This won’t last long at auction…see sweetcottagecharm EBAY link at right. 

 A very old antique chart / graph advertising collectible.   An ultra rare and very generously sized historical relic that nicely presents in graph form very interesting early U.S. economy facts, statistical information, detailed flow charts, etc. regarding Business Booms and Depressions from the time period of 1775 – 1944.

This fantastic authentic original old advertising collectible features additional detailed text under the chronological chart regarding:

- National Income

Not only does this phenomenal piece offer a multitude of interesting data from a much earlier era, but also offers a spectacular presentation with excellent graphic content and nicely aged coloring.  Very large sized measuring just under four feet wide with framed dimensions of 46” wide, 10 ½” tall. 

A really exceptional old piece that will likely be of special interest to collectors of interesting old historical relics, antique Stock Market and early Democrat and Republican political memorabilia as well as collectors of unique old financial accounting and/or antique advertising displays.  “American Credit Indemnity Company of New York, Baltimore, Maryland. Guarantees Payment of your Accounts Receivables” is printed at bottom center.

Professionally framed in the original antique wood frame under glass with the original old aged nails holding the frame’s backing in place.  The piece is in great vintage condition throughout showing age with some expected paper yellowing and a couple of ubobtrusive water spots that are commensurate with advanced age.

Other highly detailed charted information includes:

 War – France and England - French Hostilities / 4 year Civil War / the Cotton Boom / 3 Year War 1812 / Commodity Price Index / Income at 677 Million / National Income / Stock Prices / Stock Market / Silver Campaign Depression – and much, much more.

Heading: Business Booms & Depressions since 1775.

Sub-heading includes:

George Washington (Federal), John Adams (Federal), Thomas Jefferson (Republican), James Madison (Republican), James Monroe (Republican), John Quincy Adams (Republican), Andrew Jackson (Democrat), Martin Van Buren (Democrat), Harrison (Whig), Tyler (Democrat), James Polk (Democrat), Taylor / Fillmore (Whig), Franklin Pierce (Democrat), James Buchanan (Democrat), Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Andrew Jackson (Democrat), Ulysses Grant (Republican), Rutherford Hayes (Republican), Garfield / Arthur (Republican), Grover Cleveland (Democrat), Benjamin Harrison (Republican), William McKinley (Republican), Theodore Roosevelt (Republican), William Taft (Republican), Woodrow Wilson (Democrat), W. G. Harding (Republican), Calvin Coolidge (Republican), Herbert Hoover (Republican), and Franklin Roosevelt (Democrat).

A tremendous authentic original for display for a business, a private office or the home – also very nice for the wall in a study in an ART DECO home.  This fabulous original early American antique relic will be gone in just a few days…dont’ miss it!

Started in 1893, American Credit Indemnity Company is the oldest insurer of this type in the world.  It writes approximately 70 percent of the business credit insurance in North America, covering more than $70 billion of annual sales. The company is licensed in all 50 U.S. states and in several Canadian provinces, and operates through offices located throughout the U.S. and Canada. In early 1997, ACI acquired Trade Indemnity Canada (a Euler affiliate), adding to its asset position and bolstering its already significant market leadership in North America.

Cladire in stil Art Deco timpuriu de la sfarsitul anilor 1920, redata intr-un design provincial pitoresc, cu o serie de elemente neoromanesti (ferestrele arcuite de la parter, usa de la intrare, etc.) zona Batiste, Bucuresti. (©Valentin Mandache)

Fotografia de mai sus am facut-o in lumina amiezii de septembrie si prezinta un foarte interesant stil arhitectural ‘de tranzitie’ redat intr-o pitoreasca maniera provinciala in care predomina motivele Art Deco (de exemplu elementele geometrice angulare distribuite conform regulii de trei). Se mai poate detecta de asemenea o anumita proportie de componente neoromanesti: ferestrele arcuite de la parter, designul peronului usii de la intrare si cel mai evident ferestrele bay window de la etajele superioare care amintesc de turnul abstractizat al culelor (elementul diagnostic principal al multor case in stil neoromanesc). In ansamblu, arhitectul anilor 1920 a reusit sa obtina un design proportionat, practic si relativ ieftin, care se integreaza fluent in amestecul arhitectural de stiluri al acestei zone a Bucurestiului vechi.

