Sunday 24 February 2013

THE HORBURY CANDLE STICK

Made in England of and available in gilt, nickel, silver and bronze finishes, the Horbury Candle Stick
combines contemporary design with an organic look. Photographed below in gilt lacquer and in bronze.
It is 22.5cm high and only available from Julia Boston. For more information visit Julia Boston or call +44 0207 610 6783.







The Horbury Candlestick shown in gilt lacquer


The Horbury Candlestick shown in bronze


Monday 18 February 2013

TAPESTRIES IN DECORATION

Sometimes you are lucky enough to buy something that you think is wonderful. Last week we hung our latest tapestry on the end wall of the shop. It is a large late 17th early 18th century Mortlake tapestry depicting Apollo at Vulcan's Forge, the moment when the God Apollo visits Vulcan and tells him that his wife Venus is having an affair with Mars the God of war.  Apollo is shown wearing a red toga turning towards Vulcan who is not seen but his anvil and tools are depicted to the bottom right hand side of the tapestry. Venus and Mars are seen to the left in an embrace. Apollo's chariot is shown in the clouds above his head. It is surrounded by a very distinctive  border with side caryatid figures, with the male satyr head and torso to the left and the female on the right, both supported upon exaggerated corbels with enveloping acanthus leaves, woven on a blue ground.




Tapestries can make a room, there is a richness and a warmth in the colours and texture of the weaving, they are usually large and can fill a wall, giving a luxurious atmosphere and sense of grandeur.

Seen below is a late 17th early 18th century Aubusson tapestry depicting the Rape of Europa, the colours are predominately blue and are picked up by the same blue used in the curtains.



The first warm weather arrived at the week end and the snow had almost totally gone. The snowdrops are appearing en masse and the sun was shining. The garden is starting to show the first signs of re-awakening after the snow and frost.



The rooks are already taking up their places by last year's nests behind the village church



We now have a Pinterest page where you can see further photographs, inspiration and much more...........

Tuesday 12 February 2013

DECORATING WITH FAÏENCE

Just arrived in the shop are the latest pieces by Jean Paul Gourdon. Inspired by nature and the 18th. century his pieces are more beautiful than ever. They are inspirational to photograph...


This large white cabbage leaf soup tureen sits on a French Empire table the white veins in the marble top just showing..............



In France during the 18th century animal subjects were often used for pottery produced as tableware. There are many examples to be seen in the Musèe de la Chasse in Paris. Mostly coloured to resemble nature there are examples of terrines with birds and animals including examples of a Boar's Head Terrine, usually not on a platter. The one above is inspired by these earlier pieces and is made of enamelled white "Faïence" (pottery). The head sits on a large platter,  with applied oak leaves around the edge.  A magnificent centre piece on a sideboard.



Still on the theme of the Wild Boar, in this case the recumbent boar is the lid.  Surrounded by oak leaves, which are again used to adorn the handles of the base. 



Shown here on a mid 18th century marquetry commode by Guillaume Schwingkens circa 1750

This life size sculpture of a male Capercaillie is also a terrine, the upper part of the bird lifts off to reveal  the inside of the terrine.



This wonderful pair of 'Hare Terrines" were photographed on a large  empire commode in front of a set of late 17th century black and white engravings.



This strong terracotta bull stands on an early 19th century French mahogany desk in front of an early 18th century Felletin Verdure Tapestry


Willow in front of our Dubois Commode lying in the morning sun.....................more soon