Just Verte ...

Why can't we......

2012-01-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

...have sweets shops like the French have in....Uzes?

Stormy Paris

2012-01-19T16:46:00.000-05:00

I'm back after taking a few months off for writing, traveling and relaxation. Visited Paris recently, huge rainstorm coming in from the west. But, Paris looks beautiful no matter what the weather!

Light leaving the City of Lights....

Summertime in France...

2011-06-16T18:09:00.000-04:00

...and I'm thinking of

cool lagoons...

...glorious flowers tumbling over ancient balconies....

...flower shops filled with baskets of summer's bounty...

...canals gently flowing through the countryside...

...little waterfalls tumbling into lagoons...

...gargoyles and dolphins and moss-covered stone...

...glorious fountains in the center of towns...

...rivers running through villages...

...and cool breezes blowing across acres of sunflowers!

Note: all photos above taken by author and may not be reproduced

More meanderings through Uzes...

2011-06-03T14:55:00.000-04:00

This wonderful medieval town has so many little twisting, winding streets - many leading to the Duchy castle - that it's easy forgetting the castle was your original destination!

As I wandered through the town, I imagined life as it was throughout the centuries. I thought about all the people who had walked the cobbled streets... shopped at the market square, Place aux Herbes.... swept the front entrance of their limestone houses... cooled themselves under the huge plane trees on a sultry summer evening... watched children play in the fountains. Uzes inspires that kind of day dreaming...

Remnants of the old fortifications

The Duchy of Uzes was established over a thousand years ago as the first duchy of France, and the castle has been occupied by the Cressol family since then. Because it is a private residence, interior photographs were impossible to obtain, but we managed to have access to the private courtyard following a tour. Besides the castle, the town abounds in extraordinary private residences dating to XVII and XVIII. Those, the Gallo-Roman aqueduct, the medieval gardens, and the cathedral lure visitors back time and time again.


Side entrance to private courtyard of the castle View of the castle as you enter the side gate Entrance from the courtyard to the family's private quarters and gardens

The Duchy of Uzes, Languedoc, France

2011-06-02T21:48:00.000-04:00

A look back to our time in Provence when we spent a lovely day in Uzès. This medieval city is located in the Languedoc-Rousillon region about 20 miles north of Nimes, and... as Wikipedia states - "...several thousand miles east of the United States."

Uzès is a town with a skyline that marks the region from afar…and from within holds treasures for the eyes, ears, and taste buds. Self-proclaimed first duchy of France; host to one of the most colorful Saturday markets in the south of France; site of the source for the water that flowed through the Pont du Gard on its way to Nîmes in Roman times; a cathedral boasting a beautiful organ on the inside and an Italianate fenestrelle tower on the outside; a region full of beautiful villages and all sorts of goodies for food and wine lovers; annual festivals of dance, music, pottery, truffles, gardening, and antiques; the arcade-lined Place aux Herbes, where the weekly market takes place, and where you can sit outside for a tasty lunch or a drink on a sunny day. Just a bit of heaven.

Here are some of the little streets and alley ways we discovered as we meandered through the town on our way to the palace...

The village square, the Place aux Herbes. We ate lunch under great plane trees, and I had a delicious grilled breast of pigeon served on a bed of wild greens. An ice cold carafe of a local white wine was the perfect companion. I highly recommend Terroirs when you're in Uzès and hungry for good local produce and wine.


Terroirs, 5 Place aux Herbes ...then...ah, dessert....

....hundreds of delicious handmade candies in a confectionaire right next to Terroirs!

Pinch me, I must be dreaming!

Oh, I'm dreaming all right! This is too good to be real. Hand-dipped fruits in a sugar glaze.

Bundled candied lemon, orange and lime slices. I won't say how many bundles I bought...let's just say enough to give me a tummy ache. But, it was worth it!

The cure? Antiquing, of course

Some old things, some new things in a little shop off the Place aux Herbes

Hand-dipped candles inside an old wood trunk...inside a vintage mantlepiece

Vintage candle sticks from India

Tomorrow: The Grande Duchy of Uzès

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, Paris

2011-06-01T09:04:00.000-04:00

The world's biggest flea market welcomes 200,000 visitors each weekend. You name it, this place has it: furniture, pictures, new and second-hand clothes — all at rock-bottom prices (especially if you're adept at haggling). There's a jovial fairground atmosphere, with the aroma of food wafting in the air and people crowding round the stalls, hoping to pick up a 1970s leather jacket or rare Louis XV chest of drawers. Make sure to bring cash, as stallholders seldom accept credit cards and the nearest available ATM always has a line.

Address: 48, rue Jules Vallès (Marché des Antiquaires), 93400 Saint-Ouen
(between the Porte de St-Ouen and Porte de Clignancourt, just outside 18th arrondissement)
Hours: Sat. - Mon., 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Metro: Porte de Clignancourt (line 4), Porte de St-Ouen (line 13)

Below, random examples of what you're likely to find at Puces. This is a market that necessitates planning as it is impossible to cover one tenth of the entire location in a day. Even for dealers who shop frequently, it can be overwhelming without a clear idea of what you're looking for.

"Hello, Dollies"


"Ladies, take a seat."

One of the booths that specializes in antique clothing. There are over two dozen that do so!

"Let's see...what was I looking for again?"

"OMG!"

"I'll take those two and the one in the back, please."

"OMG! #2"

Fine antique tapestries and fabrics (with commensurate prices)

Antiquing in Paris

2011-05-24T10:23:00.002-04:00


A window of L'autre Maison

Our first stop in Paris was at the great little antiques shop, L'autre Maison, owned by Fabrice Diomard. Fabrice specializes in white and gray furniture, mirrors, sconces, cream ware, and crystal chandeliers. Everything in this small shop is personally selected by Fabrice, who keeps up with international trends. He also carries hand-made jewelry, hand bags and travel totes. Kathy and I couldn't resist the latter despite the fact that we had brought several to France with us!

