Apollo Magazine - Then and Now

For inspiration we keep old interiors, arts and design magazines. Recently I came across an October issue of Apollo Magazine dating back to 1966, which featured paintings, furniture, book reviews and design, and an array of ads for high-end antique dealers

Founded in 1925 and published monthly, Apollo is one of the world’s oldest and most respected magazines on the visual arts. It covers everything from antiquities to contemporary work, as well as providing in-depth discussion of the latest art news and debates; exclusive interviews with the world’s greatest collectors and artists; expert information on the market, authoritative guidance on collecting, and reviews and previews of exhibitions worldwide

While Apollo magazine today is still current, there is a huge difference from the content that we see in 1966. While the Apollo of today focuses on Beyoncé donating jewelry to the V&A, or 40 artists under 40, there is a vast difference in content from 1966. In this issue there was a specific focus on 17th-18th century a nod back to Irish furniture crafted during that period, plaster works and Celtic-style carvings. On the cover above we can see a banqueting house, referred to as 'The Temple of the Winds', which was designed by James Stuart for Robert Stewart, later known as Lord Londonderry.

Many of the pieces photographed and featured in this issue show mahogany and walnut furnishings dating back as far as the 1730's. Many of these pieces have motifs such as claw feet, lion and goblin masks, and zoomorphic and botanic carvings, a vast difference from the more minimalist trends of today.  We can see these motifs shown in the chair below, from the Malahide collection.

Ronald Reagan's Blanket

Following on from our last Vintage Wednesday on Sybil Connolly's fabric, we have another piece from the 1980's in our shop. In the past, Martin-Hudson & Gibson produced 3 wool blankets for Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States and radio, film and television actor. They were made for the use of the guest bedrooom at the US Ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park in Dublin for Regan's visit in 1984. In the end only 2 were used, and the remaining blanket is here at 51 Sandycove Road. 

Ronald Wilson Reagan, 1911-2004

The blanket at Martin-Hudson & Gibson, 51 Sandycove Road, Dublin.

The blanket is a simple cream 100% natural pure new wool with a satin border. It is an alternative to the modern duvet and is a little piece of history.

It was produced by Foxford Woolen Mills situated by the River Moy in County Mayo and is one of the last working mills in Ireland. Founded by Irish Sister of Charity Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, it overcame many challenges over the years but it continues to succeed. Today it is a thriving mill, especially after its modernisation including the addition of a visitor's centre and restaurant. Foxford have four stores in Ireland and many all over the world. They began producing these traditional bed blankets when they were first established and have been doing so ever since. 

Source: http://www.foxfordwoollenmills.com/

Lucy Kiernan.

Warner Grand Panel

A perfect match of 70's Style.
A curtain of Warner Grand Panel chintz on a Kirsch Atavio Gothic Rail.

By Elisa Pérez Manso

Vintage Wallpaper

Cole&Son - Canonbury Flock

This installation of Coles Canonbury  damask wallpaper was fitted in Mountjoy Square in the 80's. 
Coles periodically recolour & reinvent their designs to reflect the current trend and the smaller picture shows their current offering in flock.  


Posted by: Alessandra Petrecca

Our James Joyce window was anticipated by Giuseppe 
Arcimboldo.He also anticipated the Four Seasons sculptures 

by Philip Haas about to go on display at the Dulwich 

Picture Gallery along with works by Andy Warhol. See 

the splendid centrefold of Monday the 18th's Guardian newspaper.

James Joyce

after

Giuseppe Arcimboldo

1527-1593

created by

Alessandra Canfield Petrecca

&

Aislinn Ni Fhearghail

He said yes to our Queen Anne chair.

For this Vintage Wednesday we have acquired a unique 1950's fabric which can be used in a variety of different Interior Styling, From curtains to minor upholstery. 

 
By Marcelo Artur Cecill & Rebecca Reid

Our Bacon Table

Check out our Bacon table, the newest edition to our upcycled furniture collection. Inspired by Francis Bacon's workshop and originally painted by Lu Pan, it's available here instore for the quirky price of 1000 guineas.




Posted by: Ciara Russell

Upcycling Vintage Furniture

Upcycling furniture to give to a new lease of life is big in 2012. Check out some of our decorative painting which we did here instore.

Here is our decoratively painted standard lamp. It has a splatter effect on the base and a two tone effect on the shaft of the lamp.

Also here is a decoratively painted coffee table embellished with accents of wallpaper on the top and bottom in a beautiful damask pattern.

Posted by Ciara Russell

Vintage Lampshades

We have a range of vintage lampshades in stock at present. All were made by Mary Fitzsimmons, Ireland's top lampshade maker, between 1975 and 1995.

The shade above dates from the 1970s, and the batik is by Bernadette Madden. (SOLD)

This 1980s shade also features Bernadette Madden batik.

The above shade uses a Warner Print, and is from the 1990s. (SOLD)

Vintage Warner Fabrics

All of these wonderful fabrics were designed by an American designer by the name of Greeff for Warner & Sons. Greeff spent a lot of his time travelling and he was inspired by the sights and different cultures in which he came across on his many adventures. The inspiration from Greeff's travels can be seen in the many fabrics he designed.

We have a limited amount of these fabrics for sale in our vintage department including the ones listed below.

Shelducks and Mallards

Shelducks and Mallards

Kimono Stripe

Chinese Nightingale

Jasmine and Jade

Milan arm chair

It is hard to get a neat tub chair. One of the classics is the Milan.

Produced in large number by Harry Redmond of Restmond Products in Dublin from the 50's onwards. With no dimension greater than 70mm it will fit into fairly compact spaces and is superbly comfortable.