Post Script: More about Carousels of Paris and my other books here - https://kayewilkinsonbarley.com/books/
More here -
and here
Sometimes I do.
Mostly though, I just call it a birthday gift because it might cost a little more than I would normally spend on something for myself.
Some little luxury that I can rationalize a hundred different ways.
I dd treat myself to a little birthday "to me, from me" gift this year. I'll be turning 71 next week and my gift arrived today.
want to see it?!
it's beautiful!
But first you get the story that goes with it.
I am, and have always been, a lover of carousels.
Beginning with the old Trimper's carousel on The Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland.
I fell in love with it when I was a little girl, and love it every bit as much now as a big girl.
Then, in my 60s, I had my first visit to Paris.
And, I fell in love with the carousels in Paris.
Donald and I have spent a lot of time during two trips taking pictures of some of these carousels,
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| Trocadero |
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| Bercy Park |
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Bercy Park |
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| Luxembourg Gardens |
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| Tuileries Garden |
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| Eiffel Tower |
and, many in the Musée des Arts Forains
Falling in love with Paris means falling in love with ALL things Paris, including the monuments, the cafes, the shops, the parks and the history of each of them.
As it happens, I also fell in love with Hermès scarves which are out of my price range. Some of them, in my opinion, ridiculously so.
I looked at some vintage designer scarves at a Parisian flea market/brocante and alas, no bargains to be found there, for sure.
But, during all this looking, I happened across a particular scarf that I fell head over heels in love with.
I'm a person who loves research. Going into a research rabbit hole is one of my favorite things.
The Hermès rabbit hole is full of fun things.
There are several Hermès scarf artists, and many of the scarves have their own story to tell, representing everything from the original equestrian theme to French history and cultural themes, each scarf with a title all its own.
(Warning! Beware of fakes! https://eluxemagazine.com/fashion/how-to-spot-a-fake-hermes-scarf/ but remember, not ALL Hermes scarves are signed by the artist - https://carredeparis.me/2019/06/27/are-all-hermes-scarves-signed/ )
After a couple of years of searching on-line at used clothing and accessory shops and auctions, including Etsy and Ebay, I finally spotted one at Poshmark and joined its "watch list." It was priced a bit lower than many I'd seen. One reason for the lower price is that the iconic orange Hermès box was not included. Believe it or not, that means a great deal to a great deal of people. Not to me.
After several months, the price went down, as did the shipping price.
I kept watching.
It went down again.
Not willing to try my luck any further, I sent in a counter-offer which was accepted.
Yay!!
And here it is - Happy Birthday to me!
Title: Les Clefs du Notre Enfance (The Keys of Our Childhood)
"The child is father to the man" is a way of saying that the adult's personality is shaped by childhood experiences. Like Orsan Welles' Citizen Kane, who in his final breath called out for a childhood treasure, we are ail haunted by happy ghosts from the farthest reaches of our past. Whether it be a miniature tram, an English hydroplane or a rocking horse, toys are truly the "keys to our childhood'.
Artist: Loic Dubigeon
Year(s) of issue: 1991/92
Measurements: Approx. 35" x 35" (90cm x 90cm)
Material: 100% Silk twill
Wishes do come true!
These photos don't begin to do it justice.
you can see more Loic Dubigeon's Hermes carres (squares) here: https://carredeparis.com/collections/loic-dubigeon
Dubigeon resided in the commune of Derchigny, in the Domaine de Wargemont, a residence once inhabited by the famed Pierre-Auguste Renoir in the late 19th century. His paintings and lithographs were frequently exhibited, especially at the Galerie d’Ophir in Eure.
The Dieppe Museum owns four of Dubigeon’s works, including “Car Ferry” and “Falaise à Berneval,” both oil on canvas, and two watercolor maquettes used to create postage stamps. His artworks are occasionally posthumously sold at the renowned Drouot auction house in Paris.
Sadly, the world lost this visionary artist on January 27, 2001, in Hennebont. Yet, Loïc Dubigeon‘s legacy endures in his paintings, illustrations, and of course, his timeless designs for Hermès, each piece continuing to captivate and inspire generations of art and fashion enthusiasts.
And, there's a pinterest page - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/549720698239392051/?lp=true
If you're able to find one, it was produced in different color ways
Post Script: More about Carousels of Paris and my other books here - https://kayewilkinsonbarley.com/books/If you're able to find one, it was produced in different color ways
Note: A helpful way to help you authenticate your Hermes scarf:
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