obsessed! When he gets interested in something, he is like a dog on a bone-he doesn't let go until he satisfies his curiosity and his need to acquire. I have lived through years of his obsessions--a particular rare typewriter, an early 20th century reproduction of a Samuel Pepys bookcase, ingrain carpets, the "right" shade of French gray, a magnificant French birdcage chandelier, and appliances. I will admit that sometimes I think I should get an MA degree just for listening to him discuss and ponder these material obsessions.

This man is an expert's expert. He not only scours and studies secondary sources for clues to his latest folly, but, he painstakingly searches for every object and piece of collateral material related to his obsession. His collection of books, catalogues, and pamphlets about early electric appliances is vast--a scholars library.

Since I had been asked by Bill Indursky of www.VandM.com to write about collectors, I natually began with my friend Patrick. I knew he would be honored and eager to tell people about his collection as he truly believes everyone should know how fabulous these appliances are. He agreed to being interviewed and to have them photographed.

The photography is the difficult part--once we both spent 3 days with a professional photographer trying to photgraph a silver teapot without the reflection of the camera showing. We built a huge tent! In the case of the appliances, we were limited by the quality of my camera and my talent as a photographer. The first 30 or so pictures I took were shot without a flash and had to be deleted. But, finally we were able to get enough pictures to illustrate the article. The detail on the appliances is fabulous.

Little chicken feet on a green glass ball.

We had a great time playing with the appliances-without actually touching them, of course. No fingerprints as the oils corrode the nickel finish. In the end, we had a very nice article with images that were passable, but not great.

As Patrick doesn't drive, I usually take him to the local antique shows. This past weekend was one of the summer's best. He always looks forward to this show where he meets with his "secret source." After the article had "gone to press," he purchased a group of early appliances-in copper rather than the usual nickel. His nickel-plated egg cooker shown in the article, and below, now resides next to an identical one in copper. Oh, how I wish I had that picture!

Egg Cooker

http://blog.vandm.com/2010/07/best-expression-of-modern-household.html

Floor Show: 20s and 30s Artist Rugs from the Maison Myrbor

2010-07-12T18:39:00.000-04:00

From the Nazmiyal Collection on www.vandm.com

Check out my latest article on Maison Myrbor for DESIGNinTELL at http://www.vandm.com/

A Double Whammy of Publicity

2010-06-21T15:22:00.000-04:00

This morning Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts was featured in a blog on http://www.blog.vandm.com/. It is the first publicity we have received since our founding last year. Sales have perked up recently and online inquiries are increasing.

The interview I gave for the article was with artist and fellow dealer Bob Graham. Bob sells beautiful hand-crafted lamps-they are very sought-after! He really captured my style and the point of view of Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts.

This is the landing page for my first blog article for VandM. Beautiful image of a running horse weathervane. Ever wonder what has happened to those collectors of folk art since mid-century modern has taken over the decorating scene. Read my take on the subject.

Idina Menzel: Is She Rachel's Mom?

2010-04-18T15:06:00.000-04:00

Watch Glee Tuesday Night at 8:59 eastern and 7:59 central

I love Idina Menzel. Not only is she a Tony-award-winning actress and star of Wicked, but she is married to my favorite actor, the gorgeous Tay Diggs. They are going to tease us by not letting her sing right away, but when she does, it is sure to be a blow-out. I can't wait!

Coming Up: The 2010 Philadelphia Antique Show

2010-04-09T12:59:00.015-04:00

My favorite antique show is coming up on the 17th.

The Philadelphia Antique Show 2010

This is the best show in the country-the antiques are the best and the people who attend are interesting--Jon Bon Jovi and his wife were there last year.

SJ Shrubsole of New York City, my favorite jewelry dealer, will be there. They have the most exquisite antique jewelry and silver--they have something for everyone and in every price range. Plus, the staff is nice and will spend time educating you, if needed. This is where I heard about jewelry camp.

My other favorite dealer is Lillian Nassau. This venerable old company has been selling Tiffany lamps for many years and is the place where collectors go for the best in Tiffany. Owner Arlie Sulka and her associate, Eric Silver can be seen frequently on Antiques Roadshow.
Check them out and if you are in the Philadelphia area this weekend, check out the show-you won't be sorry.

