i have always loved buying old things, they often shout to me when I come across them ! They are so evocative of other, often stranger and more magical times, and I’ve used them in my work as inspiration, both as a stylist and photographer . From when I was a child growing up on the south coast in Whitstable these finds fed my imagination , I can remember going to a jumble sales when I was about 10. So I have launched a vintage selling page here, I am also selling at a vintage fair in Whitstable in Kent once a month, and running Fleamarket trips in London to find hidden treasure, so do come and join in
Roche & Cie 7 minute candles
Here’s a strange little box, which I have to confess when found awhile back I presumed was a fairly antique box of matches with a silver plated cover. On researching Roche & Cie [the company who made them ] and intrigued by the enigmatic lady dressed in a tight basque I discovered they are something much more rare. They are in fact seven minute pocket candles, but why you ask only such a short time?
Let me explain ,though marketed as “Opera Candles” to see your way in after the lamps were out in your home, they were more frequently used in brothels for timing and charging. Yes 7 minutes from when lit was what you got for your money..Interestingly in this box some have been broken in half and edged with sealing wax , so fun could be had for 3.5mins as well ! The box comes with a metal cover in which to prop up the candle, and they were sold with many different photos of popular ladies of the day. Who knew !
Greta Kittlesen , "Med Punkter "Silver Cuff 1953 , J .Tostrup Norway (Copy)
I often feel in design, the future is the past, we live in flats and houses filled with objects that have memories , often family connections that give us comfort .Though some people have abandoned all this and live in palaces of minimalism , single white spaces. And I have been told do their washing up in the bath . Not eating at home , so as not to leave a mark or trace .
I prefer the former, mixing old with new, found objects and modern design .Many homewares from the last few years are based on a Scandinavian ideas that dates from the mid century period , though new copies of old pieces often cost much more than finding the originals and are not so well made.
Above is a wonderful example of a mid century piece of silver jewellery from Norway, Designed by Grete Kittlesen for the family firm of J Tostrup in 1953 . The bangle is both simple in construction, a pierced/milled and curved sheet of silver but complex in design, with a hint of Armadillo and Game of Thrones ! They are classic pieces of modern design if you can find one. She also designed kitchen /table wares in Steel and Enamel which are design classics
RUSSIAN ENAMEL EGGS
They have always been of interest to me, these small Russian enamelled eggs that were made as gifts at easter in czarist times. Some were made by Faberge though there were many other firms in St Petersburg who made similar pieces, here are some i bought awhile back, unmarked they can still be found on online auction sites. Two flags from WWI , a porphory type red enamel example and something out of the ordinary a seemingly pink enamel egg ,but viewed from the other side...
Essex Crystal
This is a lost art and a lost part of english history..the phrase "Essex Crystal" has nothing to do with the Towie luckily , and though probably mis-named is called after William Essex, an artist well known for his miniature enamel work in the C19th. The technique is actually reverse Intaglio carving & painting, carving into glass or rock crystal panels and filling in with paint and then stone settingthe glass in gold or silver mounts. It became very popular in the mid C19th ,and was perfect to portray hidden messages from flowers albeit with little intrinsic cost . Once machine stamping made mass production of jewellery easier, this complex technique died out..Pieces today are hard to find, naturalistic subjects include animals, flowers and plants , viewed front on the jewels sparkle and the cabochon glass magnifies delicate painting ....
vanessa bell art for industry tea set
During the 1930's there was a great push for artists to become more involved in Industry, and a government scheme was created in 1933, where famous artists would design glass and table wares that would be produced by the best manufacturers in England for a selling exhibition at Harrod in Knightsbridge.
Perhaps the original idea had been to make inclusive and affordable pieces, but the reality was that the designs were hard to translate and ultimately paint onto curved surfaces of china and glass. Though the exhibition opened with a fanfare ,little ware sold as the sets were expensive. A few artists work sold well such as Laura Knight . Here is a part tea set designed by Vanessa Bell and produced by Foley China , most pieces are marked First Edition and there are a wide variety of artists to collect. One for investment perhaps and always fun to eat off.
"Vanessa pattern tea set design by Vanessa Bell , Art for Industry . 1st edition . Foley 1934
Jason King : 1970's Cufflinks & Cravat
The late Peter Wyngarde was a style icon..though to some his taste and style could only be taken so far. Perhaps the clothes will never come back ? Leather jumpsuits for men anyone ? Though the accessories of the time still work for me, here is a quick snap of my vintage Chrome & Swarovski Aurora Borealis crystal cufflinks with matching pin and a 1970's cravat in tones of pink ,red and black
