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A N T i Q U E S
& A R T I
N Q U E E N S L A N D
November 2001 to March 2002 Issue
English Gothic Furniture
"Whilst browsing through an antique book, I found
myself smiling at the statement that “English gothic
furniture is unique in its vigorous invention and humourous
inconsequence”, for it is quite true.
At the time of the gothic revival, few pieces of genuine
medieval furniture actually existed. The items made by revivalists
only barely resembled the few pieces of rude furniture which
survived since the Middle Ages. The designers of “gothic”
furniture invented a style which is unique and delightful,
but of little actual connection with genuine medieval furniture.."
This will take the reader on a meander through the origins
and later developments of this style of timeless appeal.
There are quite precise details and accompanying photographs
of a reproduction George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase
made by GN OLSSON. Truly a masterpiece!
July to November 2001 Issue
Tomorrow's antiques available
today.
"Anyone who has decorated their home or office
will know the frustration when things are left incomplete
for a period of time. Sometimes the ideal piece of furniture
for a particular spot is nowhere to be found. It is usually
a case of the 'eighty twenty rule', 80 percent of your desired
antique furniture is probably found in 20 percent of the
time allocated. However, the quest for the remaining 20
percent of your furniture seems to take 80 percent of your
precious time. There comes a time when you may seriously
think about considering alternatives to the originally desired
antique furniture…"
If your room or office is furnished with fine or antique
furniture, but you still cannot find that last elusive item,
this is the article for you. Two case studies demonstrate
how people just like you, successfully chose custom handcrafted
furniture to precisely meet their domestic and office needs.
March to July Issue 2001
Everything Olde is New Again!
Antique and Classic Style Office Furniture
"When it comes to the interior design of offices,
few lovers of fine furniture realise that they can have
their cake and eat it too - functionality and timeless beauty.
Many people don't perceive that there is a place for their
stylish furniture both at home and at work. If they can
overcome just two obstacles, I'm sure they will reach the
same conclusion that I have.
The first obstacle is to overcome 'group think' or thinking
the same way that everyone else does. Since most businesses
have standard contemporary office furniture and because
the bulk of advertising, films and such reflect this as
normal, most purchasers don't even think about other alternatives.
However, lots of wonderful choices do exist and these are
discussed in this article..."
A very interesting article which looks at ways and means
of enhancing office functionality, whilst not detracting
from the beauty of, or investment in, fine furniture. Having
established this, the article then proceeds to make some
interesting comments regarding the degree of compatibility
between the image a business or home office requires, and
the image which is expressed by its furniture and interior
design.
November 2000 to March 2001
In Harmony with Harvey
"It is always important to acknowledge the heritage
and tradition upon which a business is based.
Whilst sorting through memorabilia I came across a small
brown book titled LJ Harvey and his School which
I'd bought for myself more than fifteen years ago. This
book, published by the Queensland Art Gallery, was released
to coincide with the 1983 Visual Arts Programme
LJ Harvey Exhibition…"
It is always interesting to find out some background on
how people got started and what key events and people have
influenced them along the way. Gary's apprenticeship and
early trade years were spent at Harvey Bros, Woolloongabba,
Brisbane. Gary's father and his employer, Elvin Harvey had
critical roles in the early foundations of his career as
a fine furniture mastercraftsman. This article acknowledges
that link and pays tribute to Elvin and in particular, Elvin's
father, Lewis J Harvey.
July to November 2000 Issue
Rocking through the ages
"The quaint charm of the rocking horse was founded
in pure functionality. Since Victorian times, well-to-do
families required tuition for their children in horsemanship.
The motor car was not yet invented, and the horse was the
main means of transport…"
This charming and interesting article takes the reader
through the history, purpose and designs of rocking horses,
and provides hints on ageing them. Particular emphasis is
provided on rocking horses commercially available in England
and Australia.
March to July 2000 Issue
A Journey for Gold!
"Come to Tasmania with me," said John on the
telephone, "and we'll buy some Huon for that furniture
we've been talking about."
Having known John for such a long time, neither the
request nor its spontaneity surprised me. Actually it wasn't
all that spontaneous - he'd been talking about it for years.
Its just that suddenly, according to John, it was time…"
This travel log takes the reader on an enjoyable mini expendition
to Queenstown, Tasmania in search of the elusive and highly
prized Huon Pine timber. You wont believe the things these
passionate fanatics get up to, in search of just the right
pieces of timber. The end result is shown in photographs
highlighting the immeasurable beauty of John's authentic
Huon Pine antique reproductions.
November 1999 to March 2000 Issue
Marquetry and Parquetry Delight
Thee
"Evidence dates veneering to 2000BC in the Greek,
Roman and Egyptian empires. The modern history of veneering
in England, however, originated in continental Europe. Two
key events brought veneered furniture into dominance in
England during the 1660s. The first was the return of Charles
II from exile, because once he returned he introduced new
high standards of furniture design and craftsmanship from
both Holland and France…"
It is often strange to find that something that seems like
a disaster can actually bring about wonderful changes if
viewed over the longer term. The Great Fire of London is
the second event which catalysed the introduction of marquetry
and parquetry to England in the late 1600s. Readers can
follow this account and obtain some detailed technical information
on the processing, styles, timbers and colour of veneers.
The good news is anything can be fixed, and a few examples
are shown.
August to November 1999
Authentic and Warm - Gold
Embossed Leather
"Gold embossing on leather always brings out a
special charm and style in furniture and artefacts. Furniture
such as desks, davenports, revolving bookcases and filing
cabinets particularly lend themselves to this technique.
Leather embossed with gold dates back to the late 1600s
and conceivably even earlier, though perhaps in cruder forms…"
This detailed article outlines the history and reasons
behind use of 22ct gold embossing on leather for desks and
various other items. It focuses on the advantages of gold
embossed leather, over glass or solid timber surfaces, and
makes an interesting read on how these inserts are made
and fitted.
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