I really went gaga over legendary magazine editor Mary Jane Pool's apartment that was featured in the March Domino. I thought it was such a beautiful mix of graceful antiques, 20th century pieces, and gorgeous fabrics and wallpaper. So, while I was reading Tiffany Taste
According to the book, Ms. Pool has a fondness for all things Venetian (this is confirmed by the Domino article, which notes that Pool has a decent sized collection of 18th and 19th c. painted Venetian antiques). For a summer lunch, Ms. Pool would likely start with a salad of shredded celery, mushrooms, Gruyère, white truffles, and a vinaigrette of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The main course might be a pasta gratinée of green tagliarini, béchamel, prosciutto, and tomato. For dessert? Chocolate twigs or truffles, grapes, or strawberries accompanied by mandarin orange tea. Oh, and no wine- "nothing dangerous"- with lunch, only San Pellegrino. After all, when you're an editor of a magazine, you have to stay on your toes!
What I enjoyed most were the photos of Pool's Sutton Place apartment circa 1986. Author John Loring wrote that Pool "knows as much as anyone about the domestic pleasures that make life sweet." I wholeheartedly agree.
What a sumptuous mix of yellow satin curtains, yellow walls, and red satin(?) chairs. In fact, those chairs appear to be the same ones that were featured in Pool's Olympic Tower apartment, although at that time they were covered in orange cotton pique. The mirror is 18th c. Venetian. And notice the pedestal table, which Pool still owns today (see image of Pool at top). According to Tiffany Taste, the base is in the shape of a neoclassic Italian urn.
Another Venetian piece- this time an 18th c. painted commode. The tea service is Royal Berlin, and the silver Tiffany basket is filled with chocolate twigs.
Tiffany's classic "Chrysanthemum" flatware and "Nymphalidae" dessert plates adorn the table. Strawberries are nestled in a Tiffany sterling basket.
(Image at top of Pool- photographer Annie Schlechter)
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Mary Jane Pool and La Dolce Vita
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12 comments:
It's all so lovely!
Bravo! Mary Jane Pool is inarguably one of the finest magazine editors of the 20th century. House & Garden never looked more ravishing (or relevant) than when in her hands. And am I mistaken or are even the window muntins of her apartment painted yellow to match the walls and curtains? Chic, non?
M- I agree!
Aesthete- You certainly have an eye for detail! I did not notice that, but I think you're right. And yes, it's very chic!
Such a fun post. I also am crazy about the red chairs against the brilliant yellow!
Yum, yum, yum. I would dine with Ms. Pool anytime. I imagine it's difficult to design when you have so much great inspiration at your fingertips. I love the way you enhanced this piece. Great post!
Courtney- I agree, and the saturated colors are done in such a way that the pieces are pretty and sophisticated too.
Thanks Perfect Bound! It was fun to compare these photos to the ones from the Domino article b/c she is still using most of these pieces.
that was my favorite story in domino in a year probably - fabulous.
Those fabulous yellow curtains! Sumptuous!! :-)
Great post as usual Jennifer :-) :-)
I love the red chairs against the yellow drapes and coordinating yellow walls... Timeless... Fay
I love all the little details, the china, the silver, THAT MENU - YUMMY!!
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