House Magazines (London editions) August 2020

Concours of Elegance 4-6 September

Secret Garden Bar

at the Ritz

‘Every Picture Tells A Story’ Terry O’Neill at Maddox Gallery

Brigitte Bardot, Spain 1971

Architecture Interior design Build Project Management

For further information call Mark Howorth on 020 7336 8560 or visit callenderhoworth.com Follow us on: twitter.com/C_H_studio pinterest.com/CHstudio facebook.com/CallenderHoworth

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MAGAZINES

Maddox Gallery is proud to present Terry O’Neill ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’, an exclusive retrospective exhibition devoted to the renowned and celebrated British photographer, Terry O’Neill. Spanning over 60 years, no other photographer has embraced the span of fame, capturing the icons of our age. From the faces of film to fashion, movie stars to musicians and presidents to pop stars, Terry has become one of the world’s most collected photographers. His work now hangs in national art galleries and private collections around the world.

The most astonishing cars ever produced, a line-up of world-famous luxury brands, and one of the UK’s most beautiful historic royal settings. That’s the successful recipe for the Concours of Elegance, returning to Hampton Court Palace from 4-6th September.

Seductively hidden and accessible from inside the hotel, The Secret Garden Bar is a secluded stylish oasis for guests to drink and dine al fresco and enjoy the English Summer Season in the centre of the city. Located on the edge of Royal Green Park, The Ritz London’s new elegant Secret Garden Bar has been designed with trimmed topiary, verdant green foliage, vibrant flower boxes featuring colourful geraniums, olive trees and fragrant lavender pots.

Chelsea Flower Show is the most prestigious shop window for garden design in the world.

Careers are launched by gaining that elusive gold medal for a show garden. For visitors they are the big draw; fascination with the huge cost, a sense of fantasy, and admiration for the prodigious skill required to create something so accomplished in such a short time.

LINDA MARGARET, editor

Editor LINDA MARGARET Editorial Assistant Katie Miller Sub Editor Nicholas Peter Fashion Editor Lara Accison Design & Production Lisa Wade DIGITAL & PROJECT MANAGER CHAMINDA JONES SOCIAL MEDIA JESSICA PIKE senior business development manager GEMMA GOODWIN ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew, Lisa Westerman Anita Hill COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER EMILY SMITH ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD 0844 800 8439 ON THE COVER: Kaufmann Desert House. Former fashion model Helen Dzo Dzo Kaptur (in white lace), Nelda Linsk (in yellow), wife of art dealer Joseph Linsk, and actress Lita Baron (in white sunhat) at the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, California, January 1970. The Linsks are the current owners of the house.

(Photo by Slim Aarons / The Getty Images Archive & Darkroom London England / Prints available from GALERIE PRINTS)

www.HOUSEMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Celebrate our South Kensington Gallery Launch.

Guests will also have the opportunity to receive an exclusive Deborah Azzopardi print when spending in excess of ÂŁ2000 on launch night w. smithandpartner.co.uk e. gallery@smithandpartner.co.uk

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The World’s Most Regal Car Park This September, automotive royalty gathers in Hampton Court Palace for the world-famous Concours of Elegance

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“The perfect chance to gawp at one-off Alfa Romeos, race-winning Bugattis, coach built American rarities and a line-up of ‘Future Classics’”

The most astonishing cars ever produced, a line-up of world-famous luxury brands, and one of the UK’s most beautiful historic royal settings. That’s the successful recipe for the Concours of Elegance, returning to Hampton Court Palace from 4-6th September.

Following formal approval from Historic Royal Palaces, the Concours of Elegance – presented by luxury watchmakers, A. Lange & Söhne – is the first major international concours d’elegance event since March, and the perfect chance to gawp at one-off Alfa Romeos, race-winning Bugattis, coach built American rarities and a line-up of ‘Future Classics’ from the likes of Singer, Koenigsegg and Pagani.

Originally launched at Windsor Castle in 2012, the event has grown since, hosted at St James’s Palace in 2013, Hampton Court Palace in 2014, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015, back to Windsor in 2016 and then finding a semi-permanent home at

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Hampton Court Palace from 2017. As the Concours of Elegance evolved over the years – always with a stunning collection of cars at its heart – it has morphed into a celebration of luxury goods, fine food and drink, wonderful music and superb displays of art.

The line-up of cars is a veritable feast of the most famous brands in the world; Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti and Lamborghini all feature. But each car in the Concours must be invited to attend, and to get an invitation, your car must be extremely special. An expert Concours of Elegance Steering Committee of motoring aficionados pick one-offs, rarities and models with incredible backstories to invite to Hampton Court Palace to create a truly special line-up of vehicles.

The Concours of Elegance’s centrepiece display is reserved only for the most extraordinary vehicles or astonishing motoring feats.

This year, is a specially curated collection of McLaren F1 GTRs that finished 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1995. All five cars will be parked side-by-side at Concours of Elegance 2020; the winning Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing car, the third-place Harrodsliveried car of Andy Wallace, Derek Bell and Justin Bell, the fourthplace Gulf Racing F1 GTR, the Giroix Racing Team F1 GTR that finished fifth and the 13th-placed Societe BBA car.

In addition to the spectacular McLaren F1 GTR centrepiece, visitors can expect to see two one-off Alfa Romeos in the show’s very special Main Concours display - demonstrating the best in contemporary engineering and hand-crafted design. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B and 2500 were among the most expensive cars in the world during the ’30s and ‘40s, featuring engines designed by one of the great automotive designers of all time; Vittorio Jano, His engines helped both cars to amass a number of impressive race victories.

They finished 1st and 2nd in their class at the 1937 Mille Miglia, 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the 1937 Targa Abruzzo in Pescara, took victory again at Pescara in 1938 and won the Targa Florio in 1950.

Concours of Elegance’s tribute to 70 years of motorsport’s top echelon includes five exceptional F1 cars, each representing a pinnacle of achievement in F1’s constant quest for speed. The group

“Concours of Elegance’s tribute to 70 years of motorsport’s top echelon includes five exceptional F1 cars”

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“Alongside these magnificent cars, visitors may explore Hampton Court Palace” comprises cars every enthusiast will recognise Ferrari, Williams and Lotus machines inextricably linked with racing heroes such as Sir Stirling Moss, Niki Lauda and Damon Hill.

For those not yet old enough to enjoy the thrills of a road car, Concours of Elegance is proud the introduce the Junior Concours.

Celebrating the best of half-scale hand-built pedal, electric and petrol-powered cars of all ages, the Junior Concours, will see parents and their children taking on the roles of Works Drivers and Mechanics.

Nearly 1000 cars will gather in the Palace grounds for a number

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of other features, including the seventh annual Royal Automobile Club Trophy. The UK’s finest car clubs, from Rolls-Royce to Ferrari will enter their most spectacular vehicles for an opportunity to win a much-vaunted place among the Main Concours collection of cars in the 2021 event.

Alongside these magnificent cars, visitors may explore Hampton Court Palace and visit a vast array of street-food outlets and enjoy champagne by the original Champagne Charlie, Charles Heidsieck.

There’s the opportunity for some luxury shopping, too, with pop-up boutiques from the likes of fine horologists A. Lange & Söhne and their intricately crafted German timepieces, and fashion brands like Niccolò P.’s signature polo shirts. With a new Official Insurance Partner, Chubb Insurance, and Specialist Dealer Displays from the likes of Frank Dale, Bell Sport & Classic, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Export 56 and more.

Clearly, it’s worth addressing the elephant in the room. With audience welfare in mind, the organisers have created a new Covid-19safe operational plan that includes revised hospitality and restricted visitor numbers, with the introduction of separate morning and afternoon tickets. Should government guidance negate the running of the event, all tickets can be refunded or rolled over to 2021. concoursofelegance.co.uk

local STORY COVER

Elizabeth Taylor and David Bowie

‘Every Picture Tells A Story’ Terry O’Neill at Maddox Gallery 16 AUGUST 2020

Mick Jagger, 1964

Maddox Gallery is proud to present Terry O’Neill ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’, an exclusive retrospective exhibition devoted to the renowned and celebrated British photographer, Terry O’Neill.

Spanning over 60 years, no other photographer has embraced the span of fame, capturing the icons of our age. From the faces of film to fashion, movie stars to musicians and presidents to pop stars, Terry has become one of the world’s most collected photographers. His work now hangs in national art galleries and private collections around the world.

Terry began his career at the birth of the 1960s.

Twiggy, London 1966

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COVER STORY

Faye Dunaway, Beverly Hills Hotel 1976

“He realised that youth culture was a breaking news story on a global scale and began chronicling the emerging faces of film, fashion and music who would go on to define the Swinging Sixties.

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While other photographers concentrated on earthquakes, wars and politics, he realised that youth culture was a breaking news story on a global scale and began chronicling the emerging faces of film, fashion and music who would go on to define the Swinging Sixties.

By 1965 he was already being commissioned by the most prominent magazines and newspapers in the world.

“When Elizabeth Taylor asks you for a favour, you don’t say no”, this initiated the celebrated image of Taylor and Bowie when Terry was asked to initiate a meeting between the two for the 1976 film ‘The Blue Bird’. The moment captures the extraordinary and intimate introduction between two icons, directed and composed by Taylor. The shot still highlights their instant chemistry and solidified a lifelong friendship between them.

In the first retrospective show since his death, the exhibition includes a portfolio of witty and strikingly original photographs from Elton John, Paul Newman, Mick Jagger, Clint Eastwood, Joan Collins, Brigitte Bardot, Sean Connery and many others. maddoxgallery.com

Brigitte Bardot, Spain 1971

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Interactive dining at Claridges THE DETAILS Reservations Interactive dining can be arranged any day throughout the year for groups of 10 people.

For further information and to book your place, please contact Barbara Poljak: Call: +44 (0)20 7409 6232 Email: bpoljak@claridges.co.uk claridges.co.uk

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Claridge’s, the Connaught, the Berkeley, Maybourne Hotel Group maybourne.com

pen a door onto a world that few hotel guests are privileged to see. Meet the talented chefs behind Claridge’s menus – and witness the skill and creativity that go into making a select number of dishes.

Go behind the scenes

The world-renowned 5*hotel is holding an interactive dining experience giving you an inside look at the culinary traditions of Claridge’s kitchens, where you are shown what it takes to prepare, cook and present a perfect plate from the Claridge’s menu. Members of the class get to provide practical assistance.

