The Art of Researching Art

I am currently en route to Washington DC for a weekend of museum hopping, hotel lounging and city walking.  The family is focused on the fun but I am focused on all things Bruno Mankowski. Months back, I picked up a lovely sculpture from an estate clean out that featured a kneeling nude woman.   I was quickly drawn to her as my late Aunt would have loved her.  I put her crusty self in my pile.  It was not until I got her home and started to clean 3 years of vacant home filth off of her that I realized she was not a 70's ceramic project, but a signed original sculpture.  But the next question that comes to mind was.,...who is Bruno Mankowski?  After some web searching, I found out he was a WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION (WPA) Artist.  FDR 's great contribution to keeping America working after the depression consisted of National Parks construction projects and art for public spaces like post offices and government buildings.  These working artists were commissioned to beautify our spaces.  Mankowski had the opportunity to replace an ailing sandstone cornice in the capital with his granite piece.  I hope to find it this weekend during our tour.  I also found out that he was known as a bronze medal sculptor.  This info was available searching the web.  I found 2 old auction listings with my nude lady pictured.  I really have no reason to believe they are the same one I have so he maybe cast more than one.  Apparently that is normal during the sculpting process.  One for sure has different toes than mine.  How many ladies are out there?  What is she made of? Why was she made?!  I also found, during my web searching, that upon the artists death (1903-1991), his records and catalog were donated to the American Art Archives in Washington, DC., by his dealer.  There are 200 photographs of his works, letters and other artifacts and they are available, by reservation, for free perusal!  Well, that is all I needed plus 2 kiddos begging to see museums.  So here we are, sitting poolside in the Embassy Suites, awaiting a day of fun and exploration!   My appointment is Friday at 9:30, I am headed there after breakfast.  I hope I can uncover some facts about her but most important, learn more about this man and help preserve his legacy by telling his story!  By the time you email folks get this update, I will be buried in my box of Mankowski or perhaps still being checked in and briefed!  Stay tuned for more but I will need to ask how to have my photos approved for publishing so that might delay my post a bit.  Enjoy some pics of our evening exploring the National Mall. 

Resting at sunset on the lawn by the Washington Memorial.  

Gorgeous but hot evening! 

The beautiful White House. 

The circus has already started, or maybe it never ends here! ?

Wish me luck! ✌🏼️  

Malissa

Hot Hot Hot new items.

A quick note that the sexy club chairs are SOLD and waiting for delivery.  The Heywood Cocktail table is complete and waiting for reassembly and delivery in a few weeks.  I have more Heywood to do.  The kids and I swapped some things around in the booth today and left this gorgeous new acquisition:  Broyhill Emphasis serving/bar on casters.  It's walnut with a matte black top.  Lots of storage and portable.  Even the back is finished.  Available in the etsy shop for regional buyers or those who want to arrange shipping.  I will deliver within 3 hours drive or so.  Reach out!  

Features drop leaves!  A real awesome piece!   Now on display at the Fleetwood Antique Mall!  Route 222 just south of Kutztown, PA

Also new in the Camping shop!  Pick up at the Mall or in the eBay shop, http://m.ebay.com/seller?sid=madmodworldvintage&nav=MYEBAY Cotton door mat (reversible) with 'Happy Campers Live Here' on one side and 'Welcome Where Friends and Marshmallows Get Toasted at the Same Time'. So cute! $20 (plus ship online)  

Party on the front, quick flip when the ranger shows up!  😜🍻 

Please stop by my new eBay shop!  I am still on 'probation' because I have not reached 25 sales and really need to reach that so things will run smoothly.  Right now, they are holding a large chunk of money from a sale I had 2 weeks ago and my buyer received the item last week.  I will not see the money until next Friday.  It's enough that I am disgusted they will not accept the delivery receipt as proof and release the funds immediately.  Their policy sucks and it won't go away until I have 25 sales. I have $10 items so come check it out.  HAPPY CAMPER kitchen towels are back in stock on eBay and at the mall!  They are great quality! 

Cotton kitchen towel.  Perfect for a vintage camper! 

Special!  I just picked up a few Kantha quilts at a SPECIAL price!  Offering $35 shipped or $25 local pick up,  (regularly $50 plus $10 shipping!) Please email me your preference by blanket number with your PayPal email and I will send an invoice. choices are here: 

Gorgeous, twin size.  Hand quilted in India of vintage Saris.  So pretty!  Take to the beach, pool, picnic, camper and so much more!  They are beautifully boho and so colorful!  Each side is a different blanket. 

