Anthology Magazine issue 13 Winter 2019

Page 1

€ 4.75 £ 3.35

CULTURE

TRAVEL

INTERIORS

PHOTOGRAPHY

History and Mythology Calendars • The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries

The Magical Island of Madeira • A City Break in Porto

Sustainable Interior Design • Designer Tips for Painting in White

Stas Bartnikas: Spectacular Aero-Art • The Style of Movement

Winter 2019/ 20 Issue 13

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WINTER 2019/20 #13

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JOHN NOLAN ART A celebration of Colour

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Colour, Energy & Movement

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From the editor

anthology publishing

Limerick, Ireland

editor Edel Cassidy art editor Ros Woodham

Welcome to Anthology Winter Issue 2019/20

designer Lynne Clark copy-editor Richard Bradburn contributors

Orna O’Reilly Weber Jeannie Croucher Jackie Tyrrell Neven Maguire Dolores O’Donoghue advertising

Gail Fean advertising@anthology-magazine.com subscriptions

Anthology is a quarterly publication with a focus on beautiful features and imagery from Ireland and around the world. Subscribe to avail of delivery direct to your door. Email: info@anthology-magazine.com. Full details on p. 77. issn: 2009-9150

Printed by Warners Midlands plc Distributed by EMNews

The publisher accepts no responsibility for any of the views expressed or claims made by contributors or advertisers. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in Anthology, we do not accept responsibility for any errors or matters arising from same. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written permission from the publishers.

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W

inter is upon us with all its magic to enjoy. It is an exciting time of the year for those who love nature: when frost and ice lend an enchanting air to the landscape, when skeletal trees and hedgerows glisten so magically and when frozen cobwebs sparkle like precious crystals. In this issue we are proud to present a selection from the History and Mythology Calendar Artwork, a unique and spectacular calendar series that graced many Irish homes from 1934 to 1967. For photography enthusiasts we feature the spectacular ‘aero-art’ of Stas Bartnikas, and for fans of dance, fashion and photography alike, we introduce The Style of Movement, a new book by husband-andwife team Ken Browar and Deborah Ory. Our travel features bring you on a rapturous journey, showcasing some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful libraries, that will not only intrigue book lovers but also those who admire beautiful and imaginative architecture. We visit Portugal, taking in Porto, one of the oldest cities in Europe, and the beautiful and fascinating island of Madeira – both of which make wonderful year-round holiday destinations. For those of you who prefer not to venture too far from home, we invite you

to cuddle up in a warm winter blanket with your copy of Anthology and lose yourself in this season’s ‘collection of beautiful experiences’. Edel edel@anthology-magazine.com

ON THE COVER

From the New Ireland History and Mythology Calendar Series Oisín and Niamh (1958), Karl Uhlemann Junior (1912-1992). Bewitched by the beauty of Niamh of the golden hair, daughter of the king of Tír na nÓg, Oisín mounted the fairy steed and rode away with her across the seas to the land of perpetual youth. (p. 54)

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12

contents 12

38

26

TRAVEL

Bibliophile Paradise

20 TRAVEL

Porto: A City Break

26 TRAVEL

Magical Madeira

38 INTERIORS

A Vision in White

48 INTERIORS

Sustainable Interior Design

54 ART

History and Mythology Calendar Series

54

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64

64 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Style of Movement

70 ARCHITECTURE

Manrique 100

78

FASHION

88 FOOD

Flights of Fantasy

70 78

Winter Dinner Menu

90 HEALTH

Happy to Help

94 PHOTOGRAPHY

Bird’s Eye View: Stas Bartnikas

94

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12 WI N T E R 2019 A N T H O LO GY

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TRAVEL

Bibliophile Paradise A look inside some of the most beautiful libraries in the world WORDS DOLORES O ’ DONOGHUE

M

ore than just storage spaces for books, libraries have always been important institutions for enriching minds and passing on wisdom. They also provide a facility where we learn new words, think new thoughts and explore new ideas. While all libraries play an important role in our academic and cultural lives, some are also treasure troves of unique and imaginative architecture, adorned with beautiful frescoed ceilings or splendid skylights. Here, we feature a selection of the world’s most striking libraries.

Admont Abbey Library Admont, Austria Admont Abbey was founded in 1074 by the Benedictine Order. The library hall, built in 1776, is the largest monastic library in the world. It holds some 70,000 volumes, while the Abbey in total owns nearly 200,000 books. The most valuable among these are 1,400 manuscripts, some of which date back to the 8th century, and 530 incunabula (books printed before 1500). Baroque architect Joseph Hueber was responsible for the design. The ceiling has seven cupolas with frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte, representing the different phases of human knowledge leading up to the Divine Revelation. Joseph Stammel's ‘Four Last Things’, a group of four striking over-sized figures, represent Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell. The bookcases are painted in white with delicate gold decorations, and natural light is provided by forty-eight windows. During the economic crises of the 1930s, the Abbey was only able to survive by selling off various items of its valuable art treasures. The monks were evicted by the Nazis in 1939 but fortunately returned at the end of the Second World War in 1945.

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Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading Rio de Janeiro, Brazil This institution was established in 1837 and construction of the current headquarters took place between 1880 and 1887 under the direction of Portuguese architect Rafael da Silva e Castro. This massive library contains more than 350,000 works of Portuguese literature, including rare books from centuries past; the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal. The building’s Neo-Manueline design evokes a Gothic-Renaissance influence that was popular at the time. The richly decorated interior is most impressive, numerous wooden bookshelves with detailed carvings, huge pillars and elegant arches filling every wall. The ceiling of the Reading Room has a beautiful wrought-iron chandelier and a breathtaking skylight. A focal point is the Altar of the Homeland, commemorating the Portuguese discoveries, which is made of silver, ivory and marble.

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TRAVEL

George Peabody Library, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland, USA Known as Baltimore’s ‘Cathedral of Books’, the library was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind. It opened its doors in 1878 and underwent a one-million-dollar renovation and refurbishment between 2002 and 2004. The visually stunning Greek Revival-style library features a sixty-onefoot- high atrium covered by a latticed skylight of frosted glass above a black and white slab marble floor. Bookshelves are surrounded by classical columns embellished with gold leaf and tiers of intricate cast-iron balconies. The library’s collection of over 300,000 volumes dates back to the founding of the Peabody Institute in 1857. When Peabody – a banker, merchant and philanthropist – created the library, it was ‘to be maintained for the free use of all persons who desire to consult it’. Although it is the research library of Johns Hopkins University, the facility is open to the general public, as was his intention.

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Trinity College Library Dublin, Ireland The library contains over six million printed volumes with extensive collections of journals, manuscripts, maps and music. It is home to the Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s finest surviving medieval illuminated manuscript, documenting the four gospels. The main chamber of the Old Library, the majestic Long Room, designed by Irish architect and engineer Thomas Burgh, was built between 1712 and 1732 and contains 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. The distinctive barrel-vaulted oak ceiling was added in 1860 when the original flat ceiling was raised to add a second level of shelving. The room, which is 65 metres in length, is lined with marble busts of authors, philosophers and college benefactors. Other treasures include an original copy of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic that was posted on the wall of the General Post Office during the Easter Rising. The Trinity College harp, also known as the Brian Boru harp, dates back to the 14th or 15th century and is one of the three oldest surviving Gaelic harps.

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TRAVEL

Mafra National Palace Library Mafra, Portugal The 280-foot long Rococo-style library at Portugal’s Mafra National Palace is home to over 36,000 very valuable leather-bound volumes, including twenty-two foreign incunabula and forty-one maps. Construction of the palace began in 1717 and was completed in 1755. The library was built by the Portuguese architect, Manuel Caetano de Sousa, who was also responsible for having the volumes bound in the rocaille style. This library is also known for its rather unique way of eradicating book-eating pests that could potentially wreak havoc on the delicate pages of these old tomes. A colony of homing bats sleep during the day behind the bookcases or out in the palace garden. At night-time when the library is closed the bats forage through the stacks feeding on the insects that otherwise could destroy the priceless volumes.

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Theological Hall

Strahov Monastery Library Prague, Czech Republic Founded in 1143, Strahov is one of the oldest Premonstratensian monasteries in the world and has survived fires, plundering and wars. The library is divided into two magnificent halls. The first one to be built (between 1671 and 1679), the Theological Hall, was designed in the Baroque style by the Italian architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi. Fifty years later the ceilings were decorated with frescoes by the Premonstratensian monk and painter Siard Nosecký, depicting the theme of ‘True Wisdom’. One inscription reads, ‘INITIUM SAPIENTIAE TIMOR DOMINI’ – the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. The Philosophical Hall is neoclassical in design and was

completed in 1797. The interior dimensions were designed to fit around the carved and gilded walnut shelving that was rescued from another monastery. An exquisite ceiling fresco by Viennese painter Anton Maulbertsch bears the theme ‘Mankind’s Quest for True Wisdom’ and depicts science and religion, their mutual impact on each other and how they have evolved over centuries. Over 18,000 volumes are stored in the Theological Hall, and the northern wall is composed entirely of Bibles or Bible parts in various languages. The Philosophical Hall has over 42,000 ancient philosophical texts.

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T

he Portuguese city of Porto, located by the mouth of the River Douro, is a charming and vibrant destination,

WORDS AND PICTURES ORNA O ’ REILLY WEBER

famous throughout the world for its production of port

wine. It is a hilly city, full of characterful cobbled streets. Several

When I visited the city recently, I spent most of my time out-

spectacular bridges span the river connecting the city to Vila

doors as the weather was warm, sunny and not too hot. As a

Nova de Gaia, a city with its own unique attractions, on the

result, I ventured into only a few of the many museums and art

south bank of the river. No matter what your interests or age

galleries – the city itself was just too beautiful to miss out on.

group, there is something for everybody to see and do in Porto.

Here is a guide to some of the city’s best gems, many of which are accessible with the hop-on hop-off Red Bus Tour:

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TRAVEL

PORTO The perfect destination for a city break A must-see city with an eclectic mix of old-world charm with a new-world vibe

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‘The port cellars are mainly on the southern side of the river at Vila Nova de Gaia’

LEFT: Jardins Serralves; RIGHT: Traditional cargo boats on the Douro River.

