tHE lONDON dESIGN bUREAU

Fine Russian Rock Crystal Chandelier at Ebury Trading finds: If...

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:38:00 +0100

Fine Russian Rock Crystal Chandelier at Ebury Trading

finds: If you’re looking for a subtle, delicate chandelier - this definitely is not for you. It is 112cm high, 84cm wide, weighs 85 kilos and hits you right in the chops! It’s St. Petersburg at its opulent best. The mercury gilt bronze neo-classical cage and the array of hand-cut rock crystal pendants, plaques and stars combine to create a piece that is a triumph of handsome flamboyance. It deserves a worthy home with a strong ceiling.

Fabergé Bell Push, Lot No: 8029, Sale 19259, New York,...

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:24:54 +0100

Fabergé Bell Push, Lot No: 8029, Sale 19259, New York, Bonhams

finds: I know that I don’t need a bell push, let alone a Fabergé bell push, but if I had ten grand to spare it would be mine. I cannot resist everyday items that are elevated to works of art and this is such a little jewel.

Lot No: 8029^•

Property from a New England private collection

A silver gilt and nephrite square bell push
Fabergé, workmaster Henrik Wigström, St. Petersburg, 1908-1917

set with a garnet cabochon push piece 88 standard.
2 3/8 x 2 3/8in (6 x 6cm)

Estimate: US$7,000 - 9,000

wanderings & books: This is a bit of a belated post but as...

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:53:00 +0100

wanderings & books: This is a bit of a belated post but as ‘better late than never’ is becoming my life motto, I’m going for it. Last Thursday I attended the reception for Terry O’Neill’s ‘Guys & Dolls’ exhibition at The Little Black Gallery. Terry O’Neill is responsible for some of the most iconic show-business photography of the 20th Century and while his work is far from avant-garde, it is undeniably alluring and glamorous. His work gives you a behind-the-scenes vantage point to some of the golden moments in pop culture history, and somehow, you feel a part of them. It’s an intoxicating feeling. My personal favorites are the images of celebrities in slightly surreal settings, such as Jean Shrimpton at the doll’s hospital above. Not only does the incongruity make you stop for a moment, you also can’t help but imagine the sense of fun and adventure on the shoot. The guests at the reception were just as glossy as Terry O’Neill’s subjects and I was very very glad that I decided to change into my heels beforehand - my Fred Perry hightops would not have been acceptable. Armed with a little Dutch courage (pink champagne dahling), I managed to corner Terry O’Neill himself and forced him to sign my copy of his book ‘Celebrity’, which is a wonderful compilation of his best work accompanied with insightful anecdotes. I was planning an incredibly cerebral conversation on photography and contemporary celebrity culture but all I got out was ‘I’m a huge fan!’. Oh well. It was still a lovely night.

Jamb wanderings: I have heard through the grapevine that Jamb...

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:03:00 +0100

Jamb

wanderings: I have heard through the grapevine that Jamb is moving premises. I sincerely hope that this is just a nasty rumour as their current showroom is one of my favorite places in London. Until this year, I had only been to Jamb on quick visits - to view a specific chimneypiece or drop into the Jasper Fabrics room, but I always meant to go back for a more in-depth exploration. I finally got my chance during the Pimlico Road Summer Party in June. Champage in hand (naturally), I explored the showroom from corner to corner, and there are lots of them! It is a wonderfully atmospheric space. The lighting can be dramatic, almost moody, but it works perfectly to create an otherworldly feel. Every item is of the highest quality but with a slighly eccentric edge and even the more traditional styles are displayed in a fresh and intelligent manner. This finesse is equally evident in the design of their room-sets, which is all that I admire in contemporary appropriation of classicism. The equally sublime Tomasso Brothers gallery on the first floor is a perfect complement to the rest of the building and an experience in itself. If you haven’t had the chance to enjoy the current Jamb showroom, go while you still can!

Queen Elizabeth Room at Burghley House Interiors: I visited the...

