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Issue 86 | NOVEMBER 2017

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Sweet Charity

Issue 86 | NOVEMBER 2017

Charity Wakefield and Bounty Hunters Also inside this issue

BRITISH ANTIDOTE TVR reborn

WEEKEND BREAK Basel

NATIVE STYLE Copper trends

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contents Issue 86 | NOVEMBER 2017

6 | Interview | CHARITY WAKEFIELD

Charity Wakefield has had a very successful acting career to date and talks to essence about her current role in Sky One’s action comedy Bounty Hunters, co-written by Jack Whitehall.

14 | Leisure breaks | BASEL

Rebecca Underwood takes a long weekend in the captivating city of Basel.

6

20 | Comedy interview | CLARK AND PARSONS Internationally acclaimed comedian, writer and actor, Laurence Clark, talks to essence about what makes him tick, and Mr Angry is back in the form of Andy Parsons.

26 | Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Emanuela Alladio of Alladio Sims Garden Design explains why the seasonal colour shift of shrubs and trees is invaluable to gardens at this time of year.

28 | Motoring | TVR

TVR is back and firing on all cylinders, providing a welcome option to many of today’s modern sports car clones, as Euan Johns discovers.

32 | Fashion | MATT & NAT

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Inspired by nature and its materials, this company has notched up over 20 years of ethical design in eco friendly clothes and accessories.

36 | Men’s fashion | MRQUINTESSENTIAL

The MrQuintessential Autumn/Winter collection offers a range of relaxed and indulgent knitwear.

44 | Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Stephanie Brookes, foodie expert and BBC Radio London contributor, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month: Lyle’s in Shoreditch.

46 | Restaurant review | THE CLOCK HOUSE

Serina Drake and team have reinvigorated a culinary delight on Ripley High Street, winning a Michelin Star in the process.

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52 | Legal | MUNDAYS

Fiona Moss, an associate at Mundays, offers advice to readers on trade marks and intellectual property rights.

55 | Tax | EVERFAIR

Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax, based in Weybridge, provides US tax payers with some timely pointers to elevate any tax due.

60 | Art | JAMES STANFORD

James Stanford is an American artist who has an extraordinary new exhibition of contemporary Buddhist art as part of the 20th Asian Art in London 2017 week this month.

66 | Events | SURREY

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Linda Seward’s detailed diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts and the countryside.

76 | Interior trends | COPPER

Aimee Connolly explores the trend towards the use of copper in the home.

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essence 86 COVER: CHARITY WAKEFIELD PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ALBERTO TANDOI STYLIST: JENNIFER MICHALSKI-BRAY MAKEUP: NATHALIE ELENI, HAIR: CRAIG PURVES

essence team

Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing editor: Louise Alexander Publishing manager: Rebecca Peters Production manager: Linda Seward Designer: Sharon Smith Senior designer: Jason Mayes telephone: 01932 988677 email: editor@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising manager: Andrew Peters telephone: 07980 956488 email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising sales: telephone: 01932 988677 email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Contributors: Andrew Peters, Euan Johns, Simon Lewis, Fiona Moss, Veronica Lee, Stephanie Brookes, Naomi Diamond, Rebecca Underwood, Gillian Everall, Emanuela Alladio, PJ Aldred, Jennifer Sutton, Linda Seward, Emily Bird, Jane Pople, Aimee Connolly

essence magazine

Maple Publishing Limited, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any artwork will be at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made in writing to the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. essence reaches key addresses in Cobham, Oxshott, Esher, Weybridge, Guildford and outlying areas. Properties in all the major private estates, including St George’s Hill, the Crown Estate and Wentworth Estate, receive the magazine 10 times per year. essence is also distributed to selected estate agents and is available at city businesses, all esa apartments throughout 17 locations in the south-east, London hotels and Heathrow airport lounges.

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Comic turn It’s always a bit of a mystery trying to analyse precisely what makes people laugh. Like most things, it’s down to personal taste. I do feel a tad sorry for scriptwriters these days as so much subject matter included in comedy writing from bygone times has now become inappropriate.

Comedy is a particular skill and for an actor to try his or her hand at it after many high profile and serious drama roles is to be admired. This is precisely what essence interviewee Charity Wakefield has done. I suppose starring next to Jack Whitehall in Sky One’s Bounty Hunters helps a bit, but nevertheless...

When we talked to Charity, it’s obvious she had a whale of a time filming it, so perhaps less of the period drama and more comedy is now on the cards.

Our very own Mister Man: Mr Angry, aka Andy Parsons, shortly concludes his 2017 tour and has had plenty of material to work on with Brexit and Donald Trump. Also this month essence talks to touring comic Laurence Clark, who offers up something completely comedically different (so to speak).

In addition, find out about the return of a British stalwart in the form of TVR as Euan Johns takes a look at this much loved British sports car marque that gloriously echoes the past. Fashion goes back to nature with Canadian firm Matt & Nat, a company inspired by the natural world and its materials, whilst our interiors’ team gets the bug and goes native examining the lasting appeal of copper.

Rebecca Underwood takes a long weekend in the beautiful city of Basel, foodie expert Stephanie Brookes visits Lyle’s in Shoreditch, Andrew Peters samples the Michelin-starred Clock House in Ripley, whilst Emanuela Alladio assesses the horticultural challenges involved in capturing the best of autumn’s hues.

As usual, this issue of essence has a mix of beauty, legal, educational and financial advice, together with the pick of activities highlighting food, events to enjoy and places to go.

The essence team

© Maple Publishing 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 5

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Interview | CHARITY WAKEFIELD

Sweet

CHARITY

After spending her earliest years in Spain, Sussex-born actress Charity Wakefield is the stunning English rose. She’s had a very successful acting career to date and talks to essence about her current role in Sky One’s action comedy ‘Bounty Hunters’, co-written by Jack Whitehall. >>> PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ALBERTO TANDOI. STYLIST: JENNIFER MICHALSKI-BRAY, MAKEUP: NATHALIE ELENI, HAIR: CRAIG PURVES

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 7

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ALBERTO TANDOI STYLIST: JENNIFER MICHALSKI-BRAY MAKEUP: NATHALIE ELENI, HAIR: CRAIG PURVES

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Interview | CHARITY WAKEFIELD PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BSKYB.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BSKYB.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BSKYB.COM

Q Charity, your latest work, Bounty Hunters, begins screening shortly on Sky One. You’re no stranger to action having played Cassandra next to Wesley Snipes in NBC’s The Player. Bounty Hunters is billed as an action comedy. Is comedy an attraction for you and do you want to do more?

A I love comedy, both to play and to watch, so yes, I’d kill to do more of it. Bounty Hunters is a really exciting show, it’s a thriller, but also terribly funny, especially as we play it for real. Often there will be a very dark or scary scene, and then a killer funny line. It’s really just the best kind of material to play: brilliant characters, fantastic story lines and just that hint of absurdity.

I absolutely adored and cherished playing Leah, it’s a diamond role. She’s wild, funny, reckless, fearless, hedonistic and very witty.

She’s a brilliant foil to Jack’s character, Barnaby, and we had a lot of fun bringing their brother/sister relationship to life. Jack – along with Freddy Syborn who co-wrote the show – were so brilliantly available on set, adding improvisation ideas, or new lines as they occurred to them. I have a tendency to get the giggles, so it kept me on my toes!

One of my first scenes was to be hiding, squeezed in the back of a teeny tiny G-Wiz car with Jack and Rosie Perez, whilst our characters scope out a massive country mansion, planning a heist. Bradley James had to run past through the undergrowth – twice, because he is playing twins. The scene itself sort of resulted in slapsies with Rosie, and then between takes Jack and Rosie were full of bonkers’ banter...

I had so much trouble not laughing during that scene.

I have to say there were some amazing locations in Bounty Hunters, and our huge journey to unravel the case of the dodgy stolen antiquities. We filmed a Mexican cartel deal scene inside one of the pods on the London Eye. We only had two ‘flights’ round to get the scene in, and we could only fit about five people and the camera and sound in there. We spent longer in the queue for the Pod than actually inside it! Also, Jack attracted quite a lot of attention from the crowds,

so the pressure was on. It was particularly funny being directed from the next pod, via a sort of list of charade movements. Fingers crossed it turned out OK! I loved filming that show, and can’t wait to watch it. It starts October 25 on Sky One. >>> PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BSKYB.COM

Bounty Hunters, Sky One When his antiques dealer dad winds up in hospital following a rather mysterious accident, book-smart Barnaby takes it upon himself to save the family’s cash-strapped business.

What could go wrong?

A dodgy deal masterminded by his father leaves Barnaby £50,000 down and lumbered with a looted treasure. Determined to reclaim his money, he needs help… enter Nina Morales, a tough New Yorker who Barnaby’s sister met while travelling. She’s a gun-toting Brooklyn Bounty Hunter wanted by a Mexican cartel, while he drives a smart car, lives in Wimbledon and is doing a PhD in Flemish textiles. They team up, but Barnaby’s quiet life soon spirals out of control.

Bounty Hunters is on Sky One and NOW TV Wednesdays at 10pm.

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 9

Charity as Leah in Sky One's Bounty Hunters PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BSKYB.COM

Profile: Charity Wakefield Charity’s resumé boasts a colourful spectrum of critically and commercially acclaimed work that illustrates her considerable talent.

Since playing the romantic Marianne Dashwood in the BBC mini-series of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, adapted by Andrew Davies, she has appeared in some noteworthy productions. She was unforgettable in the critically acclaimed Channel 4 drama Any Human Heart, a stunning series made up of a stellar cast including Jim Broadbent, Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell and Gillian Anderson. It deservedly won Best Miniseries at the BAFTA Television Awards in 2011.

Wolf Hall, based on the Man Booker prize-winning novels

by Hilary Mantel, won major accolades both in the UK and USA. Taking a television BAFTA and Golden Globe in 2015, Charity played Mary Boleyn among a stunning line-up of the UK’s best acting talent.

Working both in the UK and America, Charity starred alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in the Susanne Bier-directed Serena set in depressionera North Carolina. She appeared in crime thriller The Player for NBC with Wesley Snipes and gave a stand out performance in supernatural feature Mockingbird Lane, also for NBC. This was a re-imagining of the classic 1960s’ comedy The Munsters, directed by Hollywood filmmaker Bryan Singer.

Charity was Julia in Close To The Enemy for BBC Two, written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff, and ended last year as the guest star in one of the highest rating TV shows in the calendar, the Doctor Who Christmas Day special.

Earlier this year, Charity played the glamorous, bold and beautiful Charity Lambert in ITV’s drama The Halycon.

She was most recently seen in Ron Howard’s Emmy nominated Genius produced by Fox21 with Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn in which she plays Betty Neumann, a romantic interest of Albert Einstein.

Her significant theatre experience includes a “beautifully executed” (LA Times) performance in The Cherry Orchard at the Olivier, National Theatre, directed by the late, great Howard Davies; Semina, The Blackest Black and No Naughty Bits, all at the Hampstead Theatre, and Candida at the Theatre Royal Bath.

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Interview | CHARITY WAKEFIELD Director Peter Kosminsky chats to Charity during the filming of Wolf Hall PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BBC PICTURES

Charity as Mary Boleyn in Wolf Hall PHOTO COPYRIGHT: BBC PICTURES

“I wanted to portray the truth of a woman living in that situation at that time. It is much more dangerous, dark and cold in the Tudor court than it is now. Anybody could be killed at any time, you have to remember that.”

Charity Wakefield on playing Mary Boleyn in Wolf Hall

Q Peter Kosminsky cast you as Mary Boleyn in Wolf Hall, based upon Hilary Mantel’s multi award-winning books. Did you enjoy playing ‘the other Boleyn girl’?

A It was a real honour to play Mary Boleyn opposite Mark Rylance (Cromwell) and Claire Foy (Anne Boleyn). My read of her from both Mantel’s writing and our adapted screen play is that she was such an enigmatic character, at once so joyful and care free, whilst so intensely aware of her threatened position at court.

Peter Kosminsky is an extraordinary director and it was a very exciting project. I think most people on series knew it would be excellent, and everybody working on it was so respectful of the work, and of Peter. He is so thoroughly well researched and prepared, and yet able to be so mobile as to integrate other ideas in such a compassionate and organic way. Each scene felt precious: like we were uncovering a secret from the past. Peter really wanted the characters to be real, living and breathing, warts and all. I think we all relished that we weren’t playing a storybook version of the past, that we could use the incredible, vivid, textural world Hilary had created to infuse our characters’ world; that they were all, in their own ways, fighting for their lives, in very difficult times.

Mary Boleyn was a survivor, and one of the very few women in Henry VIII’s court that evidence suggests managed to forge a life away, independently, in a relationship of her choice. I admire her greatly. I’d like to see more films made about women like that.

Catherine of Aragon was pretty incredible also. It’s important to start telling these stories!

Q Wolf Hall was meticulously produced using a variety of different historical locations. Did you enjoy travelling around the country?

A It was wonderful to have been able to film in the original locations.

It was an enormous privilege to be able to walk around these places in our Tudor costumes, and I am sure it contributed to the work immensely. My favourites were Winchester Cathedral, Penshurst Place and Lacock Abbey. The scenes in Penshurst Place will be forever embedded in my mind as they were the first time you see Anne Boleyn and Mary and the ladies in waiting in the story. It was just so extraordinary, after all the rehearsal and fittings and anticipation, to see us all together. I think being in the ancient buildings added to our ability to play these scenes truthfully. >>>

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Q Is it true that once, when filming finished for the day, Damian Lewis (Henry VIII) jumped into a moat and invited everyone else to do so?

A Yes, that’s absolutely true, and we did swim around that moat.

It was Broughton Castle in North Oxfordshire! It was a glorious summer’s day and a lot of the cast were around all on the same day: it was an amazing thing to do!

Q Are you interested in history and all things vintage?

A I studied history at ‘A’ Level and I guess I am extremely lucky in my job because I often work on filming productions set in the past.

I’m always learning, whether it be etiquette, dancing, horse riding and what life was like in 1810 as Marianne in Sense and Sensibility, or about the very first women to go to university in the 1920s playing Land Fothergill in Any Human Heart... to playing Einstein’s German secretary in the thirties in Genius, during the build up towards World War Two. It’s just fascinating and we can learn so much by delving into the past.

I love collecting ‘vintage’ clothes and objects for the same reason.

They can tell us our history. Clothes, for example, tell a very clear story of the evolution of women’s status in society when looking back through the ages. From corsets, hooped skirts, crinolines, and then the ditching of them so that women could be free to move and work in World War One, to wearing trousers, and then taking charge of their own freedom of expression in the sixties... I am also interested in recycling and fixing as opposed to buying everything new.

I think we need to start taking responsibility for the mark we are making on the environment... every little decision helps. I’ve abolished plastic bags in my house, I almost never take them from shops, I always try to bring my own. I try not to use plastic cups at events like the theatre or concerts. It would be great if all packaging was compostable wouldn’t it? I actually put my money where my mouth is a few years ago and ran a small vintage shop with some friends, so I have some practical experience of the business. I’d like to do more...

