Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, Pair of Stands

Designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, these two drawer stands are a great compact size for bedside tables or end tables and also provide a nice amount of storage.  They are the companion pieces to the tall chest listed below and feature the same decorative aluminum inlay and hardware.  23.5" h., 20" l., 16" w.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, Tall Chest

Designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, this tall chest has some very interesting design features.  The top of the chest has decorative brushed aluminum 'x's.  Two doors with patterned inlay open to two long drawers.  Below, four long drawers with inlaid fronts and off center brushed aluminum pulls provide lots of storage.  44" h., 36" l., 19" w.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Throwback Oscars

"No wire hangers......EVER!!!!"  In honor of tomorrow night's Academy Awards we are posting our favorite Oscars window from the old shop.  It was inspired by Joan Crawford, Faye Dunaway and the cult classic, "Mommie Dearest".  While both Joan Crawford and Faye Dunaway are Oscar winners, "Mommie Dearest", which was based on the expose written by Joan Crawford's adopted daughter Christina and starred Faye Dunaway, definitely didn't win any awards.  It was released in 1981 and Roger Ebert reviewed it as "a painful experience that drones on endlessly".  That being said, it had some great campy moments and lines, the best being "no wire hangers ever".  So, that was the initial inspiration when creating this window.  I realized when I started playing with them that wire hangers do some pretty cool things and become somewhat sculptural when you hang them.
The smear:  Joan Crawford was known for something called "the smear".  It was a strange lipstick application that involved rubbing lipstick above and beyond her outer lip line.  She hated her thin lips, so makeup artist Max Factor created fuller lips by drawing outside her natural lip contours or smearing it on.  In homage to her famous lips, we smeared our mirrored cabinet with the famous line from the movie in sultry red lipstick.
The flowers:  In 1940's Hollywood fashion, red carnations....real ones.  I think Joan would appreciate that.

Paul Evans Style Credenza

This outstanding piece, in the style of Paul Evans, by United Furniture Co. would command attention in and be the centerpiece of any room it called home.  The credenza has Brutalist influences in the sculpted bands which frame each section of drawers.  It has three deep center drawers with bookmatched veneered fronts.  The drawers are flanked by doors which also have bookmatched fronts.  Each door opens to a set of three drawers.  80" l., 32" h., 19" w.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD  

Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel Furniture, Tall Chest

Designed by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for the desirable and widely collected Declaration line by Drexel, this rare tall chest of warm rich walnut features a door which drops to reveal a divided compartment, five drawers, and a hidden vanity with the original mirror and a divided compartment.  52" h., 28" l., 19" w.  American, c. 1960  SOLD

Henredon Asian Modern Modular Console

Impressive and versatile Asian Modern console by Henredon.  This chestnut, pecan and slate console or credenza is a four piece modular unit consisting of a three drawer chest, a two drawer chest, a slate platform and a long base.  It can be configured with the chests side by side or with the slate in the center between the two.  The slate could be used as a plinth for a sculpture, large plant, vase or stacks of books... limitless options.  This piece strikes a nice balance between traditional and modern and would work nicely as an entertainment center, console or even as a dresser.  104" l., 20" w., 30" h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

At Home with Michael Thomas

We always love seeing images of clients living with and enjoying pieces that they purchased from Michael Thomas.  We thought we would share a few recent shots.  The first image below is from the February issue of 'Canadian House and Home'.  It is of the lovely Allison Willson, senior designer at Sarah Richardson Design, and her beautiful home.  She purchased the sideboard from Michael Thomas, Port Hope, several years ago and it was very nice to see it featured. (photo: Angus Fergusson)
The second image is of the freshly delivered Milo Baughman dining set, with the moving blankets just removed, in it's new Manhattan home.  We're looking forward to seeing it all styled out, but the very urbane Louie already approves.  Just a reminder for our American followers, we offer delivery to the U.S. and it's a great deal purchasing from Canada right now with the Canadian dollar hovering around seventy cents U.S.  

