Article and photos by Kari RUEL Thomas Bartlett is an internationally ONE renowned interior designer and was recognized as one of Architectural Digest’s top 100 designers in the world. Though he travels the country doing designs he has always maintained his business in Napa. He has done 100-plus homes in Napa and maintains over 200 clients from the Valley. His work has been featured in more than seventy publications. Born and raised in Napa, Bartlett was a 4-H All Star, was interested in art and was always pushing furniture around. He received his painting and interior design degree at the California College of Arts and Crafts. Long-time friend Margrit Mondavi has also mentored him. After college he worked at Hearst Castle. He opened his first shop in Yountville in 1968, filled with unique finds from around the world and original art from eleven exclusive artists. In the 1980s he opened his design center at the corner of Main Street and Lincoln Avenue in Napa, but as a man who is always traveling and always buying, he didn’t have the foot traffic to do retail design sales. This past fall he and his daughter, Melina Bartlett, decided to take advantage of the new resurgence in downtown Napa and opened The Shop by Thomas Bartlett at the Napa Riverfront. He still maintains his other location for administrative purposes, but The Shop is the place to go for something for everyone. “We have all price points in the store, from affordable to exclusive finds with a price tag,” said Bartlett. “It’s an eclectic-type store with contemporary art, antiques, scented candles, table linens, one-of-a-kind objects and furniture.” “Melina actually encouraged me to open a shop at the Riverfront,” he added. His daughter has been working with Bartlett for the past sixteen years and is The Shop’s general manager. Some of the unique finds at The Shop are French Rigaud candles, made famous by Jackie Kennedy, who burned them in the White House; a pair of star-shaped Moroccan tables; a Tibetan 16 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F Emagaz ine. c om trunk; unique animal statues; and faux fur throws and pillows, available in a number of colors. Plus he continues his original art collections from eleven original artists and the Bartlett Collection of outdoor furniture, all manufactured in the United States. Margrit Mondavi also has her art displayed at The Shop as well as her new sketchbook. “A lot of people my age are retiring,” said the seventy-year-old Bartlett. “I’m still working and looking for unique items.” Bartlett still maintains his design business and has a continuous slide show of his most prized work on a TV monitor in the store, including shots of his compound he designed in Mexico. “I don’t have a signature style,” he added. “I enjoy making art look fabulous and being a storyteller.” Bartlett said he is proud of his work and the friendships he has developed over the years, including the Mondavis. “Margrit and Bob believed in Napa and its renaissance,” he concluded. “Even though Copia failed, the story isn’t finished and I want to be part of the future of Napa.” Thomas Bartlett’s administrative office is located at 2151 Main Street, Napa. 707.259.1234. Open by appointment. “The Shop” by Thomas Bartlett is located at 750 Main Street at the Riverfront, Napa and is open daily. Thomas Bartlett opens his doors with Thomas Bartlett and Melina Bartlett THE ONLY THE SHOP AND
NVLife_MayJune_2014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above