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

Stapled Porcelain

18th Century Chinese Plate from Janes Antiques

This 18th Century Chinese plate was made for the European market, the raised pattern is reminiscent of Worcester. The crown coronet design on the rim of the plate means it probably belonged to a Baron.
Unintentionally, the back of this plate is also quite interesting. It reveals a method of repair using staples which was popular in former times.

This was how treasured porcelain was repaired in the days before glue, it was usually taken to a jeweller or metal smith to be restored. Holes were drilled in the plate using a rod of metal dipped in diamond dust, the holes were used for the metal staples. This was the favored technique of mending porcelain which dates back to the 17th century. It was an elaborate way of reassembling pieces together but was so effective that it was impervious to water. To this day many stapled porcelain objects still exist which is a testament to it's durability.

Handmade by You - The Home of Delightfully Quaint Craft and Easy Vintage Glamour

Handmade by You is a refreshing addition to London's make-it-yourself and vintage scene.

Opening in April 2013 in the iconic Alfies Antique Market, Marylebone, the studio is set to be an inspiring space filled with treasures and combining two passions; delightfully quaint craft and easy vintage glamour.

With whimsical designs, vintage materials and her unique take on crafting, Alice Hainsworth-Millar, a self confessed closet-crafter explains "For a long time, I yearned for a creative space where, after a long day, I could spend a couple of hours making something really beautiful, with everything provided for me. I love nifty craft projects that give stylish results, quickly and use pre-loved materials. I have always been attracted to vintage fashions and styling but in the beginning I didn't know where to start. My vision for the studio is that it makes both creativity and vintage glamour accessible for everyone”.

The Handmade by You studio offers an eclectic mix of craft and vintage-themed events including “Make me” sessions; offering a choice of exciting on-the-spot makes including 'Cross stitch an i-phone cover' and 'Make a vintage tea-cup pin cushion' with all materials sourced, tools provided and advice on hand if needed. A selection of quirky workshops and craft parties like 'Make your own lipstick' and 'Make vintage lace bunting' and a variety of vintage-themed events including pop-up sales, hair and make up and easy vintage styling. “On top of all of that” says Alice “we have lots of lovely treats to buy in the studio - it is my ultimate idea of happiness!"

For more information or to book your place visit www.handmade-by-you.co.uk.

Handmade by You Studio

Room A, Alfies Antique Market

13-25 Church Street, NW8 8DT London

  

New Dealer: Angry-Agent

New dealers Bruce & Mula specialise in art, antiques and design, from 1850 to modern.

Please tell us about yourselves
We buy all over Europe and as far afield as Australia and USA. We have a vast collection of items which we will be putting in the shop and soon on our upcoming website: angry-agent.co.uk

What is the oldest item you have for sale?
We have a carved fragment of bone which we believe is Roman (?).

 Carved bone

Which item in your shop is the most interesting?
A glass mask by Max Ernst, made in Italy in 1966 with original frame, certificate and box.

Bottom left: Glass mask by Max Ernst

What is your favourite item you have for sale and why?
A large ceramic of a fisherman, circa 1920. The same figure is illustrated in metal by the Russian artist Artemoff. When we bought this sculpture we believed it to be English as there is the identical image in a Newlyn painting of the period.

Ceramic fisherman, c1920

Bruce and Mula have a wonderful selection of  interesting artifacts, visit their shop Angry-Agent on the second floor of Alfies, stand S007-009.

The Jewellery Quarter at Alfies

At Alfies we have a wonderful area on the ground floor that has grown organically to house many of our jewellery dealers.  As it's Mother's Day on Sunday here are some suggestions for a special antique gift.

Sheila Cameron - Stand G070
Sheila has been at Alfies since 1985 and offers a fine selection of antique jewellery and accessories including Art Deco mesh bags.

Pair of 1940s 18ct gold earrings set with lapis lazuli. £350.

Connie Speight - Stands G070-71 & G073-74
Connie has been at Alfies for over 18 years.  She has a diverse range of stock including jewellery, accessories and decorative items from the 1920s and 30s.

Ladies diamond, ruby and gold pocket/pendant watch. Marked L&E Duchene

Gareth Brooks - Stand G079-80
Gareth Brooks is part of a family of jewellers with mother Naneen Brooks also based at Alfies.  Gareth stocks wide range of period jewellery including Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau & Art Deco.

Victorian gold brooch with lapis lazuli, coral and a small central diamond.

Naneen Brooks - Stand G052-053 & G058
Naneen has been established at Alfies for many years. Expect to find stunning antique pieces such as Victorian lockets and cameos, amber, jet, and coral pieces.

A delicate Edwardian diamond and pearl necklace

Kieran Reilly - G066
Kieran specialises in Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewellery and cuff links, however his stock ranges from the 1820s to the 1960s. Kieran was a longstanding dealer at Antiquarius before moving to Alfies.

Art Deco French onyx, gold & platinum jabot pin

Pari's Jewellery - Stands G043-46
Pari's Jewellery has been trading in fine jewellery from Alfies since 1976. They have a wide collection including diamond and fine gem set jewellery, South Sea and cultured pearls, and many Victorian and Art Deco pieces.

Edwardian pearl, diamond and sapphire brooch, set in platinum.

Zeeba Jewels -  Stand G088
Having been a long established dealer at Antiquarius, Sormeh now has a stunning stand on the ground floor at Alfies. She has a vast selection of exquisite antique and vintage fine jewellery with many one off, specially designed pieces.

1940s 18ct gold diamond and grey pearl brooch.

Tony Durante - G047-49
Tony has a fantastic collection of costume jewellery, handbags, perfume bottles, lighters and watches for collectors.

