The best things in life are shared. My trip to Kykuit.

One of a very limited edition, there were less than 20 made. This Fernand Leger design, known as ‘Blanc’ was most likely made and sold during the 1960s American tour of Marie Cuttoli’s textile exhibit and in collaboration with Galerie Lucie Weill. *photo credit J Federici

It was just about a year ago when I won a gorgeous piece of history and started researching it.  I learned a lot about wool, moths and fine rugs.  The piece was multifaceted with history and part of a very limited edition of hand knotted rugs. The artist whose work was featured, Fernand Leger, was commissioned to create the maquette or cartoon used in the design. The woman who orchestrated this project has just as fascinating history.  Marie Cuttoli, originally the wife of a French Senator, had a vision of reviving the tapestry arts in the 1920’s.  She spent time in her Algerian mansion and appreciated the artisans there.  She worked with a group of women who learned to weave and create works of art from the cartoons.  

These pieces generally took 8 months to weave and thus most seem to have been ordered and shipped from Paris. I was able to find our a little about a few of the owners of these pieces scouring auction comps from Christie’s, Sotheby’s and other high end auction houses.  Some notable former owners include Vera G List, socialite, philanthropist and notable art collector.  I read a transcript from an interview with her in 1973 available from the Archives of American Art which explored her thoughts on collecting and her involvement in the organizations she supported.  Another collector/owner was Robert and Andriene (Andrea) Bollt.  Andrea was also known as an avid modern art collector and philanthropist.  

It was at some point after I listed my piece in my online markets that I was contacted by a curatorial assistant with Kykuit, the Rockefeller family estate.  They held a few pieces from the Cuttoli series in their collection and wanted to find out more about them.  I agreed to share my research, sources and comps with them and planned on making the drive to Tarrytown, NY to tour the estate. 

Enjoying the Grand Tour at Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate in Tarrytown, New York.  *photo credit J Federici

I grabbed a friend and scheduled my appointment and Grand tour, as advised by the Curator.  She mentioned that only the 2 longer tours take you into the basement art galleries where the rugs are on display.  Also note that there are many beautiful Calder tapestries on display and any modern art fan would not want to miss this!  

The estate was absolutely amazing! From the gorgeous gardens to the amazing home and antiques, the tour guide was great and really gave us a lot of history on the family and how life was in that compound.  Heavily Asian influenced, the decor was elegant and scattered with Nelson’s modern tastes. It all worked well together.  

After the final stop on the tour at the coach house (filled with buggies that would make my Mennonite friends jealous!), I sat and chatted with the curator and showed her my catalogs and references, presented her with a written summary of comps and info and discussed theories on the origins of the pieces held in our collections. She was lovely and it was so refreshing to discuss this with a like minded individual.  Having to piece together the series of circumstances with these items really makes me appreciate the organizations that preserve this history.  I have used many of them and give back to support them when I can.  

Today I am traveling to Philadelphia to visit the Athenaeum to peruse a Harvey Probber catalog to see if I can authenticate a table I have that is attributed to him.  Another day, another fun expedition.  I will report on that next week.  In the mean time, I will leave you with a few of my shots in the gardens at Kykuit.  Have a great week!  

XO Malissa

Beautiful views of the Hudson River from this perch!  

From DRAB to FAB- my latest restoration is ready to rock!

Just picked up the maple platform rocker from the upholsterer and boy is it on point in many ways.  This rocker (of unknown origin) is made of solid maple and has a platform base.  It dates to the art deco era of the 20s/30s.  It was a family piece but the owner was downsizing and her children did not want it.  Anyway, the original fabric was pretty neat but had rips and lots of dirt.  So I decided this one was a great candidate to be made over.  I found this great IKAT print on the cheap ($20/yard normally!) and it was just what I was looking for.  Not only is cobalt/white totally hot right now, so is boho prints.  This piece is so awesome and comfy with it's newly rebuilt structure and it's new threads.  I can see this being a super piece for a nursery, bedroom or den.  If you love bohemian or it's plant inspired cousin, Jungalow style, this piece is for you!  Grab it now and make it part of your family traditions!  I have lots of this fabric left so will be able to offer it for more projects coming!  Listing is live on ETSY and will probably be live in about a week on chairish.  If you need shipping, reach out.  My UShip connection is now doing nationwide delivery and I will reach out for a quote.  I do not mind packing it for you and trust him more than Greyhound for a restored piece.  

Exquisite workmanship!  This chair is ready for a whole new life!  Click on the pick to open the etsy listing in a new window.

I have some more pieces coming in very soon.  If you are looking for a teak hutch in a compact size for storing your collectibles or china, I have a sweet one picked out.  I also have a gorgeous long and low credenza in teak by UK maker Morris.  It is Danish in look but oh so classy.  Morris of Glasgow furnished ships and even royalty and has a super history.  I will be able to offer these fine pieces at very good prices.  Remember, my online markets are priced to cover my fees.  If you want to deal directly with me and especially so if you are in delivery or meet up areas, please reach out to me via email or message.  I expect to have these pieces in the next few weeks.  Thanks so much for your support as I try to keep things moving!  Please send friends or others who are shopping for furniture if you think they'd like my style.  

