The Redeux First Christmas Celebration was a great success
with lots of friends of Redeux stopping by and having a cozy evening of
conversation, food and lots of laughter. We all enjoyed it so much that The
Redhead is making plans for another get- together sometime soon.
During the evening everyone had the chance to see some of
the latest finished pieces and additions to our gallery of art. Since then some
new additions have been finished and are ready to celebrate the holidays in a
new home.
Pride of place, that is what this couple deserves. Recently liberated
from the attic of a Connecticut River estate, this pair is again strutting
their stuff. And what old rooster wouldn’t strut with a chick like this at his
side? This couple has been together since about the 1940’s. Kept cooped up indoors
for the past 60 years or so, they would feel very much at home next to a
hearth, atop a credenza or similar piece of furniture or just about anywhere that
would let them show off a bit. They are made of cast cement and are hand
painted with great patina and aging. Perfect for the holidays when folks come home to roost or to give as an
anniversary gift to a couple who thinks they have seen it all!
Speaking of hearths – this pair of art-deco andirons is
great! They have real patina and proof of use, but are ready for more. They are
simple, yet elegant.
You’ll get a kick out of these cast feet. Not sure if they
are from a boot maker’s shop (definitely for a kids shoe or a very small size)
or a shoeshine stand (think railway station) but these pieces also have an
art-deco look and are period correct. Many possibilities for them – door stops,
art sculpture pieces or maybe even some very different looking shelf brackets.
Let there be light! A few more floor lamps are now ready.
They are made from iron and seem to date from 1920 -1930’s.
Play me a tune. For over one hundred years this Victorian
piano bench has heard everything from Mozart to Tin Pan Alley, from Big Band Swing
to Woody Guthrie and beyond. It has heard it all. The piece is unusual and I
don’t think I’ll see anything quite like it anytime soon – if ever again. It
has its original Victorian finish which has been gently revived in the Redeux
Spa.
Other pieces, such as this small stand made by an E.A. Fuller in 1874, are coming upstairs as soon as they are ready. This little piece is only about 8 inches high and is covered by a galvanized tin top. There are no signs of it ever having a fabric cover so it was probably made to be a plant stand. The primitive signature gives it a special quality. Might it have been a gift from a young man to...? Hmm.
You’ll notice when you stop by some of the new decorating in the
shop. We now have beautiful new curtains on the windows and at the back of the
shop. More changes are coming soon as we plan to adapt to our growth (Thanks to
you!). Not to worry. The changes are only for better display and some behind-the-scenes
changes to our “spa” area. Redeux will always remain true to our purpose –
offering you the finest and most interesting American vintage furniture, art
and accessories... affordably.
Many of you that have come by often tell me how much you
enjoy visiting at Redeux. I’m honored and delighted because Redeux means
a lot to me. Now, I’d like your help, again.
The Redhead and I have been giving
lots of thought as to how to make Redeux even better than it is. We have some
ideas - but would really appreciate yours. So, when you have the time, please
call or email me with one or two things you would like to see at Redeux. More
variety of items? Different hours? You tell me. For any idea that we use we’ll
figure out some special way to thank you.
Lastly, the Redeux Book Club has room for a few more
members. We read nearly all genres of books. Each member gets to choose the
“book of the month”, so the variety of books is ever changing and exciting. We
meet here at the shop once a month at 7:00 P.M. and enjoy books, conversation,
some refreshments, lots of fun and good friendship. If you’d like to join us
give us a call at the shop, 203-522-5588.
Our next meeting here at Redeux is Wednesday,
January 18, 7:00 P.M. The book we will be discussing is “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham
Verghese.
Stop by, say hello, tea
is on. And don’t forget to send me your ideas for Redeux.
Hope to see you soon,
Bill
