Eames Stamps Released

On June 17, 2008, in Santa Monica, California, the Postal Service™ issued 42–cent commemorative stamps Charles and Ray Eames in a commemorative sheet featuring 16 different designs. Honoring the husband-and-wife design team of Charles and Ray Eames, this commemorative sheet of 16 stamps was designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, and represents the breadth of their extraordinary body of creative work, which includes architecture, furniture, film and exhibits.

Tea Or Coffee, From Freeman Lederman

Fantastic mid-century modern ceramics designed for Freeman Lederman.

Black And White At Wright

These are a few of the fabulous items available at the Wright auction house and online store. For more amazing design, in color as well, see their web site.

20th Obsession Jewelry

Amazing mid-century modern jewelry from 20th Obsession.

The Sculptural Design Of Paul Evans

Paul Evans work is a mix of mid-century furniture design and mixed-metal sculpture in bronze, silver and gold. A Pennsylvanian, Evans studied sculpture, metal work, silver and gold smithing at several institutes, including the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He began making metal furniture and exhibited in a group show in 1957 at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York. In 1964 Evans became the designer of furniture manufacturer Directional. With Directional, Paul Evans introduced his very collectible editions such as the Argent series, Sculpted Bronze, and the highly popular Cityscape collection. Most Paul Evans pieces were signed, and all of the custom items bear a signature and a date. Paul Evans furniture has been bringing record breaking prices at antique shows and auctions across the U.S. and Europe. (1931-1987)

Knoll

A gentleman wandered into the gallery where I work today inquiring about sculpture and the Nakashima furniture we sell and after a long conversation about design he introduced himself as a representative from Knoll Furniture. I swooned, explaining to him that I grew up with many stunning Knoll pieces in my childhood home and he easily guessed my father was an architect. We talked more about mid-century design and the work Knoll is producing now and it got me longing for may favorite chair of all time, the Saarinen Womb Chair. Here are some stunning designs, both past and present, from Knoll.

Eames House Bird

Charles and Ray Eames were master of the interior "collage" with numerous objects brought back from their extensive travels. The figure of a black wooden bird - evidently one of their most prized objects of American folk art - has stood in the center of their living room for over fifty years. It appeared in many Eames photos including the very famous one above. Based on the original artifact and in cooperation with the Eames family, Vitra is now producing the first series of this figure. The Eames house bird is made from solid Alder with a black lacquer finish and steel wire legs.

20th Century Cincinnati

Includes 2008 includes 50 exhibitors of vintage modern design to see and purchase.

Special exhibit: Cincinnati Modern Architecture - A Retrospective


Link to more info.

Jet Set Modern

Jet Set Modern is a cool place to look for mid-century design as you can see from this beautiful shot on the site.

Rago Auction

Shopping with the big boys (and girls) for classic modern means shopping at auction houses where only the fortunate can afford to go. Sometimes nice pieces will go for prices that the rest of us can afford if we think of it as a true investment. But whether you can buy or not, looking through the upcoming or past auctions is a treat. You can discover designers and pieces you wouldn't find otherwise and enjoy wonderful examples of designer you already know and love. Here are a few interesting finds at Rago Art and Action Center's last modern sale in November.

Vintage Modern

Ahh, Danish. I love Danish. The simple yet elegant lines and the beautiful wood. Modernicus has great prices. Check them out.

Vintage Modern

I've been looking for vintage modern pieces for my new home and stopped at Daniel Donnelly's site. I'm always impressed with the quality of the things they carry and you can find gems there for a good value. These are a few of the things that caught my eye today. Note, The top chair is not a Wegner but a 1960's copy, thus the price.

The History Of Chairs

These posters cover the essential illustrated history of folding and rocking chairs. They're not only a great reference but an art statement as well, further blurring the line between art and design.

The Harp Chair

Designed in 1963 by Jorgen Hoveltskov, The Harp Chair is made of two solid pieces of wood and string. It's still available today and is as beautiful as ever.

Stunning Mid-Century Storage

I found these two pieces of mid-century furniture at Modernicus today, and I am blown away by both of them. The quality, the craftsmanship, the detail and the wood are amazing. If you're looking for some top of the line modern vintage storage this may be the place for you. Check their site for more beautiful things.

Gio Ponti Vs Philippe Starck

Gio Ponti's oh so famous Superleggera chairs surrounded my dining room table as a youngster and I loved those chairs. So crisply designed and truly light as can be. I still adore them. So I was feeling a bit protective of my old, dear friend Mr. Ponti when I saw the Object Perdu chair by Philippe Starck. Yes, there are differences in the number of cross supports in the base but that's because Starck's chair is made of steel tubing. The designs are strikingly similar and while many no mane furniture companies came out with a related design at the time, none were so similar as Starck's. I find it a bit disappointing that such a high profile designer would design such a similar copy of such a high profile chair. By the way, Ponti's chair is still in production. What do you think?

The Womb Or Not The Womb

So how do you feel about buying knockoffs of famous pieces of furniture. Here is the Womb Chair and a knock off. Can you tell the difference? Even if you can't, does it matter to you that you would know you didn't have the real deal? See which is real below and comment about whether you would buy a knockoff like this.





From the top
photo 1 knock off
photo 2 real deal
photo 3 real deal
photo 4 knock off

Real Deal Chair $2645 Ottoman $774 Knock Off Both Pieces $895
I'm not giving links for this post. You'll just have to figure this one out for yourselves, but please comment on if you got it right and which would you buy.

George Nakashima

Yesterday, a childhood memory that was all but forgotten was brought back into my consciousness. My father, who was an architect in Philadelphia, took me to meet George Nakashima and to see his work at his studio in New Hope Pennsylvania. I must have been all of seven years old, which would have made it 1972. I remember the wood so vividly; so smooth and rich in color and grain. And I remember a very kind, peaceful man. I was an extremely shy child, but I felt comfortable with Mr. Nakashima. Looking at these images today, I feel a great connection to that day and a special fondness for him and his work. Images from Moderne Gallery & artnet.

Daniel Donnelly

Daniel Donnelly is one of the best stores for vintage mid-century modern design. The collection is stunning, very high quality and very desirable pieces. If you have the funds, this is the place to go.

Vintage Modern Jewelry

This is a small sample of the mid-century modern jewelry available at 20th Obsession. It is such a gorgeous collection and gives you some understanding of why it's so highly valued.