LEO Design has just purchased an impressive collection of art pottery from a New York collector (and customer of ours). Over the next five days, we’ll be showing selected pieces from this exciting acquisition. Please come into the shop to see the full group—and the rest of our large collection of art pottery from the […]
Just alighted: this pair of handsome, hand-hammered steel Austrian Secessionist bookends—in the form of a wise (but friendly) little owl. Cut, riveted and hammered by-hand, the flat tongue slides under your row of books, keeping your tomes upright. And while they would look great in a rustic, country home, they would look equally at-home perched […]
Call me loyal. For the past twenty years, I’ve carried but one line of silver-plated photo frames—hand-made outside of Florence, Italy. When the workshop closed, two years ago, I immediately began the hunt for a replacement source. But finding the perfect vendor was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be—and it took […]
On this day—four or five years ago—I found myself in a London Waitrose supermarket, late in the morning. At 11 o’clock, precisely, a very serious-sounding manager came over the loudspeaker, asking us shoppers to observe two minutes of silence. It was my first acquaintance with the rituals of Armistice Day—which commemorates the 1918 end of World […]
Let’s end our parade of Blue French Pottery with the Art Nouveau piece, shown above, made by Pierrefonds at the turn-of-the-century. This piece exhibits the entirely random and organic possibilities of glaze crystallization—a naturalism well-suited to the Art Nouveau. And, speaking of Naturalism, to my eye there’s something rather aqueous—oceanic—about this piece. Whether it’s the […]
Reminiscent of a scene from Jules Verne, this pair of French Art Nouveau “Rocketship” vases was made around 1905 by Antoine Gustave de Bruyn et Fils. “Gustave” (as he was known) was born on 9 December 1838 in Leuven, Belgium. Both his father and grandfather had been potters before him. In 1864, he opened a […]
We continue our presentation of Blue French pottery with this handsome piece from the Art Deco Twenties. The stepped neck and little handles are pure Deco. Meanwhile, the unbridled, seemingly-random dripping glaze is classic Art Nouveau. This vase is a successful melding of Art Deco’s precision and structure and Art Nouveau’s organic whimsy. However you see it, […]
After yesterday’s journal entry about American artist Charles Jasper McLaughlin—who studied and painted in Art Nouveau France—I’m inspired to share, over the next few days, a handful of French Art Nouveau ceramic works (all blue), now in-store at LEO Design. Some were (possibly) crafted during the time McLaughlin was studying in France. First up: a […]
Charles Jasper McLaughlin was born in Covington, Kentucky on 6 June 1888. He studied at the Cincinnati Art Academy in 1905 and later at the Sorbonne in Paris where he trained in painting frescoes and landscapes. For two summers, he studied architecture at Fontainebleau, outside of Paris. Back in America, McLaughlin worked at Rookwood from […]
Autumn—the time of the harvest, falling leaves and big, bold moons. Capture the moonlight in one of these eight softly-faceted cocktail glasses from the 1930’s, crafted of hand-etched amber glass (with just a touch of iridescence). Perfect for an old-fashioned mixed drink or for a splash of champagne. Please come into the shop to see […]
The Roseville Pottery Company was founded in Roseville, Ohio in 1890 and (initially) produced a limited range of stoneware “utility” goods: flower pots, umbrella stands, cuspidors and the like. Within a few years, enjoying strong sales, Roseville expanded and eventually bought the Clark Stoneware Company in Zanesville, Ohio where they re-located their headquarters. By 1900, […]
Let’s conclude our “cavalcade of cufflinks” with this jolly pair in emerald green. A bold silver and black “X” criss-crosses the soft square shape. The color reminds me of Ireland, the X reminds me of Scotland, and the overall shape reminds of of a nautical flag—nevertheless, they have a unity of design which I find […]
The enameling on these Thirties Art Deco cufflinks reminded me of citrus—a Clementine, in particular. And what timing! The Clementine, sometimes called the Christmas Orange, will be appearing in their little wooden crates in the next couple of weeks. Originating in the Mediterranean—Italy, Spain and North Africa—these sweet, usually seedless fruits are now grown in […]
Krementz was a jewelry maker in Newark, NJ which concentrated on designs for men: cufflinks, dress sets, military insignia and the like. Their heyday was the first half of the Twentieth Century. The cufflinks above, made in the 1920’s or 1930’s, are an example of their work. A radiant “guilloché” star is enameled-over with white […]
