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BEAUTIFUL OLD HOMES

DECOR ATING & SHOPPING

GARDEN ANTIQUES INSPIRATION & VINTAGE

RENOVATION & MAINTENANCE

PERIODLIVING BRITAIN’S BEST-SELLING PERIOD HOMES MAGAZINE

Festive elegance

JANUARY 2019

WINTER FLAVOURS

Hearty recipes by River Cottage’s Gill Meller

38

pages of stunning period homes full of vintage sparkle

BEST BUYS SOFAS & ARMCHAIRS BEDROOMS TARTAN FABRICS TABLEWARE

New year

fresh look

Decorate with the latest paint and wallpaper trends for 2019

DISCOVER ANTIQUES The story of Georgian furniture designer Thomas Sheraton

Illustratio n Sarah Ove rs Photo graph David Lloyd

Editor’s Letter

gly ducklings can sometimes become the very best homes.

Overlooked, sad and neglected, they often languish on the market for months, losing ever more vitality with each passing day. But for those with creativity and vision, the potential is there to see, if you only look beneath the surface – like a forgotten secret, waiting for the right buyer to come along and coax it out.

One such buyer is the owner of this month’s cover house, Norma Staker, who recalls how her Harrogate apartment was ‘a mess… dated and gloomy’ when she bought it. Yet her ability to look beyond the property’s obvious shortcomings to see it as a blank canvas with high ceilings and original features that had been covered over, allowed her to create a chic Parisian-inspired home (page 66). Another visionary renovator is Kay Cullen, who fell in love with a converted Victorian chapel in Carmarthenshire that had been stripped of all its character, and has restored it to glory with a beautiful interior scheme that’s the perfect blend of old and new (page 44).

It’s projects like these that remind me why the old adage, ‘buy the worst house on the best street’, is such sage advice – but get a full survey done first!

At this magical time of year, with Christmas just around the corner and the promise of a fresh start in 2019 so tantalisingly close, thoughts naturally turn to future home plans. Whether that’s the possibility of moving house, or improving the one you already live in, it’s the perfect opportunity to flesh out your ideas. Most of my plans for the coming year involve completing unfinished projects from 2018, but I’m also thinking beyond the house to the garden, which is a growing passion of mine. It may be lying dormant at the moment, but my brain is whirring at full speed, thinking about everything I want to do outside.

Whatever your plans for the months ahead, I wish you the best of luck and a very happy new year.

Melanie Griffiths Editor, Period Living

Period Living 3

PERIODLIVING

Future PLC, Units 1 & 2, Sugarbrook Court, Aston Road, Bromsgrove B60 3EX EDITORIAL Editor Melanie Griffiths Content Editor Rachel Crow Homes Content Editor Karen Darlow Style Editor Pippa Blenkinsop Features Writer/Subeditor Holly Reaney Email periodliving@futurenet.com ART Head of Art Billy Peel Senior Art Editor Emily Smith Art Editor Karen Lawson ADVERTISING Media packs are available on request Commercial Director Clare Dove clare.dove@futurenet.com Group Advertising Director Mark Wright mark.wright@futurenet.com Print & Digital Sales Director Jackie Sanders 01527 834426 jackie.sanders@futurenet.com Print Sales Manager Rebecca Vincze 01527 834415 rebecca.vincze@futurenet.com Digital Sales Manager Kelly James 01527 834471 kelly.james@futurenet.com Classified Sales Manager Emma Farrington 01527 834445 emma.farrington@futurenet.com INTERNATIONAL Period Living is available for licensing. Contact the International department to discuss partnership opportunities International Licensing Director Matt Ellis matt.ellis@futurenet.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Email enquiries contact@myfavouritemagazines.co.uk Orderline and enquiries +44 (0)344 848 2852 Online orders and enquiries www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk Head of Subscriptions Sharon Todd CIRCULATION Head of Newstrade Tim Mathers PRODUCTION Head of Production Mark Constance Production Manager Frances Twentyman Advertising Production Manager Jo Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson ONLINE Technical Project Manager Tom Burbridge Realhomes.com Editor in Chief Lucy Searle Realhomes.com Associate Editor Lindsey Davis Video Producer Matt Gibbs MANAGEMENT Chief Content Officer Aaron Asadi Brand Director Paul Newman Editorial Director Jason Orme Commercial & Events Director Nick Noble Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham

Printed by W illiam Gibbons & Sons PO Box 103, 26 Plan et ary Road , W illen h all, West M id lan d s W V13 3XT. 01902 730011; w illiam g ib b on s.co.uk Distributed by M arketforce 5 Ch urch ill Place, Can ary W h arf, Lon d on E14 5HU. 020 3787 9001; m arket force.co.uk ISSN 0958-1987 ĂĄĆş Ć?ȸƺ ƏȒȅȅǣɎɎƺƳ ÉŽČ’ Ȓȇǟɾ ɖɀǣȇǕ ČľĆ?Ⱦƺȸ ÉŻÇ?ÇŁĆŹÇ? ÇŁÉ€ ƳƺȸǣɎƺƳ ǔȸȒȅ ȸƺɀȾȒȇɀǣƍǟɾ Č…Ć?ȇĆ?ǕƺƳً ƏƺȸɎǣ˥ƺƳ ǔȒȸƺɀɎȸɾ Ć?ȇƳ ĆŹÇ?ǟȒȸǣȇƺ‍َ‏ǔȸƺƺ Č…Ć?ȇɖǔĆ?ƏɎɖȸƺŮ?

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Contents 75

132

55 23

Cover

Photograph Brent Darby

Decorating & shopping

13 20 23 24 26 55

24

Journal We round up the latest interiors offerings, news and exhibitions ON THE COVER Tartan fabrics Add some country charm to your dĂŠcor with these timeless checks

75

Midnight sparkle Stunning buys to bring a touch of drama to seasonal celebrations

96

ON THE COVER Party pieces Decorate your table with these beautiful homeware products

104

Decorating trends Refresh your home with the latest wallpapers and paints ON THE COVER

Natural elements Create an inviting, rustic look with metals, woods and hides

131

A touch of frost Conjure up a winter woodland scene with these elegant buys ON THE COVER Upholstery Discover the right armchair or sofa for you with our selection of the latest seating designs

Bedroom ideas Get inspiration from these on-trend pieces, including the best beds to accessories ON THE COVER

Garden shopping Seasonal outdoor buys that celebrate the beauty of wood

44 Period Living 7

140

149 Features

147 15

Homes

44 56 66 76 66 38 90 113 117 120 8 Period Living

149

Spiritual home The Cullens turned a Victorian chapel into a vintage home Restored to glory Sharon and David Broadbent breathed new life into this run-down Yorkshire house

157 158

The age of elegance Inspired by beautiful Parisian interiors, the Stakers brought French flair to their apartment ON THE COVER

127

Advice & inspiration

132 140

The great designers Marc Allum explores the legacy of designer Thomas Sheraton ON THE COVER

House journal New products and expert advice for updating a period property

January journal The best activities to get you out and about this month Heritage weekend... Cambridge We shine a spotlight on this historic university city, perfect for a weekend away

Garden journal The latest products for your garden, and horticultural advice The winter’s tale Beautifully evergreen, the garden at Sedgwick Park in West Sussex definitely steals the show Garden advice Discover how to successfully add stunning focal points and details within your garden

Regulars

88

Home health check Roger Hunt advises on how to protect and repair your roof Salvage heroes We visit sanitaryware experts Mongers Architectural Salvage

ON THE COVER Recipes Be inspired by these deliciously comforting recipes by River Cottage’s Gill Meller

Gardens

Perfect vintage Rob Peeters and Gwen Dorpmanns found their dream home hidden in this derelict Dutch farm

Turning of the tide We step inside Vicky Ware’s fabulous pottery workshop

Food journal Events, eateries and kitchen essentials for keen home cooks

163

Subscribe Get six issues for just £14.99, plus choose your own free festive Emma Bridgewater mug Stockists Where to find all the suppliers featured in this issue

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UP TO THE W N E IG

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Watch videos of stunning period homes, craft workshops and renovation tips. Search ‘Period Living’

Period Living 11

ournal J Celebrate the new year with interior updates, party pieces and last-minute gifts Feature Pippa Blenkinsop

ll is calm A

Winter holidays are a time to embrace the slower pace of life and indulge in lazy candle-lit lunches with friends in the fading afternoon light. For a cosy, relaxed welcome, pair Neptune’s extending Balmoral oak dining table, £3,520, and Arundel bench, £640, with its Herdwick sheepskin rugs, £135, and Blyton Rust candles, from £6.

Period Living 13

In her column celebrating collectibles, antiques expert Judith Miller looks at everyone’s favourite toy, the timeless teddy bear

Above: A Steiff cream teddy bear, with shoe-button eyes and owner’s initials stitched onto each paw, circa 1907, £900–1,100 Below: 1950s Chad Valley bear with a tartan bow

14 Period Living

Although a comparatively late arrival on the toy scene, teddy bears have become very popular with collectors. There are several rival claims as to which company produced the first teddy bear. The German company Steiff (est 1877), produced jointed bears from 1902–3, and in 1904 a Steiff bear won a medal at the World’s Fair in St Louis. The New York-based Ideal Novelty & Toy Co (est c.1906) produced a jointed mohair bear that became known as ‘Teddy’s bear’, supposedly after a cartoon showing the American president Theodore Roosevelt sparing a bear cub on a hunting trip. Such was the popularity of the toys that manufacturers in Germany, Britain and the USA all diversified into teddy bear production.

During and after World War I, British companies expanded to fill the gap left by banned German imports. All European bear manufacture was severely disrupted by World War II, following which there was an increased use of less-desirable synthetic plush. One of the best-known British teddy bear makers was Chad Valley, which produced bears from the 1920s.

Production continued

throughout WWII and in 1967 the company acquired Chiltern Toy Works (est 1920). In 1978, Chad Valley was bought by Palitoy and records and catalogues were destroyed, so dating their bears can be very difficult. As is the case generally, early Chad Valley bears are more desirable than later bears. From 1920, Chad Valley bears were marked and are therefore easy to identify.

Bears made by Chiltern before the takeover are also collectable, especially early bears, which were made from high-quality, long, soft mohair and had long, curving arms and wide feet with cardboardreinforced velvet pads.

Other distinguished teddy bear makers include Dean’s Rag Book Co Ltd (1903–72), in London, noted for its unusually coloured bears and such novelty designs as bears on wheels, and Merrythought Ltd (est 1930), Shropshire.

Traditional early Merrythought bears are highly sought after and are usually marked with a celluloid button in the ear; this button was later moved to the back, and a fabric foot label was added. J.K. Farnell & Co (1897–1968), also claimed to have invented the teddy bear.

However, a more likely claim to fame is that it was almost certainly a Farnell bear that inspired A.A. Milne’s much loved Winnie-the-Pooh books.

Above: A 1950s Chiltern blond ‘Hugmee’ plush teddy bear, with plastic nose, £200–250 Right: Farnell white plush teddy bear, with glass eyes, black stitched nose, pronounced hump, pads and mohair, £220–280

Reader offer PL readers can purchase Judith Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia (£45, Mitchell Beazley) for the special price of £30, plus free UK P&P. To order your copy, please call 01903 828503 quoting Encyclopedia MB688.*

*Offer subject to availability, please allow 7 days for delivery

ANTIQUE OF THE MONTH

Images courtesy of Miller’s Collectables Price Guide 2019-2020; (Steiff bear) Bertoia; (Chiltern bear) Fieldings; (Farnell bear) Bertoia; (Chad Valley bear) Getty

ALL STAR CAST The Royal Opera House (ROH) has collaborated with Scottish design duo Timorous Beasties to launch an exclusive range of porcelain ceramics alongside textiles and accessories. Capturing the grandeur and history of the institution, the flamboyant designs feature layered floral silhouettes as well as architectural, dance and orchestral motifs inspired by the ROH and its art forms. From left: Coffee cup and saucer, £25; trinket tray, £12, and tea-for-one set, £40, Royal Opera House shop.

News

Fine dining Don’t forget those all-important finishing touches to give extra wow factor to seasonal entertaining. The perfect theme for a country-style interior, The Contemporary Home’s Winter Woodland range features shimmering pieces and forest motifs to bring your table to life. Gold cone and feather garland, £42; Forest tealight holders, £10.50 each; Antler candle holder, £30; Gold glitter reindeer ornament, £15.

TALENT SPOT Working with wood, paper and clay, Ela Niznik creates beautiful ornaments for the home. Her slip-cast porcelain bottles are decorated using transfers of illustrations inspired by vintage photographs of flora and fauna, while the laser-cut floral stems and ornaments are made using upcycled music sheets laminated onto plywood. Porcelain bottles, from £16; laser-cut stems, from £8; Hedge-Sparrow ornament, £12. (elaniznik.com)

STOCKING FILLERS Our pick of last-minute gifts to spoil loved ones, from £30 and under Pat Albeck: Queen of the Tea Towel, £12.99, National Trust

Reindeer Scattered tiny jug decoration, £12.95, Emma Bridgewater

Image (bottom right) Detail from a silk embroidery hanging designed by Walter Crane, c1890 courtesy of Meg Andrews

Fruit Lady fine china mug, £15, Chase & Wonder

Kinship animals scented candles, £30 for a set of 3, Oliver Bonas

ONE TO VISIT The London Antique Rug and Textile Art Fair (LARTA) returns to its home on the mezzanine of Battersea’s Decorative Fair, from 22-27 January. Be inspired by an exotic cornucopia of oriental rugs and tribal textiles from around the world including Uzbek suzani weaves, Kashan carpets and French tapestries.

Prestat Mulled wine milk chocolate mini truffles, £14, John Lewis

Period Living 15

News Clockwise from top left: Preference Red; School House White; Sulking Room Pink; Rangwali; Bancha; Paean Black

EYE ON DESIGN Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball, shares the inspiration behind the brand’s new colours

What inspired the new colours?

We don’t think in terms of trends; we’re based in a bubble in Dorset, and for us colours are more about feelings. We speak to our global colour consultants, showrooms and customers to help us to identify colours people would like to see.

Often we look to develop existing colour families with a lighter or darker tone.

For example, our versatile new green, Treron, is a deeper version of Pigeon.

The process starts with me and our colour curator, Joa Studholme, gathered around the table mixing up samples.

One colour we knew we wanted was a muted warm pink, but we couldn’t get the right shade, so things then got a bit competitive. The result, Sulking Room Pink, is soft and powdery, but with a good dose of black to give it a moody, sophisticated edge.

From top: Jitney; De Nimes and Treron, all £45 for 2.5ltrs of Estate emulsion

m

archi the v

Fr o

e

Introducing GP & J Baker’s signature collection, a mix of brand new fabrics and classic prints revived in fresh palettes. Originally designed by William Turner in the early 20th century, Rockbird has been a GP & J Baker favourite since 1912. Now relaunched in five new colours, including striking deep indigo, it makes the perfect linen for show-stopping upholstery. £79 per m.

Which comes first, the colour or name?

For this collection most of the names came after, but not all. We felt Sulking Room Pink was evocative of the colours often used in boudoirs, a room named after the French ‘bouder’ – to sulk.

However, Rangwali was the opposite; years ago, when Joa was travelling in India, she visited the Rangwali Holi festival of colour, where she was covered in hot pink powder. She held on to this vivid memory, then the paint was born.

How can you use the new shades in a period home?

Preference Red is one of the more traditional colours – its wonderfully deep pigment works well with period features. If the room has lots of architectural interest, don’t be tempted to use too much colour, as this could detract. Try using more neutral tones such as School House White or Jitney to enhance the natural light and space, and make a busy room seem larger.

DON’T MISS… If you’re a fan of the Arts and Crafts movement, you won’t want to miss Drawing with Light: Photographs from the William Morris Society Collection. Highlighting the importance of photography within Arts and Crafts, the exhibition brings together images of original Morris & Co works and previously unseen images of William Morris, his family and homes, taken by the Victorian photographers Emery Walker, Frederick Hollyer, Robert Parsons and Arthur Halcrow Verstage. Catch it until 30 March 2019 at the Coach House, Kelmscott House, Hammersmith.

Above: Photogravure of a photograph of William Morris, aged 54 (1834–1896), taken by Emery Walker on 19 January 1889 Right: Jane Morris, 1865, posed by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, photograph taken by Robert Parsons in the garden of Rossetti’s London home

Period Living 17

MY VINTAGE WORLD Tania Fawcett, founder of The Vintage Entertainer, shares her five must-have items for a classic new year’s party

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5

1. New year is all about ending the year on a high and making sure the next one starts with some fun, I like to gather around 12-14 guests – the more the merrier! I start serving drinks with a flourish; vintage barware such as antique glasses, wine coolers or ice buckets looks stunning and always provides a conversation trigger.

2. I keep the lighting low since it immediately makes the room feel special – especially if the party is in your kitchen, which people are normally used to seeing you wash up in.

I have a collection of antique and vintage candlesticks and candelabra that I haul out, but I use ribbed candles by Matilda Goad, since they add a contemporary feel.

3. I love recipes from Ottolenghi or Anna Jones, who do amazingly interesting salads. They can be left piled on antique silver-plated platters on a sideboard for people to come up and help themselves. I currently covet an amazing 19th-century Chinese sideboard from The Oscar Collective.

4. I hate it when people get up from the dining table and leave straight away. I want them to relax into the evening and play games or chat; Lorfords Antiques has an amazing range to choose from.

5. Comfortable dining chairs are vital. I would like some mid-century modern ones if possible since they are both comfortable and funky. The Old Cinema always has a great selection.

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Clockwise from top right: Silver-plated candelabra circa 1820, £2,795 for the pair, The Vintage Entertainer; ribbed beeswax candles, £42 for six, Matilda Goad; 19th-century Chinese sideboard, £1,700, The Oscar Collective; antique backgammon, £680, Lorfords; 1960s dining chair by Johannes Andersen for Christian Linneberg, £1,350 for a pair, The Old Cinema; cut crystal champagne coupes circa 1920s, for similiar see The Vintage Entertainer

er

s of wi n ork t Artisan prints W

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are a quick and easy way of styling your home to reflect the seasons. Inspired by sculptural foliage seen against the sea and sky of Norfolk and the Scottish Highlands, Angie Lewin makes beautiful prints using traditional lithograph, wood engraving, lino-cut and screenprint methods. This Winter Berries wood engraving is £185 at St Jude’s.

Christmas dolls Created using carefully collected vintage and mixedmedia materials, Paper Sam’s handmade dolls make perfect keepsake gifts. From £55 each at Know & Love.

18 Period Living

20 Period Living

Fabrics TREND WATCH

KEEP IN

check

Styling Pippa Blenkinsop Photograph Kasia Fiszer

Bring enduring cosiness and country charm to interiors with timeless tartans and plaids. Perfect for soft furnishings, upholstery and curtains, this array of classic weaves will please all palettes

From left: Campsie Lowland wool tweed and Frances Farquharson linen, both £95 per m, Anta.

Skye wool in Heather, £49.95 per m, Moon. Bryndle Check wool, £89 per m, Sanderson. Heathcliff check fabric in Indigo, from £40.50 per m, Iliv. Skye wool in Burnt Orange, £49.95 per m, Moon.

Felix fabric in Cabaret, £29.99 per m, Prestigious Textiles. Heathcliff check fabric in Pistachio, from £40.50 per m, Iliv; Fenton Check wool in Russet/Amber, £89 per m, Sanderson; Glenmore cotton-mix fabric in Olive, £26 per m, Clarke & Clarke. Kintyre Check linen-mix fabric in Dark Navy, £42.50 per m, Ian Mankin. Mulberry Home Shetland Plaid wool in Teal, £120 per m, GP & J Baker.

