London Life Magazine April 2015 by Fish Media Group Ltd

FROM THE

EDITOR

The Chelsea Art Fair will bring some of the best UK galleries to the heart of Chelsea to exhibit at the Chelsea Old Town Hall again from Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19. Fair director Ben Cooper has selected around 40 of the most respected modern and contemporary art galleries from around the country to show their highlights of original Contemporary works of art. With polo grounds in Richmond, only eight miles from Hyde Park Corner, Ham Polo Club is the last remaining polo club in Greater London. Founded in 1926, HPC has an established and distinguished reputation and the club’s 88th year will be another exciting season. Many of golf ’s global superstars will return to Wentworth Club, Surrey this May to compete at the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship. The Vogue Festival will once again offer attendees the chance to see and hear from leading international designers, photographers, models, and writers in the industry. Britain’s most expensive parking space has been put up for sale, priced at nearly £500,000. The triple-bay space, in South Kensington, would beat the previous record for a parking spot by £100,000. This gives you just a small taste of exciting events & articles featured in this month’s issue...

Faye Manning Editor

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EDITOR Faye Manning EDITOR’S ASSISTANT Katie Miller SUB EDITOR Alex Lux FASHION EDITOR Rachel Gold DESIGN & PRODUCTION Toni Perry

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Vanessa Lane ACCOUNT MANAGERS Anita Hill, Nicola Drew SALES James Marshall DIRECTORS Rory Smith Patrick Smith

APRIL2015 5

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CONTENTS EDITORS LETTER 3 CONTENTS 7 LOCAL LIFE, ARTS & EVENTS 8 The Chelsea Art Fair 8 Clerkenwell Design Week returns 10 Grand Designs Live Returns 12 Ham Polo Club 2015 14 Don’t miss the party at Polo in the Park! 16 The Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair 18 La Traviata 20 ‘Inventing Impressionism’ 22 The Other Art Fair 24 London Craft Week Makes its debut 26 Meet Andrei Protsouk 28 Daisy Ball Twenty-One 30 Fall in love with your perfect piece 32 ‘Alice’s Adventures Underground’ 34 Museums at night 36 The London Antique Rug and Textile Art Fair 38 Inspired By Racing 40 BMW PGA Championship 42 Britain’s Most Expensive Parking Space For Sale 44 Carnaby throws the ultimate Shopping Party! 46 Do You Protect Yours? 48 Gavin Gardiner Limited In association with Sotheby’s 50 Lord’s the home of cricket 52 Virgin Money London Marathon 2015 54 Be FIt London 56 Sky High Tea 58 The Vogue Festival 60 Luxury, Style, Comfort 64 New Luxury at the centre of the capital 68 Battersea Power Station Development 70 Stay, Park and Fly 72 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE 75 Learning Your A,B,C’s 76 ‘Private Schools Should Be Praised For Producing Influential People’ 80 Scien-Terrific! 82 ‘The Evolution Of The Crammer’ 84 Does A New Cricket Bat Really Help You Score More Runs? 86 Private Schools Achieve Greater A-Level Success 90 What Was Stopping Jack? 92 The Gold Standard 94 Mountview Summer Courses For Amateur Actors & Directors 96 Tutor Proof Exams: A Tutor’s Perspective. 98 Taylors, Not Dummies: 21St Century Careers 102 Smooth Operators 108 Berkeley Street Becomes The Restaurant Hotspot In London 110 High Spirits, Scoundrels And Swing! 112 London Wine Week 2015 114 Savage Beauty 116 Ladies’ Day Add A Touch Of Elegance... 118 HEALTH & BEAUTY 121 Dr Ariel Haus: Laser Love On Latest Technology 122 Perfume That Packs A Punch 124 COMPETITION 126 Satisfaction Guaranteed at British Military Fitness 126 Diets Fail For Very Good Reasons 127 Save Time & Improve Your Life 128 Get Back In The Pool At Latchmere Leisure Centre 129 We Want To Make You Feel Like The Very Best Version Of Yourself! 130 A Superior Patient Experience 132 HOUSE & GARDEN 135 Simply Loft Making Lofty Ambitions A Reality 136 Dive Down Into A Basement Pool 138 From Concept To Creation 140 Take The Plunge 142 7 Of The Best Interior Design Trends 144 Heavenly Interiors 146 From The Runway To The Room Inspirational Trends For Spring 2015 148 John Bly: Spoons 150 Make An Entrance! 152 To Balcony Or Not To Balcony? That Is The Question. 154 Designed For Living Built For Life 156 Beautiful Furniture Dovetailed To Your Needs 158 The Art Of Traditional Craftsmanship 160 How’s Your Street View? 162 KITCHEN GUIDE 157 Kitchens The Hub Of The Home 168 Creating A Country Kitchen 170 Authentic British Design & Heritage 174 Can A Kitchen Have A Soul? 178 How To Plan Your Kitchen Lighting 182 ‘There’s Beauty In The Bespoke’ 184 Good Kitchen Design Starts Right Under Your Feet 186 Kitchen Design Trends & Style Advice For 2015 190

