We
are finally unpacking dozens of boxes stored for two years, the household goods
we neatly wrapped when we sold our home in Italy, which have been languishing
in the barn waiting for at least one house to be completed.
It
is a joy to open each box and find long-hidden objects, some family heirlooms
but mostly ‘finds’ from flea markets of yore. Peeling away bubble wrap and
newspaper brings back the thrill of first discovery, usually made in one of the
various monthly mercatini of Umbria,
as well as brocantes and vide-greniers we visited during past
holidays in France.
Our
collection of samplers, for instance, includes a number of old Italian and
French examples as well as several from England and America that we picked up
on visits to the UK and USA. We look for ones with names and dates
(unfortunately, not always present) and are especially delighted to find a
piece with an obvious error – where the poor stitcher ran out of space for that
final ‘z’, or had to cram words to fit a line.
Treasured
kitchen items are also reappearing: casseroles with lids shaped like pheasants,
chickens, and ducks; teapots, pots & pans, canisters, candlesticks, scales and
the like, in ceramic, silver, brass, and copper.
Then
there are the watercolors, prints, engravings, miniatures, and occasional oils
that comprise our modest art collection – nothing exceptional, yet pieces that
attracted our eye initially and that continue to please. Francesco is an ace at
grouping and arranging them, and it has been great fun to help him do so.
We
are amazed at how much we were able to buy and stuff into our Umbrian home in
such a short space of time. Just as well that we now have two houses to
furnish!
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