New Dealer: Planet Bazaar

A view of the Planet Bazaar stand

We welcome new dealer, Maureen of Planet Bazaar to Alfies. Maureen has provided a sourcing service for unique 20th Century pieces for the home for the past 20 years.

A view of the Planet Bazaar stand

We asked Maureen a few questions to find out more...

How did Planet Bazaar begin?
From my desire for collecting vintage pieces.

How would you describe your stock?
Passionate, colourful and eclectic.

A view of the Planet Bazaar stand

What is the most highly sought after item you have in at the moment?
The eyeball floor lamp.

The eyeball lamp

Which designer do you admire, and why?
Ettore Sottsass - because his work speaks to me.

Ettore Sottsass

What piece would you love to find?
I know it when I see it. I don't set out to find a piece. It's what gazes back at me from an object or work of art - the like of collecting.

If you could own any piece of art from history what would it be?
One of Francis Bacon's Screaming Popes.

 Screaming Pope by Francis Bacon

Visit the Planet Bazaar stand located on the first floor at Alfies, F057/58.

Piero Fornasetti

Piero Fornasetti was an Italian designer of the 20th Century who worked prolifically and some say obsessively throughout his lifetime, having created more than 11,000 items in his career and more than 500 variations of the same face.

Whilst being talented in many areas including painting, sculpting, engraving and interior decorating, the Fornasetti style that is famous today is a very distinct one. Fornasetti is known for his witty figurative illustrations, surreal tweaks to the otherwise mundane, and often whimsical nature. Designs are often black and white with lots of shading, occasionally with a splash block colour or accents of gold or silver. 

Common themes among his designs include astrology, mythology, architecture and of course Lina Cavalieri, the opera singer whose face he fell in love with. Possibly some of Pieros most recognisable work, he went on to use Lina's face in at least 500 designs including depictions of her as a goddess, as animals and even sporting a moustache in one, combining all his original inspirations with his muse.

In recent months we have spotted a number of original Fornasetti designs around Alfies and here we show you some of our favourite...

A Fornasetti 'Farfalle' table lamp, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A Fornasetti Alsation umbrella stand, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A pair of Fornasetti 'cameo' table lamps, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A pair of Fornsetti ash trays in stands, 20th Century. Offered by Martin Rooney

A Fornasetti paperweight. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A Fornasetti dish, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

A Fornasetti dish, 20th Century. Offered by Cupio Gallery

Interior design trend: Bronze

The metal to look out for this year is bronze, as stated in this article in Vogue. Bronze is the perfect material for an accent and is a subtle material, but one that has a very striking effect. There are lots of ways to integrate metallics into your existing design scheme and we think these bronze pieces would add a classic touch to your home..

Reclining nude, 1950-60s. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art.

1970s Jockey. Signed. Available from Good Time Antiques.

Swan sculpture in cast bronze from France C 1970. Available from Travers Antiques. 

Japanese temple lion with rolling ball. 1950s Okinawan. Available from Horner Antiques.

Pair of bronzed mirrors, bevelled. 1960s. Available from Angela Ball.

Sculptural bronze brutalist table lamp by Maurizio Tempestini. 1970s. Available from The Moderns.

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

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

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!