"If you're going though Hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
Remember national leadership?
Admittedly, 2020 was a tough year. But it was hardly the worst year in human history. In fact, it was not even the worst year in American history. And yet, we still pine for the days when our national leader would actually . . . well . . . lead. One could do worse than to study Winston Churchill for lessons in leadership. His famous saying, quoted above, didn't paint a rosy picture. Churchill didn't try to distract, dissemble or deceive. Churchill didn't tell the British people that they were "rounding-the bend." He acknowledged the challenges they faced and told his people to push-on. People find comfort in the idea that "we're all in this together." And they are willing to sacrifice, when asked to do so. 2020 provided plenty of opportunity for Americans, all Americans, to confront adversity and fight through it—if only they had been asked to do so. "This is going to be bad. It will probably get worse. But let's all do the little things we know will make a difference: wear a mask, stay home, avoid groups."
These bears seem to say (to me at least), "Keep going." As the creatures seemingly plod forward, methodically and consistently, they remind us that the most important lesson is to just keep pushing-through. This pair of Art Deco spelter bookends, made in the second quarter of the Twentieth Century, are finished with an aged copper patina. Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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 Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248