My Mazamet

Life at № 42 by E.M. Coutinho

The Wonders of Absurdist Entertainment: Chateau DIY

Imagine this scenario: There are British people who want to live in a grand French country house, but they (a number on this program) can’t quite afford to do it. … Continue reading

January 19, 2023 · 30 Comments

Demystifying Maison Jansen by James Archer Abbott

“Befitting its rich heritage, the name “Jansen” has multiple connotations. First, it identifies a century-long, global offering of decorating services that focused on both historical revivals and contemporary trends, largely … Continue reading

March 1, 2018 · 20 Comments

Bidding on the Ritz: Paris hotel auctions furniture

  Artcurial Sale “The Ritz hotel in Paris is auctioning off 10,000 pieces of furniture and decorative objects. The hotel, founded in 1898, reopened two years ago after four years … Continue reading

February 2, 2018 · 33 Comments

A Carpet for the Study

A very attractive silk and wool Bidjar from the first half of the 20th century in just exceptional condition. It fits the room beautifully leaving about the same distance on … Continue reading

January 25, 2018 · 27 Comments

Summer at number 42 (Mazamet, 2017)

“And when the Lord said drinketh champagneth, we didith.” Alcoholics 20:17 We’re enjoying summer no end this year. The girls have made it particularly fun and special. They do every … Continue reading

August 10, 2017 · 26 Comments

Progress in the bathroom

We’re halfway there. The tub is in place, the shower cubicle is being tiled, the cabinet thingy arrived, the loo is installed (and it works, which is always a good … Continue reading

June 14, 2017 · 19 Comments

Ask not what a mirror can do for you-

Above are all Louis XIV mirrors. Fascinating period. As transitions go, probably one of the most significant in the history of art. We leave behind the heavy-handedness of everything that came … Continue reading

May 23, 2017 · 22 Comments

Armand Albert Rateau: Lanvin’s Art Deco designer | Christie’s

Lanvin and the man she chose to design her apartment. “Armand Albert Rateau was one of France’s greatest Art Deco designers, creating everything from furniture to theatre interiors. Meredith Etherington-Smith … Continue reading

May 6, 2017 · 11 Comments

Superb. The importance of not being earnest.

Every year when the girls visit, they spoil us with the most wonderful things. Super-chic, super-stylish things that one buys in London. This year we got the Moët twin set, … Continue reading

August 17, 2016 · 24 Comments

Bedroom progress

The bedside chests are mirrored, art-deco style. The bedding is Christian Lacroix.  Lamps arrived- still waiting on the Tibetan rug. Haven’t decided which paintings go where. We also got a … Continue reading

October 2, 2015 · 18 Comments