BIG FUN NEWS!

Victorian ON FIRE.  So I took in a few out of my normal era pieces recently and no worries, I am not switching teams, but when I see a visually interesting piece in great condition, I want to help it get to a home where it can be appreciated and adored.  So I took in the green settee with some reservations but I knew the repair would be straightforward.  I got the velvet and hand stitched to the cushions to cover up the doggie damage and I was so pleased how it turned out.  Because I have a lot of larger items in my storage right now and it was the perfect size to add to my small retail space, I took it out.  So glad I did!  It was found by a production company who came through the Mall and they snapped it up for a new show being shot for fall.  It is called TELL ME A STORY.  It sounds like my kind of show too!  A horror based on child stories but taking place in NYC.  I'm hooked!  I also saw the stack of other furniture they bought and they are def going for a gothic vibe.  So we all have something to look forward to this fall and I will be looking for my pretty couch in the series!  I believe it was a CBS series.  Will post more when I find out when it is starting to air.  

I am caught up on my work for the moment so getting back to my notes.  This weekend is my big visit to Kykuit and I am so excited to hang out and talk about Marie Cuttoli and her fabulous contributions to the art and textile worlds.  If you check my Facebook page (Facebook.com/madformodmalissa) you will see a little blurb I posted about Marie Cuttoli last week.  She is so fascinating and I hope you all enjoy the short introduction.  CLICK HERE

Have a great week everyone!  xo Malissa

Wish list

Hello there!  Is anyone looking for something specific?  I would love to do some custom sourcing this summer!  Send me your wish lists and while I am shopping I will keep my eyes peeled.  In most cases, I will need to act fast to secure your piece and would love to shoot you pics and info before I purchase. You will get my full services of cleaning, touch ups and repairs as needed. If you have a budget, I can try to work with it.  The more general your requests, the quicker I can help you find the perfect piece.  You, in turn, can sit back and relax while I do the grunt work for you.  You can email me malissa@madmodworldvintage.com to get on the list.  Tell me specifically what items you are looking for, color or other details that are important to you, budget if you have one and  a cell number so I can text you photos.  When I think I found the right piece, I will contact you with pics, dimensions, condition report and my repair plan. If you are on board, the item will be purchased for you and will be ready for delivery as fast as I can. **I may require a deposit at time of purchase which will be determined by our working relationship.  

I am looking to work with individuals, small businesses and more! Your referrals will help me and are very much appreciated! I look forward to assisting you in making your decorating dreams come true! 

I will be taking a much needed camping break the next 2 weekends.  I will try not to delay any orders during those times.  Thanks for your continuing support! ✌️😘 Malissa

Last call for New England Delivery -Do I have any New England fans in the house?

I will be delivering a set to New Hampshire next week.  If you are in the Nashua or Rye area or Rhode Island, I might be able to connect you with something.  This is a rare opportunity to have something delivered to your area without having to hire a shipper.  If I can fit the item you want in my car with the set I will bring to you.  Message me now to discuss!!!!  That said, I also will be unavailable most of next week for shipping/inquiries.  I will respond to you, but I will be away from my inventory most of the week.  Any purchases made will probably not go out until the following week.  Please place any orders you need shipped fast by Tuesday before I leave.  My kids are involved in sports and music events right now so my nights are jammed packed.  I will continue to pack and ship asap, and you will be notified with a plan if I need more time to pack (large items mainly). 

I have two shipments out on Greyhound right now and although I am pretty disgusted with their lack of insurance coverage, I would still consider a shipment if it is A)NOT restored and B)NOT fragile.  We all will have to take the risk of it being damaged and I will not refund for damages.  I pack well so I can guarantee that every effort will be made to protect your item, but as Greyhound says.....if it ends up with an engine and that slams into your chair....well......that could happen.  I have a pretty broad delivery region.  I have gone as far as Washington DC burbs to deliver if it is a large and expensive piece.  I may have to add additional for delivery on a distance like that if I do not have a buffer factored into my price for that, but it would still be cheaper than hiring a shipper.  My past clients can attest, I help move your piece in with you too.  :)  So I don't leave you hanging out to dry with 'curbside' delivery.  I want my babies to be safe until they are in their new forever spot so you can count on me to assist in that.

Lots of great items have been moving out!  Spring has sprung and everyone has decorating on their minds.  The pair of X benches are at the upholsterer and I may have them back this week.  Stay tuned to my social media for the big announcement pics! 