Cais da Ribeira As with most of Porto, this area has been renovated quite a bit over the last few years, but it is full of bustle and has a personality all of its own. Around the Ribeira there are plenty of river cruises on offer for those who want to further explore the mighty River Douro as it winds its way through Porto. This famous, medieval riverside district, with its myriad of cobbled streets, restaurants and tapas bars offers an imposing view of the majestic Luis I Bridge. This landmark metal bridge is on two levels, the top-level carries Porto’s Metro with road traffic below and there is pedestrian access on both levels. The bridge was designed by the German engineer Théophile Seyrig (a co-founder of the Eiffel Company) and opened in 1886. It crosses the steep, rocky banks of the Douro and rises to almost 45 metres with a length of 385 metres. In 1982, the bridge was designated a cultural heritage site. Just uphill from Cais da Ribeira, is Praça do Infante D Henrique,

Walking past several peacocks, I approached a dome that looked

where you can visit the Bolsa Palace, Porto’s old stock exchange,

a bit like a spaceship. This dome, called Pavilhão Rosa Mota, was

with the church of São Francesco on its right-hand-side.

built to replace Porto’s Crystal Palace (demolished in 1961) and

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

is currently being renovated. As you stroll, you will pass the quaint Museu Romântico da

A beautiful place to visit on a sunny day, the original gardens

Quinta da Macieirinha, an 18th-century country house which was

have been carefully maintained. There are several fountains, and

the home of Charles Albert of Sardinia, who was exiled here in

peaceful paths to wander along under pines and beech trees.

1849. This carefully preserved house illustrates what life was like here for the nobility in the 19th century. There are lovely views of the River Douro from outside the house and a smart restaurant on a lower level with tables spilling out onto a terrace.

Casa da Musica Praça de Mouzinho de Albuquerque is dominated by this iconic twelve-floor concert hall with a restaurant on the top floor. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas to mark the year 2001 when Porto was designated European Capital of Culture, construction of the building was started in 1999, and it opened in 2005. Guided tours of this fabulous São Bento railway station

ultra-modern concert hall explain all about the architecture and artistic programming.

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TRAVEL

The villa’s enormous rooms and high ceilings were made even

Casa da Música

more interesting by the photographs of what it looked like when it was lived in back in the thirties and forties. The interiors were designed by Charles Siclis and Rene Lalique and it was built between 1925 and 1944. After touring the villa, take a stroll through the ornate gardens with their water features, treetop walk and paths that allow you to wander under pergolas draped with vines and along formal pathways lined with topiarised box hedging. Serralves Contemporary Art Museum is also part of this park and usually houses several exhibitions at the same time.

Cathedral Sé do Porto This is one of the city’s most famous buildings and a national monument. Walking uphill to visit the 12th-century cathedral – it is situated at the highest point of the city in the historical centre – I stopped to admire the view over the terracotta rooftops of Porto with the Clerigos Tower in the background. Outside the cathedral is a large square where you can see the Pillar of Porto and the Bishops’ Palace.

Foz do Douro This is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the mouth of the River Douro and it is a pretty place with a long promenade, a park – Jardim do Passeio Alegre – and two piers. We took a walk on both of these piers, while the waves crashed against the rocks around the base of Felgueiras Lighthouse, and along the breakwater to the small lighthouse of Farolins da Barra do Douro, and afterwards stopped for a leisurely lunch at Oporto Café, a delightful restaurant on the edge of the water. From here, we headed back into Porto, via the underside of the enormous concrete bridge, Ponte da Arrábida.

Praça da Liberdade Many of the side streets around here are worth a visit, in particular, Rua das Flores. Shops are upmarket and there are lots of restaurants and bars to suit every taste. In the middle of the square is an equestrian statue of King Pedro IV.

Casa de Serralves This pale pink Art Deco villa and its surrounding gardens are a must-see, and the Red Bus stops right outside the gate.

RIGHT: Vintage street tram; RIGHT BELOW: Gardens of Serralves House; LEFT: Felgueiras Lighthouse.

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LEFT: Cathedral Sé do Porto; RIGHT: Luis I Bridge.

‘Outside the cathedral is a large square where you can see the Pillar of Porto and the Bishops’ Palace.’ Port in Porto No visit to Porto can be complete without a port wine-tasting. Port, named after the city of Porto, is a deliciously sweet drink, fortified by adding grape spirit. It is then stored in oak barrels for anything up to forty years. The port cellars are mainly on the southern side of the river at Vila Nova de Gaia

Douro Valley

and I booked a visit to Ramos Pinto, one of the oldest cellars

It is just a couple of hours from the city of Porto to the heart of the

where port can be tasted, along with a tour of the cellars.

Douro Valley, where vines are planted on the terraced hillsides. As a

Arriving by ferry from Cais do Ribiera, we tasted six different

must-do, I booked a tour there to celebrate the grape harvest. We

types of port, from white to ruby to tawny. Positioned right

were driven in a minibus through the most magnificent scenery to

outside the front door is the cable car, Teleférico de Gaia,

visit a vineyard where the grapes for the port were being stamped

which ferries people up to the top deck of the Luis I Bridge.

on to release the juices in the most traditional way possible. Half a dozen of the group from our minibus donned shorts – thoughtfully provided by Faustino, the manager of the vineyard – and climbed into a vat of mushy grapes, with much squealing. Faustino’s wife arrived with a large CD player and, before we knew it, the strains of lively dance music were ringing around the cellar.

São Bento Station This is a remarkable building and well worth a visit. The interior is positively jaw-dropping. It is a busy, working station, but the main hall is covered from head to toe in blue tiles, each set telling a different story. Porto is a beautiful and characterful city, full of surThe Douro Valley

prises, to which I will return.

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TRAVEL

The Ribeira district

A Taste of Porto

Pastel de Nata

Traditional culinary delights to try when in Porto Francesinha: Porto’s famous sandwich Have you ever eaten a giant sandwich? Before visiting Porto last month, I had never heard of a Francesinha. A typical dish of Porto, it is, basically, a gigantic warm sandwich smothered in a hot sauce made from tomatoes and beer. The word Francesinha means Little French Girl and it was invented by a returned immigrant to Porto from France who wanted to try to recreate a version of Croque Monsieur. Made with bread, wet-cured ham, sausage, steak or roasted meat, and covered with melted cheese, drenched with hot thick tomato and beer sauce, it arrives with a big plate of French fries and often with an egg on top for good measure. People of Porto are very

Locals love a Francesinha washed down with either the local Super Bock beer or a glass or two of refreshing vinho verde,

proud of their tradition of mak-

Portugal’s favourite wine. My adventurous foodie husband,

ing Franceshina and the sauce

Tom decided to try one. He struggled to finish it and found it

is what differentiates one from

quite heavy, but looked on it as an ‘interesting experience’.

the other. Every restaurant has its own secret sauce.

Pastel de Nata Porto is renowned for the many pastry shops that dot the

Queijo da Serra Francesinha

city with windows packed with trays of tempting little cakes, guaranteed to lure you inside to sample a selection. But no visit to Portugal is complete without tasting a delicious Pastel de Nata, the famous Portuguese custard tart. Warm, melt in the mouth puff pastry filled with a sweet egg custard. Just one word – heavenly!

Queijo da Serra. If you love cheese, as I do, Queijo da Serra Portugal’s famous mountain cheese is one of their best. Cutting a little hole in the top, I used a teaspoon to access the soft deliciousness of this cheese and heaped it on crackers. It is made from sheep’s milk and often used as a dip or fondue. ANTHOLOGY WINTER 2019 25

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Magical

MADEIRA An island destination full of surprises, offering a wealth of things to see and do all year round WORDS AND PICTURES EDEL CASSIDY

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TRAVEL

K

nown as the ‘floating flower garden’,

tropical rainforest and it was given the name

popular locally, it was during the British oc-

Madeira is famous throughout the

Ilha da Madeira (Island of the Wood).

cupation of Madeira during the Napoleonic

world for its natural beauty. Of vol-

To clear the land for farming the dense

wars that Madeira wine became popular as

canic origin, it is an autonomous region of

forests were burned and cut down and

the luxury tipple of the British. Important

Portugal, made up of an archipelago of two

slaves were brought from Africa to work in

markets were established throughout

inhabited islands, Madeira and Porto Santo,

the sugar cane farms and mills. Irrigation

global British trading networks, including

and two uninhabited archipelagos, the

channels called levadas were built, to bring

the North American colonies.

Desertas and the Selvagens. It is situated

water from the mountains to nourish the

in the North Atlantic Ocean, 590km off the

crops. By 1500 Madeira was flourishing and

Madeira became a popular holiday desti-

African coast and 1,000km from the Por-

had become the world’s largest exporter of

nation with the upper-class wealthy British

tuguese mainland, and is celebrated for its

sugar, known as the ‘white gold’. However,

and, with the opening of the airport in the

magnificent scenery, top-class hotels, warm

by the end of the 16th century, Brazil and

1960s, tourism became one of the main

welcome and its namesake fortified wines.

the Spanish colonies in South America over-

sources of economic growth. As a holiday

Madeira boasts of a rich history, unin-

took Madeira in sugar exportation and wine

destination, Madeira has warm and pleasant

became its most important commodity.

temperatures all year round and excellent

habited until 1419 when first discovered

In the late 19th and early 20th century,

The first vineyards were planted in the

tourist facilities. There is a wide variety for

Roman author Pliny the Elder (AD23-

early 1400s with the mild sub-tropical cli-

all to see and do. Here is what I managed

79) mentions it in his Natural History and

mate and the fertile volcanic soil providing

to fit in on a recent short visit.

it appears on a Medici map of 1351 as ‘Isola

ideal conditions for grapes to

de Lolegname’ (Wooded Isle).

thrive in. While

by Portuguese explorers. However, the

When the first settlers arrived in the early 1420s, the whole island was covered in sub-

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‘The sunrise was magical and the view over the central mountains of Madeira Island was spectacular’

Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro

Wine and Food Walking Tour in Funchal

fish soup, the secret recipe is only known

A delightful tour, sampling of some of

a traditional drink that purportedly cures

Funchal’s best food and drink. Here are

all ailments from the common cold to a

some of the highlights:

broken heart. It is made up of two parts

Blandy’s Wine Lodges: First stop was at Blandy’s Wine Lodges, where we sampled some Madeira, a fortified wine

by the owner. Here I tried my first poncha,

of Madeira rum and one part lemon juice, with regional honey or sugar to taste. Cristalina Chique Bar: Here, we en-

produced in four wine styles, dry, medium-

joyed a black scabbard fish fillet sandwich.

dry, medium-rich and full-rich, all available

This tasty fish is considered a Madeiran

in both vintage and non-vintage blends.

gastronomic speciality. The accompanying

Madeira wine’s unique quality is due to a

beverage was a Brisa Maracuja, a very re-

process of heating and ageing, a practice

freshing non-alcoholic drink, which was the

that would be frowned upon by other

first soft drink in the world based on pure

wine-producing countries. It dates back to

passion fruit juice. Our guide, Sofia, proudly

early in the island’s wine-making history, in

tells us that her father invented the formu-

the Age of Exploration, when it was sent

la for this invigorating and thirst-quenching

on long voyages to the South American

drink in 1970. It is known far and wide on

colonies and the East and West Indies.

the island as a great hangover cure.

