Dutch Treats ...
and other inspirations from my travels
THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB
ARCHITECTURE-WARREN & WETMORE
Walking down the streets of New York I often keep eyes down to avoid any missteps but when I am with my friend Anthony there is no looking down. His enthusiasm for anything architecture is contagious and any outing with him is sure to enlighten on some amazing building or detail I would have overlooked.
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The crest over the Yacht Club entry |
Nautical details on the Yacht Club facade are positively dripping with carved seaweed and clusters of seashells.
A premier example of Beaux Art architecture in America, the facade has a trio of amazing windows carved in limestone to resemble the sterns of Dutch Sailing ships of the 17th century- I suppose that's in remebrance that New York was at one time New Amsterdam settled by the Dutch.
PETER STUYVESANT
Dutch Director General of New Amsterdam 1647-1664
until it was ceded to the British and renamed New York
AMSTERDAM-HOLLAND
A city of canals and museums Amsterdam is one of my favorite towns.
The colors of Amsterdam are the colors of Rembrandt- a palette I love to use
in my interior projects
REMBRANDT-self portrait
As shown in ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
PHOTOGRAPHY ROGER DAVIES
The colors of Rembrandt
INTERIOR DESIGN-RELA GLEASON
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER 2011
PHOTOGRAPHY ROGER DAVIES
Just a few steps down the street ...
The Harvard Club
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ARCHITECTURE- McKIMM MEAD & WHITE |
Designed in the style of late 19th century architecture at Harvard, I find it interesting that the brick work is laid in a Flemish bond pattern. Is that too a tribute to the Dutch settlers of early Manhattan ?
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STANFORD WHITE Also known as an architect of the Shingle Style These "cottages" were a nod to simpler living. Stripped of fussy details of Victoriana they were rarely winterized as they were only used during the warm summer months.
Stanford White was shot to death at Madison Square Garden , a building of his own design, by millionaire Harry Thaw, husband of actress Evelyn Nesbitf. White was known to have an 'unusual' attraction for young girls who would swing for him in his studio on a red velvet swing. He had a relationship with Evelyn Nesbit when she was only sixteen. |
JOAN COLLINS
as
Evelyn Nesbit
1955
THE GIRL IN THE RED VELVET SWING
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Annisquam Light House- Cape Ann Massachusetts My personal design and living style was strongly influenced when I visited one of these shingled "cottages" on Cape Ann north of Boston. The view from the upstairs windows overlooked the old lighthouse. It was furnished with family antiques worn to a beautiful patina and threadbare Persian rugs tossed casually on simple wood floors. Canton china and silver sailing trophies lived side by side with a beaten up old lobster pots.  The Clipper Ship REVERE by DUNCAN McFARLAN @1850 Ships like The Revere sailed from Boston to China, their hulls full of lumber and other commodities to sell in the far east. On the return journey Canton china was loaded on board as balast. Today the beautiful blue and white pieces are prized and collectible.  A Shrimp Dish specifically for serving shrimp  George Washington's favorite  An oversized soup tureen In the 1890's the US government began requiring that all imports be stamped with the country of origin. MADE IN CHINA does not appear on the bottom of authentic Cantonware making it easier to date. All production stopped between 1839-1860 because of the Opium Wars so it's likely that most Cantonware came to the US before 1840.  INTERIOR DESIGN RELA GLEASON ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST - NOVEMBER 2011 PHOTOGRAPHY ROGER DAVIES A fabulous meal is about more then just the food Use your beautiful treasures... they become more treasured as they make every occasion a special occasion! |
TREASURES FROM MANY PLACES
One of my favorite parts of travel is finding
a treasure to bring home
INTERIOR DESIGN RELA GLEASON
The most interesting interiors are multi-layered and
reflect those who live in them.
Choose unique and special accessories with personal meaning.
"Tchatchkes" from a catalog don't do it.
NO EXCUSE IF YOU CAN'T TRAVEL FAR FROM HOME
Get all kinds of inspiration at a local flea market
Tibetian vendor
at
The Alameda Flea Market
African Kuba Cloth
found at a flea market used on
ottoman seat
"Little Bo Peep"
shops the flea market
Interesting things
Interesting people
INTERIOR DESIGN RELA GLEASON
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST- NOVEMBER 2011
PHOTOGRAPHY-ROGER DAVIES
Influences from the Netherlands to China
and a mix of high-low
The art of travel is the art of SEEING....
Bon Voyage
Lovely post Rela, so much to learn from you! I loved the part on the colors of Rembrandt. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove this blog!! I hope you publish a book with your interiors..
ReplyDeleteYour style is wonderful!!
Sarah
Rela
ReplyDeleteYour taste is impeccable your blog is so fresh and soothing at the same time. Your design is amazing as I have loved your fabrics and choices and use them in my own projects
I look forward to your next blog.