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After seeing how the dishes are made, take a seat for dinner, with complementary wines chosen by Claridge’s sommelier.

An interactive dining experience at Claridge’s includes: • Champagne reception with canapés • Four-course dinner • Paired wines • Coffee and petit-fours

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The Art of Buying Art

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This combination of art expertise and an understanding of what clients are looking for is at the heart of what Phillipson Fine Art does.

hanks to the Lockdown, it was not uncommon for us all to be stuck at home and left, literally, staring at the walls. As such, it was a good time to revisit the items that we’ve put on those walls and whether they still give us pleasure.

Alison Phillipson - who specialises in sourcing contemporary art for private and corporate clients comments: “We can all get pretty immune to what we’ve got on our walls. Family photographs and heirlooms will always have a special resonance, but often the prints or paintings that we bought maybe many years ago have perhaps lost their charm. Having reproductions of work by great masters - whether they’re Pissarro or Picasso - is fine, but personally I find new work by artists who are active today is fantastically exciting to engage with.

“And certainly, if you’re thinking of refreshing the visual

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landscape of your home there has never been a better time to buy contemporary art. There is a wonderful group of talented young artists producing stunning work at accessible prices.”

Of course, contemporary art can be an intimidating part of the art world with which to engage. The bad press it often gets overlooks some of the tremendous work that is being done. When setting up Phillipson Fine Art, eleven years ago, Alison appreciated both this challenge and also the opportunity it presented.

“It’s not uncommon for us to help people who have been looking to invest in contemporary art for a long time but just hadn’t been able to connect with the right work. My role is to talk through what people are looking for: is it a painting, sculpture or other medium?

And also to consider the space for which it is intended.

“That can entail the interior of someone’s home. There’s no point in being precious about that dynamic: for a piece of art to truly work it has to be in a setting which shows it to its best advantage.

You wouldn’t hang a 5ft-high Rothko in a 16th century cottage with 6ft ceiling heights.”

Phillipson has a FirstClass honours degree in Fine Art and History of Art and an MA in Contemporary Art Theory, but it is her love of contemporary fine art that shines through when she talks about connecting clients to artists. “It’s fascinating to watch an artist develop and follow them on that journey. Yes, some of my clients have made gains on the art that they have bought through me, but the common denominator amongst them all is that they love the pieces they buy and value the connection with the artist who has created that work.”

This combination of art expertise and an understanding of what clients are looking for is at the heart of what Phillipson Fine Art does. “We have some clients who we may only ever source one piece, and others who are assiduous collectors. Part of the enjoyment of what I do is working with a wide range of people whose only connection is their interest in contemporary art.”

Throughout the process great care and diligence is taken to match a client’s personal tastes, their requirements and, of course, their budget: “We’ve helped clients source works from £500 to over £100,000,” Phillipson reports, “and also have commissioned pieces from specific artists.

“Our approach to the purchase and commissioning of fine art is to create a very personal dialogue that is always bespoke, discreet and sensitive to our client’s aspirations and tastes.” She works with exceptional artists and will purchase either direct from an artist or from a gallery.

“It is enormously satisfying to bring things of beauty into people’s lives and also help artists develop their careers,” she reflects. So, who are some of the artists that she finds most exciting at present?

“That’s like having to say who your favourite child is,” she laughs.

“I would have to mention the sculptor James Capper and the painter Masaki Yada whom I think are both tremendous talents. I shall now wait for the ‘what-about-me?’ emails from all the others I know!”

So if the art on your wall began to pall during Lockdown, it might be an idea to give Alison a call and start investigating the vibrant world of contemporary art.

THE DETAILS Phillipson Fine Art +44 (0)7767 677 677 alison@phillipsonfineart.co.uk phillipsonfineart.co.uk

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FEATURE

Buy Artworks Easily!

With London & online gallery

Poolside-Gossip-1970 by Slim Aarons The Getty Images Archive London England

GALERIE PRINTS

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lot of people are intimidated by galleries or overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing a suitable artwork for their home or as a present or as an investment piece...” explains GALERIE PRINTS founder Stuart, “but actually there should be nothing intimidating about it at all!”.

“That’s one of the core reasons why we created GALERIE PRINTS, to make really beautiful photography and art prints genuinely accessible.”

Marilyn On The Roof 1955 by Ed Feingersh

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Pink Bardot by BATIK

FEATURE

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1936 Photo by Dorothea Lange

over 1,000 of his works - or an image by an unknown photographer for the sheer beauty of it, GALERIE PRINTS pride themselves on exceptional customer care and are always open to answering any type of questions on any of their offerings and always open to lending useful advice.

“We like to work with interior designers on large hotel projects to individuals just wanting to choose a gift for someone special” “…Paramount in importance to us is that our customers are happy – and we never tire of getting yet another nice review or comment from our clients…at the end of the day that’s what really matters…” says Fleur, Production Manager at GALERIE PRINTS. Prints and frames are made to order and can be done to any specification and securely delivered worldwide.

1986 Robert Therren Vi9ntage Exhibition Poster

Bruce Springsteen The River Tour 1980 Vintage Poster

“We offer a wide range of prints from Photography to Art and Vintage Posters and for a wide range of price levels from £ 100 for a beautiful open edition print to £ 90 K for a one-off edition print of Duffy’s infamous Aladdin Sane image signed by David Bowie himself.”

Covering a wide range of subjects, themes include Sports, Architecture, Pop Art, Travel and Social Documentary and in large range of formats including Supersize prints at 2m x 1.5m and larger – there is genuinely something for every art and image lover.

Beautifully produced prints with London handmade framing and finishing, the quality speaks for itself.

Whether you are buying an exclusive hand signed Terry O’Neill print or an Estate Stamped Slim Aarons print from our collection of

THE DETAILS GALERIE PRINTS have a gallery in southwest London at 152 Arthur Road, Wimbledon Park SW19 8AQ and are online with a highly established international client base at GALERIEPRINTS.com

Swiss Alps 1928 Photo by H Armstrong Roberts

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NOBU LONDON SAFETY & STYLE

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obu London Old Park Lane has reopened its doors after several months of lockdown. An integral part of London’s dining scene for over 23 years, customers are ready to return for their taste of Nobu. The famous Black Cod Miso is sure to be at the top of many lists for diners, while the Baby Tiger Shrimp Tempura was cited as the most-missed dish by customers while at home.

Bright and spacious, with large windows that look out towards Hyde Park, Nobu London was the first European location of the now globally renowned brand, named after chef and founder, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.

A pioneer in Japanese cuisine, Nobu’s innovative food has amassed a devoted following the world over. In addition to

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The iconic Japanese restaurant in Mayfair is making the most of life after lockdown. exceptional sushi, hand crafted by some of the world’s most talented chefs, Nobu’s iconic dishes include New Style Sashimi thinly sliced sashimi seared with hot olive oil and sesame - and Crispy Rice - cubes of crisped sushi rice served with spicy tuna or salmon tartare.

For those who haven’t yet returned to the city, or who are pacing their return to restaurants, these favourite dishes are still available on Nobu London’s takeaway menu, which launched during lockdown. A first for the long-standing location, the restaurant responded to customer demands by putting together a selection of items, including sake and wine, available for collection at the restaurant or delivery via Deliveroo and Supper. The at-home experience proved

impeccable service.

The restaurant has been adapted to allow for safe social distancing while dining. All areas of the building are being regularly and thoroughly cleaned, with all staff observing frequent handwashing and the highest possible standards of cleanliness.

Smart steps have been put in place to limit contact, such as innovative QR code menus - guests simply scan the code and view the full menu on their phone or other smart device - and one-touch menus for each customer’s use only.

The team themselves are also being supported with daily wellness and temperature checks and proper protective equipment to allow them to get to and from work safely. Customers can rest assured that everyone, from the manager welcoming them, to their dedicated server and the chef working hard in the kitchen are going above and beyond to ensure that everyone dining at Nobu enjoys a safe, untroubled and happy meal.

Nobu London is open for dine-in and takeaway. To view opening hours, full health and safety measures and book a table visit: noburestaurants.com 020 7447 4747

“When you see the same people every week for several decades, you can’t allow that to slip away, even during a pandemic”

popular and will continue to be available seven days a week.

From guiding customers step-by-step through ordering a food delivery, to sharing recipes to recreate Nobu dishes at home, keeping in touch with customers was hugely important to the Nobu team. “We have guests that we’ve been serving since the doors first opened, where we know several generations of their family,” said Andrew Milne, Director of Operations. “When you see the same people every week for several decades, you can’t allow that to slip away, even during a pandemic.”

Staying connected with their patrons also helped Nobu London prepare to reopen its doors in July. By the time the Government announcement was made the Nobu team had already caught up with numerous regulars, welcomed new customers through its delivery partners and even supported birthday, graduation and anniversary celebrations held at home through its takeaway business. “We had a good sense of how our customers were doing,” said Andrew. “We knew what they’d missed out on, what they were looking forward to and, most importantly, how we could help them feel safe enough to dine out again.”

While safety was certainly a priority for returning Nobu customers, experience was a close second. The team have worked hard to put in place measures that ensured all the Government guidelines were met, while maintaining their Nobu values, from outstanding food to

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London’s black taxis or ‘a black cab’ or affectionately the ‘London Cabbie’ have and always will be part of what makes our capital so special to residents, commuters and tourists alike. They were already equipped to deal with Covid 19 having a glass partition separating

the driver from passengers. And the cabbies expert ‘Knowledge’ of London’s roads and little back streets holds no bounds.

For something different, Uber is launching a London commuter boat service in partnership with Thames Clippers. Rebranded Uber Boat, the 20-strong fleet will cover trips up and down the River Thames from Putney to Woolwich from 23 piers across London. The service will allow Uber users to book a river journey through the app and board using a QR code on their phone.

Uber Boat will be following all possible hygiene and social distancing rules, including reduced capacity and that passengers must wear face masks - in line with Transport for London (TfL) guidance.

The San Francisco company has also confirmed that it will be charging passengers the same price for booking a boat as it does for their cabs.

Uber has already got bikes and food deliveries covered although their taxis are grounded as they await a London licence to be reissued.

Last year it added London Tube and bus updates to the app. Uber could be on a mission to be the one-stop app for all your transport

UBER LAUNCHES

RIVER BOAT in partnership

with Thames

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needs?

