Not so long from now, we'll be hearing all about "Silver Bells." But before we reach that point—and while it's still warmish—let's look at a "Verdi Bell," now in-stock at LEO Design.
In this case, Verdi does not refer to the Italian Maestro, Giuseppe—composer of opera masterpieces Aida, Otello, La traviata (and more). Rather, in this case, we refer to "verdigris"—the naturally occurring greenish-bluish-greyish patina which develops on bronze, brass and copper. According to one theory, the name Verdigris is derived from the Old French Verte Grez (Green-Grey). Modern French calls it vert-de-gris ("green-of-grey").
Britain received its first land grant in India in 1640. From that point, and through the Eighteenth Century, England became increasingly powerful in the subcontinent, mostly through trade transacted (and warfare waged) by the British East India Company. In 1858, England took direct control of the Indian government, ruling the country (called the "British Raj") until they were kicked-out in 1947. Until then, Victorians referred to India as "The Jewel in the Crown." The legacy of British colonialism in India is (and will be long) analyzed and debated. And verdicts may switch back-and-forth as the decades unfold. But, when we consider art and aesthetics, the effect of Anglo-Indian artistic cross-pollination has left a wake of beautiful works: art, architecture, and decorative...
Before the Holidays arrive—and sweep us away—we have a few days remaining to activate those long-planned organizational systems, simple or complex as they may be. Having "just the right place" to keep important items can save us time and annoyance (when we most need to be operating efficiently). For me, having my keys and wallet stashed in their proper place makes for a less dramatic morning—when I'm scrambling to get-out-the-door on-time.
This heavy brass "pocket caddy" is the perfect place to keep those pocketable items, perhaps near the door (where they can always be located). This caddy can also be used at bedside—to keep-tidy one's watch, cufflinks, coins, rings or collar stays.
Greetings and gratitude to the fine men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. Your fight for Democracy, the Constitution and the Rule-of-Law—whether at home or abroad—is invaluable. Long may we endeavor to preserve (and deserve) them.
Shown here, a pair of "Army-Navy" booster pins from the Forties—with ribbons and football charms attached. Rah-Rah-Rah!
As Auntie Mame (and Jerry Herman) reminds us, "We Need a Little Christmas!" I can't think of a better time for a small measure of cheer than "right this very minute!" Shown here, a set of eight Modernist high ball tumblers—perfect for iced tea, lemonade, or a Tom Collins—frosted and graced with leaping horses in white and 22 karat gold.
Will it ever end? Yes! Today is that day! (Which does not preclude one of the candidates from dragging-us-into a nasty, protracted Phase Two.) But today is the day we've been awaiting!
This set of four highball tumblers, made in the Fifties, shows a feisty Pennsylvania Donkey kicking-up his heals—"Rarin' to Go!" Was the glassmaker even thinking—75 years ago—that Pennsylvania would be a continuing lynchpin in 21st Century national politics? (Make that "world politics.") Click on the photo above to learn more about this most-novel set of (timely) glasses.
I need not remind you, dear LEO Design customers, that every vote is important. Please vote!
In 1827, George Ballentine—a Scottish farmer's son—opened a small shop in Edinburgh to sell fine scotch whiskeys to urban connoisseurs. In 1865, George placed his eldest son, Archibald, in charge of the Edinburgh shop. Meanwhile, George opened another (larger) store, in Glasgow, with his second son, George, Jr. In Glasgow, Ballentine began "blending" whiskey—sometimes using as many as 50 different single malt whiskeys.
In Scotland, any scotch whiskey must be aged for at least three years (or the "youngest" component of a blend must be at least three years old). The longer a whiskey is aged, the more expensive it will be.
Last night we (should have) turned-back our clocks.
Despite the popular contempt for changing-the-clocks, I kind of like the adjustment. Growing-up in Hawaii, we didn't have seasonal time changes—such was the benefit of living at a southern latitude. But, "on the mainland," I find that the earlier evenings are befitting of the Fall—and my innate desire to hibernate. I certainly don't mind the extra hour of sleep, on the night we "Fall Back." And, for those who complain that it now gets dark "so darned early," I remind them that this—Autumnal—time zone is the real, unadulterated, Standard clock setting. This is the time it is supposed to get dark!
For Christians, today, 2 November, is celebrated as All Souls' Day—the day when "all the faithful departed" are commemorated and prayed for. Yesterday, on All Saints' Day (1 November), all the saints were remembered, honored and celebrated. All Souls' Day is the third and final day of the Allhallowtide triduum. In Mexico, All Souls' Day takes on a specific and festive demeanor, known as Dia de los Muertos, "The Day of the Dead." Prayer and remembrance are blended with joyful celebration and ghoulish merriment. The bookends, shown above, show a bas relief monk-scribe, bent over his Illuminated Manuscript. He is centered within a handsome "proscenium archway" decorated with rich, scrolling botanical elements and a pair of dolphins at the top....
Today we welcome November—and her birthstone, the Citrine.
The Citrine is a pale yellow variety of quartz. Its sunny color is thanks to the iron content within the chemical structure of the gemstone. And Citrine's sunniness was not lost on Greeks—who first used the stone around 300 BC—who believed that the gemstone could help alleviate depression. At the time, Citrine was very rare, thus expensive, opulent and luxurious. As larger deposits were later discovered and mined (notably in Brazil), the gemstone became more common and fell within reach of more and more admirers.
Tonight is All Hallows' Eve—more popularly called Hallowe'en—the first day of the Allhallowtide "triduum." Allhallowtide consists of three days: Hallowe'en, All Hallows' Day (also called All Saints' Day) and All Souls' Day. Essentially, Hallowe'en is the vigil, the night before the Holy Day of All Saints' Day (1 November). On All Saints' Day, all the saints are commemorated—both those whom we can name and those we do not know. 2 November is All Souls' Day—the day when all the faithful departed are commemorated. Since the early days of the Christian Church, various locales celebrated varying days for the commemoration of Christian martyrs. Later, this celebration was broadened to honor all the saints (martyred or not). In the Seventh Century, this celebration was expanded throughout...
Snuff is the fine powder of pulverized tobacco leaves. The leaves are "cured," that is, aged and fermented—possibly for weeks or months. Sometimes flavors or fragrances are added to the tobacco. Europeans first encountered snuff in the Americas and took it back to England and Europe where it quickly became very popular. Tobacco was first grown in the Americas and snuff is believed to have been used by indigenous peoples well before the year 1000 BC. By the time the White man arrived in the New World, tobacco (and snuff) use had spread through much of South, Central and North America—as well as to the Caribbean. It is believed that snuff use had traveled to Africa even before the Atlantic Slave Trade.
