The Old With The New

An old rose on a modern trellis

 I'm sorry to say that I don't remember where or when I found this image (other than it was pre-blog).  The contrast between the old rose, weathered wood, and stainless steel is interesting and appealing, I think.   

My neighborhood garden tour is on Saturday and I'm hoping to take some good photos to share with you. 

In the meantime, Happy Weekend!

Far Out

It's been raining again so we decided to take in the Chihuly glass exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts.  I took these photos as we wandered the exhibit rooms, which were crowded with visitors even as the museum was about to close-- a testament to Chihuly's popularity.

This is one of six huge glass chandeliers on display.  Each arm bends and curls, capturing and reflecting light and shine.  I never realized glass could be so dramatic.  I couldn't help but wonder too, how do they dust this?   

The following photos were taken while looking up.  The ceiling is clear glass and hundreds of Chihuly pieces are set above, creating a sea of rainbow light below.  I've never been in a room before with so many arms and cameras pointing up, all of us shuffling around for the best photo, trying not to bump into each other.  It was a nice atmosphere though--a shared awe about the kaleidoscopic display over our heads.  

The exhibit closes August 7, 2011 -- click the link above for details.  I have to say, this is one of the most joyful art exhibits I've ever experienced.  Have you seen Chihuly's work before?  If so, what do you think of it?

Let's Do Lunch

Photo source: Mary Jane Vaughn. Not part of the day. I just like the flowers.

I don't know about you, but most days I brown bag my lunch and eat at my desk so I can get as much work done as possible.  It's necessary sometimes, but not much fun. Wouldn't it be a nice change to have a long lunch with interesting people and discuss art, antiques, and fine jewelry over a delicious meal?  

I had the chance to do so last week during a press lunch hosted by  auctioneers and appraisers from Skinner, Inc.  Skinner CEO Karen Keane and directors of the Fine Jewelry, American & European Paintings/Prints, and Wine departments gave us an overview of Skinner's upcoming auctions.

Not only are Karen Keane and her staff experts in their fields, but they are also approachable and fun--delighted to answer questions and share their experiences.  They are as enthusiastic as you'd expect them to be about fine antiques, but also enthusiastic about their more affordable Discovery auctions. I've posted about Skinner before, but avoided mentioning the expensive jewelry and valuable paintings because I can't afford them (hence the brown bag lunches). It would feel, well, a little odd for me to tell you about a platinum and 5.23 carat diamond solitaire ring valued at $40,000 -$50,000 coming up for auction.  Instead, I post about finds within my budget (and comfort zone) from Skinner's Discovery auctions which include estate furnishings, decorative accessories, carpets and rugs, and artwork from the 18th to 20th century. 

Skinner's Discovery auctions are held every month at their Marlborough, MA location, but if you have the budget or just want to admire beautiful jewelry, then check out Skinner's fine jewelry auction on June 14th (the ring will be there, if you're interested). 

A Boston Pied-à-Terre

If you've been following Boxwood Terrace since the early days, you know how much I admire Charles Spada's interior designs. I've done a few posts about his work because it always impresses me. The following are photos of a 600 square foot apartment he designed on the top floor of what was once a church in Boston's South End. 

The white walls of the apartment highlight the owners' collection of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century German, Italian, and French drawings.  The dark walnut parquet floors set off the pale colored neo-classical style furniture, which was designed by Spada to maximize space.   

It was difficult to scan the photo of the entire banquette against the wall, but I wanted to show Spada's smart and attractive solution for hiding the air conditioner on the far right wall. He had a folding screen made and covered in burlap, which shields the unit from view, but doesn't inhibit air flow.  Have you ever seen such elegant use of burlap?  The painted wrought-iron garden urn in front of the screen holds white orchids.  It's my favorite thing in the room.

What surprises me most is that this apartment was designed more than a decade ago and it's still fresh and elegant.  The classical elements and antiques make it a timeless.

Everyone knows the trick of hanging mirrors opposite windows to make a small space look larger, but Spada's custom-built long shelf saves floor space and minimizes the need for tables. It's another clever idea that anyone can duplicate.

All photos and details from the book East Coast Rooms by Anna Kasabian.  Photos by Eric Roth.  Interior design by Charles Spada LLC.

Monumental

Oxford University is a special place for Jon.  He attended a summer program there during his undergraduate years.   Whenever we watch Inspector Lewis on Masterpiece Mystery (a detective series set in Oxford) he'll quickly point out the Radcliffe Camera when it comes into view.  He does this  quite often, really.  Sometimes more than once an episode.  It's touching though, because I know he wants to share it with me since I've never been to Oxford.  

What fun it was to discover then, this plaster replica of the Radcliffe Camera (fashioned into bookends) and other important buildings by Timothy Richards of Bath, England.  His website features a large selection of intricately detailed models and bookends.   

The Radcliffe Camera, Oxford University

 I don't want to ruin the joy of discovering Timothy Richards' art for yourself by posting photos here. If you're an architecture buff, visit his website and lose yourself in another time and place. 

The website is all the more entertaining if you have another architecture buff with you to point out the less familiar places--or even the familiar places.   

P.S. You may have noticed that I've gone back to my previous blog heading and colors after making a fuss in the spring about a new blog format.  I missed that blog heading more than thought I would and decided to bring it back.  Also, my job has been keeping me busy these days (very grateful for that), so apologies for the spotty posting. 

The Perfect Gift

If you like bright colors, patterns and ceramics then you may already know of Jill Rosenwald.  My friend Joanne introduced me to Rosenwald's ceramics many years ago during an open studios day. 

Rosenwald's business has grown since then and she has licensed her designs for dinnerware, rugs, pillows and more.  Her ceramics have been featured in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Lonny, among other magazines. 

 The classic Hampton Links trellis is my favorite pattern in the line and it's available in a variety of vases and a kitchen utensil holder.

The bright colors are beautiful, but I'm partial to the neutral taupe color.

Rosenwald also offers monograms combined with the Hampton Links pattern.  The trays are a stylish and useful--perfect for a wedding or house warming gift.   

This stunning piece is the Newport Gate Coper Bowl in classic navy blue.  The tray above is navy blue, taupe and white. 

Rosenwald also has an Etsy shop with pieces in even more patterns and colors.  You can also buy pieces through Rosenwald's website (see first link, above) and her studio will make custom-color pieces for an additional charge.