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Prin aceasta serie de imagini zilnice intentionez sa inspir in randul publicului aprecierea valorii si importantei caselor de epoca din Romania – un capitol fascinant din patrimoniul arhitectural european si o componenta vitala, deseori ignorata, a identitatii comunitatilor din aceasta tara.

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Daca intentionati sa cumparati o proprietate de epoca sau sa incepeti un proiect de renovare, m-as bucura sa va pot oferi consultanta in localizarea proprietatii, efectuarea unor investigatii de specialitate pentru casele istorice, coordonarea unui proiect de renovare sau restaurare etc. Pentru eventuale discuţii legate de proiectul dvs., va invit sa ma contactati prin intermediul datelor din pagina mea de Contact, din acest blog.

Late 1920s early Art Deco building rendered in a quaint provincial manner, with some Neo-Romanian elements (ground floor arch windows, doorway, etc.) Batiste area, Bucharest. (©Valentin Mandache)

I took the photograph above in a quite narrow street in the early September midday sunlight and believe that I managed to capture something of its attractive quaintness. It boast a very interesting ‘transition’ style architecture rendered in a picturesque provincial manner in which Art Deco motifs (ie angular geometrical elements disposed according to the rule of three) predominate. One can also detect there a proportion of Neo-Romanian components: the arched ground floor windows, the doorway awning design and most obviously the upper floors bay windows, which remind of the cula fortified house tower abstraction (the main diagnostic element for many Neo-Romanian style buildings). Overall the late 1920s architect has managed to achieve a wonderfully  proportionate and a very practical, relatively inexpensive design, which integrates itself seamlessly within the historic architectural mix of that area of Bucharest.

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I endeavor through this daily image series to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural heritage.

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If you plan acquiring a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in locating the property, specialist research, planning permissions, restoration project management, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.

One of my favorite periods in jewelry, and, in fact in all art from advertising to fashion and architecture, is the Art Deco period.  As an outgrowth of WWI, this style predominated in the years between 1920 and 1930.  Characterized by geometric patterns in bold and striking color combinations, the Art Deco period suggested a practicality departing from the dreamy fantasy of the earlier Art Nouveau period.

My Deco-inspired brooch below is based on a hexagon, one of the basic shapes in a snowflake.  The diagonal bars of bead-set melee diamonds suggest icicles.  Black onyx echoes the hexagon shape and contributes a visual foil to the white sparkle of the brooch:

Colored Pencil and Gouache Art-Deco Inspired "Snowflake" Brooch Rendering by Joana Miranda

Other characteristics of the Art Deco period in jewelry include:

• Sleek, streamlined look, emphasizing the vertical line
• Gemstones including diamonds, black onyx, lapis lazuli, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, jade, turquoise and topaz
• Carved or cabochon-cut colored gemstones

Bandung is a unique city, that s way it has a lot of nicknames, such as: flower city (bloemen stad), Paris of Java (Parijs van Java, City of Art Deco and so fort. Can you guess how many art deco cities can survive on this planet”Earth” up to now?…….There are only three, Bandung in Indonesia Napier in New Zealand and the last Florida in Miami. Art Deco was claimed by France to was born there in 1923. Art Deco can be simply called antique building which massively grew in the beginning 1923 and stopped in 1935. This is a bit strange because we can see a lot of art Deco building which were born before that year. A part from whose right, we may note that Bandung has massive collection of Art Deco Building.
The question arises in our mind as bandoenger (Bandung People), but why Bandung, it is a long way home from European architects who of course introduced this kind of art. Off some satisfying answers is that Dutch who acted as prime ruler in Indonesia managed to be the richest country in Europe that day; accordingly, hundreds of architects sailed to Indonesia ( Nederland Oost Indiest) to seek fortune and fame. Say ” Wolf Schoemaker” he was the most distinguished one. His masterpiece can be witnessed up to this present time, such as Hotel Grand Prianger, Beatle Curch,
Villa Isola, etc.
Other question, but why did they build art deco in Bandung?…..The answer must have something to do with Jakarta History. So to speak Bandung history is the continuation of Jakarta’s. Let’s see, Long before Dutch government wanted to build Bandung, they semmed to have a great problem with Jakarta.
First, temperature 34 Celsius degree that caused people to lack 15% concentration during the work,
Second, it is located near the beach which means very fragile against foreign attack and a destructing Tsunami as Jakarta had experienced in 1883 when Mt. Krakatoa erupted and caused 36000 casualties in Los Angeles, English Channel, and other neighboring countries. Dutch reported one big trading ship was thrown 25 km away to the ground.
unforgettable 6-year-Dutch misery under British rule only by sudden attack.
Third, devastating corrupted manner of gov officials.
Fourth, landscape of Jakarta that day was a low land, busily engaged with flooding problem, malaria and diarrhea.

