STIG OF THE MONTH - APRIL

A selection of 'Reptil' textured vases by Stig Lindberg from the 1960s. Available in two different sizes these always look good as a group and have a fantastically tactile textured finish.

MODERN PHENOMENON

Most retro collectors will be aware of the work of Vladimir Tretchikoff, particularly the portrait of "The Green Lady" which has become such an iconic image since its release in 1952. His paintings of brightly coloured exotic women became something of a modern phenomenon in the 50s and he was dubbed the most evocative artist of his generation. Born in Siberia in 1913 he had a fascinating life, fled to China after the revolution, lived in Singapore, held in a Japanese POW camp during WW2, and eventually settled in Cape Town where he died in 2006. There are quite a few reproductions of his work available, but the originals are getting harder and harder to find, which is why I was delighted to come across a perfect "Miss Wong" and "Weeping Rose" in their original frames complete with their Boots framing stickers. Two fifties classics.

PLASTIC FANTASTIC

Plastic revolutionized 1950s homewares. The laminated atomic patterns of Formica and the organic shapes of Melamine tableware echoed a more relaxed informal lifestyle. Melamine was developed in the 1930s but not used commercially until the 50s when its ability to take strong dyes and be moulded into flowing, extravagant shapes suited the new design ethos. Melmex tableware designed by A H Woodfull for Gaydon Plastics is a great example of how the design boundries were pushed to create elaborate ovoid profiles and contemporary styling. These cups and saucers are a great example of the organic shapes and bright colours available for everyday use post Festival of Britain 1951.

SHELF LIFE

Surely one of the most useful pieces of contemporary modern design is the Ladderax Shelving system by Staples from 1960s. The modular system is completely flexible, with a beautifully simple design - 2 side 'ladders' with cross bars that can hold a mix of shelves and cabinets. These units are increasingly hard to find and achieve big money at auction in UK. The little guy in the photograph is a really neat unit with 3 bookshelves, one magazine shelf and a bureau cabinet and can be found leaning against a wall at the Dublin Flea tomorrow at the ridiculously low price of €95! Get 'em while they're hot!

ORANGE APPEAL

This is a fantastic new find - a Danish Holmegaard table lamp with double light! As if you didn't get enough orange just looking at the deep colour of the cased glass base, surprise surprise - the base lights up to give a satisfying glow of deep orange from above and below. Wow, orangey!                                                                            Don't forget folks, the Flea is early this month, this Sunday 25th 11-5.

CUTTING EDGE

Using graphic images to brighten up dull, utilitarian kitchens was very popular in the 1950s (think Homemaker by Enid Seeney) and Long Line by Bristol Pottery is one of the lesser spotted designs that was both functional and decorative, winning the Good Housekeeping magazine's seal of approval in 1957. Strong graphic engraved images of cutlery reminiscent of Fornasetti decorated this very functional collection which included teapot, coffeepot and cruet set, but it's the range's storage jars that are the most sought after. The majority have bright blue lids but the rare examples, like these two, sport  bright primary-colour lids in yellow and red.

ICON OF KITSCH

The pineapple ice bucket has become an iconic retro essential for any mid century fiend. Made by Evers Plastics in the 1950s its popularity peaked in the early 60s when no self respecting cocktail bar would be complete without one. This one is a particularly precious find, it not only has its original glass liner, (later versions had a plastic interior), it also has the original set of matching ice tongs!

PARTY ON

Great buzz yesterday at the Dublin Brocante and the good news is we get to do it all again this Sunday at the Dublin Flea. The usual mix of great coffee, great live music and the new outdoor pitches on the square add to the summer party atmosphere. I will be taking a selection of new music related items, new Dansette record players, selection of Beatles memorabilia, 50s radios, record racks and original 60s copies of Sgt Peppers, Abbey Rd, Rubber Soul & Revolver - more posts to come this week.

APRIL IN PARIS

When we think 1950s ceramics we tend to think of bright colours and abstract patterns, often forgetting the fascination with all things French, typified by the poodle, the favourite motif of the decade. This tea service from Arthur Meakin is a wonderful example of the style, showing a Parisian street scene, starring the inevitable lady with poodle.  Meakin has not yet become a mainstream collectible in Ireland but is fast becoming the hot ticket with UK collectors. This is a fantastic chance to kick start a retro look with a really useable 24 piece teaset in cabinet condition.

FRENCH FANCY

This little French laminated tripod table is a peach. Probably used as a side table or an end table for flowers, but whatever it was used for it is a fantastic 50s original with a very unusual constructivist pattern in pristine condition. Might be hanging on to this one!

RAIN OR SHINE

Ah...April in Ireland. We have all angles covered on Sunday, a fantastic Metamec sunburst battery wallclock and a great 1950s umbrella stand.

FUNKADELIC

The Dublin Brocante is this day next week (Sunday 18th) and I will have a great selection of fresh items on show. I will be posting some pics in the coming days of new Dansette record players, G Plan tables, some great retro lights and fab coffee tables. To kick off here is a chrome coffee table straight out of Austin Powers 1970s retroville...Oh Behave!!