well made: Kaymet trays

Kaymet have produced trays and other anodised kitchenware at their factory in South London for over 50 years. Many designs have remained unchanged since the 1950's with each piece still hand finished to the same exacting standards to give a lifetime of use. The rubber gripped 2000/RG tray (pictured above as a set of 4) is one of their more recent additions

the shop: Carl Harry Stalhane bowl

Glazed ceramic bowl designed by Carl Harry Stalhane for Rorstrand - produced as part of the California range c1950
Made in Sweden. 20x12cm
SOLD
Email me to enquire

jetsetmodern.com

Although Jet Set Modern is primarily a website dedicated to selling mid century modern homes in the US it's still interesting to browse through the properties on offer and enjoy some beautiful interior shots. The site also features a shop offering a selection of mid century furniture and accessories as well as the opportunity to subscribe to their bi-monthly e-zine

interlude: drug deal gone bad


Stand out scene from Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 film Boogie Nights
Almost unbearable tension coupled with Rick Springfield's 'Jessie's Girl' - gets me every time

the shop: Quistgaard nesting tables

Three part teak nesting tables designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Nissen, Denmark c1960 (W80xD39xH51cm)
Beautifully styled with softly rounded edges and finely tapered legs
SOLD
Email me to enquire

the shop: mid century modern desk chair

Solid teak armchair with wraparound arms - manufactured by Ardale c1960
Leatherette seat and toprail. H76xW62xD50cm
SOLD
Email me to enquire

well played: The Band

Although possibly best known for their work with Bob Dylan The Band recorded two of the most critically acclaimed albums of the late 60's: Music From The Big Pink in '68 and The Band (or 'Brown Album') in '69. Both provide a great mix of old country and rock that has gone on to influence countless other artists from Clapton to Kings of Leon. Pick up either album here

Sit and Read BKNY




sitandread


The wait is over
Click here to view the new website from Sit and Read

the shop: Arne Jacobsen AJ660 flatware

Stainless steel flatware designed by Arne Jacobsen for A. Michelsen in 1957
The set comprises of 8 dinner forks, 8 luncheon forks, 8 dinner knives and 8 desert spoons
SOLD
Email me to enquire

well read: Modern Retro

I picked up the paperback version of this small book by Neil Bingham and Andrew Weaving a few years back. It's been thumbed through on many occasions and has proved a useful resource with intelligent text and some nice photography of mid century furniture in real life settings. Available from the usual book stores including Amazon here

interlude: bring back OGWT

well made: Kay Bojesen wooden monkey

These playful wooden monkeys are still produced using the original specifications laid down by Bojesen in 1951.  Each monkey is hand made using 13 individual pieces of teak and limba wood. They look equally good in a child's bedroom or just hanging around a living space. Try Skandium for stock

the shop: Stelton candle holders

A pair of stainless steel candle holders produced by Stelton c1960
10cm across. Made in Denmark. Supplied with original box
SOLD
Email me to enquire

well played: King of America, Elvis Costello

This album is one of Costello's later releases (1986) and although it may not have the reputation of early Attractions records I think it stands up rather better. There is a definite country feel to the largely acoustic guitar driven tracks which I particularly like. You can order the CD at any of the usual suspects including Amazon for a Fiver

Hollin Hills

Hollin Hills is a whole suburb of modernist houses located seven miles outside of Washington DC - 450 of them on 240 acres. The properties were built between 1949-1971 and all are set in generous leafy plots. Even though the homes are characterised by huge expanses of glass a high degree of privacy is maintained by utilising the natural woodland setting of the location. Lots more images over on flickr if you click here

the shop: Aalto Stool 60

Stackable three legged stool designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933
Birch ply legs with red laminate seat.  Made in Finland
SOLD
Email me to enquire

well made: Libri shelf

The Libri shelf is another great piece from Swedish company Swedese. Libri can be used simply propped against a wall or placed back to back with additional units thus becoming freestanding
Designed in 2008 by Michael Bihain and available in black or white painted ash. Try Skandium for stock

the shop: Whitefriars lobed bowl

Thick heavyweight glass lobed bowl in golden amber (H15xL28xW14cm)
Designed by James Hogan for Whitefriars c1940
SOLD
Email me to enquire

