Standing the test of time

Wednesday, November 19, 1930. Talk of imminent European war was predicted by former Ambassador Henry Morgenthau. A parachute for safely lowering airplanes experiencing “engine difficulty” was successfully tested at Wright air field. Rail freight loadings, an economic indicator, were down for the month and year. All this in that Wednesday’s edition of the Wall Street Journal.

What wasn’t published was news of a particular birth in Altavista, Virginia. Being a mountain girl, Carrie was born for a rugged life. Yet, her family had a lineage of some nobility and traces of a Jacobean past were evident from the day of her birth. Her family, the Lane’s, knew that Carrie's strength would not eliminate her beauty and grace. It was a part of her. Carrie traveled a bit, held several jobs and is now a still young 82 years of age. She has kept her beauty because, from the very start of her life, she associated only with the finest of folks. Even when she left her mountain home, people saw she was special and treated her with deference.  Carrie is now willing to show others how being strong is a thing of beauty. 

A bit older than Carrie is another gal that has grown more beautiful with age. Defying the usual ravages of time, Victoria has likely enjoyed spending afternoons in a garden room.  She’s enjoyed afternoon teas, reading alone and with children and quiet times enjoying the company of other gentle souls. And, still, she’s not hard on the eyes at all. As several ladies, who had stopped by the Redeux Spa before Victoria was ready for her new debut, said, “What a beautiful shape”. I certainly agree.

Just in case you start thinking that I’m spending too much time with the ladies, let me assure you that the men have kept me busy, too.   

Currier and Ives have required a bit of attention and so has a very clever little tailor.  

Made of oak, sturdy yet lightweight, this little fellow is now retired from tailoring and ready to hold lamps, pictures or other collectibles. 

Some smaller, yet no less beautiful, pieces that have just come in are several wood boxes with various inlays, designs and shapes. Great for bureau tops to keep things tidy, on a knick- knack shelf and they also make nice little gifts for friends.

We also have several carved wood ducks and an authentic, vintage floating decoy. Great for your favorite outdoors-man's bath time.

and an elegant pair of Georgian brass candlesticks.

And now for some very exciting news. 

Have you ever met someone who had so much talent that you knew they were special? Have you ever met that type of person when they were just starting out on their life’s journey? 

The Redhead and I have recently met an artist whose work is, well, so many things: beautiful, insightful, touching. Her uses of colors and shapes are refreshingly new. Several of the pieces I have seen are…stunning. Seriously. They will stand the test of time.

Debbie and I are very pleased and honored that painter, Lauren Aronoff, has agreed to use some of our furniture pieces as her painting “canvases”. In addition, we will carry some of her work on canvas and other mediums. Ms. Aronoff’s work will be shown here at a reception/opening planned for September. Details will be forthcoming. Redeux List recipients will also be notified directly by email. This will be an event not to miss.  Lauren Aronoff, painter. Very special.

Hope to see you soon,

Bill