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 First Floor Mezzanine

The First Floor Mezzanine has recently undergone a wonderful makeover, with three new dealers moving in alongside two former Alfies dealers relocated from the ground floor of the mezzanine. It has become an eclectic destination for 20th Century Design & Interiors, ranging from Italian design to Scandinavan and British to South American. In one corner you'll also find a carefully curated selection of vintage fashion.

A view of Paola Bazzoli's stand

A view of Christine Murray's stand

A view of Christine Murray's stand

A view of the Dispensary Vintage stand

Here's a short summary of the new First Floor Mezzanine dealers:

Christine Murray
Christine specialises in British, European, Scandinavian and South American 20th century furniture and lighting.

Rocking chair Angel Pazmino (c1960. Quito, Ecuador), available from Christine Murray

Herman Miller for Eames (Set of 4 ), fibreglass chairs, c1980, available from Christine Murray

Paola Bazzoli
Paola Bazzoli specialises in 20th Century Italian Design. You will find striking pieces such as the following in her stand:

1970s bronze glass, steel and brass bookshelf, available from Paola Bazzoli

Italian Chandelier from the 1950s, available from Paola Bazzoli

Dispensary Vintage
A carefully chosen and presented range of gems dating mostly from the mid 1960s/70s, including immaculate wool coats from Italy, silk tops, silk dresses and vintage furs..

1950s Opera coat, available from Dispensary Vintage

1970s Chiffon floral dress, available from Dispensary Vintage

Angela Ball and Martin Rooney have relocated from the ground floor to the First Floor Mezzanine and specialise in 20th century design and interiors.

A view of Angela Ball's stand

Beni Ourain rug, available from Angela Ball

A view of Martin Rooney's stand

Gold plated coffee table, c.1970, available from Martin Rooney

Christine Murray - Details coming soon.
The Dispensary / Email: sophiedispensary@btinternet.com / Tel: 07939 537 391
Paola Bazzoli / Email: info@paolabazzoli.com / Tel: 07552 779 324 / paolabazzoli.com
Angela Ball / Email: angelaball.london@gmail.com / Tel: 078 4677 0743 / www.angelaball.london

Martin Rooney / Email: info@martin-rooney.com / Tel: 07817 119 663

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

Spring Into Alfies - 'Dutch Flowers'

Spring has finally started to blossom. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the days are growing longer. At Alfies spring is our favourite season, and we are excited to visit the National Gallery as it celebrates spring too with a new exhibition, honouring Dutch floral artists, showing from 6 April to 29 August, 2016.

A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, 1609-10

The exhibition runs alongside the wonderful flower shows currently showing at Chelsea and Hampton Court and is the first display on this scale in over 20 years. Originating from the early 17th century to its peak in the late 18th century 'Dutch Flowers' delves into the floral still life paintings by renowned artists such as Ambrosius the Elder Bosschaert, Jan van Huysum, and Paulus Theodorus van Brussel, and celebrates their exquisite works and attention to detail, showing the interest around the time in horticulture and the 'phenomenon of tulip mania in the Dutch Golden Age', as quoted by the National Gallery.

At Alfies we are proud to have our own fine art gallery on our first floor. Have a look at our beautiful collection of Dutch and floral paintings we have on offer:

Mid 20th century oil on board, signed M. Norman, available from Mark Eaton

Mid 20th century large oil on board, signed poppies still life, available from Mark Eaton

Red roses, mid 20th century, oil on canvas, available from Mark Eaton

An early 20th century signed still life of flowers, available from John Cserny Fine Arts

An early 18th century Dutch painting of the Admiral Cornelis Tromp, oil on panel, available from John Cserny Fine Arts

 

A late 19th century Dutch school still life, available from Robert McKoy Fine Arts

Roses in Bowl oil on board, available from Mark Eaton

New Dealer- Tobacciana Collectibles

This April we welcome a new dealer to the Alfies team; John Halsall of Tobacciana Collectibles, our latest dealer to join the ground floor.

Stand G085/86 has undergone a Spring transformation, filled with a colourful collection of decorative and promotional ashtrays and jugs. Many made by iconic potters such as Moorcroft, Royal Doulton, Limoges, Sundry and other pub and bar related items.

A 1953 Queen Elizabeth Coronation ashtray

We asked John a few questions...

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business?
I have been collecting ashtrays for many years and started to trade in the year 2000. I sell collectable vintage ashtrays and jugs, many of which are rare French blue ashtrays, German, Spanish and British.

What first interested you in collecting?
I was always on the look out on my travels and the French blue ashtrays always caught my eye, from there my collection grew and expanded to trays and jugs from all around Europe.

How did you first start dealing in collectibles?
Having gained a large collection I decided that when I reached my 70th birthday it was time to turn my hobby into a business.

Do you have a personal favourite in your collection?
Yes, the French blue ashtrays. I like the bright colour. Some are like pieces of art work with hand painted designs, many made by well established potters like Moorcroft and Royal Doulton.

Two classic French vintage ashtrays

What are the most collectable ashtrays?
The Royal editions are always popular, and so are the Heineken branded ones. There is a fan base around the world for Heineken and many collectors are always looking out for vintage collectables.

Here are just a selection of ashtrays available from Tobacciana Collectibles:

A rare Moorcroft pottery ashtray made for promoting Marston's beer, 1 of 800.

A Cruise and Atlantic liner QE2's own brand of malt whisky flask.

A Royal Doulton porcelain bar water jug, matching ashtray also available.

A Wade porcelain ashtray promoting Warwick's 'Milkmaid' stout.

A Monagesque porcelain (similar to Limoges) souvenir ashtray commemorating the
 marriage of Prince Rainer to Hollywood actress Grace Kelly in 1956.

John Halsall- Tobacciana Collectibles 

Stand: G085/86 at Alfies Antique Market

Email: jmhalsall@hotmail.co.uk

St Valentine's Day

St Valentine's Day - hated by some, loved by others - is approaching again. Now associated with mass produced greetings cards and overpriced roses, this celebration actually has simpler roots. Popular legend tells us that there was once a Saint Valentine of Rome who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and also for ministering to Christians, at that time persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to the tale, during his imprisonment he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, and before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.

The day was not recognisable as it is to us now until the Middle Ages, when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote 'Parliament of Fowls' containing the first reference to “Saint Valentine’s Day” as an occasion for romance. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "Valentines").

These days the 14th of February is whatever you make it and here at Alfies we advocate love all year round! However, for those of you who still like the tradition of giving gifts, here is our pick of romantic offerings at Alfies Antique Market:

1980s white and black diamond baguette ring, 18ct white gold, available from Pars Jewellery.

Victorian gold acorn earrings, offered by Gareth Brooks

18ct white gold earrings by "Asprey", diamond & aquamarine, offered by Gareth Brooks

Taittinger poster backed on linen, 46cm x 62cm, available from Dodo Posters.

Collection of  Wedgwood candle holders from 1967, available from Robinson Antiques.

Gilded bronze, enamel frame, 1890-1900, available from Hayman & Hayman.

Christian Dior silk gown, 1950s, available from June Victor.

1960s 18ct gold swirl ring with 0.5 carat centre diamond, available from Pars Jewellery.