Back in the day, this might have been the perfect gift for Dad—along with soap-on-a-rope, socks, English Leather cologne or Old Spice aftershave. The jolly gift packaging—decorated with a Happy Santa—contains six smaller boxes of "Tipperary Smoking Mixture" (contents long-since consumed). But the nice graphics and Christmas sentiment make it a nice collectable for those who like old packaging, period advertising, or smoking memorabilia.
Wherever an Arts & Crafts movement was to be found, one would also find references to that region's early history, literature and ancient cultural themes and symbols. The movement's anti-industrial DNA sought to incorporate remembraces of "pure and better times" in its contemporary design. In the American Arts & Crafts Movement, one of the recurring and popular themes was the cultural aesthetics of Native Americans. Indians were the original immigrants to the Americas—and they were the only ancient peoples on the Northern continent. Thus, if the American Arts & Crafts Movement was to incorporate ancient North American aesthetics, it makes sense that inspiration would come from the arts and artifacts of these ancient people. In England, Medieval knights and heraldry...
It's the New Year! Time to reorganize, refresh, retire that To-Do List, sitting oh-so-long upon the desk. Perhaps this pair of Victorian cast iron brackets—embellished with delicate, pierced "tracery"—will give your storage projects a lift? They were made in the 1880's or 1890's and are six inches in one direction, eight inches in the other. This means you can install a wider or narrower shelf, based upon your needs and the space you have available (supporting shelves from six inches to approximately ten inches wide). These brackets would provide a small but powerful shot of architectural interest wherever they might be installed: in the kitchen, a bathroom, or in the office-den.
In "the old days" (and even when I was a baby, in the Sixties) it was customary to give a newborn child a baby gift. Sometimes it was at a Christening or Bris, other times it was during the early weeks of a child's life. Certain types of gifts were most popular: cutely-coordinated baby outfits, monogrammed sterling silver rattles or teething rings, jewelry (like an "Add-a-Pearl" necklace for a girl), or baby feeding accoutrements (porridgers, decorated baby bowls, little utensils). Most often, the gifts had a small whiff of luxury about them—something slightly precious or decorative—and were a small but practical indulgence (which a parent may not have invested-in himself or herself). And, very often, the gifts were highly gender-specific:...
Here's something different—something I couldn't pass-up. I found two spools of vintage woven gingham trim, over 150 feet long, made in the Twenties or Thirties. One spool is a blue check: navy, white and grey. The second spool is red: red, white and grey. I don't trade in textiles or trim very often and I'm not sure how someone may wish to use these. At the very least, they would make wonderful ribbons and bows on a gift. Or they could be used as they were intended: as trim on a garment, pillow or upholstery.
Pull-out all the stops at your favorite fairy's birthday party this year. A box of 35 candles, striped in pink and white, come in their original Fifties box—from which a winged fairy endows her blessings upon the occasion. You may be tempted to use them one-at-a-time; they're too cool to immolate in a blaze of fire.
It's "Cyber Monday." Of all the manufactured "holidays," this one seems particularly crass, to me. Particularly manufactured. Particularly self-serving. And, although I do make (part of) my living by selling on-line, I cannot bring myself to cheerlead the event.
Instead, I will find and present the oldest, "least-techie" toy in my possession—no screens, no electricity, no internet connection. It's an early 19th century wooden cradle, made to hold a little doll, fastened with old, square nails.
Which makes me think: how many modern toys last 200 years? I have mobile phones and laptops which are obsolete after 15 years!
For those who cannot help themselves, have a Happy Cyber Monday.
A "parliament" of owls has landed at LEO Design, with plenty of time left before Christmas—four months from today! Each ornament is handcrafted from a natural gourd. The artisan hand-draws, paints, "burns" and etches the gourd, resulting in a flock of one-of-a-kind birds. Given the various shapes of the gourds (and the artful variations in the decoration), no two owls (or their personalities) are quite the same. We sell the birds as trios (which makes the group, technically, an official "parliament"). We pick the three, making every attempt to provide variety within the collection. A LEO Design tradition for 20 years!
The Autumn's chill is starting to descend, and soon we'll all be pulling-out our comfy sweaters. This faux mohair teddy bear—with posable limbs and head—wears a knitted chenille sweater in navy blue, white and red. He's a youngster, unfamiliar with the ways of the seasons, so he doesn't realize he'll be heading into hibernation soon. Perhaps he'll find a good (warm) home before that—and a friend to keep him company during the long, dark winter.