Window shopping Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully

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EVENTS

JONATHAN POCOCK ROSES IONA HOUSE GALLERY

THE

CHELSEA ART FAIR Thursday 16th - Sunday, 19th April 2015, Chelsea Old Town Hall SW3

STEVEN LINDSAY PERSONAL REVOLUTION LIME TREE GALLERY

DAWN STACEY GOLDEN REFLECTION DAVID STACEY FINE ART

SIMEON STAFFORD PICADILLY IN SUMMER CORNWALL CONTEMPORARY

he Chelsea Art Fair will bring some of the best UK galleries to the heart of Chelsea to exhibit at the Chelsea Old Town Hall again from Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19, 2015. Fair director Ben Cooper has selected around 40 of the most respected modern and contemporary art galleries from around the country to show their highlights of original Contemporary works of art – many of which will be shown for the first time. The chic boutique Fair offers a wide selection of well-known artists and some new discoveries and includes flat as well as threedimensional works with prices up to £50,000. Popular with collectors due to its rigorous selection process, the Fair is also ideal for those visitors starting to buy art as it encourages to take their time to look around and talk to dealers in a relaxing, contemporary atmosphere. Galleries exhibiting include Cornwall Contemporary, Lighthouse Gallery, Art World Gallery and White Space Art from the South West and Bristol-based Lime Tree Gallery and Muse Sculpture Gallery from Gloucestershire. Brighton’s Cameron Contemporary Art is exhibiting as well as London and Home Counties’ galleries including Carina Haslam, Neville Contemporary, John Iddon, Sheridan Russell Gallery, Wren Gallery and Putney’s Russell Gallery. Artists include Simeon Stafford, who was taught to paint at the age of nine and encouraged by Lowry who was a family friend. His paintings are in private collections of HRH The Queen, Tony Blair and many other high profile names and he will be represented by Cornwall Contemporary at the Fair. Scottish artist Steven Lindsay, who can claim a few hit singles in the 80’s with his band ‘The Big Dish’ returned to his roots as Glasgow Art School graduate and is now both a painter and singer/songwriter. Ben Cooper, the Fair’s director, says: “ Since our revamp three years ago, the Fair has gone from strength to strength and we have very much established ourselves as the London Fair which offers Londoners a fantastic selection of galleries with a variety of works which appeal to a wide range of art lovers.” There will be some exciting talks on various aspects of modern and contemporary art to give visitors the opportunity to engage more with the art on view. The Chelsea Art Fair will support the local charity, Children’s Hospital Trust Fund this year and a percentage of specific works of art will go directly to the charity. THE DETAILS

Open Thursday, 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm Cost £6 Up-to-date information and E-Tickets can be found on www.chelseaartfair.org or on Twitter and Facebook. Tours:There will be several tours around the fair, at a cost of £10, including entry and 50% of which will be going to the charities.

8 APRIL2015

BELINDA SILLARS CAMPSIE GREY FRANCES ILES GALLERY

let the music play iZakaya style is here to stay sloanestanley.com

Kurobuta has landed and now here to stay on the western end of the King’s Road, just in time for the hazy, crazy days of summer! It’s a great fit – after all, where better to bring chef Scott Hallsworth’s particular relaxed brand of rock and roll Japanese cuisine, than to the equally rock and roll Chelsea? It’s no surprise that Sloane Stanley has welcomed another great eatery into the area. This sassy, quirky part of the King’s Road just keeps on getting better and better, whether it’s busy providing food, fashion, furnishing, fitness or fun. Hallsworth is in fine company. Businesses that gravitate (and often stay) here, like the iconic Bluebird or the innovative Designers Guild are now firmly part of Chelsea life. There is so much choice when it comes to food at this end of SW3! King’s Road aficionados can opt for the elegance of Beaufort House Brasserie, or linger over artisan bread at Maison Blanc. The burgers at Byron are legendary or it’s chilled to the max at Big Easy, where the Grand Appetizer Platter would

make even the most ravenous shopper very happy. Everyone has a place they love – or several places – where they chose to take friends. All enterprising businesses that ooze character and individuality. So what should you expect from Kurobuta? Australian Hallsworth originally drew inspiration from the relaxed izakayas, the ‘pubs’ of Japan. He wants to encourage the sociable sharing of his menus; Soft Shell Crab Tempura Maki, the legendary Tuna Sashimi Pizza and BBQ Pork Belly Buns, washed down with frozen top beers and infamous cocktails. You also heard it here first, there is a microbrewery and cool events’ space opening downstairs soon at Kurobuta. The restaurant may have only opened this late winter/spring, but there are already dedicated followers of Hallsworth’s food. For the taste buds, the menu is a party on a plate. Think spicy, rumbustious conversation, over equally rumbustious, award winning food. Party on and live well!

cooking is like love. it should be entered into with abandon or not at all. harriet van horne

