| Discover a world of illusions and mysteries at Greene & Greene Antiques. Explore the dark arts and alter your perceptions as we watch non-believers become believers with our unique collection. A piece in our collection is a mystery clock (image right) by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (December 6, 1805 - June 13, 1871), clockmaker, illusionist, inventor and magician. The glass dial with single golden hand and Roman numerals is enclosed in an ormolu and original glass dome. Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin is often referred to as 'the Father of modern magic' and was the namesake of the famous American magician Harry Houdini. "I am tempted to believe that I came into the world with a file, a compass, or a hammer in my hand, because from my earliest childhood, these instruments were my toys, my playthings" - Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin Whilst we are on the topic of illusions and mysteries, HOUDINI the two part mini-series will premiere on the Seven Network this week. It follows the epic tales of Harry Houdini as he emerges as America’s first bona fide world-renowned superstar. This from humble beginnings at circus sideshows to sold-out concert halls, Eastern European immigrant Erich Weiss rose to become a household name. Naming himself after his hero the French magician and clockmaker Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, Houdini, was known across the globe. Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist) stars as The Great Harry Houdini as he finds fame, engages in espionage, battles spiritualists and encounters the greatest names of the era, from U.S. presidents to Rasputin. A thrilling ride through Harry’s psyche, HOUDINI delves deep behind the curtain into his life through his stunts, his visions and his mastery of illusion. Discover a world of illusions and mysteries. Come visit us at Greene & Greene Antiques, Woollahra. |   This two part miniseries starring Adrien Brody as the legendary Harry Houdini. |
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In October 2012 a future-classic James Bond movie called 'Skyfall' was released. The bulldog model is a Union Jack emblazoned ceramic figure which takes pride of place on M's desk in the film. M being the fictional character in Ian Fleming's James Bond series; the Head of Secret Intelligence Service - also known as M16 played by Dame Judi Dench. The figure was used as a prop in several scenes in the movie.
Spoiler warning: This article contains spoilers! The bulldog ornament is probably a gift to M from her late husband and Bond ultimately dislikes it. Usually kept on her desk, it was the only thing that survived the explosion on M16 by Raoul Silva and Bond was disappointed when: 'Her will was read today, she left you this' - Eve says as she gave Bond the Bulldog that M left in her will. Two questions that need answering: Have you been a James Bond fan for years and do you want a part of history? Come visit us at Greene & Greene Antiques, Woollahra.  As the weather gets colder, we all crave a hearty, delicious meal. So what could be more comforting than one of our traditional pieces to keep your family warm this Winter? We have something for everyone from beautiful Georgian soup ladles to carving sets and even a wall-mounted boar's head! The Boar's Head Feast is probably the oldest continuing festival of the Winter season. This pageant is rooted in ancient times when the boar was sovereign of the forest. A ferocious beast, and menace to humans, it was hunted as a public enemy. At Roman feasts, boar was the first dish served. As Christian beliefs overtook pagan customs in Europe, the presentation of a boar's head at Winter came to symbolise the triumph of the Child of Christ over sin. This specific object is a wall-mounted boar's head for a pub or even an advertising sign for Gordon's gin (image left). If you take a look at the lid or label of any bottle of Gordon's gin you'll find a boar's head. Legend has it that a member of the Gordon clan saved the King of Scotland from a wild boar when out hunting. Ever since, the ancestors of Alexander Gordon sported a boar's head on their coat of arms.  If you find that you're the one who does most of the big
holiday meals or Sunday roasts in your family, then you'll need a good carving knife. A carving knife is much thinner than a chef's knife and you can be a bit more precise with your cuts. A sharpening steel is essential in any kitchen. For a limited time we have an intriguing carving set which dates back to 1896. This set epitomises the true style of carving. Comprising a Sheffield steel knife, fork and sharpening steel (image above). The fork has a sprung knife guard set in the handle for added safety. Silver plated ferrules and a silver designed cap lend supreme elegance to the match stag horn handles. Complete with hand crafted oak original case. We believe this charming piece won't last long. So escape the cold and dig in! Come visit us at Greene & Greene Antiques, Woollahra. |
Greene&GreeneAntiques, jewellery and silver. Archives
August 2021
CategoriesAuthorChristopher Carbonaro |
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