Kyle Garner, interviewed here, has announced the launch of a new site for his Sit and Read Furniture. The shop specializes in mid-century wares, and Kyle is especially adept at new upholstery – just check the collaborative effort with New York clothier UNIS.

A selection of current small offerings continues after the jump.

I love this stuff!

Some quick museum news for today, www.gothicivories.courtauld.ac.uk is now online.

The site makes available the first 700 objects from a database that already numbers more than 3,000 ivories.  A detailed entry has been written for each piece and the vast majority are illustrated by high resolution color images, with multiple views. The project was launched in 2008 by the Courtauld Institute and covers ivory sculptures made in Western Europe ca. 1200-ca. 1530.

Looking for your next vacation spot?

Commissioned by Living Architecture, a group founded on the desire for people to experience the best in contemporary architecture, the “Balancing Barn” was recently completed and is set to open doors as a rental holiday home. The barn is located in Suffolk, the building was handled by Mole Architects with interior by Studio Makknik Bey. Conceptualized by MVRDV, the cantilevered building is designed to celebrate the local landscape.

Fancy a visit? Head to Living Architecture to learn how to make a holiday booking.

DesignBoom has the full story. More images after the jump.

Another solid art historical overview has released from Taschen, this time focused on sculpture.

As the name implies, Sculpture – From Antiquity to the Present Day compares eras and genres in an effort to promote a new approach to popular art history. The publication is formed by 2 volumes, bound together in a slip cover.

Select page views from Sculpture – From Antiquity to the Present Day after the jump.

This is a quality assessment of a Queen Anne side chair. Good primer for those getting into furniture… know your history.

The good folks at Cool Hunting have produced a duo of videos exploring the collector/dealer dynamic at Brimfield Antique Fair. As one of the United State’s biggest flea markets, Brimfield attracts a fair share of characters, some of whom shine in the above.

The collector impulse if focus of the second video, seen after the jump.

Alva Vanderbilt sold her impressive collection of some 300 objects of medieval and Renaissance treasures in 1927. For the first time since that year, all the pieces have been reunited in the collections original setting at Marble House in Newport, RI. Similar to the recent exhibition celebrating Strawberry Hill – this takes things a step further, once again employing the room designed to house the objects as the exhibition space.

Organized  by the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Gothic Art in the Gilded Age started life last year in Florida. The Summer session in Newport runs through October 31, 2010. Read the full story at The Bee.

Keno Auctions has launched the online catalogue for their May 1 to 2, 2010, inaugural sale. The 741 lots represent an eclectic mix. There’s a fair share of quality maritime art and a good selection of Federal furnishings. Add to that an array of ceramic goods and Chinese export as well.

The sale will take place in Stamford, CT over three sessions.

Some of my favorite pieces include lot 129 a set of three Pennsylvania cherry wood coffee grinders from the 19th-century, pictured above. The remainder of my picks follow.