Exposure to heat in the ships’ holds was found to improve the wine. A Mercadora: A traditional Madeiran

Descending from Monte by toboggan Funchal farmers market

Madeira’s famous fortified wine

Farmers’ Market: A particular highlight of the tour was being brought through the Farmers’ Market, in Funchal’s city centre, a

grocery shop, where everything is sold

riot of colour with huge varieties of fresh

by weight. A must to take home is the A

local produce including fruit, vegetables,

Mercadora’s unique blend of spices. Ideal

fresh fish, plants and flowers.

for fish, chicken and particularly good for

www.winetoursmadeira.com

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TRAVEL

Monte Palace tropical gardens

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

wonderful tour guide Graça thanked us for visiting and encouraged us to return, with an inspirational quote from Saint Augustine, ‘The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.’

Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro Having heard that watching the sunrise high above the clouds at Pico do Areeiro would be an unforgettable experience, I booked with Adventureland Tours. Dragging myself out of bed at 5 am is not my idea of a relaxing holiday, so I was hoping it would be worth the effort. It took forty-five minutes driving in the dark to reach

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

the Monte Palace Museum which consists

Pico do Areeiro – 1818 metres altitude.

The entire island of Madeira is a paradise

of three floors. Two floors are dedicated

The sunrise was magical and the view

for any garden enthusiast but most espe-

to sculptures – one of these housing

over the central mountains of Madeira

cially the breathtakingly stunning Monte

the Berardo Collection of Zimbabwean

Island was spectacular. On the way back

Palace Tropical Gardens that occupy an

soapstone sculptures. On the third floor is

we enjoyed a picnic breakfast at one of

area of 70,000 square metres and house

a unique and priceless assortment of min-

the island’s nature reserves, provided by

a huge collection of exotic plants from all

erals and semi-precious stones gathered

our two guides, both called Pedro.

over the world, including 1000-year-old

from all over the world.

This is also the starting point for one of

Roman olive trees. A former private resi-

As scary as it sounds, coming down from

the most spectacular hikes to the archipel-

dence and later a hotel, it was purchased

Monte by toboggan is an absolute must and

ago’s highest point, Pico Ruivo. It is not for

by local entrepreneur José Manuel Rodri-

so much fun to experience. Back in the mid-

the faint-hearted or those who suffer from

gues Berardo in 1987 and has been open

dle of the 19th century, these wicker sledges

vertigo, as it passes through tunnels and

to the public since 1991.

were the primary means of downhill public

traverses very steep ridges.

The gardens are accessible by bus or taxi

transportation in Funchal. Today it is one of

www.adventurelandmadeira.com

but, at an altitude of 550 metres, by far the

the main tourist attractions. The toboggans

best way to get here is by cable car, which

are manoeuvred by men working in pairs

Dolphin and Whale Watching

provides amazing views of the island and

dressed in white and wearing straw hats.

A truly unforgettable experience! We met

the sea as it whisks you up to Monte.

Their thick rubber boots are used as brakes.

at the offices of Rota dos Cetáceos for a

Nestled within the beautiful gardens is

Being transported back to our hotel, our

briefing on all aspects of safety, respect for ANTHOLOGY WINTER 2019 29

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the wildlife and what to expect from the

from the early colonisation of Madeira. It

excursion. We were also warned that dol-

once oversaw the world’s largest diocese

phin and whale watching depends on their

as it served all territories discovered by the

appearing – so no guarantees. Luckily they

Portuguese, from Madeira to Brazil to An-

decided to oblige and gave us quite a per-

gola. The simplicity of the exterior is in vast

formance. Throughout the year, there are

contrast with the grandeur of the interior.

twenty-eight different species of cetaceans

The cathedral features characteristics of

that can be seen in these waters. We first

Manueline and Gothic styles with a ceiling

came across a school of spotted dolphins

of Madeiran cedar wood with ivory inlays.

known for their curiosity of humans. Before

The main altar dates from 1517 and is a

we knew it they had the boat surrounded,

magnificent work of religious art.

swimming underneath and alongside the

The cathedral is a trove of treasures of

boat jumping in the air. There is a stop for

great beauty and historical value, some

those who want to swim with the dolphins

of which are on display at the Sacred Art

– snorkels and goggles are provided.

Museum in the former Bishop’s Palace.

We moved on to where we saw some

The highlight of the collection is the pro-

pilot whales, adults and babies, surfacing

cessional cross, given by King Dom Manuel

and diving, but, unlike the dolphins, they

I, which is considered one of the most

did not venture close to the boat. As we

remarkable pieces of precious metalwork

had just witnessed two of the twenty-

of the Portuguese Manueline style.

eight species that reside here, Helena our

Madeira’s sugar exports explain the

guide suggested that we will have lots to

presence of Flemish paintings which would

see when we return.

have served as payment in exchange. On

www.rota-dos-cetaceos.pt

display is an important silver collection

Funchal Cathedral

A family of pilot whales

with fine examples of sacred vessels such as the chalice, ciborium, monstrance and

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assump-

pyx. There are also collections of vest-

tion, Funchal’s 16th-century cathedral, is

ments, sculpture and jewellery dated from

one of the few structures that has survived

between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Monte Cable Car

Interior of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

Signpost on the walkway between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo

‘The gardens are accessible by bus or taxi but, at an altitude of 550 metres, by far the best way to get here is by cable car’

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TRAVEL

Travel through time with a stay at an historic Madeiran Quinta

W

hen holidaying in Madeira, most visitors will like to base themselves in the capital, Funchal, a picturesque and welcoming city that overlooks the main harbour and is close to all the historic and natural attractions

of the island. However, to get a real feel for the cultural heritage, by far the best option is to stay at a Quinta, one of the spectacular manor houses surrounded by luscious gardens and built in a style of architecture unique to Madeira. Each one is part of the history of the island and tells its own unique story. These Quintas are former stately homes of wealthy families, often English merchants, who settled in Madeira to capitalise on the flourishing wine trade.

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Quinta Jardins do Lago This beautiful Quinta is located on one of the hills surrounding the city of Funchal. Although the existing property was built in the 18th century, the history behind the estate goes back to the early 15th century when the lands were used as vineyards and the growing of wheat and sugar cane. It is thought that the first house was built around 1620 but the estate, then known as Quinta da Achada, was severely damaged by the earthquake in 1748. The property changed hands several times and was the home of wine merchants, a summer residence for the bishops of Funchal and during the Napoleonic wars General Beresford, Commander of the British forces on the island, chose it as his residence. His magnificent sideboard, a reminder of his stay, still adorns the dining room. More recently it has been the home of wellknown French and British families before opening as a five-star hotel in 2000 when the name was changed to Quinta Jardins do Lago. All of the luxury rooms and suites face south to the gardens and the sea and are designed to offer the best in modern functionality and traditional comfort and style. A first-class breakfast with a wide choice is served at the elegant Pink Room

‘All of the luxury rooms and suites face south to the gardens and the sea’

or outside on the veranda. The Colombo Bistro, named after the giant tortoise who has lived in the gardens for over sixty years, is adjacent to the swimming pool and offers refreshing drinks and snacks – ideal for lunch or a sunset cocktail. The Beresford Restaurant is a must-visit for those who have a taste for fine art and exquisite food. A unique feast for the senses, a fine dining experience can be enjoyed indoors or al fresco, with impeccable service and formality – a nod to the Quinta’s past grandeur. Both traditional Madeiran and classic international cuisine, along with an excellent wine list, are offered. There is no better way to finish the evening than to enjoy a little Madeira wine in the O Visconde Piano Bar. The hotel has a variety of pleasant and relaxing areas including a freshwater heated swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, sauna, Turkish bath, and Jacuzzi, along with croquet and table tennis facilities. www.jardinsdolago.com

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TRAVEL

The Villa at Quinta Jardin do Lago Situated on the grounds of the Quinta, overlooking the mountains and the sea, this well-appointed four-bedroom villa is the perfect venue for a special get-together where guests can relax in total privacy while enjoying the amenities of a luxury resort. The villa is fully serviced with a daily housekeeping service and breakfast at the hotel (just 100 metres walking distance) is included. Dedicated personal cooks and servers and a personal bar can be arranged on request. Quinta Jardin do Lago is a truly unique and romantic wedding venue and the villa makes an ideal home away from home for the family for the duration of the event.

