Monthly Wish List - April

I have been slacking off the Monthly Wish Lists recently, I could fib and say it's due to a lack of shopping interest...but that could never be true!

To kick off Aprils list in style is this absolutely beautiful British oil painting by Margaret Fisher Prout (1875-1963). This painting, to me, is perfection. I adore the colours, the quintessential English afternoon scene and the tailored fashions of the time. It's said to be painted around 1941 with the most beautiful light and brushwork, a true gem of the British School Impressionist Paintings. It depicts the Fisher Prout family in their home, a wartime interior with the colour codes representing the political climate of the time. Behind the cosy home scene lies the threat of war, but for this captured moment, they are given peace. The price tag is out of this world (£7,000!), but I highly recommend looking at the Richard Taylor Fine Arts store as there is a good range of original artworks, with plenty of British artists.

This next item is a real curiosity, a solid silver Cicada brooch C1890, which would have been very popular during the Art Nouveau movement when they didn't shy away from unusual insect motifs. Despite this being her favourite era, my Mum winced at the sight of this, but I think it's a brilliantly odd statement piece! I like to imagine what sort of lady would have worn this originally, I can imagine it perched on swathes of lush velvets and printed fabric. Anything silver and animal/insect themed always goes for a good price, this eventually sold for £220.

Two more paintings that caught my eye are these Racing Pigeon portraits from the late 1920's. I am not usually the biggest pigeon fan, but these chaps were undoubtably prime examples in their day, and obviously did their owners proud in the racing. But I love how proud and poised they are, makes a change from the more common pastoral scenes.

If I had a pen of rabbits or guinea pigs I'd be pretty tempted to put this nearby, it's an original plaque from Yarmouth Zoo, and would always be sure to raise a smile!

And finally, I couldn't resist including this delightful vintage photograph of a lady and her three dogs on an outing, so jolly! I love the contrast of the English Bull Terriers to their smartly dressed owner, a refreshing change from traditional lapdogs! That car is also a thing of beauty. Yes please.

Hope that was an interesting selection of odds&sods, It was great fun finding these wonderful things!
What have you been hunting for recently?

Thanks for reading as always!

Katie

Monthly Wish List July/August

I have cheekily doubled up the July/August wish lists as in all honesty, I was so busy last month with DIY and garden jobs I really didn't have the attention (or money!) to spare casting my eye over Ebay, I know, not acceptable in the slightest! Will try harder!

Lets kick off with a new addiction of mine...and it's pretty serious...CHARMS!

My mum has a fantastic gold charm bracelet that I've always admired, but my latest style is to just wear silver individual ones on a thin necklace, I have received plenty of compliments so far, and I've got just the place to recommend anyone who fancies one themselves! Mistercharm on Ebay is a treasure trove for 1960s sterling silver examples that won't break the bank, i suggest you take a look pronto! Here are two I haven't actually purchased for myself (yet!) but I thought were stunning, firstly, this chubby beehive which opens to reveal Mr Bumble himself:

And this very highly detailed pair of sewing scissors that just call to me for some reason (despite limited sewing skills!). I was reading a fantastic article about a lady with a vast collection of antique scissors...possibly in The Simple Things magazine? And I think something stuck! And as for the last one, well....toast anyone?

I can't remember anything about this next plate negative as I only saved the picture BUT what a charming portrait! Everything about her is just....perfect really! That outfit, those boots! And of course, I am a sucker for a garden portrait so the daffodil in her lap is just brilliant considering the state of the garden behind her! Date wise based on her clothes you would say 1910-1920, but then looking at the fence and houses behind it's a different story, I reckon she was dressing up in her mothers/grandmothers clothes for this, what do you think?

Just look at these dashing gents! A collection of estate gardeners (unknown) but don't they all look exquisitely smart, some excellent moustaches too! Speaking of moustaches...

Ok enough photographs, if they aren't garden themed I can't dabble, thems the rules!

This next item is actually £500 worth of Chinese silk panting so WAYYY out of my budget (but hence the joy of the wish list!) and probably seems slightly out of sync with my past choices, but hear me out! My Dad lived in Singapore for his teenage years as my Grandfather was posted out there, and therefore, I have inherited several items brought back from Singapore that despite not being my usual style, I love very much! Including several silk paintings of birds and characters, but none QUITE as startling as this! The pose, the colours, all perfect. I'll just have to keep my eye out for something a little more in my price range! 

