New York; Before the Storm

Well, we made it out of NYC on one of the last flights from J.F.K., and arrived back in Toronto about 3:30 a.m. yesterday morning.  Our thoughts are with all our friends and family on the east coast and particularly those in New York.  It was a typically great long weekend, and the city was alive and kicking with no impending sense of doom.  The Metropolitan Museum was packed when we took in "Regarding Warhol:  Sixty Artists, Fifty Years".  Our friend Ward's (Kelvin) fantastic new fall collection of fine jewelry launched at Sak's Fifth Avenue.  http://wardkelvin.com  As always, lots of great dining, nice times with friends, and lots of inspiration.  Knowing the resilience of New Yorkers, the city will be up and running soon, and will need the support of visitors enjoying all it has to offer.  Once again, wishing everyone back east a safe and speedy recovery from the storm.

"Baker Furniture Co." Faux Bamboo Table

This chic, faux bamboo cocktail table by Baker has a removable glass top with a scalloped brass frame.  The brass is nicely patinated but can be polished to a high shine if desired.  42" l., 28" w., 16" h.  American, c. 1960 SOLD

"Thomasville Furniture Co." Credenza

A mellow mid toned fruitwood and sophisticated Chinese Modern styling on this elegant credenza by Thomasville.  It has four drawers with a unique style and arrangement of pulls.  The two doors open to a compartment with one recessed shelf.  57" l., 20" w., 32" h.  American, c. 1957 SOLD

Olexander Wlasenko

SOLD

We were able to meet with Olexander yesterday and choose from a sensational body of new work. We are sending these pieces off to our framer and will have them back as soon as possible.  We are so excited about the new work we want to give you a little teaser.  Here are a couple of our favorites.  We will keep you posted, and let you know when they are all back in the shop.

Helene Cenedese

We are pleased to have on view new works by Helene Cendese.  Included in the new works are a number of pieces from her inspired "Hoarding" series.  If you have the opportunity, please stop in to see these pieces in person, as well as the rest of Helene's work, and learn the interesting stories and inspiration behind this new collection.

Helene Cenedese "Hoarding #1"

Oil on canvas.  48"l., 36" h.  Canadian  SOLD

A Little More Knoll

Thanks for all the inquiries about the Knoll sofas.  Here is a little more information on the beautiful fabric.  As it turns out, it was designed by Sheila Hicks.  Sheila Hicks is an American fiber artist who studied at Yale under Josef Albers and whose interests leaned toward Peruvian textiles and Mexican hand weaving.  Today her work can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the MoMA, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, amongst others.

Back in the day, when Sheila Hicks interviewed with Florence Knoll for a position in the textiles department, she wore a dress made of fabric that she wove herself.  Below is the suit she wore to the interview.  

Does the fabric look familiar?  Needless to say, she got the job and the pattern from her suit went on to become the basis for her designs at Knoll.  The wonderful wool fabric in the two sofas is called "Inca" and was inspired by her travels in South America.  

Sunburst Clock

While this sixties vintage sunburst clock isn't signed, it is very much in keeping with George Nelson clocks of the period.  It has a black Nelson style dial and twelve brass rays.  It is battery operated so there is no need to hard wire.  22" diam.  American, c. 1960's SOLD

"Gerald Thurston for Lightolier" Desk Lamp

Brass and enamel desk or table lamp designed by Gerald Thurston for Lightolier.  The lamp has two sockets and an on/ off switch at the base.  15" h.  American, c. 1950's SOLD

"Century Furniture Co." Faux Ostrich Chair

High style seventies, faux ostrich arm chair made by the Century Furniture Company.  The loose seat cushion is duck feather and down filled.  American, c. 1970's  SOLD

Lacquered Cocktail Table

Every so often we come across a piece that stops us in our tracks.  This is one of those pieces.  It is silver leafed, hand painted and lacquered with a very appealing Japanese scene in soft golds, yellows, greys and greens, with hits of cinnamon and blue.  The craftsmanship on this unique piece is superb and the condition is excellent.  48" l., 26" w., 16" h.  c. 1970  SOLD

"Koch and Lowy" Floor Lamp

Nicely patinated brass, adjustable reading/ floor lamp by Koch and Lowy.  53" h.  American, c. 1970 SOLD

"Castelli" Chairs

We have a pair of these very well made birch and aluminum chairs by Castelli available.  They are great looking and very functional.  They would make excellent desk chairs as well as kitchen or occasional chairs.  Italian, c. 1970's SOLD

Florence Knoll

Florence and Hans Knoll

There was a great article on Florence Knoll published in the September 1, 1964 issue of the New York Times.  To view the article, please click on the link below.

http://www.knoll.com/news/hstory.jsp?story_id=4993&type=Features&storyType=nf

"Florence Knoll, Parallel Bar" Sofas

If you know Knoll, then you know this is a pretty special pair of sofas.  Designed in 1954 by Florence Knoll,   the Parallel Bar sofa is a modern classic.  This matching pair are in near mint condition and are covered in their original blue wool textured upholstery.  Each sofa has it's original Knoll International, 320 Park Avenue, N.Y. label.  Today, Knoll settees start at just over $7,000.00 U.S. each and sofas in the mid $9,000.00 range, This is a great opportunity to own an iconic piece of American design at an exceptional value.  56" l., 30" w., 30" h.  American, 2nd half 20th c. SOLD