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‘The beautiful tropical gardens are quite spectacular and have three main areas of interest’

Quinta da Casa Branca A member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’, the property consists of two buildings set apart. There are five elegant and luxurious suites in the 19th-century manor house that was once the family home of the Leacock family, a name synonymous with the finest Madeira wine. Each suite is individually designed and beautifully furnished with antique Portuguese furniture. In contrast, a separate, very modern design hotel nestles beautifully into the surrounding gardens. Large glass windows take full advantage of the spectacular grounds and offer uninterrupted views of the ocean and the hills above the city. A buffet breakfast is served at the Garden Pavilion Restaurant which is situated next to the main swimming pool. This restaurant also serves as a day-time and evening restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere serving everything from light snacks to set dinner menus. For those who prefer a fine dining experience in a more formal setting, the manor house features a distinctive dining room in a classic ambience serving the finest gastronomic, inventive and contemporary cuisine. Other amenities include a second, adult-only private swimming pool, a health club equipped with a fitness training room, sauna, steam bath, hot tub and a relaxation room and two libraries. The beautiful tropical gardens are quite spectacular and have three main areas of interest: the arboretum which occupies a strip to the north and presents a selection of large tropical and subtropical trees; the agricultural area consists of a banana plantation interspersed with avocado, mango trees and passion fruit vines; the garden slopes south of the main hotel building, with a host of trees that grip attention for their spectacular array of colours. www.quintacasabranca.com

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TRAVEL

The Beautiful Botanical Gardens at Quinta Jardins Do Lago

B

lessed with fertile volcanic soil, a balmy subtropical climate and gentle rainfalls, Madeira is home to a vast collection of exotic plants and trees. Many of the historical manor houses are surrounded by beautifully

maintained tropical gardens and parks with a wide variety of plant species that have originated from all over the world. The luxurious Quinta Jardins Do Lago boutique hotel in Funchal, Madeira, is highly acclaimed for its spectacular botanical gardens with more than 600 different species of plants, including old trees and many colourful and delicate flowers that are unique in their variety and natural beauty. The gardens were

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‘The garden has a fantastic collection of trees, some that are more than a hundred years old’ developed in the 19th century, a time when wealthy vineyard owners competed with each other to create stately homes with magnificent grounds. Most of the owners of these homes were involved in Madeira’s wine trade and as trade routes between Europe and distant lands were established, they brought rare and exotic trees, shrubs, plants and flowers from all over the world. The garden has a fantastic collection of trees, some that are more than a hundred years old such as a native dragon tree, a Syncarpia glomulifera, commonly known as the turpentine tree from Australia, and a very large and imposing camphor tree native to South East Asia. Other varieties from around the world include the blue jacaranda from Brazil and Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as traveller’s palm from Madagascar. The pathways that meander through the gardens allow everything to be seen up close and all of the shrubs, trees and plants are labelled with their common and botanical names as well as their place of origin. The colours and scents of the magnificent array of vines have to be one of the main attractions of this garden. A very special spot is the walkway where the Indian clock vine (also known as lady’s slipper vine) in wonderful shades of deep red and bright yellow that appear so vibrant in the tropical sunshine, cascades through a pergola. Any report on the gardens would not be complete without reference to Columbo, the Galapagos tortoise that has lived in the garden since 1969 and continues to stroll around the lawn and mingle with the guests.

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POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS THE CREATIVO : Polished microcement floors THE ULTIMA : Polished concrete floors THE TERRA FLOOR : Polished terrazzo floors

BAU FLOORS LIMITED, 98 BAGGOT STREET LOWER, DUBLIN 2, D02 AE24 Ireland +353 (01) 6619930 I Uk +44 203 868 8611 I hello@baufloors.com

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06/12/2019 16:17


A Vision in White Ten foolproof tips for painting a room in white

WORDS ORNA O ’ REILLY WEBE R

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INTERIORS

There are few better ways to brighten up a room than painting it white. It provides a beautiful backdrop to show furniture and fabrics at their best. It lends itself to many different styles, brings light to dark spaces, makes the room feel more spacious and creates a fresh and airy atmosphere. Here are some tips to keep in mind when painting a room with with this popular hue:

1 2 3 4

Don’t think of white as a non-colour. You will find that it has many variations, from warm to cool and in between. All good paint companies have a vast range of shades of white with different undertones. Is the room warm or cool? Does it flood with light or is it a rather gloomy space? Remember that warmer whites will provide a cosier feel, so if the room needs warming up, pick a white with a touch of yellow pigment. If you want the room to be cool and calm, go for one with a greyish tinge. White with a touch of grey can sometimes look a little cold but if used correctly, it will give a crisp and clean appearance to show off accessories and artwork. The most successful colour schemes have contrast; otherwise a room can look bland and boring. Whether the contrast is created with paintings, interesting furniture or strong colours on soft furnishings is up to the individual. If choosing to keep the colour scheme monochromatic, it will be important to add texture to provide contrast. This can be in the form of interestingly textured fabrics in neutral colours and, perhaps, some reflective surfaces like glass or chrome. ANTHOLOGY WINTER 2019 39

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5 6 7 8 9 10

If deciding to include a colourful fabric, check paint swatches carefully against it to see which shade of white shows it to its best advantage. For example, if your dream fabric that you intend to use for your curtains or upholstery is green: just pick out a white with a slight green tinge, which will show the fabric at its best. Just make absolutely sure that it is the same tone of green as the fabric. No guessing is allowed! White is great for displaying paintings or objets d’art. You will notice that white is a common colour choice for many art galleries and museums, as it shows up their collections with complete clarity. Dark colours will absorb light, making a room look smaller, while brighter colours will create a more spacious and inviting space. So, if you want to make your room appear larger, use white. If painting a large space, there is the option to vary the tone of your chosen white paint slightly as you move from area to area. This will give subtle depth and inject interest into what might become a boringly large expanse of white. It is better to use a matt paint rather than a reflective gloss that, although often used in a bathroom to excellent effect, will show condensation. Also, it is important to note that unless plasterwork is absolutely perfect, gloss paintwork will show up every flaw when the light shines on it. If concerned about fingerprints, there are many matt paints that are wipeable. Remember that one of the great advantages of painting your walls white is that you will have a clean palette on which to create whatever colour scheme your heart desires.

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INTERIORS

Orna O’Reilly Weber has extensive experience in interior design and home renovation, and is author of Renovate & Redecorate Without Breaking a Nail, available on Amazon

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Hilda Carroll - Everyday Sanctuary We all deserve a home that feels like a true sanctuary from the second we walk through the door. This sense does not just come from the visual quality alone. It also stems from how well a home functions and how well it is cared for. Regardless of your style or budget, love your home and it will love you back. Hilda Carroll is on a mission to create a sense of sanctuary in the homes and lives of clients that envelops them every time they return home. If you’d like help with turning your home into a temple for your body, mind and spirit, reach out.

+353 87 6798902 I hilda@hildacarroll.com I www.hildacarroll.com facebook.com/everydaysanctuary2 I Instagram.com/hildacarroll.everydaysanctuary

Leon & Croft Refined Interiors with Style and Character

www.leonandcroft.com +353879815197 / +447960312177 info@leonandcroft.com

Cristian Leon and Jean Flitcroft are the creative duo behind Leon & Croft. Their broad experience and fine arts background mean they excel in distinctive, creative interiors that do not compromise comfort or function. Their interiors are well balanced, never over-done or laboured, but characterful and refined. Their use of lighting, colour, art and the mix of contemporary, vintage and antique pieces create highly personalised spaces. ‘Good design should be an authentic reflection of the client’s tastes, enhancing their living space and lifestyle’. Their services include colour and design consultation, from a single room to full house renovation.

Mylestone Interiors Each item available online or at the flagship store in Killarney, Co. Kerry, is carefully sourced to provide you with exciting pieces that are also functional, durable and timeless. There is an emphasis on stocking sustainable furniture whenever possible without compromising on quality. For example, products are sourced from companies who use reclaimed wood from tobacco barns that are no longer in use, or from suppliers who plant a tree when one is cut down for use in manufacturing. Mylestone Interiors are agents for Farrow & Ball premium paints, which are not only water-based but also come in a recyclable tin.

East Avenue Rd, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland +353 64 6626331 I info@mylestoneinteriors.ie www. mylestoneinteriors.ie

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STOCKIST OF FARROW & BALL PAINT & WALLPAPER

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Little Design House All of the interior design projects at Little Design House have one thing in common – they tell a story about the characters and lifestyles of the people that live in them. Tonya likes to create designs that are about space, impact and personality. She aims to delight and even surprise you with her ideas, but most of all she will listen and guide you towards achieving a home that reflects who you are and how you aspire to live.

Clones. Co. Monaghan +353 47 61119 / +353 874041109 tonya@littledesignhouse.co.uk www.littledesignhouse.co.uk

Hamilton Interiors

+353 41 6862725 / +353 87 2854678 info@hamiltoninteriors.ie http://hamiltoninteriors.ie/

A bespoke interior design consultancy based in County Louth, Hamilton Interiors specialise in beautiful interiors and desirable accessories for the home. Led by Anne Marie Hamilton, a team of highly creative and dedicated designers, whose focus is on creating successful and impressive homes, carry out residential projects for both private clients and property developers. A complete tailored service covering every aspect of the project is provided, which ensures an empathetic understanding of the client’s individual taste and ambitions and a precise awareness of timescale and budget. The result is a home that is not only beautifully designed, but of a quality that will sustain throughout the years.

Aspire Design An award-winning interior design practice, based in Clane, Co. Kildare and led by Louise Higgins, Aspire Design offers complete interior design solutions from inception to completion. From one room to an entire home, we can ensure that an inspired solution is achieved on time, to brief and within budget. We can also source eco-friendly products and sustainable materials and suggest ways to recycle or repurpose existing items. Louise is Vice President of the Interiors Association, interiors columnist for the Kildare Post and interiors contributor for Anthology Magazine. Louise’s creative flair and ability to listen to her clients’ needs ensures she creates tailored designs that reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles.

To discuss your interior design requirements call or email: +353 86 3999926 I +353 45 982265 info@aspiredesign.ie www.aspiredesign.ie

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amilton INTERIORS

Bespoke Interior Design Services

TENURE BUSINESS PARK, TENURE, DUNLEER, CO. LOUTH +35341 6862725 / +353 87 2854678 I info@hamiltoninteriors.ie

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Jackie Tyrrell Design Jackie has passionately pursued a career in interior design over the last twenty-two years, combining her artistic and creative personality with her ability to be incredibly technically minded, producing original and practical interior design solutions. Sourcing and providing lighting and furniture for projects is something that excites her, and she has a beautifully curated, ever-changing collection in her Kildare studio. Jackie lectured for eight years at the Dublin Institute of Design. Her experience embraces interior and graphic design, product branding and project management. She has a proud passion for good design. Jackie Tyrrell Design is ‘a one-stop shop for your design needs.’

+353 86 2778796 jackie@jtd.ie www.jtd.ie

RCD Design

Glenageary, Co. Dublin T: +353 86 880 7879 E: rcddesigndublin@gmail.com W: www.rcddesign.ie

Rosemarie Carroll’s love of design led her firstly to a career in graphic design, illustration and retail display, including a major refurbishment of Arnotts’ two cafes. Believing that interior design can make a real difference to people’s lives and how they feel about their world, Rosemarie established RCD Design in 2009 when she was shortlisted for a kitchen design award. She holds a Rhodec Advanced Diploma and a Higher National Diploma in Interior Design. Working on individual bespoke residential projects, Rosemarie is always on the lookout for beautiful things and inspiring spaces. She believes in empowering individuals to realise their home’s full potential, transforming and creating ‘the look’ they desire. No detail is unimportant. For Rosemarie, design is all about listening and a good rapport; it is a journey and a collaboration.

