I really like these bookends and for so many reasons. First off, I love books—and, therefore, I love bookends by association. Secondly, I love lions; I am a Leo and even named my business after the sunsign. And, interestingly, they remind me of my little pup, Benji. Every morning, once he’s crawled out of bed […]
Although these handsome Indian Chief bookends are not strictly Arts & Crafts, Native American elements always look great within American Arts & Crafts interiors. It was common—throughout the Western world—for designers and craftsmen to incorporate into their work the ancient history, culture or folklore of their native lands. The English used Medieval literary characters; the […]
The Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik—or WMF—is a German metal workshop founded in Geislingen an der Steige in 1853. Geislingen is a village “on the rise” (an der Steige) of a mountainous trade route through the Swabian Alps. Although the village is many centuries old, it really grew in the mid Nineteenth Century when a railway was built […]
One of the first acquisitions I made—after moving to Pittsburgh—was this handsome pair of slightly-ruffled owls. These bronze-clad bookends were finished with a brassy wash and hand-painted. They alighted and, just as quickly, they were gone! I like them so much, though, that I thought I’d share the photo nevertheless. Please check-out our on-line store […]
Most bookends are a pair of identical metal sculptures: two identical dogs, two identical temples, two identical busts. One bookend sits at one end of the collection, the second sits at the other end. Much less common is a “mirrored” pair of bookends—a duo which face each other (as mirrored opposites). These are less common […]
Scottish icon, Robert Burns (1759 – 1796), is captured in this dashing pair of bronze-clad bookends from the 1920’s. Voted “Greatest Scot” (ever) by his fellow countrymen (in 2009), the Eighteenth Century farmer-poet wrote in both English and the Scots language—often adapting age-old folk songs as he did with “Auld Lang Syne.” He died […]
I thought that the hot and dusty drive from Alexandria to Giza was long and tiresome. What of the poor Sphinx who has been enduring the Egyptian heat and sandstorms for some 4,500+ years? The Great Sphinx of Giza was carved right into the bedrock of the quarry which supplied the limestone for the nearby […]
Chow Chows are one of the “Ancient Breeds” of dogs which still survive. They originated in the frigid steppes of Siberia and Mongolia and were eventually trained to serve as guard dogs in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and Chinese royal palaces. Referred to as “Fluffy Lions,” they are thought to have been the original models for […]
The rustic aesthetic and Gothic Revival inspiration on this hand-hammered Arts & Crafts copper tray brought to mind a simple country bungalow or a Cotswolds cottage. No, the shopmark informs me, this piece was made in New York City! A real showpiece, it would be perfect as a functional tray, as a centerpiece on your […]
As a boy, I was always intrigued with Saint George. I was mesmerized with the action-filled depictions of the brave (and handsome!) Knight—mounted atop his rearing steed—thrusting his lance (“Ascalon”) into the writhing Dragon. As I got older, and began to understand the story as a metaphor for good conquering evil, I loved the story […]
Although I am no expert in Middle Eastern decorative arts, I know what I like when I see it. And I view early Twentieth Century Middle Eastern metalwork much the same way I view European Art Nouveau copper and brass works: an achievement of handcraft—using simple, honest and timeless materials—which is both practical and beautiful. […]
History’s two greatest poets—Medieval Florentine Dante Alighieri and Ancient Greek Homer—stand proudly in-profile on this pair of heavy cast iron bookends by Bradley & Hubbard. Dante was the author of The Divine Comedy, in which he is given a tour of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise (lead by the Roman poet Virgil). Homer is known for The […]
A little handmade treasure, just-in from England: a tiny Arts & Crafts copper pitcher with brass banding. While it wouldn’t accommodate a satisfying drink, it would be perfect for a few pens on your desk. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design’s Greenwich Village store is now […]
The English Arts & Crafts Movement (like other Nouveau Movements around the world) utilized botanical elements, sometimes in highly-stylized new ways. This round brass tray, made by Joseph Sankey & Sons, is embellished with grape clusters and leaves, entwined with their “whiplash-form” vines. It sits on three ball feet. It is perfect for serving tea […]
