MID-CENTURIA : Art, Design and Decor from the Mid-Century and beyond: June 2011

The 1962 Playboy Town House

Playboy magazine ran an article titled "The Playboy Town House: Posh Plans for Exciting Urban Living" in their May 1962 issue. The fantasy bachelor pad, designed by architect R. Donald Jaye, was brought to life by Humen Ten's fantastic gouache and ink renderings; one of which was sold at Christie's in 2003 for more than $10,000! On top of the great imagery, the article itself is very entertaining; written as a guided tour with great commentary. The following are a few of my favorite quotes from the article.

As we turn our high-performance gran turismo coupe into the driveway, we point out to our comely companion the Playboy Town House's striking exterior.
An Ultra-urban island of individuality in a sea of look-alike multiple dwellings.
A modishly swinging manor for the modern man.
We pause at the bar for a sampling of the pre-prandial potables and some quiet conversation and continue on with lightened gate.
We linger awhile to let our vis-à-vis dig the vasty view.
We've poured a brandy nightcap from the bar concealed in the rotating headboard, propped up our pillow and push-buttoned several hours of balladry to add the proper final notes.

The following 3 videos provide a virtual fly-thru tour of the swank 1962 Playboy Town House with a bit of a humorous mystery movie twist added.

If you don't see video segment 1 above click here.

If you don't see video segment 2 above click here.

If you don't see video segment 3 above click here.

Meathaus has posted scans of the full article click here to see them.
Images via Meathaus and flickr

Modernist House by Jack Viks

This 3 bedroom 3 bath house, located in Lake Forest, Illinois, was designed by modernist architect Jack Viks, a former student of Mies van der Rohe. The home was built in 1960 and features exposed I-beams, brickwork, spiral staircase, stand-alone fireplace, separate guesthouse, pool and 8-car garage. The property has been on the market for a few years and has been reduced in price a few times; it is currently listed at 1.3 million. From the looks of the photos, it appears the home needs a little TLC, but has fantastic potential.

Photos are via MidCentArc's flickr

Lucio Ranucci Paintings

Italian artist Lucio Ranucci (b. 1925) began his career as a painter in South America after moving there in 1947. Since his first show in Lima Peru in 1949, his work has been exhibited throughout Latin America, Italy, Germany and the United States. In 1963 he returned to Europe, eventually settling in the town of Saint-Paul de Vence on the French Riviera, where he continues to live and work today.

Title unknown. eBay Italy

The Marching Band. Available at time of post at Chez Camille

Musicians. Skinner Auctions

Pranzo. Available at time of post at Ro Gallery

The Guitarist. Ro Gallery

Title unknown. Fabiani Arte

Harmonica Player. Available at time of post at Ro Gallery

Two Figures. Clars Auction Gallery

Title Unknown.

Boy Playing. Available at time of post at Ro Gallery

Bric a Brac des Deux Clementines. Gallery Diamante

Lucio Ranucci (b. 1925)

To see more of his work click here and here.

Vintage Glass & Ceramic Store: The End of History

Since opening in 1997, Stephen Saunder's "End of History" store located in Manhattan's West Village has been a key destination for designers, interior decorators and collectors seeking unique vintage glass and ceramic pieces from around the globe. Even if you are not in the market for mid-century glass or pottery, the "End of History" blog is still a great place to just "screen shop".

The End of History
548 1/2 Hudson St. Manhattan, New York.
Phone: 212-647-7598
HistoryGlass@gmail.com

Movements & Themes: Portrait Paintings II

Today's "Movements & Themes" post features portrait paintings created by various artists in a wide range of styles. If you happened to miss my first "Movements & Themes: Portraits" post you can see it here.