1950′s Style Now 60 Years Old, Pippa Writes…

A mid-century moment in design

I noticed that there was an article in last weekend’s FT How to Spend It section, about how modern designers are using the 1950s as a starting block for new designs, And note how the interest in original mid-century design is holding up – and increasingly being found in a wider variety of homes partly in that it is now hitting the high street (in terms of textile & wallpaper designs etc).  It’s a strong design influence right now, so I thought I’d do an Antiques & Interior Design Diary post…

The rising interest in the post-war design period escalates

Danish 1950 "Swan" as sold by Omnipod

Collectors started seeking out original works by highly regarded designers and architects, such as Jean Prouvé, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand et al some time ago, and prices for these period items have increased accordingly.  The 1950s is currently invading our homes in a greater number of ways, with re-introduced fabric designs by Lucienne Day for example, and manufacturers such as Sanderson re-launching patterns from their post-war archives.  Young designers are using a 1950s starting point and re-inventing chairs, desks and other items of furniture with a contemporary twist.  Other high end suppliers are quite literally copying earlier designs (the authentic ones under license are top quality).  However nothing quite beats seeking out the works from the original period, and whether you wish to selectively choose works fully attributed to a particular designer, or simply wish to acquire good design of the period made by quality manufacturers, then The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair offers a great choice.

We have a number of specialist dealers in mid-century modern design, including Fiona McDonald who sources exquisitely stylish Italian designs of the 1930s to 1970s, some by named designers but many simply by good quality makers at more affordable prices.  Kiki Design mixes mid-century Continental furniture and accessories with select antique items for an unusual combination.  Quindry focuses on French designs of the 1940s to 1960s primarily, with a pared-down style of simple elegance. 

French 1940's Oak chairs as sold by Quindry

Newcomers to the Autumn 2010 Fair were 52 Meters, who like to feature work by named designers, especially smaller furniture items such as side tables and chairs, and much lighting and sculptural pieces.  Omnipod and C20C both like Danish designs of the period, and both offer well-priced 1950s sofas, chairs and coffee tables, often re-upholstered in top quality and appropriately selected textiles.  Tim Smith-Vincent often has mid-century textiles, ceramics and glassware in great abundance, alongside small and useful  Scandinavian C20th furniture.

More Fifties Pictures To Follow… Meanwhile See all our previous/exhibitors/at the next Decorative Antique Fair…