Book: The Art of Instruction

Posted on | October 3, 2011 | 7 Comments

I’m always on the hunt for books my design friends and their kids can enjoy together. Beautiful colors, drawings and educational; The Art of Instruction: Vintage Educational Charts from the 19th and 20th Centuries represents the decade long collection of Katrien Van der Schueren owner of Viola! gallery. Large-scale wall charts were once used as teaching tools in Europe during the late 1800′s to the 1920′s. Over 100 are reproduced into two collections, botany and zoology. I’m fascinated by each plate and kinda want to buy two copies—one to enjoy and the second to cut up and frame. Below a few of my favorites. The book is available through amazon.com for $35.

Images Courtesy of Chronicle Books.

Category: affordable artwork, books

Learning More About Early American Antiques

Posted on | September 20, 2011 | 7 Comments

On Sunday, Sharon from The Marston House sent me over to meet with Gail White an antique dealer specializing in Colonial period antiques and accessories. Situated down a side street in Wiscasset with no signs or markings is Gail’s house. Inside her home is filled with chairs, tables, boxes and art—almost everything is for sale. Gail spent over an hour with me describing each piece I remarked on as well as giving me cues on what to look for. Gail will be at the upcoming Antiques in Vermont show in Manchester (Oct. 2) as part of Antiques week. For more info on the show: 802-236-2342.

Below photos I snapped with a super cute and affordable settee and book tips. Thank you to Gail for being so sweet and taking the time to meet with me.

Gail White Early American Antiques
35 Pleasant Street
Wiscasset, Maine
By Appointment Only
207.882.8180

Medium stretcher tiger maple and replaced maple top circa 1710-50, MA or Ct.

Early pieces are large (women’s fingers can almost never touch) and heavier because of first growth wood.

An antique brass chamber candlestick I purchased from Gail. She noted the little hook we associate with chamber sticks came later.

On the back of the candlestick are these notes. It was sold in recent auction at Skinner’s as part of Sally Whittemore. The Macon House on the right indicates a tavern. I’m not sure where the Macon House was located.

I spotted this settee as soon as I walked in. Not period but a reproduction Gail picked up about 10 years ago.

The Barrel Settle is available for purchase through theseraph.com in Sturbridge, MA. I would suggest spending some time clicking around on this website; I found some really cool pieces including arm chairs and windsor benches.

Beyond New England Thresholds, Samuel Chamberlain, amazon.com. A great book for inspiration on how to arrange furniture in older homes.

The Impecunious Collector's Guide to American Antiques, John T., Kirk, amazon.com. Gail told me to read this book, “like a novel”.

Category: books, furniture

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