Bloomsbury meets tribal

Such is the theme of my latest display at the Gloucester Quays Antiques Centre which mixes a number of modern, vintage, hand made and upcycled objects with a rather refreshing result, making for a room setting that is cool and airy yet with pools of concentrated pattern. An interesting combination of early and mid century/retro influences, this is one for lovers of abstract and stylized motifs.

The whole setting was inspired by the central piece, painted by the artist Caroline Jaine, a decorative restoration titled "ceci n'est pas un placard" (This is not a cupboard).
Caroline currently exhibits at the Antiques Centre, and you can see more of her work here. The painted chair and abstract painting next to it that you can see by scrolling further down are also by her.

Mid century Briglin pottery, I particularly like the textured glaze of the teapot, and the swirly pattern on the other pieces perfectly compliments Caroline's furniture.

I have to say I really quite like this piece and I was stricken from the beginning by the Bloomsbury meets tribal (with a hint of flower power) vibe that I got from it. So I enhanced that by pairing it with further tribal inspired prints. What do you think?

Perhaps you recognize Lacoona's lampshade from a previous post? Aptly named "Tribe of me", and perfectly at home in this setting, this is available for purchase in my etsy store, together with its cousin "The Bolt" displayed on the window sill. Even better, if you are in the area visit the Antiques Centre and see the display for yourself; the most expensive thing here is only £250, so you can buy into this look without breaking the bank!

One for the child inside

 

I haven't had the chance to post these before, so just before the year ends and we conclude our winter celebrations, I thought I would show you a few glimpses of the displays I realized this Christmas for the Antiques Centre in Gloucester. And whilst I love window dressing at all times (and I do), it is never more rewarding than at Christmas time, when one sees all the little children squashing their noses in amazement against the windows and hears them squealing with delight upon entering the store. All as it should be :)

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

Hello, is that you, Santa?...

Just over a year ago I started dressing the windows at the Antiques Centre in Gloucester, setting up a little nautical scene. I've done every window change since, and loved every minute of it. If there is a side to my job that makes me truly happy, this is it. So this Christmas I am celebrating not only an year of newly found aesthetic appeal,  as well as commercial success of this particular enterprise, but also what I see as a small personal accomplishment of my own: finding something I like doing and ...well, doing it.

There's a competition this year for the best store window within the Gloucester Quays Shopping Outlet (which includes the Antiques Centre since it's reopening after recent turbulent times) and it would be nice to win it. Mostly for the team who put up with me every day. 

I am already a winner, for all of you ladies and gentlemen who make it your business to come in and pay me your wonderful compliments, for which I give  you my heartfelt thanks. 

The best was from someone who is regularly visiting the Antiques Centre just to keep up with the changes in window display. Now you may think this is of little relevance for a business, but it means a hell of a lot to me. The thought (rather heady) that anyone would get out of their house with the purpose of seeing my work, and would find joy and delight in it, is deeply touching. That made my day (and a few since :))

For those of you unlikely to pop by, here is a little taster of one of the window sections that form part of this year's Christmas display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been a while, how are you?

Long story short, around the time of my last entry here I became suddenly - and unexpectedly - unemployed. Although some weeks later I sort of regained my position, this whole period made for a  rather stressful time overall, and an emotional roller-coaster. 

I am hoping to settle on firmer grounds soon, and at least to reach the level of shallow normality which is as far as my existence here can stretch to. That means blogging again, showing you my vintage, filling my etsy shop, and last but not least, appreciating my job for giving me the opportunity to be around some lovely people which I would greatly miss otherwise.