Period Living 21

Shopping Coco feather fringe pendant shade, £275, Curious Egg

Midnight tree bauble, £18.50 for 6, Cox & Cox

Sleek flat pendant light in brass/pewter, £89, Industville

Parrot on perch resin ornaments, £35 for a pair, Modern Country Style Interiors

Amélie cane armchair in navy velvet, £499, Atkin & Thyme

John Whaite Useful jug in navy, £25, Fenella Smith

Antique gold tree decorations, £16 for 3, Marquis & Dawe

MIDNIGHT SPARKLE

Soho handwoven wool/cotton-mix rug in Midnight, £229, Swoon Editions

Cire Trudon Esterel scented candle, £78, John Lewis

Bring a touch of period drama to seasonal celebrations by marrying jewel tones with elegant metallics

Feature Sophie Warren-Smith

Lustre ceramic table lamp, £270 excl shade, David Hunt Lighting Suvarna brass tray, £49, Vênoor Living

Royal Victoria embroidered tea cup decoration, £17.99, Historic Royal Palaces Velvet constellation cushion, £30, Oliver Bonas Garland bone china side plate in Midnight Blue, £36 for 4, Clarissa Hulse

Rochester three-seater sofa in Milori Blue Knightsbridge velvet, £2,769, Sofas by Saxon Katie Leamon Christmas tree crackers, £45 for 6, Amara Period Living 23

Personalised teaspoon Champagne and Prosecco stopper, £18.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk

Golden Shimmer cocktail shaker, £26.50, The Farthing Dog plate, £9.99, TK Maxx

Small punch bowl with stag stand, £199.95, Culinary Concepts

Nunnington stripe paper napkins, £4, National Trust Shop Malin Appelgren Rowan leaf candle sconce, £255, The Shop Floor Project

Floral etched carafe, £18, Emma Britton Joanna Buchanan dragonfly taupe napkin rings, £56 for a pair, Amara

Drinks trolley in antique brass, £325, Oggetto

SET TO IMPRESS Decorative gold ceramic dinner plate, £23, Cult Furniture

Winter White porcelain teacups and saucers, £175 for a set of 4, Wedgwood Feather cheese knives, £35 for a set of 3, Laura Ashley

Botanical holly bauble placecard holder, £11 for 6, Talking Tables

Engraved steel servers, £15.99 each, Zara Home

24 Period Living

Molina beech wood dining chair with arms in William Morris Snakeshead fabric, £425, Soho House

Champagne glasses, £68 for 4, Nisi Living

Feature Pippa Blenkinsop

Anthropologie spiral candelabra, £78, John Lewis

Marble and ash tree platter, £29.50, Marks & Spencer

Engraved, bejewelled, patterned and burnished, these subtly decorated party pieces are guaranteed to bring a festive flourish to entertaining

2019 DECORATING TRENDS

RUSTY HUES

Freckle, £40 for 2.5ltrs of Claypaint, Earthborn

26 Period Living

Gallery, £74.10 for 5ltrs of Eco Friendly wall paint, Lakeland Paints

Baked Terracotta, from £21.50 for 0.94ltrs of Regal Select flat, Benjamin Moore

Amanpuri Red, £43 for 2.5ltrs of Active matt emulsion Sanderson

Feature Pippa Blenkinsop

Let the iron-rich reds and flaming oranges of oxidised metals inspire a warm, earthy scheme. Perfect for creating a cosy and inviting living room, especially when teamed with natural materials and textures, this Chestnut paint is £38 for 2.5ltrs of matt emulsion at Neptune.

MOODY FLORALS

Don’t lament the dark winter days, instead embrace them with floral wallpaper designs in midnight shades for a sophisticated, feminine look. For real wow factor, try this A Bowl of Flowers mural from the orignal painting by Marie Blancour, from £65 per m2, The National Gallery Collection at Surface View.

Botanical Rose wallpaper, £110 per roll, Cole & Son

Emeline wallpaper in Ebony, £45.50 per roll, Clarke & Clarke

Mind the Gap Gypsy wallpaper, in Anthracite, £150 for 3 rolls covering 4.65m2, Beut

Pearl Lowe Dawn Chorus wallpaper in Noir Black, £120 per roll, Woodchip & Magnolia Period Living 27

FOREST GREENS

Capturing the enduring beauty of nature, deep evergreen shades continue to inspire this year, yet also have a timeless appeal that’s perfect for period homes. Energising and fresh, Little Greene’s Puck used wall-to-wall in a living room is guaranteed to lift the spirits. £43.50 for 2.5ltrs of Absolute matt emulsion.

Mercer Green, £38 for 2.5ltrs of emulsion, Abigail Ahern

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Feldspar, £39 for 2.5ltrs of matt emulsion, Paint the Town Green

Forest Symphony, £28 for 2.5ltrs of Valspar Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings, B&Q

True Olive, £74.10 for 5ltrs of Eco Friendly wall paint, Lakeland Paints

Decorating

A NEW LEAF

Bring vitality to everyday living spaces with leafy wallpaper designs, from perfect palms to a tapestry of treetops. For a fresh new look in a townhouse kitchen, try Lighthouse Palm wallpaper in Chelsea Green, £95 per roll, Paper & Paint Library.

Richmond Park wallpaper in Evergreen, £109 per roll, Zoffany

Ipanema Heritage wallpaper in blue, £35 per roll, John Lewis

Botanical Fern Dryopteris wallpaper, £115 per roll, Cole & Son

Mind the Gap Palmeras wallpaper, £150 for 4.65m2, House of Sloane Period Living 29

SERENE MARINE

From the aqua shores of the Caribbean to captivating teals of rocky Mediterranean coves, fill your home with a breath of fresh sea air with an ocean blue palette. New from Sanderson, this Newby Green used wall-to-wall will immerse you in watery bliss. £43 per 2.5ltrs of Active matt emulsion.

Dover Shore, £28 for 2.5ltrs of Valspar Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings, B&Q 30 Period Living

Splashing Around, £14.49 for 1ltr of Mouldguard bathroom paint, Crown

Deep Water Green, £48.50 for 2.5ltrs of Pure Flat emulsion, Paper & Paint Library

Sea Fantasy, £27.56 for 2.5ltrs of matt emulsion, Dulux

Decorating

CHINOISERIE

Inspired by Chinese and East Asian design, these elegant climbing florals and landscapes are a blossoming trend this season. From repeat patterns to statement murals, there are plenty of options, including this beautiful hand-painted Japanese Garden wallpaper on dyed silk, from £1,173 per panel at de Gournay, which looks stunning teamed with Perch & Parrow’s Simon two-seater sofa in Fresh Azalea velvet, £870.

Mind the Gap Byobu Metallic wallpaper, £240 per roll, House of Sloane

Peony and Blossom wallpaper in Indigo and Teal, £95 per roll, GP & J Baker

Kit Kemp Mythical Land mural, £378 per roll, Andrew Martin

Chiswick Grove wallpaper in gold, £66 per roll, Sanderson

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PRETTY IN PINK

Pastel pink brings classic calm to bedrooms, but has also found favour with colour-confident homeowners looking to bring a playful touch to living rooms and kitchens. Choose from a range of sugary shades, or for a sophisticated moody edge, try Farrow & Ball’s new Sulking Room Pink, £45 for 2.5ltrs of Estate emulsion.

Pashmina, £18 for 2.5ltrs of matt emulsion, Crown

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English Rose, £21.99 for 500ml of Chalky furniture paint, Fusion Mineral Paint

Blush, £35 for 2.5ltrs of emulsion, Laura Ashley

Pink Cocoa, £28 for 2.5ltrs of Valspar Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings, B&Q

Decorating

TROMPE L’OEIL

Trick the eye and bring both texture and style to a space with these imitation surface wallpapers. From wood panelling to embossed tiles, have fun creating all sorts of intriguing effects without spending the earth. Alnwick Logs in Lacquer Black, £66 per roll, Sanderson.

Fresco bookcases multicoloured wallpaper, £10 per roll, Wilko

Feather Safari wallpaper, £129 for 3 H320xW50cm panels, Curious Egg

Martyn Lawrence Bullard Bazaar wallpaper, £125 per roll, Cole & Son

Regent Oak wood panelling wallpaper, £78 per roll, Andrew Martin Period Living 33

Decorating

ANIMAL MAGIC

Guaranteed to raise a smile, wallpapers covered with beautifully illustrated creatures are everywhere at the moment, from our favourite brands to independent designers. Try pasting up the Kingdom Lion wallpaper, £50 per roll at Graham & Brown, for a quirky way to liven up functional spaces such as downstairs toilets or even the insides of cupboards.

City of Lions wallpaper in Grey on Nautral, £70 per m, Lindsay Alker

Ferm Living Horse wallpaper, £65 per roll, Cloudberry Living

Mind the Gap Fish wallpaper in blue, £150 for 3 rolls covering 4.65m2, Beut

Owlswick wallpaper in Briarwood, £75 per roll, Sanderson Period Living 35

NEW NEUTRALS

Soothing and versatile, muted walls are a great choice for design enthusiasts looking to showcase statement pieces and prints.

From off-whites through to browns, Paper & Paint Library has a wide variety of complementary neutrals arranged in tonal order.

Add subtle interest by using its Paper V on lower walls and Paper III above, both £48.50 for 2.5ltrs of Pure Flat emulsion.

Elk Horn, from £21.50 for 0.94ltrs of Regal Select flat, Benjamin Moore 36 Period Living

Broderie, £35 for 2.5ltrs of chalky emulsion, Rockett St George

Moor End, £38 for 2.5ltrs of matt emulsion, Graham & Brown

School House White, £45 for 2.5ltrs of Estate emulsion, Farrow & Ball

N R I U N T =

G OF

From wonderfully tactile stoneware inspired by coastal textures, to rustic terracotta bread pots, Vicky Ware’s pottery has gradually grown from a hobby into a business

Words Rachel Crow | Photographs Jeremy Phillips 38 Period Living

IDE ET

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TH

Made in Britain

Opposite: Vicky hand-builds her range of stoneware from textural cream and black sculpting clay, which once formed and biscuit fired is immersed in various coastal colour-inspired glazes This page: The potter at her wheel, with Scarlett, her pottery dog, keeping an eye on progress. Vicky’s husband Tim converted the stables behind their hillside home into her studio space, which is warmed by a log-burning stove

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rains of sand caught in the crevices of rocks worn smooth by the relentless caress of waves; lichen creeping out of inky blue rock pools; sea foam settling on barnacleencrusted driftwood; the richly veined granite coastal cliffs of North West Scotland. These are the some of the textures that have inspired Vicky Ware’s rustic tableware. Yet such elemental seascapes are a far cry from the idyllic, undulating countryside that surrounds her secluded hill-top studio in Powys. Enjoying stunning panoramic views over the Trannon Valley in the Cambrian mountains, her studio space, a converted stable nestled in the trees behind her home, is in a wholly contrasting, yet equally inspiring inland location.

The surrounding woodland is starting to pull on its autumnal technicolour cloak of russet, bronze and gold as the low autumn sunshine floods in to her workspace through its wide windows. The earthenware bread pots and mugs drying on slatted wooden shelves mimic the fiery hues of the leafy canopy outside. The style of Vicky’s varied pieces is the culmination of 25 years of ‘trial and error’, starting in an evening class when her children were tiny, as a hobby, and then slotted in,when time permitted, around her full-time job in accounts.

‘For years my studio was in the garage or kitchen of our various homes, but it has only been in the

40 Period Living

last five years that I have been able to focus on the pottery full-time. The only way to progress is by experimentation, and I’ve produced the most inspired work in the last five years since I’ve had more time to devote to it,’ Vicky explains.

Self-taught, learning on the go and picking up tips and skills from other potters along the way, she loves ‘grabbing a piece of clay that has come from the earth, and making something useful from it. From the beginning it’s been all about the texture and tactile nature of it for me. The items I make are not perfect but have a function. It is the imperfections that enhances them,’ she explains.

Employing completely different processes and techniques for her two types of work, Vicky throws her earthenware at the wheel, while her stoneware pieces are made from heavily grogged black and cream sculpting clay, which she kneads, slabs, coils, manipulates and builds into shape by hand.

‘I was brave enough eventually to realise I didn’t want to throw these, because you feel like you have to, somehow. But as a potter it is nice to do a variety of different things, otherwise you start to feel like you are on a production line.’

The light bounces off the deep indigo, moss green or soft cream glazes cloaking her textural stoneware. To recreate the colours and textures of her coastal inspirations, Vicky experimented with the interaction of various glazes and slips with different clay bodies. ‘It involved a lot of testing to find out what worked. You wouldn’t normally glaze the black clay, so it took some time to discover what was compatible. Glazes react differently ³

Made in Britain

Clockwise from top left: The breathtaking view from Vicky’s home over the Trannon Valley, caught in autumn; the pottery sits nestled among the trees; Vicky takes time out from turning and sculpting to relax wth Scarlett; her sculptural stoneware pieces, which mimic the colours and textures of

the coast on the North West of Scotland, are priced from £10 for a small dipping dish, £25 for a bowl, to £150 for a large platter; how a mug feels and fits when it is held the hand is very important for Vicky; the wash of glazes on this platter were inspired by the myriad hues found in rock pools

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each time under firing, too, and when you put it on it doesn’t look anything like the colour that comes out of the kiln. By happy accident some things may come out differently to what you expected, but that is half the fun of it.’ By contrast, her popular earthenware bread pots are left unadulterated by slip or glaze, ‘because I love the earthy feel of the terracotta clay.’

The ideas for pieces – from dinky dipping bowls and tactile mugs, to expansive platters awash with pools of colours - tumble out of her head, feeding, sometimes subconsciously, off things she has seen.

‘I don’t sketch ideas for my designs,’ she explains, I just create.’ But she will capture shapes in terracotta moulds – be this manmade or organic forms – a plate, a log or a stone; ‘anything lying around if it has a nice shape. I like making moulds from natural forms, in particular,’ Vicky explains.

Her tableware can now also be found gracing the tables of restaurants dotted around Britain, among them the Michelin-starred Bulrush in Bristol. ‘It is a challenge working with chefs because they will send me a sketch of what they want and then I have to conjure up something that will be practical, too; but it is fun because as an artist you are creating something for another artist.’

Just as her pieces need a function, so the goaldriven Vicky always needed the pottery to serve a purpose. It has taken nearly a quarter of a century, but her hobby has blossomed into a “career”. ‘It is really exciting,’ she admits, ‘and it still doesn’t feel like it is a job – it has just evolved.’

To find out more visit vickywareceramics.co.uk 42 Period Living

Clockwise from left: The process for creating her earthenware range differs greatly from the stoneware – turned at the wheel, before the handles are formed and attached by hand, her earthenware mugs are then fired before she applies hand-mixed coloured slip; with folk music playing softly in the background, Vicky sits at the wheel absorbed in throwing and teasing clay into the embryonic form of a bread pot; fired to a rich toasted terracotta, the pots can be used for baking all types of bread

44 Period Living

Converted Chapel

SPIRITUAL HOME Kay and Paul Cullen rescued a Victorian chapel, filling it with art and vintage pieces and adding earthy foraged greenery at Christmas to create a homely, curated look for the striking heritage building Words Natalie Flaum | Photographs Colin Poole

Black granite worktops from Cardiff Marble Co perfectly contrast with the double-height chapel ceilings, and beautifully showcase Kay’s pottery and accessories. For similar cabinetry, try Burbidge’s Marlow range. The mixed-andmatched brass and glass pendants are from Cox & Cox. For similar copper chairs, try Cult Furniture

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here are so many reasons for Kay and Paul Cullen to celebrate this Christmas. For a start, it’s 18 months since they moved into their Welsh chapel and embarked on a labour-of-love renovation. They also have a smart new kitchen, two new bathrooms, an extra bedroom and – thank goodness, just in time for winter – a new central heating system. Now they’re enjoying adding the festive finishing touches and have gone all out with earthy decorations, twinkling lights and candles.

‘I love foraging on country walks, collecting twigs and greenery to decorate at Christmas,’ says Kay. ‘I’ve used the foliage to make a wreath, adding sprigs of mistletoe and gypsophila to the Christmas tree, like a dusting of snow. This year, after all our hard work renovating, we’re looking forward to a glass or two of mulled wine by the log-burner.’

Built in 1880, the Welsh stone and redbrick chapel served the local mining community up until 2001, when it was sold and then converted into a home. ‘Some people in the village were married here and the plumber remembers going to Sunday school here,’ adds Kay. ‘Opposite the chapel there’s a beautiful garden created to honour the miners.’

The couple discovered the property two years ago on an estate agent’s website, although Paul took some convincing to view it. ‘We like to think this little chapel was waiting for us to find it and love it, which we did in a heartbeat. It was a very sad building but full of promise,’ recalls Kay. She and Paul planned to put back the character that had been lost with its conversion, but taking on so much DIY alongside full-time jobs proved a challenge. With so many things in need of attention, the only way to approach it was to work through the property, room by room. Kay and Paul project managed a schedule of work using local builders.

Kay works with colour and trend predictions daily in her job as an interior designer at Laura Ashley, so she had a clear vision for the project.

‘I wanted a traditional style with an emphasis on comfort, warmth and simplicity,’ she adds. ‘I spend most of my days off sourcing vintage pieces for my home and I love anything with an aged, worn look to it. The chapel is my home, my passion and my laboratory, where I’m constantly trying new ideas.’

The boiler room has been converted into a bathroom/utility and the large former bathroom into a third bedroom for their baby granddaughter, Evie. The double doors inside the porch were full of

46 Period Living

THE STORY Owners Kay Cullen, interior designer at Laura Ashley, and her husband Paul, a mechanical engineer, live here with their dachshund Opry Property A former Welsh chapel, built in 1880 in a Carmarthenshire village. The chapel served the local mining community until 2001 What they did Kay and Paul repaired the redbrick arch front porch, replaced the front door, added a new heating system, electrics and drainage, and converted a boiler room into a bathroom and utility. The couple added a third bedroom, two new bathrooms, a new kitchen and redecorated throughout

flaws, all bowed and buckled with a rotting wooden frame – ‘but we loved the old chapel doors, so we’re in the process of repairing and repainting them - with five coats of paint to date,’ says Kay. Paul repaired the porch walls leaving one brick wall exposed as a feature,’ adds Kay, who painted the plastic interior window frames herself, using a plastic primer. To add further character to the building, they also replaced the standard front door with an arched door and did all the decorating themselves. ‘The chapel ceilings rise to almost 3.5m,’ adds Kay. ‘They make the space feel so much larger, but painting them was a mammoth task.’

Paul also did some of the plumbing himself.

‘We stored a new cast-iron bath in our shed, and when we were ready to fit it, as it was too heavy to lift, we used an old quilt to drag it along the floor into position,’ says Kay. To bring back some of the building’s character, Kay added panelling, which makes a great backdrop for her vintage finds. ‘I like to paint furniture with a chalk finish, and then mix it with some key modern pieces to give more of a contemporary twist and stop it feeling like my grandmother’s house!’ she laughs. ‘A bit of old mixed with a bit of new is usually a great philosophy to follow.’

To create cosy spaces full of interest, Kay has filled every room with eclectic vintage and antique bargains, including £2 earthenware pots and £30 vintage wardrobes in Evie’s bedroom. ‘My favourite is my grandmother’s Welsh blanket, it has a rare geometric weave and is quite a sought-after item today,’ she says. ‘We also love the Singer sewing machine that belonged to Paul’s mother - we gave it a new life as a basin stand in our shower room, and it’s a poignant reminder of a much-loved lady.’

