HB Edit - Edition 7
Sharing the things on my ebay watch list that I don't have the space or money for, but wish I did.
Yet again, I find myself produce a perfectly chic and stylish edit, only to cramp its style by adding a pair of rococo drawer pulls, and a glazed chintz mahogany bench. Just when I think I’ve cracked being cool, I crumble. Maybe next time…
I find this shape of tray exceedingly useful. Whether beside your oven for whatever utensil is in use, or on a dressing table for various lotions and potions, I think this is a really stylish piece. And if you’re caught short, it would make a very attractive tray for serving canapés.
I bought a limed oak Art Deco desk chair at an antiques fair over a year ago, and always imagined that it would be friends with this desk. It is one of those pieces that has been on my list for a while. I like the drawer, the colour, and the depth (there’s nothing more annoying than a narrow desk, where am I supposed to spread all my useless pieces of paper?).
One for the art lovers. This is an extremely calming 20th Century Swedish still life, which would happily go anywhere in my flat. I have said it before - and I’ll say it again - I am into a sludgy palette at times, and this one certainly fits the bill. It isn’t the cheapest, but then again they never are. If I had pots of money, it would be a no brainer.
I am constantly amazed at how bad some ebay photographers are. Whilst this is not terrible, I still think that the seller might have brushed off the residual crumbs and try to find a more plain background. Alas, they did neither. I think the shape of this chair is really smart, and for my sins I am a sucker for the colour brown. It might be a bit grubby, but I think the pros outweigh the cons here. And, without sounding like an old pervert, a beautiful leg on this puppy.
Sorry, did you say gilded, bronze and rococo in the same sentence? Say no more. Now these are high camp. And again, another perfect encapsulation as to why ebay is so fantastic. Where would you even start to look for something like this, if not on ebay? And how useful to get a good gauge of their size in relation to this gentleman’s hand. So thoughtful. So chic.
Over the last few weeks, a few supportive subscribers that I’ve bumped into have requested to see what’s coming up on the watch list. Whilst this is not strictly speaking allowed, I’ve caved more than once. What I find staggering to believe is that nobody else sees the charm in this mahogany two-seated sofa (the term ‘sofa’ is generous here, I’d call this a tarted up bench). I love the slightly faded glazed chintz fabric, and the dark charcoal and yellow colour-way. Let’s hope someone else does too, or have I lost my touch?
Another edition, another wrought iron lamp. This has a very smart Spanish vibe, and I will not stop posting these until someone caves and buys one. I think with a really good shade, this could be a bit of a show-stopper. I am already jealous of whoever ends up with this in their home.
The humble slipper chair. The thing that makes them so useful is that they’re so easy to squeeze into most sitting rooms, often beside a fireplace. Stripped back to its bones, this one requires a bit of imagination. If you can’t quite afford to re-cover it yet, you can always live with it like this; as crazy as that sounds, some of the most accomplished designers have un-upholstered pieces in their homes, and somehow it just adds to that enviable, layered aesthetic. (I promise I’m not lying).
Feature: for each edition, I will feature a person, object or room that inspires me.
This week, as with every week, I am inspired by the work of artist Sammi Lynch.
I was first introduced to Sammi and her work by a former beau back in 2023. Sammi was showing a selection of paintings, prints and drawings in the beautiful Blewcoats building in Victoria, Studio Ashby’s headquarters. As you will come to understand, it was love at first sight for me, and I’m certain you will feel similarly about her work.
This exhibition was created as part of Sister by Studio Ashby’s artists in residence programme. It was titled ‘All Things Pass,’ with works “created during quiet observation in the landscapes of particularly poignant elements of flux,” that “embody the passage of time” (according to Sammi). I think they - along with the rest of the work Sammi has produced since - really are exceptional. She is such a talent.
Sammi is a a graduate of the Royal Drawing School, and much like ‘All Things Pass,’ her broader body of work explores memory and place. Her use of nature as a cypher for human emotion is heightened by her exceptional use of colour, which I am in awe of.
I find myself most drawn to those that evoke late summer evenings, with scorched orange fields and a burning August sun. And yet, even as I write this, I find the cooler more bucolic landscapes just as inviting (Sammi recently produced a number of limited edition silk scarves for Burberry, in collaboration with Highgrove, inspired by the house and grounds). No matter the season, I want to disappear inside every single work by Sammi; there are very few artists that I feel the same about. Once I’ve filled the coffers enough, I can’t wait to buy one of my own.
Sammi is currently showing at Annely Juda Fine Art on Dering Street, until Satuday 15th March. If you are in the area and able to visit, I know you will not be disappointed.
More anon!
Instagram: @hugobeazley
Postal address: 97 Regency Street, London, SW1P 4AL