SUMMER 2015
www.bartonwyatt.co.uk
A SELECTION OF THE FINEST PROPERTIES IN YOUR AREA
The finest local property, Fashion & Beauty, Travel, Technology, Arts & Culture, Food & Drink, and much more‌ we go backstage at the Royal Opera House; visit the medieval city of Bologna; put the Bentley Continental GT V8 S to the test; and James Wyatt reflects on the history of Barton Wyatt.
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Welcome As we go to print on the morning of 8th May 2015, we have the unexpected news that the Conservatives have a mandate to form a Government, albeit with a small majority. In an area such as ours, we naturally welcome this, as the alternative would have been further punishment for property owners, and other hair-brained property policies. What we need now is a more common sense approach to property ownership, and that starts with a return to more sensible levels of stamp duty. Since our last edition of Residence, we have seen the sale of Wentworth Golf Club to Beijing-based Reignwood Investments for £135m. We have much to thank former owner Richard Caring for, and early signs lead us to believe that Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang of Reignwood will ensure that the Club continues to evolve and remain as not only the finest golfing facility in England, but also the finest residential golfing estate in the world. Apart from Wentworth, which will be hosting the fabulous £5m BMW PGA Championship from 21st to 24th May, we are lucky enough to live in an area with other outstanding sporting events including the Royal Ascot meeting and several world class polo events at Guards Polo Club. But this year sees a truly unique event as we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta on nearby Runnymede. Her Majesty the Queen and several other members of the Royal Family will be attending a special event on Monday 15th June, when the new Riverside statue of the Queen is unveiled.
Barton Wyatt The Estate Office Virginia Water Surrey GU25 4DL Tel: 01344 843 000 www.bartonwyatt.co.uk www.bartonwyatt.tv
We have invested in a superb upgrading of our offices recently. Our private office, looking after local homes for ‘time poor’ owners, has attracted a number of new clients and we continue to develop this side of the business. Despite a period of uncertainty in the housing markets, we continue to sell and let properties at healthy numbers and at good prices, and the outlook is now considerably rosier. If you are considering selling, letting or need your property looked after by our exceptional team, please do give me a call. Kind regards,
Editor Gemma Rose Assistant Editor Catherine Law Graphic Design Oliver Hilton Mark Pentney Tom Dobson Contributors Katie Bamford Claire Durkin Chris Farmer Kevin Haggarthy Emily Moss Colm O’Rourke Jennifer Paisley Antony Sore
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Contents 6 - PROPERTY
Property section A selection of some of the finest properties currently available in your area from Barton Wyatt.
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26 - FASHION AND BEAUTY
Turning heads Louis Mariette reveals what it takes to be a successful milliner
42 - EVENTS
Progress in motion Now in its eighth year, what can we expect from the London Festival of Architecture 2015?
54 - TRAVEL
Bravissimo Bologna Explore the beautiful medieval city of Bologna
70 - TECHNOLOGY
Droning on We chart the rising popularity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
82 - FOOD AND DRINK
Introducing: Alexis Soyer Flamboyant and determined; meet the first celebrity chef
86 - ARTS AND CULTURE
From stitch to stage We discover the magic of costume making at the Royal Opera House
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Advertising: Tel: 0845 521 5221 E-mail: sales@cream-club.co.uk Editorial: Tel: 0845 521 5221 E-mail: editor@cream-club.co.uk Š Cream Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction is forbidden except by express permission of the publishers. The content of this magazine is believed to be correct but its accuracy is not guaranteed and does not form part of any offer or contract. Barton Wyatt cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors. The views expressed within editorials are those of the writers and not those of Cream Club.
88 - MOTORING
Bentley on ice The Bentley Continental GT V8 S takes to Sweden’s snowy roads
88 - MOTORING
Audi R8 V10 Plus As the new Audi R8 makes its debut, we bid farewell to the current model
LD SO WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE £5,995,000
A Quintessential English country home set in park like gardens on the ‘Main Island’ of the Wentworth Estate, with a stunning indoor pool complex, and gate house. EPC E49
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6 | SALES
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1.8
A charming original Tarrant Wentworth family home set within stunning gardens of approximately 1.6 acres facing due south to the rear. EPC F26. Planning approved for a new Georgian mansion house.
WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE POA
EPC E49
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ4,950,000
A brand new striking contemporary home set at the head of a quiet Cul-de-Sac within the Main Island of Wentworth offering over 8,300 sq ft of accommodation and set in private grounds amounting to approximately one acre. EPC rating B.
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8 | SALES
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WENTWORTH ESTATE
A stunning luxury home with six bedrooms, elegant reception rooms and ideal of entertaining on a grand scale. The exceptionally spacious accommodation is spread over three floors amounting to just under 9,000 square feet in all to include the triple garage and staff flat over. Superbly situated
PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ4,950,000
on high ground at the top of Woodlands Road East, a prestigious and convenient location within the Wentworth Estate. EPC C74
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3
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0.75
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ4,600,000
A stunning residence presented in the most exceptional order, stylishly decorated and furnished throughout. The whole being the subject of a total coordinated interior design programme. Situated in south facing gardens over half an acre in a tranquil location on the Wentworth Estate. EPC C74
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10 | SALES
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50 years in Virginia Water! By James Wyatt
M
y family business has been in Virginia Water since 1965, and since then, one of the most frequently asked questions has been, “Who is this Mr Barton Wyatt?” The fact is that the ‘Barton’ bit of the firm’s name is simply a nod to the past. There are plenty of Wyatts in the business, but no Barton at all these days. However, this wasn’t always the case. Our history stretches back to 1869, when Richardson & Company carried out their business from Bushy Park Estate Office, opposite the station in Teddington. Mr Richardson was the sole proprietor until 1902, when he was joined in a Partnership by Stanley Martin, who soon after became the only owner and carried on until 1927. In September of that year, a pair of Mr Richardson’s employees – Stanley Wyatt and Clifford Barton bought the business. Their office was at 6 Victoria Road, Teddington. A large local rent collection took two and a half days every week to collect, as well as a London collection which was carried out fortnightly. There were
Above: Reproduction of the Frith photograph ‘Copyright The Francis Frith Collection’
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three other staff, one of whom was Miss Stammers, who was still around when I was young! The only transport the business had was my grandfather’s motorbike and side-car which he used to take - perhaps slightly startled - applicants in to view properties. Soon after, he upgraded to a rather more comfy Austin Seven. In 1928, the business moved to offices that Barton’s father had built at 21 High Street, Teddington. Those premises are occupied by Curchods Estate Agents today. During the following year, a Mr Bowen was employed as a negotiator, but the General Strike was making life difficult for the business, and in 1931 Bowen was told to go and find another job, which he duly did with Chancellors & Son in Sunningdale. He quickly became a Partner, but by 1936 that Partnership had been dissolved. At the same time, Mr Watson of Garrod & Watson in Esher had died, so Barton and Wyatt agreed for Bowen to buy the Esher business at 58 High
Street (now Corals bookmakers), and an association between the two firms was established in 1938 under the improbable trading name of ‘Richardson & Martin in association with Garrod Watson & Bowen”’ Imagine answering the phones with that name! Barton and Wyatt were keen to have a business in Sunningdale, so had opened a branch office in 1936 on the A30, and having duly served his time away from Sunningdale for three years, Bowen joined the Partnership at Sunningdale in 1939. In the same year, the Partnership purchased Ballard & Marsh at 18 York Street in Twickenham. This was an office I was later to work in for a few years it is now a sandwich shop. The war years put a strain on the business with Barton serving in the Royal Air Force, and my Grandfather having been directed to the Air Ministry Lands Branch in London. Bowen was the only Partner left working in the business, with several offices being run by secretaries and cashiers, Miss Stammers, Miss Baldwin and Miss Port. In 1954 a Branch Office was opened in Baker Street, Weybridge and the firm ‘rebranded’ to Barton Wyatt & Bowen. However, in 1957 the Partnership dissolved, although it isn’t clear why. Barton and Wyatt dropped the Bowen name and continued without the Esher and Weybridge offices. At the same time, Jack Fletcher joined the Partnership in Sunningdale, having worked there for a while as the manager. He retired in 1969 and moved eventually to the West Country where he continued to ‘wheel and deal’. Our current office manager, Oliver Clarke, had dealings with him when working in Totnes up until fairly recently. In 1962, an office was opened at 4 Waterloo Place in Crowthorne, although this was disposed of in 1968. In 1963, the Estate business of Miss Lewis in High Street, Bagshot was purchased. Barton retired the following year, and then in 1965, the Partnership bought the Practice of Gosling & Milner in Virginia Water after the death of Leslie Gosling. His son Michael stayed on until 1967 when he decided to pursue a career as a teacher. Many years later, my brother and I bought his flat in Virginia Court when he told us how glad he was to get out of Estate Agency! My father, Hugh, was installed as the Virginia Water manager in 1965, living with my mother in the flat above the office with their young baby son – me. Today, my office upstairs is where my bedroom was all those years ago. The fireplace is still there, although my view of Trotsworth Hall hasn’t improved. Hugh and his eldest brother Paul were taken into the Partnership in 1967 and 1970. The middle brother Roger had become a developer, founding Focus 21 and then Octagon Developments. Two further offices were opened: one in Hampton in 1972 and another in Englefield Green in 1975. By the early 80’s, the Sunningdale, Bagshot and Englefield Green offices had been sold off or closed. Later, in 1993, the Partnership dissolved and Hugh retained just the Virginia Water office (trading under the name ‘Barton Wyatt’), which by that time had been extended and the upstairs offices were soon incorporated for use as the rapidly-expanding lettings and management department. My brother Rupert and I joined our father in Partnership in 1997. Our sister Sophie was also a Partner for a short period before becoming a full time mum. More recently, Jane and Maria Wyatt joined the Partnership. Over many decades, there were numerous other Partners in the firm whom I haven’t mentioned. Hugh retired in 2008, but the next generation, although still at school, are all in training! We are very much a family firm.
