Futuro House

Having landed at Central Saint Martins in 2015 for an initial year long stay, The Futuro House visit to King's Cross has now been extended until Summer 2017 by popular demand. Futuro is a round, prefabricated house designed by Matti Suuronen, of which fewer than 100 were made between the 1960s and 1970s. The distinctive flying saucer-like shape and airplane hatch entrance has made the houses popular among collectors.

The Futuro House at King's Cross

Matti Suuronen. Photo from: We worship bears | Taken from architectuul.com

The King's Cross model, painstakingly restored by artist Craig Barnes, is one of only approximately 60 still in existence today. The rare 1970s structure will act as a working space, host to a variety of performances, screenings, talks and more.

We took inspiration from Futuro and discovered lots of Space Age style items at Alfies which wouldn't look out of place in a flying saucer!

1950s table light, available from  Thirteen Interiors

1950s wooden and string geometric style hanging light, available from Steven Lazarus

An original stool from 1962 - designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, available from Thirteen Interiors

A glass top coffee table with chrome Sputnik base, 1970s European. Available from Christine Murray

Brian Willsher wooden abstract sculpture, c1965. Available from Robinson Antiques.

Riihimaki glass vases, 1970s, Finnish. Available from Robinson Antiques. 

Large contemporary plastic nose, offered by Diplomat Treasures International

Illustration for Science Fiction comic, offered by Diplomat Treasures International

Oyster wall lights, available from Thirteen Interiors

Pair of Knubling Table Lamps by Anders Pherson for Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden Original 1960s, available from Thirteen Interiors

Plona folding chairs, Italy, available from Vincenzo Caffarella

Set of five chrome suspension spiral lamps attributed to Angelo Mangarotti, available from The Moderns

Mothers Day at Alfies

Mother's Day falls this weekend, Sunday 26th March. This is a time to celebrate the women in your life and show them the love they deserve.

If you're still searching for the perfect gift then don't worry, Alfies has some ideas for you. An antique gift is always unique, green and comes with a fantastic story.

You could even bring mum with you, and treat her to a slice of cake in the Roof Top Kitchen!

A 1950s Stanley Haglar floral bouquet brooch. Offered by April Antiques

A 1930s French mirrored jewellery box. Offered by Andrew Martin at stand F046-49/F057-58

A pair of 1960s Triffari faux pearl earrings. Offered by April Antiques

A 1930s china facemask. Offered by Connie Speight

A 1940s crystal and brass martini jug. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

A 1950s enamel floral daisy brooch. Offered by April Antiques

A 1957 silver powder compact with carnation design. Offered by Connie Speight

A 1960s shell mirror. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

A Gripoix flower brooch. Offered by April Antiques

Daniel Raphael: New Gallery Opens on Church Street

The Daniel Raphael Art Gallery is a new addition to the Church Street family at No. 26 across the road from Alfies. The gallery opened last week, Friday 10 March, with their launch exhibition featuring works from six contemporary artists.

Daniel is the youngest trader on Church Street, having recently graduated from the University of Bristol with a view to pursuing a dream in the art world. One of the main aims of the gallery space, is to provide a platform for interactive, thought provoking and original exhibitions. The space will display both the works of well-established  and emerging artists, helping new artists establish themselves in the art world.

The location at number 26 is also comprised of several studio spaces, which are available to rent on a monthly basis - the gallery boasts WiFi and an outdoor garden/patio area, as well as all the usual amenities such as kitchen and bathroom. This combination of studio and gallery space provides artists with the unique opportunity to work and exhibit in the same environment. 

Below are some examples of work you will find on display in the exhibition, all from up and coming artists.

 The Girls, by Audrey Dangoor.

Black Water Reservoir, 2017. By Victoria Young Jamieson.

Hampstead Pond Early Spring. By Simon Hatchard Parr. 50 x 60 inches.

Blackwater Reservoir, by Madeleine Gardiner. 100 x 100cm.

Daniel Raphael Art Gallery
26 Church Street, London, NW8 8EP
www.danielraphael.co.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @danielraphaelart

Spring is in the Air

Spring is the period of time between the vernal equinox, which falls around 21 March each year, and the summer solstice, which takes place every year on 21 June. The beauty of spring make us feel joyful and as the season sets in, the trees put forth new leaves, seeds sprout, flowers bloom and there is a sense of renewal and new life all around. 

At Alfies there's no shortage of Spring inspired items. Take a look at our delightful selection.

Victorian botanical print, Narcissus, available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

Left: Murano glass rabbit; Right: Small glass rabbit c1960s. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

1950s silver bunny small pendant charm, available from Good Time Antiques

Chinese vase with garden scene, c1880, available from Diplomat Treasures International

Bonsai - Privet, with 1920s Chinese ornaments, 7 pieces, available from Hongman Yang

Handpainted floral gilt mirror, available from June Victor at Alfies

Original Art Deco wall plaque by Burleigh pottery, available from Beth

Women Of The World

The 2017 edition of the Women of the World festival is due to begin next week at London's Southbank Centre and coincides with International Women's Day, which falls annually on 8th March. The event runs from Tuesday 7 - Sunday 12 March and tickets can be purchased here.

The Festival was set up in 2010 with the aim of celebrating women from many cultures and backgrounds across the globe, looking at obstacles they face and championing achievements, in the hope of inspiring future generations of young women.

The festival is set up to be diverse; showcasing a range of performers and holding workshops and mentoring sessions. Influential speakers are also an important part of the festival and in the past have included names such as Annie Lennox, Vivienne Westwood, Julie Walters and Grayson Perry.

Being home to a diverse range of stock, Alfies of course has a number of items depicting women across the world. Here are a few of our favourites.

Chinese reverse glass painting, late 19th Century. Offered by Hongman Yang

Namji fertility doll from Ghana, early 20th Century. Offered by Diplomat Treasures International

Art Nouveau alabaster maiden sculpture, 19th Century Italian. Offered by Diplomat Treasures International

Portrait of a Hindu lady by Archibald Zigler, oil on canvas, 20th Century. Offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

English wood carving of a Tribal African woman, 1950s. Offered by Andrew Martin at stand F046-49/F057-58

Headshots of famous American actresses, 20th Century. Offered by i Fine and Contemporary Art

Pencil drawing of a woman signed by P J Hopkins, late 20th century. Offered by John Cserny Fine Arts

Austrian painted terracotta tribeswoman, 1950s. Offered by Andrew Martin at stand F046-49/F057-58