History of Fornasetti Plates

One of Adrian's favourite designers is Piero Fornasetti, the Italian designer famous for his mysterious and quirky pieces. Fornasetti lived and worked in Milan all his life and was one of the most prolific decorative artists of the 20th century. He was a painter, sculptor, decorator and engraver. His style was one based on illusion, architectural perspectives, and a number of themes such as the sun, playing cards, fish and flowers, from which he made seemingly endless variations.

Born in Milan in 1913, Fornasetti grew up under the influence of functionalist restraint but, by looking at his work, it's obvious it didn't restrain him. His fruitful imagination created a dream-like magical world, and he applied his decorative vocabulary to an astonishing array of objects - ashtrays, chairs, plates, cabinets and dining tables were all transformed by the application of unexpected images. Fornasetti rebelled against the concept of numbering, dating and signing his work. He was so sure that his style was unmistakable that he was indifferent to these significant marks that collectors use as proof of date and identity.

The strongly graphic, intriguingly surreal range of Theme and Variations plates designed by Italian painter, printer, engraver and interior designer Piero Fornasetti are a must-have item. Fornasetti's work, fusing Surrealism and Neo-Classicism, is enjoying a major revival, and his black, white and gold plates depicting portraits of the enigmatic, saucer-eyed, alabaster-skinned 19th century beauty Lina Cavalieri, are a captivating example of his work. Perfect as a gift for connoisseurs of design or dinner party hosts who enjoy making a splash.

This Plate is sexy than stogy. One room is wallpapered with a wild, black and white floral print, while another acts as a gallery for dozens of dinner plates designed by the artist Pietro Fornasetti. The plates act as another metaphor. Please purchase on online http://www.etabletop.com/

Artel Glass Candleholder

We are pleased to present The Golden Age of Yachting barware collection from Artel, one of Europe's leading artisan producers of fine crystal. Applying the unbending standards of traditional glassmaking, the intricate and graceful lines of illustrious sailing ships are hand-engraved on each piece of brilliant lead-free, mouth-blown crystal.

From schooners to cutters, The Golden Age of Yachting barware sets feature six Artel different yachts sailing through picturesque seascapes. The complex lines of masts, hulls and billowing sails on these splendid craft are expertly engraved on each piece. The Golden Age of Yachting barware sets make the perfect addition to any traditional or modern home or yacht, and an enthralling, unforgettable gift.

The Artel Candleholder craftsmen had to switch to manufacturing powder-cases, hand glasses, and other objects of everyday life. Broaches with portraits became extremely popular with the bourgeois. To produce the broaches photographs and daguerreotypes were used which had just appeared at that time. After the revolution Rostov's enamel craftsmen organized an artel. In order to improve the quality of production they invited the eminent graphic artist who organized a school attached to the artel.

Products will range from table-ware, furniture, vases, and crystal glasses to soft furnishings and rugs, vintage flower books, gift cards, beauty products, scented candles and tea lights. Brands will include; Anna Torf vases, Artel hand engraved crystal, Amy Cushing glassware, Lucien Pellat-Finet's scented candles, Catherine Memmi beauty products, and 'Wild at Hearts' own scented candles and gift cards. Please purchase on online http://www.etabletop.com/