With summer vacation in the home stretch, I turn my attention to the Fall—back-to-school, books, and bookends. I love collecting bookends. Perhaps it’s because I love books so much. Anyway, I’ve just purchased several nice pairs of vintage bookends, mostly from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Over the next few days I’ll share a few of […]
We’ve just acquired a small collection of nice tie bars and tie tacks from the 1930’s through the 1960’s. Some have stones, like the moss agate option shown in front, above. $35 – $75. They join our existing collection of necktie accessories and cufflinks, always a Handsome Gift. Please come into the shop to see […]
The sunsign, LEO, begins today! Welcome the King of the Jungle with this handsome, British-made greeting card, now in store at LEO Design. LEO’s are known for their nobility, magnanimity, and regal bearing—not to mention, of course, their humility! They like to occupy centerstage and will usually strive to put-on a good show. They value […]
Since we’re talking toasts, how about another go! Shown above, a set of eight West German crystal coupes with hand-painted gold banding along the rims. Made in the 1950’s or 1960’s, these stems have a soft, Modernist aesthetic—without being cold or sterile. They would look beautiful on your well-appointed dining table or bar cart. Please […]
With New Year’s Eve less than six months away, perhaps it’s time for a little brush-up of your toasting skills. Let these crystal, hollow-stemmed champagne coupes help you. Just acquired, these coupes feature a hollow stem—replicating the “bubble crawl” one usually finds when drinking from a champagne flute. But who says champagne is just for […]
King Charles VII had a problem. He had been King of France for seven years and had not yet been crowned. France was in the 92nd year of the “Hundred Years War” with England—a war which, by the way, lasted 116 years (1337 – 1453). The Cathedral at Reims was the traditional and proper site […]
The ancient Mesopotamians of Sumer (which is now modern-day Iraq) invented the Cuneiform system of writing some 5,000 years ago. The name “cuneiform” comes from the Latin “cuneus” (meaning “wedge”) and “forma” (meaning “shape”). Wedge-shaped wooden styluses were used to impress marks into soft clay tablets which were dried (or fired) and, properly stored, would […]
The Bastille, in Paris, was a stone fortress built in the Fourteenth Century to defend the east gate of the city against invaders—which, initially, were the English. In time, it was used as a prison, especially for political prisoners as determined by the king. And prisoners held directly by the king could not avail themselves […]
Before the Twentieth Century, bookends were not commonplace—in fact, rarely were they needed. For before World War I, most “ordinary” families owned very few books—perhaps a Bible, a dictionary, some poetry, and the occasional cookery book. Large collections of books were to be found only in institutional libraries or the homes of very wealthy individuals—people […]
On this day in 1884, in the Russian city of Minsk (now Belarus), Lazar Meir was born. If only those around him knew how very much his life would change over the next seven decades—and how much little Lazar would influence a country an ocean away, all the while changing the rest of the world. […]
Emerald-tinted crystal is mouth-blown into this striking set of wine glasses, made in Germany in the 1960’s or 1970’s. We’ve just found two sets (of six) and they’re priced at $195 per set. Please come into the shop to see them—or call and we’ll be happy to help you purchase them by phone.
