mid century modern

Rosewood effect clock, Bentima, England circa 1960’s

September 30, 2013Clocks1960's clock, afterglow retro, bentima clock, brighton vintage, desk accessory retro, desk clock, mad men style, mad men vintage, mid century modern, retro clock, rosewood formica, vintage home decorafterglowretro One comment

This is a great mantel / shelf or desk clock, made by Bentima, England circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic design, the clock sits on a brass base, and has a Rosewood effect Formica face with a brass dial under a glass cover, very reminiscent of the mid century 50’s / 60’s era. Lovely winged shape, and the classic clock face with Roman Numerals and ornate hands is very easy to read.

Would make a Great clock for use on a mantelpiece, shelf or desk, great vintage design to complement any retro, mid century, kitsch, 60’s, Mad Men styled interior.

Battery operated (not included) with a reliable quality German Quartz mechanism, keeps great time.

In Excellent Condition, a couple of miniscule light marks to the veneer, and a little tarnishing to the brass, nothing to detract on display.

Measures 21 x 15 x 5cm / 8.5 x 6 x 2in.

Murano glass mortar and pestle, Italy circa 1950’s

September 4, 2013Glass1950's, 1960's, art glass, avem glass, brighton, italian vintage, mid century modern, mortar and pestle, murano glass, murrine, retro, seguso glass, silver, toso glass, Venetian Glass, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Art Glass Mortar and Pestle, made in Murano, Venice, Italy circa 1950’s / 60’s.

A Wonderful piece, the exact maker unknown but bearing the attributes of renowned makers AVeM, Seguso and Toso.
The mortar bowl has a fantastic organic form, beautifully curved like a shell. The outside is cased black glass, within the bowl are swirls of silver leaf inclusions and multicoloured Murrine canes.
The pestle has been created using the Sommerso technique with black glass encased in clear glass in a stretched twisted club-like form.

A Striking example showing the skill and craftsmanship of the master glassmakers of Murano.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Murano / Art glass, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

Still bears the original foil label on the base ‘Genuine Venetian Glass Made in Murano Italy’.

The bowl is in Excellent Condition, some light age related wear on the base and in the pestle rest. Nothing to detract on display, the thin end of the pestle is rough, possibly from production, also doesn’t detract.

The mortar measures 13 x 12 x 5cm / 5 x 4.5 x 2in.

The pestle measures 10 x 2 x 1.5cm / 4 x 0.75 x 0.5in.

Marcello Fantoni lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

August 28, 2013Ceramics1960's, 20th century design, afterglow retro, brighton, cubist, etruscan, fantoni, fantoni ceramics, fantoni lampbase, fantoni pottery, iconic design, italian pottery, lovebirds, marcello fantoni, mid century modern, modernist, pottery lampbase, retro, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning and Rare Marcello Fantoni lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fabulous mid century modernist design. The bold rectangular solid form of the ceramic lamp base in mottled shades of green and black is decorated with abstract motifs, resembling love birds, and a tribal style line motif on one side. The lamp fitting sits in a recessed well on the top, and the wire comes out of a hole on the side.

Marcello Fantoni was one of the greatest ceramicists and designers of the 20th century, his pieces (as can be seen here) were influenced by ancient Etruscan ceramics, and by contemporary modern artists of the mid century era. Incorporating elements of Modernism / Cubism and Abstraction, this led to his pieces being included in collections of international Modern Art museums and galleries.

A Wonderful practical lighting / display piece, and would look great in any 60’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior. A Great addition to any collection of Fantoni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

Fully working, lovely original brass fitting, wiring and bulb holder could be replaced to suit your requirements. As with all vintage electrical items, should be rewired and tested by a professional electrician.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches to the pottery, some age related patina to the brass, doesn’t detract from the overall look.

The base measures 16 x 15 x 6cm / 6.25 x 6 x 2.5in. Height to top of bulb holder is 26cm / 10in.

Hand marked to the base Fantoni Italy, and also incised mark Fantoni to side.

Bagni Ceramiche lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s

August 15, 2013Ceramics1960's, abstract, afterglow retro, alvino bagni, bagni ceramiche, bagni lamp base, cubist, fat lava, italian pottery, mad men decor, mad men style, mid century lamp, mid century modern, orange and red, raymor pottery, retro brighton, vintage brighton, vintage etsyafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Bagni Ceramiche lamp base, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic piece displaying the hallmarks of Alvino Bagni’s designs during the mid century era. Made of red clay to give a rough textured surface, similar to that of Bitossi pieces.
Covered with a matte dark chocolate brown glaze, and decorated with a wonderful abstract modernist geometric pattern in red and orange glossy glazes.
Lovely simple elegant bottle form, making this a perfect table lamp but also a striking piece of sculptural vintage Italian pottery.

