Calling all Francophiles! Newly Reopened!

This summer: Two MUST SEE reinstallations on opposite sides of the globe! If you're planning to be in Paris or San Francisco, you're in luck (and we're majorly jealous)! If you can't be there in person, you can still enjoy these glimmering interiors vivariously; check out the links below!

1. Louvre Reopens Eighteenth-Century Decorative Arts Galleries!

After an 8 year closure, this grand suite of 18th-Century Decorative Arts Galleries is once again ready for an eager public. With over 2,000 pieces on display, the Louvre's holdings represent one of the world's most extensive collections. The new installation traces the evolution of French taste for the decorative arts from 1660-1790 (more or less from the reign of Louis XIV through Louis XVI).

Paneling from the hôtel Le Bas de Montargis, place Vendôme, Paris, ca. 1705 (Musée du Louvre / Olivier Ouadah).

2. Newly Conserved and Renovated Salon Doré, Legion of Honor, San Francisco.

One of the finest examples of French Neoclassical interior architecture located in the United States, this remarkable period room has been moved seven times since 1877! The interior was originally designed during the reign of Louis XVI as a receiving room for guests of the Hôtel de La Trémoille in Paris, but has been in many other contexts ever since. While it has been held in the collection of the Legion of Honor for more than 40 years, beginning in 2012, the the Salon Doré underwent a comprehensive conservation and renovation project.

Antiquing in Alsace

Greetings from Alsace, a region of France where German history plays a tantamount role. This part of the country was contested for centuries due to its scenic beauty, lively culture and natural resources. Initially a rather autonomous part of the Holy Roman Empire, Alsace was annexed to France in the 17th century, only to be taken over by the Germans in the middle of the 19th century. To grossly oversimplfy, it became French yet again after WWI, and then German once more when it was conquered by the Nazis. Since the end of World War II, it's been decidedly French, but the cultural influences of both nations are still widely felt.

While the varnacular architecture and artistic tradition appear rather German, in my opinion, the pastries could only be French! I've included some pictures from my travels in Alsace which chronicle this rich and blended culture- terrific antiquing!

Each town has a distinct personality but the region is united by fantastic examples of half-timber architecture (some of it dating to the 16th century, or earlier!), seemingly endless, picturesque vineyards, medieval castles, and ancient ruins. In the arts, crafts and furniture of Alsace, German and Northern European influence prevails. Monumental ceramic stoves, painted wood chests and amoires, journeyman's masterpiece cabinets, and copper baking moulds fill area museums, antique shops, and fleamarkets.

Varnacular architecture and design from Strasbourg and the interior of a lovely frame shop in Basel.

Ornate goblet made from a remarkable seashell. Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame

At left: Noelle at the fortified church in Hunawihr. Above: Vestiges of a Medieval tower and fortification are flanked by typical examples of varnacular architecture in Ribeauvile, France

Fortified church in Hunawihr surrounded by vineyards

WOW! An elaborate "masterpiece," though here I am using the term in its historical context, to mean a journeyman's finest sample,  created in hopes of gaining admission into the cabinetmaker's guild.

There is also a strong mathematical and scientific tradition in Alsace. Evidence of this can be seen in elaborate astrological clocks produced here throughout the centuries. Historically, they were a symbol of erudition and scientific progress. The one pictured below from the Cathedral of Strasbourg is second only to a remarkable, contemporary example in Prague. It's mechanization includes countless moving figures and sound affects, all reminding the viewer of the steady passage of time.

Quaint shops signs, such as this one, dot the many small towns of the region. Note this Inn advertises its services by picturing a sleeper in his night cap, replete with a chamber pot under his bed! :)

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a medieval ruin largely restored by German emporer Wilhelm II in the late 19th century

Above: Sunset descent into the Valley of Munster.

Right: A kindly donkey makes my acquaintance at a ferme auberge (country farm inn/ restaurant).

I look forward to returning to this enchanting region! Perhaps next time in the winter for the Christmas markets, Christkindelsmärik. Until then, I've got a lot to fit into my suitcase!

Charming 19th century children's toys

Delicious pastries everywhere!

This style of German stoves are frequently showcased in Alsace historical homes and museums.

Avove: Monumental Astromical Clock, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Strasbourg.

Left: Stret view in Riquewihr

Putting the ESTATE in "estate sale"

Fabulous backyard in Hancock Park, Los Angeles

When I decided to make the leap from museum professional to antiques and fine art dealer I never imagined the doors it would open... Literally. I've become privy to some absolutely incredible properties over the last few months. From Malibu to Beverly Hills, to Bel Air and Hancock Park, it feels there are a seemingly endless number of mansions teeming with treasures! Whereas I thought I'd be rummaging through refuse at thrift stores for my merchandise, an average day includes far more oceanside patios than I'd ever entertained. Now don't get me wrong, there's plenty of the former but after all, this is LA and we do ostentatious wealth and wildest dreams better than just about anywhere! I've included a few remarkable "backyards" as accompanying images. I regret not taking pictures of the exterior architecture of these palatial properties, but sometimes it's the pool or sweeping views that say it all!

