This spring, Christie’s will offer the Collections of of Mrs. Henry Ford II, comprising more than 600 lots from her London residence on Eaton Square, her Buckinghamshire country home, Turville Grange, and her Palm Beach home.
The late Kathleen DuRoss Ford’s exemplary collection comprises masterpiece objects, important English furniture and works of art, important impressionist works as well as modern British pictures, European & American furniture, lighting, silver, porcelain services, entertaining wares, needlework carpets, decorative furnishings, and personal effects, all of which offer a window on the very private homes and lifestyle of the late Mr and Mrs Henry Ford II.
Charles Cator, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s International says,“The Ford name is not only synonymous with the creation of the modern automotive industry but also with style and collecting on a grand scale. These sales open a window on a golden era, with many of the important works of art acquired in the mid-20th Century during a time of unprecedented opportunity for the discerning collector. Objects appealed not only because of their importance or quality but also for their exceptional provenance; the sale includes works of art from collections such as that of the Duke of Wellington as well as furniture from great English country houses such as Campsea Ashe High House. Kathleen Ford’s interiors, created in collaboration with architects and designers such as Mario Buatta, David Easton, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler and Grant White, built on these earlier foundations and are testament to her taste and flair. Christie’s is thrilled to have been entrusted with this multi-faceted collection, which will not only be a highlight of the spring auction season on both sides of the Atlantic, but also offers a glimpse of the private world and personal taste of members of one of America’s most celebrated dynasties.”
Eaton Square
The sale also includes more personal items such as engraved silver from Henry Ford II’s yacht Santa Maria and Henry Ford II’s desk from his study at Turville Grange, as well as a small group of Kathleen Ford’s handbags by makers such as Chanel and Hermès. The eponymous English decorators Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler were instrumental in the creation of the interiors at both Kathleen Ford’s London home on Eaton Square and her Buckinghamshire country home, Turville Grange. Previous owners of Turville Grange included Lee Radziwill, the sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (née Bouvier).
Also included are treasures from the celebrated interiors created by McMillen for Henry Ford II at Grosse Pointe, Michigan in the 1950s. The collection there was considered almost without rival in its own time.
Part I of the sale, from her Palm Beach home, will be offered at Christie’s New York on March 30, 2021, followed by Part II, from her English residences on April 15. Today we will take a tour of these three magnificent residences!
Eaton SquareEaton SquareEaton SquareTurville GrangeTurville GrangeTurville GrangeTurville GrangeTurville Grange (via Country Town & House)Turville Grange (via Country Town & House)Turville Grange (via Country Town & House)Turville GrangeTurville GrangeTurville GrangePalm BeachPalm BeachPalm BeachPalm BeachPalm BeachPalm BeachPalm BeachPalm Beach
Photography was provided by Christie’s Images Ltd. 2021, unless otherwise noted. Please visit Christie’s to view the enchanting Collection of Mrs. Henry Ford II.
For over 20 years, designer Christopher Spitzmiller has been renowned for his one-of-a-kind lamps of timeless appeal and luxurious quality. But the master ceramicist also has a deep passion for gardening and entertaining. Christopher is known to his friends and Instagram fans as the ultimate weekend farmer who raises his own chickens, grows his own flowers, and makes his own jam, cider, and honey.
Released this month, Christopher’s first book, A Year at Clove Brook Farm, treats readers to a full year of life at his idyllic but always-active country retreat. Christopher discovered the 1830s Greek Revival home 16 years ago when visiting friends in Millbrook, New York, and he knew instinctively that the run-down property could be transformed into something very special. “From that very moment, the house, farm, and adjacent rolling countryside have inspired my dreams, helped me set goals, and perhaps most importantly, nourished my drive to accomplish it all,” Christopher says in the book’s introduction.
Organized into four seasonal sections, A Year at Clove Brook Farm begins in the Spring with the chilly quiet of March before the farm bursts into the bloom of lilacs and apple blossoms. Christopher takes us behind-the-scenes in the dovecote with his Indian fantail pigeons, he hosts an Easter lunch with a table laden with daffodils and his prettiest plates, and he shares his recipe for freshly harvested rhubarb pie. Summer brings hydrangeas and dahlias; readying the chickens for the Dutchess County Fair, honey-gathering, and planting bulbs. Christopher shares his ultimate fall feast of Thanksgiving with all the stops pulled, and winter closes the book with inspired holiday decorating, a holiday buffet to celebrate the bounty of the farm, and uniquely wrapped gifts to treasure.
