Profligate and Prodigal Sons
Looking round the place this morning I noticed how the 50s 'objets' boldly and irreverently jump right out at me, however deeply embedded they are in the more polite antiquities, denizens of cabinets of curiosities and more traditionally collected whatevers.
Of course, it's the boldness and simplicity of the geometric designs, the quirky asymmetry, the bright fresh primary colours ... their sheer sense of unbridled fun.
Which awaken the naughty and rebellious child buried not-so-deeply within me ...
... and who in fact can quite easily be released, as evidenced by the Mardi Gras dance party last week.
And while I genuinely value the approved objects for collection of some of my more standard model buddies, it's the profligate and prodigal sons of 50s 'objets' that are my real favourites.
They are my antidote to the deadening and ultimately suffocating mainstream convention that everywhere surrounds and tries so aggressively to engulf us.
Which reminds me, I've just gotta slip out for a bit to make a couple more life-enhancing purchases ... at my local 50s retro shop, '506070'!
I have to say I like allot of these objects.
ReplyDeleteRay
hey ray
ReplyDeleteyeah, they don't seem to carry the burden of seriousness of antiques
and, liking them as i do, you might suspect i have a zillion of them
best, nick
Is that a Jessie Tait vase I spy?
ReplyDeletehey anon
ReplyDeletei love jessie tait's work - and am tempted to post on her, especially as she died early this year
these here are in fact italian ceramics, unmarked except for the word 'italy' and model numbers
but look very like some tait's work
thanks for your comment!
best, nick
I would love you to do a post on Jessie Tait. I have been collecting zambesi for some time now but I love her vases - a bit out of my price range though. I didn't even know that she was still alive, although I guess she isn't any more. Another designer I love (and have a few pieces in my collection) is Edna Best who was a british actress who designed some homewares for Laidleys. They are strong geometric patterns and very art deco.
ReplyDeletehey anon
ReplyDeletewill do then - and very pleased tro have the excuse - thanks!
i've had some luck with her work in just second hand shops here - buying a large pile of the homemaker dinner service
and buying more one-by-one the zambesi pattern - i use one of the tea cups for breakfast each morning
do you collect designs other than zambei (great name for the design!)?
glad to 'chat' to a fellow enthusiast!
and thanks for the pointer to edna best - i'm off googling now
best, nick