Top Left: Barton Wyatt advert c. 1956 Middle Left: Stanley Wyatt, aged about 10, and his family c. 1918 Bottom Left: Barton Wyatt in 2015
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Cinema
A community of timeless glamour - No more so than on the French Riviera! Sarah Hogg reports
T
he French Riviera is a location well-known and much loved for its enchanting coastline and enduring charm. It has an ageless beauty and a rich heritage; many popular attractions can be discovered along its beautiful beaches or hidden just behind in its richly cultural towns. Inevitably, the area also has a long-standing association with luxury and glamour; it’s a haven for celebrities who come here to seek privacy on-board their superyachts in Monaco, or for those who revel in throwing lavish poolside parties in their St Tropez villas. One of the more popular stop-offs between St Tropez and Monaco is Cannes, a town that needs no introduction. Held each May, the Cannes Film Festival is timed perfectly for those wanting to visit the area during one of the most illustrious months in the Riviera’s social calendar. Following the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tennis, the film festival is welcomed locally as the start of the summer season, or as it is more favourably known, the start of ‘the rose season’. The Monaco Formula One Grand Prix follows the week after, with many of the celebs travelling by private yacht or helicopter to make their way from
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Cannes to neighbouring Monte Carlo – where such personalities as Flavio Briatore wait open-armed to welcome them to party in his infamous Billionaire Club. Over the years, the Cannes Film Festival has played host to some of the biggest names in cinematic history. Its popularity grew in the 1950’s when film stars such as Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Carey Grant took to the streets, waving to the crowds from a convertible Rolls Royce. As is still the case today, stars of the screen will make their way along the Croisette beachfront, stopping to enjoy a cocktail at the Carlton or Martinez hotels. Now in its 68th year, refreshingly very little has changed; even the fashions of the day have held a timeless red carpet glamour, and the festival continues to attract international stars from the worlds of film, sport and music. Cinema and film have always created their own enigma, possessing an exceptional ability to draw people together through shared passions and dreams, or appealing to those who are looking to just momentarily escape their own reality. This perhaps explains why, increasingly, we are choosing to convert spaces in our homes into Home Cinemas. Even if not a dedicated space, as the
technology advances, we find ourselves able to enjoy and watch movies in 3D, 4K and experience surround sound from the comfort of our own sofa. Icon Connect, who have offices both in Monaco and London, are a smart home technology company, designing and installing systems for the control of your audio/video, security, lighting and IT systems. Over the past 27, years they have delivered projects to some of the most renowned superyacht and luxury residential projects worldwide. A witness to changes in technology and always leading the way in adapting these technologies to your personal needs, Paul Rose, Director of Icon Connect, tells us why Home Cinemas will always remain an important consideration and addition to our own homes. “We are currently witnessing an increase in demand for Home Cinemas in the UK, with the recent trend for clients to extend down into basements. This is the perfect space for a cinema - and to be honest - not much else! “We have been installing Home Cinemas for our clients for over 20 years now, with many existing clients in the Wentworth and Ascot areas. It’s always a fantastic experience for the team when we get to work with our clients on such incredible properties that can be found here in Surrey. Our teams are conveniently located to be able to quickly respond to any request in person, and for an existing system we can also log-in and troubleshoot remotely. “With offices in London and Monaco and clients worldwide, we often receive requests to design and install Home Cinemas which would quite comfortably accommodate the same red carpet glamour seen at the Cannes Film Festival. “However, installing a Home Cinema is about something more, it’s about creating a space in your house or yacht where you can spend precious time with your family and friends. A great movie, shown on a quality system,
allows you to enjoy a fully immersive cinematic experience. Such time shared together, will momentarily allow everyone watching to forget about the outside world. “We all have memories from the first time we went to the cinema and that could be because of who we went with, or which movie star we went to watch. And this can all be reflected in the design our clients choose. Whether you choose to replicate one of your favourite theatres or have a more relaxed lounge space, it’s a very personal design choice, and the technology we can install is also just as flexible to match our clients’ expectations and budgets. “Rest assured, there are always options to provide a quality audio and video system in any room in your home. Icon Connect can install a system providing every room with the same easy to use control, as well as access to unlimited video and audio content. So even if you don’t have a dedicated cinema space, it is our job to ensure we bring the same experience and joy directly to you.” Cannes Film Festival takes place this year during 13-24th May. With such a celebrated history, a postcard setting and an enviable guest list, the event perfectly marries everything we love about Hollywood, Cinema and the French Riviera. For more information on Home Cinemas and to contact Icon Connect about their services, please visit www.iconconnect.com or contact Will Bouma E: willb@iconconnect.com M: +44 (0) 7852 316 893. For more information on the Cannes Film Festival http://www.festival-cannes.com/en.html
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La
Dolce Vita! Why smart investors are once again looking at Italy
W
e asked Linda Travella, a director of Casa Travella, why we should consider investing in Italy rather than other European destinations.
• There is no inheritance tax at all, and no Capital Gains Tax after five years of ownership. • The weather. For a large part of the year, it is considerably warmer than England. In winter, skiing is a relatively short drive into Northern Italy, but not many people know you can ski in Tuscany too. • The food and wine - need we say more? • The history, culture and architecture. Italy is one big museum and you will never be short of places to visit. • The fashion. Milan is one of the world fashion powerhouses. Great for shopping, not so great on your pocket!
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Here are some examples of good property investments which will earn you more as opposed to leaving your money in the bank. A period villa on the shores of beautiful Lake Como, ten minutes’ drive from George Clooney’s villa, will make an ideal weekend or holiday destination. Less than an hour’s drive from Milan’s airports, the property (see pictures below) is fully renovated, and offers four comfortable bedrooms and four bathrooms. The property has its own turret and a stunning lake view. The local town of Cernobbio and the world-renowned hotel Villa D’Este are a ten minute drive away, with a golf course within 30 minutes’ reach. In case you are unable to use the property as much as you would like, you can consider letting it to obtain approximately a 6% yield per annum, and still be the owner of a stunning lakeside villa. On the market for €1,650,000 (£1.25m).
If you prefer the tranquillity and warmer weather of Tuscany, then take a look at this detached country villa with a pool (see pictures below), only a 15 minute drive from the Castelfalfi golf course. Pisa airport is less than an hour away, with flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton. The property is set in 1.2 acres, and is currently split into two apartments, offering five bedrooms and four bathrooms in total. There is a private pool, and a renovated barn, which is currently used for outdoor entertaining and storage. If you rent out one of the apartments and use the other yourself, you can
obtain approximately a 7% yield per annum. This property is on the market for â‚Ź560,000 (ÂŁ415,000). For further information please contact: lindatravella@hotmail.co.uk www.casatravella.com 01322 660988
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE £4,600,000
A brand new Georgian style home built by award winning Developer Bridgwater New Homes Ltd arranged over three floors and situated on Wentworth Estate in grounds of one acre. EPC B82
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18 | SALES
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WINDLESHAM
A substantial family home with well planned accommodation finished to an exceptionally high standard throughout situated in a very sought after and prestigious location. EPC D60
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PRICE GUIDE £4,350,000
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SALES | 19
WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE £3,950,000
A five bedroom family home situated on the ‘Main Island’ of Wentworth with the picturesque shopping parades of Virginia Water village a short drive away. The house is ideal for entertaining and contemporary family living. EPC C72
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A brand new family home recently completed to a magnificent level of specification and finish with a highly sophisticated level of design and flair from Alexander James Interiors. EPC C80
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ3,950,000
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SALES | 21
The future
is micro! The marketplace is now as wide as the world’s online reach, and houses and flats can now be virtually explored through audio, video and images.
Sharing Selling Market your home with your own exclusive website
Share your property via social networking with your own property website.
• Professionally voiced video tour to emphasise the main selling points of your property • Photo slideshow, floorplans and location map • Local area video guide • Local schools map – with click-through to OFSTED reports • The whole site can be shared via social media or email • See how many times your property has been viewed • Share the site with your friends and family, whilst we send it to potential buyers instead of basic details
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Time was, when you were considering buying, selling, renting or letting a property, you could anticipate your estate agent of choice to place a notice in their window, or advertise in the classified section of a newspaper to reach the widest audience. Technological advances have expanded the possibilities property marketing affords. Thanks to the internet, the marketplace is now as wide as the world’s online reach, and houses and flats can now be virtually explored through audio, video and images. And one company is moving forward in the process of rolling out a pioneering approach to the way properties are bought, sold and discovered: the microsite. A first in the world of property marketing, the microsite technology has been developed in-house at the Cambridgeshire headquarters of the Cream Club, a progressive marketing company who specialise in the creation and implementation of online video solutions for a constantlyexpanding client base of independent estate agents around the UK. This innovative aspect of property marketing builds on the success of Cream’s established product line, incorporating online TV channels showcasing professionally-produced video walkthroughs of an agent’s portfolio of properties. These guides still form the heart of the new generation of websites, and are enhanced by an increased element of interactivity.
In addition to sharing the microsite link via Facebook and Twitter, a property seeker can compile a playlist of prospective new homes, search for relevant properties more dynamically, and arrange appointments to view the property. Guides to the local area, and the services the agent provides are also incorporated in each microsite. These form just a part of what has been tailored as a more engaging experience for microsite users; an experience which will continue to evolve, with plans in place to implement property postcards, personal photo galleries, 3D floor plans and interaction with high-end brands already in the pipeline. In essence, the lifespan of the microsite will go beyond the transaction. It is anticipated between 200 and 300 agents nationwide will introduce microsite technology over the coming months, with Barton Wyatt among this exclusive group of market-leading and awardwinning agents. As one of the prominent exponents of property TV channels, we are looking forward with great anticipation to embracing this new development in online property marketing as part of our high-standard customer service.
Buying House hunting Receive your very own exclusive property search website
Receive your very own exclusive property website • Photo gallery and personal detail management
• Enter your own search criteria and change it at any time
• House warming invitations, new address notifications, or something as simple as ‘look at my new kitchen!’
• Create a playlist of search results for future viewing
• Share via email or social media
• Share search results via social media or email • Book a viewing and provide feedback via your microsite
• Use it as your internet home page and add links to your favourite web/shopping sites
• With your own microsite, you will have new instructions added to your search results as soon as they go live
• In time, these will feature 3D floor plans enabling you to rearrange the layout of the room
Join the future of property marketing: Register today at www.bartonwyatt.tv 23
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Into the blue We’re diving headfirst into spring, and the colour that everyone will be wearing? True blue. Think pastel tones and plenty of pattern, this season demands shades from the sea and the sky. 10. 4.
1.
11. 5.
8.
7.
2.
6.
9. 12.
3.
1. Diamond Guipure Dress, Gina Bacconi, £230, John Lewis • 2. Audrina Dress, Phase Eight, £140, John Lewis • 3. Vamp in Bloom Court Heels, Charlotte Olympia, £565, Selfridges • 4. Cashmere Blend Pencil Skirt, Boutique, £75, Topshop • 5. Blue Gold Plated Watch, Olivia Burton, £65, Harvey Nichols • 6. Small Patent Crosshatch Shopper, Allira, £129, Ted Baker • 7. Leather Cross-Body Bag, Sara Battaglia, £830, Harvey Nichols • 8. Blue Paisley Jersey Dress, Michael Kors, £150, Harvey Nichols • 9. Jackie Soft Leather Hobo, Gucci, £1,980 10. Natalie Sequined Cotton Jumper, Markus Lupfer, £295, Harvey Nichols • 11. Manhattan Lace Bodycon Dress, £75, French Connection 12. Two Part Sandals, Heartbeat, £26, Topshop
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FASHION AND BEAUTY
Turning heads Louis Mariette’s striking millinery is a favourite with some of the best stylists and experts in the fashion industry. Catherine Law talks to the designer about what it takes to be a success in this exclusive trade.