The birds of summer have alighted—thanks to talented artist Daniel Durkin. Dan, once a staff member at LEO Design, has gone on to bigger things, alas. But he still designs and produces many of the greeting cards on-offer in our shop. Shown above, his newest collection: wild birds on branches. Please come into the shop […]
On this day in 1357, King Charles IV—King of Bohemia and The Holy Roman Emperor—laid the first stone for what was to become Prague’s Charles Bridge (or Karlův most in Czech). When completed in 1402, the bridge crossed the Vltava River, connecting one side of the city (the “Old Town”) to the other side (the […]
In 1885, nine year old Joseph Meister of Schlestadt (Eastern France, near the German border) was bitten savagely by a rabid dog. On this day of that year, fellow Frenchman, Louis Pasteur—who was a laboratory scientist, not a medical doctor—administered his unproven rabies vaccine on the boy. Not only might the vaccine have harmed the […]
On this day in 1915, Philadelphia’s famous “Liberty Bell” set-out on its last tour. More about this later… The bell was cast in London in 1752 by Lester & Reed, a bell foundry. It arrived in Philly that August and, as the steeple was not yet finished, the bell was hung on a small scaffold […]
A happy Independence Day to all! Shown above, a set of printed, wooden blocks—one for each American president—detailing various facts about each man and his term. Screen-printed in child-safe, no-toxic inks, the blocks will form an American flag when turned the right way. They sit in a convenient wooden tray. $125. Please come into the […]
Let’s welcome the month of July and its birthstone, the ruby—the King of Gemstones! A good ruby is the most valuable of the four precious stones (a group which also includes diamonds, sapphires and emeralds) and, after diamonds, it is the hardest. Historically, the best rubies have come from Burma, though they have also been mined […]
In “the old days”—before direct-dial telephones—one would ring the operator and she would connect you to your desired party. In the event of an emergency, the operator (who was often local) would connect you with the fire department, police or a doctor (whom she happened to know was in-town at that moment). As phones became […]
The Globe was a theatre in Elizabethan London, built by William Shakespeare and his company of co-investors (called The Lord Chamberlain’s Men). Shakespeare owned a 12.5% share. The theatre’s opening production, in 1599, was either the premier of Henry V or Julius Caesar, depending upon whom you believe. Much of the lumber used to build […]
The Stonewall Inn was a restaurant and bar in Greenwich Village. In 1966, three mafiosi bought the Inn and re-opened it as a gay bar. It quickly became popular because management allowed dancing—despite NYC law forbidding men dancing together. Indeed, it was illegal to even serve a drink to a “known homosexual.” The Stonewall had […]
Whether you’re channeling Elroy Jetson, drinking a morning protein shake, or his father, George, imbibing something a little stiffer, you’ll be doing it with Space Age Style—if you use this set of Super Atomic highball glasses. Six tumblers, decorated with silvery futuristic stars and ellipses, come nestled in a black wire caddy. Please click on […]
Cool and sleek—almost ghostly—best describes this set of eight Mid-Century “Silver Fade” smokey highball glasses from the 1960’s. Where does the mirror end—or does it? Please come into the shop to see them or click on the photo to learn more about them. More cool glassware tomorrow.
Whatever you’re serving your guests—intoxicating or otherwise—you’ll do it with flair with this Mid-Century “Silver Fade” beverage service from the 1960’s. The generously-sized pitcher is accompanied by five matching highball glasses. Lemonade, iced tea, spritzers, sangria or margaritas—all will taste just a little better when served with such style. Please come in to see it—or […]
Another set of newly-acquired, Modernist glassware shown above: six “Whiskey Rounds.” Nicely-sized for a modest quaff, these spherical whiskey glasses have a stylish “Silver Fade” trim along their tops. And, whether you’re using them at the moment or they’re sitting patiently, awaiting their next deployment, they’ll bring certain style to your bar or bar cart. […]
Mad Men may seem like a receding memory—but the style can live-on for years to come with selections from our collection of swanky Mid-Century barware. Over the next few days, I’d like to share with you a few of the interesting items, now in-store at LEO Design. To start: a set of eight highball glasses, […]
Hearty thanks and a lot of love to the magnificent men who have nurtured, taught and cared for us. Your patience, sacrifice and example have made us the people we’ve become. The card above is part of our recent shipment of summer-themed cards, just received from England. Please come in to see the full assortment.