Kay and Paul are currently transforming the chapel car park into gardens, where Paul has built a garden path, planted box ball hedges along the side of the building and recycled scaffold boards to make an outdoor table – with chapel pew seats, of course! ‘We’re also hoping to change all the windows back to wood and create a new double door opening from the kitchen to the garden,’ adds Kay. ‘Giving up almost every holiday and weekend for the past 18 months has been tough but we’re so proud of our achievements. Knowing that we’ve breathed new life into an unloved building is very rewarding. Our little chapel is so special – even on the gloomiest day it lifts your spirits.’

Converted Chapel Left: Kay and Paul’s future plans include rebuilding the front wall and transforming the rear garden, formerly the chapel car park Below: Kay makes the most of the kitchen’s high ceiling with her rustic, natural Christmas theme.

Using fishing wire, Paul fixed up a branch from the garden and Kay has decorated it with mistletoe and her favourite baubles. Leather armchairs from Laura Ashley add a country feel by the Charnwood stove Below left: Kay chose patterned Harlem Shuffle porcelain tiles from Mandarin Stone for her splashback, teamed with an Elan Rangemaster and black wall lights from Tinsmiths fitted by electrician Baden Carter

Period Living 47

With the tree sparkling, candles flickering and presents wrapped, the scene is set for a cosy Christmas. The comfy Lynden leather sofa is from Laura Ashley, as is the faux-fur throw. The kilim cushions are from Baileys Home and Homes of Elegance.

Kay found other pieces, including the coffee table and sideboard, in vintage shops

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Converted Chapel

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This image: Kay has created an earthy feel in the living room using soft textured faux fur, embroidered cushions and cowhide rugs. She combines upcycled pieces, such as a vintage chest of drawers, with modern pieces like the round mirror, kilim cushions and a floor lamp from Artemide Opposite: The chapel corridor was one of the features Kay loved the most.

A row of pendant lights and framed art prints enhance the original detailing

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Converted Chapel

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Opposite: The master bedroom features one of Kay’s favourite items, her grandmother’s Welsh blanket, which looks perfectly at home alongside modern pieces, including an angled lamp and green table lamp from Pooky, and the vintage Sanderson fabric cushions Right: Kay fixed panelled walls, painted in warm white, and also painted the floorboards to add character. An antique chair has been placed by a cast-iron radiator from Heat & Plumb’s heritage range Below: The en suite bathroom features a mix of old and new, too, including an antique French kitchen utensil mould that Kay had adapted into a light fitting over her roll-top bath Above: Kay and Paul created a bedroom for their little granddaughter Evie – it looks particularly magical with a touch of festive sparkle

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Converted Chapel

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Shopping

Star and twig glitter wreath, £22, National Trust Shop

Made of Wood: In the Home, £19.99, Ryland Peters & Small

Rudolf reindeer fur rug, £170, The French Bedroom Company

Dando antiqued brass round tray, from £59.95, Shimu

British Colour Standard handmade glass tumbler, £6.50, Selfridges

Tiko iron and glass small cabinet, £495, Nkuku

Aspen p three-light g pendant, £492, David pendant £492 Hunt Lighting

Double Moroccan palm wood stool, £65, Design Vintage

Natural elements Mix raw timber and burnished metal with cosy wool textiles and animal hides for an inviting rustic look

Lancaster leather armchair, £1,350, Laura Ashley

Tipped cashmere cushion, £55, French Connection Tindra large wooden star tealight holder, £48, Also Home

Feature Pippa Blenkinsop

Vegan handwoven grass slippers, £24, Yonder Living

British-made recycled wool throws, £18 each, The Future Kept

Teak lazy Susan, £225, Oka Large burnished copper stars, £12.50 for 3, Cox & Cox

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RESTORED TO GLORY Sharon and David Broadbent have brought a run-down old house back to its prime, enhancing its period features with bold colours, luxurious fittings and creative styling Words and styling Sara Bird | Photographs Dan Duchars

Sharon’s stylish kitchen complements the room’s original features, including the imposing fireplace and Georgian sash windows. Wooden cupboards are painted in complementary shades and an Aga is set into the stone chimney breast and mantel. Kitchen by Ryburn Valley Furniture, with the cupboards painted in Juniper Ash by Little Greene. The dining table is from Heal’s, the clock is from Redbrick Mill Batley, and the blind is made with Larsen fabric

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Elegant Georgian House

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58 Period Living

Elegant Georgian House

Above: A smart wall-mounted plate rack and crockery cupboard turn the kitchen sink space into something special. The double butler’s sink is from Ryburn Valley Furniture Left: The utility room features one of the original cast-iron cooking ranges. A chair from Gingerbread Interiors is positioned to make the most of the fire and the garden views Opposite: Cairn terrier Benji stakes his claim on the warmest seat in the house

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THE STORY

F

Owners Sharon Broadbent, owner and design consultant of Gingerbread Interiors, and her husband David, a chartered accountant, live here with their five-year-old son Teddy and cairn terrier Benji Property The unlisted five-bedroom Georgian home in Yorkshire was built for local mill owner Joseph Whiteley and has had numerous alterations What they did The couple had the house replastered and refurbished most of the floors before updating the interiors throughout

inding and buying their beautiful home was as much about being hot off the purchasing blocks as seeing the creative potential beyond its uninspiring interior. Luckily for Sharon and David Broadbent, having pulled out of another house sale, they found themselves in a position to offer instantly on their fabulous find. ‘We were on holiday at the time but were in touch with our estate agent,’ recalls Sharon. ‘They tipped us off about a house viewing and said we really should go and see it. They sent the pictures on Friday.

We flew back on Saturday. On Sunday we did the viewing and put in an offer on Monday.’

The couple loved the house at first sight and weren’t about to risk letting it slip through their fingers. It was large in scale, full of original features with a good and relatively new kitchen.

‘It definitely had potential to suit how we live, too,’ explains Sharon. ‘David works from home quite a bit and there was an office. We wanted a separate dining room and we both really liked this style of architecture and all the features.’

After doing a bit of research on the house, the couple discovered it was originally twice the size and on a large plot. Updates in the Victorian era also included adding handpainted ceilings, stained glass, ornate balustrades and bay window façades. Unfortunately, a run of bad luck meant the house had to be sold, then split up, partially pulled down and the land separated off for development. Many of the features, including the ceilings, had been covered up and so thankfully were protected. ‘By the time we bought the house it had been put back into one, was structurally sound and some of the refurbishment work had been started,’ says Sharon.

The first job Sharon and David tackled was the ramshackle placing of lights and fittings, so they repositioned a lot of the lights to help brighten each room. ‘The casings for the switches were different throughout,’ says Sharon. ‘With a house this size, that was a lot of replacing.’ Next, the whole house was replastered, as most of the walls needed

60 Period Living

attention. Then all the carpets were removed and the downstairs parquet was sanded and refinished, with new boards and missing areas filled and fitted.

The tiled hallway floor was professionally cleaned to bring back its lustre, and radiators were fitted while the floors were up. The fixtures and fittings were replaced in all the bathrooms, including a copper bath in the master bedroom. ‘Ours was the last room to be updated and there was a lot to do,’ says Sharon. ‘One of the windows had been boarded up, and the fireplace, too. We went for a wow-factor bath as the centrepiece in the bedroom, created some gorgeous curved wardrobes and then decided to be brave with the colour.’

Sharon really enjoyed decorating and styling her home and putting her own spin on it. The house had originally been painted in various drab shades, and its large rooms with high ceilings were crying out for rich colours to match the fabulous original fixtures and features. Out of the window went the whites, and Sharon brought a much bolder and luxurious palette to the scheme. Her favourite rooms are definitely the darker ones, including the dining room and her bedroom. ‘I would say I’ve grown in confidence with using colours, especially in this house,’ says Sharon. ‘I did use an interior designer, but it was really to bounce ideas off them.

I could see that such grand rooms needed a punch of rich colour and much larger-scale or refinedlooking furniture to suit the house. I also had a great antiques contact where I bought many of the pieces and who would find me things specially.’

Although Sharon likes her home to look luxurious all year round, at Christmas there is an extra reason to be creative with colour – layering decorations and repurposing accessories to make elaborate ornamental displays. ‘I like my house to feel quite magical, with plenty to see, so I mix things up on the mantels and tabletops,’ she says.

Sharon’s home-styling enthusiasm looks certain to continue as there are plans to redesign other parts of the house, including a whole series of basement and cellar areas to refurbish and redecorate.

‘For the moment we’re happy, but when Teddy is older the idea is to create a boys’ space,’ says Sharon. ‘There are plans for a cinema room, a playroom and a wine cellar but, whatever happens with this house, I’m not sure we could ever go back to living in just a blank canvas.’

Above: Sharon’s home was originally built for a wealthy Georgian mill owner, but has been updated numerous times over the years including the introduction of the imposing Victorian façade Below middle: The ornate handpainted stained-glass door panels on the upstairs landing are among the many Victorian additions to the property Below right: The hall still has its original tiles. The armchair is from Next, and the paints are by Little Greene – the company’s Dolphin shade features below the dado, and Joanna above

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Elegant Georgian House

Above left: One of Sharon’s favourite spaces, the dining room combines bold colour choices, carefully curated antique pieces and, at Christmas, a beautiful array of festive decorations. A vintage table from Elizabeth James Antiques is matched with modern Elizabeth upholstered chairs from Kelly Hoppen. Denby plates, Waterford glassware and Viners cutlery all create a modern classic look. Ornaments from a selection at Gingerbread Interiors Left: A modern spin is added to another living room with Mezzo wraparound sofas from BoConcept and a white and taupe colour palette. The walls are painted in Little Greene’s True Taupe Above: The handsome drawing room features a Victorian handpainted ceiling, ornate fireplace and luxurious furniture and fittings chosen by Sharon to suit their impressive setting. A pair of beautiful Descartes sofas by Sofa.com sit either side of a glass coffee table; for similar try John Lewis. Ralph Lauren Home cushions add a further touch of luxury. Decorations and glassware from a selection at Gingerbread Interiors

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Top: Dark and moody Fig Grey paint by Zoffany adds drama to the bedroom, while a copper bath from Bagno and Dozer bed with velvet button-back detailing from Loaf bring decadent boutique-chic touches. A slim console from Not on the High Street displays mirrors and perfume bottles Above: Period-style furniture is mixed with contemporary fabrics to great effect in one of the guest rooms.

New Frontier sleigh bed from Barker & Stonehouse, with cushions in Osborne & Little’s Palas fabric Left: Sharon updated the bathroom with a new suite from CP Hart, which works beautifully with the original tiles and a vintage linen press

64 Period Living

THE AGE OF ELEGANCE Norma and John Staker introduced Parisian style and grace to a dated Yorkshire apartment Words Heather Dixon | Styling Karen Darlow | Assistant styling Emily Hawkes Photographs Brent Darby These tall arched windows bring in lots of light but also posed a challenge.

‘We wanted privacy without covering up the beautiful features,’ says Norma.

She solved the problem with voile panels, covering the fittings behind scalloped tin pelmets – already there when they bought the apartment – which also added a decorative touch.

The sofa is a French antique; for similar, try The French Bedroom Company

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The sparkling tree and plenty of tealights create a magical scene.

Norma first saw this pendant light in a London hotel and tracked it down to a company called Klaylife.

‘They’re made by hand in South Africa from clay, and sales help to raise funds for Aids prevention,’ she says. The antique mirror is from Lorna Byskou. The patterned Felicity and Calico crockery is by Burleigh, and the decorations and tealights are from a selection at The Contemporary Home and Gisela Graham

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THE STORY Owners Norma and John Staker, property renovators Property A two-bedroom apartment in a house in Harrogate, built in the 1800s What they did The couple renovated, decorated and refurbished throughout, reinstating period fireplaces, exposing original floorboards and installing a new kitchen

hristmas in the Staker household can be a rather grand affair. The Christmas tree is full of sparkle, the kitchen bursting with festive goodies, and there is more than a touch of French elegance to the seasonal decorations.

Yet when Norma and John bought their stylish apartment in Harrogate two years ago it was anything but grand. ‘It was a mess, to be honest,’ says Norma. ‘It had been rented out and nothing had been done to it for years. The whole place felt very dated and gloomy.’

The couple have renovated many properties over the years and so oversaw all the work on the apartment. With his building team, run by Peter Hall, John removed two large decorative concrete pillars in the hallway to open up the space and create a long entrance hall with a high ceiling.

They also removed old gas fires and opened a boarded-up fireplace in the living room, restoring it to its original splendour. They replaced a dated kitchen with new units, updated the bathroom fixtures and fittings, and took up carpets to reveal the beautiful old floorboards underneath. ‘We decided to leave them exposed,’ says Norma. ‘They are such a lovely period feature.’

They had originally hoped to have a marble floor in the kitchen, but the levels between the kitchen and hall floors were so difficult to get right that, in the end, they returned the marble and chose a Karndean floor instead. ‘We didn’t want to re-skim the floor so we decided to compromise, and we’re very happy with the result,’ says Norma.

With the basics done, Norma and John started to plan the finer details. ‘Because the ceilings are so high – one of the apartment’s best features John had the idea to panel the walls to give it more character,’ says Norma. ‘We also employed specialists to renovate and replace ceiling coving.

They have done lots of work for me in the past and are experts at what they do, often working in stately homes, so we were in good hands. The apartment looked completely different and I could visualise the way I wanted each room to look once we had this wonderful backdrop with which to work.’

68 Period Living

Norma wanted a calm and sophisticated feel for the décor, so she chose a base palette of white, cream and grey. ‘I am passionate about decorative French furniture and antiques,’ she says. ‘I have been for many years. They give such an elegant look, but I also like to mix modern pieces with French antiques to create an authentic style.’

Many of Norma’s treasures were bought directly from France, where she browses brocantes, street markets and sale rooms for things to add to her collection. Then she brings them home to arrange in imaginative ways – often in picture frames, in display cabinets or clustered on shelves. ‘I have been buying from France for many years. The business of buying and selling French antiques has been my life, alongside interior design and property renovation,’ says Norma. ‘Everything here has been bought specifically for the apartment.’

She has bought ‘mountains’ of French linen over the years but, rather than hide it away in a cupboard, she uses it to re-cover chairs, create cushions and turn into bedding. She is also fond of cherubs, which pop up somewhere in most rooms. ‘I like the romance of it all,’ says Norma.

‘I love anything pretty and beautiful, like old lace, aged mirrors and fabulous chandeliers, especially if they have a story to tell.

‘One of the biggest challenges I faced with this apartment was to get the proportions right,’ she adds. ‘With its large rooms and high windows and ceilings, I had to think big and buy furniture that wouldn’t look lost in the space – hence the triple armoire and the large sofas.’

It took several months for Norma and John to get the apartment as they wanted it, mixing furniture sourced by Norma with modern pieces from her son’s company, Maine Furniture; but now they can sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labours.

‘Christmas here is one of our favourite times of the year,’ says Norma. ‘The family gets together over the Christmas period and we have plenty of room to celebrate – gathering round the fire to open our presents or round the kitchen table for family meals. It’s easy to walk into the centre of Harrogate from here so we can go into town and enjoy all the festivities and Christmas lights, then come home, lock the door and unwind. It’s our beautiful bolthole.’

French Inspired Apartment

Above: The living room, where John made and fitted the panels, and Norma added framed artefacts and ornate mirrors to create an authentic period look. The cream sofa is from Maine Furniture, run by Norma’s son Jonathan Left: Celebrating with a cake from Bettys Top left: The entrance to the apartments still boasts its original encaustic tiles

Period Living 69

Norma and John created an extraordinary illusion of space and grandeur with a trompe l’oeil wallpaper from Koziel, while the white painted floor and walls create a timeless backdrop to the over-door carvings and French antique light fittings. A glass-top display cabinet, standing before a French mirror, reflects collectibles and sentimental treasures gathered by Norma over the years travelling to and from France

70 Period Living

French Inspired Apartment

Norma often cooks for the extended family so they chose a practical Elan Rangemaster, teamed with a French country table, which Norma painted, and chairs, which she had reupholstered. John added plinths and decorative elements to the units from Ultima Kitchens, who also supplied the granite worktops. The Metro tiles in the chimney breast are a nod to modern living, while the marble-effect Karndean floor was a necessary alternative to marble tiles because of irregular floor levels

Period Living 71

72 Period Living

French Inspired Apartment

Left: Norma and John decided to cover the bare walls with a beautiful three-piece panel from Sweetpea & Willow. ‘It wasn’t quite big enough for the wall so John painted around the edges to help it blend in with the rest of the room.’

All the bedlinen is from Soak & Sleep Above: A little French kidney-shaped dressing table fits perfectly into an alcove Above right: Muted layers of white and grey with aged-gold fittings create a cosy, textured look for the second bedroom Right: A vintage French screen has been turned into a headboard, while the tall furniture, window blind, and a statement pendant light bring balance and proportion to the room

Period Living 73

Shopping Alderwood linen-mix embroidered fabric in Ivory/Stone, £135 per m, GP & J Baker

Calico teacup in Dove Grey, £17, Burleigh Crowned Cherubims resin sculpture, £59, Artisanti

Moonstone acrylic snowflake decoration, £10, John Lewis

Succulent wreath, £10, Paperchase

Stag bleached 10-light pendant, £1,212, David Hunt Lighting

Edwina weathered pine bookcase, £820, Sweetpea & Willow

Touch of frost

Crowned lion frosted ornament, £14.95, Hambledon

Recreate the elegance of a winter wonderland with these frozen finds

Blueberry and white linen/cotton floral cushion, £43, Rouge

The Fitzrovia sofa, from £6,240, Lorfords Serenity quilted bedspread, from £140, Wallace Cotton

Large stag ornament, £32, Sainsbury’s Home Feature Holly Reaney

Arabo polished glazed ceramic wall tiles £79.95 per m2, Original Style

Provencal Bonaparte French Antique White carved mahogany bed, from £1,895 for king-size, The French Bedroom Company

The Aurelia hand-tied bouquet, £55, Bloom & Wild

Period Living 75

Soft pinks and blues, and a vintage wallpaper from D’n Blauwe Pater create a pretty setting for Gwen and Rob’s vintage finds. There wasn’t enough paper to cover the whole wall but painted panels proved a good solution. The table and chairs have been in Gwen’s family for generations

76 Period Living

Dutch Farmhouse

PERFECT VINTAGE If you fall in love with an old house, you have to be prepared for a few setbacks, as Rob Peeters and Gwen Dorpmanns found out when they bought and renovated a near-derelict farm Words Geraldine Nesbitt | Photographs Joyce Vloet/Coco Features

Period Living 77

THE STORY Owners Rob Peeters, a lorry driver and owner of a web design company, and Gwen Dorpmanns, co-owner of a children’s furniture and accessories company (bygekkinderwebwinkel.com), live here with their children Saartje, eight, and Dirkje, five, and their cat Mimi The property A two-storey farmhouse built in the 1850s in the small town of Baarlo, Limburg, in south-east Netherlands, not far from the German border What they did The couple had to repair and restore almost everything: floors, ceilings, plumbing, electrics, roof and window frames, all the while preserving the home’s original features

Above: The farmhouse would originally have been split into two sections: the living space, pictured here, for the farmer and his family, and a separate barn area for animals. Gwen uses the old barn as a workshop for ByGeK, her decorative children’s furniture and accessories company Left: Gwen and daughters Saartje and Dirkje decorate the Christmas tree Below: Mimi, the family’s cat

78 Period Living

Dutch Farmhouse

P

eople thought Gwen and Rob were crazy to take on a dilapidated farmhouse, particularly because at the time Gwen was studying fashion design 60 miles away in Arnhem and had very little income.

