Here are more glimpses into my workspace (aka "how to cram a lot of stuff into a small space.)" I got a contractor's estimate to demolish these built-in shelves - and the large walk-in closet behind them - as I disliked their dated louvered doors. But after the contractor left, I removed the doors and decided the shelves could work - at least for a while - if I edged them in black paint, like eyeliner.
The Eames molded plywood chair is a 20th-century American design icon, as is the Louis Poulsen suspension light from Denmark.
The rare 19th-century French pharmacy cabinet (with a glass door that slides up and down) contains vintage and antique pharmacy bottles and lab instruments collected while living in Paris. African porcupine quills, French perfume-makers' test tubes and thermometers from Grasse, as well as other scientific vessels and beakers are included in the display.
In our Dutch canal house, I couldn't find a suitable spot to hang the pharmacy cabinet. Reluctantly, I'd decided to sell it, until I discovered it fit in this space. Eventually, I expect to sell both the cabinet and its contents (I often sell things to make room for something else). But the pharmacy cabinet reminds me of Practical Magic and alchemy and scientific discovery and healing, so for now it remains here.
The Christian Lemaire 1958 photograph of a model on a balcony in Paris is signed. I put a vintage Eiffel Tower beneath a glass funnel, which echoes the shape of the Eiffel Tower. Next to the funnels are 1903 French Art Nouveau Baedeker guides to Paris and Northern France, found at my friend Joan's wonderful store Timeless Treasures during my last trip "home" to San Francisco!
The bookshelves also contain inspiring photography books, journals, vintage French baskets and wooden boxes, as well as bundles of love letters, written by a French soldier to his sweetheart during World War II.
Vintage American typewriters top an "alphabet" chest, handmade by Luke Ellis in Whitstable, England. The classic Arne Jacobsen floor lamp is from Denmark. The early 20th-century typeface tray on the wall is from the University of Delft, while the letters displayed are all from France. Above the tray is an original Henri Cartier-Bresson photograph of the Bois de Boulogne (just across the street from our old neighbourhood) in Paris. The oil painting of Santa Fe at dusk is by Greg Moon of Taos, New Mexico. The emerald-and-silver cross was handmade by a jeweler in Savannah, Georgia.
A set of file drawers from Attic in England is next to an 1885 French "Pigeon" lamp and an antique iron book press from Scotland.
More images coming soon! Meanwhile, see additional office photos here, here and here.
I most envy the alphabet chest. SO amazing, Tara.
Posted by: Natalie | 08 November 2013 at 17:35
Oh, what a wonderful place so filled with memories and precious things you love. It's clear that you live by the William Morris philosophy!
I had to chuckle, though, on how one man's beast is another's treasure! I would kill for wall to wall bookshelves, both in the living room and art room. I simply cannot find anything I like that works! The edge painting in black was a masterly thought! They look great. (And I love your Lemaire photo.)
Posted by: jeanie | 08 November 2013 at 15:58
Such wonderful treasures from a lifetime of travel and adventure. Those are the best of treasures.
Posted by: Marilyn | 08 November 2013 at 02:28