Q Your maternal grandfather was actor James Hayter, the voice of Mr Kipling cakes. Was his acting career an influence on your decision to enter the profession?

A Indirectly, yes. He passed away when I was four, so I never knew him really, but sometimes one of his old black and white films will pop on to BBC2 in the afternoon, and it’s very comforting. He always played fantastic characters and worked extremely hard in his career, never taking it for granted. He had a wicked streak and used to play practical jokes. I think the stories that filtered down about him travelling and all his work helped me understand that a career in acting was a possibility. I think that was helpful when I started out.

A lot of young people aren’t supported in the risky choice to be in creative arts and I was very lucky that I was.

Q After college you studied at The Oxford Drama School, which was, (and remains) a small, but highly regarded school. How did you choose it?

A I had a gut feeling that it was the right place for me. It is located in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, the teaching is excellent

12 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Quick five from Charity Q Last book read?

A Sweet Caress by William Boyd.

Q Favourite fashion designer?

A Valentino.

Q Stage or screen?

A Both – I’ll never be able to choose between!

Q Old or new?

A New, but only if it’s biodegradable.

Q What would be your motto?

A Be in the moment. There is only now.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ALBERTO TANDOI. STYLIST: JENNIFER MICHALSKI-BRAY MAKEUP: NATHALIE ELENI, HAIR: CRAIG PURVES

and the small classes meant that you get a lot of quality time with tutors. Claire Foy also went there incidentally. It focuses on being really honest with yourself and each other. It encourages actors to be collaborative and generous, I can’t praise it highly enough.

Q You play the violin and have a strong soprano voice. Was a musical career ever an option instead of acting?

A I love to sing (the violin is just for fun – I can just about get away with it!), but I would need to commit a serious amount of time to training if I were to attempt a musical part. I’m not ruling it out, but I am so respectful of the talent, energy and work ethic of musical theatre singers, and I just haven’t ever trained for it. Yet! Q What do you find to be the most relaxing thing to do during time off?

A Going for a really long walk with my family and our dog and then a soak in the bath with scented candles. Bliss!

Q Hablas bien espanol?

A Si! Un pocito porque tengo familia en España! Gracias por las preguntas y dos besos, jaja! v

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Beautiful Basel Rebecca Underwood takes a long weekend in Basel. Located on the banks of the river Rhine, where the Swiss, German and French borders convene, Basel is a captivating city of contrasts, cosmopolitan yet traditional, with a vibrant culture and an impressive number of museums, attracting over 1.5 million visitors every year.

A

rt lovers visiting Basel should head for the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts), which features three venues containing the largest art collection in Switzerland. View extensive paintings and drawings highlighting the works of artists active in the Upper Rhine area and dating back to the early fifteenth century.

Wander around the fabulous collection of Holbein masterpieces and admire the stunning works of Rembrandt, Rubens, Manet, Monet, Gauguin, Cezanne and Van Gogh. The contemporary collections include works by Andy Warhol, Brice Marden, Mimmo Paladino, Walter Dahn and Siegfried Anzinger.

Another popular attraction is Basel Zoo, located on Binningerstrasse.

Set in lush, landscaped parkland, it is easy to navigate and the 600 species include kangaroos, African elephants, lions, crocodiles, giraffes and rhinoceros. The antics of the monkeys and apes enchant visitors for hours and don’t miss the pelicans and seals devouring huge numbers of fish during their afternoon feeding sessions.

For our own dining experience, we hopped on the no. 34 tram at Zoo Dorenbach, disembarked at Universität, and headed for the family-owned and managed Restaurant zur Harmonie, located on Petersgraben. The property has an intriguing history and is mentioned as an inn on records dating back to 1807. The interior features antique wood panelling and a beautiful lead glass window, created by Auguste Philippe Matisse. This restaurant specialises in Swiss, Italian and French dishes and I sampled the succulent Café de Paris sirloin steak, served with pommes allumette, which was presented with much aplomb. Accompanied by a glass or two of Monferrato Rosso Lanimo 2009, it is a first class dish.

An exceptional vegetarian dining experience awaits diners at Tibits, located on Stänzlergasse.

An extravagant buffet style display features fresh, homemade vegetarian and vegan salads, hot dishes, soups, freshly pressed juices and a choice of desserts.

Basel’s Kunstmuseum Diners select a plate, choose their PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SWITZERLAND TOURISM, SWISS-IMAGE.CH/LAUSCHSICHT

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Basel Minster PHOTO COPYRIGHT: LEONID ANDRONOV | 123RF

Wander around the fabulous collection of Holbein masterpieces and admire the stunning works of Rembrandt, Rubens, Manet, Monet, Gauguin, Cezanne and Van Gogh.

Leisure breaks | BASEL Beautiful Basel PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SWITZERLAND TOURISM, SWISS-IMAGE.CH/NICO SCHAERER

food and then proceed to the cash desk where the plate is weighed and this determines the cost. I sampled the scrumptious quiche with a crispy salad, followed by pistachio ice-cream, and it was first rate.

The Basel Minster, once a Catholic cathedral and now a reformed Protestant church, is also among the most popular tourist attractions and is listed as a heritage site of national significance. Take a stroll around the busy market square and admire this imposing building, the red sandstone architecture, the multi coloured tiled roof, the soaring twin towers and the cross shaped intersection of the main roof. Built between 1019 and 1500 it is a magnificent example of a mesmerising blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Energetic visitors are welcome to climb the steep staircases within the towers in groups of two or more.

For a less strenuous bout of exercise, breathe in the crisp Alpine air and take a leisurely stroll along the meandering alleyways of Basel’s Old Town, where a mixture of fifteenth century and contemporary buildings can be found. Basel is home to the works of a number of world-renowned architects, including Renzo Piano and Mario Botta.

Browse around the trendy boutiques and dusty old bookshops, stop at a coffee shop and sample a Swiss pastry or two. For those who love to rummage for a bargain, the Flohmarkt, held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Barfüsserplatz, is the place to be. Bargain hunters gather to search the stalls, crammed with goodies galore.

Basel’s historic city centre PHOTO COPYRIGHT: OLIVER FÖRSTNER | 123RF

When in need of a sugar rush, Läckerli Huus, located on Gerbergasse, is paradise for a sweet tooth. Sample the Basler Läckerli, a rectangular piece of gingerbread and a veritable feast of honey, hazelnuts, almonds, candied lemon and orange peel and a dash of spices. Läckerli, which dates back to the fifteenth century, was a source of nourishment for church dignitaries and is simply divine.

Swiss chocolate fans should visit Xocolatl, situated on Marktgasse. It’s a charming chocolate boutique where more than 700 exclusive chocolate products can be found, as well as over 50 varieties of hot and cold drinking chocolate. >>>

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The historic Spalentor city gate PHOTO COPYRIGHT: OLIVER FÖRSTNER | 123RF

Basel’s Old Town PHOTO COPYRIGHT: SWITZERLAND TOURISM, SWISS-IMAGE CH/GIAN MARCO CASTELBERG AND MAURICE HAAS

For an absorbing insight as to how the affluent people of Basel lived in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, visit the Haus zum Kirschgarten. This eighteenth century property was once a silk merchant’s private residence, and the family wealth is evident. The museum features 25 rooms, lavishly furnished with period pieces.

Permanent exhibitions include ‘Basel – Symbols and Images’, which gives an insight into the history of Basel from the Middle Ages to the present time through the displays of images, symbols and badges of identity used by past rulers and their subjects. ‘The Basel Dance of Death’, another popular exhibit, is a sixty metre long mural, once painted onto the wall of a cemetery within a Dominican convent, and although fragmented, it is prominently displayed and thought to signify the 1439 plague epidemic.

Visitors seeking an exceptional place to stay in an excellent location will discover that the Gaia Hotel, located on Centralbahnstrasse, is a short stroll from Basel’s main transportation hubs and it offers the highest levels of comfort and service, a complimentary in-room mini bar and free Wi-Fi. This impressive property, which is family-owned and managed, opened in 1929 and provides spacious and contemporary accommodations with charming traditional touches. Our outstanding organic buffet breakfast was served in the hotel’s dining room that has retained its rich traditional wooden panelling. Hotel facilities include an excellent spa, featuring a Kneipp trail, Finnish sauna, treatment room, inviting relaxation area and rejuvenating rain showers.

Visitors with a preference for apartment-style accommodation will find the Adagio aparthotel, located on Hammerstrasse, is just the ticket.

Hotel facilities include a fitness centre with rowing machines, selfservice laundry, business centre and complimentary wi-fi. The hotel’s excellent buffet breakfast includes a wide selection of fresh breads and pastries, yoghurts, cold meats, cheeses and a selection of hot dishes.

Afterwards we burned off some calories taking a stroll along the banks of the Rhine and hopped onto one of the four ferries which sail between Basel’s five bridges spanning the river.

Whatever the season, visitors can be sure that the locals will offer a warm welcome to the beautiful city of Basel. v

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Gaia Hotel

TRAVEL TIPS For more information on the Gaia Hotel, visit gaiahotel.ch or call +41 61 225 1313 or email welcome@gaiahotel.ch.

For the Adagio aparthotel, visit adagio-city.com or call +41 61 686 4600 or email h7039@adagio-city.com.

Fly the flag in comfort with British Airways from London Heathrow to Basel. Business Class offers access to the airport lounge, a dedicated check-in area, complimentary bar service (including Champagne) and a contoured leather seat with guaranteed window or aisle.

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Comedy interview | LAWRENCE CLARK

Having a laugh Internationally acclaimed comedian, writer and actor, Laurence Clark, brings his ninth critically acclaimed comedy show, ‘Independence’, to venues across the UK this year and talks to essence about what makes him tick.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEVE ULLATHORNE

A

fter success at the Edinburgh Festival earlier this year, Laurence Clark’s observational, political stand-up and filmed stunts demonstrate the ridiculousness of human behaviour, the world as seen through Laurence’s eyes with humour and warmth.

Q Laurence, would you care to introduce yourself?

A I’m a stand-up comedian who happens to have cerebral palsy. My observational, political stand-up and filmed stunts demonstrate the endearing naivety and ridiculousness of human behaviour.

I’ve performed comedy everywhere from the House of Commons to a double-decker bus in Sheffield. My family and I were the subject of the BBC One documentary We Won’t Drop the Baby and I’ve been a presenter for BBC Newsnight. I was awarded Shortlist magazine’s Funniest New Comedian and I’ve been a finalist in the AmusedMoose Edinburgh Comedy Awards. I’ve just finished writing a sitcom pilot commissioned by Channel 4.

Q What inspired you to pursue a career in comedy?

A My career advisors at school never suggested stand-up comedy as a potential career. Because I have cerebral palsy, their advice was IT, as I could earn good money and never encounter access problems by working entirely from home. As far as disabled people go, computing has become the new basket weaving!

I really wanted to write comedy for a long time and was sending off scripts to the BBC and getting nowhere. I loved stand-up comedy and wanted to give it a go, but couldn’t see how someone like me could pull it off. Then I saw a show where the comedian Dave Gorman used PowerPoint slides and was completely blown away. He made me realise that stand-up doesn’t have to be just one person on a stage talking to an audience for an hour. All my life I’d had stuff to say and a dark sense of humour which I’d inflict on those around me.

Suddenly this gave me an outlet, an entry point into the mainstream.

My wife was also glad as now she wasn’t the only one expected to laugh at my jokes!

“...stupendously funny and thought-provoking show with their sides split and their minds buzzing. Laurence Clark has a wit drier than the Navajo Desert, a control of timing that would put Seiko to shame and scores upon scores of fizzingly funny one-liners.” THE STAGE NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 21

Q You are very open about your disability in your act. Do you find performing therapeutic?

A Being disabled has given me a unique outlook on life and probably makes my material different to a lot of other stand-up comics. But for any wheelchair user, the comedy circuit can be a daunting prospect. The majority of clubs tend to be above or below pubs, accessible only via long flights of stairs. Even if I can get in, often there are more steps to get on to the stage. So fairly early on I decided to focus instead on the Edinburgh Fringe where I found a few accessible venues and some considerable critical acclaim. This in turn enabled me to do tours of theatres and art centres up and down the country which tend to be more accessible. I wish I had a pound though for every time I’ve turned up at a venue I’ve not played before and the box office has tried to sell me a ticket for my own show!

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEVE ULLATHORNE

essence INFO

Laurence Clark appears at West End Centre, Aldershot on Thursday 7 December.

Tickets £10–£12 West End Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3JD Telephone: 01252 330040 Websites: www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk; www.laurenceclark.co.uk Twitter: @Laurence_Clark

22 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Q Where do you get the bulk of your inspiration for the show?

A Comedy thrives on breaking taboos. Disability still seems to be considered a taboo which is why you get so many comics doing material about it. But because I’m disabled I think sometimes there’s a preconception that my act is going to be worthy in some way and not particularly funny.

Sometimes people say to me: “You don’t do comedy about disability, do you?” as if they think it’s going to be really depressing. However, no one would dream of telling Graham Norton not to do material about being gay.

All stand-up comics use aspects of themselves and their experiences to create material and I don’t see why disabled comics should be any different. So I tend to use uncomfortable, socially awkward past experiences as inspiration – it can be very cathartic! Oh yes, and funny! Very, very funny!

Q How has being a comedian changed your outlook on life?

A I probably take life a lot less seriously than I used to before I became a comedian.

Q What advice do you have for others hoping to pursue a career in comedy performance?

A Watch as much comedy as you possibly can. Think about what made you laugh and what devices and structures the writers used to achieve that. The downside of this is that, once you start analysing comedy, you find that less and less actually makes you laugh. I’m probably the last person you want in an audience nowadays as I hardly laugh at anything! I just sit there smiling and appreciate the writing!

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WIN

tickets to see new musical sensation Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the West End. Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Supported by his brilliant, loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

John McCrea, Josie Walker, Tamsin Carroll and Mina Anwar lead a twenty-four strong company and an eightpiece band that: “sends you out on a feel-good bubble of happiness” – DAILY TELEGRAPH. Hailed as: “Billy Elliot for today’s generation” – WHATSONSTAGE, this fabulous, funny, feel-good, brand new musical sensation hits London with catchy new songs by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and writer Tom MacRae. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.

“Touching, Funny, Joyous” – THE OBSERVER To win a pair of tickets for a performance of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, simply visit www.essence-magazine.co.uk and answer the following question: How old is Jamie?

A) sixteen B) six C) sixty Closing date of 30 November. The lucky winner will also receive a goody bag thanks to Barry M (barrym.com), the official make up partner of the show. Get the Jamie look by winning this goody bag which includes Dazzle Dust in ‘Jamie Star’, ‘On Point’ Precision Eyeliner, Matte Me Up Liquid Lip Paint in ‘Paparazzi’, ‘Feature Length’ Mascara, Lip Lip in ‘Red’ and Bronzer in ‘AfterGlow’.

essence INFO

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is playing at the Apollo Theatre in the West End from 6 November.

