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
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!
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…
