it's a mod world
To benedicth...
There is a certain amount of adventure to be found out there in "The Hunt". Do you think that in the day of Charles & Ray Eames (and the hundreds of other gifted Mid-Century Designers) the world was accepting of their vision right off the bat? I don't... I think that there was a certain level of "discovery" necessary to appreciate their work. I also believe the designers, themselves, were well aware of this. (In fact many of the original forms from Mod design really go back to the 20s & 30s during the Art Deco Period. I scarcely think the Art Deco World, which I love BTW, was very accepting of this "new" streamlined design.) One would like to think that Charles and Ray Eames would like it that there is a whole new era of "discovery" involving their work.
I don't think that people would take home MCM pieces if they didn't first find them attractive. That the piece may be valuable is secondary. Myself, I know that I won't take home or sell ANYTHING I don't like. The journey is far more enjoyable than the destination, and frankly it is a lot of fun finding these pieces "off the cuff." Most hunts are a bust and a little boring, but that day you find something incredible makes it all worth it. Listen, this forum isn't for people collecting Early American Colonial (not that there is anything wrong with that) ~ there is a certain level of knowledge that goes in to spotting authentic Mod pieces and I trust a person's "eye" for cool stuff. I am genuinely excited for people when they find a Juhl or Wegner chair at a garage sale and it makes me more excited to go out an look for stuff. None of us knows everything and every one of us can learn more. And for every Mod piece I end-up having to sell because of circumstances, it affords me the ability to own a piece I would never part with.
Charles and Ray Eames designed for people. None of us were born with an innate knowledge of Mid Century Mod. More power to all the people out there searching thrift stores, garage sales and dirty little corner antique stores in the middle of nowhere! If they have to research what the piece "is" after-the-fact, well, that's a part of the process. They are finding great pieces and will, in turn pass some of those on to other people.
Maybe I wish I was one of those people in L.A. or New York whom could walk into any designer showroom or high-end antique store and slap down a small fortune for any Mod piece I wanted... or maybe I don't. I find design snobs kinda' boring. Honestly, I think it's many of them whom only want the cache of the "name".
And, hey, WoodyWood ~ lol ~ I know what you mean about "almost" wanting to be here in the Midwest. (Well, I can't really claim to be part of the Midwest ~ let's just say I'm on the "cusp" of it. lol.) I miss New York! I'll always be an urban girl ~ the MCM just help me cope with not being in the city... for now.
~~Therese
Um. ..
Not to be contradictory, and I know the point you're making, but... the Eames pretty much got their big break designing for museums. Specifically MoMA. Like, with 3 separate shows: Organic Home Furnishings (1938) Low Cost Furniture (1948) and New Works by Charles Eames (1945)
A few favorites
- Nelson Thin Edge nightstand - $5
- A pair of Zenith rope edge chairs - $3 apiece
- Three Nelson molded plywood trays - 25 cents apiece
- Eight (yes, 8) McCobb cabinets - $100 for all
- Chrome diamond chair with tags and full upholstery - $13
- Gilbert Rohde walnut burl and chrome clock - $65
O K poach..
1. Flock of Butterflies (Nelson) clock - $25
2. Flexwood clock (Nelson too)- $125
3. 4 Nelson Steelframe sofas- $6
4. Paul Frankl cork bench -$70
5. Jose de Rivera sculpture- free!
6. 2 Knoll Barcalona chairs $100
This is just some of my good fortune from 25 years of collecting. Missed some really good things too (Like the Nelson Bird Cage clock and the Tynell chandileir). Would love to exchange pics with you. Especially any Nelson clocks you have. I have over 50 different vintage models.
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