Matisse in the Studio

Matisse in the Studio is currently taking place at the Royal Academy of Arts, offering you the chance to step into the artists studio. The exhibition promises to be more engaging than the usual with the aim to give a real insight into the mind of one of modern arts icons. The space has been filled, just like his original studio, with the treasured objects collected by the artist on his travels around the world, which proved to be a profound source of inspiration. This event offers the viewer a rare opportunity to see original Matisse works intermingling with his collection to provide a rich portrait of the artists private world.

Matisse went through a number of phases and styles during his career, producing a very diverse body of work, some of which can be seen below:

Paysage à Collioure

Madonna and Child

Moroccan Cafe

Brook with Aloes

Drawing from the exhibition ourselves, we took a look around Alfies at just a few of the many Matisse inspired works...

A garden scene signed by D Bereny, 1950s. Offered by John Cserny Fine Arts

Portrait of a lady by Peter Collins, 1950s. Offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

A lake scene, oil on board, 1930s. Offered by i Fine & Contemporary Art

'Metal Under Stress' by Joan Hewitt, 20th Century. Offered by Thomas Fine Art

Norh African street scene, oil on canvas, 1950s. Offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

Matisse in the Studio is exhibiting until 12th November 2017. Tickets can be purchased here.

Alfies & Church Street: Matt Mitchell

Matt Mitchell, specialists in 20th century design & interiors, have recently relocated to 24 Church Street. Although we were sad to see them leave, we were content with the knowledge that they would reside just across the road from Alfies, strengthening Church Street as the design destination for interior decorators, designers and vintage devotees. In fact, many of the independent dealers who line the street, started out at Alfies.

Matt Mitchell at No.24 Church Street - "Church Street has great atmosphere and some of the most interesting design in London, and we feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to open here."

Previously occupying the Second Floor Gallery, Matt Mitchell will continue to explore twentieth century design - bringing together modernism, Art Deco and architect-led industrial pieces.  Don't forget that as well as the shop, their full range will be available on their website and clients can view on request.

Be sure to visit the new shop which has been filled with glorious design pieces such as the items pictured below...

Italian Twin or Triple Bay Shelving Unit

Pair of Mid-Century Armchairs

"Como" Tea & Coffee Set by Sabattini for Christoffle

1960s Austrian Glass Wall Lights

A view of Matt Mitchell's shop, No.24 Church Street 

Alfies is located directly opposite the shop 

MattMitchell-London.com | 24 Church Street, London, NW8 8EP | +44 7932 678 410 | matt@mattmitchell-london.com

The Second Floor Gallery: Matt Mitchell London

A view of Matt Mitchell's stand

Venture up to the second floor and you will discover a design lover's haven. Ever since Matt Mitchell London moved in four years ago, their eye for modernism and unusual decorative pieces has transformed the Second Floor Gallery into a breathtaking 20th century design destination. They have recently expanded, adorning the extra light-filled space with their extensive collection of well designed objects evoking timeless beauty.

We asked Matt Mitchell a few questions...

How did Matt Mitchell London begin?

It all began with a Bertoia chair in the travel agent next door to Vivienne Westwood’s shop, Seditionaries, on the King’s Road back in the '70s.  I was about 15. I asked the manager if I could buy it - he said no at first but eventually said yes, and that was the beginning.

How would your describe your stock?

It’s a very personal mix of individual pieces.  At the heart of the collection is the simple aesthetic of European modernism, with a touch of glamour.   

Do you have any personal favourites in your collection?

I particularly like a rare brass vanity mirror from Sweden for the fabulous patina – and coming soon we have a terrific set of Italian teak dining chairs with very unusual architectural lines - but overall I think my current favourite is a fantastic minimal steel ceiling light with extra long brass stems and brass details.  It’s a 1950s piece from the Netherlands, and that’s all we know, but it has a strong presence, and would be a great piece to go over a dining table.

Personal favourite: Rare 1960s brass vanity mirror, available at Matt Mitchell London

Personal favourite: 1950s minimal steel ceiling light with brass details, available at Matt Mitchell London

What is the most highly sought after item you have in at the moment?

We have a beautiful Boomerang chair by the Danish designer, Peter Hvidt, with new linen upholstery and seductive feather cushions.  I bought this piece for myself about 30 years ago, and as they’re very much harder to find these days I think I might keep it!

