Fall Finds, Revisiting Bette Fast sculpture

I have been very busy bringing home new items, getting them cleaned up and ready for new homes! I have an array of kitschy things and high end stuff. This are going live on Etsy and Chairish as I go. Here’s a look!

Super 1976 Gae Aulenti design by Knoll is up for consignment.  Leather upholsteRy, fabulous italian post modern design.

Super 1976 Gae Aulenti design by Knoll is up for consignment. Leather upholsteRy, fabulous italian post modern design.

Iron desk, i recovered the seat in reproductiOn bark cloth, atomic design.

Iron desk, i recovered the seat in reproductiOn bark cloth, atomic design.

Mid century CONVERTIBLE couch opens flat for snoozing!

Mid century CONVERTIBLE couch opens flat for snoozing!

Vinyl upholstery, mid century day bed now Showing at fleetwood antique mall!

Vinyl upholstery, mid century day bed now Showing at fleetwood antique mall!

Orange vinyl and chrome lounge chair

Orange vinyl and chrome lounge chair

King walnut headboard

Handsome low dresser with mirrors, walnut

Tall boy in walnut

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SOLD Night stand pair in walnut

I have more coming! Working on resealing the marble top on the Platner cocktail table! We had to strip the remaining yellowed resin off first.

A heaT gun helpEd to soften the old resin sealant.

A heaT gun helpEd to soften the old resin sealant.

She’s a beauty!

She’s a beauty!

50% off all pink dots!  I PROBABLY tagged 95% of the items in mY upstairs space! Trying to move out this stuff!  I have more to replace it with!

50% off all pink dots! I PROBABLY tagged 95% of the items in mY upstairs space! Trying to move out this stuff! I have more to replace it with!

Downstairs has only a few markdowns But i am featuring some awesome itemS.  Come see them!

Downstairs has only a few markdowns But i am featuring some awesome itemS. Come see them!

Bette Fast revisited!

If you check a few years back in my blog updates, you will find my coverage of discovering Bette Fast, the late first wife of novelist Howard Fast. He wrote over 80 novels but he literally got himself banned from publishing (and subsequently investigated) because of his communist beliefs. His best selling novel, Spartacus, was self published due to the banning. Meanwhile, his lovely wife was an accomplished artist. In my collection, I have a pencil nude sketch, a 1960’s buxom women series painting (which Howard discusses in the Forward in the book he published regarding Bette’s work), and one of her magnificent sculptures. Having only exhibited 3 times, once in LA, once in New Canaan and once in Greenwich, most of her works are held by private collectors. This is important to note as many of them will start becoming available on the secondary market as their owners pass on and their worldly goods end up in auctions and estate sales. Bette’s work for the most part are female forms. She always was considered a feminist and her beautiful depiction of females in action is well noted. I have done varying amounts of searching for more info since I have gathered some of her works. One thing on my bucket list was to visit the only 2 sculptures she turned into statues. They are publicly available at the Temple Shalom in Greenwich, CT. Howard’s book was published in 1995, a year after his wife passed. Much has changed at the Temple Shalom since then as well, having some new structured erected. Upon checking google maps, I noticed not much of a courtyard, which is where the book said the sculptures were placed, I had a delivery in the area and wanted to find them, but was not sure if I could access them. I zoomed in my google and I had hope!!!

The image on thr right was from google maps.  It sure lookS like her!  Fingers were crossed!  This is right off the parking lot so definitely accessible.

The image on thr right was from google maps. It sure lookS like her! Fingers were crossed! This is right off the parking lot so definitely accessible.

I pulled in and saw her!  My heart fluttered as i parked my car.

I pulled in and saw her! My heart fluttered as i parked my car.

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From this vantage point, I looked to the left down the parking lot and saw the second sculpture.

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These are some powerful sculptures. Beautiful from every angle. The maquette I own is equally as delicate. I have not figured out it’s ‘title’ and it is not shown in the book containing some of her works. I have found that the University of Pennsylvania has the ‘Howard Fast Papers’ in their archive. It includes lots of items from Howard’s book dealings, personal household items and more. I am not sure if any of Bette’s sculpture records are contained in it, but that is probably the next exploration I need to do. Lucky for me, it’s only in Philadelphia!
XO MALISSA

Spring into redecorating!

I hope we have seen the last of our snow!  It's been a long winter and I am ready for spring.  Certainly most of you feel the same! What better way to make your spring cleaning special than to add a key new piece to your home?  I am stocked with some real nice items and have many in my restoration queue!  My newest acquisition is not mid century! In fact, it is fairly recent.  A discontinued showroom model.  This amazing sofa is from Schnadig Furniture, a company that has stood the test of time!  Known for their high end pieces since the late 1800's, this recent production is hands down a fine piece.  I picked it up because as I am connecting more and more with interior designers, my eye is also connecting to pieces of interest to them and my clients.  A bit larger in scale than 50s era furnishings, I enjoy the curved shape and lack of arms.  The back is as beautiful as the front and this piece would do well in a home or office setting.  Over stuffed and comfy, it comes with a set of pillows but I envision it meshing well with cow hide or even animal print,  the natural tan weave upholstery reminds me of an oasis and contrasts nicely with the dark mahogany finish. This piece was never used in a home. The upholstery is perfect and there are some minor bumps and bruises on the finish from handling that I will tend to before delivery.  It will be available in my chairish shop shortly for those who need freight shipping. Reach out if I can get you a Deliveright quote for the Mid Atlantic and the Southeast regions.  I will try to arrange local delivery myself but will need my husband and our Vanagon to accommodate so the stars will have to align!

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A stunning piece!  The ample throw pillows are nice but I envision this piece with some wild throws!  How about you? 

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Here's a clean view. 

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The back is gorgeous.  The details in this piece are great.  It is worth much more than what I am selling it for. If you have shopped for high end new furniture lately, I am sure you will agree!   

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Here's a pic so you can really see the curve! Shown with a great Milo Baughman knock off revolving glass top table (also available but not listed)  if you are into the brass Baughman designs, this piece fits that role perfect! Even a fab Hollywood regency glass top table! Ooh la la! 

My etsy listing is live and the chairish listing is in process.  Will probably be live by next weekend.  Let me know if you are interested and I will help you quote shipping options.  the best way to communicate with me is email or Etsy messaging.  Chairish is extremely difficult to work with customers directly as there is only a public comment area.  

KITSCHY KITCHEN FIND

Also just listed!  Fabulous mod iron daisy kitchen light.  This fun light will make a great focal point over a dinette set!  Painted surface features a glass globe.  It is on very good cobdition with only some minor wear and tear.  It will be checked for shorts before it leaves here.  Reach out if interested in a shipping quote before you check out!

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It is all metal including the white shade and daisy accents.  Globe is glass. 

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The light will be checked with a multimeter for shorts and nuts wil be installed in the bare wires so you can easily install at your home. 

i am off to hopefully make some progress on my weaving.  First chair is all glued up and waiting for a seat! I also just received a glass shade for another pole lamp we are working on.   My living room has been taken over with projects! Have a great week!

xo Malissa

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I love the shape of these!  Ready to weave!