Anywhere in the world, wherever a national Art Nouveau movement blossomed, it was common for the designers and artisans to tap the history and earlier culture of the country. Whether the literature, mythology or the aesthetic vocabulary of an earlier time, Art Nouveau craftsmen would incorporate it into their contemporary works—perhaps a way of "reaching back" to a simpler, purer time. In America, the Arts & Crafts movement would often utilize Native American artistry, symbols and themes in their works. Sometimes the designers would simply use real Native American crafts as part of the Arts & Crafts decor—ceramics, baskets, woodcarvings, rugs and other textiles. This Navajo wool rug, made in the 1920's, would have been right at home in a handsome...
Didn't this all end? Nine weeks ago? Nevertheless, the drama enters its Seventh Act. Can the curtain call be very far away?
Tomorrow, Georgia voters will decide which party will dominate the Senate, furthermore determining the fate of the nation for the next two years. We're counting on you, Georgia!
On Wednesday, certain legislators in Washington will mount their well-rehearsed Kabuki performance—big on noise and drama, but ultimately meaningless.
Give this cuddly bear a tight squeeze and soldier-on through the next two days. Click on his photo, above, if you'd like to learn more about him.
Brrrr, it's cold outside! And I always find January weather most un-redeeming. A crisp (even cold) December adds to the Christmas joviality. But, come 1 January, I'm ready for the warmth. Alas, we still have months to go... This little teddy bear is well-prepared for the weather! Over his (faux mohair) fur, he wears a little knitted sweater and woolly twill pants. He has poseable limbs and an adorably helpless expression. Click on the photo above to learn more about him. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at...
Another classic (and long carried) vendor at LEO Design is D.R. Harris from London. Founded in 1790—when barbering and medicine were nearly one and the same—D.R. Harris has been serving stylish Londoners for over two centuries. For the next few days we will show a sampling of our D.R. Harris range. Let's end this little parade of shaving accoutrements with this clever "Travel Shave Brush" by D.R. Harris. Made of "Best Badger" hair set into an Ivorine handle, it also comes with a heavy plastic tube for travel. Click on the photo above to learn more about it. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where...
Another classic (and long carried) vendor at LEO Design is D.R. Harris from London. Founded in 1790—when barbering and medicine were nearly one and the same—D.R. Harris has been serving stylish Londoners for over two centuries. For the next few days we will show a sampling of our D.R. Harris range. As previously noted, a good badger shave brush should last a man most of his shaving lifetime—as long as the instrument is stored bristles down (for proper drainage). This modest Ivorine shave brush holder will store and protect your shaving brush. It will stand on a flat surface or can be attached to the wall with foam tape. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it....
Another classic (and long carried) vendor at LEO Design is D.R. Harris from London. Founded in 1790—when barbering and medicine were nearly one and the same—D.R. Harris has been serving stylish Londoners for over two centuries. For the next few days we will show a sampling of our D.R. Harris range. A good badger shave brush should last a man most of his shaving lifetime. But it's essential that the brush be properly stored—which means bristles down. When stored this way, any liquid within the handle will drain out, thus protecting the hand-knotted badger hairs from rotting. Shown above, a handsome solution to this storage requirement. Made of chrome and Ivorine, it will keep your sink area tidy and your...
Another classic (and long carried) vendor at LEO Design is D.R. Harris from London. Founded in 1790—when barbering and medicine were nearly one and the same—D.R. Harris has been serving stylish Londoners for over two centuries. For the next few days we will show a sampling of our D.R. Harris range. Like yesterday's journal entry, today we feature a chrome and Ivorine shaver—this time for Gillette "Mach 3" blades. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. More D.R. Harris products tomorrow. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). We also can be found in Pittsburgh's...
Another classic (and long carried) vendor at LEO Design is D.R. Harris from London. Founded in 1790—when barbering and medicine were nearly one and the same—D.R. Harris has been serving stylish Londoners for over two centuries. For the next few days we will show a sampling of our D.R. Harris range. Bring a bit of the Old Time Barbershop to your bath with this chrome and Ivorine shaver, designed for Gillette "Sensor" blades. It can be used alone or with the handsome matching Shave Stand, sold separately in the LEO Design on-line store. Click on the photo to learn more about it. More D.R. Harris products tomorrow. Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still...