Christopher restored the nineteenth century home at Clove Brook Farm to perfection. He enlisted interior designer Harry Heissmann who had worked with the legendary Albert Hadley. Hadley was Christopher’s mentor, and A Year at Clove Brook Farm is dedicated to him.Wallpaper by Cole & Sons graces the foyer. A gilt tole dog’s head was once owned by Mario Buatta, who was a dear friend of Christopher’s. A framed watercolor of Albert Hadley’s former barn in Maine was painted by Mark Hampton.Christopher’s collection of 18th and 19th century dog portraits was formerly owned by Mario Buatta. As an homage, he arranged them in a manner similar to how they were displayed in his iconic living room, complete with replicas of Mario’s signature blue bows. The portraits of the left are of Christopher’s ancestors, Hosea and Harriet Goodell.Christopher collects new and vintage jewel-toned hyacinth forcers. The Woodstock, Aiolos, Fondant, and Aida hyacinth varieties produce a heady fragrance.Guests congregate on the terrace and in the dovecote garden and wander up to the pool house. A few venture into the chicken coops!The dovecote and garden in late August, surrounded by dahlias and apple trees. Throughout the year, Christopher releases his doves into the wild. “I’ve always been fascinated by their remarkable homing instincts and their ability to fly back to their nests from wherever they’re released, no training required,” he says. Photo credit: Quentin Bacon
“I hope this book inspires you to try something new around your own home, whether it’s sow in a few fruit and vegetable seeds in a pot or welcoming friends over for a home-cooked dinner,” Christopher says. “Maybe you’ll even try some backyard homesteading with a few chickens. I firmly believe that each of us has a garden within us, and it’s our own job to tend to it, nurture it, and let it flourish.”
A Year at Clove Brook Farm is available for purchase via Amazon where it is a #1 Best Seller. This is such a delightful book, and Christopher simply could not be more gracious and charming. After poring over each page, I am dreaming of country life! To see Clove Brook Farm decorated for Christmas, please click here, and you can follow Christopher on Instagram @christopherspitzmiller.
Photography by Gemma & Andrew Ingalls, unless otherwise noted. Courtesy of Rizzoli.
Spring is in the air, and this year especially, the thought of a fresh start seems particularly exhilarating! It’s time to banish those dust bunnies, bust out the Easter baskets, and and bring on the chocolate bunnies. Whether you are entertaining or looking for updates to home and wardrobe, shop our edit below and keep scrolling for our latest obsessions in spring tablescape inspiration!
This Pamela Munson raffia straw tote is the perfect grown-up Easter “basket” to carry now and through the rest of spring.
After seeing her work in the November/December 2020 issue of Veranda, I immediately wanted to learn more about Chiqui Woolworth. Chiqui spent her early childhood in Havana and New Orleans, surrounded by color and grand style. Before becoming a decorator, Chiqui commissioned Mario Buatta to decorate her former residence on Fifth Avenue. He became a longtime mentor and friend. Designer Tom Britt is another dear friend, and his bold and colorful style has also influenced Chiqui’s aesthetic. Her niece is Veronica Swanson Beard (daughter of the frozen-food scion), and Chiqui has helped decorate two of her homes. Today we will tour three homes featuring the work of Chiqui Woolworth…
1. The first is a classic eight Park Avenue apartment belonging to friends Alexandra Lind Rose and Louis Rose, featured in Veranda. Bursting with a daring mix of color and a generous dose of whimsical charm, this apartment is an absolute delight!
2. The second home is Veronica Swanson Beard’s Long Island weekend retreat, featured in the October 2016 issue of Elle Decor. In addition to Chiqui, for this project Veronica also enlisted college friend Brittany Bromley – another favorite of The Glam Pad. Veronica describes the 1865 Colonial-style farmhouse as “old-fashioned, all-American charm.” Collected and curated, it is a nostalgic nod to the homes in which they all grew up.
3. Lastly, we will tour Veronica’s Southampton home, which was featured in the June 2009 issue of Elle Decor. Chiqui and Veronica’s cousin Nena Woolworth worked together on this project, which was inspired by special memories of Palm Beach with coral-pink walls, crocodile textures, tropical prints, and sisal.
The best thing about Instagram is when you discover a new account and find yourself scrolling through endlessly feeling like you are connecting with a long lost friend. For those of you following Andrea Siwiec @acquired_by_andrea on Instagram, I’m sure you know just what I’m talking about, and if you don’t follow her yet, you are in for a very special treat!
