Alexander Westerhoff Antiques

Hollywood Features Alexander Westerhoff Antiques

Alexander Westerhoff — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:40:45 +0000

When Hollywood films in Massachusetts (and they have been doing ALOT of it), the first place the set designers come to for antiques and accessaries is Alexander Westerhoff Antiques in Essex Massachusetts. The latest movies that Westerhoff pieces have had starring roles in include, Golden Globe nominated “The Proposal” with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” with Matthew McConaughey, and “The Company Men” with Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones and Kevin Costner.

Egyptian Revival Secretary used in "The Proposal"

But Alexander Westerhoff pieces were not just used as background props, but were part of the actual story line and were selected as such. Working with Alex, the set designers wrote the pieces history and importance into the scripts. One of our customers who now is the proud owner of a Regency Egyptian Revival Secretary (or Breakfront as it was described in “The Proposal”) quips that his piece actually had “a speaking role” as it played the focal point of a scene in which Sandra Bullock orders it to be removed from her rival’s office and brought to hers after she managed to get him fired.

Satinwood Games Table, ca 1795 starred in "The Company Men"

In “The Company Men” when directors needed an “important table” for an actor playing a decorator to carry into Tommy Lee Jones’ house, they came to Alexander Westerhoff and chose a Period English Satinwood Games Table with original neoclassical painting, circa 1795. The laugh here in the gallery was that this table’s requirement was that is could reasonably be priced (according to the script) at $ 14,000. Of course it “could be” priced at $ 14,000 and probably would be in many shops but at Westerhoff’s this beautiful piece, now with Hollywood stardust is available for $ 8900.

Boston Terrier Doorstops borrowed for "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past"

And finally, not that the directors of “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” needed to actually hire anyone to stare at Matthew McConaughey in his private quarters, but they selected this little group of voyeurs from Alexander Westerhoff to do just that. We had great fun seeing our kennel of Antique Victorian Boston Terrier Doorstops (which were purchased from an 85 year old Beacon Hill Brahmin’s life long collection) peering at Matthew from his bedside tables and even from a very inappropriate place in the star’s bathroom which was filmed at the Crane Estate in Ipswich. But why these dogs? Rent the movie and you will see that they were the metaphor used for McConaughey and his lovelife.

You may be asking youself…“So, do these Hollywood celebrities (and others) visit Alexander Westerhoff Antiques and do they buy anything?” I have been known to “kiss and tell” but you’ll have to wait for my next post to get all the juicy details…

until then…Alexander Westerhoff

Exquisite Baltic NeoClassical Chandelier

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:34:39 +0000

Continental (Circa 1910) Baltic NeoClassical Chandelier with Fine Handcut Crystals. CONDITION: All original. MEASUREMENTS: height: 40 in. diameter: 29 in. MATERIALS: Bronze, crystal

Period Russian NeoClassical Figural Center Table

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:16:49 +0000

Russia or Baltic States (Circa 1805) Period Russian Mahogany Figural Center Table. Winged Lion Supports in Roman Classical Form. With Black Granite Top CONDITION: Original finish, beautiful natural bleaching. Minor restoration. Now with Black granite top. MEASUREMENTS: height: 30 in. diameter: 44.5 in. MATERIALS: Carved and ebonized legs. Mahogany and fir.

Pair of Magnificent Cranberry Glass Shell Form Wall Sconces

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:12:54 +0000

Italy (Late 19th Century) Rare Pair of Cranberry Glass Wall Sconces in Shell Motif. Probably Venetian. CONDITION: Gilding on arms aged. MEASUREMENTS: height: 16 in. depth: 8 in. width/length: 13 in. MATERIALS: Cranberry glass, handcut and shaped. Iron and wooden/gilt arms.

Large English Etruscan Style Punch Bowl

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:11:57 +0000

England (Mid 19th Century) Nineteenth Century English Punchbowl in apple green with Etruscan Neoclassical Figures on inside and out. CONDITION: Minor marks in white ground, otherwise very good condition, no hairlines or repairs MEASUREMENTS: height: 7.5 in. diameter: 17 in. MATERIALS: English Porcelain, transfer and hand painted CREATOR: Possibly Minton

Period Russian Neoclassical Recamier

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:06:44 +0000

Russia or Baltic Region (Circa 1800) Period and Elegant Fruitwood Recamier in large proportion. Stylized cornucopeia. CONDITION: Minor marks, sound and stable MEASUREMENTS: height: 36 in. second height: 19.5 in. depth: 25 in. width/length: 7 ft. MATERIALS: Fruitwood, apple. Parcel gilding

Stylish Art Moderne Hammered Copper Lamp

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:02:27 +0000

United States (Early 20th Century) Hammered Copper Floor Lamp with Parchment Shade. Arts and Crafts CONDITION: Parchment shade original yet needs restoration, restringing or replacement. Overall good condition of lamp itself MEASUREMENTS: height: 5 ft. 6 in. MATERIALS: Hammered copper over wood.

Roman Period Basalt Torso of Nike

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Syria (2nd/3rd Century AD) Ancient Basalt Carved Torso of a Nike PROVENANCE: Significant New England Collector CONDITION: As shown, fragmentary MEASUREMENTS: height: 17 in. depth: 7 in. width/length: 12 in. MATERIALS: Basalt

Period Regency Tray in Custom Coffee Table

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:55:00 +0000

England (Circa 1820 and later) Regency Tole Tray fitted into custom lacquer coffee table. Note gilding on table matching period tray. CONDITION: Very good condition MEASUREMENTS: height: 19 in. depth: 28 in. width/length: 48 in. MATERIALS: Tole, gilding, lacquer and wood

American Federal Style Mahogany Sideboard

atoleos — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:50:49 +0000

Massachusetts (Circa 1870) Beautiful Federal Style Sideboard, tapered legs, tiger maple inlays. CONDITION: Old good finish. Minor marks consistent with age. MEASUREMENTS: width/length: 5 ft. 6 in. MATERIALS: Mahogany with pine secondary wood