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FASHION AND BEAUTY
Credits left and above: Camille Sanson (Photographer), Lan Nguyen-Grealis (Make-up), Yaourou Konate (Model), Shaka Zulu (venue)
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FASHION AND BEAUTY
L
“
ike most of my life, the most exciting adventures happen without any planning or intention.” This is the ethos behind Louis Mariette’s stunning bespoke millinery, which has become a desirable brand for high-end stylists and fashion editors alike. Founded in 2007, and based in Chelsea, he also designs ready-to-wear pieces for weddings and special occasions. Louis’ flamboyant creativity and flair for dramatic design is intrinsic to his character, and saw him initially running a party planning business. His knack for establishing themes and developing imaginative and artistic ways of entertaining his “fabulous lady clients” led to him producing ‘Tales of Narnia’ and ‘Quintessential English Garden’ inspired parties. “Of course I always insisted on the host looking every bit the part, and I would make a little headpiece for them, whether using fresh flowers or elements of fabric from a bespoke outfit.” It was these “little headpieces” that propelled Louis into the world of millinery. They caught the eye of stylist Michael Dye, who encouraged him to put together a 25-piece collection for a show in Milan. The brand directors selected 24 pieces, the show was a hit, and Louis’ career had begun. With a childhood spent in Malawi, Botswana and Swaziland, Louis’ core
Credit: Philip Voelkers, photographer
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inspiration for his craft comes from nature and travel. But he admits, “it can be the smallest detail that triggers a design.” For example, he speaks of the Paris Marathon, which he ran on behalf of The Children’s Trust, a charity he is Vice President for: “What should’ve been a rather arduous, painful experience enduring 26.2 miles, was absolute creative bliss, as every building, wrought iron fence, statue and masonry cornice inspired the basis of a new line.” Fundamentally however, Louis’ inspiration comes from the women themselves. “I’ve always been a people person; always intrigued, curious as to what makes people tick. I guess as a milliner, it has been such a natural and quite logical step to find ladies are a great inspiration.” Louis’ collections span two main styles – Bejewelled and Couture, with the Bejewelled collection further divided into Seasonal and Bridal. These exquisite headpieces feature Swarovski crystals and are mounted on gold or palladium bases. The Bridal pieces are more traditional, though varying in their levels of extravagance, while the Seasonal pieces are diverse in colour and theme. In contrast, the Couture collection demands no constraints: “I get to work with the finest materials and elements from all over the world, and let my imagination run wild!”
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Credit: Stuart Weston, photographer
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FASHION AND BEAUTY
Throughout the long design process, Louis discusses at length all elements of creation with his talented team. He claims that, “in general, it takes about three weeks to produce a new piece.” Materials are sourced from every corner of the globe. The very best materials are used throughout the collections, such as strips of cashmere, antique beads and metallic thread. He describes how recently he had various metals sitting in acid in order to experiment with the corroded effect that was produced. “Experimenting and pushing my boundaries is what makes what I do so rewarding.” And pushing boundaries is something Louis certainly isn’t afraid to do. Being the designer of such extravagant headwear, I wonder if, as a wearer, you require a similarly vast level of confidence to carry them off. But he assures me: “Golden rule number one: it is about the woman – her style, the occasion, her comfort zone, and the creation being an extension of her personality.” Louis’ creations have featured in some of the biggest publication magazines in fashion, such as Vogue, Elle and Vanity Fair. However, he sympathises with those breaking into this glamorous but fiercely competitive world. “Whenever I get the opportunity to support others, I feel it should not only come from the heart, but it should be part of my contribution to help sustain the longevity of the millinery industry.” It is clear Louis’ designs are hugely admired by fellow designers, models and celebrities, and have been worn by Isabell Kristensen, Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, amongst others. And there is a mutual respect between Louis and his clients: “There are so many stunning ladies who not only exude beauty, but go beyond
Credit: Philip Voelkers, photographer
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the call of duty for humanitarian causes, and this is a beauty unrivalled.” He references model and designer Alek Wek, who has worn one of his creations and, as a member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees Advisory Council and a missionary for World Vision, he describes as a hero. It is evident that, despite being a creator of such beauty, Louis is predominantly drawn to inner beauty. “The timeless model, Iman, has that natural grace, an aura of pride, a sense of movement that has never been taught, because it’s in her genes.” In 2009 and 2011 respectively, Louis was asked to be the official milliner for Epsom Derby and was invited to be a judge for Britain’s Next Top Model. At Epsom, he made live national television appearances, commenting on the outfits and millinery, including those of the Royals, “but the delicious strawberry to top my Pavlova was designing for and meeting the charismatic and rather unique Erin O’Connor, the official face of the event. I was simply in scrumptious millinery heaven!” He describes his experience on Britain’s Next Top Model as a rollercoaster: “The models were blooming from one experience to the next, which was heart-warming, but no one warned me how heartbroken I would secretly feel as I had to keep a tough exterior as girls got eliminated.” For someone so talented, so admired amongst fashion royalty, it is admirable to see Louis genuinely cares for his craft and for the people he works so closely with. Hats are such an iconic part of our society, and it is reassuring to see there are still devoted milliners transforming the classic into the contemporary. To view the full collection visit: www.louismariette.com.
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Credit: Stuart Weston, photographer
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ3,795,000
Designed and built to the highest standards, a sumptuously-appointed, brand new home, built by renowned developers Runnymede Homes. Located on a prime residential road on the world famous Wentworth Estate, available for immediate occupation. EPC Rating: B83
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WENTWORTH ESTATE
An immaculately presented family home offering accommodation of just under 7,000 square feet, to include a triple garage with staff annexe/au-pair suite over. Set in a private south facing plot
PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ3,750,000
of approximately half an acre, the house is located in a very convenient and quiet position on the Wentworth Estate. EPC Rating: C69
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ3,350,000
An unusually large detached house on the private Wentworth Estate, with half an acre of south facing gardens and an annexe. Occupying a glorious position on the Wentworth Estate, being roughly middistance between the prestigious Wentworth Golf and Country Club, and the picturesque shopping parades of Virginia Water. EPC Rating: C76
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ASCOT
A highly-individual and uniquely restored Victorian home with interesting, spacious accommodation over three storeys, and a large, sunny garden with an enclosed swimming pool complex.
PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ3,500,000
EPC Rating: D55
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ3,450,000
A superb family house set in just under one acre on Wentworth, with south facing garden backing a stream. The house provides excellent accommodation over two floors, with spacious rooms throughout totalling approximately 5,000 square feet. EPC Rating D64
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Property as your Pension With the largest shake up to pensions in a 100 years, according to politician George Osborne, one in three people over 55 are expected to cash in failing pensions for property, but is this the right option for you?
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tories in the newspapers, across the internet and on television suggest some people over the age of 55 may cash their pensions in to invest in property. But just what are the merits of making bricks and mortar the cornerstone of your investment, whether you are approaching retirement age, or already within the threshold? Annuities have failed people and offer such a poor return for savers planning to retire with rates as low as 4% and 5%. This is not all the fault of the annuity providers; a number of economic factors, gilts prices and interest rates being two, have coincided to depress annuity rates. Whilst I have been saying for many years that people should look at alternatives to annuities and take greater control over their retirement plan, companies like mine are not able to make the impact the Government recently have. Taking control is a theme I have been promoting for a number of years, as it follows the path I have taken myself. However, along the way, I couldn’t have achieved success without professional support and strong partners.
Cashing in your pension It almost seems too good to be true – if you are over 55 and wish to cash in your pension you can in full from now onwards! Many people have upwards of £50,000 and the thought of using this now is of course enticing, however, be aware of two important factors: • The tax bill: 25% of your pension is tax-free and the remainder will be taxed at your marginal rate and in some cases, affect your marginal rate. This could be expensive! • What will you live on after you retire if you spend it? Do you have a plan or are you considering investment through cashing in your pension. Many people plan to cash in their pension to invest in UK buy-to-let (BTL) property, with recent surveys suggesting up to one in three may do this. I fully support this philosophy, however I believe people should seek professional advice before doing so. Financial, investment and tax consultation are all key elements to making a successful decision. On the flip side to cashing in your pension, the tax advantages to retaining a pension plan are difficult to ignore. Whilst your funds are in your pension they grow free of Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax, and can be passed to your estate tax free of tax, subject to your circumstances.
The case for Bricks and Mortar There are many elements to investing in property, and strategies you can use to leverage your monies invested. Like any investment, advice should be considered and research into the type of BTL investment that fits in with your retirement plan. People closer to retirement may opt for fixed income plans rather than direct BTL investments as they offer certainty and less hand on work, whilst direct investment into property offer some monthly income, but more importantly, capital growth, providing you carefully select your investment.
The retirement Growth Plan If you are 55 or under, growing your retirement pot should be your main goal, and BTL investments offer an ideal solution for a number of reasons: • Property prices double every 10 years • Gearing – capital growth is achieved on the property’s value and not the capital outlay • Compounded growth – property benefits from the compounded growth model • Rental income increases in line with inflation • Lending rates do not increase with inflation • Planned exit – property is not a liquid asset like shares, but the UK resale market remains strong and most property investments can be exited within three to six months
The retirement income plan If you are looking to retire or achieve income, then utilising capital to generate a fixed income maybe more suitable. A fixed income plan is where a capital investment into non-correlated assets, i.e. those not linked to stocks and shares, can be made subject to your circumstances. Typical schemes will offer capital protection, and a fixed rate of income paid quarterly or annually of between 7% and 10% PA. These investments can be made a number of ways: either through your pension, with cash or with an ISA offering secure passive income and an excellent alternative to an annuity.
For further information or if you would like to access further reading materials and our latest reports, free of charge, simply telephone IPS Invest on: 01978 660329 or email Jon Ainge on jon@ips-invest.com
WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE £3,200,000
Located in a sought after cul-de-sac on the exclusive Wentworth Estate, an elegant and beautifully presented family home with a fabulous, newly refitted kitchen. EPC Rating: C69
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SUNNINGDALE
An exceptional home completed to the highest specification throughout, with luxurious accommodation of 6,300 square feet. The property enjoys a unique location in one of Sunningdale’s most prestigious roads, at the end of a long driveway adjacent to the 12th green of Wentworth’s championship West
PRICE GUIDE £2,950,000
Course. EPC Rating: C77
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ASCOT
Winbar is a beautifully refurbished and modernised family house approached via electric gates. The
PRICE GUIDE ÂŁ2,600,000
property offers very well laid out accommodation, and the main reception rooms take full advantage of the lovely view to the gardens and entertaining area. EPC Rating C72
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Don’t sweat it When it comes to choosing the perfect gym essentials, it can often be a daunting and stressful experience. From spinning to circuits, and weights to cardio, our definitive guide allows you to combine both style and comfort without the need to compromise. 10.