A Wonderful practical lighting / display pieces, and would look great in any 60’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior. A Great addition to any collection of Bagni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In need of rewiring, will be sold as is for you to add fittings of your choice and suitable for your region, a very easy job that will make this a stunning functional lamp!

In Great Condition, a little wear on the top of the lamp, but this would be hidden by a new fitting and brass plate once rewired. also the underneath of the base has chips around the holes, not visible on display, could also be covered.

Measures 28.5 x 9.5 x 9.5cm / 11.25 x 3.75 x 3.75in.

Hand marked to the base 0 / 1415 ITALY.

Nautical / Zodiac style hanging wall clock, made by Kienzle, Germany circa 1950’s

August 11, 2013Clocks1950's decor, afterglow retro, astrology, astrology symbol, brighton vintage, german retro, Kienzle, kienzle clock, mid century modern, nautical clock, ships clock, vintage clock, Wall Clock, zodiac, zodiac clockafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Nautical / Zodiac style hanging wall clock on a rope, made by Kienzle, Germany circa 1950’s.

A Fantastic Art Deco design, with the round face mounted on a white coated metal body and brass rimmed, Very reminiscent of the era with the stylised Zodiac symbols and sleek rounded form. Lovely brass hands and clasps holding the rope, similar to a ships clock design.
Incorporates elements of the Bauhaus / Modernist design movements in Germany at the time. Most likely a Heinrich Moeller design, who produced many stunning Deco pieces for this highly renowned clock maker.

Would make a great stylish practical addition to any nautical, retro, vintage, art deco, modernist, mid century or contemporary styled interior. Perfect for an office, hallway or living room.

In Full Working Order, fitted with the original Kienzle battery operated mechanism. Takes 1 x 1.5V battery (not supplied).

In Excellent Condition, a little tarnishing to the brass, some marks to the white enamel behind the frame, not visible on display, nothing to detract from the overall look.

The clock measures 27 x 27 x 4.5cm / 10.5 x 10.5 x 1.75in.

Faceted Sommerso glass vase, made by Mandruzzato, Murano, circa 1970’s.

August 2, 2013Glass1960's, 1970's, afterglowretro, art glass, blue yellow, brighton, etsy, faceted glass, glass vase, home decor, Mandruzzato, mid century modern, murano glass, sommerso glass, space age, Vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Art glass vase, made by Mandruzzato, Murano, Venice, Italy circa late 1960’s / 1970’s.

A Stunning piece with an unusual form, the octagonally faceted body is shaped like a geometric pear / teardrop. Perfect for use as a small posy / solifleur vase, also ideal as a paperweight, pen or candle holder to adorn any desk or table.

Handmade blown glass using the Sommerso (submerged) technique, with the blue bowl encased in yellow glass, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the glassmakers of Murano.
Catches the light beautifully through the multiple facets and Sommerso layers.

Would make a Stunning addition to any collection of Murano / Venetian / Art glass and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, space age, modernist, 60’s, 70’s, minimalist or contemporary interior.

Measures 11 x 7.5 x 7.5cm / 4.25 x 3 x 3in.

In Fantastic Condition, some small nibbles to the inner rim, and some light wear to the base (pictured) nothing to detract on display. The facets are all in Excellent Condition.

Bertoncello large sculptural ashtray / bowl, Italy circa early 1970’s

August 2, 2013Ceramics1960's, 1970's, afterglow retro, alla moda, ashtray, barbara hepworth, bertoncello, Bowl, brighton, henry moore, italian pottery, mid century modern, modernist, retro, sculptural, tabacco, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning and Beautiful Bertoncello large sculptural ashtray / bowl, made by the Italian pottery circa 1960’s / early 1970’s.

An iconic sculptural piece of Retro Italian ceramic design by the famous Bertoncello Ceramiche D’Arte. In their trademark style abstract and sculptural and modernist. With dramatic curves, rounded corners, pierced holes and geometric, monumental forms, recalling the works of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth and architecture of the era.