Mexican Silver Part I: William Spratling

2010-04-06T20:58:00.000-04:00

Spring is here and I'm back! I'm feeling bad that this is the first blog I have written since Valentine's Day. Sorry folks. My website at www.vandm.com is taking most of my attention, but it seems to be finally paying off-I'm starting to sell. Also, I have set up a Gabriel Gibson Decorative Arts Fan Page on Facebook so check it out.

For months I have wanted to post on Mexican jewelry, but just had a hard time finding a place to start. It is a huge subject with many important and interesting people. I mulled it over and decided to begin at the beginning with one of the leaders of the Mexican silver renaissance-William Spratling. If you aren't familiar with Spratling you are in for a treat. He was an amazing artist with many passions. His silver designs are some of the best of the 20th century and he is widely believed to be the father of the Taxco silver renaissance. Here is Part I.

The above pitcher was the first piece of Mexican silver I ever saw. It was several years ago in New York at The American Antiques Show in the booth of Stella Rubin. Stella is a top dealer in quilts and jewelry and a good friend. Her eye for great objects is unparalleled in the antiques world and I expect her to always have the best. This sparkling silver and rosewood pitcher stopped me in my tracks. Obviously not American, yet it somehow seemed American in its classic simplicity. And, those perfect proportions--I immediately knew I had to investigate the artist that designed this beautiful object.

William Spratling (1900-1967) grew up in Alabama, went to college at Auburn, where he fell in love with architecture. He obtained a teaching post at Tulane in New Orleans and there he befriended the writer William Faulkner.

Spratling in the apartment he shared with William Faulkner on St. Peter Street in New Orleans.

He made this sketch of Faulkner in 1925.

Spratling was a fine illustrator and published several books and many articles on local architecture. More than 100 illustrations were featured in Old Plantation Houses in Louisiana.

Spratling took his first trip to Mexico in the mid twenties to see the architecture. He fell in love with the country, its people and their arts. He was drawn back to it for three summers before moving there permanently in 1929. Spratling was lucky to arrive in Mexico at a time when Mexico was in transition.

Next: Part II
Spratling in Mexican and his role in reviving the Mexican silver industry

Valentine's Day Eye Candy

2010-02-14T00:09:00.000-05:00

This is not exactly the kind of eye candy I want to see on Valentine's Day. It is just a little too cute. I love over-the-top beautiful! Or, at the least, interesting. Nothing too trite or smarmy, like this Needlecraft magazine cover from 1940.

Illustration by Rene Gruau

for cover of Madame Figaro, 1990

Christian Lacroix Collection

Now, this is more my kind of eye candy. I hope the following images delight and inspire your imagination.

Photoplay Magazine, 1932

Perfect face, perfect nails, and perfect jewelry.

This is Constance Bennett, the actress.

Really, did women ever look like this?

From Les Enluminures Gallery, shown in Art and Antiques, Jan., 2010

Speaking of jewelry....

Rings for the Gods.

I will take any or all.

No one ever crafted a more perfect daisy.

Made by Alexander Calder.

This is, by far, the most perfect silver bracelet ever made. It is called the Matchstick Bracelet and was made by Antonio Pineda, Mexican silver master.

The Four Elements by Paul Manship

Sexy Art Deco!

Two of four panels made for the A T & T building in New York, 1914. These panels were offered for sale by the Gerald Peters Gallery in NYC during the Winters Antique Show.

Vogue

Speaking of sexy... Love this perfectly pink coat.

Every time I see this dress I think of a paper-cut valentine.

Perfectly Serene

An Asian-inspired bed

Chinoiserie chic

I like shiny stuff.

A perfectly simple living room

An Ikat Valentine

If I sent you Valentine card, this would be it.

Vogue cover, Salvadore Dali, 1939

A yummy mule from Godey's, 1852

Would Manolo Blahnik please make me a pair just like this?

French chic, 1930-style

Vogue 1930

The photographer is Baron Adolphe de Meyer and the model is Helen Lee Worthing.

