It was my birthday. I am superstitious about them, childishly so. If they aren’t slam-dunk amazing does that mean that I will be doomed to a year ahead of offness? So it was with a nearing whininess that I wandered through the crowded streets of high season Uzes, a town that I usually adore, after a late and frankly so-so lunch with my honey on the Place des Herbes. I held his hand tighter when I saw that the shop that we had come here to visit was closed for Monday. Things were not going according to plan.
But then Remi made a swift turn and entered into a boutique that I had never seen before. If I have learned anything after living nearly thirteen years with this handsome photographer, it is that the man has pif, he has instinct. Where he goes, I will follow or regret it later.
Those of you that have been reading for any length of time know that I am fascinated by patina. I don’t just find it “pretty” or “fashionable” I also find it…quite meaningful. So perhaps you can imagine my inner leap of joy upon discovering that I was in the Ali Baba Cavern of Yee Olde Beautiful Things. And it is run by a wonderful curator.
Bénédicte Leuwers-Mohr was previously a fashion editor for various European magazines before turning towards l’art de la décoration and we were in immediate agreement on the importance of both respecting creative rights and that of taking time to do things well. I saw first hand how her shaped eye had lead her to make such pieces as a giant suspension lamp built around a vintage industrial flour shifter or folding chairs recovered in fabric that bread had been baked in. Inventive, textural, grounded and quietly stunning. My heart went pit a pat.
She also showcases some of the bright lights of the region – literally in the case of the work of Vox Populi, a personal favorite – and beyond, including the most sumptuous cashmere and yak (yak!) blankets that I have ever seen, which were handmade by a pair of brothers in Nepal.
I believe that I have found a new favorite antiques store in Provence. That Bénédicte is such an interesting host only makes the visit all the more worthwhile. It was a birthday gift for the eyes, one to delight a certain aesthetic and longing for the past, all while opening the door to confidently looking towards the year ahead.
I will take everything, please.
Have a wonderful time, Lyn! There is another boutique that is not antiques but contemporary objects called Les Affaires Etrangeres that you might enjoy too.
If you get this, you might want to try Les filles des vignes or Le comptoir du 7 for lunch. 🙂
My girlfriends and I are in Uzes and going antiquing tomorrow. Thanks for the tip, we'll go there first thing!–Lynn at Southern Fried French
How wonderful that you are a leo! My friend Romy and her family lived in Uzes last year to have a break from Australia and loved it! x
Sister! You know as well as I that we need…nada! We don't have room for what we already have. But oh how I loved it. And thanks for the compliment but these photos were truly taken in two seconds…it was my bday after all. 🙂
I am so glad that you have it too Loree! And trust me, in Provence, a bread bowl that big would be a pricey collector's item.
Just read this now – OMG!!!! Whoa – is this place YOU or what??? I can see how you want (must have) everything in this store: the quilt, room-divider/screen, desk??? Patina everywhere? Bee-yoo-tee-ful!!!! Is everything tres expensive? Otherwise, methinks it's time to splurge there! Lovely stuff, and lovely photos (by my lovely sister).
That big, bowl-like structure in the third photo reminds me of something similar that my great-grandma used to use to make the dough for the daily bread. It's quite a huge piece and it is now on top of the well in my yard, filled with plants. It was too big to put anywhere else but I am so glad to have it. It looks like you've discovered a wonderful antiques store in Uzes,
You are absolutely right R and it is a comment that touches me more than you know…merci…I know what an amazing man I have in my life! 🙂