Uber’s regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe – Jamie Heywood, said in a statemen: “Many Londoners are looking for new ways to travel around the city, particularly when they start commuting back to work. Later this summer we will launch the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers in London as a means for people to arrange travel on the river and road, all through the Uber app.”

Delighted by the partnership, Thames Clipper’s co-founder and CEO Sean Collins further remarked, “The new partnership sees Thames Clippers and Uber, who both pride themselves on safety, reliability, and comfort, come together. It will allow us to link the two travel modes of river and road, providing Londoners and visitors with even more options to commute, visit, explore and enjoy our city by river.”

Thames Clippers tickets will still be available to buy elsewhere and the boats remain part of the Oyster network. Over 4.3 million people use the River Thames for commuting and travelling each year, and over 40 per cent of passengers have said they will increase their use of Thames Clippers in the future as an alternative means of getting around the city.

“The new partnership sees Thames Clippers and Uber, who both pride themselves on safety, reliability, and comfort, come together”

SERVICE Clippers

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FEATURE

Gorgeous gardens to visit this summer Many gardens have now reopened to the public for summer. Hannah Stephenson selects some of the best.

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till short of things to do during summer holidays? Why not visit some of our most glorious gardens, which have reopened to the public.

They all detail the Covid-19 safety measures they’ve put in place on their websites. Most require pre-booking tickets (check websites for specific details) and all have regulated social distancing – take a mask to be on the safe side too.

Here are some of our favourites…

Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire (english-heritage.org.uk) Witley’s romantic gardens are full of delights. A spectacular lake, vast fountain of Perseus and Andromeda, and colourful French parterre are among the highlights. In summer, the East Parterre at Witley Court is spectacular and includes variegated pelargoniums, ageratum, evening primrose (Oenothera) and verbenas. This summer, take the family on a free fun adventure quest with an historical twist.

Pre-booking essential for timed tickets.

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The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Corn (heligan.com) With some 200 acres of garden and estate, you simply can’t do all of Heligan in one visit – so if you’ve only got a day, seek out summer highlights. An incredible 15 acres of wildflower meadow has been planted, featuring cornflowers, corn chamomile, poppies and corn marigolds, to create a stunning visual backdrop, perfect for butterflies and bees.

Families are invited to pick up a ‘Heligan Summer’ booklet from the ticket office before setting off. Pre-booking essential for timed tickets.

Wightwick Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands (nationaltrust.org.uk) Comprising 17 acres, this might not be the biggest National Trust garden but it certainly packs a punch in the style stakes, thanks to 20th century Arts and Crafts garden designer, Thomas Mawson. The dominant design feature of the garden is its ‘rooms’ – areas marked by clipped yew hedges or terraces, giving the space a wide variety of different feelings.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (kew.org) The world famous botanical gardens opened doors to visitors in June. They’ve now reopened the glasshouses too, so you can admire an array of tropical treasures, desert species and more in the Palm House, Temperate House and Princess of Wales Conservatory.

In a final flourish to Kew Gardens’ summer landscape, a bespoke botanical sculpture – created by the winning duo from the acclaimed Netflix television programme, The Big Flower Fight, will be on display in August.

Pre-booking essential for timed entry.

Toilets, shops and some outdoor food facilities are currently open and screened regularly. Check website for details.

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Wightwick Gardens, Wolverhampton, West Midlands (nationaltrust.org.uk) Comprising 17 acres, this might not be the biggest National Trust garden but it certainly packs a punch in the style stakes, thanks to 20th century Arts and Crafts garden designer, Thomas Mawson. The dominant design feature of the garden is its ‘rooms’ – areas marked by clipped yew hedges or terraces, giving the space a wide variety of different feelings.

Tickets are released on Fridays for the following week and pre-booking for timed visits is essential. The Manor House remains closed until further notice.

Montalto Estate, Co. Down, Northern Ireland (montaltoestate.com) The trails and gardens within this magical estate have now re-opened, so visitors can explore a wealth of features – including the cutting garden made up of annuals, biennials, perennials and shrubs, the formal garden with its defined geometric shapes and stunning views of Montalto Lake and boathouse, and the alpine garden, with its impressive collections of plants.

The trails and gardens are currently open Wed-Sun but all visitors must pre-book tickets online. Access to some gardens may be restricted due to events.

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RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey (rhs.org.uk) Visitors to the jewel in the crown of the RHS gardens will be able to enjoy its summer highlights, including sizzling dahlias and tropical banana plants in its exotic garden, which showcases plants that have a tropical look but flourish outdoors in a typical UK summer climate. Don’t forget to stroll along the mixed borders for a riot of summer colour and surround yourself with lavender on the viewing mount.

Pre-booking essential for timed tickets, card transactions only on site. Glasshouse, alpine houses, learning centre and library and advisory desk remain closed.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire (english-heritage.org.uk) Spectacularly restored to their full Victorian splendour, the 15 acres of gardens at Brodsworth are home to a collection of grand gardens in miniature, filled with colourful seasonal plantings and displays. Stroll through the statue walks and the beautiful wild rose dell, with over 100 varieties of historic rose. You can also admire period bedding plants in the Flower Garden, including cannas and gingers for dot planting, with salvia, gazania, ageratum and verbena.

Pre-booking essential for timed tickets. House and play area remain closed. A familyfriendly summer explorer quest is taking place throughout summer.

Wollerton Old Hall Garden, North Shropshire (wollertonoldhallgarden. com) Set around a 16th century hall (not currently open to the public), Wollerton Old Hall incorporates a formal modern garden on an old site covering four acres. Its garden rooms are beautifully planted with stunning perennials and offer some terrific design ideas. The garden is famous for its salvias, clematis and roses and the clever use of colour, form and scale.

The main perennial border in late summer is still awash with colour, so don’t miss it.

Currently open Thursday, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

Pre-booked tickets essential.

Arley Hall and Gardens, Cheshire (arleyhallandgardens.com) Arley Hall and its glorious gardens have provided the setting for some familiar TV series, including Peaky Blinders, Antiques Roadshow and Great British Garden Revival. Head for the herbaceous border, its best known feature, which boasts some spectacular planting, then wander through the pleached lime avenue of trees and lose yourself within The Grove. There are many different areas within its eight acres of formal gardens, as well as an arboretum and woodland walk. The hall remains closed.

Tickets are released on Fridays for the following week and pre-booking for timed visits is essential. The Manor House remains closed until further notice.

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Ahead of the ambitious redesign of prestigious Grosvenor Square

Be part of the conversation

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rosvenor Square, London’s second largest garden square is set for redesign ahead of its 300th anniversary. Located just a short walk from Oxford and Bond Street, the green space is cherished by residents, workers and visitors alike as a calm oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of central London.

In London’s densely populated capital, the relevance of green spaces is more important than ever before, not only are these spaces essential to health and wellbeing, they play a vital part in meeting the challenges of the climate emergency currently faced.

The ambitious redesign of Grosvenor Square aims to rethink the role of an urban square at a time of climate crisis, transforming it into a thriving place for people and planet.

Grosvenor Britain & Ireland are inviting Londoners to be a part of the redesign of the Square through a series of virtual experiences and Big Topic Talks. The series aims to help Londoners of all ages understand green spaces and the issues affecting them better.

The Big Topic Talks series will host a variety of speakers including Dan Raven-Ellison, National Geographic Contributor and

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THE DETAILS Londoners can have their say on the redesign by taking part in the survey, bit.ly/GShaveyoursay Full details on the redesign process of Grosvenor Square and the virtual experience series can be found on the website grosvenorsquare.org or on Instagram and Twitter.

Guerrilla Geographer, and Alice Bell, Climate charity worker.

Young nature enthusiasts can also take part by downloading a children’s discovery pack, where they can learn about biodiversity heroes and colour their dream green square.

Almost three centuries on, Grosvenor want to reawaken this sense of wonder and secure a bright and sustainable future for this celebrated public green space.

local

The Royal Parks unveils birthday gift to the

I

n celebration of the NHS’ 72nd birthday, The Royal Parks charity has created two special flowerbeds in front of Buckingham Palace, containing 45,000 white and blue flowers.

Measuring 12 metres by 5 metres, each flowerbed spells out NHS in giant letters that can be enjoyed by park visitors, and even viewed from the sky.

The special flowerbeds are located in the iconic setting of the Memorial Gardens, that is part of St James’s Park, and sits in front of Buckingham Palace.

Every summer, the Memorial Gardens are planted with 22,500 plants grown in the Hyde Park Nursery.

One of the plants included in the annual design is scarlet geraniums, selected to match the tunics of The Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace.

This year marks the first variation of the design in decades.

Mark Wasilewski, Park Manager at St James’s Park, explains: “We believe it’s the first change of design to the Memorial Gardens in decades, perhaps since the First World War when the flowerbeds were planted with potatoes. We wanted the flowerbeds to replicate the colours of the NHS, so the letters are formed of white begonias, against a blue background of drought resistant succulents. Happy birthday to the NHS

“Every summer, the Memorial Gardens are planted with 22,500 plants grown in the Hyde Park Nursery”

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NHS

and thank you for everything you do.”

Rob Dowling, Assistant Park Manager at St James’s Park, said: “We have a long tradition of commemorating events and major occasions through the use of carpet bedding. For the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, a 3D crown was planted in St James’s Park, but this is the first time we have done this in the Memorial Gardens. We hope it demonstrates how special the NHS is to The Royal Parks and is just a small token of our appreciation for all their hard work and dedication this year, and every year.”

The NHS flowerbeds, will be in situ until mid-September.

Following this, the Memorial Gardens will be filled with 50,000 yellow wallflowers and red tulips, ready for next spring. royalparks.org.uk

local

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour Announces new format for

Focus/20 13 – 18 September 2020

I

n this most unprecedented of years, the annual autumn design event will be recalibrated to provide a unique platform for 120 showrooms and 600 international brands to present their new collections. A collaboration of ingenuity, creativity and positivity, the pioneering hybrid show will strengthen the Design Centre’s mantra to ‘connect, converse and create’ at a physical event in London, as well as reach out to a wider global audience, remotely.

The safety and well-being of its community and visitors is a priority, and every aspect of Focus/20 will be highly considered.

