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

Shopping Bag

Your cart is empty.


A leather covered ottoman or footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch.  A wonderful and charming piece that would be sure to transform any living room, entrance way or study.  This lovingly created piece of art has an amazing character to it that is very reminiscent   of Babar the Elephant, from the children's book series by Jean de Brunhoff.  Beautifully made, this elephant was part of a series of animals made by English company, Omersa, with a number of them being sent to America for retailing by, the then, all encompassing gentleman's retailer; Abercrombie & Fitch.

A far cry from what the brand became, A&F were the go to store for the American traveller and adventurer for over one hundred years (at this time).  It was frequented   by the likes of Ernst Hemmingway and President, and ardent hunter, Teddy Roosevelt to equip themselves with all their needs.  From hunting gear (including guns!) to watches from the likes of Rolex and Heuer and clothing, they had a number of outposts across the country, and produced a wide assortment of fine goods from quality artisans from all over the world.

Their partnership with Omersa lasted for around twenty years and saw them create a menagerie of different animals in all shapes and sizes. A lot of which were safari based, with a heavy influence from Africa.  This made sense as a number of the patrons would come back from their adventures with a variety of trophies, and perhaps sought one to rest their feet on as well.

Of all of the animals produced, it is perhaps the elephant that is the most charming.  With the white leather tusks, long upturned truck (for good luck), adorable glass eyes, massive floppy ears and tassel ended long tail that looks ready to shake at any moment!  So much so that a pair of these were in the White House with Nancy and Ronald   Reagan.

The elephant is in exceptional condition.  The beautiful patina is consistent throughout the leather. It has never been used as a footstool and so remains in perfect condition along its back.  No damage is reported anywhere.  The original metal studded foot pads are also present and in tact.  The ear is signed with the A&F logo, and it is also marked "Omersa Made in England".  Made in England, circle 1960's, a finer example will not be found.


Price $0.00

×

Enquire
Item Dimensions
Height
19 inches (48.26cm)
Length
29 inches (73.66cm)