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8. 1. Mens Tech 260 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top, £79.99, Selfridges • 2. Wash Bag and Towel Set, Ted Baker, £49.00, Selfridges • 3. Mens UA Speedform Gemini Running Shoes, £110.00, underarmour.co.uk • 4. Mini Cloud Print Trainers, Gola X Cath Kidston, £65.00, Cath Kidston 5. Adidas MiCoach Smart Run Watch, £305.00, Harrods • 6. Marc Duffle Bag, Marc Jacobs, £110.00, www.mrporter.com • 7. Nike Distance Running Armband, £25.00, Nike • 8. All Weather Protector Jacket, £175.00, Sweaty Betty • 9. Eva Solo Drinking Bottle, £18 10. In-ear Headphones, Bose SoundSport, £129.95, Bose.co.uk • 11. Chandrasana Yoga Leggings, £70.00, Sweaty Betty
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EVENTS
Progress in motion In the space of just over a decade, The London Festival of Architecture has become an important and influential celebration in London’s cultural calendar. Patricia Brown, the Festival Chair, tells Colm O’Rourke about the history of the event, and what it holds in store for 2015.
London cityscape. “Capital Views” © NLA, courtesy London Festival of Architecture
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EVENTS
This is the eighth time the London Festival of Architecture is being held. Where did the idea for the first one in 2004 come from? It was the brainchild of architectural guru, Peter Murray, and started as the London Architecture Biennale with a series of events focused on one district: Clerkenwell. The area is home to more architects per square metre than any other place in the world, and the Biennale was seen as a one-off event largely aimed at a local audience. In 2013, the Festival shifted from a biennial event to one which takes place every year. What were the motivations behind this decision? There is a lot of talent and creativity happening all year round in the Capital, so we wanted the Festival to tap into that latent interest. We also wanted to be a regular feature in the London creative calendar, such as London Design Festival or Fashion Week.
In which other ways has the Festival evolved into what it has become today? It was once based primarily on calls for entries, but the Capital’s major architect schools and cultural institutions are now very much part of the Festival. Around 40 groups in London work together to bring the Festival together. Who is involved in this process, and what are their roles? Believe it or not, we run the event on a shoestring. So, a small team works alongside the board to co-ordinate partners’ contributions and curate around the chosen theme. The programme manager co-ordinates a call for entries, which makes sure we have a wide variety of people engaged in the Festival. The Board and the Programme Manager work together to take a view on the range of events to ensure we have a good selection, and work on headline events. We also run various network events as the Festival draws nearer.
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EVENTS
How much planning is required to bring the event to life? It takes place throughout the year, with key decisions needing to be in place by November. We are already thinking of 2016.
Garden Bridge with Joanna Lumley. Are similar events scheduled for this year? Yes, but it is a “Work in Progress”!
As in past years, the Festival is being endorsed by the Mayor of London. How important is it to have his backing? Very! As the London Festival of Architecture, we reflect London. It is important we use it as a key to unlock aspects of their capital; using architecture as a way into what matters to London and Londoners.
Debates are an integral element of the Festival. Which topics are being considered for discussion in 2015? We are keen to understand what work means to people in this age of technological change, and its impact on the City and its architecture; as well as a look at the notion of manufacture, which is increasingly important; but in a different guise.
Can you tell us anything about what will be happening as part of the Festival in 2015? Will there be an overall theme? The theme is Work in Progress, and through this, we are inviting people to explore the changing nature of work and workspace, but also its role in the evolution of London as a city, and the role of architects within this. Some prestigious names took part in 2014’s Festival, including a talk with Will Self, and a discussion on the
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Last year you described the Festival as “…a platform to engage with some difficult issues for London’s future, as well as take a playful and oblique look at our magnificent city.” Do you think this is an easy task to achieve? Yes, because London is full of very thoughtful, creative people who think and care deeply about their city and what is happening. But the expression of that does not have to be too worthy.
EVENTS
There’s an expanded international element to this year’s Festival. Where did the idea for this come from? London is already an international city, and it has architectural talent. We felt the time was right to be noisier about our credentials. In parallel, it was an objective set by The Farrell Review, a major review of architecture by Sir Terry Farrell for the government.
There’s also been a focus on events geared towards families and young people, such as the Lego battle between Stirling Prize winners last year. Will this be carried through in this year’s programme? Yes, the Royal Academy plans to have another Lego battle, for example, and we are hoping that other family events will be programmed.
One of the flagship events each year is the Summer Pavilion at The Serpentine, which always provides something different. Can you tell us anything about what to expect this time around? The annual Summer Pavilion at The Serpentine is always a highlight of the Festival. This year, the Pavilion celebrates its 15th anniversary, and is being designed by Spanish architects SelgasCano. Headed by duo Jose Selgas and Lucia Cano, the award-winning studio is the first Spanish architecture practice to design the iconic Pavilion. At the time of this interview, designs are yet to be unveiled, but are expected to combine the architects’ interests in synthetic materials and new technologies, with their enthusiasm for the natural world.
What about the potential architects of tomorrow? How do they figure in the programme? We are really keen to ensure that the Festival is ‘bottom up’ in the industry, and that is one of the reasons why we have yet again decided not to charge to submit a project. Also, working as we do with London’s leading architecture schools, we have an engagement with the students, who are often involved in specific projects for the Festival. Further information about the Festival, which runs from 1-30 June 2015, is available at the website: londonfestivalofarchitecture.org.
The Balfron Tower designed by Erno Goldfinger in 1963 is a Grade II Listed masterpiece of new brutalist architecture and was the focus of The London Festival of Architecture 2014. Shutterstock.com © Claudio Divizia
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WENTWORTH ESTATE PRICE GUIDE £2,450,000
A superb home built by Huf Haus set over two floors, with a tremendous feeling of space and light. Situated within the Wentworth Estate between the Wentworth Golf Club and the picturesque shopping parades of Virginia Water. EPC Rating: C78.
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SUNNINGDALE
Ladymede House is situated at the end of a long private driveway off Lady Margaret Road, a prestigious residential avenue in prime central Sunningdale. EPC Rating: D61
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PRICE GUIDE £1,795,000
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ENGLEFIELD GREEN PRICE GUIDE £1,595,000
Dunheved is superbly located in this quiet and leafy country lane, only a few moments’ walk from the village green and village centre with its excellent array of shops for day to day needs, restaurants and country pubs. EPC Rating: E41
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ST ANN’S HILL
An unusual and extremely spacious family home offering flexible and versatile accommodation in a semi-rural position on the outskirts of Chertsey, in grounds of approximately two acres. Energy
PRICE GUIDE £1,590,000
Rating: D60
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ENGLEFIELD GREEN PRICE GUIDE £1,450,000
Set in a safe gated development, this modern house is ideal for a growing family, and is within easy reach of the local shops and commuting along the M25. EPC Rating: D61
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A well designed and spacious family home offering flexible accommodation over three floors, situated close to the nearby village of Englefield Green. EPC Rating: C69
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ENGLEFIELD GREEN PRICE GUIDE £1,295,000
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ways to make your home summer ready With summer just around the corner, there has never been a better time to prepare for the warmer days to come. Here are our top tips for ensuring your home is suitably transformed into the ultimate summer haven.
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Sitting pretty Dust off your patio furniture and top lounge chairs and porch swings with colourful, stylish and durable outdoor fabrics. New outdoor upholstery complements the garden, and creates an inviting space to sit and relax.
Fire up the grill! Barbeques are the epitome of summer entertaining, and are excellent for opening out the living space, and making the most of British summertime. Fingers crossed for blue skies.
Summer lights Lighting can bring a magical and welcoming feel to the garden, and is a perfect solution for casting a warm glow on a late summers evening. From lanterns to fairylights there are a wealth of possibilities, many of which benefit from being solar powered, an environmental and cost efficient benefit.
Let the drinks flow There’s nothing better than enjoying a cold refreshing drink or two in the afternoon sun. Accessories like wine coolers and ice buckets are the perfect must-have tools in the quest for refreshment.
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Transform your wardrobe Before summer arrives, have a wardrobe clear out and ensure all of your summer clothes and accessories are within easy reach, and all those thick winter jumpers are put away to create some much needed space.
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Dining al fresco Prepare the patio and dust down the decking! One of the most satisfying ways to dine in summer is outside, making the most of the lighter evenings and warm breezes.
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Pass with flying colours Giving the walls a fresh coat of paint is a simple way of brightening and rejuvenating the home. Whether you choose to get creative with colour, or opt for a clean, neutral tone, the effect can be surprising. Looking for inspiration? Take a look at the vast spectrum of colours available at Farrow and Ball.
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Flower power Freshly cut flowers are a welcoming touch to any room, and are a fantastic way of experimenting with colour, and bringing the outside in by creating an attractive summer garden feel throughout.
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Lighten the load The warm nights mean it is time to pack away those heavy duvets, thick curtains, and wool throws, in exchange for crisp linen and cotton to keep you cool and comfortable.
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Camping out Camping accessories are fantastic for generating a stylish and practical outdoor haven, and are a great way of keeping children entertained and engaged with the great outdoors. This stylish tepee from notonthehighstreet not only looks lovely, but creates a fun and child friendly space for playing and exploring.
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Eat fresh There is no better time to hit the kitchen and create some light, fresh and summery recipes. Gadgets like a juicer or an ice cream maker could result in some exciting culinary creations.
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Be our guest Summer is the perfect time to welcome guests and visitors. With friends and family often coming to stay, it is an ideal opportunity to refresh the guest room with a few focal accessories to update and revitalise the space.
Cleaning up Having a deep clean of the house can blow away the cobwebs and make everything seem fresher and brighter. Getting rid of those unused or unwanted items creates valuable, versatile living space, which may have been previously overlooked.
Fun and games Outdoor games are an ideal way of making the most of the sunshine, and provide hours of entertainment for all ages. Games such as Swingball, tennis, and croquet are easy and cost effective to set up, and can be a fun means of bonding and socialising. Capture the moment There has never been a better time to discover the joy of photography, a richly rewarding hobby, which captures the beauty of summer. The photographs make a wonderful personal touch in any room and act as a lasting reminder of the fun that was shared.
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Good things in store Invest in some attractive and striking storage solutions to maximise the space available, and ensure everything has its place.
Summer scents A perfect way of injecting an instant burst of summer to the home is through fragrance. A carefully chosen scented candle or room spray can evoke an instant feeling of freshness and brightness; regardless of the weather.
Get green fingered Growing fruit, vegetables and herbs is a rewarding activity, and results in an abundance of fresh and delicious seasonal produce. For homes with smaller gardens, or apartments, window boxes are a wonderful space saving solution, which allow you to savour the fruits of your labour.
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Water delight Installing a pond or water feature makes a striking focal point for the garden and can attract wild life, creating a natural paradise which will be thriving in the summer, and can be enjoyed all year round.
