Door Handles

Who would think door handles would be considered an object of beauty? The entry door handles designed between the 1930s to the 1970s were particularly eye catching and sculptured.

The following door handles are a selection offered by The Moderns.

1950s Italian Pair of Door Handles - Bronze cast, brass and hammered black steel

1970s Bronze Door Handle - Rectangular shaped handle with an expressive abstract surface

1950s Italian Pair of Door Handles - Abstract design door handles assembled in Bronze cast, brass and hammered black steel

Art Deco Door Handles - Door handles with a cascading geometric design. Cast in brass, attached by a copper tubular hand grip in the middle

1970s Bronze Oval Door Handle - Bronze cast with mottled surface texture

1950s Organic Brass Door Handles - A pair of free form artistic door handles with a honey comb effect

Furniture for Modern Lovers

Re-issued Wire Collection by Pastoe

Design Sect at Alfies have become one of the few stockists in the UK to offer pieces from the recently re-issued 1950s Wire Collection by Pastoe.  Designed by Cees Braakman these elegant and functional chairs fit perfectly in a modern setting.  Design Sect also specialise in harder to find original pieces by the Dutch designer.  Mid-century collectors can find Design Sect on the top floor at Alfies.  

At the end of March Design Sect will create a dedicated space to exhibit the Wire Collection alongside some original Cees Braakman pieces.

Here are a few of our favourite Braakman pieces, currently in stock:

1950s hairpin-leg desk by Cees Braakman for Pastoe.

1950s teak DU02 sideboard by Cees Braakman for Pastoe

Magazine racks in beech and teak by Cees Braakman - teak model is sold.

Birch EB04 desk by Cees Braakman for Pastoe (coming soon!)

Design Sect based on the top floor offer a diverse collection of original furniture, lighting and accessories from the 20th century; focusing on Dutch and Belgian design.  Plan your visit here.

British Midcentury Design: Merrow Associates

We've noticed an increase in demand for Merrow Associates furniture at Alfies recently.  The man behind the highly sought after company is Richard Young.  A graduate from the Royal College of Art, Young was also a cabinet maker and the importance of materials in the design process is clearly visible in all his pieces.  

Merrow Associates rosewood sideboard with brushed stainless steel doors, chrome feet and stretcher c.1960. Offered by Martin Rooney at Alfies.

Rosewood, glass, brushed and polished steel are usually combined to create high quality pieces with luxurious finishes.

Young also trained under Professor Ole Wanscher at the Royal Art Academy Copenhagen and a strong 1950s Scandinavian influence permeates his designs.  

Merrow Associates rosewood dining table with chrome legs. Offered by Francesca Martire at Alfies.

The company made a lot of custom pieces for trade and distribution to the public was limited to Heal's and Harrods.  Some larger items such as dining tables are more widely available but still hold the appeal of this lesser known British designer.

Making quality traditional modern classics was the ethos of the company and the designs certainly reflect that.  The glossy finishes and sleek shapes fit as easily in a modern setting as they did when they were produced, which adds hugely to their desirability.

A rosewood and chrome trolley by Merrow Associates. Offered by Travers Antiques at Alfies.

Find a selection of Merrow Associates pieces and many similar styles at Alfies Antique Market.  Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am -6pm.

Astor Place Opens 5000sq ft Showroom at Alfies

This autumn Astor Place opens to the public with a new 5000sq ft showroom at Alfies Antique Market.  After 20 years sourcing rare pieces for an exclusive client list, they now have a permanent base offering high end 20th century design.

Astor Place offers a contrasting shopping experience to the close knit warren of shops on the upper floors of Alfies.  The expansive space presents a luxury edit of vintage and bespoke furniture, with designer pieces displayed alongside a range of decorative accessories.  A collection of vibrant vintage movie posters and art adorn the walls.

Iconic pieces include a pair of fabulous 1960s swivel tub chairs by Leon Rosen for Pace and a pair of Brutalist form sculptural lamps by Maurizio Tempestini (pictured above).

“We are enamored with vintage objects, beautiful shapes and unusual finds. What matters to us is the history, the personality and the craftsmanship.”

The arrival of Astor Place reinforces Alfies’ position as one of the world’s leading destinations for the very best in original 20th Century furniture and accessories.  With more 20th century dealers than anywhere else in London and with a diverse collection of vintage design rivaling any modern design showroom, savvy collectors are coming to Alfies for pieces to love and invest in.  

Visit Astor Place from Tuesday - Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Website: www.astorplacelondon.com

Italian Mid-Century Design at Alfies

The world's biggest and most important furniture fair, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano, is taking place this week. Designers from all over the world are showcasing their latest furniture including some brilliant pieces of fine Italian design. At Alfies, we are very proud of our wide range of Italian mid-century art & design. To celebrate Milan Design Week, we like to share a few of our favourite objects.

Mid-Century Italian Drink and Glass Trolley

From Francesca Martire - www.francescamartire.com

1960s Italian Chrome Coffee Table

From The Moderns - www.themoderns.eu

   

1950s Italian Lamp

From Martin Rooney - martin-rooney.com

General view of Vincenzo Caffarella - www.vinca.co.uk

1960s Brass Chandelier by Sciolari for Lightolier

From The Moderns - www.themoderns.eu

General View of Modo Italia - www.modo-italia.co.uk

A Pair of 1950s Gio Ponti Armchairs for Reguitti

From Francesca Martire - www.francescamartire.com

 

General view of Peter O'Rourke

He specialises in Italian art & design

www.alfiesatiques.com