Can't wait to show you the goodies we found here! Meanwhile, hope you enjoy the pictures.

L'autre Maison

54 avenue de la Motte-Picquet

75015 Paris

Tel: 01 45 67 68 07

www.lautremaison.fr

Finds from Provence and Paris

2011-05-20T11:49:00.002-04:00

Most of the items I bought in Provence and Paris are still packed away, and the larger items are coming in a few weeks. But here are two little gems I managed to tuck away in my carry-on suitcase.


This bracket is 18th century with its original patina still intact. I found it in one of the fabulous shops in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

A rare and beautiful French candlestick circa 1785. The top comes off and a spring inside the candlestick permits the candle to move up as the wick burns! Pretty neat, I thought.

An Apology!!

I gave the wrong name for the shop below. The actual shop is Au Debotte! My apologies to owner Claudine Guignard-Murat who kindly allowed me to photograph her beautiful antiques.

Here are some choice pieces in this amazing shop. With all these beauties, how did I manage to find a little candlestick? Well you may ask!

Painted 18th century commode w/ormolu trim, in mint condition.

Exquisite painted and gilded 18th century trumeau. All the items in this shop are beautifully displayed and ready to be brought home to your chateau. And I surely would...if I only could!

18th century walnut side table. The painted 18th century chair is in both the original paint and the original tapestry. The shop is renown for its first-rate tapestries and tapestry-covered furniture.

Another 18th century French tapestry covered chair. The corner cupboard is from Belgium and is also 18th century.

This exquisite tapestry fills an entire wall. All the items in front of it are 18th century French and each one would be an outstanding addition to any collection.

More amazing furnishings from L'Autre Maison

Another monumental tapestry!

Au Debotte

19 Rue Saint-Paul

75004 Paris

Tel 01 48 04 85 20

Owner: Claudine Guignard-Murat

antiquites.audebotte@orange.fr

********

Of course, L'Autre Maison is also a wonderful source for first rate antiques.

L'Autre Maison

54 Av De La Motte-Picquet

75015 Paris

Tel 01 45 67 6 07

www.lautremaison.fr

(Wish I could blame the mix-up on jet lag, but I've been home for two weeks, so that won't work!)

Balconies, doors and windows...oh, my!

2011-05-19T10:17:00.000-04:00

Around a corner, over a doorway, tucked in a little side street, in Provence, beauty abounds....

Antiquing in Avignon

2011-05-18T14:05:00.000-04:00

Avignon.... an ancient city surrounded by Roman walls but one completely in step with the 21st century. Bistros abound. This is France, after all! The many boutiques are filled with mouth watering items, all beautifully displayed. What to buy? Oh, heck...just wrap up the shop, never mind the budget!

First, though, let's take a little walk along the cobble-stoned streets and alley ways as we search for our first antiques shop. This is the path Kathy and I took for several mornings as we went in search of the old, the fabulous, and the quintessentially French. The walk is so enjoyable we almost...almost!...forgot about shopping. Enjoy the walk with us.....


Let's stop for a quick cafe au lait and croissant, shall we?

Okay, now back to the task at hand...shopping! Our first stop, Cour Interieure...

Cour Interieure on rue Joseph Vernet and worth the walk from Centre Avignon

An old dressmaker's table and an assortment of choice little objects

The dried botanicals are set on old French documents. Almost everything in this shop is at least 19th century and in excellent condition.


A charming child's mesh garden bench in the courtyard. Asking price: 80EU.


Vignette in the shop window. Kathy Morris scooped up that little iron stool before I had a chance to say "First Dibs!"

**********

The next day, we visited the weekly antiques market across the Rhone in Villeneuve-les- Avignon. The many dealers here start setting up around 5am, buyers start arriving at 7am, and a lot of things are gone by 10am, so rise and shine early. However, we noticed that many dealers continued pulling stock out of their vans as customers grab up the goodies. This is a must market if you're seeking charming old paintings, porcelain, pottery, linens and the like. It is not a market for the serious collector of fine French furniture and objects, although there were a few dealers there with some great 18th century items and prices were commensurate.

Two huge biot pots. There were several at various dealer's booths, so it pays to quickly do a price comparison as prices do vary from dealer to dealer. It is customary to inquire if the dealer can do better on the price, but only ask if you're serious. If the price is still too high for you, smile, shrug your shoulders and say you regret you cannot afford the item. It is considered very rude to ask for a better price if you're simply curious. You will not only insult the dealer, but will most certainly spoil any chance of buying anything from him or her.

A typical array of items at the market, all nicely set out on the ground

An incredible array of antique linens, many dating from the 18th century. The boutis (French quilts) were in good condition and the colors nearly new. Prices ran about 130 to 180 euros. This is an excellent place to buy antique linens as we found the prices for similar items in Paris shops almost doubled.

Pillows made of antique fabrics

Iron baby bed filled to over flowing with old watering cans

Almost worth building an entire bathroom around!!

Bastide in Saint Albergati, Provence

2011-05-17T08:41:00.004-04:00

After years of reading about homes in Provence... and dreaming that one day I might have the opportunity to visit one... thanks to my dear friend and artist MJ Kempf, that dream was finally realized. Last year, MJ introduced me and my friend and antiquing partner, Kathy Morris, to the fabulous Beatrice Navarre.

