Life Magazines (London editions) March 2018 by Fish Media Group Ltd

FROM THE

EDITOR

avin Gardiner’s first sale of 2018 is highlighted by two magnificent guns that showcase the wonderful gunmaking talent in the UK today. A collection of around a dozen guns by London gunmaker Frederick Beesley, includes the magnificent Presentation quality Dinosaur gun, that was among the last guns completed by this maker in 2006 and appears virtually unused. Estimated to fetch £30,000- £40,000, the gun is engraved by Bill Sinclair and its construction utilises the talent of many of the finest gunmakers working in the trade today. Watched by thousands along the banks of the River Thames and by millions more on TV around the world, The Cancer Research UK Boat Race is the world’s most famous rowing race, and one of the biggest free sporting events in London. The annual contest between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities, is now one of the oldest sporting rivalries, following a challenge between old school friends. The first ever race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames and since the second race in 1836 the contest has taken place in London. Hop along to Kew Gardens and follow Peter Rabbit’s trail on a botanical bunny adventure this Easter holiday at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Visitors can expect an exciting activity-packed day out with games, crafts and storytelling inspired by Beatrix Potter’s iconic tales.

Faye Manning Editor

THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

17, The Broadway, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5HZ, UK

0844 800 8439

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Alex Lux ••••• Fashion Editor Lara Accison ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• Directors Rory Smith Patrick Smith

“This is the most amazing little shed!” “It’s got underfloor heating so you can store literally anything!”

“Books, files and documents”

CONTENTS EVENTS

ARTS & ANTIQUES

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties A collection of stunning arts and antiques

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

104

HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL

115

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

143

The finest independent schools in the UK

Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best

“It’s liberated my house!”

HOUSE & GARDEN

177

LOFTS, BASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS GUIDE

230

A collection of London’s finest interior companies

The ultimate guide to extending and converting your London home

“Clothes, shoes and boots”

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

“And it’s so adaptable it can be a home office, or even a little laundry - loads of things!”

enquiries@bathstoneltd.co.uk 01189 842555 www.bathstonegardenrooms.co.uk www.thestoreandmoreshed.com

EVENTS – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i m a g e : CANC E R R E S E ARCH U K BOAT RAC E

EVENTS

The Abbey Road Studios Record a Song Experience H Abbey Road Studios offer a unique experiential event: the Record a Song Experience.

ome to countless landmark recordings, the legendary studio complex has a phenomenal history spanning over 85 years and has played host to artists including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Frank Ocean, Sam Smith, Kate Bush, Ed Sheeran, Radiohead, Lady Gaga, and Adele. The studios are also available to hire for a select number of special events each year. Through their Record a Song Experience, they offer an extremely exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record in the very same studios that are filled with decades of inspired, creative moments. Working with award-winning Abbey Road recording engineers and professional vocal coaches you will be guided through the recording session to record the song of your choice in the famous studio. At Abbey Road Studios, the engineers and producers are so proficient that you will be played your edited and mixed recording immediately after finishing your last take, and soon after be handed a freshly made CD of your bespoke recording session. Food and drink can be incorporated into the experience through their exceptional in-house caterer. Other additions include displays of magnificent recording equipment and striking pianos including the one Paul McCartney used to record Lady Madonna and which countless other artists have played and recorded on. One thingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for sure, it will make for an unforgettable evening in the most famous studios in the world.

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You can book your own Record a Song experience by getting in touch with the Abbey Road Studios Events team via their website or by emailing the team at events@abbeyroad.com; Abbey Road Studios, 3 Abbey Road, London, NW8 9AY, t +44 (0)20 7266 7230; www.abbeyroad.com

EVENTS

Step into Spring! W

ith its brilliant mix of skilled craftspeople, talented designermakers and passionate artisan producers, the Country Living Spring Fair is the perfect place to pick up beautiful original pieces and fresh seasonal inspiration for your home, garden and wardrobe. Try your hand at new crafts, learn from experts and stock up on delicious foodie treats while enjoying a truly inspiring day out with friends and family.

Stylish shopping With over 300 exhibitors selling unique products you won’t find on the high street, you can browse enticing stalls and meet passionate designer-makers selling original, hand-crafted items including homeware, accessories, art, fashion, jewellery and gifts. Visit the Small Businesses Area for exciting new entrepreneurs, and meet talented Country Living readers who have won the chance to exhibit their home-grown products for the first time in the Pop-Up Market.

Animal Magic Visit the Country Living Smallholding to feed the hand reared lambs and meet the chickens, as well as enjoy talks and demos on everything from beekeeping and flower arranging to turning your home into an urban smallholding. 12 MARCH 2018

Learn from the experts The Queen of Chalk Paint herself, Annie Sloan, will running daily workshops teaching all things colour, style and technique. Craft enthusiasts can brush up an old skill or master a new one in the CL Crafting Workshops.

Foodie Fare Food lovers can stop by the Country Living Kitchen Theatre for ideas on simple and delicious recipes that are easier than you think, as well as going back to basics learning skills such as pastry, pasta and bread making. If you’re less inclined to make the food but just as likely to try it, you can enjoy delicious treats with a street-food feel in the Gourmet Garden or meet new artisan food producers in the Little Larder.

Relax and Recharge When you need a rest, head to the Crafty Caravan Bar or The Gin Trailer for spring cocktails or a glass of fizz. If you don’t fancy a tipple, you can enjoy a refreshing brew in the Tea Rooms, perfect for relaxing and catching up with friends and family. Why not consider the VIP package and enjoy an exclusive lounge area, fast-track entry and a complimentary cloakroom, as well as tea and coffee, a glass of bubbly and a Country Living goody bag.

THE DETAILS Country Living Spring Fair Venue: Alexandra Palace, London, N22 7AY Dates: 26 - 29 April 2018 Alexandra Palace is easy to get to with free parking and free shuttle buses every 10 minutes to take you from Alexandra Palace Railway and Wood Green Tube Station, directly to the Fair.

Tickets To book tickets visit www.countrylivingfair.com/tickets or call 0844 581 1385 Advance Tickets: Adult £14.50; VIP £55; Child ages 5-16 £8.50 A £1.75 booking fee applies per booking (not per ticket) For more information visit the website at www.countrylivingfair.com

events FEATURE

A single mother who invented a revolutionary pressure-relief saddle pad is riding high as the device takes the equestrian world by storm.

PROTECTING NUMBER ONE H

elen Ross starred in a revealing and dramatic photo-shoot to promote the award-winning winged saddle pads which she designed while bringing up two small children. The stylish pads fit neatly across a horse’s spine to reduce pressure from everyday activities and competitions and have been independently scientifically proven to work more effectively than conventional pads. Helen, a former fashion model, paid her way through university and studied equine science to create the winged saddle pads after recognising the need for greater comfort for horses. “I have always loved horses and it is great that it has gone so well,” says Helen, from Kent. “It was amazing to do the photo-shoot for the product I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved as a single mother and the images certainly show my strong side.“It’s not everyday you get the chance to canter around wearing heels and it was great fun. But I also hope it shows that women can be strong.” Helen’s product won the 2016 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Innovation award and her company – HRP Equestrian - sponsors Olympic medallists Lucinda Fredericks and Jock Paget, and international event rider Adam Trew. The success of the design has caught the attention of other manufacturers and Helen is fighting a legal battle against copycat versions. “I am very proud of my wing saddle pad design and refuse to allow other companies to benefit from my invention,” she adds. “We are the only legitimate manufacturer and seller of the winged saddle

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pads which have done so much for the health and welfare of horses and our lawyers have written to a number of firms warning them to stop infringing our rights.” Helen has also used her design skills to invent a support device to help her son Hugo, who has a rare condition, breath better at night. She also launched the charity Hugs4Lungs - to give support to families whose children suffer with lung disorders and breathing difficulties. For more details visit www.hrpequestrian.com or telephone 0207 859 4393

EVENTS

Ascot Racecourse will be sporting a different kind of colours this April…

ASCOT SPRING GARDEN SHOW 2018 13th – 15th April 2018

scot Racecourse has created the Ascot Spring Garden Show – the south east of England’s first garden show of this scale in 2018 – with the gardening enthusiast in mind. This high-quality boutique event, showcasing Britain’s finest established and emerging horticultural talent, has been planned and designed by Stephen Bennett, former Shows Director at the Royal Horticultural Society where he was responsible for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the launch of all other major RHS shows. Forming part of the historic Crown Estate, the Ascot Spring Garden Show is supported by The Savill Garden and The Valley Gardens at Windsor Great Park. It promises top-quality horticulture and gardening advice, unsurpassed service and state-of the-art facilities that are recognised the world over. Visitors to the brand-new show can look forward to six ‘Town and Country’ themed show gardens, that have been designed and built by established and award-winning designers. An additional six gardens 16 MARCH 2018

will also be on display, created by student teams from talented horticulture colleges, as part of the Young Gardeners of the Year competition, hosted by ITV’s Love your Garden co-presenter David Domoney. Show visitors can also peruse a fine array of horticultural trade exhibitors – from leading manufacturers and suppliers of the best garden equipment, greenhouses, tools and machinery to designers of outdoor sculpture and stylish garden ornaments – purchase plants from a range of specialist plant nurseries and enjoy a daily programme of free talks and personal guidance from horticultural experts. Perfect for Mother’s Day, a botanical-themed afternoon tea has been designed by the talented Ascot chefs in partnership with celebrated pastry chef Claire Clark and is available in the Parade Ring Restaurant for pre-bookings and on-the-day. Free parking and a complimentary plant creche and porter service are also available for the duration of the show.

THE DETAILS Advance tickets are just £20. For further information and to buy tickets for the Ascot Spring Garden Show visit www.ascot.co.uk/gardenshow or call 0844 581 6990.

EVENTS

LORD’S

The Home of Cricket

Lord’s has long been seen as the game’s spiritual ‘headquarters’. But its importance is not merely historical. In practice it remains, to this day, perhaps the most important single place in world cricket

ts owner, Marylebone Cricket Club, remains the guardian of both the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket, and MCC sides (which play around 500 games a year) perform a key role in promoting cricket - in Britain and elsewhere. In addition, Lord’s is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as well as the European Cricket Council (ECC).It is also the setting for the state-ofthe-art MCC Cricket Academy, the unrivalled MCC Library and the world-famous MCC Museum. Above all, Lord’s is the setting for some ofthe best cricket in the world .It hosts Investec Test matches and NatWest-sponsored one-day internationals plus most of Middlesex’s home games, some historic fixtures (such as Oxford v Cambridge) and the village and club finals. The Lord’s 2018 fixture list is available to view on their website: www.lords.org/fixtures/fixturesand-tickets There is a Tour of Lord’s where you will begin in the MCC Museum, home of the famous Ashes urn. The museum brings the fascinating story of cricket is to life. Paintings, photographs and artefacts, covering 400 years of cricket history, reveal the game’s development from a rural pastime to a modern, increasingly international sport. The museum also boasts bats, balls and kit donated by great players like Mahela Jayawardene, Glenn McGrath, Rahul Dravid, Paul Collingwood and Shane Warne -as well as from past greats such as

18 MARCH 2018

Victor Trumper, Jack Hobbs andDon Bradman. Additional attractions at Lord’s include the Tennis Court where Real Tennis, ‘the game of kings’ (famously enjoyed by King Henry VIII), is still played, and the MCC Cricket Academy - where many future Test and county stars hone their skills. Founded in the 1970s, it soon produced some of the world’s finest cricketers, including Sir Ian Botham, Martin Crowe and Angus Fraser. Regular users include Middlesex players, MCC’s Young Cricketers and international cricketers preparing to appear in major matches at Lord’s. Members of the public are welcome too. Facilities include a 19-yard run-up for bowlers, a variable speed bowling machine forbatsmen, two-way simultaneous video recording equipment, aSupergrasse playing surface - especially for cricket, a bar & coffeeshop for spectators (for tired players!) with coaching availablethroughout the year. Lord’s is also an ideal venue for meetings or conferences, exhibitions, wedding receptions, dinners, parties or any celebration. From the Victorian elegance of the Pavilion to the striking lines of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre, Lord’s offers a wide range of facilities that allow for flexibility and creativity. Its ideal location in the heart of London and stunning vistas of the hallowed turf make Lord’s a unique and popular choice for any event. For more information about Lord’s visit the website at www.lords.org

“Lord’s is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board”

Venue images courtesy of MCC Above: picture courtesy of Sarah Williams

FEATURE

The Finest Bubble London’s Champagne Emergency Service

hampagne suppliers The Finest Bubble have teamed up with local courier companies in London to offer consumers a two hour champagne emergency service. With a choice of over 300 champagnes from 75cl bottles to giant Nebuchadnezzar (the equivalent of 20 bottles) - there’s no occasion they can’t cater for....family celebrations, birthdays, dinner parties, St Valentine’s Day, weddings, anniversaries and engagements. Their wide range of champagne gifts cover every taste and budget from the most recognised and acclaimed Champagne Houses. Magnums are seeing the fastest increase in sales, and 2002 is the most popular vintage. Vintages corresponding to birth year are proving equally popular with Jeroboams (4 bottles), Methuselah (8), Salmanazar (12) Balthazar (16), Nebuchadnezzar (20) often gift-wrapped for significant birthdays, mainly 18th, 21st, 40th and 50th. The Finest Bubble also have a variety of carefully selected items including limited edition cases, outstanding vintages and ultra-prestige rarities not listed on the website, so if you are looking

20 MARCH 2018

for something extra special, please call for further information. And if you are looking to send gifts to valued clients, The Finest Bubble offer a first-class gifting service throughout the year, and can deliver to multiple destinations in the UK. Their expertise in dealing with large volumes of corporate presents, from individual to group deliveries,w means every gifting requirement can be tailor-made to suit your needs. All of the fine and often rare champagnes are kept in optimum conditions. The bottles are stored and protected from potential damage by light and heat. Prior to purchase, the champagne is either kept in a temperature controlled bonded warehouse, or in a specialist Eurocave fridge to ensure that it arrives in the best possible condition. Over 90% of orders are received from the affluent areas of EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4, W1, SW1, E14 (Canary Wharf) with demand increasing from all over London and across the UK. The Finest Bubble pride themselves on their speedy delivery, the fastest from the moment an order is placed to champagne received? Just 28 minutes to EC1V. Gifting has never been so stress-free and easy.

THE DETAILS For further details and to place an order visit www.thefinestbubble.com or call 020 7359 1608 Email: direct office@thefinestbubble.com twitter.com/thefinestbubble www.facebook.com/TheFinestBubble www.instagram.com/thefinestbubble

EVENTS

GAVIN GARDINER LTD AUCTION OF MODERN & VINTAGE SPORTING GUNS & RIFLES Sotheby’s, New Bond Street, W1a 2Aa, Wednesday 18 April 2018

22 MARCH 2018

“Creative Art” engraved single trigger round action over and under ejector guns by Scottish maker David McKay Brown. Engraved with large Scottish scrollwork, the maker’s name is signed within a panel. Carrying an estimate of £30,000-£50,000, the maker confirms that the guns were built in 2003 and appear relatively little used and retaining virtually all of their original finish. The auction of more than 200 lots of vintage sporting guns, rifles and shooting accessories, is the only sale of Sporting Guns to be held in the heart of London’s Mayfair and will have a strong section of 12-bore Sporting Guns by England and Scotland’s finest makers. For further information, please visit www.gavingardiner.com or call 01798 875300 You can follow Gavin Gardiner on Twitter @GavinGardiner and on Facebook @Gunauctioneer

EVENTS

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH THE IDEAL HOME SHOW’S NEW RENOVATION HUB The UK’s leading home interest exhibition is back for 2018 | Olympia, 17 March - 2 April For those on the lookout for visual representation of what can be achieved, the show’s Room Sets showcase innovative home designs across kitchens and bathrooms, created by some of the industry’s top brands. From working with the smallest of areas to the very largest, there’s inspiration and information on how to renovate any space within the Home Renovation section. The Super Theatre stage offers an impressive line-up of celebrity names across the worlds of property, interiors, gardening, DIY, style and more. TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer is among the show’s special guests along with Sophie Robinson, Martin Lewis, Charlie Luxton and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Image: Llewelyn-Bowen Limited

“Everything from décor essentials and home accessories to the latest household appliances and style picks”

he Ideal Home Show, which is sponsored by Zoopla, brings together a host of renowned interior design experts, celebrity names and interactive activities as well as a wealth of home renovation inspiration. Throughout the show’s 17 days, visitors can explore over 600 exhibitor stands, featuring everything from décor essentials and home accessories to the latest household appliances and style picks. With six sections across Interiors, Home Renovation, Gardens, Style, Homewares and Home Accessories, the event is a one-stop-shop for finding ways in which to transform anything requiring a refresh. New-for-2018 is the Renovation Advice Hub, where interior design professionals offer expert advice to all. Visitors are encouraged to bring their renovation plans, designs and budgets and book a 30-minute, one-to-one meeting with the show’s experts, who are able to provide consultation on all aspects of build, renovation and development.

24 MARCH 2018

Celebrity chefs also take to the Foodie Stage situated within the Eat & Drink Festival, which is co-located with the Ideal Home Show. Foodie favourites such as Dean Edwards, Aldo Zilli and Rosemary Shrager appear, alongside tipples professionals such as Olly Smith. Visitors to the Ideal Home Show gain free access to the co-located Eat & Drink Festival, providing a diverse day out for all the family. Tickets start from £12.00* and can be booked online at www.idealhomeshow.co.uk or via the ticket hotline on 0844 858 6763. Enjoy 2-4-1 tickets with our fantastic reader offer, using code FH241 *The transaction fee is £1.70. Please note that this fee is per transaction and not per ticket. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your company’s access charge.

FREE TICKETS TO THE IDEAL HOME SHOW THIS EASTER! Life Magazines have secured 100 pairs of tickets to give away for the Easter weekend (Friday 30th – March to 2nd April). Simply visit: www.idealhomeshow.co.uk and enter the code: FHFOC T&C’s: This offer is limited to 2 tickets per household. Only available via the website with this exclusive code. Printat-home tickets only. Offer closes when all tickets are allocated. Entry is limited to Easter Weekend ONLY.

EVENTS

Pitter patter down to the Cabbages and Frocks market for

Dog Day Afternoon Saturday 21st April 2018, 11am-5pm, Marylebone Village

Pippa Wilson Photography for Teddy Maximus

ne of the highlights of the day will be the Good Boy Dog School headed by Dima and his doggy dance partners George and Teddy, who will be presenting new and exciting routines at 12 noon and 2pm. Previously Dima and George have been seen on Britain’s Got Talent. George, who is a wow with the ladies, upstaged Lady Gaga on Comic Relief. A winning duo, not to be missed! There are FREE competitions from 2.30pm, with each taking approximately 10 minutes - competition judges are Chamois Rose-Wood of the Independent and Rob Alleyne of Dog Owners Club and seen on BBC3 “Dog Borstal”

Running order... • A bit of ruff ” for mixed breeds • Waggy tail • The Prettiest Bitch • Most Handsome Male • Miniatures & toy breeds • New kid on the block - Best puppy • Oldies but goodies • Best in show While watching the doggy competitions munch on a burger or savoury French crepe followed by a cappuccino. Fashion stalls will be there in abundance, including Bantam Knits whose colourful range of illustrated dog accessories include linen cushions, aprons and tea towels. Don’t miss Gabriela Rose’s tweed tailored jackets in spring 26 MARCH 2018

shades. Why not match your bag or belt to your dog’s beaded collar and lead? Pet portrait artist Victoria Fontaine-Wolf will be there to turn your dog into oils and pastels. Take a look at Ellery Bow, Canny curators of canine kit, who have a range of dog snoods with matching scarves for humans and gorgeous hounds tooth blankets all made in the UK. Make sure to check out Teddy Maximus, a fun and luxurious dog accessories brand adored by hounds and their stylish owners. The range includes a bow tie with a matching slumber bed, luxury dog carrier and a neckerchief. For the active dog, Reg & Bob will have their full range of collars and leads in vibrant colours ideal for splashing in puddles or tearing through woodland, hardwearing and washable. And give your four legged friend some special home cooked food from Butternut Box who will deliver directly to your front door. Don’t miss out, you may go home with a rosette and purchases for you and your pet. Either way it is guaranteed to be a fun filled day out! Ellery Bow blanket Credit Oliver Savage

Pippa Wilson Photography for Teddy Maximus

THE DETAILS Cabbages & Frocks is open every Saturday 11-5pm For more details visit www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk or call 0207 794 1636 07956 282 532 Facebook: Cabbages and frocks market Twitter: @cabbagesfrocks Instagram: cabbagesandfrocks St Marylebone Parish Church grounds, Marylebone High Street (opp. Conran Shop) W1U 5BA Tube: Baker Street

P. Bee & Joanne®

It’s all about UTMOST CUTENESS.

Little Impressions That Last Forever… It’s amazing how fast they grow. What better way to create an enduring memento, preserving the uniqueness of your little ones forever!

Created by Fiona North, beautifully crafted and hand finished, they make ideal and truly personal gifts. Using a simple and quick clay moulding technique, we create unique three-dimensional casts, which preserve an image of your child’s hands or feet in perfect detail forever. Ideal for any age from a few weeks old, hands, feet or combinations are available in a wide range of box frames, finishes, mounts and linings. Gift vouchers are available and special commissions such as complete family sets are welcome.

P. Bee & Joanne® is a family owned business based in Glenmarie, Malaysia. As the owners of two French poodles ourselves, we understand how the right amount of love and care can make all the difference in the world. Every canine deserves the chance to live a comfortable, happy and healthy life. Our mission is to design clothes and accessories that fit the personalities of our customers’ canines, ensuring that your pooch has the swag they deserve. Each piece of our design is meticulously handcrafted by our expert artisan using the finest materials available from Europe, Japan and The United States of America. Whether your furry family member has an old soul or a heart that is young and restless, they will find the doggy duds they need to look and feel their best. We like to say that our styles bring out the human characteristics in your pooch. It’s no coincidence that pets often mirror the personalities of their owners, which is why we’ve created a line of clothes and accessories that feel human, but fit your little family member. www.pbeeandjoanne.com

We can also include first shoes, bootees, photos and memorabilia.

Give a gift with a lasting impression. Telephone 0208 674 4068 Mobile 07766 101570 lITTlE IMprEssIons 64 Rodenhurst Road, London SW4 8AR

Email fionan@little-impressions.com

WWW.LITTLE-IMPRESSIONS.COM

EVENTS

THE CANCER RESEARCH UK

BOAT RACE Preview Saturday 24th March 2018

atched by thousands along the banks of the River Thames and by millions more on TV around the world, The Cancer Research UK Boat Race is the world’s most famous rowing race, and one of the biggest free sporting events in London. The annual contest between two rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities, is now one of the oldest sporting rivalries, following a challenge between old school friends. The first ever race took place in 1829 in Henley on Thames and since the second race in 1836 the contest has taken place in London. April 2018 will see the running of the 164th Men’s Boat Race and 73rd Women’s Boat Race, both now taking place on the Championship Course.

30 MARCH 2018

Race course, known as the Championship Course is 4 miles, 374 yards or 6.8 Km long, stretching between Putney and Mortlake. The start of the race is marked by the University stone, a few hundred yards upstream from Putney Road Bridge and for the first quarter of a mile, as the crews pass the historic boathouses of Putney Embankment. The Finish Line is just a few yards downstream from Chiswick Road bridge and here the crowds on Race Day are as densely packed as those near the Start. What those crowds witness as the crews cross the Line is the ecstasy of the victors and the despair of the losing crew. On Race Day up to 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the Thames to witness the action. Remember, all the riverside pubs will be heaving, with the crowds spilling out onto the towpaths. If you’re planning to watch from a pub, arrive early! There are large screens at Bishops Park, Fulham and Furnival Gardens, Hammersmith which mean you will be able to watch the whole Race before and after the crews have passed. The parks will also feature food outlets, beer stands and merchandising stalls.

THE DETAILS The 2018 Cancer Research UK Boat Races start times: The Cancer Research UK Women’s Boat Race 4.31pm The Cancer Research UK Boat Race 5.31pm BBC1 will be showing the Boat Race live. For more information visit www.theboatrace.org

FEATURE EVENTS

The National Wedding Show ExCeL London 14-15 April

he UK’s biggest wedding show returns in April with even more wedding specialists and top show features. The Catwalk show will showcase the latest collections from the nation’s hottest designers, retailers and boutiques. Including looks for the bride, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride and groomsmen. With hundreds of wedding suppliers you can be sure to tick off lots of wedding planning ‘todos’ in just one day. Find your dream dress! Try on as many dresses as you like from an unrivalled selection of bridal shops and designer labels, with no appointments necessary. Talk to dedicated travel experts and create your ultimate honeymoon or wedding abroad in The TUI Wedding Travel Lounge and set your creative side loose with DIY wedding workshops in The Inspiration Lab. Get essential wedding planning guidance from guest speakers at The Hitched Wedding Planning Platform.

Enjoy a day of luxury with the VIP experience! Benefits include: • A VIP goody bag • A complimentary glass of fizz • The latest issues of Confetti magazine • Reserved seating at the Catwalk Show • Fast-track entrance to the show • Exclusive access to the VIP lounge

THE DETAILS For more information or to book tickets visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ nationalweddingshow Twitter @nationalwedding Instagram thenationalweddingshow #TNWS

32 MARCH 2018

Select 20 dates n 18 o availab w le.

0207 953 3102

conference@danubiuslondon.co.uk www.danibuslondon.co.uk

EVENTS

The National Trust and Cadbury team up for a fun Easter weekend in London

t’s that time of the year again when the National Trust partners with Cadbury to help bring families together to experience the magic of the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts. This year, 30 March – 2 April* families are invited to join in the fun through muddy woodlands, around mystical lakes, along nature trails and through spring gardens blooming with life. Follow the Bunny’s clues whilst wandering through the perfect surroundings and finish your adventure with a delicious chocolatey Cadbury treat. There are a number of Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts to choose from across London guaranteeing a fun-filled Easter for everyone, here are just some of them…

Fenton House and Garden, Hampstead Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Fri 30 Mar – Mon 2 Apr, 11am-4.30pm Explore Fenton’s magical walled garden on a hunt with a difference to win a delicious Cadbury chocolate prize. Inspired by Hampstead’s love of dogs and Fenton’s own collection, this quest takes you through a sunken garden, ancient orchard, kitchen garden and along hidden paths. Seek out ceramic dogs of all shapes and sizes and celebrate

“Join in the fun through muddy woodlands, around mystical lakes, along nature trails and through spring gardens blooming with life” our four-legged friends with fun facts and quizzes. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt costs £3 Normal admission applies for more details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house

Ham House and Garden, near Richmond Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Fri 30 Mar – Sun 15 Apr, 10am-5pm (last trail 4.30pm) They have hidden twenty eggs of the birds that live in and around the garden at Ham House. Can you find all of them, crack the code and receive your delicious Cadbury chocolate prize? Look out for extra activities at each stop along the way. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt costs £3 The Egg-cellent Easter Games Tue 3 – Sun 15 Apr, 10am-5pm An ‘Olympics’ of games, with ‘Hop Scotch’, hopping bunny sack race, and an egg & spoon obstacle course. Normal admission applies for more details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house

Morden Hall Park, Morden Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Fri 30 Mar – Mon 2 Apr, 10am-4pm Follow a trail around the park to find out about all of the animals and their babies and how you can help them. At the end, you’ll receive a delicious Cadbury chocolate prize. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt costs £4 For more details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park * Some Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts will be running for an extended period over the Easter holidays, please visit www.cadbury.co.uk/easter for more details. For more information on days out with the National Trust in London, please visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/london 34 MARCH 2018

EVENTS

Virgin Money London Marathon Sunday 22nd April 2018

Since the first ever London Marathon on 29th March 1981, the race has grown in size, stature and popularity ever since. Now established among the major events in the sporting calendar, the London Marathon is shown on television in more than 150 countries around the world.

s a fundraising event, there is no race in the world that comes close to the London Marathon. Thousands of runners pound the streets of London with sheer determination, to raise money for charity, many in fancy dress, hoping to stand out from the crowds. More than three quarters of competitors now run for a good cause and a third of all entry places are offered by charitable organisations. The 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon will celebrate the unique spirit of the world’s greatest marathon, showcasing the extraordinary stories of its runners, champions, volunteers, supporters and spectators through the new Spirit of London campaign. Hugh Brasher, Event Director, said: “Running the Virgin Money London Marathon is described by so many as a life-changing experience with extraordinary camaraderie among the runners, volunteers, spectators and everyone involved in the world’s greatest marathon. Our #SpiritOfLondon campaign will unite everyone running, also having a wider connection with the response of Londoners to troubled times.”

Runners in 2018 include: • Sunday 22 April is the 25th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence. Stephen was a keen runner who took part in the Mini Marathon in 1988. His mother, Baroness Lawrence, is the nonrunning captain of a team of ten runners who 36 MARCH 2018

will be raising funds for the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust. • Charlie Guenigault, the off-duty police officer who was seriously injured in the London Bridge terrorist attack when he went to help victims, is raising funds for Kings College Hospital Charity, the hospital that saved his life. • Two teams of nine firefighters, one from Paddington and one from North Kensington fire stations, who were among the first responders to the Grenfell Tower fire, are running to raise money for Grenfell associated causes. The three greatest distance runners of their generation will race this year - Sir Mo Farah, Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele have a combined total of eight Olympic gold medals and 12 World Championship golds between them. Farah, 34, is the most decorated with four Olympic gold medals and six World Championship victories over 5,000m and 10,000m, David Weir aims to win his eighth men’s wheelchair title with a record £17,000 on offer to the winner. Weir became the London Marathon’s most successful champion in 2017 when he clinched a seventh victory. With increased awards for the first 10 finishers in each race, it’s no surprise that the 2018 wheelchair fields are two of the largest in London Marathon history and competition for the coveted titles will be hotter than ever. Celebrity runners include Gordon Ramsay MBE, newsreader Sophie Raworth, actor Stephen Mangan, Casualty’s Jaye Griffiths, Lee Mack, DJ Scott Mills and Katie Price. BBC TV will be broadcasting live coverage and highlights on Sunday 23 April. There will also be live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London. For more details go to www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com

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EVENTS

Fantastic Tunnels and ingenious engineers Uncover the fascinating story of transport tunnelling in two exciting new exhibitions Digging Deeper and The Secret Life of a Megaproject, and enjoy Family Fun STEM activities over Easter at London Transport Museum. Mr Greathead’s Great Idea! 30 March to 15 April Stay and play workshops and immersive storytelling sessions inspired by James Greathead, the man who created the revolutionary ‘Greathead’ Shield - the first tunnel digging machine to help build the Underground in the late 19th century. • Storytelling - meet Mr Greathead and hear stories of how his tunnelling machine helped save the lives of tunnel miners and how his ideas are still in use today. • Stay-and-play - use junk and recycled materials to build imaginary places and spaces.

KIDS GO FREE

NEW GALLERY: Digging Deeper

Tickets on the door are priced at £17.50 for adults and £15.00 for concessions.

Opening 23 March 2018 Featuring a giant audio-visual tunnel projection and a life-size recreation of Greathead’s tunnelling shield that built the world’s first electric Tube railway in 1890, visitors will be able to lose themselves in

Save money by booking tickets in advance online at www.ltmuseum.co.uk - £16.00 for adults and £13.50 for concessions

the history of remarkable engineering feats, find out about the hazardous working conditions of the 19th century and discover early engineering pioneers.