Conbu Interior Design ‘Defined by Luxury, Designed for Living’ Angela Connolly, creative director of Conbu Interior Design, is an interior designer specialising in mid- to high-end residential projects. She has twelve years’ experience in the design and management of projects and works right throughout the country. It is Angela’s belief that interior schemes should not be a ‘one look fits all’ but should be unique and reflect the style of the owner. She collaborates with architects and building contractors delivering projects on time and within budget. Angela is a regular speaker at trade shows and round-table summits, is judge coordinator at the annual Fit Out Awards and is President of the Interiors Association.

Her interior design studio in Dun Laoghaire is open to the public by appointment. +353 86 826 9995 angela@conbudesign.com www.conbudesign.com

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Jackie Tyrrell Design interior interior architecture ¡. interior design ¡. graphic design

Forall allyour your Commercial commercial and residential interior For & Residential interiorneeds, needs including Design Spaceplanning, planning, including design&& Build, build, space Branding, Sourcing, Soft furnishings & Project management branding, sourcing, soft furnishings, and project management w: www.jtd.ie

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m: 086 277 87 96

06/12/2019 18:26


Sustainable interior design Inspirational tips for a sustainable and beautiful home WORDS JACKIE T YRRELL

I

n recent decades we have become increasingly aware of the importance of finding sustainable ways to live and of protecting resources and life on the planet. Interior designers carry an enormous responsibility to promote methods and materials that will minimise any negative impact on the environment and maximise positive impacts. There is now an expectation when planning interiors that consideration is not only given to such elements as aesthetics and functionality but also to the incorporation of sustainability principles. While interior designers are presented with significant opportunities to promote sustainable values, policies and practices, they also face enormous challenges in the expectation that the goods and services supplied will meet the emotional and functional needs of clients who may have become accustomed to living in a throwaway society driven by consumerism. When planning a renovation or a new build, here are some of the elements of sustainable interior design to consider:

Reduce – Reuse – Recycle The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce, reuse and recycle. We therefore need to use space more efficiently, reduce consumption of non-renewable resources and get creative with items we already have, giving old items a new purpose or lease of life. Reduce: It may not be practical to reduce an existing structure in size, but size should be an important consideration for a new building. Size reduction will make substantial savings in materials purchased and the transportation of those materials to the site. The builder will have less to install and less construction

debris to dispose of. Designers and architects can offer expert advice on how to create comfortable spaces that serve several purposes, thereby reducing the materials required. Reuse: When doing up a room the first reaction is often to get rid of everything and start from scratch, but before throwing anything out take a second look or better yet get a second opinion. Another set of eyes may see that old corner unit in a new light. Taking off handles and decorative edges on a piece of furniture and giving it a coat of paint can totally transform the piece. For those who are not handy with a screwdriver or paintbrush there are some great companies out there that will reinvent your old furniture. It is always nice to have a cherished item to build your scheme around, and it’s a great way to reuse an object in your home. If moving into a new home or starting from scratch, why not try to find a one-off piece in an antiques store or charity shop? This is where originality is found; there may be only one of that picture, sideboard or old chair. Such items will bring individuality and cosiness to a room.

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INTERIORS

‘For furniture, choose sustainable woods or other organic materials such as bamboo, which has great durability and strength’

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Recycle: When purchasing new furniture or materials, choose those made from sustainable natural materials or, better still, explore the possibility of using items made from recycled materials. As manufacturers are now more aware of the importance of sustainability, there is an increased variety of fabrics and furniture made from recycled materials. For furniture, choose sustainable woods or other organic materials such as bamboo, which has great durability and strength. For items such as pillows, bedding and upholstery, consider wool-filled products. Wool is a great biodegradable and recyclable material and is hypoallergenic, dust-miteresistant, moisture-absorbent, temperature-regulating and is also considered to be the most fire-resistant textile fibre. Natural carpet made from wool, jute or cotton is a great option. Cork flooring is not only natural but will also help correct acoustical issues in a space by absorbing sound. Both of these products will also help keep heat in a room as they are great thermal insulators. Indoor air pollution, the result of products and materials with high levels of toxic emissions, is one of today’s single biggest threats to public health. Look for materials with low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air pollutants. VOCs are found in many building materials, especially paint. These chemicals can evaporate at room temperature and are known to contribute to health problems, such as eye and throat irritation, headaches or more serious illnesses. Paint companies that have chosen to produce paint with low or no VOC will have their products clearly labelled.

Other factors for consideration to incorporate sustainability principles in interior design: Lighting and energy efficiency: Energy consumption is responsible for a big share of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Interior designers can guide you on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce the consumption of energy for lighting, heating and running household appliances. Switching to solar power offers significant environmental

benefits in comparison to fossil fuels like coal and gas. Even something as simple as changing to energy-efficient bulbs can make a considerable difference. Water conservation: Having access to an unlimited supply of clean water is a privilege that we can sometimes take for granted. If you generally have small loads of dishes to wash, consider a double-drawer dishwasher. The drawers work independently and will use less water, energy and detergent when used singly. A high-efficiency clothes-washing machine will use approximately forty per cent less water than regular machines. Other measures to reduce water waste include installing a water-saving showerhead, shower-timers and lowflow tap aerators. Keep an eye out for water dripping from showerheads or taps and have them replaced or repaired.

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INTERIORS

‘Even something as simple as changing to energy-efficient bulbs can make a considerable difference’

Jackie Tyrrell Design is an award-winning interior designer whose experience embraces interior and graphic design, product branding, and project management. She formerly lectured at the Dublin Institute of Design. For further advice, contact Jackie at +353 86 277 87 96 or jackie@jtd.ie

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New range of quartz available MAIN STREET, KILBEGGAN, CO. WESTMEATH, IRELAND, N91 FNK1

T: +353 57 93 32167 / +353 57 93 33946 F: +353 57 93 32978 I E: eganstoneworks@eircom.net / eganstoneworks@gmail.com

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06/12/2019 18:28


HOTELS

Powering The Falls

T

he Falls Hotel and Spa, a 140-bedroom family-run hotel in Ennistymon, Co. Clare, is powering itself from the energy provided from the fast flowing River Inagh and the cascades alongside it. Set at the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher and Burren Geopark, the hotel owners, the McCarthys, were acutely aware of making their hotel more environmentally sustainable. As members of Green Hospitality, the family have always been environmentally conscious in their operations. The installation of a hydro-power turbine on the river is the most ambitious project they have undertaken. Flowing water creates energy that can be captured and turned into electricity. The 220-kilowatt water turbine provides the Falls Hotel with 100% of its power when the river is at full flow. It is amazing to know that the flow of nature can be converted into energy in such a way. The hotel has greatly reduced its dependency on carbon fuels, thus reducing its carbon footprint. They are on track to reduce their annual electricity consumption by 800,000kw of electricity, offsetting approximately 550 tonnes of carbon. This is the equivalent of offsetting three return trips to the moon by car! +353 65 707 1004 | www.fallshotel.ie

Belleek Castle

Enhancing guests’ experience through sustainability

T

he management and staff at Belleek Castle continually strive to improve their environmental practices in a range of areas. The development of the gardens and greenhouses over the last five years is central to this initiative. In recent times, the kitchen gardens have been expanded and two greenhouses have been built which currently produce 20% of the food supply for the kitchen. Plans are currently being put in place to ensure that this will increase to 60% or 70% by 2021, thus reducing food miles and waste from packaging. The castle has also introduced a waste management system, using biodegradable materials for compost to be used in the garden. Bee hives have also been installed on the grounds to produce local honey which is served in the restaurant. The hives have been placed close to the woodlands to give the bees access to a variety of wildflowers to promote pollination and increase the bee populations.

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+353 96 22400 | info@belleekcastle.eu www.belleekcastle.com Garrankeel, Ballina, Co. Mayo

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The History and Mythology Calendar Series

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ART

The story of a unique set of calendars, featuring illustrations based on Irish history and mythology, commissioned by New Ireland Assurance in mid-twentieth-century Ireland WORDS EDEL CASSIDY

F

ollowing the 1916 Rising, 1,800 Irish revolutionaries, including Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith, were detained at Frongoch internment camp in Merionethshire, Wales. Known as ‘Ollscoil na Réabhlóide’ (University of Revolution), it was here that seeds were sown for the War of Independence and the formation of the new Irish State. One of the initiatives discussed during this time in Frongoch was the establishment of an Irish insurance company. Insurance premiums of Irish policyholders to the value of £5 million were flowing out of Ireland each year for investment, predominantly in British stocks and shares. It was felt that retention and re-employment of these funds would ensure that the monies would continue to circulate amongst the people of Ireland and

Cú Chulainn (1934) The Hound of Ulster was the great Northern leader in the war of Táin Bó Cúailnge (The cattle raid of Cooley) waged about the beginning of the Christian era between Conor Mac Neasa, King of Ulster, and Maedbh, the warrior queen of Connacht. The fight at the ford of Ardee between Cú Chulainn and his friend Ferdia is one of the finest episodes in the great Saga. The pillar stone where Cú Chulainn died still stands at Cloch Mór near Dundalk in the Gap of the North. Victor Browne (1900-1953)

Colum Cille (1960) Colum Cille, the Scribe, was born at Gartan in Tír Conaill, of the Royal race of Niall of the Nine Hostages. He founded monasteries at Derry, Durrow, Kells and Swords, and in Scotland the famous island monastery of Iona, where he ended his days. Karl Uhlemann Junior (1912-1992)

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Queen Tailte (1948) The wife of Eochaidh Ollathair, last of the Fir Bolg kings, who was defeated and slain by Tuatha DĂŠ Danann. She was foster-mother of Lugh Lamhfada, who founded in her memory the great festival of Aonach Tailteann. Victor Browne (1900-1953)

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ART

thus enable the creation of further industry. New Ireland Collecting Society, which later became New Ireland Assurance, was formed in January 1918, shortly before the foundation of the State, by many of the people who were themselves deeply involved in the formation of the State. As the name, New Ireland, suggests, the company was founded with an eye to the future at a time when a new independent Ireland was emerging after many centuries of British rule. The company was intrinsically nationalistic in its outlook and, as part of its promotional agenda, commissioned a series of artworks based on Irish history and mythology to form a unique and spectacular calendar series that graced many Irish homes from 1934 to 1967. The History and Mythology Artworks cover six relatively distinct periods, with one additional artwork commemorating the 1916 Rising on its fiftieth anniversary. The periods covered include the four great cycles of Irish mythology: The Mythological Cycle; The Ulster Cycle; The Fenian Cycle; and The Cycle of the Kings. Also included are: The sixteenth and seventeenth-century