Pair of Tole Lamps

Traditional painted tole candlestick lamps with black and taupe metal bases and shades.  28" h., 10" diam.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Harden Butler's Table

Handsome walnut Butler's Table with brass hinges by Harden Furniture.  The sides of the table lift but the table top is stationary unlike the traditional Butler's Tables which can be removed from their bases.  41.5" l., 33" w., 17" h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Marble Drinks Table

Charming little side/ drinks table, just the right size for a cocktail and a few hors d'oeuvres.  The top is Carrera marble and has a pierced, patinated brass gallery.  The skirt and fluted legs are antiqued and gilded wood.  18" h., 13.5" diam.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

Art Deco Mirror

Reflections of the way life used to be.....  A supremely stylish Art Deco scalloped edge mirror framed mirror with polished brass brackets.  It may be hung vertically or horizontally.  50" h., 32" w.  American, c. 1940's  SOLD 

Heywood Wakefield Rattan Seating Group

This vintage Heywood Wakefield set consists of  three modular upholstered rattan pieces and a rock maple and rattan chest of drawers.  There are quite a few options for arranging the grouping.  We think it looks best as a two-seater sofa and chair with the chest on its own.  It could also work as a pair of chairs flanking the chest and the third chair on its own, or as a three-seater sofa and chest on its own.  The custom made cushions with new foam are upholstered in a very smart black and tan striped heavy weight cotton fabric.  While the set has a nice casual warm weather vibe, we chose upholstery that feels very four seasons.  Imagine it in a cottage in front of a roaring fire with a couple of great throws and some toss cushions.  Very cozy!  (* Upholstery notes: All cushions are zippered, seat cushions are reversible, back cushions snap.  Appx. 1 additional yd. of fabric with set) Chest, 36" l., 17" w., 32" h.  Arm Chairs, 24" l., 29" w., 33" h.  Armless, 22" l., 29" w., 33" h.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

Adams Style Mirror

Classic Adams style oval gilt wood mirror with urn and acanthus swag design.  46" l., 33" w.  American, c. 1940's  SOLD

Quince, Hearts and Art

Time flies when we're having fun.  It's hard to believe this weekend marks three months for Michael Thomas, Hamilton.  If you're a regular follower of our blog, you might have noticed that we haven't been doing as much updating as usual.  We are still bringing in new pieces a few times each week, but have been focusing our online time on our new website which launches next month.  We will have the same address michaelthomasantiques.com but a new format and new content.  In the meantime, please stop in to see what's new.  It may be one of the coldest weeks of the year, but it's feeling like spring in the shop.  We had some great friends visiting from N.Y.C. this past week and they brought several bunches of fresh, blooming quince....quite a treat for February in Canada.  If you're celebrating Valentine's Day this weekend and looking for the perfect Valentine gift we've got some nice smaller items in the shop that are good for gifting.  But remember, nothing says "I love you" like original art.  We will be spending Valentine's Day on the road on a buying trip.  We will be armed with our notebook of client requests, so if there is something you are on the lookout for, please let us know.  We are always happy to help with the hunt.
Wishing everyone a great weekend and a happy heart!  

Sunburst Mirror

Very nice mid-century composite sunburst framed convex mirror.  24" diam.  American, c. 1950's SOLD

Marble Console Table

Unusual combination of marbles, burl walnut and patinated brass make this unique console very appealing and very versatile for mixing into a room.  65" l., 18" w., 29" h.  American, c. 2nd half 20th c.  SOLD

Olexander Wlasenko; Sculpture

This armoured angel appears in one of the scenes from the Italian film, "L'eclisse".  Filmed in 1961 on location in Rome, "L'eclisse features great works of art from classical to modernist.  

Olexander Wlasenko; Sculpture, 2014

Charcoal on paper

42.5" x 22" framed 

SOLD