NEW EXHIBITION: The Secret Life of a Megaproject Opening 23 March 2018 The secrets of the Crossrail project – the largest civil engineering project in Europe – are revealed in this fascinating new exhibition. Take a virtual journey deep underground into the tunnels and stations with never-before-seen construction footage, interactive maps and stories from a new generation of engineers who are building the Elizabeth line.

• • •

Year of Engineering at London Transport Museum is supported bY:

••

Bombardier Transportation DCMS Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund Biffa Award and Association of Independent Museums Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust Cubic Transportation Systems Jacobs Mott MacDonald London Transport Museum Friends

38 MARCH 2018

Tickets allow unlimited daytime entry to all Museum galleries and temporary exhibitions for a whole year.

London Transport Museum is open daily and located in Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB. www.ltmuseum.co.uk

events

“How do we get in?” Discover The Waterfront Enclosure During Henley Regatta 2018

THE DETAILS The Waterfront Enclosure during Henley Royal Regatta 2018 Wednesday 4th July – Saturday 7th July 2018 10.30am – 5.30pm Pricing and all-inclusive package details: Wednesday £249.00 + vat Thursday £289.00 + vat Friday £299.00 + vat Saturday £249.00 + vat Includes free car parking, complimentary regatta programme and live rowing commentary. Bookings available on 01635 200 200 or by email to jaz@thewildfork.co.uk www.thewildfork.co.uk The Wild Fork, The Old Cart Shed, Haw Farm, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire RG18 0TP

40 MARCH 2018

hese were the words on everyone’s lips last year at Henley Regatta 2018 as they stumbled across the exclusive Waterfront Enclosure. Located by the iconic start line opposite beautiful Temple Island, The Waterfront Enclosure run by stylish event and catering company The Wild Fork is emerging as the place to be at the world famous sporting event. The eye-catching stretch tent and idyllic English country garden add style and atmosphere to a perfect summer’s day out, either for entertaining corporate guests and colleagues or for gathering friends and family for a real treat. Arrive mid-morning in time for champagne and a classic Pimms with delicious pastries, fresh juices, miniature English breakfasts and healthy granola, yoghurt and fruit compote pots on offer too. Friendly, attentive staff are on hand to ensure guests quickly unwind with soft, live music playing in the background.

A 4 course lunch is served from 12.30pm onwards, shared across banqueting tables with views of the river and the team of chefs impressively working the wood-fired ovens. Expect overflowing platters of gin and elder cured salmon as well as rabbit rillette, duck liver parfait, smoked pigeon and celeriac remoulade to start. To follow, mouthwatering lamb with orzo, spring greens, tzatziki and flat breads and deliciously tender chicken accompanied by Israeli couscous, heritage tomatoes and tabbouleh. A selection of miniature English classic desserts and a fine cheese board complete the feast. The inspired bar stocked with thoughtfully selected wines, spirits, summer cocktails and craft ales remains at guests’ disposal for the rest of the day before afternoon tea is served - a temptation too irresistible to miss. Tickets are selling fast so see below for booking information plus don’t miss out on a 10% discount for all early bird bookings made before the end of April. Quote TWFHENMAGOFFER

The Happiness Planner is a planner and journal designed to help you create more happiness and fulfillment in life by embracing the power of positive thinking, mindfulness, gratitude, and self-development.

Shop: www.thehappinessplanner.com Blog: blog.thehappinessplanner.com App: The Happiness Planner. Available in both App Store and Google Play. Connect with us on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

EVENTS

A big day out with Peter Rabbit™ at Kew Gardens Friday 30 March – Sunday 15 April 2018

op along to Kew Gardens and follow Peter Rabbit’s trail on a botanical bunny adventure this Easter holiday at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Visitors can expect an exciting activity-packed day out with games, crafts and storytelling inspired by Beatrix Potter’s iconic tales. Children will be delighted by the exquisite illustrated world of Peter Rabbit set against the stunning landscape of Kew Gardens. Spring will be well and truly underway and the Gardens will be filled with the dazzling colour of blooming crocuses, daffodils and magnolias. The Easter extravaganza will celebrate the beauty of nature at Kew and encourage visitors of all ages to explore the wonderful world of vegetables and other edible plants, whilst learning about how they are grown. From Kew’s beautiful Secluded Garden, visitors will follow a Peter Rabbit trail to find activity popups for all ages. A trip to Mr McGregor’s potting shed will encourage visitors to plant their very own seeds to take home and nurture. Elsewhere,

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youngsters can choose which Peter Rabbit character they’d like to be for the day and make some fuzzy bunny ears to match. Around the festival hub, children and adults will also be able to get stuck into all sorts of giant food card games, while the hilarious veggie consequences workshop will offer the chance to create incredible monster vegetables. Families will also get the chance to take fun souvenir snaps at special Peter Rabbit selfie boards. Visitors can also pop into Kew’s Kitchen Garden nearby, to learn about the fruit and veg grown by Kew’s very own kitchen gardeners. What’s more, there will be a variety of delicious Easter culinary offerings available at the festival hub, as well as Peter Rabbit gifts and goodies available in the Kew shop. Admission to the festival is included in the general entrance ticket to the Gardens (Adult £17.00, child - £5.00). Kew.org PETER RABBIT™ © Frederick Warne & Co. Limited 2018. Based on the works of Beatrix Potter. PETER RABBIT and BEATRIX POTTER are trademarks of Frederick Warne & Co., a Penguin Random House Company. All rights reserved.

“Children will be delighted by the exquisite illustrated world of Peter Rabbit set against the stunning landscape of Kew Gardens”

events

DC EXHIBITION: DAWN OF SUPER HEROES

Above: Costume From The Joker and costume from Batman

The O2, Until 9 September

THE DETAILS ‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’ Open until 9 September 2018 Tickets: Adult £22/Child £11/Concession £19.80/Family of 3 £39.60/ Family of 4 £55/Family of 5 £60.50. All tickets are subject to a booking fee To book, please visit www.DCExhibition.co.uk Facebook: @DCexhibitionUK Twitter: @DCexhibitionUK

ollowing a successful run in Paris, 2018 sees the London premiere of ‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’, a unique exhibition presented by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products in collaboration with Art Ludique-Le Musée. Opened on 23 February at The O2, this one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, The Penguin and Mr. Freeze. The Exhibition brings fans closer to the world’s most iconic characters and features more than 200 original comic pages, around 300 preparatory sketches and concept artworks for the cinema, together with 45 original costumes, models and props used in the iconic films. Fans visiting will be able to walk through the exhibition, which runs in chronological order, with each room offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the mythical DC Universe. ‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’ features: • Exclusive artworks from the highly-acclaimed Wonder Woman film, directed by Patty Jenkins, that premiered in the summer of 2017. • Costumes and props from more recent films such as; 1989 to 1999’s Batman franchise directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher, the acclaimed The Dark Knight trilogy directed by Christopher

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Nolan, as well as The Man of Steel, Batman V Superman and the recent Justice League by Zack Snyder. • Original drawings of DC’s stable of famous Super Heroes and Super Villains. • Original costumes from blockbuster DC films including the famous cape worn by Christopher Reeve in the Superman movies and Lynda Carter’s iconic Wonder Woman costume from the 1970s. The exhibition showcases almost a century of artistic creations that followed the introduction of an innovative new genre imagined by two adolescents from Cleveland, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, the creators of Superman. First introduced in Action Comics #1 in 1938, Superman, the world’s first Super Hero, quickly revolutionised the era, influencing art, literature, fashion, TV and film. While Superman is a tireless champion dedicated to protecting life and battling injustice with his array of superpowers and abilities, Batman is a mortal man fighting crime using his intellect, physical training, and an arsenal of gadgets and vehicles. They are two opposites - the near-god and simple mortal. However, this contemporary mythology would not have been complete without the fundamental presence of Wonder Woman, a character who became a trailblazer and symbol for peace, justice and equality. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman became the foundation for the genre on which all subsequent Super Heroes are based.

EVENTS

HENLEY FESTIVAL MUSIC | COMEDY | ART | FOOD | 11 - 15 JULY 2018

RITA ORA • GRACE JONES • NILE RODGERS & CHIC • CURTIS STIGERS AND THE RONNIE SCOTTS BIG BAND PRESENT ‘SINATRA AT THE SANDS’ • ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA

THE FLOATING STAGE

enley Festival, the UK’s most glamorous boutique festival, and winner of Headline Performance of the Year in 2016 returns to its spectacular setting on the riverbank in Henley-onThames from 11th-15th July 2018. As the UK’s only black-tie boutique festival, Henley Festival is glamour personified, offering Michelin starred food, award winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music. Many festival goers arrive by boat, and the green lawns of the festival are transformed into a Great Gatsby vision, as black tie clad revellers spill across the festival site, champagne in hand, while fireworks explode overhead.

Following the release of her long awaited album in Spring 2018, Rita Ora will open Henley Festival 2018 on the Wednesday night. The global pop star, with four No.1 hit songs to her name, including Radioactive and I Will Never Let You Down, will get the UK’s most glamourous festival off to an explosive start with her 2017 hit singles Kiss Me, Your Song and Anywhere. A lifelong provocateur Grace Jones will light up Henley Festival with her energetic headline set that is guaranteed to include a string of costume changes and dance-club hits including her acclaimed reinvention of Piaf ’s classic “La Vie En Rose”. One of the world’s most iconic women, singers, songwriters, supermodels, actresses and infamous Bond Girl, Grace Jones’ daring and original headline set will be one of the highlights of the festival. Among music legends, Nile Rodgers is truly exceptional. He amplifies his legacy as a multiGrammy-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist by constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music. As the co-founder of CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping pop hits like “Le Freak,” sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times,” and won CHIC eleven Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations. More recently he has worked with Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, and Sam Smith. Saturday night at Henley Festival will see Curtis Stigers and The Ronnie Scott’s Big Band present

Henley Festival is glamour personified, offering Michelin starred food, award winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music.

Established 36 years ago as a classical music charity event, Henley Festival continues to be run on a not for profit basis supporting charitable projects at both a national and local level. This year proceeds from the festival will go to two charities. Dedicated to supporting young people with depression, and encouraging discussions around mental health, the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust was set up in memory of a young man who took his own life whilst suffering from depression. The Teenage Wilderness Trust supports students who find it difficult to engage with mainstream education by offering reengagement courses using bush craft, wilderness learning techniques and practical life skills to encourage students to get back into learning. 46 MARCH 2018

‘Sinatra At The Sands.’ Internationally acclaimed American jazz vocalist Curtis Stigers will channel the hip swinging chemistry of Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra for a brilliant night which will fly the Henley audience to the moon. Henley Festival will close in true style on the Sunday night with one of the UK’s foremost opera companies the English National Opera performing with soloists, full orchestra and chorus and under the baton of ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins. Their repertoire is taken from many of the greatest operas including Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Madam Butterfly, Turandot and La Traviata as well as a little Gilbert & Sullivan to top the night off.

HIGHLIGHTS A stellar comedy line-up Jazz at Henley Hestival World music in the bedouin tent Folk music in the bedouin tent Foodie festival Visual arts Family Sunday Fireworks

TICKET INFORMATION Full programme and tickets available now For the latest Henley news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram Visit the festival website: www.henley-festival.co.uk

EVENTS

Popular Children’s Book about life as an evacuee in WW2 to hit the Stage Tuesday 20th March – Saturday 24th March 2018

THE DETAILS

Child’s War by Lotte Moore has successfully secured a run at the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick this month. Inspired by the best-selling children’s book Lotte’s War (Urbane Publications, November 2016), the emotive story has been adapted for the stage by Nick Bromley and continues to be aimed at children (seven to 11-year olds) and, of course, adults are welcome! The show will help young people today to understand the true-life story of Lotte Moore - and the thousands of other young evacuees who were sent away from their homes, schools and lives during the Second World War. The war was a time of hardship, heroism and hope. As a child, Lotte may not have been fully aware of the dangers and struggles around her but her memories of evacuation, rationing, blackouts and bombs give an incredible true insight into life during wartime Britain. It is an accessible, first-hand account of a childhood facing the perils of war with a mixture of innocence, fear and fun. Schools are invited to be part of the inaugural performances at the West London theatre from Tuesday 20th March to Saturday 24th March inclusive. At just 45 minutes long, it is perfect for younger children, and will provide vivid insight 48 MARCH 2018

into WW2 from the perspective of a young girl. Lotte Moore is a prolific writer, with more than 20 children’s books published since her writing career took off at the age of 70.

Schools are invited to book directly with the theatre manager for group bookings at simon@tabardtheatre.co.uk Suitable for children aged 7+ £10 full price £6 concessions Individual bookings can be made online through the Tabard theatre website www.tabardtheatre.co.uk/whatson/lotte-moore-a-childs-war or by calling 020 8995 6035. Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, Chiswick, W4 1LW info@tabardtheatre.co.uk

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EVENTS

R oad to recovery

urvivors of the Grenfell Tower disaster were treated to a four-day holiday by a charity as they struggle to recover from the tragedy. A party of around twenty parents and children spent four days enjoying an adventure in the heart of the countryside, as they escaped the turmoil of trying to rebuild their lives following the tower block fire eight months ago. Many are still living in hotels and temporary accommodation as they battle with authorities to find new homes and restore their lives. They visited a farm - and for some it was their first time feeding animals – walked in the woods and tried archery, climbing, campfire and den-building and woodland skills in the trip organised by Al Khair Foundation, a leading UK Muslim charity and its implementing partner Hear Women Foundation. Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad, Founder and Chairman of Al-Khair Foundation said: “We wanted to lift the survivors’ spirits and take them away from their area which is still a difficult place to be in for them. They are all trying hard to deal with the tragedy and to rebuild their lives but it is around them every day. We have been in the community providing practical and emotional support since the fire but felt the children would benefit from having a break in the countryside.” Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members living on the 22nd floor, came on the trip with his children, Zahraa aged seven and Muhammed five. “The outdoor life and the greenery are natural therapeutic things

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to bring joy to people at difficult times, especially for the children,” he said. “My children found this trip enjoyable. Everything has been taken away from them and they must feel empty and lonely. I lost my mum, my sister, all her children and my brother-in-law. I feel very empty, it’s not easy not having people around you. No support, family, or someone you feel you can go and speak to. It’s really difficult. Although I smile, I’m broken, but I have to stay strong for others especially my children. There’s not a moment that goes by that I don’t think of my family.” Hisam, who lives seven minutes from the tower, alleges that the authorities wouldn’t let children visit the tower to pay their respects. “It was only after I challenged them for a month on this matter that they changed their view and are allowing the children to visit the tower at a later stage. This has only been confirmed verbally via the authorities to myself but nothing has been confirmed in writing. They were saying before that the children couldn’t even visit the outside perimeters to pay their respects,” he said. “What I saw on that day, is no different to what my children saw. There’s no reason why they can’t visit. It’s very sad that we have to challenge them. To say to one that you can come in but another can’t is an insult to my family and me. They should make it as easy as possible for people to overcome this but they are putting obstacles in the way just to make a visit.” For more information, please follow: www.alkhair.org

“The outdoor life and the greenery are natural therapeutic things to bring joy to people at difficult times, especially for the children”

EVENTS FEATURE

& David Beckham launch

The Capsule Collection

avid Beckham has made many headlines and graced hundreds upon hundreds of magazine covers due to his football-defining career and impeccable sartorial choices. Known the world over as one of the sport’s biggest stars, the British cultural icon’s journey has seen him representing some of the best teams in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, A.C. Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. Now adidas Football have launched a new footwear collection designed with one of its most iconic partners, David Beckham. It all started with a handwritten letter that David Beckham wrote when he was 18 years old. He had just scored his first goal and was looking for someone to sponsor him with some free boots. adidas accepted the talented, but at the time pretty unknown player’s humble request and if you fast forward two decades, their relationship is still going strong. The launch of the Capsule Collection celebrates the 20 year partnership between them. The David Beckham Capsule Collection features three new adidas shoes in three iconic colours (white, black, red) for three specific arenas (stadium, street, cage). The first of these is the stadium boot, a ‘remastered’ version of the Predator Accelerator which comes in a triple-white colour scheme. The decorated midfielder wore the Predator Accelerator for the majority of his career, creating history for club and country in the process. Beckham won various trophies at club level – including six Premier League titles and one Champions League with Manchester United – while wearing the famous boots. Some of these moments were chosen by the player and stitched into the collar of each item of the collection. His success while wearing the boots proved to be a vital part in launching the collection, with the former midfielder playing a central role in the design process. David Beckham said: “When I look back on the best moments of my career, the one defining theme

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of them all is the adidas Predator. It has always been there, helping me play my best when it mattered most. That’s why when adidas offered me the chance to design an updated version of the boot for on-pitch, in the cage and on the street, I absolutely jumped at the chance.” The three shirt numbers synonymous with Beckham’s career are marked on the heel of each shoe – 23 on the triple-white ‘Stadium’ boot, 32 on the triple-black ‘Street’ shoe and the famous number 7 on the triple-red ‘Cage’ shoe. Even the lettering blends the original Predator typeface with Beckham’s name and number to produce a modern twist on a classic. The power of the Beckham influence continues to pull strings long after his playing days, evidential by the hype stirred up by his appearance in London for the launch. Beckham kicked it off by surprising a group of young footballers by joining their 5-a-side game in East London. The players, from the adidas Tango Squad, initially believed that they were simply testing out the new Cage footwear from the adidas x David Beckham Capsule Collection, until the man himself turned up for a kick a round! Sam Handy, Adidas Vice President Product Design said: “Our limited-edition capsule collection releases are designed to pay homage to the rich history of adidas while introducing modern technology that keeps pace with the requirements of peak performance. There are few more longer-standing partnerships in sport than David Beckham’s with adidas and so working with David on his own footwear collection was something we were all extremely excited about. We know that these will be iconic products for so many fans and collectors.” Prices for each of the shoes in the David Beckham Capsule Collection vary - the triple-white remastered Predator Accelerator boots are £299.95 in the UK, with the triple-black street shoes less at £219.95, while the triple-red cage or astro-turf shoes are the lowest at £179.95.

“It all started with a handwritten letter that David Beckham wrote when he was 18 years old. He had just scored his first goal and was looking for someone to sponsor him with some free boots”

THE DETAILS The new collection is available from selected stores and can be purchased via adidas.com/ Predator.. For further information please visit www.adidas.com/ football or follow @adidasfootball on Instagram or twitter to join the conversation

FEATURE

Silent Pool Distillery to open new distillery extension

ith the drive to expand their presence both nationally and internationally, Silent Pool Distillers, producers of the multiaward winning Silent Pool Gin, are due to open their new distillery in April this year, just three years after they first started back in 2015. The new distillery extension will contain an 1800L, custom made copper still, 5 times the size of their original still Juliet, allowing the company to keep up with the current and increasing global demand. Unlike many other distilleries, Silent Pool Distillers proudly bottle their spirits onsite ensuring that each product is entirely crafted within the four walls of the distillery. It was of great importance to the company that even with increased production, their ethos of personally overseeing every stage of production remained. With the aid of an EU grant the distillery will also unveil a new bottling line built in Italy which will enable the company to hold true to overseeing each stage onsite but also to meet the

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“Unlike many other distilleries, Silent Pool Distillers proudly bottle their spirits onsite”

fast growing demand. The expansion has been driven in large part by exports, Silent Pool Gin is now available in over 24 countries including most of mainland Europe, Japan and America; this has resulted in more jobs for local people and local trades who supply the business. The efficiency of the larger still will allow the innovative distillers to dedicate more time to product development within gin but also whiskey and brandy. Part of what makes the distillation process so authentic is the method they use to power their hand made still. Similar to Juliet, the new still will be heated by steam from a reclaimed, vintage boiler that’s fired on local hardwood. Originally designed to power a steamboat in a 1980’s film, this classically British, McEwen boiler has been reformed and adopted by the distillers at Silent Pool and is now an essential part to the production of their handcrafted spirits. Becoming a ‘greener distillery’ was integral in the planning stages of the expansion and with over 40 solar panels covering every square inch of the new roof, the distillery extension will now generate enough electricity across the year to be completely carbon neutral, Silent Pool Gin really will be made by sunshine! Nestled on the banks of the spring-fed Silent Pool, deep within the rolling Surrey Hills, the distillery is open to visitors 7 days a week, MondaySaturday 9:30-17:00, Sundays & Bank holidays 10:00 – 15:00. You can even immerse yourself into the world of Silent Pool Gin with a 90 minute deep dive distillery tour, covering all aspects of production including product sampling. Please check their website for more details www.silentpooldistillers.com/tours

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FEATURE

COCKTAIL CULTURE THROUGH THE YEARS WORDS: Sam Wylie-Harris

ith The Ivy restaurant in London’s theatreland celebrating its centenery - it opened its doors in 1917 - we can only imagine how it must have hummed in the roaring Twenties at the start of the jazz age, the epitome of glamour. It has since become an institution. We caught up with Darren Ball, bar manager at flagship restaurant. He’s been revamping menus and shaking, stirring and rolling for the rich and famous, low key locals and cocktail hounds for years, but what about cocktails through the decades?

juice and vodka, and Up Against The Wall references a Harvey “Wall” banger cocktail, which is basically a Screwdriver with [herbal liquer] Galliano. Put it all together and marvel at the taste - it’s simply delicious, and the colours are very Seventies to boot.

1980s... Long Island Iced Tea Synonymous with cult film Cocktail, the Long Island Iced Tea is a worldwide favourite, encouraging hedonism amongst the most unlikely of culprits, including that of a baby-faced Tom Cruise. Dating back to the Eighties, this cocktail is named after the USA’s largest island, Long Island, in New York. Although it doesn’t contain tea, its taste is similar. Its cocktail cameos also include The Simpsons, Sex and the City and Cruel Intentions impressed yet?

1990s... Watermelon Martini As the end of the Nineties soared into the millennium, we witnessed a world spun around by the UK’s favourite Aussie singer, Kylie. To accompany this shoe-tapping hit was the honeydew Watermelon Martini, created at famed London hotspot, the Met Bar.

1950s... Vesper Martini

2000s... Cosmopolitan

The scene was Montengro, the character was Bond, the drink? Gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet. Such a classic serve should never be changed, especially one that was created in the 1950s by literary genius Ian Fleming, in his first Bond novel, Casino Royale.

As seen in much-loved Sex And The City, where it was merrily sipped by the brilliant Samantha, the Cosmopolitan has become a favourite tipple throughout cityscapes across the globe, from the mid-Nineties onwards, and was created by cocktail mastermind Toby Cecchini.

1960s... Pina Colada

Now... Old Fashioned

In an era of peace and free love, this creamy tipple was consumed in spades. Indeed, if yoga isn’t your thing and you like getting caught in the rain, this Puerto Rican export is the answer.

An American cocktail of old created in the 1700s, this whisky serve is now the drink of choice for trendy hipsters wanting a bourbon hit. After all, if it’s good enough for Don Draper... Feel instantly transported back to the high-pressure world of Madison Avenue, advertising firms and pin-stripe suits. To mark The Ivy 100 Years celebrations, The Ivy Centenary Gin created with award winning Chase Distillery is priced £50 (at John Lewis nationwide). Also available at The Ivy West Street and all The Ivy Collection restaurants.

1970s... Sloe Comfortable Screw Against The Wall It’s a long name, sure, but certainly a worthy cocktail. What it comes down to is: Sloe - for the Sloe Gin, Comfortable - for the Southern Comfort, Screw - for the Screwdriver ingredients of orange 56 MARCH 2018

FEATURE

Mouthwatering March at Auberge du Lac

ome and celebrate the promise of Spring at Auberge du Lac and enjoy a very special five course seasonal tasting menu for just £50 per person each Wednesday & Thursday during March. Delight in a beautiful Heritage Beetroot starter with goat’s curd, spiced granola and apple followed by delicious Weymouth Crab with watermelon Radish, Grapefruit and Dill. Tender Hay Ash Lakeland Venison cooked to perfection is your next dish, served with truffle pomme anna, turnips and wild mushroom before a sensational pre-desert of Miso Caramel mousse – kinako shortbread, passionfruit jam, granita. Finishing with a terrific “Tiramisu” Mascarpone, lady finger sponge, cocoa, marsala, coffee ice cream. Join us each Wednesday or Thursday in March for dinner from 7pm and treat yourselves to a truly fabulous dining experience. www.brocket-hall.co.uk

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FEATURE

Tariette: a plateful of Provence art-de-vivre

ariette is a new grocer whose French are, with an authentic taste of the region. produce is sourced directly from The producers chosen by Tariette share some small, trusted local producers in Haute common values: tradition, excellence, and above Provence. Their offering of regional all, a passion for their craft. Each one is at the top products, from olive oil to chocolate, aims to of their field for a classic Provençal product— reflect the seasons and showcase local traditions. whether it’s cold-pressed olive oil from the chalky All their producers are handpicked for not only the foothills of the Alps or fragrant lavender from quality of their goods, but an honest, ethical, and the region’s famous fields. All the producers are sustainable approach. missing is a chance to showcase their talents to The company was started by Sylvie Jacquel and a wider audience. It may be that their size or her sons, Thomas and Pierre. Born and raised logistics hold them back from working with the in Haute-Provence, they share a genuine passion ruthless distribution chains of big supermarkets. for local food and produce from their Nevertheless, Tariette believes they still deserve an region. It was the good, honest opportunity to shine. food of Provence—no artificial 2018 is due to be an exciting year for flavours, frills, or glam Tariette, which has grown rapidly since its READER packaging—that Thomas launch. The team will continue to attend OFFER: SAVE found himself missing after selected markets, mainly in and around moving to London. For all London at first, as well as several larger the great British food he could events such as the Hampton Court Flower find locally, there was nothing Show in July. New products are constantly like the taste of home. Sylvie’s being sourced, with seasonal ranges and regular parcels were a godsend to tableware among the big additions to be added him, and it was from these that the idea soon. Their gift hampers continue to be incredibly for Tariette was born. Its mission is to provide popular and more options for sending loved ones anyone who loves Provençal food, wherever they treats are in the pipeline.

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The details Come and visit us at the Country Living Spring Fair on stand F6. We’ll be at the show with a selection of our best food products but will also be launching our new home range called “Tariette Maison”. This new range will include colourful linens (tablecloths, napkins, tea towels, aprons), fine pottery and beautiful table knives - all from Provence.

Reader offer FOR 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER PLEASE USE CODE ‘LIFE20’ (this can be redeemed online or at the show) www.tariette.com

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EVENTS FEATURE

WHISKY IS THE NEW GIN The whisky renaissance is well and truly underway. Will Reardon recommends his top three tipples.

ome call it liquid sunshine, others the water of life, the most devout call it the elixir of gods. I call it delicious. And while gin’s rise in popularity has been well-documented, the rise of whisky has gone almost unnoticed. Aldi recently revealed, however, that whisky is the nation’s new tipple of choice, accrediting its rise in popularity (at least in part) to the hit TV show Peaky Blinders. Whisky cocktails are popular as well. I mean, who doesn’t want to look as smooth as Don Draper with an Old Fashioned? So, whether you’re a lover of whisky already, or fancy getting on board with one of the biggest drink trends of 2018, these are the drams to sup on.

Four Roses Small Batch (45% ABV) Four Roses (£27, Marks & Spencer) was one of only six distilleries in America allowed to sell Bourbon through the Prohibition - albeit you had to get a prescription from your doctor for a pint of the stuff. This mellow, oaky whisky reflects the natural production that created it and is ideal for making a ‘new’ Old Fashioned.

The Old Pulteney 12 years (40% ABV) Old Pulteney (£32, Tesco) comes with a taste of history and the flavour of the sea. Unashamedly excellent, this is a whisky everyone can cherish.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky (46%) The first whisky to be distilled in the beauty of the Cotswolds, Cotswolds Distrillery’s Single Malt (£46.95, The Whisky Exchange) boasts smells of honey and butterscotch, with a taste combination of malt, dark sugar and spice.

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“Whisky cocktails are popular as well. I mean, who doesn’t want to look as smooth as Don Draper with an Old Fashioned?”

FEATURE

MISTER MYSTÈRE PIERRE MARCOLINI’S 2018 EASTER COLLECTION

ierre Marcolini, the ever-creative chocolatier, is taking a surrealistic turn with the illusory delights of his Mister Mystère Easter collection. Is it a rabbit? Surely that’s not an egg? Could that be… a bowler hat? See if you can spot the Mister Mystère Easter Bunny as he plays hide-and seek in the Maison’s iconic chocolates and mini praline eggs. Subtle riddles for the grown-ups; wondrous sights for the kids. Indulge your love of chocolate and children’s games one nibble at a time… All retail prices include tax…

THE EGG HAT Egg or bunny? This creation sums up every iota of Pierre Marcolini’s avant-garde approach. An eyecatching curiosity that consists of a Maison dark chocolate egg topped with a big-eared white chocolate bowler hat. This perfect family Easter gift comes with 30 mini eggs and 30 caramel animals. £135

2 THE BIG-EARED HAT Fancy a round of hide-and-seek? This strange, stunning and striking creation consists of a Maison milk and white chocolate bowler hat topped with a large pair of bunny ears. In this game, the winner gets the irresistible mini praline eggs at the end! Sixteen mini eggs, comprising of four each - white chocolate pistachio praline, white chocolate almond praline, white chocolate hazelnut praline and milk chocolate nougat praline. £85

THE MYSTERY EGGS

3 THE MINI BIG-EARED HAT This pocket-sized version of the Big-Eared Hat comes in a pesky range of three versions – Maison milk chocolate with a nougat praline egg, Maison dark chocolate with a hazelnut praline egg and Maison white chocolate with an almond praline egg. £15

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BOXES This year, Maison Pierre Marcolini is delighted to unveil six new signature Easter eggs: Box of 30: £39. Box of 12: £19

An egg with a secret lock? A bunny hidden inside? If you want to solve the riddle, you’ll just have to get eating! Pierre Marcolini brings you this treat in two different versions: Maison dark chocolate for a more intense flavour; or Maison white chocolate for something more delicate. Nestled inside both you’ll find a cache of mini praline eggs. 26 with 500g egg: £60. 10 with 250g egg: £45

• White chocolate pistachio praline (White chocolate/Yellow) • Extreme fondant (Dark chocolate/Yellow) • White chocolate almond praline (White chocolate/Pink) • Extreme milk (Milk chocolate/ Orange) • White chocolate hazelnut praline (White chocolate/Orange) • Milk chocolate nougat praline (Milk chocolate/Pink)

The mini Maison caramel animals are also back in a special 2018 format. Boxes contain milk and white chocolate caramel rabbits, dark chocolate caramel ducks, white chocolate bells and milk chocolate caramel bells. Box of 30 - £29

The Mister Mystère collection is available at: Pierre Marcolini, 37 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4EQ. Counters in Selfridges and Harrods. Online at uk.marcolini.com facebook.com/PierreMarcolini Twitter/Instagram @pierremarcolini

PROPERTY

Tower

A new level of luxury living has arrived in the heart of London

n an exclusive partnership with Versace Home, the global symbol of opulence, AYKON London One brings you the ultimate in branded living experiences. Versace Tower is about to light up the multibillion pound Nine Elms regeneration zone, in the shape of a designer piece of property for those who love a label. Thanks to a collaboration with Italian fashion house Versace, 50-storey Aykon London One will be the glitziest tower on the block. The £600million tower, dubbed the ‘Jenga tower’ because of its appearance, is due to open in 2020. A studio can be bought for £747,000, with onebedroom apartments from £1,116,000, and twobedroom flats from £1,877,000. As the floors start to rise, so do the prices. A top-floor duplex would set you back £13 million. Choose from studios to one, two and three bedroom arrangements, finished to the highest standards, with special ‘winter gardens’, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. Even the

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“Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics”

chandeliers in the residents’ lounge are gold-plated filigree, while “V” for Versace Home is in marble patterns inlaid into the walnut floors at the entrance to each apartment. For their money, buyers certainly get plenty of Versace branding in their homes. The style house’s trademark Greek key decorates splashbacks, kitchen islands and mirrors in the white marble bathrooms, while master bedrooms are decorated with lavish amounts of pale gold-and-cream Versace wallpaper. Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa - all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics. Even the children’s playroom has a patchwork Versace carpet in primary colours, plus a double-height yellow slide and designer chairs. Each of the building’s outdoor spaces will be unique, with its own focal sculptures, water features and landscaping aesthetic, all complemented by stylish furniture and specialist lighting. Nine Elms is already home to the New Covent Garden Market, the brand-new US Embassy and Battersea Power Station, a cherished feature of the London skyline. It’s also blessed with almost two miles of Thames river frontage, and will be lined with cafés, bars, restaurants, cultural attractions and public space as part of the planned regeneration. Since construction work on “Versace Tower” began in August, 170 of its 360 homes have sold. Unsurprisingly, many overseas buyers have taken the bait, from the Gulf States, Hong Kong, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. Developers have come under fire for selling highly priced flats at Nine Elms to overseas buyers before addressing the British market. www.aykonlondonone.com

PROPERTY

STORM WINDOWS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BROOK HOUSE

Following the installation of secondary glazing Storm Windows spoke to one of their clients (Gillian) regarding feedback on their product and service.