One week to go! Election Day! Will we see Happy Days? Oh my. Why don't we avoid the topic? Let us look the other way! In 1903, Julius Chein opened his modest, new business in a New York City loft—initially making printed metal toys to be included as the "prize" in a box of Cracker Jack. His focus was lithographed tin, though, for the first four years of business, Chein had to outsource his metal printing. Business succeeded and, by 1907, Chein could afford to open his own metal printing plant in Harrison, New Jersey. J. Chein & Company made all manner of toys and novelties of lithographed metal: piggybanks, tambourines, rattles, & other noisemakers, scale trucks & automobiles, wind-up toys...
A Troika is a grouping of three powers, working together to achieve a mission. Its original meaning was a trio of horses—harnessed together, three abreast—to pull a Russian sled or carriage. Since then, the term has evolved to include the collaboration of three forces allied towards a common goal, usually in the political, military or business worlds. In recent times, we might think of the political-military troika of Russia, Iran and North Korea. Or, in Europe, the financial troika of the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In America, billionaire media owners pull in the same direction to achieve political and/or financial benefits: Musk, Bezos, Murdoch (though they probably would deny collaborating).
But let's get-back to the horses!
Nathaniel Currier was born in Roxbury, a neighborhood of Greater Boston, in 1813. When he was eight years old, his father died, leaving him (and his 11 year old brother) to support his mother and two younger siblings. After several odd jobs, he found himself as an apprentice to a printmaker—and the trajectory of his life was determined. In 1835, at 22 years of age, Currier established his own print studio in New York City. His aim was to create "cheap and popular prints" for the American public. And he succeeded wonderfully. One of his earliest prints (in his very first year) depicted the ruins of The Merchant Exchange after a fire had swept-through downtown New York City. It sold...
Arts & Crafts period designers—wherever in the world they may have worked—often looked-back to their country's (or culture's) past for design inspiration: history, literature, folklore, ancient craft. Their efforts to "revive" familiar aesthetic elements or symbols of the past were part of the movement's attempt to channel "the good old days"—to recreate those better times when life was quieter, simpler, purer.
The Gothic Aesthetic was frequently used as a "historic touch-back" in American and European Arts & Crafts design. Its rustic, hand-wrought and wonderfully-antiquated sensibility helped lend a feeling of warm archaism to the newly-rendered object. And most Turn-of-the-Century Westerners were somewhat familiar with the Gothic Style (or the Gothic Revival from the Nineteenth Century).
It's a mere two months—just 61 days—'til Christmas! And, here to provide support and cheer, is Santa Claus, featured on a pair of holiday pins from the 1930's or 1940's. The pins were part of a campaign for the National Tuberculosis Association, founded in 1904. In 1907, the Association launched the Christmas Seals fundraising drive—with the modest goal of saving a troubled TB sanatorium in Delaware. The Christmas Seals campaign was very successful; it continues to this day. Tuberculosis is a serious and deadly disease. It is caused by a bacteria which infects the lungs, spread through coughing, sneezing or breathing infected air in tight quarters. In the Nineteenth Century, it is estimated that 25% of deaths in Europe was...
When I found this charming baby bird, I just couldn't resist. I suppose his plump body, big eyes and open mouth are his evolutionary insurance that his parents will continue to feed and protect him—until such time he can provide those functions for himself. Could this be why we find baby creatures adorable? So that we will continue to nurture them through those vulnerable years? This little Japanese bird—is it meant to hold matches, cigarettes or toothpicks?—is cast in bronze and finished with a light verdigris patina. Need I add that he is well-sculpted? Clearly the artist knew exactly how to appeal to that ancient animal impulse (in most of us) to care for those cute and cuddly creatures—be they...
Lacquering is a surface treatment of wood (or sometimes metal) which originated in Ancient China. The sap of certain plants was heated and applied in layers; as it cooled, it built-up into a durable, waterproof and very beautiful finish. The original process, sometimes referred to as "True Lacquering," used the sap of the Toxicodendron Vernicifluum, called the "Lacquer Tree," a plant which grows in Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. Over the centuries, artisans have developed alternative recipes and processes for achieving the desired lacquered finish. Lacquering can be polished to a high gloss, left flat, or calibrated somewhere in-between. Sometimes the lacquerware is further embellished with painting, inlaying of mother-of-pearl, or the application of other costly substances.
Today is the First Day of Autumn. More specifically, it is the Autumnal Equinox. "Equinox" means "Equal Night." During an Equinox, the night and day are (roughly) of equal length. As we all know, the Earth rotates upon a central axis which tilts toward and away from the Sun (with the seasons). On the Equinox, the Earth's axis is perfectly aligned with the Sun—which places the Sun directly over the Equator. Today's Equinox (at precisely 8:43 am) marks the start of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, each day's length of sunlight has been getting shorter since the Summer Solstice of June 20th. Now, after the Autumnal Equinox, each day will...
"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon;
to me, those have always been the two
most beautiful words in the English language."
- Henry James
Yes, summer afternoons can be wonderful. Yet, alas, all good things must come to an end—including summer afternoons. Today, Saturday 21 September, will be our final summer afternoon until next year. Autumn will begin tomorrow morning.
Perhaps the two-handled vase, shown above, will serve as a reminder of endless, late-Summer afternoons. Though it was made in Mid-Century Germany, after World War Two, it clearly was inspired by Country French or Italian ceramics—perhaps a vase from Provence or Tuscany.
On this night in 1966, the brand new Metropolitan Opera House officially opened in Manhattan's Lincoln Center. It was the high-tech, cutting-edge performance venue of its day—the centerpiece of a sparkling, 25 acre performing arts venue which had once been cluttered with decaying tenements (portrayed in the 2021 film West Side Story). The house seated 3,850 audience members and it replaced the earlier (1883) Metropolitan Opera House at Broadway and 39th Street. (That theatre was so under-equipped that stage hands had to pull scenery off-stage and store it on 39th Street.) The opening night performance was Samuel Barber's Antony and Cleopatra—making its world premiere. Master of spectacle, Franco Zeffirelli, was tasked with creating the opening night extravaganza. And, boy, did he...
Don't look now! St. Valentine's Day is a short five months away!
First we need to get-through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
The cast pewter heart, shown above, was hand-crafted in California. It would make a lovely token of your affection on Valentine's Day (or Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's).
In the West, Friday the Thirteenth is perceived as an unlucky day. It seems that this idea became widely popular in Nineteenth Century France. The earliest written reference to unlucky Friday the Thirteenth is a line in the 1834 play, Les Finesses des Gribouilles: "I was born on a Friday, December 13th 1813, from which come all of my misfortunes." That same year, the Marquis de Salvo wrote in the Revue de Paris about a Sicilian count who had killed his daughter on a Friday the Thirteenth. "It is always Fridays and the number Thirteen which bring bad luck." In America, it was T. W. Lawson's book, Friday, the Thirteenth (1907), which popularized the superstition on this side of the...