To book tickets (from £10 during previews), visit everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk Terms and conditions apply.

Terms and conditions: One reader will win a pair of tickets to see Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre, valid for Monday to Thursday performances until 31 January 2018. One winner will also receive a Barry M

competition

goody bag. Subject to availability. No cash alternative. Travel not included.

24 | essence-magazine.co.uk NOVEMBER 2017

Comedy interview | ANDY PARSONS

MR ANGRY?

We live in interesting times – so thank goodness for Andy Parsons, a comic who can make sense of what’s happening at home and abroad, and make us laugh about it. And as the title of his new show – Peak Bulls**t – suggests, he’s holding nothing back. Veronica Lee seeks some explanations.

“2016 will be remembered for the EU referendum and Donald Trump and Boris Johnson and Michael Gove,” Andy Parsons says. “So, if I have to summarise the show, it’s asking: has the world gone mad?, what it means to be British in 2017, what it means to be a patriot – and is it true that we only like immigrants if they can win us gold medals at the Olympics? We’re not keen for people to sneak into Britain on a dinghy – unless they can paddle it very quickly.”

Andy will also be musing about the role of satirists in the world, when most political comics were in favour of Remain in the EU referendum and supported Hillary Clinton in the US presidential election.

I say it must be a good time to be a satirist, but he demurs. “You could argue it’s the worst time to be a satirist because events of 2016 have proved that what satirists say has no effect whatsoever on the general public. Satirists should be arguing for World War 3 and an increase in bankers’ bonuses on the grounds that, then, they are much less likely to happen.”

In person, Andy is more quietly spoken and laid-back than the ‘Mr Angry’ persona fans know and love from BBC’s Mock the Week, which he appeared on for ten years until 2015. He enjoyed the run, he says, but the limitations of seven comics recording a half-hour show meant that complex points about that week’s events often had to be whittled down to a few soundbites.

“We would rarely get a chance on Mock the Week to discuss anything contentious – such as terrorism or tax credits or Syria. I mean, David Cameron wanted to bomb Syria in 2013 and 2015, but in those two years he had completely changed his mind as to which side he wanted to bomb. It seemed he wanted to bomb both sides. That didn’t seem like a coherent foreign policy – more like somebody who had some bombs that were coming up to their use-by date.”

Andy, who was born in Dorset, now lives in south-west London with his medical statistician wife and their young son, and admits that there is a metropolitan London bubble – but touring the country is the antidote to that.

“It doesn’t matter where you live or what your politics are, the same things – health, education, jobs, pay, crime – affect us all. There are many things we can all agree on. For instance, Philip Green should not have been allowed to sell BHS to a former bankrupt with no history of retail experience for a quid. I would have made a better owner of BHS. I’ve got no retail experience, I’m not a former bankrupt and I’ve got a quid.

“When emotions are heightened and you talk about the state of the world, I think – at least I hope – that maybe people are more interested in what you have to say. There is a lot of anger in Britain at the moment – if only we could use anger as a renewable energy source, what a place the world would be: getting the likes of Sarah Vine and Katie Hopkins to shout their newspaper columns into generating turbines so as we could all have a free cup of tea.”

Andy rejects the often-mentioned notion that people are not interested in politics.

“Look at the turnout for the referendum,” he says – and, judging by the sell-out audiences at the recordings in London’s Soho Theatre for his monthly podcast, the Slacktivist Action Group, it seems people are very much interested in politics.

Each month Andy invites three guests from across the political spectrum – a politician, a journalist and a comic – to talk about something topical that they are passionate about. “It is very tempting to watch the news and get so fed up with the world that you sit on your arse and do nothing about it. The idea of the Slacktivist Action Group is that once a month we actually get out and we sit on our arses and do nothing about it together.” He hopes that it may be possible to do a touring version of the podcast at some point in the constituencies of the guest MPs. “I think people really are hungry for political debate because, while we are being bombarded with information, you could argue that we know much less about the world we live in – what with the growth of fake news on the internet and people really not trusting experts any more. There is so much bulls**t out there that people don’t know where to go for their news and information. Apparently a lot are getting their information from comedy shows which given that they are comedy shows is very worrying. You ask any comedian: ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?’ and they will all give you a different answer.”

Does he welcome fans who don’t share his world view? “Of course – let’s face it, I’m often not even sure of my own world view half the time. And regardless of political persuasion, everybody can agree that all politicians are no longer the same given that Donald Trump has no political experience and that Jeremy Corbyn wears vests, has an allotment and enjoys photographing manhole covers.”

And being such a politically engaged comic, is he prepared to make predictions?

Andy laughs. “Nobody could have guessed what happened in 2016, so I’d be a fool to make predictions. All I can predict is that I will be travelling the length and breadth of the country on tour, visiting a lot of motorway service stations and at some point I will succumb and indulge in a Ginsters’ buffet bar.”

The unpredictability of the news agenda means he will be writing new material as the tour progresses – and as this year has been as eventful as the last, he is a very busy man indeed.

essence INFO

Andy Parsons is at The Epsom Playhouse on Friday 24 November.

Websites: www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk and www.andyparsons.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 25

AUTUMN’S PALETTE Emanuela Alladio of Alladio Sims Garden Design explains why the seasonal colour shift of shrubs and trees is invaluable to gardens at this time of year.

I

n recent years, shrubs and trees seem to have gone more and more out of fashion, leaving perennials to bask in the glory instead, with most of us seeking the fleeting and ephemeral pleasures of their shortlived flowers whilst following the latest garden trends.

Yet it is precisely at this time of year that a garden, deprived of its backbone of shrubs and trees, will invariably disappoint by not being able to hold its own and provide the essential structure and colour changing boost needed during the drabbest of autumn and winter days.

Some trees really excel at colour changing, establishing themselves as colour chameleon heroes, so it’s little wonder why we love this seasonal colour shift so much – we should think of the leaves as if they were flowers, morphing into different hues at different stages of their maturity.

Autumn is all about creating little unexpected surprises by making the most of the low light, the soft golden tones of dying leaves and the skeleton silhouettes of seedheads before they succumb to the first winter frosts.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, 2016

One of my favourite trees at this time of the year is the stag’s horn sumach, Rhus Typhina, with its multi-coloured fronds that look like a traffic light, from green to amber to red. Once the leaves are gone it has a good winter skeleton too. It does, of course, like to self-seed itself a bit, but it can easily be kept under control by pulling out any suckers as soon as they emerge.

Acer Palmatums have, perhaps, the most attractive autumn colours of any genus. Often one species can display the whole range of autumn colours on the same tree, and one such wonder is undoubtedly Acer ‘Koto no ito’, whose leaves emerge green with a flush of crimson and then turn from buttery yellow to rich gold and end up in a warm amber tone before falling.

26 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

There is nothing like the glowing orange of the foliage of a Japanese Acer (Acer Palmatum) in autumn.

Brilliant against golden or bright, clear yellow shrubs.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, SURREY PRIVATE GARDEN, 2017

Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Profile: Alladio Sims

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Ltd was established in 2015 after Jon Sims and Emanuela Alladio collaborated on a Silver Gilt winning show garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The two directors continue their collaborative approach throughout their practice with Jon’s background in interior architecture giving distinctive spaces and Emanuela’s passion for plants and photographic eye adding great texture and contrast.

Jon and Emanuela in the show garden they created for the Istanbul Flower Festival in 2016

The fluffly flowers of Pennisetum catch the soft rays of the autumnal sun glowing beautifully.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, SURREY PRIVATE GARDEN, 2017

The first time I came across a Cercidiphyllum japonicum was whilst walking in Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming in Surrey.

I was suddenly hit with the sweet and delicious scent of caramelised apple cake that pervaded the air in the lower woodland near the lake – the tree stopped me in my tracks and wowed with its golden coloured, heart-shaped leaves, tinged with copper and rosy tips: a real multisensory delight.

Another great specimen providing a dazzling display at this time of year is the Persian ironwood, Parrotia Persica, whose scallop-shaped leaves take on a multitude of individual shades – from glowing oranges to intense reds and rich yellows.

Miscanthus is the perfect autumnal grass – wonderful amber fluffy flower heads that last for months, lots of movement and very good structure too.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, SURREY PRIVATE GARDEN, 2016

Even the humble silver birch cannot be forgotten for its striking contribution at this time of the year; the wonderful silhouette of its peeling tactile trunk – available in a multitude of hues, from the more widespread brilliant whites such as Betula utilis var. Jacquemontii ‘Grayswood Ghost’, to the soft gingery tones of Betula albosinensis ‘China Rose’ and the reddish brown tones of Betula albosinensis ‘Bhutan Sienna’ – adds year-round interest to the vivid rich yellow of its falling foliage.

Euonymus, amongst the most invaluable shrubs to have in autumn for their fiery red hues, are one of my favourites for a country garden as they offer the added benefit of being wildlife-friendly – robins in particular especially love their brightly coloured berries.

Of course, grasses are key at this time of year too, bringing soft buttery tones and slender stems that add movement and transparency to an overall scheme, catching the first drops of dew and adding a surprising long permanence to the winter garden. Pennisetums and Miscanthus are invaluable specimens to introduce autumn drama, dotted around the garden and repeated at regular intervals to guide the eye around the space, lacing together the whole composition in a pleasing way.

If I could only make one concession for an invaluable perennial to have at this time of year it would have to be Amsonia hubrichtii, with its golden needle-like leaves that take on rich butter yellow tones. It is one such perennial that doesn’t get noticed at all until it’s ready to steal the show in autumn, providing early season good lower coverage to hide bare stems of roses or other shrubs with an unsightly base. It may take a while to find it, but it’s certainly worth the effort.

Overall, autumn, being so subdued, can be a very demanding time of year for a garden, and it can only truly be mastered if the balance of shapes, foliage textures and colours is right. Shrubs and trees are invaluable elements in this composition and they can really transform a garden in autumn, and make this season sing with drama.v

essence INFO

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Limited Regional office: Lower Bourne (Farnham), Surrey Website: www.alladiosims.co.uk Email: Hello@alladiosims.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 27

28 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Motoring | TVR

A VERY

BRITISH ANTIDOTE

TVR is back and firing on all cylinders and in doing so provides a welcome option to many of today’s modern sports cars. Euan Johns looks at the long awaited reappearance of this much loved British sports car marque that echoes the past. >>>

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 29

“Sports cars used to be unique, they used to have foibles. Now it’s difficult to tell them apart. TVR did that brilliantly. We are the underdog challenging everybody, and it’s the passion drives us on.” Les Edgar, new owner of TVR

I

used to have a work colleague that spent all his hard earned cash on a second hand TVR Chimaera. He was rightly very proud of the car and being in it was like sitting in a rocket. Its livery was British Racing Green (what else) and when we left work in Wimbledon and joined the A3, rapidly increasing speed (this was pre 50mph speed limit days), I’m pretty sure most people in Guildford could hear us coming. So, with the onslaught from electric, and the imminent spectre of driverless cars, this British, manually geared, petrol-consuming blast from the not too distant past has more than a whiff of nostalgic air.

My memory stems from 20 odd years ago and the TVR company has endured mixed fortunes over that time. Now, thanks to a consortium lead by computer games’ businessman Les Edgar, TVR is back offering a distinct product and highlighting the lack of variation in today’s modern sports car market. The first all-new car to be made in 12 years under the TVR name comes in the form of the spectacular looking TVR Griffith, recently launched at the Goodwood Revival.

The Griffith is the first new TVR to be launched since the company was resurrected in British hands from its previous Russian owner.

Staying true to the brand’s rich heritage, the Griffith employs leading edge engineering and top design, as striking as it is aerodynamically efficient. The timeless sports car silhouette is accentuated with deep air intakes, generating high levels of downforce to keep the car close to the road. Embodying TVR’s long-standing ethos of the ‘Spirit of Driving’, the driver is always fully in control, as the new Griffith uses intelligent engineering over electronic driver aids.

30 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Profile: TVR

TVR is an independent British sports car manufacturer that started in 1947. The business established itself as a leading light in the British low-volume sports car market, building an international reputation for high-performance vehicles and innovative design. The current management team acquired the brand in 2013.

Gordon Murray Design Limited is a British company recognised as a world leader in automotive design and reverses the current industry trend for sub-contracting by having a complete in-house capability for design, prototyping and development. The new TVR Griffith is the first production vehicle to employ Gordon Murray Design’s revolutionary iStream® architecture. iStream® combines lightweight Formula 1 technology with outstanding safety standards.

Unnecessary weight is stripped out, not only improving performance and dynamics, but also increasing component durability.

In the event of an impact, force is directed through front and rear crash structures, ensuring the chassis remains intact and minimising damage to the bodywork.

Motoring | TVR

Founded by Trevor Wilkinson in 1947, The interior is undoubtedly driverTVR (TREVOR), is in its 70th year and has orientated, with a bespoke instrument cluster “We developed the new had five owners over that time. One, Peter so all the main controls are within easy reach.

TVR as a product that Wheeler, had a strong influence on design, A conscious effort has been made to jettison builds on all the magic claiming that his pet Dalmatian inadvertently the slightly eccentric interior ergonomics. aided the process by taking a bite out of Welcomingly, the car’s specially designed and excitement of our one of his models. This time round nothing infotainment system is centrally placed and hand-crafted British motor interior surfaces are beautifully trimmed has been left to chance and TVR employed cars of yesteryear. We Shalford-based Gordon Murray Design. The in leather, remaining uncluttered by only company’s innovative iStream architecture featuring controls that enhance TVR’s combined this with a most means the new TVR Griffith weighs only mantra: the ‘Spirit of Driving’. rigorous engineering and 1,250kg, has exceptional torsional rigidity TVR will produce 500 Griffith Launch assembly process design and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Edition models with production starting Powering the car is a 5.0-litre Cosworthin late 2018. The Launch Edition has been to ensure outstanding enhanced V8, which is coupled to a six-speed offered in a broad choice of colours, including consistency, build quality manual gearbox, a refreshing variant as quite specific, as well as custom options. It will be and reliability.” a few modern sports cars are automatic. The fitted with bespoke 19 inch front and 20 inch Gordon Murray, Gordon Murray Design Limited TVR Griffith can achieve a top speed of over rear wheels.

200mph, and rockets from 0-60mph in less To grab a piece of motoring history, prices than four seconds. start from £90,000, but hurry as demand has been unsurprisingly It’s compact, but the interior arrangement offers comfort and high. The company has ambitions to race at Le Mans, something that practicality suitable for both everyday use and long-distance driving. helped it win over the Gordon Murray Design team, so this chapter in It remains a strictly two-seater sports car, but offers ample head room the TVR story has exciting times ahead. and space, as well as good luggage capacity. The aim has been to produce a grand tourer that’s useable with some guts rather than an essence INFO Websites: www.tvr.co.uk and www.gordonmurraydesign.com out and out sports car.

