This picture is from the book Michael S. Smith Elements of Style. I have often admired this picture but had never read the photo credits for it and last week to my surprise I discovered that the trio of temples carved in soapstone were purchased from the estate of Michael Taylor.
Michael Taylor was one of my early mentors and I have posted a tribute to his work. Recently I was serendipitously introduced to the work of David Ward who creates organic twig art for the Michael Taylor showrooms. I consider Michael Taylor to be a great design icon I am was very pleased to see how his legacy is living on through the work of Michael S. Smith and artists like David Ward.
Other interesting items in this picture are the carved gilt console which is a treasure from the classical Irish residence Luttrellstown Castle and the wallpaper is Vintage chinoiserie. The house that this room is in, is located in Los Angeles designed by the architect James E. Dolena (1888-1978) and built in the early 30's and now owned by Howard and Nancy Marks. Interestingly it took Michael Taylor ten or twelve trips to Paris, Brussels, London, and New York and dedicated auction sleuthing around the world to gather the beautiful collections for this home.
Those soapstone pagodas, the whole chinoiserie vignette -- and actually that residence -- are just amazing! I was so glad Smith and Rizzoli used it on the cover.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky to hear Smith speak about the project shortly after the book was released, and his passion for the hunt (the antiques) is so genuine!
Really interesting--great to read a little about the background and history of this famous image and all the elements, time, and dedication it took to pull it all together. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHello Patricia! Thanks for the info! I have had that book since it was released (and had it signed by the man himself!). But I had never read the credits either. Coincidentally, our company is using David Ward's twig art in a restaurant we have designed in California. Such wonderful texture! I am a fan of both Michael Smith and David Ward. And of course, Michael Taylor!
ReplyDeleteWow, good sleuthing there! I love hearing all the background info about specific pieces that make up an interior. Fascinating stuff!
ReplyDeleteA great reminder that everything doesn't have to come at once - and each and every piece is better if there is story to go with it.
ReplyDeleteHi - I saw one of the twig art masterpieces in the Atlanta Design Center today...quite riveting. I stood and stared at it for 5 minutes! I probably would not have noticed if you had not posted about it...
ReplyDeleteLovely photo, and I really like the Yaletown penthouse pic as well. I think we read some of the same blogs. I'd like to link you to mine if that's alright with you, you have a great blog. I'm at gardenrooms.typepad. Thanks~ Robyn
ReplyDeleteI do love that photograph, but I had no idea about the provenance of those pieces. Thanks for letting us know Patricia!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see this book in the bookstore I want to buy it! It's just so beautiful. I feel the same way about Affair with a House. There's just something so beautiful about those covers. I could look at Smith's cover all day. And funny, I've never looked at the credits either.
ReplyDeleteJoni
Organic twig art looks very good here.The table almost looks like another piece of art.Love the corner decoration.
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