Knot Just A Scarf

With winter well upon us it's time to wrap up and keep warm. But why just keep warm with a plain coat or hat when you can add a touch of style and class with a fabulous neckerchief. Here at Alfies you can find a beautiful array of silk, designer and illustrated vintage scarves available from Tin Tin Collectables. 

Here are just a few Alfies have to offer;

A 1950s scarf by Jacqmar (artist unknown) of the R.M.S. Queen Mary. Heavily detailed with great costume references.

“Jacqmar Presenting”  has sketched images representing various BBC Home Service programmes. The message on this scarf was to encourage people to listen only to the BBC. 1940s rayon scarf by Arnold Lever for Jacqmar.

Founded by Joseph “Jack” Lyons and his wife Mary in 1932. The couple felt that J H Lyons did not sound classy enough so they combined their first names and Jacqmar was born. Based in a very elegant house on 16 Grosvenor Street in Mayfair, the company was originally a supplier of fine silks to the London and Paris couture houses but discovered that being left with fabric remnants was not cost effect, together they worked on the idea of producing scarves made from the left over fabric and today are one of the most famous producers of silk scarves.

A 1950s scarf ‘Pennies from Heaven’ by Marcel Vertes.

 

A 1942 scarf ‘Combined Operations’ was formed by Churchill to bring together the best of British Military. 

The 8th Army Air Force scarf by Arnold Lever. This scarf contains the names of bombers and fighter planes of the US 8th Army Air Force.

The WW2 propaganda Jacqmar scarves designed by Arnold Lever are some of the most rare and sought after scarves to be produced. So much so that some of his designs are now collected as museum pieces. His amazing designs show an insight into life during the war. Although silk could not be used during WW2 it wasn't long until the scarves came back into production and ladies were able to purchase again from 1945.

A 1943 propaganda scarf depicts Winston Churchill with his iconic cigar and extracts from his most famous speeches.

A 1950s scarf depicting the interior of the Royal Opera House Covent Gardens. Printed by Jacqmar - artist possibly Arnold Lever.

 

The Lullington Silk Scarf

This signed Arnold Lever scarf depicts the Lullington Silk mills. The background is mulberry leaves with a silk loom in the foreground, the whole machine being operated by a ‘crowned’ silk worm. Lulington silk famously produced silk for Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress.

'All around the underground’ a 1950s humorous scarf by Arnold Lever depicting images of the underground seen from different stations.

The company carried on throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s with continued designs of scenic renderings, bold colours, and geometric shapes. Today Jacqmar remains one of the most sought after designers leading the way in designing and producing silk scarves.

For more information and to view the full range available pop in for a visit and speak to Tin Tin Collectables on our ground floor.

Furniture & Design at Alfies

The annual Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, from 20 to 25 January, unites the antiques and interior design trades. The fair brings together a wide range of decorative antiques, 20th century design, collectors’ items, art and accessories.

Alfies is the perfect destination for those who like to furnish their home with aesthetically pleasing objects, each item is carefully sourced by our dealers and of the utmost quality. On each floor you will find an outstanding selection of furniture, homeware, art and lighting. You will also find a lot of highly acclaimed designer pieces such as the Result Chair by Friso Kramer (offered by Design SECT), the 1970s Artona Dining Set by Afra & Tobia Scarpa (offered by The Moderns), or the black leather Charles Eames soft pad office chair, offered by Francesca Martire.

If you appreciate good design, feast your eyes on the following items, all available at Alfies:

Italian 1950s Chandelier with Decorated Glass Shades, offered by The Moderns

Mid-Century oak writing desk, offered by Design SECT

Sculptural chest of drawers by Christian Maas with original certificate, offered by Sambataro Decorative Arts

1930s green Keith Murray vase, offered by Beth

Mid century globes, offered by Travers Antiques

Wooden chests of drawers, lined on the outside with zinc. Industrial look. Art Deco, French. Offered by Nadine Okker

Assorted mid century pineapples, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

Large French abstract rug c1960, offered by Martin Rooney 

1970s Murano glass vase, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

And with Burns Night fast approaching, why not celebrate in style with vintage whisky glasses from Robinson Antiques or W & L Antiques, and the Edwardian Whisky Dispenser (below) from Tin Tin Collectables Luggage.

Edwardian etched glass whisky dispenser, offered by Tin Tin Collectables Luggage

Robinson Antiques stock a fine selection of antique glassware including cocktail glasses, champagne coupes, decanters, wine and whisky glasses.

NEW! in at Alfies

January blues? Bored of the sales? Brighten up your week by checking out some new pieces here at Alfies.

Pelham marionette puppets from the 1950s and 1960s, offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary.

Thunder Birds pelham puppets boxed and unused, vintage 1960s. Offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary.

Pair of 1960s lamps with a wood and iron base and stand. Offered by Good Time Antiques.

Polka dice bottle opener from the 1950s. Offered by Robinson Antiques.

The London Art Fair

The London Art Fair starts next week. In its 27th edition; this year it will take place at The Business Design Centre from 21-25 January 2015. Highly renowned Modern British art is presented alongside contemporary work from today's leading, and unknown, artists. The fair covers the period from the early 20th century to present day. There are also two curated sections focusing on younger galleries, new work and contemporary photography.

Alfies has a long history of supporting contemporary art and design and many Alfies dealers specialise in prints, paintings and sculpture. Here is a selection of our favourite pieces.

Cubist Man With Guitar, oil on board painting. Offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts.

Pair of stylised owl, bronze, radiator ornaments, c1925. Mounted as book ends. Signed Ed. M. Sandoz and Susse Frères. Offered by Angry Agent.

Oil portrait in the style of Hollands famous 17th century painter Frans Hals by Henri Wouter, 1866-1936. Offered by The Moderns.

A pair of very attractive abstract form swan sculptures in cast bronze from France C 1970. Offered by Travers Antiques.

Poppy Field by the Sea, by Pascal Bueno. b.1930. Offered by Diplomat Treasures International.

Geometric abstract Op Art style painting, acrylic on board. Painter: Roel Rolleman, Holland, 1983.  Offered by The Moderns.

  

January's Birthstone

Garnet is believed to get its name from Latin for "seed" (granate) due to red garnet's similarity to a pomegranate seed. Red is the most commonly encountered garnet, however few people are aware that the world of garnets is far more colourful with a surprising number of hues. You will find various shades of green, a faint to intense yellow, a fiery orange and some fine earth-coloured tones. 

Not only do garnets have many colours; they also have many names: almandine, andradite, demantoid, grossularite, hessonite, pyrope, rhodolite, tsavorite, spessartine, and uvarovite. The best known green garnet is the tsavorite, like all garnets, it is particularly brilliant.

The garnet represents constancy, it is also a stone of positive thoughts which is said to dispel and relieve depression, which makes it a rather befitting stone for the month of January!

At Alfies our dealers have an impressive selection of garnet jewellery on offer. Below is an array of garnet in it's most prominent shade; red.

15 carat gold and foil backed garnet cufflinks, offered by Gareth Brooks.

18ct garnet Victorian buckle, retailed by Storr & Mortimer. Original box. Offered by Kieron Rielly.

Bohemian garnet bracelet featuring three rows of garnet stones set in 6ct gold. Offered by Naneen Brooks.

9ct Victorian snake ring with garnet. Offered by Kieron Rielly.

Garnet bangle set in 6ct gold. Circa 1910.Offered by Sheila Cameron.