1960s Bakelite, galalite and brass necklace.

Pars Jewellery -
As well as selling antique jewellery and vintage watches, Moji also repairs both antique and modern jewellery, evaluates jewellery and designs and makes modern and old-style jewellery.

Victorian carved coral brooch.

Linetta Greco - G026/27
Linetta stocks a range of antiques and vintage pieces including fine jewellery, vintage furs, handbags and accessories.

Italian 18kt gold ring with blue topaz and diamonds.

Here is a handy map with the jewellery shops highlighted in green: 

This list is only a small selection of the 75 independent antique dealers that are currently trading at Alfies, there are many more to explore on all four floors.  Why not bring your mum in for a shopping trip this Saturday and treat her to afternoon tea at the Roof Top Kitchen!

H&M Design Award 2013

This year's H&M Design Awards expanded its reach, inviting students from 19 major fashion colleges in eight European countries to participate. Eight candidates made it through to the grand final. Eleonora Bruno from Polimoda in Italy is one of them. Vintage fashion is a major source of inspiration for Eleonora and Alfies Antique Market is one of her favourite places in London to find unique and unusual pieces.

For more information visit: http://designaward2013.hm.com/

Tales of The Moderns...

A design duo started out as admirers, then collectors, in between became addicts and later hoarders of the twentieth century. This century of invention, a millennium of innovation that travelled through the pioneering Machine Age, the vision of the Be-Bop and the utopia of the Conceptual. Soon the duo exchanged their wares for money and scoured the earth to find objects unique of their time, like the leather mummified chair by Adnet, or the light sculpture by Sciolari. More tales to be told... 

The Moderns have recently opened their new shop on the ground floor at Alfies. This design duo specialises in European 20th century art & design, with a focus on Post-War furniture and objects with a distinctive character. Find a range of Scandinavian, Dutch and Italian pieces from key designers such as Tapio Wirkkala, Theo Ruth, and Stilnovo, to name a few...

Rare pair of heads from Nigeria, 1940s/1950s.

Hand formed in terracotta and decorated in colourful glass beads. 

Antique door carved out of one piece of hard wood,

Cameroon, circa 1900.

For more information visit the website:

http://www.themoderns.eu/

Happy Valentine's Day!

If you're still searching for that something special for your loved one look no further, Alfies is full of Valentine's inspiration, all year round!

Vintage fold down 1930s Valentine's card from Tin Tin Collectables

Vintage 1950s decoration from Tin Tin Collectables

1950s Heart locket with ring from Good Time Antiques

Victorian stained glass window from Gloria Sinclair

Victorian diamond, sapphire & platinum necklace with from Pari's Jewellery

1970s Bus Stop heart print dress from Next Time Around

Gold Victorian bracelet with heart shaped lock from Gareth Brooks

1950s Men's silver chain & heart lock from The Originals

1930s/40s Universal Genève mechanical wind watch from Moe Heidarieh 

We need your opinion!

Please help us improve the Alfies website by answering a few questions below and be in with a chance of winning a free lunch for you and a friend at Alfies Roof Top Kitchen*.




* Lunch includes two main meals and two drinks to a maximum value of £25.  Must be used within 6 months and during one visit only. The winner will be chosen at random on Friday 8th March 2013 and notified by email. 

Real Men Buy Mantiques...

This week there was an interesting article by Katrina Burroughs in the Telegraph titled "Forget antiques: the latest trend is mantiques".  Here at Alfies we did a bit of research, asked our twitter followers and spoke to some of our dealers who stock a more manly selection of antique goods to find out the word on the street. 

Tin Tin Collectables - First Floor at Alfies

At Alfies, Leslie Verrinder of Tin Tin Collectables has an eclectic collection perfectly suited for the discerning gentlemen.  His luggage and travel accessories shop on the first floor is full of canvas and leather trunks of all sizes, as well as a number of sporting goods including 1950s jockey weighing scales, a 1930s fishing reel with horn handle and a set of boxed gaming chips.  We asked Leslie for his thoughts on this new trend:

"For far too long now the antiques and collectables market has been dominated by a lean to the feminine - consider glass, china, lace, textiles and vintage fashion. Now the new kid on the block sees the rise of the MANTIQUE."

Gaming chips and metal trunk

Leslie has seen demand increase for large pieces of vintage luggage, steamer trunks and vintage sporting goods including croquet sets, crickets sets, and leather punchbags.

1950s jockey's weighing scales

"Originally, these items were the preserve of large shops and interior decorators including Ralph Lauren and Espirit, now they are finding their way into houses and apartments as furniture. A steamer trunk, for example, makes an excellent occasional or coffee table, complete with ample storage, and a home gym looks so much better with a leather working punch bag hanging in the corner."

The Boys Own Book of Outdoor Games & Pastimes, fishing reel and leather football

Mirror Master in the stand next door has some unusual desk accessories including an elephant shaped inkwell and pen holder and some interesting match holders in the style of a bookcase.

Stephen Lazarus - First Floor at Alfies

Peering through the window of Stephen Lazarus shop opposite your eyes take a moment to adjust to the jungle of industrial lighting that greets you.  Angle poise, tubular steel and imposing theatre lights are mixed with model airplanes and glove moulds from a French glove making factory.  A steel filing cabinet with contrasting brass handles sits proudly on a tall metal base, perfect for a modern man’s home office.

Industrial lighting from Stephen Lazarus

So it seems ‘mantiques’ are on the rise with many male collectors looking for interesting pieces to add to their homes.  Whether or not people like this catchy new term, the trend is here to stay and for those looking for original pieces Alfies and the other antique shops on Church Street are a great place to start!

See more great items on our Mantiques Pinterest board.