Limited Edition Headshot of Marilyn Monroe by Lawrence Schiller

A masterpiece of both cabinetmaking and mechanical engineering, this one-of-a-kind expanding table was crafted by the renowned cabinetmaker Samuel Hawkins of London for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Diminutive in size, the fascinating table was designed as a model to demonstrate Hawkins’ innovative patent screw movement to visitors of the Exhibition – six million people in total over five months. It was exhibited again a century later at the Victoria & Albert Museum during the Festival of Britain, an event intended “to symbolise two main qualities of the national character: realism and strength on the one hand, and, on the other, independence and imagination” (Catalogue of the Exhibition, 1951, p.117). To this day, the miniature masterpiece demonstrates the quest of English furniture makers to combine technical innovation with superb craftsmanship. Displaying exceptional ingenuity, Hawkins’ wind-out screw mechanism allowed one to extend the table’s base to accommodate concentric leaves with the simple crank of a handle. It is based on the inventive expanding table originally designed by Robert Jupe in 1835, which used a swivel mechanism to separate sections of the tabletop and allow for segmented leaves to be inserted. Hawkins’ tabletop, on the other hand, extends outwards directly from the center in order to accommodate additional leaves around its diameter. This unique design allowed the mechanism to also smoothly operate on rectangular tables, which could be wound out from the middle to allow for more table space. Hawkins was not alone in his endeavor to combine the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the most artful pursuit of cabinetmaking. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to traditional furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture was practical and refined, though few were as innovative as Hawkins’ prodigious design. Carved with the year of the Exhibition on the beautifully designed pedestal base, the table is a testament to the significance of this innovation. The model is mentioned in detail in the catalog of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first international exhibition of industry, manufacturing, and science. Held at London’s dazzling Crystal Palace, its visitors were treated to exhibits from around the globe, including feats of engineering, innovations in industry, and marvels of design. Queen Victoria herself was a frequent visitor, along with her husband, Prince Albert, and others including Charlotte...

This solid mahogany traveling clock with balance wheel escapement was crafted by celebrated London clockmaker James McCabe for London’s Royal Exchange. Known for exquisite workmanshi...

An invaluable addition to the 19th century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the house...

This captivating Palais Royal sewing nécessaire is crafted of engraved mother of pearl mounted in rich doré bronze. The hinged box contains a remov...

Exquisitely handcrafted to mimic the subtle luxury of ivory, these cameo glass vases by Thomas Webb & Sons are a remarkable rarity. Webb first developed its celebrated ivory glass in the early 1880s, an era of remarkable inventiveness for the famed glass company. Designed to emulate the Japanese and Chinese ivory carvings...

This splendidly carved cameo glass jug, crafted by the renowned Daum Nancy, is a captivating work of skillfully etched and painted decoration. This carafe displays a dramatic botanical motif, with twisting thistles accented with hand-applied enamel and gilt details set against the warm orange hue of the translucent glass background. Such precise, vivid cameo scenes...

This extremely rare 1952original Marilyn Monroe photograph was taken at La Guardia Airport, New York, and used in various Spanish publications. This information can seen through the...

Marilyn Monroe Calendar 1954 Two calendar pages from 1954 with day planners of Marilyn Monroe in nude posing and then dressed in fine lingerie using a special device. One bears the ...

Photograph of Marilyn Monroe by G. Barris Photograph taken in 1962 Printed in 1987 Photograph signed by the photographer on the lower righ...

Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) Title: Marilyn Flirting Medium: gelatin silver prints Date: 1952 printed in 1981 Edition: 178/250 Size: image 12.5" x 8.75"; with frame 20.25" x...

Artist: Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) Title: The True Marilyn Medium: Gelatin silver prints Date: 1952 printed in 1981 Edition: 186/250 Size: image 12.5" x 8.75"; with frame 20.2...

This photograph was acquired from a Palm Beach estate and is a 1978 print from the original negative of the photo taken in the 1950s by Milton H. Greene when Marilyn Monroe (Norma Je...