The Art of Researching Art

I am currently en route to Washington DC for a weekend of museum hopping, hotel lounging and city walking.  The family is focused on the fun but I am focused on all things Bruno Mankowski. Months back, I picked up a lovely sculpture from an estate clean out that featured a kneeling nude woman.   I was quickly drawn to her as my late Aunt would have loved her.  I put her crusty self in my pile.  It was not until I got her home and started to clean 3 years of vacant home filth off of her that I realized she was not a 70's ceramic project, but a signed original sculpture.  But the next question that comes to mind was.,...who is Bruno Mankowski?  After some web searching, I found out he was a WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION (WPA) Artist.  FDR 's great contribution to keeping America working after the depression consisted of National Parks construction projects and art for public spaces like post offices and government buildings.  These working artists were commissioned to beautify our spaces.  Mankowski had the opportunity to replace an ailing sandstone cornice in the capital with his granite piece.  I hope to find it this weekend during our tour.  I also found out that he was known as a bronze medal sculptor.  This info was available searching the web.  I found 2 old auction listings with my nude lady pictured.  I really have no reason to believe they are the same one I have so he maybe cast more than one.  Apparently that is normal during the sculpting process.  One for sure has different toes than mine.  How many ladies are out there?  What is she made of? Why was she made?!  I also found, during my web searching, that upon the artists death (1903-1991), his records and catalog were donated to the American Art Archives in Washington, DC., by his dealer.  There are 200 photographs of his works, letters and other artifacts and they are available, by reservation, for free perusal!  Well, that is all I needed plus 2 kiddos begging to see museums.  So here we are, sitting poolside in the Embassy Suites, awaiting a day of fun and exploration!   My appointment is Friday at 9:30, I am headed there after breakfast.  I hope I can uncover some facts about her but most important, learn more about this man and help preserve his legacy by telling his story!  By the time you email folks get this update, I will be buried in my box of Mankowski or perhaps still being checked in and briefed!  Stay tuned for more but I will need to ask how to have my photos approved for publishing so that might delay my post a bit.  Enjoy some pics of our evening exploring the National Mall. 

Resting at sunset on the lawn by the Washington Memorial.  

Gorgeous but hot evening! 

The beautiful White House. 

The circus has already started, or maybe it never ends here! ?

Wish me luck! ✌🏼️  

Malissa

Hot Hot Hot new items.

A quick note that the sexy club chairs are SOLD and waiting for delivery.  The Heywood Cocktail table is complete and waiting for reassembly and delivery in a few weeks.  I have more Heywood to do.  The kids and I swapped some things around in the booth today and left this gorgeous new acquisition:  Broyhill Emphasis serving/bar on casters.  It's walnut with a matte black top.  Lots of storage and portable.  Even the back is finished.  Available in the etsy shop for regional buyers or those who want to arrange shipping.  I will deliver within 3 hours drive or so.  Reach out!  

Features drop leaves!  A real awesome piece!   Now on display at the Fleetwood Antique Mall!  Route 222 just south of Kutztown, PA

Also new in the Camping shop!  Pick up at the Mall or in the eBay shop, http://m.ebay.com/seller?sid=madmodworldvintage&nav=MYEBAY Cotton door mat (reversible) with 'Happy Campers Live Here' on one side and 'Welcome Where Friends and Marshmallows Get Toasted at the Same Time'. So cute! $20 (plus ship online)  

Party on the front, quick flip when the ranger shows up!  😜🍻 

Please stop by my new eBay shop!  I am still on 'probation' because I have not reached 25 sales and really need to reach that so things will run smoothly.  Right now, they are holding a large chunk of money from a sale I had 2 weeks ago and my buyer received the item last week.  I will not see the money until next Friday.  It's enough that I am disgusted they will not accept the delivery receipt as proof and release the funds immediately.  Their policy sucks and it won't go away until I have 25 sales. I have $10 items so come check it out.  HAPPY CAMPER kitchen towels are back in stock on eBay and at the mall!  They are great quality! 

Cotton kitchen towel.  Perfect for a vintage camper! 

Special!  I just picked up a few Kantha quilts at a SPECIAL price!  Offering $35 shipped or $25 local pick up,  (regularly $50 plus $10 shipping!) Please email me your preference by blanket number with your PayPal email and I will send an invoice. choices are here: 

Gorgeous, twin size.  Hand quilted in India of vintage Saris.  So pretty!  Take to the beach, pool, picnic, camper and so much more!  They are beautifully boho and so colorful!  Each side is a different blanket. 