Background Information on Brook House Brook House is an end of terrace home set in a conservation area in Warwickshire village. It was saved from demolition and created, in the 1960s, from 3 farm workers cottages the oldest of which dates back to around 1730. The other 2, together with the cottage next door, were built around 1800. At the time it was in a state of disrepair and was renovated by the then owner with reclaimed materials such as old beams, gravestones and an impressive cast iron spiral staircase which was originally in a bookshop in Coventry that was destroyed in the blitz. The oldest cottage was the village post office during the 1920s and was severely damaged by fire some years later. I am the 4th owner of the property since it was created.

Why did I consult Storm Windows?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to reiterate how pleased I am with the product and installation of the secondary glazing in my home which has made a significant difference to it. It is warmer, quieter, brighter and altogether more comfortable:

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The back of the house had clearly been changed during the 1970s and had unattractive windows from that era which have since been replaced when the house was extended in 2003. However, there remained nine of the original casement windows that are an important part of the look and style of the house but were single glazed with very thin glass. Facing north east the house could be draughty and, as it faces directly onto the village green, occasionally noisy too. Whilst I was happy to replace ugly incongruous windows I was not prepared to remove the pretty small paned casements so I decided that secondary glazing was the answer. I looked at several options but liked the look of the Storm Windows product and felt it would be the most compatible. I saw that they worked with historic buildings organisations and had worked on some amazing and large properties and was not sure if my cottage would fall within their sphere but felt it was worth asking for a quote. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that Storm Windows seemed just as interested to work on my modest project as on some of the impressive buildings showcased on their site. I was even more surprised to find that their quote was so competitive.

How did I find the process? In short, amazing! Everyone was so helpful and efficient. Oliver was really professional and explained everything so well. The fitting was really painless and no mess either. I really cannot praise Storm Windows enough.

Am I pleased with the result? I am delighted! My only regret is that I did not do it years ago. The windows are very unobtrusive and for those on the ground floor where I never open the windows (because there are window boxes outside and they open on to the street) I had the slimline lift out units and they barely show at all. It just happened that the week that they were fitted was particularly cold and whilst my cottage is warm when the heating is on, it does cool down very quickly. That night it was -3 and it was so much warmer in my bedroom that I actually went downstairs in the middle of the night because I thought I might have left the heating on! My house is directly on the village green and people do walk past within feet of it so, inevitably, with thin windows I could hear them talking, and I could also hear any traffic. Now I cannot hear either, and the house is noticeably quieter. In cold weather my first job of the day was wiping up condensation, and sometimes a lot of it too. It is early days and I understand that it takes a few weeks to settle down but unless it is very cold there is barely any. Finally, I had wondered if another pane of glass would reduce the light in the cottage and this was a concern as, like many cottages the windows are quite small. On the contrary, the K glass seems to have almost brightened the windows and sucked more light in. I have already shown my lovely new windows off to several neighbours and I am sure you will be hearing from some of them in due course. For further information, take a look at our website www.stormwindows.co.uk, give us a call to find out more on 01384 636365 or email sales@stormwindows.co.uk

PROPERTY

Your solution to the moving nightmare

Planning

OK – so you are moving house. We all know that in terms of stress levels, it is ahead of divorce and starting a new job* and that means you need our help! One of the most acclaimed stressbusters in the business is on hand to tell you how you can get through it and stay sane. Josephine Stevens talks to Katie Shapley, Managing Director of The Organisers, and gets their recommendations and Top Tips on how to make this stressful time a walk in the park.

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• Optimise timing – do your planning in term time and your move in the holidays • Declutter before you start packing. Sort items into piles – things to move, things to throw away and things to donate. Do not pack anything that you will not need in your new home. • Once you have decided what items you are taking, mark out on the new floor plan where you want large items of furniture to be placed Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful (William Morris)

Quotes • Ensure you ask at least 2 removal firms to quote for the move • Ask each company the same questions to ensure you have a comparable quote You do need insurance and never under insure – it’s a false economy for a domestic move

Action stations • Be there on the day to oversee the movers packing standards • Make sure the removal company carry out an inventory and check it • Mark up boxes with which room they are for to make life easier at the other side • You don’t need “export wrapping” or crating unless something is highly delicate or fragile – in which case consider carrying it yourself Know the number of boxes that leave your house so the same amount arrive at your new home

• Have your inventory printed and be ready to check in items as they arrive through the door Stick your marked floor plan on each room door to allow the movers to know where to place furniture.

Unpacking • You’ve got 2 choices with this - Stress or Zen! • Either do the move management yourself and book the removal firms ‘unpacking service’. That means they unpack the boxes “onto a flat surface” and you risk being surrounded by piles of boxes and unsorted clothes, pots and pans for the next 6 months

OR… hire the HomeMaker team from The Organisers! The HomeMaker team will unpack every item, arrange your kitchen, put all the clothes away neatly and even get the beds made. You can sit in your favourite chair, read the newspaper and when you eventually look up, it’s as if a fairy’s wand has been at work. Not only is the TV in place but it’s working! Dinner is on the table and the house has been cleaned, ready for the family to celebrate their next chapter.

Now that’s what we call moving! Use The Organisers HomeMaker team – there is no better way to move!

Move In Day

P.S. A little birdie told us that The Organisers just won an award for their bespoke HomeMaker service by Build Magazine – you read it here first!

• Make sure you have the essentials with you and not at the back of the moving van – toilet roll, tea bags and milk – the removal team will be much more cooperative after a cup of tea!

Contact the HomeMaker team to keep your Zen on +44(0)20 7078 7554 or team@theorganisers.com Sources: *E.ON 2015

PROPERTY

Family friendly village style living in NW2

ladstone Village is a selection of exclusive and modern homes in a quiet, picturesque NW2 location with the fantastic added bonus of access to parkland and outdoor leisure opportunities practically on the doorstep. Overlooking the majestic Victorian Cricklewood Pumping Station and sited next to Green Flag awarded Gladstone Park, this sleek development of 32 two, three and four bedroom contemporary houses and apartments provides convenient family living in well-designed homes in a highly desirable green and leafy London location. The private, gated development offers a measure of seclusion and calm from the busyness of the city, while its sympathetic design and landscaping ensures these stylish homes blend sensitively with their green space environment. All the homes have private parking to the front and gardens to the rear. Inside they are finished to a very high standard throughout with good quality, fully equipped kitchens, utility rooms, tiled bathrooms and en-suite bathrooms to the master bedrooms. Larger properties are over three floors, with private balconies on the upper floor which afford impressive parkland views. On the ground floor a versatile open plan design plus skylights and patio doors keep the kitchen, dining and living area bright and welcoming, as well as providing the perfect space for entertaining. Under floor heating and a controlled ventilation system ensure energy efficiency and comfortable living throughout. Gladstone Village homes are ideal for families with young children. The area is well served with good schools and is extremely well connected by public transport and road. Dollis Hill underground

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station (a 20 minute train journey to central London) is walking distance away across Gladstone Park and Brent Cross Shopping Centre and Heathrow Airport are within easy reach by car. There is also plenty to offer for those seeking to be out and about closer to home in the vibrancy of Willesden Green and Edgware Road, both a short walk away. And of course there is Gladstone Park itself; its flower gardens, café, children’s playground, public tennis courts, sports fields and weekly family fun run; make the location perfect for active living. With even more open spaces to enjoy in the wider area, including Brent Reservoir and Fryent Country Park, it’s hard to beat the recreational opportunities and village community atmosphere of these family friendly homes. Homes at Gladstone Village start from £895,000 for a four bedroom house. For more information about these homes or to talk to us about our shared ownership homes at Gladstone Village, go to www.gladstonevillage. co.uk or contact the Octavia Living Marketing Team on 0208 208 8355.

“Its sympathetic design and landscaping ensures these stylish homes blend sensitively with their green space environment”

PROPERTY

New Zealand

Angola

The Property Investor and Homebuyer Show T Friday 20th & Saturday 21st April 2018

he UK’s largest and longest running property investment event - The Property Investor & Homebuyer Show - returns to ExCeL London for its ‘Spring Edition’ The UK’s premier property expo is the “Must Attend” event for anyone serious about making money from property investment. It is the ideal place for networking, obtaining reliable and up to date property market information and, of course, property to buy. It is designed to cater for all levels of property experience – everyone from the novice to the seasoned investor will find an answer to their questions. With over 125 exhibitors expected and approximately 75 seminars, presentations and panel debates scheduled, you can identify the expertise and advice you need to make the right decisions on your specific area of investment interest. UK property (e.g. Buy to Let, Student Accommodation, Hotel Rooms) - plus propertyrelated and financial services make up more than half of the show content. Approximately 25% of the floor space will be dedicated to International property and provides the opportunity to compare established overseas markets such as USA, Cyprus and Portugal with emerging/newer locations e.g. New Zealand, India, Dubai, Cape Verde, The Gambia & Nigeria. International agents and developers will be present alongside specialists who can advise you on the process of buying, selling, and even moving overseas.

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April’s show highlights will include... EXHIBITORS

A number of high-profile property specialists will be on hand to give you guidance and advice. These include: BARRATT HOMES, YOUR MOVE, PCG INVEST, INTERNATIOAL NEW YORK TIMES & ENDSLEIGH.

DIRECT FROM THE DEVELOPER As the name suggests this show feature offers a unique opportunity to meet and negotiate directly with a range of leading developers. The list includes several big names from the North & South of England.

INVEST IN AFRICA Lead by Nigerian content ... the ONLY UK showcase of property from a selection of African countries presented in the UK this year will present a mix of residential and BTL property from a selection of leading developers and agents.

EXPERT SEMINARS An established highlight of the event is it’s seminar programme. Featuring presentations by many of the top names in the property sector, many sessions will be fully booked before opening day. For overseas property it provides a once a year opportunity to hear the views of several international commentators.

Cape Verde

THE DETAILS Admission to the show is free Opening times: 10am on both days 6pm on Friday and5pm on Saturday For show enquiries contact the organiser, Property Investor Media. Telephone: 020 8877 0610 or Email: enquiries@propertyinvestor.co.uk www.propertyinvestor.co.uk

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arts &

antiques

– A collection of stunning arts and antiques – I M AG E : A GUID E TO ANTI Q U E F URNITUR E

ARTS & ANTIQUES

An Ornamental Menagerie Brings Beautiful Beasts to the

Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair 17 - 22 April 2018 at Battersea Park

THE DETAILS

he Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair runs three times a year in Battersea Park with more than 150 exhibitors from the UK and Europe. Specialist dealers offer a rich panoply of unusual period design, objects and 20th century classics mixed with fine and decorative antiques in a beguiling blend of splendour and surprise. Works of art from the ancient to the contemporary, including sculpture, paintings, prints and photography, are an important element of the Fair, as befits their role in a polished interior scheme. Of the three Decorative Fairs each year the Spring edition is the best hunting ground for garden-related decoration in metal, wood or stone, grand or practical, such as planters, urns and troughs, statuary, gates, benches, outdoor tables and re-purposed objets such as industrial metal window frames glazed with mirror. The latter make a pleasingly effective addition to smaller gardens where they create the illusion of greater space. Foyer inspiration for visitors in April 2018 will be An Ornamental Menagerie, directing the spotlight on designs, objects and works of art featuring creatures great and small, familiar and exotic. Furniture decorated with carvings such as classical lions’ paws or chinoiserie Ho Ho birds; formal and folk art favouring beloved pets and domesticated beasts; decorated textiles; nostalgic toys; lamps in the form of carved or cast birds and animals. The kingdom of fauna provides truly endless possibilities, and past designers and artists have

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taken them all to heart. What makes the Decorative Fair such a delight and sets it apart from all other fairs is the creativity and inspiration of the stand displays, the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere and a thrilling element of the unexpected; you never know what you might find around each corner. From period shop signs and advertising accessories to taxidermy, objets trouvés and fossils, exhibitors have an eye for the distinctly unusual! Decoration has never been such fun. Delicious food at Megan’s Kitchen, a brasserie and bar, is available all day, whilst on-site packing and shipping facilities make life easy for international and UK buyers.

Opening Times: Tuesday: 12pm – 8pm Wednesday & Thursday: 11am – 8pm Friday & Saturday: 11am – 7pm Sunday: 11am – 6pm Admission: £10.00 at the door (catalogue gives re-admission throughout the week) or register at www.decorativefair.com to join the mailing list for free tickets. For further enquiries call 020 7616 9327 or email fairs@decorativefair.com Venue: Battersea Evolution (The Marquee), Battersea Park, SW11 #decorativefair @decorativefair Diary Date: The Autumn 2018 Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, 2-7 October 2018

From left: Anglo-Indian lacquered trunk on original stand, made in Beirilly, near Delhi, c1830; Mid-C19th giltwood rope stool attributed to AME Fournier. France, c1870; George III period mahogany wingback chair c1780; Large glazed slipware ceramic ‘moon’ jar, Chinese, c1920; Left: John Hubbard (1931-2017), Still Life with Chair, 1958, 36in x 36in / 96.5cm x 91.4cm Signed and dated.

ARTS & ANTIQUES

The Queen of the Avant Garde… Treasure) Tatsuzo Shimaoka (himself a former apprentice of National Living Treasure Shoji Hamada). Nearing the end of his apprenticeship Matsuzaki sought to extend it for another two years. It was during these last two years that Matsuzaki was able to to do what Bernard Leach said all potters must do - quoting William Blake... ‘to drive our wagons over the bones of the dead. In other words, Matsuzaki found his own way and his own voice, developing his own motifs and palette of glazes; ones that he would use for the next 15 years. Matsuzaki is concerned first and foremost with beauty. He sees his role as a potter to make works that satisfy the eye first and the hand second. If a tea bowl functions as a tea bowl...if it meets all the exacting aesthetic and tactile requirements of the 2018 marks 100 years since some women were granted the right to vote in this country. It is therefore fitting that the work of the first living female artist to be given a retrospective at the Louvre in Paris, Sonia Delaunay, can be found for sale at Sylvester Fine Art. Delaunay (1885-1979) was a modern artist and designer who merged art and everyday life. Although she is now known primarily as an abstract painter and colourist she applied her talent for colour composition to all areas of visual expression; no article of clothing, furnishing or interior escaped her notion of ‘colour as the skin of the world’. Born into a poor Jewish family in Ukraine she was adopted by her wealthy uncle and enjoyed a privileged upbringing. In 1905 she moved to Paris to study art and it was here in that she met her husband and fellow artist Robert Delaunay. Surrounded by the Parisian avant-garde, the Delaunays formulated their own principles about colour expressed through the sensation of movement and rhythm when contrasting colours are placed side by side. Orphism was born. After the Russian revolution, when the Delaunays returned to Paris, Sonia turned to textile and fashion design to support them both. From 1923 she began designing printed fabrics, the so-called ‘tissus simultanés’ and in 1925 she opened Maison Delaunay. Around this time Sonia met Robert Perrier, an haute-couture textile supplier, and worked closely with him, supplying him with designs for major fashion houses. When Maison Delaunay closed in 1935, Sonia returned to painting but continued her fabric designs, fulfilling commissions for Perrier, Metz and Co, Libertys and many more.

…Meets the Japanese Master of Studio Ceramics Ken Matsuzaki was born in 1950 in Tokyo. After graduating from Tamagawa University he began a 3-year apprenticeship with (National Living 80 MARCH 2018

“Matsuzaki found his own way and his own voice, developing his own motifs and palette of glazes”

Top left: Design 1263 - Red and Blue Flowers on Black; gouache and gum arabic, from the private collection of Robert Perrie Above, From top: Ken Matsuzaki: Big Yohen Vase, natural ash glaze; Yohen Epigraphy Vase, natural ash glaze Below: Sonia Delaunay: Untitled; hand coloured pochoir from the suite ‘Ses Peintures, Ses Objets, Ses Tissus Simultanés, Ses Modes, signed in plate;

tea master...that’s important but the bowl is also a stand-alone object that should work as a visual composition and should be appreciated as a ceramic art work by its owner without function in mind. Matsuzaki is a world-renowned potter whose work is held in major collections across the globe and his pedigree is irrefutable. As leading British studio potter, Phil Rogers once wrote: ‘Matsuzaki’s lineage is as straight forward as the road that takes you to his home – from Hamada Shoji via Shimaoka Tatsuzo.” Sylvester Fine Art, 64 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5BJ; 020 7443 5990; www.sylvesterfineart.co.uk

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Spring is in the Air time to invest in new exciting art and design

Flat Space Art and Design Founder of Flat Space Art, Luiza Gibb is a passionate advocate of art. Director of Vernissage, Luiza manages the artist representation and exhibition schedule for all represented artists and works closely with collectors and interior designers to build sales. Flat Space Art works both with up and coming, and established artists. A passionate, busy mother of three herself, she is often seen at the Notting Hill school gates, balancing motherhood alongside running her company.

Investing in Art An effective art investment lasts for a lifetime. Luiza is a great believer in making art a family experience. As the Arts Council states, ‘Involvement with arts and culture is crucial to imagination, self-expression and creativity in young people. It also develops the skills that fuel the success of the UK’s creative industries, and that will result in the next generation of creative talent across the country.’ Our children are the future and we must provide for them. We are all very invested in our children’s education, it is critical that we invest in art for our families.

Claire Westwood Spring Awakes A1household and fabric paint with diamond dust £1300

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‘Invest in art, art is for life - The gift, that keeps on giving.’

Tracey Thornton Glowing 2016, £1,305

About the Artists In 2016 Hussein was crowned Arts and Entertainment Photographer of the Year at the prestigious Picture Editors Awards. Original photographs and Limited Edition prints of the Royal Family have been released for the very first time. These photographs are a slice of history! Sloper hand blows each and every piece to the highest standard making every piece bespoke. Using vintage flags and distressed wood, the punk messages written under the neon make you smile, laugh and think. McGee, British photographer is considered one of the most iconic photographers to date. He has shot everyone from David Bowie to Kate Moss. Limited editions of iconic photographs are now available.

Where to Buy? As well as the Flat Space Art website, we are approved dealers for Artnet, Artsy, 1st Dibs and Go The List (in Dubai) and regularly hold events and masterclasses with the Soho House Group. These platforms require a worldrenowned presence in the art market of which Flat Space Art is certified of being one of the most important galleries. At Flat Space Art we give a clear route from a first-time buyer to an avid art enthusiast, on how to invest in emerging artists to the established artist. Each Flat Space Art artist has gone up significantly in value in the last 2 years.

Winged Hare Wallpaper from the for the Very Young Collection, £80

Samir Hussein Florence Welch 2018, £4,900

Mark Sloper God Save The Queen, £7,875

We are based in Notting Hill and host regular events, check our website and social medias for updates. Email: Luizagibb@flatspaceart.com for all sales enquires, and or, to receive your free copy of our ‘The Big Christmas Guide’ and ‘Guide to Collecting and Investing in Art.’

Our social media: Instagram @FlatSpaceArt Twitter @FlatSpaceArtUK

Tony McGee David Balances His Guitar in His Time Tunnel £4,375

YouTube @FlatSpaceArt Facebook facebook.com/flatspaceartuk Website www.flatspaceart.com

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ARTS & ANTIQUES

A TREASURE TROVE OF HISTORY

Image: Masterpiece London

There is a high demand for arts and antiques more than ever and Chelsea certainly meets that demand with its array of prestigious art galleries and antique shops.

igh-profile dealers cater for all tastes, mixing contemporary with antique, the traditional with the eclectic. Chelsea is the ideal destination for buyers looking for stylish luxurious fine art & antiques for interiors, collections and investments. You can take a stroll down Kings Road or Fulham Road and discover a treasure trove of antique and arts specialists who will share their expertise with you. The Furniture and Art Building on King’s Road is a spectacular showcase for fine and decorative arts and furniture both contemporary and antique. Spread over three floors and covering 30,000 square feet, the variety and quality of the pieces make this centre an absolute must for the discerning private buyer, dealer or interior designer. The Building houses over twenty dealers offering antiques and twentieth century design, including silver, furniture, jewellery, paintings, ceramics and glass. Two of those dealers is father and son John and James Bly,. The Bly family were dealers in Tring, Hertfordshire, since the beginning of the 19th century and the grandfather of the present John Bly first established his own business in the town centre in 1891. In 1991, the firm’s 100th year, John Bly opened showrooms in St James’ and in 2014, fifth generation James Bly opened a gallery in King’s Road, Chelsea. This move from the country put John Bly firmly on the map of high-end dealers with specialist stock of unique and provenanced items. John is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and is a past Chairman of the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA). James Bly provides the same services that his great grandfather established: fine antiques bought and sold, full valuations, and cabinet making and restoration of the highest order. Art Galleries have a high-profile presence in

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Chelsea with the most well-known being The Saatchi Gallery at Duke of York Square. The Saatchi Gallery provides an innovative forum for contemporary art, presenting work by largely unseen young artists or by international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. There are a number of ‘antique fairs’ that take place here (the name doesn’t do justice to their prestigious reputation) Masterpiece London takes place annually in the south grounds of The Royal Hospital with the 2018 ‘fair’ arriving 28th June – 4th July. BADA (The British Antique Dealers’ Association) is the leading trade association for the fine art, design and antiques community. Their 2018 event takes place pretty much now, between 14th – 20th March at Duke of York Square. The Chelsea Antiques Fair is an annual Fair taking place in March to coincide with the BADA Fair. But, this year the Old Town Hall is closing for major refurbishments. So the fair is having a sabatical for 2018 and will return in smart new surroundings in 2019. You can find more prestigious antique fairs taking place throughout the year at nearby Olympia and Battersea Evolution. At the glamorous Design Centre Chelsea Harbour you will find a eclectic mix of the best in design and decoration. Home to 120 showrooms and over 600 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, it is the largest of its kind in Europe. Chelsea is without doubt a perfect showcase for the thrilling mix of art, antiques and design you can discover amongst the chic boutiques and restaurants that also adorn this exclusive area of London.

Dana Cowie fine art Dana Cowie is a Canadian artist with an english background. Her art might be described as Contemporary impressionism. the paintings are loose, painterly and atmospheric. She moves freely from various subject matter and is inspired by daily life. ideas come as she goes for long walks with her children. Cowie pays special attention to spatial relationships, tone and colour. there is a sense of life and movement in her work. Cowie has recently been painting water scenes. She enjoys the way the water reflects light and changes skin tones. the waves add movement to the picture plane and give the viewer a sense of calm and adventure at once. as well as painting the world around her, Cowie also paints commissions. She loves to help clients realize their dreams into art. Popular commissions tend to be favourite holiday landscapes, portraits, animals and beloved homes. the UK and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history is a huge influence to Cowieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art and style. She hopes to visit soon to paint some local scenes. Visit www.danacowie.com for information regarding upcoming shows and to browse new work in her online shop or email dana@danacowie.com to ďŹ nd out more.

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Lot 10, Chris Levine, Lightness Of Being. 2010 (Est £8,000 – £12,000)

Barry Lategan, Twiggy. 1966 (Est £3,000-£5,000)

Made In Britain C

Sotheby’s London, 20 March 2018

elebrating the very best in the Modern British Art scene Made In Britain showcases paintings, works on paper, prints, photographs, contemporary and studio ceramics and design created over the past century. The 20th century in Britain was a period of great change, upheaval and innovation. ‘Made in Britain’ tells the story of how this energy reverberated throughout the art scene – capturing and celebrating the cutting-edge pieces that shaped the course of popular culture. With estimates starting from only £100 the sale offers the perfect opportunity for first time as well as established collectors to acquire works by some of the century’s most celebrated artists and makers, including Ben Nicholson, Dame Barbara Hepworth, Mary Fedden, David Hockney, Richard Hamilton, Dame Lucie Rie and Edmund de Waal. Intertwining relationships between artists, makers and media run through the exhibition, with something for every collector to covet whatever their price point. The exhibition goes on view to the public on Friday 16 March – Monday 19 March,

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ahead of the auction on Tuesday 20 March.

Highlights include… • Photographers breaking the mould: Chris Levine’s portrait of anonymous artist Banksy and Marcus Lyon’s collaboration with contemporary dance company Rambert. • A celebration of the enduring influence of the recently reopened Kettle’s Yard with works by a generation of artists inspired by Jim Ede. • Potters in Parallel: Beautiful, original and intriguing works of art by ceramicists from Dame Lucie Rie and Hans Coper to Jennifer Lee and Edmund de Waal. • Capturing the quintessentially British scene with some of Britain’s most popular and beloved artists including L.S. Lowry, Norman Parkinson, Stanley Spencer and Edward Burra – capturing a Britain now largely lost. • The collection of Roger Mayne and Ann Jellicoe, leading figures in their respective worlds of photography and theatre. • Francis Bacon and the School of London.

Lot 119, Edward Burra, Flowers In A Bar. (Est £30,000 - £50,000)

THE DETAILS Tuesday 20 March 2018, 10.30am. Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street, W1A 2AA Instagram: www.instagram.com/sothebys Twitter: www.twitter.com/ sothebys Facebook: www.facebook.com/sothebys

When a Sunshine Twinkles by, 46 cm x 38 cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2017 Next exhibitioN: Flux exhibition, 11th - 15th April, Chelsea College of Art, London Ronnie JIANG • www.ronnie-jiang.com • www.facebook.com/ronni3.mat

Bob Dylan Drawn Blank Retrospective 11th – 20th November, 2016 Exhibition and sale of original paintings and rare prints from Drawn Blank 2008 -2012 Opening reception - Thursday 10th November, 6-9pm Please join us for champagne and canapes, RSVP info@canvasgallery.com As a ﬁne-artist Dylan began drawing in the 60’s to pass time whilst recovering from a motorbike crash. His work was ﬁrst brought to public attention in 1994 with the publication of the Drawn Blank book which was a compilation of drawings and sketches made between 1989 and 1992 whilst on tour in America, Asia and Europe.

Bob Bob Dylan Dylan

Over a decade later he was approached by a German gallery called the Chemnitz Art Gallery with a request to mount an exhibition of his sketches and drawings. It was the ﬁrst time he had an offer of this kind and accepted. This interest in his work inspired him to re-visit his art and prompted the creation of 320 new pieces. These new creations where subsequently11th used for–the exhibition are what make up the Drawn Blank series today. 20th 2016 11thNovember, –and 20th November, 2016

DrawnDrawn Blank Retrospective Blank Retrospective

Exhibition and sale of original and rare prints Drawnfrom Blank 2008 Blank -20122008 -2012 Exhibition and salepaintings of original paintings and from rare prints Drawn Opening reception Thursday- 10th November, 6-9pm Opening -reception Thursday 10th November, 6-9pm Please join us for champagne and canapes, RSVP info@canvasgallery.com Please join us for champagne and canapes, RSVP info@canvasgallery.com Canvas Gallery, 169 High Street, Winchester SO23 9BQ - 01962 708400 - www.canvasgallery.com As a fine-artist began Dylan drawing in thedrawing 60’s toinpass a motorbike His crash. His AsDylan a fine-artist began thetime 60’s whilst to passrecovering time whilstfrom recovering from crash. a motorbike work was firstwork brought to public attention in 1994 with the publication of the Drawn Blank book which was was first brought to public attention in 1994 with the publication of the Drawn Blank booka which was a compilation of drawings sketches and made between 1989 and 1992 whilst tourwhilst in America, and Europe. compilationand of drawings sketches made between 1989 andon 1992 on tourAsia in America, Asia and Europe.

Over a decade latera decade he was approached a Germanby gallery called gallery the Chemnitz ArtChemnitz Gallery with request to a request to Over later he was by approached a German called the Art aGallery with mount an exhibition of his sketches and drawings. It was the ﬁrst time he had an offer of this kind and accepted.

Collective

Invites

‘Peacock’ Embroidered wallpaper by Jacky Puzey - exhibiting as part of ‘Collective Invites’.