I only saw my first Jay a couple of years ago, and have been facinated by them ever since, love that sudden flash of blue as they dart in front of you. So needless to say I love this original lino-block by an unknown carver, it's such a beautiful object in it's own right, even just displayed rather than used to print with! I have only just started dabbling in Lino, and I admit, its a lot more intense than I expected, I admire this blocks style immensely, so tactile!

And just to end on a random note, here's a lovely example for the next project I have in mind! 

Yes, I'm looking into getting chickens, after looking after all my neighbours this holiday and realising they are the most charming little creatures. I don't think I'll be eating them again anytime soon either, can't bear it! Collecting still-warm eggs of a morning is so satisfying, and it's comforting to hear their funny little clucks and squawks as I'm gardening - I'm hooked! So if someone could just pop round and build this perfect house with all the spare wood I have languishing in my shed, that would be super!

Hope it's been a good week for you! Back soon with some exciting updates!

Katie

Monthly Wish List - December

It's extra enjoyable putting together this months wish list, as I've been very good and only concentrated on finding other peoples perfect presents, ignoring anything that tempts me...most of the time! I have stuck to my promise of only buying secondhand/handmade presents this year, It's just as much so i don't suffer a stress attack in hectic highstreets as much as the heartfelt sentimental side of it! Keep calm etc!

So here are all the lovely things I had to resist this month! Starting with the gorgeous Borzoi Christmas card, which lacks a specific date, but I'd say 1920s/30s as thats when these stunning dogs were particularly 'In Vogue'. Certainly makes a change from the more serious religious tones of vintage cards - 'May we all have a jolly Christmas' is a great wish, I might pinch that for my own cards!

Next up is this adorable lithograph of sparrows in the snow, dated 1890. Looking after the garden birds is a very well enjoyed hobby of mine, and I always fuss over them this time of year! The colours in this print are exquisite, and I love the detail of the plants and trees in the background. It's only a small 7x9" print, I wish it was a larger size so you can appreciate the detail better. The shop sells a wide selection of beautiful antique prints, I do recommend a look, I would like them all!

I was very sorry to miss out on this next item, an adorable 1930s polar bear dish by Ditmar Urbach. Imagine this as part of your Christmas table display, full of sweets! If I wasn't 100% convinced that polar bears count as 'Christmassy' (there's SO many light up ones in the shops!) this little guy converted me! I wasn't familiar with this maker before, but I will keep looking for their designs now. The one on Ebay now is WAY out of my price range, the one I was watching went for much cheaper last week - booooo!

My obsession with stained glass grows ever greater as each wish list goes by! This time, an Edwardian example caught my eye! The little bird nestled amongst the prickly hedgerow is very wintery and endearing, and the colours are quite unusual for the subject matter. There's three of them listed, I think incorporating them into your front door or front windows would be such a statement. I love finding examples of stained glass with nature themes, it's the Arts&Crafts obsessive in me - I must have them all!

Finally, this 1939 issue of Illustrated magazine caught my attention, what a brilliant front cover eh? There's a very similar picture in the Imperial War Museum archives, but this is an earlier example, and I think a more natural one! As this was only the first Christmas of the Second World War, there is a sadness to this article, they had no idea how long they were going to be living through such destruction.  But as my Christmas in Wartime post discusses, they never let it get in the way of festivities!

I better stop there, as I have more presents to get wrapping!! Father Christmas, if you're reading this, any of these pressies would be just fine, the mince pies will be waiting. :)

Thanks for reading, good luck to all on this festive weekend!

Katie

Monthly Wish List - November

Considering the truly gloomy weather we've had this week, there's no better time for a wish list full of lovely things!

Starting with this absolutely beautiful painting by Dorothy Cooper - a close friend of one of my favourite artists, Edward Bawden. She trained as an art teacher in the 1930s, and also produced illustrations for publications such as Vogue. I think this watercolour is absolutely beautiful, and if only I could have afforded it, I never would have grown tired of looking at it! The shape and textures are just so delicate, all my favourite plants to use in arrangements too! I really must do some research on Dorothy's work, this particular painting sold for £225 on Ebay HERE

Another one of her works (from the same seller) this time a 1950s print 'The Garden Urn' sold for £304 - linocuts are certainly popular at the moment! The colours are subtle, and I love the floral detail on the urn, I really have to try this technique out for myself!