I remember the day so well. I had grabbed my gym bag, kissed my spouse, and was heading-out-the-door. Off to the gym, then to my store on Bleecker Street. And, oh! It was Election Day! I needed to go to the polls first. An announcement on the radio: "WNYC has just received reports of an explosion of some kind at the World Trade Center. Stay tuned for more information." Instead of taking the elevator down to the street, I took the elevator up to the roof. The building's Super, Manny, was the only person up there. He was hosing down the roof deck. It was a beautiful, crystal-clear day. New York days did not get better than this. We looked...
Art Nouveau designers—from all parts of the world—would often "reach-back" in their local history to find aesthetic themes for their contemporary, Turn-of-the-Century works. Artists would mine literary, cultural, historic or ancient aesthetic motifs, reviving them for an audience which probably would recognize them. For example, English Arts & Crafts artisans might lift characters, scenes or verbiage from Medieval literature (like The Knights of the Round Table). In America, Arts & Crafts artists might utilize ancient Native American symbology. In Germany, a Gothic sensibility permeated much of their Jugendstil design. The hammered steel cigar casket, shown above, has the rustic sensibility of hand-wrought Gothic design. Nine round, shield-form "bosses" are hammered and affixed with metal riveting. They provide the fortified appearance...
Notorious curmudgeon, W. C. Fields, advised actors to "Never share the stage with animals or children." They are just too darn cute!
That's true for this pair of cast iron bookends, made in the Twenties or Thirties. A pair of watchful terrier puppies—simultaneously slouchy and attentive—are ready to hold-up your books or decorate your mantelpiece. The bookends are heavy. However, they do not have traditional "flat backs" which most bookends do. So these bookends are most effectively used holding-up thick and heavy, hardback tomes—which don't lean much, they just need to be kept upright.
Promotional, "advertising" items have long been used by businesses seeking to promote sales for their companies or brands. These items, usually given to a customer (or a potential customer), could take one of many different forms. Sometimes the item might be a miniature version of the manufacturer's regular item—think of an anvil salesman leaving a miniature cast iron anvil paperweight (complete with the maker's brand name and contact info). A promotional item could be something useful: a calendar, a letter rack, a coin tray, a wall clock, or a paperweight. Or the promotional item could be an outright advertisement—like a product sign to be mounted on a display case or a brand logo to be hung on the wall.
When Europeans first started trading with the East—China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia—a whole new world of design and style was revealed to Westerners. Asian artisans created masterful works—ceramics, lacquerware, textile weaving, printmaking—which enchanted the Europeans. These items, when imported to the West, were very expensive. Asian decorative arts became a status symbol of the rich and worldly. Only the wealthiest Europeans and Americans could afford to collect the real thing. But the desire for "Oriental" design permeated more than just the upper reaches of Western society. Consumers in the growing Middle Class (especially in the Nineteenth Century) wanted "a taste of the exotic East" in their homes, too. This broad demand led Western designers and craftsmen to try to emulate...
Blenko Glass, still operating in Milton, West Virginia, has an interesting—though quite fraught—history. The company was founded by Englishman William Blenko in 1893. He was born in London in 1853 and had worked in the glass industry there. At age 40, he moved to the United States where he opened (in Kokomo, Indiana) America's first factory to produce sheet glass for stained glass windows. That endeavor lasted ten years until an economic downturn forced Blenko to return to England. Six years later, Blenko was back in America and opened another factory, this time in Point Marion, Pennsylvania (which quickly failed), followed by another one in Clarksburg, West Virginia (which also closed quickly). Not one to give-up, William Blenko opened another factory...
Korea has a long history of artistic handcrafted bronze ware—both for decorative and for practical (food service) uses. Shown above, a decorative bronze charger made in South Korea in the Fifties. It was probably brought-back to the States by an American serviceman who had been stationed in Korea.
The wide-rimmed charger is decorated with a highly-detailed bas relief wildlife scene. A pike leaps vigorously from the waters. Lilly pads, river grasses and a riverbank landscape can be seen behind him. It is all captured in tremendous detail. And, yet, the dynamic fish is the clear focus of the composition.
Amongst the finest—and most prestigious—of glassmakers in the world stands Baccarat. The company was founded in 1764 in Baccarat, France (about 250 miles east of Paris). The Bishop of Metz sought a new business for the village—hopefully one which could use the large supply of firewood produced in the diocese. He appealed to King Louis XV who authorized the glassworks. The company's initial production was fairly pedestrian: window panes and tableware. But, in 1817, the company developed an improved crystal formula (using nickel oxide) and from this point Baccarat Crystal narrowed its focus to the finest, high-end merchandise. Maharajahs, Tsars, Napoleon III and The Japanese Imperial Court commissioned pieces. Other customers included Coco Chanel, Prince Rainier & Princess Grace of Monaco, Josephine...
Happy Labor Day to the talented workers who—with the talent of their hands and the sweat of their brows—make our lives better and more beautiful. May they always be cherished and rewarded.
Shown above, a Danish Modernist stoneware tile—with deep bas relief sculpting—which portrays a blacksmith, hard at work at a hot forge. It was sculpted by Karl Otto Johansen for Danish ceramics workshop Bing & Grøndahl. It could be installed permanently within a larger tiling project or it can hang on the wall—all by itself—using the hanging grommet on the back of the tile.
From our earliest days, we’ve been mesmerized by the sapphire—birthstone for the month of September. It is amongst the hardest of gemstones and also amongst the most-expensive. And, some might argue, sapphires are the most beautiful.
Sapphires belong to the corundum family which includes rubies. In fact, sapphires and rubies are the same stone; sapphires contain iron and titanium impurities while rubies contain chromium impurities. Both types of corundum often are found in the same areas, though one of the varieties will predominate. Sapphires are found and mined in Africa, Russia, Australia, and parts of Asia (most notably, India). In the United States, sapphires are found in Montana.
The Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299 AD by the Emperor Osman I (who lived approximately 1254 - 1323 AD). The name "Ottoman" is an anglicization of "Osman" (which may have been the Arabic variant of his Turkish name, "Ataman"). Little is known about him; in fact, it took a couple of centuries for historians to begin recording his story. As a result, it has been difficult to distinguish myth from true history. Nevertheless, he founded the monarchy which expanded aggressively with his descendants—eventually conquering the Byzantine Christians in 1453 and taking Constantinople. Constantinople, which had been center of the Latin-Christian world from the Fourth Century, was renamed Istanbul. The Ottoman Empire remained the political and economic bridge between Europe and the Middle...