These all reasons made Dutch Gov wanted to move the capital to the most promising land opposite to Jakarta ( away from the sea, high land, cool climate, solitary or away from sudden foreign attack. Bandung was the most perfect place to be a new dream capital city.

The city was built based on inspiration of Bible ” Adam and Eve in garden of Eden”, built to be the most modern European city in Indonesia (Nederland Oost Indies), so we can still see by now its remnant. Bandung is truly a garden City like it was previously designed. Well now we see the photos, I just can’t wait…to share. Bye the way..Do you recognize the name of building in the picture?….If you do, then name it and post it in your comment. Enjoy…

The snorkmaiden press promised to take you on a magical mystery tour last week. Low and behold it doubles up as a saga of an actual MMT which took place last week as well: None other than the snorkmaiden press Christmas Party 2009. The time was 7pm, the place was Marylebone and the flavour was purple. The year, of course, was 1964; followed by 1973; followed by 1986; followed by 1999; followed by 2009. That’s right ladies and gents, take your soma, put on your best Sir Nobsalot accents and follow the white rabbit: Captain Jack is back.

To help you understand the premise go away and watch the shining. Then, to begin with, note the decor of the hallways in the hotel. Note the strange things that go on in some of the rooms. Bunny outfits et al. But most importantly note the ambiance and style of the party that Jack attends in the ballroom. Now you’re in it. So you have a bar to the right with a barman who makes 1920’s cocktails. You have a Tom Collins, you get your lady a Martini, she asks for it dirty and winks as she turns round and is swept onto some ritzy dancefloor only to be cut-in on 3 times before she is out of sight. This is New York in the 20s, the penthouse of some art deco block in Manhattan. It’s snowing, of course. A lady is smoking with a long refined cigarette holder held by long refined fingers. Another asks for a light. She has Cleopatra flicks at the edge of her eyes and a provocative look. You light it and she blows smoke in your face like it was the politest thing to do. Her head tilted back and high, her greased dark curls and her elongated neck like a print you used to see in your Grandmother’s dining room. Pale and rouge: Bernice with her bobbed hair, Margot Peters draped around some laughing dilettante, Rosemary Hoyt tiptoeing barefoot through the melee.

The hotel owner takes your arm and leads you past the jazz band. The young girl playing on the tenor sax glances up and you see a diamond on her finger. You enter the paneled hall, the carpet is deep like grass and you enter a room with faded brown rainbowed wallpaper. There is a large double bed with a girl lying on her back smoking. She has heavy eye make up and a short dress and reminds you of Edie Sedgewick. Bob Dylan is playing on an old radio that is actually more of a coffee table: Art deco furniture in a psychedelic boudoir. There is a large hole on the ceiling surrounded by mirrored tiles, you peer up and see the stars, right there in the middle of London you see the stars, from some middle England townhouse in the city the only view is up. You are in the 60s and the walk-through bathroom has a blue tiled jacuzzi and a golden art nouveau shower head like Midas’ rose. Through the bathroom and a mirrored wardrobe you brush through fir coats and broach the 70s through some secret door and emerge in sitting room; plastic white furniture, modern art, Modrian colour scheme. There are books and records and an original Bridget Riley on the wall. And you’ve done a loop and you’re back in the clinking hall with a Manhattan clouding your judgment and some slippery shoes and you’re dancing to jazz like it was boogie woogie. All the bright young things dance with their elegant smell of cloves and their air of superiority and gay celebrity.