Italian design is featured in this gorgeous pair of polypropelyne chairs by MaxDesign (Italy) designed by Hannes Wettstein.  Very stylish and in like new condition.  These chairs retail for $500 each and they are very well made for commercial or home use.  The white steel legs have great wood accents creating a dowel look, The seat is faceted and very comfy.    

In the eBay shop, European beauties! Not your average chair!  Sold by the pair, one moss, one white.

Follow all of my shops!  Etsy, EBay and Chairish! I cross list but there are items I can only sell in certain markets!  Thank you everyone for your support over the last few months!  Don't miss out on something you love!  Things are moving out now! Reach out for delivery arrangements, shipping quotes and more!  I will be in Washington DC next week and New Jersey (Newark and Philadelphia areas) the week after if anyone would like something delivered or can meet in the area. Keep cool! Xo Malissa 

Summer vacation research mission

If you remember earlier in the year, I picked up a fabulous sculpture at a vacant property and discovered she was an original piece.  Little could be found online but I do know the artist was a WPA artist and replaced a sculpture in the capital, was known as a bronze medalist and died in 1990.  I also found there are at least 2 other ladies like mine out there.  Well, I am happy to report that I just scheduled an appointment to view all records including catalog of works from Bruno Mankowski, housed in the Archieves of American Art, Washington DC.  The stop is being worked into a little vacation we are planning!  There are many free resources available to research items and this is the second time an art museum has housed something that I will be perusing.  Looking forward to learning more about this kneeling nude, as she is referred to. 

Kneeling Nude by Bruno Mankowski

My chairish listings are now live if you need shipping for the turquoise chair set.  They will arrange the shipper.  I cannot offer as cheap in that market, but I still feel I have this set priced under value.  It is totally fabulous!  Find the listings here: chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage  

Lots on the move as summer heats up so if you are eyeing something snap it up!  My diamond chair just found a home.  I will be inquiring about another in the area soon.  ✌🏼️.   My Heywood restorations are coming along but I keep getting sidetracked packing things for shipping and of course between my kid's swim schedule and my band rehearsals and practices, we are crazy busy this summer.  Here's a picture of the stain coming along.  I am ready for top coat and then need to sand the legs.  

All stained.  Ready for top coats! 

I had to take some more pics for chairish (they are picky) so here is a some new shot.  If you like Aqua, get in my etsy shop now as I have many cool things in your shade including the best pole lamp ever! ✌🏼️ 

Pair of club chairs now available on etsy for regional buyers, chairish for national shipping. See also the 2 PC settee couch and make an instant Aqua living room! 😍 

Xo Malissa

Just in! Living Room Must haves!

I spent a lot of time this week at the most fabulous estate liquidation ever!  An adorable time capsule, clean and tidy and in my area.   It was a pleasure just to see the home but even better was to be able to leave with some very fine items!  I invested in a great living room set and have split it up only because I feel it hard to place together, but I would love too keep it all together!  This is up for regional meet ups and deliveries only at this point but I have submitted to chairish and they can arrange shipping.  It will take a week to go live.  If you are out of the area and serious, I will help you with shipping options so please reach out.  I will not bus ship this set.

4 PC living room seating set by Carson's of High Point.  All vinyl upholstery in excellent condition.  From clean and tidy home. 

Offering the 2 PC settee sectional separate from the 2 club chairs.  I would love for someone to take them all, but realize the full set might not work for everyone.  Here are some more pics.   

2 love seat sized settee's make up this versatile seating set that can be arranged to create a fabulous nook area. Great Aqua color features black plastic legs with gold trim.  Very comfy! 

A pair of great coordinating club chairs!  The addition of black to the mix really breaks up the set nicely.  These are available as a set of 2. 

Carson's of High Point is still in business focusing on the industrial seating needs of hotels, retirement homes and public spaces. 

I also picked up a super large set of Boontonware melmac in pale yellow and grey!  Service for 8 with massive selection of service pieces and extras.   

Also a must have in a MCM home!  Lucite grapes and matching candlesticks in Amber.  This home had a turquoise room and an orange room! 💕 be still my heart! 

I am working with a buyer already, but I did go back and take the end table set that was with my chairs.  It's not final, but I am packing for shipping today.  

The etsy listing is marked On Hold right now as I work with a client.  Feel free to reach out if you want next dibs.  I will have them packed for shipping today. 

