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Coffee Style

As all my friends know, I love a good cup of coffee. Being a true “coffee achiever” I drink the high-impact brew morning, noon and night. But the drink is only part of the story.

Almost important as the caffeine-filled beverage is the ritual of its making, serving and consumption. In this day of drive-thru, every-other-street-corner purveyors of murky liquid in horrid paper – or even worse styrofoam – cups the art and style of serving coffee is often lost.

This was not always the case. Take for example the fine specimens of mid-mod design in the following photos.


MOD Op-Art Design Coffee Set – Circa 1960’s


After Dinner Coffee Set by Schmid – Designer: LaGardo Tackett – Circa 1960’s


MOD Orange Coffee Cup Set – Made in Japan – Circa 1960’s


Pyrex Coffee Mug Set – Circa 1960’s

With these classic vessels you can have a great cup of coffee while thumbing your nose at the disposable-oriented 21st Century culture and exert your own sense of style. Find a set for yourself then sit down, relax and enjoy.

Each of the sets shown here are currently available at The Purple Moon. Stop by and see us – the coffee is ready.

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New Arrival – Heywood Wakefield Crescendo Bedroom Suite 1939-40


Heywood-Wakefield Crescendo Group in Champagne – Designed by Count Alexis de Sahknoffsky – 1939-40

Just in at The Purple Moon is this fabulous bedroom suite from Heywood-Wakefield’s Crescendo Line. These pieces were designed by industrial designer Count alexis de Sahknoffsky, a Russian immigrant who is known principally for his Streamline-style automotive designs, and were only made in the 1939-40 production year.

This solid birch set, with the original Champagne finish, includes:
C3554 Vanity
C3557 Vanity Seat
C3558 Night Stand
C3552 Five-Drawer Chest
C3550 Bed Head & Foot Board (2)


Count Alexis de Sahknoffsky’s Influence Solidified Heywood-Wakefield Emphasis on Streamlined-Modern Design.


The Crescendo Line was made only in 1939-40 Production Year.


Heywood-Wakefield C3558 Night Stand , C3552 Five-Drawer Chest and Pair of C3550 Bed Head & Foot Boards (in back).


Heywood-Wakefield C3554 Vanity, C3557 Vanity Seat and C3558 Night Stand


The Champagne Finish on Solid Birch Simply Glows!

This set is just in at The Purple Moon and can be seen in our main showroom.

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Robert E. Martens – United Carbon Man and Other Works 1938-1953

More than a decade after his death, The Purple Moon will be presenting a very rare offering of sculptures by Charleston artist and architect Robert E. Martens.

Robert E. Martens was born in Illinois in 1919 but lived most of his life in Charleston, West Virginia. Martens studied architecture at Yale University and at the Cranbrook Academy of Art under Eliel Saarinen. Martens went to work for the Charleston firm of Martens and Son Architects with his father, Walter Frederick Martens, who designed several local landmarks, including the Governor’s Mansion.

In his career, the younger Martens designed such buildings as the United Carbon Building, the original portion of the Charleston Civic Center and Alderson-Broaddus College.

His work on the United Carbon Building (now Boulevard Towers) created a landmark in Charleston where Robert Martens’ sculptures still grace the entry portico on Kanawha Boulevard – including From the Fullness of the Earth (United Carbon Man).

Martens joined his father’s firm specifically in connection with the United Carbon Building commission. At that time Robert was attending the famed Cranbrook Academy which was at the peak of its influence and creative energy. A model for the building was created by Robert at Cranbrook, under the supervision of Eliel and Eero Saarinen. The staff at Cranbrook was also involved in the design and production of furnishings for the building.

The show of Robert Martens’ sculptures at The Purple Moon from the Robert Price Collection presents works spanning the period of 1938 to 1953 and include a 1941 bronze bust of the United Carbon Man. There are also sculptures which appear to have last been shown in a one man show of the artists’ work in 1955 at Woodrum’s Department Store.

In addition to the sculptures by Martens, The Purple Moon will also present rare original photographs of the United Carbon Building by Internationally-acclaimed architectural photographer Jean St. Thomas. These photographs, taken just as the building was opened in 1941, offer a rare glimpse into the modern design sensibilities of the original interior and furnishings of this exceptional Charleston building.

The show opens with a reception at The Purple Moon on Thursday, September 17th as part of the Downtown Charleston ArtWalk from 5pm – 8pm. Music will be provided by Tofujitsu.

The Purple Moon is located at 906 Quarrier Street in Downtown Charleston and hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Generation Charleston to Celebrate Speakeasy Style

Generation Charleston is going back to the roaring twenties for the annual Generations Celebration. Saturday, September 26 at 8:00 p.m., Generation Charleston will transform the University of Charleston Rotunda into a 1920’s speakeasy.

