April 16, 2015

Architectural Watercolours at Halcyon House Antiques

Two things: You might know that I am the board chair at the Baltimore Architecture Foundation and one of the things I adore is old architectural drawings and watercolours, and even blueprints. I also love Halcyon House Antiques and would cheerfully move into the shop if I could! So when Halcyon House Antiques and its stylish owners, Stiles and Jonathan, told me that they were hosting a show and sale of architectural watercolours, I suggested that Halcyon and the Architecture Foundation partner up on the project. So we did!building

The opening reception took place on Tuesday and the show will be hanging for another month or so. The shop is filled with the most beautiful architectural watercolours, drawings and models, as well as some significant pieces of furniture, brought in specially for the show.IMG_0059

Most of the watercolours were done in the 1800 and 1900’s and are drawings washed with colours. Most subjects are classical studies. IMG_0063

Some of the special pieces included this beautiful inlaid piece by David Linley, Queen Elizabeth’s grandson, whose work is collected all over the world. IMG_0061IMG_0080

Another piece, although not an architectural study, was this beautiful drawing room from the 1930’s, painted by Cecil Beaton. IMG_0078

One of the pieces I loved was this wood and glass lantern.IMG_0046

And this fabulous chair with the forced perspective of the trees,IMG_0077

which reminded me of the allée of trees elsewhere on the property. Winter  (37)

And how about this chair? Can you say leopard!IMG_0073

Some of the architectural models included this pavilion, IMG_0106

and this bridge.IMG_0051

And in the center of the hors d’oeuvres was an birdcage, complete with a porch. IMG_0036

In addition to the framed prints, there was also a selection of unframed prints of various subjects, IMG_0067including this elevation and plan of the Maryland Institute College of Art. IMG_0071

One of the highlights of the events was a brief talk given by the eminent architect, and founder of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, Walter Schamu, FAIA. IMG_0123He spoke on the training given to architecture students in the past at places like the Universities of Virginia and Pennsylvania and of course, Yale. Walter lamented that there wouldn’t be drawings like these of contemporary buildings that people would look back and admire in 100 years because everything’s done on the computer.

If you’re interested in the Architectural Watercolours Show, or anything you see here, please contact Eric at Halcyon House Antiques.

6 comments:

  1. Everything is very good looking.

    Of course, you meant that David Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, was the Queen's nephew (rather than grandson) as he is the son of the late Princess Margaret.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, she is right. Viscount Linley is the grandson of Queen Elizabeth, and the nephew of Queen Elizabeth II.

      [Queen Elizabeth was more commonly known as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, but within her own circle as Queen Elizabeth, and her daughter after Ascension, as The Queen.]

      Yours, the Pedant.

      Delete
  2. Swooning over the Beaton. Everything looks lovely, what a charming shop.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love arcitectural drawings, prints, watercolors--most works on paper. These examples are gorgeous. Of course, my favorites are 18th c. Piranesi folios. Would love to see this super show! Happy Spring. xoxo Mary

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lovely - I really need to visit their shop my next trip to Baltimore!

    ReplyDelete
  5. what a grand idea + bet it was yours + lovely xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for reading and commenting on Pigtown*Design. I read each and every comment and try to reply if I have your e-mail address.