Happy Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Thank you for all your support through our first 8 months of blogging. Looking forward to sharing lots of delightful objects with you all throughout 2011 (and beyond....).

Love Marc & Pauline
xx

At Home for Christmas

Our last stock delivery of 2010 is imminent - we've been transporting some lovely new loot up to our showroom at LASSCO's Brunswick House for the last couple of weeks and a whole heap of parcels of various shapes and sizes will be arriving on Wednesday!

The latest additions to our print ranges are these 1920's colour lithographs featuring various modes of transport. They're all framed up and ready to be dropped into a lucky person's stocking (by Santa, naturally).

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There's more to festive lighting than fairy lights, as this 1960's desk-lamp proves. Well, perhaps the link is a tiny bit tenuous, but we see a distinct 'Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer' inspiration... This 1960's desk-lamp is currently being rewired and will be gracing the showroom soon.

If you're expecting a crowd over the festive period, it's most important to ensure there are adequate seating arrangements - maybe a few luxuriously upholstered bar stools in fruit pastille-tastic colourways??

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These retro teak bar stools have been re-upholstered in vintage velvets by our good friend Sarah Brunner. We're selling them individually, although we like the en masse 'harlequin' look...

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Come and visit us at Brunswick House - we are sure to have a delightful object suitable for the delightful people on your gift list!

Deck the Halls... with Delightful Objects

The search for the perfect Christmas gift is on, and so we've got a Bumper Blog of goodies to tempt you.

find out more about these delightful objects

This old hotel laundry basket makes a great place to stash your Christmas goodies. After Christmas, give it a new lease of life as a splendid log basket or blanket box for the end of the bed.

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Desktop adornment is a great way to amuse and distract the desk-bound worker in your life. We've had quite a few of these mini tin-plate globes in stock in the past, and have got a good selection of mini-globes and larger, more impressive specimens in stock now.

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Christmas is, of course, for the children. As everyone knows, the kids are usually just as happy with the boxes the gifts arrive in, so let them amuse themselves with those whilst you admire these rather lovely, traditionally-made wooden toys.

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We have plenty more Delightful Objects for sale - happy foraging!

P.S. Our festive banner at the top of this blog is taken from a stash of vintage wrapping paper that we saved from a dedicated recycler! We'll be featuring a few more in our next blog - watch out for Santa delivering presents in his helicopter, his vintage car, and of course the traditional rocket/spaceship...

MKS In Fashion

Our delightful objects often catch the eye of merchandisers and other stylists from the retail industry. We've currently got our stock creating stylish settings for two fashion retailers.

Saltwater found our eclectic gatherings of globes, cabinets and wooden toys the perfect place to showcase their Autumn/Winter 2010 collection.


Many of these objects are still available for sale - we've posted a few in our Facebook galleries if you fancy a closer look.

For those dapper gentlemen amongst you, look out for some quality MKS merchandise creeping into Kent and Curwen's current promotional imagery currently starring online and in their Piccadilly Arcade window display...

Location shot of Kent & Curwen window: The Intrepid Mr Stefan Lorett

Loppis loving

As promised, some beauties from our recent hunting adventures in the west coast of Sweden.

In a previous visit, we came back with some of these handy wall racks.

They proved very popular with the punters, and so we came back with a few more of various sizes. Styled on the old fashioned luggage racks, they offer great versatility for storage in the home.

Following on from our last blog, we have some more funky lighting to add to the collection. This chunky, moulded-glass ceiling light reminded us of an electrical insulator, (we do love that 'Metropolis' look!). When lit, the radiating glass 'fins' produce some beautiful lighting effects.

Not content with our lovely steel desk lamps, as seen on our last blog, we've managed to dig out some more lighting in the shape of this funky 1950's Philips bakelite and steel lamp. We are currently having it rewired with a black braided silk flex.


And for lighting that's also educational, how about this Scandinavian desk globe? It's like Google Maps without relying on having an internet connection! Oh yes. Set on an aluminium and oak base, we think it's a particularly lovely one. Currently being rewired, it'll be available for sale very, very soon.

We still have a Swedish-based stash of items at the Ödsmål branch of Scandinavian Storage Solutions. Watch this space!!

Hej då!

P. S. Next time we'll take the car...

Let there be light

As you've seen in a couple of our past blog entries (Glaswegian Goodies,
A Touch of the Gothic, The Glamour, The Glamour), we're always on the look out for original, stylish lighting to add to our stock.

Our rather splendid 'metropolis' chandelier has now been whisked away by a happy punter to a stylish interior somewhere. A tricky act to follow, we know, but with this nautically-inspired creation we think we've got a bit of a stunner...