Undeterred, and not wanting to give up on the house she’d fallen in love with, Gwen found herself a part-time job. There was a roller-coaster few weeks as the couple first found out that the house had been sold to a developer, only to hear that he’d then put it straight back up for sale again, minus the original land. Gwen was so sure this was their dream home, or at least, could become their dream home, that they bought it anyway. All this without Rob even taking a look inside.

The property’s previous owner had lived there all her life, and was 93 when she died. Almost everything needed to be restored or replaced. It was quite a shock to Rob when he finally got to see the interior. ‘The house was in a deplorable state,’ says Gwen. ‘There were huge holes in the roof that had been stuffed with straw and old rags in an attempt to keep out the worst of the draught and damp.’

Fortunately, Rob was able to look beyond the many repairs and see that their new home had potential. Gwen and he agreed that they should preserve the original, characterful look of the house, which is so typical of the region. Low ceilings, small cosy rooms and as many period features as possible were restored and incorporated into the renovation, which encompassed electrics, woodwork, heating, plumbing, floors, ceilings, doors and window frames – everything needed attention.

The couple worked on the property six days a week for nine months, enlisting a lot of help from their parents, until they’d transformed it into the quaint country home they wanted. They’d initially planned to keep the small rooms and the layout exactly as it was, but when their children came along they realised that a more spacious interior would be better and so built a new kitchen extension. ‘We love having all that space to cook and entertain,’ says Gwen.

The kitchen extension was built with the help of both their fathers, and a family friend. The cabinets

are made of oak, which they distressed to match the feel of the old house. The concrete kitchen counter was mixed and poured in situ and works well in the extended space. Sadly, the 1950s stove that had served them so well had to go as it was too small for the new kitchen. However, a new Smeg range cooker is proving a good replacement.

‘Almost everything else is stuff we have collected over the years,’ says Gwen. ‘I love fleamarkets and charity stores, but I don’t tend to follow trends.’

Once she buys something, it’s there for ever.

She has also inherited a lot of pieces, including a favourite crystal chandelier from her grandmother, and a Swedish table and chairs that once belonged to her great-grandfather. These and many other items in the house have a wonderful story to tell, and that’s what matters to these fleamarket fans.

Gwen doesn’t favour any particular brands, but chooses things she likes on their individual merit.

For example, often when she buys a paint it turns out to be a different colour than what she had in mind, and she ends up having to mix the colour she wants. Her father was a painter by profession, so he’s always around to offer sound advice.

A lot of the accessories they’ve used, especially in the children’s rooms, Gwen also sells in her online shop ByGeK, which specialises in handcrafted items, bedlinen and accessories for children. In 2001, Gwen and partner Karen Huys started selling personalised mini suitcases and the business has since developed to sell signs, t-shirts and tote bags.

Gwen is proud that they still design and make everything themselves in their workshop.

The old farmhouse always looks good when it’s decked out for a celebration – whether it’s a small family birthday party or a big get-together with all their friends. At Christmas Gwen likes to keep things natural, pretty, and fairly low key, with soft candlelight, fresh greenery and vintage decorations that have been in the family for years. ‘I am not a big believer in turning my house upside down to decorate it for Christmas and the New Year,’ she says. ‘I think it’s cosy enough all year round!’

Period Living 79

Right: The couple bought two new settees from Sofa.com, adding cushions Gwen made from a pile of remnants she found in the attic.

Gwen’s father built the coffee table using the base of a baby’s cradle and the top of a school desk Above: The children look forward to seeing this vintage crib every year Above right: A wonderful old fold-down Dutch writing cabinet and a vintage blanket chest, both from D’n Blauwe Pater. It was the unusual colours that drew Gwen’s attention Opposite: The dining table is set for a family celebration, with Gwen’s favourite tableware – Wood & Sons’ Kitchen Garden. She has been collecting it for years, but unfortunately it’s now discontinued.

The chandelier from Caatje has been given an extra seasonal flourish with precious Christmas decorations that once belonged to Gwen’s great-grandmother

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Dutch Farmhouse

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Above: The couple extended the kitchen into the garden by about three metres.

The floor tiles were salvaged from an old school building in Belgium and are a good match to the tiles in the original part of the kitchen. The blue stool belonged to Gwen’s grandmother Above right: The unusual glazed dresser and small early-1900s shelves next to it were from a local antiques market Right: With three new bedrooms on the first floor, a solid staircase was needed to replace the rickety old barn ladder. Draped fairy lights and a Christmas garland make a lovely addition Opposite: The couple chose bespoke distressed oak cabinets with poured concrete terrazzo tops; for similar work surfaces, try Diespeker & Co. The Smeg eight-burner range cooker was an investment buy, and Gwen is delighted with it. The simple painted chandelier came from a fleamarket in Belgium while in the corner, an arched window frame from the barn has been kept as a reminder of the home’s rural origins

82 Period Living

Dutch Farmhouse

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Left: In eight-year-old Saartje’s room, the star piece is the antique French bed, with an appropriately rural scene painted onto its frame. Gwen made the pretty patchwork quilt and painted the vintage wardrobe and cupboard to suit the room Below: Dirkje’s room is decorated in Gwen’s signature blue and pink chintz designs. The doll’s cradle was Gwen’s when she was a child

84 Period Living

Advertorial

Top five fireplaces Make your home cosier this winter with a fabulous fire or stove

I

f you own a period home, or one with classical touches, it is natural that you will want any design updates to complement its style. Period properties are renowned for gorgeous fireplaces and magnificent mantelpieces, so it is necessary to find a fire or stove that will stay true to your home’s heritage, while also offering the latest in heating features. Take a look at these top picks from Stovax and Gazco to help you find your dream stove.

1. Sheraton 5 With its cornice detailing and large viewing window, the Sheraton 5 looks perfectly at home in a modern or traditional setting. Ecodesign Ready, in advance of the new emissions-limiting legislation which is coming into effect in 2022, this wood-burning and multi-fuel stove brings you the very latest in combustion technology, providing a beautiful flame and an ultra-clean burn. Priced from £1,095.

1

2. Riva2 600HL The Riva2 600HL gas fires offer a superbly realistic display with hand-detailed logs, natural rolling flames and non-reflective glass. Designed for conventional flue installation, this high-efficiency gas fire provides up to 5.3kW of heat, making it a great choice for standard sized rooms. From £2,095.

3. Stockton 5 The Stockton 5 is a versatile, classic-styled stove that suits most rooms. Available in a variety of finishes, this wood-burner can also be selected as a canopy model to extend the height and look. Made of cast iron and heavy-gauge steel, this stove also comes in solid-fuel, gas, and electric versions. Prices start at £855.

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3

4

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4. Brunel 1A Although a small stove, the A-rated Brunel 1A offers a generous 4kW heat output along with an airwash system for a clear view of the flames. This stove features elegant detailing that would suit any style of home, from a country cottage to a townhouse, and comes in a matt black finish. From £1,095.

5. Reflex 75T A gas model, the Reflex 75T offers incredible flame visuals that mimic a wood-burning fire aesthetic. This fire can be installed under a mantel to maintain a period home look, while still boasting all the capabilities and convenience that comes with gas. It can be controlled with a handset, or can even be operated via an innovative app. Prices start at £3,249.

86 Period Living

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Gift is on ly availab le for n ew UK su b scrib ers. Gift is su b ject t o availab ilit y. Please allow u p t o 60 d ays for t h e d elivery of you r g ift . In t h e even t of st ocks b ein g exh au st ed w e reserve t h e rig h t ɎȒ ȸƺȵǼƏƬƺ ɯǣɎǝ ǣɎƺȅɀ Ȓǔ ɀǣȅǣǼƏȸ ɮƏǼɖƺِ çȒɖȸ ɀɖƫɀƬȸǣȵɎǣȒȇ ǣɀ ǔȒȸ Ɏǝƺ ȅǣȇǣȅɖȅ Ɏƺȸȅ ɀȵƺƬǣˡƺƳ ƏȇƳ ɯǣǼǼ ƺɴȵǣȸƺ ƏɎ Ɏǝƺ ƺȇƳ Ȓǔ Ɏǝƺ ƬɖȸȸƺȇɎ Ɏƺȸȅِ ¨ƏɵȅƺȇɎ ǣɀ ȇȒȇ‫ٮ‬ȸƺǔɖȇƳƏƫǼƺ ƏǔɎƺȸ Ɏǝƺ ‫ٮג׏‬ƳƏɵ ƬƏȇƬƺǼǼƏɎǣȒȇ ȵƺȸǣȒƳ ɖȇǼƺɀɀ ƺɴƬƺȵɎǣȒȇƏǼ ƬǣȸƬɖȅɀɎƏȇƬƺɀ ƏȵȵǼɵِ çȒɖȸ ɀɎƏɎɖɎȒȸɵ ȸǣǕǝɎɀ Əȸƺ ȇȒɎ ƏǔǔƺƬɎƺƳِ ǼǼ ǕǣǔɎ ɀɖƫɀƬȸǣȵɎǣȒȇɀ ɯǣǼǼ ɀɎƏȸɎ ɯǣɎǝ Ɏǝƺ ˡȸɀɎ ǣɀɀɖƺ ǣȇ hƏȇɖƏȸɵ ‫¨ ِח׏׎א‬ȸǣƬƺɀ ƬȒȸȸƺƬɎ ƏɎ ȵȒǣȇɎ Ȓǔ ȵȸǣȇɎ ƏȇƳ ɀɖƫǴƺƬɎ ɎȒ ƬǝƏȇǕƺِ IɖǼǼ ƳƺɎƏǣǼɀ Ȓǔ Ɏǝƺ (ǣȸƺƬɎ (ƺƫǣɎ ǕɖƏȸƏȇɎƺƺ Əȸƺ ƏɮƏǣǼƏƫǼƺ Ȓȇ ȸƺȷɖƺɀɎِ IȒȸ ǔɖǼǼ Ɏƺȸȅ ƏȇƳ ƬȒȇƳǣɎǣȒȇɀ ȵǼƺƏɀƺ ɮǣɀǣɎ‫ ي‬ƫǣɎِǼɵٖȅƏǕɎƏȇƳƬِ ǔǔƺȸ ƺȇƳɀ ‫( ׏ב‬ƺƬƺȅƫƺȸ ‫ِז׏׎א‬

THE GREAT DESIGNERS

’ rs e th ak lan nt at m e ‘ C d c ’s gr re of h An eatest furnitu o the th t 8 tiq 1 n ’ oth si ue ree er tw k h t o g sR i o in the ‘b o oad ml u l show l specialist Marc A En g

W

ith the 300th birthday anniversary of Thomas Chippendale stealing most of the limelight in 2018, it’s no surprise that other important furniture makers and designers of the period took a bit of a back seat - if you’ll excuse the pun. Although Chippendale is undeniably lauded as one of our greatest cabinetmakers and decorators, it’s critical to appreciate his part in the context of the other great protagonists of the period. It’s for this reason that the history of 18th- and early 19th-century English furniture is very much dominated by the ‘big three’: Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. As a result, these great men are inextricably linked, and with Chippendale’s birth in 1718 and Sheraton’s death in 1806, the trio span almost a century of concurrently overlapped furniture-making history.

90 Period Living

THREE’S A CROWD It is difficult to talk about one of the three without mentioning the others because there are those in the realms of academia that would, quite rightly, argue it’s sometimes almost impossible to satisfactorily attribute designs and work when there are so many reinterpretations and crossovers of style.

Rather like Chippendale’s famous The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director, published in 1754, Sheraton published various works, too, including, from 1791, The CabinetMaker’s and Upholsterer’s Drawing Book in three parts. As a result, Sheraton’s designs can easily be reviewed in print, some of which he admits he ‘borrowed’. But unlike Chippendale, who we can definitely ascribe pieces to, Sheraton didn’t have a workshop and has consequently never had a piece personally attributed to him. He was apprenticed and was a journeyman cabinetmaker, but his ³

Images (Plate from The Cabinet-Maker’s and Upholsterers Drawing Book) © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Antiques

Clockwise from opposite: The beautiful inlaid patera and marquetry on the butterfly-shaped top of this fine satinwood Pembroke table bear the hallmarks of Sheraton’s style, 1stDibs; there are many examples of elegant Sheraton furniture at the National Trust’s Georgian Peckover House in Cambridgeshire; a reproduction lattice-pierced splat-back chair to one of his original designs circa 1800, Brights of Nettlebed; plates from The Cabinet-Maker’s and Upholsterer’s Drawing Book showing some of his chair designs; this Sheraton period toilet mirror includes marquetry of a shell, oak leaves and acorns, Reindeer Antiques

Period Living 91

Antiques

Images (Plate from The Cabinet-Maker’s and Upholsterers Drawing Book) © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Clockwise from top left: Sheraton published his influential pattern book in 42 bi-weekly instalments between 1791 and 1793; his design influence has endured, as can be seen on this late-20thcentury Sheraton-style bookcase, Regent Antiques; while there are no pieces directly attributed to the great designer, this 18thcentury sideboard shows features of his style, Windsor House Antiques

principal form of employment was as a teacher, consultant and designer.

It is a similar situation with George Hepplewhite, although more tenuous as very little is known about him. His fame was largely posthumous with an extensive book of designs, The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, published in 1788, two years after his death, by his widow Alice. Just as with Sheraton, there are no known examples of furniture directly attributed to him; some say his very existence is tenuous and his wife Alice merely used the name to publish the works. His designs, however, were a great success, although Sheraton apparently said Hepplewhite had ‘already caught the decline’. Sheraton’s note of disdain might have referred to the often mooted notion that Hepplewhite delivered a middle ground between Chippendale’s ornate work and the more severe simplicity of Sheraton’s designs. Hepplewhite’s style is distinctly characterised by shield-back chairs, Prince of Wales feathers and lyres.

MARQUETRY MOTIFS Sheraton, on the other hand, concentrated on a simplicity and elegance that used marquetry motifs such as musical instruments, animals and flowers.

These are a well-known trademark of his designs

and can be seen on all forms of his ‘work’, from chair backs to Pembroke tables. Sheraton also advocated the use of certain woods and was keen to emphasise their decorative relationship to each other, so it’s often possible to isolate the dates and designs of Sheraton pieces by these traits.

He favoured light woods, such as satinwood and sycamore, but also chestnut. Others used for inlays included holly, tulipwood, rosewood and ‘harewood’ – sycamore stained with iron oxide.

The ‘patera’ or ‘paterae’ was a common device: an inlay seen on table centres, doors, knife boxes and caddies, which could be figural, botanical or abstract. Fan-shaped patera, too, were characteristically Sheraton. Boxwood and ebony were commonly used in such motifs.

Arguments will always ensue about originality of design or thought, but common sense tells us that human nature is driven by the idea of invention and reinvention, often with reference to the past and also to those contemporary innovators around you. Sheraton was definitely an innovator; his designs prove this. He also designed useful furniture and titled it explicitly. He liked square frames for chairs and mirrors – rebuffing the fussiness of French style – but added elegance to tables with serpentine leaves and quadrant ends. ³ Period Living 93

He is sometimes credited with the invention of the Pembroke table but it also appears in Hepplewhite’s designs, so this will probably never be conclusively proven. Sheraton-style interiors of the period reflect the motifs of his furniture, and it’s common to see ruched, fan-shaped fabric treatments and plaster elements, friezes and panels that echo aspects of his designs. It is claimed that he invented the idea of fabric behind grilles in cabinets.

A RICH LEGACY It would be safe to assume that Sheraton’s success gave him a comfortable living, but sadly this devout Baptist died in abject poverty. His penury was not for lack of momentum, though; he did move with the times and his book The Cabinet Dictionary, published in 1803, was a significant departure, using archaeologically inspired and classical motifs to great effect. Those themes, so redolent of the early 19th century and the Regency period, saw him adopting lion masks and Roman-style monopodia. He also followed fashionable idioms such as maritime devices and themes, no doubt in response to the great naval victories of the period.

His designs were also popular abroad, particularly in America, albeit translated in a ‘young’ American 94 Period Living

way. Publishing, however, was not a lucrative pursuit and despite his wonderful draughtsmanship and skill, he was never a wealthy man.

What Sheraton lacked in his own material success, we have benefitted from in his legacy.

In my early days in the auction business the walls of the saleroom would be lined with Sheraton revival bedroom suites, writing tables, mirrors and Pembroke tables. They were popular with the shippers and epitomised the major influence that Sheraton had extended into the later 19th century and Edwardian period, constantly emulated by the great furniture-making companies and retailers. In effect, Sheraton style became mass-market. Husks, flutes, ribbons and drapery, an ease of geometry, elegant straight legs and secret drawers – these are the benefaction of Thomas Sheraton and his elegant style. Even David Linley might reference his influence in some of his beautiful bespoke pieces.

Yet, sadly, current fashions dictate a decline in interest for Sheraton, and Hepplewhite and even Chippendale-style designs – unless, of course, they are period and properly attributable. For this very reason, Sheraton will almost certainly be in the shadow of Thomas Chippendale, but he still remains one of our greatest furniture ‘makers’.

Images (Plate from The Cabinet-Maker’s and Upholsterers Drawing Book) © The Metropolitan Museum of Art; (secretaire) The Print Collector/Getty Images

Left and right: A number of the design elements in Sheraton’s pattern for a secretary and bookcase on Plate 28 of his drawing book, can be seen reflected in this mahogany and satinwood inlaid linen press, circa 1790, including the inlaid half-moon shaped pediment, Loveday Antiques Above: Print of the sister inlaid double secretaire and bookcase cabinet, Sheraton, from The Book of Decorative Furniture its Form, Colour and History, Volume II by Edwin Foley, 1911–1912

True colours Consider the position of your sofa and its proximity to windows when choosing the colour of the upholstery fabric, as direct sunlight will cause darker colours to fade. Opt for lighter fabrics, as seen on this traditional Chesterfield-style Bardon three-seater soft-touch fabric sofa in Mink, £1,249 from Very.

Clockwise from below: The Aldbourne chaise sofa-bed in Stone linen cotton, from £2,057, Willow & Hall; Palazzo Collection Belgrave large sofa in Harriet Mustard, £1,899, John Lewis; Earlsfield woolen stripe sofa, from £2,000, The White Company

96 Period Living

Buying Upholstery

TAKE A SEAT Whether you’re looking for a sofa that’s ideal for when entertaining or a comfy armchair to snuggle up on with a good book, find expert advice and discover exactly the right style for you in our guide to this season’s best upholstered seating

Selecting a sofa style

Feature Holly Reaney

From a cosy love seat to an expansive corner sofa, there is a style to suit every space. For smaller rooms or as part of a larger suite, a love seat is the perfect romantic option for two, or a spectacularly spacious choice for one. Larger family rooms will benefit from a three-seater or corner sofa, on which everyone can snuggle up to watch a film while enjoying optimum space and comfort. If you often host guests, or want an extra seat for a spare room or home office, a sofa-bed is a worthwhile investment. With the latest design advancements, even the most sophisticated sofa can transform into a delightfully comfortable bed at night. ³

Above: Bancroft corner sofa in Antique Rose velvet, £4,670 from Sweetpea & Willow

Six of the best footstools

Amélie footstool in navy velvet, £199, Atkin & Thyme

Orson footstool in Graphite Grey, £129, Made.com

Jean oval footstool in Plush Rose, £405, Arighi Bianchi

Margot footstool in Chestnut leather, £645, Soho House & Co

Marie velvet footstool in Forest Green, £69, Cult Furniture

William and Mary footstool, £2,789, The Odd Chair Company Period Living 97

Buying Upholstery

Clockwise from left: Wingback-style Claridge armchair in Blush Pink, £399.99, MY Furniture; Brighton cotton accent chair, £698, Anthropologie; Dutchbone Art Nouveau Flower tub chair in black, £489, Cuckooland.com; V&A Collection Shaftesbury chair in Dusky Capri with scatter cushion in Kaleidoscope, £1,599, Sofa Workshop; Chaise in Chalky Pink vintage velvet, £1,395, Loaf

Which armchair?