Boomerang chair by Danish designer, Peter Hvidt, available at Matt Mitchell London 

Which designer do you admire the most and why?

I like Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld because they made everything from chairs to lampposts and even trams.

Pyramid Chair by Wim Rietveld, available at Matt Mitchell London

Friso Kramer "Reply" Drafting Table, available at Matt Mitchell London

What piece would you love to find?

At the moment I’d love to find a Maico Mobil scooter, and I’d love to be able to afford it if I did!

Your favourite film set design and why?

This is a great question! There are some beautiful scenes in Mon Oncle by Jacques Tati. I like the counterpoint between the Uncle’s apartment and the modern house. It was one of the early influences on my interest in design. 

A scene from Mon Oncle, 1958

If you could own any piece of art from history what would it be?

I recently visited the Cosmonauts exhibition at the Science Museum, so I’m currently thinking about Soviet bronzes or any other Soviet Constructivist works.

What do you think is the next big interior trend?

I’ve never been a big believer in trends, I prefer to follow my own instinct. I like pieces with character and history, that look like they belong and might always have been around, rather than pieces we’ve added to follow rules. I think a lot of people who shop with us approach their choices that way. It’s not a question of getting a look, more of something indefinable and individual.

A view of Matt Mitchell's stand

A view of Matt Mitchell's stand

French Modernist Dining Sets, 1960s, available at Matt Mitchell London

Brass & Silk Fringe Chandelier, Sweden 1960s, available at Matt Mitchell London

Matt Mitchell London will be holding a Midsummer Sale in Rooms S011 and S013 with special prices on selected pieces across their other Second Floor Gallery showrooms. For more info please contact Matt or Jayne, details below.

Matt Mitchell London
Second Floor Gallery | Stands S001-S013
Tel: 07776 196 550 | Email: matt@mattmitchell-london.com
www.mattmitchell-london.com

___________________________________________________________________

Just around the corner at stand S052, is Creative Jewellery Company whose main area of speciality is in hand made unique jewellery, custom made for each individual to their own personal requirements. They also provide a jewellery repair and restoration service.

Face of Fortune chandelier earrings, inspired by the Mouth of Truth in the Church of Santa Maria, Rome. By Creative Jewellery Company

Read our blog post about Creative Jewellery company here.

Creative Jewellery Company 
Second Floor Gallery | Stand S052 | Tel: 07754 059 856

Scandimania: Norway and Beyond

A Spring cultural celebration of Scandinavia's art, music, cinema and folk culture, opened yesterday at the Dulwich Picture Gallery and will run until 15 May. Peruse a variety of Scandi market stalls and all things Scandi-inspired. This event is influenced by Painting Norway: Nikolai Astrup; one of Norway's most renowned artists, Astrup's work transforms the rugged Norwegian landscape into a mythical, living entity.

Scandinavian design is abundant at Alfies and is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the 1950s. The idea that beautiful and functional everyday objects should not only be affordable to the wealthy, but to all, is a core theme in the development of modernism and functionalism. Its aesthetic has proved timeless and is a favourite amongst interior designers. We’re familiar with classic 1950s and 1960s Scandinavian chairs: Eero Aarnio’s Ball, Arne Jacobsen’s Egg, Eero Saarinen’s Tulip, which you can usually find adorning the fashionable homes of design addicts. However, it is not just the heritage brands making waves; Nordic countries now boast some of the best design schools in the world.

You too can own a design classic! The following items are just  a small example of Scandi pieces available at Alfies... 

Sigvard Bernadotte 1954 two-seater, offered by Thirteen Interiors

Mid Century Holmegaard 'Canada' Smoke Glasses, Denmark, offered by Robinson Antiques

Danish Silver Plated Tea and Coffee Set by Cohr, offered by The Moderns

Three-Tiered Danish 1950s Chandelier with Teak, Denmark, offered by The Moderns

Danish 1950s scissor lamp, offered by Thirteen Interiors

Three-Tiered Danish 1950s Chandelier with Teak, Denmark, offered by Matt Mitchell London

And don't forget, Alfies and the Church Street antiques area are hosting a week of pop-up shops and activities in collaboration with this year’s London Design Festival, between 20 and 24 September 2016, when you can get up close and personal with these beautiful objects!