Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Vizcaya – the Gardens in March


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The East Façade
While I was Florida last month, I took the time to visit Vizcaya in Miami.  As with many visitors before me, I was thoroughly enchanted.

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Stone Barge and Tea House
James Deering built Vizcaya in 1916 in the style of Italian Renaissance and Baroque villas.  He adapted it to Florida’s sub-tropical climate, and made sure to install all the modern conveniences of the early 20th century. Assisted by interior designer Paul Chalfin, architect F. Burrall Hoffman, and landscape designer Diego Suarez, he wanted the house to look as if it had been there for 400 years and furnished by succeeding generations of the same family.

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Centre Island surrounded by a Reflecting Pool
When James’ family eventually sold Vizcaya to Miami in the 1950s, they also donated most of its interior furnishings that James had purchased to fill the house with the help of Paul Chalfin on their many trips to Europe.  He had amassed what resulted in an important collection of 16th century to 19th century decorative arts, and antiquities.

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Water Stairway
My photos are of the outside of the house and the Italian style garden with its sub-tropical Florida plantings. The taking of photos inside the house is not currently allowed.

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The Casino
The casino pictured above gave guests a chance to get away from the formality of the house.  The loggia offered views of the house and gardens.  It contains two rooms decorated in the 18th century style, where guests could have tea.
 
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View of the Formal Garden
Vizcaya is a combination of the validity and permanence of the Old World combined with the innovative brilliance of New World.  I am now under the spell of Vizcaya, and I will return and visit it again and again.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

West Palm Beach Antique Show

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Antique shows are entertaining and provide the likelihood of finding treasures, learning something new, and being entertained. There are always interesting people to meet, many of whom have acquired great knowledge about the collections they offer. I take pleasure in having a chance to touch the past by connecting with the well-made objects of many years ago.

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Lalique vases
Recently, I had the opportunity of visiting the West Palm Beach Antique Show. The Show filled the inside of a huge warehouse where many vendors displayed their booths, offering estate jewellery, textiles, furniture, glass, silver, porcelain, paintings, and other things from the past. The number of objects for sale was overwhelming.

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Val St. Lambert ca. 1930
Finding a few treasures and speaking to some of the dealers was my ultimate goal. I look for things that stir my passions, are of excellent quality and have good style. My preferences are not solely objects of over 100 years of age, but most importantly objects of quality and style.

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Lalique perfume bottle

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Sterling silver lidded crystal jars

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Gorham sterling silver overlay perfume bottle