The older I get (!!!), the more I appreciate having magnifying glasses here-and-there—lying in strategic spots, all around the house. I have one in the kitchen for reading the criminally-small cooking instructions on food packaging. There's one in the TV room for ascertaining the running time on a DVD movie box. I have a few of them in my work space—where I am forever researching antique makers' marks. And a good, strapping magnifying glass is always helpful in the tool drawer, for when one is called-upon to read the finely-raised (white-on-white) instructions inside a smoke detector or the etched serial number on the bottom of a toaster.
The magnifying glass, shown above, was made for one's more-refined tasks.
At LEO Design, we love our LEOs—including this handsome beast from the Twenties or Thirties. Lions are portrayed in many different manners. This guy seems to have been sculpted with an Early Twentieth Century "Circus Lion" demeanor—like one might have seen on a circus poster between the wars. His foreshortened paw reaches-out; his other paw rests upon a Cubist boulder. As we love lions, I have had this particular fellow—actually, a pair of cast iron bookends—in-stock in the past. At the moment, we also have in-stock a similar pair with their original gold finish option. This pair of bookends have an age-darkened bronze finish. The lively sculpting, the fierce energy, and the rich bronze patina make for a handsome addition to...
In keeping with our Modernist barware theme (see yesterday's journal entry), here is another intriguing piece—from post-war Modernist Japan. A hand-cut glass shaker with chromed lid is joined by six barware implements—all smartly-arranged upon a wood and chrome caddy.
The utensils include a graduated "scoop-form" jigger, an olive pick, a mixing paddle, ice tongs, strainer and bottle/can opener. All the pieces have wooden handles or accents.
The entire set hangs (or sits) upon this handsome wood and chrome caddy—ready for smart service at a moment's notice.
Sadly, wars have a way of changing everything. Families, economies, and socio-cultural practices all can be upended by the winds of war. These conflicts often provide demarcation between the era that came before and the era that follows. Even art and design, frivolous as they may seem, are subject to this cycle of revision, renewal and reinvention.
With the onset of World War One, the Victorian and Art Nouveau periods ground to an end. After The Great War, people were ready for something new, fresh and modern. Enter Art Deco—with its aerodynamic, forward-looking, and mechanized aesthetic.
In England and her Commonwealth Countries, the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. This was the traditional holiday for servants—when they would receive their "boxes" from their employers and could celebrate the day off with their families and friends. After all, servants were expected to serve their employers on Christmas Day. It wasn't a holiday for them; if fact, Christmas entertaining probably made the day extra difficult. Boxing Day will be here four months from today.
In honor of Boxing Day, we'd like to share this attractive—though well-worn—candy tin from the Twenties.
Four months 'til Christmas! Perish the thought or embrace the lead time! Decorating for the season is a big part of the preparation. Perhaps these antique mercury glass colored beads will help decorate your tree, the bannister, a doorway, or the wreath that hangs upon the door. Each bead is actually a "double." Two globes, each the size of a large pea, are blown as one. (Actually, a whole, longer "rod" of such beads were formed together—a hot glass rod, blown into a metal mould—then cut into double-bead portions.) They will add a splash of old-fashioned color to your home—during the bleak of winter—just in time for the holidays.
These days, it seems, there is no shortage of people shooting dozens of "selfies" day after day. We have the mobile phone camera to thank for this—and the fact that it costs nothing to take yet another photograph. A century ago, well before the invention of digital photography, expensive and delicate rolls of film needed to be purchased and later developed into paper photographs. Photography was a costly exercise. A century before that (circa 1822), photography was a brand new technology, thanks to pioneering photo-inventor Joseph Niépce of France. For the next several decades, photographic processes improved, though sitters still needed to engage a professional (usually in a studio or other establishment) to have their portrait recorded. For this reason, people in the Mid-Nineteenth...
Shakespeare never fails to amaze me. And I love collecting bookends which honor this greatest of writers. For no other human has influenced English writing more than he has: on theatre, on character, on the language we use today. Lonely. Generous. Addiction. These are words, invented by Shakespeare, which we use every day—if not every few hours. You'll find a longer list of his words and phrases below. We are not certain of Shakespeare's precise date of birth. We know that he was baptized on 26 April 1564. Traditionally, 23 April has been celebrated as his birthday. We do know that he died on the same day—23 April—in 1616. The Bard wrote 39 plays and many dozens of sonnets and poems....
Tonight is the final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. We are marking the event by showing some of our favorite donkeys, now in-stock at LEO Design.
Shown here, a set of four tumblers from the Fifties. A feisty Pennsylvania donkey, bucking and kicking, is "Rarin' to Go!" Every year, it seems, Pennsylvania Dems are called upon to (try to) push Pennsylvania over the line. Sometimes we get the job done, sometimes we don't. Could glasses like these help your favorite Pennsylvania Dem "buck-up" and rally?
In honor of this week's Democratic National Convention—and the parade of feisty Democrats crossing the convention's stage—we are showing a few of our own favorite donkeys, now in-stock at LEO Design. (If your tastes lean towards elephants, click "continue reading" then please click here.)
This fella, a 1950's wooden toy, is composed of articulated limbs, ears and tail. He is painted in red and black—with a watchful eye and a yellow mouth.
I stayed-up way too late last night, watching the first night of the Democratic National Convention. And so it begins. Why am I exhausted already? (In truth, I've been exhausted for eight years.) Perhaps things are more convenient when they are in one's own time zone.
To the rescue! This little bronze donkey can help us get through the next 76 days—and the possibly-contested days to follow. On the bottom of each little hoof you'll find the letters K, I, C & K. He's a Kick Ass kind of guy.
And if, perchance, elephants are more your thing, click here to see something you might prefer.
211 days until Saint Paddy's Day! Thus, what better time to share this handsome Irish ceramic bowl, made in the Sixties. Modernist, indeed, but decorated with fascinatingly ancient (and timeless) Irish Celtic knots. This bowl was made by Wade (an English ceramics company) in its Irish workshop which opened in 1946 (in Ulster, Northern Ireland). The designer was James Borsey (1920-1977). The line, called "Celtic Kells," was comprised of six different pieces and was inspired by decoration in the illuminated manuscript, The Book of Kells (c. 800), which can now be seen in the Trinity College Library, Dublin. This line was made in very limited production runs—and only for a couple of years in the Sixties. Much of the production was...
Autumn will be here in a little over a month—time to start tidying-up for the Winter. In times past, before homes had summertime air conditioning, the semi-annual ritual of swapping window screens for storm windows (and vice versa) was part of the seasonal cycle. But which custom-fitted screen (or storm window) went into which window frame? Brass tacks—like the set shown above—came to the rescue. Each set of tacks was numbered (in this case, 1 through 15). The homeowner would press a numbered tack (let's say #7) into his window frame, a matching tack (another #7) into the the corresponding window screen frame, and a third matching tack (#7) into the proper storm window. This way, screens and storm windows are...
