Congratulations

Greetings from the Hamptons and congratulations to the winners of the $500.00 Michael Thomas gift certificate.

Pursuing Happiness

Well it's that time again.  We will be pursuing one last shot of summer happiness for the next week and a bit.  Michael Thomas will be open for business as usual while we are gone, and we will be checking in from time to time with new postings.  We will be drawing the winning entry of the $500.00 Michael Thomas gift certificate tomorrow morning before we leave and posting it poolside (or beachside) on Saturday.  Good luck, and please check in on Saturday for the winner.  We wanted to leave you with a new window before we head out and thought Toni Hamel's "Pursuit of Happiness" would make an appropriate centerpiece.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Pair of Art Deco Style Consoles

There are a pair of these outstanding Art Deco style consoles available, but they may also be purchased individually.  Each console has beautifully patterned, rich exotic woods inlaid on both the top and the base.  The graceful and elegant supports are patinated metal.  A single console would be a handsome and dramatic addition to a foyer or hallway.  For the right scale of room, the pair would be striking.  Each console 44 1/2" l.,  20" w.,  33" h.  American, 2nd half 20th c.  SOLD

Gilded Mirror

Here is the latest addition to our collection of Rococo style gilded mirrors.  This one is a bit on the smaller side, and a nice size for a powder room or bedroom.  35" l., 23" w.  Italian, c. 1950's  SOLD

"Curtis Jere" Clipper Ship

The Curtis Jere design house was founded in California in 1963 and produced sculptural works ranging from the representational to the highly abstract.  Works produced by the company, particularly those of the 1960's and 70's, have become highly praised and sought after today.  Writer Mitchell Owens wrote a two page article on the history of C. Jere for the November 2010 issue of Elle Decor.  In it he remarks that "Today those pieces are attracting the admiration of leading dealers in vintage chic".  He goes on to note that after launching in 1963, Jere sculptures were distributed by Raymor, a cutting edge studio in New York City, and retailed at Gump's in San Francisco and other high end retailers in several major cities across the U.S.

This signed, fifteen sail, majestic clipper ship has a rich patina and all the rigging, sails, flags and anchors are in tact.  It would make a great Father's Day gift for any dad who loves the ocean or enjoys sailing.  40" l., 26" h.  American, c. 1970 SOLD

Globe Pendant Light

This modern light fixture has a white glass globe center which is surrounded by an enamelled metal half globe shade.  It is quite large and would add a nice contemporary hit to a home or office.  21" diam.  22" h.  American, c. 1970  SOLD

Pair of Wheat Sheaf Tables

Pair of classic sheaf of wheat tables in gilded metal with silver accents.  Matching pairs of these tables are hard to come by and this is an unusual pair in terms of the design as well as the combination of finishes.  Each table, 20" h., 24" diam.  Italian, c. 1950's  SOLD

Wheat Sheaf Table

Made iconic by Coco Chanel (as seen in her Rue Cambon apartment above), the wheat sheaf table has remained a decorating classic.  This table is a beautiful example with a nicely toned gold finish, a substantial, well-crafted bundle of wheat and a thick rope tie.  24" h., 30" diam.  Italian, c. 1950's  SOLD

"Drexel Furniture Co." Desk and Chair

Elegant desk and chair with Chinoiserie and French influences by Drexel.  The three drawer ebonized and paint decorated desk is finished on all sides, so it can be floated.  The top has three inset and gold embossed black leather panels and burl walnut veneer.  Each of the legs has decorative patinated brass mounts.  The cane back chair has an upholstered seat cushion which is currently being reupholstered in a charcoal linen fabric.  Desk, 53" l., 28" w., 30" h.  American, 2nd half 20th c.  $1,150.00 for the set

Toni Hamel; "The Branding"

The Branding examines the ideology of consumerism and looks at how we are molded from an early age to be good consumers.  Graphite, watercolor on paper.  Framed 29" h., 21" l.  SOLD

Toni Hamel; "The Resettlement"

The Resettlement explores the subject of immigration and the baggage we carry and difficulties we face when we reloctate.  The people on the shore symbolize those who help with the process along the way.  Once again, this piece has strong autobiographical roots.  Graphite, thread on paper.  Framed, 35 1/2 l., 29 1/2" h. SOLD 

Toni Hamel

Michael Thomas is pleased to present paintings and drawings by Toni Hamel.  Toni was born and raised in Italy and received her BFA there from the Academy of Fine Arts in Lecce.  She describes her work as "an illustrated commentary on human frailties".  Utilizing symbolism, irony and satire, she chooses visual elements on the basis of their ability to function as a support structure for the particular message she needs to convey.  She invites the viewer to dig deeper than the surface of things to ultimately get to the embedded truth.  This approach also allows for the viewer to infer personal alternative meanings, thus expanding the scope of her original intention even further.

