Photo courtesy of Hastening Design Studio
Louis Shields has been an antiques dealer for 35 years. He’s also an interior designer, furniture maker and painter with his own gallery, Hastening Design Studio, in Middleburg, Virginia. There his paintings hang in harmony with his carefully chosen antiques and unique designs. When it comes to picking pieces for Market Hill, Louis says, “I am always drawn to furniture that has a historical architectural inspiration, balanced structural elements; and, if it is wood, then the surface, color and patina are extremely important.”
Louis shares with us a couple of special pieces he’s bringing to the fall show.
“A Tyrolean tall cabinet, made in the Italian Alps, circa 1790. It was made in two parts with an arched cornice above four paneled and decorated doors concealing shaped shelves, the lower section with four further paneled doors all retaining the original painted decoration. Tyrol is a region of the eastern Alps in northern Italy and western Austria. Inhabited in ancient times by Celtic people, the Tyrol constantly passed back and forth in whole or part between Austria and Italy, thus having a unique influence on the local furniture. It measures 108” high, 89” wide and 26” deep.”
Late 18th Century Tyrolean Tall Cabinet. Photo courtesy of Hastenings Design Studio
“Also, I’m offering a late 18th century fine-quality French Provincial directoire enfilade made in the Loire Valley circa 1790 as well. Some of the things that make it special: pearwood with an exceptional patina mellowed to a golden honey color and the paneled top over four molded doors framed by half-round columns, divided with a flat fluted pilaster and surmounted with a delicately carved floral garland, all retaining the original brass fittings. It stands 40” high, 105” long and 22” deep.”
To learn more, visit hasteningantiques.com and hasteningdesigns.com.