The next find is so special, it breaks my heart that I couldn't afford it! I adore sunflowers as they have a very special personal meaning to me, so needless to say, this SHOULD have been mine. There's nothing more said about it than it's an original Arts and Crafts example of stained glass, but to be honest that's all I need to know to fall in love. It's just so happy and vibrant, how could you not smile when you see it? One day, I will commission my own sunflower stained glass panel. It shall be mine.

Continuing the botanical theme, how about something for your indoor flower friends? This 1950s studio pottery 'Cactus Can' is certainly an oddity! It was made in Germany, and I can't say I've ever seen one before. It's incorporates all the best things about Mid Century design - simple clean lines, elegant shape, yet still that little bit futuristic! I don't even like cactus, but I would get a dozen if it meant I could use this often!

I enjoyed a brilliant trip to Brighton to see my best friend Claire, and we certainly hit the shops hard! I adore wandering through the flea markets and antique centres, there's still bargains to find despite everything being so damn trendy! In one particular flea market I found this brilliant condition Victorian scrap-covered screen. I have collected a few Victorian scraps myself, I just love how strange and surreal they can sometimes be! I am never a fan of cutesy cherubs or babies BUT just look at the little birds around the centre of the screen! They are the stars here, the Jay is my favourite.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time I stopped shopping for myself and turned my efforts elsewhere! As I did last year, all my presents will be either handmade or vintage - it's much more enjoyable that way.

Thanks for reading!

Katie

Monthly Wish List - October

As I have mentioned countless times over the last few weeks, this time of year fills me with pure joy. PURE. JOY. It's sad that the garden will be growing quiet for a few months, but I'll still be cracking on with practical jobs. In the meantime, nature is just so beautiful with it's colours and gorgeous fruit and vegetables, it makes it all worthwhile! I've already brought my Halloween pumpkin...can't wait!

On this theme is my first wish list item, a set of lovable plates by Norwegian designer Figgjo Flint, which was founded in 1941. Scandinavian is currently a hot topic, Homes and Antiques ran a very interesting article last issue, therefore it's going slightly out of my price zone for now, damn! I adore the nostalgic designs and non-fussy shapes, Figgjo Flint has a particular flair with earthy natural colours and I wish I could have brought these home!

What finer way to display a collections of antique books, than in this lovely Art Nouveau owl extending-bookend! I will say this loud and proud, I LOVE OWLS! The shape is very unusual, and the detail of the foliage is a perfect touch! As much as i love them, I am getting fed up with owls everywhere on the high street, and will only buy older examples. Mum&I always keep an eye out for these portable bookends as they are so easy to fit in at home, and when you have as many books as us, they are always useful! Take a further look at this bookish owl HERE

The perfect book to go in those bookends would be this curious-spooky-beauty! Published in 1684, it looks very mysterious doesn't it? The seller describes it as: "An extremely interesting and uncommon book printed in 1684 : attributed to Nathaniel Crouch : Admirable curiosities, rarities, and wonders in England, Scotland and Ireland, or, An account of many remarkable persons and places" - YES PLEASE! I am always drawn to the "Mystic/Spiritual/Curiosity" section of old book shops, mainly because I adore the engravings in such topics, but I have NEVER come across anything this antique obviously! Perfect reading for October, something a bit spooky and well....odd!

Can't find out a blooming thing about this book online, so take a look at this listing HERE!

And I couldn't resist this next item, mainly because I love to indulge in proper vintage Halloween goodies! I guess because we don't celebrate it as widely in the UK, i don't want to feel like I'm missing out! (and I watch every ghost program that freeview can provide me with...my excuse? Well, it's history right? Therefore, still counts as educational!)

This is such a rare and fantastic thing, a fortune tellers cup made between 1890-1910, it never amazes me how these easily-breakable items survive in such great condition! The fantastic wraparound Witch pattern looks rather contemporary, and inside, the occult symbols such as skulls, snakes and hearts are still crystal clear. To me, it's just a bit of fun (I wouldn't dare use it in case I broke it!) and if I ever found one, I'd be more than happy to give it a home at Halloween! Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble....

