1960s Italian homewares
I’ve never been inspired by the 60s interiors, especially
the homewares…but 1960s Italian... now that’s another story. As I made
my way to the back of my local brocante store last weekend, something quite
different caught my eye…a small box filled with six cups and what looked like
saucers underneath. The box was battered, old and definitely vintage. It said
ARNO, made in Italy on the side. Oh, I like the look of that, I thought, but I
really don’t need another tea set and then walked on …but as I was leaving the
store, something made me go back and take another look. I took out the cups
turning them gently, admiring the right angled handle and the clean lines...it
was really beautiful.
Glass cups and saucers have been around for a long time, but
I hadn’t seen anything like this before. It was too unique to pass up. As I was
admiring the cups, I looked up and around the shelving and my eyes fell on a
silver art deco coffee pot, with milk jug, sugar basin and tray…they’d look
great together I thought.
A few days later I looked up the name of ARNO on the
internet and realised that these rather lovely glass cups and saucers were
designed by a man called Joe Cesare Colombo, an Italian Industrial designer. Born
in July 1930 - he died on his 41st
birthday in 1971 from a heart attack. He studied painting at Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera but
in 1955 he gave up painting to concentrate on his design career. He designed for
the likes of Kartell, notably the 4801 chair, as well as designs for
Alessi, flexiform and Boffi. I am not sure whether my cups are original or
inspired by him…but they are handsome and I do love the square handles and the
square saucers so I will be keeping these.
Have you found any unexpected bargains lately, and what era do you love the most? Do tell!
Have a great week!
Sharon
OH! What a great find! I love Italian design and think they are somewhat forgotten about when we look at 60s and 70s items. I'd have to keep these if I were you! I love Elizabethan things, really old wood, and textiles. But I also like the gaiety of Victorian china and fabric too. Some mid century wares are lovely if you have the right home for it. I admire those who can achieve a nice mix in their own houses. x
ReplyDeleteHi LeeAnn I don't usually go for 60s vintage so this is new for me, but I love the design of it, so I had to bring it home with me.
DeleteWowww Sharon ...like the glas cups....lovely summer enjoy love Ria x
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them Ria, happy week for you. x
DeleteYou found some real treasures I think! So elegant, so stylish, so very Italian! I've found nothing lately but I'm always keen on beautiful bargains.Love so much Kartell, I have a lot of pieces of furniture from Kartell and Alessi is super as well.Anyway, your stuff is fantastic whoever is the designer.Oh Jane, I saw your beautiful roses in the previous post, how gorgeous they are!
ReplyDeleteHappy summer days dear!
Olympia
Thank you Olympia, I really couldn't resist this teaset or the art deco coffee set. I bought it for my daughter actually, but I am having a hard time parting with it! Have a lovely summer! Sharon x
DeleteI'm not surprised those lovely coffee cups caught your eye! That was a wonderful find and even more exciting when you can discover such an interesting story behind them too! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteUsually my taste is a little more 1930s-40s vintage teasets but I couldn't pass these up, the square handles really piqued my interest and I had to take them home with me, it was a bonus to find that they were designed by a famous Italian designer, who would have guessed! Have a lovely week. Sharon x
DeleteClassic! Timeless and beautiful...
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
Thank you Titti, I plan to use these as often as possible. Have a lovely week. Sharon x
Delete