As we march toward the busy Holiday season, we pick-up-the-pace when it comes to acquiring Handsome Gifts for the gift-giving period. One big category for us is cufflinks—a perfect gift for men of every description. With the Holiday season in mind, I purchased a collection of nice cufflinks recently and will share some of them […]
The cold nights have begun to roll-in, perfect for a little post-prandial nip—how ’bout a sherry (cheri)? This set of eight hand-cut crystal stems—probably English, possibly French—would conclude your evening with style and satisfaction. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Stourbridge, in the English West Midlands, is the center of fine glassmaking in England and is home to “The Crystal Mile”—where the best glassworks are found. It was here, in 1827, that an eleven year old boy, Frederick Stuart, was sent off to work. At the time, glass factories built large brick “cones”—tapered, oven-like structures, in […]
Yesterday’s journal entry about Harvard sets-up today’s entry quite nicely: a different kind of ivy. Shown above, an English Arts & Crafts mirror which we’ve just acquired. Its bevelled, oval glass is surrounded by a thick quarter-sawn oak frame which has been deeply-carved with a trailing ivy motif. Perfect over a dresser, in a powder […]
Veritas—or “Truth”—is the straightforward wording etched upon the Harvard crest (shown on the pair of bookends, above). Alas, the history of this crest is not quite as simple. Harvard College was founded in 1636 by the “Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Company,” with the express intention of educating men for the ministry. […]
And, for those who’d like to celebrate the Holidays with something a little stronger, we have this Mid-Century Modern cocktail service made of smoked glass. With a corseted shape—both in the pitcher and in the six cocktail glasses—this drinks service captures “svelte chic” perfectly. Please click on the photo to learn more about it.
Although it seems ages away, the Holidays will be here before you know it—with New Year’s Eve just over 10 weeks away! Beat the last-minute rush and secure your celebratory champagne coupes now! Ready to fit-the-bill is this set of six crystal coupes from the 1950’s or 1960’s. With a smoked bowl and clear stems, […]
Another elegant item I found on Kauai is the koa wood triple-divided trinket box, shown above ($175). Perfect for cufflinks, watches, collar stays or even on an office desk, it has a streamlined design, perfectly softened by the rich, lustrous woodgrain. In Hawaiian, a box is called “pahu.” We call it a “Handsome Gift” for a […]
As many of you know, I was born and raised in Hawaii. Earlier this month, I returned home to Kauai where my three brothers and I celebrated my father’s eightieth birthday—a happy milestone for our family. While on Kauai, I visited the local woodworkers, from whom I bought the photo frames pictured above. They are […]
“Salt Glazing” was developed in 13th century Germany—probably by accident. Historians speculate that these early potters collected salty driftwood or the scrap wood from brining barrels for use in their kilns. And a rather interesting result occurred: the pottery developed a thick, translucent and textured glaze which proved highly-durable—especially for jugs, crocks and other utilityware. […]
I do not know much about the ceramics piece pictured above or Sawa, the workshop that made it. Nevertheless, I do appreciate its design integrity and the handwork required to produce it. First, the body of the vessel was cast in terra-cotta and allowed to harden. Next, a cast terra-cotta handle was attached. Then a […]
In the year 1832, “Prince Adolph of Ysenburg & Bündingen of Isenburg-Wächtersbach” (whew!) founded a ceramics workshop within his family’s principality. Wächtersbach Keramik (sometimes spelled “Waechtersbach” by English speakers) continues to this day, making a wide range of objects, both decorative and utilitarian. In the late Nineteenth Century, Wächtersbach employed several notable designers including Joseph […]
We’ve just received a shipment of vintage ceramics from Europe, including the large “grasshopper green” vase shown above. Its inspiration is classic Chinese—based on a humble, utilitarian vessel which might have held water, vinegar or fermented duck eggs. Even the string netting, which once encircled the original, are represented in a stylized fashion. Please click […]
Over the past few months, I’ve found (and acquired) a couple of European Modernist ceramic pieces which reminded me—at least vaguely—of clouds. They weren’t very jolly; indeed, they were rather drab. Nevertheless, I liked them and quickly gave them pride-of-place in my shop—but not for long. Before I knew it, they were picked-up, purchased, and […]