I know not everyone sees my Facebook posts so I will recommend TURNING NOTIFICATIONS ONwhen you are on my page and further, follow my Instagram @madmodworldvintage as these are the fastest ways to see my latest acquisitions and projects.  Jump on it is you see something you like and you can snag it before I list it.  ✌🏼️ 

Back to work for me!  I have tables to pack and more sanding to do!  Enjoy your Father's Day and stop by the mall today if you are in the area antiquing!  

xo Malissa

Summer Sale, Current Projects and New Pics.

The following sale opportunities are now happening!  Take 10% off order in the etsy shop now through July 31st, use code PYREXSWAP at checkout.  madmodworldvintage.etsy.com 

Also you are invited to take 10% off all items in stock at my booth 2R09 at the  Fleetwood Antique Mall in Fleetwood, PA  I will keep this sale on through July 4th for sure.  Please note Mall hours are 10-6 Wed-Fri with SPECIAL HOURS during the Kutztown Folk Festival!  They will be open Monday and Tuesday that week, July 6th and 7th!  The Mall has also combined forces with Berks County icon GRQ Used Furnishings so you definitely want to pop by the mall and have a look!  Great eclectic shop with items from all eras, unusual finds and so much more.  I really love my mall so come take a look.  Don't forget, if you are close enough to visit the mall, I can have ANY of my online inventory there for you to pick up!  All you have to do is give me a few days notice and I will take what you want to see out for you!  My space is not that large, but I will do my best to accommodate!  

DINING SET- new pics, seats redone!

The Drexel set I have is all cleaned, touched up, new black sueded fabric on the seats and ready to deliver.  It really is beautiful!  Sad that I do not have the 4th chair, but knowing this seats 10 anyway, you can totally add a set of different chairs to pull off the look and I suggest something totally different like a set of Bertoia wire chairs.  I am sure if you continue to look a matching set will pop up but in the mean time, the mix up look is pretty hot right now and you can use that to your advantage!  If you know anyone searching for a set, please send them my way!  I have this priced very low under market value and would love to find it a great home.  etsy listing for pick up/delivery (REGIONAL buyers) please, Chairish.com/shop/madmodworldvintage for white glove shipping.  My chairish listing will probably be live in the next day or 2.  

Many touch ups, lacquer applied and new seat covers in sueded charcoal have been added.  Such a great set!

Heywood Wakefield restorapolooza!

I am in the process of sanding my first 2 tables of 6.  My stains are here and this will be the first time I am trying the wheat finish so am looking forward to that.  I have a lot of hand sanding left, but spent some time after work today using a sander on the larger flat table tops.  Plus I got some tips from my boss and coworker.  The beautiful tiered cocktail table is reserved and going to be refinished in wheat.  I will also do one pair of the floating top step end tables in wheat and they are up for grabs.  I will then do the 2nd pair of step end tables in champagne.  The corner table could go with either set so will do that one last to match either stain.  I am excited to make these pretty again!  Of all of the things I find, restore and find homes for, Heywood is what I choose to keep in my home and that is why I choose to save it. If you search back through my blog posts, you can find some recapping my Heywood restorations.  It is probably about a year old now!  It is amazing how many projects come and go in a year!  Click on the PAST SAVES tab to see pics and info from some of my prior Heywood Wakefield restorations.  

Pole lamp is serviced, brass polished and it is ready to use!

My husband got to go over the pole lamp and it is ready to use.  A word of safety advice on these things.  Both pole lamps had wiring issues.  You will not find them unless you take apart the pole and inspect.  My husband has test sets to check for shorts, etc.  Any loose fixtures were tightened.  I still would not leave any vintage light on unattended.  Please note with this light there is damage from a hot bulb on the gold shade.  Using LED bulbs can help prevent that in the future, but once again, keep a check on your vintage lamps so that you know they aren't getting too hot for the shades.  It is a real shame to find damaged items and surely you will not want to be responsible for that.  Many people used bulbs with too high a wattage, but in general, a light bulb gives off a lot of heat.  Be smart and stay safe!  

I just shipped out the adorable blonde record cabinet!  That beauty had some of the most views of anything I have ever listed on etsy!  Glad she finally got herself a home!  So many more awesome items are available!  I know I have been sourcing some higher end items lately and I do love being able to bring those things to my shop, but I am aware that they are not for everyone.  Thanks for following along in my adventures and please share my info with folks you may know in the design field, mcm enthusiasts and people looking to redecorate.  I appreciate the support and referrals!  

xo Malissa