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A collection of February 2014 stories from the Allmoge Cushions blog.
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ALLMOGE CUSHIONS introduce
STORIES
Content: An 18th Century Armoire. Satsuma style. Fruit and ceramics. Do all stunning rugs lead to
Iran? An Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 10. Funky Johansson décor. But of course!. Economic
stories behind amber glass. Philippe Starck swivels white and lime lucite. An Orrefors chandelier. Made in
Sweden. The tale of a Klingenthal pallasch. Behind all stunning Tiffany lamps there was all along a woman.
Kosmos, kerosene, whales and solar power. All in a lamp. Major property player goes vintage. Well done!
The ideals of a spice rack. Hans J Wegner furniture with a sustainable agenda. Porcelain: A revolution does
not have to mean the end. Meissen doing it on their own. Paying a visit to a Painted Hall. Marshmallow
business. Bijar rugs: High altitude delectable. Zebra printed Dux sofa in a boutique factory? The benefits of
keeping an eye on local production. Muslingestolen: We know where you went, but where did you come
from? Nice pair of candelabras. Oskariana style. But not the obvious one. An Arabia business outlook.
Cocktail popularity. Drop-leaf tables, an Earl and Bruno Mathsson.
And more …
about vintage, upcycled and sustainable interior décor
February 2014
Hi and welcome to the second edition of Allmoge
Cushions STORIES.
In a mad rush to get this publication off the
ground last month I omitted a minor detail;
explaining what STORIES is all about.
I doesn’t take all that long, STORIES is
essentially a summary of posts published on the
Allmoge Cushions’ blog during the month that
passed.
The January edition only contained highlights. In
February I’m going all out publishing every
single post.
Why? Well, mainly it’s for the selfish reason
seeing that I’ve been quite productive. But making
a publication is also quite fun.
On a different note - February was a bit of a
transition period in the land of Allmoge Cushions.
Finding suitable upcyclable fabric has become
increasingly difficult. Thus few cushions have
been made. A change of plan has been required.
Now focus is more (than ever) on blogging about
various aspects of vintage, upcycled and
sustainable décor.
And on making ‘How to work vintage décor:
Allmoge Cushions Context Boards’. Wacky but
not tacky. Life is a bit of a laugh.
Happy reading!
Jeanette
CONTENT OVERVIEW: ALLMOGE CUSHIONS STORIES FEBRUARY 2014
1.2.14. An 18th Century Armoire.
3.2.14. A most sumptuous vintage interior décor.
3.2.14. An Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 9.
4.2.14. Introducing January 2014 Allmoge Cushions STORIES.
4.2.14. Gio Ponti + Max Ingrand = Sleek interior décor.
4.2.14. Another sumptuous vintage interior décor.
5.2.14. Satsuma style. Fruit and ceramics.
5.2.14. A maiolica story.
6.2.14. Do all stunning rugs lead to Iran?
6.2.14. A new Allmoge Cushion design. Amazing.
7.2.14. An Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 10.
7.2.14. Funky Johansson décor. But of course!
8.2.14. Economic stories behind amber glass.
10.2.14. Philippe Starck swivels white and lime lucite.
10.2.14. An Orrefors chandelier. Made in Sweden.
11.2.14. The tale of a Klingenthal pallasch.
11.2.14. Behind all stunning Tiffany lamps there was all along a woman.
12.2.14. Kosmos kerosene, whales and solar power. All in a lamp.
13.2.14. Major property player goes vintage. Well done!
13.2.14. The ideals of a spice rack.
14.2.14. Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 12.
14.2.14. Upcycled cushion making continues. Struggling though.
15.2.14. Hans J Wegner furniture with a sustainable agenda.
17.2.14. Porcelain: A revolution does not have to mean the end.
17.2.14. Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 13.
18.2.14. Meissen doing it on their own.
18.2.14. Paying a visit to a Painted Hall.
19.2.14. Marshmallow business.
19.2.14. Bijar rugs: High altitude delectable.
20.2.14. Zebra printed Dux sofa in a boutique factory?
21.2.14. The benefits of keeping an eye on local production.
21.2.14. Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 14.
22.2.14. Muslingestolen: We know where you went, but where did you come from?
24.2.14. How to work vintage décor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 15.
24.2.14. Nice pair of candelabras. Oskariana style. But not the obvious one.
25.2.14. An Arabia business outlook.
25.2.14. Cocktail popularity.
26.2.14. Drop-leaf tables, an Earl and Bruno Mathsson.
27.2.14. The politico-economics of Persian rugs.
27.2.14. It’s nothing personal. But I’m just not that into Eva.
28.2.14. Danish furniture design and being a later industrialiser.
28.2.14. How to work vintage décor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 16.
CONTENT OVERVIEW: ALLMOGE CUSHIONS STORIES FEBRUARY 2014
1.2.14. An 18th Century Armoire.
3.2.14. A most sumptuous vintage interior décor.
3.2.14. An Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 9.
4.2.14. Introducing January 2014 Allmoge Cushions STORIES.
4.2.14. Gio Ponti + Max Ingrand = Sleek interior décor.
4.2.14. Another sumptuous vintage interior décor.
5.2.14. Satsuma style. Fruit and ceramics.
5.2.14. A maiolica story.
6.2.14. Do all stunning rugs lead to Iran?
6.2.14. A new Allmoge Cushion design. Amazing.
7.2.14. An Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 10.
7.2.14. Funky Johansson décor. But of course!
8.2.14. Economic stories behind amber glass.
10.2.14. Philippe Starck swivels white and lime lucite.
10.2.14. An Orrefors chandelier. Made in Sweden.
11.2.14. The tale of a Klingenthal pallasch.
11.2.14. Behind all stunning Tiffany lamps there was all along a woman.
12.2.14. Kosmos kerosene, whales and solar power. All in a lamp.
13.2.14. Major property player goes vintage. Well done!
13.2.14. The ideals of a spice rack.
14.2.14. Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 12.