Italian Modernism—with a rustic, hand-crafted flair. After the vase was formed (but before the clay hardened), a wooden stylus was used to make the pattern of irregular impressions in the clay. Both a dark brown and then a red glaze was applied—creating a look reminiscent of a strawberry. Please come into the shop to see […]
We’ve just received a new shipment of art pottery from Europe—and would like to share a few pieces with you over the next several days. First up: a substantial and tall-ish (12 inch), pumice-glazed vase by Fohr (West Central Germany). This piece is a bit of a contradiction—which might have been the ceramicist’s intention. Atop […]
Within Scandinavia, Norway is recognized as having produced the finest enamelwork—often applied to decorative objects, tableware and silver jewelry. Jeweler and designer Aksel Holmsen made a career of such fine enamelwork. Born in 1873, Holmsen began his training in 1889 under David Andersen, the famous and accomplished Oslo jeweler. After a three year training period, […]
In the aftermath of World War II, Germany laid in ruins. Many of her great cities had been leveled and masses of workers—no longer employed by the Military Industrial Complex—needed to get back to work, fast. The combination of high unemployment, low labor costs, and high technical proficiency made Germany ripe for development as the […]
Let’s conclude our short procession of beautiful, hand-wrought trays with this American Arts & Crafts beauty made by Meriden (Connecticut). Though understated in its design, the tray is elevated to the sublime with a pattern of soft, all-over hand-hammering. And, while this smallish tray can carry six to twelve glasses (whether coupes, highballs or cordials), […]
Another brass tray—from another part of the world—is every bit as handsome as yesterday’s example (in its very different way). Hand-hammered of brass by the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) in Geislingen an der Steige, Germany, circa 1910, it typifies handsome German Jugendstil—the Art Nouveau Movement of Germany. It’s not large; perfect for 8-10 sherry glasses, or […]
Hours of hand-tooling culminate in this handsome and substantial tray—probably hand-made in Morocco. While I am not an expert in North African or Middle Eastern metalwork, I do recognize beautiful tooling when I see it. A beaming geometric pattern radiates outwards from the center of this 17.5 inch tray. Along the perimeter, a row of sculptural […]
Danish ceramicist Jens Michael Andersen opened his pottery workshop on the little island of Bornholm, off the coast of Denmark, in the 1890’s. He (and his four sons) won recognition and awards at ceramics expositions throughout Europe. Their shopmark, a chevron with three parallel herrings, was adapted from the town crest of Rønne, home town […]
The humble dandelion derives its name from the French phrase Dent de Lion (the “tooth of the lion”) due to the plant’s jagged green leaves. Considered a pesky weed by many, the dandelion has an interesting story to tell. The dandelion is part of the sunflower family, a native of Greece, and has been used […]
After World War II, much of the world’s high volume glass and ceramic production shifted slowly—away from the “victor” countries (such as England and The United States) and towards the “vanquished” countries (Japan and West Germany). While the Allied countries did continue to make glassware and ceramics (especially at the high end), it was the […]
We welcome October with one of the month’s two gemstones: the tourmaline*. Tourmalines, rich in aluminum, magnesium, sodium, lithium and potassium, come in a wide variety of colors including black or multi-colored specimens—like the “Watermelon Tourmaline” which is pink at one end and green at the other. They were mined in Sri Lanka and brought […]
When I first saw this beautiful piece of Gouda Dutch art pottery, I was hesitant. If you know my store, you know it is arranged by color: blue over here, orange over there, green a little further on. Should I buy this piece? Into which section would I place it? Although I couldn’t figure-out the […]
I don’t use the word “sublime” a lot—I guess I dislike hyperbole. Nevertheless, these newly-received Japanese business card holders are just that. Made of hand-crafted and hand-lacquered oak, they are beautifully sculpted and finished—and a delight to hold. A tiny, embedded magnet closes the hinged top with a satisfying “snap.” Available in a medium brown […]
“Marselis” is one of Nils Thorsson’s most famous designs for Aluminia, parent company of the Royal Copenhagen workshops. Designed in the 1950’s, the collection was glazed in several colorways including the deep Mediterranean blue, shown above. The line is distinguished by repetitive, graphic patterning—lines, tear drops, circles, petals—with no additional embellishment. They enjoy a thoroughly […]
