French wine tables, French armoires and more

As you can see, the French armoire came together. The shop is coming together too, but there is much work to do, so I must get back to it. I have taken photos of some of the unusual pieces that are new into the store, enjoy!

19th century stools with shaped seats, a pair.

English 1 and 1/2 gallon milk cans.

A French marble topped patisserie counter with French glass domes.

I love these wire storage crates, with brass labels.

A French skittles set in a French picker's basket.

A French vendange table on a buffet, and French glass bottles. Monogrammed linen. A fabulous square leather and brass bound trunk. A massive French display cabinet in soft grey tones. Right, back to work for me, 10am opening tomorrow morning and I want to be ready.

a gorgeous French armoire (and closed due to shipment arrival)

Our shipment has just arrived today, and I am squirming with excitment! I thought I would give you a little taste of what is due into our store with this magnificent bleached and limed walnut French armoire, above. It was one of my highlight finds on my lastest buying trip and finally it has reached our shores and our store! Look at the detail of the original 18th century hardware. And you should see the key, it is huge!

Image via Bonjour Paris

Due to the arrival of this shipment, we unfortunately have to close our doors to customers whilst we unpack, clean, sort and display our new goodies. We will be re-open at 10am on Saturday the 21st January.

I will post images of the chaos in our store over the next week so that you may hopefully see some of the treasures.

stylish French antiques at Melbourne antiques fair

The inaugural annual Australian Antiques and Art Dealers Association Melbourne Antique Show was held over the weekend. I was assisting on the Tasmanian based Richmond Antiques stand but I found some time to take some photos of my favourite stands and antique pieces. Above is a French painted armoire on a very stylish stand, Patina Antiques, which specialises in French furniture. Detail of the gorgeous armoire. Richmond Antiques had a wonderful display. This French painted buffet is one of my favourite pieces and it dates to around c.1800. Detail of the naturalistic display above the French buffet on the Richmond Antiques stand. I love the use of shells, coral and in this case a mounted saw tooth to make an eye catching display.

Probably the most amazing (and most valuable) piece of furniture at the fair was this French specimen marble-topped table. Look at the detail, is is stunning. It is of exhibition quality. It was exhibited by the Perth based Brans Antiques.

Isherwood Antiques of Sydney also had a wonderful display, with loads of French eye candy. The Louis Vuitton courier trunk at the front is a particularly rare piece... As is the harp! How romantic.

French angels on Isherwood Antiques stand.

And a French 18th Century commode.

I must admit to having never seen a French circular barometer such as this one. Again, very decorative and a nice change from a painting on a wall.

An open bookshelf with a thoughtfully arranged display of coral, pictures and leather books.

A pair of 18th century bridal boots on an educational stand.

Mossgreen Gallery showed an unusual use for a copper fire extinguisher...a lamp!

Mounted whale vertebrae on a taxidermy specialist's stand.

And the floor rug that I fell in love with! The most wonderful colours one could hope for in a floor rug...just a little big for my dining room (or any of my rooms for that matter!).