I remember so well the bittersweet pleasure of a school year’s final day. As sad as I was to leave my classes and teachers, I also looked-forward to a couple of months of playing all day, dressing in play clothes, and not having to complete any homework. And there was the occasional super-treat of meeting […]
Over the years, I’ve acquired boxes similar to the one shown above. They’ve always been French, hand-tooled pewter and, usually, they’re signed. Something about this box seemed a little different, though. For one thing, the design is strongly Secessionist, indicating that it might be Viennese (or Austro-Hungarian). Furthermore, the artist’s signature is apparent but indistinct—I […]
As we close-in on Father’s Day, let’s return to more examples of stylish barware, perfect for the stylish dad. Shown above, a set of eight “Mah-Jongg” whiskey glasses from the 1960’s. Printed in gold, black and red, they capture the modish sophistication of the Mad Men era. Please come into the shop to see them […]
There’s nothing like an ice cold beer on a hot day, after work. With this solid brass bottle opener, you’ll help Dad “crack a cold one” in style—and remind him he’s earned it. Made in Milwaukee, this durable tool is a little bit industrial, a little bit sculptural. And a great little gift for Father’s […]
Princess Mary, 17 year-old daughter of King George V, wanted to do something special for British troops wearing the country’s uniform during the Christmas of 1914—the first winter of World War I. She organized a funds drive by which every serviceman, nurse, and widow (or parent) of those killed in action would receive a special […]
For the American Arts & Crafts devotee, Roycroft metalworks are amongst the most coveted of shop marks. Above, find a pair of hand-hammered copper bookends finished with the Roycroft “Old Brass” patina. These bookends are simple, elegant, and earnestly Arts & Crafts—and a terrific Father’s Day gift possibility for the discriminating Dad. Please come into […]
If Boston Terriers aren’t your Dad’s thing, would a pair of German Shepherds do the trick? Made of cast iron in the 1920’s, these handsome bookends will prove very useful—and terrifically loyal. Please come visit the shop to see them in-person or click on the photo to learn more about them. More Father’s Day gift […]
For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been showing great Father’s Day gift ideas. Over the next several days, we’d like to share some of our newly-acquired bookends—always a handsome and practical gift. Shown above, a pair of cast iron bookends in the form of a sprightly Boston Terrier. Finished with a golden wash, they […]
Whether your father likes to hunt game or would rather appreciate animal beauty with his eyes alone, here’s just the Father’s Day gift! Made in mid-century Denmark by sculptor Arne Ingdam, this ceramic stoneware sculpture captures a fourteen-point bull elk in full call. Please come into the shop to see him or click on the […]
Remind your Dad who’s King of his Castle with this handsome, late-19th Century American Aesthetic Movement mirror, recently-acquired. While not the most typical of Father Day gifts, it will certainly make a handsome—and useful—addition to your father’s abode. Come see it in-person or click on the photo above to learn more about it. More interesting […]
From Laguiole, France comes this collection of handsome (and useful) pocket knives. Hardened stainless steel blades are clad in exotic hardwoods. Polished brass bolsters complete the look. At 3.75″ long (when closed), the size is big enough to be useful but small enough to be kept in one’s pocket. At front: Thuya wood. Behind (left-to-right): […]
As a dad gets older—and wiser—he realizes that time is his most precious resource. Help him monitor his asset with this handsome and classic watch by Ole Mathieson. Designed in Copenhagen in 1962, these watches are still made by the family firm. The watch above, with beautifully scripted Arabic numerals, has a battery-operated Swiss quartz […]
John Ruhl always wanted to be an artist. Throughout his childhood, his parents—German immigrants who ran a shoe store—tried desperately to dissuade him from his calling. Upon his graduation from the NYC public school system, they insisted he accept an offer to work as a clerk in an insurance company—a job he loathed. While working, […]
We continue our little run of handsome (alcohol-related) Father’s Day gifts with this stainless steel hip flask. Though contemporary, the design is based on an 18th Century English design which was popular in Colonial America. It has a softly-curved, concave back and holds one-half of a pint. $75.00. Please come into the shop to see […]
Yesterday we presented a range of antique corkscrews—stylish in their simple, “Country Mouse” kind of way. For those whose fathers resemble the “Town Mouse,” perhaps the “sommelier” above will do the trick. Made in Laguiole, France, the polished stainless steel instrument includes a foil cutter and is finished with polished cow bone. Also available in […]
One popular category of “Handsome Gifts” at LEO Design is our range of vintage bottle openers. Made between the 1880’s and 1930’s, most come from England and France. Wood and Horn handles top the curled steel corkscrews and some still possess their original horsehair cork brushes. Those shown above range from $125 to $145. Please come […]
While I generally lament the “electronification” of modern life, in this case, it’s provided a handsome and useful opportunity. Shown above, a small range of luxurious leather sleeves for one’s indispensable modern gadgetry. Italian calfskin—in rich, caramel tan or deep navy blue—is stitched into brass-zipped pouches. Inside, the pieces are lined in pebbled goatskin. And, […]
Amongst the most handsome pair of cufflinks I’ve had in while, this 1930’s pair hits the Art Deco nail right on the head. Sterling silver is machine-turned with a radiant guilloché pattern, enameled in aqua, then finished with black enamel banding. Very striking, indeed. Perfect for a handsome father! Please come in to the shop […]
The birthstone for the month of June is not a “stone” at all. It is the pearl—the mysterious and exotic treasure of mariners—which commemorates those born in the calendar’s sixth month. At one time pearls, which represent purity, innocence and humility, were the most precious of jewels. Egyptian aristocrats were buried with their pearls. The […]
How often has Dad encouraged us with words of wisdom? Let’s leave the month of May with some inspiring words for Dad: “Seize the Day!” Made of sand-cast pewter in Italy, this hand-crafted little box boldly proclaims the Latin “Carpe Diem” from the top of its hinged lid. About the size of a deck of […]
Schoolboy repp stripes smartly dress these Japanese leather-lined credit card wallets. Choose from three color combinations: {navy/red} or {royal/yellow/white} or {navy/brown}. Simultaneously handsome and fun. $85.00 Please come into the shop to see them for yourself or call us for additional information. More great Father’s Day gifts tomorrow.