In the supposed “paperless world” of the modern age, one still can use the occasional help holding things together (now and then). Let this simple and handsome Japanese tape dispenser assist. Made of oak and offered in both dark and light finishes, the dispenser is heavy enough to stay-put while pulling a length of tape […]
American glass production in the first half of the Twentieth Century was centered at the nexus of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This area had in abundance the raw material (silica), the energy (coal) and the craftsmen, including many Eastern European immigrants who brought their glass-making skills with them from the old country. The […]
A pair of bronze-clad buffalo charge-forward—a thunderous stampede of two. Strikingly-styled, they capture the explosive power of the wild beast which once roamed the American Prairie. Alas, one of the pair is inconspicuously flawed—though as aesthetically perfect and functionally useful as his pair mate (and substantially price-reduced as a result). Please come into the shop […]
This set of six West German Modernist crystal champagne coupes are ultra chic—with their elegant stems, smokey bowls and crisp, platinum bands. They’ll help make your next cocktail party cool, confident and sophisticated. They are part of a newly-received shipment of glassware, now in-store at LEO Design. Please click on the photo above to learn […]
Today—at 4:21 am Eastern Time—Summer will turn to Fall. And today we’ll experience the Autumnal Equinox—one of two days in the year when the lengths of night and day are the same. The equinox (“equal night”) is the point when the sun crosses the equator (in this case, from North to South). As the sun […]
While I do buy (and sell) some Modernist ceramics, my heart is still committed to turn-of-the-century design. When I do acquire Mid-Century pieces, however, there are a few guidelines I try to observe. First: the piece should lean back in style, not forward. They should reflect design of the past rather than attempt to break […]
Just in at LEO Design: a new shipment of European art pottery. Shown above, a selection in red, made in West Germany in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I love red pottery and, apparently, so do LEO Design customers—I can’t keep it in-store! Whether I’m selling a large grouping to an interior decorator or selling a […]
Although this piece of art pottery is Dutch, not Middle Eastern, its bold, stylized decoration is reminiscent of an Oriental tapestry. Made in Gouda, east of The Hague, in the 1910’s or 1920’s, it is a great example of European Orientalism. Its rich, autumnal tones and “Klimt-ian” swirls (on the slender neck) make this one […]
Of all decorative motif, the classic “Greek Key” is one of my favorites. Perhaps it’s the angularity, the mathematical repetition, the “no-nonsense flair.” I’ll buy nearly any handsome, antique item decorated with the meandering architectural embellishment! Mirrors, cufflinks, picture frames. So, when I found these highball glasses—made in the 1950’s or 1960’s—I quickly cleared space […]
Shakespeare, arguably the world’s greatest writer (ever and ever), is here paired with Longfellow, one of America’s greatest scribes. Their contributions to this pair of handsome and heavy cast iron bookends (made in the 1920’s or 1930’s) are quotes, both pertaining to the joys and benefits of reading. Shakespeare’s quote, from Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act […]
From Northern Europe comes this Nils Thorsson “flask”-form bottle (vase), complete with its original ceramic cover. He designed it for Royal Copenhagen (Denmark) in the mid-1960’s and supervised its production in their workshops. This Modernist form is a bit of a Thorsson “signature,” though one rarely finds it with the cover intact. Indeed, not all […]
Shanah Tovah to all and a good Rosh Hashanah! May the year 5776 be a sweet one! The name, Rosh Hashanah, roughly translated, means “head of the year,” and marks the start of the Hebrew calendar. It is the first of the High Holy Days and the date which commemorates the creation of Adam and […]
Mirrors were all the rage back in the Seventies—mirrored sunglasses, mirrored walls, mirrored barware. Shown above, three sets of glassware, all from the 1970’s and all sporting a generous mirrored band at the rim. The tallest, a set of six highball tumblers ($175); the shortest, a set of six whiskey “double shots” ($125); and in-between, a […]
Today Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest-reigning monarch in English history, surpassing the prior title-holder, Queen Victoria. She is now also the longest-reigning female monarch in world history. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, she succeeded her father, King George VI, upon his death on 6 February 1952. She was 26. She came to the throne […]
