Sculpture has relevance to us today
Sculptural art in the Western world is the most real of all art forms to create something lifelike out of mass. Large monuments capture the attention of the nation and …
Money as Treasure, Money as Prisoner: The Safe Bank
J.K. from the 805 area sends me this photograph of two toy iron banks. The concept of a place to save money which is a toy and also decorative is …
A Nice Find by Moi!
Yes, I did it again, I went to another thrift store during my tea break from work, and this time I found something wonderful – a Nootka (Northwest Native American) …
A Hurrell Hollywood Photograph of the Producer of Casablanca
I love the glamour photography of Hollywood Star Maker George Hurrell. The last thing my son’s high school yearbook photographer wanted to see at Lock’s portrait appointment was my copy …
Rare set of Chinese porcelian tells a soldier’s story
D.K. sends me a pair of teacups and saucers that belonged, he supposes, to either his world-traveling grandparents, or his dad. They are delicate Chinese porcelain. Which story “fits” the …
Measuring up to ABBA’s Piano’s Value
Rick’s Café upright piano from Casablanca sold for $3.4 million in 2014. John Lennon’s “Imagine” piano sold for $1.67 million in 2000. But your piano is worth less than you …
Hunger for mid-century modern extends to some tableware
C.H. read my mid-century modern column and has a question about mid-century ceramic dinner services, like her mom’s “Golden Harvest” by Stangl, “Apple” by Franciscan and a set designed by …
What’s a Mork and Mindy Script Worth?
C.H. from Santa Barbara found a Mork and Mindy script, along with a few other TV classic scripts, in a beat up cardboard box at a Pomona Antique mall; the …
From Goodwill to good grief: The value of mid-century modern pieces 8/1/2017 0 Comments
J.V. has a mid-century modern ceramic vase by one of Scandinavia’s most influential post-war designers, Stig Lindberg (Swedish, 1916-1982). Lindberg was the archetypal early modernist designer, with his quirky horn-rimmed …
The Dire Melody of Time
T.A. from Valencia sends me this tall case or long case clock, not technically a “grandfather” clock, because the term “grandfather” only entered parlance due to a popular song written …