Deirdre of the Sorrows (1946) Little did Deirdre think when she looked from her prison tower and saw Naoise the hunter riding by, that from their love would come the death of the Sons of Usna. Two thousand years have passed but this epic of blood and tears is still remembered as one of the Three Sorrows of Gaelic Storytelling. Victor Browne (1900-1953)

Lord Mayo (1967) Blind bard and harper to Gráinne Ní Mhaille’s son Daithí Ó’Murchú. After a year in banishment, he returned on New Year’s night. ‘If Daithi lives,’ said the chieftain, ‘that is his voice; that is his harp. Bring him to me.’ Karl Uhlemann Junior (1912-1992)

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Patrick Sarsfield (1957) ‘Sarsfield is the word and Sarsfield is the man’. With this slogan the Williamite guns intended to batter the walls of Limerick were captured, spiked and blown up at Ballyneety in 1691 by Patrick Sarsfield. Sean O’Suilleabhain RHA (1906-1964)

Oisín an Ceoil (1962) Oisín, son of Fionn, was a fearless fighter, but he was also a poet and a harpist. He could play three kinds of music, Geantraí, Goltraí and Suantraí: Love Songs, Songs of Sorrow and Songs of Sweet Sleep. Karl Uhlemann Junior (1912-1992)

period with a focus on the Rebellion of 1641; and The Rebellion of 1798. Three artists were commissioned in the production of The History and Mythology Calendar Series. They were Victor Browne (1900-1953), Karl Uhlemann Junior (1912-1992) and Seán O’Súilleabháin (1906-1964). Although designed by three different artists, there was a consistency of approach in terms of style and theme across the thirty years of production. The images were idealistic with strikingly bold colour palettes and strong forms. The majority of the calendars were designed by Browne and Uhlemann – whose styles were similar – using simplified compositions, vibrant colours and a flattened perspective. O’Súilleabháin was responsible for just two – his designs also had a strong and vivid sense of colour but are of a more detailed figurative style. Each Calendar within the History and Mythology Calendar series was of a consistent structure, with a small ‘tear-off’ type calendar surrounded by promotional corporate messages underneath the larger commissioned image. The illustrated image on each calendar was contained within a bordered frame as in the example (opposite). An original set of the calendars has been preserved thanks to an

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ART

Life springs from death (1966) ’Life springs from death, and from the graves of patriot men and women spring living nations.’ P. H. Pearse. In Easter week 1916 a handful of men and women challenged a mighty Empire and fought for the freedom of Ireland. Though seemingly defeated, their heroic example inspired and sustained the Irish people in the subsequent struggle for National Independence. Karl Uhlemann Junior (1912-1992) ANTHOLOGY WINTER 2019 59

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employee of New Ireland Assurance, Brian Madden, who took an interest in preserving the company’s heritage. When Sean Casey took over as CEO in 2010, he felt that the shared legacy of the company was an important unifying factor for the 1,000 staff. He had known that the calendars existed and got some photographed and framed, and then hung them around the building, sparking a lot of interest from the employees. As a further step in the conservation process, he had the illustrated artworks digitally archived. Following the recent sale of the New Ireland Assurance office building on Dawson Street, storage space that had been available to house company memorabilia was no longer available. As a result, the original set of calendars along with other historical collectables from this unique Irish company (that was founded to support the economic development of our new nation) have now been donated to the National archives. Featured here is a selection from the collection. The caption shown with each Illustration is the original text which was included on the back of each calendar.

Emer (1963) Emer, daughter of Forgall of Lusk, excelled amongst the women of Ireland in the art of embroidery. She had all the gifts of true womanhood; beauty, sweet speech, wisdom and chastity. Cú Chulainn chose her for his wife and only in death did he part from her. Karl Uhlemann Junior (1912-1992)

Children of Lir (1937) Of the famous ‘Three Sorrows of Storytelling‘ so beloved of the rhymers of Ireland, none is so cherished or so often told as the Saga of the Children of Lir. For the beauty of its language, for the skill of its shaping, for all that it holds of human treachery and fidelity, the memory of Fionnuala and her brothers will endure until the all-devouring wave sweeps at last over the plains and hills of our land. Victor Browne (1900-1953)

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RHA 2020 EXHIBITIONS SEASON ONE

Patrick Redmond, 16 Jan to 9 Feb Neil Carroll, 14 Feb to 26 April Alan Phelan, 14 Feb to 27 Mar Laura Fitzgerald, 14 Feb to 8 Mar RHA Collection, 14 Feb to 27 Mar Joseph Heffernan, 12 Mar to 26 April

SEASON TWO

190th Annual Exhibition 25 May to 8 August

SEASON THREE

189

Alan Phelan, “Lily Reynaud Dewar as Twister Morph 2015, when sitting was dancing”, 2019, Joly Screen photograph: toned gelatin silver sheet film (reverse processed), duraclear c-print screen, acrylic panels, LED panel, MDF support, electrics, archival paper tape, insulation tape. Image courtesy the artist.

RHA Gallery 15 Ely Place, Dublin D02 A213 +353 1 661 2558 / info@rhagallery.ie www.rhagallery.ie

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Barbara Knezevic, 4 Sept to 25 Oct

th ANNUAL Damien Flood, 4 EXHIBITION Sept to 25 Oct 21 MAYPress, - 10 10 AUGUST Gallery Sept to 25 Oct Denis Kelly, 7 Oct to 8 Nov

Painting, Print, Sculpture, SEASON FOUR Drawing, Space, 12 Nov to 20 Dec Photography Ciaran Murphy, 12 Nov to 20and Dec Architectural Graphic Studio Dublin, 12 Nov to 20 Dec models. Miriam O’Connor, 12 Nov toIrelands 20 Dec largest open submission exhibition.

Richard Gorman RHA, Spun spin, 2019, Oil on linen, 150 x 150cm, Image courtesy of the artist.

RHA Gallery 15 Ely Place, Dublin D02 A213 +353 1 661 2558 / info@rhagallery.ie www.rhagallery.ie

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Cathal O’Malley P ainting in both oils and acrylics, Cathal O’Malley’s work depicts the beauty of nature, the sunlight, the familiar sheep grazing the land and the breathtaking landscapes of Connemara. He has a special affinity with the sea. His atmospheric seascapes capture how the sea and sky interact, and the movement, light and drama of the ocean. Cathal is self-taught; among his many notable awards are: winner of the National Gallery Poster Competition 1982 and regional winner of Live at Three Art Competition in 1993. He has exhibited as far away as Taipei in Taiwan, the MAD Gallery in Milan and the Lorica Artworks in Massachusetts. He has many collectors worldwide, especially those who have a love of Ireland. He is happy to accept commissions for custom landscape or seascape paintings from photographs.

T: +353 86 0792191 E: cathalomalley4@eircom.net www.cathalomalley.com www.facebook.com/cathal.omalley1

KALLY STEFANAZZI +353 86 2104 380 kallystef@yahoo.co.uk i visualartistkally

‘Silence’, oil on block canvas,150mm x 150mm

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ART

Antoon Knaap A

visual artist, born and raised in Amsterdam, Antoon Knaap settled in Ireland over twenty-five years ago. For the benefit of his sanity he alternates periods of abstract painting with producing more realistic work, while his preoccupation with history and mathematics feeds through into most of his pieces. Where his abstract work contains mainly geometric designs, demonstrating a clear obsession for circles, his more realistic work is invariably focused on contemporary Irish history. A selection of his work can be viewed in The Kildare Gallery at Carton House, Maynooth. The artist can be met in person and his work viewed on any given Sunday on the railings of Merrion Square, Dublin.

+353 86 1542404 antoon@antoonknaap.com www.antoonknaap.com

HENRY MCGRANE

PORTRAIT AND LANDSCAPE ARTIST

For queries on COMMISSIONS and WORKSHOPS contact: +353 87 2808130 I henrymcgraneart@gmail.com I henrymcgrane.com I henrymcgrane.net STUDIO COLLECTION OF WORKS Viewing by appointment only

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The Style of Movement:

Fashion and Dance

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PHOTOGRAPHY

The beauty of style and fashion meet the elegance of dance and movement WORDS EDEL CASSIDY

Laurel Daley Smith, Leslie Williams, So Young An, Anne O’Donnell, Anne Souder, Charlotte Landreau, Martha Graham Dance Company. Costumes by Martha Graham for Night Journey

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Charlotte Landreau, Soloist, Martha Graham Dance Company. Clothing by Iris Van Herpen

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PHOTOGRAPHY

D

eborah Ory and Ken Browar, the very talented husband-and-wife team behind the NYC Dance Project, have recently released a new dance photography book, The Style of Movement: Fashion and Dance. This book is a follow-up to their ex-

quisite award-winning book The Art of Movement and is packed with magnificent images of today’s greatest dancers in dynamic poses and dressed by celebrated designers. It explores the synergy between fashion, dance and photography, as the dancers bring the pages to life wearing visually stunning creations as they express their art. Whether in couture gowns from Dior, Valentino or Oscar de la Renta, vintage Halston, or in costumes designed by modern dance legend, Martha Graham, the stars of the dance world featured in these pages bring style to movement. High fashion can sometimes be conceived to be physically restrictive and uncomfortable, but what is striking about these images is, while aesthetically pleasing, the garments worn allow the dancers such freedom of movement that they almost become one with what they are wearing – a perfect ‘pas de deux’ of couture and choreography. In the foreword written by Valentino, one of the world’s most influential haute couture designers, he touches on the importance of the body’s movement and how it interacts with garments. ‘I have always designed thinking about the movement of the woman wearing the dress – where would she wear it, how would she move in it, and what does it mean to her. A dress should never be designed just to be viewed from just one angle; movement must be considered in an entire 360-degree point of view. Wearing clothing is about expressing emotion – just the way dance is. Dancers have remarkable elegance with the way they hold their bodies; they truly carry a dress with the gentlest touch; a way that allows the dress to have freedom to move and be and carry the emotion of the movement.’ This stunningly beautiful celebration of dance and fashion contains 175 photographs over 304 pages. Throughout the book, the focus is firmly kept on the subjects and the garments they are wearing by using a uniform neutral background with no distracting elements. The clothing featured is a mix of hot-off-the-runway couture gowns, costumes pulled from the archives of the Martha Graham Dance Company and vintage Valentino dresses loaned from a museum – one of which is featured on the front cover, worn by Tiler Peck.