14.2.14. Upcycled cushion making continues. Struggling though.
15.2.14. Hans J Wegner furniture with a sustainable agenda.
17.2.14. Porcelain: A revolution does not have to mean the end.
17.2.14. Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 13.
18.2.14. Meissen doing it on their own.
18.2.14. Paying a visit to a Painted Hall.
19.2.14. Marshmallow business.
19.2.14. Bijar rugs: High altitude delectable.
20.2.14. Zebra printed Dux sofa in a boutique factory?
21.2.14. The benefits of keeping an eye on local production.
21.2.14. Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 14.
22.2.14. Muslingestolen: We know where you went, but where did you come from?
24.2.14. How to work vintage décor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 15.
24.2.14. Nice pair of candelabras. Oskariana style. But not the obvious one.
25.2.14. An Arabia business outlook.
25.2.14. Cocktail popularity.
26.2.14. Drop-leaf tables, an Earl and Bruno Mathsson.
27.2.14. The politico-economics of Persian rugs.
27.2.14. It’s nothing personal. But I’m just not that into Eva.
28.2.14. Danish furniture design and being a later industrialiser.
28.2.14. How to work vintage décor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 16.
1.2.14. An 18th century armoire.
As you may know allmoge is Swedish for folk art. Sweden, doesn‟t however, obviously, have an exclusive right to folk art.
Take this example. An Italian armoire probably made in Tuscany some time in the 18th century. Very folk art inspired if you ask me. It‟s currently for sale at Patrick Jefferson, Pimlico Rd, London. The ad in the window informs viewers that
Much of the original paint has been miraculously preserved beneath a coat of 19th century varnish, which after careful conservation has revealed the the brilliant decoration over a deep sky-blue and cream ground – a rare reminder of the extraordinary jewel-like colours used in 18th century Italy.
Quite, the colours really are something special.
But what does armoire mean? My French isn‟t what it should be so had to look that up. As part of this process not only found out that armoire means wardrobe, but discovered wardrobe history.
The story of how the meaning of wardrobe went from referring to lavatory to office to its current essence is rather interesting. It didn‟t come as a total surprise that it was an idea of royal households that with time filtered down to other demographic groups.
3.2.14. A most sumptuous interior decor.
Did they put these pieces together randomly or by purpose was my first thought. But auction people aren‟t stupid, they know what works. So very much a purposeful arrangement would be my guess. A very sumptuous arrangement.
What makes it sumptuous? Well, in my opinion it‟s the colours, the patterns, the materials. Not to mention quality.
The rug is of Moud origin with a central lozenge medallion on sapphire field of rosettes.
Then there‟s a Quimper centre piece in faience pottery with seahorse handles and decorated in a typical palette.
Last, but not least a very stylish 19th century boulle writing table, ebonised and gilt metal mounted made around 1870 with frieze drawer on screw detachable fluted legs.
3.2.14. An Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 9.
Already nine context boards? Blimey. This one is characterised by lime. Mainly.
4.2.14. Introducting January 2014 Allmoge Cushions Stories
Keeping busy! Getting a taste for publications …
After the 2013 Yearbook (http://bit.ly/1e0bco1), there is now the Allmoge Cushions January 2014 STORIES about vintage, upcycled and sustainable decor.
Feel free to check it out at: http://bit.ly/1bg5Ssd
4.2.14. Gio Pointi + Max Ingrand = Sleek interior decor.
Two arm chairs and a table. There are definite similarities. Both are minimalistic and sleek. Same maker?
Wrong. The common denominator for these pieces is era. Products of the 1960s.
The chairs are designed by Gio Ponti (Italy 1891-1979). The table by Max Ingrand (France 1908-1969).
It‟s a tad difficult to believe that the latter was greatly inspired by design from the Middle Ages … Not so that he was classified as a master glass worker.
Gio Ponti on the other had appears to have been a design renaissance man; architect, industrial designer, craftsman, poet, painter, journalist and a passionate propagandist for design excellence. He managed to juggle these roles by squeezing a 60 hour working week into one day, according to his daughter
As seen at 88 Gallery, Pimlico Rd, London.
4.2.14. Another sumptuous vintage interior decor.
First there‟s nothing and then two inspirational sumptuous interior design contexts. Amazing.
As per last time I find it‟s the colours, the patterns, the material and the quality that defines sumptuous.
As seen at Lots Road Auctions, London.
