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.

Mid-Century Magic

Alfies has always had an affinity for interiors and lately we've seen the trend for mid-century design skyrocket. With streamline designs and iconic style, Mid-Century still holds it's own in contemporary interior design and deep within design lovers' hearts.

Anouska Hunter Antiques at Alfies Antique Market.

Bent Ply at Alfies Antique Market

Quick definition: Generally speaking Mid-Century modern describes a mid-20th century design movement in architecture, interior, product, and urban design from about 1933-1970.

A pair of Diplomat Chairs, designed by Finn Juhl c.1960s.
From Francesca Martire at Alfies Antique Market.

I recently came across a fantastic online tribute to this design movement, celebrating functional but beautiful objects and creative modern style. The Mid-Century Modernist is a website written by Stephen Coles dedicated to discovering and re-discovering this exciting period of creativity and design.

Konditori Valand, Cafe in Stockholm.
From The Mid-Century Modernist.

In his own words:

"If good design is a balance of aesthetics and utility, the craft peaked in the years between 1945–1970. This era of modernism hit the design sweet spot: functional beauty. Finding harmony between the natural and the manmade, artists and craftsmen created objects that serve their purpose with organic grace. This site is a tribute to the mid-century modern movement as both a historical milestone and a living ideal, reflected in today’s best furniture, architecture, and design." Stephen Coles (aka The Midcentury Modernist)

1940s Teak Screen & Vintage Tub Chair.
From Biis Century at Alfies Antique Market

Rosewood Sideboard designed by Arne Vodder c1959/60.
From Tycho Andrews at Alfies Antique Market.