For almost three centuries Beatrice's family has lived in this bastide in Provence that was originally built by the family to operate a grain mill. Added on to and enhanced by successive generations, Beatrice has opened her home to select guests and generously permitted me to photograph some of the private chambers available. This is not a grand, intimidating chateau, but a family home. It's so easy to feel comfortable here, to be able to relax and enjoy being surrounding by objects in place for use, not show. Nothing cries "Hands off", nothing is excessive. Everything says "Make yourself at home!"

The first pictures show the staircase, original in its walnut-enclosed tile steps and wrought iron railings. All the lighting is also original and has been electrified. My photographs unfortunately do not do justice to these beautiful interiors.

The three story staircase has walnut-enclosed tiles and iron spindles and railings

View from the second floor landing. The pastoral oil painting is 18th century French. The brass chandelier is original and has been electrified.

View from the third floor landing down to the second and first floors

One of the private chambers. The prints on the walls are all 18th century, in the original frames. The fabric on the sleigh bed and windows is an early 20th century reproduction of a 17th century design.

The walnut armoire is 18th century

The 18th century walnut bedside table is one of a pair. The chair is late 18th century.

The marble mantle is 18th century, as is the silk firescreen. The latter is quite beautiful, and I apologize for the poor quality of the picture.

I love the way the outside of the bedroom doors are decorated in the same manner so that there is a cohesiveness to the hallways

The second bedroom is known as the Coral Room and is my favorite. The walls are wrapped in a coral silk that glows like a jewel in the morning light.

As in the first bedroom, the armoire, bed and bedside table are all from the 18th century. The chair is from the late 1800s and is in the Directoire style.

18th century marble mantle, prints, desk and chair. The fabric on the chair and at the windows is a 19th century documentary.

The border is very much in the Directoire style.

The chair is French although it looks very Swedish. Love the way Beatrice has coordinated the silk fabric on the hall chair with the sisal runner.

Two more of the painted chairs flanking a sweet little walnut table. Oriental rugs are used throughout the house to both protect and soften the old tile floors.

In the corner, a 19th century fruit wood gateleg table. The lamp is old, but the lanterns and art on the wall are contemporary, as is the hemp chair.


One of a pair of walnut 19th century doors in the salon. This pair leads to the dining room which was not accessible at the time of shooting. The coffer to the left is 17th century.

This exquisite walnut chest in the study dates to circa 1795. The Roman antiquities on top were collected by Beatrice's parents. The artwork dates to the 1920s.

Next post: Antiquing in Avignon!

A return to Paradise!

2011-05-16T10:33:00.010-04:00

Kathy Morris and I again had the pleasure of staying with Beatrice Navarre at her beautiful bastide in Saint Albergati during our antiquing trip. The main house, with eight antiques-filled bedrooms and private baths, is available for both individuals or families. The property covers several acres, is convenient to Avignon, and has a large pool and cabana. The bastide, once an operating mill until the early 20th century, has been in Beatrice's family since the late 1700s. All the furniture in the house is authentic and offers visitors the opportunity to see how French families have lived for centuries. (Coming home to my very ordinary 21st century retirement cottage would be near impossible if my husband wasn't there!)

Kathy and I always prefer to stay in the private guests quarters behind the main house which has its own entrance and courtyard. Did I mention that a lovely canal runs beneath one of the bedrooms? I always call 'first dibs' on that!

Small canal running through the property

View of the exterior of the guest quarters from the bridge

A lovely wisteria covered bridge over the little canal leads to private guest quarters

Private courtyard beside the canal

View of the courtyard and canal from the second floor of the bastide

le dejeuner

18th century walnut chair in the original silk damask

Approach to house

Front of house

Rose-covered arbor at entrance to house

17th century chimney from original mill

Old mill

The interior is everything one would expect in a home that is centuries old. First-rate art and furnishings have been added to by each successive generation resulting in rooms both comfortable and personal. It's the kind of environment interior designers strive for but seldom attain.

The salon, the only contemporary room in the bastide, is the first room one enters from the drive. It's kept casual so that those who have been at the pool or out walking can relax in total comfort...regaining their strength for cocktails!

More interior views tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Bonjour Provence et Paris!

2011-04-24T19:13:00.003-04:00

Greetings to everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I'll be leaving Tuesday for a week of antiquing in Provence, followed by a week of 'sighing' in Paris. I promise lots of new pictures when I return. Meanwhile, here are some from my trip last year....

Am I excited? Do ducks quack!!!!

"I'll take it all, s'il vous plait!"

"Hmm...wonder what I could make with my yards of antique toile de jouy?"

"Jacques, where for art thou...."

"We could build the mas there and plant the garden over there..." ( Gordes)

"Or... maybe over there?"

"Splish, splash, I was taking a bath..." (Aix en Provence)

"Nice crown, Henri!" (Aix en Provence)

A rivers runs under it, though it, and around it... (Village of L'isle sur la Sorgue

Shadows, sepia and mystery, ( Bonnaire)

A loaf of bread, a glass of wine and thou. (private courtyard, Gordes)

"On the street where he lives...."

"Wonder what's at the top?"

I'm back...

2011-04-11T10:36:00.007-04:00

Thanks to those four or five loyal readers who missed me, I'm back!

This past weekend, once again I was in my booth with pal and fellow dealer, Kathy Morris of Georgian Times Antiques. The dealers who show monthly at Scott's Antiques Market in Atlanta brought their usual stock of fine, fancy or funky items. However, we had many new dealers who brought an astounding amount of fabulous items. I always wonder after wandering the show if there are any antiques or paintings left in England, France, Spain or Belgium! Scott's continues to be a major show in the country for dealers, designers, collectors and regular folks seeking the good, the better and the best of whatever makes their heart go pitter-pat. Herewith, just a small sampling of how varied the show usually is.

