Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A Bathroom Break

When I first met Scott, it didn't take too long to realize that he had amassed quite a collection of art in his travels around the world. What was better, was the art really spoke to me too, and it made for lots of interesting "courting stage" conversation.

Once we moved to the frigid North East, and I started looking for the perfect place to put the many large pieces of art we had amassed, both separately and together, it didn't take long to realize that we were missing one very important piece.

Our foyer is narrow, but the ceiling soars to an incredible 17' high - not something you see in a house this age, and size. As I started looking for pieces to hang on the grand wall you see as soon as you come through the door - it was no where to be found!

I tried the tapestry that is now serving as headboard and art in the guest room, but it was way too wide.

And, I had already used the pub sign in the living room, and although the size was perfect for the staircase, the shades and composition was perfect for the living room. So I searched through the only other collection of "art" we had, and came up with a temporary solution: a silk kashan rug from the early 19th century. This rug was much too nice to lay on the floor, and the colors seemed to work well with the Ralph Lauren paint on the wall.

Of course, we have looked for the past 2-years to find the perfect piece that would better "fit" the area and nothing has presented itself to us ... well, at least not affordably. So with our 3-year anniversary fast approaching, I thought it time to give in and give Scott what he wanted for that area, a framed vintage French poster.
Now for those of you who are unfamiliar, these huge vintage posters are about 4 1/2 feet wide, and more than 6 feet tall! Though reproductions exist, the originals are considered antiques, revered as archival, and are very expensive. Of course - these originals are the ones that Scott wants, and so after a few hours of digging around I think I've narrowed it down to three that best fit our taste, the colors of the house, and that I think he'll appreciate, tell me what you think! (Click on Image for larger view!)

20 comments:

  1. Hi Artie, I just had to come over and see what is up with you all.
    Ooooo I like the one on the right the best, way cool these posters.
    I like to learn about things I don't collect but still admire.
    Like when they talk about these and other things on Antiques Road Show etc.
    Hope Scott gets well soon, nasty stuff!
    And wow come give me lessons in tiling will you! Your bath going to look great when done!
    Smiles,
    Linda

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  2. OOoo Artie, these posters are fantastic! I love the middle one! It's similar in color to your pub sign, and it's calming, gorgeousand a little mysterious. I think it would be beautiful in your home :) and would suit Scott's love for all the rugs he purchased in Turkey.
    xo Isa

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  3. I like the middle and right ones the best...very cool, Artie!!! Happy 3rd!!

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  4. How funny I like the two outside ones. I can't wait to see what y'all choose. What a wonderful item to get for your home. That will be something that everyone else doesn't have!

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  5. I absolutely love the vintage posters. That is a wonderful idea!

    {{Hugs}}

    Cathy

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  6. It's the Excelsior for me, it has such life and draws me in, I want to look more closely. My second choice would be the middle one.
    Good luck and happy anniversary!

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  7. Hi Artie,

    Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!!!

    I like all the colors in the Excelsior, but they are all nice.

    I'm sure Scott would like any of them

    Hugs
    'D'

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  8. These are stupendous! What a gift! The middle poster pops out at me for some reason ... Scott will love whichever you choose.

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  9. I like the first one because it is going to be in your foyer and it just seems more welcoming. However, the colors of the middle one are deeper and go with your pub sign, but the man's face says to me go away and looks mean. The last one is a bit busy and is more monochromatic with your paint color. I still think I would go with the first one. ~ Robyn

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  10. I was drawn to the third one, last one, the one on the right, Excelsior, whichever one you want to call it - that was the one I noticed and liked first!!

    I'm sure whichever one you pick will work best for y'all though -

    Happy 3rd and Happy St. Patrick's Day ~

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  11. I really like the one on the left and the one on the right. Don't like the middle one, 'cause that guy looks too mean and scary to grace your home!

    Justine :o )

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  12. ~Gorgeous! :)

    I love your foyer and stairway.

    Stunning artwork Artie!

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  13. Oh my, Artie...what a beautiful stairway and foyer you have...such a beautiful house!
    All three of the French posters would make me want to kill for...and any of the 3 would look amazing in your home.
    Scott is gonna have a cow when you give one of these to him!! :O)
    xo bj

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  14. Artie, I think they are all so unique.

    The one on the right Excelsior (Upwards) appears to have the most
    going on in it. Think I would want to put it in an area where it could be studied. Appears to be very Americana. Is that not the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and maybe a depiction of the Civil War in it? (I can't make out what the black (blob) in the forefront is; can you?)

    The middle one Aux Trois Quartiers
    (In the Three Quarters) Tapis de Orient (Carpet of the Orient)appears to have a lot of detail in design/pattern (pretty) but is kind of portraiture. (He doesn't look to be that friendly.) It is kind of exotic in its own way, but reminds me of Aladin (?) and The Magic Carpet.

    The Attendrons-Nous Que Les Notres Brulent (We Shall Wait etc.) is very welcoming, however as it has 'fire' in it you might want to consider which Fung Shui direction it will be placed in. (North,East,West, or South.) It is definitely a Canadian Poster (Marquee). You may want to do some research on the Ballet Company and/or the building that is portrayed.

    That is my take on them. They are all very special in their own way and I'm sure whatever one you do choose will be perfect.

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  15. Artie...re the Canadian one, I just noticed it didn't say Ballet, LOL (and these reading glasses are new!). Sorry about that.

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  16. Oooo, you're the best boyfriend EVAH!

    Love your house!

    Martha from Elizabeth Hill

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  17. Hi Artie! Did you already decide? I am a little late...but I like the second & third ones... The 3rd one would definitely pop off your dark wall color and the 2nd one is more soothing & muted...gee, I don't think I helped you at all! Can't wait to see what you decided - I even like the rug on the wall ...~ Laurie

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  18. I am drawn to number 2. Don't like the fire in the first one. The third one doesn't move me. #2 is exotic and has lovely colors.

    So there are my 2 cents worth!

    Lovely blog! Got here from Joni's....

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  19. awesome posters! I like the excelsior one the best, and it has 'yellow' - the color of the year 2009, and brings in a happy sunny theme. Any of these would work, they are stunning. Happy 3rd!

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  20. Excelsior is my favorite. I'm not usually a stickler on symmetry, but with something this huge, I would want symmetry not to throw the spot off balance. And I like the colors best in this one as well.
    Can't wait to see your choice!

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