1

A Day
Observed

A story presented by

Scene 1:
‘Morning’

It was a bright cold day with glassy surfaces that looked hard.
Into the square frame he stood as if in a dream.

What emerged was precisely what he expected to find: a reflection of memory images. Contemplating his face in the photo frame he waited.

1960s lucite and chrome 3 image photo frame

By the steady hands of his watch, he listened to time. Every day for the past sixteen days he saw her. Silver lingered in the crease of
an open book.

Rolex burlwood dial, Jubilee bracelet Miniature
oar English university trophy, sterling silver.

So absorbed in his thoughts
he hardly saw the platinum catch-all, the key, or the revelation locked inside those lapis lazuli cufflinks tossed unmistakably in cold blue.

Hans Hanson catch-all. Mid-century, Danish sterling silver. Stirrup money clip, by Hermès. Padlock keyring, sterling silver " Tie bar-slide " Round lapis lazuli cufflinks" Square cufflinks, two tone rose and yellow gold, diamond."

Only by whirling on his heel could he hope to comprehend
the panorama.

Shoe horn, circa 1930. American sterling silver
Scene 2:
‘Noon’

He remained.Trapped in that enormous room,
unmistakably familiar in feeling yet so peculiar.

Above the mantle was
displayed an Austrian hound
of impeccable integrity.

Hagenauer sculpture, 1930

His gaze fell on the letter opener. By accident she had learnt more about his life from the contents of that letter than anywhere.

Dunhill letter opener with lighter top, circa 1950

Cleopatra’s eye reflected
the sun. Through the hypnotism
of precious metals there
emerged a dark slender shadow.

Cleopatra’s eye magnifying glass. Mid-century, gold plated
Hermès weighted pen. Silver plated.

A lighter presented itself, smooth to the touch
it gave the impression of
intelligent company.

Table lighter St Dupont, circa 1960. Gold plate
Scene 3:
‘Evening’

All this time light was receding from the room.

“I should explain why I spend so much time here”, said the silhouette. Leaves moved like shadows across her eyes.

Hermès rope bottle opener. Plated silver.

It’s not too late to turn back. Time moved with faint sounds.

Venini hourglass. Hand-blown lurid Murano glass.

He unscrewed the telescopic cup, rolled and remained still. Black eyes on the dice prophesied a new cycle.

Telescopic cup, J. E. Cauldwell. Gold plated. Dice,
Cartier for America. Vitreous enamel glass, silver

Staring down at the varnished surface her mouth worried him while her eyes examined the gold cufflink.

Audemar Piguet evening watch. gold plated, Roman dial, alligator strap
Scene 4:
‘Night’

Everything went crashing black.

Pale graceful hands placed
the gold stud box delicately
on the table.

Men’s Edwardian jewellery box, 1910. Gold plated.
Mid-century British cigar ashtray. Sterling silver and crystal.

He lit a match to make sure the watch had really stopped. Smoke lingered from its vesta case.

Realist wrapped tobacco leaf march vesta. Silver.

As the travel clock neared
one the figure vanished into dappled shadows.

Art Deco Jaeger LeCoultre travel clock.
Gold and silver plated. Retailed by Aspray.

On the newly varnished table two bronze shot cups sat alive like in a dream.

Tooth shot cup by Foundwell. Bronze and silver plated.
Set of 4, 3 silver 1 gold. Heath & Midleton champagne decanters circa 1900.
Sterling silver and glass.
The End

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy, creative direction OK-RM,
notes by Kate O’Brien and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

‘A DAY OBSERVED’
A story by FOUNDWELL
Photography Matthieu Lavanchy,
creative direction OK-RM
notes by Kate O’Brien
and objects selected by Alan Bedwell

Early and Rare Sterling Silver Gorham Martini Mixing Bucket

Golf Cocktail Shaker
and Matching Golf Bag Cup

Sterling Silver Woven Bottle Coaster

Foundwell

A SELECTION OF ITEMS BY THE PRODUCER OF
CRAFTED GOODS & PURVEYOR OF ANTIQUE WATCHES,
JEWELLERY & OTHER SUCH OBJECTS

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A solid eighteen carat gold pill box, set with a cabochon sapphire. This beautiful and opulent piece highlights the quality, construction and luxurious refinement that one comes to expect from one of the world's leading names in haute jewellery. The design is simple with a reeded design across all four sides, and a heavy solid gold lid lift that is set with a gorgeous cabochon sapphire. 

Van Cleef & Arpels has earned a distinguished reputation for its exquisitely designed and imaginative jewelry, featuring everything from delicate flowers to whimsical animals and graceful ballerinas. The brand originated from the romantic partnership of Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a precious stone dealer, and Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a stone cutter. Their marriage in 1895 ignited a shared passion for gemstones and a pioneering vision that led to the establishment of the Van Cleef jewelry brand. In 1906, the Maison was officially founded by Alfred and Estelle along with her brother Charles, who was later joined by Estelle’s other siblings. They opened a boutique in Place Vendôme, Paris, situated directly opposite the Ritz Hotel. This prime location attracted numerous European aristocrats who were captivated by the creations of Van Cleef & Arpels, facilitating the global dissemination of the Maison’s timeless jewelry. The brand has consistently utilized a diverse selection of precious stones in its pieces, including diamonds, sapphires, and carnelian.

The quality is everything one would expect. A thick gauge of metal is used throughout, with perfect, seamless closing around the lid and the hinge.  The piece was made in London, England for VCA by renowned english goldsmith's; Kurt Weiss Ltd. Weiss ran a contracted workshop in London for both Cartier and VCA in the 1970's and '80's.  They made a number of pieces such as; pill boxes, make up cases and other jewellery and accessories for the French powerhouses. The box features full Englsih assay marks for the Kurt Weiss workshop, along with the date letter "S" for having been made in 1973. On the top of the lid is the Van Cleef & Arpels iconic logo engraved into it' alongside the date letter and "18" gold stamp.

The box is presented in excellent condition throughout. It has a substantial with of almost forty four grams of eighteen carat yellow gold. The simplistic and elegant, timeless design of the box means it feels as modern and relevant today as it dod when it was made, over fifty years ago.  

This is the perfect gift for those that love luxury, beauty and design and have it all!These wonderful little studies of craftsmanship can be either used for their intended purpose, or simply enjoyed visually for the beauty they evoke.


Price $7,450.00

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Item Dimensions
Width
2 inches (5.08cm)
Length
1.25 inches (3.175cm)