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The little things Finishing touches such as a bunting draped decoratively around the home or garden, or attractive hanging baskets adorning the doorways are a small addition, which aid greatly in the creation of a perfect summer paradise.
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TRAVEL
Bravissimo Bologna I’ve heard the most recognised and visited part of Bologna is its railway station because everyone passes through it on their way to somewhere else; Florence to the west, Venice to the east and Rome to the south. I for one was staying put. Words by Claire Durkin
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TRAVEL
I
was looking forward to immersing myself in this particular part of Italy which holds so many famous delights;’ from balsamic vinegar (Modena) and other delicacies, through to the legendary vehicles of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati. Founded by the Etruscans, this beautiful medieval city, with its colourful palette of reds, burnt oranges and rich yellows, keeps alive the colours of the age. The colours of Bologna come from the clay, selenite and sandstone. I was part of a group being shown around this scholarly, handsome city and we threaded our way along the Via Strada Maggiore, through the continuous colonnades of 40 kilometres. You could be back in the 14th century, admiring the skill and
creativity of the people who designed and crafted these wondrous structures. The imposing twin towers – Due Torre – of Garisinda (47 metres) and Asinelli (97 metres) stand in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana and are iconic landmarks – a true symbol of the city. Another major monument is the hugely famous Fountain of Neptune in the eponymous Piazza del Nettuno. This enormous, extraordinary bronze statue exudes strength and vigour, and is encircled by lactating sea nymphs or nereids. If you have a good look, you will notice that Neptune’s trident is the Maserati emblem. The more we wandered around, further fabulous examples of some of the finest periods of Italian history came to light. Also,
Bologna’s Archaeological Museum and National Picture Gallery houses masterpieces, and are places of invaluable historical significance in their own right. Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe, which dates back to the 11th century. Even today, the University of Bologna continues to be at the vanguard of contemporary knowledge. Due to the efficient system of canals, Bologna was one of the trading centres. Part of the taxes raised from the traders paid the wages of the university professors. I’m not sure if the students we encountered hailed from this particular echelon of academic excellence, but nothing was stopping them joyfully celebrating their graduation; sporting crowns of glossy laurel leaves.
Arial view of Bologna at sunset
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TRAVEL
Synergy between modern and traditional is a principal element in this city. You can take in all the ancient buildings while appreciating the modern culture which emanates from this diverse, all-embracing part of the world. As well as having a hi-tech side, culture seekers can drift out of theatres and opera houses into some of the finest restaurants. Bologna’s delicious cuisine can satisfy any taste, and the wine palate will also be well served. If you are planning on staying a while, I can recommend an 18th century villa, which has been restored to its former splendour, and is now part of a prestigious four star hotel, Palazzo di Varignana Resort and Spa. Set in 20 hectares of parkland and 19 kilometres from the city centre, this classy hotel is a contemporary and stylish series of buildings tucked into the Emilian countryside. There are 90
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modern, elegant and spacious rooms, ranging from standard rooms which are large and comfortable, through to a Panorama Suite. It’s a win-win situation for all because of the innovative designs and farreaching views of the lovely rolling countryside. The General Manager, Vittorio Morelli, and Sales and Marketing Director, Simona Lollini, have thought of everything to make staying a truly delightful experience. This hotel is fantastically designed with many different areas to cater for all activities. There are two restaurants serving up cuisine, from traditional pizza baked in a woodfired oven, to a gastronomic extravaganza. There is a large outdoor swimming pool, a concert hall and the fabulous Varsana Spa, which offers pure relaxation and wellness.
Below: Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza del Nettuno
Protecting your home
Installers of:
• Wired and wireless intruder alarm systems • Analogue and IP CCTV systems • Access controls including gate and door entry systems • Fire detection systems • Maintenance service for all the above systems • Covering Surrey and South London Tel: 01932 341148
Email: fireandsecurity@atiuk.net
Web: www.atisecurity.co.uk
TRAVEL
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TRAVEL
While we were there, the Varignana Music Festival was being held, and in the evening we were invited to hear Alexander Romanovsky play Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. It was phenomenal. The next day before lunch, we heard the Janacek String Quartet with Anton Dressler playing clarinet pieces: Janacek and Mozart. We also visited the astonishing medieval village of Dozo, where art plays an important role in its culture. The town hosts Biennale Festival of the Painted Wall, an event where artists paint on the walls of all the houses, turning the town into an open-air art gallery. I’ve never seen anything like it; every wall in the village had a wonderful painting on it. As part of our guided tour, we stopped for lunch at a trattoria and sampled generous and delicious servings of the local cuisine. Later on, we were taken for a traditional cooking lesson, and with a lot of instruction, we made our own tagliatelle, tortelloni and gnocchi. We didn’t need any instruction on how to eat it, though.
Left: The imposing twin towers – Due Torre – of Garisinda (47 metres) and Asinelli (97 metres) standing in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.
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TRAVEL
Whilst driving back to the hotel, I took the chance to take a look at my surroundings. I hadn’t realised what a large area it is and the extent to which the surrounding hilly countryside sprawled. I knew I wouldn’t have long enough in Bologna to satisfy my curiosity. When we arrived back it was twilight, and the 18th century part of the resort and the surrounding park land had taken on a mysterious hue. Glowing under the evening lights was this simple, sturdy and rather lovely building. It was an opportunity to slip away, walk the pathways and look out over the surrounding miles of sweeping valleys in the calm and cooler time of the day. It’s during moments like this there is a chance to reflect and appreciate this gorgeous part of Italy: its excellent gastronomy, culture and fast cars. If it’s good enough for the most romantic people in the world, then it’s definitely good enough for me. www.palazzodivarignana.it
Left: Palazzo di Varignana Resort and Spa
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Look good feel great! SPECIAL OFFER!
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VIRGINIA WATER PRICE GUIDE £1,085,000
A bright, attractive house with good space for entertaining and the potential for extending, subject to consents. Close by are local shops and the mainline railway station of Virginia Water. EPC Rating: D63
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62 | SALES
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An executive home located at the end of a long driveway and private gates, in secluded and mature grounds of both woodland and formal gardens, with a swimming pool and tennis court.
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VIRGINIA WATER £16,000pcm
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LETTINGS | 63
VIRGINIA WATER £3,950pcm
A superb end of terrace town house situated in Octagon’s stunning Virginia Park development, which has been the subject of major refurbishment. The property now boasts a magnificent full width extension/orangery across the back of the house giving superb space and panoramic views over the adjoining countryside.
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64 | LETTINGS
3
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WENTWORTH
A magnificent house of about 6,500s square feet on the renowned Wentworth Estate, just a short walk from the varied local shops, restaurants and mainline railway station. Fitted with a mixture of
ÂŁ10,950pcm
wood flooring, ceramic tiling and high quality carpets, as well as lavishly appointed, interior designed curtains/blinds.
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LETTINGS | 65
VIRGINIA WATER £4,600pcm
A spacious townhouse located on the crescent of St Ann’s Park, benefiting from views across the communal gardens. Well presented and in neutral tones, its location is convenient not only for the local shops, restaurants and railway station, but also for the American Community School and TASIS. St Ann’s Park offers an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, tennis court, gym room and children’s playing field.
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66 | LETTINGS
3
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SUNNINGDALE
Situated in immaculate, landscaped gardens, overlooking Sunningdale Golf Course and with a sweeping in and out driveway, this property is presented to the highest standard with accommodation
ÂŁ18,000pcm
in excess of 8,900 square feet.
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LETTINGS | 67
Few in life have the opportunity to design their own home and then to have it built. But if you do, you will build a home in your style, your layout. A home that is you through and through. One that will feel very special indeed. We help those who can. With over 30 years of experience in building exceptional, award-winning bespoke homes, we can help you build a home that is all about you.
To discuss your wish list, please call or email John Pope, Director of Octagon Bespoke - 020 8481 7500 or email johnp@octagon.co.uk www.octagon.co.uk
All about you.
Chateau chic Take inspiration from French style to soften any contemporary living space. Combining Parisian elegance with an array of prints and muted colours will create a trendy maison to be enjoyed throughout the seasons. Ooh la la! 7. 1.
8. 2.
5. 9. 3.
4.
6.
10.
1. Louis XVI Tub Chair, £695, Angel At My Table • 2. Pink Wallpaper Ink Vase, Emma Bridgewater, £14.95, John Lewis • 3. Monkey Candelabra, £220, The French Bedroom Company • 4. Artus Corner Cabinet, £4,205, Sweetpea and Willow • 5. French 19th Century Gilded Cherub Crusted Mirror circa 1860, £1,450, The Old Cinema • 6. Peacock Cushion, £45, The French Bedroom Company 7. Le Bistrot - Clock, Comptoir de Famille, £79, Coco Home Style • 8. Clarabelle Chandelier, £300, Laura Ashley • 9. Etienne Wallpaper, £53 p/10m x 68.6cm roll, Harlequin • 10. Fruit d’epices Boxed Candle, £14.95, La Maison Bleue
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TECHNOLOGY
Droning on Antony Sore explores the growing popularity of drones in commercial and recreational use, and considers how UAVs can benefit us in the future and become an integral part of society.
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TECHNOLOGY
T
here’s a buzz in the air, and it’s growing louder and louder. It’s been created by a piece of kit spanning as large as a Boeing 737, or as small as a model aeroplane. Popular amongst hobbyists as well as professionals, retailers, and search and rescue operatives; loved and loathed in seemingly equal measure. We’re entering the world of the drone. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as people in the know will correct you, were originally a military technology; powered UAVs were initially developed during the First World War; and continued to evolve through World War II and the Vietnam conflict. First a tool to help train anti-aircraft gunners, the drone was developed to fly-attack missions, and later, to become a surveillance tool. Gamers who play the video game franchises Call of Duty or Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon will be familiar with the technology; as will cinema fans, with films such as
The Bourne Legacy and Four Lions featuring UAVs as central plot tools. More recently, drones have become household ‘toys’, and were one of the must have Christmas presents of 2014. According to Professor Paul Egglestone, Director of the Media Innovation Studio at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), home of the Civic Drone Centre, a continuing fall in prices has seen UAVs rise in popularity. He told me: “For some they’re recreational toys, whilst others are beginning to find ways of making a living with them.” Despite being long since separated from their military predecessors, Professor Egglestone believes, “we’ve only just begun to explore the possibilities for drones in everyday applications. “Whilst companies like Amazon Prime Air are talking about using UAVs for delivering parcels, they’re already in use by DHL in Germany for doing
precisely that. UAVs are also in use to survey power lines and cooling stations here in the UK.” This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. Used in scenarios where it is impossible for humans to work, UAVs have been used to film an erupting volcano in Iceland – an environment so hot that the GoPro camera which filmed the action actually melted; to conduct atmospheric research in the stratosphere; and to monitor the behaviours of endangered species, including the tree-top dwelling Sumatran orangutans. Indeed, prototype UAVs have been recently developed to aid the emergency services, with a drone ambulance in the Netherlands providing rapid response and a defibrillator to heart attack victims, whilst avoiding traffic congestion problems; and firefighting drones offering the potential to put out wildfires without endangering life.