WING-BACK Popular in the 1720s, wing-back chairs are at their best in front of a fireplace, where the oversized ‘wings’ make the most of the heat of the fire and block out any unwanted draughts.

TUB With a shape that is reminiscent of lounging in the bath, the tub’s small stature makes it popular for studies and libraries.

BERGÈRE An ornate French design, the bergère is a beautiful accent chair with a shapely form that draws the eye.

CLUB A perfect living room chair, the iconic club facilitates conversations and welcomes longer periods of sitting.

CHAISE LONGUE The ultimate in relaxation, a chaise longue is the ideal mix of sofa and chair. To offset its long style, it is best placed underneath a window or picture frame. ³

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Buying Upholstery

Expert tips MAKING A STATEMENT ‘If your living room has a particularly long wall, use your sofa to break up the expanse, and then create a feature wall behind it with artworks or a picture gallery,’ says Vanessa Hurley-Perera, Sofa.com’s chief product officer. ‘To complete the space, it’s important to accessorise with side tables, footstools and lamps.’

SITTING COMFORTABLY ‘If it’s comfort you’re after then a deep sofa or armchair will give you space to sprawl, while a straight-backed, shallower chair will provide more lumber support to encourage a more formal sit. For the best of both worlds, pair a generous seat depth with a back cushion and square arms to provide comfort and support,’ says Sofa Workshop’s Jamie Borman.

LASTING BEAUTY ‘Often an expensive purchase, a sofa not only needs to provide a comfortable seating solution, but also coordinate with your overall room scheme,’ says David Castle, co-founder of Indigo Furniture. ‘Opting for a more classic sofa style will ensure that it effortlessly transcends the changing trends and complements any décor updates that you undertake. Hardwood frames with strong joint sections will provide a sturdy structure that in turn will guarantee the quality and lifespan of your sofa.’ ³

Clockwise from top left: Eva sofa in Isla Fox velvet, £2,295, Neptune; Grace three-to-four-seater cotton and linen buttoned sofa in Bluish Grey, £1,355, Maisons du Monde; Harper two-and-ahalf-seater sofa in Deep Turquoise cotton matt velvet, £1,500, Sofa.com; Grand leather chaise sofa, £3,569, Indigo Furniture

THE FINEST FABRICS There are endless fabric options for sofas and armchairs, with hardwearing wool and leather, luxurious chenille, and delicate silk and velvet. Martin Aveyard, creative director for fabric company Moon, promotes the durable qualities of wool for armchairs, ottomans and footstools as it has ‘a natural crimp and spring, which means that it is resilient to being sat on for long periods and will retain its shape and luxurious look over time.’

No matter which fabric you choose, Richelle Spooner-Davidson, design consultant at Wesley-Barrell, advises to ‘always ask about rub tests or the Martindale test, which determines the strength of a fabric’.

Richelle recommends that anything under 20,000 rubs is only used for light or more decorative use, while fabrics in the Severe Contract (50,000 to 100,000 rubs) are best suited for heavy family use.

WHICH FILLING? Choose from comfortable, feather-filled cushions, which offer a softer sit, to traditional spring, which gives more resistance. Willow & Hall founder Sarah Massouh favours foam as it ‘provides a very supportive and relatively firm sit, which keeps its shape well and requires minimal maintenance – just a simple turn every few months. However, make sure to opt for reflex foam, as opposed to standard foam, as it will recover well and keep its original shape and density.’

If you’re looking for a sprung sofa, then Elizabeth Sladen of John Lewis believes that durability is key. ‘Choose a sofa that has the springs joined together, as this will even out the weight distribution and won’t wear out just one section of your seat,’ she says. ‘Opt for a quality sofa that has additional springs and webbing in the corners, so that it will stand the test of time and remain as if new.’

FRAME OPTIONS Check whether the seat has a solid wood frame or is of softwood construction. ‘A good frame is made from a hardwood such as poplar, ash, oak or maple,’ says Suzanne Musemeci from Sofas & Stuff. ‘The best frames have joints that are pinned, glued and dowelled for superior strength. Frames made from wood composite, such as plywood or MDF, are cheaper but they will have a shorter lifespan.’

Clockwise from top: Chablis & Roses two-seater pink velvet sofa, £1,145, The French Bedroom Company; Midcentury armchair, £1,200, Cox & Cox; Skye chair in Harris Tweed, £896, Darlings of Chelsea; armchair upholstered in Stroud Heather and sofa upholstered in Deepdale Gull Grey, prices on application, Moon Legacy Fabrics

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Advertorial

eautifully ritish

Get ready for Christmas and the new year with a stylish sofa, sofa bed or bed from Willow & Hall. Plus, discover how to receive an exclusive 5% discount Feeling cosy and gathering together is at the heart of family life at Christmas. Willow & Hall is helping customers get ready for the festive period with an exclusive 5% off all items, as well as free UK-wide Christmas delivery across selected lines.

Simply use the code ‘PL101218’ at the checkout by 10 December. This exclusive reader discount can be used on all orders, including those that may already qualify for savings. Choose from Willow & Hall’s range of handmade living and bedroom furniture, all made to order in Britain by skilled craftsmen with over 35 years’ experience.

Customising your item is easy. Simply choose from 259 beautiful fabrics across the brand’s curated collections, pick your perfect seat cushions and, if ordering a sofa bed, you can select from three luxury 14cm-deep mattress options: open sprung, pocket sprung and memory foam. All items come with a 25-year wood frame guarantee, are delivered for free UK wide, and are offered with a no-quibbles 30-day free returns policy. Explore the entire range at willowandhall.co.uk, visit the London showroom, or call 020 8939 3800.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Period Living reader discount can be used on any sale or non-sale items. Discount will be applied when code is entered at checkout. Valid from 00:01am 29 November to 23:59pm 10 December 2018.

Period Living 103

New year new bedroom Make your boudoir feel fresh and fabulous for 2019 with these beautiful on-trend ideas, from crisp new sheets to a lick of paint Feature Holly Reaney

104 Period Living

Bedroom Ideas

Statement beds PARISIAN CHIC Left: Taking inspiration from traditional French styles, this solid wood Montgomery bed has handwoven rattan head and foot boards, and is exquisitely detailed with hand-carved shell and acanthus leaf motifs. Available in both king and super-king size, it costs from £1,399 at The French Bedroom Company.

BEAUTIFUL BRASS Below left: With their clean lines and polished finish, old-fashioned metal bed frames are becoming increasingly popular. Pairing with cool blue, white or grey sheets beautifully offsets the richly toned brass details of the frame. With an iron core and plated in brass, the Arthur bedstead has a lifetime guarantee and costs from £1,995 at Wrought Iron & Brass Bed Company.

TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE Below: A plush upholstered bed frame offers the ultimate in comfort. The Glenroe fabric base with buttoned head and foot boards will help lend a bedroom a soft and welcoming feel, from £1,500, Darlings of Chelsea.

Three of the best bedside tables Left to right: Bourbon vintage bedside table in dark blue, £149, Made.com; Classical white mahogany two-drawer bedside table with rattan shelf, £231, Sweetpea & Willow; Van Sant mahogany bedside table in Venetian Red with marble top, POA, Oficina Inglesa ³

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Update your space NATURAL SHADE Above: For a subtle refresh, a coat of paint in a pastel shade helps to enhance the sense of light in a room. Pale green awakens the senses while giving a subtle nod to the botanical trend. Pavilion Blue, £45 for 2.5 litres of Estate emulsion, Farrow & Ball.

BOLD BOTANICALS Left: For a radically different take on the floral trend, add a bold feature wall. This Summer Tropical Bloom wallpaper, £195 per roll from Sian Zeng’s Classic Seasons collection, creates a vibrant focus in the room.

Pair with potted plants to turn your bedroom into a botanical paradise.

106 Period Living

WONDERFUL WOOD Above right: There is a timeless quality to a wooden floor. Elevating any interior scheme, it adds to a comforting atmosphere to relax in after a busy day. This Guildhall solid oak flooring is priced from £74.76 per m2, Broadleaf Timber.

LIGHT FLORALS Below: A patterned blind not only enhances privacy but can also be a stunning decorative feature. The delicate monochrome floral print on this sheer fabric roller blind stands out against the grey wall, illuminating the room with natural light. Rosehip Luna blind, £32.55 for H30x W30cm, from English Blinds.

Bedroom Ideas

COLOUR BLOCK Right: Shutters provide a stunning alternative to blinds and curtains, and look fabulous from both the inside and out. Choosing a vibrant colour will create a beautifully bold feature, while a subtler shade, such as pale grey or blue, will give a sleek, elegant look. Full-height premium teak wood shutters in Dulux Trade Luna Landscape, £166, California Shutters.

WARM UNDERFOOT Below: The right carpet can add a wealth of character to a room as well as providing warmth and comfort throughout the winter months. With beautiful scarlet

butterflies interspersed with delicate florals, Timorous Beasties’ Ruskin Butterfly wool-mix carpet in yellow gives a traditional design a modern twist. £89.99 per m2 at Brintons.

LAYERING UP Below right: One of the best ways to pull a bedroom together is to opt for curtains, wall colour and bedlinen in complementary tones.

Using different shades of grey adds depth to this sophisticated scheme. For a more decadent feel, dress your windows with sheer voiles and floor-length curtains in Mosaic Heather fabric, from £53.50 per m, Iliv. ³

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Bedroom Ideas PERFECT PILLOWS ‘Investing in high quality materials means that your pillow will plump up and retain its shape and support for much longer. A quick way to test your pillow is to place it over your arm: if it sags in the middle then it’s time for a change.’

Robert Lancaster Gaye, founding director of Tielle Love Luxury

Beautiful bedlinen SUMPTUOUS SLEEP Left: You spend a third of your life with your head on a pillow, so it makes sense to shop around for the best.

Tielle Love Luxury offers a range of down and microfibre pillows with pure cotton cases, which are breathable and supportive for a superior night’s sleep. From £20.

WOODLAND DREAM Below: There’s nothing quite like getting into a bed with fresh sheets. Update your

bedroom with an injection of colour with this Pip Studio Woodsy Pink cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set, from £110 at Hurn & Hurn.

VINTAGE CHARM Above: Adapted from an early 19th-century furnishing fabric, this V&A Blythe Meadow cotton bedlinen has a gentle colour palette that perfectly suits a French, period-style bedroom. Priced from £34.95 for a single duvet cover set at House of Bath.

FABULOUS FUR Below: The epitome of comfort and warmth, a faux-fur throw is a beautiful, tactile addition to a bedroom. Opting for rich, jewel tones gives a touch of opulent cosiness as well as a bright pop of colour. This Evergreen emerald green faux-fur throw, £99, is paired with a Romantic Alliums extralarge black velvet cushion, £75, both The French Bedroom Company. ³

Three of the best mirrors Left to right: Golden feather mirror, £92, Audenza; Granby ornate diamond metal mirror, £110, Artisanti; bamboo starburst mirror, £65, Abode Living

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Elegant essentials DESIGN FUSION Above: A rug can transform the appearance of a whole room, and a quality material like cotton will provide warmth and look fabulous for years. This Floral Fusion stonewashed rug, £105 from Ian Snow, mixes Middle Eastern influences with vintage floral patterns, and will accentuate any pastel tones in the room.

MIRRORED MASTERPIECE Left: Mirrors simultaneously brighten a room and make it feel more spacious.

Opting for a mirrored finish to a wardrobe makes what can be an imposing piece of furniture feel light and elegant. Florence double mirrored wardrobe, £999, Next.

ALL DRESSED UP Right: Inspired by the styles of 18thcentury France, this Louis XV solid mahogany dressing table in Antique Pecan features elegant curves and ornate hand-carved details. From £2,285, with mirror, from £1,290, And So To Bed.

Bright lights GLISTENING CRYSTAL Left: Modernising the traditional crystal lampshade, Laura Ashley’s Bridgford crystal pendant, £126, diffuses light in glittering shapes on walls and ceilings, creating a relaxing feel in your favourite room.

ALL IS BRIGHT Below: Set the mood with a classic bedside table lamp. The small footprint of this vintage-style design, £65 at Cox & Cox, ensures it fits on even the smallest table, while its generous height enables it to cast a subtle glow around the whole room.

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ens reclai h c m it Bert & May has

RETRO COOL Crafted from the finest cast iron and glass with tapered wooden legs, the new 6612 wood-burning stove, £1,999 from Danish manufacturer Morsø, has an on-trend 1960s feel that would work perfectly in a mid-centuryinspired interior. With a heat output of 5.9kW, the stove is also very efficient, and is compliant with Ecodesign – the new emissionslimiting legislation coming into force in 2022.

launched an exciting new range of bespoke kitchens that blend the beauty of natural materials with classic design. Called Forge, Library, Yard and Warehouse, the kitchens are luxurious yet understated, using materials that illustrate the company’s passion for raw and reclaimed finishes, which not only look great, but also perform well.

Designed and made in Yorkshire, each kitchen can be tailored to suit your exact specifications, with prices from £25,000.

HOUSE journal

Discover the latest products to improve your period home and pick up top tips from industry experts

FINE FINISH Castrads has been building and finishing classic pillar radiators in Manchester since 2006. There’s a wide selection of styles on offer, with a unique range of finishes, too, some of which are exclusive to Castrads.

Choose from bare metal, painted, or new finish Caspian, a soft muted blue with a metallic lustre – shown here on the Princess II 760mm radiator with nine sections, antique copper wall stay, shrouds and base plates, and Windsor valve, £604.

LIGHT RELIEF Quality British lighting manufacturer David Hunt has launched a new polished chrome version of its popular Hyde design.

The range consists of pendants in various sizes, from statement 18-lights, from £1,794, to smaller 6-light pendants, from £660. Also included are wall lights, from £186, and a new table lamp, from £354.

The metal shades can be painted in a selection of colours.

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floors laid in geometric patterns evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Herringbone is the most popular parquet floor, made up of rectangular wood blocks, or staves, arranged in a pattern resembling fish bones.

Junckers’ new Twin Herringbone floor is an updated version of the classic design. Made from solid hardwood it is available in ash, beech, oak and black oak in a choice of matt or silk matt lacquer or oil, as well as a large selection of colours.

Shown in Nordic Oak, £72.60 per square metre.

WONDER WALLS Original Style’s new Living tile range provides a practical alternative to pretty, patterned wallpaper in a kitchen or bathroom. The large-format (W60xL30cm) tiles come in a range of designs to complement a period home, including Maison, which features three understated French blue motifs. £79.95 per square metre.

BRUSH UP In winter, going for a walk usually means returning home with dirty boots. Clean and remove them with this handy wooden boot scraper with bootjack, £149.95 from the Oxford Brush Company.

Its oak frame has soft rubber feet, while the arenga fibre bristles make light work of dirt and mud.

ADDING IMPACT Combining the reflective beauty of glass with a stunning design that recreates the natural, swirling veins of real marble, British Ceramic Tile’s new Impact Harmony Marble splashbacks are an easy and affordable alternative to real stone tiles. Simply peel off the adhesive backing, stick on the wall and seal the edge. £170 for H75x90cm.

ASK THE EXPERT Douglas Kent, technical and research director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, answers your renovation queries

Q

Can cracked window putty be repaired?

Window putty develops cracking as it ages, but providing it is still soundly adhered and the cracks are only hairline, these can be filled to extend its life for a few years.

This can be achieved by adding a very small amount of natural turpentine to traditional linseed putty – typically made of chalk and raw linseed oil – to create a mix fluid enough with which to fill the cracks using a putty knife or paint brush. The new putty can be finished by gently pressing paper over it, and then painted once dry. Such repairs will avoid having to remove the putty, which always brings a risk of breakage of glass.

Q

With what should I replace a rubberbacked carpet on an old stone floor?

Foam-backed carpets or other impervious coverings should be avoided on an old solid ground floor because they will compromise air circulation below and may cause dampness to form, leading to degradation. Consider instead a natural, breathable covering, such as a loose carpet or mat. Rush matting is a noted traditional covering but requires dampening down weekly to prevent embrittlement. More convenient alternatives are made today from sisal, coir or hessian-backed woollen carpet.

If you opt to lay a carpet, a suitable material comprises an 80 per cent wool/20 per cent nylon mix laid over a natural colour, natural fibre contract-quality hair/jute underlay.

Avoid sticking on underlay or other materials, which can damage the floor.

Q

We’re planning to purchase an old weatherboarded cottage. However, a few of the boards have seen better days – is it possible to repair these?

Defective weatherboards might be repaired by inserting timber plugs or splicing in seasoned matching new timber (joints should coincide with studs). Entire boards may otherwise need replacing. To repair a split, apply glue and while this sets attach a block to the board below to form a clamp against the lower edge. Splits or holes can be covered temporarily with thin sheet metal. Tap any loose boards back into position and refix them before serious deterioration occurs.

If you have a question for Douglas, email it to periodliving@futurenet.com* 114 Period Living

Feature Karen Bray *We do our best to answer all queries, but cannot guarantee a response

atural sty N le Solid wood

Renovation

Roofs A poorly maintained roof can result in serious damage to the rest of your house, so make it a top priority to spot and fix problems

it difficult to spot problems and may, in fact, trap moisture, hinder repairs and prevent the reuse of roofing materials in the future.

Feature Roger Hunt, author of Old House Handbook

Tiles break, crack, flake or become loose due to age, wind, frost damage, or even due to birds disturbing them. In some cases, the battens onto which the tiles are hooked can become rotten or beetle infested. With peg tiles, the wooden pegs may also decay over time.

E

nsuring that your roof is windproof and watertight is one of the most important jobs you can do to protect your home from damage. Although any work is best left to an experienced roofer, it’s important to know the warning signs and to spot leaks and weak spots early. Checking your roof regularly, and especially after storms, is vital. If problems are evident, get repairs done promptly before the roof structure or internal ceilings are damaged.

Scaffolding will generally be required for roof work but initial inspections can usually be carried out from ground level using binoculars, or by carefully looking out from rooflights or dormer windows. The roof’s condition may also be reviewed by checking the underside in loft or attic spaces, especially when it’s raining.

Illustration Sarah Overs

Repairing and overhauling Traditional roofing materials, and the way they are laid, give character to a building and are part of its vernacular history, so retain them wherever possible. Remember that consent may be needed if changes to a roof covering are to be made or bats or birds are present within the structure. Avoid quick fixes such as bitumen coatings, liquid waterproofing or spray-on foams, as they make

Clay tiles

Slates Many of the problems with slates are similar to those with tiles, except that slates are held in place with nails, so individual slates or entire roofs may slip due to ‘nail sickness’ resulting from corrosion or rusting. Slates that have been re-fixed with lead clips or wire may indicate problems.

Ridges and hips These provide valuable protection and are often pointed with mortar, which may fail and need replacing before water penetrates the gaps.

Roof valleys and parapet gutters Leaves and debris coupled with the growth of grass and plants may lead to damage and blockages that cause water to back up and overflow into the roof structure. Therefore, regular maintenance to clear obstructions is vital.

