Careful readers of The Arcades will recall a short passage from Digest 30, dated August 27, 2024: “As the weather slowly tilts towards fall, I am visited by a persistent creature of my imagination: a blond-tipped, former party boy, drooping bellybutton, diaper-like speedo (the elastic is spent) marching down Fire Island Boulevard, shivering in late September light on his way to a sparsely attended Tea.” As it turns out, the creature was me, the hair was salt-and-pepper, and Tea was weirdly full. This is to say that I was back in the Pines this weekend.
We stayed at friends-of-the-stack Ken and Adam’s, which is one my favorite houses there—modernist, cedar-clad, single story, three bedrooms, set in a wild seeming, cedar-walled garden (two different interiors guys made sure to note the garden was “in the English style” this weekend—…gay), with an expansive, bathtub-warm pool. And an outdoor bathroom with an actual bathtub. And an outdoor shower with a mirror that is so flattering it may be of interest to the scientific community. I had to go. Unseemly after my whole stayed-too-long-at-the-Fair routine, but I couldn’t resist.
The first time I went to the Pines I ran into one of my college Classics professors who described it as a place that is “oriented to beauty,” in the sense that say, a monastic community is oriented to the highest good (God), or market actors are oriented to the greatest value (money). The upside is an efflorescence of beautiful men and houses that is kind of transfixing. And I don’t mean to discount that; beauty is not easy. And its cult, particularly conceived as a cult, is interesting— merciless, thoughtless, cruel even, and yet rapturous (I say this as member more than victim). The downside, I guess, is the absence of other values. In point of fact, I didn’t much miss those, but I’m sure they will matter more once it’s rainy and cold and the sun sets at 4PM.
For my cherished new subscribers: Landed cost (the final cost you pay) = the hammer price (the highest bid) + the premium (a set percentage added to the hammer price that the auction house takes) + shipping (you’re always on the hook for this) + sales tax
Also, now worth repeating: I don’t get a commission on any of these sales/am not involved in any way with these auctions.
To the listings!
In lacquered steel and glass, from 1954. Starting bid 40,000 euros so . . . prob not for me. But do check out everything Raf is offloading. It’s not surprising—well established, blue chip-y design. Interesting to me because he can basically buy whatever he wants. Lots of snoozy, rich, Transatlantic good taste, (Picasso ceramics, so many Jeanneret chairs—“titans of design”) which I’m not mad at, but which certainly doesn’t feel groundbreaking. But then again, this is what he’s offloading; curious to know what he’s keeping.
Designed by Karl Emmanuel Martin 1889 -1963 for Lloyd Manufacturing. I like the angle of the seat.
Debuted at Salone del Mobile in 1997, designed by Ilkka Terho. Techno-optimism but very The Matrix. Throwing Fits fans: this could be the perfect piece for your masturbatoria. Speaking of which: friend-of-the-stack Jesse and I will be selling our hoards at the the TF Bazaar this Saturday, 9/21 at 154 Sullivan Street (basement of the church on Sullivan and Houston, entrance on Sullivan). I have some smaller home stuff and jewelry in addition to the mountain of clothes Jesse will have (and petite mound I will have). Come!
This is cool. Kind of like the Bertoia classic , which is actually so uncomfortable without a cushion. I hope this is better.
Apparently designed for the University of Southern California. These are good and cheap right now. Someone bid.
No idea what’s going on here but I like it.
I’ve found more examples of her work but can’t tell you anything about Jenny Kali. Other than that she painted this and that makes me like her.
Ramsey (1875-1951) was a New Hope, PA painter. Very interesting—his painting style moves from pictorial realism to geometric abstraction, trailing the European and NY avant garde (but in a nice way). I think people like the abstracts more, but I love this. Also the frame!
Manufactured by Treston, Finland, 1970s. Fabricated from polystyrene, metal, and wood. Great design. I love modular storage.
Handsome. Someone buy. Will be cheaper than like Article or whatever.
BONUS LISTING
Xenomorph from Alien V. Predator
Starting bid, 2k. Can you even imagine? Throwing Fits fans—this could be the perfect piece for your masturbatoria.
May the hammer fall ever in your favor!