De Meyer was known for trying to capture an ideal of perfect feminine beauty and romance as well as pure luxury.

20th century baroque by Cecil Beaton, photographer

Model Mary Taylor for Vogue, 1935.

Her dress is by Chanel.

This is probably my favorite Vogue photograph ever.

The photographer is Irving Penn and the model is Jean Patchett. It has been said that this photograph changed the way Vogue showed fashion. It was 1949 and the location was Lima, Peru.

Hooked Heart, Mary Sheppard Burton, Photograph courtesy of the author

Have a Happy Valentine's Day.

from

The Antiquer

Photographs from: In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine; 100 Years of Fashion Illustration; Silver Seduction; Calder Jewelry; Godey's Lady's Book; Elle Decor Magazine; House Beautiful; Needlecraft Magazine; Photoplay Magazine

Guess What I Found at the Salvation Army?

2010-02-09T23:50:00.000-05:00

Irish Marble Top Console

Clinton Howell Antiques

Right before Thanksgiving I dropped by my local Salvation Army store to look for inexpensive furniture to use for display when I exhibit at antique shows. In the office section I found a rather nice metal console-it was $30. Perfect! The mid-century modern glassware would really stand out against the gunmetal black.

This got me thinking about the various styles of consoles and how they are used. I like the idea of having a convenient place to put small things, like keys, when I come in the front door. Also, this is the first thing people see when they come in my house. So it has to be a show stopper--something fabulous!

Elle Decor has a great article in this month's issue highlighting the 10 Best Consoles--and what do you know, but there is an identical console to my "find" at the Salvation Army. It is the 3rd down on the left.

Who knew Bottega Veneta made furniture? Their description describes mine exactly. Note the bottom of the legs--very stylish and just like mine. But, the price is not like mine.

Mine= $30

Bottega Veneta= $6,400

Here are some other consoles, if you are looking for one.

Ad in Architechtural Digest

Osbourne and Little

Paul McCobb Console

Photograph from Rago Auction catalogue

French Marble Top Console

AD, Photographer, Steven Brooke

Antique Workbench

AD July 2009, Photographer David O. Marlow

Antique Piano

From English Country:Living in England's Private Houses

by Caroline Seebohm and Christopher Sykes, photographer, 1987

This is my favorite!

A ghost console in Lucite

Winter Antique Show in Hunt Country-Middleburg, Virginia

2010-01-17T21:47:00.000-05:00

Setting up for a show in early January is not fun. Loading and unloading a cargo van full of antiques when it is below freezing outside is really, well- bad. Dealers were grouchy, the promoter was preoccupied because someone fell on the ice and was hurt, the exhaust from my van was so thick that I could hardly see the boxes in the back, and my fingers were so cold they were numb. This was supposed to be fun? Note the ice on the drive. Even White's Ferry was closed due to ice on the Potomac.

The lane where we parked our vans--it was behind the athletic fields and we took a shuttle bus back and forth.

But, I loved the size of my space. It was 8 x 20 feet and papered in a nice, but muddy red. I was hoping the red would be clear--fire engine red-like the lipstick my grandmother wore in the 50s.

It took me and my assistant the entire day to set up. The dealer behind me hung his clip-on lights on my side and ripped holes along the edge of my paper. The then sent his wife over to complained that I was driving nails into their side of the wall. When I pointed out that they had ripped my paper, the wife frowned and hurried back to her side. It wasn't starting off well. One thing I have noticed about antique dealers at shows is they are extremely territorial. When you are paying a premium to be in these shows you want to make it count.

Here is my booth finished. I liked the set-up in this space better than any other. Next time, I will buy lights. I had a lot of interest in the chinese lamps, but decided they look too wonderful in my living room so I'm keeping them.

The Quilt Corner--is beginning to look better. I need a lot more quilts.

I recently acquired 5 bags of very nice linens. Even though I haven't completed sorting and pricing them, I brought about half in case someone was willing to dig through them. Another dealer, with a big interest in linens, went through much of them and purchased some really wonderful items. She also generously gave me a quick lesson on identifying point de Venice lace, chemical lace and machine-made lace. The show was beginning to look up!

