Sconces are my current obsession. I always notice them when they are in a magazine photo, and I have a whole file full of photos that feature sconces. I think this fixation began when I started watching the TV show 'Gossip Girl' (one of my guilty pleasures). Gossip Girl features the lives of a group of ultra-privileged, ultra-spoiled teenagers on the Upper East Side of NYC. Yes, the plots of often juvenile, but the sets....oh, the sets are magnificent. In particular, I love the home of Blair. Well, specifically, I love the sconces in the home of Blair. I have tried to find out who makes these sconces, and have had no luck. Here are some pictures:
They are a bit hard to see, but it looks like they are gilded with a thin arm, and three lights. These sconces are all over Blair's apartment. I love the look; they are delicate and beautiful, not too modern, but not too traditional either. I wonder if I am the only one noticing the sconces on Gossip Girl? I am sure that the typical viewer is oblivious to these details.
I have not even really found anything close. These vintage sconces, found on 1st Dibs, have a similar look and feel:
They are attributed to Michael Taylor, circa 1970s. Sold by Antique & Art Exchange on 1st Dibs.
Here is one one that has a different kind of vibe to it, yet I like it. Urban Archaeology's Ruhlmann double arm sconce.
The Normandy sconce, sold through Circa Lighting, also has the feel. Unfortunately, they do not have a gilded finish. They only come in bronze, antique nickel, and antique brass. Is it possible to buy something and have it replated? Or, does gilded gold only work on wood? Anyone know?
But, more importantly, does anyone recognize the Gossip Girl sconces?
UPDATE:
thanks for posting those screen caps, inspire. after your comment on my blog, i was ready to watch every episode until i saw those sconces! unfortunately i don't know who made the sconces in question- the urban electric co. has a similar in feeling sconce, but it is only one light.
ReplyDeleteand yes, metal can be gilded just as easily as wood. reborn antiques here in los angeles could recreate the sconces for you, but of course it would be easier (and probably less expensive) to find the original source.
good luck to you in your search, and i'll keep my eyes peeled for you as well!
I just remembered, Urban Archaelogy has a cool sconce that has this feel. I am going to edit my post.
ReplyDeleteWill check out urban electric's site.
Thanks! I am sure there is a place in Atlanta that gilds...must look into this.
I love those sconces. Hope you are able to find something similar to them!
ReplyDeleteI loooooove that you have a Gossip Girl category! Who knew that it had such great set design?!
ReplyDeleteI need to do a post on Dirty Sexy Money too...more adult, and the set design is the absolute best on TV! Hmmm...maybe I will do a post on the fabric on the chairs and in the drapes of the Darling mansion!
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous! And I'm sure you're not the only one to have noticed them...I also love the Ruhlmann style scones from Urban Archaeology, but my current faves are a few from http://www.jeandemerry.com/ - they have just the right blend of classic and modern for me.
ReplyDeleteThese sconces are so sculptural in feeling. I don't see why you could not have a bronze finish re-done. I agree that the gilded version feels more 'today'.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know someone else out there is addicted to this show!
Oh great. Thanks. You've succeeded in driving me mad and distracting me from work for the last hour. These look so so familiar! I thought maybe Barbara Barry for Kohler, but no and now I'm trawling site after site, a woman on a mission. If somebody else finds them first I'll be simultaneously relieved and furious!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jane! I am wondering whether they were custom made. They seem like such a simple design! I am embarassed to admit that I even e-mailed the CW, but it was the general mailbox. I looked on IMDB, and I found the name of the series art director (Malchus Janocko) and set design (Christina K. Tonkin), but I can't find any contact info. I found a phone number for Chistina Tonkin Interiors, but I would never call someone and ask this!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! They're beautiful -- and I do hope you find them before you drive yourself crazy!!
ReplyDeleteI am almost positive that Circa can have them made for you in a custom finish.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I, too, am obsessed with Gossip Girl!
So, I've still be searching for your sconce. Switched tactics to look at antique sources. Jean Royere lighting seems close e.g. http://www.henrymausantiques.com/data/storage/attachments/11971453463262.jpg
ReplyDeleteBut, I still haven't found an exact match and prices are starting to get ludicrous. This is fun though! I'm finding some great stuff. Turns out the asymmetrical 3-light sconce is quite an unusual object so it's a bit of a treasure hunt.
PS - I've seen plenty more of the Normandy sconce in your blog entry - it does come in the gilded finish elsewhere...
