For five years I've been walking past this time-worn wooden door in my neighbourhood, wondering why such a beautiful example of craftsmanship from the late 1900s is fronting an empty building. Or at least the building is empty on the ground floor, butcher paper taped to its glass and blocking all interior views. Above the storefront are modern apartments, built in the 1980s.
It seems odd that the original door was not removed in favour of something more in keeping with the building's updated look. Perhaps the owner of the ground floor is not the person who owns the top floors of apartments. Maybe the owner of the empty space behind the decorative door clings to his part of the building, stubbornly refusing to sell and denying all attempts at change.
I've been tempted to inquire about purchasing the door. Undoubtedly it's worth something, due to its age and design - although it would require restoration by a talented ebeniste. But something always gives me pause.
Maybe it's the fact that the door has stood for so long, undisturbed. No one has ever broken its original wavy glass or vandalized the space. This makes me think the door should stay where it is: a proud witness to history; a defiant sentry of a bygone era.
Is it burlwood? Oh my. Original door handle? I couldn't tell. Oh, you do need to make an inquiry! If only to free your mind of "Only if I....." Keep us posted. I absolutely love the art nouveau and deco periods, something we both share in common. Run, don't walk!!
Posted by: Rosa | 24 May 2006 at 16:49
i love how you think! before i even finished reading the first paragraph, i thought to myself, "i'd SO go and ask if i could buy it." i love collecting pieces like these, especially antique doors. call me sentimental but i think they're symbolic in a way. doorway to a past, and the such. :-)
Posted by: paradise | 23 May 2006 at 23:20
Art nouveau what a gay time that might have been to live in Paris, imagine the clientale who passed though it decked in flappers and top hats!
Posted by: Tongue in Cheek | 23 May 2006 at 17:52
I am loving that door, it is simply beautiful.
Posted by: Shannon (Sentimental) | 23 May 2006 at 13:44
Oh no! It is not empty.....when you open de door the wind that have been caught for ages (to the wind at least..) go out! finally. And then blows gentle to you -its rescuer-plays with leaves and dust and tells you that it would be anywhere, kind for you.
Posted by: Catalina | 23 May 2006 at 11:56
So Art Nouveau! I love it.
:)
Posted by: amber | 22 May 2006 at 23:48
Your final assessment feels right - "a proud witness to history; a defiant sentry of a bygone era." My daughter and I differ in one respect and have decided to agree to disagree. She feels that utilitarian items that were created with lovely design hold dignity in their function, and should remain functional. I tend to place them in appointments of honor for artistic purposes. She feels that reduces their dignity. In this case, I would agree with her - and you.
Posted by: Rebekah | 22 May 2006 at 18:22
The sign is about an upcoming sale of art and rugs at a building nearby.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 22 May 2006 at 16:47
Lovely. A silent witness to history. I wonder - can you tell us what the sign says? It is so out of cinq with the beauty of the door.
Posted by: Annie | 22 May 2006 at 16:42