Very Space Age / Op / Pop Art in form with its circular form, the top having an offset circular bowl and 4 cigarette rests on each side, themselves a striking graphic design. The sides have cut out recesses and a hole / handle, all wonderfully rounded giving a stylised ‘double decker’ appearance.
Fabulous mottled brown and beige glazes ‘Tabacco’ style, reminiscent of ‘Fat Lava’ pottery.

Due to its highly sculptural impressive form this piece could be used for its original purpose, or as a candleholder, display piece, desk / table accessory or centrepiece bowl.

A Wonderful stylish piece that would be great as part of any collection of Italian or European Art Pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 60’s, 70’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, hand painted mark inside ‘897’. The bottom rim has a felt pad to prevent scratching.

Measures 19 x 19 x 8cm / 7.5 x 7.5 x 3.25in.

‘Rimini Blu’ triple vase, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

July 26, 2013Ceramics1960's, Aldo Londi, alla moda, Bitossi, blue, desk tidy, dexter style, italian pottery, mad men style, mediterranean, mid century modern, mid century vase, retro, rimini blu, trio vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic ‘Rimini Blu’ piece, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

Striking form, the trio of cylindrical vases / pots are joined in a lovely cluster of alternating heights. Very sculptural, perfect for use as vases, as a desk tidy, pen / brush holder or as a centrepiece or to display in its own right.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from the mid 1950’s, in the striking iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, With its alternating bands of impressed motifs resembling Arabesque or Runic patterns, it is influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period. Beautiful glossy layered blue and turquoise glazes evoke the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Wonderful, Rare and Unusual piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

Would look great in any 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior. A Great addition to any collection of Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Still bears the original paper label on the base ‘Made in Italy’.

Measures 15.5 x 11 x 11cm / 6 x 4.5 x 4.5in.

Pair of Lucite Paperweights with Underwater Seascenes, circa 1960′s

July 15, 2013Collectables1950's, 1960's, afterglow retro, aquarium, atomic era, brighton, holiday, kitsch decor, lucite, lucite paperweight, mid century modern, Paperweight, resin, retro, summer, underwater scene, vintage, vintage summerafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a really Stunning Pair of coloured Lucite (resin) paperweights, circa 1950’s / 1960’s. Country of origin is unknown but very much in the American Mid Century Modern style.

Great pieces with their Atomic-era style abstract forms, displaying underwater Sea scenes complete with shells, fish, plants and Starfish.
All encased in a blue / yellow / green colour resin block with the backs textured like rippled water, which catches the light beautifully and glows amazingly due to the form and colour.

A Striking and unusual pair that could be used as paperweights, bookends, desk ornaments, centrepieces or just to admire on display.

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 their bold striking form and colour!

In Great Condition, the large one is Excellent. The smaller one has a few light surface scratches, not noticeable on display and doesn’t detract from the overall look and effect. The usual age related wear on the bases.

Measuring: Larger 19 x 12 x 5cm / 7.5 x 4.75 x 2in.
Smaller 15 x 10 x 5.5cm / 6 x 4 x 2.25in.

Black and Gold trio by Jasba Keramik, West Germany circa 1950’s

July 5, 2013Ceramics1950's, 1960's, afterglow retro, black and gold, brighton, jasba keramik, mid century modern, mini collection, pottery set, retro ceramics, retro style, trio of vases, vintage decor, vintage pottery, West German, west german potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Beautiful trio of small decorative jugs and a bowl by Jasba Keramik, West Germany circa 1950’s.

Striking mid century style, very reminiscent of the 1950’s era. Two jugs with angled handles, one being squat and the other tapered, and a bulbous bowl / pot.

All have the same Fantastic decor, in a glossy black glaze with Gold applied around the rims and the handles. With yellow, blue, turquoise and white feathery stripes and applied elliptical red dots.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of West German or European Pottery and would complement any retro, vintage, 50’s, 60’s, mid century, Hollywood regency or contemporary styled interior.

In Excellent Condition, no chips , some wear to the gilt edges, few very light surface marks, nothing detracts on display.

Measuring: Tall Jug 12 x 6 x 6cm / 4.75 x 2.5 x 2.5in.
Squat Jug 10 x 9 x 9cm / 4 x 3.5 x 3.5in.
Bowl 6 x 7 x 7cm / 2.5 x 2.75 x 2.75in

The bases all have moulded form numbers, but they are not readable, one is stamped Foreign.