Probity

Well my Dears, Haven’t we been blessed this Spring! It’s your Design Sleuth here again: Ms Greta von Schmedlapp. Aurelien Guillory and I have been invited to return to research those interesting sources of design craftmanship that are scattered around the LA TOUR area. The “polyfacette” editor of our quarterly here, Denis Boulanger, has chosen another marvelous word for the new season: Probity. Aurelien and I really love those complex and evocative words that he has chosen for each issue’s theme. Actually a list of the many esoteric words used over the past years would form a set of priorities and standards for living well. Aurel has a special old dictionary here at his cottage that he and the visitors use often to settle crossword puzzles and other intellectual disputes. In his Webster’s Dictionary of 1952 (!), on page 1344 , toward the end of over 2000 pages, he found –Probity, from the latin probus: honest & virtuous. Adherence to strict integrity in all transactions. How’s that for clarity? As a Design fiend and sleuth, I certainly have had lots of challenges to find people who profess to understand the essence of this word. Too often there is much hype and media gloss about design, with little content. We are currently creating the second half of a Music recording studio in Pointe Claire with an African-Safari theme. Searching for the proper cabinetmaker to realize Aurel’s complex ideas can be a genuine challenge, as sometimes he is urged to use the client’s resources…Too often these are a social relationship, and the politics have made it difficult to explain that they are not up to the design challenge. Probity is not a usual word in today’s vocabulary, but it soon becomes apparent to Aurel (and me when I am researching for the project) that the proverbial wool has been pulled over his client’s eyes…Aurel and I often say that each day brings a challenge to our design integrity. We must respect the client’s ideas, but it must be related to our experience and esthetics. Aurel must prove to the client’s supplier that he understands their field of expertise well enough to critcize the workmanship and the final results. Probity is certainly a crucial concept to keep in mind! As you dear Readers may remember, I , Greta von Schmedlapp, not only am a design recherchiste for Aurel, but a fellow amateur of the Classic Martini! There are two essential elements for my comfort at the crucial 5 to 7 Martini hour: a proper glass that presents the drink elegantly, and a suitable table to support it with a small dish of savoury nibbles. I am pleased to tell you of my recent research. We have found the 2 best sources of the perfect Martini glass here in our Sutton village: the chic owner of ATELIER BOUFFE on 14 rue Principale, Mme.Catherine Handfield presented several good possibilities for my approval. There is the classic pure conical delicate crystal pedestal in 2 sizes, but we were enraptured with the Art Deco style stem in a lovely “sprig green” in a geometric faceted shape. The clear bowl is quite large enough to feel virtuous in saying ”One is just fine!” She has a fine eye for all sorts of home furnishings, special oils & teas. Aurel is the proud owner of a super Japanese blue & white Kimono bath-robe that he found there. Our other contender of the perfect martini glass is Mme. Helene Soucy around the corner at 4 Maple with her complex shop of home “Goodies” at AU COEUR DES SAISONS. There we found several clear stem classic glasses, but I fell in love with a very curvey feminine one that also had a variation of the spring green for its stem. Their collection of British Portmerion table wear is a modern classic style. I must remember that they also have lovely flowers to take to dinner; or small dishes for Martini savouries. As you might suspect, we feel that every item in one’s home should be a consistent reflection of one’s taste. We could also really feel the sense of Probity with both of these owners. Before I close this letter, I feel that I must mention the invisible Olivier of Le Forge d’Oll. We have not ever met, but his evidence is around various shops as railings, and décor notably at the successful Cafetiere’s terrace Art Nouveau railings, and the imaginative details all over the iconic restaurant Il Duetto. Aurel & I must include him on the Probity list. I will soon tell you about my research with him and other wrought iron artisans here in the Sutton area. I and Aurel want to create a small table d’appoint for our Martinis. Often when Aurel is speaking about Interior Design, he mentions that a proper comfortable living room will have a place for a drink (or a book) near each chair. By using a standard 12” x 12” marble, granite, or ceramic tile with 18” high fer forgé supports, you have the perfect solution. We find that the 12’ x18” proportion works for most places. Aurel says that these measurements relate to the ancient Golden Mean, and other heights need larger tiles. He has designed several different ones over the years in brushed steel, antique bronze, and other painted finishes…some with a baroque curve, others with more geometry to suit the client’s homes. I will relate the results of my Martini table research next time…I will close now, with my best wishes for the coming warm months. Please let me hear from you, my dear design fiends – and friends… Colourfully Yours, Greta von S.