THE PURSUIT OF VINTAGE FURNITURE - ROMANTICISM OF THE PAST AND COMMITMENT TO A BETTER WORLD AT PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE

Dear All

As you well know, our preference for certain things is determined by our values, philosophies or worldviews,  whether conscious or unconscious.  This is also true for our love of vintage furniture.  What are some of these values, philosophies or worldviews that make the pursuit of vintage furniture a desirable thing in our life?

For some of us, it is a romanticism of the past - a world view that cherishes the enduring and powerful values of memories especially of our loved ones. That a certain piece was once in the family home and that some stories  whether happy or sad are weaved around it, is enough evocation to make us want to continue having it in our lives, for the sentiments that it holds and for the meanings that it gives us. Because some of these furniture hold the living memories of at least three generations. Remembrance of things past does not negate our zest for the present,  in fact enriching it.  It creates tradition and identity and provides a bearing in our fast pursuit of modernity.

Part of the romanticism of the past, is an appreciation of how things in those days, were better made and made with pride and good quality materials such as seasoned solid teak, brass, copper, cast iron, bevelled edged mirrors and glass. They were less commercialised unlike today mass productions made with flimsy materials such as  plywoods, chipboards and tinsel metals. Many were custom made back then. A newly married couple ordering their bedroom set or their first furniture for their new home, in the 50's and 60's,  would  have to wait for three months for them to be ready.  These custom made furniture were not planned to be obsolete after a few months or break down after a couple of years. They were meant to last and to be bequeathed to the next generation.  

Also for some of us, the love of vintage furniture is part of our philosophical commitment to a better world of sustainability, of ecological conservation, of protecting and saving the environment for the sake of the present and the future of our loved ones and mankind in general. It is a simple philosophy of recycle, reuse, reduce.  For vintage furniture, allow me to add the philosophy of repair, restore, refurbish, reupholstery or better still, as is condition. It is a  simple philosophy but one that creates great impact once translated into genuine commitment and action. Over the years, I witness such commitment and action among my friends and customers.  Love for vintage furniture to them is not simply a trendy lifestyle of the middle and upper  class but a genuine commitment and contribution to the good cause of the environment and humanity. Let's hope that more of us is part of this movement.

Below are  some of our latest finds the last two weeks.  I had fun sourcing them. Some have been taken up by walk in customers.  Unrestored ones will be out for restoration end of the month and will come back in October.  Let me know if you like any of them.  Where possible, I indicate the prices so that you can quickly decide.

Beautiful and elegant  mid century dining set - extendable dining table

and 6 dining chairs.  Made in Scotland in 1973 by A. H McIntosh.  In 

relatively  good condition. Full length at 193 cm x W84 x H74 cm. 

 Non extendable at 148cm. $850.

Side view of the table extendable

Dining table non extendable at 148 cm

Midcentury teak dining chairs in good condition. Requires no reupholstery.

$80 each.

Front view of midcentury dining teak chairs.

Charming vintage wooden benches if  you like naturally distressed, 

seasoned looking pieces. 3 pieces. One taken up by Carolyn.

 2 more available. L76 x D40 x H50 cm

$120 each. 

Solid teak 2-seater bench with seasoned light blue paint. $150 

Vintage foldable wooden chairs in brown PVC.  4 pieces available.

 $40 each.

3 vintage foldable wooden chairs with square seats. $40 each

2 rounded edged vintage foldable chairs. $40 each.

Selvi shared with me this picture of reupholstered foldable chairs.  

My upholsterer should be able to work on similar outcome with the  

many foldable chairs that we have .  Chair $40,  Reupholstered $80. 

Paint works $40.

Lovely vintage 1960's-70's iron dining table set. Distressed pink.  They are

 best in white as   I remembered them.  In the 70's, these chairs were  part of

 the bridal dais in Malay wedding  and only  the well off could afford such chairs, adorning their balconies or patios.  2 of the  chairs  taken up by Carolyn. 

 The other 2 chairs and table available. Another same period tables  in oval and

 round available. Individual chairs at $150 each.  Table at $ 250 each. 

 As is condition. Repaint works separate.