“The Generations Celebration is an opportunity for anyone, of any generation, to celebrate all that makes Charleston a great place to live and work, ” said Special Events Co-Captain Rachelle Beckner. “For the members of Generation Charleston – who have worked hard all year on community service projects, professional development, and promoting downtown living – it’s a time to let our hair down and enjoy our successes for the year.”

Once inside the speakeasy, guests will enjoy food, drinks and entertainment, and a “backroom” card game awaits those who can recite the speakeasy password (printed on tickets).

The 1920’s, more than another other decade, define 20th century America. Best known for prohibition, the rise of jazz, and the flapper, the 1920’s were a time of entertainment. To make the night an authentic 20’s entertainment experience, Generation Charleston will show a silent film during the event and play traditional 20’s music throughout the night. And it doesn’t stop there. Generation Charleston will offer swing dance lessons and then give guests a chance to show off their best 20’s dance moves in the swing dance contest.

Guests should don their finest 1920’s attire. Generation Charleston will award the best costume a $50 Capitol Market gift certificate.

Tickets are $25 each and are available on-line through the Charleston Area Alliance website at www.charlestonareaalliance.org. Don’t miss out on this event. It’s sure to be the cat’s meow!

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New Arrival: Quarrier Diner by David Riffle


Quarrier Diner – Mixed Media – 30″ x 23″ – David Riffle – 2007

The Purple Moon is pleased to announce the arrival of David Riffle’s Quarrier Diner to our gallery in downtown Charleston.

This 2007 mixed media work, which portrays one of Charleston’s most well-known landmarks, is being made available through a special arrangement with the local collector who acquired the piece from Riffle’s show at The Art Store in October 2007.

David Riffle is one of West Virginia’s most unique artists and his three dimensional works, like this one, create images that don’t simply jump off the page – they leap off and into the mind of the viewer. Often nostalgic – sometimes quirky – Riffle’s art always speaks to life in West Virginia.

Often with a surprise or two (or three) Riffle’s work contains reflections of his life – as the newspaper box in Quarrier Diner which features images of his wife and daughter on the front page of the paper.

This piece is made all the more important as the actual Quarrier Diner’s future currently hangs in the balance. This art deco-facade building has sat idle for several years now. Once a bustling lunchtime hotspot, the building now sits deteriorating and we could likely see the Quarrier Diner’s demise if it does not receive the attention it deserves as one of downtown Charleston’s true gems in the very near future.

David Riffle’s Quarrier Diner can currently be seen in The Purple Moon’s main gallery at 906 Quarrier Street. Hours are Tuesday – Friday 11am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 4pm or other times by appointment.

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Blenko West Virginia Birthday Pieces – 1984 & 1985


1984 Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece – #12 of 121

Blenko Glass first issued their West Virginia Birthday commemorative pieces in 1980 producing one piece for each year of statehood. Since then, each year on June 20th, collectors from throughout the country have made the annual pilgrimage to West Virginia to try to obtain one of these limited edition masterpieces.

I’ve had two of these pieces before – for the years 1995 and, most recently, 2000. This past week I acquired the two shown here and these 1984 and 1985 pieces are now available for sale at The Purple Moon. These pieces were designed by Don Shepherd and signed by him (DS) and each is also signed by William Blenko and marked for the year and the issuance number in the limited edition.

While the modern lady and I have an extensive personal Blenko collection we largely focus on Blenko pieces produced prior to 1963 and decided not to keep the West Virginia pieces we are able to locate and acquire.


1985 Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece – #69 of 122

These pieces are rarely available for sale and we are proud to be able to offer them at this time.

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Popsies from Pride Creations – 1960’s


Popsies by Pride Creations – circa 1965

These fabulous figurines were produced in Japan for Pride Creations beginning in 1963.  With a host of different characters – each with a generally sarcastic message which “popped” out of their heads when they were pushed down – these little guys were gone by the end of the decade.

I located these two beauties today in the mountains of West Virginia. While sightings are rare, they do occur, and are always welcome when they do. Keep your eyes peeled and maybe you can get a glimpse of one yourself.


Smoker Popsie


Devil Popsie

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Closed Due to Death in Family

The Purple Moon will be closed from Monday, June 22nd through Wednesday, June 24th due to a death in the family. We will resume regular business hours on Thursday, June 25th and be open that evening for ArtWalk.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to the many who have contacted us during this difficult time.

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Cool Art Find of the Week!


Nude – John. C. Lytle – Watercolor – circa 1960’s


Seated Nude – John. C. Lytle – Watercolor – circa 1960’s

Found these two watercolor nudes while searching the countryside earlier today.  We don’t run across many nudes in our area and these two are exceptional.

Both are now on display at The Purple Moon.

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