Operating within government guidelines, tailored visits will bring people to the Design Centre, while a virtual programme will share online the same culture of generosity and celebration that permeates all editions of the show.

In the last months, decor has never come under greater scrutiny.

People cooped up at home are craving change and professional designers have taken on new work and are completing existing projects. Visitors to Focus/20 will be able to see in person those elements that are vital to their schemes: those first looks of the latest colours, patterns and materials, alongside key details like scale, craftsmanship and artisan finishes. Adding another layer, a curated selection of house guests in the Design Avenue will bring fresh perspectives.

The online programme aims to spark everyone’s imagination and curiosity. An exceptional line-up of live stream webinars and talks

will see international designers, experts and thought leaders share their work and specialist knowledge, alongside discussions on what’s shaping the future of design and business-focused sessions about how to take a professional practice to the next level. There will be insider insights THE DETAILS into the new collections and inspiring sessions that For more details visit enhances discovery of the world’s most exciting dcch.co.uk design brands.

13 – 18 September 2020, As a Design Destination at the London Design 10am – 6pm Festival, Focus/20 is proud to be at the heart of the #Focus20AtDCCH wider momentum across the capital. @designcentrech 40 AUGUST 2020

local

London Design Festival ANNOUNCES EXCITING PROGRAMME OF PROJECTS 12-20 September 2020

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Design Forum will bring the latest design thinking to a global he 18th edition of London Design Festival returns to the capital this autumn as a symbol of London’s determination audience and allow the widest possible access to creative content.

This year will also see the introduction of a new digital portal for to maintain its creative and cultural leadership. freelancers to promote their work across the Festival’s platforms.

Since its inception in 2003, London Design Festival London Design Festival Director, Ben Evans CBE says, “The has played a key role in bringing together the greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to celebrate and promote design show must go on. Showcasing is essential for the sector to survive and this year, more than ever, we are determined to offer every annually across the capital, and to put a spotlight on London’s opportunity for designers to be seen and heard.” creative brilliance.

London Design Festival has since earned the reputation as a key London has the largest creative economy of any city in the world, calendar moment of London’s autumn creative season, alongside and its design reputation is internationally renowned. One in six London Fashion Week, Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival, people in London work in the creative industries and it has been the attracting the greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators fastest growing sector of the economy in recent years, but the effects to the capital, in a citywide celebration. and impact of the pandemic has disproportionately affected the creative industries, causing a catastrophic setback to the sector.

Clockwise from top left: La Muralla Roja, Ewa Following a number of cancellations and closures, the Festival Michali; Adorno, Sara Szyber; Japan House this September will provide a platform for the design community to showcase work at a time when it is needed more than ever, helping to stimulate the creative economy and support young and emerging THE DETAILS designers as well as more established names.

While international travel continues to be londondesignfestival.com affected, this year’s Festival will have a strong #LDF20 Instagram: L_D_F_ local focus and will be a Festival for Londoners. official In addition to Landmark Projects and Festival Twitter: L_D_F Commissions, Partner events across the Design Facebook: Districts will enable visitors to walk between LondonDesignFestival shows and discover something new.

Physical installations will take place alongside virtual exhibitions, and a digital edition of the Global

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FEATURE

STILL A sparkling summer with Hattingley

F

amily-owned Hampshire winery, Hattingley Valley has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s most successful wineries, winning over 80 medals, 13 trophies, and three Best in Class for its English sparkling wines. It is recognised for its innovative and dynamic approach to winemaking, with awardTHE DETAILS winning English sparkling wines enjoyed throughout the UK and exported internationally to 16 countries.

The full range of This year Hattingley Valley is celebrating its 10 Hattingley Valley wines year anniversary and in August this year became are available to view the first UK winery to launch a nationwide TV and purchase from campaign. Founded by Simon Robinson, he called hattingleyvalley.com. on the talents of winemaker Emma Rice (UK Winemaker of the Year award, in 2014 and 2016) to help plant the vineyard in 2008. Emma’s passion for wine started, aged 19, with a taste of Krug 1979 from a double magnum and she hasn’t looked back since. The Winery was fully operational and produced its first wines in 2010.

Specialising in award-winning English Sparkling wines, Hattingley recently launched its first STILL wine. A light and elegant Rosé from the 2019 vintage, made from Pinot Noir Précoce, sourced from prime Kent and Berkshire vineyards. Using fruit picked just before rainfall, the wine is processed in the saignée method and fermented in stainless steel tanks for five months, giving it a delicate yet vibrant acidity, dry with refreshing notes of red fruit.

A light and elegant wine, our STILL Rosé has a pink salmon colour and aromas of fresh red fruits and creamy notes that follow through to the palate. Dry and smooth, with delicate yet vibrant acidity.

Head Winemaker - Emma Rice; ‘We have always said we will only make a still wine if the grapes are truly ripe enough; the Pinot Noir Précoce harvested during the 2019 vintage was so reminiscent of a Provencal Rosé we were inspired to produce this limited edition wine.’

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local

This image: Debbie Harry 1980, Private Collection of Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport 1961 © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London Top Right: Self Portrait 1986, Tate © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London Bottom Right: Marilyn Diptych 1962, Tate © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London

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ndy Warhol (1928–87) was one of the most recognisable artists of the late 20th century, yet his life and work continue to fascinate and be interpreted anew. A shy, gay man from a religious, migrant, low income household, he forged his own distinct path to emerge as the epitome of the pop art movement.

This major new exhibition at Tate Modern – the first at the gallery for almost 20 years – offers visitors a rare personal insight into how Warhol and his work marked a period of cultural transformation. Drawing upon recent scholarship, it will provide a new lens through which to view this American icon.

Featuring over 100 works from across his remarkable career, the show will shed light on how Warhol’s experiences helped shape his unique take on 20th century culture, positioning him within the shifting creative and political landscape in which he worked.

While he is best known for his iconic paintings of Coca-Cola bottles and Marilyn Monroe that held up a mirror to American culture, the exhibition will emphasise recurring themes around desire, identity and belief that emerge from Warhol’s biography.

Key works from the pop period, such as Marilyn Diptych 1962, Elvis I and II 1963/1964 and Race Riot 1964, will be examined in relation to contemporary issues around American culture and politics, while Warhol’s limitless ambition to push the boundaries of media

will be represented via his famous Screen Tests 1964–6 and a recreation of the psychedelic multimedia environment of Exploding Plastic Inevitable 1966.

Visitors will also be able to experience Warhol’s floating Silver Clouds 1966 installation, initially meant to signal his ‘retirement’ from painting in favour of moviemaking. He famously stated that ‘good business is the best art’: the exhibition will look at how Warhol’s forays into publishing and TV, as well as his interest in club culture.

The exhibition will emphasise his skill as a painter and colourist with a room dedicated to the largest grouping of his 1975 Ladies and Gentlemen series ever shown in the UK. These striking portraits depict figures from New York’s transgender community, including iconic performer and activist, Marsha ‘Pay it no mind’ Johnson - a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969.

Warhol’s final works of the 80s, such as the poignant Sixty Last Suppers 1986 – on view at Tate Modern for the first time in this country – will be considered in relation to the artist’s untimely death as well as the unfolding HIV/AIDS epidemic, which ultimately went on to impact the lives of many in his close circle.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, as well as an extensive programme of public talks and film screenings with exclusive new merchandise collections in the gallery shops.

For further information call 020 7887 8888 visit tate.org.uk or follow @Tate #AndyWarhol

AUGUST 2020 47

local

Local Artist Launches New Collection of prints and cards in her LIPS Series

O

ne might be an independent woman of the millennium, but is she a feminist?

Namoh’s LIPS collection is an exploration of the true essence of a woman, by looking at the women who have influenced the life of the artist. Some are real, some are fictional, and some mythological. The quotes used are sometimes their own, and sometimes the artist’s interpretation of what she believes they might have said. One common thread running through the series is that they are all strong women. Isn’t that the basic criteria of being a feminist?

All in all, the artist has tried to capture the essence of their character in the most simple and poetic way possible.

Namoh offers an eclectic collection of fun, light hearted and sometimes reflective, designer artwork. Her life and experiences find a creative outlet for London based artist’s work. Namoh’s products and designs embrace a range of emotions, styles and artwork. We believe ‘art’ is a process. It starts with a thought, becomes a reality and finally, interacts with its owner and becomes part of the environment.

It is a journey that keeps on giving. And It is this journey that we love taking every day. namoh.co.uk

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AUGUST 2020 49

local

The Secret Garden Bar aT

THE RITZ S

eductively hidden and accessible from inside the hotel, The Secret Garden Bar is a secluded stylish oasis for guests to drink and dine al fresco and enjoy the English Summer Season in the centre of the city.

Located on the edge of Royal Green Park, The Ritz London’s new elegant Secret Garden Bar has been designed with trimmed topiary, verdant green foliage, vibrant flower boxes featuring colourful geraniums, olive trees and fragrant lavender pots.

Open daily (weather permitting) throughout the summer months, from 11am to 11pm, The Secret Garden Bar is the perfect spot for a sunny lunch on the patio sheltered by vast parasols or an afternoon

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local

THE DETAILS spent sipping cocktails. During the evening, the garden is lit with twinkling lights and candles, and soft background music plays.

A bar menu is available throughout the day and evening, showcasing a collection of seasonal cocktails and an impressive selection of wines and Champagnes, as well as classic dishes designed by Executive Chef John Williams MBE, ranging from the Ritz Classic Club sandwich and the Ritz Caesar Salad to British Seafood platters to share, with dressed crab, oysters, lobster, shrimp and prawns.

A caviar menu is also available. For cigar aficionados, a collection of premium and limited-edition cigars, including twelve different Ritz London Cigars, is also available for guests to enjoy in the garden.

52 AUGUST 2020

For reservations (available daily from 11am to 9.30pm), please contact The Ritz London’s Reservation Team on +44 (0)20 7300 2370 or at dining@theritzlondon.com or online at theritzlondon.com/secret-garden-bar/ A minimum spend of £19 per person applies to all tables. Reservations may be cancelled on the day should weather conditions restrict the garden from opening.

Guests must be 16 years and over.

A smart casual dress code is in operation and sportswear, trainers or shorts are not permitted.

Follow The Ritz London @TheRitzLondon on Instagram.

local

A

Is Art ‘RISKY Business’?

rt does more than brighten a living space.