Andrea and her family live in a beautiful 1929 Georgian Colonial Revival located in Buffalo, New York on a parkway designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead. Purchased in 2018, the Siwiecs have spent the last two years restoring their 6,000 square foot home. After the covid shut down, Andrea decided to start documenting the home’s transformation on Instagram as a way to connect with friends, family, and like-minded design enthusiasts…. and she already has over 34,000 followers! I was surprised to learn she has no formal design training, in fact, Andrea is a full-time high school guidance counselor. I am delighted to welcome her today for a Style Profile Q&A along with a tour of her exquisite home.
Q: Please tell us about your beautiful home and when you started your Instagram account to document?
A: We purchased our Georgian Colonial Revival home in 2018. It’s located in Buffalo, New York on one of Fredrick Law Olmstead’s celebrated historic Parkways. The views outside of our windows are incredibly picturesque. Often times you’ll see couples picnicking, teenagers playing a game of catch, families biking or folks cross country skiing. Built in 1929, with only one original owner before us, the house was in desperate need of a refresh. We began restoration work on the 3rd floor and worked our way down to the basement. Certain rooms like the kitchen and master bathroom needed a complete overhaul. We instantly fell in love with the house from the moment we first walked in because of all the historical elements, character and charm it boasted. Four wood-burning fireplaces, numerous sets of French doors, commanding floor to ceiling windows, built-in bookcases and china cabinets throughout and an original water fountain in the marble solarium were just a few distinct features that captured our hearts. As daunting we knew it would be, we were ready, willing and eager to restore our beloved home and so happy we did. It’s been a true labor of love!
It took us close to two years to restore our 6000-square foot home, which we completed about 3 months prior to the pandemic. We love to entertain but had to take a 2-year hiatus due to the work that was being done on our home. When we finally finished the project, we were anxious to have people over again, especially to see the reveal of our house. We hosted some great dinner parties just before shut down but there were still so many family and friends who didn’t get an opportunity to see the house. That’s when I decided to share and document our home journey on Instagram ~ it was a way for family and friends to see our house continue to transform (especially the decorating phase, which is still in progress!) during the pandemic who couldn’t see it in person.
Once our house was restored it was so refreshing and liberating to have a blank canvas to begin the interior design process, which meant “acquiring” all new furniture and home décor to match the home’s classic and traditional personality. I began taking pictures (all from my iPhone, mind you!) to showcase the splendid features of our home but to also document the process in which I acquire home décor in particular antiques and vintage items to style my home. And that’s how “Acquired by Andrea” developed and came about.
Q: How do you describe you style, and do you have formal training as an interior designer?
A: I describe my design style as classic and traditional with a touch of regency glam. I am definitely not afraid of color, or bold colors for that matter. The color scheme I like to infuse throughout my house is pinks, greens and blues which are just happy colors to me and brighten any mood. I also love mixing the old with the new to create a look that feels warm, welcoming, loved and lived in.
I do not have any formal training as interior designer ~ I’m actually a full-time High School Guidance Counselor. Since my very first apartment, I have always loved interior design and décor, it’s become a passion and a fun outlet for me.
Q: Who are your favorite interior designers – past and present?
A: There are so many fabulous and inspiring designers so it’s hard to just name a few! I tend to gravitate towards interior designers that share that same sense of style as myself ~ classic and traditional, timeless and elegant. Some of my favorite designers past and present are: Bunny Williams, Anna Louise Wolfe, Mark Hampton, Mario Buatta, Dorothy Draper, and Carlton Varney ~ who I had the pleasure of meeting last fall at The Greenbrier Resort ~ a true gentleman who has the most fascinating stories to tell.
Q: What are your favorite resources for decorating your home? How do you achieve the such perfect blend of old and new?
A: I have acquired some of the most beautiful and heirloom quality furniture and décor pieces for my home through second hand sources. Some of my go-to places are: antique galleries, estate sales, consignment shops, and even local thrift stores which are a great way to find unique pieces while supporting the community. There is something so thrilling and exciting, and maybe even a tad addicting, to be on the hunt for one-of-a-kind-items. I have also acquired many antique and vintage pieces through on-line sources such as 1st Dibs, Chairish, Etsy and ebay. Instagram also has some wonderful accounts that sell curated home décor such as @shopsplendorinthesouth who is one of my favorites. I often tell people to look in their own basements or attics, or even their parent’s or grandparent’s, and dig out some of the pieces that have been passed down to them ~ nothing is more special or sentimental than displaying a piece of their own family’s history. Some of my favorite décor pieces are those handed down to me.