Perhaps your father’s interests include the botanical. Shown above, a pair of Czech Art Deco white vases, made in the 1930’s. Bohemia—while it took design cues from larger cultural centers (like Vienna)—was no stranger to good design. From Mucha’s Art Nouveau to Moser’s Art Deco, there’s a rich history of good art, design and craftsmanship […]
On the heels of yesterday’s “Campagna” Italian pewter box, here’s a handsome, letterpress greeting card that might be right for your father’s day. Bears, rabbits, raccoons, owls and deer romp around the handsome graphic of this card, printed on Swan’s Island, Maine. Please come into the shop to see a wide range of Father’s Day […]
Sand-cast in Tuscany, this Italian pewter box bears a twelve point rack of antlers on its hinged lid. Great for holding cufflinks, cigarettes, or any manner of desk, dresser or bedside accoutrement. Its soft-rectangular shape is simultaneously gently modern and old-school. I can envision Burt Lancaster picking-up this box from the fireplace mantelpiece in Visconti’s masterpiece “The Leopard.” […]
Master artist Albrecht Dürer was born, lived and died in Nürnberg, Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries—though his great influence was felt throughout Europe, even during his lifetime. While he was an incredible painter, he is best known for his sensational printmaking which he sold while traveling throughout the continent and which made him […]
Mirrored rim banding is accented with a meandering Greek Key pattern on this set of eight Modernist rocks glasses from the 1960’s. Crisp, handsome and clean-lined, these glasses are sufficiently decorative in a masculine, understated way. $195. Please come into the shop to see them or call us for further information. More nice Father’s Day […]
Perhaps your father is more golf-enthusiast than numismatist. This set of fore four glasses, from the 1960’s or 1970’s, depict “The Basic Swing” in a series of stop-action images. The white and spring green graphic will make for an extra-refreshing refreshment. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them. More Father’s Day […]
With Mother’s Day behind us, we turn our attention to Father’s Day, a month away. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our newly-acquired “Handsome Gifts” for Dear Old Dad—beginning with some stylish barware from the time of “Mad Men.” Shown above, a set of six Mid-Century rocks glasses, decorated with depictions of […]
Father’s Day is one month from today. Over the course of four weeks, I’d like to present some “Handsome Gifts” suitable for Father’s Day gift-giving. Let’s start with this handsome pair of “T.R.” bookends from the early 20th Century. As a boy, not much was expected of Theodore Roosevelt. He was a sickly child, more […]
On my buying trip last week, I assembled this small collection of desk bells—always a good-seller at LEO Design. Made in the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries, they would have lived atop shop counters and hotel desks. Mostly brass, some of them have cast iron bases ($125 – $165). Please come into the shop […]
Amongst my newest finds is the matte white art pottery, pictured above. Collected during my recent weeklong buying expedition—piece by piece—it pulls-together nicely as a grouping ($75 – $110). Please come into the shop to see them in person—now combined with their previously-acquired relatives.
