Comments on the style saloniste: The Great John Dickinson: His Ideas and Originality Continue to Inspire — His Bright Light Still Burns Brightly

Hi Staci- How lovely to hear from you. I've k...

2014-02-06T14:24:32.170-08:00

Hi Staci-

How lovely to hear from you. I've known all the previous owners (the first were friends of John's), and John Traina was a dear friend, so I've seen it go through many changes. It did not have an elevator when John was there, and the kitchen was closed…and the garage…was a real garage where the firetrucks used to park…I think the pole went at some point. Of course each owner was free to take out valuable and very special pieces (the gilt edged pub mirrors in the bathroom, the wardrobes, and the walls were painted.
I drive by every so often, on the way home from a dinner or party, and I always think about how it used to be. Rather idyllic. There were a pair of trees out front, which I miss. I greatly respect each owner--who must make it their own, and make it comfortable and easy. Give me a jingle or email me..I could not reach you through Google +…I hope we will meet. I admire you for buying such a special and wonderful structure, with great history and it is such beautiful architecture. Enjoy it and keep me posted. It's delightful to hear from you. Thank you so much DIANE

Hi Diane: I read with interest your recent blog p...

2014-02-06T12:58:09.542-08:00

Hi Diane: I read with interest your recent blog post about John Dickinson. My husband and I purchased the Pacific Heights firehouse four years ago and have been undergoing a thorough restoration of the exterior and interior of the building. The brass nameplates are still in place, but unfortunately the wonderful canvas curtains fell apart due to age. We hope to replicate them in the near future. We are also pleased to report that John's famous fireplace still remains and is in good working order. If you would ever like to come over...please provide me with your contact information and we'd love to give you a tour. Best, Staci Slaughter

It is so unfortunate that the book project was set...

2014-02-06T06:28:51.568-08:00

It is so unfortunate that the book project was set aside. I hope you will try to revive it as the design philosophy is still valid today and it would be a wonderful - and much deserved - tribute to John Dickinson.

Dear George- Thank you for your message. Yes… ea...

2014-02-05T20:36:03.748-08:00

Dear George-

Thank you for your message.

Yes… each of these designers…Saladino and Orlando and John Dickinson had an architectural background. They saw design differently-and in a more rigorous way. It was never about pattern, it was never about trends, it was never ever about anything flashy or 'clever' which was anathema to them…and Orlando now possibly in the greatest phase of his career.
very best DIANE

Thank you Diane for another great article about Jo...

2014-02-05T17:22:46.216-08:00

Thank you Diane for another great article about John. It's always so difficult to find anything about him either online or in print. He has been on my top three list for many years. Alongside Orlando Diaz Azcuy and John Saladino, John Dickinson is one of those designers who's work I enjoy staring at and dissecting. A true master's class. I look forward to the long awaited book when you decide that you cannot hold off writing it any longer.

DEAR TRICIA- Yes…fresh! And it is partly the LIN...

2014-02-05T12:26:11.962-08:00

DEAR TRICIA-

Yes…fresh! And it is partly the LINEN he loved…simple linen and simple cotton canvas…that make it look so fresh, not at all dated.

Like you…he sees the beauty of crisp and simple unpatterned fabrics and liked the way they keep a room looking calm and polished.

You and John are on the same wavelength. best DIANE

I loved his work from the first moment I saw it - ...

2014-02-05T03:17:16.394-08:00

I loved his work from the first moment I saw it - always fresh.

Dear Friends- I've had such a wonderful resp...

2014-02-04T14:24:39.189-08:00

Dear Friends-

I've had such a wonderful response to this story on FACEBOOK…you may wish to hope over and take a quick look.

And I just received the following message from Jonathan Rachman, of Jonathan Rachman Design in San Francisco:

Diane,
Always inspiring and I always learn something new from your TSS...and I never knew how close you were to him....
lovely in many ways.
thank you! j

Karena- Yes, you are so right…the draped metal t...

2014-02-04T14:23:18.797-08:00

Karena-

Yes, you are so right…the draped metal table, very highly collectible and not currently in production…very hard to make.

cheers DIANE

Dear Diane, how wonderful to have John as a friend...

2014-02-04T07:41:47.342-08:00

Dear Diane, how wonderful to have John as a friend. His designs are so interesting, I would be in heaven to have his draped table!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

DEAR COLUMNIST- I hope you are free and safe fro...

2014-02-03T23:12:10.503-08:00

DEAR COLUMNIST-

I hope you are free and safe from the drama and political theater in Bangkok.

Yes…imagine, I taped these comments so long ago…and they still seem very fresh and witty to me.

thank you ---lovely to hear from you again, DIANE

Hi Tara- Yes, you make a great point…the interior...

2014-02-03T23:10:58.190-08:00

Hi Tara-

Yes, you make a great point…the interiors and he designs look fresh and were never trendy.
They have not dated…and don't look like any particular period. Happy to hear from you, DIANE

The quotes from "the Wisdom" are so abso...

2014-02-03T22:44:31.034-08:00

The quotes from "the Wisdom" are so absolutely true. All of them!

Didn't know the name. Did remember the work. ...

2014-02-03T10:30:06.005-08:00

Didn't know the name. Did remember the work.

It hasn't aged.

Lovely honor you've given.

Garden & Be Well, XO Tara