Refining the Tablescape, Part 1, The Master

A David Hicks tablescape

Okay, I'll admit it, the word "tablescape" is one I hate to love--or maybe love to hate. It's evocative, sure, but also cheesy. I had thought "tablescape" to be a new term, coined on one of those decorate- in-a-day cable programs, or perhaps in a booth at the Javits Center gift show, so I was surprised to read that it's quite a bit older than that. As it happens, the legendary Swingin' London decorator David Hicks coined the phrase in the mid-sixties to describe his penchant for arranging objects into decorative groups.

Hard to believe this photograph is from a Hicks tablescape in the mid 60s. It looks so fresh.

Unsurprisingly, Hicks had a real knack for tablescapes. Sometimes he grouped by color...

Other times by medium...

 

But, most often, the mix was more eclectic, a little of this and a little of that added until he got it just right. In the room below, a set of three blue Opaline boxes prove a welcome counterpoint to the profusion of red.

Above, between two windows, a python covered table holds yellow Peking glass and a porcelain dish. Hicks described the room below as being "darkest Coca-Cola colour--an excellent foil for modern paintings and sculpture." 

All of the above images are from David Hicks: A Life of Design, by Ashley Hicks, an excellent reference.

Hicks best tablescapes were the ones in his own homes, and I think that's typical.  The most interesting tablescapes tend to be derived from highly personal collections: items that were picked up here and there over the years, items that remind one of fun trips, good friends, beloved pets; items one is fond of examining and rearranging. I have a few of my own that I'll show you next time--along with appealing tablescapes from other great designers. For now, let's look at some very Hicksian objects. Perhaps one of them speaks to you. Heed the call, roll up those sleeves and get arranging!

French blue Opaline box, at Jim Wroda on February 25th, estimate $200-350.

Bronze incense burner, at Gordon Converse on February 29th, estimate $120-300.

Chinese yellow Peking glass vase. At 888 Auctions on February 23rd  in Ontario, estimate $600-800.

Bilston box, at Gordon Converse on February 29th, estimate $250-400.

Ivory elephant carving, circa 1920. At Louis Dianni on February 20th, estimate $20-40.

Bronze bust of a youth. At Klein James in Seattle on February 23rd, estimate $800-1,200.

Pair of lapis veneer vases. At William Jenack on February 19th, estimate $140-200.

Trio of malachite objects. At Leslie Hindman on February 22nd, estimate $300-500.

Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze candlesticks. At William Jenack on February 19th, estimate $600-800.

   

Pair of Blanc de Chine Foo dog figures. At Elite Decorative Arts on March 17th, estimate $300-500.