I’m just home from a week-long buying trip through New England—with lots of great, “Handsome Gifts” in tow. Shown above, more from our recently-acquired collection of Mid-Century mirrored barware. Here we have a set of six “Super Atomic” high ball glasses, complete with a black wire caddy. These glasses—seemingly out of The Jetsons—capture America’s Space Age […]
I’m finding lots of “Handsome Gifts” for the shop in New England this week, some of which might be your “just perfect” Father’s Day present. Shown above, a small sampling of Mid-Century “mirrored” barware which I’ve acquired this week. In front, a “mirror fade” high ball glass, part of a set of eight. Further back, […]
As I wend my way through New England, finding great, new items for the shop, I’ve put-together a collection of heavy, industrial tape dispensers, pictured above. Designed and made in the Art Deco 1930’s, they are made of heavy cast iron and were usually found in factories, workshops or sales counters. Because of their substantial weight, […]
I continue to travel through New England this week, in-search of “Handsome Gifts”—especially gifts for Father’s Day. I’ve assembled a collection of impressive mirrors, two of which are shown above. The front mirror, made during the 1840’s to 1860’s, is crafted of mahogany veneer over a curved “ogee” profile. The larger mirror, in back, is […]
I’ve taken to the road this week, traveling throughout New England, in-search of “Handsome Gifts” for the shop. Though I’m never quite sure what I’ll find, I do have a wishlist. At the top of the list? Great Father’s Day gift ideas. Shown above is one such idea: a pair of Goebel German Modernist terra […]
For the next several days, I’ll be on the road—hunting for “Handsome Gifts” throughout New England. Kismet plays a role, of course, but I will keep an eye open for great Father’s Day gift ideas—like the “find” pictured above: a pair of hand-hammered copper Roycroft bookends, finished in their “Old Brass” patina. Simple, elegant, and stylish, […]
Just-in: a new collection of marine-themed summer greeting cards, perfect for the up-coming Father’s Day—or any summer season occasion. We collaborated with New York artist Noha Mishriky to create this collection of six nautically-inspired works: anchors, lighthouses, rowboats, seahorses, starfish and seashells. She painted the originals in watercolor, then printed them on a nicely-textured watercolor […]
On my last trip to England, I spent a rainy Sunday traipsing around Sussex in the southeast of that country. In the mostly-Victorian (and slightly shabby) town of Bexhill-on-Sea, I came across an unexpected Art Deco jewel: the De la Warr Pavilion, built in 1935. The building was commissioned as a contest by the Ninth […]
Another sweet pair of vases—sweet without being saccharine—is this twosome from Austria. Made in the 1910’s during the Secessionist period, they exhibit the flavor of turn-of-the-century Vienna. The pretty, sky blue glazing and stylized buttressing are likely to make someone’s mother happy. Please come into the shop to see them or click on the photo […]
One year I gave my mother an orchid on Mother’s Day. It was a life sentence—for both the plant and for my mother who was (involuntarily) tasked with keeping it alive. I like this idea better (pictured above): a Dutch Gouda vase with a hand-painted, stylized orchid motif. Made in the Teens or Twenties, it […]
Made in (what was once) Czechoslovakia in the 1930’s, this pair of Art Deco Vases have a touch of femininity without fuss—which makes them a tasteful Mother’s Day gift. Perfect with or without flowers as they are beautiful individually or as a pair. $85 each. Please come into the shop to see them or call […]
Perfume has long been a favorite Mother’s Day gift. How about a perfume bottle? These crystal vessels, hand-blown in Sweden in the 1950’s and 1960’s, take the form of gourds, pears, and more-classic geometric or teardrop shapes. Each has a little stopper which doubles as a perfume dauber—some daubers are long, some daubers are short. […]
With Mother’s Day a week away, we’d like to share an assortment of “Handsome Gifts” which would be perfect for Mom. Over the next seven days, we’ll show you some ideas that might tickle your mother’s fancy. Photographed above, a trio of Royal Doulton English Arts & Crafts vases made in the early Twentieth Century. Each […]
Welcome May and welcome the Month of the Emerald. As much as we like emeralds, we’re clean-out of the precious stone; we thought we’d celebrate the month with something “Emerald-ish.” Shown above, a pair of sterling silver Art Deco cufflinks with radiant guilloché work and emerald enameling. Please click on the photo to learn more […]
We’ve just purchased a small collection of Danish Modern art pottery by ceramicist Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen. Made in the 1960’s and 1970’s, their naive, hand-crafted, and seemingly random “batik” decoration belies the spare forms of the ceramic vessels. Shown in front, a streamlined, square-shaped vase. Behind it, a compressed, lidded flask. […]
