Tag Archives: Surfaces

Travels: Marrakech

/ July 17, 2012
An example of the different shapes and the light colored terra-cotta tile body.

An example of the different shapes and the light colored terra-cotta tile body.Slideshow

At the La Mamounia Hotel a beautiful and restrained installation of Zellig in two colors. It is sophisticated and very graphic.
An example of the countless small pieces of tile that make up a pattern. This mixing and matching of colors seems so right in the Moroccan environment.
Countless small hand carved ceramic tiles assembled into colorful pattern.
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This is not a particularly good image, but these are the graves of less nobles.
The tile used mostly for interiors to frame doorways, indoor pools or fountains.
This photograph of baskets of beads is an example of the role of color in the production of tile and other decorative arts in Marrakech.

I thought I would write this post as soon as I returned home. In retrospect, I am am happy to have had the time to think about my trip (certainly on my bucket list of places to go and things to see), the intensity of the place situated on the edge of the Sahara desert, the ancient medina with its snake charmers, the saturated colors and the architecture influenced by a complex history.

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Friday Post: Waterworks Ladies Room

/ June 22, 2012
This photo was featured in At Home Magazine.

This photo was featured in At Home Magazine.Slideshow

I like to write about public baths, though it is often difficult to find ones worthy of publication for The Perfect Bath Blog. The ladies room in the Waterworks Los Angeles showroom is an exception.  It conforms to California code for handicap access while using product found in our assortment. The traditional Maritime honed Carrara washstand is a simple interpretation of a 1920′s wall hung lavatory, available in custom sizes.

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Shops: George Champion Modern

/ June 20, 2012
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The main living room with its traditional fireplace and a lovely assortment of mid-century classics.
The original chimney breast in the corner of the front room. The green tile is by the J. & G. Low tile factory of Chelsea, MA from about 1890. The luster on the tile is luminous after a good cleaning with soap and water.
This is called a 'Rotor' table. This particular one is a steel prototype hand made in Italy designed by Piero Lissoni.
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This whimsical bench was in the kitchen. George believes that it was made by John Risley, a CT artist, in the late 60's.
George tells me that teak accessories are once again very popular. These trays are in great condition. I especially love the Georg Jensen candle holder in the back.
A bolt of original Lucien Day fabric.
A feminine version of a French beret in gray and white with beautiful large white hand stitches and a jaunty red tassel.
Here is the incredible original Schiaparelli label with its distinctive script in bright red.
In the upper front hall, George has 2 beautiful marble top Saarinen tables and a pair of white 'Thinking Chairs' designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy.
This PK 32 chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Milan was made in 1956. It has a mild rocking action, swivels with a self centering base.
George always has a bit of a 'tongue in cheek' attitude about objects. What kid, young or old, would not want to own this great Wheaties truck in perfect condition.
As part of a small exhibit of objects that are in museum collections and recognized for their good design are Krenit bowls and Eva Zeisel ceramics.
George is slightly irreverent in his approach to modernism. However, this Ducati is a classic and he says it is very rare.
The bathroom features all Waterworks product, simply done in classic 3 x 6 tile, a Cararra floor, a nickel washstand with a Henry fitting. Simplicity at its best.
The original dark gray painted cabinets with gigantic knows are complimented by a honed Cararra counter top and Waterworks Sugar White Grove Brickworks.
There is still work to be done. The condition of the upstairs bath gives you an idea of the amount of work that George needed to do to create his environment.

My friend, George Champion, owner of GEORGE CHAMPION MODERN, is an expert in mid century modern decorative arts and a meticulous shopkeeper in Woodbury, CT.  He bought the house next door to his existing shop and after a year of painstaking renovations, it is finally finished (though knowing George, it will never be done).  I had a preview of it last weekend before its official opening and am completely enamored with the house and its restoration. The original hardware has been polished to its beautiful brass patina, the original tile fireplaces have been thoroughly cleaned, the porch columns reproduced exactly like the originals, the floors waxed and shiny and the paint choices a reflection of George’s exemplary good taste.

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Travel: Morocco

/ May 9, 2012
Nuts, spices, dates, oranges; so much to see, smell, touch, photograph and experience.

Nuts, spices, dates, oranges; so much to see, smell, touch, photograph and experience.Slideshow

I loved the multi colored beads. I meant to buy some but ran out of time. Just a good excuse to go back!
Arches and domes are typical architectural features of Moroccan architecture. Often the doorways are embellished with tiles or other forms of decoration.
Yarns ready to be made into blankets and woven into rugs. Madder, indigo, dried figs and other natural plant material goes in to producing these saturated colors.
Jars and sacks of natural pigments are ready to go in to boiling caldrons to dye beautiful Moroccan blankets.
An intricate geometric zellig pattern with bright colors and great texture.
Ancient zellig tile work on the graves of the wives and children of Moroccan rulers. The small pieces of red body ceramic tile are fitted to perfection in beautiful patterns.
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More fabulous blue at Majorelle. Blue is associated with the sky, heaven and water in Moroccan culture.
The electric blue created by French painter Jaques Majorelle was inspired by the color of the French workers' overalls. He created the beautiful Majorelle Gardens that Yves St. Laurent and his partner bought and later restored. YSL's ashes are scattered in the garden.
Slow transportation.
Brilliant, saturated colors even on this woman cracking Argan nuts to make essential oils. This is one of my favorite images.

Morocco has long been one of my “bucket list” destinations. Of course, I was delighted when I learned the Design Leadership Summit was going to be in Marrakech.  I couldn’t wait to pack my bags (note the plural for one who swears by the one bag only rule). And it did not disappoint!! As expected, it is exotic, historic and romantic. Women in headscarves, donkey’s a primary mode of transportation, camels on street corners, snakes in the main square and an abundance of opportunities to bargain for anything from beads to boxes, scarves to slippers, and rugs to lights.

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