Yesterday we shared some newly-acquired glasses. Here is a sister set—every bit as beautiful, though in a different way. In truth, I prefer this smaller, flared shape (perfect for wine). This little sister, however, only has six glasses (compared to her sibling with ten + one). But the hand-cutting is superb and the finishing terrific. And the all-important "handfeel" is really nice.
I cannot keep myself from buying nice drinking glasses whenever I come across a handsome set. But there are several varying (and competing) factors which must be weighed and compared during my purchase decision. The most important criteria: the shape of the glass (tumblers, please), the quality of the glass (nicely finished), and the "handfeel" (which is hard to define in words). Of secondary importance is the cutting or applied decoration, if any (not too frilly, please; Greek key fretwork is ideal; no applied decoration is fine). Another important factor: how many glasses comprise the set? Two or three glasses? Never. Four glasses? Everything else needs to be perfect. Six glasses? Acceptable. Eight glasses? Now we're talking! Ten...
On this day in 1057, King Macbeth of Scotland was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan. Macbeth, himself, had taken the throne in 1040, when his forces killed King Duncan I (who was attempting to invade Macbeth's northern territory). Upon Macbeth's death, his supporters immediately elevated Macbeth's stepson, Lulach. But Lulach was not long for the throne; he was a weak king and would soon be assassinated by his successor, Malcolm III (son of Duncan I, the king who had been killed by Macbeth). Macbeth (Macbethad mac Findláech) ruled during a period of Scottish history known as The Kingdom of Alba (900-1286 AD). This era ended when England's King Edward I, seized power. Macbeth was called "The Red King," due to...
On this day in 1040 AD, Macbeth's army killed Scots King Duncan I. Macbeth held the Scottish throne for the next 17 years.
Duncan—known in Scots Celtic as Donnchadh mac Crìonain—is represented in Shakespeare's tragic play, Macbeth (1606), as an older man. In fact, King Duncan (1001-1040) was crowned at 33 and died at the tender age of 39. He did have at least two sons, both of whom also appear in the play: Máel Coluim Mac Donnchadh (Malcolm) and Domnall Bán (Donalbain). Macbeth was cousin to King Duncan and a duke, as well.
Hawaiian musical legend, Don Ho, was born on this day in 1930. He is best known for his signature song, Tiny Bubbles, written by Leon Pober in 1966. The song was originally written for Lawrence Welk who turned it down. Ho recorded it and it spent a bit of time on the 1967 pop charts: #54 on the Billboard Pop roster and #14 on the Easy Listening charts. After it became a hit, other artists covered it—and even Lawrence Welk performed it on his television show several times. Don Ho was born in Honolulu (as I was), though his family moved to Kaneohe—on the Windward side of the island of Oahu (as my family did). After a period of service...
On this day in 1851, Isaac Merritt Singer obtained a patent for improvements he created to the sewing machine. Though he did not invent the original sewing machine, his design changes made the machines smaller, more reliable, easier to use, and easier to manufacture. He emulated the mass-production examples of gun makers (like Samuel Colt and Eli Whitney) with their modern production lines and reliance upon interchangeable parts. Prior to this, sewing machines were big, bulky, complicated industrial machines—better suited to cobblers, harness makers and other industrial settings. Singer's smaller, reliable machines could be used in the home. And they were affordable. His mass-production drove-down the price of a new sewing machine from $100 to $10 (equivalent to about $400...
Let's end this week's homage to the "Cat Ladies" with a wistful tribute to the kitty who graced our garden for about a year. Last year, this handsome feline started visiting us, often waiting for us outside our back door. He lived under a yew bush in the protected, fenced corner of our yard. I built him a little cat house (for the bitter winter). While I never saw him go inside his little A-frame, I often saw him leaning-up against it—warming himself in the sun. Twice a day—in the morning and at twilight—we'd find him waiting for us, in our back "courtyard," expecting delivery of his cat food. We fed him on our back porch, though he remained skittish, never approaching his food...
This week, we're sharing some of our favorite felines—a tribute to "the cat ladies" who inspire, teach and lead us. Surely this is an authentic cat lady—complete with her kitten, sitting upon her shoulder, snuggling in the crook of her neck. Such hand-carved wooden sculptures are often called Blackforest Carvings, whether or not they are strictly from that specific Bavarian region of Southern Germany. Many carvings of this type were also made in Switzerland or Alpine (Northern) Italy. It seems that mountainous regions, the world over, lend themselves to artistic woodcarving. For one, there are always plenty of trees. Secondly, mountain farmers (or herders) may find themselves forced-indoors during the harshness of winter—giving them plenty of time to create seasonal crafts (and not just...
There is a fine line between a feline's sense of play and her instinct to hunt. Cats—of every size, shape and variety—are known to be stone-cold killers. For this reason, keepers of house cats are strongly encouraged to keep their charges indoors all the time (for the sake of the billions of birds killed by American cats each year). When playing with a cat—with a laser pointer, a string, a paper bag or a retractable mouse—it is clear that her skill as a huntress is tied to her sense of play. Is your cat trying to "kill" her catnip mouse? Or is she only playing with the lizard in the backyard? (And why does she so often drop her "trophy" at...
This week, we're sharing some of our favorite felines—a tribute to "the cat ladies" who inspire, teach and lead us. A cat's arched back. Is it a hiss, a stretch, or an appeal for a friendly scratching? This cast iron kitty, made in the Teens or Twenties, is a doorstop by Hubley. The Hubley Manufacturing Company was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1894. Shortly after the Turn-of-the-Twentieth-Century, Hubley began manufacturing cast iron animals—like the doorstop shown here—and other cast iron toys: cars, trucks and "heavy equipment." As the century progressed, Hubley shifted to cast-zinc items and became most well-known for its collectible scale model cars. This heavy, cast iron cat was designed to be a doorstop. It would look great, however,...
Is there any greater luxury than an afternoon nap? Even if you're too busy to indulge in such a pleasure, you might enjoy watching this little kitty, curled-up, enjoying forty winks. He is made of stoneware, finished with a thick and curdled mocha-caramel glaze. He will happily serve as a little paperweight. Or be content to just lie-around, perhaps on the windowsill, making the place even homier.
From Japan we have this wonderful Modernist house cat. Her simple—but sensuous—lines convey much feline energy and attitude. Made of heavy cast brass, hand-chased and polished to a mirror finish. A wonderful paperweight or "whatnot" to keep you company on your desk, windowsill or bedside table.