We’ve just received a shipment of stylish and practical salt and pepper grinders, hand-turned in Los Angeles. Made of white oak (for the salt) and black walnut (for the pepper), both shakers are fitted with a precision grinding mechanism—stainless steel for the pepper and an industrial grade ceramic mechanism for the salt (since salt and […]
Happy Labor Day, a day set-aside to honor the working men and women that have made—and continue to make—our country great. And give them an extra day of rest! Amongst our country’s laborers are the talented artisans who work with their hands, making beautiful and useful objects that simplify and improve our lives. One such […]
On this day in 1888, George Eastman registered the brand name “Kodak” and, soon after, introduced the Kodak Camera. Holding enough film for about 100 photos (each 2.5″ round), the Kodak Camera is largely responsible for popularizing the hobby of amateur photography. The name, “Kodak,” was created by Eastman and his mother, using letter tiles. […]
Here’s another recent acquisition, just-received at LEO Design: a West German Modernist piece by Üblecker, crafted in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Reminiscent of a Louise Nevelson sculpture, the piece is at once very simple and, simultaneously, quite complex. It would add an interesting textural dimension to an existing art pottery collection or look stunning standing on […]
We’ve just received a new shipment of European art pottery including these West German Modernist pieces, shown above. The largest piece, sometimes referred to as a “floor vase,” stands over 18 inches tall and is decorated with a complex layering of multiple glazes. A crusty, brown top glaze has been scraped-away, leaving frenetic, zig-zagging bolts […]
We finish our presentation of newly-acquired, vintage glassware with this set of six liquor glasses—each mounted atop a jewel-like, emerald green foot. Made of pressed glass in the late(ish) Art Deco period (1940’s or 50’s), I am guessing they are French—possibly once employed in a bistro to serve a sweet or minty after supper drink […]
The Art Deco met the Machine Age in a wonderful synthesis of style—stylishness and practicality. Whether architecture, automobiles or toasters—one can find examples of each that captured the spirit of an age when the future held nothing but promise. Such an example is the “stepped” platinum-banded cocktail shaker and its generous set of ten […]
Another star in the international glassmaking firmament has traditionally been the Bohemians—Czechs in particular, but others in the greater Austro-Hungarian world. The rose crystal liquor service, shown above, was made by (then) Czechoslovakian glassmaker Karl Palda in the 1930’s. The Art Deco style was very popular in Prague during this productive period of glassmaking—and superior […]
In Art Nouveau Vienna (which is called the Secessionist Movement), Wiener Werkstätte glassware was designed with black stems and feet—which must have created many a serious (yet beautiful) table setting. Two World Wars and forty years later, that Secessionist design inspired the glasses you see above—this time made in America. West Virginia glassworks, Fostoria, crafted […]
While we’re on the topic of Mad Men barware, let’s introduce this handsome set of six rocks glasses from the 1950’s —hand-decorated with a profusion of wheel-ground “bubbles” ($175). Made by “Cunningham & Company” in Pittsburgh, they have a very nice hand feel—with just the right amount of stylish decoration. Please come into the shop […]
Though Mad Men has wrapped, the influence of 1950’s and 1960’s cocktail culture still lives-on. Barware is popular. Rocks glasses continue to sell well. And the “Three Martini Lunch” is spoiling for a revival. Which brings us to the next-big-thing: The Cocktail Glass, shown above. Though modest in capacity (by today’s “super sized” standards), this […]
Call me a curmudgeon, but there are certain terms or phrases which I’ve banished from use amongst my staff: Eastlake, Fat Lava, Artsy/Craftsy. And one word du jour in particular—the oh-so-trendy “Hollywood Regency”—really gets my bile rising. Decorators, merchants and antiques dealers are always scrambling for words which might substantiate a bump to the ticket […]
In hindsight, the “Mad Men” era fascinates us with both its sense of optimism for the future and naive respect for traditions past. It was a modern period on the cusp of modernity. The glasses above, made for General Electric in 1963, celebrate the history (to that point) of electricity, electronics and lighting—stars and lightbulbs—and […]
Vinho do Porto—called “Port” in English-speaking countries—is a fortified sweet wine from the north of Portugal. It is made of fermented grape juice, “fortified” with distilled grape spirits (similar to brandy). This stops the fermentation process (that is, the conversion of sugar to alcohol) resulting in a sweeter, lower proof wine. Because it is sweet, […]
