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- September 5th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
The perfect hostess
Some people find it strange that even the Queen personally shows her guests on a State Visit to their suite of rooms at Buckingham Palace; Carla Bruni Sarkozy was the most recent to remark on it. I think it proves that whoever you are, making guests
- September 4th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Dorico column cupboard
The enduring interest and admiration for the work and design of Fornasetti has been expressed at an auction in Munich recently where this Dorico cupboard was sold for EUR11,000 (against an estimate of EUR4-7,000).I featured the same cupboard in my p
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
The balloons go up
These six Mongolfiere plates by Fornasetti also sold at the same auction for EUR3,800 (well above their estimate of EUR1,600-2,000.
- September 3rd, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Apollo 13 returns
The little local difficulties seem to have been resolved. Something more inspired in the coming days, but in the meantime this mishmash of items which includes the "Mondo" cabinet by Paul Smith for Cappellini, a fifties "Medal" ice bucket and "75053
- September 2nd, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Houston...
we have a problem. Not clear whether my inability to upload photos or write a post in the usual fashion is a "little local difficulty" related to the "State of Emergency" imposed in Bangkok this morning, or whether it's a more widespead Google/Blogsp
- September 1st, 2008
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Columnist has updated his friends list.
- August 29th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
For the nation
Diana & Actaeon Diana & CallistoThese two Titian's have been on loan to the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh by the Duke of Sutherland since 1945 and he has now offered them to the gallery for GBP100m, (considered a knock down price
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
From my house, to your palace
Queen Victoria is said to have remarked to the Duchess of Sutherland: "I have come from my house to your palace", in reference to the magnificence of Stafford House (above) when she visited, (from her equally grand abode, Buckingham Palace). As with
- August 28th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
A cat amongst the pigeons
This is what I had in mind in yesterday's post regarding using the wirework inside as a decorative object, and it meets Be the change's suggestion of an "aged" look. I notice the cat seems to have turned around between photos; perhaps the "bird" has
- August 27th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Getting wired
Although these three pieces are for the garden, they would of course work just as well inside. The pricing details on the first two items may well be as out of date as the availability of the pagoda, as they are all from tear outs some time ago. Age
- August 26th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Understated drama
Green, red, symmetrical, modern and neoclassic. Unexpected, but it works. Perfectly.
- August 24th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
X man
Well, an X ottoman, by Ashley Hicks, son of the late David, proving that talent can be in the genes. This hand-sewn saddle leather cushion sits on a wooden X frame, elegantly crafted and looking as though it defies gravity. For me it is somewhat remi
- August 23rd, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Dappled (de-) light
Under the Greenwood Tree: George Henry RA, RSA, RSW 1858-1943. Oil on Canvas. Estimate GBP20-30,000. Sotheby's Scottish & Sporting Pictures, 26 August 2008. I want. (Doesn't always get.)
- August 22nd, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Scenic wall painting
Work with me on this one. I'm not loving much about this room, (hate the armchairs, lamps etc), but I think its only redeeming feature is the scenic wall painting. In the post on blue and white trompe l'oeil I agreed with one commentator that it was
- August 21st, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Doing the Egyption
I find myself being drawn towards these colour combinations - pastel purples, mauves, with whites or creams. I particularly like this Empire-style chair, with its Scandinavian (Gustavian) colourings; further Empire-effects appear to be repeated in t
- August 20th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Seating in bedrooms
There's something very inviting about having seating in a bedroom, and this daybed at the foot of the four poster is a good example. But a sofa there, or an end-of-bed stool would do just as well. If you have plenty of space, positioning these in th
- August 19th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Shaggy hair
It is unclear where the art of weaving velvet originated; some suggest in Kashmir, others that it came to Europe from Persia. Different types of fibres are now used, including synthetic, but those involving silk were considered the most extravagant.
- August 18th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Really old China
After the less than interesting pieces of furniture in Friday's post, I thought it only appropriate that there should be a treat.In the top picture an elegant wooden settee with rattan-covered headrests is surrounded by exquisite fabrics from Fadini
- August 15th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Me old China
I quite often start a post stating that such and such originated in China, and it should come as no surprise with this one, to state that blue & white china came from...well, China.From Henan province to be precise, and as early as the C9th. By
- August 14th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Cane, but not able
I don't mind cane furniture, but in its place. And its place should be a verandah, or a conservatory. These pieces look as though they are in a substantial room of the house, but at a pinch I suppose they could be the "garden room", as there are Fre
- August 13th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Their simple side
This is from the same house designed by Collett-Zarzycki. Flashes of these very simple, uncluttered areas are so dramatic.
