In Boston: E. R. Butler & Co. and Gil Schafer III ~ A Note on Style

While visiting Boston, I stumbled upon the E.R. Butler & Co. boutique on Charles Street. I hadn’t noticed the store’s name, high above the entry, but I was drawn in by the beautiful architectural details that I viewed from the window. There were meticulously organized jewelry cases, candlesticks and objects on a grand entry style table and hardware neatly organized on the walls. I wasn’t sure what type of store it was, but I knew I liked everything about it and ventured in.

Before I could spend time examining the contents of the cases and displayed items, I had to take a moment to absorb the beauty of the space. I loved the well proportioned beauty of the space with paneled walls, high ceilings, and single hinge tall doors. Rarely do you find a boutique designed with the signature elements of a traditional, classic home. The shop keeper, noticing my interest in the architecture, informed me architect Gil Schafer III designed the space, and everything made sense. I’ve been a long time fan of the firm’s work and was thrilled to take in the details up close.

His highly anticipated second book, A Place to Call Home was already on my fall release preorder months ago. I enjoyed his first book, The Great American House, immensely and had no doubt this would also become another favorite. When I consider the classic, grand American home, Schafer is the first to come to mind. Building from the ground up or renovating historical properties, Schafer’s homes are grounded in tradition and feel as if they’ve been well cared for and passed down through generations. The craftsmanship, attention to detail and elegant proportions add a timeless character that welcomes and never grows old.

With all this in mind, I set upon exploring the contents of the store. Stunning hardware from E.R. Butler & Co., gathered into collections and framed on the walls, was displayed like works of art. The cases held jewelry pieces from several designers including Ted Muehling, Gabriella Kiss, Maria Beaulieu . I discovered a jeweler new to me, John Iversen, and a pair of his signature Jacks earrings made their way home with me. Nymphenburg porcelain, J. & L Lobmeyer glassware and Wiener Silber silver objects, many produced as collaborations with Ted Muehling, were scattered throughout the store on tables and inside the cases. An entry table held a variety of Muehling’ s elegant Biedermeier candlesticks in a number of heights and finishes. I’m certain when I return to Boston in the future, this will be one of my first stops.