You can find it on Etsy HERE, take a look at the sellers other items too, lots of Gothic curio! It's all back in demand now of course, Tumblr is riddled with contemporary efforts, mainly by girls hiding behind their hair, brandishing a pentagram, a black cat and a pot plant, but y'know, call me a cynic! ;) Myself and Bruce have recently admitted we're closet Goths...you wouldn't think it to look at me especially, but it's true! If it's a bit curious, a bit mysterious...I'll like it!

And finally, some non-apologetic Halloween goodies! Two fantastic embossed postcards c.1912, with beautiful vivid colours, and quite unusual scenes! I love the Owl and pumpkin border at the top, these are £50 each because they are rare and not common to find in the UK...still too expensive for me of course! Find other examples HERE

I can't promise that's all of my Halloween themed posts, I doubt I will be able to resist posting any other spooktacular examples I stumble upon!

Hope you've had a great weekend! Thanks for reading!

Katie

Monthly Wish List - August

Just a quick 'Wish List' this month, although I must say, retail therapy sits very well with me at this particular moment in time!

First off, a beautiful 1968 London Museums print by Joy Simpson. Printed by Leonard Ripley&Company Ltd, this London fir was founded in the 1920s and since the 1940s have specialised in printing large lithographic posters. I particularly love the dog painting and the teapots! The last year has seen the popularity of travel posters rise, personally, I've always been a fan of vintage prints and advertising, because my Dad was into his graphic design, we've always had examples up in the loft! Nothing QUITE this fantastic though I must admit. I keep going to press "Buy It Now"....should I...shouldn't I...watch this space!

The sellers 'Doe and Hope' has a great range of antiques and curiosities, so pop along to their shop!

It's no secret I am a fan of the Art Deco side of life, my Mum&I share this passion and particularly put it into use in our dining room. For me, the more 'lively' examples catch my eye, such as this a-m-a-z-i-n-g 'Cloud' walnut display case. Absolutely mad, absolutely stunning. I have more than enough china to fill it, in fact, I would have to hold back. THIS is the reason I am learning to drive, so i can travel the length of the country to go fetch items like these and squeeze them onto the back seat! (This one lives in Margate...so near yet so far!) I've seen makeup tables and mirrors in a similar style, one day I shall have the whole set, oh yes indeed!

Next up, it wouldn't be one of my Wish Lists without an old photograph or two! So first up is this very strange example of a rather frilly little girl pulling a pigs tail...well why not? 1920s I'd guess. The seller Davetheshoe's shop always has a good selection of photographs, recommended!

And to accompany, a very presentable Gent and his dog, moustaches and a pipe always a hit with me! From another good Ebay shop, Pollys Postcards and Photographs.

Sorry it's a short one this month, we'll make up for it in September!

Katie

Monthly Wish List - June

Well it's seemingly time again for this months Wish List, that came around very quickly! The flavour of this June, is of course, Jubilee and all things British, so forgive me one last dabble into royal memorabilia this year! First up, a 1953 silk coronation scarf, which caught my eye quite a while ago now, needless to say it went for some major ££'s so i had to give up! Compared to modern day souvenirs, I think this is in a different league! I know the V&A had some scarves to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, but i can't say I was very taken with them.

1953 Silk Coronation Scarf, £28 from Ebay

On a similar "Blighty" theme, how about this authentic 1940s Home front embroidery of the UK, with adorable details which depict what areas are most famous for!  For example, London has St Pauls (complete with a blimp balloon fly over), fishing in Cornwall, etc!

Sold For £80 on Ebay HERE

It was from a pattern given in "Woman" magazine entitled "The Land We Love", which thankfully means there must be quite a few of these around! This is a particularly clean and bright example though, i even love the colour of the frame, although personally I'd turn it into a wall mounted piece rather than a fire screen.

Now, on a different note, how about these two little chaps? Early 1900s photograph, adorable little wire haired terriers. I love pet portraits from this era, as they must have really loved these dogs to give them their own portrait session! And in this case, two is definitely better than one!

