Greetings From Shelburne Vermont

If you find yourself in the Burlington Vermont area and would like to treat yourself to a wonderful art, design and Americana experience, we highly recommend Shelburne Museum.  The museum was founded by Electra Havermeyer Webb in 1947 and is one of the most imaginative and original museums housing one of the most interesting collections of art from Impressionistic paintings to folk art and quilts.  When creating the museum, Electra did not only collect exceptional art and decorative objects, she also collected 18th and 19th century structures (and a steamboat) from New York and New England in which to display the pieces.  These include houses, barns, a meeting house, a one-room schoolhouse, a lighthouse, a jail, a general store, a covered bridge and the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga.  We only had a couple of hours to spend here, but could have spent a couple of days.  In addition to the permanent collection, they currently have two temporary exhibitions which are worth the trip themselves.  One is an Impressionist show, "In a New Light: French Impressionism Arrives in America", with works from Degas, Monet, Cassatt and others.  The second is "All Star Quilts: The John Wilmerding Collection" featuring "Star of Bethlehem" quilts from the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Here are some shots from the afternoon.  The last photo might look familiar to those of you that follow the blog regularly.

Sailing Sale!

There's nothing like a sunset ferry ride to the first destination of a vacation to give the feeling that one has escaped!  While we have started our summer vacation and won't be doing merchandise postings over the next ten days, Michael Thomas will be open for business as usual with Marilyn at the helm.  She will, as always, be steering clients to just the right piece, and we have charted her course for the next 10 days to include a sail....I mean a SALE.  For the next 10 days EVERYTHING in the shop (excluding most art) will be 20% off!!!   We will be sending some blogcards from our travels and some updates on what's happening at Michael Thomas, so please check in during the week to keep "posted".

"Russel Wright" Style Upholstered Chair

While this wonderfully unique chair is not marked, it is very much in the style of pieces done by Russel Wright and Robsjohn Gibbings.  It has a round seat and bolster style back and is surprisingly comfortable.  It is newly reupholstered.  25" diam., 22" h.  American, c. 1950's SOLD

Toni Hamel; "Flight of Fancy"

This is certainly one of Toni's strongest works and one of our favorites.  "Flight of Fancy" is a fanciful depiction of a rather Victorian looking child being flown away on her swing by a pair of Canadian Geese.  Graphite and thread on paper.  Framed, 20 1/2" h. 17 1/2" l.  Canadian, 2014 SOLD

Happy Independence Day!

"The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it.  You have to catch up with it yourself".  -Benjamin Franklin
Wishing all of our friends, family and clients south of the border successful pursuits today!

Gilded Mirror

Elegant but not overly fussy carved and gilded mirror with leaf decoration.  32" l., 17 1/2" w.  Italian, c. 1960's  SOLD

"Drexel, Via Veneto" Pair of Side Tables

The Via Veneto, Rome's most fashionable boulevard, was the inspiration for this Italian Regency style collection of furniture by Drexel.  "In Via Veneto, the fine classic proportions and simplicity of line are further enhanced by the cathedral-arched walnut veneers, with solid pecan finished in warm fruitwood tones.  Here is a furniture style that reflects a gracious and worldly manner of living that will always be in style."  25" l,. 25" w., 21" h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Jos. Rovers; Seascape

Joseph Johannes Rovers (1893-1976) was a Dutch artist who studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and Brussels. He lectured and taught at the Rijks Academy in Amsterdam for fifteen years.  This impressionistic marine painting features several loosely painted small boats in the foreground and two larger ships out at sea.  The color palette is wonderful with muted browns grays and steely blues enlivened with shots of chartreuse and ochre.  Framed.,  28" l., 22" h.  Dutch, c. 1960's  SOLD

"Henredon" Credenza

Elegant and finely crafted credenza by Henredon.  This piece has wonderful details such as an inset marble top, inlay decoration on the top, sides and doors, brass ring pulls and brass accents on the legs and feet.  There is a great deal and great variety of storage inside.  This piece would make a stunning addition to a dining room, living room or den and would function perfectly as a sideboard, bar or entertainment unit.  64" l., 20" w., 31 1/2" h.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

Marble Side Table

Unique and very decorative side table with a marble top and a scrollwork lacquered metal base with gilt decoration.  18" diam., 21" h.  Italian, c. 1960  SOLD

"American of Martinsville" Credenza

Sleek and sophisticated bleached walnut credenza by American of Martinsville.  The Asian influenced credenza or chest has center doors which open to three drawers.  Flanking the center are three ample drawers on each side.  The drawers sit on an ebonized and recessed platform base with brass capped legs.  70" l., 20" w., 32 1/2 h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Rooster Lamp

Protect your home.  The rooster is steeped in symbolic meanings that deal with watchful vigilance against evil.  The rooster has many other symbolic meanings including honesty, courage and strength.  This particular rooster lamp is also just really attractive and very charming.  The shade is hand painted parchment and the base is painted ceramic.  32" h., 17" diam. American, c. 1940's  SOLD