Kurobuta Chelsea 312 King’s Road London SW3 5UH www.kurobuta-london.com @kurobuta-london Tel: 020 7920 6444

EVENTS

19th - 21st

MAY 2015

CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK RETURNS

elebrating its sixth year in 2015, Clerkenwell Design Week 2015 is set to build on the success of its previous five editions with an impressive mix of cutting-edge installations, exclusive product launches and insights into contemporary design and architecture. Since its inception in 2010, the festival has grown to become one of the most respected events on the global design calendar, with total visitor numbers topping 32,000 in 2014. The annual festival will showcase the latest innovations by designers and manufacturers from the UK and around the world. Set against the historic backdrop of Clerkenwell, the three-day festival will be centred upon leading design showrooms in the neighbourhood, as well as four exhibitions - Design Factory, Platform, Detail and Additions. Over 60 showrooms will take part and together play an integral part in proceedings. New participants including heritage brand Carl Hansen & Søn, Italian furniture company Moroso and modernist storage specialist USM. will be joined by long-term global supporters including Vitra, Arper, Poltrona Frau, Knoll, Domus, Humanscale, Brunner and Kusch+Co. Design Factory - Clerkenwell Design Week’s well-established exhibitions provide a real breadth of product innovation, from leading international brands to emerging

Clerkenwell Design Week is a true celebration of this exceptional and dynamic part of London. Our distinctive model of combining commercial focus of the showrooms and exhibitions with the chance to match materials, creativity and use of urban public space makes the festival accessible and hugely popular. 2015 will see continued growth for one of the UK’s most exciting design events. SAYS WILLIAM KNIGHT, SHOW DIRECTOR

10 APRIL2015

design studios. The largest of these design-led destinations is the Design Factory at the Farmiloe Building, featuring four floors of established contemporary interiors brands, both from the UK and overseas. The venue’s courtyard will also be home to the Leica Camera sponsored café. In The Shed that sits aside the Design Factory, British furniture makers will come together once again to celebrate the best of British design and craftsmanship – from Case Furniture and Dare Studio, to Jennifer Newman, James UK, Deadgood and Johnson Tiles. Platform - at the House of Detention has established itself as the place to spot up-andcoming design talent during Clerkenwell Design Week. Detail - The majestic Priory Church at the Order of St John is home to Detail, the place to head to for high-end decorative interior products. The church’s garden will be furnished with Cane-line’s latest outdoor furniture, complemented by a Champagne Jacquart bar. Additions - After last year’s debut, Additions - which is given over to small design-led pieces and accessories at the Crypt on the Green at St. James Church – will return for 2015. CDW Presents has become integral to Clerkenwell Design Week, renowned for its specially commissioned public installations. As always, it provides a major focal point for public interaction, and this year’s features aim to celebrate and explore the transformation of London’s public spaces in a city that is rapidly densifying. The Goldsmiths’ Centre and Craft Central will be part of the festival once again. Architects Hawkins\Brown will run an exciting debate in its practice, while branding agency Visual House will host a rooftop party at its studio. Moreover, over 25 local bars and restaurants in Clerkenwell will participate, offering special menus and exclusive complimentary offers to the visitors. THE DETAILS For more details visit www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com @CDWfestival #CDW2015

Clerkenwell.Design.Week

EVENTS

The Uk’s Leading Contemporary Home Show

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE

resented by design guru Kevin McCloud, and based on the hugely popular Channel 4 series, the show offers you a unique opportunity to gain all the advice, inspiration and materials you need to build your very own grand design. With areas dedicated to interiors, technology, kitchens, bathrooms, build and gardens, plus live sessions from leading interiors experts and TV personalities, there’s inspiration for every room in your home. And, with over 500 exhibitors, you can shop from a comprehensive line-up of leading home brands, all under one roof. The show sections have been confirmed: Grand Build, Grand Interiors, Grand Kitchens, Grand Bathrooms, Grand Village, Grand Technology and Grand Gardens.

IN ADDITION, GRAND DESIGNS LIVE LONDON CAN REVEAL THE FOLLOWING SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Ask An Expert, sponsored by Express Bi-folding Doors, will offer aspiring developers, and those undertaking a home improvement, build or renovation venture, specialist advice to assist with getting their own Grand Designs project underway Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes will showcase his handpicked selection of the most impressive eco-innovations and technologies; aiming to improve housing and our way of living ‘The Green House’ – Grand Technology, new for 2015, is an interactive walk through experience, showing the latest innovative gadgets and eco technology, as well as lighting designs and systems for the home The Grand Designs Eco Trail will feature highlights of those exhibitors that have eco or sustainable build products, making it easier for visitors with an interest in eco-friendly innovations to seamlessly navigate through the show to discover the products that matter to them The Grand Kitchens feature, sponsored by Miele, will boast a unique interactive cookery demonstration stage, a kitchen design seminar stage, a private consultation area for visitors to receive expert advice on their kitchen projects as well as a display of the winning kitchen design finalists. A new Grand Kitchens feature this year is the Miele Live Kitchen Seminar Stage, which will host a busy schedule of kitchen design talks. These are set to include kitchen design, technology in the kitchen, trends and materials, colour and more.