5.2.14. Satsuma style. Fruit and ceramics.
The word Satsuma entered my vocabulary at an early stage in life. Each year around Christmas there was always a bowl full of Satsuma fruits at home. As you may know they look like clementines, but are so much fruitier and juicier. I think I might have something of a Satsuma addiction.
Around where I‟m living Satsumas are imported from Spain. But have very recently found out that Satsumas have nothing to do with Spain. Apart from growing there of course, but never mind.
Why I‟ve never bothered to research the origin of Satsumas before beats me. Now I know that they come from the Satsuma region in southern Japan. Or maybe not. Maybe they from the very first beginning came from China? And actually they don‟t have much specific to do with Satsuma at all. Satsumas are Japanese. Maybe. The reason for being called Satsumas is because this is the point from which they were exported to the West.
All totally clear? Good. Let‟s move on to another Satsuma export.
A day very recently I encountered the S word in another context. Very, very far from fruit territory. This time it was in connection with laying my eyes on a pair of temple jars. In a Satsuma style. How great they looked! Am in big favour of this sultry, creamy colour.
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1nagQVK
5.2.14. A maiolica story.
Once upon a time in a place where the heat is hot and the sun shines all the time, there was a group of very creative people. They were potters in the middle of a trade path making something called lusterware; pottery with an iridescent metallic sheen in the glaze.
Being in a trade path, the popular wares wandered. And so did the skills in making them. In other places the lusterware was refined – it became known as maiolica. Maiolica is distinguished by its white, opaque glaze, a result of using tin-oxide.
The tin, which had been in use since 3000 BC (!), was smooth and shiny. But that wasn‟t enough. More brilliance was required, and in the 16th century there was a brainwave – let‟s apply a 2nd clear glaze! Maiolica, as we know it today, was born.
During the years following, colours got brighter and more varied. Maoilica became increasingly popular and making spread to various geographical locations. Then there were economic constraints and demand withered.
Maoilica is still around, however. And apart from a few modifications it‟s still made the same way as 500 years ago.
6.2.14. Do all stunning rugs lead to Iran?
All stunning rugs lead to Iran. Is that right?
Perhaps not quite. There are beautiful rugs made all over the world. It must be my taste. Many rugs that I fancy lead to Iran. Not that I necessarily know that in advance. I see, I like, then I want to know the origin. Many times that origin turns out to be Iran. How coincidental.
As was the case with the rug above. The black and ivory combo sucked me in big time. Read the description and saw that it was a Tabriz designed carpet. With a Shah Abbas pattern. When did ABBA became a Shah? Ha, ha, ha. As a curiosity the black background is not, by the relevant auction house, defined as black. But noir. Where would the auction world be without French … ?
So Tabriz, whereabouts in Iran is this place located? In the very far north west corner as it turns out. It‟s a big city and a former capital. Cold winters, temperate summers. Rather complicated history with lots of wars and so forth.
Rugs have been made in the area for hundreds and hundreds of years. Almost adding up to a thousand. Today it‟s a hub for rug export in Iran. This has an effect on quality; it can be low it can be very very high. There‟s an abundance of designs. Have to keep up with the demand of the markets, eh?
Still like this rug.
7.2.14 A new Allmoge Cushions Context Board – No 10.
As you may know Allmoge Cushions are upcycled using various available vintage fabrics.
Upycling has not been going very well recently. Cause, for some reason or another, all of a sudden, there‟s a shortage of suitable materials.
Then I got lucky. Found some fabrics. Will publish the upcycling efforts in the next weeks or so. This is the first one out.
7.2.14. An Allmoge Cushions Contxt Board – No 10.
The 10th Allmoge Cushions Context board – time flies when you are having fun. This
one is reminiscing of a red hot library environment.
7.2.14. Funky Johansson decor. But of course!
Johansson. What a fabulous surname. Owned by me and about half of the Swedish population. And a few outsiders. Such as Scarlett Johansson.
But back to Sweden. Have today discovered Johanson (note one S only) Design. Actually, came across some Johanson furniture the other day (top photo). Today I found out more about the company. Seeing the furniture was like “Wow, like that golden base of table and chairs! Wow, like the design of the chairs! Wow, like that brown leather!”.
The furniture is from the 1970s. Thought so. What a decade of groovy bling it was.
Johanson Design, is a company based in Markaryd, southern Sweden. It‟s been around since 1953 and specialize in „timeless furniture with a sleek Scandinavian design‟. Best of all, however, is that basically all their manufacturing is carried out in their own factory. What! No outsourcing to China? Amazing.
By the way, the the design of those chairs is still in the making (slightly modified).
8.2.14. Economic stories behind amber glass.
Amber is such a beautiful colour, don‟t you think?
Before amber was a colour it was a substance known as fossilized tree resin. It wasn‟t until 1500 that amber in the English language also became associated with the yellow-orange colour of the material. Thus, these days the meaning of amber is twofold.
How interesting.
The automotive and transportation industries appear to have a total infatuation with amber. Think traffic lights and signal lights on cars. A dedicated amber room in the Catherine Palace outside Saint Petersburg show off both the colour and material most stunningly. So stunningly it disappeared during World War II. It was reconstructed after the war.
