Interior Style for Book Lovers
Styling, libraries & vintage news
Welcome to the July edition of Love Vintage Etc. Hello to all new subscribers. This week I talk to Christen Pears about her library at home in Cornwall, I visit my local library, explore bookish inspired decorating, and discover fresh vintage finds.
Libraries
Last night I watched a fascinating documentary produced by Martin Scorsese called Pretend It’s A City. The seventh and final episode, “Libraries,” follows writer and commentator Fran Lebowitz as she explores her home city, New York, sharing thought-provoking ideas and her trademark wit. Martin Scorsese tags along, giggling in the background at her comments and jokes. In this episode, Fran notices – on the New York subway – that young people are reading. She points out that people in their twenties read books, whereas in her experience, it’s usually those over forty who read on devices. I found that interesting. I’ve never owned a Kindle, I don’t read e-books and I’m over forty. I love the feel of a proper book; turning it over in my hands, reading the blurbs on the cover and making notes on the inside in pencil.
Like Fran Lebowitz, I have an inability to throw a book away. I like to think of my books as small parcels of treasure to dip into at a later date, often re-reading a novel I’ve enjoyed but forgotten I had kept it.
But back to the documentary, and the subject of public libraries. We all know how important it is to support them – according to a BBC report, over 40 libraries close each year in the UK from lack of local funding, and that 190 have closed over the last five years.
Here’s a few ways we can support our local libraries:
Donate your used books. Many libraries welcome books in good condition, either to add to their collections or to sell at fundraising events. But before you pack your tote bag with second hand paperbacks and jump on the bus, check with your local library first, to see what they accept.
Become a regular user. Sign up for a library card and borrow books, films and music or use the reference section. You can also help by using your library as a work space – take your laptop and log on to their free wifi. Higher user rates in libraries justify their local government subsidies and funding.
Leave a review. Add a positive review on your library’s website or mention them with photo on social media.
Books at Home
This is by no means a substitute for public libraries, just a bit of wishful thinking on my part, because my collection of books (in my tiny flat) is getting out of control. Books currently line the windowsills, fill every inch of shelf space, and paperbacks are stacked haphazardly across the floor. I’ve collaged some ideas together (for the day I might have more space) and particularly like these shelves at Vitsoe, paired with a good neutral paint (with a hint of colour to add warmth), like this one from Claybrook, this library-inspired candle from Norfolk Natural Living and – because no desk would be complete without a good task light – this mini Anglepoise lamp.
More inspiration, below, from a midcentury-style library (photo by Peter Kardne @p.kardne) with 1960s leather chairs – similar available at Vinterior, Ferdinand paint by Little Greene, art books at Tashen and Landmark Saltram herringbone flooring by Solidfloor in light oak timber.
By the Book: At Home with Christen Pears
I always enjoy seeing how other people arrange their books: friend’s homes, boutique hotels, guest houses, and inspiring home-libraries on social media. One such home belong’s to Christen Pears an avid reader, former bookseller and journalist and collector of vintage books. Christen also runs reading retreats from her Cornish home, Middle Colenso Farm, near Penzance.
Photographs of Christen’s vintage Penguin book collection, together with her book reviews, reading retreats and her beautifully styled home library has gained a loyal following on social media and beyond.
MM: Hello Christen, and welcome to Love Vintage Etc. Have you always had a dedicated space for your books, or did that only become possible after you moved to Middle Colenso Farm?
CP: My books have always been spread all over the house but when we moved to Middle Colenso Farm there was a semi-derelict barn which the surveyor had actually suggested knocking down when we bought the place. My original plan was to use it as a home office but I found I was spending most of my time working on my laptop at the dining table so I took out the desk and turned it into a library instead. Of course I underestimated how much space the books would take up so there are still lots in the house as well.
MM: Can you tell us a little bit about how you turned the barn into a reading room and library? Were the shelves custom made?
CP: The barn needed a lot of work especially the upper parts of the walls which were cob – a mix of soil, clay and straw – and were crumbling badly. The first thing we did was to restore the building itself. This included cork insulation boards on the back wall where the bookshelves are to protect them from damp. It's a rustic space so I didn't want or indeed have the budget for fancy shelves. I opted instead for scaffolding boards which I sanded and painted. My builder then built the shelves which was a bit of a challenge one the side wall as it slopes so badly. The cupboards below are made from plywood with some reclaimed doors I found on eBay. One of the big advantages of using scaffold boards is that they're very sturdy so the shelves don't bow.
MM: Your Reading Party retreats have been very popular, do you plan on having any more before the end of the year or next year?
CP: There's one spot left in October and there will definitely be more next year. They've proved so popular that we're looking at some exciting new venues in addition to Middle Colenso Farm. We're still at the planning stage but will be announcing dates soon.
More details here about Christen’s retreats and holiday cottage accommodation at Middle Colenso Farm.
I was lucky enough to stay at The Bell Tower – Christen’s top-floor flat, available for holiday bookings, in the tower of a converted Victorian school, overlooking Penzance harbour. You can read about my stay here.
October Newsletter
Hello and welcome to the October newsletter. I’m typing this at my kitchen table with sun streaming through the window so it seems appropriate to recommend a good day out in the autumn sunshine.
July Finds
The vibrant “Art is Risk” poster designed by Jon Gray is from Burley Fisher Books, the uplifting Geranium No. 4 scented hand wash is from C.Atherley, and this summery ceramic marbled pitcher is from Toast.
Vintage Finds
This beautifully painted oil dates to around the late 1930s - early 1940s and is a vibrant study of marigolds with a fan and a posy of violets set against a dark background for maximum effect. Marigolds & Violets vintage painting now available online at Mason & Painter. Possibly Italian, the painting measures 42.5cm x 37cm, is signed M.E. Rigoletti and framed in a dark wood frame.
A pair of French Sarreguemines serving plates with the “Amazonas” pattern, dating between 1900-1920. Each plate measures 28cm long x 17cm wide x 3cm tall. Available online.
Thank you so much for reading and if you’re new here thank you for joining Love Vintage Etc., a twice monthly newsletter with a blend of design, vintage, interiors, art, travel and anything else I think you’ll enjoy.
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