"Baker Furniture Co." Side Tables

Handsome  little pair of two tiered side tables by Baker.  These tables have flamed walnut inlay on the top and book matched inlay on the base, ebonized columns and ball feet.  Their small size makes them great occasional tables.  18" diam.  16 1/2" h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

This Week at Michael Thomas

There is a lot happening at Michael Thomas later this week!  We will be closed on Thursday for restocking, so please check back on Friday for lots of beautiful "new" pieces. This weekend, we will be bringing you new works by Montreal artist Helene Cenedese.  I have seen several of her new paintings in person and they are wonderful.  Congratulations go out to Helene, as well, for being awarded the Festival Grand Prize at the Festival International Montreal en Arts in June!

This Saturday, October 20th,  is "Small Business Saturday".  Shop local and shop small!  Why not make it a small business season and say bye bye to the Big Box, big crowds and big hassles.  We will be marking Small Business Saturday with some big specials on select pieces of furniture and art.  Stop by this weekend and see what's "in store".

"Edward Miller & Co." Table Lamp

Classic and elegant urn shaped lamp made by the Edward Miller Lamp Company of Connecticut.  This bronze lamp is decorated with ram's heads, swags, and filigree.  Base is 20" h., 9" diam.  American, c. 1930's.  SOLD

Gilt Framed Mirror

The Eastern influences in the heavily decorated gilt wood frame give this mirror a somewhat exotic feel.  In addition to it's wonderful design, it's impressive size and lovely patina make it a real show stopper.  48" l., 39" w.  late 19th, early 20th c.

"Sessions Clock Co." Mantel Clock

Handsome, wood cased mantel clock made by the Sessions Clock Co.  The clock is a key wind, chiming clock and has a decorated gilt metal face as well as gilt feet.  14 1/2" l.,  6 1/2" w., 11 1/2" h.  American, first qtr. 20th c.  SOLD

Acanthus Candle Sconce

Very decorative, monumental, gilt candle sconce.  This impressive piece is three feet wide and holds seven candles.  It would add a nice bit of drama to any room.  30" h., 36" w.  American, c. 1950's SOLD

Ceramic Cachepot

This very large, two handled flower pot or vase has a great classic shape and beautiful soft green glaze.  13" h., 15" diam.  American, c. 1940's  SOLD

Umbrella Stand

As the rain starts to fall in Port Hope, it seems a fitting time for this posting.  This novel brass umbrella stand in the form of an umbrella has a beautiful, even patina, but could be polished to a high shine if desired.  31" h., 11" w.  American, c. 1950's  SOLD

Wheat Sheaf Compote

Wheat Sheaf Candlestick Holders

French Urn Back Chair

This is one of the prettiest chairs we have come across in our travels.  It has it's original, beautifully patinated  paint decoration and it's original rush seat.  33" h., seat is 17" l., 15" w.  French, 19th c. SOLD

"Drexel Furniture Co." Mirror

Hollywood Regency style, gilt wood framed mirror by Drexel.  This mirror has great proportions and would nicely suit a foyer, powder room, or any other area where a longer, narrower wall hanging is required.  49" l., 19 1/2" w.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

"Fredrick Ramond" Chandelier

This smart, brass, hexagonal chandelier by Fredrick Ramond has six lights, framed by brass and glass panels, which may be used alone or together with a single center spot light.  The brass and glass are in excellent original condition.  17" diam.  14" h.  American, c. 1970  SOLD

"Bauer Lamp Co." Table Lamp

Beautiful white glass, lucite and brass table lamp by the Bauer Lamp Company.  The lamp has a glass body with a chunky lucite base and top, and brass decoration.  Base 14" h., 10" diam.  American, c. 1970's  $275.00 (shade separate)

Pair of "Baker Furniture Co." Side Tables

This outstanding pair of walnut side tables were made by Baker Furniture Co. and have nicely detailed, hand-carved cabriole legs, burl drawer fronts and brass ring pulls with decorative escutcheons.  26" l., 24" w.,  24" h.  American, 2nd half 20th c.  SOLD

"Chapman" Table Lamp

Classic, elegant, table lamp by Chapman.  This double candlestick lamp has a brass "X" base and an adjustable tole shade. (pair available)  24" h., 8 1/2" w., 13 1/2" l.  American, 2nd half 20th c. SOLD

Mahogany and Leather Cocktail Table

The balance of traditional materials, mahogany and leather, and the great modern design make this kidney shaped table a versatile as well as handsome piece.  48" l., 30" w., 16" h.  American, c. 1950's SOLD

Candle Sconces

Elegant pair of gilt metal candle sconces with acanthus, bow and tassel and horn decoration.  16" l., 10" w.  American, c. 1950 SOLD