All posts by theeditor

The Halcyon: Deco Photo Frame

Art Deco Photo Frame in a scene from The Halcyon Credit: ITV The Halcyon

Here is an interesting 30's style art deco photo frame prop you might have noticed in Episode One of ITV's The Halcyon.  Lady Priscilla Hamilton is seen holding the photo frame while she waits to see Mr Garland in his office in a scene from the first epidode of the ITV series. If you are interested in collectibles from the era you can find similar frames on eBay. Below is one example I saw on eBay today.

Reference: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Art-Deco/69471/i.html?_nkw=deco+oak+photo+frame&LH_PrefLoc=2

The Halcyon ITV: Royal Suite Crystal Lamps

Royal Suite at The Halcyon Credit: ITV The Halcyon - Left Bank Pictures

The Halcyon Episode 1 Royal Suite

The Halcyon is an ITV drama series about a grand hotel in wartime London. Lord Hamilton occupies the royal suite amid dramatic events in Episode 1 which was brodcast on ITV on Monday 2 Jan 9pm

Warren Kessler New York Crystal Table Lamp w/ Swan Neck in The Halcyon Royal Suite Credit: ITV The Halcyon - Left Bank Pictures

The set of such grand London hotel is fitted and decorated to perfection reflecting the wartime era. One of the first decor items we notice in the royal suite is a pair of ornate crystal table lamps.  The pair of cut glass crystal urn shaped table lamps are decorated with swan neck accents and  would not look out of place on Downton Abbey. You can see the details in a similar lamp that is currently listed on eBay.com

Warren Kessler New York Crystal Urn Style Table Lamp w/ Swan Neck

This lamp is not an exact match to the pair on the show but is very similar and was made by Warren Kessler, New York Crystal. It is described as a  Brass Goose Neck Table Lamp. The lamp is 29 inches tall and has a telescoping rod to allow for varying heights. There are 2 sockets with pull chains that take standard bulbs. Similar lamps are seen in various materials. French garniture urns are seen with similar swan neck handles in marble with ormolu gilded bronze accents.

Reference:

Nostalgia: A nice hot cup of Tea

Campbell's Tea
I have recently rediscovered Campbell's Tea. Campbell’s Perfect Tea’ has been a part of life in Ireland since 1797. In the late 1700s, George Campbell established a Grocery Business in Dublin and sold a blend of tea they were proud enough to put their name on, calling it “Campbell’s Perfect Tea” and sold in it's distinctive yellow tin. It brews to a rich satisfying flavor from the loose tealeaf - no tea bags here - for a traditionally favored strong cup of Irish tea. I like to brew in a brown betty teapot and pour through a classic tea strainer into the cup.
In the US Buy Campbells Perfect Tea on Amazon

Wallace and Gromit take their tea from a brown betty teapot and a classic Cornish stripe mug
The classic Brown Betty Teapot

For brewing the perfect cup of tea you are missing out unless you use a traditional brown betty teapot. The red clay it is made from and the round shape, which swirls the tea leaves around when the water is poured in, are appreciated by traditional tea drinkers for it's unique qualities in tea brewing.
A Brown Betty teapot and Cornish stripe mug are featured in the much loved Wallace and Gromit animations and lend a nostalgic appeal. As a gift for the tea lover a gift set made up of a fine tea blend a Brown Betty and some Cornish stripe mugs are sure to be appreciated.
Where to buy: http://stores.ebay.com/edwardschina Edwards China ebay store sell the teapot and mugs currently.
IF you are in Ireland you can buy Campbell's Tea at Dunnes Stores or from Amazon in USA https://www.amazon.com/Campbells-Perfect-Gram-17-6-Ounce/dp/B000WIW24M

Gift Idea: Royal Doulton Downton Abbey Figurines

Royal Doulton Downton Abbey
Another gift idea for Downton Abbey fans is a Downton Abbey figurine from Royal Doulton. They are faithfully crafted limited edition pieces. A selection can currently be seen on the Royal Doulton online store.
If your favorite character is sold out you may find one at a good price  on eBay : CLICK HERE for the current listings on eBay

Lady Mary Figurine by Royal Doulton

Continue reading Gift Idea: Royal Doulton Downton Abbey Figurines

Downton Abbey: Mrs Hughes’ Pullman Lamp

Brass tripod Pullman lamp on Mrs Hughes table

If you ever wondered about the lamp on the table in Mrs Hughes sitting room you may be interested to know that it is a called a Pullman lamp. Pullman lamps were commonly seen on Pullman railway carriages in in the Edwardian era. The picture on the right above is an example of a similar brass tripod Pullman table lamp and is an original antique from the era . I see more like it on eBay occasionally. Click here to see the current selection.

Lady Violet’s perfume on Downton Abbey

Lady Violed on Downton Abbey with vintage perfume bottle,
Lady Violed on Downton Abbey with vintage perfume bottle,

A vintage Grossmith Phul-Nana perfume bottle with original box is offered on eBay this week :http://www.ebay.com/itm/PHUL-NANA-GROSSMITH-ART-NOUVEAU-ANTIQUE-FLOWERS-GLASS-PERFUME-SCENT-BOTTLE-BOX-/232105110727. The Dowager Lady Violet was seen holding one like it in a scene from Downton Abbey. I the scene Lady Edith is visiting Lady Violet following the episode where she has been jilted at the altar. She delivers the perfume to Lady Violet from her shopping trip and Lady Violet remarks on the price:"A guinea? for a bottle of scent? Did he have a mask and a gun?"

phulnana

The Rear Window Back Scratcher

rearwindow-backscratcher
James Stewart in Rear Window uses a wooden back scratcher in key scenes from the movie.
backscratcher
Similar back scratcher to one uses as a prop by James Stewart in Rear Window

Jimmy Stewart's character is confined in a plaster cast and makes good use of a back scratcher in Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 movie Rear Window.  He uses the back scratcher several times, not only to scratch his toes or to reach an itch inside his cast, but for emphasis when gesturing as well. Continue reading The Rear Window Back Scratcher