French commode at Sylvia Serres Antiques, Art and Mosaics


French mirrors at Silvia Serres' booth

Sylvia's booth is always popular with people seeking the unusual, as well as the elegant...much like Sylvia herself. But then, she's French, so that goes without saying! Besides being a skilled dealer in antiques, Sylvia is also an artist who creates exquisite mosaic mirrors and tables. She also does custom designs. Visit her at Scott's or on line at www.artzoneusa.com


Kemp Hickey's booth


More at Kemp Hickey

I'm not bashful about admitting that I always love whatever Kemp brings to the show. He's a terrific designer of hip and amusing furniture and accessories. New York designers have discovered him, so I don't know how long Atlanta will be able to keep him. His large booth is always crowded with the Young and Beautiful People, and is a must-stop for loft denizens of all ages. Check out more of his designs at www.KempDesigns.com. He also maintains a permanent booth at the new Antiques Shops of Peachtree Battle in Buckhead, Georgia.

First rate American period furniture from Marilyn with www.rare1717@comcast.net

Artist M.J. Kempf

M.J. not only visits France regularly, she paints the most wonderful oils and water colors of her favorite haunts so we can enjoy them, too. Her paintings of Parisian street scenes are as close to being on the Left Bank as one can get without hopping on a jet! MJ can be reached at: www.artspaceatl.com.

Black Sheep Antiques

Few dealers in the country have a wider selection of fine period English furniture and accessories than David and Susan Byerly. French furniture is extremely popular right now, but there is no denying the great appeal English furniture has for many people, and it continues to have a strong presence in Southern homes. For information, email David and Susan at blacksheepantiques@triad.rr.com.


Karen Berryman, Old and Proud Antiques

A selection of cream ware at Karen Berryman's booth

No one has a better eye for wonderful European tapestries and smalls than Karen. A long time dealer at Scott's, she continues to scour Europe to bring back enticing delights like the Aubusson tapestry and cream ware above. Oh, to have that tapestry. And that little black and white French Creil tureen on the bottom shelf! Hint, hint, Karen...


Prized Audubon prints at Ken Woody's Rare Prints & Maps


Early maps at Ken Woody's

If you're not certain where to put your investment dollars, Audubon prints seems to be the way to go as their value continues to soar, and Ken always has a wonderful selection. And...if you want to know where your great-grandfather lived, Ken probably has a map showing the location of GG's hometown! Check out his booth - he's one of the nicest people at Scott's. He also carries rare coins and does appraisals. sgm@jetbroadband.com


Couture women's clothes at Damla Calapkulu's booth

For the finest imported Turkish couture, visit Damla's booth. She has the exclusive rights to show the high-style Turkish line "Aprido" which is made of durable high-tech fabrics. All her clothes drape beautifully, are easy wear and wash, and are perfect for traveling. And tall, lovely Damla models them perfectly!


G. Laethem Fine Art & Antiques

For investment quality paintings and furniture, check out Gary Laethem's booth. He also shows at St. Augustine, Florida and Aspen, Colorado.


Late 18th century walnut cupboard from an estate in Carpentras, France at Kathy Morris of Georgian Times Antiques


French antique shutters, American Sheraton child's chair, vintage English mirrors, 19th century New England tole ware bread tray at A Dilbeck Antiques

Vintage French cafe table and antique wood corbels at Kathy Morris's booth

Antique French, Dutch and English cream ware, 19th century English pewter, and vintage French gilded sconces at A Dilbeck Interiors

Note: All the dealers above are in the North Building at Scott's.

Dressing a Naked Cupboard

2011-02-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

For every "naked" cupboard, there's a different way to "dress" it. In fact, there are dozens of ways depending on your whims, your collections, and the seasons. Which may be why I love them so much - what other piece of furniture can you change the looks of as often as a cupboard?

When I found this little English kitchen wall cupboard, it was in a sad state. The doors originally had glass panes, long gone, and although it had been painted green - my favorite color - it wasn't a very nice shade. So, Dress Number One: a good coat of gray paint..

The Naked Cupboard

Dressed for Winter

The Transitional Wardrobe

Adding some Spring accessories

New Spring Outfit

The pewter collection is a recent addition to my other obsessions. The little faux bois pitcher on the top shelf in the first three pictures is a piece I found last year in a flea market in St. Remy and looks lovely filled with daffodils in springtime, miniature sunflowers in summer and wild grasses in the fall. The small mounted head on the bottom shelf in the first picture is a 19th century Thai puppet head and came from the booth of Lynda and Eric Sermon, two of my favorite dealers in ethnic art at Scott's Antiques Market. The two contemporary rust-colored pottery pieces I've had for more than 25 years and were made by a friend in Southampton, New York who passed away a year after firing them. As you can see, I'm one of these people referred to as an "eclectic collector" which means I like just about everything!

Here are some cupboards that are beautifully dressed!

Source: House Beautiful, designer Susan Ferrier

Source: House Beautiful, Kitchen of the Month

Source: House Beautiful, designers Dana Abbott and Kim Fiscus

Source: Decor, Spring 2010

How is your cupboard dressed?

The Pantheon in Paris and the musee de Cluny

2011-02-25T12:07:00.001-05:00

When I travel to Provence, I like to fly direct to Paris and then take the TVG south. There's no way in the world I would consider going to France and not visiting Paris! On an earlier trip, I stayed in the Latin Quarter at the Hotel St. Jacques on rue des Ecoles which is situated just down the hill from the Pantheon. From the outside, the building looks almost ordinary, but inside...oh, my! The interior has undergone a complete restoration and is now looking it's glorious self. I urge you to make a point of visiting the Latin Quarter, if for no other reason but to tour these incredibly beautiful interiors. And then, while you're there, walk a few blocks to the musee de Cluny to see the world-reknown tapestries. Make it a morning visit and then enjoy lunch in a near-by bistro or cafe. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre will keep!