Italian design is featured in this gorgeous pair of polypropelyne chairs by MaxDesign (Italy) designed by Hannes Wettstein.  Very stylish and in like new condition.  These chairs retail for $500 each and they are very well made for commercial or home use.  The white steel legs have great wood accents creating a dowel look, The seat is faceted and very comfy.    

In the eBay shop, European beauties! Not your average chair!  Sold by the pair, one moss, one white.

Follow all of my shops!  Etsy, EBay and Chairish! I cross list but there are items I can only sell in certain markets!  Thank you everyone for your support over the last few months!  Don't miss out on something you love!  Things are moving out now! Reach out for delivery arrangements, shipping quotes and more!  I will be in Washington DC next week and New Jersey (Newark and Philadelphia areas) the week after if anyone would like something delivered or can meet in the area. Keep cool! Xo Malissa 

Just in! Living Room Must haves!

I spent a lot of time this week at the most fabulous estate liquidation ever!  An adorable time capsule, clean and tidy and in my area.   It was a pleasure just to see the home but even better was to be able to leave with some very fine items!  I invested in a great living room set and have split it up only because I feel it hard to place together, but I would love too keep it all together!  This is up for regional meet ups and deliveries only at this point but I have submitted to chairish and they can arrange shipping.  It will take a week to go live.  If you are out of the area and serious, I will help you with shipping options so please reach out.  I will not bus ship this set.

4 PC living room seating set by Carson's of High Point.  All vinyl upholstery in excellent condition.  From clean and tidy home. 

Offering the 2 PC settee sectional separate from the 2 club chairs.  I would love for someone to take them all, but realize the full set might not work for everyone.  Here are some more pics.   

2 love seat sized settee's make up this versatile seating set that can be arranged to create a fabulous nook area. Great Aqua color features black plastic legs with gold trim.  Very comfy! 

A pair of great coordinating club chairs!  The addition of black to the mix really breaks up the set nicely.  These are available as a set of 2. 

Carson's of High Point is still in business focusing on the industrial seating needs of hotels, retirement homes and public spaces. 

I also picked up a super large set of Boontonware melmac in pale yellow and grey!  Service for 8 with massive selection of service pieces and extras.   

Also a must have in a MCM home!  Lucite grapes and matching candlesticks in Amber.  This home had a turquoise room and an orange room! 💕 be still my heart! 

I am working with a buyer already, but I did go back and take the end table set that was with my chairs.  It's not final, but I am packing for shipping today.  

The etsy listing is marked On Hold right now as I work with a client.  Feel free to reach out if you want next dibs.  I will have them packed for shipping today. 

I know not everyone sees my Facebook posts so I will recommend TURNING NOTIFICATIONS ONwhen you are on my page and further, follow my Instagram @madmodworldvintage as these are the fastest ways to see my latest acquisitions and projects.  Jump on it is you see something you like and you can snag it before I list it.  ✌🏼️ 

Back to work for me!  I have tables to pack and more sanding to do!  Enjoy your Father's Day and stop by the mall today if you are in the area antiquing!  

xo Malissa

New Dining Set and Previews of upcoming restorations.

Summer has arrived with a vengeance here in PA!  I went from not wanting to hang out in my garage all day because I was freezing to death, to sweltering in the sun!  Progress is being made slowly and I will work through my projects.  My latest save is a gorgeous 1959 Drexel Counterpoint dining set by John Van Koert.  It is amazing!  Great lines feature a cherry top and mahogany ends and legs.  It has a very Danish look to it.  It is not mint, but cleaned up well.  I only have 3 chairs and not sure how easy it will be to add to them but any walnut or teak chair would look nice and currently trending are fun mismatched looks in the dining room.  I priced this set less than a recent sale for the table alone and am happy to be able to offer such a great set well under value.  I am also willing to recover the seats for you in black vinyl or any fabrics I have in stock.  You are welcome to do it yourself with fabric you have or buy as well.  My etsy listing is for pick up or regional delivery only in eastern pa, nj, ne md and de areas.  If you are in love and require shipping, my chairish listing should be live shortly and they will arrange your shipping.  

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/385045644/drexel-counterpoint-1959-dining-table-3 click here to view the etsy listing.  This is for pick up or regional meets/delivery.only. This gorgeous kilim rug is also available!

Shop chairish for shipping.  Chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage The original linen seat covers are stained with some holes, but I will recover to order!  Choose from black vinyl or some colorful fabrics I have in stock.

The table is totally customizable!  40" wide by 60" in length, but add three 12" leaves to max out at 96" long!  Great for entertaining!  Also note there is a great locking feature to lock in the top when using no leaves.  No accidental separation!   

Profile with all 3 leaves inserted. 