I love collecting antiques and vintage items because they have a rich history, soul, and tell a story. I would say 60% of our furnishings, accent pieces, rugs and décor are antiques ~ not only do we love the look of antiques but we love that these pieces are of exceptional quality and craftsmanship that can be passed down to our sons and their children one day. However, achieving the perfect blend of old and new is like an art form. It has to be done right or else it will look mismatched. A room that successfully combines old and new is cohesive, calm and balanced, and produces the perfect juxtaposition. For example, in one of my son’s bedrooms we have a 100 year-old Heriz Persian rug, with an detailed antique mahogany Kittinger desk, mixed with a modern clear acrylic Eiffel chair and abstract oil painting – the harmony between his old and new pieces work splendidly. Another example is in our solarium where we have a late 18th century hand-carved Italianate library table that we paired with sleek modern lamps with clean lines.
Q: Do you have any favorite collections or antiques?
A: Oh, boy do I! I could list so many but I’ll stick to my top favorites!
1.) Majolica pottery ~ Whenever I am antiquing or at an estate sale I’m always on the hunt for whimsical hand-painted vegetable ware. From cabbage plates and bowls, to asparagus platters and cups, to cauliflower pitchers to multi-vegetable soup tureens, I have at least 100 vintage pieces of majolica that are displayed in my built-in china cabinets. I try to stick to the pink and green colored glazing to complement the chinoiserie mural wallpaper in my dining room. They are just a joy to collect.
2.) Cookbooks ~ I love to cook and bake so I am always searching for the perfect recipe. I have well over 350 cookbooks, many of which are vintage, that I have displayed on a floor to ceiling built-in bookcase in our master bedroom. I read cookbooks like they are novels! I am always excited to find an old cookbook with handwritten notes from the previous owner. Some of my oldies but goodies are the Joy of Cooking and Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.
3.) Staffordshire Dogs ~ In my opinion, every traditional style home needs at least one pair of authentic Staffordshire Dogs to display on a mantel or shelf. I went to an estate sale about 4 years ago and the gentleman of the home had a collection of over 200 Staffordshire Dogs – it was amazing – I acquired five pairs from the sale and that’s what started my expansive collection.
4.) Antique rugs ~ my husband has an affinity for really old handwoven rugs from all over the world. Most of the rugs in our home, as well as our ski house, are 75 years or older ~ and some would argue they look brand new. Well cared for rugs can last generations and become priceless heirloom pieces. All of our sons have antique rugs in their bedrooms and our hope is they will become beloved pieces in their homes one day.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: The Glam Pad of course!! The Glam Pad has been incredibly instrumental in helping me seek inspiration for styling and decorating my home. There is nothing better than waking up to one of your blog posts and reading it with a cup of coffee in hand ~ so thank you Andrea! I also love following hundreds of home décor accounts on Instagram ~ I have developed such a wonderful network of talented friends who are so inspirational to me each and every day!
Q: You always post the most delicious recipes and menus on Instagram! What is your secret to elegant cooking during the workweek?
A: My secret to elegant cooking is the ambiance that is created around it. It doesn’t matter if you are making Coq Au Vin or Pizza ~ light some candles, play music, use cloth napkins, pull out the good china and crystal stemware, add some fresh flowers, and eat in the dining room ~ even if it’s a Wednesday! It only takes an extra few minutes to make a weeknight dinner special and memorable. Since my three sons were toddlers we always made sure that family dinners were a priority even during busy weeks. My husband and I made a point to get into the habit of making our meals feel like a special event. Dinner is something we all always look forward to. We also encouraged our sons to get involved in the cooking process since they were young so we all had an active role. My son Nate developed such a talent he earned a spot as a contestant on the Food Network’s Chopped Junior television show a few years ago! It’s really the small details that make a big impact.
Click here for the recipe for Andrea’s apple cinnamon bread.and here for her Pasta e Fagioli recipeClick here for Andrea’s Shamrock Shake recipeFocaccia Bread Flower Art here
Q: When you aren’t busy decorating, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: I have three handsome teenage sons and a wonderful husband, so I enjoy spending as much quality time with my family as possible. We love to travel. Prior to the pandemic we would spend one month each summer traveling the globe. The cultures, architecture, and fascinating people we have met through travel have been so priceless to us. We also enjoy spending winter weekends at our ski house in Ellicottville, NY and also enjoy dipping our toes in the sand at our beach house in Melbourne Beach, FL. I love gardening, entertaining, strolling antique markets and even pampering myself at the spa from time to time.