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:01:00 +0100

Queen Elizabeth Room at Burghley House

Interiors: I visited the V&A several weeks ago and was utterly dazzled by the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries. Ever since I have been slightly obsessed with the rich fabrics that were used throughout this period and into the Baroque. I have secretly amassed a drawer of samples to feed my sudden hunger and I’m especially coveting fabrics by Watts of Westminster and English Home. This magnificent bedroom at Burghley House is an embodiment of everything that inspired me at the V&A. I would love to attempt a contemporary interpretation of a four poster bed and monumental tapestry combination. Less is less. More is more!

interiors: I love all the antique books. I love the...

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:00:06 +0100

interiors: I love all the antique books. I love the unbelievably ostentatious ceiling and the worn scuffed flooring. Does anyone know where this is?

Interior VI by Matteo Massagrande wanderings: Yesterday evening...

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:40:00 +0100

The Albemarle Gallery, Mayfair

Interior VI by Matteo Massagrande

Interior VI by Matteo Massagrande

wanderings: Yesterday evening I attended a reception at the Albemarle Gallery to view the new exhibition by Matteo Massagrande. I was intrigued by his exquisitely intricate paintings of abandonded interiors and had to see them in the flesh. The rooms Massagrande chooses as subject matter appear to be commonplace flats and not Venetian palazzos, but they share that same air of patination and suspension in time. And despite the peeling paint and broken tiles, he imbues these derelict spaces with a real sense of dignity and melancholy beauty. The centrally placed doorways and windows fill you with hope until you realize that the spaces beyond are equally derelict. It is astonishing that the depiction of what is essentially an empty space can be so emotionally affecting. A big ‘thank you’ to the Albemarle Gallery for the invitation.

After soaking in the art and a surprisingly conservative amount of champagne, I blamelessly boarded Bus 22 homewards. As we turned onto Sloane Avenue, however, I suddenly realized that it was Fashion’s Night Out. I disembarked quick-sharpish. Beautiful people, ravishing clothes, gorgeous shoes, glittering atmosphere, DJs, champagne, canapes and chocolate bon bons - it was irresistable! I wandered in a euphoric daze until neither my purse nor my feet could endure any more abuse. It was a lovely and unexpected twist to my Thursday evening out and such a stark contrast to the desolation of the Massagrande paintings. I love London!

The private apartment of Olivier Kraemer interiors: I am not...

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0100

The private apartment of Olivier Kraemer

interiors: I am not usually attracted to cluttered spaces. I tend to like interiors that are just a bit stripped back so that the beauty of each individual piece can be appreciated. That being said, I am attracted to this room. It is remarkably classic in its style but is still very inviting - not overly designed or precious. The fact that the antiques are combined with impressionist (Renoir?) and contemporary art works, as well as the 80’s era TV, make it feel like a loved lived-in space. Yet the room also manages to retain a strong sense of opulence and atmosphere, all of which is inspiring.

Architectural Digest ~ Jean-Paul Beaujard’s New York City...

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:04:05 +0100

Architectural Digest ~ Jean-Paul Beaujard’s New York City Apartment

interiors: I admire this room for so many reasons: the rich jewel tones; the empire feel; the mirrors used to enhance the sense of space; the rich velvet curtains; the flashes of gilt. It just proves that you can do ‘traditional’ without being fussy or chintzy and ‘masculine’ without being heavy or dark.

In the article, Jean-Paul Beaujard also describes perfectly how I feel about interiors:

“I love the romance of lost or forgotten places,” Beaujard says, “the mystery of an interior where time seems to have stopped—yet nothing is dated.”

Read more: http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/homes/2011/09/jean-paul-beaujard-manhattan-home-article#ixzz1XClcjuL8

Brighton Pavilion builty by John Nash for the Prince Regent I...