With so much in the news lately about "cat ladies," we thought that LEO Design was overdue paying tribute to them. Childless? Sometimes. Miserable? Not that I can see. This week we will share some of our favorite little felines, now in-stock at LEO Design. Each of these kittens will wait patiently at home—cheerfully and loyally—until "their special ladies" return home (whether from work, from vacation or from the polls). Here's to the cat ladies!
This little fella is sculpted in brass, finished with a verdigris bronze patina. The sculptor has captured perfectly the hunched, coiled energy of a feline—confident, relaxed, but ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Not unlike some of those cat ladies I know!
Yesterday we presented August's birthstone, the Peridot. Today, let's talk about August's birth flower, the Poppy.
Poppies are thought to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and have been cultivated by Western and Central Europeans from about 6,000 BC. Early on, people recognized the analgesic properties of the plant. Ancient Egyptian doctors had their patients chew a mouthful of poppy seeds to relieve pain. Even today, poppies are cultivated as a source of opium, morphine and codeine—powerful narcotics. Recent and reckless use of Oxycodone, which is synthesized from poppies, has caused grave problems for so many. And the illicit drug trade has profited from the poppy—through the sale of heroin, another derivation of the flower's seeds.
Welcome, August, and your birth stone, the brilliant Peridot. Let's begin with the basics: how does one pronounce "Peridot"? In the dictionary, the first (that is, the preferred) pronunciation is "Peri-dot" with a "hard T." The second option is "peri-dough"—which I suspect is the more popular pronunciation amongst fancy jewelers (and others who are trying to sell the gemstone). Peridot is a clear, gemstone-quality variety of Olivine—which is one of the very few gemstones which is formed in the Earth's hot, crushing mantle (most gemstones form at a much shallower depth, in the Earth's Crust). The peridot radiates a brilliant green color—thanks to the presence of iron—and it presents within a fairly tight color range (on either side of lime green). It...
Let's end our week of LEOs in Summer with this little guy—a bronze sculpture of a small, but brave, lion. Spontaneously modeled (perhaps a touch Rodin-ish), this little boy has the letters COURAGE impressed upon his tiny tummy. It's a great sentiment for someone who is setting-out on a new journey. Or, perhaps, someone who is facing a daunting challenge. And, of course, it would be warmly-received by any LEO you know.
This week, we're presenting some of our favorite felines—The LEO in Summer—which can be found in our LEO Design on-line shop.
Here's another Turn-of-the-Century cast iron lion bank—probably first owned by a child who was being encouraged to save his coins. The two halves are separately cast, then screwed together. Whether used to hold coins or not, this handsome LEO has a richly-aged patina. He'll provide good company on a desk, bedside, or windowsill.
Antoine-Louis Bayre (1795-1875) is arguably the world's all-time greatest animalier—that is, a sculptor (or painter) of naturalistic animals. He began his studies as an apprentice jeweler, working under Napoleon's goldsmith. He was admitted into the École des Beaux-Arts, in Paris, and enjoyed spending time sketching the animals in the ménagerie at the Jardin des Plantes (the city's botanical garden which contained a small zoo—housing the animals moved from Versailles during the French Revolution).
Spelter is a metalic alloy—mostly zinc, usually combined with various other metals, like tin, antimony or lead. In the Nineteenth Century, spelter became very popular as a casting alternative to bronze. When cast, it conveys fine detail very well and is lighter and less expensive than bronze. But spelter is also very brittle (subject to cracking, if dropped). All manner of decorative objects—clocks, trophies, candlesticks, bookends—were made of spelter. After casting, the pieces can be patinated, like bronze, or painted, like the lion above. Being economical (and easier to work with, due to its lower melting point), spelter was perfect for making inexpensive toys like soldiers, animals or game board parts. Our lion shown here, standing atop his mountain,...
Lions have been used in heraldry for millennia. Different poses—called attitudes—would indicate different characteristics. The turn of the head, the lifting of a paw (or paws) were given different names. A Lion Rampant is one who is rearing-up, standing on his two back feet or one back foot. A Lion Sejant is seated, front paws together on the floor (like a house cat). A Lion Couchant is lying on his belly, head raised (like a sphinx). Our cast bronze lion, shown above, was modeled in the American Midwest, thus, I'm not sure if heraldic conventions were being observed. If I were to take-a-stab at identifying his attitude, I would say Lion Statant Guardant Sinister (which means, a lion standing on four...
Wednesday's LEO was stalking. Thursday's LEO was static. Today's LEO is fierce—roaring while he strikes with his left paw. The pair of cast iron bookends, shown above, portrays a ferocious lion as he might appear in a circus—or on a circus poster. Most of the original golden finish remains intact. And the "Cubist" boulder, under foot, reflects the times in which this lion was sculpted—in the Twenties. The sculptor succeeded in creating a model full of energy, action and fury. Indeed, this LEO is a monarch.
Before Venmo or Apple Pay or Zelle, people saved and spent real money—cash dollars and coins. Good savings habits were encouraged in youngsters by giving them a bank into which they could deposit coins—to save-up for a special purchase or to hold-fast for a rainy day.
The cast iron lion bank, shown above, was just such an item. In it, a child could save his or her coins and have a wonderful companion in their bedroom. Traces of the original golden paint remain on the lion which was made at the Turn-of-the-Twentieth-Century.
With all due apologies to Henry II, let us have a look at some of The Lions in Summer—at LEO Design. Over the next few days, we will present some of our favorite felines, currently in-stock in the LEO Design on-line shop.
Shown here, a stalking lion, crouching, creeping, preparing for the strike. Most lion bookends capture the "Majestic Lion"—a regal feline posing for the sculptor. Here we see him in-action. The sculptor has beautifully captured the tense, coiled energy of a big cat—ready to pounce. Our hunting hero is shown atop a jagged rock, perhaps a jutting cliffside or promontory. It's a nice, old-fashioned aesthetic, beautifully sculpted in the early Twentieth Century.
LEO is here, monarch of the zodiac! And, of course, that lucky lion is the namesake of our little shop, LEO Design.
For the next few days, we'll be sharing some of our favorite LEOs—now on-line and available for purchase on our website.
Shown above, a nicely-cast spelter lion. The details are superb and the cold-painting (that is, done after casting) is lovely. It is not marked but I suspect it was made in Austria or Germany.
We're one-third of the way through Summer—two more months to go. Is it too soon to start planning for Fall? Actually, the Platinum Leaves tumblers, shown above, are crisp and clean—perfect for Summer (or Winter, too). Imagine an icy G & T bubbling within these streamlined glasses. Made in the Fifties, this set of eight footed tumblers are decorated with frosted sides and platinum leaves. The top rim of each glass is decorated with platinum—an elegant touch which also helps protect the glass edge. Each glass holds 12 ounces (if filled to the brim).
