One of the latest newcomers to our store is this wonderful solid oak compactum (or combination) wardrobe which dates from around 1900. It shows off some of the typical features and styling of the “Arts and Crafts” design movement that was flourishing at the time.

The movement was very much initiated by the artist and writer William Morris in the 1860s and was inspired by the writings of John Ruskin. It influenced architecture, domestic design and the decorative arts, using simple forms and a medieval style of decoration. Arts and crafts advocated truth to materials, and was founded on traditional craftsmanship and economic reform.

Here are just a few “before and after” examples of the work we (mainly Mike!) have done on stripping and finishing various items of antique furniture.

A cameo is a carving done in relief, and is typically designed so that it has two colors. There are two ways to accomplish this. The first is to use a seashell or stone which has natural coloured bands (such as the example below set in a 9ct gold surround). The carving can be carefully designed so that the figure is in a lighter color and the background is darker. In some cases, the colour contrast may be enhanced with the use of bleach or dye. The other technique is to use two different stones, or layers of glass, gluing them together with care to form a seamless cameo. A cameo brooch is a brooch or pin which is made with a cameo, which was very popular in Victorian times and is typically a portrait of a woman.

Cameo Brooch (set in 9ct gold mount)

We had a very successful and enjoyable day as clansmen from around the world flocked to Aboyne for the Homecoming celebrations on what threatened (but turned out not to be) a day of stormy weather. The thousands of visitors enjoyed the many traditional competitions of the games and also explored the trade stalls and exhibitions - not least the offerings of “Refined”…

It is widely thought that Black Forest carvings and wares originated in Germany, but it was actually the Swiss who first began the carvings in the 1800’s in Brienz. The master carvers achieved worldwide recognition and critical acclaim courtesy of numerous exhibitions during the second half of the 19th Century with increasing demand for portrayals of animals such as bears, stags, eagles and dogs. More recently, the Black Forest genre has seen an increasing emergence of specialist dealers, auctions and collectors, and with increasing knowledge on the subject comes a more discerning buyer. Mediocre examples will command a modest price whereas top-class examples with fine-quality carving, detailed expressions, and little or no damage demand a significant premium and are promptly snapped-up where available. Take the example of “Bruno” below, who we consider to be a high quality example of Black Forest carving. Standing approx. 14″ tall, Bruno is a tobacco jar in excellent condition with no damage and carving of exceptional detail and quality…that’s our view, see what you think….

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Bruno - Lift up lid

So here it is, the much anticipated and long-awaited Refined blog!

The intention is to post regularly about matters relating to the business of Refined. We’ll let you know about such things as unusual items we’ve found, planned or key events in the pipeline or just passed, interesting stories or ideas we’ve got, and questions and answers we’ve unearthed. Whether it’s about antiques, vintage, furniture, art, old books, collectibles, silver, old scientific or musical instruments, fairtrade, environmental responsibility, or something else, as long as it’s about Refined, we’ll keep you posted.

Some initial dates for the diary:

28th June 2009     Logie Coldstone Fair  (we will be taking an active part in the fair)
1st Aug 2009         Aboyne Highland Games (we will be running a stall)