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

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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

Lumiere London - See the City in a New Light

London Lumiere is a free festival exhibiting 30 dazzling light displays in locations across London every night from 14 until 17 January, 6.30pm to 10.30pm. They include some of London's most iconic spots; King's Cross, Piccadilly, Mayfair, and Trafalgar Square. Enjoy a spectacular array of illuminations from animated projections, LED installations and giant animal sculptures, to beautiful multicoloured martyrs that decorate Westminster Abbey.

Garden Of Light by TILT

London by Janet Echelman/ Studio Echelman

Dresses by Tae Gon Kim

Neon Dogs by Deepa Mann-Kler

At Alfies we have an extensive range of beautiful and colourful lights available, with over 75 dealers to choose from. In honour of the festival we have picked out some of our favourite pieces:

Pair 1950s blue Val St.Lambert lamps, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

From top left to bottom right: 1970s German hand blown table lamp by Doria. A Vistosi Pipe Lamp, Italy 1960s. A large Mid-Century chandelier of brass and spun and lacquered aluminium, and a wonderful pair of 1970s fan-shaped lights of Italian Murano glass. All offered by Matt Mitchell London

From top left to bottom right: Holmegaard ‘Kreta’ Pendant mauve glass light by J. E. Bang for Fog & Morup 1964, Table lamp design by Aldo van den Nieuwelaar 1967, Danish 1950s orange glass ceiling light, and a 1950s chrome floor lamp. All offered by Thirteen Interiors

Pair of round moulded glass lamps, 1950s, offered by Steven Lazarus

Murano Lamp offered by Louise Verber Antiques

Stunning yellow, blue and red Murano glass horn shaped lamp from the 1970s/1980s.
Offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

Pair of Italian Black & White Glass Pendant Lights, 1970s. Offered by Thirteen Interiors

Pair of table lights Romeo, Italian 1970s. Offered by The Moderns

Stunning hand blown glass lamps designed by Tapio Wirkkala, produced by Ittala, 1957-1965. Offered by The Moderns






 

Remember Remember Alfies November

"Remember remember the 5th of November!"

This weekend Britain will commemorate the failed gunpowder plot with traditional bonfires and firework displays all over the country in memory of, mainly, Guy Fawkes who was caught attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

Gunpowder Plot, 1605

The tradition remembers the failure of the Gunpowder Plot that took in place November 1605 under the Houses of Parliament by a group of Roman Catholic activists led by Warwickshire-born Robert Catesby, who planned to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. 

When Protestant King James I acceded Queen Elizabeth, English Catholics had hoped that the persecution they had felt for the last 45 years would finally end, but when this didn't happen the conspirators plotted to assassinate the King and his ministers during the state opening at the Houses of Parliament. The plotters secured the lease to an undercroft beneath the House of Lords, and Fawkes was placed in charge of 36 barrels of gunpowder that they smuggled in a cellar below the House of Lords. It has been discovered this was enough to destroy not only the entire building but anything within a 500 metre radius.

The scheme started to fall apart when an anonymous letter sent to William Parker, the 4th Baron Monteagle, warned him not to avoid the House of Lords. This lead to the authorities searching Westminster Palace during the early hours of 5 November, and found Fawkes guarding the explosives. Over the next few days, he was questioned and tortured, and eventually he broke. Immediately before his execution on 31 January, Fawkes jumped from the scaffold where he was to be hanged and broke his neck, thus avoiding the agony of the mutilation that followed.

Today the tradition of searching Parliament before a state opening still takes place every November since 1928, by the Yeomen of the Guard, and they are still armed with lanterns.

Fawkes has become synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, the failure of which has been commemorated in Britain since 5 November 1605. His effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, commonly accompanied by a fireworks display.

Take a look at our range of dazzling sparklers, good enough to "Oooohhh!" and "Aaaahhh!" at.