Lovely fine dining table set in iron and rattan.  Bevelled edged 4 feet 

round glass top.  In good condition. $350

My favourite find of the week.  Elegantly high back mahogany armchairs

in tapestry fabrics.  All taken up by Tara.

French carved armchairs in velvety pink fabric.  Taken up by Tara

2 Victorian designed armchairs.  One taken up by Tara.  And another one

by Carolyn.

Lovely broad armchair  in velvety purple fabric and wooden

frame in crackled effect antique finish.  Reserved by Kay.

Single armchair in solid wooden frame.  Original black.

Would be lovely once reupholstered. $150 as is condition.

Contemporary wing chair in lovely soft green chequered fabric.

Taken up by Carolyn.

2 french mahogany chairs.  Reserved by Sheryl, who is awaiting for other

french armchairs from our collections in KL.

Contemporary modern swivel armchairs on stainless steel legs.

Reupholster them in vintage fabrics and you would give them

 a totally new looks. $150 each.

Kopitiam chairs.  Solid teak base.  One taken up. 2 more available at 

$50 each.

3 spindle back chairs. $50 per chair.  Repainted in colour of your choice

for an extra $30. 

Old school cane armchairs.  In good condition. $40 each.

Weather beaten art deco 1950's chairs in vintage PVC fabric.  Beaten as they

are now, they will look good once restored as the frames are of solid teak.

Solid teak bar stools.  In good condition. $80 each.

Solid teak bar stool.  $50 each.

Bar stool in solid pine.  $40 each.

Solid iron bar stool in black paint finish.  $50 each

White cane chair in good condition. $30 each.

For those who love a tropical interior.  This lovely bamboo 2-seater

sofa. Not too big or bulky. In good condition.  L 175 x D77 cm.

$300.  Cover for the cushion extra $50. 

Dining table in partly solid oak and partly laminate oak.

L180 D80 x H74 cm. Restored at $650. Makes a nice

work table too for a studio or workshop.

Vintage kopitiam table, 36 inches in diameter.  With old or new 

marble top.

Old solid wooden high stool with broad seat, that Carolyn finds it 

perfect for her silver jewelry workshop.

Lovely decorative console supported by beautifully carved swans legs.

$250  

Half moon side table. $150

Teak long console table in good condition.  Taken up by Adrian.

Nice black painted metal coffee table with decorative shelf underneath. 

L117 x W78 x H51 cm. $150

French style coffee table. L96 x W55 x H50 cm. $150 

Old long 1950's book shelf.  In bad condition as it is now due to years of neglect.

Wait till we give it a new lease of life. L222 x D30 x 95 cm.

Rare vintage showcase.  In weather beaten condition.  But I look forward

to restoring it to its original grandeur. L179 x D31 x 181 cm.

Vintage 1950's solid teak art deco chest of drawers with seasoned paint.  

Best restored. Once restored, it will look like below.

Vintage 1950's chest of drawers that we restored a year ago.

$850 restored. 

1950's solid teak sideboard. L92 x D54 x H79 cm.  Best restored. $600.

Rare 1920's marquetry sideboard. Solid teak. Shelf to be added. 

Two 1950's solid teak bedside cabinets.  To be restored. $350 each with 

restoration.

We got hold of several vintage wooden, lacquered and metal chests this week.

The above is a vintage solid pine chest with brass trimmings at the side.

Taken up by Sheryl.

Vintage school luggages of the 60's and 70's. Not in so good condition,

but a great nostalgic display.  Grey bag for $50.  Centre maroon luggage

is broken at the edges $35. Top luggage $40.

Vintage Chinese lacquer chest.  L67 x d46 x H28cm.  $200

Another vintage Chinese lacquer chest. L62 x D41 x H34 cm. $200

Slightly smaller Chinese lacquer chest. L56 x D36 x H27 cm. $150.

3 of the above Chinese chest stacked up.  Makes a great storage

and display.

2 vintage metal chests.  L61 x D41 x H32 inches. $150 each.

Rare old 1920's-40's frames stands with swivel picture frames.  

Need repair. $300 each with repair.  Best for ancestral portraits.