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TECHNOLOGY
As Professor Egglestone told me, further developments could soon be unveiled closer to home: “There are some big developments in chain for drone tech – not just unmanned aerial vehicles, but submersibles and land craft too. We’ve a couple of pretty nice projects of our own that will turn a few heads in the near future, but I’d say there’s already a lot of capability that can’t be deployed yet because – quite rightly in our view – the aviation regulations won’t allow it.” These regulations are vitally important, as despite their growing popularity, drones still have a negative stigma surrounding them, with the public nervous about the impacts on their privacy. To combat this negative publicity, the first ever New York City Drone Film Festival took place in early March 2015, with the organisers seeking to change perceptions about drones. Festival Director Randy Scott Slavin told NBC News: “Drones have a bad stigma unnecessarily. The positives that they can bring, from humanitarian purposes to creative purposes, and all these things in-between, it’s unnecessary and it’s fear mongering.” Professor Egglestone agrees, questioning the
journalistic morals involved in breaching privacy laws, as opposed to the technology itself, saying: “There will be cases when the temptation to get that little bit closer using a UAV outweigh the possible fines for doing so. However the news organisations and magazines don’t have to develop the market for UAV pictures by purchasing them.” Speaking to me shortly before boarding a plane to America to deliver a panel at South by Southwest (SXSW) entitled ‘Drones for Good’, he also sounded a word of warning for hobbyists who are just purchasing their first UAV: “There are a set of very sensible rules they need to follow before they dash out and try to film the latest festival or football crowd scene, and we have some of this information on our website.” (www.civicdronecentre.org). A collaboration between the Media Innovation Studio and the Engineering Innovation Centre, The Civic Drone Centre was set up at UCLan earlier this year to examine the potential uses of drone engineering and software development in search and rescue scenarios,
journalism and media, and humanitarian work, with a remit to promote drones for civic and civil uses. Whilst admitting his team at the centre love drones, Professor Egglestone rebutted me when I suggested UAVs become an obsession for their followers: “For us, it’s more of a passion than an obsession. On one level drones are about robotics, light-engineering, computer coding and advanced manufacturing, but they also open up some new creative possibilities – and that’s where – I guess – obsession gets confused with passion!” It is this passion that has seen UAVs develop so quickly. Whilst still relatively in its infancy, drone technology is taking huge leaps, with potential uses for UAVs seemingly endless. Indeed, they could soon be utilised to sell your home, with the bird’s eye view offered by a drone lending a new perspective to your property and its land. Or, imagine ordering a pizza, and having it delivered to you remotely, within minutes of it leaving the oven. Pie in the sky? – I may have already created the tagline for it. Love them or loathe them, the drone revolution looks set to continue at pace. And it’s exciting. Visit: civicdronecentre.org
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TECHNOLOGY
73
Property TV:
the next generation 48% more effective in generating business than conventional marketing*
100
1.8m
internet users watch an online video**
That’s the value of 1 minute of video***
Every day
million
Words
Sources: *IAB UK, **Digital Sherpa, ***Video Brewery (according to Dr. James McQuivey of Forrester Research).
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A pioneering platform in estate agency marketing is now rolling out an update to its client base. Since their advent almost five years ago, the bespoke property TV channel, developed and implemented by the in-house creative teams at the Cream Club’s Cambridgeshire-based headquarters, has become a distinctive medium for leading independent agencies to distinguish themselves from their local competition. The concept behind web TV channels arose from finding new and engaging tools to offer premium estate agencies an exclusive opportunity to increase their market share in their coverage area. Spurred by growth in national online activity, faster broadband speeds and the audience for video-on-demand; and with statistics demonstrating video marketing to be up to 48 percent more effective in generating business than more conventional approaches (Source: IAB UK); professionally-produced walkthrough videos have been the catalyst for this leap forward in online estate agency marketing. The stream of videos, not only showcasing an agent’s collection of properties, but also providing details about corporate services and the geographical area they serve, retain a prime position in the evolution of Cream’s online property TV platform.
Reflecting the shift in online activity from searching to sharing content, the updated online TV platform offers greater integration with social media platforms. Every property which features on the restyled websites is provided with its own microsite. The link can be instantly shared via the leading social networks, and it is anticipated the option of creating a web postcard for every property will quickly follow. At Barton Wyatt, we shall be embracing this advance in online property marketing in the months to come. Through bartonwyatt.tv, we already know and understand the positive impact a property TV website has, and we are looking forward to see how our new-look site will sustain our award-winning and high-standard customer service. The demand for online TV websites appears to be insatiable among the industry, as their effectiveness in increasing instructions, and consequentially, market share, becomes clear among the agencies who have them, and those who want them. In the five years since the initial property TV websites were launched, Cream’s client base has expanded by more than tenfold, to cover a network of companies across England, Scotland and Wales. It seems apparent the progression of the property TV phenomenon keeps moving forward.
Area guides
Introduction
Property tours
About
Join the future of property marketing: www.bartonwyatt.tv 75
Ascot
A very large family house with extensive gardens, terrace area and a good sized heated outdoor swimming pool. Recently upgraded to include a new kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and decoration.
ÂŁ7,500cpm
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76 | LETTINGS
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WENTWORTH
Backing onto the famous 18th fairway of the Championship West Course, complete with a viewing room and balcony. Offering spacious living accommodation and vast grounds of 3.5 acres with a
ÂŁ13,500pcm
tennis court, lake and separate guest accommodation.
7
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LETTINGS | 77
VIRGINIA WATER ÂŁ4,000pcm
A delightful detached house on a secure development with 24 hour security and fabulous leisure facilities, located in the centre of the Village with shops, restaurants and rail station on your doorstep. The house has been refurbished, and includes a new kitchen, bathrooms and conservatory.
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78 | LETTINGS
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A spectacular and executive property, offering extensive accommodation to a very high finish. Located in a quiet road just a short walk from the village shops and mainline railway station.
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WENTWORTH ESTATE £11,500pcm
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LETTINGS | 79
VIRGINIA WATER £2,450pcm
A lovely house conveniently situated near local shops, the mainline railway station and local playing fields. Recently fitted with a new kitchen and family bathroom.
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80 | LETTINGS
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A sophisticated soirée The advantage of entertaining at home is that you can create a much more relaxed atmosphere. Try re-arranging your furniture to reduce formality and encourage conversation. Spread appetisers and sharing platters to avoid congregations in the kitchen. And when it comes to decorating, don’t go overboard; you don’t want to clutter the space. Your guests will never want to leave! 1. 4. 7.
2.
5. 10.
8. 3.
9. 6.
1. Set of 4 Multi-Coloured Recycled Magazine Placemats, Cohen, £15, Habitat • 2. Cheese Board and Knife Set, Laguiole, £35, John Lewis 3. Waterford set of 4 Crystal Balloon Wine Glasses, £40, Selfridges • 4. Brass Muse Bottle Opener, Jonathan Adler, £98 • 5. Royal Albert set of 4 Napkin Rings, £12, Selfridges • 6. Le Creuset Gourmand Cast Iron Fondue Set, £144, Le Creuset • 7. Mixology Champagne Coloured Coupe Glasses (set of 4), £200 • 8. Polka Dot Text Melamine Water Jug, £19.95 • 9. Clarkson Grey Metal Dinner Candelabra, £40, Habitat • 10. Top Hat Wine Cooler, £124.95, www.culinaryconcepts.co.uk
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FOOD AND DRINK
Alexis Soyer Introducing:
As a country obsessed by food - glued to television programmes such as Masterchef and The Great British Bake Off, Gemma Rose explores the life and works of ‘the first celebrity chef’, Alexis Soyer.
N
ot many people have heard of Alexis Bénoist Soyer. Neither had I until recently. This flamboyant chef is almost anonymous in modern times, and yet, he is arguably the first to be known as a celebrity chef. Born in France to Emery and Marie Soyer, Alexis and his family were living in one of the poorest areas of Meaux. In 1800, his father, a former grocer, leased a shop in Rue du Tan, but the business failed, ultimately leaving Emery unemployed. Historian, and Alexis Soyer expert, Frank Clement-Lorford, explains in his book: “The business failed, and Emery tried his hand at many things to support his family, including being a saddler, a silversmith, and a general labourer on the canal when it was built in Meaux. By the time Alexis was born, the family fortune had fallen so much, they were living in the slums.” Despite the hardship, Alexis first got his passion for cooking from his older brother, Philippe, and at the age of 11, he followed his sibling to Paris. Not wanting his younger brother under his feet, Philippe covered the expenses for Alexis to attend an apprenticeship with Georg Rignon at Chez Rignon. By the time he was 17, Alexis was the noted chef du cuisine at the celebrated La Maison Douix. It was also at this time he developed a unique sense of style which was commented on as being rather peculiar. Frank continues: “Alexis was feted by the Paris elite. He quickly became
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known as the enfant terrible of Montmartre. Montmartre was a mixture of both sides of life. On one side, it was home to the underworld of Paris. From before the Revolution, rustic Montmartre was infamous for its dangerous taverns – at some of which it was reputed unwanted daughters could be sold to the wealthy, who had pleasure houses in the vicinity. “Yet on the other hand, you had some of the finest restaurants in Paris, together with The Opera Comique, Théátre des Variétés, Comédie Française the Ballet, and in Boulevard des Italiens, and the Opera House. To Alexis, this was El Dorado and Pandora’s Box rolled into one.” Alexis enjoyed life and its luxuries, while his fame and reputation continued to blossom. Everybody wanted to be seen with the enfant terrible of Montmartre. On 2nd June 1830, his girlfriend, Adelaide Lamain gave birth to Alexis’s son, Jean Alexis Lamain. But Alexis was not ready to slow down. In fact, being the talk of Paris at the age of 20, and with so much potential in his future, his family advised him not to settle and marry Adelaide. Soyer was determined to continue his career, and his fascination with royalty, nobility, ruling classes and people of power led him into his next position. Alexis took the decision to work for Prince Armand de Polignac at the French Foreign Office; a move that resulted in one of his first failings.
