News

Too often when people think of 18th Century English interiors, they conjure up dark paneling and staid decor. The derogatory term de rigueur is "boring brown." Thank you to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for dissuading visitors of any such notions. You will find there the drawing room from Robert Adam's Lansdowne House and it is a dizzying explosion of color and pattern. Every surface from the ceiling to the full length pilasters down to the baseboards is adorned in color and/or pattern. I had the pleasure of visiting the museum during the recent Philadelphia show. The evening light coming through the windows only added to the drama of the setting. The next time you're in Philadelphia, it is a can't-miss along with the rest of this amazing museum.

Greek designer Katerina Kamprani specializes in bad design. At first glance, her works seem to be primarily whimsical and aimed at generating chuckles. Toeless galoshes, anyone? However, to write them off as completely frivolous misses the point. Sometimes, we don't realize what makes for good design until we see it juxtaposed with the bad. For instance, take a look at Kamprani's wine glass.

The lines are graceful and the form is certainly attractive, but when one imagines trying to take a drink, the whole thing falls apart. Side-by-side comparisons are also useful in judging the quality of certain antiques. Just because something is old, doesn't mean it was designed (or built) well. There was certainly much trial and error in the evolution of certain forms that persist to this day. The unsung furniture makers of our past must have had to create many pieces that didn't work to arrive at those that did. It is a fun and informative exercise today to look back and try to re-imagine what some of those failures might have been.

There's a big hole in the heart of Kentucky this week. Pearse Lyons passed away too soon on March 8th. He was a dynamo, an unbelievably generous philanthropist, and an unending fountain of ambitious ideas. You can read about his life here: Pearse Lyons, who built a $3 billion company and brought the world to Kentucky, dies.

Like many thousands of Irish before him, he adopted Kentucky as his home. I particularly love this quote of his from the article: “If you can’t sell Kentucky as a place to do business, then you’re not in any shape or form a salesman, because it’s an easy sale. I’ve been around the world I don’t know how many times, and I’ve never found a place as conducive to doing business or rearing a family as Kentucky — y’all.”

 Rest easy, Dr. Lyons. We'll all drink a Bourbon Barrel Ale in your memory.

• https://www.newschannel5.com/talk-of-the-town/young-people-should-get-excited-about-antiques

Well, they don't actually mention us by name, but they do list Central Kentucky as the #8 U.S. destination to visit in 2018; right there between Richmond, VA and Minneapolis, MN. While the beauty and history of the Bluegrass are becoming more widely known, we like to think of our little antique shop as a hidden gem within a once-hidden gem of a region.

Our home is also home to the natural beauty of the Kentucky River palisades and the Dix River (shown in the photo at top). It is here that you will find rich history in the form of places like the Beaumont Inn, the restored Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, as well as our shop, which was built by the man described here:

 

And we'd be more than happy to point you to one of the finest bourbon bars you'll find anywhere, Jane Barleycorn. All of this is located within 20 miles of our door, and there is much, much more to experience and enjoy. Come pay us a visit. We'd love to show you some Southern hospitality, help with travel arrangements, and steer you in the right direction.

 

As New York's Winter Antiques Show draws to a close, there is plenty of discussion about "mixing" periods and styles in current interiors and on the floors of antique shows. The Winter Show is the most prestigious antique show in the US. For most of it's 64 year history, the show has been known as a bastion of the most traditional decorative arts. In the past, the merchandise on display was subjected to very strict age requirements. As times have changed and tastes evolved, the show has gradually opened up to a wider variety of wares including modern and contemporary art and furniture. This type of mixing is becoming the norm at shows across the country. Some pull it off more successfully than others.

 

When it's done well, mixing can create a more interesting space. Introducing the unexpected through juxtaposition can be thought-provoking and eye-opening. Is there any reason not to hang an 18th Century portrait of a champion cock beside a two-year-old bull portrait by Peter Maier all on a wall covered in a modern Carolyn Ray wallpaper? We think not. Take a look at the picture above and see what you think.

 

The exciting news has spread as far as the other side of the Atlantic: the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be replacing Penn Medicine as the beneficiary of the prestigious Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show. The two charities will partner on the 2018 show with the expectation that the PMA will take over as sole beneficiary for 2019. The Philadelphia Inquirer has a nice write-up of the transition. While, the 55-year old show has become known more recently as a showplace for Americana, they have actually expanded their scope (and some would say returned to their roots) to include more representation from the English decorative arts in the past few years. The participation of the PMA is expected to create a further broadening with more art galleries exhibiting at future shows. Come see us April 20-22 at the revitalized Navy Yard.

Happy New Year to all! We hope that 2018 is a joyous and successful one for each and every one of you. As for JTA, we resolve to update this very blog more frequently during the coming year. The more skeptical among you might note that it has taken TWO WEEKS! for us to get around to our New Year's post, but nevermind! There are new items coming to the site soon, new shows have been posted under our show schedule, and new news coming hot and fast. Stay tuned.

We normally ask that you call to make an appointment before visiting our shop. This is mostly to make sure that someone is here to answer the door when you arrive. Harvey showed up unannounced and uninvited earlier today. The sky went dark, the wind whipped up, and the rain came down in droves. A split-trunk water maple was the sole casualty.

 

 

Luckily, the house was untouched (just barely).

 

No, that tree is not supposed to be that close to this window.

 

Of course, we are extremely thankful to be safe and sound, especially in light of all those who have lost everything along the Gulf Coast. Please consider giving to one of the many charities doing good work in the recovery efforts.

 

The American Red Cross

 

Catholic Charities

 

Save the Children

We had to stop working for a few minutes to check out the 96% solar eclipse overhead. While the light turned eerie and the insects and birds were agitated, some human viewers were disappointed. We'll know to put forth the extra effort in 2024 to chase the path of totality.

We attempted to use a Windsor back-splat as a pinhole viewer. Can you spot the crescent?

 

 

This guy didn't order his glasses in time.