10 | a book + links
recommended reading
via Clarkson Potter/Random House
Choosing and living with hand made or design objects can be daunting, but if you follow your intuition and allow yourself to have fun, you can become a thoughtful supporter of makers and designers everywhere while enriching your life. Reframing the purchase of something significant from the burden of owning it forever also helps, I have certain things that I could never part with, but there are other objects or artwork that will pass through my hands and space. Museum shops are a great place to start looking at art, jewelry and objects - and from there, small boutiques, galleries, antique markets and estate sales are so much fun.
The duo behind the Design blog Sight Unseen just released a book called How to live with Objects . The NYT reviewed this book and highlights their ability to identify upcoming trends. In defining their style… “It’s really ineffable in some ways, and it’s come back to us, when people say things are ‘so Sight Unseen,’” Ms. Singer said. “It can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. There is just some weird, undefinable quality that’s hard to explain.” In Ms. Khemsurov’s estimation, “It’s just interesting enough, but not too crazy.” Their website is filled with fascinating insights on design and trends. I loved reading this post on What it’s like living in a Schindler house.
A few SW places and websites that I love to frequent
one way of reusing cloth with Christina Kim of Dosa Flying Fish
09 Field Guide | old city, Philadelphia
A field guide to old city, Philadelphia PA
Philadelphia | neighborhood guide to old city.
Quiet in the land image by Marley Parsons
I returned to Phialdephia for an exhibition of drawings at Gallery Land Collective. ( On view through November 30.)
Old City is one of my favorite neighborhoods in town. I highly recommend a visit to this part of the city, It is always evolving. It is part of Philadelphia’s historic district, and it spans from Vine Street to Walnut Street, north to south, and from 7th Street to the Delaware River, west to east.
The material culture down here is so unique, and typical of the earliest East Coast cities. Brick, granite, marble, slate, terracotta, cast iron utility covers, and single pane windows. A painter friend picked up paint chips from the buildings to create a color palette. The historic heart of Philadelphia resides along Independence Mall. Home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, the Mall also boasts a number of cultural institutions including the Philosophical Society Library and Archives, The National Jewish American Museum , and Ben Franklin’s house. Be sure to stop by the Independence Visitors Center for tickets to city attractions and helpful information.
Shoppers can find lots to love along Second and Third Street, I love how there are hardware stores and an abrasive supply shop tucked in between cafes and galleries. Here are a few of my favorite places to check out.
sidewalks and building materials
Shops
Vagabond Boutique: A cool boutique that has understated leather goods, clothing, jewelry and more.
Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction: Hand Tasting room and home bar supply - also great graphic tees.
Claudia Mills: So fun to see a bunch of looms set up in the showroom.
Sugarcube: Updated classics by indie designers & the shop's private label, showcased in an industrial loft. The coolest clothing and accessories.
United by Blue: I have heard good thingsm, about this one, but haven’t gotten there yet.
Christ Church on Second Street has a dog park next to it, and benches all around to take in the city.
Galleries and Design Studios
Antique tools for cultivation. David Rubin and Land Collective
Larry Becker Contemporary: Represents and exhibits abstract and conceptual contemporary art in various mediums, with an emphasis on painting. Emerging, mid-career, and internationally recognized artists, many Philadelphia-based.
Center for Art in Wood: contemporary collection of functional and sculptural wood.
Muse Gallery: In a city of firsts, Muse is the oldest cooperative art gallery in Philly; 52 N. 2nd St. Monthly rotating exhibitions by members
Land Collective: David Rubin and Land Collective are a landscape architecture and planning firm. David’s personal collection of garden tools and objects are well displayed. They have an open studio every First Friday and host art exhibitions in the lobby.
Food + Drink
Cafe ole: The Best Mediterranean mezze plates, sandwiches and salads. Don’t miss the hummus.
Tomo Sushi and Ramen: I stopped in for a quick avocado roll and it hit the spot!
Old City Coffee: When you need a simple cup of joe, it’s right behind Christ Church, so head towards one of the benches and regroup.
Fork Restaurant and Bar: You have to cross Market Street to find the bars, and there are plenty on Second Street, I prefer Fork. The bar is in the center of the restaurant - made of cast concrete (the old fashioned comes highly recommended on a dark and rainy night).
This is just scratching the surface of what is available in this diverse neighborhood. Please let me know your favorites in the comments below.