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 31

Model, front, wears Dwell Collection ‘Sam’ crossbody bag with adjustable strap in henna £60 Dwell Collection ‘Livia’ bucket bag in henna £105

MATERIAL AND NATURE IN HARMONY The idea behind vegan designer bag brand MAT(T)ERIAL and NAT(URE) came to life in 1995 in Montreal, Canada, and was inspired by nature and materials and the synergy between the two.

Matt & Nat’s simple motto is: ‘Live beautifully’. Inspired by the textures and hues of nature and how best to protect them, the company is committed to using no animal-based materials in its products.

Matt & Nat constantly explores new ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly.

Since 2007, the company has been committed to using bag linings made only from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Recycled bicycle tyres have been recently introduced to the collections.

essence INFO

Explore the Autumn/Winter 17 collection at www.mattandnat.com

32 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Fashion | MATT & NAT

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 33

Dwell Collection ‘Gloria SM’ satchel in black £105

34 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Fashion | MATT & NAT

Holiday Collection ‘Aries’ backpack with adjustable straps in grey faux suede £115

Holiday Collection ‘Sina’ round satchell with centre metal ring handles in black £132

Holiday Collection ‘Suri’ mini cross body bag with ring detail in black £77

Holiday Collection ‘Petite’ clutch in grey faux suede £70

Holiday Collection Munich mini black faux suede £110

Holiday Collection ‘Lexi’ bucket bag with adjustable strap and removable pouch in grey faux suede £115

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 35

Newman basket weave navy crew jumper ÂŁ230

36 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Men’s fashion | MRQUINTESSENTIAL

Grant burgundy basket weave rollneck £250

Connery black crew neck £160

FASHIONABLY SMART KNITWEAR It is said that men lose interest in fashion in their late thirties, but fashion is about identity. Men need clothes that are considered investments that fit perfectly and look timeless. MrQuintessential clothing can breathe new life into an existing wardrobe. MrQ takes gentlemen on a journey, an adventure into style, to knitwear that is just that little bit more grown up.

The MrQuintessential Autumn/Winter collection offers a range of beautiful knitwear that looks relaxed and indulgent with classic crew and V-necks, sumptuous roll necks in silk and cashmere and tee shirts in cotton/cashmere blends, as well as a range of luxurious accessories.

essence INFO

Website: www.mrquintessential.com

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 37

I offer a mobile beauty service to Surrey. I would be delighted for you to book an appointment with me to visit you in the comfort of your own home, or if you prefer to get away from it all you can come to my beauty room at my home near Fetcham village. You will enjoy my professional approach, premium product range and affordable spa menu.

Please contact me with any enquiries or to book an appointment:

07495 878833

joannasbc@gmail.com www.facebook.com/beautybyjoannac • Manicures and pedicures • Gel polish • Facials • Spa body treatments • Body exfoliation and brushing • Swedish massage • Spray tanning • Waxing • Eye lash lift • Eyebrow shape and tint • Pamper parties I hope that I have a treatment to suit your needs. Remember to keep an eye out for my seasonal offers and loyalty reward schemes on my Facebook page.

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Psychotherapy, These feelings and thoughts may persist and become overwhelming. In Psychiatry and these circumstances it is difficult to know which way to turn.

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At times like these it can be helpful to talk things over in confidence with an experienced counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist who will enable you to explore your concerns in a safe, contained environment, to help you develop appropriate strategies and techniques to cope with your life difficulties in a more effective way.

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For adults, young adults, children and couples

Cold weather care

Winter weather can wreak havoc on skin, so treatment begins where it is most important – at home, says aesthetician Naomi Diamond of Epsom Skin Clinics.

W

e all know there is nothing nicer than a hot shower or bath, or filling the sink with heated water before cleansing the face.

However, this is one of the quickest ways to dry skin, especially during colder months. My recommendation is to turn the heat down a notch: remember, warm water is just as good and it’s better for the skin. Another tip is to add a few drops of coconut oil to bath water to protect and calm skin, but remember to clean the tub!

Exfoliating one or two times a week will help slough off dry and dead skin cells leaving a more even complexion; it will also allow moisturiser applied after exfoliation to target healthy cells and be absorbed. For those who may find this treatment too harsh, switch to a resurfacer such as glycolic acid that will digest dead cells without being abrasive on the skin.

During spring and summer I mentioned changing skincare routines to something lighter for warmer months. Now it is time to moisturise up! Using a thicker moisturiser and upping the application to twice daily will offer skin more comfort and eliminate that tight sensation associated with dryness. The Obagi Hydrate Luxe complements the skin’s natural regeneration, whilst leaving it silky smooth as the name suggests: a luxurious, rich cream perfect for this time of year.

Don’t forget, all moisturisers are suitable to use on lips to prevent them appearing chapped.

Jane Iredale is a fantastic makeup brand that specialises in mineral makeup. It has a product called sugar and butter which exfoliates the lip area to rid it of pesky flakes and a plumping butter to rejuvenate and restore.

Epsom Skin Clinics offer an incredible advanced facial treatment combining gentle micro needling to open channels in the skin, and Endocare Ampoules which contain a bio repair technology to deeply rejuvenate whilst adding

40 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

radiance, plumping fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. This is a step up from regular facial treatments with very little down time, helping to stimulate natural elastin production as well as improving cell renewal.

To enhance results, purchase the 30 day Endocare ampoules to use after which will further transform skin and keep it looking youthful.

Colder seasons offer the perfect time of year to recommence treatments halted during the summer. This means restarting laser hair removal, pigmentation treatments and those that encourage cell turnover.

Unwanted pigmentation can make the skin appear uneven, especially after sun exposure.

Various methods can be employed to treat it, including laser, as this targets pigmented lesions to encourage them to disperse and break up without damaging any of the surrounding tissue.

The other option is a skin peel specific to pigment (such as Jessners) or homecare products that help to even complexion. Correcting pigment can take time, so be patient and keep in contact with a therapist to achieve best results.

When skin’s natural pH is around 4, using alkaline soap can have a detrimental effect.

Aestheticare has glycolic peels available in three different strengths: 30%, 50% and 70%, with a pH of 2. As a result, these break through the skin’s natural acid mantle to offer a more effective peel. The treatment is also combined with Taurine which minimalises redness and irritation and revives the natural moisturising process, rehydrating skin and increasing the thickness of collagen and elastin offering a firming effect. It can be used as a maintenance treatment or to treat specific concerns such as acne and pigmentation; it helps to close pores, dry up spots and reduces melanin activity, lightening pigmentation. Skin requires preparation first with a glycolic homecare product to reduce irritation and maximise benefits.

Beauty | EPSOM SKIN CLINICS

Your recipe for great skin, founded by MasterChef finalist Angela Langford A Little Lift 30ml £31.00 Plumping and firming face serum pumpkin, frankincense and electric daisy Botanical super ingredient electric daisies are mixed with frankincense, pumpkin seed, argan and hyaluronic acid to nourish, refine and hydrate the skin.

Angela says... “This is your recipe if your skin is losing elasticity or tone, in need of plumping or firming.”

Thirsty Work 50ml £37.50 Ultra-hydrating anti-ageing moisturiser raspberry, rosehip and Q10 Rosehip, raspberry and chia seed protect skin from future damage. Vitamins A and C are blended with Q10 and arctic blackcurrants to repel wrinkles, whilst hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated.

Angela says.... “A hero product, this is perfect for dry, dehydrated or mature skin. This is your recipe for improved hydration and elasticity.”

Bloom & Glow 15ml £20.50 Radiance restoring face oil chia seed and sea buckthorn Chia seed and sea buckthorn are blended together to deliver high levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. This oil improves skin’s elasticity, calms inflammation and restores radiance.

Angela says... “Perfect for sensitive, easily inflamed or generally out of kilter skin. This is your recipe for gorgeous, glowing, radiant skin.”

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Epsom Skin Clinics Website: www.epsomskinclinics.com Telephone: 01372 737280 (Epsom), 020 8399 5996 (Surbiton) or 020 7042 3200 (Piccadilly) PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NINAMALYNA | 123RF.COM

As a predominately online skincare brand, we realise you may not have previously seen our products. We therefore encourage new customers to try products by using our Skincare Sample Pack Service.

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Website: www.angelalangford.com Telephone: 01460 929596 Email: info@angelalangford.com

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 41

Seasonal and local food offers taste, health and even economic benefits.

Each month Crates Local Produce highlight the best on offer in our region.

At their best right now Crates Local Produce is located centrally within the historic market town of Horsham and bursts with fresh, seasonal food sourced directly from local producers. For more details see www.crateslocal.co.uk. Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: YELENAYEMCHUK | 123RF.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: HEINZ LEITNER | 123RF.COM

Walnuts

The two most common species of walnut are the Persian (or English) Walnut and the Black Walnut. The Persian variety is the granddaddy of all commercially grown walnuts today, as the Black variety has an incredibly hard shell, although it has been used over the centuries for making a long lasting ink as used by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.

The best walnuts sourced are those grown locally as these will keep far better: walnuts do not store well in hot and high humidity climates.

Find local walnuts at markets or specialist local shops. These delicious nuts can be enjoyed on their own, but also make for a great addition to any nut or muesli mix and prove an excellent ingredient to many dishes. Pickle surplus walnuts to enjoy throughout the year, even though they may not look that appealing.

42 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Venison

Proven as one of the healthiest and most sustainable red meats available, venison is packed with protein, but with even less fat than chicken.

Flavour varies between wild and farmed venison, which is often younger and very tender, whilst wild venison is leaner with more flavour. The best time to enjoy wild venison is at the beginning of the hunting season after the animals have fed well on the fruits and plants of summer.

Deer numbers are at their highest than since the Ice Age and are free to destroy woodland, wildlife habitats and crops. This damage has a devastating effect on some of our other wildlife, including birds. Apart from reintroducing natural predators, many believe a demand for venison can help control the overpopulation. Simply view it and treat it as beef that is widely available minced, diced, as fillets, steaks, joints, rolled and even sausages. Cook as any other red meat, but due to the lower fat content, try wrapping joints with bacon or similar to retain juices.

Food | CRATES LOCAL PRODUCE

Walnut and Parmesan pasta

Walnut and Parmesan pasta WWW.CRATESLOCAL.CO.UK SPEEDY STARTER FOR FOUR OR MAIN FOR TWO

Ingredients: 400g pasta of any type or shape 100g freshly shelled walnuts 450ml single cream 100g grated Parmesan, recommend Twineham Grange Seasoning Chives to top Method: w Cook the pasta in a large pan as per recommendation on the al dente side. w Grind the walnuts in a pestle or food processor to a breadcrumb consistency, but not too fine.

Keep some larger pieces back for garnish. w Gently heat the cream in a separate pan, but do not boil, and add the walnuts and grated Parmesan with seasoning. Heat through to melt the cheese. w Simply mix in the drained pasta for a quick and delicious pasta dish.

Haunch of venison with red wine, black pepper and thyme

Haunch of venison with red wine, black pepper and thyme

WWW.SOUTHDOWNSVENISON.CO.UK SERVES TWO

Ingredients: One kg haunch of venison (rolled and boneless) One teaspoon salt Two tablespoons cracked black peppercorns One tablespoon vegetable or rapeseed oil Five tablespoons butter, chilled and diced Half tablespoon thyme leaves or half teaspoon dried thyme 300ml red wine Method: w Preheat the oven temperature to 180 degrees centigrade/gas mark 4. Season the venison generously with salt. Press the black pepper

over the meat, keeping back one teaspoon of pepper for the sauce. w Heat a heavy, ovenproof frying pan over a moderate heat. Add the oil and two tablespoons of butter.

Once the butter begins to foam, add the venison. Brown the meat on all sides and transfer to the oven. Roast for 15 minutes. w When cooked, transfer the meat to a warmed plate, cover with foil and leave to rest whilst making the sauce. w Pour any fat out of the pan and add the thyme, remaining pepper and red wine. Cook down until there is about six tablespoons of liquid left in the pan.

w Carve the venison into one centimetre slices, adding any juices to the sauce. w Plate up and pour over the sauce. w Serve with creamy potato gratin or roasted vegetables.

essence INFO

Crates Local Produce 24a Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1EB Telephone: 01403 256435 Website: www.crateslocal.co.uk Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 43

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID P MACDONALD

MY MONTH IN FOOD Stephanie Brookes, foodie expert and BBC Radio London contributor, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month: Lyle’s in Shoreditch.

L

ocated in the iconic Tea Building along Shoreditch High Street, Lyle’s has become known to me primarily through social media. As restaurants are now discussed online as much as in print, I regularly see its specialty dishes crop up on my Instagram feed, with a continual stream of adoring diners.

Head chef, James Lowe, is at the helm of Lyle’s, and has garnered much praise from the culinary world with a daily-changing menu of seasonal, British dishes. The restaurant itself is fairly industrial and minimalist in style, but has the kind of simplicity that tells you a lot about what they are aiming for with the overall experience. Another thing to note about Lyle’s is that you receive a set menu on which there are no substitutions. I want to add at this point that I’m a complete convert to this way of dining, in fact, I need more of this kind of decision-making in my life.

As my friends will testify, making any kind of choice when it comes to a menu is often a tricky task. For a food writer, there is a tendency to want to try everything, or at least convince your dining companion to order the other dishes you want to sample. However, no pining for lost dishes is the case at Lyle’s where the set menu of small plates is decided for you.

What I love about this kind of dining is that you’re often introduced to ingredients you may never have tried, or even come across before. It also felt freeing not to be constrained by my own personal preferences, or to fall back into my all-toofamiliar comfort zone. As it often comes down to the ‘foodie’ to make those crucial menu decisions,

44 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

it was a relief to find all the hard work done. All that is left to do is to choose the wine, and that I can certainly handle.

Our knowledgeable waiter began by presenting us with a seasonal plate of pumpkin, kale and cobnuts. The smooth, buttery sauce reminded me of a Hollandaise, although the texture was much lighter. Combined with the moreish, sweet pumpkin and the crisp leaves, this made for a comforting, first dish.

After surveying the menu, the second course of monkfish, nasturtium butter and potatoes was always going to be a winner in my eyes. Monkfish is one of my favourite dishes, and certainly didn’t disappoint here. The meaty, succulent fish, with the earthiness of the nasturtium butter, practically melted in the mouth. Of all the dishes, I could have eaten this plate twice over. I was hoping my dining companion might have left a morsel, but our plates were swept clean.

Seasonal pumpkin, kale and cobnuts PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEPHANIE BROOKES

Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Head chef, James Lowe Lyle’s interior

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PER-ANDERS JORGENSEN

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: XAVIER GIRARD LACHINE

Lyle’s gulls eggs PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PER-ANDERS JORGENSEN

The following dish of ruby-rich mallard with buttery-soft celeriac, with a side of spinach, was a true meat-lovers’ dream. It’s the kind of dish you wouldn’t necessarily choose to serve quite so rare when cooking at home, but that’s always the beauty of a good restaurant – they take the hassle out of the ‘to cook more or not to cook’ conundrum.

