Caned Rocker

While this piece is over one hundred and fifty years old, and would work nicely in a more rustic setting, I think it would be perfect in a very modern interior.  The simplicity of design and the mix of materials would compliment a modern room very well.  The chair is in wonderful condition and is quite comfortable.  American, mid-19th c.  SOLD

"Drexel Furniture Co." Pine Chest of Drawers

Do you have a favorite wool sweater that is really comfortable and just gets better with age?  This is that type of piece of furniture....."the everything is going to be all right in the world chest".  This handsome and solid pine chest of drawers was made by Drexel and has five large drawers and two small.  The large drawers each have a pair of Chippendale influenced brass pulls and the small drawers have brass knobs.  The Chippendale influence may also be seen in the bracket feet.  62" l., 20" w., 34" h.  American, c. 1964 SOLD

"Weiman Furniture Co." Table

This classic, elegant, mahogany table was made by Weiman Furniture Co.  It  features an unusual octagonal top that tapers to the base.  The top has gold embossed leather, contrasting mahogany inlay and a single drawer.  The base has tapered legs and an x-frame stretcher.  It would make a great lamp table next to a single chair or with a pair of chairs flanking it.  22" square, 27" h.  American, c. 1940's  SOLD

X-Form Bench

Classic mahogany x-form bench with carved floral decoration. The geometric floral velvet upholstery compliments the carved frame nicely.  22" l., 15" w., 19" h.  American, c. 1960's  SOLD

Birdseye Maple Tall Chest

Very Hollywood c. 1940, this glamorous and beautifully constructed custom chest is a show stopper.  It has a solid wood frame and drawers with Birdseye Maple veneer and carved acanthus decoration.  The top has two concave doors which open to two glass front drawers.  The bottom has three drawers with original hardware.  A matching full/ queen bed with headboard, footboard, side rails and slats is available.  46" l., 20" w., 50" h. American, c. 1940's  SOLD

Headboard and Footboard (side rails and slats included)  Headboard, 56" l., 36" h. 2" w. SOLD

"La Barge" Console Table

If you are looking for a dramatic and impressive piece to give a room some punch, you may have found it.  This very high quality console table was made by La Barge and has a wrought iron base with gilded shell and acanthus decoration.  The top is tessellated stone with a rope twist border.  It's a pretty sensational statement piece.  52" l., 20" w., 35" h.  Italian, c. 2nd half 20th c.  SOLD

Christmas Present

The inspiration for this year's Christmas window started, as it has for the last few years, with our December charity.  This year it is CANFAR (The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research).  CANFAR is Canada's only independent charitable foundation dedicated to eliminating AIDS through research.  By funding promising HIV and AIDS research and promoting prevention through educational campaigns, CANFAR is working to end AIDS globally.  (During the month of December 5% of profits from every sale will be donated to CANFAR).
So the inspiration started with CANFAR and thoughts turned to the eighties and one of the brightest creative talents of the era, Kieth Haring.  He grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to New York City in 1978.  He had a brief but brilliant career in New York from 1980 until his death in 1990 at the age of 31.  The Madonna and Child were taken from the cover art he did for the "A Very Special Christmas" series of albums.   In the window, we have Pennsylvania represented with a variety of the iconic advent symbol, the Moravian star.  The lit star came from the Moravian Bookshop in Bethlehem, PA.  It is the oldest bookshop in the world (true) founded in 1745, and I have great memories of working  there during high school in the eighties.   I have always loved the image of the Moravian star and if you visit Bethlehem at Christmastime, you will see them in the doorways and windows of many homes particularly in the historic downtown area.
In keeping with the spirit of the eighties we have brought in an assortment of vintage "Interview" magazines from the decade.  Andy Warhol was doing all the cover art during this period and the covers are fantastic.  We invite you to check them out for a good trip down memory lane next time you are in the shop.  The Madonna issue is from December 1985.

"Kelsboro Ware" Toby Jug

Need a little Christmas?  Nice image of St. Nick on this handpainted toby jug by Kelsboro Ware.  It would make a festive little vase and make your holly look pretty jolly.  4" h., 6" w.  English, c. 1960's  SOLD

"Beswick" 1974 Christmas Carol Tankard

1974, Nixon resigns, Patty Hearst is kidnapped, Philadelphia wins the Stanley Cup, Patti Smith releases first punk rock single, "People" magazine debuts with Mia Farrow on the cover......  Looking for a great and unique Christmas gift for a 39 year old friend or a couple that was married in 1974?  This fun, handpainted tankard is a limited edition number 1441 of 15,000 and was made by Beswick.  The scene depicts a classic moment from Dickens' "The Christmas Carol".  It comes in the original velvet lined, fitted box.  5 1/4" h., 4 1/4" diam.  English, c. 1974 SOLD

Nativity Set

The reason for the season.....this is a special nativity set.  It was made in the fifties and has seventeen figures, a cradle, palm tree and handpainted lit stable with a straw roof and Star of Bethlehem.  Several of the pieces are labeled "Made in France".  SOLD

The Civil Wars - I Want You Back (Live)

More music from the road.  We heard this song on our trip over the weekend.  It's a really nice remake of a great classic.

Christmas is Coming

Normally Michael Thomas is open by chance or appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  This Tuesday and Wednesday we will be closed for the construction and installation of our 2013 Christmas window.  As always, we invite you to shop online.  We will be in the shop both days to answer phone calls and emails.....probably even really late ones.