23-28 April 2018

ringing together eight of the UK’s finest designer-makers, the ‘Collective Invites’ exhibition (23-28 April 2018 at 67 York Street, Marylebone ) showcases the best of contemporary multi-disciplinary craft, encompassing the fields of ceramics, jewellery, textiles, lighting & furniture. ‘Collective Invites’ is a selling exhibition endorsing the skill, creativity, ideas and sophisticated craftsmanship that each maker brings to the fore. New concepts, designs and combinations will be on display throughout the week developing a unique synergy between the craft and makers on show. Coming from across the breadth of the UK all eight makers have recently been part of the Crafts Council’s Hothouse scheme. The makers are: Rebecca Sarah Black, Brook Studio, Byron & Gómez, Kate Colin, Amanda Denison, Jacky Puzey, Hannah Tounsend and Arjan van Dal. Follow on Instagram @collective.invites; www.67yorkstreet.com

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Stool Pigeon? N

ot really, for the one illustrated is the genuine article, not a commercial decoy. Stools are among the earliest forms of seating, but those made to be mechanically adjustable specifically for the better playing of musical instruments did not come into general use until the last half of the 18th century. These had a round upholstered seat supported on a wooden central screw threaded column, raised or lowered simply by turning the seat. By the early 1800’s the wood, which was prone to wear and collapse, with sometimes disastrous results, was superseded by a metal mechanism for the more expensive models. So how do we know that this is in fact the real thing, the top of the range, from the late Regency period. Firstly, the high quality of timber and carving, then the design, which research into design books of leading makers will reveal its prototype. This is important; like everything that becomes the height of fashion in an exclusive coterie, it is copied cheaply to be made available to a mass market and quickly loses its desirability. Just so with antique English furniture, and in particular that of the 1815 - 1835 period. After that later date it was no longer commercially viable to produce and there were so many new designs appearing all the time to win favour. So here it is the discovery of a page of illustrations in the 1827 edition of George Smith’s ‘A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration’, which shows a stool with such close similarity as to dispel any doubts of authenticity when allied with the features just mentioned. Smith was an important and well established designer, cabinet maker and the Prince Regent’s ‘upholsterer extraordinary’ and this and his other two publications are a constant reference to high-style furniture of the time. By the way, when used in conjunction with pigeon, the word stool may come from the old early ‘stoale’ or tree stump where a decoy bird might perch, or my favourite, which is the French word ‘estale’ meaning a pigeon set as a decoy to trap a hawk. For more information about John Bly Antiques: 533 King’s Road, Chelsea, email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com

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“Like everything that becomes the height of fashion in an exclusive coterie, it is copied cheaply to be made available to a mass market”

TOM COATES – TRAVELS WITH MY POCHADE 15 MARCH - 7 APRIL 2018 New Paintings of England, Australia, Egypt, France, India, Italy & Morocco A rare opportunity to see a solo exhibition by one of today’s outstanding painters working in the English figurative art tradition

PIERS FEETHAM GALLERY 475 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON SW6 1HL 020 7381 3031 www.piersfeethamgallery.com Tuesday to Friday 10 - 6 Saturday 10 – 1 Tube: Fulham Broadway Buses: 14, 414 & 211 The Castle Wall, Sommiers, France oil on canvas 41 x 51 cm

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Experience a century of the exceptional at

BADA 2018 14th – 20th March, Duke of York Square, Chelsea

uilding on the success of their 25th anniversary event in 2017, BADA, the British Antique Dealers’ Association, will be returning to Duke of York Square for 2018. Showcasing more than 5,000 objects from a hundred of the UK’s foremost dealers in art, design and antiques, BADA 2018 will offer collectors, curators and art lovers the chance to view and purchase exceptional items of incomparable craftsmanship and provenance. In a departure from their traditional loan exhibition, BADA will mark its 100th anniversary with a unique showcase which draws inspiration from the rich depth and remarkable calibre of their members’ objects. BADA has partnered with two leading designers, Joanna Wood and Paolo Moschino, to create a series of contemporary living spaces incorporating key items from our members’ collections, which aims to establish the role of fine art and antiques in a contemporary context. In addition to celebrating their proud heritage, BADA 2018 will also observe the Association’s commitment to encouraging emerging talent and growth within the industry. To which end they are delighted to welcome a number of new BADA members, exhibiting at the event for the first time, including The Peartree Collection, Karen Taylor

Fine Art, Licht & Morrison Ltd, and Tom Rooth Fine Art. Traditional, modern and contemporary art will once again be strongly represented. BADA 2018 will also offer plenty of options for lovers of fine furniture. As well as celebrating the very best in fine art, fine furniture and antiques, BADA 2018 will also host a broad range of exhibitors specialising in modern and contemporary design, interiors and fashion. Jewellery always proves popular with BADA visitors, with many of the UK’s finest antique jewellery dealers exhibiting at BADA 2018. Other specialisms well represented at BADA 2018 include porcelain and ceramics, textiles and carpets, silver and metalware, clocks, watches and scientific instruments, glass, lighting, arms and armour, sculpture, Asian and oriental art, and antique boxes. Every object on display is individually vetted for quality and authenticity by BADA’s Vetting Committee of industry leading experts, meaning visitors can buy with complete assurance. BADA 2018 will be held at Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY. For further details and a list of exhibitors, visit www.badafair.com Follow BADA on Twitter and Instagram @BADA1918

Above: The Earl of Hardwicke’s gilded armchairs, attributed to John Linnell English Circa 1770 100 x 66 x 71 cm. Courtesy of Godson & Coles © Godson & Coles. Opposite, from top: The Wertheimer Phoenix Casket by Samson Wertheimer (1811-92), mounted with an early 17th century Florentine pietra dura Phoenix panel Italian and English Circa 1856-60. Courtesy of Thomas Coulborn & Sons © Thomas Coulborn & Sons; Couple et fenêtre ouverte sur la mer, 1926’ George Barbier (1882-1932) Ink & watercolour on paper Signed & dated 1926 9 4 M A 21 R xC15.5cm. H 2Courtesy 0 1 8 of John Adams Fine Art © John Adams Fine Art; Japanese gold lacquer vase decorated with flowers and birds in mother-of-pearl, abalone and coconut shell Japanese Meiji Period signed Kaneko. Courtesy of Laura Bordignon © Laura Bordignon

More Point from Bull Point, oil on canvas, 140 x 120 cm

Webbs Fine Art Gallery, 1 Burland Road, Battersea, SW11 6SA Mon - Fri: 09:30 - 17:00, Sat: 10:00 - 17:00 (also by appointment) t: 0207 223 1733 e: gallery@thewebbsgallery.co.uk www.webbsfineartgallery.co.uk

ARTS & ANTIQUES

The Art Lovers Dream Trip Twelve global locations, £70,000

eryFirstTo presents the ultimate art lovers trip. The month-long luxurious six country tour will take you to the locations that inspired twelve masterpieces by artists including Cézanne, Monet, Turner, Gaugain, Renoir, Hockney and Seurat. The trip starts in London where the you will visit Westminster, the location of Turner’s famous revolutionary impressionist masterpiece depicting the burning of the Houses of Parliament. Then off to Yorkshire where David Hockney created the bold and vibrant ‘Garrowby Hill’. Many of the locations on the agenda are in 96 MARCH 2018

LIST OF ARTISTS, PAINTINGS AND LOCATIONS Monet, Water Lillies Series, Giverny, France Matisse, Collioure, Collioure, France Cézanne, Mountains Sainte Victoire, Mountain Sainte Victoire, France Seurat, A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte, Paris, France Renoir, La Grenouillere, Paris, France (Giovanni Antonio Canal) Canaletto, The Molo and the Piazzetta San Marco, Venice, Italy Klimt, Church is Cassone, Lake Garda, Italy Turner, Burning Of The Houses Of Parliament, London David Hockney, Garrowby Hill, Yorkshire Gaugain, Tahitian Landscape, Tahiti Klee, Temple Gardens, Tunisia Hokusai, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa (The Wave), Mount Fuji, Japan veryfirstto.com

France. Monet painted his famous ‘Water Lilies’ Series in Giverny, one of which, ‘Nympheaus 1907’ was recently sold for $24m. You will also visit the picturesque town of Collioure where Matisse painted the beautiful ‘Collioure’. Paris, an inspiration to various Masters, of course features. Renoir created the iconic ‘La Grenouillere’ on the Seine; and perhaps most the most famous example of pointillism, Seurat’s ‘A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte’ at the gates of Paris is on the itinerary. You will also travel through Italy taking in both Venice and Lake Guarda, the inspiration for Canaletto’s ‘The Molo and The Piazetta San Marco’ and Klimt’s ‘Church in Cassone’. Like Gauguin they too will journey to Tahiti. He went in search of new, exotic motifs and the couple on the tour will be able to discover what he found when he escaped “European civilization”. He once said of his Tahitian paintings that he had been “eager to suggest a luxurious and untamed nature, a tropical sun that sets aglow everything around it... the equivalent of the grandeur, depth, and mystery of Tahiti when it must be expressed in one square meter of canvas.” The global trip also takes you to Japan, where a visit to Mount Fuji will allow you to see the landscape that inspired one of the best-known pieces of Japanese Art – Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave’. The exceptional trip is organised by luxury travel specialist, Hurlingham Travel. The cost of £70,000 includes organisation of business class travel, airport transfers, and accommodation (junior suites where available). Visiting the inspiration of different or other masterpieces can be arranged (and estimated for). The order in which the locations are visited can be altered to suit the travellers needs. A donation of £1000 will be made to The Prince’s Trust charity should the trip be purchased.

Jennifer Watt Sculpture

Jennifer is nationally known for her elegant bronze and resin figures, many of which celebrate women and motherhood. Her distinctive style developed after winning a Royal Glasgow Institute prize which involved going to France. While there she became fascinated by human shadows. “I started to take photographs of people’s shadows, and really noticed how they reduce their forms to such an elegant simplicity,” she said. Jennifer’s sculptures, which can be found in homes and gardens across the UK and far beyond, can each take two months to design and create. After the initial sketches, she creates an armature from metal rods. This “skeleton” is the covered in clay and a mould is created for the resin or the molten bronze. Once the casting is complete the sculpture is patinated to achieve the desired final texture and colour. Jennifer’s figures are highly stylised and often tall and slender, with the women frequently wearing the small hat which is a trademark of her work.

Jennifer Watt, Burnhead House, Burnhead, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4AD www.jenniferwatt.co.uk • wattsculpture@gmail.com • Tel 01848 331524 • Mobile 07933758541

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Buying art online:

How technology has made buying art easier and accessible to all.

nce firmly in the domain of the privileged and wealthy, the process of buying art has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years. Thanks to technology, investing in art (either as a serious collector, curios newcomer or somewhere in between) is easier and more accessible than ever. Anyone who has ever been intimidated by the thought of visiting an art gallery, and those new to art collecting, have a new outlet to allay their fears – the internet. With many art galleries downsizing their physical footprint, the internet is becoming an increasingly valuable arm of the art world. World renowned Christies saw an 84% growth in online auction sales in 2016 alone. For consumers too, technology has forever disrupted the way in which people research, discover and discuss art. Online means never having to set aside time to visit a gallery and using social media to browse latest art trends from home or on the daily commute, day and night, is an appealing luxury.

“In 2017, 57% of all art buyers use the highly visual based social media platform, Instagram, more frequently than any other when searching for art” As recently as five years ago, representing art online was frowned upon. The fear of artists, who viewed showing works on the internet as ‘burning’ their inventory, was matched by the fear of consumers with trust issues. But this negative view has eroded and in 2017, 57% of all art buyers use the highly visual based social media platform, Instagram, more frequently than any 98 MARCH 2018

other when searching for art (HISCOX online art trade report 2017). It seems, that along with every other industry, the art world is finally embracing an openness to e-commerce. And not just for everyday purchases. Today, people are far more open to buying ‘big’ online. What about art investors? Human interaction, of course, will always be vital when parting with significant amounts of cash and galleries are highly instrumental in providing advice and customer service. However, the internet is a valuable tool for galleries when it comes to expanding their reach. Online galleries, like Gallery 44, are able to embrace a wider audience, to encourage a better appreciation and understanding of art and to promote new artists. Whilst customers often start their search online, a serious purchase will invariably lead to an offline connection with the gallery or artist. The two worlds complement each other perfectly in this sense. At both ends of the spectrum and for all involved, the internet has made art buying easier. Individual artists can find a new voice and self-promote without the pressure of being accepted by a major gallery. Consumers can search, without prejudice, for particular works and artists that speak to them, within their specified budget and art collectors can measure the lie of the land before making big investment decisions. After all, being visible, being accessible is the most important part of any art transaction. All art needs this visible world and will always need it. Quite simply because, being accessible to all, it is the key to all other worlds. – Ernst Ludwig Kirchner www.gallery44.co.uk

Andy JouAn Art London Solo Exhibition omnibus Theatre March 6th - April 4th

you are invitedâ&#x20AC;Ś Omnibus Theatre, 1 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 0QW www.andyjouan.com

Melissa Blair Carter is a self-taught artist, painting mostly on canvas and paper with acrylics and pastels. With no formal art instruction, she paints intuitively. Bold colour, shape, and line are sources of inspiration for her whimsical abstract paintings. Her work is held in private collections all over the world. You can find more about Melissa and her artwork at www.melissablaircarter.com. Follow her on Instagram @melissablaircarter.

ARTS & ANTIQUES

BECOME AN ANTIQUES - HUNTING EXPERT

he experts from the Decorative Fair in Battersea have passed on their top tips for buying standout antiques. In the three decades that this prestigious Fair has been running, the dealers that sell there have offered visitors a wealth of antiques-hunting insight. Now, more than ever, antiques are being mixed into chic modern interiors, as well as to add authenticity to period homes. Here, the dealers that know the market best, offer us their insider tips for buying and decorating with unique finds…. 1. Whether you pay a few pounds or several thousand, a finely crafted antique will retain value far better than a brand new mass-produced item. It is money well spent. 2. Have confidence in who you are buying from: always go to reputable dealers, those standing at a vetted fair, or who are members of trade associations such as LAPADA or BADA. 3. If you like a piece of upholstered furniture but not the colour or textile, don’t be afraid to ask the dealer if they will consider re-covering within the asking price. If it’s a valuable piece, they are more likely to. 4. Antiques mix effectively in modern interiors and needn’t feel old-fashioned or fussy. Fall in love with a ‘hero’ piece and it will mingle happily with your existing room scheme. 5. If you are interested in a specialist field, it’s worth investing in one or two well-regarded books on the subject. There are dealers in new and secondhand collectors’ and design books who are worth

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“If you like a piece of upholstered furniture but not the colour or textile, don’t be afraid to ask the dealer if they will consider recovering within the asking price”

consulting. 6. Check a piece of furniture before you buy it. Don’t be afraid to open drawers or cupboards to check that the age of lining and interior woods corresponds to the exterior surface. Check for modern screws or nails. Older pieces (pre-1860) should have wooden fixings as a general rule. English painted furniture originated in the 18th century and would have used light, freely available woods such as pine or beech, not mahogany or the more expensive hardwoods. 7. Polished or natural brown wood looks fantastic against a colourful background, ideal if you favour patterned wallpaper or bright hues of paint. Wood blends perfectly in rooms of neutral tones and with upholstered furniture, especially when it’s multi-coloured. 8. Antiques and vintage items are often one-ofa-kind; they create an atmosphere of their own and express individuality. Unlike new furniture, which usually has to be ordered and waited on for weeks, you can take an antique home with you, or have it delivered right away. Follow your gut instinct when buying and you will be rewarded. Their next event at Battersea is The Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair between 17 - 22 April 2018

ARTS & ANTIQUES

S itting P retty A guide to antique furniture

hen people talk about antique furniture it can have many different meanings. ‘True’ antiques are items which are over 100 years old, but with many other retro and vintage pieces coming back into fashion, pieces younger than this are often referred to as antiques by the lay person. The term ‘furniture’ covers an enormous variety of items. From the obvious, such as tables, chairs, dressers, sofas, desks and the like through to smaller pieces such as shelves, coat hooks, vintage suitcases and even the fixings for doors and light switches. Antique and vintage furniture has, over the past decade or so, been at its lowest price in years. The savviest amongst collectors and people in general have taken the opportunity to purchase various quality items of antique furniture to both enjoy and use in their homes along with seeing it as an investment opportunity. It is only a matter of time before the pendulum swings and antique furniture prices once again begin to rise. Good quality antique furniture is a joy to own. The craftsmanship and sheer amount of man hours which went into producing a quality piece is apparent from every angle. Items made from rich woods such as mahogany, oak and walnut just cry out to be appreciated; not only by sight but a gifted craftsman produces pieces which are tactile and almost decadent in their appearance. Furniture antiques are one of the most popular types of antiques, not only because of their practicality but also because of their historical significance. The most popular time for antique furniture was the Victorian period, which dates from about 1850 to 1910 and the most popular woods used to make the furniture were mahogany, oak, pine, rosewood and walnut. 102 MARCH 2018

There is also a difference in pieces depending in which geographical location they were produced. Some people yearn for English crafted pieces whilst others adore the intricate, quality pieces created in various other European countries such as France. Increasingly popular are vintage pieces from the 1950’s and 60’s. Retro is very much the in thing right now, with many people clamouring for originals with which to furnish their homes. You only need to glance in any modern furniture store’s catalogue to see how this era has inspired today’s current styles. Whatever your favoured style of antique furniture, the canny investor can not only put their money into something which is almost guaranteed to be worth more in the future, but will have a unique and beautiful pieces which can be enjoyed and appreciated each and every day.

Natalie Bain is a young artist from East Sussex specialising in dotwork pen and ink drawings depicting nature’s intricate details and combining it with contemporary collage. Commissions available, email natalie.bain@outlook.com for enquiries. Email: natalie.bain@outlook.com WEBSitE: nbainfineart.wixsite.com/fineart Etsy shop: NatalieBainart “The Heat of It” oil on panel with pyrite, dioptase 47x24”/119x61cm

Candace Wilson studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Angers, France but it is her travels in Africa, Oman, Antarctica and the Arctic that serve as her true place of learning. Using colour rooted in the ancient Indian chakra system and gemstones for their individual healing properties, her creative process is fuelled by a desire to shift the consciousness of her viewers by raising their vibrational resonance. Visit www.candacewilsonartstudio.com or call +1 416 948 6178 to find out more.

EDUC ATION

Lord Wandsworth College’s 6th Form 6th Form is not only the most important academic years of a child’s educational journey to date, but is also a pivotal time for developing the characteristics required to excel beyond school and in to the world of employment. At Lord Wandsworth College their formula is certainly working with pupils achieving the University of their choice and having great success in a variety of industries. Students are given the freedom to develop their independence, explore new interests, and rise to a multitude of leadership opportunities alongside academic commitments. Additional responsibilities, a more flexible timetable and a growing focus on life after school means they develop greater confidence and are well prepared for University and beyond.

Academics A Level class sizes here are small giving everyone the chance to make a valuable contribution, maximise their learning and really engage with their subjects. Tutors act as mentors through these crucial years with one-to-one sessions readily available. Their stretch and challenge programme is all about a new mind set where students are asked to stretch themselves to an academic level two years ahead of where they currently are. Inspirational teaching is at the heart of this programme and above all there is the engagement with truly varied subject matter and a sense of real fellowship between student and teacher.

Assistance with fees may also be available via a means tested bursary.

Co-Curriculum, Leadership and Pupil Voice

“Students are given the freedom to develop their independence, explore new interests, and rise to a multitude of leadership opportunities alongside academic commitments”

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Boarding and Community Boarding provides a distinctive sense of community at LWC and offers a fantastic environment in which to form strong bonds and lifelong friendships. Their campus, set within 1200 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside, provides a safe and inspiring environment to study in and is only 1 hour from London. The independence that a boarding house community offers is great preparation for the transition to University.

In conclusion

Scholarships and Awards Scholarships and awards are offered for excellence in academics, music, art, drama and sports which are rewarded with a reduction in the school fees, so transferring to the private sector at this stage can make financial as well as scholastic sense.

LWC really excel in their comprehensive programme of leadership and co-curricular opportunities; DofE, peer mentoring, house committees, CCF, running a club, departmental prefects or one of the many other weekly activities. There is an incredible choice of sport, music and drama on offer here. With genuine opportunities to make a difference, students are actively encouraged to feedback on all aspects of College life and to have their voice heard. Their views on teaching methods, campus developments and the co-curricular on offer are all part of this process to engage and empower.

Top left, from top: Headmaster Adam Williams takes time out with 6th Formers; small class sizes; Top right LWC campus, only 1 hour from London

Students speak of the excellent relationships with staff, the responsibilities they are entrusted with and the sense of fun, good humour and family atmosphere that pervades - wrapped up, of course, with an inner drive and determination to shine in wherever their passions lie. Next Open Event: 3rd May 2018; Email: admissions@lordwandsworth.org www.lordwandsworth.org

EDUC ATION

Power and Revolution: Recycled Fashion Show at St Christopher School O

n Saturday 24 February 2018 students from schools across Hertfordshire took part in the 24th annual Recycled Fashion Show at St Christopher School in Letchworth. The catwalk show featured over 70 costumes designed, made and modelled by students from Whitehill Junior School (Hitchin), The William Ransom Primary School (Hitchin), Wilbury Junior School (Letchworth) Knights Templar School (Baldock), the BRIT School (London) and junior and senior school pupils from St Christopher School (Letchworth). The theme for this year’s show was Power and Revolution. Between one and four students formed the design team for each costume, and spent weeks designing and creating them using recycled materials. An expert judging panel picked a selection of winners from different age categories. This year’s panel comprised: Luella Bartley, global design director of Calvin Klein jeans and creative director

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of Hillier Bartley; Jonathan Miller, visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire and specialist in visual identity, information design and design management; Daisy Hill, luxury marketing associate at Ralph Lauren; Laura May Paine, stylist and clothing designer. Winners included a costume, including shoes, made of human hair (Best Use of Recycled Materials) a golden cycle helmet and trousers made of surgical gloves (Winner – Lower School Category) and a dress made from fruit nets (Winner – Junior School Category) On the day the students put together hair, make up and accessories to complete the finished look for the show, which was accompanied by live music in the St Chris theatre. Richard Palmer, head of St Chris said: “The standard from this year’s competition was extremely high from all the schools who took part. The children had great fun with this year’s theme, Power and Revolution. The creativity shown and the detailing on some of the costumes was incredible including an outfit made entirely of matches portraying Guy Fawkes; a portable guillotine - complete with fake head - and a rocket costume made from baked and painted crisp packets. The Show is a great example of how art and creativity can be used to inspire young people to investigate and learn about a wide range of topics, and how fundamental it should be to a school’s curriculum.” Proceeds from this year’s show are being donated to Amnesty International. Over 40 of the best costumes will be displayed in an exhibition at the Letchworth Community Museum from Saturday 3 March to Sunday 11 March, which is free and open to the public.

THE DETAILS St Christopher School Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 3JZ T 01462 650850 F 01462 481578 E head@stchris.co.uk www.stchris.co.uk St Christopher School (Letchworth) Limited is an educational charity (no. 311062) registered in England as a limited company (no. 535836).

The GOLD Standard Fairley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with Specific Learning Difficulties

ddressing the needs of children from the age of five, who require assistance due to dyslexia and dyspraxia, the school has a staff/ pupil ratio of 1:3.5 and the average stay at the school is between two to three years. Children then return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude. Fairley House now offers Key Stage 4. This enables pupils to carry on their education in an environment that ensures that their

needs are fully met. While our intention is to enable your child to re-join mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision now offers the possibility of remaining in our school to undertake the first major examinations that a pupil will face. Many of our alumni have enjoyed great success at GCSE and A-Level and they have progressed to top universities and have successful careers in a range of professions.

HOLIDAYS & travel – Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a g e : L E TS GO 2

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

A path LESS TRODDEN

Overtourism is a hot topic for travellers. Justin Francis from Responsible Travel shares his tips for easing pressure on popular holidays sites. words: Sarah Marshall, Press Association

ast summer, ‘over-tourism’ became the big story in travel, when, in popular destinations around the world, local residents took to the streets to protest against being deluged by tourists. They concluded that the benefits of tourism simply weren’t worth the hassle. Tourists too, 100-deep trying to see the Mona Lisa from 30m away, or unable to get into St. Mark’s Square in Venice, complained they came to see the sights - not just other tourists. Parts of the UK have experienced the same problems, with complaints from Bath residents that tourism has ruined the city and councillors proposing to introduce a tourist tax to fund public services in times of austerity. With more than 10 countries in Europe already charging a tourist tax, some to fund the conservation of heritage damaged by tourism, the UK has been slow to follow suit. But it won’t be long before many other UK cities and regions consider taxation. So what is a traveller to do? In essence, there are a couple of options. The first is to find unfamiliar ways to see familiar places; the second is to seek out unfamiliar places. Here are some suggestions on how to do this: 1. Local guides know how to avoid the crowds They know when the daily cruise ship excursions start and finish. They know the lulls during the day, the different viewpoints, and the inside track on how to experience things in different ways. From these guides, you’ll also learn local people’s perspectives and relationship to their heritage, not just what everybody else is reading in their guidebook. Plus, you’ll be helping her or him earn a living. 2. If you can, travel outside of peak season This is not always possible, especially for families,

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but over-tourism is partly caused by everyone wanting to go to the same places at the same time. In southern Europe, the winter and autumn light can be magical and more bearable than the summer heat as global warming takes hold. 3. Regardless of when you go on holiday, travelling with a little respect earns you respect Travelling responsibly also means that a little more of your money reaches local hands. Think local in all that you do and avoid big international chain hotels when you can. It makes sense that residents and workers who are treated well and who see the benefits of tourism directly, might offer you new and different ways to experience their culture and heritage to that offered to the hordes. 4. It’s convenient for the tourism industry to focus its marketing and operations on a few ‘big name’ places No doubt many of these places are remarkable and unique, but as any traveller will know, sometimes there are other, more off-the-beaten-track places that are just as good or better. They will also be less crowded and much more in need of visitors. You’ll often get a warmer welcome there than in places fed up with tourists. 5. Local protesters have a point Imagine your home town being overrun by tourists and how you would feel. Support those affected by feeding back ideas, or over-tourism complaints, to your holiday company, or make a point of travelling with a company that feels the same way about travel as you do. Justin Francis is the CEO and co-founder of Responsible Travel.

CONNOISSEUR TRAVEL Experi e your o nce unique wn tailor made worldw id luxury family e holida y Experi en your o ce unique wn tailo made worldw r luxury ide holida y

Providing family Providing holidays forluxury discerning travellers since 1994 holidays

Tel: 01403 01403 272143 272143 â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘hazel@connoisseurtravel.co.uk Tel: info@connoisseurtravel.co.uk www.connoisseurtravel.co.uk

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Barefoot Luxury in Cocoon Suites

antorini is a volcanic island situated in the Aegean Sea and it is in the bucket list of many travellers. Even from the time the airplane started descending we got a feeling of what Santorini is about. Cocoon is situated in the middle of the island and on the edge of the cliff offering a magic scenery, silence and panoramic views at your breakfast table. In Cocoon Suites they intend to make you feel like home and they do it very well. This small boutique hotel is a family running business and they have a special feeling of barefoot luxury in their cave style suites. Simple and modern decorated, the suites are approximately 40m2 to 70m2 with private patios and hot tubs. Waking up in the morning under the Greek sun and that breathtaking view, the only thing you want is to enjoy a rich and organic breakfast filled with local products. They have no limit ranging from gluten free to vegan options. And when the time is right and you are roastingÂ under the scorching sun, hop in the outdoor hot tub and order a refreshing cocktail. In the evening it is not necessary to start chasing the sunset all around the island. The sunset is exactly outside of your suite. So, just enjoy! Try having dinner and local wine on this scenery, it feels like a dream. You can either walk down in their restaurant or even enjoy your privacy at your own balcony with a candlelight dinner. Island escape is similar to relaxation, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to combine a massage after your exploration. Enter the world of tranquility and let yourself be pampered. The friendly staff and the 24 hour service reception are adorable and they can give information for the entire island. They will tell you all the secrets, where they relax on their time, where they party at nights and which places they visit so you can spend your days in Santorini like a local. Last but not least, spending time in the hotel and enjoying the well-being is amazing, but in case you are interested in exploring the island let the concierge arrange everything for you. A full day program with the best activities can be arranged in minutes. Let yourself indulge in luxury and feel the relaxation that this place can provide you. If I had to describe this experience in very few words I would say unique while simple and perfect. www.cocoonsuites.com

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Carrington House Sleeping up to 20, the house features two magnificent reception rooms, six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a striking dining room that seats 22 and two kitchens (personal and catering). The linked adjoining cottage with a further three stunning bedrooms, luxury sitting-room and bathroom are a secluded part of the house away from the main action, whilst a secret garden and private walled terrace ensures you make the most of outside as well as inside. Situated in the pretty Norfolk village of Snettisham, this Georgian property is close to the popular North Norfolk coast and under two hours by car from London. www.carringtonhouse.net â&#x20AC;˘ info@carringtonhouse.net â&#x20AC;˘ 0870 8505 468

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

THE MOST DELICIOUS HOLIDAY EVER Every 3 star Michelin restaurant in the world…in six months

£182,000.00

La Pergola, Rome

for excellence to only a select few each year. Those awarded the coveted 3 star accolade, are deemed the supreme in fine dining and ambience. The trip is for 6 months and together with business class flights, staying at some of the finest 5 star hotels in the world, including: Trump International, New York; Conrad, Tokyo; Hotel De Paris, Monte Carlo and Claridges, London. You will spend two nights in each location where you will have time to relax and savour the delicious experiences at each restaurant and enjoy a luxury stay in the surrounding area. Restaurants include Lung King Heen (Hong Kong); Sushi Yoshitake (Tokyo); Per Se (New York); The French Laundry

Dessert at Per Se, New York

t reads like the ultimate dream holiday for any culinary aficionado. This never been done before trip will give fine food enthusiasts a one of a kind experience to dine in every restaurant worldwide that has received the ultimate culinary award of 3 Michelin stars. You will visit 16 different countries ranging from the United States to countries across Europe and then to China and Japan. There are not many people in the world (if any!) who have experienced all 117 3 Michelin star restaurants. Michelin awards their stars

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“You will spend two nights in each location where you will have time to relax and savour the delicious experiences at each restaurant”

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Trump International Hotel, New York

Le Meurice, Paris

(Napa Valley, California); Meurice (Paris); El Celler De Can Roca (Spain) and La Pergola (Rome) Fine food highlights include: ‘Salmon Poached in a Liquorice Gel’ at experimental chef Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in England: the delicacies of legendary chef Alain Ducasse in Monaco: and Arzak’s ‘Pineapple Bubbles’ in the mountainous Basque country. The price includes the organisation of: travel, accommodation and restaurant reservations; and costs of flights; hotel rooms and meals at the magnificient Michelin restaurants. The meal costs have been estimated at an average of £250 per head including house wine. You will pay the restaurants directly and the meal cost will obviously depend upon what has been ordered. A donation of £1,500 will be made to charity The Prince’s Trust, that helps change young lives, once you have purchased your trip. The list of 109 Michelin 3 star restaurants has been collated by the VeryFirstTo research team and is the full list of current Michelin 3 star restaurants globally to its knowledge. Departure dates are flexible and can be tailored to your schedule, with 8 weeks notice required. The cost of the holiday including an estimated cost of all your meals and wine is £182,000. A final pricing will be provided once Holidaysplease receive your exact requirements. www.veryfirstto.com

Heston Blumenthal’s salmon poached in a liquorice gel

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ABOUT HOLIDAYSPLEASE Holidaysplease is an online luxury holiday company, selling tens of millions of pounds’ worth of luxury holidays to customers across the UK and the world. Recently voted “Online travel agency of the year” in the UK and is the No.1 rated UK holiday company for customer service according to Trust Pilot. www.holidaysplease.co.uk

Lung King Heen, Hong Kong

El Celler De Can Roca, Spain

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Idyllic Island Escapes

ake a selection of impossibly pure desert islands, add a sprinkling of palm trees, season with sun loungers and a dusting of infinity pools and you’ve got the perfect destination for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday: The Maldives. Discover four of the most popular islands in the Maldives, all part of the Atmosphere group, which is well-known for offering higher quality All Inclusive escapes. These resorts offer all the white sand, golden sun and turquoise water clichés you can imagine, combined with well-designed accommodation and an excellent level of service throughout, giving you the perfect setting to create some unforgettable memories. Letsgo2 have teamed up with Atmosphere Resorts to bring you this fabulous wine offer. Book your Maldives holiday and receive a free case of wine, quote the below promotional codes when booking your holiday. Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives has fast become one of the most popular 5-star All Inclusive islands in the Maldives. The stand-alone villas overlook a mesmerising 2km long turquoise lagoon, where snorkelling is a must. Each villa is shrouded by lush tropical vegetation offering plenty of privacy and direct access to the white-sand beach. The Platinum All Inclusive Plan includes a wide selection of premium brands of spirits, wines and exotic cocktails, as well as dining options at a choice of restaurants. Quote LUXURYWINE6 on the phone or use the code online. Oblu by Atmosphere at Helengeli Island is home to one of the most amazing underwater

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habitats with the house reef being fully protected. Located only metres away and a definite must see, the crystal-clear waters are home to a plethora of marine creatures including silver-tipped sharks, lobsters and giant sea turtles. The island offers a range of room types, including a Deluxe Beach Villa offering direct access to the sugar-white sands, complete with an outdoor veranda. Quote WINE6 on the phone or use the code online. The luxurious and hugely popular Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo takes the All Inclusive experience up a notch, adding ‘Ultra Luxury’ to the ‘Atmosphere Indulgence’ plan it is one of the most extensive in the Maldives. With easy access by speedboat from Male, Ozen is one of the most popular All Inclusive resorts in the Maldives. Aside from 41 spacious beach villas, the resort boasts 49 swoon-worthy overwater villas on stilts, each offering sweet seclusion. Team this with a blissful spa (with a selection of treatments included), tantalising dining options – including an amazing underwater restaurant and a range of activities from yachting to yoga, Ozen is the ultimate atoll escape. Quote LUXURYWINE12 on the phone or use the code online. The newest addition Oblu Select at Sangeli due to open in July 2018, offers an all-encompassing hassle free beach holiday. Continuing with the allinclusive concept, including fine dining experiences and in-villa mini bar, you won’t want for anything. Featuring modern standalone Beach and Water Villas some with their own pools and surrounded by some of the most exotic dive and snorkelling locations. Quote WINE6 on the phone or use the code online.