We're in the final weeks of Cherry Season—that time of the year when domestic cherries are at peak harvest. But you can have cherries all year long—with this handsome brass wall plaque depicting drooping clusters of cherries and the leaves which shelter them. This English Arts & Crafts plaque will enliven "that perfect little spot which needs a little something." It was made around 1900 or shortly thereafter.
Are humans naturally drawn to Authoritarianism? Or, rather, do people yearn to live free? For centuries, historians and philosophers have studied various peoples living under monarchs, dictators and thugs. Why do some people prefer "to just let Daddy take over"? In 2024, we still do not know this answer.
Throughout history, there have been moments of people standing up to overwhelming Authoritarianism. Most of these moments have been bloody, deadly, and have spawned unpredictable results. Ultimately, history will be the judge of whether these revolutionaries are labeled "Patriots" or "Criminals." Remember: the winners write the history.
We've spent the last few days—during the Dog Days of Summer—sharing a few of our favorite dog-related items, now available on the LEO Design website.
Let's end our parade of playful pups with this duo of eager Scotties—a pair of bookends made in the Twenties or Thirties. Beautifully cast—with handsome detail—and patinated with a rich bronze finish. A verdigris bronze patina suggests grass growing around the fence. Who among us wouldn't delight at coming-home to such a joyful, loving pair of loyal friends?
In today's selection, our dog plays a background role in this printed English hunting scene by Sir William Nicholson, R.A. (1872-1949). Nicholson was a wonderful fine artist. His painted portraits and still life pictures are wonderful. But he is most famous for his Late Victorian woodblock prints—which were reproduced in portfolios using the relatively new lithographic technology of the day. The shooter, wearing his natty green hunting coat, was printed as part of An Almanac of Twelve Sports in 1898. It is conservation framed in an equally handsome 19th Century frame—carved to imply rustic wood—which still wears its curdled, well-aged original finish. Print and frame make for a handsome, deluxe "package"—ready to hang in the office, den or sitting room....
This vigilant terrier will stay his post all day long—while also holding-open your door. He was cast in iron and hand-painted by Hubley in the early Twentieth Century. Hubley was founded in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They made toys and decorative objects including bookends and cast iron doorstops. In time, they produced cap guns and are best known for making collectible scale models of automobiles after World War II. This terrier can still hold-open a door. He would also look terrific on a mantelpiece, on a desk or guarding a windowsill.
In "The Olde Days," cigarettes and the sporting life went hand-in-hand. Thus we have here a cast brass ashtray of two English birddogs, emerging from the water, in pursuit of their assignment: to gently retrieve their master's (or mistress's) birds. The bas relief sculpting is nice: interesting, detailed, full of energy. And one need not smoke to make use of this English brass tray! At bedside it would make a great place to keep one's rings or cufflinks—or perhaps a supply of collar stays. On the desk, it could hold one's clips or coins. And, at the front door, it's a great place to stash one's keys—from where one will always remember where to retrieve them. And, for those who smoke,...
We're spending a few days—During the Dog Days of Summer—sharing a few of our favorite dog-related items, now available on the LEO Design website.
This little fellow—a cast iron pup—is painted black and trimmed with a red bow. It was probably a child's collectible toy in the Teens or Twenties. His slouchy demeanor and attentive gaze are captivating—and oh, so cute.
Over the years, I've bought and sold hundreds of pairs of bookends. A good percentage of these have featured dogs. And a good number of those dogs have been terriers. And, yet, I have never come across this pair of bookends before.
I love the sculpting on these bookends: the dog is handsome, alert, and inquisitive. The sculptor has captured perfectly the attitude of a terrier. The color is rich and waxy. And the mark on the back—one I have not encountered much—tells us that this pair of bookends were made in New York. There were some foundries in New York City, though most of the country's brass foundries were found in Central Connecticut.
I've always loved the Aesthetic Movement. The crisp, handsome graphics—sometimes with a touch of Asian influence—is the elegant predecessor of both the Art Nouveau and the Art Deco movements. Shown here, a Wedgwood English Aesthetic Movement ceramic plate. The plate "blank" was decorated with a sepia-toned "transfer" pattern—a common manner of applying detailed decoration to ceramics in the Nineteenth Century. It allowed the manufacturer to print the patterns (on paper or film) rather than require each plate to be hand-painted. I have not seen other plates like this one, but I am guessing that the original set of plates may have sported a variety of different dog- (or hunting-) inspired scenes.
We're spending a few days—during the Dog Days of Summer—sharing a few of our favorite dog-related items, now available on the LEO Design website.
When it comes to Hollywood Style, few dogs can beat a Terrier—especially a Scottie. This fabulous pair of American Art Deco bookends are made of "Silverlite"—a proprietary material of the Russel Studios in Chicago. Our Scottie, proudly alert, stands before a magnificent Art Deco architectural backdrop. The bookends—the architecture, the silver color, the Scottie himself—scream "stardom!"
We now find ourselves in "The Dog Days of Summer." This year, the period spans from 3 July through 11 August—the period during which Sirius the star appears on the morning horizon and travels its visible path across the sky.
Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. Its name comes from the Greek, meaning "glowing" or "scorching." It keeps company with a larger cluster of stars, a constellation, called Canis Major (meaning "The Greater Dog"). For millennia, humans have noticed, studied and tracked this special star—often attributing great power to this celestial fixture.
Happy Independence Day! When ranked lists of American presidents are compiled, Abraham Lincoln is usually found sitting at the top of the list. Less frequently, he earns second place (behind President George Washington). When asked, "Why is Lincoln number one?" the answer is a reflexive, "Well, he saved the country." This answer is good and true. But there is more to Lincoln—the man—that makes him a role model for all Americans, even today. In my view, he possessed several qualities and achieved signal accomplishments (in addition to "saving the nation"). Most importantly, Lincoln expanded liberty and freedom to more Americans. He moved the country one (giant) step forward on its trudge towards "Liberty and Justice for All" (a march still...
In the Hebrew Scriptures, Wednesday is the fourth day of the week. Genesis tells us that God created the Sun, the Moon and the stars on this, the fourth day. The greater orb, The Sun, would rule The Day. The lesser orb, The Moon, would rule The Night. Similarly, most Muslims view Wednesday as the fourth day of the week (which begins on Sunday). In those countries which observe Friday as "the day of rest" (for example, Iran, Somalia or Djibouti), Wednesday is their fifth day. Most modern Christians consider Wednesday the third day. In German, Wednesday is called Mittwoch (that is, "Mid-Week"). Finns say Keskiviikko or "Middle-of-the-Week."