12 APRIL2015

The Garden Design Competition in Grand Gardens, sponsored by Hydropool, will see entrants submit a garden design based on ‘Encouraging Wildlife in your garden’. The competition gives an opportunity for garden designers and landscapers who are interested in boosting their profile to showcase their skills and designs. The Grand Village promises to showcase best-in-class innovation as seen on Channel 4: ‘Grand Designs’, featuring eco homes by Echo Living, Urban Splash and more, each demonstrating unique sustainable building techniques, and offering hands-on activities for visitors The Grand Theatre, sponsored by Airflow, will host a ‘Meet the Grand Designer’ seminar each day, featuring a celebrity host alongside a couple or family from the recent Grand Designs series, talking through the challenges of their build project. The Theatre will also feature topical debates and talks as well as addressing local planning and building issues with a range of experts and guest speakers including: Kevin McCloud, George Clarke, Wayne Hemingway, Dan Hopwood, Sophie Robinson, Charlie Luxton, Lucy Hedges, Jo Hamilton and James Alexander Sinclair This year Grand Interiors will feature the Grand Designs Live Interiors Theatre, which will host a series of talks regarding home decorating, and interiors room sets, for home inspiration Grand Designs Live London will offer visitors a great day out, 100’s of innovative ideas for the home, specialist exhibitors and FREE expert advice all under one roof – making it an invaluable and unmissable event for home lovers.

READER OFFER

Life Magazines have teamed up with Grand Designs Live to offer 2 tickets for £20. Simply visit www.granddesignslive.com and quote LIFE20 when booking. T&C’s £1.70 booking fee applies. Offer expires 1st May 2015

THE DETAILS Order your tickets online: www.granddesignslive.com or call the booking hotline on 0844 854 1348.

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*T&Cs £1.70 transaction fee applies, must be booked by 01/05/2015, Saving based on door rate, valid for anyday. Standard admission tickets only. Organised by Media 10 Ltd. Grand Designs is a trademark of FremantleMedia Limited. Licensed by FremantleMedia Limited. www.fremantlemedia.com

APRIL2015 13

EVENTS

HAM POLO CLUB R OBERT PIPE RAPHER R PHOTOG

ith polo grounds in Richmond, only eight miles from Hyde Park Corner, Ham Polo Club is the last remaining polo club in Greater London. Founded in 1926, HPC has an established and distinguished reputation and the club’s 88th year will be another unmissable season. Known for excellent playing and social facilities combined with a relaxed family atmosphere HPC is well worth a visit for any polo fan. The opening games of the polo season are on Sunday May 3rd, this is a great social day and an opportunity to see both the new and familiar players gearing up for the competitive tournaments. Sunday May 10th, The Mayor of Kingston’s polo day supporting the Horse Rangers Association. There will be morris dancers, a marching band and plenty of exciting polo. Teams will be led on to the field by members of the Horse Rangers and the day aims to raise money for the charity. New to the programme last season was the Dubai Trophy Friday evening polo. This year both the semi finals and the finals are set to

14 APRIL2015

take place on Friday evenings again (10th July and 24th July). The games are the highest level of competitive polo at Ham and the evening events have a lively party atmosphere and are a great way to kick off the weekend. The big news on the tournament side at Ham is that the club’s premier tournament, the Roehampton Cup, is now a stage of the HPA Victor Ludorum circuit. There are five tournaments each at a different club that make up the VL circuit and teams are awarded points in each depending on how far they get. At the end of the season a winner can be announced based on their performance in all five of the competitions which now includes the Roehampton Cup. We expect a huge number of teams entering which will make for a spectacular tournament. THE DETAILS Ham Polo Club Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey,TW10 7AH For full fixtures list visit the website at www.hampoloclub.com

EVENTS

Don’t miss the party at Polo in the Park!

London’s summer social season starts this year with Chestertons Polo in the Park which takes place on 5-7 June at the ‘spiritual home of polo,’ Hurlingham Park, Fulham.

ow in its seventh year, the three-day sporting spectacle brings world class polo right to the heart of London. With its vibrant party atmosphere and thrilling polo on display, the tournament is now firmly established as one of the capital’s hottest tickets. New to this year’s schedule is the addition of an England International match which will take place in the evening of Friday 5 June. It will be the first England International polo match played at Hurlingham Park since 1939. England will face an all-South American team sponsored by Air