35, rue des Ecoles 75005 Paris

Tel +33 (0) 1 44 07 45 45

View of the Pantheon from the rue des Ecoles with Hotel Saint-Jacques on the left.

Across the rue des Ecoles from my hotel room

Scale model of the Pantheon


In the central domed hall of the Pantheon...a monument celebrating Napoleon's triumphant return to Paris

In the central hall, Fourcault's Pendulum

When you leave the Pantheon, enjoy a leasurely cafe au lait nearby and then stroll over to the musee de Cluny. Because the tapestries are so fragile, the lighting is kept very low. Therefore, some of the photographs are very muted, but I think they illustrate the beauty of these exceptional textiles. There are dozens on exhibit, so be prepared to spend an hour or two lost in the Middle Ages!

The entrance to the museum

Most of the tapestries illustrate the daily lives of both aristocrats and commoners

Isn't she beautiful!

Lady of the Unicorns

A small portion from the "Retable de la Passion". 14th century bois polychrome

*All photos above taken by author with the exception of the last two.

Views of Provence ....

2011-02-23T13:23:00.001-05:00

Well, you didn't think we just shopped, did you? Here are a few scenes of beautiful Provence.

The glorious sunflowers of Provence


A river runs under it...under the village of L'Isle-sur-la- Sorgue, that is.

Private homes in Bonnieux

Antique shop in Bonnieux

Church in Bonnieux

Dovecote at a 19th century chateau, undergoing repair

Lagoon at Chateau Constantine

Our private patio at a Bastide outside Carpentras

Hotel de Ville, Chateauneuf du Pape

Well, hello there....

2011-02-23T12:00:00.032-05:00

...it's been a long, long time. Five months to be exact since I last posted. Lest you think me lazy, however, the time off was for a good reason - a few buying trips to England and Provence. And the new stock is here!

Here's a little preview. Please come see me and Kathy Morris of Georgian Antiques at Scott's Antiques Market in Atlanta during the March show 3/10 to 3/13. We're based in the North Building, Aisle B4, Booth number 309.


4-panel sepia canvas screen in the French style. 72"H x 22" W

$325.00

19th century French walnut musician's chair. Directoire period.

$450.00


19th century English side chair, original needlepoint seat

$245.00


Late 19th century English walnut stool

$145.00

A small selection of 19th century English signed pewter and English toleware

*Check out today's post in Cote de Texas' blog to see how Atlanta interior designer Jackye Lanham used pewter in one of her kitchen designs. Beautiful!

A small selection of antique and vintage English and French copper pots and ladles

19th century English landscape

$495.00

Scott's September Show

2010-09-16T15:46:00.013-04:00

The September show at Scott's was a sell-out for many dealers, a good sign the economy is slowly rebounding in the Atlanta area. Below, just a small sample of the wide variety of antiques one can always count on finding at Scott's. All are located in the North Building.

A small sampling of stock at Margaret Bostick's booth which always features lots of great French items.

Contemporary hand-made wood screen by Richard of Paragon Antiques out of Birmingham, AL


Fabulous French steel military desk from Paragon Antiques


Antique seals

Antique ship model at Kemp Hickey's booth

Signed landscape painting at Peter Spanos' booth


Charming signed painting at Peter Spanos

"Pere Noel", one-of-a-kind Santa at the booth of Kathy Morris of Georgian Times

Antique English brass, sampler, candle sticks, 17th century French lamp, all at Georgian Times

More antique English and French items found at Georgian Times

English and French antiques at A Dilbeck Interiors.

I love children's antique chairs. A close up of three of my favorites.

A rare antique Italian helmet and vest at Axelrod Antiques

Green Rooms

2010-08-30T14:02:00.000-04:00

As any reader of this blog knows by now, green is my favorite color. Herewith, rooms that are elegant or restful or vibrantly youthful, ... all in variations of green.

The palest of sage-green on the walls of the room below glows against the pure white woodwork. Notice how the leather seats on the dining chairs pick up the color and repeat the theme of green with white. And how about that table top!

Veranda (designer unknown)

While the pale, almost mint-green of the walls in the two rooms below would suggest the home is in the South, the addition of warm woods, and pieces of bamboo furniture would make the design appropriate almost anywhere.

House Beautiful (designer unknown)

One of my favorite combinations is sage-green and pale pine. The addition of plaid silk draperies adds a note of casualness to an otherwise formal room.

Design by Cynthia Hurley (Southern Accents)

The foyer of a home designed with a young family in mind. Here, lime green is relieved with lots of white, natural light and a wood floor.

Room designed by Janie Molstee (Southern Accents 2006)

Again, the successful combination of green chairs set around a dark wood table. I love the addition of the pale Swedish caned-back settes and side chairs.

Room designed by Ray Booth (Veranda)

Living room of the home designed for a young family. Again, wood and white take a little of the punch out of the lime-green wall color. And who said, red and green is just for the holidays!

Room designed by Janie Molstee

The use of fabric in separating adjoining rooms is very European. Here, the fabric both softens the stone walls, but when guests are over for dinner, the curtains can be loosened from the tie backs, hiding the kitchen and mess from view.

Sage-green portierres, looking from kitchen to dining room (Maisons de Campagne (Jan-Fev 2010)

Looking from dining room into kitchen

This exquisite library is in a home in California, although it could be almost anywhere. There is a timelessness about it, from the resida-green silk sofa to the khaki green of the paneling to the abundance of fine European furniture, it's a room that will never look dated.

Room designed by Jackie Lanham

And, last but not least, a bedroom designed by Suzanne Rheinstein, who expresses my sentiments about the color perfectly!

