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, 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.
Property from a New England private collection
A silver gilt and nephrite square bell push
Fabergé, workmaster Henrik Wigström, St. Petersburg, 1908-1917
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 ‘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 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 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!
