Alessandro for Baker console - 1970's The Far East Collection
Paul Tuttle for Baker - 1950's The New World Collection
Michael Tayler for Baker - 1950's slipper chairs
Baker Upholstery - 1960's flared arm sofa (reupholstered)
At a time when "green" design is almost overwhelmingly popular, I offer this advice.....buy vintage! There are so many important and amazing orphaned designs that need homes, and there is an equal number of important and amazing websites that offer these said goods. If shopping via the internet isn't for you, well I've got good news! Washington D.C. has a spectacular array of vintage shops, from very fine; i.e. very expensive, to some that are much more, shall we say, "economical".
Buying vintage is a very chic and responsible thing to do. In fact, it was common practice for master interior design legend Albert Hadley to include vintage and found objects in most all of his projects. There is no shame to be had in a purchase made from a seedy little shanty of a shop (that's a bit of a tongue twister!) as long as the purchased item is, to you, perfect. As a matter of fact, the thrill of the hunt will undoubtedly become addictive!
I'm a vintage addict myself, and my apartment is proof of that! I prefer to take an afternoon and hit all of my favorite local vintage shops. This weather, in my personal opinion, is PERFECT for shopping! My advice for your next free afternoon, bundle up, call a friend, grab a coffee, and check out these great local shops. You won't be disappointed!
The Greater U-Street Area:
-Good Wood: 1428 U Street N.W. WDC 20009
-Ruff & Redy: 1908 14th Street N.W. WDC 20009
-Millennium: 1528 U Street N.W. WDC 20009
-Miss Pixy's: 2473 18th Street N.W. WDC 20009
Georgetown:
Honestly I'm not as familiar with the shops in Georgetown. I do know that they seem to be concentrated on Wisconsin Avenue. I've found a few that specialize in "mid-century", most of the others seem to be a conglomeration of classic french and english antiques. BUT, hands down my favorite antique shop in Georgetown is Marson Luce Antiques located at 1651 Wisconsin Avenue.
If shopping around isn't your thing, or if you are really looking for something very specific, I suggest that you grab a cocktail, sit back in your favorite comfy chair, and rummage about the websites listed below. I was surprised to find so many awesome vintage Baker pieces! Prof that Baker creates lasting designs that are always relevant. You'll also notice how modern these pieces are, and this from a company that people generally associate with traditional furniture. Baker has historically offered, and remains to offer, truly modern / timeless pieces. Try mixing vintage Baker with your favorite new Baker pieces for a thoughtful and inspired "look"!
1stdibs
Ebay
Craigslist
HAPPY SHOPPING!!
*Note-all of the images shown above are vintage Baker pieces.
12 comments:
Thanks for the shopping guide for DC. I'm planning a trip there this year, so this will come in handy. Lana
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the informative post on Baker Furniture.
I have been dealing privately in modernist design, art, furnishings, and objects here in San Diego, Ca. since 1979.
Recently a client offered me a beautiful gunmetal steel and walnut coffee table made by Baker (it has a tag underneath the top).
He told me he saw the table in a showroom called (Dorfman's?) in San Francisco back in the 1950's (late?).
The table was part of line of furniture that Baker produced supposedly from recycled military gunmetal from WWII.
Now that all SEEMS plausible and normally I'd buy it just because it's beautiful and I think someone will love it, however....it's a tad pricey for resale (especially in the current market) so I wanted to do some research on it perhaps to pinpoint the exact Baker line and possible designer, which would obviously help justify putting a more than modest price on it.
Trouble is, I'm having trouble finding any definitive research material on Baker as well as old catalogs or brochures on their non-traditional, modernist lines of furniture (other than the rare orginal Baker / Finn Juhl catalog I own ;-) )....
Can you point me in the right direction reference book-wise or perhaps someone who works / or worked at Baker who is knowlegeable about their modernist designs?
Here are links to pics of the photos...
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/mission_2_modern/BakerTable1.JPG
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/mission_2_modern/BakerTable2.JPG
Aplogies for the poor quality pics with my phone...
Thanks in advance for any assisstance you can provide,
Bill Argonza
bill.argonza@gmail.com
619-618-8845 / 619-269-7245
Hi Scott,
I am really glad I found your blog, I found it very informative. I have bought most of my furniture second hand to furnish my turn of the century rowhouse in Richmond , Virginia and a good portion of it is Baker. I am trying to find a resource for identifying furniture as I have a number of pieces from the far east collecton in my dining room and I just found a table for sale that has some very similar charachteristics with them and also an asian dining room suite by baker from the 80`s, but I can find no markings, I was thinking of selling off some of my earlier chairs and using these and dispersing my other arm chairs elsewhere in my house. I f you have any websites or know which specific Baker catalogues contain this info I would greatly appreciate it. The link below contains pictures of the set, Thank you, Kevin Keaveney
http://www.decorpad.com/viewThread.htm?messageId=21000
You have nice idea in this. Economical balance through avoiding depletion of natural resources somehow needs further exploration after yours. Thanks. From Condo Staging Toronto
Those chairs are gorgeous. I love the style and designs of it. It’s very unique.
I love vintage stuff. I really appreciate you for posting an address of great local vintage shops.
I like your writing. It's a pity you don't write anymore. Do you maybe habe a new blog?
Dan, thanks for the comment. I do have a new blog: www.DomicidalManiac.blogspot.com Please check it out. Thanks!
I recently acquired a household of 1960s Baker furniture and I'd like to ask you a couple of questions if you wouldn't mind. Please email me at PeterJLevis @ yahoo.com
Thanks for sharing this useful information with all of us.Keep sharing more in the future.Have a nice time ahead.
question about your photo of the paul tuttle for Baker 1950's pictures of the benchs...
I have one and contacted baker - they said it was designed by Windsor White and in the 60's.
Do you know what they are worth???
question about your photo of the paul tuttle for Baker 1950's pictures of the benchs...
I have one and contacted baker - they said it was designed by Windsor White and in the 60's.
Do you know what they are worth???
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