We have a nice collection of handcrafted Japanese cast-zinc vases. Though they are contemporary, they are made in a centuries-old foundry in Japan. Each piece is cast in zinc, hand-chased (that is, cleaned-up), hand-finished, baked, hand-finished (again), baked (again), then hand-finished for the final time. Zinc, a component element of bronze, is known for its […]
The German Shepherd—or The German Shepherd Dog, when called by its full, official title—is a working dog, bred for its intelligence, strength and stamina. Originally they were used for herding and protecting sheep in Germany. Due to their intelligence, curiosity, obedience and good temper, they have become popular for many other kinds of work—including police […]
It was 1970. War in Viet Nam was aflame, students were protesting on campuses across the country, and popular entertainers were writing songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” And the environment was in shambles. Air, water, and land were being poisoned with toxins—both intentionally and accidentally. After a particularly upsetting oil spill off Santa Barbara, […]
After enduring nine months of scaffolding outside our shop, finally it has been removed, revealing a beautifully-restored nineteenth century brick building! What’s more, new shop lights over our awning provide a rosy, nighttime glow. We’re thrilled to be able to breathe again! Please stop by to see “the improved location.”
Naive as I am, I thought “Bicycle Day” was created to honor the two-wheeled, Earth-friendly, leg-powered vehicle! It wasn’t. But since I have little interest in chemicals more potent than strong tea, I’d prefer to talk about bicycles. And so I will. The first modern bicycle is the German “draisine” from 1817. Baron Karl von […]
Galahad was amongst the greatest of the Great Knights—a gallant so holy of spirit and pure of heart that God had granted him much favor. As a young man, Sir Galahad was brought to King Arthur’s court at Camelot by his father, the great knight Lancelot. Once there, the young Galahad is lead to the […]
On this day in 1837, “J.P.” (John Pierpont) Morgan was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Among America’s most notorious “Titans of Industry,” he was a noted banker, financier and deal-maker—and a man who collected art with the same passion with which he collected corporations. Morgan created both General Electric and U.S. Steel by merging smaller, regional […]
On this day in 1912, American aviatrix Harriet Quimby flew from Dover, England to Calais, France—making her the first woman to fly across the English Channel. Alas, she achieved little recognition; her accomplishment was overshadowed by reports of the RMS Titanic which had sunk the previous day. Quimby was born in a Michigan farmhouse in […]
On this day in 1755, Englishman Samuel Johnson published Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language—amongst the great achievements of British scholarship. “Doctor Johnson,” as he was called, had been commissioned by a group of London booksellers to produce a definitive English dictionary—so unsatisfying were the existing options. He claimed the task would take him […]
A “Parrot Tulip” is one with curled, twisting, or seemingly “feathered” petals—the result of selective breeding by horticulturalists. Quite flamboyant, the Parrot Tulip also is more delicate than their simpler, original ancestors. As for the bold color striations seen in tulips—the Parrot variety or otherwise—these are the result of a diseased plant. A “Mosaic Virus” […]
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row.” So begins the 1919 poem by Canadian poet-physician-soldier, John McCrae, memorializing the poppy fields of France and Belgium where so many hundreds of thousands died during World War I. Nearly 100 years later, the poppy remains a potent symbol of soldiers killed at […]
In William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the juice of a pansy “on sleeping eyelids laid, will make a man or woman madly dote upon the next live creature that it sees.” And in his Hamlet, doomed Ophelia, in one scene, distributes pansies, exclaiming, “There’s pansies, that’s for thoughts.” Other writers and poets—including William Wordsworth, […]
Greek lore tells us that Zeus’s son, Heracles (called Hercules by the Romans), was born of an extra-marital affair with the human woman, Alcmene. Zeus wanted his son to become a god, so he put his wife, Hera, into a deep sleep which allowed the infant to nurse at the breast of the goddess. Hercules […]
The humble cornflower—thus called because it often grew as a weed in English grain fields (which they called corn fields)—has a rich history in folklore, folk medicine, and even politics. It was sometimes called a “Batchelor’s Button” because young men in love might wear them on their lapels. Alas, if the blossom faded too quickly, […]