 

1900s Dog Portrait, Found on Ebay

If you are a fellow dog-person, you may appreciate this charming tankard! A sturdy drinking companion, mixed with a hilarious Poodle handle, I absolutely love it, and i think Bruce would be more than happy to enjoy his ale in this! Am i right?

Pewter Tankard with poodle handle

Now for something utterly useless, but utterly charming! (My favourite sort of find!) This Home Gardener Championship Medal caught my eye because of the fantastic engraving of the people, very similar to prints done by my favourite Clare Leighton! I have googled it, and found no clues to where this has sprung from, as these championships go on worldwide, however it looks decidedly British to me, if only the chap had a pipe too!

Another cheeky vintage picture which seemed appropriate, as despite it being June, we are decidedly lacking in seaside-friendly weather! Its entitled "Early RP Cleethorpes Bathers" from the inter-war years (1918-1939) however I would say its definitely at the earlier end of the dates, ladies wouldn't have troubled themselves with those long skirts on the beach for much longer! They all look dashing, and i really enjoy the boardwalk behind them with the people admiring the view!

Cleethorpes Bathers Picture found on Ebay, sold for £7.99 HERE

And keeping on the coastal theme (because i am literally counting down the days until my Dorset holiday!!) my final Wish List item is this 1950s Yacht pattern decanter set, in a unusual tawny glass colour! A nice description by the seller too "This comes from a time when an after dinner drink meant a nip of cognac or some exotic liqueur brought back from a foreign holiday. Still charming for the table and an excellent addition to a home cocktail bar" - and i quite agree! A thoughtful description gives an item even more likability in my books!

Lets keep our sights set firmly on the summer everyone! The coastal themed items were also influenced by by best friend moving to Brighton this week, I will miss her everyday but I am excited to have a new seaside town to visit regularly, and i know she will love it there! 

Hope you have a great weekend, as always, thanks for reading!

Katie

Monthly Wish List - May

Hello! A new theme on the blog will be a monthly round-up of some special finds that fellow-minded readers might appreciate! I've always been interested in collectibles and antiques, I wish I could indulge this passion full time! All this months suggestions are Ebay finds, but I will aim to mix it up in future!

To begin with, as it's SUPPOSED to be glorious Spring Time, how about bringing the outdoors-in with this fantastic daisy chandelier? Hand painted, a definite talking point for guests! The sellers haven't provided a date, but I'd guess late 60s early 70s?

£139.00 Buy It Now, take a look HERE

Next up, a beautiful woodcut print by Gertrude Hermes, 1949. Gertrude Hermes (1901 – 1983) was an important sculptor and print-maker who worked  among the Avant Garde group which also included Henry Moore and Blair Hughes-Stanton –  who studied under Leon Underwood in London in the 1920s. This beautiful print is even signed in pencil with a message from Hermes, anyone like fishing?

 

Currently £240, a true catch of the day! (Ahaaaa!) find it HERE 

Continuing the Woodcut theme (my latest obsession, at least it's out in the open now!) A more naive-but still utterly charming effort from the 1950s/60s which really made me smile! This is a very familiar scene to me, I do love a good flat cap!

Here's a rare item from one of my favourite artists Claire Leighton, "A Farmers Year" - a collection of her beautiful woodcuts depicting pastoral themes. This is a 1992 reprint, first published 1933, but still very rare, and it's in fantastic condition! The seller is obviously knowledgeable of its worth, and has taken some excellent photographs of it, i was just excited to see such an item existed! Hopefully find  copy myself one day, I'm slowly collecting Leighton's published works, it's a long term project!

£120 Buy It Now HERE

I couldn't possibly not include a vintage photograph, so here's a very charming example of a late 1800's family scene, this would fit into my collection nicely! I particularly enjoy how every person is posed so differently, the ladies accessories are also so interesting!

£8 Buy it Now HERE

 Finally, some "so bad, they're good!" pair of mock Staffordshire cows! Might sounds like an odd choice, maybe not the most on trend, but I love them - utterly ridiculous, useless, happy little things! Would cheer up any mantelpiece, maybe even bookends for some Penguin classics?

 £75 HERE

I could carry on all day! I should probably just apply to Bargain Hunt and be done with it! ;)

Wishing you a lovely week!

Katie