The moving truck comes tomorrow morning. The boxes are (mostly) packed and the shop fixtures are arranged by the front door. In two days, I’ll set-sail for new (and exciting?) shores. If you’re in the neighborhood, please stop by and say goodbye. LEO Design will be closing its doors on 31 January. Please […]
Over the past three weeks, I’ve been blessed with visits from my most loyal and supportive customers. At some point, they ask, “How are you handling the closing?” My response is always the same: “If I weren’t so busy closing-up, I might have time to feel a bit wistful.” In three days, when I turn […]
It’s our last week at LEO Design; our brick-and-mortar shop will be closing on 31 January. A few treasures remain—and everything left is now marked-down (in-store and on-line). Please come-in or check-out our on-line shop. You’ll find something cool, like this pair of bronze-clad Pirate bookends shown above. LEO Design will be closing its […]
Before we close our doors, we want to go-out with a bang! All merchandise (in-store and on-line) is marked-down—from 25% to 75%. Please come in and, perhaps, get yourself that late Christmas gift—now on-sale. But hurry; merchandise is moving fast. Shown above: bronze sculptures of a mare and her foal. LEO Design will be […]
Not too much time left—this weekend will probably be the last chance to find a full assortment of merchandise in-store. We’re selling a lot and starting to pack. And all merchandise—in-store and on-line—is now marked down (at least) 25% (and some even more). Here’s a cast iron owl paperweight from Japan—now on sale! LEO […]
LEO Design has never had a sale before—until now—and, boy, are we busy! Because we are closing on 31 January, we have marked-down all merchandise (in-store and on-line). Please come-in or check-out our on-line shop. LEO Design will be closing its doors on 31 January. Please visit the store (or website) where all remaining […]
Like the handsome feline sculpture above, our customers have been pouncing on great buys at LEO Design—where everything (remaining) has been marked-down (both in-store and on-line). Please come visit us or check-out our on-line shop. LEO Design will be closing its doors on 31 January. Please visit the store (or website) where all […]
It’s been a while since I fit into my Cub Scout uniform—but I do remember the motto: “Be Prepared!” And, indeed, this little Boy Scout sculpture is prepared to take up residence on your desk, bookshelf or mantlepiece. Please come in and see him. All merchandise (in-store or on-line) is now25% off—and some merchandise is […]
Things have been very brisk since we announced the pending closure of our brick-and-mortar store in Greenwich Village. Despite the excitement, this Canadian bronze snail continues his slow and careful pace. Come in to the shop to see him. All merchandise (in-store or on-line) is now (at least) 25% off—making it the perfect time to […]
Who says America doesn’t make anything anymore? In fact, these handsome pewter frames (electro-plated with 18 carat gold) are hand-crafted right here in New York City! A good range of styles and sizes still remains—although (at 25% off) they are going quickly. Please come into the shop to see them and their un-plated brethren (which […]
Tomorrow I make my first truck-run to storage—in Pennsylvania where I’ll begin stashing unsold merchandise until I’ve reinvented. While I hope to sell as much as possible (during our closing sale), I also realize that I will need good stock to begin the new LEO Design venture—and I’m extra-partial to certain items like this English […]
From afar-off Japan, a little bronze penguin, finely cast (see his feathers?) and cold-painted by hand. He’s enjoying the cold snap now visiting us here in New York City. And he’s one of the many Handsome Gifts still in-stock and now on-sale at LEO Design. All merchandise (in-store or on-line) is now (at least) 25% off—and […]
Though we may raise a glass to punctuate a festive holiday moment, let’s not forget that a handsome serving tray can really underscore the sentiment. Shown above, an Arts & Crafts hand-hammered, silver-plated tray by the New York City metalsmith Apollo. The soft, reflected light will make really put your glasses on-stage—and make the most […]
“Damascening” is the art and craft of inlaying one metal into another, creating a delicate, decorative effect. Most often, a precious metal (like silver or gold) is laid into a darker metal (like copper or bronze) to create a contrasting pattern—as with the plate above. Damascened items are usually decorative and include jewelry, plates and […]
Prepare for The Season of Lights with this cast bronze Modernist Menorah. Sculpted in the American Midwest, it will see you through the eight days of Hanukkah in style. Please come into the shop to see it in-person or click on the photo above to learn more about it. Happy Holidays! Today—and daily […]