Right there in December 2009 in an average London townhouse. This was the snorkmaiden press Christmas party. If you missed it this year try again next year when the theme is 1960s Paris and ironic decadence.

Casa in stil Art Deco de la inceputul anilor 1930, de un design si culoare amintind de un climat mai calduros, facand fata cu stoicism iernii ce tocmai a venit. Zona Opera, Bucurest. (©Valentin Mandache)

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Prin aceasta serie de imagini zilnice intentionez sa inspir in randul publicului aprecierea valorii si importantei caselor de epoca din Romania – un capitol fascinant din patrimoniul arhitectural european si o componenta vitala, deseori ignorata, a identitatii comunitatilor din cuprinsul Romaniei.

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Daca intentionati sa cumparati o proprietate de epoca sau sa incepeti un proiect de renovare, m-as bucura sa va pot oferi consultanta in localizarea proprietatii, efectuarea unor investigatii de specialitate pentru casele istorice, coordonarea unui proiect de renovare sau restaurare etc. Pentru eventuale discuţii legate de proiectul dvs., va invit sa ma contactati prin intermediul datelor din pagina mea de Contact, din acest blog.

An early 1930s Art Deco house with a design and decoration reminding of warmer latitudes, braving the Bucharest winter; Opera area. (©Valentin Mandache)

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I endeavor through this daily image series to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural heritage.

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If you plan acquiring a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in locating the property, specialist research, planning permissions, restoration project management, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.

Presenting one of Rob’s fantastic lidded canisters in Emily’s Persimmon Glaze.

Large Persimmon Canister by Promethean Pottery

As much as I do enjoy photography, I think I get just as excited by the editing process, i.e. post processing my photos. I often only play around with contrast and curves, but I very much enjoy playing with colour, not so much to make radical changes but to create a sort of “quality” to the photo that transcends what comes out of the camera. Simply put, I want something that looks unique and artsy, but not overly post-processed, as in the previous photo. With this photo I played around with the colours more than you can imagine. It probably doesn’t even look all that “post-processed,” but that’s the point. The original photo looks just like any other, but through post processing I was able to take an average photo and put my name on it. Of course I still have a long way to go and tons to learn, but in the meantime I’m having fun trying to find that “look” I so like. Hope you like this one.

Another reason to love trains far more than flying: Train stations.

interior, Union Station, Los Angeles

This is where you catch Metrolink commuter trains and two of Amtrak’s long-distance runners — the Coast Starlight, that runs daily from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the Sunset Limited, that runs across the southwestern desert and into New Orleans.

But the station is close to being a destination itself.

If you’re into architecture, this station is practically a temple to art deco design. Walking through it feels almost as if you’re stepping back in time to a bygone century.

When traditionally shortsighted Los Angeles chose to save this place from the wrecking ball and restore it to its original splendor, they got it right.

But that isn’t what makes Union Station such a fascination to me.

Union Station outside

On arrival, the restrooms, both men’s and women’s, are alive with the roar of hand dryers. The homeless are using the blowers to dry the clothes they’d just washed in the bathroom sinks.

One looks up at me. His tattered shorts, made ragged by life rather than fashion, extend below his raincoat, a large garbage bag, cinched at the waist by a grimy woven belt. He seems almost serene.

“You wanna use this?” he asks and moves aside for me.

I make a cursory pass under the blower with my hands, thank him for his courtesy and leave with my two dripping hands. I figure his is the greater need at that moment; my hands will dry a lot faster than his laundry.

On the return leg, I’m sitting in the station sandwich shop. Two minutes apart, two parades file through the waiting room in opposite directions — a quinceanera one way, a newlywed couple and their train of black-clad professional wedding photographers the other.

The star of the quinceanera, in her floor-length flaming and rhinestone-studded burgundy dress, is having her party here. The newlyweds, smiling and undeterred by the rain that forced them from the station’s elegant courtyards, are having their wedding shots taken inside the waiting room itself.

When was the last time you saw something like that in an airport?

These days, we basically feed ourselves into the increasingly unfriendly apparatus called air travel, to the point that we feel like little more than parts in the machine. As such, airports have become places to avoid if you can, and escape if you can’t. Nobody goes to an airport to have a good time.