David Brown; "A Thin Wash of Morning Rain"

David Brown; A Thin Wash of Morning Rain.  Encaustic on birch panel.  48" h., 30" w.  SOLD

David Brown; "Bustling Spirit Awakens"

David Brown; Bustling Spirit Awakens.  Encaustic on birch panel.  60" l., 36" h.

David Brown; "Bigger Secrets"

David Brown; Bigger Secrets.  Encaustic on birch panel.  40" x 40" framed.

David Brown

Michael Thomas is pleased to present encaustic paintings by David Brown.  David Brown is a Canadian artist who lives and works in Toronto.  In his latest series of paintings, David continues to explore the limits of the encaustic medium while balancing non-representational image and abstract space.  David's lyrical and constructivist approach contrasts delicate line work and hard edge geometric forms against graceful, gestural brushwork.  David works in successive layers of applied, scraped off and covered over wax in a potentially endless process of revision and discovery.  David's color palette places cheery pastels over cool greys, warm earth tones and lamp blacks to establish a hierarchical relationship between fore an aft.  Urban culture is a dominant theme in these pieces with a hint of childlike playfulness peeking through the layers.

  

"Paul McCobb" Planner Group Table

This table was designed by Paul McCobb and produced by the Winchendon Furniture Co. of Massachusetts.  It was part of a line called the "Planner Group" which revolutionized the modern furniture industry by introducing modular furniture to America.  The table is ebonized with a nicely bevelled top and tapered legs.  It is perfect as either a cocktail or side table.  32" square, 20" h.  American, c. 1950  SOLD

"Lawrence Peabody" Arm Chairs

Fine set of four modern arm chairs designed by Lawrence Peabody.  These very sculptural chairs have nicely carved arms and backs, and upholstered seats.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

"Davis Cabinet Co." Chest of Drawers

This very well constructed, solid walnut chest of drawers has a really sharp look and it has loads of storage space.  In addition to the eight visible drawers, the center door opens to reveal four more.  It has handsome wood pulls with brass accents and is in excellent vintage condition.  66" l., 21" w., 34" h.  American, c. 1960 SOLD

Blonde Mahogany Console Table

Clean-lined, modern, two-tiered blonde mahogany console table.  This piece is very well crafted, and while fairly simple in design, it has details that give it a sophisticated feel.  66" l., 20" w., 30" h.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

"F. A. I. P." Pair of Abstract Lamps

Rock Star!  These lamps are outrageous, but if you have the courage and creativity, they would make a big statement in any room.  They would look fantastic in a very stark modern interior where they would be a focal point and allowed to "shine".  They were designed by the Fine Arts in Plaster Company of New York in the fifties.  They have painted plaster bases and retain their original and unique fiberglass shades.  36" h., 17" l., 14" w.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

"James Mont" Style Coffee Table

Sleek, James Mont style, Asian Modern coffee table with a black, high gloss piano finish.  49" l., 20" w., 17" h.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

Lucite Zig-Zag Table

Nice modern zig-zag form on this very versatile little lucite side table.  15" l., 12" w., 16" h.  American, c. 1970  SOLD

Drafting Ruler

Walk softly and carry a big ruler.  This large drafting ruler would make a nice and useful addition to a kid's room, kitchen or anywhere you need to measure and want an interesting decorative piece.  There is a hole for hanging.  6' long, 3" w.  American, c. 1920's  SOLD

"Do Not Miss These" Magazine Holder

This cool piece comes to us from The National Research Bureau in Chicago.  It would have originally held information pamphlets of some sort, but today would make an excellent magazine or newspaper holder.  It sits on the floor but can also be hung.  It would be a great piece for a kitchen or bathroom.  38" l., 10" w., 35" h.  American, c. 1950  SOLD

Glass and Lucite Table

Chic, modern, lucite and glass coffee or cocktail table.  The base is composed of stacked rectangular lucite "blocks" and the large square top is half inch thick glass.  Both the lucite base and glass top are in excellent condition.  36" square 16" h.  American, c. 1970  SOLD

Pair of Marble and Brass Candelabra

Very ornate pair of brass and marble three arm candelabra.  They would add an interesting decorative punch to a mantle, sideboard or dining table.  16 1/2" h., 8" l., 4" w.  American, c. 1870  SOLD

"Reed and Barton" Tea Service

Elegant Art Deco silverplate tea service by Reed and Barton.  The set includes a teapot, creamer, lidded sugar bowl and handled serving tray.  All pieces are monogrammed with an engraved "M".  Tray, 18 1/2" l., 14" w.  Teapot, 8" h.  American, c. 1930  SOLD

"Palladio" Neoclassical Mirror

Beautiful, large (just under four feet) neoclassical style mirror made by Palladio.  The frame is antiqued and gilded and is decorated with columns, acanthus leaves and a swag.  47" h., 27" w.  Italian, c. 1950's SOLD