Junctions The weakest points in a roof are where two surfaces or materials join, such as at parapets and around ³ Period Living 117

Left: Lead or zinc flashing at junctions can fail so check for leaks regularly Right: Ornate ridge tiles also provide valuable protection. The mortar pointing may need replacing to avoid water penetrating

chimneys. Lead or zinc flashing is often used to create a seal, but these materials can fail or there may be insufficient overlap to cope with the volume of water. Mortar fillets are also often used to protect these junctions and may also need to be replaced.

Flat roofs Covered in lead, copper, zinc, asphalt or bitumen, flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to splits, cracks and holes. Areas where water is pooling on the surface should be noted. Repairs must be made as soon as possible and loose material re-fixed to avoid further damage. Patching may be possible but, in the longer term, replacement will probably be necessary.

Roof structure The structure of a roof is as vulnerable to damage as its covering. Timbers might suffer beetle attack or rot, and there may be undersized or distorted rafters, as well as past alterations or settlement of the building. All of these things may cause the roof to sag or undulate and, although often adding character, any roof that is out of true should be investigated, where necessary by a structural engineer. If the problems are caused by damp, locate the source of the moisture and deal with the problem not the symptoms.

Good ventilation to the roof space is essential to avoid condensation, so check the gaps at the eaves are clear. Don’t rely on your roofer to make anything other than minor timber repairs. Instead, employ a good carpenter who will cut out damaged timber and carefully joint in new sections, keeping as much of the original as possible.

O Note sagging or spilt rafters.

O Using a penknife, probe any areas of timber that appear decayed.

Fit for the future One of the easiest ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to insulate the roof space or top up the insulation already there. Usually this is done by laying insulation material on the ceiling between and over the joists. This may be mineral wool or a natural product such as sheep’s wool that comes in rolls or ‘batts’; another option is a loose-fill cellulose fibre insulation produced from recycled paper.

Before insulating, always ensure there are no damp or condensation problems. If you are using the roof space as a habitable room you will need to insulate under the roof covering itself.

Useful contacts ALDERSHAW - handmade tiles using clay from its

own site. Tel: 01424 756777; aldershaw.co.uk BABYLON TILE WORKS - handmade Kent peg tiles.

Tel: 01622 843018; babylontileworks.co.uk DREADNOUGHT TILES - traditional clay tiles.

Tel: 01384 77405; dreadnought-tiles.co.uk KEYMER - making clay tiles since 1588.

Tel: 01444 232931; keymer.co.uk LEAD CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION - specialist members supplying materials and services.

Tel: 01342 317888; leadcontractors.co.uk NATIONAL FEDERATION OF ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Maintenance checklist O Use binoculars to examine the roof.

O Look for any slipped, broken and missing tiles or slates.

O Pay close attention to junctions and ridges.

O Check the ground and gutters for debris.

O Inside the loft space, look for chinks of daylight.

O Inspect the floor of the loft for tile, slate or mortar debris from the roof’s underside.

O Note condensation on roof timbers or roofing felt.

O During heavy rain, look for areas where water is entering the roof space.

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- index of members offering services.

Tel: 020 7638 7663; nfrc.co.uk THERMAFLEECE - sheep’s wool and hemp insulation.

Tel: 01768 486285; thermafleece.com TUDOR ROOF TILES - handmade clay tiles.

Tel: 01797 320202; tudorrooftiles.co.uk WELSH SLATE - roofing slate. Tel: 01248 600656; welshslate.com

Salvage H

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Husband and wife team Louise and Sam Coster from Mongers Architectural Salvage are dedicated to restoring reclaimed items, with a particular passion for sanitaryware, helping to preserve our past and enviroment Words Karen Bray | Photographs Christopher Drake

Above: The showroom and adjoining yard are situated in a part of Hingham that dates back to medieval times Right: Blue and white transfer printed Vitrifyde washdown closet, from £1,250 120 Period Living

S

H

ingham is a beautiful Georgian town, about 13 miles south of Norwich.

In the 18th century, the town was known as ‘little London’ because of the grand houses that were built around the marketplace by the upper classes. Many of them remain, but on the south side of the square, the houses are much older and date back to medieval times. In one of these timber-frame buildings you will find Mongers Architectural Salvage.

Established in 1997 by Sam Coster and his late wife Trudie, Mongers is now run by Sam and wife Louise. The company name is based on their surname, which derives from Costermongers, who were market traders in Victorian London – ‘coster’ is a modification of a type of apple and the term ‘monger’ means a trader or seller.

Over the past 21 years the business has expanded to include a yard, a garden and over 2,000 square feet of showroom space, but as with most business ventures the owners started out doing something entirely different. ‘Sam was originally a theatre designer,’ explains Louise.

‘He then went on to run an architectural salvage yard in west London. We met when we were neighbours in Camden 25 years ago, so I’ve known the business from the beginning. I worked as a fashion buyer and always loved renovating old properties. I moved to Hingham about four years ago when we got married.’

Louise and Sam believe that reclamation, reuse and upcyling are important elements in the fight ³

Reclamation

Above: Sam and Louise surrounded by roll-top baths, which can be restored to order, from ÂŁ850 Left: A small selection of high-level cisterns, which are available in a variety of

materials including ceramic, cast iron and wood, as well as ceramic retro basins Below: Although Mongers specialises in sanitaryware, it also stocks a wide range of other architectural salvage

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to preserve our environment, and source a range of reclaimed items that can be renovated in order to give them a future purpose. ‘We are committed to promoting proper restoration so that pieces are suitable for modern living,’ says Louise. ‘Old radiators, bathrooms and brassware can be great assets to houses today. By reusing these items we are not only keeping them from landfill but also saving the resources required to make and transport new replicas. So many reclaimed goods were made to last and with a little restoration can be reused for generations to come. We owe it to our ancestors who invested their skills, passion and, in some cases, their lives to producing these attractive, interesting and functional pieces.’

The yard stocks a wide variety of reclaimed and salvaged items as well as antique and reclaimed bathrooms. ‘We’ve got baths of all sizes, a few hundred basins from the 1860s up to the 1950s, as well as radiators that we restore to order, many fireplaces, doors and a good selection of door furniture, both antique and reproduction. Outside we have a garden full of garden antiques and a yard with large and interesting architectural features, as well as floor tiles including Norfolk pamments.

We also have a barn full of floorboards, of which samples are displayed in the shop.’

Although still a conventional architectural salvage yard at heart, Mongers, like many yards, has found an expertise and passion for one particular aspect of the business. ‘We have been lucky over the years to have a found some good restorers for our baths and sanitaryware and, where a lot of yards have found the restoration of sanitaryware 122 Period Living

challenging, we now have the experience and expertise to take on most projects from canopy baths to humble basin taps, and the results can be spectacular,’ explains Louise. ‘We travel the length and breadth of the country to source the very best stock. It could be a pair of baths from a castle in Scotland to a set of urinals from a Victorian cricket pavilion in Littlehampton. We also find exciting things on the continent, as well as locally – double-ended French baths and double basins are particularly popular.’

Over the years Mongers has built up a great deal of experience and the necessary parts to enable the team to renovate most items; however, the restoration process can be painstaking, as Louise explains: ‘First, we carefully remove all brassware, taps, waste fittings, etc. These are then stripped down and sent for re-plating or polishing, the chinaware is cleaned in a mild acid and any chips are repaired. Our baths are refinished in an epoxy high-build coating after being thoroughly cleaned, filled and etched. We have facilities to remake missing and broken parts, convert items to standard modern plumbing sizes and repair cracks in basins. In fact, there are not many items we cannot find a way to make usable again.’

‘It is important when trying to restore antique items that it is undertaken by a highly skilled person,’ adds Louise. ‘We have seen so many beautiful pieces ruined by heavy-handed workmen. There are, as with most things, times when items are not worth restoring, such as toilet pans that are heavily crazed so that they will not stay watertight, or cracked basins where the ³

Reclamation

Opposite: A line up of WC pans dating from different eras, from £150 each, and primed cast-iron cisterns, from £125 Clockwise from above: A selection of fully restored taps in brass and chrome, from £120, on display in the showroom; this pretty Victorian floral basin sits on a cast-iron stand, £1,350; the yard also stocks unique finds such as this needle shower, £700, and original Art Nouveau enamelled washstand, £1,250; a large selection of brass fittings and vintage screws, which cost from just 50p

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Clockwise from left: Norfolk pamments (traditional handmade terracotta floor tiles that originate from the area), from £4.50, alongside ceramic sinks, from £30, radiators and

railings; a selection of doors, from £80; cast-iron fireplaces, from £275; the timber-beamed showroom is the ideal place to display reclaimed furniture and other salvaged finds

a canopy bath from a stately home or a toilet used by actress Betty Grable – yes, we have had one!

The vast variety of styles and sizes make buying old bathrooms a much more rewarding experience than choosing new. From grand Victorian panelled bathrooms to mixed-coloured Art Deco suites, there is something for everyone, and remember, you are also helping to save the planet.’

15 Market Place, Hingham, Norfolk NR9 4AF. 01953 851868; mongersofhingham.co.uk

Louise’s tips on sourcing reclaimed sanitaryware

restoration costs would be more than the value of the piece. All mechanical items such as taps will have wear and tear and a lifespan beyond which they are not viable to repair, however most old taps were made exceptionally well and designed to last.’

When asked why people should purchase reclaimed sanitaryware, Louise doesn’t hesitate with her passionate response: ‘Most antique and reclaimed pieces are unique; they tell a story gathered from the many years of use,’ she explains.

‘They will come with blemishes that give character and individuality so that they will instantly make your bathroom, cloakroom or kitchen a special space, which no new item possibly could. Each piece has a history and provenance whether it’s 124 Period Living

O Restored items are much more expensive than unrestored items; however, unless you are highly capable of doing it yourself, it is money well spent.

O Buy basins with the taps removed. We have sold so many replacement basins to clients who have broken one trying to remove taps or waste parts.

O Try out a bath before purchasing – they come in so many shapes and sizes, so you should be able to find a tub that is perfect for you. It is just like buying a pair of shoes!

O Heavy crazing in antique porcelain can mean that it no longer holds water. Be particularly careful when buying crazed cisterns and WC pans.

O Generally, the older the item the more it will cost you. Look for good quality deco-style cut corner suites for value for money. You will then get a reasonably priced classic British bathroom of great character without it breaking the bank.

NEW ON THE BLOCK On these cold winter’s days, make light work of carrying logs in from outdoors to feed the crackling flames of a warming fire, with these lightweight buckets. Made from recycled rubber tyres, and available in a range of sizes, they can double up as useful planters when the mercury rises and the garden starts coming back to life. Priced from £22 for a small bucket, RE. BREW’S UP Make the perfect cuppa in a personalised Fresh Ivy letter mug, £9.95 from The Letteroom.

FRESHLY SERVED Sophie Conran’s Hydrangea leaf plates would create a stunning, nature-themed table display for a New Year’s dinner party. £96 for a set of six.

GARDEN journal

Learn how to expertly propagate houseplants, and enjoy botanical prints and illustrations on perfect gardener’s gifts

Feature Rachel Crow

Second skin Hands will need protection from the cold weather while clearing wintry garden debris, so, crafted from hardwearing suede, these gauntlet gloves, £18.50 from Garden Trading, will prove an indispensable accessory.

PERENNIAL FAVOURITE Enjoy the almost threedimensional quality of one of William Morris’ most enduring designs, Larkspur, printed on a birchwood tray with melamine veneer by Ary Sweden. Priced £35 at the V&A shop.

What a hoot Prop open the door while you kick off your muddy boots with this Woodland Owl doorstop, £33 from Sophie Allport.

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EXPERT TIPS… RECYCLING CHRISTMAS Mick Lavelle, gardening expert and senior lecturer in horticulture at Writtle University College, offers seasonal advice

lant power P

The therapeutic benefits of gardening and plant care have long been extolled.

Embracing this trend, psychologist Dr Katie Cooper founded the Bloombox Club plant subscription service, offering deliveries of a selection of plants on a monthly or three-monthly basis, together with access to plant care guides and advice. Subscribers can try out new vegetation or greenery, from polka dot begonias to exotic evergreens, to create their own restorative indoor paradise. Prices start at £17 for a monthly plant box.

NATURAL BEAUTY Victorian botanical illustrations were renowned for their delicacy and accuracy. Get the look in a garden room with this intricate vintagestyle wall hanging, priced £28 from Love Frankie.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS A thoughtful gift for a horticultural hobbyist nurturing green fingers, the Morning Glory gardening tool set includes a cultivator fork, trowel and shears for carrying out a range of tasks. Featuring a painterly flower design, the set is £35 from MacKenzie Childs.

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HANG ON Turn a houseplant into a star feature in this brass spiral hanging planter, £28, Rose & Grey.

ON THE BOOKSHELF Discover how to propagate any houseplant, take cuttings, cultivate runners and offsets, divide plants at the root, grow new root systems, and eventually enjoy swapping newly grown greenery with friends and family, with Root, Nurture, Grow by Rose Ray and Caro Langton (£18, Quadrille).

As the festive hullabaloo comes to its ineluctable end, for some, early January is simply a matter of packing away decorations and committing to a range of soonto-be-broken resolutions. If your Christmas display involved living or natural elements, though, it leaves the matter of what to do with it all come the 6th of January?

ON THE 12TH DAY… Top of this list is, almost invariably, the Christmas tree. In the UK, around 8 million natural Christmas trees are sold each year. While a few of these are potted specimens, most are cut trees. The problem has become so well established that many local authorities now arrange drop-off points or special collections of ‘real’ trees in early January. While seemingly wasteful, it does mean the trees are recycled into useful garden mulch.

If you invested in a pot-grown tree, however, you may be able to reuse it next year. You will need to pot it on – into a larger pot – and then water and feed it through the coming year. If you planned to plant it in the garden, however, consider that such trees grow very large, often reaching around 15-20 metres in 20 years; some eventually achieve 40m.

GREEN GIFT Wreaths, garlands, table posies, poinsettias and other ‘living’ plant items and natural decorations must also be dealt with. Make it one of your New Year resolutions to take a trip to the January sales to buy a good quality garden shredder.

You can then create some readily compostable material, which you can give as a ‘gift’ to the garden next winter in the form of nutritious, well-rotted compost mulch.

Happy gardening year!

Shopping Bee and bug home, £24.99, Waitrose Garden

Rustic wooden plant stand, £125, Cox & Cox

EO Bambi chair, £180, Pad Lifestyle

Round wood and brass wall clock, £110, The Farthing

WOODEN WONDERS With the skeletal silhouettes of leafless trees and branches standing stark against crisp blue wintry skies, this is the season to reflect on the timeless beauty of wood. From the noble oak to slender willow, felled timbers have lived on in our homes and gardens for millennia – teased, woven, carved, chiselled and smoothed into myriad furnishings and accessories.

The variations, rich graining and contrasts of this natural feature need little embellishment or ornamentation, so celebrate the organic material in all its unadulterated glory with this selection of buys

Set of 3 reclaimed wood rustic crates, £75, T&G

Log bird house, £22, Wicken Fen Collection at National Trust Shop

White wash wooden stars, £24 for a set of 2, Marquis & Dawe

Natural wood stand with jute string ball, £18, Gisela Graham

Rowan spray in Russet, £8, Neptune

Mango wood tray table with heart handles, £89, Scumble Goosie

Feature Rachel Crow

Wood and bone picnic set, £15, Artisans & Adventurers

Creamore beech planting paper pot press, £11.99, Emporium Cookshop Willow harvesting basket, £30.95, Sarah Raven Period Living 131

The long canal pool at the front of the house, covered in an icy blanket and dotted with frothy tufts of Cortaderia selloana, pampas grass, is surrounded by neatly clipped, symmetrical columns of yew topiary. Beyond, the eye is drawn to the view over the South Downs

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THE WINTER’S TALE It is the evergreen structure of the garden at Sedgwick Park in West Sussex, a mix of formal and wild, that steals the show in the depths of the chilly season Words Annette Warren/Rachel Crow | Photographs GAP Photos/Clive Nichols

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KEY FACTS Character A large country garden with a continuing theme of formal and wild; wildflower meadows to the front, formal gardens to the rear, woodland to the west with meadows and fields beyond Size 15 acres on a 90-acre estate Soil Chalky, alkaline soil. In the south-facing garden the clay soil has been topped up with plenty of compost over the years to create better growing conditions House The house dates back to the late 19th century, when the gardens

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were first laid out by architect and garden designer Harold Peto. He later added a new house that joined on to the existing property Owners John and Clare Davison, who have lived there for 18 years Who Gardens? The owners are assisted by head gardener Martin Meehan and gardener Kevin Toms Open The gardens can be visited by appointment during summer months through the National Gardens Scheme (ngs.org)

ith the morning frost dusting the yew topiary, the wintry garden scene at Sedgwick Park is magnificent. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Grade II-listed property near Horsham, in West Sussex, was designed by architects and garden designers Harold Peto and Ernest George, a partnership that spanned 16 years, during which time they designed several country residences.

Sedgwick Park house itself echoes the Arts and Crafts movement, while the garden, designed

by Peto, strongly reflects his European travels, featuring an Italian-style design with symmetrical topiary and sweeping terraces which lead on to the rectangular water garden, bordered by clipped yew arbours. The house and gardens overlook the magnificent South Downs, where the Chanctonbury Ring can be glimpsed on a clear day.

Featured in Country Life several times in the first half of the 20th century, during its heyday the garden was admired as a ‘distinguished place among the gardens of England’. Peto’s design was to a nautical theme, with areas aptly named ‘The Upper Deck’, ‘The Captain’s Bridge’, ‘The Cabin’ and ‘The Bulwarks’.

In the 1950s, Sedgwick’s then owner, Lord Rotherwick, created a stream with a series of 21 small pools interlinked by waterfalls, which culminated in a large pool towards the end of the formal gardens, to complement Peto’s design. The house overlooks a further canal pool, named ‘The White Sea’, which is bordered by yew topiary and pampas grass in perfect symmetry.

Sadly, the garden and house fell into disrepair during the latter part of the 20th century, with hedges growing misshapen, herbaceous beds overgrown, and weeds crawling up among the terraces. Now, however, under the careful guidance of current owners, John and Clare Davison, who purchased the house and grounds in 2001, working alongside gardeners Martin Meehan and Kevin Toms, the gardens have been restored to their former glory.

Sedgwick is romanticised by its slightly faded grandeur – the sweeping Horsham stone terraces

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aged with moss, mature box topiary and hedging punctuated by sweeping specimen trees. A hard frost sharpening the topiary shapes and statues gives an almost ethereal, wonderland quality, and by curious coincidence, Alice Liddell, the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland books, honeymooned at Sedgwick in 1880. Her new husband, Reginald Henderson, was the brother of Emma Henderson, who codesigned the garden with Peto, and who owned the house between 1878 and 1931.

‘The yew hedging is cut once a year, which historically was sent off for pharmaceutical purposes,’ explains Kevin Toms. ‘Originally the land was not protected from deer and fallow, so a lot of the yew hedges became misshapen, but over the past eight years we have been able to restructure the shapes of them. We have had to be creative with the topiary, and work around what nature had created; a lot had to be taken back to the trunk to start the process again,’ he adds.

Statuary is a dominant feature in the garden’s landscape, with classic, weathered pieces dotted throughout, sitting alongside more contemporary bronze sculptures. Some are quite quirky: a hippo laying on the verge of the top pond; an old red telephone box sitting peacefully at the end of a rose walk, and many others finding their own place of rest to fit seamlessly into their surroundings.

Even the garden’s natural offerings have been turned into focal points. ‘When the blue cedar that shadowed one of our ponds died about four years ago, the 20-foot stump was transformed into an Alice in Wonderland sculpture,’ explains Kevin.

