modernica and la downtown modernism: super efficient shopping

I really do enjoy trolling online, retail and flea market venues for mid-century modern collectibles. So, if I may self-proclaim — I am becoming somewhat of an aficionado. with opinions. 

Like this chair? Absolutely beautiful laser cut plywood and pretty typical of what you uncover at Modernica's Downtown Modernism spring event. 

I went this year specifically looking for patio furniture. At last year's event, I realized that very good deals on refurbished vintage pieces were to be had.

Last year at this event, we acquired two of these chairs, without the foot stools in BRIGHT green. They are really comfortable in spite of their odd shape.

Look at this amazing bar, strung with tubing. Superdeduperty tempting.

Wire chairs are cool but not comfortable.

I kind of obsess on Eames but have yet to own any. I liked the weird light sculpture thing too. 

Nice set of Saarinen. Which I own one tiny piece of and display proudly in our bathroom. Frankly, I have been wanting another stool and one of those end tables. But I passed and kept my eye on the ball.

I am interspersing cards of dealers whenever available. Some of the vendors work the flea markets and have no cards, but others graciously accomdoated.

The Modern Era

This is the only place to go in Southern California when looking for a lamp.

Eames molded plywood! These chairs are my someday hit list. Very comfortable chairs both then and now. I would much rather get vintage than current day. I like the patina and the price break (half off or more), frankly.

foundatspaces.com 

Cool midcentury-modern ceiling fixture.

Pots. I love a good vintage pot.

Preway!!!! I have been stalking these on Craigslist and eBay for a few years. I have even discussed with my husband at length what color would be best and would we prefer, new Modfire (which I love), vintage Preway or a built-in patio fireplace.

And, I had my husband and his truck with me because I knew we were looking for a good deal on patio furniture.

Mock Pottery

Because I understand Preway condition and pricing and what "complete" means, and had husband pre-sold, this baby was mine. Instagram has patio pictures, but I promise more later.

This says Melinda Forster Urban Earthen ... but Google gave me nothing. 

I was incredibly interested in the brutalist nightstand, but had already blown my wad.

Badly recovered Saarinen. Poor thing.

And, the guy I was looking for.

CaliforniaFurnitureRestoration.com

This patio set really caught my eye. I did not love the bright turquoise / robins egg blue as much as the shape and weight, plus Brown Jordan to boot. So pretty. Brian Lee (pictured below) custom finishes many outdoor sets from the fifties, sixties and seventies.

We worked it out. Pictures to follow as well! He also had this orange set which quickly sold too.

These look kind of Adrian Pearsall, huh?

www.goodoldfurniture.tumblr.com/

Pretty, pretty Hey-Wake.

Another Adrian Persall? Yum Yum. Makes me want a bigger house.

And, super cool bar cart.

This dealer has no cards and is found in all the usual places including the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market.

This living room set is so utterly cool. And practical. None of the prices were crazy or ridiculous. Walk in with $300 cash, and walk out with something fabulous.

This looked for reals to me. I think these Sputnik Atomic light fixtures are wonderful. Wouldn't it look great over a bathtub or a dining room table?

This looks like Hey-Wake tiki furniture? I am no expert.

The smalls! These tables were manned by a mother/daughter combo. Lisa Cliff is the mom, who also sells jewelry. I bought something off of each table. Easy to guess what if you have been to this blog a time or two. I have a couple of well known soft spots.

We did a stop by the Modernica factory.

Their Fiberglass Madness color promotion is a good idea. I really like the calico chair from week 13.

Dog and husband ready to call it quits. I got quite a haul and was happy to have the muscle, the truck and the furry company (very dog friendly venue).

If you are local to Southern California, and love mid-century, keep an eye out for the Downtown Modernism show next year! The dealers, selection and truly competitive pricing are worth the trip.

Related posts

• Los Angeles Downtown Modernism 2013