Another classic (and long carried) vendor at LEO Design is D.R. Harris from London. Founded in 1790—when barbering and medicine were nearly one and the same—D.R. Harris has been serving stylish Londoners for over two centuries. For the next few days we will show a sampling of our D.R. Harris range. This English shave brush is made of select badger hairs which are hand-knotted and set into an Ivorine plastic brush handle. The hairs fluff-up the shaving lather, whether in a shaving bowl, cup or in the hand. And, while applying the froth, one's beard is lifted for a closer, easier shave. D.R. Harris sources its non-endangered badger hair from sustainable farms and they monitor the animal welfare practices of...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. Even if all night raves are well in your past, a little flash of "The Clash" might give you a frisson of those glory days. Bill Amberg's black bridal leather wallet is secured with a silvery zip—exuding just the right balance of tailored elegance and countercultural remembrance. It definitely projects a sophisticated urban simplicity—all while providing good storage for your credit cards, coins and cash. Click on...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. If it's Saturday night and you're heading-out on the town, sometimes this modest credit card sleeve is the perfect companion for your jeans. It has three pockets and will accommodate a license, a credit card and maybe a Twenty or two. And its slim profile means it will fit into your front pocket or shirt pocket with ease. Click on the photo above to learn more...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. Like the other Bill Amberg items shown this week, this Zippered Wallet is vegetable-dyed—but it is not bridal leather. It is stitched of "pebbled" leather. Pebbled leather is mechanically wrinkled (usually in a tumbler) or imprinted with a pattern (through rollers). It allows the tanner to utilize mature hides—perhaps with light scarring or marks—which are otherwise of high quality. The pebbling also creates a finished skin...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. Like yesterday's Journal entry, this Bill Amberg wallet can be used as either a Dress Wallet or a Checkbook Wallet. This option, shown here in black, holds only seven credit cards, however, making for a slightly slimmer profile (a consideration if you plan to insert a checkbook and a register booklet). The black vegetable-dyed bridal leather will develop an elegant lustre with use. Click on the...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. A "Dress Wallet" hearkens back to the days of Double-Breasted Suits and Homburgs. Imagine Paul Henreid stepping-up to the reception desk of an elegant, tropical hotel lobby. Meant to ride in a suit breast pocket, it could also be carried in a handbag or attaché case. This model holds 14 credit cards and has multiple slots for currency bills—or it can hold a standard checkbook. (See...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. "British Tan" is a wonderful, classic leather color. But (with the best leather goods) the color "evolves" with use and wear—it is not fully-realized on Day One. Bill Amberg uses vegetable dyes which develop a rich patina when handled over time. The change is most dramatic in the British Tan color—which loses its orange tone and becomes tanner (browner) with age. The leather surface will also...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. Here's something you don't see much anymore: an elegant leather "Travel Wallet." It's longer than a traditional checkbook and was designed to hold documents and cards for one's journey. There are slots for eight credit (or identification) cards, three pockets for different currencies, and a slot for conveniently accessing a ticket or boarding pass. Keep it in your briefcase, handbag or breast pocket—and set-off in organized...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. Looking for something a little less bulky than a traditional wallet? This bi-fold credit card wallet is slim, and has four slots to hold a couple of credit cards and a driver's license. You might also fold a couple of Twenties into one sleeve, just in case. The vegetable-dyed British Tan leather will darken handsomely with use, becoming browner, less orange. Click on the photo above...
For several days we are sharing selections from our collection of Bill Amberg leather goods from London. We've been selling Bill's designs for over twenty years—and still admire the quality of his craftsmanship and materials. Most of the items are stitched in vegetable-dyed English bridal leather and will develop a rich patina with use. The zip wallet, shown above, is our most popular Bill Amberg offering. The zippered closure helps keep things neat, tidy and secure. And the interior coin pocket—a concession to British Pound coins—is a handy place to keep-safe a small, precious possession. This chocolate brown leather is especially nice with use—developing a rich lustre with years of use. Click on the photo above to learn more about...
Matthew J. Whittall had been a production supervisor in a large carpet mill in Worcester, Massachusetts—the bustling center of Nineteenth Century American rug manufacturing. In 1874, he founded his own mill, M. J. Whittall and Associates, in a small building in Worcester. Business took off! Before long, he was buying the land next to his […]
With the Holidays (mostly) behind us, I am out on-the-road, hunting for new treasures to re-stock the shop after a busy Christmas season. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing some photos of the Handsome Gifts I’ve found on my first post-Holiday buying trip. Shown above, a small Wilton rug made in the 1920’s […]
Henry David Thoreau wanted to shake-up his thinking, clear his head and contemplate life, mankind and society. In search of solitude and simplicity, he moved into a cabin on Walden Pond, on the property of his friend, Ralph Waldo Emerson, near Concord, Massachusetts. For two years, two months and two days, he lived alone, seeking […]