Our cast bronze Rocketman has just touched-down—and climbed-down from his cast aluminum rocketship (which is also a bank!). The space ship has the early Twentieth Century riveted look of a Jules Verne travel craft. It will make a nice aesthetic statement in any modern or vintage setting. And it provides a great place to start […]
This little guy—a baby elephant—is a doorstop and was made of cast iron from the 1920’s. He trumpets to his mother—while never leaving his post (right beside your open door). Please click on the photo above to learn more about him. Today—and daily through 23 December—LEO Design will be open from Noon […]
I love brass and I buy a lot of brass decorative accessories. Trays, bells, desk accessories—and, quite often, candlesticks. Sometimes brass is “hot” (as it is now), and sometimes it’s not (as it has been many times in the past). I don’t care—I continue to buy handsome brass objects year in and year out, mostly […]
A wise owl has alighted at LEO Design—atop a pine bough on this Art Nouveau letter rack. Made in the 1910’s or 1920’s, he’ll bring both knowledge and style to your desk or bookshelf. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. Today—and daily through 23 December—LEO Design will […]
The more I look at this English Arts & Crafts tray, the more I like it. Its hand-hammered design features a star formed of five Gothic arches, a swirling center point and fields of flowers everywhere else. Crisply executed, the repoussé work appears to jump-forth from the metal. It’s perfect for carrying a round of […]
Over the years, I’ve had many variations on this theme—rings or “links” of metal forming a a round, square or rectangular photo frame. But, 99% of the time, the rings are brass—not copper like the frame above. To my eye, the frames have a vaguely equestrian sensibility. Perhaps the chain reminds me of a snaffle […]
A British fish swims through his undersea domain on this Edwardian English brass letter rack, c. 1905. Let it bring a little peace (and order) to your home desk or office. Click on the photo above to learn more about it. Today—and daily through 23 December—LEO Design will be open from Noon ’til […]
Vesta was the Roman goddess of family, home and hearth—a virgin symbolized by the flame which would burn at her temples throughout the Empire. Her name is believed to be derived from the word “to burn” and her Greek equivalent was Hestia. “Vestal Virgins” were the women dedicated to serving Vesta in her temples. Vesta […]
We sell a lot of men’s personal accessories including money clips. The example above, made in a small Philadelphia metal smithy, is crafted of annealed bronze—a process by which metal is heated and slowly cooled, thus strengthening the metal and enhancing its ability to hold its bend. But, before it is annealed, the flattened strip […]
A pair of handsome bird dogs stand ready-to-retrieve in this pair of American bronze-clad bookends, made in the 1920’s. Though once considered a “poor man’s bronze,” today, this type of work is quite collectible. First, the figure was cast in a “composite” material—a combination of plaster, resin, and other binders. Then the piece was electroplated with […]
Though you’d rather not break-apart this wishbone, it still is lucky, nevertheless. Cast of sterling silver in California, it is a handsome and sentimental token—a good luck wish and a thoughtful gift. Please come into the shop to see it or call us for further information. From the 5th to 23rd of […]
A guilty-looking fox paces tensely just outside the garden gate—in this English brass letter rack from about 1920. He’s part of a recent shipment from England—where I found a large number of Handsome Gifts now in-store. Please come into the shop to see the complete shipment or click on the photo above to learn more about the […]
This little bronze donkey is made in California and he has a little secret. Under each of his four hooves is a letter spelling K – I – C – K. Let’s Kick Ass! Another subliminal suggestion, brought to you by your good friends at LEO Design. See new merchandise first! Follow […]
Six days to go. Feeling puzzled? I am. It’s not so much a matter of not knowing who to support; I fell-in behind my 2016 candidate eight years ago—during the tearful “Roll Call of States” at my party’s summer Convention in Denver. I haven’t wavered or even thought twice about who I would support the […]
I can never find enough lions. Especially on bookends. Especially these bookends! Made in the 1920’s, they capture a regal lion, paws extended in relaxation, but, nevertheless aware that he is always being observed. Let him bring a touch of his royal mien to your office, den or bookshelf. Please click on the photo above […]