Oscar Niemeyer

Oscar Niemeyer, who recently turned 103, is the architect behind a number of the 20th century's truly iconic buildings
You can learn a little more about this legendary man and his work in a short video posted here

well read: South From Granada

If you enjoyed any of Chris Stewart's popular books about life running a farm in the Alpujarras  (Driving Over Lemons, Parrot In The Pepper Tree, Almond Blossom Appreciation Society) you'll love Gerald Brenan's autobiographical account of his time in Andalusia during the 1920's. A great read anytime but even more so if you happen to be on holiday in Spain. Try Abebooks for new or used copies

interlude: 'double pleasure'

the shop: Lamino chair and footstool

Lamnio chair and footstool designed by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese in 1956
Oak frame with graphite grey sheepskin upholstery
SOLD
Email me to enquire
UPDATE: another Lamino chair and footstool coming soon - email me for advanced details

the shop: Danish candle holders

Two c1960's polished stainless steel candle holders - engraved MG Denmark to base
36cm four arm SOLD; 28cm two arm SOLD 
Email me to enquire

interlude: compliments of R4TH

well made: Bestlite

Bauhaus influenced Bestlite was designed in 1930 by Robert Dudley Best. The lights were originally made in Birmingham by Best & Lloyd, at that time the worlds largest light manufacturer. Although the company was taken over in 2004 by Danish outfit GUBI the lights remain true to Best's original design
Atomic Interiors are currently offering 10% off the Bestlite as well as free delivery

Tivoli Model 10

I'm not much of a tech-head when it comes to audio visual equipment but as my old c1980 Sony Digicube seems be to on its last legs I've been forced to look out for a replacement. This paired down DAB radio from British radio specialist Tivoli Audio looks like it ticks all the right boxes in terms of design, technology and build quality

the shop: Per Lutken Labrador vase

Holmegaard glass vase designed by Per Lutken c1958 as part of the Labrador series
Signed to base. 16cm tall
SOLD
Email me to enquire

Sunday lunch

Sunday lunch at The Bull and Last - a real treat
Before you tuck in to the roast beef try the pre lunch bar speciality homemade Scotch eggs and then afterwards walk it all off with a stroll on Hampstead Heath

well made: Sarpaneva pot

Designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1960 this casserole pot has exemplary form and function. The enamelled cast iron pot is perfect for slow cooking and the unique handle can be used to carry the pot or to lift off the lid for stirring
Try The Lollipop Shoppe for stock

the shop: hedgehog ashtray set

Complete six part stacking hedgehog ashtray set - based on a design by Walter Bosse c1950
Cast in steel and finished in black (12x7cm)
SOLD

Email me to enquire

George Nelson Bubble Lamps

Designed in 1947 and made from lightweight steel and a special translucent plastic these lamps cast a soft even glow
Although discontinued in 1979 Modernica reissued a selection of styles in the 90's - try Places and Spaces for stock 

the shop: Kobenstyle fondue set

 Kobenstyle fondue set designed by Jens H Quistgaard for Dansk c1954
Enamel pan with teak handle, cast iron warmer together with four original fondue forks
SOLD
Email me to enquire

well played: Ryan Adams

Alt country singer songwriter Ryan Adams has been a firm favourite of mine for a while now. In addition to being a prolific solo artist Adams has also has released work under group name Whiskeytown and with his backing band The Cardinals
Choose just about any album from his substantial back catalogue - I don't think you'll be disappointed

well read: Treasure Island

A ripping good yarn and not just for kids
I picked up a copy for a few quid from a charity shop recently but if you're feeling a bit flush you could treat yourself to a first edition published 1883 through Abebooks for $32,500...

the shop: Hornsea Tanglewood vase


16cm ceramic vase designed by John Clappison for Hornsea
Produced as part of the Tanglewood range between1964 and 1965
SOLD
Email me to enquire

Ace Hotel

In 2010 Ace Hotel added New York to their impressive but small chain boutique hotels. The hotel is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, has a great looking bar and dining room as well as thoughtfully designed rooms. It's currently top of my list of places to stay on my next visit to NYC