La Belle Brocante

Préfecture de Police

 

Perhaps we start a Mannequin Lovers Support Group?

Mademoiselle and P. Poisson will not be for sale in July, so do not make plans to hop a ship to the Island just yet.

July will be the annual sale of documents, maps, antique books, keys, apothecary bottles, small enamel numbers, jewelry, collage pieces, and other sundries. This takes place at a local art event that attracts 35,000 visitors each year.

But soon I will travel to France, with my miles-long wish list. 

There is no guarantee that I will find mannequins, just as there is no guarantee that I will find any sought after treasure on a given day. That's what makes the finding all the more special.

But I will look.

And look and look and look.

And if I find a mannequin or two, I will put them on the first flight back home, seatbelts securely fastened. 

Finds from the latest buying trip will be available at the sale in August, a small affair for serious devotees of the brocante.

Etsy sales will follow in the fall.

Questions? Do ask. I would love to hear from you.

 

xoxo

 

P. Poisson

Mademoiselle has gotten chummy with P. Poisson, a dashing young fellow also originally from Paris.

We've received word that Mademoiselle's gorgeous Maman will be visiting next month as well - a glorious reunion to be sure!

 

xoxo

 

Mademoiselle Stockman

Child's Stockman mannequin.

Paris, 1800s.

 

While Mademoiselle has taken up permanent residence, I have begun curating brocante treasures for our annual pop-up vintage shop on July 19th, and a petit trunk show in August.

More details soon!

 

xoxo

 

Pedigree

Meanwhile ... Mademoiselle Brevette Stockman has come to stay.

She is small for her age, but exceptionally beautiful in an understated way.

We will try to coax her into a portrait sitting as soon as she has settled in.

 

xoxo

 

The Inconstant Blogger

She's full of excuses.

She says she works too much.

At what?!?

I think she should work harder at assuring my comfort and attending to my every whim.

Surely there's nothing more important than me ~ feline perfection in stripy pyjamas.

 

She says she'll be back soon.

 

 

Tarot Égyptien

A handful of the gentlemen callers from Etteilla's Tarot Égyptien.

These are original cards, dating to the early 1800s, I believe. Later printings had black backgrounds and lacked the text on the borders.

The cards are originals, not reproductions, and are much used and incredibly worn. 

Only 71 cards remain.

If anyone is able to date the cards with more accuracy, I would be most appreciative.

An earlier post on these cards may be found here.

The ladies will get their day in the spotlight soon.

 

xoxo

 

 

Paperwork

I love old papers with an unwavering passion.

Documents, letters, manuscripts, contracts, receipts, and invoices.

The more official and convoluted the better.

But 21st century paperwork?

Please, no.

I am at once underwhelmed and overwhelmed at the stacks ahead of me.

I'd rather be at the brocante.

 

xoxo

 

 

Petite Mademoiselle

After little Hetty left for school her mother realized that the kitchen flypaper was missing.