The art market has become one of the hottest new investment crazes in recent years. An Art Basel annual report estimates global art market sales reached over 68 billion in 2019.

Painting and sculpture collectors frequently buy pieces with an eye towards adding to their investment portfolio. Like stocks and bonds, art can increase in value. If an up-andcoming artist goes on to a successful career, the cash value of their work will skyrocket.

Art RULES… the art market follows rules all of its own

One major perk of art as an asset is that its value doesn’t rise or decline with the stock market. Even if your stocks aren’t performing well, your art investment may be doing great – good news for the savvy investor who wants to diversify a portfolio and minimise risk. And ideally art will continue appreciating in value over time.

First Steps…

Firstly, decide how much money you’re happy spending.

Secondly, consider the aesthetic pleasure first and the financial benefits second.

“One major perk of art as a asset is that it’s value doesn’t rise or decline with the stock market and the good news is you can start your investment journey from under £1,000””

Browse sites like Artnet and online auction houses like Sotheby’s to get a sense of how the market works, but the easiest route is to talk to a reputable gallery who will help guide you on your art journey.

Since this is the information age, plenty of high-end artwork sells online and collectors are becoming increasingly comfortable 54 AUGUST 2020

using this platform to buy art. But before you buy over the Internet, make sure you’re purchasing from a legitimate gallery, dealer, or investment firm.

Art is non-liquid

Art and real estate go hand in hand and can take much longer to sell but are good solid investments…plus, you get so much more enjoyment from them.

Here are some signs why the reward might outweigh the risk.

• You simply enjoy art.

• It can be an extension of your personality and taste.

• It brings ambience, character and points of interest into your home.

• It lasts for generations and can be passed through the family for a lifetime of enjoyment.

• Starting your investment journey can be daunting at first but talk to reputable gallery who are there to help guide you so you feel well equipped for an incredibly rewarding journey.

To find out more: gallery1066fineart.com Written by curator Hayley Norman LEFT: Risky Business by Todd White BELOW: One Rules O.K by Dylan Izaak

local

National Garden Scheme launches

Chelsea Flower Show Special Collection for Virtual Garden Visits campaign

C

helsea Flower Show is the most prestigious shop window for garden design in the world. Careers are launched by gaining that elusive gold medal for a show garden. For visitors they are the big draw; fascination with the huge cost, a sense of fantasy, and admiration for the prodigious skill required to create something so accomplished in such a short time.

After Chelsea is over, often the only way people can enjoy the

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work of the designers is by visiting gardens they have created which open for the National Garden Scheme. With no show this year, we are celebrating these talents with virtual visits to memorable gardens designed by four of the most distinguished current designers – two of which are their own – and one garden designed for this year’s show. Together the five have amassed an impressive 29 Chelsea gold medals between them.

Tom Stuart-Smith, who lives in Hertfordshire, is one of the most admired garden designers in the world who in the early-2000s created a series of the iconic Chelsea show gardens, winning 8 gold medals and three best in show awards in the process. Tom’s career revolves around the garden he has created at his Hertfordshire home The Barn. In a gorgeous film vignette he takes us on a tour and talks about his work.

Similarly, another favourite designer, Bunny Guinness, winner of six Chelsea gold medals and popular panellist on Radio Four’s Gardener’s Question Time, takes us on a tour of her Cambridgeshire garden where sustainability and self-sufficiency are the watchwords.

Julie Toll and Marcus Barnett both have similarly enjoyed Chelsea success to help boost their now international reputations as designers. Their contrasting ability to blend modern and contemporary with a more traditional country garden style are brilliantly shown off at the Manor House, Ayot St Lawrence designed by Julie and 15 The Avenue, Cheam, designed by Marcus.

And in celebration of the National Garden Scheme’s relationship with nurses we feature what would have been one of the stars of this year’s show, the Florence Nightingale Garden: a Celebration of Modern Nursing; designed by Robert Myers, which we will now have to wait until the 2021 Chelsea Flower Show to enjoy. The film is introduced by the President of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, Baroness Watkins, who explains the link between Florence Nightingale and the National Garden Scheme, before designer Robert Myers explains the inspiration for his garden and reveals some of the key features.

The films are part of the National Garden Scheme’s Help Support Our Nurses campaign which it has been running while all its gardens are closed. The charity is

sharing weekly portfolios (released each Thursday) of films made in their gardens by owners who open and inviting people to make a donation when they watch in a bid to make up the huge funding gap for nursing and health charities that the closure of the gardens has created.

AUGUST 2020 57

local CARE

“Luxury later living and care– “the Signature way”

Delivering peace of mind Beautiful interior design, five-star amenities, landscaped gardens, fine dining and the highest level of bespoke care and service. These are traits not historically associated with care homes, however times are changing and the sector is evolving.

L

eading this luxury paradigm shift is Signature Care Homes, driven by an unwavering vision to change perceptions of the sector forever, with a number of awardwinning care homes all rated good or outstanding by CQC across London and the Home Counties.

Following a period of lockdown, in line with government guidance Signature Care Homes are now reopen to visitors, including family members, friends and potential residents who could benefit from its industry leading accommodation and support. Homes are expansive and accommodate the spaciousness in which to adhere to social distancing, with each also completing a bespoke risk assessment and implementing new

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protocols. Chief operating officer Kay Cox is quick to reassure that despite the easing of lockdown “the health and safety of residents, families and team members remains the number one priority above all else. We continually monitor the situation and will adapt as required – striving for excellence in our safety protocols as if our own relatives are in our homes.”

From independently procuring personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting widespread whole home testing, assembling additional specialist training and creating new safety measures, Signature acted quickly and decisively amidst changing circumstances. Indeed, one resident asserts “you couldn’t have asked for a better response.”

As a result, its homes are well prepared to look to the future whilst robustly managing future Covid-19 related risks.

Beyond the beautifully designed homes, which include industryleading clean air filtration systems and a breadth of amenities, it’s the award-winning 24 hour care and nursing expertise that remains at the heart of what Signature Care Homes does. “That’s the Signature way” as Kay Cox puts it, highlighting an unwavering dedication to treating every resident with the respect, dignity and individuality they deserve. Tailor-made care plans are designed around individual needs, and skilled staff focus on supporting independence as much as possible to enable active and fulfilling lifestyles for all residents.

This is all supported through electronic care planning which provides additional peace of mind for family and friends.

Signature at Wandsworth Common is the groups newest and most luxurious home, offering assisted living, 24 hour nursing and specialist dementia care.

Residents have the choice of spacious studios with large en suite wet room and kitchenette or a one-bedroom apartment with separate living room, kitchenette and bedroom. Residents can enjoy a range of exceptional lifestyle facilities akin to the globes finest hotels and cruise ships including a sky lounge with beautiful panoramic vistas across London, a cinema, café, hair salon, restaurant, private dining

room, terrace gardens and even a chauffeur service.

Residents living with dementia in our dedicated communities benefit from specialist care delivered in spacious and airy studio apartments with top of the range facilities including spa bathrooms, separate living room, activities area, kitchen and lounge as well as a private balcony. With just ten apartments in each community alongside person centred, carer to resident ratios you can be sure your loved one is always getting the very best care and attention. Dedicated wellbeing teams provide a wide variety of stimulating and engaging activities bespoke to the resident’s own interests and needs, all delivered within a comfortable environment.

Since opening in March 2020, Signature at Wandsworth Common has had zero cases of COVID-19* and is happy to THE DETAILS announce that they are now reopen to visitors and prospective Call 0208 108 9651 or visit residents. Appointment numbers signature-care-homes.co.uk to are limited so please do call find out more. *Correct at the in advance to book your show time of publishing around.

AUGUST 2020 59

EDUCATION

Discover St Dunstan’s St Dunstan’s College announces new format for upcoming open events

S

t Dunstan’s College, Catford, south London, has taken the decision that open events planned for September to November 2020 can no longer go ahead in their usual format following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, the College welcomed more than 2,000 individuals to St Dunstan’s across six major events; however, the safety of our staff, pupils and visiting families is paramount.

The College is delighted to announce that it will be launching a series of smaller ‘Discover St Dunstan’s’ events that will allow prospective families to visit the site safely and following social distancing guidelines. During the visit, families will have an opportunity to speak to the leadership team, including the headmaster, Mr Nicholas Hewlett, and have a guided tour to see the College’s facilities.

There will also be a series of virtual events with the leadership team for prospective families to join from the comfort of their home.

Speaking about the new format, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Development, Mrs Isabelle Blake-James explained: ‘We are delighted to be able to still offer prospective families a chance to visit the College site and experience a taste of life at St Dunstan’s.

‘We are busy planning the new look open events and can’t wait to share with prospective families.’

Open events planned for the autumn come at an exciting time for St Dunstan’s, as in September 2021 a new Junior School building, STEM Centre and Sixth Form Centre will open.

The new facilities will include state-of-theart classrooms and laboratories, new outdoor learning spaces and a Sixth Form café. The developments will also include a performing arts centre and a new outdoor space for pupils, which they have voted to call ‘The

60 AUGUST 2020

THE DETAILS Further details about the ‘Discover St Dunstan’s’ will be announced in due course. Visit our website to find out more: stdunstans.org.uk

Plaza’.

The College has been closed for most pupils in March, however, pupils from Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returned on in early June following government advice. During the Coronavirus crisis, the College has been producing PPE for local hospitals, hospices and GP surgeries and remained open for children of key workers.

fashion

& beauty

Keeping you looking and feeling your best

i m a g e : THE DORCHE S TER S PA

Fashion & Beauty

{ NE W S }

Fashion & Beauty

IT’S A WRAP! Here at Life Magazines we love the hair wrap from Silke London. Tested on hair with extensions that have been coloured and always a tangled mess in the mornings, the results are impressive! No knots, tangles or frizz. Waking up to hair as straight and silky as it was at bed time. The hair ties are great, they slide out really easily and as promised, no kinks or damage to already weak and brittle hair. The write ups are great, the reviews even better!