“The luxurious and hugely popular Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo takes the All Inclusive experience up a notch, adding ‘Ultra Luxury’ to the ‘Atmosphere Indulgence’ plan it is one of the most extensive in the Maldives”

THE DETAILS Visit www.letsgo2.com or call one of our Destination Specialists on 020 8329 2631 for more information

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

PORTUGAL: A FOODIE’S PARADISE Portugal named Europe’s ‘leading tourism destination’: here’s what to eat and drink there. WORDS: LAUREN TAYLOR

or the first time, Portugal has won the award for Europe’s Leading Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards, for it’s “diversity of landscapes and welcoming spirit of the Portuguese people”. Portugal also won the most awards overall at the ceremony held in St. Petersburg, including Europe’s leading cruise port (Lisbon), Europe’s leading island destination (Madeira), Europe’s leading beach destination (Algarve) and Europe’s leading tourist board (Turismo de Portugal). There’s so much more to Portugal than popular Algarve beaches - medieval castles and palaces in Sintra and Evora, stunning scenery in the Parque Natural Da Serra Da Estrela, and wild, unspoilt (and empty) beaches down the Alentejo coastline. Whatever area you visit though, Portugal has some incredible, underrated local produce.

Pork The vast, warm, dry Alentejo north of the Algarve is a very fertile region and totally food-orientated. Alentejo pork from the’Porto Preto’ breed (also called black pork) is soft-as-you-like, packed with a crazy amount of flavour, and can be found in 128 MARCH 2018

some of the best fine dining restaurants around the country. It’s also used to make delicious pata negra. In Serra Da Estrela, further north in the Beiras region, wild boar is abundant and often slow cooked in wine.

Seafood With 1,115 miles of coastline, seafood is integral to Portuguese culture. Everything from sea bass, tuna, squid, octopus and sardines is usually caught wild, rather than in fish farms, and it’s good value for money, even notoriously pricey turbot. Meanwhile, in areas of higher altitude, like the Beiras region, trout is fished from the rivers.

Sheep cheese Portugal produces several excellent sheep (Ovelha) cheese varieties. Queijo de Evora, made from raw sheep’s milk in the south, is worth travelling to Portugal for alone. Sharp and almost spicy as it ages, it goes very well with homemade pumpkin jam. A creamier variety, Queijo da Serra da Estrela, is known as the ‘king of Portuguese cheese’ and has been made by shepherds roaming their sheep in the mountains of the largest national park in the country for centuries.

“With 1,115 miles of coastline, seafood is integral to Portuguese culture”

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Francesinha If you’re on a diet, you might want to skip this one out. Francesinha, a legendary dish from Porto, is an adaptation of the croque monsieur (it means ‘Frenchie’). The doorstep sandwich is made up of layers of pork, smoked sausage, bacon and beef between slices of bread, topped with a fried egg and coated in a thick cheesy sauce and drenched in thick sauce made from tomatoes and beer. Healthy it is not, but it’s cheap and tasty.

Pastel de nata Good luck going to Portugal and not eating three pastel de nata a day. The humble custard tart is in every pastry and coffee shop window in Lisbon. It’s made with layers of crispy puff pastry on the outside and sweet, creamy set custard inside, caramelised on top. The recipe apparently dates back 300 years when monks made the tarts to support their monastery and the recipe was sold to the Pasteis de Belem bakery in 1834, who still make them today.

Red Douro Valley wine Portugal isn’t traditionally known for its wines because the vast majority isn’t exported (although you might have noticed the Portuguese wine section of your local wine shop increasing recently), but when you’re inside the country, you won’t drink much else - and you don’t need to. Wine has been made in the rugged, hilly Douro region in the north for 2,000 years, with many vines planted on steep terraces. There’s a huge selection of local grape varieties and it’s best known for its full-bodied reds.

Port Porto, of course, is the birthplace of Port and the city is steeped in its history. Port wine is produced deep in the Douro region, hundreds of miles away from the merchants in Porto, so barrels were traditionally carried down the Douro river by boat. Many of the major port houses, like Taylor’s and Cockburn’s, were actually founded by the English, with bottles shipped back to the UK. Today the city is packed with intimate wine cellars where you can order a selection of ports and cheeses, and all the major port houses offer tours and tastings. Try white port and tonic if you find tawny or ruby port too strong.

Green wine Portugal is the only producer of Vinho Verde, or green wine. It’s made in the colder, rainy Minho province in the far north of the country using younger grapes. Green isn’t referring to the colour, rather the ‘freshness’ or ‘youth’ and, as a result, it’s acidic with a slight hint of fizz. The way it’s produced means that the alcohol content is less, typically 9%, which makes it the perfect daytime tipple. 130 MARCH 2018

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Going solo T

aking a holiday alone has never been more popular. According to a recent survey by the travel website 101 Singles Holidays, the number of people who chose themselves as travel companions rose by 14% in 2017. Findings suggest this boom is being driven by women over 50, who now outnumber men on singles holidays by almost two to one; 63% of solo trips last year were taken by women and the average age of all single holidaymakers was 57. Our changing lifestyles are fuelling the growing trend. “The stigma surrounding singles holidays has largely disappeared,” explains Cathy Winston, Editor of 101 Singles Holidays. “The number of single people in the UK has risen steadily over the past 15 years, while attitudes have changed dramatically for women over 50, the biggest growth area in singles holidays. In previous generations, this group might have been reluctant to travel alone, but single, divorced and widowed women are now more empowered, confident and financially independent than ever before.”

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With more choice for solo travellers, here is her pick of the top six holidays for single women.

reserve and national park, the country’s winelands and Cape Town, and also includes drives along the Garden Route. www.coxandkings.co.uk.

Adventure alone

Cruise for one

If you want to venture a bit further off the beaten track but don’t fancy going entirely alone, escorted tours are an easy and sociable alternative. Get your own room with some of the group trips from On The Go Tours, including India, the fastest growing destination for solo travellers. The 14-day Passage To India trip visits Rajasthan, the iconic Taj Mahal and includes tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park. www.onthegothours.com

The flexibility of cruising makes this a great fit for solo travellers looking to explore in comfort - it’s easy to be as independent or as sociable as you choose. Norwegian Cruises was one of the first to properly cater to solo cruisers, with supplement-free studio staterooms on Norwegian Epic and special singles-only areas, as well as informal dining. www.iglucruise.com

Group getaway If you’re new to solo travel, singles-only holidays from specialist companies such as Friendship Travel are perfect. With a host to ensure no-one feels left out, you’ve got a ready-made group on hand for days out and dinners, plus the chance to enjoy your own company in the sun if you prefer. With long and short-haul sunshine breaks, such as adults-only H10 Ocean Dreams hotel on sunny Fuerteventura, it’s an ideal way to try singles holidays. www.friendshiptravel.com

Over 50s escape As the new research shows, women over 50 are leading the solo travel boom, so it’s no surprise more companies are offering trips aimed firmly at this age group. Cox & Kings has a string of solos-only tours popular with over-50s, with average group sizes of around 10-12. The 13-day Splendours Of South Africa tour visits a game

Beach break If your dream holiday involves chilling out by the beach, with some great food and plenty to entertain, there’s no reason why you can’t do that on your own. The facilities in bigger resorts make them ideal; adults-only all-inclusive Breathless Punta Cana has communal tables in four of its 11 restaurants, plus an online guest chat room and activities ranging from dance to diving. www.tropicalsky.co.uk

Once in a lifetime Ticking off a bucket-list experience is what spurs many to book their first solo trip - and a once-in-alifetime holiday is guaranteed to induce envy rather than thoughts of pity. Rainbow Tours offers small group tours with the chance to spot chimpanzees, as well as close-up encounters with gorillas, for a small, single supplement. www.rainbowtours.co.uk For more information, visit 101holidays.co.uk/singles

The Small Cruise Ship Collection Small Ships – Huge Choice

The widest range of small ship cruises available – Cruises designed for people who don’t think they will like cruising – The focus is on the destination not the ship. We offer cruises on most of the world’s seas and oceans, and some rivers too.

Croatia luxury cruise

Deep in Antarctica

Call 01432 507450, email info@small-cruise-ships.com or visit www.small-cruise-ships.com

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Number One The BBC journalist Jennie Bond has travelled on assignments all over the world, but her holiday of choice is this Caribbean cruise.

THE DETAILS ROL Cruise (rolcruise.co.uk/0800 204 4661) offer a 10-night Caribbean Highlights Voyage, departing March 1, 2019, from £3,516pp on Azamara Journey. They also offer a 14-night Westward Journey Voyage on Azamara Quest, stopping in Portugal, the Azores and Caribbean and departing October 23, 2018 from £3,279pp. Both cruises include full board dining, flights and transfers. 134 MARCH 2018

’ve travelled the world and seen some exotic sights during my years as the BBC’s Royal Correspondent, but there’s one corner of this planet that draws me back time and again: the Caribbean. There are so many islands to visit, each with a unique character, but all seem to exude the same laid-back joie de vivre that always brings a smile to my face. I think that’s why Prince Harry accepts with relish the opportunity to represent the Queen on Caribbean tours. He thrives on the informality and sense of fun that pervade these sunny isles. I missed Harry by a whisker when I arrived on the island of Nevis the day after he’d left. He’d been helping release hatchling turtles on Lovers’ Beach in the north of the tiny island. I hope he enjoyed his short stay there as much as my husband and I did. We found a great beach bar with traditional Caribbean food, serving mahi mahi fish with rice and peas, washed down with a cold beer. Follow that with a dip in the warm, blue sea and you want for nothing more. Nevis was one of five islands we visited during a fabulous cruise on board the rather exclusive Azamara Quest, one of two identical luxury liners operated by a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean. We live in a beautiful part of the UK, on the tip of south Devon, and we’re loathe to leave our seaside valley in summer. But, come the winter fog and biting wind, and the thought of Caribbean sunshine gets just too tempting. So when ROL Cruise (rolcruise.co.uk) suggested a jaunt on Azamara last winter, I cleared my diary and leapt at the chance. They made all the arrangements for us and we embarked in Miami. The voyage began with two sea days as we steamed south towards the American Virgin Island of St John’s. Sea days are a great way to unwind and,

with only 600 or so guests on board Azamara’s relatively small ships, there’s a chance to get to know your fellow travellers. A lot of socialising goes on around the pool and Jacuzzis. Waiters are constantly patrolling, offering refreshments and drinks (excellent wines are all included), as well as ice cold flannels, sun cream, and really anything else you could possibly want. Our suite was spacious and comfortable with a lovely balcony on which our butler served us breakfast every day. Life on board really is a long way from the drudgery of home! One of the main attractions about cruising, as far as I’m concerned, is the fun of opening the curtains in the morning and discovering that you’re somewhere new. All you’ve had to do is enjoy yourself on board, be wined and dined in style, get a good night’s sleep and hey presto - here’s another island to explore. It’s so delightfully easy! During our cruise we took some of the tours offered by the ship; there’s always a wide choice at a range of prices. But in St John’s, we decided to do our own thing and ended up in an opensided taxi with a charismatic driver who took us all around the island and its fantastic beaches. In St Maarten we had a most unusual encounter, which we could never have organised without Azamara. We were taken across the island to meet one of its most iconic figures, a poet, artist and storyteller called Ruby Bute. Larger than life and dressed in bright yellow, Ruby welcomed us to her beautiful home and studio, set amongst the hills of the French part of St Maarten. There she told us a little about her life, a lot about her art and also invited us to sample her home-made guavaberry rum. For me, it was a taste I shall probably never acquire, but it was nonetheless a fascinating outing. That evening, Azamara staged one of their special events. On every cruise they offer all their guests one bespoke occasion. When we were in Turkey, they took us on an exclusive evening tour of Ephesus and treated us to a private classical concert in the small amphitheatre. It was magical. This time, we were drummed ashore by a 20-strong Caribbean band in fantastically colourful costumes. And then we enjoyed an open-air concert by an electric string quartet, followed by fireworks over the ocean. I’ve yet to find anything I don’t like about cruising around the Caribbean. Our last two ports of call, the super posh St Bart’s and the British Virgin Island of Gorda, each had something different to offer. In Gorda, it was rain and clouds but we still had an interesting whizz around the island in an old bus. Back on board Azamara Quest, we settled back for the two days at sea to Miami. More delicious food, too much fine wine and a reality check when our daughter phones to say it’s just hit minus six back home. Time to plan the next cruise!

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Is Machu Picchu on your bucket list? WORDS: Nick Harvey

isitors are now restricted in the amount of time they can spend at Machu Picchu to alleviate crowding. So what options does the savvy traveller have to make a Peru visit far more than just a bucket list tick? Tour operators are often unable to divert travellers understandably hell-bent on visiting an icon like Machu Picchu, and of course, being one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites set in simply magical scenery, one can understand why. So, what are the alternatives to the classic beeline to Cusco, and what’s the best way to see the real Peru. Driving a 4x4 self-drive vehicle can give you unprecedented access to the rich culture, scenery and wildlife of Peru, reaching remote locations, that others can simply dream of. You get to experience first-hand the Desert, the Andes and the Amazon of Peru in a way that goes way beyond mainstream tours. Yet, just self-driving Peru might mean missing

“If you don’t feel the allure of Machu Picchu and Cusco, there are also some other options to explore the “True Peru”. a lot too. Maps are rudimentary, driving standards and roads are frequently “challenging”, and local knowledge here is everything, with many superb sites hidden “off road” We found ourselves on a December flight to join a small specialist UK company, Peru Safari, who offer Guided 4x4 self-drive adventures using their own expedition prepared Toyotas. For groups of just six, with a safety vehicle along on the trip, the tour avoids using generic hotels and instead serves up an eclectic mix of mountain lodges, rustic haciendas, and luxurious hotels. For sure, it’s not for everyone. If you don’t enjoy driving, it’s probably not the trip for you. It’s a fullon travel experience, that takes in 2,900km of some of the world’s more spectacular roads, at heights that exceed Everest base camp on occasions, so isn’t for the feint hearted. This is where the guided bit comes in handy. They have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the country and are always on hand with friendly assistance if 136 MARCH 2018

needed. This ensured we had an “on the edge” feel of navigating our own vehicle through spectacular terrain, but had their safety backup available if the need arose via our 2 way radios. The word that best described our adventure was “epic” and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience that we are still struggling to get across to our friends and family. If you don’t feel the allure of Machu Picchu and Cusco, there are also some other options to explore the “True Peru”. A new largely undiscovered route heads North from Lima, via some of South Americas highest peaks (the Cordillera Blanca) eventually arriving via sinuous tracks into Amazonas, and a remote jungle landscape that hides the massive pre-Inca stone fortress of Kuelap. Nearby are the world’s second highest, recently discovered falls at Gocta. The trip returns via the desert coast, and some of the most significant ancient sites in South America including Chimu, and the 5000-year-old city of Caral (the oldest in the Americas). If wildlife is more your thing, the planets most bio-diverse location beckons. Take the stunning track down from the Andes from Cusco, to the virgin jungle rainforest of Manu Reserve. Here you swop your 4x4 for a motorized canoe down the Madre de Dios river into the land of uncontacted tribes and the realm of the Jaguar. Peru Safari offer exciting 4x4 holidays to Peru, with friendly UK guides, very small group or private options, and superb expedition vehicles & equipment, that will make your crossing of Peru no ordinary adventure. Nick Harvey travelled with Peru Safari on their 15 Night Self Drive Guided Peru Adventure, with his wife Emma, flying direct to Lima from Gatwick with British Airways. Rate: From £3,980 per person, based on double occupancy hotel/vehicle. Web: www.perusafari.com, Email: info@perusafari.com. Phone: Mobile 07522 776160 / Landline 01744 889819

House in Hastings The House in Hastings sits majestically on one of the town’s most historic streets, Croft Road on West Hill. Whether a group of friends, couples or several families, the House in Hastings is a stunning Regency home that’s simply made for unwinding. Your very own home-tel, every detail is taken care with Ren toiletries in all the bathrooms, 400 thread count sheets, an integrated music system, smart TV, walkin drench showers and roll-top baths. Not to mention the most spectacular views in the town. Just five minutes from the beach, and with triple bay windows, the House in Hastings spans five floors, sleeps ten guests in five bedrooms with sea view, with four bathrooms and two further cloakrooms. www.houseinhastings.co.uk • info@houseinhastings.co.uk • 0870 8505 468

H OLIDAYS && TRAVEL TRAVEL HOLIDAYS

unmissable SEOUL sights P words: Mark Staniforth, Press Association yeongchang may have played host to the Winter Olympics, but South Korea’s capital Seoul is not the type of city to sit meekly in the shadows. With its potent blend of ancient palaces, grand skyscrapers, sizzling street-food and glaring neon, Seoul is fast-emerging as an Asian destination to rival the likes of Tokyo and Beijing. With the K-Pop phenomenon exporting a bright new brand of Korean culture the world over, and fiery Korean cuisine the current global trend, there has arguably never been a better time to visit.

Gyeonbokgung Palace Translated as ‘Palace of Shining Happiness’, Gyeongbokgung is a sprawling site of halls and gates. Built in 1394, it provides a glimpse into South Korea’s former royal patronage. Walk through the South Gate, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, for free access to the front courtyard, while exploring the inner courtyards and the Palace Museum costs W3000(£2)/ W1500 (£1). The exuberant Ceremony of the Guard Change, which takes place outside the South Gate three times per day except Tuesday, is worth catching.

Dongdaemun

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presents a new and dazzlingly modern multimedia exhibition about the origins and culture surrounding what claims to be the world’s healthiest food including, if you dare, free tasting. Tickets from W5000 (£3.30), closed Mondays.

Nam June Paik Memorial House Tucked away in a quiet back street in Dongmyo, a small hanok - a traditional Korean wooden house harbours an interactive display in tribute to arguably the nation’s most famous and controversial artist, Nam June Paik. Paik was one of the pioneers of video art in the 1950s and 1960s. Find it at 12-1 Jong-ro 53-gil, entrance free.

Cheonggyecheon Those in need of respite from the frantic pace of modern-day Seoul can always escape to this river which flows right through the heart of downtown. Covered in concrete in 1958, during the city’s rapid expansion, it was restored in 2003 and has become a much-cherished institution by locals and tourists, who amble its banks while working life roars on relentlessly overhead.

Dongdaemun, the Great East Gate, is another ornamental palatial structure which now stands more or less in the centre of the city, in the middle of a major traffic intersection. The broader area in which it sits, Dongdaemun, is packed with markets and food stalls, including the bustling, labyrinthine corridors of Gwangjang Market.

Hongdae

Museum Kimchikan

Korean Cuisine

Kimchi, a dish of fermented cabbage or other vegetables in a spicy marinade, is found all over Korea, accompanying almost every meal, so it seems only natural that there should be a museum in its honour. Museum Kimchikan (Insadong-gil 34-5)

Seoul’s seriousness about food is made plain in its sizzling street-food stalls, while the most unprepossessing of exteriors mask stunning, allyou-can-eat hang-outs selling bibimbap and other rice-based dishes for less than a fiver.

The bustling suburb of Hongdae, close to the Hongik University, buzzes with restless spirit and the shrieks of its innumerable street vendors and stall-holders. But it is at night time when Hongdae really comes alive with its eateries and bars ensuring its tight streets stay packed well into the early hours.

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

MYKONOS PRINCESS:

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE MYKONOS HOTEL

ykonos Princess, the only ‘’Lifestyle Hotel’’ of the ‘’Preferred Hotels & Resorts’’ in Mykonos Island is the unique combination of luxury services, the authentic Greek hospitality & the Mykonian way of life. Mykonos Princess Hotel is a Mykonos beach hotel, within 5 minutes walking distance from the crystal clear waters of Agios Stefanos beach. In a great location with gorgeous views and close enough to Mykonos town, Mykonos Princess is the perfect getaway and the ideal place to stay if you’re planning your holiday in Greece. Mykonos Princess offers nine room categories, according to each guest’s wishes and budget. There are 40 rooms, influenced by Cycladic architecture, ideal for moments of relaxation and calmness with stunning sea views . If you want to live your Mykonian Dream make sure you book a Jacuzzi Suite! During your stay, the helpful and attentive staff will take care of all your needs and also provide you with any information on places worth visiting in Mykonos. The wide range of facilities and services, tailored to each one’s needs, will turn your stay in Mykonos Princess hotel into a pleasant, comfort and memorable experience. The personalized experience of stay in Mykonos Princess stands out and Mykonos Princess wins the

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last years the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award 2018 and also is included in the 25 Best Hotels in Greece in the 11th place. Guests are treated like royalty in this hotel! In the room the guest will find branded amenities, beach bag with towels, sunbathing and after sun which he can use during his stay, a pillow menu, a fully equipped mini bar and love & hangover kits. Their love for what this team is doing makes them constantly discreetly close to the guests and they meet every need created. Wanting you to feel at home, they have a complete library of books of varying interest and in various languages to relax, reading in the pool or in the room. During your stay at the hotel’s swimming pool, the super attending staff will offer you free Greek dishes and beverages as well as refreshing frozen rejuvenating towels! Gastronomy has a very important place at the Prncess. The guests will taste Greek ingredients mixed with cosmopolitan flavors. The Celebrity Executive Chef, George Venieris, has taken care of this. The Mykonos Princess Hotel has its own lifestyle history, hosting in the 80s the legendary Frank Sinatra for his holiday on the Island! The hat that he wore and left them as gratitude for the hospitality received is still kept in the hotel reception, in a specially designed space! www.princessofmykonos.gr

“During your stay at the hotel’s swimming pool, the super attending staff will offer you free Greek dishes and beverages as well as refreshing frozen rejuvenating towels”

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m ag e : F r é n é s i e s

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION WINTER WARMER This men’s wool rich peacoat for in true breton style, is designed in France. A true classic. £170, www.thenauticalcompany.com

A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE

THE GIFT OF BEAUTY Perfect for Mother’s day, the Winter in Venice Gardeners’ Gift Luxury Hamper from Virginia Hayward will leave your lucky recipient feeling special. Offering an array of gorgeous bath soaps, scrubs and lotions, infused with extracts of sweet smelling Cedarwood, leave them feeling pampered and relaxed after a day working in the garden. Along with a pair of pretty patterned gardening gloves and presented in a beautiful red plant pot.

WE LOVE This strong, stunning statement ring fom Pernille Corydon, with a large synthetic coral stone on a simple gold band. £50, www.printerandtailor.com

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SENSE OF ADVENTURE The canvas barrel bag, used by sports women and men for decades. Jimbag has updated the original by combining fashion with function. The barrel bag takes you from the office to the gym with ease. £39.99, www.jimbag.co.uk

Revive your favourite LBD with a touch of elegance. Shades of gold, copper, yellow and orange will make you sparkle, and breathe new life into your favourite evening outfit. Framed in the middle sits an artist’s rendering of the Black Breasted Parrotbill, a dwindling species found in northeastern India. £140, www.in-spaces.com

silly socks These Soup Socks make an ideal quirky gift. They’re available in three designs: minestrone, spring vegetable and carrot & coriander and come presented in a soup can. £9.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Alina Petra is presenting Fall/ Winter’18 new dress collection and having a very successful show in New York Fashion Week this season. The inspiration came from the Royal Wedding coming this May and we wanted to create very chic and romantic look. With only 8 weeks on our hands, ‘Shimmer and Florals’ finally came to life. Our dresses can be purchased in our Los Angeles showroom, for more information please check our updates on our site and social media IG @alinapetra_ap Mint Pearl Dress £650

www.alinapetra.com Instagram: alinapetra_ap

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DESIGNER THE QUEEN WENT TO SEE AT

LONDON FASHION WEEK

Richard Quinn is tipped for big things by those in the know. WORDS: Katie Wright, Press Association Fashion and Beauty Editor

n what is was possibly the greatest thing to happen to London Fashion Week in its 34year history, none other than the Queen sat front row at Richard Quinn’s catwalk show yesterday. It’s safe to say the fashion pack lost its collective cool on sight of Her Majesty, who was perched between Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council and American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour. This is the first time the Queen has been to a fashion show, so why did she choose to bestow such an honour on a relatively unknown designer? Here’s everything you need to know about Richard Quinn. He’s just won a major award The Queen was in attendance to present Quinn with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The award is intended to highlight the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy, and will be given annually to an emerging British fashion star who shows ‘exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or strong sustainable policies’. And this isn’t the first time South London-born Quinn was also the recipient of the 2017 H&M Design Award, which supports

young designers. The high-street giant launched a capsule collection in store last October, with Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M, saying: “We believe that Richard’s collection is a great combination of creativity, technical skills and ethical thinking, which has beautifully translated into outstanding pieces that are fashion-forward yet wearable and desirable.” He’s a Central St Martins’ alumnus Quinn graduated with an MA from London’s world-famous fashion school in 2016. He’s in very good company. Other designers to have attended Central St Martins include Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton (who designed the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress for the house of McQueen), John Galliano, Stella McCartney, Zac Posen and Riccardo Tisci. He’s all about print The 28-year-old specialises in womenswear, creating bold floral prints and strong silhouettes that run the gamut from edgy to glamorous. Even as his own career is just beginning to take off, Quinn is already committed to helping others with the creation of a print studio, which is available for students and his peers. He’s tipped for big things Prior to this major award, Quinn’s designs have been showcased in a host of well-respected publications like Love Magazine, The New York Times, ID, Wonderland and Dazed & Confused. Plus, he’s got a very famous fan in the form of Lady Gaga, who wore a long, custom pink floral jacket last year on her Joanne world tour.

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“The 28-yearold specialises in womenswear, creating bold floral prints and strong silhouettes that run the gamut from edgy to glamorous”

THE NEw HAIr TrENDS FroM ITAly!

Italy is considered the birthplace of fashion with Armani, D&G, Fendi and Gucci and much more. Now is the time for Hair fashion style, from Italy. 20 years ago it was created, a new concept of Hair colour. The Joelle Shades colour is the first vertical hair colouring technique. Its applications are astounding: you can make your hair lighter, darker and cover grey hair. Get any result you want respecting the health of your hair, and say goodbye to root touch-up. Streaks, highlights, shatush – today, you can colour your hair in many different ways, but only Joelle shades salon offers the most surprising hair colorations combined with quality treatments that do not damage the health of your hair. Make your hair lighter, darker, covering grey hair: thanks to Degradé, you can obtain any results in complete safety while you can say bye-bye to root touch-up with the revolutionary vertical hair colouring technique. Each Joelle shades colourist is not just a good stylist but also a well formed communicator. Degradé is the least invasive hair colouring technique on the market. Healthy, durable and easy to wear, it makes the hair full of body and shine, providing new tones without altering the natural colour’s personality. Each treated lock of hair is coloured differently from the others and the beauty of natural locks is highlighted by the tapering effect that has won thousands of customers over.

In Italy it is already a MUST-HAVE ...

in partnership with Wella

Joelle Shades salon w6 (Hammersmith): 297 King Street W6 9NH | 020 8563 7833 Joelle Shades salon N4 (Manor House): Unit 2B, Woodberry Down, London N4 1FS | 020 8800 7019 NEXT oPENING: PrIMroSE HIll 2 Erskine Road, London NW3 3AJ fb: CDJ Joelle shades Ezio W6 • fb: Joelle shades N4 www.joelleshades.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

MAKING HEADLINES

the observer”. urrey based Couture Milliner Amanda A lot of Amanda’s individual designs are worn Keitch is delighted to win a place at the for the races, weddings and cocktail parties but London Hat Week Exhibition. Exhibiting don’t overlook her casual felt fedoras, so stylish but her Blackbird Cocktail hat, Amanda has perfect to keep warm on a chilly day. become an in demand hat designer for Amanda is teaching millinery at The the past twenty eight years, originally Reigate School of Art at present, she learning Millinery at Central St London Hat often gives talks on the history and Martins in London and working Week March etiquette of hats and collaborates for Royal Milliner Philip 22-28, 2018 with London Couturiers Masato Somerville for four years in London Hat Week is a collection of with her millinery. Her work is London. hat related events run by individuals also soon to be in an American Amanda was lucky and organisations across London, poetry book by Patrick Coates. enough to design and make celebrating the art of hats in the If you book an appointment hats for Her Majesty The City that is home to some of the to order a hat with Amanda, it’s Queen, Her Royal Highness most talented hat designers truly an experience to savour. The The Princess of Wales and Her in the world. impeccable bespoke customer service Royal Highness The Duchess of with couture fabrics, the craftsmanship Kent. She has also made hats for and knowledge used to create such beautiful Golden Eye Bond film and many other unique model hats is second to none. exciting fashion shows and exhibitions. “I’ve always loved making hats, there are many www.amandakeitch.co.uk parts to making the perfect hat, firstly it’s the initial design, this could be me designing a new collection or designing a hat especially for an individual client or collaboration between us both. I will using traditional couture methods and craftsmanship in creating a hat that will last a life time. I get such immense pleasure in hand blocking a hat and sewing everything by hand, I feel a hat is the final piece to enhance an outfit and allow the wearer to feel confident and fabulous at the same time. A hat is a thing of beauty, a sculpture or a piece of art to be enjoyed by the wearer and admired by

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“Amanda was lucky enough to design and make hats for Her Majesty The Queen, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent”

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, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Treatments in Focus: Body Sculpting and Skin Tightening BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

ermatologist Dr. Ariel Haus is truly passionate about helping his patients to look and feel their best, which is why he continues to invest in state of the art technology at his renowned clinic on Harley Street. Dr Haus’ Clinic has long been home to many different treatments for non-surgical fat reduction and facial skin tightening, but he now offers a solution to a condition that is not often talked about – loose or sagging body skin. Loose body skin is a common condition, frequently affecting men and women who have lost weight rapidly, and women who have had children. However unlike loose skin on the face and neck, people usually choose to cover up any areas of concern on their body with clothing, rather than seek treatment. There may also be a perception that loose body skin can only be treated with surgery or other invasive procedures, but that is no longer the case!

The Technical Details…

Why Is This Unique?

How Long To See Results?

Because it is completely non-invasive. It uses dual-wavelength laser energy, for sculpting and skin tightening, and can be performed on skin areas anywhere on the body. The laser energy is delivered in a way that achieves adipocyte (fat cell) destruction and collagen remodeling, without disrupting the dermis of the skin. This procedure is fast, safe and effective.