In a more humble context, there‟s also glass out there in an amber colour.
Cont‟d at http://bit.ly/1fSN33k
10.2.14. Philippe Starck swivels white and lime lucite.
There are some very creative people out there. Philippe Starck is most certainly one of them. Looking at his website makes my head spin – this bloke has designed everything! Sofas, bicycles, vehicles, tableware, white goods, lighting. You name it, Philippe has done it.
These Kartell Eros swivel chairs are one of his designs. They cost £375 each at Heal‟s and must be purchased in a colour set of 2. At Lots Rd Auctions (London) you could recently have picked up 4 white (alternatively 4 lime) for between £300-£500. Plus a premium of 20% on all the lots + VAT (24% including VAT). Still a lot a cheaper.
The chairs are made of lucite. Or plexiglass if you prefer. Poly(methyl methacrylate) to be totally correct. This material has a most interesting past. The origin of the substance goes back to the mid 1900s and innovations by various German chemists. It wasn‟t until 1936, however, that the first commercially viable production began. Success was greatly boosted by World War II when it was used for submarine periscopes, windshields, canopies, and gun turrets for airplanes.
Plexiglass is today made by Lucite International (based in the UK) who in turn is owned by Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd.
11.2.14. The tale of a Klingenthal pallasch.
Am not really a war person. War should be forbidden.
But let‟s pretend that you and I are in some kind of dispute, which for some stupid reason would end up in a fight. If this pallasch was my weapon you would have beaten me in about 1 minute. Maximum. If I used both hands. This piece is HEAVY. Well, let‟s not exaggerate, but considering its purpose this is ware made for strong people.
And you might be wondering what a pallasch is. I did. A simpler term is basket-hilted sword. It‟s bad, lethal. Let‟s leave it at that.
I find the inscription rather fascinating though. It adds provenance. And makes me curious about Klingenthal. Do some research. Ah, Klingenthal is a geographical location on the German/Czech Republic border. Population is around 8000 and the place has a history of musical instrument production.
Interesting, but don‟t think this is the Klingenthal I am looking for. A second effort reveals an excellent insight into the history of Klingenthal swords manufacturing. This is more like it. You can read it yourself. Just to highlight some key sentences:
Cont’d at: http://bit.ly/1ltQEX3
10.2.14. An Orrefors chandelier. Made in Sweden.
It‟s been almost seven months since the closure of the jewel in the crown of Swedish glass making – Orrefors. Closure of the glassworks that is. The brand is still alive cause manufacturing hasn‟t ceased, it‟s “only” moved overseas.
Just read an interview with the CEO of Orrefors, Magnus Andersson. To him it‟s no big deal that Orrefors glass and crystal is no longer Made in Sweden. Leaving matters status quo was not an option. Great losses were being made. Business is business and some times tough decisions have to be made. Who cares about Swedish pride (Orrefors glass has been made since 1898) and jobs?
Anyway, what about this chandelier? Orrefors started making lighting designs out of crystal in the 1920s and continued this production until the 1980s. In 2005 it was resumed. Interestingly, the description of this particular piece claims that it‟s made out of glass … Regardless, it‟s beautiful, has provenance and is currently for sale at an online auction. Check it out!
12.2.14. Kosmos, kerosene, whales and solar power. All in a lamp.
Kerosene saved the whales. Now the world needs to be saved from Kerosene. Such are findings resulting from seeing a little „Kosmos Brenner´ brand name locatad on a fine empire style table kerosene lamp.
The maker of the lamp is anonymous, but is thought to be of a 19th/early 20th century origin. But whilst the lamp is sweet, it was the abovementioned, rather spacey Kosmos name, that attracted my attention (Brenner is German for burner).
Kosmos came into being in 1865 via a burner patent lodged in the UK by a Germany company called Wild & Wessel. It wasn‟t until 1875 they began putting the name on the round winder knob. The mark was taken over in 1899 by Brokelman, Jager & Co at which point Kosmos and Brenner became one.
A Kosmos Brenner can burn kerosene. This is a kerosene lamp, and am sure it has been prettily useful at many dining occasions. Kerosene has, rather unbelievably, a long history. But to make a long story short it came into common use just a few years before the Kosmos Brenner.
Kerosene has many applications, but can also be toxic and bad for the environment. In regards to the latter though – as kerosene conquered the world, there was a corresponding decline in the whaling industry. There was no longer a demand for whale oil for lamps. A case of out of the ashes into the fire
Cont’d at: http://bit.ly/1lA2FKH
11.2.14. Behind all stunning Tiffany lamps there was all along a woman.
In America there‟s an individual who‟s a private Tiffany lamp broker. As such he assess the authenticity of Tiffany lamps. Among other relevant tasks I imagine. He estimates that out of 100 emails he gets only 4-5% are the real thing. Better presume then that whenever you see a Tiffany lamp it‟s a fake. Copy/remake are perhaps kinder words.
Needless to say, but I do it anyway, there‟s a massive difference in price. A real Tiffany, in good condition, unrestored or cleaned, would start at about $25,000. A new is around $130.
Father and Son Tiffany were arty people with astute business minds. Words of advise “Go after the money there is an art, but the art will be there just the same”.