Bedroom designed by Suzanne Rheinstein (Southern Accents 2007)

Getting ready for Fall

2010-08-21T15:47:00.001-04:00

Well, the slipcovers are coming off the sofa next week, exposing the original, warm gold color once more. I've taken the antique French white linen tablecloth off the round table and replaced it with a silk stripe in sage-green, cream and coffee (my favorite trio of colors) and it looks richer, more interesting, somehow.

The pots of white orchids on the table have been replaced with a green vase filled with grasses from a field beyond the house, and I've moved the ethnic art back from their summer vacation in my husband's office. I think they're glad to be in the thick of things again.

I know, I know...too early for bringing out fall-inspired design, but the September issue of "House Beautiful" in the mail the other day prompted me to make a head-start. BTW, check out their feature about the contemporary house filled with...green!

A corner of our small living room with black and white prints above an early 19th century Chinese table of rosewood and ebony. The Chinese table/bench holds two of my Vicente Wolfe books, which I always enjoy looking through time and time again. Mask on the stand is Mossi from Africa, the seated figure is Oceanic from the Sepik River region (both purchased from Tribal Links http://www.triballinks.com/) several years ago, and the 18th century bronze bowl is Chinese.

The wingback armchair is from Ethan Allen covered in a French linen, the lamp was purchased years ago from Crate and Barrel, the white bowls are Song from China, and the wood figure is Songye from Africa. The pillow was made from yardage I had been hoarding from a previous house.

People who know I deal mostly in French and English furnishings are always surprised to see so much Chinese furniture, ethnic items and contemporary art in my home. But, that's one of the joys (and, occasionally perils!) of being in the trade: one has the opportunity to see so many beautiful things from around the world. How can one choose between a beautiful 19th century French walnut table from Provence and an early 19th century Chinese rosewood table from China? Well...if possible, have both!

19th century French walnut side table from Provence, English shield-back chair painted green with gilded highlights, vintage pier mirror, and 19th century English country child's chair.

Five years ago, my husband retired, and we downsized to a cottage which forced us to be very selective about what we chose to part with and what we chose to bring with us. I've recommended to friends who complain about clutter that they pretend they're about to retire. It really forces one to think about things that have come into our homes and just kind of overstayed their welcome - and things that we brought in because we loved them. Being an antiques dealer, it's always hard to leave something beautiful behind. But, I remind myself that somewhere there's someone else who will love it enough to buy it and keep it forever.

I would love to hear some of your stories. What do you have that, if possible, you would take with you if you were stranded on a Pacific island?

And I really need to hold my camera straight! Sorry about the tilted photos. Skipped Picasa's editing features...

Bonnieux, France

2010-08-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

While the fabulous garden, La Louve, is a great draw, the little village of Bonnieux has a charm all its own and well worth the visit. In fact, the Russell Crowe film "A Good Year" was filmed in and around the village.

Below, a few pictures of this lovely town high in the Provence-Alpes Cote d'Azur.

12 century Roman/Gothic church at the entrance to the village

Roman columns and arches

Typical 17th century shop fronts and residences.

Private residences. The rich ochre lime wash on the buildings is breathtaking at sunset!

Entrance to a private residence. Note the little black cat doorbell!

Street of antique shops

Private residences

I always wondered how the interiors were decorated. Old fashion Provencal fabrics, perhaps, with cherry wood side tables, armoires filled with regional quilts, brass candlesticks on tables beside an old carved walnut bed piled high with white linen shams and a down-filled comforter. Or... was the interior filled with clean-lined, ultra modern furniture from Paris? If only the shutters had been opened just a tiny bit. Hmmm...wonder if there's a law against curious, peeking Americans???

Boutique hotel in the heart of Bonnieux. Expedia has a list of more than a dozen hotels in and around Bonnieux

Leaving Bonnieux and on to Menerbes and Lacoste

Hmm...wonder if the owners would sell?

In closing - the very, very discreet entrance to the gardens of La Louve. If possible, plan your visit to Provence when the garden is open to the public. You won't regret it. Check online via the French Ministry of Culture or go directly to the La Louve website.

Fall anyone?

2010-08-20T17:43:00.000-04:00

Am I the only one ready for Fall to arrive? The flower beds are scraggly, the white slipcovers are looking drab and wrinkled, and after so much paleness, my psyche badly needs some color. So...

Get ready...

...by removing the white slipcovers from the chairs....

...by opening a nice bottle of Macon-Villages 2008

..and having a few friends over for supper!

Okay, there are still a few summery days before us, but after the hottest season on record, I'm seriously thinking of....pumpkins and gourds, rusty-orange mums, pale dried hydrangeas, candlelight everywhere in the house, mellow, earthy Burgundy instead of sangria....and is it too much to ask for a really nice roast leg of lamb with rosemary!

La Louve: Garden of the She-Wolf

2010-08-19T16:36:00.003-04:00

Since so many people enjoyed the earlier pictures I posted of La Louve, I have decided to show more of this remarkable private garden. Created in 1986 by Nicole de Vesian, a textile designer with the fashion house of Hermes, La Louve was declared one of the "Notable Gardens of France" by the French ministry.

Open to the public twice a year by appointment only, I was privileged to be part of a small group given a personal tour by the present owner, American Judith Pillsbury. Ms. Pillsbury has lovingly added to and maintained the garden since Ms. Vesian sold it. At the ripe age of 84, the latter went on to create another, smaller garden in the village.

Located in the small village of Bonnieux, which is in the Vaucluse region in Southern France, the garden is a series of outdoor 'rooms' many of which are in the Asian style. Enjoy the tour while being aware this incredible garden is clinging to a steep mountainside hundreds of feet above the valley!