Bel Air mansion overlooking the city of Los Angeles. Note the net over the pool and yellow tape on the statuary. Seems happier days were once known.

Estate Sales are interesting entities. I've noticed that people tend to host them for the following reasons: Death, Divorce, Bankrupcy, Downsizing, and Moving. Sometimes it can feel a bit voyeuristic, even impolite to be wandering around someone's home, picking through their housewares and personal effects for something re-saleable. At the same time, I've met a number of fascinating people eager to share their homes' contents. Take, for example the Finnish photographer I met at his Hollywood Hills residence a few weeks ago. He had recently moved out of his Fifth Avenue, Manhattan apartment and had the entirity of its contents shipped to LA to be sold. This gentleman spent several hours pouring over his vast accumulation with me, and I found that many of the pieces prompted fascinating stories from his long life of travel and art acquisition. For him, it seemed the act of selling his collection was a chance not only to relive his experiences of owning each object, but also an opportunity to enjoy them in one final way, as their steward and storyteller. It was a delightful afternoon and I left with a wealth of new knowedge, a car full of incredible objects, and the absolute best stories!

Sweeping ocean views from a lavish residence in Malibu, California

Hancock Park, Los Angeles

These are a few of my favorite things

Being the Luddite... errr antiquarian that I am, blogging is not a natural habit. In my defense, launching Saco + Nova has been quite an undertaking, and in turn, time has felt quite scarce as of late! There's both the mile-long list of things I knew I'd have to attend to, and then there's the list (twice as long) of things I'd naively never even considered! Admittedly, this is simply part of starting a business, and hey, I'm now the proud owner / operator of a green-screen and the latest version of Photoshop. Despite these challenges and a rather steep technological learning curve, the actual antiquing has proven quite fruitful. While I hesitate to use the hackneyed expression "hidden gems" to describe some of my recent finds, procuring phenomal vintage products here in Los Angeles has certainly been worthwhile. Interestingly, I anticipated finding loads of modern design, but it's actually quite an opposite aesthetic I've been encountering in most of the Beverly Hills and Bel Air estates I frequent. The older the better in my book, though I did pass on a pair of fine Jacobean chairs this week (there may such a thing as TOO old- or at the very least, too austere- for this market). For the right mid-century piece, however, my heart can palpatate just as rapidly as the next design enthusiast's :). Pictured are a few of my favorite recent purchases. You can read up on (or purchase!) them in the Selected Inventory section of my site. Other exciting recent developments? An investor coming on board and several future trips in the works for sourcing new products internationally and domestically. Je dois pratiquer mon français!

30 Estates in 18 Days?!

Uppark, West Sussex

My gamely fascination for the subject of English country houses is perhaps best communicated by the sentiments of J. Paul Getty, who once said of his sudden and wholehearted enthusiasm for the decorative arts, “It wasn’t that a spark was struck. It was rather that a blazing torch was applied.”[1]

In July, I embarked on the Attingham Summer School, a renowned academic program which provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience historical collections within the unique context of the English country home. Over the course of three weeks, my fellow participants and I visited more than 30 residences, some virtually untouched by time, others the accumulations of generations.

Kedleston Hall, Robert Adam interior

Prior to Attingham, I spent six years working at the J. Paul Getty Museum. In that time, I developed a comprehensive knowledge of the museum collection, while honing a focus in 17th- and 18th-century furniture. As an art historian with a decidedly French focus, I expected to find particular delight in the British properties containing objects of French and Huguenot manufacture, though as the program advanced, I realized the houses and collections I was most captivated by were not necessarily the ones with which I was most familiar. Parham Park and Arundel Castle were intriguing for their accumulated collections and romanticized visions of English history, whereas intimate residences such as Broughton and Belmont held surprises such as rare Chinese wallpaper and a renowned collection of clocks, respectively. I also enjoyed connecting my knowledge of the Getty collection to aspects of the estates we visited. For instance, the Museum’s famed silver fountain once stood in the dining room apse at Kedleston Hall (I noticed its mate is still insitu!). Uppark, pictured above, was home to the Getty’s 1768 Sèvres “egg vases.” Elsewhere I noted Mortlake tapestries similar to hangings which will be lent to the Getty as part of an upcoming tapestry exhibition I was involved in preparing.

Knole, Kent

Chatsworth, Derbyshire

Our group had incredible access to resplendent country estates and to tutors and scholars who offered thoughtful presentations and engaging workshops throughout. Purposefully juxtaposed visits such as the afternoon we went to both the stately Kedelston Hall and the dreary Calke Abbey made for the liveliest of conversations. Fascinating debates and discussions carried our group from one property to the next. Though the itinerary was exhaustive (and at times exhausting!), the schedule always seemed to allow for a bit of respite in each property’s magnificent pleasure gardens.

In the end, these three weeks seamlessly complimented and augmented my professional experience while raising fresh questions and generating new intellectual interests. While I'd devoted many years to the study decorative arts, I certainly left Attingham with new authority.

[1] J. Paul Getty, The Joys of Collecting (New York: Hawthorn Books, 1965), 63.