We have 7 large cyanotypes up in the main dining area at Lula Cafe in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The show will run until late July. Stop in for some amazing food and look at the art. Lula is located at 2537 N Kedzie Blvd Chicago, IL 60647
Two Complete Examples of 1930's and 1940's Operay Multibeam
I was fortunate enough to finally track down two complete examples of the Operay Multi Beam. The earlier model from the 1930’s came from an O.R room in Green Bay Wisconsin, and the explosion proof model came from a hospital in Southern Mississippi. Both these lights are complete with original wiring. It is quite unique and rare to get both of these hard to find historical surgical lamps. We have another 1930’s Operay listed along with our 1940’s explosion proof. Check out the additional photos on each piece.
1930's Operay Multibeam
We have sold this lamp that came out of an O.R in Greenbay Wisconsin, but we have another with nice aged paint that came from Montana—check it out in our ‘Lighting’ Section and also look at the 1940’s Explosion Proof Operay.
Eye Phantom / Ophthalmophantome
We have three versions of the Ophthalmophantome in our medical collectibles section. Check them out while we have them available.
Explosion Proof Operay Multi-beam Scanlan Morris
We have both versions of the Operay Multibeam —the early 1930’s model and the explosion proof version. Check them out in our ‘Lighting’ section
Impella 2.5 Worlds Smallest Heart Pump
The Impella is a revolutionary heart pump device that I have been fascinated with—the engineering design provides a minimally invasive solution for the patient. This device is a retired system that is unused , yet provides valuable information as an object to study. Perfect for your engineering library —and looks great in our heart device library. Below are some key features of the device. See more info in our listing under medical collectibles—
Custom Lighting by Agent Gallery
We fired up the lighting studio up again and brought back our adaptable articulating lamps. These start as a single light and work up to groups 2-5 arms. Each lamp is custom made and you can take a look on our lighting section for options.
Large Silver Moon
I never made it to Sophia Bush’s house for tea when she lived in Chicago, but check out our large silver moon—it looks so great in the kitchen. We have since made various formats of the moon and currently we have a great 35” x 35” that works well in most homes vs this 67” x 70” version that we made in limited quantity. Check out our prints section to see the evolution.
New Cyanotype Series
The new cyanotype size is perfect for arranging a nice grouping of images. The selection ranges from celestial prints, plants, and sea creatures among others.
Each sheet of Arches French made 100% cotton watercolor paper is hand coated with a light sensitive solution and dried in a dark room. The paper is then exposed with a film negative under UV light . Then the print is washed with fresh water— during this process the solution chemically changes to a deep blue. The print is then dried in heavy paper stacks to wick away the water.
Since each piece of paper is hand cut sizes vary slightly but roughly 12” x 12”. The last image shows other pieces available on site.
Vajen Bader Smoke Helmet C. 1900
The Vajen Bader is a desirable mask in any collection. An inspiring mask that transcends its original use as a fire safety helmet. The leather protective mask is lined in a protective wool layer along with mica lenses used as eye and ear shields— one would enter a burning building with this. The innovation was the air tank that provided a life line of compressed air for a short time. This helmet has had real field use more than once (many notable areas on the mask). The leather is well worn and delicate in areas. There is noticeable soot on the wool liner that is present only in the bottom section as most has come off. The tank and helmet are an original pair and comes engraved with the owners name on the air tank. The tank is the rare larger model as some of these are half the size . Piece dates from 1900 and comes on a custom stand that supports the weight of the tank.
Despite the wear on this piece it has true working character which I have not seen.
NASA PRODUCED ATLANTIS SPACE SHUTTLE MODEL
A very important and rare NASA produced model. Three models were made with a white central booster tank and given to three major news networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS ) for display during shuttle launch programs. Three additional, with orange booster tanks were retained by NASA for internal use. This is only one of of two in private hands. Acquired by an engineer in spring of 1997 in auction it remained in his personal collection until his passing. Auction catalog provenance listing of model is provided. In great overall condition. A few nicks and chips are noted in photos but not distracting. Booster cones have chipping on the back of rocket—the non display side. Very large scale 1/48 measuring 20” x 50” x 10” and mounted on a heavy oak base with engraved placard.
Dr. Willem J. Kolff Artificial Heart Prototype
Dr. Willem J. Kolff, a resourceful Dutch physician who invented the first artificial kidney in a rural hospital during World War II, using sausage casings and even orange juice cans, and went on to build the first artificial heart. His artificial heart — though it carried the name of a colleague, Dr. Robert Jarvik — is still in use, in subsequent designs, as a bridge to transplantation in patients with heart failure. He moved to the University of Utah in 1967 to lead the division of artificial organs, which is where his team of 175 physicians, surgeons, engineers, chemists and other specialists built a succession of mechanical hearts . This is one such prototype from the 1960’s that was developed in his lab.
Agent Gallery Featured in Journal of Arts and Antiques
Agent Gallery featured in Journal of Antiques and collectibles print issue May 2019 Medical Art: A spectacle on Display. Many great medical articles in this issue—including civil war medical tools.
Agent Gallery at the museum of science and industry moon room
Honoring the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 8 mission, which
marked our first trip around the Moon. The Museum of Science and
Industry has created a1960s-inspired living room, bringing guests to
the moment of the Apollo 8 takeoff as Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and
Bill Anders made history.
I am very happy to have been asked to provide the moons that are
throughout the space and also curate a selection of moon work for the
pop up gift shop in the exhibit. Here are some great shots before the
opening by J.B. Spector/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.
Special thanks to: Scout Design, Nick Zahn Framing, Anne Rashford, and the Museum of Science and Industry
More photos to come.
Moon Room 1968
December 6 – January 6
Agent Gallery Catalog 2008-2018 (10 Years)
No parties, no newsletters--just this. For Agent Gallery I made a 10 year catalog that will most likely be part of a multi-book collection. This issue is 100 pages and focuses mostly on medical devices that I particularity like. I can't believe that 10 years have passed (although I can feel it) but am happy to have made it this far. Thanks to all that have supported the shop. I really appreciate it.
Agent Gallery Catalog 2008-20016
Last look at Vajen Bader Smoke Aparatus
The Vajen Bader breathing apparatus is off to a private collection. We had it at Agent Gallery for a few days. Here’s a last look of the construction and design. Mica membranes in the eyes and ears for protection . Interesting to hear and see through a mineral—this piece was ahead of its time.
Prototyping Perpetual Heart
Studio working shots prototyping the perpetual heart device.
Agent Gallery Featured in American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Such an honor to be featured on AACD and share our collection with those who put these beautiful objects to practice. Read the feature here: https://www.aacdconference.com/single-post/2017/11/21/Science-Turned-Art-The-Dental-Phantom-Collection-of-Mariano-Chavez
Agent Gallery Featured on Atlas Obscura 11.20.2017
Read the article by clicking on the link here https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/medical-devices-sculpture-mariano-chavez-agent-gallery