You may now be wondering if such small plates could offer any long-term sustenance, yet I can assure you I was deciding whether or not I could even manage dessert until the final instalment of black figs and fig leaf ice cream arrived. The ripe, juicy figs and pillow-soft ice cream was a dreamy ending to the evening’s proceedings. I think the last time I had ice cream this good was while holidaying in Greece, and it swiftly took me back to those warmer climes.

What I particularly admire about this restaurant is the sheer simplicity of execution. There were none of those excessive frills or symmetrical splodges of sauce to make the plate look ‘pretty’. At Lyle’s, you can expect thoughtful, clever cooking at its very best.

Blood cake at Lyle’s PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PER-ANDERS JORGENSEN

essence INFO

Lyle’s Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ Websites: www.lyleslondon.com and www.stephaniebrookes.com Telephone: 020 3011 5911 Twitter: @stephbrookes

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 45

Clocking up a star

Serina Drake and team have reinvigorated a culinary delight on Ripley High Street. Imaginative food creations from chef Fred Clapperton, a friendly restaurant manager in Joseph Pocceschi and welcoming surroundings combine to make an exceptional dining experience at The Clock House. Andrew Peters takes the journey.

T

he Clock House Restaurant (formerly Drake’s) on Ripley High Street has recently been awarded a Michelin star, an accolade that carries on a tradition. Drake’s was always on the gastronomic map as one of the most exciting establishments to visit in Surrey and so now is The Clock House.

It’s been a few years since I was last there, but seemingly nothing much has changed, apart from the name and new chef, Fred Clapperton, who has risen from the ranks to take over the top job.

Getting soaked by a very heavy and untimely shower walking the 200 yards from the car to the restaurant’s Georgian entrance, my dining companion and I dripped through the door. The smiling and helpful restaurant manager, Joseph, tended us, checked the reservation and with minimal fuss directed us to the cosy bar to dry off.

We both opted for the tasting menu and in doing so allowed some time as there are seven courses to negotiate.

The menu (there is a vegetarian option) consisted of seven exquisite courses filled with inventions to excite any dormant taste buds. My companion is pescatarian and this posed no problems at all, with the menu being suitably amended.

I have to say, for me, she did miss the star of the show, the aged beef was quite extraordinary.

I’m not a great meat eater myself, but this sumptuous effort would sway many non-believers.

I could have dined on that alone, it simply fell apart on touch, and the flavour was wondrous.

The best sweet? Well, the pre-dessert was astounding, it could have been the dessert.

This Thai basil, cucumber and lime taste bud tingler had intense flavours, belying the delicate nature of its composition.

All dishes were beautifully cooked, presented and served with perfect timing as Joseph explained each course with the thorough

46 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT THE CLOCK HOUSE RESTAURANT

knowledge of a professional and the enthusiasm of one who loves food.

Seven courses may suggest some sort of Victorian blow out, but portions are balanced to provide the perfect relaxed lunch. Having said that, we both had to balk at the coffee and petit fours, which happily found their way into a container.

Almost three hours later, we both agreed it would have been tempting to stay all afternoon and perhaps work through the wine list...

Unfortunately, we were both driving and duty called. As we made our way out under Joseph’s courteous guidance, the door of The Clock House opened and a gust of cool, rain-filled air welcomed us back to reality.

The Clock House Restaurant resides centrally in Ripley and has carried on where Drakes left off, remaining close to the centre of culinary creativity in Surrey. Was there a difference? Hard to put your finger on it really, but the décor is fresher and as a whole it’s even more pleasant and relaxing. Well worth a visit to escape the hubbub of everyday life and deserving of its Michelin star.

essence INFO

The Clock House Restaurant was formerly known as Drake’s, which held a Michelin star for more than a decade, but changed its name in January this year.

Fred Clapperton took over as head chef in September 2016.

The Clock House, High Street, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6AQ Open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch from 12 (noon) and for dinner from 7pm.

Telephone: 01483 224777 Website: www.theclockhouserestaurant.co.uk

Restaurant review | THE CLOCK HOUSE

The Clock House Restaurant: Autumn tasting menu sampled

“To have been awarded a star by the Michelin Guide within a year of Fred Clapperton, our head chef, taking over at the stove, is fabulous news. Our three AA Rosettes were reinstated within weeks of our change of head chef – and that was a great signal that we were on track. This latest accolade is the icing on the cake, so to speak!” Serina Drake, proprietor

Broccoli, Ox Tail, Yorkshire Blue, Walnut Beetroot, goat cheese, fig, hazelnut* Pork Belly, Apple, Celeriac, Alexanders Turbot, (Chicken)*, Turnip, Miso, Penny Bun Beef, Sweetbread, Kohlrabi, Horn of plenty Sea trout, oyster, cabbage, dill* Thai basil, cucumber, lime Medjool dates, walnut, caramel Blackberry, Hibiscus, Apples, Shortbread £75 per person/£55 for lunch per person Wine Flight available for £50 *pescatarian option

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 47

Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY

Sticky toffee cupcakes with toffee frosting A delicious sticky toffee pudding in cupcake form.

This is one of those comforting bakes that offers the cosy, satisfying sweetness the season demands.

Fluffy sponge pairs perfectly with toffee frosting: keep it simple with just a sprinkling of fudge pieces, or add a sparkler for extra pizazz!

Ingredients 80g soft light brown sugar 80g unsalted butter Two large eggs 180g plain flour 180g pitted and chopped dates 180ml boiling water One teaspoon bicarbonate of soda Half teaspoon baking powder Quarter teaspoon salt One teaspoon vanilla essence For the toffee frosting 160g unsalted butter 500g icing sugar 40ml whole milk 100g tinned caramel

Method w Heat oven to 190˚C/375˚F and line a 12 hole baking pan with cases. w Soak the dates in boiling water for about 20 minutes: the water should be pretty much absorbed. w Beat the butter and sugar together until soft and creamy and then add the eggs one at a time. w Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl.

Mix into the egg and sugar mixture in three batches until smooth. w Add the vanilla extract to the date mixture and then fold the dates into the batter. Spoon into the cases and bake for around 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The cupcakes should be fluffy and well risen. w Whilst the cupcakes are cooling, make the toffee frosting by mixing together the butter and icing sugar on a low speed until it resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add in the milk a little at a time until a nice creamy consistency is achieved. Spoon in the caramel and mix gently. w Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe or spoon the frosting on top and then finish off with cubes of fudge or toffee (handy little packets of fudge pieces can be bought from supermarkets).

essence INFO

TOP TIP: If a little sour is preferred with the sweet, add a sprinkling of sea salt to the frosting.

48 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Website: www.jenscupcakery.com Telephone: 07751 553106 Email: mail@jenscupcakery.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenscupcakery Twitter: @jenscupcakery Blog: http://ilovejenscupcakery. wordpress.com

GROUND-BREAKING BAKERY CHOOSES SOHO FOR ITS SECOND SITE

Since its opening two years ago, the much raved-about South Kensington-based Maître Choux (@maitrechoux), has sold out almost every single day. The world’s first choux pastry specialist patisserie has amassed a cult following among locals and celebrities alike who have been queuing in front of the rainbow-coloured display.

From private celebrations through to A-lister events by way of iconic institutions such as Fortnum & Mason, Chiltern Firehouse, and Blakes, the freshly-made wondrous eclairs, choux and chouquettes have surprised and delighted all who sample them.

In a move set to delight the fans, Joakim Prat, the three Michelin star-experienced chef behind Maître Choux, is opening a second location on Soho’s Dean Street this October.

A bigger site than South Kensington, Maître Choux Soho will also have a more spacious seating area, allowing additional guests to accompany their confection with a cup of the finest quality tea and coffee, or a thick hot chocolate made from a legendary Basque recipe provided

by Joakim’s grandmother.

Maître Choux Soho will offer the same core range of hand-crafted, MAÎTRE CHOUX – THE WORLD’S FIRST CHOUX PASTRY SPECIALIST PATISSERIE decadent, one-of-a-kind designs featuring show-stopping eclairs 15 HARRINGTON ROAD • SOUTH KENSINGTON • LONDON SW7 3ES like lemon meringue & bergamot, Spanish raspberry and hazelnut & MAÎTRE CHOUX SOHO milk chocolate treasure, as well as 60 DEAN STREET • SOHO • LONDON W1D 6AW Orders taken for bespoke designs, both corporate and private.

WWW.MAITRECHOUX.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TOMAS MAREK | 123RF.COM

50 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Elegantcity survey | ZALANDO

ELEGANT CITIES:

Top10

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: IAKOV KALININ | 123RF.COM

Ever wanted to know which world city is the most elegant? Fashion store Zalando’s study has shed light on this question.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: IAKOV KALININ | 123RF.COM

E

urope’s leading online fashion store, Zalando, has conducted a study that evaluates the world’s most elegant cities. For a city to score highly, essential factors including a thriving fashion scene, culturally and historically significant architecture, high tourism desirability and affordable access were used as markers of an elegant lifestyle.

A list of 400 destinations were originally included in the research.

Along with Zalando’s fashion expertise, more than 5,000 fashion and architecture experts were consulted, resulting in a final shortlist of 80 cities.

The results are based on the definition of elegance: ‘graceful and stylish in appearance or manner’ and scores are below: w Paris is the world’s most elegant city. w London scored second place overall, and ranked first for fashion schools and desirability. w Italian cities ranked strongly, with four cities placing within the top 10.

City

Country

Fashion score

Urban score

Accessibility score

Final score

Paris

France

2.50

1.52

0.35

4.37

London

UK

2.41

1.58

0.17

4.16

Vienna

Austria

2.09

1.60

0.44

4.13

Venice

Italy

2.34

1.47

0.31

4.12

Florence

Italy

2.31

1.37

0.33

4.01

Barcelona

Spain

2.05

1.55

0.34

3.94

New York

USA

2.43

1.43

0.07

3.93

Bordeaux

France

1.90

1.62

0.38

3.90

Milan

Italy

2.47

1.19

0.20

3.86

Rome

Italy

2.28

1.27

0.30

3.85

As Kasia Luczak, trendscouting manager at Zalando summed up: “Elegance has little to do with following latest fashions – it means being true to oneself and defining. In terms of cities, it’s a lot about the urban and architectural character, and more elusive elements such as atmosphere and historical charm.”

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANDREAHAST | 123RF.COM

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PICHAYA PEANPATTANANGKU | 123RF.COM

Above: Vittorio Emanuele II gallery, Milan and, left, Schloss Belvedere, Vienna

essence INFO

www.corporate.zalando.com

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 51

Trade marks and intellectual property rights Fiona Moss, an associate at Mundays LLP, provides an introduction to trade marks and intellectual property rights, detailing key points to take into consideration.

P

rotecting intellectual property has become more important than ever before and investment in intellectual property over the last few years has increased significantly.

Many businesses are realising the value of their intellectual property and carrying out intellectual property audits and putting intellectual property strategies and policies in place.

A trade mark is a sign or symbol which can distinguish your organisation or your goods and/or services from those of another, e.g. your ‘brand’. Trade marks can be registered, which provides a tangible record of your asset. Think about the ‘value’ attributed to trade marks such as Virgin, Mercedes, Hilton, IBM and Coca Cola. Even relatively new businesses can quickly establish a strong market position through their trading and trade marks, i.e. Google, Amazon, Facebook and Uber, contributing huge value to the underlying business.

Here are a few key points to consider when thinking about trade marks. w Trade marks can be words, phrases, slogans, logos or pictures, sounds or jingles, shapes or colours, an aspect of packaging or a combination of some or all of these. The most effective trade marks are distinctive for the goods or services which they protect and you need to avoid descriptive names. w There are some things you cannot register, for example, anything offensive, protected emblems, flags, anything which describes the goods or services you are selling or providing, 3D shapes which are typical of the goods you are selling, anything which is intended to deceive and anything which is an indicator of origin or which is customary in the relevant line of trade.

52 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STUDIOM1 | 123RF.COM

w Before deciding on a brand name or logo,

you should run a clearance search to ensure that the name or logo you want is not already registered by someone else. This will reduce the risk of trade mark infringement and will help determine the registrability of the trade mark. You can do a basic check yourself by using a free service at https://www.gov.uk/search-for-trademark, but consider carrying out a full clearance search for which you should seek specialist advice. w If you decide to register a trade mark, you will obtain an exclusive right to use the trade mark for the goods and services for which the trade mark is registered. Registering your trade mark may also help in preventing people using your trade mark without your permission and will make it easier for you to take legal action against them if they do. Registering your company name at Companies House or registering a domain name will not protect your trade mark to anywhere near the same extent as a trade mark.

w Trade marks are registered by the

Intellectual Property Office in the UK and other entities worldwide. The process of registering a trade mark in the UK usually takes about three months, but can take longer if your application is opposed by someone else. w Trade marks are territorial in nature, meaning that you are only protected in the territory in which you have registered the trade mark. When thinking about registering a trade mark, you should look at other territories in which you may want to expand in the future. If you are thinking of operating or selling your goods and services into Europe, you may want to consider registering an EU trade mark (EUTM). w Trade marks must be renewed every 10 years and can theoretically last forever, provided renewal fees are paid. However, if you are not using the trade mark, your registration could be taken by someone else. w Remember to keep your registrations up to date, e.g. if your logo has changed slightly

Legal | MUNDAYS

Fiona Moss specialises in corporate and commercial law and is a franchise specialist.

She deals with acquisitions and disposals, joint venture/shareholder arrangements and investment as well as general corporate governance and compliance and procedural issues.

On the commercial side Fiona covers general commercial agreements, distribution, licensing, consultancy and is a franchise specialist acting for franchisors and franchisees alike.

Fiona can be contacted on 01932 590611 or fiona.moss@mundays.co.uk

over the years, make sure you have registered the latest version. w Use the ® symbol and ™ symbol correctly. After you have registered your trade mark you can use the ® symbol. Before you have registered your trade mark, you can only use the ™ symbol, but this does not offer any protection.

It is a criminal offence to use the ® symbol if you have not registered your trade mark. w If someone else is using your registered trade mark, you should consider writing to them and requiring them to stop doing so, but you should investigate fully first and take appropriate legal advice on the best course of action in the specific circumstances.

Remember that a registered trade mark is an asset which adds real value to your business and which you can sell, licence or franchise to someone else. Intellectual property assets can also raise the value of your business in a sale or acquisition.

Above all, take specialist legal advice to ensure your brand is properly protected. v

essence INFO

Mundays LLP Cedar House, 78 Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1AN Telephone: 01932 590500 Website: www.mundays.co.uk

Copyright: how to protect intellectual property w The law on copyright is set out in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. w Copyright protects the expression of ideas, but not the ideas themselves, e.g. the idea must be expressed in a permanent form. It is intended to give the copyright owner the right to exclusively control and exploit the works (e.g. copy, issue copies, lend, rent, show, play and adapt them). w Copyright protects original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, films, photographs, sound recordings and broadcasts, software and typographical arrangements. w Copyright exists automatically when something is written down, drawn, painted or recorded, provided that the work is not copied and is sufficiently original. There is no formal registration process. w How long copyright lasts depends on the type of work created, so you will need to take specialist advice.