I came across some sconces from Vaughan desings today that you might like. They are on the fourth row. Let me know if you like them. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.vaughandesigns.com/site/category.cfm?category=56&parent=1%2C6
I have the information you seek. I am Christina Tonkin the set decorator on Gossip Girl.I had the sconces and chandelier in the Waldorf penthouse custom made by Lighting Craftsman in NYC..212-966-4474 and the sconce shades were made by Broome lampshade..212-431-9666..if you replicate them just be aware of scale..good luck and thanks for watching..xoxo
ReplyDeleteWOW! I am so excited that you posted! I tried to track your e-mail down, left a message with the CW, to no avail. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI would love to find out what material you had the sconce shades made out of. Were they vellum, parchment, or silk?
Thank you VERY much for the information. The set design on Gossip Girl is outstanding, particularly the Waldorf apartment. Blair's bedroom (both incarnations, because it was decorated differently earlier in the show) is amazing.
Christina, if you are still reading, do you know the dimensions of the sconces that you designed for the Waldorf apt? I was guessing 12" wide, 24" high. Would also love the dimensions of the shades. Perhaps if I call your sources they will know what I am talking about. Thank you - I am so happy right now, you would not believe it.
ReplyDeletethank you...regarding the sconce shades..we had them done in parchment, however due to the length they started peeling at the seam. i will redo them in silk when we resume production. i do not have the scale available right now but will return to work march sixth and would be happy to post it then..best wishes..xoxo
ReplyDeleteMs. Tonkin, I just wanted to say that I love the way you designed the set of Gossip Girl, especially Blair's room. I have also been trying to track down something from the set, but to no avail. I absolutely love the blue and pink silk bedding that Blair has. It works so well with the room adding a touch of femininity while still looking modern and sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteplease tell me where i can find the wallpaper that blair has in the first season of gossip girl. I love everything about that room and would also love to know where and if i can get hold of the audrey hepburn photo that she has on her wall. would appreciate some answers
ReplyDeletewe have changed blair's wallpaper a few times. can you describe it to me and i will be happy to help. the audrey hepburn photo was purchased from either Corbis or Getty images. they are both royalty free image websites..you purchase the image for a fee and they send you a digital file...
ReplyDeleteblair's bedding is from an LA based company called kumi kookoon..the tone of the duvet is more of a salmon mauve than pink..it reads differently on camera..be sure to request swatches before you order..thanks for watching..xoxo
i just realized i never posted sizes on the waldorf sconces..so sorry....stay tuned
ReplyDeletexoxo
Wow, exciting that this post is becoming the 'go to' place for questions to the set designer of Gossip Girl!
ReplyDeleteI pay such close attention to the sets when watching the show, and will admit to sometimes freezing the show on TiVo so I can admire some detail. Last week, I was studying the bench in the front hall of the Waldorf apartment, and how beautiful it looked with contemporary art above.
WALDORF SCONCES
ReplyDeleteback plate: 4" diam
center arm:17"
right arm:5"
left arm:7"
SILK SCONCE SHADES
height: 6"
diam at top: 3"
diam at bottom: 4"
xoxo..christina
Hi. I too have a design question about the Gossip Girl set. There are a couple paintings hanging in the Waldorf foyer. They are dark landscapes maybe 24 inches square. Can you tell me who the artist is?
ReplyDeleteThe two pieces of art you are referring to are custom.In addition to my work on GG I have my own interior design company in NYC. ChristinaTonkinInteriors.com... my website is down and under construction at the moment,however, should be up and running in about two weeks.There is a page dedicated to my work as an art consultant. Something I do for my private clients and probably the most rewarding part of my job. Contact me through the site and I can put you in touch with the artist. xoxo..Christina
ReplyDeleteTo gossipdesign (if you'll see this and are still reading this blog):
ReplyDeleteI love Gossip Girl and on
tonight's episode I noticed that in Blair's bedroom, she had a large picture (painting?) of what I would (do) guess is Marie Antoinette. If you could tell me where to find this or one like this, I would GREATLY!! appreciate it. xoxo Brianna
brianna
ReplyDeletewhat you saw was a wall mural .... based on a portrait of marie antoinette we found in a book. it is a custom piece made specifically for the show by one of our scenic artists. good luck...
oh, ok. The scenic artist did a great job though! Thank you for the information.