Being a non-surgical treatment, this usually requires a course of 3-4 sessions. Each session lasts about 45-60 minutes and are spaced at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks. Existing non-invasive body treatments that are already carried out at Dr Haus’ clinic include VelaShape 3, Exilis Elite, CoolSculpting, UltraShape Power and Vanquish.

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Step 1 involves Deep Skin Tightening and Fat Reduction using an Nd:YAG laser. Skin tissue is rapidly heated by concentrating energy delivery subcutaneously, which stimulates the metabolism of fat cells. Step 2 achieves Collagen Remodelling with a non-ablative Er:YAG laser. The controlled surface tissue heating stimulates collagen remodelling and improves laxity and elasticity in the treated areas. There is no down time, no anaesthesia is required and discomfort is minimal, making this a true walk in, walk out, procedure.

Who Can Be Treated? Women and men can both be treated. It is especially suitable for treating large body areas, such as the stomach or flanks. Best results will be achieved on people with early signs of loose or sagging skin, usually those in their mid 30’s to 50’s.

AFTER

THE DETAILS For further information or appointments please contact Dr. Haus Dermatology, 140 Harley Street, London W1G 7LB. Email: reception@drhausdermatology. com. Telephone: 020 7935 6358 Top photographs courtesy of: Adrian Gaspar, MD. Results after 3 months (2 treatments). Photographs courtesy of manufacturer.

Kitten Beachwear is the One Stop Travel Destination for fashion savvy women who love to travel in Sizes 8-18

Buy online: www.kittenbeachwear.com or call on 01696 570070

Made from natural materials and real leather, Roam Devon palm straw baskets are handwoven in Morocco and then personalised in Devon with your name, initials or custom artwork. Customisations start at ÂŁ21. visit www.roamdevon.com to view our full range of beautifully bespoke baskets or email roamdevon@gmail.com

Lucy Bradshaw Jewellery designs and creates bespoke sterling silver jewellery with a twist of colour. Each collection is unique with a classic elegance to compliment your personal style. As seen in Vogue, Tatler and Elle. To view their stunning collections you can visit their website at www.lucybradshaw.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

FERTILITY FEST 2018 F

The Bush Theatre, London, Tuesday 8 – Sunday 13 May

ertility Fest, the world’s first arts festival dedicated to fertility, infertility, modern families and the science of making babies, will return for its second edition at The Bush Theatre, this May. Over six days, a diverse programme of events will present 150 world class artists, experts and scientists exploring the bigger picture of fertility in the 21st century through theatre, film, visual arts, literature, discussion, workshops and debate. The festival will bring together all voices –

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whatever their sex, fertility experience or parenting stories – to explore how the human race is being made (and sometimes not being made) today, and ask key questions about fertility, science and education in 2018 and beyond. By giving a platform to these crucial conversations, Fertility Fest hopes to encourage wider public discourse around these issues, as well as improving the emotional care of fertility patients – whatever their outcome – and the fertility education of young people. Fertility Fest was founded by Jessica Hepburn and Gabby Vautier in 2016. Jessica and Gabby are amongst the UK’s leading patient voices on fertility, infertility and assisted conception, and together their personal experiences present two very different stories of IVF: Jessica went through eleven rounds of unsuccessful treatment; Gabby, a theatre and event producer is the mother of 3 year old IVF twin girls. Jessica is also the host and chair of the Q&A Stage at the Fertility Show, has written for the leading fertility magazine Fertility Road and the Guardian, and appeared on the 2016 BBC Panorama documentary Inside Britain’s Fertility Industry, and the 2014 BBC Radio 4 documentary A Family Without A Child. She is a member of the UK Fertility Education Initiative.

THE DETAILS Tickets for Fertility Fest 2018 are available from www.bushtheatre.co.uk and are priced at £10 - £35. www.fertilityfest.com @FertilityFest #FertilityFest

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

PURPLE

REIGN: WAYS TO

Axiology Lipstick in Desire, £25, Alyaka.com

Colour Freedom Mystic Purple Non-Permanent Hair Colour, £6.99, Superdrug

WEAR ULTRA VIOLET, PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2018 This year’s chosen hue is an ‘enigmatic’ purple. words: Katie Wright,

Crazy Color Semi Permanent Hair Dye in Hot Purple, £4

CND Vinylux Weekly Polish in Video Violet, £6.95 (reduced from £10.99), JustMyLook

3ina The Cream Eyeshadow in Purple 307, £8.95

Press Association

t the beginning of every year, Pantone declares its Colour of the Year, and we start to wonder how we can incorporate the chosen hue into our beauty routines. Sometimes, the shade doesn’t obviously lend itself to cosmetics, as was the case with last year’s foliage-inspired Greenery (unless you’re really into lime green lipstick...) but for 2018, we’re in luck, because Ultra Violet is a gorgeous deep purple that offers endless options in the make-up department. “Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now,” say the pros at Pantone. The “enigmatic purple” was beloved of music icons like Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, so with style renegades like that as inspiration, you can bet that the usual rules don’t apply. This trend’s not about identifying what suits your eye or hair colour, it’s about having fun and embracing the new hue however you like. And there are heaps of products to choose from. Take your pick from our Ultra Violet spectrum and get ready to play with purple...

IZ Beauty Gel Effect Nail Lacquer in Glastonberry, £6 Buxom Full-on Lip Cream in Purple Haze, £15, CultBeauty

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Make Up Forever Artist Rouge Creme Lipstick in Dark Purple, £18, Escentual

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Lash Mascara in Purple, £25.50, Selfridges

Beauty Boulevard Glitter Lips in Purple Reign, £12.50

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Banish unwanted hair for good! F

inding a solution that permanently eliminates unwanted hair isn’t easy laser hair removal can be painful and expensive, not to mention that it often isn’t successful in the long term. Now you can say goodbye to unwanted hair for good! Thanks to innovative brand Frénésies, you can now tackle the problem of unwanted hair in the comfort of your own home, with a natural and pain-free solution. This powerful innovation combines natural extracts that work together to penetrate the hair follicle and block the action of proteins and amino acids, which are essential in the formation of hair. As a result, hair growth is reduced dramatically, and any remaining hair is much paler and weaker. The number of times required to permanently stop unwanted hair growth varies for each individual, but clinical research indicates that results will be visible after the first application and the average user will see a reduction of 6080% in unwanted hair after two to three cycles of use. Frénésies comes in three presentations. The Facial cream was created with the purpose of eliminating unwanted facial

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hair whilst enriching a women’s delicate facial skin. The Body cream was created to give a moisturising effect and is also soothing and nutritious, which ensures that the skin is kept healthy and vibrant in the area of application whilst the hair growth action in the follicles is stopped. The Men’s line has menthol, rosemary, and chamomile extracts in its formula, that help calm the skin, eliminate the redness resulting from the epilation treatment, and provide a feeling of freshness. www.frenesies.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

POLLUTION: Why you need to rethink The threat from pollution is real and it is not getting any better any time soon. The consequences can range from skin irritation and sensitivities, premature aging, to organ damage and, at its worst, cancer. What you can do to protect your skin? The good news is that there are ways to protect against the damage and repair at least some of the damage caused by the harmful effects of pollution. You need to use a specialist anti-pollution facial skincare products with a unique science behind that works to stop pollution entering the pores and the product that acts as a skin barrier on the skin without clogging the pores i.e. allowing skin to breathe and without toxic unnecessary chemicals in formulations. Sadly if you do not protect the skin with the thin layer of protection you are risking an increased skin damage from pollution which will result in dry, dull skin, aging skin, discoloured skin and you will look older.

How does pollution damage your skin? Urban dust contains a cocktail of 224 toxic chemicals. These pollution particles can be up to 20 times smaller than human pores, making it very easy to enter pores.

3 simple steps to protect and restore your skin • Cleansing is a first step towards pollution free skincare. Use gently but effective facial cleanser that are suitable for your skin type. Cleansers help remove dirt, remaining make up, pollution from the skin. 160 MARCH 2018

• Pollution accelerates your natural aging process This means that you look older than your age. It is all to do with free radial damage that can lead to tissue damage and as a result you get wrinkles, loss of elasticity. You need to have a product that helps repair that damage and also protect skin from future damages i.e. your skin becomes resilient and able to deal with pollution on a daily basis. You need to be looking at facial serums and moisturising creams packed with antioxidants and adaptogens, including Niacinimanide (Vit B3) • Pollution causes Age Spots and hyperpigmentation If you have pigments on your cheeks, or your forehead sadly it is pollution induced as per recent studies conducted in Germany. Look for treatment products containing natural AHA (alpha hydrocy acids) , Beta Glucans, Lactic Acid but in a hydrating base as you do not wish to cause your skin to become extra dry. Written by Zaga Colovic founder of FOM London, first anti-pollution skincare brand in the world to address pollution induced skin aging in an award winning ANTIOXSILKtm technology. The mechanism behind this very unique science that is only available to FOM London is to not only protect the skin but to also repair skin damages caused by the harmful effects of pollution. www.fomlondonskincare.com

“You need to have a product that helps repair that damage and also protect skin from future damages”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Botox Myths ! busted The patient furrowed her brows, clearly uneasy. “Botox? Really? I’m not sure…”

he irony was that the more concerned she got, the more clearly I could see how treatment with botulinum toxin (aka Botox) would benefit her. The frown lines between her eyebrows were deep, and so when she frowned, she looked unnecessarily severe. Botox, which relaxes the muscles that cause facial creases and wrinkles, would soften her look considerably. It is easily one of the top 5 cosmetic procedures in the world, used both by men and women to get rid of wrinkles and lines. It also has over 20 medical applications from preventing migraines to stopping excessive teeth grinding. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood, with several myths persisting despite being completely untrue. Let me set the record straight on three of the most common ones I hear.

1. MYTH: Botox makes you look frozen and unnatural. You end up looking like a plastic mannequin… This usually happens when patients are given very large doses meant to last six months or longer. It’s not the approach we generally take here at Riverbanks. The aim with Botox is to soften lines, making you look younger, smoother and more relaxed – not to stop your face from moving.The key is to use small amounts of Botox relatively often. When you give subtle doses which last three or four months, the result will be completely natural. You will still be able to express surprise and smile (…in fact, you’ll do so often, because you’ll look so great!), and no one will be able to guess that you have had any work done.

2. MYTH: It hurts to get Botox. Hardly: You will experience far more pain plucking your eyebrows. That’s even truer for patients here at Riverbanks. The smaller the needle, the better it is tolerated. 162 MARCH 2018

Over the past year, we’ve started using a new type of needle which is just 1/10 the size of a blood test needle. To the best of my knowledge we are the only clinic in the UK to use them. They are so effective that often, patients ask me when I’m going to treat a certain area, and are shocked to hear I’ve already finished it. They never even noticed!

3. MYTH: When you stop using Botox, your wrinkles look worse than before. If you’ve only had one or two Botox treatments, your skin will revert to its previous condition a few weeks after the Botox has worn out. If you have been using Botox long-term, your wrinkles will start reappearing over three-to-six months. More importantly, you will look healthier and smoother than before your started the Botox. There is no evidence whatsoever that they will look worse than before you started. More likely, people who have become used to having smooth, wrinkle-free faces have simply forgotten what they looked like beforehand…. : -) Any Botox questions of your own? Just email me on ravi.jain@riverbanksclinic.co.uk and I’ll get back to you!

Dr Rav i Jain

THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list. Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582762877 to book in.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Cheers to that! Looking after your liver so your liver can look after you

e all know that the liver is the organ that processes the alcohol we consume, but did you know that it is a key player in the body’s digestive system, and that everything we eat and drink passes through, even medicine? For this reason, we need to show our liver some love and attention to make sure it’s in tip-top condition. The liver sits on the right hand side of your body, under the lower ribcage. It has over 500 functions to keep us healthy, including: • Cleaning your blood by getting rid of harmful chemicals that your body makes (not to mention the chemicals that we consume) • Producing bile, which helps you break down fat from food • Controlling levels of fat in the blood • Storing glucose, which gives you a quick energy boost when you need it With many Londoners both working and playing hard, it’s easy to overindulge on food and drink, and this takes a toll on liver health. Liver problems can go unnoticed in the early stages, and many people are unaware that anything is wrong. However, early diagnosis is key - the quicker an issue is diagnosed, the easier it is to repair, prevent further injury and give guidance on keeping your liver healthy. Bupa Cromwell Hospital’s new Liver Health Clinic provides a full assessment of your liver health, with a comprehensive review by a dedicated Liver Specialist, as well as lifestyle advice from a Dietician. Benefits of the package include: • No GP referral required - service available to both self-referred and GP referred patients. 164 MARCH 2018

• Two day process, with tests carried out on the first day, and Liver Specialist/Dietician consultations taking place three days later once all test results are available. • Multi-disciplinary team approach, with a wide range of clinical experts assessing treatment options (if required). • Clinical Nurse Specialist follow-up within 24 hours of you seeing the Liver Consultant/Dietician to answer any further questions. • Full report within 7 days. This service is available to both insured and self-funding patients, and can be booked with ease by contacting Bupa Cromwell Hospital on 020 7460 5700 or emailing contact.centre@cromwellhospital.com

Did you know? Liver disease is a growing problem in the UK. It’s the third most common cause of premature death, and is linked to excessive alcohol consumption and obesity1.

Over the next 5 years there will be an estimated 63,000 preventable deaths due to liver disease1.

Reference 1. Williams, Roger et al. (2017). Disease burden and costs from excess alcohol consumption, obesity, and viral hepatitis: fourth report of the Lancet Standing Commission on Liver Disease in the UK. The Lancet.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Focus on…

menopause Dr Angela Rai from The London General Practice discusses the menopause

he menopause is a normal process that women experience, and can greatly affect the quality of a woman’s life. The menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs, leading to a drop in hormone levels in the body. There are 3 stages: • Perimenopause – this occurs a few years before the menopause when the ovaries gradually make less oestrogen. The fluctuation of hormone levels leads to the symptoms of menopause. • Menopause - is the point when it has been at least one year since the last menstrual period. • Post menopause – these are the years after the menopause. As oestrogen drops it can affect different systems in the body, such as skin, bones, heart and vagina. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 years. Symptoms can start earlier at around the age of 45. Menopause prior to the age of 40 is defined as premature ovarian insufficiency. Symptoms of menopause vary greatly between women. Some women may only experience symptoms for a few months, whilst others may suffer for many years. Around one in four women have no symptoms. The first sign of menopause is usually a change in the normal pattern of your periods. They can become lighter or heavier with a change in frequency, until eventually the period stops altogether. Common symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats. Other symptoms include vaginal dryness, reduced libido, joint pains, difficulty sleeping, mood changes

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such as irritability and anxiety. There are also long-term health problems associated with a lack of oestrogen. These include osteoporosis which is a weakening of the bones making them fragile and increasing the risk of fractures. The risk of cardiovascular disease also increases after the menopause. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can improve can both symptoms and quality of life. HRT is also recommended for women who have gone through an early menopause and should take it until around the time of natural menopause. HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, however it may also be associated with a small risk of developing breast cancer and women need to be assessed on an individual basis. HRT is available as tablets, skin patches and gels. Oestrogen creams can help symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort. There are also over the counter vaginal moisturisers that can be used that do not contain oestrogen. Wearing lighter clothing, keeping the bedroom cool at night, using a fan, having cool showers or having a cold drink may be simple measures that help the symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats. Following a healthy lifestyle, reducing alcohol consumption and giving up smoking are beneficial. Regular weight bearing exercises and safe sun exposure for Vitamin D production helps protect the bones against osteoporosis. There is limited evidence on ‘natural’ supplements and safety may be uncertain due to lack of data. Some woman experience benefits from alternative treatments, however you should seek medical advice if you have troublesome symptoms and before starting treatment. If you would like to speak to a Doctor please contact the practice.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place) Tel: 0207 935 1000

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP services www.thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services www.londonocchealth.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Andre Van Nierop, Urgent Care Centre Clinical Lead in Casualty First

ndre van Nierop, Clinical Lead, in the walk-in urgent care centre Casualty First ensures that patients and families receive first class care 7 days a week, from 8am-8pm. Andre, and the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth set up Casualty First 5 years ago, he comments, “The urgent care centre is truly unique in that our team of A+E Doctors provide care for adults and children from the age of one year, we see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”

diagnosed serious conditions and been able to refer next or same day treatment, which in some cases has potentially been life saving due to early diagnosis. It is so rewarding to see the difference that it makes.” “A large amount of the patients we see are children, we provide treatment from the age of one and our child friendly waiting area and consulting rooms disperse any anxiety the kids might have from seeing a doctor. I see worried and concerned parents come in to see us who within minutes are able to see a doctor and the children, and their parents, are smiling and laughing again.”

Putting patients needs first

Visit Casualty First

Casualty First provides an ease of access to treatment that is essential when you are juggling a busy schedule, Andre explains “The urgent care centre is a fantastic facility for people to access our first class care, with no waiting time and the option to receive treatment on the same day or at a convenient time. We often refer patients to see a specialist Consultant or receive imaging and diagnostics on site, in the state of the art hospital facilities” “We have seen patients come in with minor complaints, where after our investigation we have

Located at the entrance of the world famous Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth in London, Casualty First is a self pay service with treatment available for all the family, including children from the age of one year. The experienced A&E doctors treat all minor accidents, injuries and illnesses. If you think you are having a heart attack, stroke or have serious head injuries please phone 999 or go to A&E. www.casualtyfirst.co.uk; 0207 432 8300; Open 8am – 8pm everyday; 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH

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“We see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Access to Private Health Care is easier than you think

hen you or a family member is unwell it can be a distressing time. Waiting for the treatment or care you need can be unbearable. Avoid long queues and waiting times with the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, London’s leading private hospital with an international reputation for the finest patient care. Home to some of the world’s leading Consultants and specialists, the charitable Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is one of the capital’s best

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kept secrets; able to treat almost any illness whist providing ultimate standards of care. With same day consultations available in their specialist units including Urology, Spine, ENT and Dermatology, patients can enjoy immediate referrals to imaging and diagnostics where treatments and surgeries can be scheduled for the next day. Patients enjoy luxurious surroundings, state of the art technology and the reassurance of being treated by some of the best consultants and nurses in the world. Based in St John’s Wood, minutes from Central London, services include Casualty First, a walk in urgent care centre, which is able to treat children from the age of one. Uniquely, profits support their on-site Hospice, St Johns, which provides care to 4,000 terminally ill patients and their families each year for free. So while enjoying the best care you giving something back to the community. Contact the dedicated patient services team today to find out more about appointments and care at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH; www.hje.org.uk; 0207 806 4000

“Home to some of the world’s leading Consultants and specialists, the charitable Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is one of the capital’s best kept secrets; able to treat almost any illness whist providing ultimate standards of care”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Respite Packages at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth T

First class care when you need it most

he caring and dedicated team The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth are acclaimed features of their respite care. Excellent medical care and five-star luxury accommodation create an exceptional experience that is tailored to the needs of your loved one and to give you peace of mind. The Hospital takes pride in its homely and comfortable surroundings combined with round the clock care from experienced staff and world class physicians that can be built into personalised packages to suit all needs. The respite break starts with understanding the required levels of support and ensuring everything is in place from the moment of their friendly welcome, throughout the stay to the moment you are reunited. Elderly respite care packages include daily consultant visits, blood tests, physiotherapy, health checks and complimentary ambulatory transfer if required. The care plans are drawn up in consultation with all involved with the aim of providing a seamless transition into hospital and a comfortable, restful stay. Each package is

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constructed with attention to detail that covers medical, physical, personal and spiritual needs. “We provide both patients and family with assurances that the right care is delivered by a dedicated, expert team,” says Chief Nursing Officer, Andrew Gallini, of HJE. “Every part of the respite stay is important to us, from the medical and nursing support to balanced meals with a wide selection of food choices each day. We recognise that caring for a loved is rewarding but a break can be important and we ensure that everything is in place so you can both make the most of the time.” That assurance is built on decades of experience providing respite care and a determination to maintain high standards of service along with creating a warm environment. The Hospital attracts highly-rated physicians and their input guarantees the best levels of medical care that match exacting standards and a friendly atmosphere. The award-winning Hospital, in St. John’s Wood, is an independent charity and has a heritage of excellence across 160 years.

THE DETAILS Packages are for 3, 5 & 7 nights, contact their dedicated team for more details. Email info@hje.org.uk. Telephone 020 7806 4075 The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH www.hje.org.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

SPRING WARDROBE STAPLES

ASOS Bold Check Blazer, £55, available from ASOS.

Spruce up your office wardrobe with these versatile buys, says Katie Wright.

Kitri Agnes Burgundy Satin Blouse, £125; Sergei Check Trousers, £85, available from Kitri

“This season it’s all about blockcolour blouses in soft fabrics with beautiful detailing”

few months and long may that continue, we say. Whether you coordinate it with matching trousers, or rock it with a white tee and jeans, your heritageinspired blazer should be straight-cut, slightly oversized, and with a general nicked-it-from-myboyfriend vibe. JD Williams Double Breasted Check Blazer, currently reduced to £54 from £60, and Tapered Check Trousers, £45 (shoes, stylist’s own); ASOS Bold Check Blazer, £55

The statement blouse More languid than the classic cotton shirt, this season it’s all about block-colour blouses in soft fabrics with beautiful detailing. Think ruffles, rouching and wrap fronts - anything that adds interest and elevates a simple blouse and trousers combo into something a little bit special. Kitri Agnes Burgundy Satin Blouse, £65, and Sergei Check Trousers, £85 (shoes, stylist’s own; kitristudio.com); Lipsy Satin Knot Blouse, £40, Next

The high-waisted trousers

Lipsy Satin Knot Blouse, £40, available from Next

Tu Monochrome Check Printed Floral Border Skirt, £16, available from Sainsbury’s

Miss Selfridge Dogtooth Checked Mini Skirt, £28, available from Miss Selfridge

Crisp tuxedo pants will never go out of style, but for a 2018 update in the trouser department, it’s all about the paper bag waist - high, ruffled and with a tie belt. In super-bright hues, these cropped styles are the ideal on/ off duty separate, looking equally at home with the aforementioned statement blouse and blazer, or a chunky knit and pair of Adidas Gazelle trainers. Miss Selfridge Ochre Paper Bag Trousers, £35; F&F Red Crop Trousers, £16, Tesco Miss Selfridge Ochre (available April) Paper Bag Trousers,

JD Williams Double s tailoring Breasted Check Blazer, moves into the £54 (was £60); Tapered Check Trousers, £45, mainstream, and available from JD the line between £35, available from Williams Miss Selfridge smart and casual clothes is The check skirt increasingly blurred, workwear is The miniskirt has made a major comeback more versatile than ever. Which is of late, and while Instagram’s favourite excellent news - because shopping zip-up leather versions may not fly in your is way more fun when it’s for office, an understated check style probably clothes you’ll be wearing for will. Teamed with opaque tights, a fine gauge weekend fun-times, and not just knit and ankle boots, this is your short-cut to the daily grind. Once considered Sixties-esque chic. office-only attire, blazers, blouses Miss Selfridge Dogtooth Checked Mini and Savile Row-inspired checks are Skirt, £28; Tu Monochrome Check Printed breaking into off-duty territory, so Floral Border Skirt, £16, Sainsbury’s you can invest in these on-trend pieces and mix them into your The shiny boots existing wardrobe with ease. What There’s also more than a whiff of the Sixties to wear to work now? These five about the season’s coolest footwear; shiny, staples will help you crack the block-heeled ankle boots Dressy enough for the modern nine-to-five code... office but with a practical heel, they’re perfect for pairing with any of your new-season separates. The bold blazer Sosandar Burgundy Patent Leather Perspex The undisputed jacket of autumn/ Heel Ankle Boots, £95 (sosandar.com); Jones winter 2017, check blazers have Bootmaker Madalyn Boots, currently reduced been trending massively over the last to £69 from £99)

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F&F Red Crop Trousers, £16, available from Tesco

Jones Bootmaker Madalyn Boots, £69 (were £99), available from Jones Bootmaker

Sosandar Burgundy Patent Leather Perspex Heel Ankle Boots, £95, available from Sosandar

Iuri Shubladze creates one-of-a-kind bags and clutches with a sexy modern sensibility, handmade at the highest level of craftsmanship. Our designs play with scale and motif, and mix materials in fresh, unexpected pairings. Chic, fun, brilliant. See the collection at www.iurishnyc.com Buy Clutches, Bags and Wallets Online - Iuri Shubladze www.iurishnyc.com

Model - Elene Shubladze Photographer - Lana Fidanian

HOuse & garden – A collection of London’s finest interior companies – I M AG E : n e i l l e r n e r

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS TROPICAL VIBES

MARVELLOUS MARBLING

Blending into the background is not an option in 2018, let us introduce you to this quirky latest range of wallpapers and murals from Woodchip and Magnolia Take some artistic license with splashes of paint, washes of watercolour and abstract marbled designs. www.woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk

Leafy tropical forests lush with fruit and populated by charming and mysterious creatures. The Loris print features that rare and beautiful creature, the slender Loris. In vibrant mustard yellow and black or hot orange and black this large lampshade is a statement piece that will add jungly character and a pop of colour to a room. Hand screen-printed and made in Lush Designs’ London studio, these lampshades are part of a range of vibrant home wares that feature exciting, illustrative prints with story-telling themes. £80, www.lushlampshades.co.uk

1920s glamour BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

TOP TABLEwear from vietnam

New table loveliness from Vietnam ... these stunning handmade bowls make a beautiful addition to any dining table or surface - great for fruit, salads, rice, couscous and more. This elegant handmade range of Vietnamese ceramic tableware is handpainted with an oriental indigo drop design using age old traditions that have remained unchanged for generations. www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk 178 MARCH 2018

The Hampstead, The Parisian, The Amalfi and The Miami, the four statement pieces that make up Bay and Box’s smart range of window boxes, specifically sized to fit Victorian terrace and bay windows exactly. The team looked to their favourite places around the world to establish their collection of modern products – the bestselling lead grey window box for example named after the elegant Hampstead village. In addition, the company also sell high-quality artificial plants and flowers to provide a maintenance-free solution for busy lives. £45, www.bayandbox.com

Bring a touch of luxe to your home with this fabulous pink Gatsby Velvet Armchair. This armchair with its stunning scalloped detail will subtly add vibrancy to your bedroom, living room or study. £675, www.audenza.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Oficina Inglesa announces its move to the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

Fine furniture brand joins largest platform of its kind in Europe

ficina Inglesa announced its move to the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour this March, becoming part of the renowned design hub which 120 showrooms already call home. The move marks an exciting new cycle for the brand, celebrating 30 years of history crafting handmade pieces. The showroom will feature over 250 products from the exclusive collection of classic handmade furniture, distributed over 3 large wooden panelled rooms, which combined, account for an extensive floor space. The new showroom at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour will prove to be instrumental in allowing Oficina Inglesa to present a wider selection of products and give special focus to the very personalised bespoke service offered by their team of designers and sales consultants. Says director Eduardo Alves, “In addition to having more products on display, we will have the opportunity to showcase our full library of materials, including woods, finishes, fabrics and other features such as handles and decorative ironwork, metallic applications in Brass and Bronze, exquisite marbles and more.” The timing is perfect as this new address coincides with the debut of Oficina Inglesa at the London Design Week. On March 5, as the event starts, so does the showroom celebrate its new address, with cocktails and an open house. The Design Week will be a vital opportunity to show the distinct qualities of the brand’s products. “Having our own workshop enables us to have

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total control over the planning, development and construction of our products, ensuring the wonderful quality which has been the hallmark of Oficina Inglesa for decades. Our products are entirely made using traditional construction techniques passed through generations of artisans, and our craftsman are backed by incredible designers who have a deep understanding of our client’s requirements and needs”, explains Alves. To book an appointment and get to know the new showroom at DCCH, please send an enquiry to info@oficinainglesa.com

“The Design Week will be a vital opportunity to show the distinct qualities of the brand’s products”

H OUSE & GARDEN

DESIGNER BATHROOMS

esigner bathrooms are a common site in many homes and such a project can add real value to the property. If you are seeking to create a modern designer bathroom look in your home then the tips below can help you achieve that goal.

We love bathrooms, especially beautiful and spa-like ones where we can create our own little oasis at home. Bathroom design has come a long way in the last 20 years. Whilst the importance of functionality remains; many more homeowners are now spending time and money to ensure striking aesthetics within their bathroom.

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A STYLISH BATH The first bathroom suite item to deal with is the bathtub. This is the piece of furniture that you will get the most enjoyment from and it is important to ensure that it provides comfort to the user. However, going for a practical model doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that you have to sacrifice style and there is a vast range of bathroom models, from twin baths that allow two people to bathe side by side, to corner baths that serve to maximise available space. If you prefer the more traditional rectangle shaped bath, there are still options available that provide that designer feel. Going for a separate tap installation also serves to create a unique look.

THE SHOWER OPTION Whether you have enough space to install both a bathtub and a shower, or prefer to just have the latter in your bathroom; your choice of design will have a huge impact on the room. Quadrant shower enclosures that fit into the corner of the room with an arc shaped glass enclosing the two sides, give an elegant finishing look to the suite. If you are planning to splash out you might like to consider a walk-in shower enclosure. Walk-ins give you greater mobility and access, and look grand as well as plenty of space to really relax and unwind.

AN APPEALING BASIN Although you probably consider the bath or shower as being the most important of furniture in your bathroom, it is also the basin that acts as a central item in designer bathrooms. This is due to the fact that it will almost always have a mirror placed above it, which immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. As such it is important to install a basin that looks fantastic. One option is to fit a vanity unit, with the basin sunk in so that it is flush with the surface. Alternatively you could add to the aesthetics by mounting the basin on top of the vanity unit and go for an unusual design, such as a funnel shaped basin. However, if you are going for an ultra-modern look then a hovering sink with hidden pipes is a good option. If you have a big enough bathroom, you could even decide to go for the double sink, which not only look great, but are also useful in a busy household.

LUXURY TOUCHES Carefully coordinate your towels with the colour of the walls and bathroom suite. Add a stylish looking towel rail electric element to heat up the towels for added luxury. Coordinate other accessories such as the toilet roll and toothbrush holder. Get a sleek and stylish cabinet to hide away less attractive products or those you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to show. A wellchosen bathroom rug, a potted plant in the corner, or a framed picture hung on an empty wall; small pieces which can completely revamp the look of your suite. By ensuring that your accessories are attractive and functional, along with some good, soft lighting, you can create a calm and relaxing retreat, right inside your home.

H OUSE & GARDEN

HOW TO GROW

MEGHAN MARKLE’S PREFERRED BLOOMS

The dazzling flowers of peonies are apparently Meghan Markle’s favourites. We show you how to grow these royal showstoppers in your own garden.

moved or replanted, so it may take a year or two for them to settle in before flowering. If you are transplanting existing plants, do it in early autumn or spring, keeping the rootball as intact as possible.

WORDS: Hannah Stephenson, Press Association

That largely depends on the weather. Vast bowls of petals emerge from thick stalks above the pretty foliage in late spring and early summer, which will need supporting with a stake or frame to stop them falling over in the wind. The flowers of herbaceous peonies are shortlived, lasting little more than a week or two, and if it rains they won’t last that long, as wet weather tends to make them flop, particularly the heavy, double flowered forms.

undits have been predicting that peonies may feature in Meghan Markle’s wedding bouquet, so enamoured is she with these saucer-sized romantic blooms. In the early days of dating Prince Harry, she posted a picture of a beautiful pink and white spray of peonies on Instagram, with the caption: ‘Swooning Over These. #London #peonies #spoiledrotten. You too could have peonies flowering in your garden come early summer, and some will be at their best around the time of the royal wedding in May. Their blousy blooms, in shades from deep red to white and everything in-between, add a touch of glamour to borders and, if you can bear it, you can cut them and bring them indoors.