Train stations, on the other hand, can be destinations in their own right. Union Station in Washington DC, New York’s Grand Central Terminal or the Gare de Lyon in Paris are as much places to see and experience as they are to catch a train.

Perhaps it’s because trains stations usually form part of a city’s hub, a valve in its beating heart, in or near the center of town. Perhaps it’s the way a major train station combines the functions of commuter terminal for local trips and a waypoint for journeys of a hundred or a thousand miles.

Or maybe it’s more a matter of what you won’t find there — at least not yet. Long security lines everywhere. Security procedures that are as inane as they are ultimately pointless.

Le Train Bleu restaurant, Gare de Lyon, Paris

Whatever it is, train stations seem to embrace homo sapiens in ways that would seem unthinkable at air terminals.

I mean, when was the last time you took a date to the airport?

You could do that in Paris, especially at the Gare de Lyon. There’s a restaurant there called Le Train Bleu. The Blue Train. The only danger in taking a date to this place is that she may want you to take her back again the next night — and for several nights thereafter.

Union Station has a pretty cool resto of its own, Traxx, although nothing that even comes close to Le Train Bleu. But really, it’s the humanity passing through it that makes Union Station a treasure for me, even more than its stylish old-school looks.

I’m looking forward to seeing it again.

It’s been a long time since I could say that about an airport.

Any airport.

Strong Design French Art Deco Jabot Pin Signed G.fouquet

One of the major design events of the 1920s, if not the most important, was “L’exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” which is French for “The International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts”. This World’s fair was held in Paris, France from April to October 1925.

The term Art Deco was derived by shortening the words Arts Décoratifs in the title of this exposition and described designs in terms of a broad decoratively “modern” style, influenced strongly by Decorative Cubism. One of the members of the Admission Committee for the jewelry department of this trail-blazing fair was the maker of the pin we show here, Mr. George Fouquet.

George Fouquet (1862-1957) is recognized as one of the very few and best known artist jewelers of his time. He won many international awards and worked closely together with artists of his time, like Alfons Mucha.

George Fouquet’s jewelry can be found in collections of many important museums all over the world; from the Victorian & Albert in London to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. He bequeathed his archive and designs to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris

The so-called jabot-pin by George Fouquet we show here, is as close as one can get to the source of pure Art Deco jewelry.

Click the picture to get to the descriptive page of this pin.

Platinum Art Deco Diamond Pendant With Huge Magnificent Moonstone

Once upon a moonlit night
Two hearts blended
Love surrendered
With embracing arms
Remember

(borrowed from a song by Frank Sinatra)

Click the picture to see a close-up of this beautiful moonstone pendant.

Solid Brass Ornate French Leaves Pull (Polished Chrome Finish)

Nickel and Chrome cabinet hardware has been a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it is easy to match with most existing hardware (such as faucets) and appliances. Chrome has been popular in the United States since the 1930’s and has remained popular because of its resistance to tarnish. Nickel finishes can vary from polished (shiny) to a brushed (matte) tone and is a nice choice because it does not usually require extra maintenance. Nickel and chrome cabinet knobs offer a wide variety of designs and styles to choose from and can be used to create or enhance your existing decorating theme.

When deciding between nickel and chrome finishes it is important to keep in mind other hardware in the room and create a common theme. Brushed nickel finishes can vary more than polished chrome between manufacturers so it is sometimes more difficult to match individual pieces in this finish (although an exact match is not necessary to create a common theme and varying the colors slightly can add extra interest to a room rather than keeping all of the hardware the same). Brushed (or satin) nickel finishes offer the advantage of being more resistant to showing use (such as fingerprints) or natural wear and tear (like scratches) over time because of the more muted color.

Satin Nickel Infinity Knob

Replacing your existing cabinet knobs and pulls with chrome or nickel knobs offers a great opportunity to update your kitchen and bathroom (or any other room in your house!) with new and exciting patterns and designs. Although sometimes considered more modern or contemporary in nature, chrome and nickel finishes are available in a range of designs from simple to extremely ornate. Simply replacing the knobs can bring a new and fresh look to your home without needing to redecorate the entire house. Introducing polished chrome or nickel doorknob sets and lighting is a great way to further enhance your theme and create a more unified look.