Father Charles Lewis Tiffany had his jewellery. Son Louis Comfort Tiffany, the focus here, had his stained glass. Tiffany Jr was primarily a designer but also knew the practical side of his craft. With time, however, his role was more that of a manager, overseeing artistic and technical production.
Big production required a fair amount of skilled staff. The skilled staff worked in the name of Tiffany (studios), not their own. Part of the crew was Clara Driscoll. She was a very artistic woman and eventually became the director of Tiffany Studios‟ Women‟s Glass Cutting Department. As such she was much appreciated and earned a salary of $10,000 a year. Must have been a lot of money back then.
Cont’d at: http://bit.ly/1bI0Y7I
13.2.14. A major property player goes vintage. Well done!!
Back in January I wrote a post about a government department in Sweden decorating their new office with vintage and 2nd hand furniture.
Now I‟ve found another company doing the same, this time in the private sector. Two‟s a coincidence, three‟s a trend they say. I think Nr 3 will come around soon, because I have a hunch this is a trend that is here to stay.
AMF Fastigheter is one of Sweden‟s largest property investment and development companies, focusing mainly on urban commercial office and retail premises in Stockholm, with its main investment focus on Stockholm city centre.
The company had previously been housed in the same offices as its parent company (AMF Pensions). One day they thought it best to move out and live alone. On the initiative of CEO Mats Hederos, they wanted to work sustainability in their new home. Rather than gut out what had been there previously, they decided to consult an architectural firm on how to best repurpose. And to only use recycled “new” interior decor.
Must say I found it most interesting reading the evaluation of the procurement process. The design team had 12 weeks to get stuff together and the budget was a third less compared to a normal project. They searched high and low for appropriate recycled materials including Blocket (a Swedish version of ebay), charity shops and deceased estates.
It was highly time consuming and since time is money there were no real monetary savings. The winner, however, in AMF‟s view was the environment. Plus a unique decor to boast. Well done!
Article read in Dagens Industri 12 February, 2014.
13.2.14. The ideals of a spice rack.
The average Swedish home began its journey from poverty to modern in the early 20th century. Ideals were changing, society was changing, most importantly there was more money spent on public welfare. Decisions-makers knew that if Sweden was to prosper, Swedish people had to prosper.
The home was at the epicentre of the prosperity movement. It was to be sanitary and well designed. The kitchen in particular.
Seen above are spice racks (kryddhyllor). They became a staple of the modern kitchen, usually placed above the main workbench. Key items such as flour, sugar, salt and oatmeal grains were to be stored in an orderly, hygienic and easily accessible manner.
Spice racks also tell another story. Especially the bottom one (made by Rörstrand in the 1930s) with each compartment having a dedicated name. In addition to what‟s already been mentioned, the middle row imply storage for cinnamon, all spice, ginger, cardamom, etc.
Hm, expensive and exotic spices being a common occurrence already in the 1930s. Interesting. Thus it came to be that Sweden‟s rise from extreme poverty to wealthy nation can be seen from a spice rack perspective.
14.2.14. How to work vintage décor; Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 12.
Friday and time for a How to work vintage decor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 12. Purple is in the air. And so is 1970s groove.
A chandelier as seen at Gallery 25, Pimlico Rd, London. Cocktail glasses by anonymous. Wine glasses by Ryd Glassbruk, Sweden. Wine glasses in Echt Bleikristall. Fringed lamps by Hans Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd. Table and chairs by Johanson Design, Sweden. Floor seen in a café in Marseille.
14.2.14. Upcycled cushion making continues: Struggling though.
Well, it continues to be a struggle making upcycled Allmoge Cushions. There‟s still a shortage
of suitable fabrics. Even worse, something appears to have happened to the prices. Why is
the only way up?
15.2.14. Hans J Wegner furniture with a sustainable agenda.
Life is full of coincidences. The other day a sofa without cushions caught me eye. Even without cushions. Or perhaps because. Liked the sleek style and the fabulous wood. Which turned out to be oak. Design by Dane Hans J Wegner.
A few days later I purchase a magazine. Find a rather lengthy article about the very same Wegner. Having digested the content I get the feeling he was a most dedicated man. To his trade as a furniture designer. To chairs in particular (he designed over 500 of them). To wood. To sustainability.
Wegner was born in southern Denmark in 1914. Fourteeen years later he started life as a carpenter apprentice. Eventually he decided to specialize in making furniture. Collaborating with various other carpenters all manufacturing was small scale and hand made.
Until 1950. On the other side of the Atlantic in the land of milk and honey Interiors Magazine published a reportage about Danish furniture. An entire page was dedicated to Wegner‟s „Den Runde Stol‟ (The Round Chair).
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1lS7Zco
17.2.14. Porcelain: A revolution does not have to mean the end.
n a not so far away land, many many moons ago, there were repeated attempts to make fine porcelain. There were years of failure and big losses of money. But the struggle continued, porcelain was prestigious and the support of rich and powerful people meant that improvements in manufacturing were slowly being made. And then one day, perfection.
The No 1 man of the not so far away land was intrigued and eventually hooked. He and his First Lady On The Side became the main sponsors of porcelain making. Eventually even owners of the main production plant. Porcelain was a definite status symbol, an It product for the rich and powerful. Everyone had to have porcelain. Business was booming.