However, for most works, copyright lasts for the life of the creator, plus 70 years from the end of the calendar year of his or her death. w You can mark your work with a copyright notice to ensure that others know the works are protected by copyright, e.g. © Copyright [author/ owner’s name] [year]. It is also common to add ‘All rights reserved’. w Copyright is a property right and it may be licensed or transferred by assignment. Where copyright is licensed, the licensor retains ownership of the copyright, but grants a licence to the licensee to use the works in accordance with the terms of the licence. There are different types of licence (e.g. sole, exclusive and nonexclusive) and different requirements depending on the nature of the licence, so it is recommended that you take specialist advice if you are thinking about granting or taking a licence of copyright. w An assignment of copyright transfers ownership of copyright from

the assignor to the assignee. An assignment must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the assignor. w Where literary, dramatic, musical, artistic and film works are created by an employee in the course of his/ her employment, the employer will be the first owner of the copyright in the works (subject to any agreement to the contrary in the individual’s employment contract). There are different rules for sound recordings and broadcasts.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: JAKUB JIRSAK | 123RF.COM

w Where works are created by a third party, e.g. a contractor or consultant, copyright in such works will be owned by the third party who created the works (even where they have been commissioned and paid to create the works). It is therefore very important to agree who will own copyright before any works are created and to obtain a suitable licence or assignment of copyright (where required). This can be particularly important if you are then required to assign or licence the work on to your own customer or client. w Think about having a copyright policy, which sets out your business’s approach to the maintenance, protection and exploitation of copyright. It is also important for those within your business to be aware of and respect third party rights to avoid a claim being brought against your business for infringement of a third party’s copyright. This can be incorporated into your copyright policy informing staff of the potential dangers and the ways they can be avoided.

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 53

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Tax | EVERFAIR TAX

What to do before the US tax year ends?

Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax, based in Weybridge, provides US tax payers with some timely pointers to elevate any tax due.

F

or most US taxpayers, 31 December is the last day to make any changes that will impact on 2016 tax returns. Gillian Everall from Everfair Tax recommends allowing plenty of time to consider any options for maximising your tax position and has put together some pointers to help get the ball rolling.

Start with Capital Gains Tax and decide whether you can sell assets to realise a capital gain or loss to ensure you minimise any capital gains tax payable. This allowance cannot be carried forward to subsequent years, so we would advise clients to use this tax-free allowance and reduce the risk of incurring significant Capital Gains Tax bills in subsequent years.

One that is often forgotten is charitable contributions. It’s worth considering any benefits in specific timing for making such contributions as they are counted as deductible for the year they were made.

Pensions are next. By paying money into a pension, you can help minimise your tax bill.

For the US, there are set allowances in place, and unlike the UK, unclaimed allowances from previous years cannot be rolled forward.

And lastly, a federal foreign tax credit is granted for foreign income taxes. Those living outside the US are eligible for foreign earned

income exclusion, which will again reduce your taxable income.

There are also some more general housekeeping points to consider. Have you moved house in the last year? Check that the IRS has been advised using the Form 8822 which should then be posted to the address shown on the form.

Has your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number lapsed? If so, you must renew it immediately using the W7 form. As from 1 January 2017, ITINs that have not been used at least once in the past three years on a tax return will be invalid. In addition, any ITINs with the middle digits of 78 or 79 will have expired in January 2017. Should you fail to renew before filing a tax return, your refunds may be delayed and you may not be entitled to some tax credits.

And non US citizens with US investments should also remember to check their W-8BEN as this expires every three years. Known as the ‘Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding’, this form confirms that you are not a US taxpayer and that lower withholding rates should be applied to dividend income.

We at Everfair Tax are always happy to help with information or advice, so give us a call or visit our website www.everfairtax.co.uk.

essence INFO

Gillian Everall is Managing Director and Head of Private Client Tax Services for Everfair Tax based in Weybridge. Everfair Tax specialises in UK, US and Expatriate Tax and provides a unique tax advisory and compliance service to help you manage your personal or international complexities and the changing of family or business circumstances.

Telephone: 01932 428536 Email: gillian@everfairtax.co.uk Website: www.everfairtax.co.uk

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Education | KING EDWARD’S WITLEY

BENEFITS BEYOND THE GAME Marc-Antony Eysele, Director of Sport at King Edward’s Witley, explains it is only relatively recently that the wider benefits of sport to the ‘whole child’ have been appreciated.

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port has long been an established part of all good schools’ curriculum. Many will recall with pride ‘PE’ lessons and occasions when we represented our school and will recognise how this shaped personality and values in later life. Aside from obviously keeping fit and healthy, ensuring sports become a regular feature of school life can deliver huge benefits to the mental, social and emotional well-being of any child.

“We must ensure that school sport teaches pupils how to cope with the pressures of modern life by relieving stress and addressing mental well-being. In school, we want all our pupils to have a ‘can do’ attitude and to enjoy sports – and to apply this mantra in other areas of their lives. By taking part, the benefits they reap will be numerous.”

Physically fit

Pupils at King Edward’s Witley participate in regular sports lessons, clubs and fixtures across a range of activities. Sport is an important part of the school’s curriculum and all pupils at the school are involved. Research shows that people who take part in regular physical activity are less at risk of many chronic conditions. Although most pupils will not consider this health guidance relevant at such a young age, as adults helping to shape the thinking of the future generation, it is our responsibility to ensure the early adoption of an active lifestyle to minimise the impact of such conditions in later life.

This positive response is echoed in a report in The Foundation for Global Sports Development which states that young people involved in physical activity generally consume more fruits and vegetables, are less likely to be overweight and more likely to become physically active adults.

Mental well-being

We are all aware of the stamina and resilience required when taking part in school sports. We have all experienced that feeling of wanting to give up when the going gets tough. Sport teaches pupils the importance of perseverance.

Overcoming adversity and having the ability to bounce back after setbacks are traits not just restricted to the sport and coaching world, they are equally applicable to the working environment.

Building social skills

Team sports play a powerful role in developing a pupil’s ability to become a team player. These activities develop social skills on and off the pitch and through playing these team games students learn the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence, as well as the Paralympic values of determination, inspiration, courage and equality.

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Marc-Antony Eysele, Director of Sport, King Edward’s Witley

Emotional health

Research has shown that sport can have a big impact on psychological well-being as well as physical health. Exercise can reduce anxiety, particularly important for young people facing the stresses of exams and making decisions about their futures.

More than winning

At King Edward’s we have seen successes throughout the years, including being crowned champions of the ESFA U16 Small Schools Cup in 2016. But all pupils are equally encouraged, even if they do not fit the mould of ‘sporty’ or ‘elite’.

In 2013, the Department for Education posted an article which reported that taking part in sport, particularly team sports, is significantly related to the attainment of higher grades and increases the likelihood of completing school and enrolling in university. essence INFO

King Edward’s Witley Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG Telephone: 01428 686735 Website: www.kesw.org

y pl Ap y da to

Bursaries now available at 11+, 13+ and 16+

ACS International Schools is offering means-tested bursaries, ranging from 20-100% of fees, for the start of the 2018 academic year. If you are looking to become a confident, independent, thinker, find out more at acs-schools.com/bursaries You can also join us at an Open Morning. To register, go to acs-schools.com/opendays Co-educational | International curriculum including the IB Diploma | Extensive busing

‘Achievement is excellent’ ISI Report

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04/10/2017 14:12

LAS VEGAS transformed

James Stanford is an American artist who has an extraordinary new exhibition of contemporary Buddhist art, Indra’s Jewels, featuring modern mandalas, that premiere as part of the 20th Asian Art in London 2017 week in November.

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sing historic Las Vegas neon signage and architectural elements from the 1950s and 1960s, shot in the Mojave Desert, American artist James Stanford artfully creates digital montages and mesmerising designs using unique, newly developed, purpose specific technology. James’s group of intriguing digital reconfigurations convey and respond to the potency of the mandala as a symbol, and its influence and importance to Asian culture worldwide.

The Indra’s Jewels exhibition offers an insight into James’s creative process and inspiration, allied with original images of the signs and accompanied by nostalgic tales of his Las Vegas life, including being on the set of Viva Las Vegas with Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret.

James was born in Nevada and as a leading creator of contemporary mandalas, his work is an interpretation of the ancient traditions of Buddhism, drawing from historic metaphor, Chinese fable and the aesthetics of the Tibetan Mandala. After a transformative and spiritual experience at the Prado Museum in Madrid, a new spirituality became firmly entwined with his creativity. With the advent of Apple software, technology merged with an ambitious thirst for spiritual growth and education leading to James’s personal commitment to Zen Buddhism and cementing his creative identity.

In James’s conceptually complex and visually sumptuous work, the mandala offers contemplation for both spiritual and material realities.

Using a mix of traditional photographic and digital techniques, his works are made unique and compelling by vividly illuminated moving networks and layers.

Discussing his process, James says: “When I take a picture of a derelict sign, I already begin to see and find the patterns and shapes that will form the final piece. Once I get the image in the studio, I begin to layer the patterns created, making sure to save the patterns I particularly like; I never lose a layer of work, I simply continue to build and modify those patterns that appeal to me.”

This visually stunning and intricately constructed modern mandala series, Indra’s Jewels, will be exhibited during Asian Art in London 2017, an event which brings together over sixty of the world’s top dealers, major auction houses and museums for an annual ten day celebration of the finest in Asian art. v

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Profile: James Stanford

James studied painting at the University of Washington (UW) (MFA) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) (BFA), and also practices photography, digital illustration and drawing.

Dedicated to creativity and the fine arts, he has taught at UNLV and UW, established the Smallworks Gallery and curated exhibitions at various venues, including the Las Vegas Contemporary Arts Centre. He currently lives and works in Las Vegas.

Aladdin Dingly Dan-V2 by James Stanford

essence INFO

Asian Art in London 2017 Thursday 2 to Saturday 11 November, various venues Indra’s Jewels exhibition Saturday 4 November 99 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, London W8 7LN The Shimmering Zen book (rrp £75) will be published by Ianthe Press Limited and launched with the exhibition.

Websites: www.asianartinlondon.com, www.ianthepress.com

Art | JAMES STANFORD

Asian Art in London (AAL)

AAL is a major international showcase for leading Asian art dealers, auction houses, museums and institutions.

Held annually over ten days in November, and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2017, AAL promotes London as a world renowned centre for expertise in the finest Asian art, from the antique to contemporary, via selling exhibitions, auctions, symposia and lectures. Participants are based in galleries and auction houses in Mayfair, St James’s and Kensington Church Street, traditionally attracting a global audience of museum curators, established collectors and the generally interested public.

Above: Player. Below: Skrolls-V1. Both by James Stanford

Below: Binions A-Variations by James Stanford

“Las Vegas neon signage, which I see as the former jewels of the desert night, have come together with the use of modern technology, enabling me to weave it all together using the artifice of perfect symmetry into a spiritual object of meditation.”

James Stanford

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Catwalking Chris Moore is the industry’s leading, undisputed king of fashion catwalk photography. Catwalking is the ultimate first and only book that covers his six decade career from the 1950s to the present day.

This beautiful portfolio of work includes images of all the iconic catwalk shows, from salon presentations to supermodels, from dramatic extravaganzas to the digital age. Catwalking showcases the evolution of the catwalk show.

From John Galliano’s graduation to Alexander McQueen’s final show, supermodels to showstoppers featuring Alaïa, Chanel, Versace, Courrèges, Cardin, Mugler, Gaultier, Prada, Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood and more.

Chris discovered fashion when he was a photographer’s assistant at Vogue in the 1950s. He began to document the shows from London, Paris, Milan and New York and has shot every season since. Chris has attended every ready-to-wear collection, in every city, for 50 years.

He syndicates his images globally and this is the first time they are all together in one book.

Illustrated with over five hundred photographs and essays for each decade by award-winning fashion journalist and critic Alexander Fury, who conducted extensive interviews with Chris as they explored his archives, career and his favourite memories and key catwalk moments.

By Alexander Fury and Chris Moore RRP: £50.00 496 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781786270634 Published by Laurence King Publishing www.laurenceking.com

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Railway Renaissance Britain’s Railways after Beeching

When a 35 mile stretch of the former Waverley route from Edinburgh to Carlisle re-opened on 6 September 2015, it became the most significant re-opening of any UK railway since the infamous Beeching Report, The re-shaping of British Railways, was published in March 1963.

Dr Richard Beeching recommended sweeping closures of lines countrywide to improve the financial performance of British Railways.

This led to a reduction in the UK rail network from 18,000 miles in 1963 to some 11,000 a decade later.

Since this low point, a revolution has taken place: passenger traffic on the railways is at its highest level since the 1940s. Many closed lines have re-opened as the tide of Beeching closures has been gradually rolled back. Scores of stations have been re-opened and on many of the newly revived lines, passenger traffic exceeds the forecasts used to support their re-opening. In this comprehensive survey, author Gareth David asks what it tells us about Dr Beeching’s report, looking at how lines earmarked for closure, but which escaped the axe, have fared, and reviews the host of further routes which are either set to be re-opened or are the focus of re-opening campaigns.

By Gareth David RRP: £30.00 336 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781473862005 Published by Pen & Sword Books www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

Really Good Dog Photography Dogs and photography have gone hand in paw almost since the medium was invented and our passion remains undiminished.

And yet, while we claim to love dogs, we often present them in cute and predictable ways that downplay their significance in our lives.

In Really Good Dog Photography, internationally renowned photographers such as Alec Soth and Elliott Erwitt, and newer figures such as Ruth van Beek, show dogs as dignified, intelligent and noble beings.

From the dogs that helped in the 9/11 recovery efforts, to the dogs of wealthy owners and the wild dogs of Africa, here the animal is photographed in ways that are penetrating, charming and respectful.

The wide variety of approaches is the ‘Good’ of the book’s title.

Elegant, beautiful, surprising and at times comical, these images show man’s best friend in a remarkable new light.

By Lucy Davis RRP: £35.00 304 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781846149429 Published by Hoxton Mini Press & Penguin Books www.penguin.co.uk

Uncommon Type some stories

A collection of seventeen wonderful short stories showing that two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks is as talented a writer as he is an actor.

A hectic, funny sexual affair between two best friends; a World War II veteran dealing with his emotional and physical scars; a second-rate actor plunged into sudden stardom and a whirlwind press junket; a small-town newspaper columnist with old-fashioned views of the modern world and a woman adjusting to life in a new neighbourhood after her divorce.

These are just some of the people and situations that Tom explores in his first work of fiction, a collection of stories that dissects, with great affection, humour and insight, the human condition and all its foibles.

The stories are linked by one thing: in each of them a typewriter plays a part, sometimes minor, sometimes central. To many, typewriters represent a level of craftsmanship, beauty and individuality that is harder and harder to find in the modern world. In his stories, Tom gracefully reaches that typewriter-worthy level.