I spent a good part of the month shopping in Europe—England and Scandinavia, to be precise. One of the “little treasures” I found is this simple, folded brass letterknife, fastened tight with a copper rivet. It makes no pretension at grandeur. It is just a simple, handsome and useful thing. Please come into the shop […]
It’s brass. It’s Baronial. And it’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen—amongst letter knives, that is. Cast in England around 1920, it’ll make a grand statement on your desk or a fabulous prop in Tosca (she could stab Scarpia with it!). Please come into the shop to see it in person or call us for […]
I bought these bookends simply because I thought they were beautiful—and I had never seen a similar pair before. A little research has yielded quite a lot about the Indo-Saracenic Revival, after which these were modeled. “Indo” usually denotes “of Indian provenance or influence.” “Saracenic” is from a Latin term, coined by the Romans, which […]
The Galgo Español is an ancient breed of hound from Spain, documented as far back as the second half of the Middle Ages. This time period coincides with the Reconquista—that is, the period when Spanish Christians re-claimed the lands held by Iberian Muslims. As Spanish Catholics began to move-down from the more mountainous areas and […]
Ahh, La Belle Époch. “The Beautiful Age.” It was a time of relative peace, economic expansion (for the middle and upper classes), empire (for Europeans and Americans) and wonderful design and craftsmanship. Roughly speaking, the period comprised the final quarter of the Nineteenth Century and the start of the Twentieth Century (until World War […]
Italy’s most famous writer gazes hawkishly from atop his plinth which is styled as a Medieval book. Dante Alighieri (1265 – 1321) finished his epic poem, The Divine Comedy, a year before his death. In it he describes a creative Medieval view of the afterlife as he is taken on a tour of Hell, Purgatory […]
Let’s end this little parade of newly-acquired Handsome Gifts from England with a hand-hammered and tooled English Arts & Crafts cigarette box, made circa 1900. While the soft wood lining shows signs of its hundred year age, the brass exterior looks as good as new. And, though it came into this world as a cigarette […]
I have always loved dogs, though none as much as my little shop dog, Benji. While he sleeps in his crate behind the cash wrap, little vintage canines rest contentedly in the antique display case. In England this week, I’ve added a few more to the collection, examples shown above. A silver-plated brass Dachshund folds […]
I am not a purist when it comes to collecting. I like Handsome Gifts from many periods: the Gothic Revival, Aesthetic Movement, Bauhaus, Art Deco, even (some) Modernism. But Arts & Crafts will always be my starting point—and has been the jumping off point of my collecting for LEO Design. When I find a […]
Besides finding wonderful and handsome gifts for my shop, being in England this week provides me another benefit: I am avoiding the constant scrum of the current political fracas. Though I am, admittedly, a committed partisan, I nevertheless cannot wait for 8 November to come and go. And I’m sure I’m not alone! Finding this […]
It’s Labor Day, an occasion to recognize and thank the men and women who—by the strain of their backs and the sweat of their brows—have (already) made our country great. There was a time—even in America—when heroic male nudes were used in art, monument and architecture. With a tip of the hat to the Classical […]
Though I’ve found and sold many different Abraham Lincoln bookends over the years, I have never seen this pair before. Made in the 1920’s or 1930’s, they still retain quite a bit of their original paint—making for a handsome and useful addition to any library, desk or bookshelf. Please come into the shop to see […]
Pure cultures can be fascinating. Even more interesting, in my opinion, is when cultures blend—creating a wholly-new and sometimes beautiful creation. Architecture, food and even people are often very alluring when they express the features of multiple, melded backgrounds. What could be more English than a tea caddy? Sure, many other cultures valued, stored and […]
Remember when a president's nickname might be . . . flattering? What would “Honest Abe” think of his political party today? Would he vote? Would he abstain? Would he switch parties? I suppose trying to answer these questions requires a bit of conjecture. What is true: Abraham Lincoln is widely-considered America’s favorite president and possibly its greatest.
The cast iron bookends, shown above, were made in the 1920’s and still retain some of their original hand-painting. Please come into the shop to see them in-person and, perhaps, spare a thought for his election year predicament.