- August 12th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Eclecticism
Collett-Zarzycki think of their work as "considered", and it's easy to see why. Although there is a vast array of different pieces from around the world in this London apartment, they have been put together seamlessly. This image is from the bedroom
- August 11th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
A true classicist
This is the work of David Easton, a true classicist."This loft differs greatly from my earlier apartment....I have travelled in another direction with this space to create a less decorated look. Although I wanted to make the loft classical in concep
- August 8th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
On being dizzy
My apologies to Peak of Chic, Studio Annetta, Topsy Turvy, Toby Worthington, Ann, Paul Pincus, Jane at Atticmag and Please Sir for not publishing your comments to various posts until today. I recently added the moderator facility to comments and tho
- August 7th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
The reality of city life (2)
At busy areas of the very cluttered pavements in Bangkok blind beggars play "music" to solicit money to support their life. The city's jungle can be very harsh. This exhibit of a series of black and white pictures in a louvered panel formation, is f
- August 6th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Going haywire?
Or fuzzy logic, (in both senses)? This is the window display at Toshiba's shop in Bangkok.
- August 5th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Life scented
If I read another piece of blurb on a hotel website about scented candles, (and why that should enhance my experience at staying at the establishment), I think I will gag.What is it with scented candles? They're nice enough, and indeed I have sung t
- August 4th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Something to smile about
Not all credit crunches are created equal. Sunninghill Park, dubbed Southyork, after similarities made between it and the house in the American soap Dallas, was the home given by the Queen to Prince Andrew and Sarah Duchess of York after their marria
- August 1st, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Le credit crunch
As has happened in the United States, so in France. The Chateau de la Varvasse near Chanonat in the Auvergne is not selling, despite its current ownership by the former president of France, Valery Giscard d'Estaing.The C15th chateau has been extensi
- July 31st, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Another sort of jungle
Well certainly a contrast to yesterday's description of the poverty that exists in a concrete jungle. This Herend leopard measuring 17 inches is for sale at auction with an estimate of USD1-2,000. It is somewhat reminiscent of the diamond-encrusted C
- July 30th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
The reality of city life
"Bangkok, the City of Angels, is not meant for all. Amidst is high rise buildings and fancy lifestyles are rural newcomers who are drawn to the city and urbanization to escape grinding poverty. Left behind are their ancestral ties and a simpler way o
- July 29th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Through glass, starkly
More reproduction chimneypieces from Jamb, with various neo classical objets. To avoid a museum-like presentation, I wouldn't reproduce these rooms as they are shown, but rather use some of the elements, and add in something modern and very unfussy,
- July 28th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Playing with new toys
Apart from the obvious need to change the height, these are the two newly acquired Chinese School pictures. It's strange how pictures dramatically alter the feel of a room, and these two, in place of the C18th French architectural prints are no excep
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
- July 25th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Tea with Jam(b)
This is part of a room set from the showroom of Jamb in London. Jamb sells antique and reproduction items, of neo classical pieces, such as this chimneypiece, plinth with marble bust, and marble statuary. For me this is quintessentially my style, inc
- July 24th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
The cherry on the cake
This rare and magnificent set of of two armchairs in cherrywood can be interlocked to form a chaise longue; one of them has a high back and the other a low one. They are signed by Andre Goult and dated 1921 and caught my eye in Vallois on the rue de
- July 23rd, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
The Pheasant Bedroom
These are the remaining images from the Thomas Pheasant house that I threatened to show in the last post on Pheasant. I hope you will agree that his work is worthy of further exposure. There are two Biedermeier pieces, one to the left of the fireplac
- July 22nd, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
With cream
If I needed an internet cafe right now it would have to look like this. When I need one it probably wont.
- July 21st, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Let a thousand flowers blossom
"Burnt" Yellow orchids in a lacquer vase in the hallway. Pink roses in a silver bucket on the newly named "bling" table, (formerly known as a "tablescape"). "Elephant ear" leaves in a Chinese yellow-glazed pot.The quieter streets of Bangkok over thi
- July 18th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Trading places
This pair of C19th China Trade pictures are the latest acquisition to my growing collection of art, from an auction in Chicago. Having lived for many years in Hong Kong these are a period and style that I have coveted for many years. In a previous li
- July 17th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Khao Pansa (Lent)
Tomorrow is the start of the Buddhist Lent, so Bangkok is enjoying a period of relative calm, as many residents have taken the opportunity of the long weekend, (which starts today with Asalha Puja - the commemoration of the Buddha's first sermon in
- July 16th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Cornucopia of talent
The cat that got the cream, or at least half of the head of the sculpture next door,(Monday's incomplete head). An artist's struggle I. An artist's struggle II.
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
- July 14th, 2008
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Columnist has posted a new entry on: The Corinthian Column
Feeling a bit light-headed
An exhibition currently running at one of the top shopping malls in Bangkok is entitled "Passion of Thai Modern Art" and includes a number of sculptures in the forecourt. There is a variety of media, and all of it of extremely high quality.When I am