FOOD AND DRINK
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FOOD AND DRINK
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Alexis Soyer’s pioneering design – the soup kitchen
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In 1830, in violation of the Charter of Liberties, Prince Polignac abolished freedom of the press, dissolved the Chamber of Deputies, and altered election laws. Strikers and insurrections stormed the palace, killing two of Alexis’ colleagues who worked with him in the kitchen. To escape the same unfortunate fate, Alexis pretended to be one of the attackers by singing ‘La Marseillaise’ and ‘La Parisienne.’ As opposed to the theory of the birth of his son, and Alexis wanting to better provide for his child, it is this event at the palace which is more likely to be the reason he fled to England – leaving behind the French capital, his name in ruins. Six years later, Alexis was offered the role of Chef at The Reform Club in London. It was during this period that he went to Ireland and witnessed the impact of the Irish Famine. It was also at this time he introduced the world to his pioneering design – the soup kitchen. Frank comments: “Alexis was a great believer of gas cooking. He designed gas ovens for The Reform Club when they were operational in 1852; they were the first ovens of this kind to be used in England.” Soyer’s admirable deeds continued during the Crimean War when he travelled with Florence Nightingale, inspecting hospitals, wards, kitchens, and the cooks and their methods. The Morning Chronicle wrote: “The man of the moment is M. Alexis Soyer; he has saved as many lives through his kitchens, as Florence Nightingale has through her wards.” In a letter addressed to Queen Victoria, dated 23rd April 1855, Nightingale commented: “The hospitals are now in perfect working order. M. Soyer has done much good in the kitchens. He is the most ridiculous man, but quite perfect in his own way.” Further to this, Alexis was horrified to discover it was left to individual soldiers to prepare their own food from their ration. As a result, food poisoning was rife amongst the camps. Frank explains: “He insisted that at least two men from each regiment were
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trained by his staff to cook for all. These became known as regimental cooks, and thanks to Alexis, the army created their own corps.” Also, Soyer invented a field stove where smoke could not be detected; extremely practical when cooking on the frontline. This style of stove was used right up until the 1980s. Back in London, with the help of a partner, J Feeney, Alexis opened a restaurant where the Albert Hall now stands, called Soyer’s Universal Symposium. Each room followed a different theme, one of which was sculptured out of ice. However, following noise complaints from neighbours, and Alexis’ focus on the great and the good, and not on the paying customers, he was forced to close, leaving him with £7,000 worth of debt. Reluctant to file bankruptcy, Alexis was rescued by David Hart, the manufacturer of Soyer’s Magic Stove, who was more interested in making money out of Alexis. Although entrepreneurial in his ways, he was a terrible businessman. Over his career, like many well-known modern chefs now, Soyer released a number of books, which covered recipes and cooking methods. However, unlike today’s books, his were aimed at the Victorian family who had staff working for them, and offered house management tips and servant selection. Ironically, and regardless of all that he achieved, it is strongly believed Alexis could neither read nor write. Frank says: “During Alexis’ time, there was not a need to be able to read or write, although there might have been a desire. Alexis had very little schooling; in The Gastronomic Regenerator there is a biography of his wife which is full of errors. On several personal documents supposed to have been written by Alexis, the text was in another hand than the signature. “He always had either one secretary who could speak, write and read English and French, or two secretaries that could do it in their own language.” Despite this, Soyer combined culinary skills with an element of humanitarian causes, something which had never been done before, yet so common today. When asked if Alexis was a chef ahead of his time, Frank simply answered, “yes”.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
From stitch to stage Nestled in London’s Covent Garden, among bustling tourists, world-class brands and restaurants to satisfy every palate, the Royal Opera House is arguably one of the most iconic and creative institutions in the UK.
Words by Gemma Rose
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ARTS AND CULTURE
T
hroughout the Second World War, it had been a dance hall, however it was later decided to establish the Royal Opera House as the home of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. On 20th February 1946, The Royal Ballet brought the theatre back to life with a production of “The Sleeping Beauty.” Nevertheless, behind the scenes of every standing ovation is the Royal Opera House Costume Department, with a strong force of more than 100 full-time staff, and approximately 60 casual or freelance creatives, making and reviving between 2,000 and 3,000 costumes in a year. Within the department there are nine areas in total: from those who work with costume designers for each new show, sourcing fabrics and
making the costumes; through to looking after costumes coming back for ‘revival’ shows. Fay Fullerton, Head of Costume, explains just how much attention the clothing requires: “Costumes may need to be altered to fit new casts, and repairs may be necessary, and then once the production is up and running, another team looks after the day-to-day care of the costumes to make sure they are clean and in the best condition ready for each performance.” Other crucial specialist teams who come under the umbrella of the Costume Department include those who work in the dye shop, dyeing and screen printing fabrics, and those in hats and jewellery, wigs and make-up, shoes, the stockroom, costume storage and hire teams.
Traditional tailoring and other techniques are used, however over time, these have had to be adapted to work with new fabrics and other source materials. For the Ballet, materials tend to be lighter and stretchy, whereas for the Opera, medium-weight materials are of choice. A main factor which can affect the design of a costume are the requirements of the dancer. Fay comments: “Choreography makes the most extraordinary demands on dancers in terms of how they are required to move their bodies. This obviously impacts not only the design, but also the fabrics that are chosen. They need to be lightweight, and also be really robust to withstand the range of movement.”
Artists of the Royal Ballet in Swan Lake © ROH / Alice Pennefather, 2012
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ARTS AND CULTURE
Left page: Head of ROH Costume, Fay Fullerton © Sim Canetty-Clarke. Right page: Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop © John Snelling.
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When asked about the inspiration for the costumes, Fay says: “Designers get their inspiration from all sorts of sources and, of course, the concept for the production as a whole will inform who the director may choose as his or her designer. “Some productions are set in certain periods in history, so the costumes need to be historically accurate, and other productions may be contemporary or futuristic.” In preparation, the first model showing takes place about 18 months prior to the opening night, at which point all designs are approved by the Royal Opera House Directors. Then, 12 months before the curtain rises, the designer and a costume supervisor will sample all the fabrics. And six months to showtime, costume fittings take place for the Chorus or corps de ballet, with the
principals’ fittings starting around six weeks before the first night. All costumes are made to last so that they can survive for as long as the production remains in the repertory. Fay continues: “We’re still using costumes made more than 40 years ago for the first production of “La bohème!” “If we decide that we will no longer use a production, then some costumes may be kept for recycling, and from time to time, we have a costume sale where we sell all of our redundant stock.” Fay describes how difficult it is to single out a favourite piece, because there is always something new and interesting, and how every production creates its own obstacles: “I really enjoy a production where the design is a mixture of the past and the future, where modern meets period!
ARTS AND CULTURE
“Most costumes present challenges because you are creating a character, not just putting someone in an outfit. It could be a technical challenge due to the nature of the fabric required, or the challenge could come from trying to interpret the designer’s vision for a character through costume.” As a welcome addition to the Costume Department in Covent Garden, the Bob and Tamar Manoukian Costume Centre is being built at the High House Production Park in Thurrock, Essex, and will become home to more than 20,000 costumes that are currently stored at a warehouse in Wales. The costumes will be kept in climate controlled conditions, which will keep them in good order, and be much more convenient for designers to go and look at the stock available for recycling from previous productions. Eventually,
the new Centre will also have the Royal Opera House archive collection of historic costumes, meaning they can be better preserved and more readily available for display or research purposes. The High House Production Park is fast becoming a real hub for the creative industries; a place where backstage skills and crafts are demonstrated at the very highest levels. Already based here is the Production Workshop which makes the sets and scenery. As well as building a new costume department, the Royal Opera House is building a partnership with South Essex College, offering apprentices and training. Fay says: “South Essex College has been one of our partners from the start with a real focus on the technical side of theatre, including costumes, property, sets and scenery. “The partnership in creating the degree course in Costume Construction is something that
has evolved from a successful working relationship, and brings together education, training and the industry to provide a way for young people to be trained in skills that are needed in the workplace, and gaining experience from the very best professionals while they are at college.” With creativity and skill in abundance, and so much dedication put into nurturing talent, one question remains: why is the tutu still so iconic? Fay’s answer: “To many, it’s the ultimate classical shape which enhances a dancer’s outline, whilst enabling the audience to still see her technique. For most people, if you think ballet, an image of ‘Swan Lake’ with lots of dancers in white tutus springs to mind. It’s a beautiful image.” For more information, please visit www.roh.org.uk.
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Bentley on ice With a top speed of 188mph, and the added combination of four-wheel drive and climate control, the snowy roads of Sweden provide the perfect grounds to put the Bentley Continental GT V8 S to the test. Words by Kevin Haggarthy
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My first love met my first love when I was only three years old. It was love at first sight. I can remember her to this day: Triumph Herald was her name, a pedal car with battery-powered electric lights. Although my pram had decent wheels and tyres, it had nothing on the pedal car, so the pram was dumped, and Mum and Dad’s pleasure of pushing their little boy around on four wheels came to an abrupt end. I had discovered cars. Decades later, the passion remained. I desperately wanted to own supercars. I couldn’t afford them really, but the heart ruled every time over the years, and several Lotuses, Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis and even Ferraris replaced that Triumph Herald pedal car. Yes, I owned my dreams, yet oddly, I couldn’t afford to really enjoy them. They were run on a strict budget that just about paid for insurance, tax, servicing, and two miles a week on the road. In between they were polished and garaged; sacrilege, I know. Once I grew out of the supercar obsession and got married, I started to buy ‘normal’ cars – admittedly, they were still powerful and sporty, but not in the same league. I had got the supercar bug out of my system, but vowed if I ever went down that road again, I wanted to be able to enjoy it without worrying about the cost. Sadly, I spend a lot of time reminiscing; I should have driven my Ferrari to Italy on a Ferrari factory tour, I should have toured Europe in the Maserati, or driven the Porsche to Le Mans, and…
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Back to the future Fast forward to 2015, and I am even older. What would I buy now given the chance? How about a Bentley Continental GT? And why? Because, versatile and fast as it is, I could relive all of my ‘back to the future’ reminiscences in just one car. In fact, the model choice would be the Continental GT V8 S. Its 4 litre V8 engine achieves 0-62 mph in 4.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 188 mph. As it happens, I’ve never actually owned a supercar which can go that fast. Combine that with the added advantage of comfortable seating for four people, an eightspeed gearbox, four-wheel drive, and 358 litres of boot-space; one can hardly
complain. ‘Mine’ would have the ‘luxury premier’ specification, with the Naim for Bentley sound system thrown in - which includes a CD player, cameras, and fullyventilated front seats with a massage function. In this scribbler’s opinion, the V8 S is the sweetest and most rewarding of the Continental derivatives if you want to get to the heart of the sporting GT driving experience.The standard V8 is wonderful, but less sharp and purposeful, and I can’t think of anywhere in the real world where you’ll be able to fully exploit the Speed Six enough to enjoy it as much as you would the V8 S in day to day use, as the majority of them are used today. You’ll spot the V8 S by the dark mesh radiator grille, and the lower bumper with its three air intakes.The dark rear valance, and its twin exhaust tailpipes shaped into an elongated, side-on figure eight. Another clue to the V8 S’s identity is a red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’. For the sporting driver, the V8 S offers the best combination of ride, handling, and power. Colour? What the hell! Let’s go for bright yellow, and make up for years of frustrated motoring adventure by forsaking Monaco in favour of freezing cold central Sweden. Here, the roads are caked in snow, the driving seriously challenging, and the temperature minus 17 degrees… and that’s when it’s warm.You may think we needed a snow plough to the back and front of our handcrafted projectile, but the only snow ploughs we had were winter tyres. A night at an amazing hotel in Stockholm was followed by an early departure for Osterholm airport to pick up our yellow ‘Bentley Conti’ for the drive.The plan was to drive from Osterholm through beautiful countryside in the snow to Åre, including a brief diversion to the Millestgarden Moose Farm for lunch. A further night’s rest, with a bit of leisure time thrown in at the Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Åre was planned as an apt conclusion to our adventure. A bit of weather Googling threatened temperatures of minus 20 degrees, so I left the hotel looking like the Michelin Man, with two or three thermal t-shirts, long-johns, several sweaters, and a fit-for-purpose, super warm and cosy ‘G-Lab Exhibition’ coat.