Nickel and Chrome cabinet hardware is a wonderful way to replace your older hardware and create an exciting new look for your home. Search for solid brass construction to ensure high quality and strength and be sure to ask questions. Many cabinet knobs available have coordinating or complementary pulls available as well. LookInTheAttic & Company offers a wide selection of great chrome and nickel knobs as well as doorknob sets, window and home hardware – they also offer free design assistance and help. Choosing new hardware for the home is a fun and creative way to reflect your unique personality in unexpected places.

Posted by: Leslie Sigal Javorek • Date: Sun. Dec 13, 2009 10:10 pm

Tonight I’m wrapping up my Nuevo Deco Series by posting the User’s Folders and a couple of special goodies as “extras” which I believe really epitomize the spirit of the Art Deco era’s fascination and obsession with motorized vehicles, speed, and clean, sensual design. And as a big fan of Grand Prix Formula One Racing, these are my personal favorites. With the holiday season zeroing in on us and the prospects of the start of a new year, I’m ready to turn my sights to a new direction and a brand-spanking-new and fresh series of icons. In the meantime, I hope you all have enjoyed Nuevo Deco as much as I enjoyed creating it. Cheers! and, as always, Enjoy!

Free Icons of the Day

The following images are reduced size previews. Simply right-click (or control-click) on the preview to save a zipped file to your desktop that contains all images in each preview group (each image is 512px X 512px in .png format) or, in the case of the individual icons, do your clicking on each one you’d like to download.

No, this isn’t some treatiese – tresties – treaties – whatever that word is – on the evils of the land of China and communism.  And it is certainly not encouraging nuclear war-fare.  What it is is an informative tid-bit on a showcase taking place in my shop on the 14th of December – alllllll China related.  As in Fine Porcelain China. hahaha. Had you going there, didn’t I. Sorry to disappoint.  But this is actually so much cooler than nuclear war fare.  These are antique pieces that have survived the turbulent twentieth century with more aplomb and grace than – well, China, for one.  Or the United States.  Hell, let’s just say the general socio-economic-morally-ambiguous world.

A favorite? Definitely the Art Deco, high fashion stylized Royal Doulton laconically entitled  BB3445 H4380.  Guess they figured it was so gorgeous that the elegance and class spoke for itself.  And they were right. Check out some of the pieces:

check these two out at:

teacup:        http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=36219874

creamer      http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36614055

HOT DIGGITY DOG!

Here’s what’s even cooler. There is the platter….THE PLATTER!!!

For the platter, knock yourself out at:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36612331

Wanna here something else extraordinary? Most pieces are in perfect condition, the rest in near perfect.  All from between 1935 and 1938.

Some close runners-up?

Check out these pretty pieces:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36690255

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36690118

The above gem is dated at 1911!  Holy Guacamole.  And I’m only asking $5 for it? I must be insane.  Oh, wait, now I know why. This is my sister’s show and she’s the nut.  I’m only hosting this little tea party.

Stunning French Art Deco Hinged Platinum Lorgnette With Rose Cuts And Onyx

A lorgnette (or face-à-main) is a pair of glasses (or opera glasses) held by a long handle at one side mostly used by the (well-to-do) ladies.

This particular type of lorgnette has a hidden system in its stem that, by moving it slowly down with the tip of your fingers, will release a spring that will open the closed lorgnette with one glass and makes it into a double-glassed lorgnette.

Craftfully worked out in platinum and richly covered with rose cut diamonds and little carré calibrated stones makes this utensil a true jewel.

Click the picture for more information on this beauty.

If I wanted to boost the SEO for Simple Pleasures part 4 I’d be writing this evening about Jim Morrison, The Snowman, lonelygirl15, Dylan Thomas, Lara Croft and Albert Camus, but I’ve got other stuff in mind, first and foremost The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, London N2. I’m just back from there where we went for a family matinee outing to watch Glorious 39.