Known for his honesty and sensitivity as an actor, Mr Hanks brings both those characteristics to his writing.

Alternatingly whimsical, moving and occasionally melancholy, Uncommon Type is a book that establishes Tom Hanks as a welcome and wonderful new voice in contemporary fiction.

By Tom Hanks RRP: £16.99 416 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781785151514 Published by William Heinemann www.penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Literature | REVIEW

The Inner Life of Animals Surprising Observations of a Hidden World

Humans tend to assume that we are the only living things able to experience feelings intensely and consciously. But have you ever wondered what’s going on in an animal’s head? From the leafy forest floor to the inside of a bee hive, The Inner Life of Animals takes us via microscopic levels of observation to the big philosophical, ethical and scientific questions.

We hear the stories of a grateful humpback whale, of a hedgehog who has nightmares and of a magpie who commits adultery; we meet bees that plan for the future, pigs who learn their own names and crows that go tobogganing for fun. And at last we find out why wasps exist.

As more and more researchers are discovering, animals experience a rich emotional life that is ready to be explored. The Inner Life of Animals will show these living things in a new light and open up the animal kingdom like never before.

By Peter Wohlleben RRP: £16.99 288 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781847924544 Published by Vintage Publishing www.penguin.co.uk

When We Were Orphans Christopher Banks has become the country’s most celebrated detective, his cases the talk of London society. Yet one unsolved crime has always haunted him: the mysterious disappearance of his parents, in old Shanghai, when he was a small boy. Moving between inter-war London and Shanghai, When We Were Orphans is a remarkable story of memory, intrigue and the need to return.

The novels of Kazuo Ishiguro have won multiple accolades, been translated into over 40 languages and continue to captivate readers the world over. Recipient of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature, British author Kazuo’s writing career began with 1982’s acclaimed novel A Pale View of Hills.

His third book, 1989’s The Remains of the Day, firmly secured his reputation, winning the Booker Prize. His other acclaimed books include: When We Were Orphans, An Artist of the Floating World, Never Let Me Go and The Buried Giant.

By Kazuo Ishiguro RRP: £8.99 320 pages • Paperback ISBN: 9780571283880 Published by Faber & Faber www.faber.co.uk

111 London

Pubs & Bars That You Shouldn’t Miss

Combine burlesque and porn star martinis in a former public lavatory.

Sup ale in Shakespeare’s local. Catch a gig on a boozy boat. Sip sherry in a Spanish bodega. Drink with the ghosts of Hollywood and rock ’n’ roll royalty. Explore Britain’s Capital Like Never Before.

Time Out London’s and first-time author Laura Richards lifts the lid on the city’s best-kept drinking secrets. In combination with stunning photographs by Jamie Newson, Laura introduces rooftops, basements, gardens, caves, breweries, distilleries and so much more. Find boozers the locals couldn’t let die and bars so impressive people have done their utmost to keep them under wraps.

These 111 pubs and bars are so a part of London, it’s hard to imagine a city without them – and this book tells the tales behind the hostelries that haven’t been told before.

Laura Richards is a London-based lifestyle journalist and drinks editor at Time Out London; Jamie Newson is a freelance photographer based in Surrey making regular trips to the capital to photograph new food and new faces.

By Laura Richards Photographs by Jamie Newson RRP: £11.99 240 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9783740800215 Published by Emons www.emons-verlag.de

Harry Potter

A History of Magic: The Book of the Exhibition This is the official book accompanying the British Library exhibition which runs until Wednesday 28 February 2018. It is a collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and the curators of The British Library, and is the only exhibition to take visitors to the heart of magic in the wizarding world from its origins to the practical magic used by Harry Potter and friends.

This unique book takes readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – from Alchemy and Potions’ classes through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. Each chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter archive.

There’s also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition. These include absorbing, insightful contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a personal perspective on the magical theme.

Author: The British Library RRP: £30.00 256 pages • Hardback ISBN: 9781408890769 Published by Bloomsbury Publishing plc www.bloomsbury.com

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Holiday House comes to London

The immensely popular, charity fundraising interior design event Holiday House is already a huge phenomenon in the US, and arrives in London this November for the first time. Emily Bird talked to Holiday House London’s co-chair and interior designer Rachel Laxer to find out more about the unique concept.

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oliday House was founded in 2008 by breast cancer survivor Iris Dankner and consists of an annual interior design show house where top interior designers and lifestyle brands showcase their talent to raise crucial funds for the prevention and cure of breast cancer.

Each designer is given a room or space in the show house to transform into their own wonderland, and Holiday House London will be housed in not one, but two exceptional properties on one of the capital’s most exclusive streets.

Q Rachel, how did you become involved in the first Holiday House London?

A In 2013, when I did my ‘sexy Valentine room’ for the NYC show

house. It was thrilling – I loved the sense of community and my only regret was that I could not be there every day as I was back and forth to London. This is when I thought we needed something here in London.

I’m still friends with the people I met at that show house and most importantly I found it amazing the idea of giving back whilst doing something I love. My mother is a breast cancer survivor as are my two closest friends from university. I have had my own personal issues and close calls and, as a mother of two girls, this fight to fund research for a cure, for early detection, living longer as a survivor, is my passion.

There is no one who is not touched by this disease.

Q What will your role be as Co-Chair?

A Joyce Misrahi is my co-chair, close friend, breast cancer survivor and

philanthropist – she understands how to raise money. Joyce is brilliant on the fundraising side and my strength is connecting with brands I have used for years and getting people in the design community involved.

holidays, meeting the designers, artists: it is space that for the entire month will have a ‘heartbeat and energy’.

Q How will Holiday House London differ from its US counterparts?

A I believe this house is very much about luxury lifestyle mixed with a

bit of The Mad Hatter! It’s the thing that always makes London so special in my heart. Things sometimes just happen here and come together that are magical. We are hoping someone buys the houses while the show house is running, as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation will receive a bonus from the developer too.

Q Do you notice distinctive differences between London and New York interior style? Does this shape your individual projects in both cities?

A There is definitely a difference. I find New York projects a bit more

styled and London a bit more layered or willing to mix in things from the past or quirkier pieces.

Q Why was London chosen as the next Holiday House destination?

A It has been my dream to bring the show house over to London. As a

dual citizen both in the US and UK, it felt very important to me to do something for the design community and the BCRF. I am a big believer in giving back to the world you live in and that change happens when you think global but act local.

Q Who are the designers to watch out for at the showcase? Do you have any personal favourite room concepts that you’ve seen?

A Everyone is so passionate and committed – every room is

a winner!  Q What are you most excited about for Holiday House London?

A Raising awareness – I think the houses really allow

designers to express themselves as the rooms are their vision. Brands can showcase their goods in situ, so for the visitor it is very experiential.

Q Can you run through the concept and what to expect?

A I don’t want to ruin the surprise! It’s similar to when visiting

the theatre and there’s audience participation and surprises! We are hosting lots of exciting lectures, book signings, pop-up shopping for the

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essence INFO Website: www.amara.com and www.theholidayhouselondon.com Holiday House London runs from Wednesday 8 November to Sunday 10 December: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am to 5pm; Thursday 11am to 8pm.

Tickets: £20 (£12 students) This article first appeared in The Lux Pad, www.amara.com/luxpad

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Interiors event | HOLIDAY HOUSE LONDON

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF HOLIDAY HOUSE

HH Hamptons 2014 by Huniford Design

HH SoHo 2016 by Capital C Interiors

HH NYC 2013 by Rachel Laxer Interiors

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spotlight on...

Monty Python’s Spamalot New Victoria Theatre, Woking and New Wimbledon Theatre Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 November (Woking) and Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November (Wimbledon) A new UK tour of this fabulous, funny, award-winning, ever popular musical take on the 1975 Monty Python and the Holy Grail film.

Audiences cannot go wrong with a production containing knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen as King Arthur travels with his Knights of the Round Table on a mission to locate the Holy Grail.

Spamalot contains plenty of familiar tunes, including Brave Sir Robin, We’re Knights of the Round Table and everyone’s favourite, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking and atgtickets.com/wimbledon

theatre Richmond Theatre Richmond Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 November As You Like It Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity set in the modern world.

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 November Deathtrap Thriller starring Paul Bradley and Jessie Wallace.

Tuesday 21 November Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert Great comedian on tour.

Saturday 9 December to Sunday 14 January Aladdin Starring Christopher Biggins.

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November Northern Ballet’s The Little Mermaid A reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale.

Saturday 9 December to Sunday 7 January Robin Hood Shane Richie stars in this pantomime adventure Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking

New Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon

New Victoria Theatre

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November Monty Python’s Spamalot See Spotlight above.

Saturday 9 December to Sunday 14 January Jack and the Beanstalk This year’s extravaganza stars Pub Landlord Al Murray.

Woking

Tickets: atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Tickets: atgtickets.com/richmond

Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 November Glyndebourne Opera World-class performances of Mozart’s dark comedy Così fan tutte and Rossini’s popular Il Barbiere Di Siviglia.

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 November Monty Python’s Spamalot See Spotlight above.

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BANOS Musical Theatre Banstead Community Hall Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 November Under the Rainbow Feel-good show for all the family supporting Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

Tickets: banos.co.uk/ticket

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essence events High Street, Cranleigh Friday 17 November Leaf by Niggle Family theatre based on a 1939 J.R.R. Tolkien short story.

Thursday 23 November Kerry Godliman: Stick or Twist Straight talking comedienne on tour.

Tickets: cranleighartscentre.org

To Sunday 5 November The Legend of King Arthur The story of Arthur Pendragon, set within the unique antique Spiegeltent from Belgium.

Tickets: guildford-shakespearecompany.co.uk

Rose Theatre High Street, Kingston

Wednesday 22 November Milton Jones Is Out There Popular comedian on tour.

Saturday 16 to Thursday 28 December Sleeping Beauty A treat for all the family.

Tuesday 7 to Saturday 18 November Rules for Living A family gathers for a Christmas dinner in this darkly funny play.

Thursday 7 December to Sunday 7 January Alice in Winterland A new stage production of Lewis Carroll’s wonderful books.

Tickets: dorkinghalls.co.uk

Tickets: rosetheatrekingston.org

Epsom Playhouse

The Electric Theatre

Epsom

Guildford

Monday 13 November Rich Hall’s Hoedown New show from superb comedian.

Friday 24 November Andy Parsons: Peak Bulls**t Satirical comedian on tour.

Tuesday 5 December Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert!

See listing under Richmond Theatre.

Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 November Verdi’s Macbeth See this dark tale performed by Guildford Opera in the intimacy of The Electric Theatre.

Tickets: epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Guildford

Dorking Halls Dorking

Farnham Maltings Farnham Sunday 12 November Leaf by Niggle See listing under Cranleigh above.

Tickets: farnhammaltings.com

G Live Guildford Friday 17 November Gag House Comedy Superstars Top notch comedic performances.

Friday 24 November Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert!

See listing under Richmond Theatre.

Monday 27 November to Saturday 2 December Hairspray Smash hit musical returns.

Tickets: electric.theatre

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Monday 6 to Saturday 11 November The Real Thing A poignant examination of infidelity starring Laurence Fox. Wednesday 15 November Under Milk Wood Dylan Thomas’ masterpiece performed solo by Guy Masterson.

Friday 8 December to Sunday 7 January Dick Whittington Judy Cornwell stars as Fairy Bowbells with Kit Hesketh-Harvey as King Rat.

Rules for Living, Rose Theatre (image from ETT and Royal and Derngate Theatre)

Tickets: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

music Boileroom

Tickets: glive.co.uk

Guildford

Guildford Shakespeare Co

Throughout the year A creative community hub for music, the arts and events.

The Spiegeltent, Challengers’ Field, Stoke Park, Guildford

Ed Byrne, Spoiler Alert, Richmond Theatre, Epsom Playhouse and G Live

Photo copyright: Mark Douet

Cranleigh Arts Centre

Information: theboileroom.net

68 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017 Clare Teal, Festive Fiesta, Farnham Maltings

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spotlight on...

Hampton Court Palace ice rink Hampton Court, East Molesey

Photo copyright: Leftfieldimages.com

Friday 24 November to Sunday 7 January This year’s Hampton Court Palace ice rink is even bigger, so be prepared for even more skating pleasure and festive fun in front of Henry VIII’s spectacular Thames-side Tudor palace.

Why not book an evening session on the rink, which has to be one of the most scenic skating settings, and see the Palace lit up after dark whilst skating under the stars with friends and family?

Alternatively, make a day of it: explore the Palace apartments, galleries and gardens, visit the Ice Rink Café and Bar for some delicious warming food and skate at a time which suits.

We recommend booking early for this festive treat with special rates for families, students, pensioners and groups, along with two early morning weekend skate sessions for novice skaters and young children. So, forgive the cliché, but get your skates on!

Tickets: hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Epworth Choir

Guildford Music Society

The Holly Lodge Centre

Christ Church, Woking

Guildford United Reformed Church

Christ Church, East Sheen

Monday 11 December, 7.30pm Family Christmas Concert Uplifting carols and music.

Sunday 19 November, 3pm David Rees-Williams Trio To include arrangements of JS Bach.

Wednesday 6 December, 7pm

Tickets: epworthchoir.org

Tickets: gurcms.org.uk

Farnham Maltings

Guildford Symphony Orchestra

Farnham Friday 8 December, 7.30pm Clare Teal: Festive Fiesta A cocktail of seasonal music.

Tickets: farnhammaltings.com

G Live

G Live Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm Romance and Revolution A Russian-themed concert with works by Shostakovich and more.

Tickets: glive.co.uk

Guildford

Christmas Concert

Caterham Beer Festival

An evening of song and readings with choirs from local schools.

Soper Hall, Harestone Valley Road

Tickets: thehollylodgecentre.org.uk

Friday 17 to Saturday 18 November The chance to sample more than 50 different real ales and cider, along with a Prosecco Bar.

Woking Symphony Orchestra H.G. Wells Conference & Events Centre, Woking

Tickets: caterhambeerfestival.com

Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm The Jazz Age Including Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

Dorking Radical Film Festival

Wednesday 22 November, 7pm Newton Faulkner Popular singer-songwriter.

Methera The Music Institute Folk Club, Guildford Institute

Tickets: wokingso.org.uk

Tickets: glive.co.uk

Friday 17 November, 8pm A chance to see this string quartet with roots planted in English traditional music.

Vivace Chorus

Guildford Chamber Choir

Guildford Cathedral

Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm Draw On, Sweet Night Including Howells’ Requiem.

Tickets: methera.co.uk

Surrey Mozart Players

Saturday 11 November, 7.30pm Mahler and Bruckner The Chorus performs Mass in E minor by Bruckner and Mahler’s 2nd Symphony: The Resurrection.