Though most tulips have no distinctive fragrance, they are—visually speaking—one of my favorite flowers. Either in the ground or in a vase, I love the way they stand—seemingly individually, yet always better en masse. As far as botanical historians can tell, tulips were first cultivated in Persia where they were a popular subject in art and […]
In Greek mythology, Hyacinth was a beautiful and athletic youth who had admirers amongst the Gods. Two gods in particular, Apollo and Zephyrus (the god of wind) were particularly smitten with him. Hyacinth showed a preference for Apollo, leaving Zephyrus none-too-happy. One day, while Hyacinth and Apollo were tossing the discus, Zephyrus blew his wind […]
Though not recognized much in the United States, Easter Monday has long been observed by Christians in other countries—and celebrated with various local customs from the charming to the bizarre. Before the Nineteenth Century, the full “Octave” of Easter (that is, the eight days beginning with Easter) were celebrated, usually as an upbeat time of […]
A Joyous Easter to those who celebrate it—and a Spring season of gentle warmth and growing happiness to all. Shown above, a polished brass rabbit, handcrafted in Japan. You may see him in-shop, alongside a small menagerie of other whimsical, Modernist creatures. LEO Design will be open today from Noon ’till 6:00 pm. Please hop […]
The Book of Exodus tells us the story of the Jews in Egypt—enslaved by Pharaoh—and how God freed them, to be lead-out of the desert by Moses. In the story, God inflicts ten plagues upon the Egyptians, culminating with “The Death of the First-born.” On the appointed night, the spirit of the Lord came over […]
Today is International Children’s Book Day—celebrated each year since 1967 on (or around) 2 April, the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. Each year, a different “host” country is selected and a children’s book author from that country is tapped to write a message to child readers. An accomplished illustrator is engaged to design that year’s […]
Long considered the “gold standard” of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Gustav Stickley is generating quite a buzz some seven decades after his death—and Stickley furniture collectors are none too happy about it! At last month’s “National Arts & Crafts Conference” in Asheville, North Carolina, the great grand nephew of Gustav Stickley was invited […]
Spring is now peeking-out at us, teasing us with temperatures creeping (periodically) into the 60’s. Flowers, birds, light—these are the wonderful harbingers of Spring. The vases above, crafted in Art Deco England, positively sing of Spring! And what could be more cheerful and homey (and upbeat) than Art Deco as the British did it? […]
We’ve just received a collection of Japanese “Blue Smoked” Crystal, made in the 1960’s. Classic, pleasing shapes are tinted with a smokey hue—which reads bluish, especially in bright light. They will add a crisp (slightly serious) look to any well-dressed table, formal or informal. Please come into the shop to see them. They currently reside […]
In 1734, King Louis XV of France granted permission to establish a glassworks in the commune of Baccarat, in the Lorraine region of Eastern France. Its production began modestly with basic items like windowpanes, mirrors, and drinking glasses. In 1816, production quality took a great step forward with the installation of the company’s first crystal […]
Imagine the drama—not to mention the fright—young Mary must have felt as the angel Gabriel approached with these words: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” What a bewildering, intimidating and humbling experience. The Feast of the Annunciation—the most important of Marian celebrations—is celebrated each 25 March (unless that day falls on a […]
In 1857, New York City merchant E.V. Haughwout (pronounced “How-it”) built a five story building at 488 Broadway (and Broome) to house his emporium of expensive luxury goods including antiques, silver, crystal, china, chandeliers, bronzes and other irresistible treasures. His carriage trade clientele included Mrs. Lincoln who purchased the White House’s hand-painted china at his […]
Have you ever been “dying for a drink of water” and not been able to have one? For one billion people in the world, clean, safe, reliable drinking water is not readily available. On this day in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared 22 March “World Water Day.” It’s a day to focus attention […]
Perfect for spring: a pair of 1920’s Art Deco cufflinks, enameled in violet, pistachio and white. The decoration is formed as a stylized, oblong quatrefoil around a radiant guilloché design. The pair—new-received and in-store at LEO Design—evokes the sunny days of a gentle spring. Or, perhaps, the optimism of an Italian ice cream shoppe. Please […]
