November, 2009:

James Andrew at Carlton Hobbs. photo by Lars Stephan.

I’m pictured here in a spectacular mansion designed by the legendary John Russell Pope for Virginia Graham Fair Vanderbilt in the early 1930’s, which now houses the iconic Carlton Hobbs‘ exceptional collection of 18th and 19th century British and Continental antiques and art. This splendid showcase was lovingly restored to its original historical splendor by Hobbs and his longtime business partner, Stefanie Rinza, with the help of a select group of imported master craftsmen and artisans from the UK.

At times Hobbs seems more a museum curator than an antiques and art dealer – in fact Hobbs has his own research department, and absolutely every acquisition has impeccable provenance and attribution. It’s no wonder that many of Hobbs’ fine pieces have been placed worldwide in some of the most prestigious museums and private collections.

Hobbs juxtaposes works from a wide range of periods yet manages to effortlessly integrate all quite seamlessly. Needless to say, a visit to his gallery is a deeply gratifying and unforgettable aesthetic experience.

Henry Moore table (1963) at Carlton Hobbs.

Moore table top.

(above and left) Of particular note is this stunning and rare dining table. Designed by Henry Moore in 1963 for the living room of his home in Forte dei Marmi, Italy, this is the only piece of furniture ever created by Moore!

Mond by Julius Grimm 1888 at Carlton Hobbs.

“Mond” by Julius Grimm 1888 – a remarkable depiction of the surface of the full moon which mirrors the Moore table quite poetically.

(left) An extremely Fine Bois satine and brass mounted library
cabinet by Alfred Porteneuve, 1935 – Porteneuve was a nephew of Rulhmann.

I can’t wait for my next visit to Carlton Hobbs!

(top) I’m sporting an aubergine silk/cotton peaked lapel jacket, wool/cotton checked pant in purple, camel and brown and a purple and white cotton stripe shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs all by Gucci, vintage moonstone cuff links, brown wool tweed tie and purple alligator belt with sterling buckle from Ralph Lauren, vintage silk pocket square in brown and camel, brown suede cap toe shoes also by Gucci.