How easy are they to grow? Pretty easy, in the right conditions. The pot-grown peonies you find in garden centres can be planted at any time of year, while bare-rooted types are ideally planted in October. They prefer heavier soil in a sunny or slightly shaded spot, and add plenty of organic matter to the planting hole before you start. Don’t let them get waterlogged, though. Add horticultural grit if the soil is extremely heavy. Don’t plant them too deeply - the soil should just cover the topmost tuberous roots. Mulch them lightly in February or March with potash-rich wood ash to increase flower production. If you want huge flowers (but less of them), debud the sideshoots in April or May with a sharp knife.

Will they flower the first year? You might be lucky, but peonies don’t like being 186 MARCH 2018

How long will the flowers last?

Any recommended varieties? If you want huge pink fragrant double flowers, try Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sarah Bernhardt’, which is favoured by commercial cut flower producers. Familiar favourites include P. officinalis ‘Rubra Plena’, a deep red, frilly double cottage variety, or if you want a larger tree peony, growing up to 2.5m, consider P. ludlowii, which bears zingy yellow saucer-shaped flowers. For a longer flowering period go for ‘Bowl Of Beauty’, a Japanese type which flowers for almost twice as long as the others and has a fantastic fragrance, growing to around 90cm, so it will need staking.

Any rules for cutting? Don’t cut stems in their first year of planting. Leave the plant to strengthen a bit and you’ll have more blooms to cut the following year. Always leave at least a third of the stems on each plant, which will help it gather strength and feed the root through summer and early autumn.

Indoor tips Acclaimed floral designer Judith Blacklock, founder of The Judith Blacklock Flower School (judithblacklock.com) in London, explains: “You must cut peonies in bud but there must be some colour showing in the bud or it won’t open.” She recommends pairing peonies in arrangements with astrantia and Alchemilla mollis. Peonies are thirsty cut flowers, so fill up your vase every day with fresh water and they should last about a week. Snip off the base of the stems every couple of days to help them last a little longer. “Remove the lower foliage but don’t discard it as you can mass the leaves together and they will look gorgeous,” Blacklock adds. “The cooler the atmosphere inside, the longer the flowers will last.”

UK Pool Contractor of the Year. Family Company celebrating 52 years of excellence.

H OUSE & GARDEN

FROM INSPIRATION TO INSTALLATION – AND BEYOND.

Kitchen expert neillerner now offers a one-stop design solution for your home

ith almost 30 years’ experience of creating beautiful bespoke own-brand kitchens in and around North London & the home counties, neillerner has built up an enviable reputation for combining excellent quality with superb design. Whether it’s for a small apartment or a large house, neillerner offers a one-stop solution for utilising space in the most efficient manner. From design and planning to fitting and installation, the neillerner team is there to guide you expertly along the way. When you appoint neillerner you get your own designer who will work closely with you right from the start of the project to ensure that your dream room becomes a reality. This one-to-one approach means that customer care is top priority at every stage of the process – before, during and long after all the work is fully completed. All the designers at neillerner take great pride in turning your ‘wish-list’ into a tangible, working plan that ticks all the desired boxes. This means listening carefully to your ideas and making sure that they are incorporated into the ultimate design. To help you, there’s lots of inspiration to be found on the neillerner website (www.neillerner.com) 188 MARCH 2018

with case studies of real kitchens plus a gallery of recent kitchen designs by the team. In addition, testimonials from current and previous clients endorse the team’s work. neillerner’s renowned own-brand portfolio of designer kitchens from Germany has just been expanded to include Poliform, an exquisite collection of beautiful built-in furniture from Italy. With the arrival of the Poliform ranges, the neillerner team can now offer to design all your interiors - from luxurious bedroom wardrobes, lounge and dining room furniture to stunning kitchens - for a total home design solution. To reflect the new look, neillerner’s distinctive double-fronted showroom at 487/489 Finchley Road in North London has just been completely refurbished to share inspirational displays from both the neilllerner own-brand and Poliform collections. These eye-catching real-life settings are specifically designed to capture your imagination and give you plenty of ideas for your own home. When you choose neillerner your designer will be by your side throughout the journey to give you total peace of mind. From initial inspiration to final installation – and well beyond too. www.neillerner.com

“When you appoint neillerner you get your own designer who will work closely with you right from the start of the project”

Why choose neillerner? Almost 30 years’ experience in kitchens & interiors Enviable brand reputation for design & quality One-to-one consultations with dedicated designer Experienced & awardwinning design team Customer care always top priority throughout Over 100 different door finishes and styles Choice of own brand German & Italian Poliform ranges Bedroom wardrobe and furniture now designed Lounge and dining room furniture designed to match Utility rooms, TV rooms & Studies also designed 3D design illustrations & elevations provided All fitting and installation by expert in-house teams Top end appliances and equipment supplied & fitted Items of furniture for bedrooms, living rooms & dining rooms Liaison with architects, builders & interior designers Informative and inspirational website Excellent client testimonials & case studies on website Open Monday to Friday and Saturdays by appointment Free parking for up to an hour right outside the showroom

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H OUSE & GARDEN

OVERHAUL YOUR GARDEN FOR SPRING

Welcome to London Garden Designer, a friendly, personalised company set up by qualified and experienced garden designer Sara Jane Rothwell.

he London based design practice was established in 2002, where their portfolio of work ranges from small domestic courtyards, roof terraces and gardens, to full-scale rural landscapes throughout the Uk and Europe. They also collaborate regularly with property developers, restaurants and architects to produce Landscape plans for large scale developments and new builds. They pride themselves on the good working relationships they establish and maintain with their clients.

“My previous career as a film set designer and my passion for architecture, materials and textures has informed the way we design as a studio” With an emphasis on quality and detail, London Garden Designer work with you to create a distinctive, imaginative yet practical garden to suit your needs and budget, listening carefully to your requirements, ideas and wishes. The distinctive style of their gardens is very much reflective of their close working relationship with the client, ranging from classic to contemporary. “My previous career as a film set designer and my passion for architecture, materials and textures has informed the way we design as a studio, allowing for imaginative spaces that are unique to each project. No client is the same, no space has the same topography, therefore it is our job to translate these ideas and practical requirements into a garden that will give you pleasure for years to come “ London Garden Designer work regularly with a select group of reputable landscape contractors who carry out our design specifications to a very 190 MARCH 2018

high standard. Lighting is often an integral part of the design service to complete the picture and allow for year round use. All the plants they specify are sourced from specialist nurseries whose quality is assured and for a more instant effect they can bring in mature specimens. Their intention is to ensure a smooth and seamless process through from the initial design concept to the final completion of the garden build. In 2006, Sara Jane joined the elite few, as a fully registered member of the Society of Garden Designers, dedicated to maintaining standards of professionalism within the industry. During the last 15 years LGD has built an enviable reputation for their gardens of flair and imagination, having designed over 300 projects during this time, and are always keen for a new challenge. “I feel very lucky to have found a career that I genuinely love and provides so much ongoing satisfaction to my clients.” www.londongardendesigner.com

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Nordic Mood:

Bringing a Koselig lifestyle to the UK

riven by a desire to bring a ‘Koselig’ lifestyle to the UK, new online homeware retailer Nordic Mood offer a wide selection of Scandinavian style furniture and home accessories that capture the cosy contentment of a traditional Norwegian way of life. Based in Manchester, Nordic Mood was set up by Emma Knowles and her Bergen-born partner Vemund, as they set about furnishing their new house and struggled to find the right pieces on the British high street to recreate the warmth and intimacy of the Vemund’s childhood home. Passionate about design and quality, Emma and

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Vemund have curated a Nordic-inspired selection of furniture and home accessories that place an emphasis on function and form, focused on strong organic shapes that are both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing, and tactile natural materials that add a comforting warmth and cosiness to the edit. Further inspired by family holidays at their summer house in Sognefjord and the soft muted colour palettes of its natural surrounds, the Nordic Mood collection includes furniture, lighting and accessories that encapsulate the cosy, congenial mood of traditional Nordic home life, while promoting emotional wellbeing. From timeless Lloyd Loom furniture designs by Vincent Sheppard that are both comfortable and cocooning, to contemporary woven textiles by Anna Lisa Smith that are pleasingly soft to the touch, and geometric plywood lampshades that recreate the twinkling shimmer of candlelight, Nordic Mood have everything you need to create a Koselig Nordic vibe in your own British home. www.nordicmood.co.uk

“From timeless Lloyd Loom furniture designs by Vincent Sheppard that are both comfortable and cocooning”

World Class Interiors

WWW.FURNITURELONDON.COM 53-59 WATFORD WAY, LONDON, NW4 3AX 020 8202 0525

PLUS MANY OTHERS AND OUR EXCLUSIVE BRAND

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We love bathrooms, especially beautiful and spa-like ones where we can create our own little oasis at home. Whether you have your own bathroom retreat or are looking to create a new one, you’re just a few ideas, products, and steps away from the bathroom of your dreams

L uxury T ouches

athroom design has come a long way in the last 20 years. Whilst the importance of functionality remains; many more homeowners are now spending time and money to ensure striking aesthetics within their bathroom. Designer bathrooms are a common site in many homes and such a project can add real value to the property. If you are seeking to create a modern designer bathroom look in your home then the tips below will help you achieve that goal.

A STYLISH BATH The first bathroom suite item to deal with is the bathtub. This is the piece of furniture that you will get the most enjoyment from and it is important to ensure that it provides comfort to the user. However, going for a practical model doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style and there is a vast range of bathroom models, from twin baths that allow two people to bathe side by side, to corner baths that serve to maximise available space. If you prefer the more traditional rectangle shaped bath, there are still options available that provide that designer feel. Going for a separate tap installation also serves to create a unique look.

THE SHOWER OPTION Whether you have enough space to install both a bathtub and a shower, or prefer to just have the latter in your bathroom; your choice of design will

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have a huge impact on the room. Quadrant shower enclosures that fit into the corner of the room with an arc shaped glass enclosing the two sides, give an elegant finishing look to the suite. If you are planning to splurge on your bathroom and you have the space, you might like to consider a walk-in shower enclosure. Walk-ins give you greater mobility and access, and look grand as well as plenty of space to really relax and unwind. It is a good idea to have glass on as many sides of the shower enclosure as the bathroom allows. This will greatly help to increase the light in the room, which will in turn give the illusion of spaciousness.

AN APPEALING BASIN Although you probably consider the bath or shower

as being the most important of furniture in your bathroom, it is also the basin that acts as a central item in designer bathrooms. This is due to the fact that it will almost always have a mirror placed above it, which immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. As such it is important to install a basin that looks fantastic. One option is to fit a vanity unit, with the basin sunk in so that it is flush with the surface. Alternatively you could add to the aesthetics by mounting the basin on top of the vanity unit and go for an unusual design, such as a funnel shaped basin. However, if you are going for an ultra-modern look and want to keep furniture down to a minimum, then a vanity unit may not be the right choice for you. In such instances a hovering sink with hidden pipes is a good option. If you have a big enough bathroom and enough wall space, you could even decide to go for the double sink, which not only look great, but are also useful in a busy household.

LUXURY TOUCHES Carefully coordinate your towels with the colour of the walls and bathroom suite. Add a stylish looking towel rail electric element to heat up the towels for added luxury, which also comes with an added advantage of warming up your bathroom. Decanting your soap and shower products into matching bottles is a simple way to create a stylish look in your bathroom. Coordinate other accessories such as the toilet roll holder and toothbrush holder. Get a sleek and stylish cabinet or matching boxes to hide away less attractive products or those you don’t want to show. A wellchosen bathroom rug, a potted plant in the corner, or a framed picture hung on an empty wall; small pieces which can completely revamp the look of your suite. Strike a balance by picking just a few significant pieces of bathroom furniture which will contain a certain colour. Offset it by choosing a neutral or contrasting colour in other accessories. By ensuring that your accessories are attractive and functional, along with some good, soft lighting, you can create a calm and relaxing retreat, right inside your home.

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THINKING ABOUT WOOD FLOORING?

TALK TO TURGON

f you’re thinking about buying and installing a wooden floor in the new year, you’re probably about to embark upon a journey that will see you in the Priory Clinic by the time you’ve finally made a decision. The choice isn’t just huge, its mind bogglingly humongous. No longer are we happy with a choice of planks in 10 different widths and 400 different colours, we now want designer finishes in metallic paints, floor designs in Rubik cube formation and, wood species that can only be found in the most remote parts of Zorgasmanistan. Exactly. But wood is a fascinating natural product that we are falling in love with all over again. A study commissioned by ‘Planet Ark’ says that ‘’being surrounded by wood at home, work or school has positive effects on the body, the brain and the environment and can even shorten hospital stays through reduced recovery times” Er, well, I’m a wood lover and that’s perhaps a little far fetched, but there is no doubt that wood brings a certain kind of peace to a home, unless of course you have a large dog that resembles Scooby Doo, in which case he’ll probably smash the place to pieces. Not much fun for dogs, but hellishly easy to keep clean. And if you really want to talk wood, what about

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the Kizhi Pogost Church, the worlds tallest entirely wooden building, down to the last nut, bolt and hinge. This stunning masterpiece was apparently the brainchild of a dozen or so drunken Cossacks. Vodka can make you quite creative. But if you’re serious about a wooden floor, then it’s a decision you’ll only ever have to make once, because there’s no question that if you take care of it, it will grace your home and hopefully keep you happy, calm and relaxed till you finally shuffle off this mortal coil. www.turgonflooring.co.uk

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WINTER COLOUR Make the most of winter-flowering shrubs to keep your garden colourful while you wait for spring to come. WORDS: Hannah Stephenson, Press Association

coum and black ophiopogon and they are ideally placed in a mixed or shrub border in light shade, or near your back door where you can enjoy the scent. Alternatively, plant D. mezereum for its clusters of eye-catching purplish-pink fragrant flowers on bare stems in late winter and early spring.

Mahonia These spiky evergreens offer terrific winter colour with their sprays of dainty zingy yellow flowers at the tips of the branches. They will grow well on virtually any soil in sun or shade, and make good architectural plants thanks to their deep green spiny leaves. Mahonias are also deliciously fragrant, so plant them close to the house, if you can. Viburnum These invaluable winter shrubs come in a range of shapes and sizes, both evergreen and deciduous, but tend to be easy to grow on most soils in sun or partial shade, but dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter when you plant to give them a good start. Make sure you check on the label the final size of the plant you are buying, as they can grow to 3m, while others, like V. davidii, will remain small, at 60cm x 60cm and do well in pots or under trees. If you want a large type, V. tinus is a good bet, with its small evergreen leaves and flattish heads of white flowers which stay open all winter. V. carlesii ‘Aurora’ produces large clusters of pink, star-shaped flowers which are scented. Daphne Again, these shrubs are often grown for their fantastically fragrant flowers, and among the most popular is D. odora ‘Aureomarginata’, a low-mounded type with evergreen yellow-edged leaves and purple flower buds that open to scented mauve flowers in late winter, followed by fleshy red berries. Good plant partners include Cyclamen 198 MARCH 2018

Skimmia The best one for containers in winter and spring is Skimmia japonica, which produces clusters of fragrant, white or pink-tinted spring flowers opening from red buds. This shrub has a long season of interest and female plants bear striking crops of red fruits which last throughout winter. They grow on most well-drained, fertile soils, need shade for dark green foliage and mostly don’t need pruning. If you like cream flowers, go for S. x confusa ‘Kew Green’, a small shrub with bright green leaves whose green winter flower buds open to large clusters of cream flowers in spring. Erica carnea There are so many types of heathers on offer year-round, it’s often difficult to know which one to choose, but if you have acid soil you can’t go wrong with low-growing Erica carnea, an invaluable winter-flowering variety that comes in a range of colours from white to pink and deep purplered. These groundcover subjects have attractive evergreen foliage and flower in winter and early spring, growing in sun or semi shade. Plant them at the front of borders with dwarf hebes and heucheras, or in alpine beds, or add them to late winter containers for extra colour.

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Everything but the kitchen sink

hoosing a stylish sink is just as crucial as the rest of your kitchen. Even if you and your dishwasher are joined at the hip, you’ll still rely on your kitchen sink for soaking your largest baking trays, washing out your most delicate glassware and rinsing your fruit and veg. Although quality sinks can last 15 years or more, they do wear out. Finishes start to dull or chip, and annoying leaks appear mysteriously around the rim and drain. And if you’re planning a kitchen remodel, it makes sense to replace your sink and taps.

more workspace, and giving you a sleek look (but no drainer). They’re a no-no for laminate surfaces, as you won’t be able to seal the edges of the cutout. Inset or drop-in sinks are the easiest to fit, particularly if you have a wood surface - granites, slates and composites will need to be templated for the sink cut-out. The plumbing for a new sink is fairly straightforward — there’s not a lot of choice involved. But how and where the sink is attached to the countertop is a decision you’ll need to make before you order your new basin. You will be living with your new sink for a long time, so choose carefully. A well-made sink will last as long as you need it and maintain its good looks as well.

CONSIDER THESE FACTORS BEFORE BUYING: Size Matters Most people favour a one-and-a-half or two-bowl setup with a drainer, which lets you wash up and prep food simultaneously.

Materials Make sure you consider the materials before buying... Ceramic is enjoying a renaissance, being a materials with wow factor, but remember it can stain and scratch, so consider buying a sink mat for protection. Synthetic sinks are a better choice as they are more durable, reasonably inexpensive and come in a range of colours. Stone composites are even more hardwearing, and super-hygienic as they are non-porous. They also give you more choice in terms of colour and texture. Stainless-steel sinks score the most brownie points for practicality, easy maintenance and affordability, but modern designs can look out of place in a traditional setting.

Inset Or Undermounted? As the name suggests, undermounted sinks are fixed to the bottom of the worktop, freeing up 200 MARCH 2018

“Ceramic is enjoying a renaissance, being a materials with wow factor, but remember it can stain and scratch, so consider buying a sink mat for protection”

LIGHT UP WITH DANNELLS

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t’s easy to design and make your own lampshades to match your interior or any room theme when you use a professional lampshade making kit. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any living space and is an essential decorating element as it works in conjunction with your overall interior design. Lampshades are increasingly becoming fashionable with designers, especially large lampshades that are used as statements pieces within home interiors. Sadly, the choice offered by many high street retailers is poor, they cannot take a chance on fashion colours so they tend to offer bland boring

“These kits allow you to make unique lampshades which can be used all around the home to match any interior or any room theme” neutral coloured lampshades; they also can’t offer giant lampshades as they don’t fit on the retailers’ shelves. This is no longer a problem thanks to Dannells’ “Professional Lampshade Making Kits”. These kits allow you to make unique lampshades which can be used all around the home to match any interior or any room theme. Add your own fabric or wallpaper and follow the instructions in the box, it’s that easy. They can be used as a pendant (ceiling fitting) or with any UK or European table or floor lamp. All the kits come with easy to follow step-by-step full-colour A4 instruction sheets, which are also available to download on their website. Perhaps even more useful are their YouTube video tutorials demonstrating just how easy it is to use these kits to design the perfect lampshade for your interior. The kits can also be accessorised so you can change the linings to fashionable metallic, you can

also add stylish diffusers which hide the bulb and diffuse the light. Dannells’ also offers a digital fabric print service so you can transform your photographs, illustrations and artworks into beautiful bespoke lighting products. Many of Dannells’ customers started out making lampshades for themselves and then go on to make lampshades for their friends and family, and some have even gone on to start their own successful lampshade-making businesses. Curtain and Blind-Makers and interior specialists purchase Dannells’ manufacturing packs to make matching Lampshades for their clients, bringing new revenue to their business with the bonus of learning new skills. You can even find many inspirational stories from the users of these kits on the Dannells’ blog which you can access from their website. Established since 1982, Dannells manufacture the kits from their 20,000 sq. ft factory in Waltham Abbey, Essex and are renowned for their friendliness and great customer service. So, if you want to make the perfect lampshades to match your interior or room theme, visit www.dannells.com For more information, E-mail Info@dannells.com or call their friendly team on 01992 700311.

NINAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOUSE is an award-winning bespoke furniture store in Chelsea which allows clients to customize most aspects of their chosen piece. Specialising in solid wood, it houses a stunning collection of high-quality rustic and urban designs made from natural materials.

For more information call 0207 751 5827, visit 281 Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, London, SW3 5EW or log on to www.ninashouse.com.

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Media Furniture n Alcove Units n Bookcases Library / Home Study n Family Run Business n Handmade in our Wimbledon Workshop

Please call or email for a free quotation The Bookcase Co. 0208 870 7707 info@thebookcaseco.co.uk www.thebookcaseco.co.uk

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Contemporary Kitchen Design Tips Upon moving into a new home, many people want to redesign their kitchen. For many people the kitchen is the centre of the home. It is the place where we create our culinary masterpieces, and gather with friends and family.

ne trend that is particularly soughtafter is a contemporary kitchen design. The first thing that separates a contemporary kitchen from other styles is its clean lines and minimalist feel. Although some people equate contemporary with cold, it does not have to be so. “Cool” materials such as glass and steel used in a contemporary kitchen design can be “warmed” up by the strategic use of accessories or colour. Six major components that make up a contemporary kitchen are:

GLASS Glass is an important feature of minimalist design. Glass can be incorporated into contemporary kitchen design through windows, lighting, shelving or toppers for an island. Cabinetry can also have glass doors which provide a visual of the inside.

METAL The most popular type of metal used in the design of a contemporary kitchen is stainless steel. It is most often used in appliances such as refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers. The use of stainless steel gives an urban feel to a kitchen.

LIGHTING When designing a contemporary kitchen, lighting is key. Many contemporary designs incorporate recessed lighting into ceilings and underneath cabinets. If however, you don’t’ like recessed lighting, track lighting or fixtures made of metal or glass can also impart a contemporary feel.

MARBLE/GRANITE Marble and granite are usually used for countertops but fit well within contemporary kitchen design. They are both cool to the touch, allow for sharp clean lines and depending on the colour and design chosen really impart a big city feel to your kitchen.

COLOUR As part of the minimalist design ethic of a contemporary kitchen, “cool” colours are usually 204 MARCH 2018

used. “Cool” colours are those that come to mind; blues, greens, grey, silver and even black and white. Using these colours in your kitchen invokes a modern feel. When putting these elements together, four other design points to consider are: backsplash, cabinetry design, appliances and accessories. When it comes to backsplash, most contemporary kitchens use either tile or metal; your personal preference will decide. As far as cabinets are concerned, some designs don’t require pulls to open, while others use metal hardware. Having a built in design also provides great storage (because clutter does not fit into contemporary design at all). Appliances are an easy way to impart some contemporary style into your kitchen. As I mentioned earlier, many refrigerators, freezers, ovens and the like come in stainless steel. If you don’t really like the look of metal, all black or all white appliances also project a contemporary feel. The last component of contemporary kitchen design is that of accessories. Accessories are another way to easily modernise your kitchen, with a minimalist design. Contact a luxury kitchen designer who specialises in bespoke kitchens and they will lead you to the contemporary kitchen of your dreams!

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Buyers & Cellars

Sebastian Riley-Smith, founder of Smith & Taylor’s Chelsea Bridge Cellars examines the importance of fine wine storage, home and away, in adding value, to your wine, and fun to your entertaining.

utankhamun knew how to protect wine. On the discovery of his tomb deep underground more than 3000 years after his burial, its contents included forty wine storage jugs for red, white and fortified wine, to ease the boy Pharaoh king’s arduous journey to the afterlife. Today’s wine storage receptacle, glass bottle and cork on its side, certainly does the same, but rather for the living not the dead. Cellaring away from home: The governing rule for storing your treasured bottles away from home, only cellar direct with a specialist independent cellarage company, so avoiding conflicts of interest. Each portfolio cellared must carry insurance, ownership identification, in a controlled secure environment. Wine is a treasured chattel. Nobody can care more about your wine reserves than you. Once you have embarked on buying, keep on top of it! Through imagery Smith & Taylor have expressed the key canons of fine wine storage - Temperature, Humidity, Darkness, Provenance, Stability, Timing. Each of these aspects play their part in giving each bottle the best chance to develop against the vagaries of nature. Lovers of wine need a reliable extended cellar for their treasured bottles, when the constraints of suitable space, moving home, business travel or postings abroad demand it. Smith & Taylor have consistently provided fine wine storage for private clients from their cellars at Chelsea Bridge, London, since their founding in 1986. As independent cellarers Smith & Taylor pack, move, deliver and bank wine reserves from a single bottle to an entire collection, to and from their temperature & humidity controlled cellars. Cellar portfolios show unparalleled detail for each

Temperature: Constant and cool at 55F

Humidity: Enveloped in 70% humidity and stored in a quarter turn, ensures the corks are kept moist and tight

THE DETAILS Smith & Taylor Chelsea Bridge Cellars, 1c Broughton Street, London, SW8 3QJ E: cellar@smithandtaylor.com W: www.smithandtaylor.com T: 0044 (0)20 7627 5070

bottle stored including insurance values and Master of Wine commentary. Wine cellared perfectly and drunk at its optimum is the consummate gift Cellaring in the home: The profound change from half a century ago is a wine’s resting place has gone from underground to over-ground as living space has risen, and the wine label has become as much a domestic accessory as the room in which it is stored. The entry point for home cellarage has to be The Wine Cabinet. It is hardly surprising that an invention that creates the environment of a subterranean cellar, in a space a fraction of the foot print and the price, was going to bring wine home, which it undoubtedly has. If the wine cabinet is restrictive by its nature, the full blown wine cellar or wine room is certainly not, though with space at a premium, it is the ultimate luxury. Fine wine bottles are made to reflect a wine maker’s craft. Put a thousand together in a room and you have a liquid art collection. There are not many finer aspects to life, than choosing and tasting the very best of your wine collection, with others in your own home. For over thirty years Smith & Taylor, has been designing and making some of the finest town and country house wine rooms in Europe and Asia. The service includes scale drawings, bespoke joinery and project management above and underground. Each cellar crafted is unique combining single bottle racking, with bottle binning, original wooden case storage and large format displays. The finished wine rooms and cabinets, encompass the aesthetic, the practical, the versatile and the ordered. Today’s experience of wine storage under or over ground for the living, rather beats the Pharaoh’s alternative!

Smith & Taylor’s Wine Corridor. A fine wine bottle alley can be a very good use of space, though ideally, best be chilly to perform. The best corridors have the bottles all on an angle directing you through the passageway.

Smith & Taylor’s Wine Rooms are a museum piece to wine with stunning lighting and columns of large format floating display bottles, amidst traditional individual bottle and case storage. A triumph to wine and showmanship.

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A Smith & Taylor Country House Cellar with eighteen bevelled solid oak pillars and tasting table, and restored running stream, creates the perfect theatre of wine.

West London Carpentry & Decoration

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G oing green for spring be omitted. Finally, the spring meadow shimmers with colourful petals of flowers. Green is best complemented by white backgrounds or patterns and all shades of yellow and pink. Flowers, and above all greenery are universal decorations, because the impression they create never overwhelms, on the contrary - it brings freshness and soothes the senses. The salutary power of nature also works through the walls, so it is worth decorating the bedroom, the living room, as well as the kitchen and the dining room with greenery, to enjoy the positive energy prevailing throughout the house. www.pixers.uk

pring favours all changes. Nature comes to life, and the world becomes more beautiful each day - flowers and bushes bloom and the meadows and parks finally become green. The days get longer, we have more energy and ideas. No wonder we give ourselves to the ritual of spring cleaning and renovations. We want our homes to be as beautiful as the spring landscape! Wallpapers inspired by the awakening nature is the best way to welcome spring. On this occasion, Pixers have arranged compositions, which are characterised by floral patterns and leaf motifs as well as delicate, refreshing colours. The spring palette is primarily all about green. Pastels and subdued colours dominate, broken with a juicy shade of young leaves and fresh blades of grass. Of course, the accents in other colors cannot

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• Decorative Carpets in all sizes • • Tribal rugs and weavings • • Kelims and other flatweaves • • Runners of all lengths • • Tapestries and textiles •

Discounts on selected items Aaron Nejad Gallery Specialists in antique and contemporary rugs, carpets, kelims and textiles 4 Church Street, London NW8 8ED E: anejad@talktalk.net • www.aaronnejad.com 0203 489 5370 • 07976 826218

Fine Miniature Silk Hereke Rug Turkey, circa 1950. Signed. 1.10m x 0.69m This exceptional piece is one of a collection of fine silk rugs which we have in stock

DO YOU NEED A HOME OFFICE AND A SPARE ROOM? From a desk to a bed in 3 seconds Clever Design means you don’t need to move anything!

Tel: 01844 214484 www.studybed.co.uk

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Rock around the clock DEEP SEA WALL CLOCK, £119

DEEP SEA WALL CLOCK, £129

Garnier Wall Clock, £99

ROCKET TABLE, £175 WWII COCKPIT TABLE CLOCK BLACK, £179

FIFTH AVENUE WALL CLOCK, £75

s British Summer Time starts on 25th March, why not spring forward in style with a new clock from Escapology. The lifestyle concept store has just added a huge range of distinctive clocks, each with their own style and unique story to tell. Perfect for keeping you punctual and your interiors stylish. Get ready for the launch with the Rocket Table Clock, which would make a great gift for space enthusiasts. Featuring a retro dial and hands, it is made from polished aluminium and brass and pays homage to model rocket ships of the 1950s with its antenna and hatch windows. Or for those looking for a quirky, nautical inspired piece, the Diver Pendulum Clock would be the perfect choice. Adding a wall clock to a room can instantly transform your walls and tie a theme together. The Garnier Wall Clock is the perfect timepiece for an industrial styled space. Whereas the Fifth Avenue Wall Clock will add a traditional touch to 210 MARCH 2018

your interiors. This reproduction of a New York jewellers shop clock has a unique oval shape and is finished with ornate black hands to make a rather unusual and attractive item. For those who like a little history behind their homeware, why not tell the time from a piece of war memorabilia. The WWII Cockpit Table Clock is cast from an original USAF aircraft steering yoke and features a vintage aircraft instrument dial and hands to accurately show time at a quick glance. This would make a great gift for a budding historian or aviation enthusiast. Or why not channel a nautical take on ‘Cold War chic’ with the Deep Sea Wall Clock. This replica of a Soviet submarine clock features a bold Russian red face, which lies behind a thick glass lens that is securely locked to the heavy aluminium case by the vintage solid brass knob; ideal for keeping your walls looking shipshape! www.escapologyhome.com

“Adding a wall clock to a room can instantly transform your walls and tie a theme together”

Sound • Vision • Control • Convenience • Ambience Effortless integration of technology into your home with Simply Sound and Vision.