We end our little parade of newly-acquired English items with this English Arts & Crafts brass pen tray. Made about 1900, it is stamped with an exuberant assortment of stylized botanicals. Intended to hold pens or other desk accoutrements, it would also be perfect at bedside to hold rings, bookmarks, collar stays or a small collection of […]
Amongst my recent finds in England: a set of eight (plus one) silver-plated cocktail stems, circa 1950. They are modesty-sized, perfect for today’s lighter mixed drinks—or also suitable for a pre- or post-prandial nip. And you’ll never have to worry about your guests shattering them! Please come into the shop to see them in-person or […]
What it is about English Art Deco that I find so appealing? Is it the “smart, sensible style”—stately, yes, but not superfluous? Is the the image of a young, future queen serving tea to her dogs? Or is it the thought that the British Art Deco period marked a “happy bubble” in the all-too-short time […]
Before the Twentieth Century, most homes did not have many books. It was the well-educated (and mostly rich) who could afford the luxury of a home library (think Downton Abbey). But with the post-War rise of a middle class—which had the money and propensity to collect books—a modest home library became more common. For this […]
We’ve been sharing some of our newly-acquired items, just brought back from England. Everything is now checked-in, cleaned-up, priced and put-out on display. Please come into the shop to see these new and beautiful items. In the meantime, we’re sharing a few selected pieces here in our Journal. Shown above, a Scottish Arts & Crafts […]
Last month I completed a successful buying trip to London. The result: fully-stocked shelves of Handsome Gifts as only the English know how to make them! By now (finally!) everything has been spiffed-up, photographed, priced, arranged and is ready for your closest inspection. Many of these new finds already have been posted to our Instagram account […]
Today, 23 July, marks the first day of LEO. It is also the shop’s (ceremonial) 21st birthday and the third anniversary of our website and daily journal. And, have I mentioned, it’s my birthday? LEO’s are proud, loyal and love a good show. While they do have (a few) flaws, let’s leave those aside for […]
In 1874 Germany, just downstream from WMF on the River Fils, the brothers Fritz and Robert Fischer opened a metalworks in the village of Göppingen (Baden-Württemberg). It was a good time for German metalsmiths—especially those who produced in the popular Jugendstil aesthetic. Although the behemoth (WMF) was just twelve miles upstream, there was room for […]
The Germans are a practical people. In industry, government or home-management, they seem to appreciate the most-direct route between two points. Their language reflects this sensibility as well: long words are created by simply sticking-together a series of smaller words. Case in point: the three English words which make-up “Metal Ware Fabricators” becomes (in German) […]
In the aftermath of World War II and its devastation, the world’s leaders sought a means to prevent such conflicts in the future—and decided to create the United Nations. Multiple sites were considered, including Flushing Meadow, in Queens, site of the 1939 World’s Fair. When a development project in Manhattan (along the East River) fell-apart, […]
Some people can be so unreasonable! There are the superstitious amongst us who believe an elephant MUST have his trunk extended upwards or they want nothing to do with him. Not only is this conviction unscientific, but even real elephants don’t keep their trunks permanently extended. To require the poor creature to hold-up his (heavy) appendage […]
Remember when a baby’s naked little bottom was a symbol of innocence—when two year olds would pose for a snap on a bearskin rug and cherubs could fly around Baroque rooms without raising questions or suspicions? Today we keep our antennae attuned to any possible impropriety involving children (and that’s good). Nevertheless, we might have […]
Ravenna is a fascinating Italian city—discreet, yet wonderful. At first glance, it appears to be a rather unadorned, plain brown city. But oh, how Ravenna keeps her charms under wraps! Historically, Ravenna was very important—first as the seat of the Western Roman Empire, and later as an important part of the Byzantine (Eastern, that is, […]
I think this is the perfect tray! It was crafted in the 1910’s in Meriden, Connecticut and will reside comfortably within either an Arts & Crafts or Art Deco aesthetic. First the tray was fashioned in brass. Next it was hand-hammered, then electroplated with silver. It can hold six large-bowled coupes or eight smaller glasses—and […]