Glorious 39 is considerably less glorious than Inglourious Basterds – basically it belongs on TV like many BBC Films ‘movies’ – but the Phoenix itself was its usual blaze of Art Deco glory, gilded but faded but ready to rise again in even greater splendor…

…which is why two nights ago I arranged a preview screening of Nowhere Boy at the Phoenix. It was just the second public screening of Sam Taylor-Wood’s new film about the young John Lennon and it was raising money towards the Phoenix Restoration Fund. The Phoenix is the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinema and to celebrate the centenary of its 1910 opening the charity trust which runs it is striving to complete a major restoration by its 100th birthday next year. (If you feel like donating a couple of quid, you can do that here – we’ve got 90 grand left to raise to release the lottery grant needed to do the job.)

Anne-Marie Duff – of Channel 4’s Shameless, Film4’s Garage and The Virgin Queen fame (especially Shameless! pretty much the best TV drama of the last decade) – kindly pitched up to do a Q&A after the screening and gave a great insight into her intelligent and feeling approach to acting. She plays Julia, John Lennon’s mother, who found herself giving him up as a child but later helping spark his musical genius. The scene of Julia teaching John to play the banjo and then his swift but hard-earned mastery of the instrument is thrilling.

Film4’s Nowhere Boy was rousing. I didn’t like Matt Greenhalgh’s script for Control but this was a story well told and moving. Anne-Marie as Julia and Kristin Scott-Thomas as John’s aunt Mimi (who raised him) were both powerful and affecting, making sense of a tragic love tussle. But the big revelation was the charismatic Aaron Johnson as the young Lennon, old school charisma and strikingness on screen.

Sam Taylor-Wood came in to visit us a couple of years ago at Channel 4 to talk about her work and inspirations, and showed us a short art video depicting the decomposition of a partridge and a peach – very impactful in a short, sharp way. A feature is a very different prospect and she pulled this one off with energy and aplomb. I suspect her interactions with the actors were lacking in experience but the thesps were all good enough to make up for any wooliness in that aspect of the direction.

One of my first insights into Channel 4 was in 1988 when a programme called Lennon /Goldman: the making of a best-seller was being cut in Solus Productions where I was working, my first job. It was about the rather grubby biographer of Elvis and Lenny Bruce and his biog of Lennon which was due to come out shortly after. The director, Binia Tymieniecka, kindly gave me a copy of  it, The Lives of John Lennon, which I dug out after the Phoenix show.  I could see from a cinema ticket bookmark that the last time I had dug it out was in April 1994 when Stephen Woolley (who I believe used to work at the Phoenix) & Nik Powell’s Backbeat came out. The inscription reads: You’ve heard the gossip. You’ve seen the rough cut. Now read the book. The gossip and the aforementioned insight involved Goldman pulling all his contributions from the documenatry at the 11th hour (not sure what kind of C4 contract allowed for that kind of veto, but Channel 4 was still in its naively golden first decade then).

This week (Tuesday) was the 29th anniversary of John’s death. I remember it clearly – I was in Tijuana in Mexico and saw the headlines in Spanish, struggling to translate them exactly. I associate that time with realising for the first time my eyesight was dodgy, taking off my specs and realising the degree of my myopia (your youropia, his hisopia), getting a bit upset about it as a person who’s always been visually driven, through still and moving pictures. There’s a lot of play in Nowhere Boy about John’s short-sightedness – Mimi’s always reminding him to put on his specs and he’s always taking them off again as soon as he gets out of range. He has to put them on when Paul (superbly played by the fresh-faced Thomas Sangster) is teaching him guitar. The chemistry between John and Paul is palpable. On Tuesday I was listening, trusty ol’ iPod on shuffle, on my walk home past the Phoenix to Yer Blues from the White Album and was greatly struck by the haunting words he wrote in India and recorded just a few miles from the Phoenix at Abbey Road:

Yes I’m lonely wanna die
Yes I’m lonely wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why

In the morning wanna die
In the evening wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why

My mother was of the sky
My father was of the earth
But I am of the universe
And you know what it’s worth
I’m lonely wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why

The eagle picks my eye
The worm he licks my bones
I feel so suicidal
Just like Dylan’s Mr. Jones
Lonely wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why

Black cloud crossed my mind
Blue mist round my soul
Feel so suicidal
Even hate my rock and roll
Wanna die yeah wanna die
If I ain’t dead already
Ooh girl you know the reason why.

I'm coming down fast but I'm miles above you