Call our West London office for more details Unit 12, Teddington Business park, Station Road, Teddington TW11 9BQ

Tel: 020 8977 8633 Smart solutions since 2005

info@simplysoundandvision.co.uk www.simplysoundandvision.co.uk

blucube loudspeakers

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Contemporary Windows of the Future C

ontemporary windows are so much more than something to look through and let in light. The right window can act as a focal point for your home and enhance a room’s space as well as significantly increase the amount of light coming into your property. With the right positioning, spectacular scenery can become the focus of your room, even the focus of your home. Whether as a huge picture window or a perfectly aligned group of smaller windows, you can bring the outside in. Evolution’s contemporary timber alternative windows fuse minimal fuss and simplicity of design with clean, understated lines to provide a stunning, architecturally-led design solution for the modern home. They adhere to the minimalist design ethos featuring slim frames and a greater glazed area to maximise light and space. Walls of windows or patio doors can help connect the interior of a home with the immediate surroundings. Thresholds are minimized, rooflines blend into tree lines, and outdoor spaces can become your expanded living space. There are a multitude of beautiful shapes and styles, made to your exact specifications. Evolution can manufacture square, curved or arched windows, of different shapes and sizes. Or for a spacious and open feel, floor to ceiling windows are a popular choice in contemporary properties, allowing natural light to flood into your home. Whichever style

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works best for you and your home. Once you have selected the size, shape and style of window, there are a multitude of glazing options including triple glazing, acoustic glass and even coloured glass to give a real wow factor. In addition you can also choose from over 200 RAL colours for your window frame, with a different colour on the inside to the outside if required. For added peace of mind, all Evolution timber alternative windows feature high security, multipoint locking systems as standard, combined with exceptional energy performance and exquisite wood effect and painted finishes that provide a long life and low maintenance. In addition to award-winning aesthetics, these are just some of the state-of-the-art features that set an Evolution window apart. The most important thing when choosing contemporary windows is to consider how it looks on the outside as well as on the inside. Having the right window to enhance your properties curb appeal is as important as its effect on the interior of your property. Beautiful equal sightlines and a greater glazed area for maximum light are important factors, and the reassurance that each window is carefully tailor-made for your project. Whether this is through the use of custom glass designs, frame dimensions and colours, or the window style itself, you can achieve your very own Grand Design. For further information visit www.evolutionwindows.com tel 01767 821548

“With the right positioning, spectacular scenery can become the focus of your room

Tavole Calde Ltd are based in Alfriston, East Sussex and are the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading supplier of terracotta and Roman stone mosaic dining tables for the home and garden. Email address: info@mosaic-table.co | Website: www.mosaic-table.co | Tel: 01323 871965

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WOOD FLOORING FROM THE EXPERTS

wood floor is hard to beat; not only for the way it looks, but also for how it performs. You can have any colour and the natural beauty of the knots and grain of the wood will add extra character to a room. It’s likely to cover more square footage of anything else in your home so it’s vital you know exactly what you are getting.

“At their showroom in Wandsworth, you’ll find over 140 different styles of wood flooring to choose from” Engineered Oak Chevron; Above: White Mist

This is where The Natural Wood Floor Company come in. They are a family run business who have been manufacturing and selling the best quality wood flooring around for the past 26 years. They are now one of the leading wood flooring manufacturers in Europe. Their expert staff have been with the company for a minimum of 10 years, so they know their stuff inside out. From the actual look of the floor, to fitting, sealers, sanding options, style, and design - they can help with it all. At their showroom in Wandsworth, you’ll find over 140 different styles of wood flooring to choose from. You can handle it, walk on it and examine it right down to the tiniest detail. You can also discover which varieties suit your needs and tastes. “If you want a classic floor that’s full of style look no further than parquet wood flooring,” says Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company. “The days of just a Plain oak block 214 MARCH 2018

Aged Antique Parquet

have long gone. These are still immensely popular, but now if you want to be more adventurous the choice is there. From dark finishes like our Ebony oiled blocks to the lighter Silver White and Coastal, there’s plenty of choice. They can all used to add interest, texture and warmth to any room, all you need is a bit of imagination.” All of The Natural Wood Floor Company’s products are manufactured from sustainable timber from FSC sources. With most products in stock, deliveries can be made the next working day or are available for immediate collection. The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG; 020 8871 9771; www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Bathroom Inspiration “Shut yourself away in style”

or years, bathrooms have presented a challenge when it comes to choosing window coverings because of moisture, direct contact with water, or condensation. At The New England Shutter Company, bathroom shutters have become increasingly popular and we continue to see this trend grow in 2018. Giving the ideal balance of privacy and light, shutters create the perfect solution to screening wet room or bathroom windows and present the ideal feature to combine practicality with spellbinding elegance. Choosing the right style and design is essential to finding the right shutters to make your bathroom just as beautiful as the rest of your home. From traditional plantation to ultra sleek; we have a unique range of shutter louvre designs to suit your interior decor. We offer a wide range of solid timbers which are finished using water resistant colour matched acrylic paint. If a natural wood finish is desired, we recommend Teak or Cedar as it is not affected by moisture. For wet rooms, or where shutters come in to direct contact with water, we use cedar wood, painted in acrylic paint, which can be matched to the colour of your choice. For a contemporary or trending interior design style, our faux leather covered shutters truly create a statement in luxury bathrooms. The faux leather is stain resistant, easily wiped clean, UV stable and will not stretch, nor fade in sunlight. The size of your window is a crucial aspect of your shutter design and style. A tall but narrow window could have one large shutter which will make the room feel larger. Short, but wide windows, will be best suited to having multiple

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thinner panels in order to enhance the window opening. Those with square windows would benefit from having three narrow shutter panels, which will give the illusion of greater window height. A wall of ‘floor to ceiling’ glazing is accentuated with tall and wide sliding shutter panels. Uniquely, TNESC is the only company that can vary every element within the design of a shutter; from the blade size, the distance between the blades, rail and side stile sizes, to the depths and height of a midrail. This flexibility allows us to design a shutter that is made to fit, not made to measure. We pride ourselves on excellence, making shutters as a traditional joinery company would have done years ago, using time honoured methods and the finest craftsmanship. Attention to detail goes beyond our design process right through to the personal service we provide to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Investing in shutters is as rewarding as investing in a piece of bespoke furniture as we design to enhance architectural and interior design features. Whatever your specific needs are, we can design and manufacture shutters to meet them.

“Investing in shutters is as rewarding as investing in a piece of bespoke furniture”

THE DETAILS London Showroom: 16 Jaggard Way, London, SW12 8SG www. thenewenglandshuttercompany. com t: 0208 675 1099 e: enquiries@tnesc.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Antique York Stone

American Oak wood effect Porcelain

The Beauty of Natural Stone W

hether you want a country farmhouse look or a sleek metropolitan style, natural stone and the new-generation lookalike porcelains offer countless different options and solutions for any location. Look to native English stone flooring to give a traditional feel of luxury and permanence. Probably the most perfect expression of this would be reclaimed antique York stone, used in Britain for centuries. Rescued from old buildings and given a new lease of life, it provides an authentically aged finish. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just one of many new and antique English flagstones available, including Cotswold, Portland, Purbeck and Lincoln limestones. Each has its own distinctive character and look. Natural stone is an obvious choice for period houses, whether you are restoring original glories or creating a new, modern space. Many classic floors were laid in geometric designs, which look just as sophisticated and relevant today as in Victorian or Georgian buildings. Whether you opt for a classical chequerboard or something more complex, both the pattern and the stones used to create it can be tailored to suit the style of your space. If you have altogether more minimalist leanings, look for large format tiles in a calm limestone or marble. Available in a wide palette of colours from white and cream through to soft greys, many varieties offer a consistent colour with little or no veining or fossil inclusions. Classic Italian marbles such as Carrara bring a crisp, modern look to a wide variety of settings. Natural stone is a versatile material with many decorative uses, from floors and fireplaces to large slabs used as wall cladding. In some locations 220 MARCH 2018

however, stone may be too weighty or unwieldy for floors or walls - making the new generation porcelains such a great solution. Improvements in 3d and digital printing have made vast improvements in the quality of both stone and wood lookalike porcelains, making it possible to get the authentic look of a natural material with the advantage of a thinner, lighter tile. One hidden secret of any floor (stone or porcelain) is the installation. There are many horror stories of builders laying floors upside down, using three different colours of grout in the same floor and staining floors with engine oil. For floors or walls, always use an experienced fixer, who will select tiles properly mix the variation of colour to provide the most pleasing effect and add that expert touch that transforms a good tile into a great floor. Martin Moore Stone; T: 0330 311 6574; www.martinmoorestone.com Black and White Slate

Cartmel White Limestone Bolection Fireplace in Bath Stone

CargoWest

Handmade Indian furniture, predominantly from reclaimed materials. Each item is individually made so all are unique! www.cargowest.co.uk jean.tony@cargowest.co.uk 01304 853965 / 07584 493933

H OUSE & GARDEN national BED MONTH 2018

Is it time to buy a

e regularly read research and articles that impart advice on how to get a good night’s sleep. From eating the right things at the right times, exercising regularly (but not too close to bedtime), and moderating caffeine and alcohol intake, these are all lifestyle changes that can help us drift off to the Land of Nod. But what about your bed? Surely that has a significant impact on your sleep quality? National Bed Month takes place every March and is an initiative from The Sleep Council that aims to highlight how important a quality bed is in achieving a great night’s sleep and the benefits this can bring. Findings from last year’s Great British Bedtime Report from The Sleep Council found that only 22% of people surveyed felt a new bed would improve their sleep. However, research found that when replacing an uncomfortable bed, a new bed was linked with an increase of 42 minutes of extra sleep. The team at Westend Bed Company are dedicated to helping their customers achieve a truly restorative sleep, every single night. The showroom is run by the Cooper family who have more than a century of combined experience in the bed industry. Over the years they have developed Sleep Consultations that are offered to every customer free of charge to enable them to get a better understanding of the type of bed they require. It also acts as a re-education on sleep. Many people assume firm beds are better for their posture but that’s not necessarily the case. Everyone is different 222 MARCH 2018

which means their requirements in a bed are different too. Each Consultation lasts approximately 45 minutes and involves a sleep evaluation and lifestyle analysis. So what should you be looking for in a new bed? One of the most important elements about a bed is that your body and muscles should be supported at all times to enable you to complete the Sleep Cycle. In the Deep Sleep Stage of this cycle, your muscles completely relax and recuperate. A quality bed should also support and keep your spine aligned. With many beds there is the tendency to ‘sink in’ to a mattress. Although this might seem comfy, it will actually result in a non-aligned spine leading to a disturbed sleep and aches and pains upon waking. Back pain or sleep apnoea is a common complaint amongst people who suffer from poor sleep. Adjustable beds are a relatively new development in the bed world and recent designs have been engineered to enable people to find the perfect sleeping position, even if this changes over time. Westend Bed Company is proud to display two market leading adjustable beds that do just that. The Nottinblú Pressure Balance System (PBS) Fluid bed is designed and made in Italy. The revolutionary bed system employs a friction-free, hydraulic circuit which automatically adjusts to the weight, shape and movements of the body. Westend Bed Company is also home to one of Europe’s leading bed manufacturers, Treca Interiors Paris. Their Supercad adjustable bed comes with advanced bed technology which remains discreet. The traditional bed base is mounted onto four silent motors which smoothly move five independent

The details: Visit the showroom at Westend Bed Company at 215 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8QT or call 020 7723 2925. For more information, please visit www.westendbedcompany.com or find us on social media.

new bed?

sleeping surfaces. The Sleep Experts at Westend Bed Company always recommend that customers try a variety of different models to allow them to find the correct bed for them. In addition to the Nottinblú PBS Fluid and the Supercad adjustable from Treca, the showroom also displays the largest collection of Hypnos beds in the UK. From the Royal Comfort Collection which has been created based on designs for beds for the Royal residences, to the No Turn Collection which has been especially designed for easy maintenance and handling, the entire collection is available to browse in store. Perfectly complementing these revolutionary beds is the luxurious Diamond Collection from Marshall & Stewart. This collection is made up of six beds that have been designed and crafted by hand using natural materials including horsehair, cotton and lambswool to create truly exquisite comfort. Invest in a quality bed and quality sleep this National Bed Month with Westend Bed Company. Great sleep starts here.

“Adjustable beds are a relatively new development in the bed world and recent designs have been engineered to enable people to find the perfect sleeping position, even if this changes over time”

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H OUSE & GARDEN national BED MONTH 2018

Are You Sleeping On The Right Bed? National Bed Month - March 2018

“You should spend as much as you can afford on a new bed – it’s probably one of the most important investments you’ll make”

arch signals the annual awareness event, National Bed Month – the month dedicated to improving a good night’s kip with a comfortable, supportive bed. As a good night’s sleep can’t always be guaranteed, it is up to you to regularly assess your sleep quality and comfort levels. It may, or may not, seem obvious but the best place to start when working towards a better night’s sleep is your bed. So, what is the right bed? It’s not easy to make specific recommendations, as there’s such a huge choice on the market. The Sleep Council provides an independent source of advice on bed buying – as well as to raise awareness of the importance of getting a good night’s sleep to health and wellbeing. First and foremost your bed must give you correct support and comfort, and if you suffer from back pain, allergies or breathing problems it is crucial more attention is given to choosing the bed that is right for you. Size is important. The most common British double bed size of 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in (135cm x 190cm) really isn’t big enough for two to sleep well

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without disturbing each other: studies have shown that more space – even a slight move up to a 5ft x 6ft 6in (150cm x 200cm) King size bed – can make a lot of difference to night-time comfort. Always consider both the mattress and its support, whether divan base or bedstead. They work together to create the overall feel and performance of a bed, with different combinations producing differing results. If you are not buying a base and mattress from the same supplier, make sure the mattress is suitable for use with the type of support you are considering: if you don’t, lack of durability could be a problem, with no comeback to the supplier. You should spend as much as you can afford on a new bed – it’s probably one of the most important investments you’ll make, not just for your home but also for your own wellbeing! Remember, every £100 you spend represents just 2.7p a night over 10 years. Once you’ve got your new bed, do remember that it won’t stay wonderful forever – beds get a lot of wear and tear! Over time, your comfort and support needs change, too. Do the Bed MOT test once a year, National Bed Month is a good time to consider the state of your bed and your sleep and comfort quality. Visit www.sleepcouncil.com for more advice. The Sleep Council is funded by the bed industry.

H OUSE & GARDEN national BED MONTH 2018

WHY DO MATTRESSES MATTER? WORDS: Abi Jackson

hen it comes to sleep, eight really is the magic number. There’s the optimal eight hours a night shut-eye (although, some can function perfectly well on less). And eight is also the figure to keep in mind when it comes to mattresses: apparently we should be replacing them every eight years.

that microbes and unwanted guests will develop. People tend to focus on cleaning the things they can see - pillows and sheets, but the mattress itself can be a ‘hot bed’ of potential illness. This can be especially problematic for people with allergies, breathing and skin conditions and who are prone to a runny nose.

So why do mattresses matter?

So when should we be upgrading our bedding? Experts at the Sleep Council recommend pillows are replaced every two to three years, while others like Dr Robert Oexman of Sleep To Live Institute suggests getting new ones every six months because dirt, skin cells and dust mites build up in them over time, which could worsen things like allergies and asthma. Pillows that have lost their shape and plumpness could contribute to neck pain - not to mention poor sleep - too. Duvets, thankfully, have a slightly longer life, with experts advising we replace them every five years or so.

It’d be easy to dismiss this as merely a marketing ploy. But its advice that’s often backed up by health experts - an old, worn-out mattress isn’t going to be very supportive, and this could contribute to things like back and neck pain and trapped nerves. There’s also the issue of comfort, which should never be underestimated. According to The Sleep Foundation, 92% of us say a comfy mattress is important for getting a good night’s sleep - and bad sleep is bad news (we’re all now increasingly aware, it can be damaging to both short and long-term physical and mental health too).

Hygiene horrors Old mattresses can also become ‘hot beds of bacteria’. Microtech Services Ltd recently carried out tests on mattresses that had been used for eight years, looking at the bacteria, yeasts and moulds in them. Most people would be rather surprised by the things you can find in an old mattress. Mould spores and bacteria build up over the years and although invisible, you could be breathing in these harmful spores at night. Due to the amount of human contact with the average mattress, it’s inevitable 226 MARCH 2018

What about pillows and duvets?

Want to give your bed a ‘health MOT’? Here are some top tips... 1. Keep your bedroom well ventilated when possible. Leave the duvet pulled back for a few hours after waking, allowing the bed to cool faster. This will restrict the growth of moulds and yeasts.

2. Put pillow cases, sheets and covers on to a hot wash as higher temperatures are required to kill germs and dust mites - ideally 60C plus. Including a laundry additive will also help to kill bacteria and viruses.

3. Using a mattress protector will help reduce the amount of material absorbed by the mattress. You can wash this regularly, but of course you can’t wash your mattress.

www.simply-burlingtonbathrooms.co.uk tel: 01277 233378 www.simply-lefroy.co.uk tel; 01277 233378 www.freestanding-baths.co.uk

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

Going up in the world The most obvious benefit of having a loft conversion is adding space to your home. In fact there are many reasons why people choose to have their loft converted.

IDEAS FOR YOUR CONVERTED LOFT Loft conversions are created for many different purposes…

oft conversions have been shown to add around 20% on top of your property’s value, according to the Housing Market Research. This can add up to somewhere in the range of £15,000 - £35,000. The value of your property will increase no matter what you use the converted space for. This can be useful as the loft is often out of the way of the rest of the house. In order to get the most benefit from your loft conversion, carefully work out the costs to make sure that these do not add up to more than the conversion will be adding to the value of your property.

STAGES OF YOUR LOFT CONVERSION An architect or surveyor will be required in order to determine the loads that will be placed in the building to make sure that your property is still structurally sound. This is extremely important in all building and planning regulations, so will be required on top of your builder. Not all loft conversions will need planning permission, but you will always need to check this for sure before going ahead. Even if you do not need it, you still need to comply with building regulations which include inspections. It is much 230 MARCH 2018

Home Office... Perfect for creating an office at home – it can provide a quiet and uninterrupted space when working. Bedroom... Perhaps the most common use of a loft conversion, and creating a unique master bedroom away from the rest of the house. Loft bedrooms are one of the easiest conversions, and will require electricity though not much else. Bathroom... When creating a master bedroom you may choose to add in an luxury en-suite bathroom. This is also popular, though requires more work due to the plumbing involved and installation. Play Room... If you have children, this is an excellent use of the space. Just make sure the access to the loft is safe for your children to use. This shouldn’t be too difficult, as there are many great stairway options now available for converted lofts.

“Perfect for creating an office at home – it can provide a quiet and uninterrupted space when working”

easier to check regulations before starting work – which will also save you money by avoiding problems down the line. You will need to be able to reach your loft easily once it has been converted, and your loft conversion company will help you determine your options when it comes to stairs. They should comply with fire regulations, and may need to be altered if used by small children. Most loft conversions take a few months to complete, and the planning stages can be even longer if you need planning permission. Inspections may need to be carried out, and you may need to get an agreement if the work disrupts your neighbours. The building work itself should take around 1 or 2 months to complete, but get an agreement on certain building stages from your loft conversion company.

chrisg@apex-pm.co.uk

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

THE GREYSTONES

“Each house is some 600m2 spread over 3 floors, which negotiate the changing levels of the site”

ocated in the centre of Radlett this exclusive area has generous house plots with generally substantial houses. Our site previously housed a single bungalow of no historical or architectural note. Our clients brief was to demolish the existing house and replace this with 2 generous houses, one of which to become their new house, the other to sell on. Each house is some 600m2 spread over 3 floors, which negotiate the changing levels of the site. As such the first floor from the front approach leads you through to the rear garden level. The highly contemporary properties respond to the surroundings utilising white render, but in simple modernist forms with timber cladding and elegant glazing systems, which create a delicate blend of privacy and views. The Greystone houses were shortlisted for the Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards 2011. The judges commented: “the Greystones houses are a perfect example of how sustainable design can be intertwined effectively with modern amenities in a domestic setting.” www.nicolastyearchitects.co.uk

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LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

ABBOTT’S FLOORING Stylish Designs and Dedication

The addition of a blind, shutter and curtain department is a master stroke. It is run by another of the Abbott team so the family connection continues. Abbott’s is definitely worth a visit; allow at least 2 hours if not 3 as you enter a world of stylish flooring and carpet displays and the most impressive blind and shutter department I have seen. This is upstairs where you get the Amtico, Karndean engineered wood, laminate display areas, and the high quality and desirable materials for your curtains; it will take your breath away. Recently, we decided to go retro and lo and behold Abbotts came to the rescue! There were some stunning William Morris designs to choose from, but wanting to go for a quirky retro feel; Tom in the showroom was able to present their range of superb fifties and sixties designs. They really can cater for all your tastes whether traditional or modern. We chose a modern take on an old theme by using an Alternative Flooring Quirky design that looked amazing, it could not have worked out better.

“I

have been using Abbotts for nearly 40 years, The first thing that hits me every time I visit, is that they are always updating their showroom to not only reflect their amazing range of flooring, carpeting, shutters and blinds, but also to illustrate the latest designs and trends on the market. The staff are incredibly experienced, knowledgeable and friendly, and most importantly - available to advise and guide me as to the most suitable range for my property. With Abbott’s being a traditional family business, you get that personal service and the same fitting team each time. This makes it all the more a pleasant experience.

234 MARCH 2018

“For high-quality and a dedicated and experienced team that go that extra mile for you to achieve your dream interior, definitely head to Abbott’s.” – Mrs A Mason-Phillips, a loyal and valued customer for 40 years. For more information about Abbott’s please visit www.abbottsflooring.co.uk 470-480 Roman Road, London E3 5LU Telephone 020 8980 4158 Email info@abbottsflooring.co.uk

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

Cinematic Heaven Beneath Your Home T

he best way to enjoy a feature film is in a cinema, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave the house. Having a dedicated cinema room is the ideal scenario for many movie fans, whilst increasing the value and demand of your property, and of course major status and assets for you, the homeowner. How you go about achieving this depends on the space you have available, and how much you are willing to invest. If you are really serious about getting a home cinema, it can be a good idea to seek out a specialist company. Acoustics, surround sound systems, matching the screen’s size to the size of the room, home cinema seating and lighting are all areas that need specific attention. Here is our guide to creating your own home cinema.

ROOM CHOICE Ideally you want your home cinema installation to be in a room that is isolated from the rest of the activity in the house. Soundproofing is important of course, and it can also help to choose a room that does not need to be used for any other purpose, and is not a throughway to somewhere else. For these reasons a house extension, loft or basement conversion can be the perfect home cinema choice.

TYPE OF SCREEN Your screen size needs to be in proportion with the size of the room. This is very important, as many people make the mistake of simply going for the largest screen available on the assumption that this alone will provide the perfect cinema look and feel. Most people choose not to sit on the front row at the cinema; because it can be uncomfortable looking at too large a screen for a long time. There is also an optimum distance between a projected image and the human eye for those grainy pixels to not be visible. For the real cinema experience, a flat screen with a projector is unbeatable. Most dedicated film fans agree that plasma TVs provide a more cinematic viewing experience than LCD, which is backlit and so performs better in rooms that have plenty of natural light. 236 MARCH 2018

HOME CINEMA SYSTEMS The potential and sophistication of home entertainment systems is almost limitless. Whether you are looking for a HD projector or a wireless home cinema that also includes a centralised hi-fi system, this is an area that is worth investigating in detail, particularly if you have the funds to really go to town. The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association is an ideal first port of call for information and advice. Their membership includes thousands of installers and designers of home entertainment systems, who can advise you on the best options for your requirements.

SURROUND SOUND SPEAKERS When it comes to home entertainment, the image isn’t everything; sound plays just as much an important role. Subwoofers, sound bars and speakers arranged perfectly so as to get the very best from the room’s acoustics are all part of the audio element. Again, when it comes to acoustics, a professional’s advice can make all the difference.

CINEMA ROOM SEATING If you really want the authentic cinema experience, then some rows of tiered movie seats is certainly one way to go. Add popcorn holders in the armrests and the look is complete. If you want something even more relaxing, however, there are plenty of options available. Luxury furniture that is both comfortable and stylish, with built-in storage, drinks holders and iPod speakers is perfectly tailored to suit the movie-watching experience.

LIGHTING If your room is really going to have that authentic cinema ambience, it is essential that the lighting is right. Make sure the room you use has either no windows, or windows that can be completely blacked out, and think carefully about how much light the room will need. Dimmer switches, floor lights and sidelights are all part of the mix in creating that night at the movies. If you really want to make it as realistic as possible, you might also consider curtains that can be drawn back from the screen. Ideally, these and the lighting will be adjustable via remote control.

“Ideally you want your home cinema installation to be in a room that is isolated from the rest of the activity in the house”

10 Not Out!! Estbury undertook their first basement project in SW11 back in 2008, word soon spread and you can now find their distinctive pink and grey hoardings all over London. Having established themselves as one of the leading basement companies in the capital offering a competitive ‘one stop shop’ which means they can take projects from design and construction, through to the fit-out and even pump maintenance moving forward. Estbury are not only a specialist basement company but have also undertaken 100’s of loft conversions, extension and house refurbishments. Up, down or sideways, they have your project covered!

Contact: Estbury Basements Tel: 0800 009 6644 | Email: info@estbury.com Web: www.estbury.com

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

Making a change H

ayman Developments provide property extensions and conversions to discerning clients across London and the South East. They have an outstanding reputation with private, executive and high-end commercial clients across the area. The reasons for this are their outstanding craftsmanship and their tireless dedication to customer service. As a family business, this dedication to providing only the highest level of building work is very much in the blood. Hayman Developments works with its clients to create made to measure building work that is completely unique. Whether you need loft conversions or home extensions, their creative architects and skilled craftsmen have the skills to realise your vision from design to completion. Their loft conversions are an ideal way to create more space, especially if exterior space limitations render extending outwards impossible. Similarly, if you have an unused barn or garage on your land, our conversions can give you extra space while also preserving the character of its exterior. The idea of undertaking any kind of property conversions can be daunting, especially when it involves alterations to period or luxury homes. With this in mind, Hayman Developments offer advice and support throughout the project. Upon request, we will apply for planning permission on your behalf. They work on both ultra-modern contemporary projects and those that require us to return a period property to its former glory. They can even provide a mixture of both to give your traditional home or office a subtle modern twist that incorporates modern conveniences.

238 MARCH 2018

With their team of experts, you can be sure that you will be satisfied with their work both during the project and on its completion. They are available for design work or just a section of the building work, or for home extensions or extensive renovations. However large or small the job at hand, they provide peerless attention to detail and professionalism in everything they do. Founder and Managing Director of Hayman Developments, Adam Hayman, has 25 years of experience as a highly-skilled designer and builder of exclusive properties. There are a number of reasons that so many of their clients are happy with the work they do. This includes outstanding workmanship, tireless work ethic and their customer-focused approach. They see it as their duty to take all of the hassle out of your project. They realise that the thought of renovating your dream home, or commissioning property extensions on listed buildings can be daunting. For this reason, they seek to do everything to make your dream a reality from start to finish. We like to sit down with you to discuss your needs in detail. Whether you want a contemporary look or a more traditional feel, you can be sure that they will cater to your every need. Hayman Developments are fully insured and so confident in the quality of their work that it comes with a 10 year guarantee.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a family business, this dedication to providing only the highest level of building work is very much in the bloodâ&#x20AC;?

THE DETAILS www.haymandevelopments.co.uk adam@haymandevelopments.co.uk Tel: 01372 279175

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

For the latest trend in conversions

look down

his cost-effective craze has been big news in London for a while, where homeowners are keen to use every square foot of space. In the US, basements have long been used as play and utility rooms, but it’s only in recent years that British homeowners have started making good use of the same space. Your kids can have a giant playroom all to themselves – or you can treat yourselves to a home cinema, a recording studio, a swimming pool and gym, or a state-of-the-art wine cellar.

IS MY BASEMENT SUITABLE FOR A CONVERSION? Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for basement conversions, as the work can often be carried out from outside, which means you can easily continue to live in your property while the renovations are taking place. A word of warning, however, some older houses may have shallow foundations, so in order to create a safe living space below, you may need to underpin your property first. If this is the case for your property, then the easiest thing to do is to talk to an underpinning firm or specialist builder who can advise you on feasibility and cost of the job. Remember – while a basement conversion may seem like a dream come true, always make sure that a cellar conversion is a realistic venture for your property before forking out any cash. DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION? The good news here is that most cellar conversions don’t need planning permission because you are only changing the inside of your property. However, if you choose to add a new entrance or windows at the front of the house, dig an entirely new basement, or need access to dig up parts of the road or pavement outside your home, you will need planning permission from your local council. You may also want to check out the specifics of planning permission for basement conversions in case you want to extend or change your basement structure in the future. If you live in a listed building,, then remember that all renovations require permission before you begin any work - even if they are completely out of sight from the outside. This is because the features in listed buildings are protected for historical reasons. Whether or not you need 240 MARCH 2018

planning permission, you will need to comply with the current building regulations for extensions these are simply legal requirements for any new living space, which exist for your own safety. WHAT ARE THE BUILDING REGULATIONS? Any extension that people will use as a living area is covered by building regulations. These regulations are designed to protect the inhabitants from health or safety hazards, and include things like adequate fire escape methods. The most basic regulations for a basement conversion are; ventilation, damp proofing, electrical wiring, safe access, ceiling height and a fire escape route. Even if you don’t need planning permission, you must get building regulation approval for your basement. These regulations will insist on certain considerations when you are planning your project - for example, a door which is at least 30 inches wide is considered fine but a window has to be a certain size, as well as a minimum distance from the floor, in order to be considered safe.

“Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for basement conversions” WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The biggest factors to consider when it comes to converting your basement are underpinning the foundations which we have discussed above, waterproofing or damp-proofing walls, and providing a suitable access point. And ensure your neighbours are totally aware of your conversion plans, giving them notice to avoid any conflict later on.

LBC

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

Extending your home… F

or a lot of households, there comes a time when your home becomes a bit of a squeeze. Maybe you have had more children, or have embarked on working from home. So should you move somewhere bigger, or extend your house to make it large enough for you and your family’s needs? An extension can radically improve a property. Bigger, better space and extra rooms can add value, and make a house more attractive to buyers. Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving. In highvalue areas in London it can be more worthwhile digging under the house to add a basement conversion. The reality is that if you are able to extend, it is often sensible to do so from a financial point of view. The cost of buying a new house would far outweigh the cost of building. If you want to make structural changes with the purpose of adding value, you should first find out the current market price of your property, as well as its potential value once the changes have been made. Otherwise, your hard work and cash may not reap rewards. Also be area aware - before you plan that extravagant extension or costly conversion, it’s crucial to talk to a local estate agent to find out what renovations are popular in your area. Every street has a ceiling value so don’t over develop if you want to see a good return on your investment. Rising property prices with a premium being put on space can make extensions a wise investment. However, this is a major project and shouldn’t be undertaken lightly: Call in professionals to get the job done properly, as there are important planning restrictions and regulations which need to be followed. Ask friends if they can recommend an architect

242 MARCH 2018

“Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving”

and builders. It is really important that you locate the best people, as a botched extension can devalue a property. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) can provide you with a list of registered builders in your area. A builder that belongs to a respected trade organisation will have to comply with membership standards. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides a list of registered architects. Although a modern extension can look good on an old house, when it comes to selling on it is important to appeal to the average buyer’s taste. Therefore it is more advisable for an extension to match the architectural style of the existing house. Be strategic: Extra bathrooms and large kitchens are usually good investments in family-sized homes, and a garage in a busy, urban area will also add value. The room that usually benefits the most from enlarging is the kitchen. Adding a kitchen/ diner creates the farmhouse kitchen most people want and provides extra space. The old dining room can become an office, playroom, or an extra sitting room. Kitchen extensions also provide the opportunity to extend upwards - an additional bedroom can be built on top at the same time.