 Retro 1960's solid teak 3-door  wardrobe. 2 panels for hanging clothes.

One side with 4 compartments and a centre drawer.  W150 x D57.5 x H174 cm.

A great alternative to built-in wardrobe of plywood and laminate.

Restored at $1500.

Retro 1960's solid teak wardrobe. Spacious 4 feet in width. With 

beautiful wood grains. W123 x D63 x H179cm. Restored $1200.

Retro 1960's solid teak glass hanging wardrobe. To be restored.

$850.

Another retro 1960's solid teak wardrobe. 4 feet in width. Restored at $1200

The inside view of the cupboard above.

Retro 1960's solid teak 2-door wardrobe that we will be converting

into an all glass cabinet.  All done at $850. Once restored,

it will look like below.

1950's solid teak  V-leg wardrobe that will also be converted into a display glass

cabinet.  All done at $850.  Will look like below.

Wardrobe restored and converted into a display/book cabinet.

$850.

Retro 1960's-70's solid teak wardrobe.  Spacious 4 ft in width.

Medium height 1950's solid teak wardrobe. With vintage green formica top.

L120 x D61 x 142cm. 

The inside view of the wardrobe above. The drawer at the corner

has interestingly a secret compartment.

Retro 1960's -70's Queen size bed with attached bedside cabinet . Old

 spring metal bed base. Full length of bed with side cabinets at 244 cm.  

Width of bedside cabinet is 35.5 cm.

Retro 1960's solid teak queen size  with  pull down drawer on vintage 

orange formica at the headboard.  Restored at $750

Vintage 1950's solid burmese teak queen size bed on V- legs.

Beautiful wood grains at the headboard. Restored at $750.

Beautiful burmese teak wood grains of the bed above.

Retro 1960's pencil leg dresser. L115 x D41 x H77cm .

To be restored. $750

Retro 1960's half hexagon dresser with foldable mirror.

Nice at a corner. To be restored. $850

Another piece that we got.  It also come with a 3 fold mirror.  Not in 

the picture though.  To be restored at $850.

Solid teak coat stand with a small panel for cufflinks etc.

$150

Vintage shoe rack.  Reserved.

Vintage Chinese traditional basket.

$150

Vintage sewing machine legs, highly sought after. The challenge is to

 find old solid teak tops for those who prefer them in wood.

  Glass top  is easier.  Marble a bit expensive. 

 As is condition $150 per piece.  Paint works   $80.

Camel seat.  Taken up 

Beautiful full length gilded mirror in good condition.

 165 x 75cm. $200

Vintage framed mirror.  Taken up.

Rattan 3-fold screen/divider. $80

Solid teak CD rack. $80

Standing lamp $ 40

Art deco 950's solid teak dresser stool.  Reserved.

2 sides rattan table, repainted in fresh coat of white, matt finish.

$180 each.

Bedroom door that we specially got for Carolyn, who wants us to distress

it.  Interestingly, she is making it as a table top.

Vintage planter's stand in need of  repair and restoration.

  

Contemporary planters. $50 each.

Oil painting.  $150

Oil Painting $150

Oil painting.  $150

6 ft marble slab.  Nice for a kitchen top or console. $150

Porcelain vase.  Taken up.

Retro glasses of the 70's.  In original box.  3 sets available .

$50 per box.

Collectibles glasses from $2- 5 each.

Vintage 1940's -50's standing fan.

So much for today.  Hope you love them.Till my next posting,

Warmest regards

Sharifah

You have read this article5 BEST RETRO FURN SHOP. VINTAGE FURNITURE / MID CENTURY MODERN. RETRO FURNITURE IN SINGAPORE. RETRO FURNITURE KUALA LUMPUR / VINTAGE FURNITURE IN SINGAPORE AND KUALA LUMPUR. with the title THE PURSUIT OF VINTAGE FURNITURE - ROMANTICISM OF THE PAST AND COMMITMENT TO A BETTER WORLD AT PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE. You can bookmark this page URL http://i-is-another.blogspot.com/2011/09/the-pursuit-of-vintage-furniture.html. Thanks!

Write by: Dj Ganden - Sunday, September 11, 2011