50’s

Lucite Paperweight with Thermometer and Underwater Seascene, made in France circa 1950’s

March 31, 2013Collectables50's, aquarium, atomic era, Desk, france, home decor, kitsch, lucite, mid century, modernist, Paperweight, resin, retro, seascene, space age, table, thermometer, underwater, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a truly Stunning clear Lucite (resin) paperweight with thermometer, circa 1950’s / 1960/s. In the Mid Century Modern style, believed to be made in France (thermometre on face).

A Great piece, in the shape of a clamshell, and displaying an underwater Sea scene complete with shells, sea plants and a Starfish. All encased in a beautiful clear resin that catches the light amazingly through the contoured edges, contrasted nicely with the black back.

A Striking and unusual item, catches the light beautifully, perfect for use as a desk accessory / paperweight, or on display on a sideboard, windowsill or mantelpiece.

Really reminiscent of the 50’s / 60’s Atomic Mid-Century Modern Era using new materials with exciting new forms! Would be fantastic in a retro, vintage, or even contemporary or minimal interior due to its bold striking form and design!

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, the thermometer is still working too!

Measures 13 x 11 x 4.5cm / 5 x 4.5 x 1.75in.

Walter Bosse brass Giraffe ‘Black-Golden Line’ figure, made by Baller, Austria circa 1950’s

March 1, 2013Collectables50's, afterglow retro, baller austria, black golden line, brass figure, brighton, giraffe, home decor, mid century modern, retro collectable, retro design, vintage, walter bosseafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Lovely Walter Bosse brass Giraffe figure, made by Baller, Austria circa 1950’s / 60’s.

A Classic design of the mid century modern era, the simple stylised cartoon like form of a Giraffe, designed by Walter Bosse a master craftsman and designer of animal figures, during the golden age of Vienna bronzes.

From the ‘Black-Golden Line’ series, the miniature brass figurines were given a black finish with polished areas using the ‘Patination’ technique.

Would make a Great additon to any collection of Walter Bosse / Baller / Animal / Brass figures. Perfect as a desk accessory / paperweight, or to decorate any vintage sideboard / mantelpiece or coffee table.

Vintage Condition, the black patination is very worn, could be stripped to the brass, or repainted.

Measures 9 x 9 x 4cm / 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.5in

Over at my Etsy shop, Christmas Sale until 1st Jan 2013, 10% off all shop items!

December 24, 2012Collectables, Uncategorized2012, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, antique, ceramic, christmas, Clock, collectable, etsy, fat lava, Glass, italian, Murano, new year, pop art, pottery, retro, sale, space age, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

Christmas Sale until 1st Jan 2013, 10% off all shop items! Enter Coupon Code – CHRISTMAS2012 http://www.etsy.com/shop/afterglowretro

Zell Schmider vase no. 3589, form and decor by Anneliese Beckh, West Germany circa 1956

October 25, 2012Ceramics50's, ceramic, cubism, design, fat lava, keramik, mid century, picasso, pottery, retro, schmider, style, Vase, vintage, West German, zellafterglowretro View all 2 comments

This small but perfectly formed Zell Schmider vase may mark a turning point in my collecting. With its beautiful abstract Cubist /Picasso / Corbusier inspired decor, very much in the Mid-century Modern style, interlocking circles with blocks of primary colour on a simple elegant form.

It encapsulates and references the modern design ethos of the era all in just 10cm ! Unlike the later larger ‘Fat Lava’ floor vases (of which I have quite a few) this could happily sit on a bookshelf or mantelpiece, a subtle nod to great 1950’s design. This will inspire me to seek out other similar pieces that display classic style on a miniature scale.

Kitsch seascene with Starfish, fish and shells, set in an Atomic era abstract shaped Lucite block paperweight, circa 1950′s

August 15, 2012Collectables50's, 60's, atomic, era, fish, jet age, lucite, mid century, Paperweight, resin, retro, scene, sculpture, sea, shells, starfish, underwater, vintageafterglowretro One comment

At the moment I’m really loving pieces such as this that exhibit so many characteristics of Mid-century design. From the use of new types of plastic to create innovative pieces in abstract forms that owes so much to the Atomic-era and the Jet-age, fusing geometric angular shapes with streamlined contours. And the brightly coloured Kitsch underwater scenes, mementos of Inter-Continental foreign travel.

1950’s Mid-century modern cantilever sewing / hobby storage box, Atomic / Eames era

August 12, 2012Collectables, Furniture50's, 60's, atomic, danish, eames, furniture, hobby, mid century, retro, sewing box, storage, Teak, vintage, woodafterglowretro One comment

A highly collectable and very practical piece of mid-century modern furniture. Originally designed as a sewing / hobby box, with its cantilevered construction, opening to reveal 8 compartments. Sitting on lovely Atomic styled splayed legs, and with a bent ply handle, its form is very reminiscent of its Eames / Danish modern era origins. A great storage solution for any retro, vintage or mid century styled interior.