HB Edit - Edition 28
Sharing the things on my ebay watch list that I don't have the space or money for, but wish I did.
A shorter - but nonetheless still sweet - HB Edit this week, featuring some real treasures. And on the back of a New York jaunt, I’m thinking about the one and only Lee Radziwill (when am I not?). Enjoy!
If Beauty and the Beast was set in 1940s France, instead of 18th century, these would for sure be featured in the iconic Be Our Guest sequence, without a doubt. They are the perfect mix of camp, and somehow understated - I would add perfectly proportioned card shards to each bulb, and sit back smugly as I watched this pair of candleabra steal the show. A must have.
Ignoring the ‘classroom’ patchwork ceiling reflected in the glass, this mirror is incredibly attractive, and at a fantastic price. The gilding has that soft effect, which helps it to add age and interest to a space, without looking too new and shiny. The size is good, and despite a few nicks in the frame, it’s in great condition.
Longtime readers will know I am a *sucker* for a Spanish table. This one, with its limed effect and perfectly balanced shape (somewhere between decorative and robust), is exceptionally good. It is lower than a regular side table, but would be perfect down the side of a sofa. For the person that has everything? I think so.
One day, in the far off future, I will stop banging on about storage. But until that day comes, I will continue to seek out this type of piece and wax lyrical about how it could change your life. This is a good, sturdy piece that would go well in an unfitted kitchen, or even a generous hallway. I particularly like this Victorian panelling with chamfered detailing. Say no more.
I have often been asked to find art on eBay (and selfishly, some of my best pieces have come from there), but I almost always find it difficult. This, although small and not particularly mighty, is a lovely picture. It has a very calming, pastoral scene, and set against a cream wall (I’m thinking School House White or White Tie from F&B), it wouldn’t look too dusty. And not a million bucks.
For my American readers (and yes, there are apparently a few of you), this one is for you. I am such a big fan of this chair, and can see it equally in an Upper East Side apartment (more on them later), and a home in the Hamptons. It’s beautifully aged, and could benefit from a new seat-pad, but otherwise a real beauty. You can thank me later.
Feature: for each edition, I will feature a person, object, room or place that inspires me.
This week, having just returned from a trip to the Big Apple, I am dreaming / writing about Lee Radziwill’s Upper East Side apartment on the 15th floor of a 1920s pre-war building, on 72nd Street. A phenomenally stylish woman and successful interior designer, with homes in Paris and an estate in England to boast, Radziwill was the sister of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. I mean talk about ‘good stock’.
Friends with all the greats of the time - from Truman Capote to Giorgio Armani - and a Polish Princess through her second marriage, Raziwill travelled the world and honed her distinctive look, covering her apartment in fabric from floor to ceiling; a reflection of her vibrant spirit and love of colour.
As I minced about the streets of New York, I couldn’t help but imagine Radziwill’s life. I have always been drawn to those glamorous apartments from vintage magazines, full of glossy walls, patterned sofas and polite dining rooms (it’s an unimaginable flex to have an entire reception room dedicated to a table that only seats 4… the epitome of luxury!).
And so, I thought this made a fitting feature. Feast your eyes on these images of Lee’s apartment, and enjoy.
More anon!
Instagram: @hugobeazley
Postal address: 97 Regency Street, London, SW1P 4AL