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

Clerkenwell Design Week: International Design at Alfies

This year's Clerkenwell Design Week will take place 23-25 May 2017 (less a week, more an intense two day extravaganza) and celebrates its 8th anniversary. As the leading  UK’s leading independent design festival, CDW expects an increase on last year's 34,000+ attendees and will host design led exhibitions and events across 8 official, and several more unofficial, CDW venues. Last year it was also announced as Winner of Best UK Tradeshow at the AEO Awards 2016.

The focus for 2017 is the best of international design and to celebrate, we've rounded up our top picks of new in design pieces from around the globe at Alfies.

Czech educational chemical molecular models (left model c6 h12, right model ETANOL)
 – Mid Century. From The Moderns at Alfies.

Leucos domed table light, 1970s. From Cupio on the First Floor Mezzanine at Alfies.

Modular tubular vase, brass plated, 1970s/80s. From The Moderns at Alfies.

Elegant Italian desk c1955. Mahogany top, black lacquered metal legs, cream lacquered panels and drawers.
Available from Martin Rooney at Alfies.

1960s Chrome chairs By Poul Nørreklit. From Thirteen Interiors at Alfies.

May's Birthstone: Emerald

The Emerald is a jewel of long history, legend and fascination. Whilst there are other green gems such as Jade, Tourmaline and Peridot, it is always the Emerald that is associated with landscapes and nature because of its vivid colour - Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle and Seattle is referred to as the Emerald City. Even Thailand's most sacred religious icon is known as the 'Emerald Buddha'. The name is derived from Ancient Greece and the first known Emerald mines were in Egypt, with Cleopatra being particularly fond of the gem, using them to adorn many of her royal outfits.

The stone is part of the 'Beryl' family of gemstones and legend says that it holds a number of mystical properties, including being able to see into the future if the stone is placed under the tongue. Not to mention its use to reveal the truth and ward off evil spirits.

The colour of the Emerald is said to reflect new Spring growth, making it the perfect birthstone for the month of May, and of course here at Alfies we have some perfect Emerald pieces to offer.

An Austrian/Hungarian emerald and pearl silver bracelet, 1860s/70s. Offered by Zeeba Jewels.

Left to Right: A two carat diamond and three carat emerald ring, 1980s; A French Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, 1930s. Offered by Kieron Reilly

A Wedgwood shell plate 1920s/30s. Offered by W & L Antiques

A diamond and emerald bow brooch, 1940s. Offered by Zeeba Jewels

Art Deco diamond and emerald rings, 1930s. Offered by Kieron Reilly

An American jug with diamond detailing, 1940s. Offered by Renato

An emerald and diamond 18ct necklace, 1980s, Offered by Zeeba Jewels

Easter Treats at Alfies

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon, it has been called a moveable feast because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year. It is a significant religious event which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, however, it also has a commercial side as evidenced by the mounds of chocolate eggs and bunny or chick shaped sweets that appear in stores each spring. 

At Alfies, you'll find lots of Easter/Spring themed items - not of the confectionary kind!

Durability jam pot, c 1903. Offered by Beth.

Vintage ceramic salt & pepper chicks, offered by Robinson Antiques.

A Shelley Coffee set with English Rose design, c1930s.
Comprising of a coffee pot, 6 cups & saucers and a milk jug, offered by W&L Antiques.

Chinese snuff bottle with crane amidst blossoms design, c1930, offered by Horner Antiques.

Vintage Limoges porcelain egg, offered by Hayman & Hayman.

A Corona Harley Art Deco teapot c1930, offered by Beth.

A Royal Winton buttercheese dish, 1930s, offered by W & L Antiques.

A Russian 19th Century icon painting of the resurrection, offered by Diplomat Treasures International.

Easter Opening Hours

GOOD FRIDAY: CLOSED

SATURDAY: 10AM - 6PM

EASTER SUNDAY: CLOSED

EASTER MONDAY: CLOSED

Depictions of Spring in Painting

The Spring landscape has always been an inspiration for artists throughout history, from Renoir through to Monet and Van Gogh. This particular time of year has informed some incredibly famous pieces of art, still being a widely referenced subject matter in the modern world. The vibrancy of colours and ever changing light during this season are characteristics often focused on within painting and since it's a time where the land is changing and developing, allows for a huge variety of interpretations by artists.

It’s quite clear that nature continues to be a huge source of inspiration and so with this in mind, along with the recent emergence of sunshine, we thought we would look for some of our own Spring inspired artwork here at Alfies.

Oil on board Impressionist style painting, late 20th Century. Signed Bere. Offered by John Cserny Fine Arts

Oil on board, 1960s. Signed Alan Hudson. Offered by i Fine & Contemporary Art

Old Haycock vegetable garden, oil on canvas, 1950s. Signed Christopher Sanders. Offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

English watercolour painting, early 20th Century. Signed E. Mould. Offered by John Cserny Fine Arts

Oil on canvas, 1950s. Signed D. Bereny. Offered by John Cserny Fine Arts

Garden Flowers, oil on board, 1970s. Signed India Duncan. Offered by i Fine & Contemporary Arts

Spring is in the Air

Spring is the period of time between the vernal equinox, which falls around 21 March each year, and the summer solstice, which takes place every year on 21 June. The beauty of spring make us feel joyful and as the season sets in, the trees put forth new leaves, seeds sprout, flowers bloom and there is a sense of renewal and new life all around. 

At Alfies there's no shortage of Spring inspired items. Take a look at our delightful selection.

Victorian botanical print, Narcissus, available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

Left: Murano glass rabbit; Right: Small glass rabbit c1960s. Available from i Fine & Contemporary Art

1950s silver bunny small pendant charm, available from Good Time Antiques

Chinese vase with garden scene, c1880, available from Diplomat Treasures International

Bonsai - Privet, with 1920s Chinese ornaments, 7 pieces, available from Hongman Yang

Handpainted floral gilt mirror, available from June Victor at Alfies

Original Art Deco wall plaque by Burleigh pottery, available from Beth

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

Easter Inspiration

The Easter weekend is upon us - nice and early this year - and we are sure that lots of you are looking forward to your long weekend in, and away from, London.

Although the weather may be a little gloomier than we have all hoped for, we are still feeling in the Spring mood here at Alfies. To inspire your Easter shopping - we are still open this Saturday, 26 March - and your Easter dressing, we have put together a selection of our favourite Easter and Spring inspired pieces in store.

Easter Bank Holiday Opening Hours

Friday, 25 March: CLOSED

Saturday, 26 March: OPEN AS NORMAL, 10AM-6PM

Sunday, 27 March: CLOSED AS NORMAL

Monday, 28 March: CLOSED AS NORMAL

1950s Floral dress, available from Carole Collier.

1950s Spring floral bonnet. Available from Carole Collier.

Chinese silk dress with winter lining. 1920s-30s. Available from Carole Collier.

1950s Cloisonné egg, available from Good Time Antiques.

Vintage bunny charm, available from Good Time Antiques.

French 1970s chick centrepiece for eggs, signed. Available from Gloria Sinclair.