Mirror with Striped Turnings

I found this on one of my shopping trips. Normally, I prefer gilt turnings, but I thought this was interesting as it was the first time I had seen this type of mirror with paint surface, including the delicate striping on the turnings. The frame is all original, however, the panel is a painted attempt at eglomise (in a design that seems to be more of a clock design, rather than for a mirror).

So, another candidate for a replacement reverse glass.

Frame for Antique Portrait

The owner of this portrait kindly supplied a photograph of the finished job. This was a fairly small portrait, and the frame has a typical 1840 era slope molding, done in silver gilt (lemon gold). The depth of the frame was built up to accomodate the artwork's backing, and this also gives it more presence on the wall, and more typical of the deep frames of this period.

Preparing for the Big Chill

It has finally gotten real cold, just as I started working on adding to the insulation level of the attic. With the low headroom, and all the AC equipment, it is quite the challenge. Minimal insulation was put in when house was built; there was no vapor barrier, so I am moving the loose fill insulation, putting in batts, then replacing. In fear that I will put a foot through the ceiling and then have another task to take care of.

Dennis Bunker

I had never heard of Dennis Bunker until I read that John Singer Sargent painted with him - I then found that he had a very short life/career (1861-1890), which may be why his name does not come to mind easily. So, I was delighted to come across one of his works, Roadside Cottage (1889) while at the National Gallery on our trip to Washington.

Mandy has been Collared

Due to a torn toenail, then inflammation, Mandy is wearing a protective collar. She doesn't seem to mind it, and it seems to keep her out of trouble. Maybe we should have her in it permanently?

Washington in Holiday Attire

We spent a few days in Washington, DC. The new national Christmas tree will take a few years at least to begin looking impressive (previous tree was downed in a storm). The decorations on the facade of the Old Excecutive Office building are a game attempt at "festive". Best decor we saw was indoors at the National Gallery - the rotunda and garden courts kept their restrained elegance with live Christmas trees and plants added to the regular greenery.

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Card Photos

Yes, it's that time of year, when good little dogs sit nicely for their annual group photo. Apparently Mandy did not get the memo.

Eventually we got her slightly quiet.