Marginal planting around the water features includes marsh-marigolds with their early yellow flowers, wild garlic, hostas, primulas and an abundance of fern varieties. ‘Large gunneras are stunning ornamental features during summer by the water’s edge, while over winter, the large foliage of this giant rhubarb serves to protect the plant’s delicate crowns,’ says Kevin.

The 90-acre estate sits on the site of the 13thcentury Sedgwick Castle, of which some remains can be found in the woodland area of the 15-acre, south-facing garden, which also features a heather garden, where moss-covered rocks nestle among the spriggy heathers. Beyond lies a more recent addition – a turf labyrinth, winding its way to a central standing stone.

The gravelled drive to the front of the property is lined with wildflower meadows, now dormant in the stark frost, with silhouette trees glowing copper in the ghostly early morning light. ‘The morning mist often drifts over the grounds,’ says Kevin. ‘It really is a most magical place.’

Gardens

Clockwise from top left: The Arts and Crafts-style house, built at the turn of the 20th century, as seen from The White Sea; gardener Kevin Toms works alongside head gardener Martin Meehan and owners Clare and John Davison; the aged cast-iron gate offers a romantic entrance to the south-facing garden; box balls in ascending size and a rusted metal bird sculpture stand proud against the frosted lawn and dormant trees

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Winter sunlight streams through the Pinus radiata, Monterey pine trees, and bounces off the yew topiary. In the warmer months the borders team with colour, while for now most, apart from heather and crocosmia, are sleeping, patiently awaiting the arrival of spring

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Clockwise from top left: Beside the pond, the Mediterranean border is planted with euphorbia and yukkas, perfectly set off against the backdrop of frosted yews in winter; metal arches of the rose walk stand barren until the arrival of the first buds of May; a mix of quirky and stately, sculptures pepper the garden landscape at Sedgwick; an old stone bird table sat atop a kneeling cherub stands at the end of a topiary walk

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FINDING FOCUS With the bones of the garden laid bare, this season is the ideal time to decide on the placement of focal points to add interest and draw the eye Words and photographs Leigh Clapp

A circlet of flowers adds a whimsical touch to this graceful figure standing peacefully in a shaded vine-clad arbour on a moss-covered plinth. The sculpture draws the eye to the end of a walk, creating a pause before moving on to the next area of the garden

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inter is the perfect opportunity to examine the structure and design of your garden. In a quiet moment, take time to stand and stare and see where your eye falls. Focal points are an important element in any outdoor space, acting as visual punctuation marks, bringing focus and commanding attention – yet they should not dominate the landscape.

Even the best planned gardens have a few dead corners, but look at these instead as opportunities to add decorative impact. This may be with an eye-catching urn, sculpture, birdbath, container, water feature, seating, sundial, architectural plant or painted trompe l’oeil.

Our eyes seek out variations in size, form, colour and texture when viewing our surroundings.

When we study a garden we look for objects that will help us to assess distance and depth. Your eye can quickly sweep along swathes of planting, so placing an intentional focal point, or points, prompts you to pause and slowly take in each element individually. It in effect encourages you look around and notice the planting before the rest of the garden reveals itself to you.

DIRECTING THE EYE It is the placement of focal points that lends a garden distinction. Identify the blank spaces to which the eye naturally travels and they could become star points. Study your landscape from both inside and out: where are the dark spots or the green zones with too much repetitive foliage where it would be useful to break up the monotony? You may need an injection of colour or ornamental detailing. These are especially valued through winter when plants are not flowering.

Taking pictures may help to assess the vignettes and vistas, allowing you to adjust placement or colour schemes, and highlighting empty spaces or where you need to camouflage unattractive spots.

Place focal points where you would like people to look, simultaneously disguising less appealing scenes, or to lure explorers onwards to other rooms or areas of the garden. The concept of a garden axis helps guide placement. Linear structures and elements that attract and then direct the eye, such as allées, avenues, borders and pathways, are ideal for punctuating with a focal point. Placed at the end of the space as a visual full stop, they keep the eye moving forward, while on the sides they create a sense of greater width and an illusion of space.

As a general rule, excess is the enemy of quality when it comes to garden ornamentation. Try to restrict yourself to a single focal point in a garden space or view to avoid a cluttered look where the eye can’t rest effectively. Select items in scale with both the whole garden as well as the particular location they are placed.

Focal points aren’t only for grand landscapes with long vistas – they belong equally in small 142 Period Living

cottage gardens, or tiny courtyards, where having something beautiful to look at will expand rather than diminish the sense of space. To increase the effect, use as large a piece as possible for a strong focal point, while keeping it in scale for the setting.

SELECTING THE PIECE Choosing statuary and sculpture is a matter of personal taste, but figurative statuary tends to suit a formal garden, whereas natural materials look at home in cottage gardens. Sculpture can be serious or fun, whimsical or dramatic to reflect your personality; you can even create your own with objects you’ve found or recycled items. Often older pieces are more intrinsically interesting, with a lovely patina or lichen-clad charm that works well with the characteristics of period architecture.

Recycling and upcycling offers a plethora of choices – from planting up an old bicycle or wheelbarrow with annuals, placing a mirror on a garden wall, potting flowers in old china, to creating a unique masterpiece with items such as fallen branches, woven stems, tiny terracotta pots, broken china mosaics or painted birdhouses.

Be creative and add your finishing touches to your garden. No matter what the discipline, ornamentation is the difference between design and function.

Tips for focal points Keep in mind the response you want a piece to elicit – a sense of calm, humour, mystery, surprise or simply admiration of beauty.

O Elevating sculpture or placing an urn on a plinth gives it greater prominence. The plinth should match or be complementary so that the focus is on the urn or sculpture.

O Plants gently cascading down the sides of an urn will help to accentuate its elegant lines. Or a glazed urn converted into a bubbling water feature will offer twice the impact.

O Soft, feathery groundcover plants, such as erigeron or a hazy border of silver-grey lavender, are a delightful foil for the strong, vertical lines of a plinth.

O Box or hedging plants give a more formal setting around a piece.

O Birdbaths are an ideal quick-fix focal point.

Placed in the middle of a garden bed, they can highlight your favourite plants while also attracting passing feathered friends.

O A vine-covered pergola acts as an arcade to a decorative feature.

O Seats and benches can be used as focal points, placed in an arbour or between matching pots.

O Look for weathered classical sculpture rather than clean, stark white pieces that may jar with the natural surroundings.

O Sculptures made of natural materials work well in a naturalistic-style garden.

O If you have an impressive tree that is already ³ O

Clockwise from top left: The geometric formality of an octagonal bird bath, surrounded by clipped hedging, is softened by infill blocks of sedum and santolina; for an impressive trick of the eye, use mirrors to extend the sense of space and bring a glimmer of light into a shady corner – hunt out pretty Gothic styles and then paint and distress them; a sundial in the centre of a planted area makes an eye-catching and practical feature – place one in an accessible spot where it will receive sun all day; an oxidised, circular sculpture acts as a window to draw the eye through and also echoes the clipped buxus spheres; placing a piece, such as this seated figure, among the rushes at the edge of a natural pond lends a sense of delight in discovering the hidden surprise; this classical figure stands out against a foil of massed asters, silvery plectranthus, and autumnal, russetcoloured berberis

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Clockwise from above: Here, a decorative urn defines the focal point at the end of the grass avenue in a herb garden, and is framed beautifully with a rose-covered arch; this classical bust and wall relief stand out among the abundance of potted hostas and creeping ivy in a corner of a courtyard; set on a patterned brick circle, this sundial echoes the elongated, narrow archway; a playful placement of a kneeling child invites the viewer to stop and discover what is in the small iriscovered pond; three metal echinacea plant stakes make a decorative statement among the sea of nodding penstemons

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a focal point, consider enhancing it with vines and a pretty birdhouse.

O When using an architectural plant as a focal point, ensure it will remain healthy and has a long season of interest, or you will be drawing the eye to a negative feature.

O Think much the same as you would when styling home interiors: when you draw the eye to such objects as a fireplace or a painting, the surrounding furnishings of planting or features are used to balance and accent the effect.

Where to source THE SCULPTURE WEBSITE: a comprehensive listing,

from figurative to abstract, including where to buy and exhibitions (thesculpturewebsite.co.uk) GARDEN SITE: find garden ornaments, urns, fountains and sculpture (gardensite.co.uk) ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: good quality antique and reproduction ornaments and statuary (architectural-heritage.co.uk) HADDONSTONE: an extensive collection of stonework ornaments and water features, also with a display garden (haddonstone.com) GARDEN ART AND SCULPTURE: outdoor sculptural pieces and art with a rusty patina (gardenartandsculpture.co.uk)

Gardens and sculpture parks to visit HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN, Black and White Cottage, Ockley, Surrey RH5 5QR. A changing collection of sculpture, both traditional and contemporary. Open March to October, Thursday to Sunday. Admission adult, £10; child (ages 4-16) £7. Tel: 01306 627269; hannahpescharsculpture.com PASHLEY MANOR GARDENS, Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7HE. Sculpture for sale displayed in the gardens, plus annual Sculpture in Particular event in summer. Open 2 April to 28 September 2019, Tuesday to Saturday. Admission £11. Tel: 01580 200888; pashleymanorgardens.co.uk YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4JX. Britain’s first and greatest sculpture park.

On a grand scale but inspiring. Open daily (10am5pm). Free entry. Tel: 01924 832631; ysp.org.uk CHILSTONE, Langton Green, Kent TN3 0RD. Creators of reproduction ornaments and stonework based in the Kent countryside, with a show garden and sculpture walks. Open Mon-Sat (9am-5pm).

Tel: 01892 740866; chilstone.com

CHEF’S CUT January’s seasonal pick is chosen by Rachel Demuth, owner of Demuth’s Cookery School in Bath SALSIFY AND SCORZONERA

These two unusual long roots, which taste like a cross between a globe artichoke and asparagus, belong to the same family. Both are white-fleshed, but salsify has a cream skin and scorzonera’s is black.

To prepare, wash the roots and boil, unpeeled, for 10 minutes. Then place in cold water and the skin will slide off easily. Serve hot tossed in olive oil and lemon juice, or top with a gremolata of chopped parsley, grated rind of lemon and finely chopped garlic Demuths Cookery School specialises in offering a wide variety of vegan cooking courses

SIMPLY POETIC For some sumptuous stocking fillers, try Devon-based Salcombe Dairy’s new The Bar chocolate range, named after Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem Crossing the Bar. Available in seven flavours, £4.95 each.

ELEMENTAL FLAVOUR A store cupboard essential, vinegar enhances many dishes, so encourage the chef of the house to make their own vintage with a vinegar pot. This one from Vinegar Shed, £130, is handmade by artisans at one of France’s oldest surviving ceramic factories.

FOOD journal Events, eateries, edibles and kitchen essentials for keen home cooks

The centenary mix

Feature Rachel Crow

Coveted by passionate home cooks for a century, Kitchenaid has introduced Misty Blue to its Artisan mixer collection in celebration of its 100th anniversary this year. With a hobnail bowl made from titanium-reinforced ceramic, and over 15 optional accessories for everything from slicing to spiralizing, the mixer, £699, will be top of Santa’s wish-list for many.

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in the wilds of Caithness by family-run Dunnet Bay Distillery, Rock Rose Gin Winter Edition, £37.50, is perfect to warm the cockles.

Using locally foraged botanicals, it features citrusy spruce tips, along with the signature floral Rhodiola rosea – apparently pillaged by Vikings who believed it would help them live to 200.

You won’t, but you’ll enjoy the gin.

RISE AND SHINE Don’t submit to the January blues; learn a new culinary skill by kneading and proofing your way to contented Hygge heaven on a Scandinavian baking workshop at the Bread Ahead Bakery, Borough Market. Conjure up a Nordic sourdough, savoury nut loaf and sticky cinnamon buns under the guidance of master bakers. £90 per person (breadahead.com)

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Recipes

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This is the season to cocoon yourself in the kitchen, savouring and sampling new ingredients, skills and techniques, so find inspiration from these comforting dishes by Gill Meller Photographs Andrew Montgomery Period Living 149

RHUBARB COOKED WITH ROSE GERANIUM LEAVES Rose pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a pretty, flowering plant that falls within the geranium family. Its leaves are scented and heady, and are great for cooking with. They have a unique flavour and are often used to perfume sugars, ice creams, cakes, jams and syrups. Rhubarb and rose is an incredible combination and one I’ve played with many times in the past. But the flavour from the rose-scented geranium leaf is even more lovely.

SERVES 4 4 large rhubarb sticks, trimmed and cut into 8–10cm pieces O 2 tbsp runny honey O

FIG & SEVILLE MARMALADE BREAKFAST BUNS These breakfast buns were inspired by a winter trifle that I make with dried figs and thick-cut bitter marmalade – and custard and cream, of course. I knew figs and marmalade went together well, so I tinkered with other ways I could combine them, and came up with these. They are absolutely perfect with a cup of coffee.

MAKES 9

2 tbsp golden caster sugar O 8–10 rose geranium leaves

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Heat the oven to 150°C/300°F/gas mark 3.

1. Arrange the rhubarb pieces in a single layer over a large shallow baking dish. Scatter over the sugar, trickle over the honey and two tablespoons of water, and tear over the geranium leaves. Then turn everything together.

2. Cover the dish tightly with a piece of foil and place in the oven for 20–35 minutes, or until the rhubarb is soft but not broken down – timings will depend on how thick the chunks are.

Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

3. I like to serve the rhubarb and its rosy geranium syrup with vanilla custard, and perhaps a buttery shortbread biscuit or two.

500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting O 75g caster sugar or vanilla sugar O 1 tsp instant dried yeast O 10g salt O 200ml warm milk O 100g butter, melted,

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plus 50g very soft butter for brushing and extra for greasing O 1 egg O 1 jar coarse-cut Seville orange marmalade for the fruit filling O 8 dried figs, roughly chopped O Juice of 1 orange

1. First, make the fruit filling. Place the figs in a bowl, pour over the orange juice and set aside while you make the dough.

2. Grease a 20 x 25cm baking tray or dish. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt, then add the milk, melted butter and egg, and mix to a sticky dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Wipe the bowl clean, return the dough to the bowl, cover and leave the dough to rise until doubled in size. This might take from 2–4 hours depending on how warm it is.

3. When the dough is ready, carefully tip it out onto a well-floured surface, and roll it out to a rectangle of about 45 x 30cm, with one of the long sides facing towards you. Brush the surface of the dough with the soft butter. Spoon out all but a couple of tablespoons of marmalade over the top of the butter, then sprinkle over the soaked, chopped figs. Leave a margin of 2.5cm along the edge farthest away from you.

4. Take hold of the edge closest to you and carefully roll up the dough, enveloping the marmalade and figs in a spiral as you go. Everything is quite soft at this point so you’ll need to be quite careful.

5. Trim the ends of the roll, then cut along the length so that you have nine equal pieces. Arrange these snugly, cut-side down, in the greased baking tray or dish. Cover the dish or place it inside a clean plastic bag and leave it in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until risen.

6. Heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 7. Once the buns are risen, bake them for about 25–30 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and, while they’re hot, brush the buns all over with the remaining marmalade. Let cool before breaking apart and serving.

Recipes

TREACLE TART WITH THYME & OR ANGE My grandfather, Digby, spent part of the war stationed down in Weymouth, an old harbour town in Dorset. He helped to man a fort, which looked out over Portland Harbour, then home to an important Royal Navy base. The fort was heavily armoured and had big guns. Should any threat approach, Digby would be ready. Now… stories can change with time, but I was told that when a fleet of German bombers flew over the fort, Digby and his men were in a local tea room, eating treacle tart.

SERVES 8–10 725g golden syrup 1 egg O 50ml double cream O 50g unsalted butter O Zest of 1 orange O 2 tsp thyme leaves, chopped, plus an extra thyme sprig, to decorate O 200g white breadcrumbs O O

For the pastry O 45g icing sugar O 170g plain flour, plus extra for dusting O 85g butter, cubed and chilled, plus extra for greasing O 1 tbsp iced water O 1 egg, plus an extra beaten egg for egg washing

1. First, make the pastry. Combine the icing sugar and plain flour in a medium bowl. Rub in the chilled butter cubes until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs (you can also do this in a food processor). Add in the iced water and the egg, and stir through to combine. Tip out the dough and bring

it together with your hands, kneading lightly to achieve a smooth finish. Wrap the pastry tightly in cling film and place it in the fridge to rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry until it is about 2mm thick. Grease and flour a 3cm-deep 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin, then lay over the pastry, tucking it into the corners and leaving an overhang. Line the pastry case with baking parchment and baking beans. Blind bake the pastry for 25 minutes, then remove the paper and beans, trim the overhang and brush the pastry with beaten egg. Return to the oven for 10 minutes, until the base is just colouring. Remove and set aside, but leave the oven on.

3. To make the filling, pour the golden syrup into a medium pan set over a low heat. Whisk the egg and cream together in a bowl. When the syrup is hot, but not boiling, stir in the butter and allow it to melt. Then, stir in the orange zest, chopped thyme, breadcrumbs, and the cream and egg mixture. Take the pan off the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes, to allow the breadcrumbs to take up the syrup.

4. Pour the filling into the pastry case and bake for 35–40 minutes, until just set and golden brown around the edges. Leave to cool in the tin for 15–20 minutes before transferring to a serving plate, decorating with a thyme sprig and bringing to the table. ³

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SLOW-ROAST GOAT WITH HONEY, SAFFRON, PRUNES & PRESERVED LEMON Goat and kid have had a renaissance in recent years, and rightly so. The meat is delicious – and it’s ethically sound. Many billy goats (a by-product of the dairy industry), which were once killed at birth, are now reared for meat. If you like the depth of flavour in lamb and mutton, then goat will definitely be your jam. Saffron, cumin and cardamom add character to this rich braise, while cinnamon, prunes and honey bring sweetness.

SERVES 4–6 ½ cinnamon stick 2 tsp cumin seeds O 2 tsp coriander seeds O 6 cardamom pods O 1 tsp ground turmeric O ½ goat leg (about 800g–1kg), boned and rolled O 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil O 2 onions, finely sliced O 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced O 1 red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced O 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated O 2 tbsp tomato purée O O

200g juicy prunes, stoned O Pinch of saffron threads O 1 preserved lemon, skin thickly sliced, flesh discarded O 4 bay leaves O 1 small bunch of thyme, torn O 1 small bunch of mint, leaves picked and chopped O Pinch of smoked paprika, to serve O 1–2 tbsp runny honey O Salt and freshly ground black pepper

O

Heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 7.

1. Place the cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cardamom pods in a small pan over a medium heat.

Toast for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant, then tip them

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into a mortar and use the pestle to coarsely crush.

Pick out and discard the cardamom husks, which are tricky to grind well.

2. Combine the crushed spices with the turmeric and plenty of salt and pepper. Rub the goat leg with half the olive oil, then work the dry spice mix into the meat, making sure you get it in all the nooks and crannies. Place the goat leg on a suitable roasting tray and place in the hot oven for 25–30 minutes, until browned.

3. Meanwhile, set a large cast-iron pot (with a lid) over a medium heat. Add the remaining olive oil and, when it’s hot, add the onions, garlic, chilli and ginger and cook, stirring regularly, for 10–12 minutes.

4. Add the tomato puree, prunes, saffron, preserved lemon, bay leaves and one glass of water, and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer. When the goat leg is nice and brown, lift it out of the oven and carefully place it in the pot. Scatter around the thyme, place on the lid and put the pot in the oven.

