Will You Walk Into My Parlor. . . .

. . . .said the Spider to the Fly,

“Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy. . . ."

The Spider and the Fly, Mary Howitt, 1829

This spectacular spider chair will certainly beautify even the prettiest parlour. The epitome of postmodern design, this rare chair was originally designed in the 1980s by the design firm Les Amisca for Quebec 69, a Canadian manufacturer of fine designer furniture. 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

15634-5

Extraordinary Umlauf

This large and striking signed lithograph is by Charles Umlauf (1911-1994), the renown American artist and sculptor and University of Texas at Austin art professor. Although best known for his sculptural works, which grace museums, churches, institutions, and private collections throughout the world, Umlauf did create a limited number of works on paper as well during his long artistic career. 

Born Karl Umlauf to a German immigrant family on a Michigan farm, his first name was Americanized to "Charles" in response to anti-German sentiment during WWI. In 1918, the family moved to Chicago. At the age of eleven, Charles began attending weekend classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. His talented was quickly recognized and he received a scholarship to continue his studies. Umlauf created several sculptures while employed by the WPA Federal Art Project during the Great Depression. A 1939 work in cast stone entitled "War Mother" resulted in Umlauf being offered a position as Professor of Life Drawing and Sculpture at the Art Department at the University of Texas. Umlauf taught the the University for 40 years, retiring as as Professor Emeritus in 1981. In 1985, the Umlaufs gifted the City of Austin with their Austin home, his studio, and 168 sculptures, which were the foundation of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

428-1299

 

March of the Toy Soldiers

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, which premiered in 1892, is a beloved Christmas tradition. The ballet includes the iconic March of the Toy Soldiers and the images of toy soldiers in brightly colored uniforms are now indelibly associated with the season. Just in time for the holidays, our  trove has battalions of beautiful vintage toy soldiers in their original boxes. 

 Each box carries the label "Soldat de Plomb historique," which translates as "historical lead soldier." The box promises the contents will "instruire en amusant" (will instruct while having fun). These amazing armies are attributed to the French maker Mignot, which was founded in Paris in 1825. Initially, the company produced trinkets and children's toys, but in 1838 began to produce toy soldiers. The company gained renown for its detailed and finely crafted lead soldiers and is still in production under the name CBG Mignot. These sets are believed to date from the 1930s.

The sets include everything from foot soldiers to mounted military men to colorful standard-bearers.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

 13981-12 to 18

Lady Madonna

This graceful and serene Madonna and child is a vintage figurine by the German company of William Goebel inspired by the artwork of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel (1909-1946).

Born Berta Hummel, after graduating from the prestigious Academy of Applied Arts in Munich, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen in 1931, taking her new name. Her drawings of children became popular after they began appearing on postcards in the 1930s. Goebel acquired the rights produce figurines based on Hummel's artwork, introducing the first Hummel figurines in 1935. Hummel figurines became popular in the United States following the end of WWII, when American soldiers stationed in Germany began sending the charming and beautifully crafted Hummel figurines home as gifts. This closeup of the holy mother and child shows both the artistic skill of Hummel and the fine workmanship of Goebel.

Hummel figurines carry a facsimile of her signature.

The mark on the bottom of the figurine features a drawing of a large bumblebee flying through the letter "V." In 1950, Goebel honored Hummel by changing its trademark to the bumblebee, as her name means "bumblebee" in German. The "V" stands for “Verkaufsgesellschat” (distribution company). This mark, called the "full bee" by collectors, was used until 1955. 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

15557-78