Q: What do you most look forward to resuming, post Covid?
A: Hands down travel and entertaining. I feel like a part of my soul is missing without them.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: If I can offer any advice when it comes to decorating a home here it is ~ It takes time to procure a space and it should be done in layers not all at once. Once of my favorite interior designers, the late Mario Buatta once said it best: “A room has to come together the way a garden grows – a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow and the rest when the spirit moves you.”
Thank you so much for having me and allowing me to share my home with your readers.
Can you believe Easter is just around the corner on April 4? This year seems to be flying by, and we are ready to add a little spring to our step! One of our favorite go-to resources for decorating is eBay, and today we are sharing our favorite finds from vintage paper mache German eggs and antique porcelain to chic caftans and charms…. And make sure to keep scrolling for the loveliest Spring decorating and tablescape inspirational images!
Lacelliese Recommends:
I am currently taking a laissez-faire approach to spring cleaning… that is, I am more interested in what goodies others are tossing out than in undertaking a deep-clean of my own! You know the old saying, “one woman’s junk is another Grandmillennial’s treasure!” If you are ready to Kondo your condo, eBay is a one of my go-to sources for splendid spring updates to home and wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorites, with descriptions below:
La Vie
I love Dallas-based LaVie Style House for their glamorous, chic caftans that are equally versatile wardrobe essentials! For an unconventional Easter dress that will be just as perfect poolside, La Vie caftans are just the thing, and there are some great finds to be had on eBay.
German Eggs
My mum began collecting eggs at the German Easter markets during her travels across Europe before I was born, and they are among my most treasured spring decorations. Since not much travel abroad has ensued lately, I have used eBay to source a few delightful additions to my own collection.
Herend Bunnies
Anything from Herend makes the beginning of a wonderful family heirloom piece, and a bunny makes an especially precious gift this time of year. Herend rabbits of all sizes, poses, and colors can be found on eBay for a fraction of the original price.
D. Porthault Linens
One of my most treasured collections, I received my first piece of D. Porthault (in pink Coeurs hearts, natch) years ago from a former neighbor and now dear friend who has one of the most robust Porthault collections I know of. I am fortunate to still have him as a confidante and expert consultant on every Porthault acquistion, whether purchasing from the boutique or via eBay, which is filled with both contemporary and vintage finds.
Andrea Recommends:
I cannot believe it has almost been a year since we moved into our new house. While we are still under renovation, I continue to organize, purge, and create wish lists. When it comes to decorating and spring cleaning, my motto is “out with the new, and in with the old!” And as an active member for almost 20 years (my goodness, where does the time go?!) eBay has become a trusted source for just about anything and everything imaginable! Here are a few of my spring shopping ideas, with descriptions below…
Vintage silver baskets
Vintage silver and sterling baskets are perfect for Easter decorating. They are such a lovely way to display your egg collections, jelly beans, or other spring treasures!
Halcyon Days Eggs
Halcyon Days was founded in London in 1950 with the goal of reviving the art of enameling on copper. This artisan craft had flourished throughout the second half of the 18th century, but had almost completely ceased by the 1830s. Halcyon Days recreated the decorative and sentimental “Battersea box” thus their signature enamel box was born, each made by hand.
I collect Halcyon Days enamel eggs with sweet sentiments along with annual editions from years gone by. I have a running list of missing years in my eBay Saved Searches. Look for years that represent special events, such as birthdays and anniversaries. P.S. They look beautiful when displayed in a silver basket!
Antique Limoges
I have collected pieces of antique Limoges porcelain from the late 19th and early 20th century for years. Exquisitely hand painted with gold accents, antique Limoges is currently undervalued and plentifully available. But with Grandmillennial tastemakers such as Emily Hertz from Born on Fifth and Nicola Bathie McLaughlin bringing it back into the limelight, I expect prices will soon soar. Mix and match with your current china, or enjoy select pieces for display. I have a collection of platters and plates with blue roses and bows above the door to our kitchen, and I particularly love my blue rose sugar bowl!
Vintage Charms
My Grandmother started two charm bracelets for me when I was five – one silver and one gold. Most of the charms she gifted over the years, and many were originally hers or my mothers. Lately I have been adding to my gold collection, and I particularly love the vintage charms you can find on eBay. The ones that move or open are especially fun! Above are a few that would be perfect for the Easter basket, hint hint!
What is on your shopping list for spring, and what do you look for on eBay? To see our Christmas recommendations, please click here… The silver ornaments were a huge hit!
