94 FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE
5 UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFTING IDEAS
With the festive season well and truly upon us , many of us are turning our thoughts to the search for the perfect gifts to present friends and family with this Christmas .
Holly Johnson of internationally acclaimed antiques , arts and interiors business Holly Johnson Antiques advises on five unique Christmas gift ideas to treat your loved ones with .
Pasotti Umbrellas £ 280
Pasotti ’ s range of Italian-designed , luxury umbrellas , that are as elegant as they are unique , includes an option for every taste . At Holly Johnson Antiques , our stock includes the Pasotti animal-themed umbrellas which feature beautifully carved handles in the shape of flamingoes , pandas , zebras , gorillas and several different dog breeds including the much-loved French Bulldog . Handmade in Italy , this stunning piece features an enameled brass handle and an automatic opening .
Piero Fornasetti porcelain horoscope plates part of his Gli Influssi Astrali series , circa 1964 . £ 490.00 each
Designs by Piero Fornasetti are always whimsically delightful yet luxurious , and the horoscope plates stand out for their meticulous hand gilding and printing . The Astrologyinspired designs mean a plate from this beautiful collection can make a very personal gift . Fornasetti plates are a piece of art in their own right , and can be equally appreciated whether they are mounted on a wall or displayed in a cabinet .
Robert “ Mouseman ” Thompson carved Oak Cheeseboard England circa 1970 . £ 550
Featuring Mouseman ’ s trademark carved mouse , the Mouseman Cheeseboard makes the perfect gift for those who love to be the ‘ hostess with the mostess ’ at dinner parties . All Mouseman pieces are not only of exquisite quality and beautifully crafted , but also so well made that they truly make a gift that will stand the test of time .
Seren Bell ( b . 1950 ) “ Below Black Mountains ” crayon , pen , and ink on paper . Wales , circa 2020 . £ 950
Described by Country Life magazine as one of the most original animal artists within the UK , Seren Bell ’ s paintings truly capture the different moods and seasons of the rural Welsh landscape . “ Below Black Mountains ” features the rare , historical breeds of sheep that the artist is so drawn to , with ancient , bony heads and unwavering gazes . A painting by this artist is a gift to be treasured , as two of her works can be found in the private collection of King Charles III who has the same fascination with obscure sheep breeds . Also stocked at Holly Johnson Antiques are paintings by Seren Bell depicting chickens , pigs , and hounds .
Porta Romana Lamps starting price £ 1,434
A bespoke item always makes for a very special present , and a Porta Romana piece can be customised as much as you desire , down to the smallest detail . With every item made to order by the best craftspeople across the British Isles , each Porta Romana lamp is totally unique and can be tailored to your loved one ’ s favourite colours , textures and finishes . If you are not sure where to start , Holly Johnson Antiques ’ talented interior designers can advise and guide on each aspect of your design .
All gift suggestions are available to purchase at www . hollyjohnsonantiques . com
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 55 2022