A selection of 1960s silver charms, offered by Good Time Antiques

A stunning collection of 1970s Scottish glass paper weights, offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

A hand coloured print over 100 years old, perhaps unloading the barrels of gunpowder, offered by Moe Heidarieh

A dazzling burst of colour that looks like spinning catherine wheels. A 20th century Murano glass mirror, offered by Sambataro

Beautiful fireworks style Scottish glass paper weights, offered by Gloria Sinclair

A pearl and 18ct gold brooch/pendant. An orange Burmese pendant and a stunning amethyst 18ct gold pendant, all offered by Pars Jewellery

A gorgeous 1920s winter coat, offered by Tin Tin Collectables

A fun vintage silk scarf depicting a rainy day, 'Raining Cats And Dogs', offered by Tin Tin Collectables

The London Design Festival: Alfies and the Church Street Design Trail

We're excited that Alfies and the Church Street Design Trail will launch on Thursday 24 September, during the London Design Festival this year. This special day will consist of talks, exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops.

We have collaborated with the Church Street furniture shops to put Marylebone on the map, many of which stock covetable design pieces. A tour of these shops will be led by Leon Young of Young & Son, an established antiques furniture dealer and LAPADA member. Follow Leon as he gives a fascinating insight into the range of design pieces on the street and how many of these dealers launched their businesses.

Alfies dealers Emilia & Luis of Thirteen Upholstery Workshop will hold an upholstery demonstration; watch in awe as they work their magic touch on tired furniture, giving it a new lease of life. Leslie of Tin Tin Collectables will be hosting a talk about the influence of politics on fashion design through the ages, and Matt Mitchell London will have on display two iconic pieces by British furniture designer Robin Day, to coincide with his centenary this year.

1950s single Italian armchair reupholstered in yellow velvet, offered by Thirteen Interiors

1950s leather desk lamp by Jacques Adnet, offered by Matt Mitchell London

1950s style mobile by Manuel Marin, offered by Angry-Agent

Sam Gullam of Lacock Gullam will be discussing how he conceived the design for Church Street’s new market sign posts, which draws some inspiration from the modernist nature of pieces on offer at Alfies and Church Street.

Lacock Gullam Church Street sign post

Not only that we will also have complimentary bubbly on offer, plus tasty treats will be available at the Roof Top Kitchen, as usual. Do not miss out!

The London Design Festival runs from 19 – 27 September and is one of the world’s most important annual design events encompassing a wide range of design disciplines.

The Rise and Fall of Biba Fashion Stores

Biba, a London born fashion store of the 1960s and 1970s, was created and run by Barbara Hulanicki and her husband Stephen Fitz-Simon.

At first, Biba was a small fashion boutique, selling Art Nouveau decor and Rock and Roll decadence. Opened in Abingdon Road in Kensington in September 1964, when their second shop opened in 1965 on Kensington Church Street the first mail order catalogues were distributed, creating a new and unique shopping experience from home. This also meant that customers did not have to travel to London to purchase from them.

The first Biba store minutes before it opened.

In 1974, the Biba shop moved to a seven story department store which, since its opening day, has attracted up to a million customer weekly. The store had different departments, each floor accompanied by its own theme and logo. The floors consisted of a children's floor, a floor for men's fashion, a floor for women's, a food market, a book store and a home floor which sold decorating items and soft furnishings.

A collection of the different Biba logos for different departments

For those avid collectors out there, there are crucial notes for collecting Biba pieces, as Biba did not label their clothing with their logo until 1968; before then labelling pieces with a small white label with the size in red print. If an item has the Biba font but not the logo, it was made between 1968 and was phased out in 1971. All items after 1971 had official printed labels - gold on black and later black on gold. Collectors must be aware that the modern Biba label looks very similar to the vintage one.

Tin Tin Collectables at Alfies - who deal in vintage clothing and costume accessories - have a wonderful collection of PR catalogue photographs from Biba in the 1960s. These photos show a mother and daughter scene: each image showcasing a woman in an elegant and very Art Nouveau outfit, with a young girl in a matching version. Leslie Verrinder from Tin Tin is lucky enough to have eight of these pages, where most collectors only manage to purchase six. Leslie's Biba collection is available to view and purchase at Alfies.

A picture from the Biba Fashion Catalogues.

A matching mother/daughter outfit catalogue photo

Fantastic examples of Biba fashion

Vintage Biba clothing