Go see for yourself at silkelondon.com

E UP t your beauty routine, KISS ANDdyMtoAK get savvy abou PURITY PROTECTS We love this hand sanitiser: the plant based alcohol is proven to kill 99.9% of all bacteria and microbes; With aloe vera and essential oils. puritx.com

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If you’re rea natural makeup ung Living’s new you can’t go past Yo This natural g. s by Young Livin line, Savvy Mineral ines premium up collection comb mineral-based make e your natural ac br redients to em ing re pu th wi s ula form standards. ficing your skincare beauty without sacri youngliving.com

SUPER-CHIC FOR SUMMER

For unique pieces your friends won’t have, head to new superchic boutique, FABRIC, in Old Amersham. Stocking cool and casual European clothes, such as this pretty candy-stripe wrap dress from Barcelona based brand, Designers Society - your go-to for boho chic. Pop in to FABRIC and browse their easy-to-wear collections for your summer fashion inspo. fabricfashionstore.co.uk

A CLOSE SHAVE

In times of environmental crisis, it’s incumbent on a gentleman to do his bit for the planet – ditching a plastic razor for a once-in-a-lifetime stainless steel safety razor. wildeandharte.co.uk

BLUE VELVET SHOES Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

Fashion & Beauty

The Dorchester Spa

brings you the ultimate in Five Star pampering

Be relaxed or revitalised. For a moment to yourself. A soothing of the senses.

66 AUGUST 2020

Revitaliser

Perfect for those needing a pick me up. A 25-minute Swedish massage eases tension, followed by their Signature Foot Massage Treatment. The Carol Joy London Signature Pure Hydration Facial and Eye Reviver leaves your skin glowing. Complete your visit with a blow-dry in the Carol Joy London Hair Salon.

Price: From £415 Duration: Allow at least 4.5 hours

Somewhere in Time

T

he Dorchester Spa brings an exclusive pampering destination to London. Exuding 1930s Art Deco glamour, combined with a contemporary edge, its design is inspired by the iconic British style of The Dorchester.

Unique aspects include a chandelier of south-pacific pearls and an indulgent Spatisserie with the ethos ‘a little bit of what you love is good for you’. Choose from a range of breakthrough anti-ageing techniques by La Prairie for unparalleled refinement and results.

Luxury treatments are offered by acclaimed British brand, Aromatherapy Associates alongside other worldwide leading skincare experts including Valmont, luxuriously relaxing and rejuvenating signature facials are by Carol Joy London.

The spa also features nine spacious treatment rooms including two double suites, a manicure-pedicure suite, a sleek relaxation room, male and female aromatic steam rooms and male and female experience showers.

The Fitness Studio is equipped with TechnoGym resistance equipment and cardio vascular equipment with integrated televisions as well as a full set of free weights, Swiss Balls, a Bosu Ball and various Medicine Balls.

The Dorchester Gentleman’s Hair Stylist has been providing gentlemen with the finest traditional grooming services for over 30 years. In addition to the traditional wet shave, clients can enjoy haircuts, manicures and pedicures and treatments.

Stop the clocks for a few hours, and enjoy a invigorating Body Glow, followed by Valmont’s 90-minute Vitality of the Glacier facial, before finishing with The Dorchester Manicure and Pedicure. You will be ready to face the world again.

Price: From £475 Duration: Allow at least 5 hours

Mum’s the Word

Let their expert therapists relax your mind, body and soul during a 55-minute Aromatherapy Pregnancy Massage and a 60-minute Aromatherapy Rose Facial. Enjoy a file and polish on your hands or toes to finish.

Price: From £365 Duration: Allow at least 2.5 hours

Spa Packages

An itinerary of sheer bliss interspersed with delicious food, peaceful relaxation and a lot of tranquil lounging.

Love Is...

In one of The Dorchester Spa’s couples suites, relax on warmed couches, where you can enjoy a 60 minute Aromatherapy Massage to help you unwind. Without moving a muscle, you will then receive an Aromatherapy Associates Rose or Refinery Facial. (For two people.)

Price: From £530 (for two) Duration: Allow at least 4.5 hours.

AUGUST 2020 67

Fashion & Beauty

Memories of Mayfair

For a truly fabulous spa experience, enjoy their Signature Massage and La Prairie’s 90-minute Caviar Firming Facial, a luxurious treatment that will leave you glowing.

Price: From £390 Duration: Allow at least 4 hours

You’ll enjoy a choice of Aromatherapy Experience Massage or Carol Joy London Signature Facial, before you have a whole hour to relax and unwind in the beautiful spa. To complete your day, you will then be served a delectable traditional afternoon tea in The Spatisserie.

Available Monday - Thursday subject to availability (excluding bank holidays) Price: From £190 Duration: Allow at least 3 hours

Summer glow

Relax, unwind and rejuvenate with a pampering spa package. After a Valmont Energy Ritual facial with collagen mask to smooth and hydrate the skin, you’ll enjoy a Himalayan Salt Body Glow with head-to-toe exfoliation and nourishing lotion. Finally, a signature Foot Loose helps to ease tired and aching soles.

Price: From £325 Duration: Allow at least 3 hours

Beau-Tea-Ful Spa Experience

For a perfect combination of pampering and The Dorchester’s famous afternoon tea, you can enjoy the ultimate spa experience.

THE DETAILS For more information about The Dorchester Spa, call the Spa reservations team on +44 (0)20 7319 7109 or email spa.tdl@dorchestercollection.com dorchestercollection.com/en/london/ the-dorchester/spa.

The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA

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Fashion & Beauty

Refresh your

memories

A

stley Clarke is a luxury British brand, founded in 2007 to celebrate design and craftsmanship in fine and demi-fine jewellery. Championing radiant diamonds and colourful gemstones, Astley Clarke jewellery is made to be worn, layered, gifted and enjoyed every day.

Every piece of Astley Clarke jewellery is conceptualised in the brand’s all-female design studio, situated in a charming cobbled mews in London’s Paddington. All of the jewellery is crafted exclusively from 14 carat solid gold, sterling silver or 18 carat gold vermeil, with semi-precious and precious gemstones, and natural diamonds, which are responsibly sourced and adhere to the Kimberley Process.

A desire to create relevant jewellery for a new generation is central to their process, with acute attention-to-detail in everything they do, making Astley Clarke pieces refined yet easy-to-wear, intelligent and joyful. Astley Clarke is renowned for an eclectic selection of relaxed, luxurious jewellery, with coveted gemstone friendship bracelets, adorned in significant charms, sitting alongside solid gold pieces crafted to last generations.

Astley Clarke’s signature is fine diamond jewellery designed for everyday wear, and demi-fine jewellery that can be mixed, matched

“A desire to create relevant jewellery for a new generation is central to their process”

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and stacked together effortlessly allowing customers to create a jewellery collection that is unique to them. Every collection celebrates layering, with a particular emphasis on colour and meaning. Bestsellers include the iconic gemstone beaded friendship bracelets, engravable signet rings, curated ready-made bracelet and ring stacks, diamond hoops and the ultimate jewellery gift: engravable photo lockets.

Made to treasure, simply upload your favourite photograph and add a special sentiment to be engraved and they will ensure it arrives already customised to your specifications. Whether you’re looking for a special present for a special someone, or treating yourself, there is a locket to please every personality, from colourful gemstones to celestial-inspired designs; thoughtful gifting has never been simpler.

Shop the full collection at the awardwinning website astleyclarke.com, with free global delivery and free returns to over 30 countries.

Fashion & Beauty

Is Your Skin Looking Older Than You Feel?

Blame it on Menopause

Jane Atherton, CEO of Phytomone London answers questions on Menopause Skin Care 72 AUGUST 2020

Women over 45 (which is our demographic) now account for over 58 percent of the beauty market and it is important to stay relevant to their physiological and emotional needs” What’s different about your skin care business?

Phytomone is a skin care company dedicated to enhancing menopausal skin. The formulations are all developed with ingredients and special actives which specifically target hormonal skin ageing at the root cause, loss of oestrogen, allowing mature skin to keep looking youthful and radiant.

Can the beauty industry help menopausal women?

Menopausal skin is definitely ‘a thing’ and I was truly astonished that no other companies were taking this group of women in to account. Women over 45 (which is our demographic) now account for over 58 percent of the beauty market and it is important to stay relevant to their physiological and emotional needs. They don’t necessarily want their skin to look wrinkle free, but they do want it to look the best it possibly can for their age, so enhancement products rather than anti-ageing are far more appealing. Phytomone focus on identifying, fine tuning, upgrading and simplifying the somewhat complicated beauty regimes. For example, Pause Hydra Creme is a cream/serum hybrid which has been carefully formulated to be used as a eye cream and neck cream, as well as a moisturiser and serum. Mature women really don’t want a complex skin care regime, they want all the benefits in the easiest way possible, which our award winning multifunctional products can now offer.

How else is your business different from others in the market?

We have built up an incredible community around Phytomone and supporting menopausal women. Our social media platforms are extremely interactive and informative. Our facebook page has almost 100k followers (fb.com/themenopauseroom) and is the most popular menopause ‘hang-out’ in the UK. Having this strong, trustworthy presence on social media gives us the ability to reach out and connect with our demographic, making them feel like they ‘belong’,

during times of uncertainty. We encourage, motivate and inspire women to keep looking and feeling great, optimistic and confident.

I’m not sure of any other cosmetic house which offers such support, outside of selling their products.

What’s your ultimate goal/ambition?

To ensure every women receives the best possible care, advice and knowledge as they enter the mid life transition. For them to fully understand what is happening to their body and the changes they need to make to keep looking youthful, healthy and radiant.

Ultimately it would be fabulous to have a Phytomone wellbeing retreat for women to carry on recognising and reaffirming how wonderful they are and how to keep looking and feeling their very best..

Further information on Phytomone products can be found at phytomone.com AUGUST 2020 73

Fashion & Beauty

Stunning Bags From

Marc Ella LONDON

E

ven her pram is classy. Across from me is a casually, yet stylish and smartly dressed woman. I’m meeting Marcella Polzer, founder of accessory label Marc Ella London , at a juice bar in Battersea to get the inside scoop on how she took the leap to start her own business.

Her entrepreneurial story begins in 2014. Daughter of an entrepreneur, Marcella found herself in a place she never thought she’d end up in: Insurance. “I don’t think anyone grows up dreaming about working in insurance; as a girl I didn’t even know what it was,” Marcella says, sipping her Energizer juice. “I loved my job, but knew that I had to take the leap at some point and now was as good a time as any.”

Marcella went on to launch Marc Ella London — an affordable luxury accessories brand, mainly focusing on handbags. But it wasn’t pre-determined: “Back then, I took a good chunk of time out of my diary to generate ideas and prioritise them. I remember sitting at a restaurant with my husband, trying to cut down a list of 30 ideas to 5.”