Cypress clipped into topiaries. The smaller bushes are clipped rosemary and santolina

Santolina and rosemary

Small grotto built into the mountainside

Path leading from lower gardens to upper terrace

Clipped boxwood

Small pool fed by a mountain stream

Mixed bed utilizing native plants

Thousands of stones from the surrounding mountains were brought to the garden to create terraces, recesses and buttresses

August at Scott's Antiques Market in Atlanta II

2010-08-18T07:08:00.000-04:00

This is a second post featuring just a portion of the hundreds of dealers that show at Scott's Antiques Market each and every month. All the dealers below can be found in the North Building.

Penny, Christine and Kemp Hickey are long-time dealers at Scott's and have merchandise that is unlike anyone else's. Kemp's booth features a wide variety of vintage furniture and wonderfully decorative items. He is also a designer and brings his own creations, such as industrial-style tables, as well as lamps and funky lighting fixtures. Penny and Christine's booth always has one of the best collections of mirrors, large and small, made from antique and vintage architectural pieces, all highly sought by interior designers. Check out Kemp's website: kemp@kempdesigns.com

Vintage leather Chesterfield sofa, wicker trunks and a pair of antique pine doors at Kemp's booth

Mirrors made from vintage and antique windows, shutters and doors at Penny and Christine Kemp

Blue antique shutters and a mirror made from old window sashes

Damla Calapkulu's booth is filled with exotic treasures from her native Turkey. She always has a wonderful selection of ancient Turkish wood objects, and jugs and pitchers of brass and bronze, along with contemporary paintings. Damla also creates one of a kind jewelry made with old beads and hand-made glass. Her exotic fabrics are sought by collectors who appreciate the fine craftsmanship involved in hand-made items.

Ancient bronze and brass pitchers and containers from Turkey shown on delicate hand-made fabric

Antique Turkish table with brass tray, ancient wooden water jars

Laurie Prentice's booth is one of my favorites! She always have a wonderful selection of French and European antiques, along with the marvelous garden arrangements for which she is known. Laurie's shop is in a charming old cottage in downtown Woodstock that serves as the perfect environment for her furnishings. She also offers classes in flower arrangments, all with her own unique professional touch. Check out her website: www.lindeneuropeangardens.com.

Laurie Prentice with a small selection of European furniture and accessories

Antique wicker trunk, porcelain and clock faces

Jeanne M. Tardif of Creekside Ferns specializes in European cupboards and chests, as well as antique doors and other architectural items. She also carries exceptional botanical art.

Antique cupboard, chest and plate rack

Antique burlwood chest of drawers, screen made of antique door panels

August at Scott's Antiques Show in Atlanta

2010-08-17T11:13:00.002-04:00

Despite it being very hot and humid, over a thousand people flocked to Scott's Antiques Market this past weekend to see several hundred dealers display their wares. Below are just a few of the fine dealers who bring to Atlanta the best and the rare, as well as the funky! All the dealers below can be found each and every month in the North Building.

The first booth shown is that of Kathleen Morris of Georgian Times Antiques. In the trade for over fifteen years, Kathy brings 18th and 19th century English and French country antiques, along with some choice accessories, such as burlwood boxes, blue and white porcelain, and antique tallcase clocks. She strives to find only those pieces in original, mint condition. Below, just a very small sampling of her stock.

19th century English wicker trunks, pottery, joint stools and brass doorstops

Rare 19th century English travel trunk in skin; burl wood boxes

Karen Berryman of Old & Proud specializes in 18th and 19th century cream ware, and she always has an exceptional selection of 'smalls' - exquisite vases, tartan ware, miniature paintings, and antique French tapestry remnants, along with a few choice bamboo pieces. Karen's taste is renown.

18th and 19th century cream ware; Black Forest wood accessories

Creamware shown on an antique bamboo what-not

Sylvia Serres always has a fun booth! She features furniture and accessories that appeal to a wide variety of tastes and pocketbooks. She always has some unusual contemporary art, as well. If you're looking for affordable furniture and unique decorative accessories, don't miss her booth. She also manages to find a nice variety of tables and chairs. Her website is: http://www.artzoneusa.com/.

First in a series of "Cow" portraits by artist Alice Serres

Porcelain vases and decorative mirrors.

Second in the "Cow" portrait series by Alice Serres

Eric and Lynda Sermon of Tribal Links have the booth collectors of African, Oceanic, and Native North American artifacts head to first. The Sermons travel the world bringing back only the best representation of the genre. They also carry original folk art, as well as items transformed into art from the ordinary things the rest of us overlook. Eric offers a rewiring service for antique lighting fixtures, and Lynda brings in her one-of-a-kind decorative furniture. Check out their website http://www.triballinks.net/.

African currency in bronze, brass and copper, used for a wide variety of social transactions

Folk art game board and original contemporary sculpture

African and Oceanic tribal art displayed on a rare Mali mudcloth

Serious collectors of 20th century American paintings, prints and drawings visit the booth of Daniel Simhon Fine Art. All the art he features is by noted artists, each with its own detailed raissonne. While there, don't forget to look through Daniel's folios for his large selection of unframed art, especially his studio nudes. He also carries a fine selection of small antique tribal rugs, along with exceptional European Art pottery. Visit his website: www.trocadero.com/simhon.

20th century paintings, drawings and prints

Tribal rug and vintage American art

Our next stop is Mary Robertson, also one of the first booths interior designers head to when looking for exceptional decorative accessories enhanced with exotic shells from around the world. No one has Mary's eye when it comes to adding nature's jewels to ordinary mirrors, vanity items, sconces, and picture frames. Each item is one of a kind, and Mary offers a custom service, as well. Her work has been featured in several top American interior design publications. Below, just a few samples of her vast collection.

