WINDFALLS

HELLO, GUMP’S

Gump’s may sound like a strange name to a lot of Tex-ans, but it’s real familiar to me. My mother used to attack the mailbox every season in search of the new Gump’s catalog. She loved Gump’s- there was no other store like it in the world, she said. She loved its funky combination of Oriental items and spectacular jewelry. My father hated Gump’s-not a season went by that we didn’t acquire something from that catalog. The only good thing about Gump’s, he said, was that it was in San Francisco. Well, bad news, Dad. Gump’s has just opened in the Galleria. And what a store it is! Hand-finished wood paneling, walls covered in natural silk, fresh flowers and, of course, Gump’s incredible Oriental treasures. The Japanese Audon lamp, above (S35), is made of black lacquered wood and simulated rice paper. Gump’s, Galleria. Mon-Sat 10-6. 392-0200.

PRIMITIVE ART

Deep in the heart of civilization, we like to think of ourselves as centuries removed from the primitive tribes of the world. Consequently, our knowledge of their customs is about as limited as their cultures are enigmatic. But for Mark McDonald, owner of Mark L. McDonald-Primitives, the study of such tribes is more than just a passing fancy; it’s a way of life. He specializes in the tribal art of many obscure countries. He began collecting ethnographies about 10 years ago; and his collection grew so large that he finally decided to start selling it- hence, Primitives. He says most of us are drawn to tribal art; all he has to do is make more people aware that it exists, and they’ll be hooked, too. He has a wide variety of tribal artifacts and masks; this one ($350) is a Dan ceremonial mask. Mark L. McDonald- Primitives, 2720 Greenville. Tue-Sat 11-6. 824-0818.

WHAT A PAIR!

Step on a few toes with style in these funky little socks from JM Originals. They’re hand-crafted in New York by a group that obviously has a sense of humor. They’re available in two styles: One has frosted hearts sewn across the cuff; the other has dozens of tiny plastic trinkets across the cuff. They’re $10.95 at Artifactory, 3014 Greenville and 1122 Preston Royal Plaza. Greenville: Tue-Fri 10-9, Mon & Sat 10-6; 823-4422. Preston: Mon-Sat 10-6; 363-7360.



TALLYHO

It may come as a shock to some of you, but folks do ride horses for reasons other than cowpoking. Dressage is one alternative, and it’s all the rage across the Channel. Well, cheerio, podners; dressage has now invaded Burleson. This month marks the opening of Talland II, an offshoot of the Talland school of equitation. Talland II provides a program designed to prepare riders for the British Society Instructor’s Certificate, as well as offering all levels of dressage (and more). Owner Steve Bassion has imported Barbara Jupp, BHSI (British Horse Society Instructor), formerly the chief instructor at Talland, and three dressage horses from Talland. A charter rate for boarding is $250 per month. Small-group lessons cost $30 an hour; large groups, $15 an hour. Talland II.(817)732-7494.

A RARE BIRD

To Picasso, every object was a potential art piece. He must have wondered how we could all not see the beauty within life’s ordinary things. Consider the water pitcher: Who’s to say that it isn’t really an owl in disguise? This cobalt blue, brown, black and white original Picasso-edition pitcher is truly a rare bird. It’s $350 and is available at Vertu, 7803 Inwood. Mon-Fri 9-5:30, Sat 10-5:30. 350-0424.