16 APRIL2015

Europa. England has had a long associated sporting rivalry with South Americans when it comes to polo so this match promises to be fiercely competitive. For the rest of the tournament, six teams, representing cities from around the world, play with three-man teams on a slightly smaller field than usual, meaning the action is never far away from the spectator. The traditional rules are adapted to create a much more spectator-friendly game - perfect for polo newcomers. This year the visiting teams taking on the London home team are last year’s winners Abu Dhabi, Lagos, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Dublin. What’s more, the action on the side of the playing field is just as entertaining as the action on the field with bars and hospitality spilling around the perimeter of the pitch. Mayfair’s famous nightclub, Mahiki Bar will be shaking up some amazing cocktails from its pitchside bar (which happens to be the longest pop up bar in Europe) whilst the Lanson Champagne Garden Bar provides a

wonderfully civilised place to view the sport. The tournament kicks off on Friday 5 June, dubbed ‘Chukka Friday’ and is a favourite for corporates and their guests. Matches are played well into the evening and with post 5pm tickets at just £10, it’s the perfect place to escape to after work. Saturday is traditionally known as ‘Ladies Day’ - a chance for the girls to glam up! This day is usually a sell-out long before the event, so it is advised to book early for this day to avoid disappointment. ‘Finals Day’ on Sunday 7 June is a fun actioned packed day for everyone, with extra entertainment laid on for children. Spectators can enjoy watching both the Final and Plate Final on this day and see the victors presented with the winning trophy.

POLO LINGO EXPLAINED… Chukka... A period of play. There are usually four chukkas per match and each one usually lasts seven and a half minutes, except the last chukka which lasts exactly seven minutes. Hooter... This is situated off the side of the field and is rung by the time keeper to inform the umpires when seven minutes of play in a chukka have elapsed. Divots... Turf kicked up by the ponies’ hoofs during the game. Spectators are required to ‘tread in’ the divots at half time. Hooking... The use of a stick to prevent another player from retrieving or striking the ball. Knock-in... When a team hit the ball over the backline during an attack, the defending team resumes the game with a free hit from the backline. Equivalent to a goal kick in football. Millionaire’s Shot... A shot at the ball by a player when the ball is very close to the legs of a pony or sticking it under the belly of the pony.

Tickets start from just £10 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Early bird and group discounts apply. THE DETAILS

For more information visit www.polointheparklondon.com

APRIL2015 17

EVENTS

Passementerie Garden

at the Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair The Fair will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary this Autumn, 29th September to 4th October 2015.

garden festooned with textile trimmings - vintage and antique passementerie - will greet visitors at the Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in London’s Battersea Park. Fashion this season has gone mad for fringe and tassel, appliqué and embellishment. The Fair will show how this can be used creatively in interior design; on furniture, window treatments, lighting, in both new and established fashions. The Fair is bringing passementerie – the art of elaborate trimmings - back in to the limelight. Around 140 dealers participate in each Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair (held three times a year: January, April, September). Exhibitors from the UK and Europe offer a great diversity of antiques, 20th century modern design, works of art and curiosities to furnish the home. Decorators, designers, stylists, retail merchandisers, celebrities (at their recent January Fair Guy Ritchie and singer Nick Rhodes were amongst well-known attendees) and private buyers all shop at the Fair for interior and garden projects. Seasoned collectors looking for art, objets and specialist items rub shoulders with young couples on the hunt for unusual lighting, a useful side table or practical kelim. Dogs (well-behaved and on a lead) are welcomed at the Fair, and there’s the fantastic Megan’s Kitchen cooking up delicious lunches, cakes and snacks. In all, a friendly, relaxed and exciting shopping experience. MORE ABOUT THE PASSEMENTERIE GARDEN FOYER Imagine: Trees stand centre stage, hung with antique

CONTRASTING TRIM IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST VELVET ON THIS MIDCENTURY MODERN SOFA

18 APRIL2015

PAIR OF AMERICAN SILVER-PLATED PINEAPPLE-TOP URN LAMPS

21st - 26th April 2015 Battersea Evolution, SW11

and vintage passementerie trimmings like exotic floral fronds. Lengths of braid, pompoms and fringes festoon the tree canopy and below, a selection of antique and 20th century furniture decorated with many styles of trimmings. From the garden, enter the drawing room of an early C19th house, deliciously decorated in decadent silk trimmed curtains below pelmets brimming with swags and braids. The walls are awash with original period watercolours depicting rooms and furniture featuring passementerie. Everything exhibited is for sale. A designer’s studio displays a mood-board and samples to inspire: illustrations of tassels, fringes, beading, braid, lace and trimming used to great effect, from interiors and fashion pages. On the walls, antique and vintage peg boards and hook rails will display tassels, tie-backs and lengths of silken rope. Decorative pelmets are displayed above. An installation of lampshades, created from vintage and antique textiles and of course trimmed with passementerie, will be displayed, all ready to buy and take home. A draper’s shop display cabinet is filled with assorted lengths of antique and vintage lace, silver and gilt thread, buttons, bobbins and trimmings of every colour, style and description. Feast your eyes and get inspired to furnish your plain upholstery or drapes with a splash of decorative frivolity!

