Glass

Among some of the most vibrant pieces on show at Alfies right now is lots of coloured glass. Always popular and striking, glass also has huge scope, coming in many forms. Technically known as glass art, Murano is considered to be the birthplace of the modern styles and is still one of the most popular styles of glass available. 

As a decorative medium, glass was developed in early Egypt and Assyria and was desired by the Romans. The earliest evidence of glass blowing was found in Chogha Zanbil during excavations where many glass bottles were found and were dated to the 2nd millennium BC.

In the context of being used as an art form, glass reached the height of popularity during the Middle Ages, when the builders of the cathedrals of Europe began creating stained glass windows as a major decorative element in their architecture.

The 19th century saw factory glass blowers replaced by mechanical bottle blowing and birthed some of the great modern designers such as Lalique, Tiffany and Whitefriars which are still hugely popular in the world of antiques today.

Here are some of the most eye-catching pieces we have seen around Alfies...

Yellow and orange glass serving dishes, c1970s. Available from W & L Antiques

A cranberry crackle glass, c1890s. Available from W & L Antiques

Midnight blue and turquoise glass perfume bottle, c1980s. Available from Hayman & Hayman

An orange glass splash vase, c1950s. Available from Beth

A Davidson Pearline yellow glass sweet dish, 1915. Available from Beth

A French peach splash glass bowl, c1950s. Available from Horner Antiques

A Czech aquamarine glass vase, c1960s. Available from Robinson Antiques

An amber glass perfume bottle, c1940s. Available from Hayman & Hayman

A Whitefriars ruby glass vase, c1965. Available from Robinson Antiques

A Val St. Lambert lime green glass vase, c1950s. Available from Louise Verber Antiques

 

A Murano crackle glass cased vase, c1960s. Available from Robinson Antiques

Spring has Sprung

This week Spring has officially begun. With the arrival of March 21st, so too comes the arrival of the period that marks the start of seasonal rebirth. Following Winter - which symbolises death - Spring is viewed as the resurrection and represents rejuvenation and renewal. These symbolic representations are long standing and can be seen throughout culture in poetry, literature, theatre and art. Common depictions of this season are flowers, baby animals, and vibrant shades of yellow and green.

With this in mind we took a look around Alfies to find some Spring like representations of our own..

An Oriental decorated vase. Available from Hongman Yang

A floral watercolour, 1934. Available from Moe Heidarieh

A Carlton Ware buttercup sugar shaker, c1930s. Available from Beth

Flowers in vase, oil on canvas, c1930s. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

A Chinese 'Famille Noire' brush pot, late Qing period, c1900. Available from Horner Antiques

An Edwardian glass and enamel trinket pot. Available from Beth

A Chinese dinner plate with painted design, Qianlong, 18th Century. Available from Diplomat Treasures International

A floral print, c1870s. Available from Moe Heidarieh

Celebrating Women

Mother's Day is coming up soon, falling on Sunday 11th March, and is the perfect time to show your Mum the love she deserves. Today also happens to be International Women's Day, so it really is a great time to be coming together and supporting each other as females -  if you're looking for an event where you can experience this kind of atmosphere then the WOW (Women of the World) festival is currently running at the Southbank Centre until Sunday.

With all of this going on, it's worth celebrating the women in your life - what better way to do so than with a gift? Here's our pick of the bunch from Alfies:

A floral painting, oil on canvas, mid 20th Century. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

A pair of paste and enamel earrings, 1980s. Available from April Antiques

An Italian ceramic coffee pot and sugar bowl, 20th century. Available from The Originals

A silver baby pram charm, 1960s. Available from Good Time Antiques

A Victorian emerald, diamond and pearl brooch, English, c1890. Available from Kieron Reilly

A selection of Victorian cranberry and vaseline glass vases. Available from Beth

A vintage tulip brooch, 1950s. Available from April Antiques

A floral painting, oil on canvas, mid 20th Century. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

Purple Passion

Purple has officially made a comeback! Pantone have named Ultraviolet, a vibrant shade of purple, colour of the year. You may have recently noticed this colour splashed across furnishings, interiors and fashion. Which makes February's birthstone - amethyst - even more prominent this year. 

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to purple. The colour is often associated with the practice of mindfulness and amethyst itself is said to bring calmness, clarity and also boost intuition. It's even claimed that the purple quartz helps combat the effects of drunkenness!

At Alfies there's no shortage of amethyst jewellery, and we also have other items in this year's must-have shade! Here are some of our favourite picks:

Silver & gold Amethyst brooch/pendant with pearls and diamonds, c1900. Available from Zeeba Jewels

Bug brooch set with diamond, ruby, garnet, amethyst and cat's eye. Circa 1900. Available from Naneen Brooks

Amethyst, emerald and diamond floral necklace in 15ct gold. Available from Pari's Jewellery

c1970s Art Glass. Available from Diplomat Treasures International

Val St Lambert lamp base, c1950s. Available from Louise Verber Antiques 

Stratton compact, c1950, deadstock. Available from Dream Retro

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

The London Design Festival

Set up in 2003, The London Design Festival has become an annual event that aims to promote London as a the design capital of the world. Drawing in designers, makers, thinkers and retailers, it's a creative hub that showcases the best the UK has to offer. Taking place from 16 -24 September, it's a busy week of events mainly consisting of exhibitions, trade shows, installations and workshops. There is really something for everyone here and you are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired.

Unique and interesting design can also be found all over Alfies, everything from Italian and Scandinavian through to South American, all ranging a number of periods and artistic styles.

Read on for just a few interesting pieces of design along with some of our stands at Alfies.

A view of the Cupio Gallery stand located on the First Floor Mezzanine

An English copper table lamp, offered by Christine Murray

A view of the Thirteen Interiors stand located at G001-04 & G049-51

A Japanese silver vase with enamel overlay, c1950. Offered by Kieron Reilly

A view of Steven Lazarus' stand located at F017

A 'Space Age' lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega c1969, offered by Cupio Gallery

A view of Christine Murray's stand located on the First Floor Mezzanine

Dutch Groeneveldt vases, c1960s. Offered by The Moderns

Coinciding with the last day of The London Design Festival, Church Street will be hosting an art, antiques and design flea market on Sunday 24th September. Antiques Anonymous is a collaboration between 80 art and antique dealers based in Church Street, Marylebone, including those within Alfies Antique Market. Along with 50+ independent traders from across London and further afield, plus live entertainment and street food, the event aims to highlight Church Street as a last outpost for high-quality decorative objects, both old and new.