Today, Marcella has designed more than 90 products, all the while juggling family life. She takes her inspiration from the London scene, her travels across the world, but also family and nature: “I want to create products that are as versatile as they are fashionable.

For me, it is a statement of freedom—of the independent woman, always on the move.”

I look across the table and see her bag and instantly know what she means; she has an adorable Monty bag sitting next to her (seen above). It’s a bucket bag, and has a soft, origami-like construction.

“It’s not just a bucket bag, it can be collapsed or even rolled up, which is perfect for the world traveler and mum alike,” Marcella

explains.

The Monty bag, it turns out, is named after her newborn son, who is now 5 months’ old. She also has a 3-year old daughter, a dog, and lives together with her husband in London. I wonder how she does it: “I am as ambitious on the family front as I am in business, if not more. Ultimately, both my family and my business give each other the flexibility so that I can pursue both,” Marcella says.

We are both long done with our juices. As we both get up to leave, I can’t help but think what’s next for Marcella and Marc Ella London. She leaves the cafe effortlessly, with her stylish, uniquely recognisable pram, onto her next mission. Yes, that’s what it is… she’s a woman on a mission.

Time will tell us what she’ll have been up to next.

Browse the Marc Ella London collection and buy online at marcellalondon.com Instagram: marc_ella_london_official

“I am as ambitious on the family front as I am in business, if not more”

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Marcella ‘talking bags’ with her daughter

Fashion & Beauty

Emporio Armani Junior Collection Autumn/Winter 2020-21

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or Autumn/Winter 2020-21, the Emporio Armani Junior collection offers a series of pieces inspired by the silhouettes and materials of the Emporio Armani men’s and women’s collections, creating a complete wardrobe that looks towards the world of adults with casual, sporty and chic flair.

For girls, the eclectic range includes dresses with all-over prints and dainty outfits in denim or velvet with macro houndstooth or damier motifs in shades of pink, blue and black; for boys, blue, red and black dominate the colour palette for comfortable and versatile bomber jackets, trousers, tracksuits and sweatshirts, with tape-style or all-over logos for a fun and modern look.

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Additionally, more formal outfits, including jackets and suits, make use of soft velvet, the distinctive, elegant, versatile fabric that is a signature of the Armani aesthetic.

The adorable Manga Bear, with its unmistakeable and iconic silhouette, features on space-themed T-shirts and sweatshirts, accompanied by planets, stars and astronauts, as well as on baby sets and accessories for children between 0 and 36 months old.

Completing the looks are colourful shoes, combat boots, backpacks and belt bags featuring the Emporio Armani eagle pattern.

The collection is available now in select Emporio Armani Junior retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Childrensalon, Child’s Play and at armani.com

“The eclectic range includes dresses with allover prints and dainty outfits in denim or velvet with macro houndstooth or damier motifs”

Boy 1- Red baseball cap with logo £ 35, Blue cotton Shirt with logo £ 100, Single-breasted jacket with lapels £280, J04 jeans in cotton and linen £120, Red backpack £115, Leather sneakers £140 Boy 2-Blue baseball cap £35, Quilted jacket £210, Shirt with detailing and guru collar £135, Perforated leather sneakers £200, J04 jeans in cotton and linen £120 Boy 3- Single-breasted jacket with lapels £280, Print shirt £100, Checked tie £70, Blue cotton trousers £90, Leather sneakers £140 Boy 4 – Fine knit hat £30, Fine knit scarf £45, Gingham print cotton shirt £100, Five-pocket trousers in cotton gabardine £90, Backpack £115, Cotton socks £10, , Perforated leather sneakers £200

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Fashion & Beauty

This image: Velvet hoodie £130, Wing collar shirt with pleated inserts £140, Checked cotton trousers £105 Right: Girl 1 – Print dress £200, Silver leather bag £165 Girl 2 – Velvet headband £70, Velvet dress £125

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Fashion & Beauty

Hat with logo £35 , Bombe jacket £210, Knit sweater with logo £150, Print shirt with patch pocket £100, Cotton pants £115

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Girl 1 – Knit hat £ 40, Sweatshirt dress £ 240, Belt bag £ 85, Knee high socks £ 10, Leather sneakers £ 150 Girl 2 – Fleece cap with logo £ 50, Padded jacket £ 250, Tracksuit £ 250

AUGUST 2020 81

HOME & GARDEN

A collection of London’s finest house and garden companies

i m a g e : WA L L S AUCE

HOME & GARDEN

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Interiors COCKTAIL HOUR

Tray Isola from Artisan Abode features a stunning marble effect paired with a brass look rim and handles with a pretty patina detailing.

Ideal for serving drinks at home. The look of a luxury marble without the weight! artisanabode.co.uk

A POP OF COLOUR Upholstered chairs in shades of blue velvet are the perfect foil for a dining table.

“We’ve extended the Hamilton collection, adding to the oatmeal and grey linen fabrics to include a lovely pale blue velvet and a royal blue velvet. The chairs look amazing in the new colours, and have really given our Surrey showroom a summery lift,” said Sarah Cook, co-founder of the online luxury furniture and home accessories retailer. The blue dining chairs look particularly striking partnered with La Residence Interiors’ collection of round and rectangular weathered oak dining tables. laresidenceinteriors.co.uk

Relaxed Coastal Vibes Although we may not be able to go on those much-loved holidays to the coast at the moment, it doesn’t mean we can’t create a holiday feel in our homes. The Painted Furniture Company’s laid-back designs and cool colours make this easy to achieve, whether we’re dreaming of a Cornish fishing cottage or a New England beach house. paintedfurnitureco.co.uk Cut above the rest

BEST OF BRITISH

Marmalade of London produces, beautiful fragranced candles, reed diffusers and hand and body washes and lotions. The brand is proudly handmade in Great Britain. marmaladeoflondon.com 84 AUGUST 2020

Futuristic and faceted, Cut from Tom Dixon is an exercise in optics. Its space-age mirror finish when off transforms to reveal a translucent kaleidoscopic gem when switched on. Produced in both chrome and smoke finishes, small and long, pendant and surface. Cluster for maximum effect. brand-designs.com

West London Carpentry & Decoration BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE

WARDROBES - BOOKCASES - CABINETS - STORAGE REFURBISH EXISTING KITCHEN DOORS & FURNITURE

A. C. Lindner

A.C. Lindner paints naturalistic still life and animal subjects using traditional oil glazing techniques, a centuries old process resulting in luminous and beautifully detailed finished oil paintings. Bespoke services available.

For more information, visit www.aclindner.com or email lindnerstudios@yahoo.com.

home & garden

An Oakfields design is an enduring tribute to its owner’s good taste, uncompromising standards, and zest for life.

The Oakfields Group are committed to excellence.

Never have our homes been more important to us. During these very challenging times our homes and gardens have become a safe haven for all of us and the vast majority of us have been using our time to get around to those unfinished DIY jobs and for some this means looking at larger projects, to make our home just how we want it.

Architectural Glass

For the Finest of Homes

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he Oakfields Group specialise in extending the home with their impressive and very modern Winter Garden glass extensions, as well as a continuing heritage in stylish period conservatories and orangeries. They create almost everything in glass that you need; bespoke bi-folding and slim frame sliding doors, flat glass rooflights - that open, or very minimal roof lanterns.

The current trend in home renovations is to add a bespoke Winter Garden. Most people are confused as to the difference between a winter garden and normal conservatory. But there is a distinct

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THE OAKFIELDS GROUP has a lineage going back two generations • A heritage based upon accurate period design and artisanship in traditional conservatories • A reputation for delivering unique designs and creating very special buildings and structures • A new journey taking this expertise and knowledge to explore modern leading-edge products and designs • A group unique in the UK that delivers both the traditional and the modern

Many of us are looking at how to create more living space as we continue to adapt how we live and work. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by adding a stunning Winter Garden, conservatory, or orangery. Or, if you simply want to extend your space to enjoy the garden more, then the latest in louvred pergolas and atrium glass rooms may be your answer. difference – comfort. A winter garden creates a bio-climatic environment - a natural space cooled in summer by air flow, shaded by stunning in-built canopies, and then warmed in winter by the sun’s rays and the latest in high performance glass really keeps the heat in! A perfect glass room that really can be used all year round.

These stunning glass and aluminium designs certainly add the wow factor and suit all styles of home, whether it’s a modern or period property. Their glass designs can also act as a link-way to different parts of your home, providing a light and airy room which can be used for any purpose, as a kitchen extension which we all know is now the hub of the home, a separate office space, or an entertainment room for the whole family.

Not only do winter gardens add a luxurious addition to any home, but the extra room and unique design will also add value to your property.

THE DETAILS Oakfields work throughout the UK and can also undertake international projects.

To find out how to transform your home contact The Oakfields Group. Their showroom is based in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside near Harrogate, and they also offer an remote design consultation that you can book online.

To see their product range visit; theoakfieldsgroup.co.uk Or call today to arrange a no obligation consultation, 0113 3873118 AUGUST 2020 87

HOME & GARDEN

IURI&JANE-HOME

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cclaimed international designers Iuri Shubladze and Jane Wilson-Marquis have launched their first collaborative collection, IURI&JANE-HOME. The line debuts with their new collection of midnight black and barely off white pillows. Their original designs and surface treatments such as hand painting and silk screening give a one-of-a-kind beauty and quality to their pillows.

Iuri is an innovative New York fashion designer creating oneof-a kind clutches, bags, scarves, and other accessories for men and women. His work has found a following among people all over the world and is regularly featured in shows and galleries. He is a graduate of New York’s elite Fashion Institute of Technology and, while at FIT, studied international fashion design in a special yearlong program at the Politecnico de Milano in Milan, Italy.

Jane, who is also based in New York, designs clothing for women who want a distinctive and original look. Her clothes have been featured in film, theater and television and exhibited in London, New

York City, and Singapore.

Jane, from the United Kingdom, comes from the world of modern dance and mixed media theater, and Iuri, from the country of Georgia, is a mixed media artist and painter as well as a fashion designer. They share a passion not just for fashion, but for everything HOME Now, in partnering to create their first THE DETAILS IURI &JANE-HOME Collection, they have For further information and order joined their artistry and inquiries including custom orders: talents to produce a Contact London-based: Koulla unique pillow collection Constantinou, sales that reflects Jane’s and UK and EUROPE Iuri’s distinctive cultural Email: heritages and design koullaconstantinou@hotmail.com. sensibilities.

