As you can see from our website, we have recently listed a few sculptural outdoor pieces.
Beton, as the French call it, is a simple concrete that was popular in the early part of the Twentieth century for out door sculptural pieces. Now after seventy odd years of being in the elements these pieces are beautifully weathered and ready for your own abode. Displayed inside or out, these sculptures are just the unique accessory needed to update any look.
Not to say all of our stock isn’t gorgeous, yet every now and then something comes in, that just takes your breath away. Last Friday this very fine quality French Rosewood and Kingwood serpentine shaped cabinet came in. It features marquetry inlaid panels and exquisite bronze mounts. The piece dates from the Napoleon III period, circa 1860. So often people ask you, how do you know the difference between an authentic antique and a reproduction. Well, here is it is. Once you see and experience enough pieces such as this one the difference becomes obvious. It’s all in the amazing attention to detail. The finishes are not at all crude but finely defined. A piece likes this screams high quality not poor imitation. It’s an absolute pleasure to stock a piece like this, albeit until it finds its true owner….
We have had a change over on the showroom floor inspired by some gorgeous wall paper that Liz and Phil picked up on their latest buying trip. Made in France by Koziel, the trompe l’oeil designs we worked with depict a padded and studded wall evoking a cosy, intimate feel, an older style brick wall and a row upon row of antique books on shelves. See for yourself and let us know what you think!
Another great example of mixed eras. Adorning the Antique Portuguese Walnut Table we have an Antique carved Deer figurine infront of a Timorese Buffalo hide shield, flanked by a pair of decorative Bovine horns.
So many of our things seem to be making their way to homes in regional Victoria that we thought it a good idea to participate in the upcoming Daylesford Antique Fair run by Crown Antiques. The fair will be the weekend of Saturday November 17 and Sunday November 18. The fair opens on Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-4 and is being held at the Daylesford Town Hall.
We will be taking a small collection of our country and provincial inspired pieces. A couple of painted pine cabinets, a fruitwood workbench and painted wheelbarrow amongst other gorgeous things.
We hope to see you there!
I just couldn’t resist capturing our gorgeous girls Portia and Gypsy in their favourite greeting spot, so if antiques aren’t your thing, just come in for a pat!
Our last two shipments have arrived back to back, and with lots of goodies coming in, our front showroom has really been spruced up. There is a great array of modern 1970s and 80s furniture, lighting and decorative accessories.
Pictured above are a set of four convex mirrors that are mounted in giltwood frames. Hung together like this they are just so effective.
In the above shot here, you can catch a glimpse of a 1970s parquetry top dining table in Palmwood, an absolute masterpiece, which sits perfectly with the set of six chrome dining chairs we’ve also just had in.
The psychedelic painted timber screen is one of two that are instore now. They were both designed by the famed French interior decorator Jacques Garcia for the interior of the Royal Monceaux hotel on Avenue Hoche in Paris during the 1980s. Later around 2008 the interior of the hotel was pulled down and the contents auctioned. The most recent interior was designed by Phillipe Starck. I think these screens are a real steal at $4,600 each, coming with such a provenance, what a lovely piece of French design history.
We’ve really found the beauty of this modern stock, is that is sits so well in todays apartments and loft living yet is just as suited to the more modern homes that being built in our suburbs. Make sure you pop in soon and catch our wonderful display and maybe take a part home with you!
After two frustrating weeks of delay our latest shipment has finally arrived! And what a groovy shipment this is, with lots of pieces from the 1960s. Decorative glass sculptures and vases, occasional furniture and more. Some items have already made it in store after Wednesdays early (and cold) unload. Other pieces are still to follow after a clean up at the warehouse, keep and eye on the web and see the items arrive in store soon.
The Harlequin Antiques Stand
Last night was the opening night of our Melbourne antique fair for the Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association. Put together by the association, the fair is a wonderful showcase of Australia’s best antique and art dealers. We had a great crowd last night, enjoying a drink and a conversation. Our display as Harlequin Antiques was well received, in particular our Antique French Music Box with exquisite Swiss movement was an absulute drawcard.
French Kingwood Vitrine displaying Royal Worcester Collection
The fair is being held at the Royal Exhibition Building on Nicholson Street in Carlton from 11 until 7 tomorrow and from 11 until 5pm on Sunday evening. It’s well worth a visit to anyone seriously interested in collectables and antiques.
Two Scenes from our Harlequin Antiques Stand
Your typical French Antique Dealers lunch- Salami, Cheese and Bread!
Steve has just returned from a tour of France, and has brought back with him some beautiful photos of pieces to come. A wonderful collection with plenty of Twentieth century lighting and occasional furniture, French glass vases and Art Deco chairs.
Dinner at a bistro at Sete
Steve’s travels took him from top to bottom of the country and although it appears much fun was had, he assures me there was a lot of work to be done too. Included are some candid shots of his time away.
Some of the sights around Nimes
The container is due to arrive around June or July. When the shipment lands we will be changing our front shop display from the current French painted pieces to a 1960s/70s time warp! Shall keep you posted. ..