When I first laid eyes upon these Secessionist brass candelabra, I felt a profound conviction that they had been used as altar sticks in a church—either in the early Twentieth Century or Bauhaus period. Their simplicity, their out-stretched arms, and their tripartite design all nudged me to imagine them in a sensational (though understated) 1909 […]
I can never buy too many nice trays. Whether brass, copper or quarter-sawn oak—if it can hold a round of drinks, a nice breakfast or a collection of perfume bottles, I want to acquire it. Shown above, an American Arts & Crafts hand-hammered copper tray, circa 1920. Please click on the photo to learn more […]
Manufacturers have always sought ways to keep their names in front of potential purchasers—especially large industrial purchasing agents. Shown above, a cast iron letter rack from the 1880’s. Made for “Diamond K”—which I think was a tool manufacturer (Kreauter?)—this letter holder would be left-behind by a traveling company salesman. Notes, letters or photos could be placed […]
Perhaps your dad’s an Anglophile. How about an early Twentieth Century English brass letterknife? A gallant knight stands at-the-read—exactly as he has since he was cast in brass in the 1910’s or 1920’s ($95). Please come into the shop to see him in person or call us for further information. More nice Father’s Day gift […]
Well before Mad Men, stylish Fathers drank their cocktails in something like this—a hand-hammered and sliver-plated cocktail stem made in the 1910’s. Expressing a bit of the Arts & Crafts and a touch of the Art Deco, this set of six cocktail stems remained en vogue from the Teens ’til World War II (Prohibition excepted, of course). […]
With Father’s Day at the end of the week, I thought we’d share some of our newly-acquired, Dad-appropriate gift items over the next few days. Whether or not your father was (or is) a mailman, he’s sure to appreciate this (very cool) cast iron coin bank from the 1910’s or 1920’s. The original red paint […]
Let’s conclude our parade of European art pottery with something extra-special. From Belgium, during the period which straddles both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, comes this superb salt glazed vase by Roger Guerin with a custom-wrought iron mounting, quite probably by François Carion. Salt glazing, which was developed in Germany during the Medieval […]
We probably sell more photo frames than anything else at LEO Design—frames in leather, wood, pewter, gold-leaf, silver-plate and gold-plate. Thus, it’s always a cause for (at least) a little excitement when we find a handsome, new design. Shown above, part of our NYC-made pewter frames in four new designs: (front to back) grosgrain, lion’s claw, […]
A Boy Scout is always prepared—but does he have a vintage trophy? Celebrate the scout (or former scout) with this 1920’s cast spelter statuette modeled by Canadian Renaissance Man Robert Tait McKenzie in 1915. Around its base are inscribed the characteristics which form the ideal Scout: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, […]
From afar off Japan comes this winsome little bear—made of cast iron and dressed in an antique brown finish. He’d serve happily as a paperweight or loyally just standing-guard on your desk. Please come into the shop to see him or call us for additional information. See new merchandise first! Follow […]
At LEO Design we love the King of the Forest—and all things Leonine. But, long before lions ruled, there was another King: the Tyrannosaurus Rex. His name, literally translated, is “Tyrant Lizard King.” He was the apex predator, top of the food chain. At 40 feet long, his long, heavy tail was required to balance […]
Pigs are popular—all things pigs! Shown above, a cast brass piglet, finished with a verdigris bronze patina. He’ll sit happily on your shelf, desk or windowsill—or even in your garden (though he will weather in the out-of-doors elements). Come in and see him—and his “sty mates”—or call us for additional information. See […]
Hand-beaten metals are amongst the hallmarks of the Arts & Crafts aesthetic. The dappled texture—evidence of human artistic involvement—reflects light in a warm and wonderful way. Shown above, part of our collection of hand-hammered copper, each piece raised from a single ingot of the metal. No forms are used. A “lump” of copper is beaten […]
I like Dante. And so do my customers, apparently. I buy just about every pair of Dante bookends I can get my hands on and they continue to sell. Here’s a pair that’s a little different. Instead of the typical dour Medieval Florentine poet, we get an energized—almost sprightly—Dante, leaning forward in his throne. The […]