The term “Depression Glass” is loosely defined and, quite frequently, misused. In its most accurate sense, depression glass was cheaply-made American (or Canadian) glassware—mostly functional, occasionally decorative—made to be given away (or sold inexpensively) as a premium or gift-with-purchase. Food manufacturers might nestle a piece of depression glass in its box of oatmeal or cereal—an […]
Fostoria Glass was founded in 1887 in Fostoria, Ohio. Lured by generous government cash subsidies and the newly-discovered natural gas, a group of glassmen from West Virginia and Ohio set-up a glassworks in this Northwestern Ohio town, employing 125 workers. The glassworks was successful, however, after four years, the natural gas boom went bust and […]
It’s a “Full House” at LEO Design—with our recent (and large) delivery of vintage glassware. Having been cleared-out during the spring and summer wedding gift-giving season, we’ve been working double-time to find new and interesting items to re-stock our “glass department.” Just back from a recent buying trip—specifically hunting for vintage glassware—we’re now fully-stocked and […]
The Twenties: Jazz Age, Modernism, Industry. These bookends capture their times perfectly. Made of cast iron, a sculpted, Cubist male figure dances dramatically on this pair of Art Deco bookends. Please come see them in-store—alongside dozens of other interesting bookends—or click on the photo above to learn more about these.
On this day in 1871, aviation pioneer Orville Wright was born in Dayton, Ohio. Sixty-eight years later, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed a proclamation making this day National Aviation Day—a day dedicated to educating American citizens about aviation and promoting an interest in the subject. The plane above, crafted of cast aluminum, was inspired by […]
No—from the other Saint Petersburg! Florida! A cast spelter Pelican opens his bill to hold your keys, coins, or cigarette ashes. A delightful souvenir from 1960’s Florida—and sure to be a conversation piece in your office, kitchen or at the doorway. Perfect for holding paperclips. ($95). Please come into the shop to see him or […]
One of the great glass-making centers of the world is Venice, Italy—more specifically the group of islands called Murano. This set of eight iridescent, mouth-blown bowls are laced with copper dust in a lovely “Arlecchino” pattern. At the center of each diamond is a tiny, hand-pricked dimple. The bowls would perform beautifully with fruit or […]
With August half-way spent, what better time to cherish the delights of the summer season, soon-to-be-over? Shown above, a pair of Syroccowood bookends, made in the 1950’s, depicting a crisply-cast sail boat at full sail. Syroccowood is a composite material made of wood pulp, resin and other binders that was popular in the second- and […]
On this day in 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito surrendered, accepting the conditions of the Potsdam Agreement. World War II was over! During the previous week and a half, the United States had dropped atomic bombs on both Hiroshima (6 August) and Nagasaki (9 August)—an act which unleashed heretofore unknown savagery upon the Japanese people. The […]
In 1506, Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha sighted the remote South Atlantic islands now anglicized as Tristan da Cunha. Because of bad sea conditions, he was unable to land, but, before sailing away, named the largest island after himself. Almost immediately, European maps began to include the archipelago under the Portuguese explorer’s (English) name. In […]
While the term “tramp” seems insensitive—in light of our modern understanding of poverty, mental illness and homelessness—it was used for many years to refer to a wide range of men (usually) who lived on the streets, in fields, or “rode the rails.” Sometimes the notion of “hobo life” was given a romantic twist—illustrated by a […]
Today is World Elephant Day, dedicated to promoting knowledge of elephants and educating the public about the plight of these majestic, endangered creatures. The annual event strives to reduce poaching, eliminate the trade of elephant ivory, and promote better care and management of Asian and African elephants—in captivity and in the wild. Wild elephant populations […]
In country markets, general stores or candy shops—in days of yore—one would often find glass display containers such as the cracker jar pictured above. Made in the 1950’s, during the waning years of the Art Deco movement, this covered jar was made for Lance, a maker of snack foods: nuts, crackers and cookies. This jar, […]
On this day in 1675, by order of King Charles II, the cornerstone was laid for the Royal Greenwich Observatory—an institution which would provide tremendous scholarship and advancement in the fields of astronomy and navigation. Greenwich, on the River Thames (just outside of London), has long been associated with maritime activities. Bustling docks and a […]