THE DETAILS For more information visit the website www.decorativefair.com

LOUIS XVI PERIOD WALNUT AND WOOD INLAID MARQUETRY COMMODE, FRENCH C1790

KENNETH WEBB A selection of over 30 fabulous new works from this exciting Modern British Artist

17 - 30 April 2015

View the Collection Online www.gladwellpatterson.com

5 Beauchamp Place, London SW3 1NG

+44 (0)20 7584 5512

gladwellpatterson.com

ALL IMAGES ©ROH/CATHERINE ASHMORE 2011/2014

EVENTS

ACT II, SCENE 2

LA TRAVIATA GiuseppeVerdi

ioletta plans to give up her scandalous life in Paris to live peacefully in the country with Alfredo, the only man she’s ever loved. But what will she do when his father asks her to give up Alfredo too? Richard Eyre’s magnificent production of this timeless classic returns to the Royal Opera House for its twelfth revival since its premiere in 1994. The production conveys the indulgent social whirl of 19th-century Paris while showing the darker undercurrents beneath the glamorous façade, which surface as Violetta and Alfredo’s doomed love breaks social conventions. Even if it’s your first ever opera, you’ll recognize the drinking song that Violetta and Alfredo sing at their first meeting; and you’ll be carried away by the heartfelt emotion in every note of Verdi’s music, and by the opera’s wonderful romantic story. This year a stellar cast brings La traviata to life, with

AILYN PÉREZ AS VIOLETTA AND SIMON KEELYSIDE AS GIORGIO GERMONT, ACT II, SCENE 1

20 APRIL2015

Sonya Yoncheva and Marina Rebeka alternating the role of Violetta, and Ismael Jordi and Dmytro Popov as Alfredo. As his father Giorgio, Franco Vassallo, George Petean and renowned singer Plácido Domingo - who sings his fourth baritone role for the Royal Opera House - take to the stage. Set to conduct are Royal Opera House favourites Mark Minkwoski, Alexander Joel and Richard Hetherington. Enjoy an unforgettable evening in the magnificent setting of the Royal Opera House - and don’t be surprised to feel a tear in your eye as the curtain falls.

DIANA DAMRAU AS VIOLETTA, ACT I

THE DETAILS For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 020 7304 4000 or visit www.roh.org.uk/traviata

ACT III, SCENE 1

Orig na

Ho se

Bringing Character to Contemporary Spaces

stand 107 at the decorative fair, battersea

www.original - house.co.uk

EVENTS © THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON

The National Gallery’s exhibition ‘Inventing Impressionism’, is the UK’s first exhibition devoted to the visionary French art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, of whom Monet said ‘Without him, we wouldn’t have survived’.

CLAUDE MONET, POPLARS, 1891 PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART: THE CHESTER DALE COLLECTION, 1951

‘Inventing Impressionism’

o universally popular are the Impressionists today, it’s hard to imagine a time when they weren’t. But in the early 1870s they struggled to be accepted. Shunned by the art establishment, they were even lambasted as ‘lunatics’ by one critic. One man, however, recognised their worth from the beginning. Paul Durand-Ruel, an entrepreneurial art dealer from Paris, st discovered this group of young artists – including Monet, Degas, Manet, Renoir, Pissarro and Sisley – and gambled.

Realising the fashionable potential of their derided ‘impressions’ of urban and suburban life, Durand-Ruel dedicated the rest of his life to building an audience for their work and nearly bankrupted himself twice, before successfully globalising his operation with outposts in London, Brussels and New York. The ‘Impressionists’ – a term first used derogatively by critics – was to become the household name that stands today. In a unique collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ‘Inventing Impressionism’ features 85 masterpieces from the movement, all but one having passed through Durand-Ruel’s hands, including three of Renoir’s famous ‘Dances’ and five from Monet’s ‘Poplars’ series, alongside rare photographs from Durand-Ruel’s life.

until 31 May 2015

THE DETAILS Book now Members go free Discover Paul Durand-Ruel visit nationalgallery.org.uk #InventingImpressionism

Claude Monet, Poplars in the Sun (detail), 1891. The National Museum of Western Art, Matsukata Collection. Tokyo © The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo

CLAUDE MONET, POPLARS IN THE SUN (DETAIL), 1891 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART, MATSUKATA COLLECTION,TOKYO © THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART,TOKYO

22 APRIL2015

To book tickets, please visit www.nationalgallery.org.uk/inventing-impressionism or by phone 0800 912 6958 Open daily 10am–6pm (last admission 5.15pm) Friday lates until 9pm (last admission 8.15pm) Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Caroline Hall New works on aluminium from this exciting Modern British Artist

Trees from a train, Winchester to Waterloo, oil on aluminium 2015

Showing at The Other Art Fair 23rd-26th April View the collection online

www.carolinehall.net

EVENTS

MEDIEVAL BY GINA SODEN

ENTRY BY TOMMY CLARKE

KISS 2 BY HITOMI KAMMAI

PHOTOGRAPH ON BARYTA FINE ART PAPER

C-TYPE PRINT

MULTI COLOUR LINES, MULTI COLOUR FOIL, POWDER, ACRYLIC, PENCIL, PEN, PAPER

The Other Art Fair

The Other Art Fair (TOAF), the UK’s leading artist fair, is delighted to announce details of an incredible line-up for its 4th year, starting with a stunning new London location in Bloomsbury.

