The Knick: Farewell Series, Hello Really Cool Stuff!

What does a gritty, turn of the century, made-for-cable-TV medical drama series have to do with today’s decorating trends?

Apothecary jars, brass lighting, iron beds and rustic farm charm, that's what!

The staff at Black Rock Galleries is fortunate to have many solid working relationships with the people who make movie and TV magic — from set designers to productions assistants. It's a great two-way street. We help them find the right pieces for their sets and, in turn, they sometimes ask us to help them liquidate their items once a show/series closes production.

Not too long ago, the team at BRG was invited to take a trip down to a Brooklyn production warehouse for a viewing of the items available from Cinemax’s The Knick, a period drama whose main character, Dr. John Thackery, is a brilliant but misunderstood surgeon who practiced radical surgeries in a Victorian era hospital in New York City’s foundling Knickerbocker Hospital (known as "the Knick"). In fact, many of The Knick's doctors blurred the lines between accepted medical procedures and the creation of new techniques (often using their patients as proverbial guinea pigs) while challenging the cultural norms of the era. At the same time the series delved deeply into controversial topics such as addiction, discrimination, racism, poverty, and corruption. Although it only ran for two seasons (as was its producers' plan), this series had a solid following because of its various sub-plots and complicated characters with dynamic personal and professional relationships. With the series' production now closed, the items that adorned the set needed to be liquidated.

[Enter Black Rock Galleries!]

This particular warehouse was already familiar to us as we liquidated the majority of HBO's Boardwalk Empire set and production furniture and props three years ago. The Knick’s pieces were housed in the same general area. Interestingly enough, The Knick even used some pieces from our Boardwalk Empire sale; which we recognized immediately.

Upon inspection, we decided that five truckloads from this set was about what we could handle within our showroom. Yes, that F-I-V-E truckloads! Our team spent the day “shopping” the Knick's set and choosing those items we thought our customers would love! We especially wanted to select pieces that transcend any specific era and would work in any decorating style across multiple price points. We ended up selecting hundreds of apothecary and medical jars, garden carts, lighting, wine barrels, medicine cabinets, crates, benches, outdoor garden elements and enamelware to name a handful of things. All the items were delivered to BRG over the following week and has been artfully merchandised by our very own showroom manager, Roger, along with his team over the past month. They are now ready for purchase!

A Few of Our Favorite Things:

When you think medical drama and Victorian era, you may think of sterile, drab or stuffy decoration…well we can promise you that the collection is nothing short of fun, rustic and interesting. Below are a few highlighted pieces and the best ways (we think) to incorporate them into your current decor!

Apothecary Jars

A collection on a table, a row along a fireplace, fill them with flowers, use different sizes, colors and heights. Fill them with cookies, snacks or dog treats. Put your collections in them…great to house shells, rocks, or mineral collections. Use them in the bathroom for storage -- cotton balls, Q-tips, band-aids. Arrange a collection of them amongst books and photos on your bookshelf. Fill then with colorful sprigs of dried herbs and flower petals and align them on a windowsill to let the natural light play with the mix of colors.

Have an upcoming special event? Birthday, anniversary, shower, or even a wedding? Consider using a variety of apothecary jars and glasses to decorate your tablescape -- simply add candles, flowers, a small "signature" trinket to add your personal touch. We have hundreds from which to choose!

Brass Lighting

Iron / Metal Beds

While the beds in the infirmary were pretty basic, beds of the era range from simple clean lines to exquisite scroll detail.

We love the juxtaposition of soft, fluffy linens on a cool metal bed frame; perfect for a master bedroom, guestroom, or kid’s bedroom. Using fresh, contemporary prints with the colors you love will give any of these classic beds a timeless look.

With over 50,000 square feet of showroom space, we can't help to be inspired (and biased). From chunky statement piece furniture pieces to more demure accents, these are some of our showroom picks inspired by the Knick. Blend a large tiered sideboard with some of your more contemporary pieces. It will make your space more interesting and give you a story to tell. And, when it doubt, feel free to ask our showroom staff for help. They are a great source for ideas and direction on selecting pieces for your home!

Finally, be sure to visit our showroom this weekend (bring a friend or two) to shop our extensive selection of pieces from the Knick, including those featured in our courtyard (open only this weekend). For those of you who cannot normally shop the showroom in person during the rest of the week, please note our special Sunday hours this weekend. (Occasionally we offer special Sunday shopping hours.) Well this Sunday is one of those days!

-- Friday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

-- Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and

-- Sunday, July 30 with special showroom hours from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

We hope to see you!

Keywords: Cinemax, The Knick, sets, props, furniture, the set of, behind the scenes, New York City, apothecary jars, brass, furniture