Tickets: guildfordchamberchoir.org.uk

St Teresa’s School, Effingham

Tickets: vivacechorus.org

Holy Trinity Church, Guildford

Saturday 9 December, 7.30pm St Nicolas Britten’s St Nicolas and more.

Saturday 2 December, 7.30pm Including Rossini’s Overture – The Thieving Magpie, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Symphony No.6, with violin soloist Chloë Hanslip.

Tickets: guildfordchoral.org

Tickets: surreymozartplayers.com

Guildford Choral Guildford Cathedral

festivals

The Green Room Theatre, Dorking Halls Thursday 16 November, 7.30pm Weiner Don’t miss this tale of Anthony Weiner’s catastrophic race for Mayor of New York City.

Tickets: dorkingradicalfilms.org

Cranleigh Arts Centre

exhibitions Cranleigh

Vivaldi Singers St Andrew’s Church, Farnham Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm 30th Anniversary Gala Concert Vivaldi’s Gloria and lots more.

Tickets: vivaldisingers.com

Saturday 2 December Art for Christmas A one-day event from Surrey Artists’ Open Studio members.

Information: surreyopenstudios.org.uk

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essence events

cinemas Cranleigh Arts Centre 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org Farnham Maltings 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com Odeon Esher 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s89/esher Odeon Epsom 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s88/epsom Odeon Guildford 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s92/guildford The Screen Walton 01932 252825 or screencinemas.co.uk The Ambassadors Cinema, Woking 0844 871 6743 or ambassadortickets.com/cinema

Guildford House Gallery

New Ashgate Gallery

Guildford

Farnham

Saturday 4 to Saturday 25 November Guildford Art Society The Society’s autumn exhibition.

Saturday 18 November to Saturday 6 January Winter Exhibition Handpicked artists showcasing glass, ceramics, jewellery, prints and paintings by more than 50 makers.

Information: guildford.gov.uk/ guildfordhouse

McAllister Thomas

Anish Kapoor’s dog, etching, by Mychael Barratt, Winter Exhibition, New Ashgate Gallery

Information: newashgate.org.uk

Godalming

The Art Agency Esher

Information:

Monday 20 November to Saturday 23 December Christmas show Featuring various artworks.

mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

Information: theartagency.co.uk

Museum of Farnham

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

West Street, Farnham To Saturday 20 January Resonance A hands-on exhibition exploring the multitudinous world of sound, from gramophones to radios and violins to trumpets.

Information: farnhammaltings.com/ museum

Remembering Rhinos La Galleria, London To Saturday 11 November A follow-up to the Remembering Elephants book and exhibition.

Remembering Rhinos features images donated by wildlife photographers and monies raised will support Born Free’s rhino protection work.

Woking

Photo copyright: National Trust

Saturday 4 November to Tuesday 5 December The Autumn Collection A changing exhibition by gallery artists.

Harvest your own Christmas tree at Hindhead Commons, National Trust Surrey Hills

To Sunday 7 January The Lightbox Photographic Open See entries on the theme of Celebration and Anniversary.

Saturday 18 November to Sunday 4 March Turner in Surrey An exhibition exploring J.M.W. Turner’s work produced on his travels, stops and periods of residence locally.

Information: thelightbox.org.uk

Watts Gallery Compton, Guildford

Information: bornfree.org.uk and

To Sunday 26 November G F Watts: England’s Michelangelo A showcase of the artist’s most important works.

rememberingwildlife.com

Information: wattsgallery.org.uk

70 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017 Reindeer at Garsons Garden Centre, Esher

national trust

out & about

National Trust properties offer

Brooklands Museum

perfect venues to explore.

Weybridge

We list a few here, but visit

Wednesday 15 November, 6–9.30pm Torchlight Tour A special tour of the Museum as night falls. Booking essential.

Sunday 19 November, 10am–4pm Military Vehicles Day Over 80 vehicles from across the decades on display.

nationaltrust.org.uk for more.

Claremont Landscape Garden Esher Saturday 2 December to Wednesday 3 January, 10am–3pm Claremont’s Christmas trails Follow a Georgian family trail.

Frost on Chobham Common, Surrey Wildlife Trust

RHS Garden Wisley

Surrey History Centre

Woking

Goldsworth Road, Woking Saturday 11 November, 2–3.30pm The Road to Passchendaele The Surrey Heritage Annual Lecture with war historian Richard van Emden.

A pair of reindeer take up residence at the garden centre to help Garsons raise monies for local charity Fabian’s Childhood Cancer Trust.

Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 November Christmas Craft Fair Browse and buy from some of the finest craftspeople in the country.

Friday 1 December to Wednesday 3 January Christmas Glow An installation of giant illuminated flowers around the garden.

Information: garsons.co.uk

Tickets: rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December, 10.30am–1pm

Haslemere Museum

Rural Life Centre

Haslemere

Tilford

Christmas wreath making

Sunday 3 December, 11am–3pm

Make a wreath from natural materials.

Visit Santa

Information: 01306 711685

See Santa at the Museum and receive a gift to take home.

Saturday 11 November Christmas Craft Fair A great diversity of craft on offer, including toys, jewellery and clocks.

Polesden Lacey

Information: haslemeremuseum.co.uk

Information: rural-life.org.uk

To Thursday 30 November

Mane Chance Sanctuary

Sandown Park

Beer to Champagne: the rise of a sparkling socialite

Phoenix Theatre, London

Esher

Sunday 19 November, 7.30pm

Maggie Greville’s rise to socialite.

Charity Gala

Information: 01372 452048

A star-studded variety spectacular starring Ronan Keating, Marti Webb, Paul Zerdin and more, with all profits going to this great charity.

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 December Betfair Tingle Creek Christmas Festival Quality jump racing.

Information: 01372 467806

Tickets: brooklandsmuseum.com

Garsons Garden Centre West End, Esher

Hatchlands Park East Clandon Saturday 2, 9, 16 and Sunday 3, 10 and 17 December, 11am–3pm

Hatchlands Christmas Festive fun in the courtyard.

Information: 01483 222482

Leith Hill Place

Saturday 25 November to Sunday 24 December

Reindeer visit to Garsons

Tickets: surreycc.gov.uk

Surrey Wildlife Trust Various locations

near Dorking

Great Bookham, near Dorking

Surrey Hills Hindhead Commons Saturday 2, 9 and Sunday 10 December, 10am–2pm

Tickets: atgtickets.com/phoenix

Harvest your own Xmas tree

Painshill Park

Harvest your own tree and help with vital conservation work.

Portsmouth Road, Cobham

Information: 01372 220644

Tuesday 28 November to Friday 1 December

A Taste of Christmas

Winkworth Arboretum Sunday 3 December, 11am–1pm

Delicious treats, mulled wine, Xmas shopping, music and workshops.

Saturday 2 to Sunday 24 December

Wreath making workshop

Father Christmas in the Grotto

Using materials from the Arboretum.

Information: 01483 208477

See Santa in the Painshill Grotto.

Booking essential.

nationaltrust.org.uk

Tickets: painshill.co.uk

Godalming

Tickets: sandown.co.uk

Saturday 11 November Wild families at Newlands Corner and Silent Pool, Guildford Nature games, crafts and activities.

Saturday 2 December, 10am–12 noon or 1–3pm Christmas craft workshop at Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve, Leatherhead Make a door wreath and decorations using natural materials.

Saturday 9 December, 10.30am–12 noon Winter warmer on Chobham Common A brisk walk around the Common learning about habitat restoration.

Information: surreywildlifetrust.org/ events

farmers’ markets Camberley Saturday 18 November, 10am–3pm Cranleigh Every Friday, 9.30–11am Epsom Sunday 3 December, 9.30am–1.30pm Farnham Sunday 26 November, 10am–1.30pm Guildford Tuesday 7 November and 5 December, 10.30am–3.30pm Haslemere Sunday 3 December, 10am–1.30pm Milford Sunday 19 November, 10am–1.30pm Ripley Saturday 11 November and 9 December, 9am–1pm Walton-on-Thames Saturday 2 December, 9.30am–2pm Woking Thursday 7 December, 9am–2pm

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Photo copyright: Stephen Duffy/Surrey Wildlife Trust

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SELETTI LIGHTING

Seletti Elephant Lamp

Seletti Black Monkey Lamp

Seletti Monkey Lamp

Seletti Banana Lamp

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2pp_Interior Lights_Layout 1 31/10/2017 08:40 Page 2

Interior accessories | SELETTI LIGHTING

Seletti’s quirky statement of style

Lighting is a necessary part of any interior design scheme, but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Gone are the days where only traditional lighting will do, with many interior designers now seeing lighting as a great way to be creative. Seletti Lighting is a good example of this as Jane Pople discovered.

S

eletti has used its renowned quirky sense of creativity to create a range of modern lighting designs for just about every style of home. Art, design, entertainment, innovation and originality have been seen by Seletti as synonymous with Italian excellence and eclecticism since 1964. This means an amazing, never-ending journey that constantly evolves. Seletti is all of this and much more, as (r) evolution is the only solution.

The company recently enriched its lighting collection with a series of innovative designs which confirm, with a sprinkle of wit and humour, the avant-garde and art-orientated spirit of the company. Masters of collaboration, one of Seletti’s newest projects combines the uniqueness of Studio Job’s artistic imagery with the more democratic soul of Seletti. The result is the fabulous Banana Lamp, the precious object which brought to fame Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel. Available in three designs playfully named Huey, Louie and Dewey, the metallic design detail creates an additional talking point to these fantastically unique pieces.

From the existing Seletti Lighting collection, the Mouse Lamp is a continued favourite. Available in three different styles, sitting, standing and lying down, it makes a great addition to a work space. Perfect as a unique task lamp, this white resin design is irreverent and stealthy, great for those looking to add a touch of fun to their décor.

One of the most recognisable collections from the Seletti lighting design range is the Monkey Lamp. The result of a fruitful collaboration between Seletti and successful Italian designers Marcantonio, it has become a renowned best-seller.

Demonstrating the fascination of the artist for the natural world and imagination, the Monkey Lamp celebrates new forms and ways of expression.

Seletti Mouse Lamps

The new Elephant Lamp recalls a romantic world, a fairytale in which elephant and moon meet on the top of a hill.

Gio Tirotto has designed Verso for Seletti, symbol of an everlasting rise/descent: an adjustable sculptured desk lamp that evokes movement in physical and spiritual terms, an object suspended between reality and fantasy.

Caractere, a collection of 21 letter designs which can be fixed on walls or placed on any furniture, is a great LED lamp range from Seletti that can be mixed and matched to create unique settings. Expressing the endless possibilities of communicating words and thoughts, the range has already become the bestseller of Seletti’s lighting collection. essence INFO Website: www.amara.com This article first appeared in The Lux Pad, www.amara.com/luxpad

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 73

FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION – PERFECT IN FORM AND FUNCTION www.aparattus.pt • info@aparattus.pt Space is an exclusive collection that will give elegance and personality to your home

3pp_Interior Trend_Layout 1 31/10/2017 08:39 Page 1

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CASADECO

Casadeco's Uni Betons' wallpaper in copper

Native need Copper is still the must-have metal of the moment and here Aimee Connolly explores five simple steps to bring copper into the home.

E

ver since Dulux named Copper Blush as the Colour of the Year in 2015, homeowners have been embracing the rich properties of copper to create a refined look throughout interiors. The versatile metal brings warmth and character to any space. Seen throughout interiors from the kitchen to the bathroom, this highly regarded native metal has been in the spotlight for the past few years and shows no sign of disappearing.

Some of the simplest and quickest ways to introduce the trend into rooms in the home are described here.

Living room Living rooms can carry the copper trend with bold feature walls and complementing accessories. To begin, take a look at the room space and choose a wall to highlight. As a general rule, the feature wall should be the one the eye is naturally drawn to, and it should be free of windows or doors as this can overpower the look. If a feature wall isn’t immediately obvious, perhaps highlight a section of the room, such as a chimney breast or alcove.

We love Book Room Red by Farrow & Ball or, for a rustic finish, look to Casadeco’s Uni Betons’ wallpaper in copper. Keep the rest of the interior simple by choosing a crisp white paint for the remaining walls, and pull the look together with grey soft furnishings and warm copper accessories. >>>

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Interior trends | COPPER

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CATCHPOLE & RYE

Catchpole & Rye's copper bateau set in the Farmhouse Suite at Artist Residence, Oxfordshire

NOVEMBER 2017 | essence-magazine.co.uk 77

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: CATCHPOLE & RYE

3pp_Interior Trend_Layout 1 31/10/2017 08:39 Page 3

Home office Introducing copper art into a gallery wall is an increasingly popular trend.

Start by choosing a favourite wall décor, whether paintings, sculptures, posters or wall lights. Mix styles and finishes to keep the look fresh and introduce colours that complement copper such as blush pink, grey and white.

Anything goes with a gallery wall, they are designed to showcase individual personality. However, ensure roughly three to six inches of space is left between each piece to avoid a cluttered appearance.

Finish the home office with complementing accessories such as a copper desk lamp, letter tray or pen holder to tie in the look and keep the workspace clutter free.

Bathroom Nothing says luxury quite like sinking into a copper bathtub. Copper brings a timeless look to a bathroom and transforms even the simplest of en suites into an ultimate relaxing retreat.

To create a truly opulent setting, offset the warming hues of a copper bathtub with a dark and moody wall: our favourite colours for this are Hague Blue and Studio Green by Farrow & Ball.

For a subtle nod to the look without investing in a new bathtub, copper accessories such as soap pumps and tumblers are a fuss-free way to introduce the trend. Finish with natural materials such as concrete and marble and invest in a selection of luxury candles to recreate the spa feeling at home.

Dining room A thoughtfully curated table setting can transform everyday dining into a special occasion.

Introduce copper into a dining room by investing in key accessories that truly transform a setting: placemats, coasters, candle holders and napkin rings. These elements are easily interchangeable and one of the simplest ways to create a detailed scheme.

Copper accessories pair well with a wide range of tableware

78 essence-magazine.co.uk | NOVEMBER 2017

Home office with complementing copper desk lamp accessory

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STYLECASTER

Ctachpole & Rye’s copper bowl

collections from minimalist whites to the ornately detailed. Our favourite is a mix of old and new monochrome: think black and white graphic tableware juxtaposed with rustic, naturally aged copper accessories. Finish the look with simple, modern glassware, or for a truly opulent setting, invest in Art Deco inspired glassware with metallic detailing.

Kitchen A set of brightly burnished copper pans brings the country farmhouse look to any interior. Widely regarded as one of the best metals to cook with, copper pans are strong, durable and conduct, diffuse and maintain heat better than any other metal. An obvious choice for any food aficionado, they also double as a statement kitchen accessory when hung above a stove or over a kitchen island.

Copper pans work best in rustic, farmhouse interior styles, but they can also add a touch of warmth to minimalist, modern kitchens. The key is to pair them with other copper accessories such as bowls, tumblers and serving trays with hammered or naturally aged finishes.  essence INFO Websites: www.amara.com This article first appeared in The Lux Pad, www.amara.com/luxpad

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