Time marched on. The rich and powerful were rich and powerful at the expense of poor people. One day they had had enough. They rebelled, they were very very angry. So angry they killed many of the rich and powerful. Including the No 1 man.
Porcelain making, who cared about porcelain making? Not many. With the No 1 man gone, direction was adrift. Previous customers were no more. Business was in a disarray.
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1cfXdJY
17.2.14. How to work vintage decor. Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 13.
The Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 13 is back in 1960s/1970s groove.
18.2.14. Meissen doing it on their own.
Who would have thought that the European porcelain industry would be sooo interesting? Not me.
Yesterday I wrote a post about porcelain from Sèvres in France. People involved in that company managed to crack the code for fine porcelain making due to industrial espionage by a Jesuit priest. He was over in China doing missionary assignments when he „out of interest‟ happened to come across the missing link, kaolin clay, which had eluded the Europeans. He wrote a couple of detailed letters to colleagues in Europe who got the porcelain ball rolling.
His first letter was dated 1712. Two or so years prior, however, mission had already been completed. Events had unfolded in Meissen in eastern Germany, which had enabled the production of the first European hard-paste porcelain outside of the Orient. It helped a great deal that Meissen is located near a massive deposit of kaolin clay.
Combined, the above led to a sharp decline of the profitable Chinese export of porcelain to the west. Joseph Schumpeter would have pointed to his thoughts on creative destruction.
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1kSocjJ
18.2.14. Paying a visit to a Painted Hall.
The Painted Hall at the Greenwich Naval College is very grand. Have visited on a few occasions. Well, at least twice. The last time I was inside was a couple of years ago. Then they painstakingly restored the place. Tried to get in again. There was a wedding on, so no, not allowed.
But this weekend I was. And wow, still a very amazing dining room. Now in splendid technicolour.
As I was standing there I was pondering the height of that ceiling. Was thinking maybe 15 metres. It‟s apparently 12.5. Not bad, does the job of working an imposing impression. And imposing it had to be, because this place is a celebration of mighty British naval power.
For a crash course in British Empire and Sea Power, 1714 – 1837 check out the BBC history site http://bbc.in/1hszDyg
19.2.14. Marshmallow business.
There is a somewhat different design of this sofa. They call it marshmallow and it dates back to 1956. An outcome of a casual design effort by George Nelson and Irving Harper. It‟s apparently quite comfortable.
The company behind the sofa is Herman Miller, specializing in office furniture, equipment and home furnishings. It started out in Michigan (US) in 1905 and knows that different sells, bland doesn‟t. This was a lesson learnt the hard way in connection with the Great Depression in the 1920s. Business was not going well, something had to be done. Something radical. Like changing style all together. Traditional wood furniture was ditched in favour of modernist design.
It was a route to success. Today Herman Miller is considered to be the most prolific and influential producer of furniture of the modernist style, over time having managed to produce items now viewed as icons of industrial design. But not only that. Herman Miller is a super trooper company also when it comes to workplace policies and sustainability.
Fab achievements. Almost sounds too good to be true. Then I read some content from their 2013 second quarter report on sales and earnings. Currently not all is so rosy; the report outlines a net loss of $1.37 per share over the period. Brian Walker, CEO, pointed to declining federal government demand in the U.S, mixed economic conditions in other markets around the world and restructuring of retirement plans as main obstacles to profitable business.
No one is immune from economic forces.
19.2.14. Bijar rugs: High altitude delectable.
I saw a rug I liked, and unbelievably, or maybe that should be believably considering past experiences, we are back in Iran. What would the rug world (my rug world?) do without Iran? Be lost is my guess. Iran = rugs.
So, what‟s up this time? Bijar. A city with around 52,000 people, living life almost 2000 metres up in the air. Thus nicknamed The Roof of Iran. What do they do up there? Seems like the whole world knows about the fine rug production going on. Me am just learning.
That Bijar rugs are known as „Iron rugs‟ because they are extremely hard wearing. It has to do with the weaving being very dense with the main purpose of keeping dirt out. The quality of weaving means that Bijar rugs are very durable, likely to last a life time. Or several.
From what I understand the rug makers of Bijar have no large-scale industrial weaving, and instead most of the rugs are home-produced. “Hm” I‟m thinking, is this a profitable business? Probably not for the makers.
By the way, the Annual Oriental Rug Market is estimated at $US3 billion. Wow.
20.2.14. Zebra printed Dux sofa in a boutique factory?
The story behind this zebra printed 1970s Dux sofa begins with a bed.
In 1925 a Swedish chap named Efraim Ljung was in Chicago (USA) on business. He stayed in a hotel and had a very good sleep. The best ever in fact. He put it down to the bed, it sure was something else! After a bit of detective work he realised the secret was using springs in the mattress.
Efraim went back to Sweden, with his head full of mattress ideas. He began experimenting with various spring solutions. In 1926 he had perfected the technology and launched his company Dux (beds). Later it also began making other types of furniture.
Dux has always had a reputation for making top of the range quality pieces with impressive longevity. The company is still standing. Just. Seems like it‟s been through a few tough years. At the beginning of 2013 they had to close a production plant and relocate head office.