The locking device is easy to reach at one end of the table.  Turn the handle to lock or unlock when you are not using any leaves.

View of top. 

Items in the queue. 

i am sitting on 2 awesome Heywood Wakefield end table sets that will be refinished.  4 total floating top step end tables, 1 large corner end table and 1 coffee table.  I will probably sell in sets of 3.  If this is something you are looking for, reach out!  I can use either wheat or champagne and will refinish to order.  I also have a cool Heywood magazine table in my booth space at Fleetwood Antique Mall that is priced 'as is' or with me refinishing it.  Reach out if it is something you are interested in.  

Recent acquisitions in the restoration queue. 

Keep your eyes on the etsy shop!  I can tell you my last few listings sold fast!  A pole lamp in under 24 hours!  I have another ready to list!  Here is a preview!

Kick ass atomic pole lamp listing soon!   

Consulting.   

You have some items you want to sell but have no idea what it is worth!  Fear not!  I will gladly do market research for you so you know what you can expect and what your selling options are.  I have been available for friends and family but would gladly spread the love to my clients and fans. Reach out if you would like assistance and we can come up with plan of attack at a reasonable fee.

 Thank you!  

Thank you to all who have purchased from me!  I enjoy working with you and the best compliment you can give is sharing my info with your friends!  Your referrals are welcome and appreciated!  Xo Malissa  

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend.

Welcome to the grand finale of my latest restoration!  I spent Friday trekking to my friend's to retrieve my diamond chair, now all welded and super shiney in it's gloss black powder coat finish.  I started the trip by swinging by WXPN's free at noon because it is totally free and a great place to hang out when in Philly on a Friday!  ​I almost talked myself out of stopping for foam thinking I could fill with cotton I already had. As I was waiting to get on my ramp to cross town I realized that was a dumb move as the supplier I go to in Philly is a wholesaler and if I get home and decide my cotton idea sucks, my only choice is Joann's and that place is overpriced with a not always stellar selection.  So I got off 676 at 8th and headed to Katz's Upholstery.  I decided on 1/2" foam and got 2 yards.  I took my roll and headed to NJ.  My friend was at work so I collected my chair, left him a Vanagon part I picked up for him the night before at our local supplier, used the restroom and headed to an estate sale he tipped me off about.  Due to my slow recent sales and our strike situation, I was not in the market for much but I did snag 2 pair of vintage Sears binoculars and a cool melmac ash tray.  

I left town with a kick ass cherry pie and headed back to PA, just in time to take my kids to a dance at their school.  ​Of course I was thinking about my chair while my kids were dancing to 'shake it off' but the work would have to wait!  

Saturday I got to work on the cover.  Over the last week I opened the seam maybe 12" or so, then dumped out the powdered foam, scraped as best as I could at what was stuck to the fabric inside and washed in the tub by swishing in cold water with a mild detergent and rinsing a few times.  I did test the fabric and it is indeed wool.  I hung over the side of the tub to dry so as not to stretch the fibers.  

Washing the cover.  Yuck, eh? 

My first step was to cut the foam.  Remember, I am using in a 3-D contoured situation, so I realized I would need to compensate.  I started by cutting the left side to match the side of the chair.  Using a bag of flour to weight the seat down, I followed with the right side. There is excess foam now that needed to be removed so I decided I would cut a V out and the center top and bottom, then spray adhesive to close it up.  ​

Removing the foam excess to contour the seat. 

My spray adhesive idea worked well once the glue started getting tacky.  I placed the foam inside and evaluated.  I thought a little cotton would help fluff it out a little so cut a piece the width of the chair and put on top of the foam.  The kids tested and said yes, the chair was comfy and they loved it!   

Kid tested. 

So this morning I got to work sewing it all back up and then took my pics.  I did decide to list the chair because I have a lead on another I could repeat this on and would like to save it if I find a home for this one.  So here are some pics, see listing on etsy for more details if you are interested and please send friends! If you know anyone looking for furniture and appreciates my era, please send them to my shops!  I would greatly appreciate the referrals! ✌🏼️  Thanks a bunch and thanks for all your support!  I had a great April in the mall!  Xo Malissa https://www.etsy.com/listing/279478194/knoll-harry-bertoia-large-diamond-lounge

Naked.  Look at her shine! 

In her threads. 

Besides the foam deterioration, the cover is in great condition!  Charcoal wool with some orange ombré into white threads through like stripes.

The shock mounts were cleaned and conditioned.  They would be expensive to replace but luckily, these are still in great condition.   

Original label dates this to the 50's.  I suspect this is an early production chair.  So happy I could help it get ready for it's next 70 years! 🎉