he Other Art Fair’s selection committee of industry experts, including special guest artist Gavin Turk and Dr Stephanie Buck, Curator of Drawings at The Courtauld Gallery, have selected 120 unrepresented artists from a record 700 applications, ensuring a fantastic line-up of remarkable talent from all over the world.

to making include Hitomi Kammai, whose hand coloured drawings offer a gentle commentary on the everyday, Bella Vernon who paints using candle smoke, dust and ink on reclaimed mirrors and Delphine Lebourgeois, another TOAF favourite who returns for 2015 with her perennially popular watercolours of gorgeous female heroines and femme fatales on the march. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTS TOAF is an event the whole family can enjoy, with spring featuring a collaboration with the critically WHO WILL BE EXHIBITING Confirming that TOAF really is the place acclaimed House of Fairy Tales (HOFT) and rd to see the unique and unexpected, the celebrated artist Gavin Turk. HOFT and Gavin spring edition features two artists who use will produce two specially commissioned th editions for the Fair, sales of which will helicopters to make art. Tommy Clark’s beautiful and intricate images appear almost support the ongoing educational work abstract at first glance but are actually aerial of HOFT. HOFT will also make a special appearance on Saturday with an opportunity photographs of scenes including the beaches for younger visitors to join in and be an art of San Tropez. German film pilot, Heiner reporter for the day with the HOFT Examiner – Borger’s ‘heli-art’ action paintings are made using the downwash from an overhead helicopter an art magazine about the fair made by children. to mix and spray colours across his vibrant canvases. TOAF is the place to discover something new in a TOAF traditionally excels in showcasing exceptional friendly, fun and unpretentious setting where the public can photography and the spring edition is no exception. Fair speak directly to the artists, join in with the Fair’s programme favourite Gina Soden, returns again with her enigmatic of lively talks and immersive performances, or simply relax at depictions of abandoned spaces, whilst Ukrainian artist, the bar and take in music from one of TOAF’s resident DJ’s. Anastasiya Lazurenko, presents a tender momento mori of The Fair has firmly established itself as a much-loved her friend and model, Valeria Koshkina in a series of portraits feature of the vibrant London art scene for the general public which explore and question female body image. and art world professionals alike. The tireless commitment by TOAF to championing emerging artists, make it truly special, Three artists presenting lyrical and delicate approaches providing professional support and a unique platform from which they can become the stars of tomorrow. ‘I feel something is happening from The Other Art fair. Here we 2015 will be a seminal year for us at The can make history’ TOAF artist, Hitomi Kammai. Other Art Fair and an exciting opportunity

23 26 April, Bloomsbury Square, WC1

to showcase the greatest ever number of unrepresented artists - as well as breaking completely new ground with our first ever fairs in Bristol and Sydney. I think we have really captured the zietgiest with The Other Art Fair; it offers a new and genuinely accessible way to see, experience and buy great art.

COMMENTS FAIR DIRECTOR, RYAN STANIER

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THE DETAILS The Other Art Fair B1,Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, WC1 Private View: Thursday 23rd April 2015, 5pm - 9.30pm*

Invitation only (with a limited number of £14 tickets available online in advance)

Opening Hours Friday 24th April 2015: 11am - 8pm, Saturday 25th April 2015: 11am - 7pm, Sunday 26th April 2015: 11am - 6pm theotherartfair.com theotherartfair

@theotherartfair

Book now Members go free Discover Paul Durand-Ruel visit nationalgallery.org.uk #InventingImpressionism

Claude Monet, Poplars in the Sun (detail), 1891. The National Museum of Western Art, Matsukata Collection. Tokyo © The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo

Jenna Burlingham fine art Peter Joyce ‘Moving South’ 6-10 May 2015 The solo show, Peter’s first London exhibition for four years, will be held at Gallery 8, 8 Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1Y 6BN Wednesday - Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 11am - 3pm

www.jennaburlingham.com 2a George Street Kingsclere Newbury RG20 5NQ

01635 298855 07970 057789 info@jennaburlingham.com

DIAMOND DAZE NADIA RICKETTS

PICTURE DOVECOT STUDIOS

EVENTS

ALISON WATT, BUTTERFLY, 2014 WOVEN BY NAOMI ROBERTSON AND FREYA SEWELL

London Craft Week

BUILDING HEEL PROCESS 172 OF THE 200+ STEPS IN MAKING HANDSEWN SHOES USING ONLY PASTE, NASTE, NAILS, A HAMMER AND LAYERS OF PIT-TANNED OAK BARK LEATHER AT CARREDUCKER

Makes its debut

London Craft Week, a brand new initiative that positions makers centre stage of the world’s creative capital will open on Wednesday, 6th May 2015.