The linen dealer, Snow Leopard, had a pretty booth. Following are some pictures.

She makes the scented pillows from vintage linens.

These art nouveau pillow cases were so pretty.

The dealer across from me, Ben, sells antique tools and other good stuff. He gave me some rock-solid business advice that I intend to follow. I also noticed that his booth, bright yellow with good lighting, drew in the customers like bees to honey. He also had a million things for sale. The more things for sale, the more to chose from, the more you actually sell. Note to self-buy more!

I'm on the left, Ben with his winning booth on the right. Look where the customers are.

The next few photos are of the promoter's booth. I like the clean look and the objects are of real value.

The promoter's husband, waiting for the show to open and the hoardes to arrive. They did.

One of the nicest dealer's around is Judy Brill of Brill's Antiques, Virginia Beach.

She and her sweet husband have beautiful 18th and 19th century furniture. Here is Judy visiting with us during a slow period during the show. Judy usually brings her dogs with her and sits with them in her large van. It was too cold for the dogs this trip so we got to hang out with her more than usual.

Judy Brill visiting with Ben's wife.

The Brills at the Chevy Chase show.

i love these hooked rugs.

An 1850s wrapper. This amazing wrapper has never been remade. It is in its original condition.

A dealer in French decorative arts admires these tinsel paintings. She has never seen any this early and in such great condition. The white ground in the top painting is very uncommon.

The black console is metal!

I did well in Middleburg. Now, to try the Big Flea. A different audience and a much smaller space.

Auld Lang Syne

2010-01-01T00:24:00.000-05:00

Saying goodbye to 2009

Welcoming in 2010

Happy New Year!

The Antiquer

Souvenirs on the Voyage of Life

2009-12-29T22:35:00.000-05:00

During the holidays I ran across some old postcards. Well, actually, I was nosing around in a drawer at my mother's house in Memphis and found several written by my grandfather to his grandparents in Kentucky. I love old things and especially those that revolve around family. I grew up listening to stories about parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and great aunts and uncles. These stories evoked a way of life and style of living mostly gone today. I just couldn't resist posting these pictures of the postcards and corresponding notes.

This was written on the back of the card showing Dogwood Drive in Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee just a few days after my grandfather moved from his birthplace, Kentucky, in 1909.

Court Square, Memphis, Tennessee, 1910

This card was written by Nancy Caroline Morehead Gibson, my great-grandmother to her sister. Lina, as my great-grandmother was called, raised my father for the first 6 years of his life. Thelma Henry Gibson, his mother, died when he was 11 days old. I was named after Nancy Caroline (Lina.)

A card signed by David Benjamin Gibson, my grandfather, but never sent. There is no writing on the back. This was the tallest building in Memphis.

This was sent to John Wiley Gibson, my great-grandfather and husband of Nancy Caroline Morehead Gibson by my grandfather.

I love the advertising promises on the back--says it all!

The following card is of the back of the above postcard sent from Heber Springs, Arkansas by my grandfather while on a short trip to partake of the hot springs.

He reports that everything taste something like rotten eggs. Yuk!

Below is a photographic portrait of the David Benjamin Gibson, Sr. family prior to 1953.

Park Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee

Pa lived in Memphis until his death in 1961. He is buried in the Gibson family plot at Elmwood Cemetery.

Seated on the floor, left to right:

Fran Gibson (Carpenter,) John Gibson, Jr.

Seated on the sofa, left to right:

Rebecca Gibson (Schott), Uncle Petey (Granny's brother, Peter Fowler from Chattanooga), Granny (Frances Fowler Gibson), Pa (my grandfather, David Benjamin Gibson, Sr), holding Bert Gibson, and Gibby (David Benjamin III) Gibson sitting on the arm.

Back row, left to right:

My father George Gibson, Sr., my brother George Gibson, Jr., my mother Mary Frances Gilbert Gibson, Dorothy Esch Gibson, John Gibson, Sr., Helen Young Gibson, David Benjamin Gibson, Jr.

Missing are Diane Gibson, my cousin and me. We were not born, yet.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T14:03:00.000-05:00