This refurbished yacht spotlight has been mounted onto an old 1930's wooden surveyor's tripod, to create a strikingly unique floor lamp.


Of course we don't just concentrate on bagging the big, impressive stuff, no, no, no. We are equally keen on the more 'day to day', some may say 'less damn flash' desk lamps and light shades. This lovely green-painted steel desk lamp hails from the U.S.A. and dates from the 1940's.

This more demure (but shiny shiny shiny!) stripped metal spotlight desk lamp was a Swedish purchase from one of our buying trips.


On which note, we leave you with the tantalising prospect of a host of new Scandiwegian purchases coming this way. We have just returned from some foraging in Sweden, our suitcases bulging with gorgeous opaline light shades and ultra practical, yet totally stylish, Scandinavian luggage/clothes racks.

Until soon...


PS Many thanks to Ödsmål Storage Solutions for, um, logistics support.

PPS Did you know....

Scandiwegian Naval The general maritime slang name for a man or ship from Norway, Sweden or Denmark. Sometimes "Scowegian" or "Scandihoovian". Apparently.

Thank your Lucky Stars!

If you’re already a Facebook fan you’ll have admired our rather fab profile pic. We decided we loved it SO much we’d make use it for our next postcard – ta da! And now, we're going to tempt you with the offer of receiving four of these lovely cards absolutely free - read on...

Photo by the lovely Mr Stefan Lorett

It’s our favourite postcard so far, mainly due to the ‘starring’ role (*ouch*) played by that great Pennsylvanian barn star. Not only does it remind us of our sunny days roaming the North American countryside, but also it has proved to be one of our most popular items with punters and press alike.

Living Etc., December 2009

The practice of hanging ornamental stars on, or building the motif into, homesteads and barns, was introduced to the North American countryside by immigrant Germanic farmers in the 18th century. Particularly popular after the Civil War, they were often hung as a symbol of good luck, a bit like our 'lucky horseshoe'. Made in the past from wood or roofing tiles, they have more recently been made in thin tin, in a variety of colours, making them a brilliantly striking and original addition to your interior décor.

We’re now working on getting more in stock – get in touch if you would like us to add you to our waiting list.

And now the 'freebie' bit – we’re in a benevolent mood so are giving away a four pack of our pristine new postcards to each person who joins our new mailing list. Yes, proper mailing list. Involving mail. You know, like stuff in the post? We have subscribers, Facebook fans, Twitter...um... twits (?) but sometimes there’s nothing like getting a bit of good, old-fashioned mail, so sign up and then choose three of your favourite people and send them a card. Go on, they’ll love it.

Complete the form below and we will add you to our mailing list and post out (yes, post!) your lovely postcards tout de suite.

What's in store(age)?

We've got an array of splendid, stylish storage solutions currently in stock, ranging from vintage American, multi-drawer filing cabinets to simple, stackable tin trunks.

Vintage office furniture can be an original and quirky way to store your books, shoes and boring old bank statements in rather more style than a well-known Swedish retailer would lead you to believe. Glazed bookcases work beautifully as shoe display units, giving those investment buys a worthy, yet practical, home. The deep drawers of vintage wooden filing cabinets can conceal bulky blankets, rugs or woollens.

If you need to sort out your socks from your ties, perhaps try applying a bit of 19th century logic. One of our recent restoration projects is this elegant gentleman's collectors cabinet.

The mahogany cabinet has bracket feet and six graduated drawers, each with a mahogany bead frame.

A place for everything and everything in its place...

A touch of the Gothic

In The Beginning, there was Glaswegian Goodies...

Black wrought iron standard lamp
White wrought iron standard lamp

These beautiful wrought iron standard lamps are now fully restored, rewired and ready for sale! The black one was part of our Glaswegian haul back in April. A stunning example of the blacksmith's craft, it features unfurling scrolls with trailing leaves and rosebuds, all in worked iron.

Dating from the 1890's, they originally started life as bases for oil lamps, but lost their way for a while when some new-fangled thing called 'electricity' caught on. Now we've given them a new (and frankly, more stylish) lease of life by adapting them for modern use.


They join this exceedingly elegant ceiling lantern - it's been reglazed, restored and rewired ready to make a splendid centrepiece for any room.

Vintage wrought iron hall lantern

Shame Tim Burton's not on our (e)mailing list - we're sure he and Helena would be lusting after this lot for their sitting room...

P.S. You can get more info on these items (and a whole lot of other MKS goodies) by clicking on the links under each image and/or by visiting LASSCO in person at beautiful Brunswick House, Vauxhall...