The Style of Movement: Fashion and Dance, by Ken Browar and Deborah Ory, is published by Rizzoli, New York, with a foreword by Valentino and introduction by fashion historian, Pamela Golbin. www.rizzoliusa.com has details of where the book is available locally

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Meaghan Grace Hinkin, Soloist, The Royal Ballet. Flower dress by Madeleine Hinkis. Concept and design by Tom Biondo and Olga Sahraoui. Flowers provided by Royal Flower Group.

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FIONA T URLEY GALLERY CRAFTS KILWORTH CREATIVE GIFTS, ART & STYLE FOR YOU & YOUR HOME

Personalised prints for special occasions and cushions by Fiona Turley

The paintbox scarf: Part of the new collection

Browse, shop and have your gifts wrapped while you enjoy breakfast, lunch or delicious home baking by cafe owner and chef Elizabeth Cooke. Opening hours: Tues - Sat 9.30 - 5pm Kilworth, just 20 mins from Dunkettle roundabout exit 14

Gallery Crafts or Cooke’s at the Gallery www.fionaturley.com tel 025-27972 for all queries 69_Fiona Turley.indd 69

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MANRIQUE 100

T

his year, Lanzarote celebrates the centenary of the birth of one of its most influential figures, César Manrique (1919–1992). No visit to the island is complete without taking in some of the distinctive landmarks created by the artist, whose presence is tangible throughout the island. Although he defined himself as a painter he was also a town planner, an architect, a landscaper, sculptor and environmentalist.

‘He soon became disillusioned with the New York lifestyle, which he described as artificial, and this was the catalyst that inspired his return to Lanzarote in 1966’

He studied classical painting at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid, where he lived for almost twenty years (1945 to 1964). During the 1950s he experimented with non-figurative art and became associated with the Spanish Informalist Movement. His work developed more towards gestural abstraction, a movement that broke away from traditional processes and materials, often without the artist having a

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ARCHITECTURE

Following a distinguished international artistic career, César Manrique returned to his native island of Lanzarote and created a legacy of enormous historical and cultural significance WORDS DOLORES O ’ DONOGHUE

El Mirador del Río

preconceived concept or conscious control. In 1964, he moved to New York where he worked and exhibited successfully. He became familiar with American Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art and Kinetic Art, all of which later influenced his artistic career. But he soon became disillusioned with the New York lifestyle, which he described as artificial, and this was the catalyst that inspired his return to Lanzarote in 1966.

The timing was perfect for his return. A childhood friend, José Ramírez Cerdá, was president of Lanzarote at the time and supported Manrique’s vision for transforming the island. Together they worked on a model of sustainable tourism long before the concept became mainstream and fashionable. They insisted that all man-made structures had to be integrated into the landscape. So billboards were banned, ca-

bles were laid underground, high-rise buildings were forbidden and mass tourism was limited to three main coastal districts. As a result, nearly two-thirds of the island is free from tourist establishments, and visitors and locals alike can enjoy its unblemished natural and unique beauty. Here are some examples of the magnificent Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism (CACTs) created by Manrique on the island of Lanzarote.

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Jameos del Agua This magical grotto, located at the north end of the island, was the first of the centres created by Manrique in the 1960s, and it reflects his aesthetic of harmony between art, architecture and nature. The site evolved from structures remaining after the eruption of the Monte Corona volcano about 4000 years ago, which created a six-kilometre-long lava tube, with a section located below the sea surface. As parts of the tube collapsed, a sequence of roofless, sunken caves were formed. In Manrique’s treatment of the natural feature, a winding volcanic staircase leads below sea level to a beautifully appointed garden cave restaurant, with leafy vegetation hanging from lobster pots. Imperfections in the cave have been transformed into viewing points and secluded seating areas. There is also a 600-seater auditorium that regularly hosts concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings and an annual music festival. At ground level there is an unforgettable view of the volcanic landscape, while beautiful gardens full of indigenous plants and trees surround an amazing turquoise swimming pool. The pool was once open to the public but is now believed to be reserved for the King of Spain.

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ARCHITECTURE

Al Campesino Right in the centre of Lanzarote, at the site of one of the island’s main crossroads, stands Al Campesino, Manrique’s public tribute to the determination and hard work of Lanzarote’s farmers. They produce a wide variety of food and wine, despite the difficult growing conditions imposed by the arid volcanic soil and ceaseless trade winds. Monumento a la Fecundidad, created in 1968 to pay homage to the island’s farmers, is a fifteen-metre-tall abstract sculpture made from recycled water tanks that rise in a succession of geometric designs. The adjacent Casa-Museo del Campesino is a series of buildings that were designed to look like traditional homes with white walls and green wooden window frames and doors. Inside there is a museum where visitors have the opportunity to observe local artisans at work producing traditional pottery, embroidery and weaving.

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El Mirador del Río This is a 475-metre-high viewpoint atop a sheer cliff that was originally used by locals as a lookout for pirates approaching the island. During the Spanish-American war in 1898 it became a military base, and a fortress was built at the site to defend against possible attack from US navy fleets. The cave-like structure was quarried out and slotted into the clifftop so that it is barely visible from the outside, blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. A narrow winding white corridor leads to a balustrade, an observation deck and a spacious panoramic café with large curved windows that offer sweeping views over La Graciosa (the neighbouring island) and the Chinijo Archipelago National Park.

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ARCHITECTURE

Cactus Garden Located in the village of Guatiza, in the northeast of the island, this was Manrique’s final project before his untimely death. A disused quarry was transformed into a botanical garden with 4,500 cacti, covering 450 species from all five continents. Thanks to the natural amphitheatre of the old quarry, the cacti are sheltered from the strong winds that characteristically blow over Lanzarote. Visitors can make their way across bridges and pathways to a series of water features adorned with water lilies at the centre of the garden. The vibrant colours and shapes of the cacti are in harmony with the bright blue sky and the dark volcanic soil. Sitting on a hill overlooking the gardens is a 240-year-old windmill that has been restored to full working order. It is a fine example of a traditional Canarian mill that produced gofio, a flour made from roasted sweet corn that has been a staple in the diet of islanders for centuries.

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César Manrique’s House and Foundation When César Manrique returned to live permanently in Lanzarote, he built a spectacular home cum studio just outside the village of Tahíche. It is here that his Foundation is headquartered. The basement consists of five volcanic cavities forming cave-like dens that are interconnected by tunnels excavated in the lava. The central cave is a recreational area with a swimming pool, a barbeque oven and a small dance floor. The upper storey, which includes the artist’s studio, is inspired by the traditional architecture of Lanzarote, enhanced with contemporary aspects such as large open spaces, huge windows, and terraces. Among the unusual features is a tree that grows from the centre of a room right up through the ceiling. There is also an open window through which a lava spill appears to enter the room. This effect is achieved by using some of the solidified lava that surrounds the house.

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Delivered directly to your door

One-Year Subscription Within Ireland â‚Ź25 International â‚Ź35 Receive four issues in print throughout the year. Keep up to date with the latest news in luxury lifestyle and well-being, interiors, adventures and destinations, fashion and beauty, art and culture, and more. info@anthology-magazine.com +353 87 1945406

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Guo Pei ‘Alternate Universe’ is an intriguing collection built around ideas of transcendence that explores inspirational theories and philosophies about life beyond the physical plane. Guo Pei’s maximalist use of esoteric embellishments and rich embroidery inspired by mythical creatures bring a sense of magic and mystery to these otherworldly gowns.

fantasy

flights of

Dramatic gowns featuring copious layers, ruffles, gossamer fabrics and exotic embellishments take global runways to new heights where fantasy and drama abound

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With harmonious blends of Eastern and Western influences, this collection is inspired by the designer’s recent visit to the cultural sites of China, especially Beijing’s Forbidden City. His signature structured designs are complimented with fluid fabrics that are both luxurious and wearable in a palette of rich reds, celadon blue, saffron yellow, white and black.

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The collection combines sophisticated and elegant styling with luxurious silks, European brocades, laces, and prints. Exquisite beading and embroideries evoke a sense of luxury and glamour. Each piece is meticulously stitched together to create exquisite gowns and cocktail dresses that flow beautifully around the body.

THEIA

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Ulyana Sergeenko The oriental theme draws inspiration from the ancient city of Samarkand on the Silk Road trade route between China and Europe. Precious fabrics such as jacquard silk, sateen and chiffon embellished with traditional embroidery and crochet come in a palette of vibrant colours inspired by the treasures of the Silk Road.

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Inspired by the ancient mosaic, the collection is an ode to architecture and geometry. A colourful collection with embroidery embellishments resembling ‘tessellas’ and ‘tesserulas’. Technical elements such as marked waists and oversize and asymmetrical sleeves feature on tulles and chiffons, lace and velvet that bring a sense of delicacy and femininity.

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1,200 litres of LPG free*. Get

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Discover the delicious taste of gas cooking with Neven McGuire’s wholesome winter dinner menu. SWEET POTATO AND COCONUT SOUP WITH HAM (Serves 6-8)

I like to use leftover ham hock in this soup, but you could use shop-bought or even bacon would work well. This soup keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to one month, but it may need to be blitzed with a hand blender when reheating, as it may split.

Method Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6). Place the sweet potatoes in a baking tin, drizzle over 1 tablespoon of the sunflower oil and roast for 15 minutes, or until tender. Set aside. Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and chilli and sweat for four minutes, stirring occasionally.

Ingredients

Add the roasted sweet potatoes with the stock and tomato purée,

900g (2lb) sweet potatoes, diced

then bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for five min-

2 tblsp sunflower oil

utes, until all of the vegetables are completely tender.

1 onion, finely chopped

Reserve 3-4 tablespoons of the coconut milk as a garnish and pour

1 celery stick, finely chopped

the remainder into the pan with most of the shredded ham hock,

1 red chilli, halved, seeded and thinly sliced

again holding a little back to garnish.

