Pushkin’s Blog

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From Studio Tool to Sculptural Object: The History of Lay Figures

Lay figure mannequins were once practical studio tools. Today, the best surviving examples read just as clearly as sculpture. Used by artists, sculptors, tailors and academies, these articulated wooden figures helped with the study of anatomy, proportion, drapery and movement.

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Sebastian Crespell II's Masterpiece Samovar

There is a particular hush that falls over a room when a piece of genuinely old, genuinely heavy silver is set down on the table. It is not reverence, but more a recognition that the object has outlived everyone who first admired it, and intends to outlive the rest of us too. Such is the case with a remarkable solid silver hot water kettle, also known as a samovar, hallmarked London, 1837, from the workshop of Sebastian Crespell II.

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Pushkin’s at London’s Treasure House Fair: A Curated World

Pushkin's recently visited the Treasure House Fair at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and what makes it stand out is how much it broadens the idea of an art fair. Rather than focusing on one corner of the market, it brings together art, antiques and design in a way that feels varied, clear and well judged. Around 70 international dealers take part, with each object independently vetted, so the fair has the polish of a major event without feeling overblown.

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Pushkin's Bespoke Luxury Trunks: Custom Humidors, Bars, Watch Boxes & Statement Pieces

Pushkin's has developed a remarkable ability to take heritage trunks and reimagine them as entirely new luxury pieces. The team creates bespoke designs tailored to the lifestyle, taste, and collecting passions of each client. The result is a category of luxury that feels deeply individual: objects with history, transformed through creativity into something entirely original.

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Horatio Nelson: The Hero Remembered in a Ring

History often preserves great men in the biggest possible ways - towering statues, grand portraits, and victories that reshape nations. But sometimes the most moving reminder of a life comes in miniature. In this case, it is a mourning ring: small enough to sit in the palm of a hand, yet large enough to carry the memory of one of Britain's most famous naval commanders, Admiral Lord Nelson.

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Annie Leibovitz and the SUMO Edition: Photography at Monumental Scale

Annie Leibovitz has defined contemporary portrait photography for over fifty years, from her early work at Rolling Stonein the 1970s through later commissions for Vanity Fair and Vogue. Her images are carefully constructed portraits that go beyond documentation, often combining character, setting and narrative in a single frame.

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The BOAC Speedbird Constellation G-AHEL “Bangor II”

Few aircraft represent the golden age of air travel quite like the Lockheed Constellation. With its elegant curved fuselage, polished metal body and distinctive triple-tail design, the aircraft became one of the most recognisable airliners of the post-war period.

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License to Design: The Visual Legacy of Bond Posters

Across more than six decades, the artwork surrounding James Bond films has become some of the most recognisable imagery in cinema history. Long before audiences entered the theatre, these designs established the mood of each release through style, drama and spectacle.

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Kutch: Indian Silver

Kutch work, a traditional silversmithing craft from the Kutch region, flourished in Bhuj City, which housed around 30–40 workshops and 150–200 skilled artisans devoted to this art. Kansara Pole in Bhuj City became famous as a centre where silversmiths specialised in Kutch work. This craft was practised across various communities.

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Ayrton Senna: Two Defining Commemorative Pieces

Ayrton Senna (1960–1994) won three Formula One World Championships in 1988, 1990 and 1991 with McLaren. Over 161 Grands Prix, he secured 41 wins and 65 pole positions, setting new standards in qualifying performance and wet-weather driving. In 1994, Senna joined Williams, partnering with Renault engines in what many expected to be the dominant combination of the decade. He was widely considered a favourite for a fourth world title. His fatal accident at the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola ended that prospect and marked a turning point for Formula One, prompting major safety reforms.

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Scottish Silver: Table Snuff Mulls and Their Unique Designs

Scottish silver has long been admired for its skill and imagination, and among its most striking objects are table snuff mulls. Unlike the small portable versions carried by individuals, these were designed to sit on a table, often in a gentleman’s study, and to be used and admired as much for their appearance as for their function.

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Hollywood Regency: Luxe Style

Hollywood Regency, sometimes called Regency Moderne, is a style that makes an immediate impact. Emerging during Hollywood’s Golden Era between the 1920s and 1950s, it is defined by glamour, clean lines and rich finishes. Mirrored surfaces, polished metals and lacquered details are common features, bringing a sense of sophistication while still keeping a playful edge.

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Pushkin’s presents The Burmese Noble Silver Collection

Pushkin’s is proud to present The Noble Silver Collection; the most extensive and meticulously documented private collection of Burmese silver work in existence.

This blog is dedicated to exploring the visual language and cultural significance of these exceptional works. Spanning the full breadth of Burma’s Silver Age, the collection highlights the extraordinary craftsmanship of 19th and early 20th Century Burmese silversmiths, with a particular emphasis on ceremonial offering bowls adorned with detailed Buddhist iconography.

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Alexander in America: Reflections from the Birmingham Museum of Art - Silver & Ceremony: South Asia, 1830–1900

This summer marked an especially meaningful journey for me as I travelled to Birmingham, Alabama, to attend the opening of Silver & Ceremony: South Asia, 1830–1900 at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

As I walked through the beautifully curated exhibition space, I was filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude; not only for the opportunity to witness it in person, but also for the major role I played in bringing this extraordinary collection of Harish K. Patel to life.

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Leaf Motifs and Brass Glamour: Inside the World of Tommaso Barbi

Tommaso Barbi was a designer who blurred the line between function and artistry. Emerging in the 1960s and thriving through the 1970s and 80s, Barbi became known for his striking creations that elevated everyday objects into bold, sculptural statements. From his luxurious lamps to his decorative furniture, Barbi’s work captured the glamour and individuality of Italian design during a time when style and innovation were at their peak.

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Pushkin’s at the Dubai International Boat Show 2025

The Dubai International Boat Show stands as one of the world’s premier marine events, attracting yachting enthusiasts, industry leaders, and luxury connoisseurs from across the globe. Hosted at the Dubai Harbour, the 2025 edition has once again showcased an extraordinary selection of superyachts, cutting-edge marine technology, and high-end lifestyle products, reaffirming its status as a key fixture in the global luxury calendar.

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From Vine to Vintage: The Artistry and Evolution of Wine

Wine's significance in cultures is rooted in two key factors: pleasure and ritual. Beyond social enjoyment, like drinking games and unique vessels such as the Spanish porrón, wine has long held spiritual meaning. In ancient times, fruit wine symbolised sacrifice, reverence, and a connection to the divine.

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