Each of us has been asked that question. When the question was
recently put to me the response that initially came was that I owned a vintage
furniture shop. But, is that really what I do? I don’t think so.
Every “buying” trip the Redhead and I make turns into an
adventure. We don’t just look for stuff. In many ways we seek… America. Now, before
you get the idea that this is just pre-Independence Day sentimentality, let me
assure you it is not.
Turn of the century to 1950’s furniture and furnishings
reflected a time period in which we witnessed wars, The Great Depression, boom
times and simple times. All of it leading up to a style that
Tom Wolfe described as,
from Bauhaus to Our House.
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| wash stand circa 1900 |
The American furniture of the early 1900’s was designed to serve
the needs and tastes of Industrial tycoons, a middle class and even the newly
arriving immigrants - needing only sturdy, reliable furnishings.
All of it had style
and, by much of today’s standards, an elegance. Certainly and thankfully, it
was made to last.
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| ladies writing desk circa 1920's |
Need dictated what would become more common. Chiffarobes
came into more widespread use when clothing became more plentiful but homes
still had limited closet space. Now, closets have, seemingly, become rooms onto
themselves.
Desks and bookcases went from fairly rare handmade pieces to mass
produced necessities when letter writing was an art and books were found in
every home. Flat screens, on the wall and in our laps, seem to have replaced
both.
Or have they? Certainly our customers at Redeux have a sensibility for
things measured beyond that of megapixels.
So. What do I do? Perhaps, historical preservation best
describes it - Learning something of the history of America through the things
we used and doing my best to ensure that they continue to be preserved and used.
I’m honored that you’re joining me.
Other than waxing philosophical, I have been able to get
some work done these past couple of weeks.
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| Empire bookcase |
A late Empire period mahogany
bookcase is ready. It has double glass doors, adjustable shelves and stands 62”
high and 36” wide. Ample sized, but not overpowering. Being late Empire it has
the signature curves and corbelling but its lines are simpler than some early
pieces.
 |
| White Sewing Machine marble top table |
A nice conversation piece, as well as being very functional,
is
a table fashioned from a cast iron “White Sewing Machine” base and marble
top. It is very charming and the marble adds a touch of elegance. Great as a
side or plant table.
 |
| farm style gate-leg drop leaf table with chairs |
You asked for it! We’ve received several requests to find a
nice
farm-style table. We now have one.
Made of beautiful pine, the table has
gate-leg drop leaves and is 6 feet in length. It comes with two arm chairs and
four side chairs. All have rush seats. This is a beautiful set.
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| Oak office chair (2) |
For the home office, we have obtained two
sturdy oak chairs
with arms. Nicely proportioned and comfortable.
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| Westinghouse vintage table fan |
Chill, baby! Our vintage Westinghouse and General Electric
table fans will make you
look and feel cool.
Hold onto the cat, though. These
babies really move the air!
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| country table oak stain and chalk paint |
Just finished is a really nice little
oak table with drawer.
This was really a “rescue job”.
Funny, all the little dings and scratches now
add a real character to its color-restored natural finish top and farm-white
chalk painted legs and skirting. This would be a beautiful kitchen or accent
table or a fantastic desk.
This weekend, June 23rd, we’ll be having another demonstration of our
special “chalk painting”. The Victorian
table that was painted black will have an interesting pattern added to it. Stop
by and see the work being done. The Redhead will be here, too! On June 30th many of our fellow Black Rock Merchants will be having another Saturday at the Rock event. Don't miss this one!!
Now a question. Would you like Redeux to carry vintage
jewelry? Perhaps some jewelry pieces made from vintage parts? We've been approached with the possibility of having this in our shop. Please let us know if this would be of interest to you.
Hope to see you soon. Stop by, see what's being given "the spa treatment", have a chat over tea/coffee.
Bill
