what i have in common with joan rivers’ kitchen
I learned I have something in common with Joan Rivers — who knew? — when The New York Times shared photos of her Connecticut estate. Love or hate the rest of her kitchen, the pewter stopped me in my tracks. Chargers, porridgers, teapots, and candlesticks stretch up to the ceiling, all covered in an enviable (and usually pricey) patina. Luckily, however, not all old pewter is pricey. I scored five early-19th-century Welsh pewter measuring gills not unlike this one on eBay UK for under $50 with shipping. (Gills were used in taverns to measure alcohol. Mine are heavily patinated and, from the dents and soldering, look like they were used to break up a tavern fight or two.) And pewter candlesticks and small bowls are still easy to find for decent prices at tag and estate sales, on eBay, or at antique stores. — Sarah L.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:17 am
What could you hate about her kitchen?
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:52 am
Not enough counter space (at least not shown in the photo) for me and all my devices.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:49 am
I actually don’t hate it at all. Not 100% in love with it, but beyond my pewter obsession, I love that the space wasn’t styled before the photographer came. It looks lived in — right down to the towel under the dog bowl : )
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:20 am
I’m kind of surprised this is her kitchen, she’s so loud and this space is quite traditional! Who knew!
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:31 am
I always figure that most celebrities never design it and they *certainly* don’t ever have to clean it!
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
It’s interesting that Americans value pewter with patina, I know that the British polish their pewter. My sister is an expert on Liberty and Arts & Crafts pewter, and it’s generally given a mirror polish if you can afford it (the polish is usually done professionally.) Maybe that’s why you scored your Welsh pewter.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Pencils, I never knew that! That explains why I often see such a price disparity, I guess. My MIL would love if I went the British way with pewter. The first time she was with me when I bought a piece of pewter, she said it would look great once it was polished. That she was only slightly horrified that I didn’t plan on it is one of the many reasons I love her : )
February 6th, 2010 at 5:39 am
I hate that she has giant gothic portraits up that have nothing to do with a kitchen theme, but I love the glass paned cabinets.