They are now optimistic; demand for quality and longevity is on the rise and they have opted to invest in Sweden‟s first boutique factory concept. Until a few hours ago I had never heard of this concept before. Sounds rather upmarket. And it is, if one is to believe Wikipedia, which states that
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1l0RA7J
21.2.14. Benefits of keeping an eye on local production.
What to think of this hall table? The ambience is all 1960s/70s. Some times I like this style, some times I don‟t. In this case I‟m not so sure about those plastic white fronts on the drawers. Looks spacey, which is OK. The plastic is in a good condition too considering wear and tear. Overall though, hm, need to think a bit more.
What about the maker? Nybrofabriken Fröseke (now only Fröseke) is located in the southern parts of Sweden, in a region known as Småland. Furniture has been made in Fröseke since the late 1800s. And so has glass ranging from windows to mirrors.
I am all for local manufacturing. I like the idea of local produce and the jobs and skills that comes with it. Another idea that has occurred to me in connection with research done for this post is that it‟s possible to keep an eye on production. If the production is local it‟s pretty difficult to claim ignorance when it comes to child labour, miniscule pay rates and environmental impact.
Which brings me back to Fröseke and glass production. Glass production appears to be bad for the environment. At least it used to be back in the days. Found a report stating that land and water in Fröseke is highly contaminated. From previous use and not so careful handling of chrome, cadmium and arsenic. Photographs of the area show red coloured soil.
A most sad state of affairs. But how great that modern production is more in tune with environmental preservation. In some parts of this globe.
21.2.14. How to work vintage décor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 14.
What‟s happening here? A bit of this and a bit of that. As per usual then.
22.2.14. We know where you went, but where did you come from?
Some things take a long time coming. But are perhaps worth waiting for.
Take this muslingestol (Clam Chair) designed in 1944. For decades it lived life like Plain Jane. Then, just in the last couple of years, price has skyrocketed. These chairs now have star status.
Much has been written about the origins of the Clam Chair. I‟m not an expert so who am I to elaborate? Life of a Plain Jane is usually not very exciting. People aren‟t really interested. When Plain Jane becomes famous around six decades later, people all of a sudden rise to attention. But too late? Details of provenance are gone with the wind. At least very fuzzy.
First the chairs were perceived to be Norwegian. Around 2008 or so prominent Norwegian National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design announced that the chairs were designed by Norwegian Martin Olsen and manufactured by the furniture company VIK & BLINDHEIM in the 1950s. These turned out be false claims.
They are in fact Danish. According to Danish auction house Bruun Rasmussen, a correct description is Phillip Arctander: Clam chair, designed 1944. Made in the late 1940s for Nordisk Staal & Møbel Central. As things stand.
The importance of provenance is nothing new. Found a rather interesting web page on the subject.
24.2.14. How to work vintage decor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 15.
A marshmallow sofa. An art deco shelf. A feather + clarinet lamp. A bijar rug. Two Philippe Starck transparent lucite chairs. An Orrefors chandelier. Plus two upcycled cushions.
24.2.14. Nice pair of candelabras. Oskariana style. But not the obvious one.
So much goes into spelling. Much more than you think. Even in the age of www. Or perhaps especially in the age of www.
Type Oskariana in your favourite search engine and you get a number of (Swedish) websites elaborating on King Oscar II of Sweden. Now try Oscariana and you get pages after pages of references to Oscar Wilde. If you know nothing about nothing it‟s easy to be confused. Especially as the Swedish King spelt his own name Oscar, not Oskar.
Deary, deary me.
Oscar Wilde was a very famous person. On a global level. Much more so than the King. Which is rather interesting considering that once upon a time a King was second only to God. But that was of course in France, hundreds of years ago. Not relevant today. At all.
But, nevertheless, this post is about King stuff. Oscar II was king in a turbulent political time (1872-1907). He had his hands full dealing with both international and national events. When he became king Sweden was in a union with Norway. Two years before his death, the union was dissolved. It apparently broke his heart.
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1hL4CWs
25.2.14. An Arabia business outlook.
Arabia porcelain has been made in Finland since 1874. Initially it was a subsidiary of Swedish porcelain maker Rörstrand. In the 1930s it had 1500 employees and was one of the largest porcelain factories in Europe.
Establishing a ceramic factory in Finland was a move to cash in on a booming economy. Domestic competition was, however, rather stiff and it took time to get business flowing. How fortunate then that Russia is just next door to Finland. By the 1890s 1/3 of production was exported to this market. And others, such as Europe and North America.
Then things got a bit difficult for a while. A rather long while, there were political tensions all around. Arabia decided to focus on the home market. It continued to produce range after range of coffee cups and the like, collaborating with various famous designers. Business survived and was eventually back on track.
In the late 1920s, Arabia became a majority shareholder of the company. Rörstrand was thus out of the picture. It continued to be an independent business until the early 1980s. At this point Wärtsilä acquired Arabia (see cups above). To me an interesting move. Today Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. Porcelain does not quite fit into the picture …
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1bJnsui
25.2.14. Cocktail popularity.
In my younger years I used to drink a fair amount of cocktails. The weather was sweet, the prices fine. Then I moved to locations where the sun shone less frequently and prices were not so reasonable. I never really went back to drinking cocktails. Usually being highly delectable they dry up all too quickly. And it‟s all so tedious to wait for them being made.