1.25 litres (2¼ pints) vegetable or chicken stock 4 tsp tomato purée

Cook for another few minutes, stirring constantly. Season to taste

400g (14oz) can coconut milk

and ladle the soup into warmed bowls. Add a drizzle of the re-

225g (8oz) cooked, shredded ham hock

served coconut milk and scatter over the rest of the shredded ham

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

hock and the coriander leaves to garnish. Serve hot with crusty

Handful of fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

bread on the side.

Crusty bread, to serve

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FOOD

CHICKEN THIGHS BRAISED IN CIDER WITH SWEET POTATOES

(Serves 6-8)

This recipe has to be one of my all-time favourites that I find myself returning to again and again. It has tons of flavour but takes very little time to get in the oven compared to traditional casseroles. Ask any good butcher to prepare the chicken thighs for you. I think they are so much more succulent than chicken breasts.

Ingredients

Method

12 rindless streaky bacon rashers

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6).

12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Stretch each rasher with the back of a table knife, then

3 tbsp Donegal rapeseed oil

use to wrap around a chicken thigh. Heat the oil in a large

2 onions, cut into wedges

casserole with a lid and cook the wrapped chicken thighs

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

in batches until lightly browned all over. Arrange on a plate

2 garlic cloves, crushed

and set aside. Reduce the heat, then add the onions and

275g (10oz) flat mushrooms, sliced

sweet potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes, until golden. Add

2 tbsp redcurrant jelly

the garlic and cook for one minute, stirring to prevent the

Finely grated rind of 1 orange

mixture from sticking.

1 bay leaf 450ml (¾ pint) chicken stock

Add the mushrooms, redcurrant jelly, orange rind and bay

120ml (4fl oz) dry cider

leaf, then pour in the stock and cider. Bring to the boil, then

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

reduce the heat and return the chicken to the casserole and

1 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

stir in the thyme. Cover and cook in the oven for one hour,

1 tbsp toasted flaked almonds

until the chicken is completely tender and the sauce has

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

thickened slightly. Season to taste and stir in the parsley.

Creamy mashed potatoes, to serve

To serve, sprinkle the casserole with the flaked almonds, then place directly on the table with a large bowl of creamy mashed potatoes to mop up all those delicious juices.

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Happy to Help

90 WINTER 2019 ANTHOLOGY

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HEALTH

Kindness, an essential but often overlooked ingredient to ensure wellbeing, health and happiness WORDS JEANNIE CROUCHER

W

ith the chaotic, fast-paced

or people who are genuinely decent

Kindness makes us happier

world that many of us live

with a strong moral sense of right and

Many people will recognise the feeling

in today, and its constant

wrong, but is backed up by years of sci-

of well-being they may experience when

demands from home, work and school, it

entific research. Of course, we all know

they have done something nice for

can be all too easy for us to focus on our

that one should not even consider

another person. It makes us feel good to

own pressures without considering the

hopping on the kindness train just for

know that we have increased someone

needs of others. World and local news

the physical and psychological benefits

else’s happiness however temporary,

sources often focus on negative stories

that may be gleaned, but it is inspiring

whether it is a stranger, a friend or a

which can make us somewhat despair

to realise that being pro-social not

family member. But it is also interesting

at the suffering and pain that our fellow

only feels good, but also does us good.

to note that on a biochemical level these

humans can inflict on each other. However, every now and then a story appears which puts a smile on our faces and provides an inner sense

Let’s delve a little further into how

acts of kindness have been known to

showing a little kindness can be a win-

increase dopamine levels in the brain,

win situation for all concerned.

often dubbed the ‘feel-good’ chemical, which give a natural high in feelings of

of warmth. These stories very often

It reduces stress

involve an act of kindness, possibly

When we engage in acts of kindness

between two strangers, for no obvious

towards others, we are essentially get-

Kindness makes us healthier

reason except for a wish on the giver’s

ting out of ourselves and away from the

Doing a kind deed gives us a glowing

part to assist a person in need.

stressors in our own lives. Taking a break

feeling or warm emotion which derives

from our own problems and choosing to

from the production of oxytocin, a

is that an act of kindness is not only

take the time to offer help to others can

hormone that enlarges blood vessels and

hugely beneficial to the receiver but it

have a positive impact on our emotions.

therefore can reduce blood pressure and

can also bestow great benefits on the

An extra benefit to this is that it helps to

protect the heart. So being kind is literal-

giver. The concept of the ‘helpers’ high’

build and strengthen our relationships

ly as well as metaphorically good for the

is now recognised as being an important

with each other.

heart. Another health benefit of oxytocin

But what is not widely acknowledged

element of wellbeing as it increases the

satisfaction and happiness.

is that it can slow down the ageing pro-

production of serotonin, which is com-

It can help ease anxiety

monly known as the ‘happy chemical’ that

We have all heard of the damaging effects

and inflammation in the cardiovascular

provides healing and calming feelings.

of anxiety on mental health and life in gen-

system – making us young at heart!

This is not a fallacy emanating from those of a particular religious faith,

‘An act of kindness is not only hugely beneficial to the receiver but it can also bestow great benefits on the giver’

cess as it reduces levels of free radicals

eral and there are several ways to reduce its effect using such practices as exercise,

It is important to remember that while

mindfulness and medication. But it is now

some people are innately kind, it is a

recognised that being kind towards others

trait that we all have the capacity to

has been linked with a noticeable reduc-

cultivate by choice.

tion in the symptoms of anxiety. A study

‘The ideals which have lighted my

that was carried out in the University of

way, and time after time have given

British Columbia found that participants

me new courage to face life cheerfully,

who engaged in kind acts displayed signifi-

have been kindness, beauty and truth.’ –

cant increases in positive moods.

Albert Einstein. This article is dedicated to the memory of my sister, Marion Lynch

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BIRD’SEYE VIEW Aerial photographer Stas Bartnikas, capturing surreal sights from the skies WORDS EDEL CASSIDY

Eye of the Earth – Alaska, July 2019. A small glacial lake surrounded by ice. This shot was taken from a floatplane in Denali National Park.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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‘I am convinced that Mother Nature is the most sophisticated painter and I see it as my mission to capture this beauty in its perfect form’

Dragon River – Iceland, January 2017. A glacial river captured where it merges with the ocean. This shot has been nominated for several awards.

W

hen I first discovered the work of aerial photographer, Stas Bartnikas, his amazing images appeared to look a lot like spectacular abstract paintings. The Moscow-based former journalist has a passion for capturing stunning aerial shots of the earth’s surface, revealing the wonderful abstract patterns that are found in a mix of volcanic formations, winding rivers swirling icy streams and sand dunes. His love of travel and aviation has brought him to over twenty countries, where he flies in small planes and helicopters to photograph the world’s natural landscapes, capturing their beauty from above. His dramatic images have won many prestigious awards and his work has been exhibited widely, including recently at the Avivson gallery, London and Beyond the

Lens photo exhibition in Siena, Italy. I spoke to Stas about his work in photography, his process and his love of nature.

How would you describe your style?

I call my style of photography ‘aero-art’. I am convinced that Mother Nature is the most sophisticated painter and I see it as my mission to capture this beauty in its perfect form. Aerial photography allows us to see places that are inaccessible on foot and to show the landscape from a very different perspective. It allows me to capture beautiful and unique patterns, shapes, and colours in their full glory. I like to think that beautiful images portraying our planet invoke deep feelings of love, admiration and respect for nature. I also believe and hope that people will be inclined to protect what they love.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

On Top of the Glacier – Iceland, summer 2018. A close-up of the surface of the glacier from above. Most would expect a glacier to be an icy smooth surface, but in reality it looks like cracked old wood.

Colourful Mountains – Kazakhstan, April 2017. A beautiful mountain valley in Altyn-Emel National Park. Getting to the location was a major challenge. It took four hours of flying both ways to capture this spot.

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How did you get started and what is your earliest memory of taking photographs?

When I was thirteen years old, I was given a gift of my first camera, a Smena 8M along with equipment to develop film. I can’t say that I fell in love with photography straight away but I did find the process of developing pictures in the darkroom very fascinating. My passion for photography came years later. I had planned a trip to Lake Como and a friend offered me his camera, suggesting that I take aerial shots of the lake. This experience made me realise that it is possible to take beautiful and unusual shots from the sky. I developed a passion for travel and flying which allows me to capture beautiful aerial landscapes.

Is there any particular location or country that is your favourite to photograph?

Definitely Iceland. It has always been my favourite place to fly over and photograph. I believe it is one of the most photogenic countries when looked at from above: the combination of ice, snow, volcanic formations, glacial rivers, beaches and ocean are all great material to make spectacular images.

What other interesting places has your work taken you?

Each place I fly over and photograph fascinates me in its own way but I found the Colorado River Delta in Baja California a fascinating experience. It is absolutely surreal when looking from above.

Pelican’s Party – Mexico, June 2016. Colorado River Delta, Baja California. Pelicans, among many other bird species, use the river as their migratory stopover.

‘Because I rarely use drones, I am somewhat limited to places that are in the vicinity of flight schools or aero sightseeing tours’

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PHOTOGRAPHY

The Edge – Iceland, August 2018. A black sand beach on the southern coast of Iceland. The sand originates from volcanic minerals and lava fragments, hence the black colour

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Dunes of Namib Desert – Namibia, May 2015 The intricate patterns in this photo of Namib Desert constantly change as the wind impacts their formation.

Has your work been influenced by other photographers?

I try not to look at the work of other photographers so that I can create my own unique style. I like to rely mainly on my perception, senses and vision. So I specifically avoid extraneous influence to keep things fresh for my eyes.

How do you plan and set up the project that you shoot?

I start by looking at maps and from them choose my location. Then I carefully study the area and look for the nearest flight schools or companies that offer private or sightseeing flights in small aircraft in that

region. Because I rarely use drones, I am somewhat limited to places that are in the vicinity of flight schools or aero sightseeing tours. Once I have my plans in place, I book my tickets and am ready for new experiences and adventures.

Do you have a favourite camera?

I prefer to use a Medium Format Phase One XF camera with 100-megapixel sensor and 75-150mm lenses. I also sometimes use a Sony a7R II with Zeiss lenses. Enquirers regarding limited edition prints: sb@stasbart.com www.stasbart.com

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BLOCK C, KILCOOLE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, KILCOOLE, CO. WICKLOW T: +353 (0)1 281 7000 I E: keith@roundwooddesign.ie

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