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
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.
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…
All Ebury Trading.
finds: Faux bamboo lighting: whimsical and yet still stylish. I want all three but I think that might be excessively bamboo-ey.
