Chelsea Flower Show

It's that time of year again when the best in garden design is showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  Held at Chelsea since 1912, it is the most famous flower and landscape gardens show in the world, attracting visitors from all continents.

There are four grades of awards presented – gold, silver-gilt, silver and bronze – in each of the categories listed below. Bronze grade exhibits do not actually receive a medal.

Awards categories:

•     Flora Gardens and floral exhibits

•     Hogg Exhibits of trees

•     Knightian Exhibits of vegetables, including herbs

•     Lindley Exhibits of special educational or scientific interest

•     Grenfell Exhibits of pictures, photographs, floral arrangements and floristry

You have until the 27th of May to view the inspirational garden displays at the Royal Chelsea Hospital.

At Alfies, we spotted lots of delightful floral adorned items. Here are our top picks..

1930s Newhall floral plate. Available from Beth.

1980s emerald floral print blouse. 100% silk. Available from Dispensary Vintage.

Victorian Floral Brooch. Available from Zeeba Jewels.

Ogdens St. Julien tobacco ad. Flowers. Available from Dodo.

Japanese hand painted vase, 1880-1900. Available from Horner Antiques.

Clerkenwell Design Week: International Design at Alfies

This year's Clerkenwell Design Week will take place 23-25 May 2017 (less a week, more an intense two day extravaganza) and celebrates its 8th anniversary. As the leading  UK’s leading independent design festival, CDW expects an increase on last year's 34,000+ attendees and will host design led exhibitions and events across 8 official, and several more unofficial, CDW venues. Last year it was also announced as Winner of Best UK Tradeshow at the AEO Awards 2016.

The focus for 2017 is the best of international design and to celebrate, we've rounded up our top picks of new in design pieces from around the globe at Alfies.

Czech educational chemical molecular models (left model c6 h12, right model ETANOL)
 – Mid Century. From The Moderns at Alfies.

Leucos domed table light, 1970s. From Cupio on the First Floor Mezzanine at Alfies.

Modular tubular vase, brass plated, 1970s/80s. From The Moderns at Alfies.

Elegant Italian desk c1955. Mahogany top, black lacquered metal legs, cream lacquered panels and drawers.
Available from Martin Rooney at Alfies.

1960s Chrome chairs By Poul Nørreklit. From Thirteen Interiors at Alfies.

May's Birthstone: Emerald

The Emerald is a jewel of long history, legend and fascination. Whilst there are other green gems such as Jade, Tourmaline and Peridot, it is always the Emerald that is associated with landscapes and nature because of its vivid colour - Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle and Seattle is referred to as the Emerald City. Even Thailand's most sacred religious icon is known as the 'Emerald Buddha'. The name is derived from Ancient Greece and the first known Emerald mines were in Egypt, with Cleopatra being particularly fond of the gem, using them to adorn many of her royal outfits.

The stone is part of the 'Beryl' family of gemstones and legend says that it holds a number of mystical properties, including being able to see into the future if the stone is placed under the tongue. Not to mention its use to reveal the truth and ward off evil spirits.

The colour of the Emerald is said to reflect new Spring growth, making it the perfect birthstone for the month of May, and of course here at Alfies we have some perfect Emerald pieces to offer.

An Austrian/Hungarian emerald and pearl silver bracelet, 1860s/70s. Offered by Zeeba Jewels.

Left to Right: A two carat diamond and three carat emerald ring, 1980s; A French Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, 1930s. Offered by Kieron Reilly

A Wedgwood shell plate 1920s/30s. Offered by W & L Antiques

A diamond and emerald bow brooch, 1940s. Offered by Zeeba Jewels

Art Deco diamond and emerald rings, 1930s. Offered by Kieron Reilly

An American jug with diamond detailing, 1940s. Offered by Renato

An emerald and diamond 18ct necklace, 1980s, Offered by Zeeba Jewels

History of the Trunk

Trunks became very popular in the Victorian Era, at this point railroads were established as well as inter-continental travel by water, making long distance trips more accessible and thus easier to transport luggage.

A view of Tin Tin Collectables Luggage

Early trunks were usually a simple lockable wooden box with a paper-lined interior, but like most things from the Victorian period, went on to become intricately designed making them attractive as well as functional. They were covered in leather (or sometimes painted with ornate designs), paper, canvas and some form of decorative metal hardware. This was offset by practical features such as different compartments, drawers, trays and hangers.

Trunks were ubiquitous up until the 1920s, solidifying their position in history and paving the way for our continued interest and current use as decorative furniture, such as a storage chest or even a coffee table.

Below are just a few examples of trunks available at Tin Tin Collectables Luggage.

1910 French 'mocodile' trunk in printed canvas with polished wooden struts. 

Low steamer with solid lock, studs, knuckles and painted panels with original labels.

Rare and well conditioned Campaign trunk, circa 1900s. Originally the property of Col. J W Hackett (eventually Lieut. General). Solid leather construction with original padlock and key over brass hasp. 

 Large and impressive French ocean liner trunk from 1910. Heavily ribbed canvas outer with polished wooden banding and brass locks and trimming with leather edging.

Leslie Verrinder of Tin Tin Collectables gives his advice on caring for your antique and vintage luggage in a special Homes & Antiques cut out and keep article.

Tin Tin Collectables Luggage is based on the first floor at Alfies.
Stand F014
020 7258 1305