ReplyDeleteGossip Girl - if you are still checking this blog - I love the show and really love the wallpaper used in the Waldorf apartment's foyer (going up the stairs). Can you give me the name/make of it? Thanks! BTW - I also love the Romo Kiku wallpaper in Blair's bedroom - I have the same paper in our bedroom and LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteSorry - I meant the Romo Kiku paper in Serena's (not Blair's) bedroom - it's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThe wall covering in the hallway is from Osborne and Little. We love using their papers on the sets because they have classic designs in a modern scale.We were asked to break up the large expanse of wall in the hallway for camera reasons. The production designer and I decided this paper was a good solution.. ..keep watching..xoxo
ReplyDeletechristina
Thank-you!
ReplyDeleteHello
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to find out the "chair" of Bart Bass in his office. (Gossip Girl)
My friend is decorating a new house and Ive just realized he has his eyes on that chair.
any help?
Gossip design: Thank-you for the tip on the Waldorf foyer wallpaper - I am actually looking for the wallpaper in the foyer but the one that runs up the stairs (the repeating flowers)...is it Romo? I've looked everywhere for it and love it's classic elegance. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI will prefer the first one for my wall lighting because its classic.
ReplyDeleteI Buy Lights
Hi there!! I'm wondering if anyone has an idea of where I can find Serenas headboard fabric. I am obsessed with the design !!!
ReplyDeleteHello! I don't know if you are still reading this, but I am searching the internet desperately trying to find a screenshot of the blue Marie Antoinette mural/painting in Blair's room.
ReplyDeleteI can't find ANYTHING about it except the comment on this blog! I don't remember which episode it is, but the walls are painted blue, and the mural/painting has the same blue background... I remember loving the whole concept, but I really want to find a still of this image.
Any suggestions?
Hi! I also wanted to know where Serena's headboard fabric is from. I think I've been looking for it since I've first seen it!
ReplyDeleteAnd Christina, thank you so much for all the information! You did a great job on either Sex and the City, and of course Gossip Girl!
serenas room fabric headboard was made from a Romo fabric.. 979 Third Ave,, NY NY
ReplyDeletepattern: mimi -rice paper.. 7191/04 to the trade only
xoxo christina
Thanks! But I don't think it's the exact one...
ReplyDeletethough it is pretty similar, so thank you :)
xoxo Julie
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you are reading this anymore but I thought I would try anyway. I love the set designs for gossip girl you do such a great job! Is it possible that the fabric you meant was Romo's mimi alette rice paper 7193/04 for Serena's headboard? That is the closest I could find to what I have seen in pictures. The fabric for Serena's wall covering with the Marilyn Minter over part of it appears to be Romo's mimi in Cardamon 7191/02. Is this correct? Thanks so much for taking the time to answer questions!
xoxo Kelsey
Hello,
ReplyDeleteIts been a while since anyone has written anything on here but I was just wondering what the metallic is behind Blair's bed. I would love to do something like that to my room but have no idea how to go about it! If anyone knows what was used on the set in her room please let me know! Thank you :)
dear christina,
ReplyDeleteI'm the biggest fan of gossip girl especially of blair waldorf.I love her room and equipment and the way you equipped it.It would be so great if you would say me where you bought the bed, the tall mirror, the study desk, the chaise, the makeup stand, the coat stand, the bench on the end of the bed, the little padded chair beside the bed and the bench settee in the front hall .It's very much but I would be so greatful.
nice wishes V
Dear Christina,
ReplyDeleteI also love the set design of gossip girl!It's so great!My favourite penthouse is the one of the waldorf's.I love the hole equipment.I absolutely adore the white settee in the foyer, it's so great.I just love it.It would be so great of you if you could say me where you bought it.You would satisfy my biggest wish!(if you read this blog anymore) :)
HI! I am hoping someone could tell me the Wallpaper pattern used in Blair Waldorf's Dining room? I know it is Osbourne & Little but I can't find the patten name.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
I found one that's quite similiar to Serena's! It's Colombina by Osborne + Little!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteChristina if you're still reading - fantastic job on Gossip Girl, I love all the sets. Would love to know the paint color in Blair's bedroom - am redecorating my room and haven't been able to find as nice a blue.
thanks very much!
I was able to get into contact with Christina through her website. If anyone is wondering, the cream wallpaper with flowers that is next to the elevator & going up the stairs in the Waldorf apartment is a wallpaper by Osborne & Little, as is the pink wallpaper in Blair & Serena's bathroom & they are sold to the trade only . I don't know style names, but if you visit a seller who can order it they probably have a book with samples that you'd be able to find those styles in.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if anyone knows the paint color used in Blair's Bedroom. It's exquisite.
ReplyDelete