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Eskimos in disguise By the time we got off the aeroplane I was literally dripping in sweat, looking like a real idiot; Mr Bean goes to Sweden. As we exited through the self-opening doors of the airport, the snow was piled high. We needed a tractor, not a Bentley. But then our eyes met; the bright yellow Bentley was waiting there, its engine purring courtesy of a minder, with the air conditioning running at a steady 21 degrees. I ran to it like a homing pigeon muttering, Triumph Herald! Triumph Herald! whilst the Bentley boys stared at me puzzled. I told them it was a long story, and that I am mentally fit to drive as I eased into the warm, cosy vehicle. Bliss! The climate control perfectly mopped up beads of sweat, as I adjusted my seat ‘every which way but loose’. A rev of the throttle roused the muted burble of the supercharged V8 engine, and I had to take some time to savour the sumptuous wood, the leather and the chromed switchgear. The external paintwork was immaculately finished; Monaco’s climate might have been kinder to it, but Sweden makes for a far sterner road test. As if reading my thoughts, the Bentley moved off with almost arrogant ease; its muted power and authority touching on the point of regal: and this in treacherous snow and ice. It inspires driver confidence, not only in how it delivers the power, but equally so in the reassuring grip and feel from its four driven wheels. Who needs an SUV or an off roader when you have a Bentley Continental GT? Much more civilised, and for real-world-bad-weather road touring capability, it is just as capable!
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As the Bentley reaffirmed its snow-driving capability, all anxiety was put to rest. One is cocooned in perfectly air-conditioned luxury, looking out onto the most spectacular scenery and lakes, enjoying that deep, slightly muffled rumble of the V8, and the oh-so controllable power and grip. I am torn between admiring nature and wallowing in the experience of this machine.You don’t even need to be a good driver to appreciate the Bentley’s capabilities, just enjoy yourself and explore your own. This was proving some drive; the speedometer was reading 60 mph yet the roads were caked in snow. How many Bentley owners do this with their cars? Not many. If you have one, don’t delay; do it now – it’s why you spend this kind of money on your motor car. 10 minutes West of Åre is the Millestgarden Moose Farm; the most famous of its kind in Sweden. As we approached, tyres churning, our bright yellow Bentley proved a great contrast to the stern wooden buildings and ground white snow. It was great fun feeding the moose – the trick is to open your hands and show total submission (aka fear!) then they won’t eat you for dinner. Sadly, some of my mates on the trip ate moose for lunch. How could they? To the journey’s end It ended only to soon: my early trepidation about driving in this kind of weather was displaced by real driving enjoyment as the Continental’s intuitive and communicative handling made the low-grip surfaces challenging fun.The hotel in Åre proved the perfect overnight venue to reflect on this great driving adventure in what has to be one of the world’s finest GTs. No need to reminisce anymore; a dream has been fulfilled. Little did I know my Triumph Herald pedal car was really meant to be a Bentley. Time is a funny thing.
MOTORING
Specification Price as tested ÂŁ145,000 (including extras)
Fuel type 98 (95) RON
Max power 500bhp / 507 PS / 373kW @ 6000rpm
Acceleration 0 - 60mph, 4.6 seconds 0 - 100km/h 4.8 seconds
Max torque 660Nm, 487 lb.ft @ 1700rpm
Max speed 188mph / 303km/h
Engine capacity 3993cc
Combined 26.8mpg 10.6 litres/100km 95
MOTORING
Audi R8 V10 Plus Whilst the new Audi R8 makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, we say goodbye to the latest and greatest of the current model line-up on a hard blast across North Wales. Words by Kevin Haggarthy
T
ime flies in a big way. It’s hard to believe the Audi R8 was originally introduced as far back as 2006. Exclusively designed, developed and manufactured by the company’s high performance subsidiary company quattro GmBH at Neckarsulm in Germany, the car was based on the platform of the exotic Lamborghini Gallardo. With the R8, Audi competes with Porsche (911), Aston Martin (V8) and Jaguar (F-Type) at least. It was a successful assault from the start; the R8 having that magic combination of styling and performance, with the on-road excitement and capability that makes us petrol-heads eager to part with disproportionately large amounts of money.
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Evolution Eight years and several model evolutions later, the current R8 V10 Plus remains one of the most powerful expressions of this car. With 10 cylinders, 542bhp, and four-wheel drive, it goes from zero to the benchmark 62 mph in just over 3.0 seconds, and has an official top speed of 198 mph. Essentially, a production version of the limited edition R8 GT, the V10 Plus has 25bhp more power than the standard V10. The uprated engine, along with stiffer springs and carbon-ceramic brakes make this an ‘ultimate’ road-going R8, and bar just losing its crown to the new car, was the fastest accelerating Audi in the UK ever.
MOTORING
The not insignificant £12,000 purchase price premium for the Plus over the standard V10 pays for engine and suspension fettling, ceramic brakes, and minor cosmetic enhancements to the front (new headlights and more matt) and rear (single pot exhaust pipes). In this particular car, our 19 inch 5-arm, double spoke Y-design wheels, storage package, Audi parking system and Bang & Olufsen sound system take the purchase price from the standard £128,000 to just over £132,000. A lot of money… but for an awful lot of car. Driving the dream The joy of the R8 V10 Plus driving experience has so many levels it’s hard to know where to begin. How about stationary? Distinguished only by subtle design features, such as circular exhaust pipes and a new front spoiler design, and those otherwise unchanged drop-dead gorgeous lines remain a pleasure to admire. The glass covered V10 engine, which illuminates at night when you press the remote key to unlock the car, is a work of engineering art that goes just as well as it looks. It’s so nice to be able to see and appreciate such a fine engine without having to lift the bonnet.
“This isn’t only about speed, but the magical recipe of four-wheel drive, a perfectly positioned engine to keep the centre of gravity rooted, combined with sharp turnin, balance, precision, and extremely high cornering thresholds. Last but not least, the ceramics; the V10 Plus is all the evidence you need that the investment is worth it.” 97
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The V10 Plus naturally rides firmer than the standard V10; an inevitable compromise easily outweighed by the handling advantages. The familiar and now somewhat dated dashboard dials and switchgear are the only detraction from this car’s unique beauty and poise; the latest car has a fresh all-new interior design. Yet the anticipation and excitement of this wonderful car speaks very loudly; the V10 Plus crudely arresting your attention with its razor sharp purposeful growl. A brief pre-journey check under the bonnet, which, due to the mid-engined layout is of course the boot, suggests modest packing is necessary. We managed to squeeze in a laptop, a small suitcase, and a hefty camera. What proved really useful is the optional netted bench shelf behind the seats, handy for grab-and-go luggage and accessories. Semi-auto versus manual All V10 Plus models come only with Audi’s new 7-speed double clutch DSC transmission. It is quite frankly brilliant, and you’re hearing this from a manual shift junkie. Pushing this car hard through the deserted roads of North Wales proved it. The Plus is amazingly powerful: its 560 horses rocket you forward with unrelenting force. Once ‘on a mission’, you can nudge your instant gear-changes with either the floor shift or steering mounted paddles. Either way, the dual clutch box obeys your commands in fractions of a second. If you were chasing this car in a manual version of something with similar performance, you couldn’t keep up with the R8 V10, unless your name is Lewis Hamilton.
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Much as it pains me to say it, after an unbelievably speedy snap down-change into a quick hairpin, I had to concede the final decisive victory for the dual clutch box over a manual – you simply cannot change down manually this quickly and successfully whilst integrating it with sustained speed: you’ll lose time, distance, flow and momentum with every change. Magical mix This isn’t only about speed, but the magical recipe of four-wheel drive, a perfectly positioned engine to keep the centre of gravity rooted, combined with sharp turn-in, balance, precision, and extremely high cornering thresholds. Last but not least, the ceramics; the V10 Plus is all the evidence you need that the investment is worth it. They are simply amazing. Just a slight touch at any speed and the speedometer drops dramatically. As there’s no fade, it can do this all day, again and again. Six hundred miles later, I am beaming behind the wheel of our V10 Plus and rushing home to look at the prices of used ones; maybe one day, in a few years’ time, but it’ll still be worth the wait. Our cross-country dash proved a fitting goodbye to this performance icon. The new V10 Plus is still powered by a 5.2 litre V10 and has all-wheel drive, but power is up to a staggering 602 bhp, taking maximum speed up to 202 mph. The new car then takes the crown as the fastest and most powerful production Audi of all time. Bring it on…. we can’t wait.
INTRODUCING THE
RANGE ROVER 600-LE BY PROJECT KAHN
Project Kahn is the original British automotive fashion house - designing and styling bespoke vehicles for a discerning clientele. We redefine the spirit and aesthetic of each vehicle, always placing sophistication before ostentation, and originality before convention. The Range Rover 600-LE (Luxury Edition) features a completely redesigned front and rear bumper assembly, modelled in the same lightweight carbon composite used on F1 cars, and precision engineered to fit seamlessly onto the vehicle. Our choice of simple, elegant alloy wheels completes the remodelled exterior. Inside, you’ll find a bespoke luxury interior upholstered by our expert team, to the most exacting standards of British craftsmanship. Choose from a wide range of leathers, fabrics, colours and stitching, including Harris Tweed - the options for personalising your vehicle are almost endless. Working with Project Kahn is the first step towards realising your dream vehicle, and the start of a collaborative process of design and discussion which we’ve found is often every bit as satisfying as its result. Finest quality, to the last detail. The Range Rover 600-LE is available from £89,875
Kahn Laboratories: 240 Canal Road, Bradford, BD1 4SX T: +44 (0) 1274 749 999 A. Kahn Design Boutique: 385 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 0LR T: +44 (0) 207 751 4555 Kahn Automobiles: Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS3 1LX T: +44 (0) 113 834 5055 www.projectkahn.com | info@projectkahn.com
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