Pan American Health Organization Building

While on a recent road trip that meandered through our nation's great capital, we walked past this fantastic building while trying to get back to the car before our meter expired. It is the Pan American Health Organization building, the regional office for the World Health Organization in Washington D.C., tucked away on 23rd St.  N.W., a few steps away from the State Department, and a  block or so off the National Mall.



After returning home, I've learned that Uruguayan architect Roman Fresnedo Siri, known for his design of civic buildings throughout South America, won an international competition in 1961 to design the building. It was officially opened in 1965.

The exterior features 29 round bronze seals set in black stone, which represent the founding nations of the Pan American Health Organization. Each medallion is 2.5 feet in diameter and were designed by American sculptor Michael Lantz.



My favorite part of the structure though is the geometric screen that encases the entire building in true midcentury style.

All Things Midcentury

So, it's hard to believe this was my fourth year to attend the 20th Century Cincinnati modern show at the Sharonville Convention Center. Each year I've learned a few new things about attending this event, like get there early or you'll have to wait in a monstrous line, do at least two full tours around the floor or you might just miss something, and take advantage of the wisdom of the dealers to learn more about midcentury wares.

This year's Feb. 25-26 event was as good as ever, probably due to the expansion of the convention center space, which allowed for more elbow room and less lines at the door. The modern design of the new wing pays homage to the spirit of Cincinnati's deep-rooted modernism and seemed to elevate the event to a new level.

A collection of some fantastic midcentury classics

Beyond the mere $7 entrance fee, which is good for both days, I have never spent money at the show, but it doesn't mean I leave disappointed. Walking around for an hour or two is like walking through the pages of some of my favorite magazines. I consider it an education in all things midcentury from Bakelite jewelry to vintage Fiestaware, and from George Nelson clocks to the Eames molded plywood chairs. The highlight for me though was seeing an Eames rocker (not for sale) that supposedly belonged to one of my favorite artists, the late Charley Harper (see photo below), a native of Cincinnati.

Yellow Eames Fiberglass Chair

What else did I learn at this year's event? That I'm going to have to save up some big bucks if I ever want to purchase my beloved Eames lounge chair, but  I can get a knock-off for around $450.

As one dealer pointed out, collecting midcentury is an investment--you could put the money in a savings account with little interest gained, or buy a beautiful piece of well-made, iconic furniture you will not only be able to enjoy, but that will also appreciate in value year after year.

Here a few snapshots of some of my favorites from this year's show.

I was told this Eames rocker belonged to artist Charley Harper. It was sitting in the booth of the Charley Harper Estate.

Not everything at the show is classified as midcentury, like this cool industrial metal table above.

The show always has interesting artwork to choose from like this colorful print above.

Winter Window Shopping

Feather Your Nest on Leestown Road.

So, after a nine-month absence, including moving away and then back to the Bluegrass, I’m finally getting back to this blog….

A few weekends ago, a friend and I decided to do a Saturday morning tour of our favorite Lexington antique and second-hand furniture/thrift stores. We started our morning on Leestown Road at Feather Your Nest, then stopped over across the street at Pop’s Resale, and the Meadowthorpe Antique Mall. We then headed over to Winchester Road and stopped in at the Blue Grass Antique Market before our final destinations of Scout Antiques and Room Service on Liberty Road.

If you’re scouting for some mid-century finds like I always am, here’s a quick inventory of what we found on the circuit this February.

Very cool swivel chair for $65 at Feather Your Nest. Missing a cushion.

Mid-century lamp shade at Feather Your Nest.

Veneer side table

This 1950s aluminum kitchen table was one of the best deals of the day. Only $45 at Medowthorpe Antique Mall. It appeared to be in great condition, but did not come with any matching chairs. I wanted to scoop it up, but I have nowhere to put it!

Table's surface detail. Wouldn't you love to have this as a backdrop to your bowl of Fruit Loops every morning?

This appears to be an Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair with Wood Base, but when I picked it up, the seat fell off and I couldn't find any maker's marks or price tag. A brand new chair like this sells for nearly $800 from the Herman Miller Store. This chair was at the Blue Grass Antique Market on Winchester Road.

This Mid-century buffet at Blue Grass Antique Market looks as if it could belong to the Heywood-Wakefield family.

Vintage plastic light fixture would look great above an Eero Saarinen Tulip Table. (Blue Grass Antique Market)

Very cool chair at Scout Antiques would be great indoors or outdoors. Also note the concrete pods behind the chair in this picture.

Industrial tulip table at Scout Antiques.

This chair at Scout Antiques has a Harry Bertoia flair to it.

This bright pair of waiting chairs were waiting for someone to take them home at Room Service.

This completes the tour of Lexington's antique/furniture stores for February. If you are looking for something really fantastic, you should head up to Cincinnati next weekend, Feb. 25-26, for the 20th Century Modern Show. Lexington's Scout Antiques will be there among 50 or so other dealers from all over. I'll definitely be there!