Labor Day in Paris

We didn't realize how centrally located we are here in Hamilton.  We were in Paris in under an hour this afternoon.  We couldn't find the Arc or the Tower, but there were lots of rides and animals, and we had lots of fun at The Paris Fair with "Little Ray" (who actually isn't little at all) and his big turtle, and Clowntie....the Mountie Clown.  Inspiration is all around.  We were surprised to find Parisian Chinoiserie at the fair!

"Little Ray" and his big turtle

"Please don't climb on the animals"

Como se llama?

Rich and Clowntie

Chinoiserie at the Fair

It's A Wrap!

Michael Thomas, Port Hope is now no more.  It has been a great six years and a great week.  Thanks to everyone who stopped in to say goodbye and for the cards, notes, emails and gifts?!?  I am sincerely grateful for all the warm wishes.  I want to take this opportunity to also thank Marilyn Moore, Cynthia Chiasson, Sharifa Chivers, Alan de la Vigne, my big bro. and of course Richard Lane for all of their support and hard work in the shop over the years.  The best is yet to come.  Stay tuned!

"Louis Vuitton" Steamer Trunk

She's a grande old dame.  She's got a few more wrinkles, but her character and beauty are incomparable to newer models.  This early production (turn of the century) Louis Vuitton steamer trunk is all original and retains its original leather strap and buckle which is very rare for a trunk of this vintage.  It has its original lining with Louis Vuitton label and serial number 132816.  The interior of the trunk is in very good condition and odorless.  The brasses have the appropriate stamps.  As an added bonus, this trunk comes with a number of fantastic vintage travel stickers including White Star Line, Canadian Pacific and the Carlton Hotel in London.  This would make a very special coffee or side table or piece at the foot of a bed.  French, early 20th c.  SOLD

Paris Flea Market Sale!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are our last three days, and it is Michael Thomas like you have never seen it before (and we liked it that way).  It is our Paris Flea Market in Port Hope and there will be lots of clutter and lots of fantastic bargains!  We have brought in and up a slew of "new" items that were retired for a while, or that are less than perfect, or that just didn't seem to make their way to the selling floor.  It will include many smaller items; ceramics, glass, picture frames, etc. as well as vintage oil paintings, mirrors, occasional chairs, tables and more.  Everything (exluding contemporary art) is at least 50% off with many items as much as 75% off.  If you make it in at the right time, you may even be treated to a glass of Veuve or some good vintage French pop music.

First and Last

It was 6 years ago this week that Michael Thomas opened it's doors.  Our first window was this "Taking Flight" installation.  We used lots of leftover canvas drop cloths and hung them in layers from the front to the back of the window (with concentric cut-outs).  Our big aviary featured bird pieces that would later be for sale in the shop, and a paint can and splattered wall to give that "coming soon/ under construction" vibe.  We have had lots of fun creating our Windows on Walton and we hope you have enjoyed them too.  Sunday August 24th will be our final day, and this will be our last window at 56 Walton.  

"Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville" Desk and Chest with Bench Platform

Italian Chrome Chandelier

In the style of Sciolari, this sensational twelve light chandelier has three rows of lights.  The bottom row features six lights framed by concentric tubular chrome circles and accented with fine cut crystal drops.  The center and top rows feature three lights on each row.  Each light is framed by a chrome circle accented with a single cut crystal drop.  The chandelier can be lit fully or the top six lights or bottom six lights alone.  22" diam., 20" h.  Italian, c. 1970  SOLD

"James Mont" Style Cabinet

Mahogany, Chinoiserie cabinet in the style of James Mont.  This very stylish cabinet has two stationary shelves and glass sliding doors on the top.  Below two doors with carved and polychromed decoration open to a storage compartment with one stationary shelf.  41"l., 15"w., 63"h. American, c.1950  SOLD

Jean-Michel Frank Style Sofa

This sensational custom made vintage sofa was inspired by the 1940's designs of Jean-Michel Frank.  The lines are clean and modern and the hardwood construction is exceptional.  You would be hard pressed to find a better quality sofa at any price.  It is newly reupholstered in a hip, mid-tone gray fabric which is a much truer gray than represented in the photos.  76" l., 34" w., 30" h.  SOLD

"Heywood Wakefield" Credenza

Sreamline moderne credenza by Heywood Wakefield in their champagne finish.  The credenza has three center drawers and two end storage compartments.  48" l.,19" w., 34" h.  American, c. 1941  SOLD

Bamboo Table

A classic turn of the century, two-tiered bamboo table.  This great looking and very versatile table has a hexagonal top and base and a gallery of very thin bamboo pieces on the base.  26" diam., 31" h.  English, c. 1900  SOLD

Parker and Peretti

Well, I can't recall the last time I took a Saturday off when we weren't travelling, but I am doing just that today.  We are leaving the shop in Marilyn's more than capable hands, and the day will be spent by the pool with Parker in our temporary digs with the latest issue of Vanity Fair.  I just finished the article on Elsa Peretti.  What an amazing and beautiful woman.  She is such an extraordinary artist, style maker, and human.  I was very lucky to have met her and gotten to know her a little during my days in the Estate Dept. at Tiffany & Co.  She is the coolest.