Nautical but nice...

New in!


These vintage oars caught my eye, and are now scrubbed up and ready to be sold to adorn ones beach shack. We have a selection of these splendid items at various sizes/prices - the longest pair measure in at 7 ft. Remember, you don't actually need to use them - they're just great to look at!

The glamour, the glamour...

WOW - this is probably one of THE most glamorous, unique bits of ceiling decoration we've ever seen! Newly restored, this fantastic continental chandelier just oozes Art Deco sophistication and style.


Constructed from interconnecting hollow steel, cast aluminium, and panels of glass rods, this stunning chandelier certainly has a hint of the 'industrial' to it.

Although it actually dates from the '70s, we think the heady combination of shiny Art Deco with sleek industrial styling would see it happily at home on the set of Fritz Lang's classic 1927 German expressionist film, 'METROPOLIS'.


A brief note on practicalities: it measures 30" (76.2cm) high by 25" (63.5cm) diameter. But frankly, who would care about practicalities if you had this baby hanging from your dining room ceiling?

Photos of chandelier: Dominique Goodwin

Best of British

With the World Cup just round the corner, it's time to get patriotic...

Amongst the glut of Union Flag cushions, tea towels, rugs and tea cosies that are currently flooding the shop shelves, what about hanging a REAL Union Flag on your wall?


We have a marvellous stash of original Coronation flags printed on cotton and linen, which we've mounted onto canvas and had professionally framed so that they can be seen and appreciated in their full splendour. As the name suggests (!), these were usually produced as part of the celebrations for royal festivities. These ones date from the coronation of Edward VII in 1902, through to that of our present Queen, Elizabeth II, in 1953.

Why settle for 'Union-Flag-inspired' when you can have the Real McCoy? There's even the odd bit of discolouration and/or authentic rip to add to the charm and authenticity of these 'Genuine Articles'.

They work brilliantly as birthday or wedding presents - prices start at £35.00 and go up to £350, depending on the size and age of the flag. The smallest framed size available is 12" x 18" (30.5cm x 45.7cm) whilst the largest we currently have in stock is 36"x 48" (91.4cm x 121.9cm) - now THAT would be a true patriotic style statement!

Photo of Union flags: Stefan Lorett

Summer nights...

Long, hazy summer nights are with us again (or at least now and again). Following our previous blog, your garden/outside space should now be beautifully replenished with vintage plant pots. What about accessorizing with these great 1920s wirework lanterns?


Carefully place a tea light inside the faded canvas-lined, wire cages and bring a magical romantic glow to your evening...


We have a limited number available, so snap one (or many) up now before they disappear!

Quality time down at the potting shed...

With any luck the late Spring frosts are behind us, and so attention can now be directed to getting some quality gardening in preparation for those long summer evenings 'al fresco'.

To help you populate your patio, we have lots of vintage terracotta plant pots for sale, perfect 'starter homes' for your tender, young plants.

Most of the pots are 3 to 3-and-a-half inches in diameter, ideal for transferring seedlings, or for starting off your summer herb garden. They'd look great lined up on a window sill or window box.

There's a good mix of pots, all with a nice patina of age and past use - the older ones date from the 1920s and with their rimless tops are particularly chic. Some are impressed with the maker's name 'SANKEY'. We're selling the pots in bundles of 5 and 10 so get in touch if you want to spoil your seedlings with some serious style...

Also, on offer we have some gorgeous old galvanised buckets. Complete with dents and patches of rust, they make characterful planters.


Happy planting!

Coming soon: Lovely Lanterns

Maps Matter

Let us take you on a journey, to a time when Sat Nav was a mere twinkle in the travelling salesman’s eye...

Look! Proper Maps!

We’ve just had a stack of these beautiful litho-printed late 19th century maps mounted, framed and ready for sale to the discerning punter!

Europe, North and South America, Africa, India, Australia, Asia - we’re bound to have one to suit that awkward spot in the living room, or one that would be perfect for that wedding present you must get around to thinking about…

Contact us to see if we’ve got your part of the world available.

Or maybe you’re thinking bigger, more, dare I say, global…

It took a while for the Western World to work out that the Earth was spherical, but blimey when they finally got there they produced some pretty lovely ways of showing people.

We’ve got a great range of globes dating from the 1930s-1960s available, including this rather splendid 1960s American one.

These maps and globes are fascinating artefacts of their time, each one a little slice of history, showing political borders and placenames as they once were. A fascinating perusal, friends…

For more Geographical Gems, take a look at our Facebook album 'Maps Galore' http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15510&id=112268162134592&l=6b1af2c1c3