I am currently trying to get through some back stock and add some smalls to my etsy for sure. Keep your eyes peeled for some great glass items and maybe some china.  I have some Russel Wright I was hanging on to but honestly, I have a McCobb set for keeps and it would not make sense to hoard it.  :)  I will post a few pics of my recent adds.  Lots of stuff in carts on etsy.....if you are one of the cart people and need to talk to me please reach out!  I know buying furniture or other expensive items remotely is difficult and I am here, we can talk via phone or message!  I talked to two clients last week on the same day on the phone!  I love connecting with you guys in real life!    I am sure some of your hesitations could be resolved if we had a convo. 

LOCAL PEEPS.....what do you want to see?  Message me or post on my FB!  I am itching to swap out the booth space and really want your help!  I have so many cool things and only can fit a fraction into the space.  If you are frustrated with the 'cheap' used goods that aren't fixed, have scratches, bad upholstery, not clean, etc.....TRY ME!  I guarantee you will LOVE my service! I take pride in providing goods that are clean, repaired, restored.  All details are taken care of!  Stop by Fleetwood Antique Mall at 14129 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood (ROUTE 222 just south of Kutztown) and find me on the 2nd floor, rear of barn.  I am currently featuring some great restored items and they are priced lower than my online markets for cash/carry.  The great staff at the mall will help you load your items and don't worry if it is full of my smalls for sale, they will get it all cleaned off for you.  If you will be in the area and want to see something specific, kindly give me a few days heads up and I will try to get it out there for you to see/purchase! 

Thanks for sticking with me!  Also, once again announcing that I do suspect foul play with MailChimp.  If you get my emails and never visited my web page and signed up (2 step process!....you have to confirm after you submit your email), please let me know! I see people coming and they get their first email and they drop the list.  I was able to connect with one gentlemen who said he never was on my web page?!  I have no clue how he got on my list and suspect mail chimp is pulling something shady.  I apologize if you are a victim to this!  I never add people to my list and it grows organically.  If you are new, thanks for reading and I hope you consider sticking around!  xo  Malissa

This great shot glass and mini carafe set by Finnish designer Tappio Wirkkala, ‘Ultima Thule’ is amazing! Like drinking out of icicles. Purchase this set with the large carafe and save $25. 

1979 Miller Lite bubble sign. Great for you man cave, bar or rec room! 

This pink gooseberry Pyrex set is available to reserve for pick up at the May Mid Atlantic Pyrex Swap! If I get no takers there it will be listed in my markets.  Message me for pricing and to reserve! 

Large 9-1/2” dia Cathrineholm Lotus enamel bowl.  

Adventures to come!

I have been keeping this secret since I have had other things to talk about but this week’s update will fill you in!  In my business life, many things happen that just seem to materialize and I just cannot explain why I was so lucky to be at the right place at the right time with the right instincts for everything to happen.  Finding the awesome Fernand Leger rug was one of those moments.  Although I am blessed to have it in my possession, I knew early on that it came with some issues I had to tend to like the cleaning (a $250 investment) and then there is the restoration work to replace the knots that were chewed by some hungry moths which is quoted but out of my budget without a buyer in the wings. I have spent a lot of time researching it and have purchased materials useful in my quest.  You see, the woman who is responsible for this awesome piece was responsible for bringing back the tapestry arts in the 1920’s in addition to being a patron of the fabulous artists she honored.  Her Paris fashion house, Maison Myrbor, also turned out haute couture clothing which is found in museums around the globe.  The tapestry arts were never a booming industry but she exhibited over the years and info can be found.  

Back to how I fit in here.  I was contacted by a woman who works for a prominent estate, now museum of the family’s collection and he has my rug in her collection along with another in the series.  They have no info on them and are hoping I will share my research  with them. Of course!  I will be taking time to write my notes out for her and will be visiting the estate when they open for the season this spring to meet with her.  I cannot wait and will be sharing my experience with you all when I get back. I have one local stone to unturn on this research as the traveling exhibit where the rugs in my series where sold in the 60s came to Allentown so the museum is on my list to contact to see if they have info or perhaps staff or volunteers I can reach out to.  This whole adventure will help me build provenance with the rug as well as myself.  Overall a fun adventure!  Such a special piece of art and textiles with only 20 or less ever made.  A super rare collectible!  

On another note I am running a sale on most furnishings in honor of my birthday month just in the Etsy shop.  If you are looking to add something to your home, reach out now to secure the price.  Many items leave me with little profit at that price but I need to move some big items so trying to entice the people with them in their carts to commit.  Subject to end at my whim.  I also have a set on hold that will be delivered next month to New Hampshire.  Reach out if you see something and are near or could meet me during that trip.  If it fits with the set I would meet for a fee way less than the cost of shipping. 

Don’t forget I have an album of new gift appropriate items pinned to the top of my Facebook.com/madformodmalissa page where you can claim items, fill a box and I will pack and ship to you.  These are all priced at wholesale! With spring holidays on the way, take a look and claim some goodies!  I will need your email and will send you a PayPal invoice. If you are local to me I can get your items delivered.​

Thanks for following! Lots more fun to come soon!  ​

​Xo Malissa