#Takes5: Tracy Kendall

Introducing Tracy Kendall and the Takes5 chosen by her from the upcoming Fine & Decorative auction that will take place on Thursday 17 & Friday 18 November.

Tracy Kendall is a UK-based modern award-winning wallpaper designer whose versatile portfolio of wallpapers sells around the world. Her 40 years of designing and making give the studio its unique design identity which blends craftsmanship with design. The wallpapers can be used in commercial or residential interiors, large or small, modern or period.

"I have inherited my collecting habits from my father who loved a good auction. I’m always happy wandering around flea markets, junk shops and auctions wondering if I can use of something either for my work or my home. It’s the unexpected possibilities that you see and suddenly realise that you need that I love the most. I am currently about to start renovating my home so some of my top 5 lots would fit right in with my plans".

"Lot 277 is an easy want from me as I have collected clocks for many years and this would fit in and shine within my collection. It was hard limiting myself to just one clock, I went with this Meissen porcelain as I don’t have any that delicate but 584, 585, 653 and 658 all of which are beautiful-looking clocks that could be added to my wish list and collection.

_{Lot 277: A Meissen porcelain mantel clock case}

"The next pick would be 390. I am always amazed by the beauty of handwriting from the past, it’s a skill we have lost and need to regain, I often struggle to read my own handwriting. I often use text within my wallpaper designs so this was an easy choice. I love the reactions I get to putting writing on walls, especially old text. My first wallpaper design was a written article from the Times about South American politics so text and I go way back".

_{Lot 390: An Italian hand-written manuscript, containing a treatise on the The Republic of Venice, traditionally known as La Serenissima}

"The next lot I have chosen is 507. This pair of Jardinieres would fit in any interior, including my own. Blue and white fit into any setting, I would like to use them so choosing what plants to put in would be the hardest thing".

_{Lot 507: A pair of Continental faïence two-handled jardinières, probably c.1900}

"The next lot I have chosen is Lot 784. This commode has a marble top and the most amazing decorative front I would love this in my bathroom to store things. It’s not the most practical storage but it is the most beautiful storage. Also, the commode has such beautiful detail. We are about to redo our bathroom and would love this piece as a starting point for the design".

_{Lot 784:A French king wood serpentine front commode, late 20th century}

"My last pick is lot 853, a brilliant size and a lovely pattern Afghan rug. We only have rugs at home and this would fit in beautifully. I use rugs a lot at home as we have lots of gaps in the floorboards. We are not as thick and warm looking as this so would love it in the sitting room to help warm the space both physically and visually".