Cell: 07496669186 NYC -based Iuri and Jane, sales USA and Canada Iuri: iurish_blacklabel@hotmail.com Jane: jane.wilsonmarquis@gmail.com 001 917 678 5537 iuriandjanehome.com

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HOME & GARDEN

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Outdoor Living

TURN UP THE HEAT

Bring Festival Fever Home this Summer With many festivals now postponed until 2021, it’s time to rethink one of our favourite summertime staples whilst we wait for their return next year. Carve out a little relaxed corner for the main event. Fire pits and chimineas will keep everyone warm when the sun goes down, whilst adding a sense of occasion. Pile up blankets and cushions for softness and comfort. gardentrading.co.uk

As the day draws to an end, it doesn’t mean your time outside has to. This great collection of outdoor heaters will extend your days into evenings, transforming your garden or patio into a warm, cosy, and inviting space. dobbies.com

picnic time

FABULOUS FEATURES Visually striking, the outdoor spiral water feature showcases an ultra modern design with a spiral shape that neatly wraps the showering water streams. Or, create a sense of calm and tranquility alfresco with the Elite water feature in granite. charltonisland.com

Al Fresco Dining

Upgrade your outdoor dining experience by bringing a fresh botanical look to the table with ProCook’s new bamboo picnicware range. These reusable bamboo dinner plates, side plates, bowls and tumblers are perfect for picnics, BBQs and casual outdoor dining. procook.com 90 AUGUST 2020

Get out and about this month, with Helen Round’s pure linen wraps, bags and bowl covers that provide sustainable alternatives to single use plastic options.

Machine washable, they can be enjoyed again and again in the great outdoors. Each piece is handmade in Helen’s Cornish studio, sewn by a team of skilled local artisans then hand printed using traditional screen printing techniques. helenround.com

HOME & GARDEN

From ambitious building projects to timely tidying up, Luke Rix-Standing looks at how to boost the value of your property.

Adding Value To Your Home

K

een to add value to your home? Whether you’ve just moved into a decrepit bedsit, or have lived in a mansion for years of domestic bliss, there is still plenty of mileage to adding value to your property.

Doing so could help improve your own quality of life while you’re still in the property (if buyers find something appealing, odds are you might too), and keep you well placed on the property ladder, regardless of whether you’re currently looking to sell.

From five-year plans to on-the-day dust-ups, here’s seven ways to add value to your home...

Loft conversion

Perhaps the gold standard of home improvements, loft conversions are not for the faint of heart, but can come with major domestic and financial rewards if done well. Adding square footage is a guaranteed value-boost, while the market fixation with number of bedrooms means that adding one can practically ensure a hefty payday when it comes to selling.

“The average loft conversion costs around £40,000,” says Chris Smith, regional director at estate agents Yopa, “but can increase your property value by an estimated 21%. They’re usually more of a long-term strategy, so you might not see all the money back if you sell immediately.”

Loft conversions are not cheap - and not suitable for every property of course - but they often perfectly prove that old adage, 92 AUGUST 2020

that you have to spend money to make money.

Brush up on kerb appeal

First impressions matter, and putting your best foot forward is key to getting customers through the door. “We estimate that simply by improving your property’s ‘kerb appeal’, with a freshly painted exterior, clean windows, a tidy driveway and a new front door, can boost the value of a property by up to 10%,” says Smith. “The outside of your property is the first thing potential buyers will see, both when browsing online and in person at a viewing.”

On modern properties, buyers may probably expect double glazing - a savvy way to save on your energy bill in the meantime - along with up-to-date security and draught-proofing.

Go for open-plan living

Open-plan living has been in vogue for some years now, and it’s clearly not going anywhere anytime soon. Most modern househunters are looking for spaces that are practical and adaptable, and it seems distinctly old-fashioned to cook your food in one room and then have to transport it to another to eat it.

Open-plan living spaces don’t have to be giant, or rectangular - you’re looking to create areas that are connected but distinct.

Consider sliding doors or curtains that can pull back during the day, waist or shoulder-high partitions, or doorway-like arches that demarcate your space.

HOME & GARDEN

These are the golden rules of open-plan living: separation without isolation; continuity without uniformity.

Refurbish the kitchen

“Conservatories really earn their keep during the winter months, when they provide a portal to the outside world”

“The addition of a traditional British conservatory typically costs around £5,000,” says Smith, “and can increase the value of a property by around 10% when done well. To add real value, make sure your conservatory is fully glazed and blends in with the style of the rest of the property.”

A recent report by Norton Finance mapped out the most expensive home improvements performed by homeowners in their first year in a new property, and kitchen renovation ranked second only to furniture.

The centrepiece to so many homes, it’s no surprise that the kitchen commands so much attention both before and after a sale, and a well-designed room can easily pull in extra thousands.

“If your budget can only stretch to renovating one room, that room should be the kitchen,” says Smith. “You can cut costs by painting cupboard doors yourself and adding new, fashionable handles.”

Consider any second-hand shop - regardless of what it sells - and consider the price difference between products marked ‘used’, and products marked ‘like new’. This one’s a no-brainer, and just a fresh lick of paint can make pokey rooms immediately more marketable.

Your house isn’t new - but it’s new to your potential buyers, and you’ll be doing your bank balance a favour if you can make it look that way from the moment they cross the threshold.

Add a conservatory

Add an extra bathroom

The stars have to align somewhat for conservatories to be sensible investments, but if the cap fits, they can enhance a property with ease. Aside from the necessary financial clout, homeowners will need to ensure proper planning permission, while those with smaller gardens might want to think twice before sacrificing valuable yard space.

Though often associated with summer, conservatories really earn their keep during the winter months, when they provide a portal to the outside world, free from the cold, damp and dark.

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Redecorate

As with bedrooms, the number of bathrooms appears like a ranking next to your property, and it’s a crucial integer in the valuation equation. Broom closet, pantry, cupboard under the stairs - a small downstairs loo doesn’t take much, and it can be a delightfully canny way to carve profit out of otherwise wasted space.

“You can add up to 5% value to your property by adding a second bathroom,” says Smith. “An average bathroom costs £4,500, and according to NAEA Propertymark, 70% of estate agents say an additional loo helps to sell a house.”

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HOME & GARDEN

Popular Geode Artist Brings More Designs to Wallpaper 96 AUGUST 2020

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“A lot of my work is rooted in the natural world and a country walk can be as inspiring as wandering around a gallery”

ue to popularity, Lara Skinner has updated her agate effect wallpaper collection at Wallsauce.

With a passion for embracing textures upon layers and forming collages, Lara’s collection at Wallsauce comprises of intricately detailed agate patterns amongst other precious stone replicas. The sophisticated collection has designs that would create a beautiful feature wall in tranquil bedrooms and contemporary living rooms.

Lara has always had a strong interest in art and loves anything involving creativity. Having studied Graphic Design/Illustration at Camberwell College of Art, Lara began her career in designing record sleeves that appeared on the shelves in HMV and Virgin Megastores. Speaking to Lara, she says: “A lot of my work is rooted in the natural world and a country walk can be as inspiring as wandering around a gallery or seeing a new exciting art exhibition. Having recently relocated to Devon, a daily walk on the beach is a must in any weather. The rock formations, geodes and strata are beautiful colour chameleons as the seasons change, with direct sunlight they actually sparkle.

I love jewel tones and mixing these into marble/agate designs with lots of gold, it creates a luxury layered story. Geode/ marble/agate patterns emerged in the design world a while ago,

adorning fashion, homeware, soft furnishings etc and they don’t look like disappearing any time soon!”

This uber-stylish mural collection is available on a choice of wallpaper materials, including removable wallpaper, which is great for rented homes. Visit Lara Skinner’s collection of agate wallpaper murals to see the range of designs available at Wallsauce. wallsauce.com

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HOME & GARDEN

Crafting the Future

furniture and design without limitations. The pandemic has been a global shock and a wake up call in so many ways, telling us now is the time to act and become more sustainable in our buying practices.”

I

t was almost four years ago when Hampshire-based bespoke furniture company , celebrated 50 years in business. How the world has changed since then!

The close-knit team at Conquest, like so many other businesses, have had to adapt and respond to the pandemic. The Conquest team have been adjusting their service with showroom visits by appointment, design consultations by video link and strict social distancing during manufacture and fitting so they are able to continue to offer a personal and excellent customer experience.

A Bespoke Renaissance

The pandemic has not only made us rethink our work practises but our buying behaviour, our homes and our impact on the environment. Could it perhaps have added a sense of belief in our ability to bring about dramatic change - a belief that change on a global scale is possible?

Conquest’s founder and inspiration John Adey, who recently celebrated his 78th birthday certainly thinks so.

“A bespoke approach to furniture was already experiencing a renaissance as more people discovered the value of sustainable

Conquer Working From Home

We’ve all had to spend a lot more time working from home and Conquest’s designers know that it is possible to be much more productive with a home office that perfectly fits your needs. Beautifully, intelligently designed fitted home office furniture, including desks, shelving, drawers, cabinets and display space should all combine perfectly to create a comfortable refuge for action, reflection and creative thinking.

Dress in Style

A handcrafted fitted dressing room is perhaps one of life’s luxuries but a tailored dressing area in your bedroom can serve equally well. A bespoke approach means that your dressing room or dressing area is designed to complement your home. It will provide the perfect storage solution for your clothes, shoes and accessories, meaning you will always look and feel your best.

The Ultimate Wine Cave

If wine is your passion then why not surround yourself with inspiration with a fitted wine cellar? Forget damp and dusty - think the ultimate relaxation and social space with everything that you need on hand. A wine cellar can be combined with entertainment systems, personalised lighting and smart home features for the perfect place to relax and enjoy some downtime. conquest-uk.com 98 AUGUST 2020

Gustavs Filipsons is deeply inspired by his home city of Riga’s old architecture and its different moods in different seasons. Mythical silhouettes and symbols had much greater influence on him than the bypassing Soviet era. When painting, he likes to communicate the inner realm of self, cross the boundaries of human mind, touch the soul and find revelation through artwork.

Visit gustavsfilipsons.berta.me or email gustavsfilipsons@inbox.lv for more details.