5. Lower the heat to 150°C/300°F/gas mark 3 and cook for 2 hours, until the meat is tender and giving. (Check the pot from time to time, and if it’s looking dry, top it up with a splash more water.) Remove from the oven and allow the goat to rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.

6. To serve, sprinkle with chopped mint and a pinch of paprika and trickle with honey, then bring the pot to the table and enjoy the dish with flat breads and a salad.

Recipes

HOMEMADE BACON This is an incredibly simple way to make your own lovely bacon. Anyone can do it, you don’t need any special equipment, nothing can really go wrong and the results are so fantastic that I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys good food and cooking.

You begin by making a dry cure, which is a combination of salt, sugar, spices and herbs. You then apply this to the pork. Five days later you have bacon. I like to hang the whole bacon somewhere cool and dry for several weeks before slicing it, but it will keep for months once cured.

2.5kg piece of pork belly, cut from the thick end, ribs removed For the dry cure O 300g fine salt O 200g soft brown or demerara sugar O 2 tbsp lightly crushed coriander seeds O

2 tbsp cracked black peppercorns O 2 or 3 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked and roughly chopped O 1 small bunch of thyme, leaves picked O 2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced (optional)

O

1. First, make the dry cure. Place all the ingredients, including the herbs and the garlic, if using, in a large bowl and mix well. Scatter a handful of the cure over the bottom of a large plate or tray. This needs to be big enough to take your piece of pork belly, but small enough to fit in the fridge. Lay the pork belly on the cure, then scatter over another handful. Make sure you apply a little cure to all the cut surfaces of the pork. Aim to use about 100g in total. Cover and leave in the fridge for 24 hours. Reserve the remaining cure.

2. The next day, pour off the liquid that the salt has drawn out of the meat. Apply a second scattering of dry cure in the same way, a little underneath and a little on top, and return to the fridge. Repeat the process for three more days (five days in total).

3. Rinse any cure residue from the bacon under cold running water, then pat the bacon dry with a clean teatowel. If you make your bacon during the winter, hang it up to dry outside, out of direct sunlight and the rain, and where plenty of cool air can move around it. Under a porch is ideal, or in an airy shed or garage.

4. As the temperature warms up and the flies come back, it’s better to let your bacon air dry in the fridge. Simply leave uncovered on a clean, dry teatowel. I like to air dry my bacon for a few weeks before I begin eating it. During this time it will become firmer and develop flavour. Once the bacon is dry, you can keep it wrapped in a clean teatowel in the fridge for several months. ³ Period Living 153

ROAST CHICKEN, PARSLEY & MUSTARD PIE A roast chicken should always get a second chance – it deserves it. So, after you’ve finished eating (and while the chicken is still warm) take all the meat off the bone, then tear up the carcass and make a stock. The next day you’ll have a small bowl of chicken and a jug of flavoursome stock in the fridge. The possibilities are infinite. The pie is the jewel in the leftover roast chicken’s crown, and well worth the time it takes to make. I like to serve these individual pies warm with mashed potatoes and some buttered greens, but they are also good cold, with some pickles and a good cheese.

MAKES 2 INDIVIDUAL PIES (OR 1 LARGE ONE) O 50g butter, plus extra wholegrain or for greasing Dijon mustard O 20g Cheddar or O 50g plain flour O 250ml chicken stock Parmesan cheese O 1 egg, beaten O 100ml double cream O Salt and freshly ground O 1 small leek, sliced into black pepper 1cm thick rounds O About 200g leftover For the rye short crust roast chicken, torn O 100g rye flour into small chunks O 200g plain flour, plus and shreds O Small bunch of parsley, extra for serving O 150g butter, cubed leaves picked and and chilled finely chopped O Pinch of fine salt O 2 heaped tsp of

1. First, make the rye short crust. Place the flours, butter and salt in a food processor and pulse until you have a breadcrumb consistency. Then, with This is an edited extract of Time by Gill Meller (Quadrille, £25) Photography by Andrew Montgomery.

PL readers can purchase a copy for the special price of £22 with free p&p (UK mainland only).

To order, please call 01256 302 699 and quote code PZ4

154 Period Living

the motor turning, gradually add 2–4 tablespoons of water until everything begins to come together. Stop the machine, remove the pastry, and knead it a couple of times before wrapping it in cling-film and chilling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 6. Set a large, heavy-based pan over a medium heat. Add the butter and when it’s bubbling, stir in the flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring regularly. Pour in the chicken stock, stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 3–4 minutes, then stir in the cream, followed by the leek, chicken, chopped parsley, mustard and cheese. Stir everything together over a low heat and season well with salt and pepper to taste.

3. To make two individual pies, grease two 400ml pudding basins with butter. Roll out four discs of pastry, two of which are about 20cm wide, and two of which are about 15cm wide. Line the two pudding basins with the larger pieces of pastry, allowing 2–3cm of overhang.

4. Divide the filling equally between the two lined basins and level off. Brush the pastry rims with a little beaten egg, then carefully lay over the pastry lids. Use the tip of your finger to crimp the pastry lid to the base.

Then take a sharp knife and trim off the overhang.

Make a little slit in the top of each pie to allow the steam to escape during cooking.

5. Use the remaining beaten egg to brush the top of each pie, and place the pies into the hot oven for 45–50 minutes, until the tops are crisp and golden. Allow the pies to stand for 10–15 minutes before serving.

F

needlewo e in Enjoy a day at the rk

Royal School of Needlework (RSN), in the majestic surroundings of Hampton Court Palace, with a lecture and tour of the RSN’s fascinating Embroidered Home exhibition, followed by an afternoon embroidery taster session.

RSN tutor Auburn Claire Lucas will guide you through stitching this pretty floral motif, inspired by a tablecloth in the exhibition.

The event takes place on 31 January 10.40am4pm, costs £75, and includes all materials.

For details of the exhibition and courses at venues around the country, visit royal-needlework.org.uk or call 020 3166 6938.

JANUARY journal

QUITE CONTRARY MARY Saoirse Ronan stars in the title role of Mary Queen of Scots, locked in a power struggle with her cousin Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). The big-screen epic explores the rivalry between the two young queens – strong women in a man’s world of rebellion, betrayal and conspiracy.

In cinemas 18 January.

Feature Karen Darlow Photographs (Mary Queen of Scots) Liam Daniel/Focus Features; (night run) © National Trust Images John Millar; (ballet) Bella Kotak

New year, new skills and new ideas to keep you busy and get you out and about this month

HAPPY NEW YEAR Get 2019 off to a great start at the luxurious Laura Ashley Hotel, The Belsfield, on the shores of Lake Windermere.

The two-night stay, from Sunday 30 December to Tuesday 1 January, includes a five-course gala dinner, dancing, then fizz and fireworks. All against the backdrop of Laura Ashley’s sumptuous interiors. Prices from £219 per person, per night. Visit lauraashleyhotels.com or call 01539 442448 for details.

Cool running Keep your resolution to get fitter, and see the National Trust’s parkland in a whole new light - torchlight - with a night run.

Lyme in Cheshire is one of the places taking part on Saturday 26 January. Visit nationaltrust.org for details and dates of other runs, walks and seasonal events.

BEAUTIFUL BALLET Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of Beauty and the Beast opens a national tour in Southampton on 30 Jan – 2 Feb. David Bintley’s adaptation draws on the darkness of the 18th-century fairy tale, where true, inner beauty is revealed and love conquers all. For tickets contact 023 8071 1811 or mayflower. org.uk; or visit brb.org.uk for other venues.

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Heritage weekend...

CAMBRIDGE Brimming with beautiful architecture and rich culture, this historic city has much more to offer than its academic prowess

T

here is something quintessentially British about Cambridge, with its grand 17th- and 18th-century architecture, decadent college buildings and quaint back streets. Explore the plethora of independent shops, relax in one of the many historic pubs, and discover some of the delightful restaurants, cafés and hotels that this remarkable city has to offer.

Think of Cambridge and you think of the university, and no wonder: founded in 1209, it is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, with alumni including Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and David Attenborough. If you’re searching for a sample of the academic intellect that Cambridge exudes, then there’s plenty of opportunity to indulge with guided tours of King’s College, Hidden Cambridge

158 Period Living

and the Parker Library at Corpus Christi College.

Visit the University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum and explore its five departments, which house antiquities from across history and the globe.

Founded in 1816, this treasure trove of fascinating artefacts, impressive architecture and modern art stands up to visits time and time again. Something of a hidden gem, the museum is located just a ten-minute walk along Trumpington Road from King’s College. 2019 promises a ground-breaking graphic art exhibition showcasing the work of 19th-century illustrators and graphic designers the Beggarstaffs, alongside its permanent exhibits.

A visit to Cambridge is not complete without a punt along the river Cam. Pass under the Bridge of Sighs and explore the gardens and colleges, affectionately known as ‘the Backs’; icons of British architecture that only this city can offer.

Photographs (Cambridge scenes) Getty Images; (The Gonville) Michael Cameron

Feature Holly Reaney

Out and About

Opposite: Punt down the river Cam and admire the serene college gardens Above: Cambridge university was founded in 1209 and is made up of 31 colleges Left: Over eight million books are housed in the university library

spa, the Gresham Wellness Centre, relaxation remains at the heart of The Gonville.

The hotel celebrates its heritage with large-scale Cambridge scenes tastefully replicated onto the bathroom tiles, along with specially commissioned artwork and maps adorning the walls. For an extra-special stay, the premium Feature rooms have stunning four-poster beds, roll-top baths, and garden access through elegant French doors.

After dark, head to The Atrium bar, with its extensive cocktail menu and specialist selection of locally produced gins. Hosting live jazz performances every Friday and Saturday night, it’s the perfect place to start a sophisticated evening in Cambridge.

Prices for double rooms start at £143 per night; visit gonvillehotel.co.uk or call 01223 366611.

For a more budget-friendly option, go slightly away from the main city for a self-catering stay at The Old Chapel in Fulbourn. The quaint twobedroom cottage has been beautifully converted from an 1855 Baptist chapel. Its large garden gives you a flavour of the beautiful local countryside, and its accessible location makes the chapel a great hub for exploring everything the city has to offer.

From £79 a night, oldchapelfulbourn.co.uk. ³

Where to stay Located in the historic heart of Cambridge, on the outskirts of Parker’s Piece, 25 acres of luscious parkland, The Gonville Hotel combines sophisticated interior design with an exceptional guest experience. Built in 1830 as a Senior Fellows house for Gonville & Caius College, the building was transformed into a guest house in 1845 and, in 1962, the hotel was taken on by the current chairman’s grandfather, Harold Ridgeon, who started a legacy that continues today.

The hotel has been significantly invested in and expanded over the years, and its strong family ethos ensures a welcoming, comfortable stay. With plush king-size beds, sumptuous bathrooms stocking British-produced luxury toiletries, and the award-winning on-site

Clockwise from above left: The Gonville Hotel is perfect for a relaxing night away; historic architecture is a staple of the Cambridge street; The Old Chapel offers a beautiful mix of country and city life

Period Living 159

Finish the night with a nightcap at one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge. Opened in 1525, The Eagle on Bene’t Street has earned its place in history. The walls and ceilings of ‘the RAF bar’ are covered with the signatures of British and American World War II airmen, who were determined to leave their mark.

Where to shop

Where to eat Opened in 1834, Parker’s Tavern, set on the edge of Parker’s Piece park, quickly became a popular stopping point for visitors and locals alike. It is this rich heritage that the recent relaunch seeks to celebrate. The buzzing, friendly atmosphere begins at the bar, and continues through into the restaurant. With interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki, Parker’s Tavern unites the old with the new, paying homage to the city’s university heritage through the blue panelled walls and library-style lamps. A quintessentially British menu, devised by head chef Tristan Welch, offers a real taste of Cambridge, with heritage-inspired cooking and local ingredients taking centre stage.

Welch allows ‘Mother Nature to set the tone’, resulting in a seasonal and diverse menu that, in winter, heralds freshly caught fish and homely game pies with a warming rice pudding soufflé and Cambridge burnt cream. Described as the city’s answer to crème brûlée, it is a delicious incarnation of the classic dessert, achieving a perfect balance of rich custard and caramelised sugar. A definite must on a visit to Cambridge. Book online at parkerstavern.com or call 01223 606266.

160 Period Living

Above: Parker’s Tavern is known for its delicious seasonal menu Left: The Eagle was a haunt of scientists Watson and Crick, and it was here that they announced their discovery of the structure of DNA for the first time Clockwise from right: Oxbow & Peach operates on a ‘pop-up’ basis, open for a few days every few weeks; with 40 years’ heritage, All Saints Garden, Art and Craft Market is open every Saturday; Cambs Antique Centre offers studio pottery, lighting and antique furniture

Oxbow & Peach started from the founders’ personal passions of using vintage items to make their houses more homely. Located a few miles outside of Cambridge, its pop-up shop is the ideal stop for discovering a vintage gem to take back home with you. For details of opening dates and times visit oxbowandpeach.co.uk.

With stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to leather wares, All Saints Garden Art and Craft Market is not to be missed. You’re guaranteed to find beautifully bespoke handmade gifts. See allsaintsmarket-cambridge.org.uk.

Located in Gwydir Street’s impressive Dales Brewery building, Cambs Antique Centre specialises in antique furniture and studio pottery.

Visit cambsantiques.com to see a sample of its stock, although this barely compares with the wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered in store.

Out and About Where to visit

Photographs (The Eagle) Greene King; (illustration of Cambs Antqiues) Maureen Mace; (Cambridge University Botanical Gardens) Howard Rice; (Anglesey Abbey) Justin Minns

ANGLESEY ABBEY Just over six miles from the heart of Cambridge lies the historic Anglesey Abbey. This Jacobeanstyle manor house and its 114 acres of gardens are a sight to behold all year round. We caught up with visitor experience manager Janet Jephcott.

What’s the history of the Abbey?

Despite its name, the priory was never an abbey.

Initially founded as a hospital in 1136 in memory of Henry I, who died in 1135, Anglesey Abbey was converted into an Augustinian Priory in the 13th century and continued as such until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536 by Henry VIII. The priory’s ruins then formed the core of the current house, which was built in the early 17th century.

The estate was bought by the multi-millionaire grandson of one of America’s first oil pioneers, Lord Fairhaven, in 1926 as a base from which he could oversee the family’s stud at Great Barton.

Lord Fairhaven extensively remodelled the property to create the luxurious country house we see today, and turned it into a fitting home for his extensive collection of artworks.

How is the house presented today?

Today the property is under the care of the National Trust, bequeathed to them on the death of Lord Fairhaven in 1966. True to his wishes, the house today is presented just as it was at the time of his death. Historical reenactors continue to undertake the same daily tasks in the same precise manner as was demanded by Lord Fairhaven in both the house and gardens. Throughout summer 2019, we will be uncovering the untold stories of Anglesey Abbey from the 800 years since it started life as a priory.

Admission: National Trust members free, adults £15.80, children £7.90 (includes admission to house and gardens). Tel; 01223 810080; nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey

Above: Cambridge University Botanic Garden is one of the largest universityowned botanic gardens in the world Below: the beautiful exterior of Anglesey Abbey retains its traditional glory

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN With over 8,000 plant species, spread across 40 acres, this heritage-listed garden has been designed for year-round interest and is a spectacle to behold.

2019 also marks the 40th anniversary of the Winter Garden. Head gardener Pete Kerley shares some of his 40 years of wisdom and experience.

Tell us about the Winter Garden.

When Peter Orriss and Norman Villis began planting the Winter Garden in 1978, it was a revolutionary idea. We’ve always tried to be at the forefront of winter interest and the garden is constantly changing. Opting for trees with bright barks like the Prunus serrula, or Tibetan cherry, provides colour, while a variegated holly arch is just one element that provides structure to the garden.

To create a mystical feel, we’ve worked with the winter sun to create accents of colour and light.

We’ve planted Rubus phoenicolasius, Japanese wineberry, on the north side of the path as, when the sun hits it, all the thorns become illuminated into a fabulous display. Of all the plants in the Winter Garden, my favourite is the Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline postill’. We’ve planted them near the path so they perfume the air on entrance to the garden. It’s a magnificent scent – you could sit underneath it all day and just breathe in the smell.

What advice can you offer on how to replicate the Winter Garden at home?

Think about placing as well as colour – dogwood ‘Midwinter Fire’ becomes fluorescent if it catches the winter sun. Begonias are an excellent plant to provide a great structure through the winter while also blooming stunning pink flowers in the spring.

Admission: adults £6, children free.

Tel: 01223 336265; botanic.cam.ac.uk Period Living 161

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Q Quadrille hardiegrant.com/uk/quadrille Ralph Lauren Home 020 3450 7750 ralphlauren.co.uk R Rangemaster 0800 804 6261 rangemaster.co.uk RE re-foundobjects.com Redbrick Mill 01924 460044 redbrickmill.co.uk Regent Antiques 020 8809 9605 regentantiques.com Reindeer Antiques 020 7937 3754 reindeerantiques.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391 rockettstgeorge.co.uk Rose & Grey 0161 926 8763 roseandgrey.co.uk Rouge 01225 462368 rouge-shop.com The Royal Opera House 020 3772 6391 roh.org.uk Ryburn Valley 01422 823 814 Furniture ryburnvalleyfurniture.co.uk Ryland Peters & Small rylandpeters.com Salcombe Dairy 01548 843228 salcombedairy.co.uk S Sanderson stylelibrary.com Scumble Goosie 01453 731305 scumblegoosie.co.uk Selfridges 0800 123 400 selfridges.com Shimu 0800 088 6800shimu.co.uk The Shop Floor Project 01229 584537 theshopfloorproject.com Sian Zeng 020 8691 7770 sianzeng.com Smeg smeg.com Soak & Sleep 01483 357244 soakandsleep.com Sofa Workshop 0808 256 9101 sofaworkshop.com Sofa.com 0345 400 2222 sofa.com Sofas by Saxon 01204 368413 sofasbysaxon.com Soho Home 020 3819 8199 sohohome.com Sophie Allport 01778 560 256 sophieallport.com Sophie Conran 020 7603 1522 sophieconran.com St Jude’s 01603 662951 stjudesprints.co.uk Surface View 0118 922 1327 surfaceview.co.uk Sweetpea & Willow 0345 257 2627 sweetpeaandwillow.com Swoon Editions 020 3137 2464 swooneditions.com T&G 01275 841841 tg-woodware.com T Talking Tables 020 7627 6767 talkingtables.co.uk Tielle Love Luxury tielleloveluxury.co.uk Timorous Beasties timorousbeasties.com Tinsmiths 01531 632083 tinsmiths.co.uk TK Maxx 01923 473561 tkmaxx.com Furniture 01977 608608 UUltima ultimafurniture.co.uk Shop 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk/shop VV&A Valspar 01706 242010 valsparpaint.co.uk Vênoor Living 020 3826 8859 venoor.com Very very.co.uk Vinegar shed vinegarshed.com Viners 0151 486 1888 viners.co.uk The Vintage Entertainer thevintageentertainer.com

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In the Picture

Frozen in time

Words Karen Darlow Illustration Getty Images

Influenced from a young age by the work of oriental artists, French-born Edmund Dulac was one of the most recognisable illustrators of the early 20th century. His interpretations of the works of Shakespeare, the Brontës and The Arabian Nights put him in great demand with London’s thriving book publishers.

This evocative image from The Snow Queen, first published in Stories from Hans Andersen (1938), captures the warmth of Gerda’s love and her gratitude to the reindeer who helps her find Karl, the childhood friend whose blood was turned to ice by the Snow Queen.

Revisit this charming tale on a frosty day, but make sure you have the fire lit, a warm drink to hand and don’t let the Snow Queen put you under her spell.

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