Peace reigns

I remember being much taken by the understated charm of this London townhouse when I first saw it in House & Garden and added it to my tear out file.

The concept is mostly that of its owner, a South American banker. The use of black and white and beige in the drawing room creates a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere. Having recently viewed the Christie's catalogue of St Laurent & Berge's art collection I find myself now drawn to cubist pictures. This one above the chimneypiece is by Gabrielle Gross.

The middle picture depicts the guest bedroom reflected in a mirror, and the study with furniture (Biedermeier secretaire and sofa), from Rupert Cavendish. Outside of the study is a sculpture by Shaun Brosnan. The picture to the left of this is the second sitting room, off the main drawing room, with similar soothing colour plays.

Other pictures from this house can be seen here.

Biedermeier admirer

Biedermeier burlwood and ebonized dining chairs, each with burlwood veneered tablet back, leather upholstered seat, tapered legs, German, possibly period, 34-1/2 x 19 x 14 in. Good condition overall with some sun fading, minor pest damage, possible restoration to ebonizing on backs, not examined under upholstery. Estimated USD1,000-2,000, sold for USD1,800.

Biedermeier style day bed. Simple low back supporting outward flared serpentine arms, supported by a burl faced box base set on fan carved demilune feet. Upholstered seat with matching throw pillow. 33 1/2" high, 74 1/2" wide, 25 1/2" deep, good condition, old refinish. Estimated at USD2,000-3,000 sold at starting bid of USD1,400.

Biedermeier light wood abatant drop front desk with single top drawer. Nested interior consists of eight drawers with light and dark contrasting woods over two door open base, straight lines with applied brass embellishments, on short tapered legs. 59 1/2 " high, 34 1/4" wide, 16 1/2" D, old refinish, minor veneer damage around base. Estimated at USD1,500-2,500. Unsold.

Biedermeier line inlaid crest, fruitwood arms with ebonized supports, German, 19th century, 36 x 61 x 21 in. Scattered breaks and repairs to arms and legs, back of frame with later yellow paint, some later nails, arm supports possibly restored, not examined under upholstery. Estimated USD400-800, sold for USD1,400.

Biedermeier Walnut Vanity Chair, having semi-circular back of bent wood construction above an upholstered circular seat, raised on splayed tapering circular legs. Height 31 1/4 inches. Estimated USD300-500, sold for USD200.

Swedish Biedermeier dining chairs, comprising two arm and four sides, each with scrolled and veneered crest, tapered legs, silk-upholstered seats, attributed to Carl Johan, Sweden, circa 1920s, armchair 36-1/4 x 22-1/2 x 21 in. Minor surface wear and abrasions, some distress to varnish, minor sun fading, stains and wear to upholstery. Estimated USD2,000-3,000, sold for USD1,100.

I noticed a profusion of Biedermeier furniture for sale at auction recently, (as above), and it struck me that in most cases these pieces are going for a song, perhaps the beginnings of a reflection of a downturn in the market for good quality pieces.

It seems ironic that the style of furniture created for its utilitarian quality should not be finding more favour in a period of economic austerity.

Showcase

If this room looks like a showroom that's because it partly is. The owner is a dealer in essentially neoclassical pieces, displayed enticingly on the Mies van der Rohe table, which is paired with Le Corbusier armchairs. Bathed in the light afforded by the loft's large windows is a Biedermeier daybed, which mixes so easily with the modernity of the armchairs. And then another favourite, the architectural prints hanging above the dark lacquered Chinese screen, with its gold painting, capturing the golden hues of the entire room.

My only complaint, (and yes, I do have one), is that it would all come together much better with a rug of some description, which would define the sitting area and the dining area, (the latter with its Knoll 'Saarinen" table and Hoffman dining chairs).

Oh, and I would hang the blinds in a linear row, because I like things to be symmetrical. Of course.

The Pheasant Bedroom

These are the remaining images from the Thomas Pheasant house that I threatened to show in the last post on Pheasant. I hope you will agree that his work is worthy of further exposure. There are two Biedermeier pieces, one to the left of the fireplace and one visible in the convex mirror. The two matching armchairs facing each other opposite the bed, are covered in a Donghia fabric.

The mushroom wall colour is sharpened significantly by the white cornice and skirting, and is perfect for the relaxed atmosphere required for a bedroom scheme.