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:05:42 +0100

Brighton Pavilion builty by John Nash for the Prince Regent

I watched Elegance and Decadence: The Age of the Regency - 2. Developing the Regency Brand with Lucy Worsley on BBCi player while getting ready for work this morning. It gives you a peak into the Soane museum and provides the scholarly commentary that my previous post on the museum lacked. Lucy Worsley also guides you through several other grand interiors and imparts wonderful insight into Regency architecture, design and society in general. Entertaining and enlightening - I definitely recommend it.

cluster chandelier by james plumb finds: James Plumb is actually...

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:00:05 +0100

cluster chandelier by james plumb

finds: James Plumb is actually Hannah Plumb and James Russell, a couple who work together turning the ‘overlooked and discarded’ into beautifully inspired pieces. ‘Upcycling’ has become so ubiquitous now that it almost seems mainstream and plastic. James Plumb does it with a difference. Each item used maintains it’s own character, but it is brought to life again in a timeless and yet playful manner. I am going to try to arrange a studio visit so that I can see their assemblage in the flesh. I can’t wait.

"Design should do the same thing in everyday life that art does when encountered: amaze us, scare us..."

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:50:09 +0100

“Design should do the same thing in everyday life that art does when encountered: amaze us,...

Rice’s Architectural Primer by Matthew Rice books: I was...

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 07:24:00 +0100

Rice’s Architectural Primer by Matthew Rice

books: I was looking for an accessible architectural reference book and after much Amazon research, finally chose Rice’s Architectural Primer by Matthew Rice. I’m so glad that I did! It begins by explaining the basic grammar of architecture and then goes on to describe the evolution of architectural style. It is comprehensive without being pedantic, simple to understand without being condescending. I finished it off in two nights of pre-bed reading! Rice has definitely opened up my eyes to the wealth of architectural components in even the most everyday buildings. The ink and wash illustrations are an integral part of the book and also the gorgeous cherry on top. An educational, witty, visual feast - two thumbs up.

WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 21:01:00 +0100

At this very moment - Venice. I was reading about Palladianism, then I watched Kevin...

Masonic Temple at Andaz wanderings: Just a reminder to everyone...

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:03:00 +0100

Masonic Temple at Andaz

wanderings: Just a reminder to everyone that it’s Open House London on the 17th & 18th of September. With over 700 buildings of all kinds opening up their doors to the public - the choices are dizzying. I’ve just spent the last 2 hours trying to decide which properties I want to hit and I still haven’t made up my mind. Don’t miss it!

interiors: I absolutely love the richness of the architectural...

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:02:00 +0100

interiors: I absolutely love the richness of the architectural detail and the hint of a classic chandelier juxtaposed with the clean, simple contemporary furniture. I think every door needs a pediment.

HRW antiques finds: I’m always drawn to games tables and...

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:35:00 +0100

HRW antiques

finds: I’m always drawn to games tables and this Regency style leather-covered games table, with it’s reversible top and semi-secret compartments, is especially enticing. It would make a quirky little dressing table, a handsome occassional table with a wee bit of storage, or you could actually use it as a chess table. You couldn’t find better inspiration to practice your Sicilian Pterodactyl opening…

Chaumahalla Palace, Hyderabad ~ Evening Ragas: A Photographer in...

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:11:00 +0100

Chaumahalla Palace, Hyderabad ~ Evening Ragas: A Photographer in India by Derry Moore

books: An image from Evening Ragas - so you understand why I love it so. Derry Moore has somehow managed to capture that part of India that is still frozen in another century. It’s almost like a fairytale.

ornamentedbeing: Bedroom from the Sagredo Palace, Venice ca....

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:23:00 +0100

ornamentedbeing:

Bedroom from the Sagredo Palace, Venice ca. 1718

interiors: And another reblog. I don’t even know what to say about this one. Anything I write is going to be a massive understatement. I’ll just let you feast your eyes on the splendour.

sarahamberinteriors: interiors: When I began this blog I...

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:23:00 +0100

sarahamberinteriors:

interiors: When I began this blog I had planned to avoid reblogging and only post original content, but I couldn’t help myself when I saw this. I think it’s the combination of the sepia vintage prints in the background and the sparkly caged chandeliers in front. Irresistible.