At LEO Design, Hanukkah is coming early this year. I just received my cast bronze Hanukkah Menorah—beautifully-sculpted in the form of a wind-swept cypress tree. As beautiful as it is for Hanukkah, one might just want to keep-it-out all year 'round. Atop a mantelpiece (where one cannot see the candle holes), one might not even realize that it's a menorah. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome piece—which is sure to become a treasured family heirloom. An interesting fact: this year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of 25 December—Christmas Day. Of course, Hanukkah falls on different days each year (as it follows the ancient Hebrew calendar which is based on the cycles of the Moon). ...
Welcome, July, and your handsome birthstone, the ruby! Rubies have always been amongst the most precious of "cardinal" gemstones—along with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. In fact, rubies and sapphires are just different colors of the same stone: Corundum. This clear, hard stone is principally aluminum oxide. Different metallic "impurities" give the stone its different colorations. In the case of rubies, chromium is the impurity which makes it red. Corundum becomes blue (a sapphire) due to iron and titanium impurities. Both rubies and sapphires are very hard (which measure 9 on the Mohs Scale); only diamonds (with a hardness of 10) and moissanite (9.5) are harder. The most beautiful, valuable stones are used for jewelry. Lesser examples are used for watch...
I cannot help but think of the Sun when I look at this cheery, Bavarian Jugendstil porcelain vase. A handsome Art Nouveau floral pattern peeks through the gilt glazing. It was made by Graf & Krippner in Bavarian Selb—in Germany, along the Czech border. Having been created so close to the Austro-Hungarian border helps explain the "Viennese aesthetic attitude" of the vase. The mark indicates it was made in the company's earliest years, 1906 to 1911. Selb is famous for its porcelain manufacture and is the headquarters of the Rosenthal manufactory. While the piece can be used to hold a stem or two, this vase is perfect for standing as punctuation within a collection of gold ceramics or glassware.
Today, at 4:50 pm, Summer will have officially begun. Today is also the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year—that is, in the Northern Hemisphere. It's the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. As every schoolchild learns, the Earth spins on a vertical axis, an axis which tilts back-and-forth over the course of the year. On the day of the Summer Solstice, the North Pole (that is, the Northern axis), is tipped as close to the Sun as it will get. Thus, today, the Northern Hemisphere is receiving maximum Sun exposure (and the maximum number of hours of sunlight). Starting tomorrow, the axis will begin to slowly tip-back, away from the Sun, and the days' periods...
What does "Freedom" mean? Poets, scholars, philosophers and theologians have been arguing the word's meaning for centuries. And it's possible that different people may hold a differing definition of "freedom" in their hearts. Nevertheless, freedom is important to all people, however they may define it.
In one very important way, on this day in 1865, America took another step toward its promise of freedom. Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce President Lincoln's executive order, The Emancipation Proclamation—which had become effective a year and a half earlier. Texas—one of the Confederate States—deliberately had not informed its slaves that they had been liberated. Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston to announce (and enforce) the law.
On this day in 1917, the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded—in three categories: Biography, History and Journalism. They were awarded by Columbia University in New York, thanks to an endowment by Hungarian immigrant, József Pulitzer (1847-1911), who had made a fortune in American publishing. It was Pulitzer's bequest which had established the Columbia School of Journalism in the first place. Pulitzer was born to a Jewish family in Southern Hungary, near Romania. His father was a successful merchant and eventually moved the family to Pest (along the Danube River, the eastern portion of Budapest). The Pulitzer children were privately tutored, learning French and German. When Pulitzer's father died, however, the family went bankrupt, forcing the young József to find work....
Despite the wisdom of the Carpenters, neither rainy days nor Mondays "really get me down." Not when I have such a handsome English Arts & Crafts "stick stand." A variety of woodworking techniques—piercing, turning, chamfering, crenelation—create a most handsome and useful piece. And the brass drip bowl is well-darkened with years of hard-earned patination.
On this day in 1946, the people of Italy voted to abolish their monarchy (54% to 46%) and the Republic of Italy was born. From this point, by law, no male heir to the crown (or queen consort) was allowed to set foot on Italian soil. Within 11 days, King Umberto II left Italy peacefully, never to return. He lived most of his final 37 years in Cascais, along the "Portuguese Riviera." This last Italian monarch, Umberto Nicola Tommaso Giovanni Maria di Savoia, had only been king for about five weeks. His father, Vittorio Emanuele III (who had ruled since 1900), stepped-down and let his son succeed him. The former king, Vittorio Emanuele III, was exiled to Egypt and died...
June is here—with her flower, the Rose.
Roses have grown in the wild for tens of millions of years. 50-million-year-old rose fossils from the Eocene Period (which means, roughly, "The New Dawn") have been uncovered by archaeologists in Colorado. Roses are depicted in Minoan art (circa 1400 BC) and in Egyptian tomb paintings shortly thereafter. And ornamental roses are known to have been cultivated by the Chinese, Persians and Mediterraneans from about 500 BC. There are over 300 different species of natural roses and tens-of-thousands of man-made "cultivars" (that is, special varieties of roses purposely bred to accentuate selected traits like color, size, fragrance, form or hardiness).
The capstone of my trip to England was to see my husband's production of The Marriage of Figaro at Garsington Opera, nestled in the Getty Estate at Wormsley—half-way between London and Oxford. Bob designed the scenery and costumes. The Garsington Opera was founded by Leonard Ingrams, a financier and operaphile. The operas were performed on the stone terrace of Leonard & Rosalind's home—Garsington Manor which was built in the 1630's and added-to every century since. A temporary, tented auditorium provided about 500 seats. The Ingrams's living room became the domain of light boards, electrical panels and stage management. The kitchen became a make-up room. The bedrooms, dressing rooms. After Leonard died in 2012, the Garsington Opera company found a new patron—Mark...
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey—the highest-ranking official in the English Catholic Church and the closest, most-trusted advisor to King Henry VIII—began building Hampton Court Palace in 1514, on the grounds of a Catholic religious order, about 12 miles outside of London. It would soon become the grandest palace in all of England—built to compete with the finest Renaissance palaces of Europe (an intentional political statement). The powerful cardinal—with his connection to Rome—was able to bring-to-England the energy of Italian Renaissance design, then the cutting edge of style. When Wolsey fell from the king's approval, the cardinal offered the palace to Henry as a token of submission (in 1529)—an act which did not spare Henry's wrath and revenge. Henry did, however, love the palace...
I've already stated my admiration (my adoration?) of John Singer Sargent. In my book, he is the finest artist of the Modern Era. What I admire most about him is the bravado, spontaneity and confidence of his brushstrokes. He tells us so much with a single squiggle of his brush. And, although he was the finest of portraitists, one can only know him when they see a fuller representation of his work—especially the pictures he painted "for fun." Right or wrong, I feel that I know Sargent. I believe I can tell (within reason) what he was feeling when he was painting a particular portrait. My conclusion: he loved being with (and painting) fun, larger-than life women. And he really...