Are you one of twins? Or just a boy who gave your mother twice the trouble? Perhaps this pair of “Whistling Boy” bookends from the 1920’s will make your mother smile? This winning little street urchin may seem small but he’s pretty tough—certainly tough enough to hold-up your mom’s books. Come into the shop to […]
While all mothers are welcomed at LEO Design, “Leo Moms” always stir-up a little extra enthusiasm. And for just such a mother, how about an Italian cast pewter lion? Hand-made outside of Florence, this King of the Jungle will be happy to reign over your mom’s desktop, bookshelf or mantelpiece. Please come into the shop […]
For “Cat Mothers,” perhaps our (half-sized) Crouching Cat sculpture would do the trick. Made of cast brass and finished with a verdigris bronze patina, this feline is all tension and coiled energy—eyes on the prize, ready to spring! It would look great on a hearthstone, bookshelf or even in the garden (where it will develop […]
With Mother’s Day less than a week away, we’d like to show some great gift ideas for the world’s best Mom. And we’ll start with beautiful photo frames because—after all—what does a mom (or grandmom) appreciate more than another photo of the kids? We stock a very wide range of handsome frames, including those pictured […]
April bids us “Farewell”—or rather this winsome rabbit does. He’s made in Japan of cast zinc and has a Cubist design. He’s part of our large collection of rabbit sculptures—in zinc, bronze, brass and ceramic. Please come into the shop to see him and his warren mates. See new merchandise first! […]
A pair of engaging birds—a warbler and a nuthatch—have alighted at LEO Design this spring. Made in Canada of heavy cast bronze, they’d be happily employed as paperweights or content to just sit around, looking pretty. Please call or come into the shop to see them. See new merchandise first! Follow […]
This pair of recently-acquired bookends ticks several boxes for me: lions, sculpture, bronze, bookends. Beautifully sculpted and crisply cast, they appear to have been little-exposed to the elements—for the bronze is remarkably rosy after all these years. The figure of a confident (yet unpretentious) lion surveying his domain, would be an handsome addition to any […]
Owls have long symbolized Wisdom and Intelligence. The Ancient Greeks associated them with the goddess of knowledge, Athena. And because owls moved silently through the night, they were sometimes associated with mystery or “otherworldliness.” Here a wise owl sits patiently on the pine branch of this American Art Nouveau letter rack, made in the […]
In pubs across England—in the early Twentieth Century—functional brass serviceware was given a “decorative lift” by way of a handsome crocodile embossment. Weary barmaids slung such trays and pitchers back-and-forth, back-and-forth, all night long to tables of increasingly-enthusiastic patrons. And the simple, stamped croco design turned an otherwise utilitarian object into a thing of exotic […]
During World War One, Princess Mary—the only daughter of King George V—made-up little brass boxes, one for each sailor and soldier serving His Majesty, The King. Within each box, the serviceman might find cigarettes, some note paper, a pencil and, perhaps, a bit of chocolate. The embossed cover shows the princess in profile, her royal […]
Three of the United Kingdom’s iconic plant symbols are presented on this English Arts & Crafts hand-tooled brass tray from the turn-of-the-century. Scotland provides the thistle, Ireland the shamrock, and England the Tudor rose. Though entirely functional as a tray or serving piece, one may prefer to hang it from the wall as a splendid […]
Victorian and Edwardian England was enchanted by the East—especially the Far East. The leisure class might take a trip to “The Orient” once in a lifetime. And merchants, like Liberty of London, brought shiploads of Asian ceramics and other artworks to an eager Western consumer. Aesthetes, designers and other tastemakers (like Dr. Christopher Dresser) would […]
I purchased the hand-tooled copper tray, shown above, in England—and, indeed, at first I thought it was English Arts & Crafts. But, as I inspected it, some of the tooling, and the crenelated gallery treatment didn’t seem quite British to me. Then I found a mark on the back with its tell-tale Arabic characters. I’m still not […]
Victorian and Edwardian Englishwomen had an object for every conceivable purpose—including a “pin tray” in which to keep their hair accessories. Thus was “hatched” the rather dour-looking “Cornish Mackerel” pictured above. Made of cast brass in the Teens or Twenties, it would (indeed) be the perfect place to keep hair pins—or rings, collar stays, cufflinks, […]