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 […]
Let’s conclude our little “sextet” of summer cufflinks with this rich, Mediterranean blue pair, also from the 1920’s or 1930’s. Rich, Mediterranean blue enameling rests over a subtle floral guilloché design, making for a handsome accent upon the wrist. Perfect for late summer—or any time. Please click on the photo above to learn more about […]
We continue our daily presentation of newly-acquired cufflinks. Just in: this pair of hammered sterling silver American Arts & Crafts cufflinks from the 1910’s. An octagonal, shield-form features a hand-hammered central surface, ringed with a crisp Greek Key edge. A wonderful gift for the Arts & Crafts collector. Please come into the shop to see […]
On this fourth day of summer cufflinks, here’s a beautiful pair from the 1920’s or 1930’s. Sterling silver is engraved with a “striated” Art Deco guilloché pattern, then topped with a blanket of icy white enameling. A crisp Greek Key border surrounds the eight sides of the clipped-square form. Quite handsome, indeed—and perfect with a summer […]
Another pair of American Art Deco cufflinks, these finished with sapphire blue enameling. Beneath the enamel lies a handsome Deco guilloché pattern, a combination of swirling and radiant graphics. Please come into the shop to see our extensive range of cufflinks or click on the photo above to learn more about this pair. More cufflinks […]
Another nice pair of summery cufflinks are the white enameled Art Deco beauties, shown above. A stylized, foliate guilloché pattern shows through smart white enameling. The octagonal border reinforces the crisp masculinity of these links—which would look perfect on any color cuff, especially near a beach-tanned wrist. Please come into the shop to see our […]
For those of you not going back-to-school, here’s to another month of summer! Time for a few more days on the links. Or, perhaps, a few more days with some summer-appropriate cufflinks! Over the next few days, we’ll share with you a few of our recent acquisitions—especially those suitable for the second half of summer. […]
When I was a kid, school re-convened after Labor Day, during the first week of September. Today, it seems, the kids are heading-back and we’ve barely left July! Could today’s returning schoolboy be as excited as I used to be—considering he’s being sent back-to-task before the first sign of an Autumn chill? Perhaps an ultra-stylish […]
Let’s welcome August and celebrate one of the month’s birth flowers: The Poppy. Poppies are thought to have originated in the Western 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 […]
On this day in 1886, Liszt Ferencz (known in the West as “Franz Liszt”) died of pneumonia in Bayreuth, Germany—home of the famous Wagner Music Festival. Liszt was a prolific composer, one who had an influence on the following century’s great composers, and he was considered, in his day, to be the world’s greatest pianist. […]
Let’s end our Back-to-School “procession” of bookends with this regal and handsome pair, from the 1920’s—newly-acquired by LEO Design. The worldwide Arts & Crafts movement (which was practiced in many Western countries and is referred to by various, regional names) often used decorative motifs or themes from local or national historical and mythological lore. The […]
Book lovers love bookends. They also love the quotes of the great writers—past and present. This pair of bookends, made in America in the 1920’s or 1930’s, share the quotes of two great English wordsmiths, Sir Francis Bacon and Samuel Johnson. Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) was a philosopher, statesman, jurist, orator, essayist and author—and, […]
We’ve just acquired this handsome pair of cast iron Teddy Roosevelt bookends, certain to upgrade any “trophy room” regardless how grand. What a coincidence that Theodore Roosevelt’s home, on Oyster Bay, Long Island, has just reopened after a comprehensive renovation. In 1880, at the tender age of 22, Theodore Roosevelt purchased a 150 acre parcel […]
Alexander Pope and Andrew Young were both British poets—the former an Englishman, the latter a Scotsman—and both men were influential in their times. Pope (1688 – 1744) had a difficult early life. As a Catholic, he was not allowed to go to school (due to the English “Test Acts” which banned Catholics from teaching, attending […]
If we’re to learn “The Riddle of the Sphinx” it won’t be from this pair! They maintain a placid silence, gazing-out at things (perhaps?) beyond our understanding. They will, however, hold-up your books with loyalty and a great deal of style. Made in the 1920’s or 1930’s—a time when both Art Deco and Egyptology were […]
