Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
February 28, 2013
February 23, 2013
January 23, 2013
RONALD PHILLIPS: FINE ANTIQUE ENGLISH FURNITURE ON BRUTON STREET, MAYFAIR
Walking down Bruton Street, past the famous address of 17 Bruton Street where the Queen was born (townhouse destroyed by bombs during World War II) is a pleasant walk through one of the most beautiful areas in London. Today, my destination was RONALD PHILLIPS, FINE ANTIQUE ENGLISH FURNITURE at 26 Bruton St. From across the street, the shop glitters like diamonds; the chandeliers and furniture are brilliant and quality is no question. I pushed the bell, and I was greeted by Mr. Tekin Fuad, a consummate gentleman whose wonderful friendliness and easy manner created a warm visit. We talked about his furniture on offer, and we threw a bit of “sound philosophy” in our discussion. I asked to photograph a few pieces of furniture and asked if I could feature the shop on my blog. All the while, my eyes were drawn to the most beautiful “Secretaire Bookcase.” It was made ca 1775 and provenance: Sutton Hall, Yorkshire. It is clear that the bookcase undoubtedly came from one of the leading workshops in 18th century England. My love for 18th century “Chippendale” furniture is well known, and this beautiful piece got my full attention. I took a few photographs of the shop which I would like to share with my readers. Several of you will use Lloyd’s Bank of Berkeley Square; while there, go round the corner and enjoy a shop of fine furniture–more like a wing at the V&A. I assure you, Mr. Fuad will greet serious visitors and the curious warmly. I had a wonderful visit. My challenge is an effort to carry “10 pounds of catalog” which I am determined to enjoy the rest of this winter at home. The question is will I buy the secretaire bookcase. I will keep you in the loop. This shop is the “best of the best.”
Ronald Phillips Ltd., 26 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QL — 020.74932341 — www.ronaldphillips.co.uk —tekinfuad@ronaldphillips.co.uk
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
December 27, 2012
“ACKERMANN’S REPOSITORY OF ARTS, LITERATURE, COMMERCE, MANUFACTURES, FASHIONS, AND POLITICS” 1809-1829 AT 1001 Strand, London
“Ackermann’s Repository and Arts” was an illustrated, British periodical published from 1809 – 1829 by Rudolph Ackermann. The formal name of the journal was “Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions, and Politics.” In Regency England, the publication had great influence on English taste in fashion, architecture, and literature. Ackermann’s ART SHOP was located at 101 Strand in London.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
November 14, 2012
A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOB FOREVER: “LEATHER” OF THE HUNT
The “Hunt” is a very important part of English country life. The Clothing, the guns, the caps, and the leather belts and straps are stylized and known the world over. Usually, the quality of items meant for social hunts is wonderful. I want to share a leather “lunch box” which has been in our family for a long time–since 1891, according to my great grandfather’s diary. The quality is stunning: leather, straps, glass and silver containers. It is truly a beautiful item, and I thought you would enjoy seeing it.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
November 12, 2012
THE 18TH CENTURY PORTRAIT MINIATURES: ANOTHER EXQUISITE ART FORM OF THE 19TH AND 19TH CENTURIES ~~~ENJOY!~~~
Edgar Corrie by John Smart
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE MAGNIFICENT 18TH CENTURY LADY’S FAN: AN ART FORM OF EXQUISITE BEAUTY
A lady in the 18th century was never without her fan. They remain with us in wonderful collections in private collections and great museums. Some of the finest examples are in the Royal Collection which include Faberge fans bought by Queen Alexandra as gifs for Queen Mary and several fans once in the collection of Queen Victoria. I thought I would put up some images of fans which are in private English collections which highlight this exquisite art form. During the 19th century, the decorators were often became well known 19th century Impressionist artists. My wife inherited a collection of 57 flags which were gathered by the Wattis family over 200 years. I posted their images on this blog 19 February 2012. We treasure them and care for them–fragile as they are.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
November 9, 2012
October 14, 2012
OSTERLEY PARK (outside London): THOMAS CHIPPENDALE’S “JAPANNED” FURNITURE CREATED FOR THE STATE BEDROOM, OSTERLEY PARK
OSTERLEY PARK is one of the great houses of England. It is a perfect day trip, just outside London. I am gathering photographs to share, but in the meantime, I want to public photographs of the great Chippendale “Japanned” furniture from the State Bedroom at Osterley. Adams purchased Chippendale furniture and in particular “all things chinese” which we call “chinoiserie.” For me, an avid Japanese lacquer maniac, these are three of the most beautiful pieces of furniture from Georgian times. I am always reminded of Chippendale’s fine furniture because it was all made in his workshop just across the street from one of our flats on St Martin’s Lane. The plaque is there today. These are spectacular pieces of furniture in the State Bedroom:
In many ways, these pieces of Chippendale furniture remind me of the pieces of “Japanned” furniture that were supplied to the Queen Marie Antoinette in the days just before the French Revolution. (Strange, I don’t know if I can recall a single piece of “Japanned” furniture ordered by either George III or Queen Charlotte. Painted furniture, but “Japanned”? I don’t think so.)
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
September 24, 2012
LONDON: THE PLEASURE OF COLLECTING
I have lived in a world of “old stuff” all my life. I am certain that I have an antique collecting gene in my blood! Yes indeed, I inherited it from generations of family that gathered and gathered. While I am in London, or most likely when I am on my way to London, that gene goes into action, and I get heart palpitations at the thought of hunting antiques. Over many years, I have found places where I seem to be successful in my search; but most of the time, it is the serendipities which bring the great treasures. During my recent stay in London, I found two pairs of heavy Victorian silver candlesticks; I was thrilled with them. Both pairs came from a home in Henley-on-Thames and once belonged to a Fitzclarence family. I love antique silver very much. But my favorite items which I bought from an old dealer friend of mine were a set of three small and exquisite JAPANNED LACQUER 18TH CENTURY WALL SHELVES. Japanned items (writing desks, frames, chests, fans, jewelry cases, etc.) are my very favorite possessions, and when I found these early “nick-nack” shelves I could hardly stop smiling. I am sure you all know my personality by now! I would like to share these images with you. I love them. Where do I put them? THAT’S THE PROBLEM! This is a large old house, but there absolutely no wall space left. Don’t worry, I will figure it out and let you know. Aren’t we having fun! London, antiques, palaces, china, museums—yikes! It is the good life.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