Large mirror embellished with more than a thousand shells from around the world

Antique glass and shell encrusted chandelier

Axe Antiques is a must for collectors, as well - but for entirely different items. Bob Axelrod is one of the top dealers in the US who specialize in weaponry: arms, armor and accoutrements, such as helmets and gauntlets. He is known to carry a fine variety of pistols dating from the early 1700s through the late 1890s. Many of his items are museum quality, and indeed, are often sought by curators for their collection. Bob is a member of the Appraisers Association of America. As noted below, even women are intrigued by his collection...

18th and 19th century pistols

Lloyd Chapman and Channing Mercer are the owners of the venerable company Joseph Konrad. Known for its exceptional collection of fine antiques from England, Europe, and China, this long-time establishment is visited by top interior designers who bring their clients the best of the best. Joseph Konrad also features a large selection of fine lighting, as well as top-quality English reproductions. When in Atlanta, visit their gallery on Miami Circle. Below, a very small selection of the company's inventory. The website is: www.josephkonrad.com.

19th century English coffers, cricket table, mirrored entry stand

Faux bamboo bookcase, English 19th century tables

Garden Elements With Style

2010-08-10T16:31:00.116-04:00

As Martha Baker states in her book "Garden Ornaments" (Clarkson Potter 1999), the garden is an outdoor room that is an extension of our homes, and, therefore, a personal expression of ourselves. Herewith, some gardens that have that personal expression.

East Hampton garden of interior designer Charlotte Moss

This is a simple trellis that could be built by almost anyone handy with hammer and nails. Many such trellises come ready made, found at local garden centers. The dark green color is used almost universally, since it doesn't compete with the plantings.

Antique garden urn surrounded by a tangle of vines

Classical elements used sparingly in a garden can have enormous impact. Cement urns and supports (new or antique) can be found at antiques shops and shows around the country.

Shown is an antique cast-iron bird bath, but a cement one from the local garden center would work just as well. Create a circle of grass or moss, stack some bricks in the center to elevate the birdbath, add soil and moss or small climbing vines, and you have created a wonderful focal point in your garden or courtyard. This is an easy weekend project and on my list. And the birds would love it, too!

While we all can't live in a penthouse in New York, this setting of lacy white wrought-iron furniture can be created in an ordinary home garden. Fortunately, this Edwardian-era garden furniture has never gone out of style and pieces like these can be found at antiques shops and shows around the country. Notice that the chairs and tables are not matched, but since they are of the same era, everything goes together. The string of bare bulbs lighting the scene shows that the owner isn't taking things too seriously!

Notre Dame de Paris en Sepia

2010-08-04T12:02:00.016-04:00

All photos by author

When these pictures were taken, a storm was moving in and the sky had darkened behind the cathedral. It was so dramatic and intense, I completely forgot that when a sky turns dark, rain usually follows. I believe the French phrase is "este trempe de la pluie"....getting soaked!

Some well known facts about Notre Dame de Paris:
She was built between 1163 and 1285 in the Gothic style.
Victor Hugo was only 28 when he wrote his novel "Notre Dame de Paris" (later changed to the "Hunchback of Notre Dame").
The Celts held services on the isle on which the cathedral stands, and later, the Romans erected a temple to Jupitor on the same grounds.

A little known fact:
Inset in the pavement directly in front of the cathedral is a brass plaque. All cities, towns and villages in France are measured in kilometers from this plaque.

Light the way....

2010-08-02T21:40:00.007-04:00

Design by Stephen Shubel (Veranda)

Design by Ray Booth of McAlpine Booth & Ferrier's (Veranda)

Design by Mary McDonald (Veranda 2008)

Design by Miles Redd (House Beautiful 2009)

Design by Toby West (Veranda 2009)

Metropolitan Home's "Glamour"

Doorways and Windows of Provence

2010-08-01T17:16:00.002-04:00

While they're not green, they're all quite typically and beautifully French!

1800 Danish painted chest

2010-08-01T12:44:00.001-04:00

A charming 1800 Danish painted chest in the shop of Wash DC antiquarian Marston Luce. (Southern Accents 2007)

A River Runs Under It

2010-08-01T12:31:00.002-04:00

This past May, a friend and I had the pleasure of staying at a restored mas in a small village north of Avignon. The river shown actually ran under my bedroom! Imagine falling asleep to the sound of gently flowing water....

Trudi Hurley

2010-08-01T09:22:00.001-04:00

Green check silk draperies in the home of New Orleans designer Trudi Hurley. Shown with a 19th century pine St. Nicholas clock from Normandy. (Southern Accents 1996)

19th century French table

2010-07-31T18:04:00.002-04:00

An exquisite little painted table in the foyer of a home in France. (Maison de Campagne 2010)

Leslie Newsom Rascoe

2010-07-31T08:44:00.001-04:00

A tablescape of green objects arranged by the talented Leslie Newsom Rascoe. (Veranda 2010)

Ancient Beauty

2010-07-30T06:17:00.000-04:00

These beautiful doors open into an exquisite 13th century church in Menerbes, a small village in the "golden triangle" of the Luberon in southern France.

La Louve

2010-07-30T06:09:00.000-04:00

Asian-style in the great French garden of La Louve in Bonnieux, France.

Lily Pond

2010-07-30T06:06:00.000-04:00

A lily pond at Chateau Constantin-Chavalier, a small winery in Provence.

Les Murets, Gordes

2010-07-30T06:01:00.000-04:00

A small corner of a private garden in a restored mas in the charming Provence village of Gordes.

Donna Temple Brown

2010-07-29T16:39:00.001-04:00

Another example of a beautiful tapestry in the home of interior designer Donna Temple Brown of Houston. (Veranda 2009)

John Saladino

2010-07-29T16:09:00.003-04:00

A beautiful example of a verdure tapestry in a room designed by John Saladino. (Veranda 2010)