Drinking cocktails looks very chic though. Especially in fancy glasses such as these. Perfect for a Daiquiri, Martini, Manhattan, Cosmopolitan or similar. The two latter ones point to the origin of cocktails. USA. Or is it the UK? Opinions beg to differ.
Fairly clear though is that for over 200 years, the word cocktail has had the same meaning; spirits mixed with various kinds of sugars and bitters.
Cheers to that.
26.2.14. Drop-leaf tables, an Earl and Bruno Mathsson.
I would spontaneously call this type of table a flap table. But that does not appear to be the correct term. Drop-leaf table should be the way to address this most practical innovation. Anyone who has (or have had) limited space knows the benefits. When not required one or two of the flaps, sorry leafs, are folded down making it almost inconspicuous. When required there‟s enough seating for up to 8 people. At least. I know cause I‟ve got one.
From what I understand the origins of drop-leaf tables are in 16th century England. Known as gateleg tables they were further refined by Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke in the 18th century. Why would an Earl bother with refining a practical table? Do Earls do practical? It‟s not like they are short of space … But of course there are important aspects such as bedside meals to consider.
But over to Sweden and a table (Maria flap) designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1936. Fourth generation carpenter (some say 5th) who ventured his own way becoming a celebrated furniture designer and architect he knew his stuff. This table is pretty fantastic in its design, don‟t think I‟ve ever seen anything like it. Maybe that is why the asking price is much higher than I anticipated.
Bruno Mathsson had most of his furniture made by Firm Karl Mathsson (his father‟s). What happened to that I haven‟t been able to ascertain. Perhaps it withered away after Bruno‟s death in 1988.
27.2.14. The politico-economics of Persian Rugs.
This stunning rug could have been yours for around £6000 – £8000 (at Lots Rd Auctions, London). Part silk, it‟s a typical Haji Jalili design with soft jade and gold vines and palmettes within borders.
Haji Jalili was a very famous rug (carpet) maker in the Marand region near Tabriz in north-western Iran in the late 19th century. Haji Jalili was a man. Rug making in Iran is a man‟s business, skills having been passed down from father to son for thousands of years.
Making a rug takes a long time, at least a year. Full-time. When finished the man may (depending on quality and size) receive $3,600 (2004) for his (and his family‟s) efforts. If he can sell it at all.
It‟s estimated that almost 15% of the Iranian population is involved in making rugs. It‟s a cottage industry. As such rugs are unique and distinctive and usually of high quality. But in an age of industrialisation, cottage industries are vulnerable. Even if there‟s lower quality involved, mass production means cheaper. People like cheap.
After oil, rugs are Iran‟s most important export (12% of the total). Iran is in a vulnerable stage of
economic development. Has been for years. In 1979 there was an Islamic revolution. Then there
was a quest for nuclear energy. None of these events went down very well in the West. Embargoes
were imposed.
Contd at: http://bit.ly/1o8sHUM
27.2.14. It’s nothing personal. But I’m just not that into Eva.
This chair is an icon. Designed by Bruno Mathsson in Sweden in 1934 and entitled the Eva chair. I don‟t like it.
Think it must have something to do with that woven webbed seat. Not the webbing as such, it‟s actually quite funky, but the colour and texture.
A couple of years earlier Bruno had designed a chair intended for the decor of a hospital (the Grasshoper chair). Relevant people thought it was downright ugly. Sooner rather than later it was stashed away in some obscure corner.
When I see this chair I can strongly relate to that story. Icon or not.
28.2.14. How to work vintage décor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 16.
How to work vintage decor: Allmoge Cushions Context Board No 16 displays Gio Ponti
armchairs, Max Ingrand table, Meissen vases, Satsuma vases, Maiolica vase, crystal prism
chandelier and Oskariana candelabras. Plus two upcycled Allmoge Cushions.
28.2.14. Danish furniture design and being a late industrialier.
A hip, sleek table lamp with a bright yellow shade and chrome base. Made by Frank Bentler in Denmark some time in the 1960s.
Who was Frank? Not sure, haven't really been able to find any in-depth info. But Frank wasn't really the focus of this post anyway. Frank was only a link to Denmark and the subject of late industrialisation.
Really? How interesting. Well, yes, I think so. Being Swedish, and having been brought up just next door to Denmark, I've never thought of the country as a late industrialiser. Today, Denmark tops the league of the happiest nations on the planet. In my mind a sign of affluence and well-being. Which is usually a result of a modern economy, that in turn usually encompass a high level of industrialisation.
It wasn't really Frank that enlightened me about Denmark's lateness. It was Hans. As in Hans J Wegner that I posted about last week. In connection with relevant research I stumbled upon Wikipedia text on the background of Danish design. Late industrialisation was mentioned.
Denmark's late industrialisation combined with a tradition of high-quality craftsmanship formed the basis of gradual progress towards industrial production.
Cont‟d at: http://bit.ly/1pCu4yt
