Alley Cruising

The morning drive: ash pits, garage doors, and alley poetry.

My back yard:

Bond. Flemish Bond

I appreciate the details to this house on 39 Hartford with its original quarter sawn oak doors, the Flemish bond, and quoining:

Terra cotta capital:

Dinner with Sue at Duff's

4200 Folsom and McRee

Photos from my walk today on the above blocks.
Elaborate corbels:


Bricks that cast shadows on themselves give me the willies:

Stellar brick columns:


I was with riding with Christopher Thiemet last month when we spotted a building being razed. We saw this old wall advertisement which is called a ghost sign because its faded but this one of the old Star Saloon and Cafe is in great condition.

Hey, velvet isn't smooth it has a nap...then again the silk velvet of the time was rather smooth. Ever seen a velvet loom and how it is cut?

The site:


On the west side:



This old substation with its Deco facade reminds me of the bathroom in The Deco Fortress (friend it on FB):


My favorite smokestack in St. Louis and it's an Octagon:

I marveled at my brick karma when I encountered this Hydraulic paver:

Last Week

I wonder about the clay content in these new black bricks. What ev, I like the low sheen:


Dusk over TGS:



Dinner with Sam and Sarah:


Exceptional terracotta:

Criterion

Copy of a print photo I took of the Criterion on Franklin Ave in the late 80s. I was photo documenting buildings at risk, brick, and unusual colors of Vitrolite:

Even more Ink

I'm so very happy I walked into Tower Classic Tattooing six months ago when Mo Malone was guesting and started a tattoo on my arm. She was called away and I returned to have Sean Baltzell continue the piece. Since then I've been back several times for other work and will never, ever go any place else. The setting: I've written this before and it needs repeating. Located in The Grove on Manchester (next to Atomic Cowboy) it's a Preservationists wet dream. The interior is elegant: exposed ceiling joist framing, Hoosier cabinets, dark wainscoting, and antique barber chairs. Very early 1900s complimented with exquisite taxidermy and Sean's stunning watercolor flash mounted and framed on the exposed brick wall. The sensory aspect of TCT is compelling. The details of the shop resonate with a handcrafted tattoo: hand painted signs, framed tattoo designs by the staff on the walls, tattoo design appliqued pillows by Bruk Longbottom, and vintage taxidermy. Salonish. Thirsty? Handsome men bring cups of water. Uncomfortable on the table? A pillow was provided by Steve Welker the on site ass kicker who just may be a distant relative. My hands were cold and Sean graciously fetched my gloves. Atmosphere: Being tattooed here provides an encounter with some of the most vibrant wits in STL. Very Algonquin Round Table. Seriously. It's like hanging out with Dorothy Parker (that would be Lauren B), Ring Lardner, and Franklin Pierce Adams. Not quite that literary but they are that funny. Demeanor: As mentioned it's a witty crew. This needs to be stressed. Freaking hilarious. While working on my back Sean coached me on rhythmic breathing and relaxing. When I failed at both he threatened to put me out of my (and his no doubt) misery with a shotgun. I found that comforting. He's that considerate. The entertainment value at TCT rivals Sean's talent which is off the noose and his curiosity reveals a dazzling intelligence. For example, he asked if my velvet jacket was the same material as my corduroy skirt. Both fabrics are brushed cotton so there is a similarity but what (straight) man notices and accesses? This is the critical vision I require to work with my ideas and design. It's precision tattooing with an extreme talent . Talent: Perfection. I supply concept and imagery and Sean creates a fluid design. He likes to collaborate. I asked about the TCT business logo, the shop's interior design, the etched mirror. They're all collaborations. He's patient during the consultation and attentive to nuance. The symmetry he brought to the two different designs is balanced and poetic. Thanks for gracing my legs and arms, Sean. If you can't book with Sean there's loads of other talent at TCT. Walk in and meet Lauren B, Andy, Carlos Perez, and the very gracious Steve and John. Friend them on FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tower-Classic-Tattooing/146226775448805 or take a tour here: http://towerclassic.com/

Pop Quiz

What invention made Skyscrapers possible?

Back to Tower Classic Tattoo

Swallows on my calf by the exquisite Sean Baltzell of Tower Classic Tattoo.

Stained mortar

Behind the finish of stained or tinted mortar:

Steps to the basement in The Bug Store

Wheel

Shopping cart wheel in a fabric store gathering threads.

A.P. Green Brick

Click on the title to read about A.P. Green brick plant reopening in MO.

NYE Speakeasy Ball - Deco Fortress

If you're a Preservationist, appreciate Art Deco, love architectural details, or are enamored with Vintage Style the place to be this New Years Eve is at the Speakeasy Ball. Sarah Jane and the Blue Notes will be preforming along with Miss Jubilee.

The Deco Fortress is a massive building that Sarah Jane bought a couple of decades back and has been restoring by hand. Mostly her hands. I've a vague memory of black paint covering walls with mosaic tiles and Sarah Jane cautiously removing the paint. When the Sears on Grand went down Sarah J was there buying the light fixtures which are now installed on the first floor. She has salvaged Vitrolite for decades and created a Deco motif for her bathroom. When the drugstore on Grand and Hartford was 'remodeled' Sarah J bought doors and other pieces and installed them into the Deco Fortress. And then there's the infamous Hadley-Dean building score.

It's an understatement to claim she has vision because the woman - and her spouse - are a design and restoration force.
Read/see more about her building by clicking on the title above.

Speakeasy Ball: 8PM to 3 AM at the Deco Fortress on Broadway and Marine.
Friend the Deco Fortress: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Deco-Fortress/181228588596607
Watch Sarah Jane and Miss Jubilee perform:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXy2eMzdrVw&feature=youtu.be
Event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/182905068464234/

Tickets are currently 75.00.
Some interior photos (not by me)

The 25 foot Deco bar bought on Ebay. Sarah J traveled to pick it up and haul it back to St Louis.