he event will bring together an unparalleled public programme celebrating craftsmanship across the city, where hidden spaces and lesser known makers will be revealed alongside celebrated galleries and luxury brands, shining a spotlight on centuries-old skills and exciting new talent. For the inaugural year, central locations such as Mayfair and Bloomsbury will be the primary focus; historical hubs of industry and craftsmanship, which continue to inspire new examples of creativity and skill in making. Set up as a new independent non-profit initiative supported by founding partner Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watch-makers in continuous production, and strategic partners the Mayor of London, the Crafts Council, Walpole and the Heritage Crafts Association, London Craft Week will continue to be an annual event showcasing exceptional and innovative British and international craftsmanship. London Craft Week will challenge the perceptions of craft and showcase the artistic and creative ingenuity of craftsmen and makers through a ‘seeing is believing’ programme of openings, demonstrations and exhibitions. Themed as a discovery of hidden crafts and the spaces in which they are created, the week will allow makers to show their skills and share their knowledge. Visitors will have special access to studios and workshops, galleries and shops, and will be able to engage first-hand with the process of making in a variety of different ways to better understand the context of how things are made and why they are so sought after. In addition, a wide

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and growing number of partners have come together to augment the programme with their own activities. These include the headline show COLLECT presented by the Crafts Council, the Heritage Crafts Association’s ‘A Place for Craft’ conference at the V&A, and Walpoles Crafted Seminar for Maker Entrepreurs, as well as many other open studios including at Cockpit Arts. The inaugural programme has been carefully curated in order to adequately communicate the quality and magic of exceptional craftsmanship, in entertaining and enjoyable ways, focusing on a few core elements, each designed to engage with a particular audience. “London has long had a Fashion Week and a Design Festival. From 2015, it will have the equivalent for the craft sector: LONDON CRAFT WEEK. Featuring the artistic flair, painstaking skills and raw talent of exceptional craftsmanship and, as a result, attracting an ever-increasing quality and volume of collectors and customers.” Guy Salter, Founder & Chairman of London Craft Week. “Celebrated throughout the world as a centre of creativity and innovation, London has a long and rich heritage of craft and designer-making, which do not always get the attention they deserve. London Craft Week will throw the spotlight on this vibrant and growing sector and the highly skilled craftspeople at work in our city today.” Boris Johnson, Mayor of London. THE DETAILS www.londoncraftweek.com

ANDREI PROTSOUK EXHIBITION

THURSDAY 7TH MAY 7PM 9PM

FEATURE

MILONGA

THE NAKED GRAPE

Meet one of today’s leading figurative artists in West London

ne of the world’s leading figurative artists on the contemporary scene will be travelling across the pond this May to personally present a stunning collection of his art in Chiswick, London. Artwork by international Artist Andrei Protsouk was recognised to have serious credibility and investment potential on television earlier last year. Channel 4’s ‘Posh Pawn’ acknowledged Andrei’s art as an investment on series 1, episode 6. One of Andrei’s original oil paintings which was initially purchased for £7,000 was sold to an investor on the TV program for an incredible £39,000, the sale representing a profit of £32,000. This was just

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one of many investors worldwide clamouring to secure work by the artist. Andrei has completed many commissions including those for George W Bush, Coco-Cola, Imperial Cosmetics and Johnny Walker Expo, to name a few, With an everincreasing army of collectors spread across the globe, Andrei Prosouk’s work is actively exhibited in USA, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, Germany, Russia and the UK. The Ukrainian artist, now residing in the USA, completed a Fine Art Master’s Degree at The Russian Academy of Arts in St. Petersbourg Russia, which is regarded as one of the most credible classical MFA Art training programs in the world. During this time, Andrei

BONJOUR

OLYMPIC TANGO

WINE LE PARADISE

AVENUE OF HEARTS

Protsouk was taught under Evsey Moiseenko who was a contemporary of other masters such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall; Andrei took inspiration from each of these Art Masters. Admitting that his art presents an unusual fusion of both Russian and Western influences, Andrei merges the classical techniques learnt during his elite Russian Art education with vibrant colours and subjects which can create a sense of ‘freedom’, influenced by his time in the USA. Renowned for his themes of dance and romance, the soul of Andrei Protsouk’s artwork is his infatuation with human relationships, love and beauty. Andrei believes that “the universal language in the world is love.”

On Thursday 7th May 2015, Andrei will be present at Capulet Gallery in Chiswick, London, from 7pm until 9pm to meet fans and collectors of his work. There will be an exquisite collection of the artist’s original oil paintings and limited editions on display to purchase on the evening. THE DETAILS Please contact the gallery on either enquiries@capuletgallery.com or 020 8747 0370 to register your interest.There is more information on Andrei Protsouk at www.capuletgallery.com

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EVENTS

Saturday 16th May 2 Grosvenor 015 H Hotel, Park ouse Lane, London

Daisy Ball Twenty-One A spectacular charity ball is to be held at a Park Lane hotel to raise vital funds for blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan.

uests who attend Anthony Nolan’s 21st annual black-tie event, the Daisy Ball, will be celebrating the charity’s lifesaving work at the prestigious Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel, on Saturday 16th May 2015. Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, by matching remarkable individuals willing to donate their bone marrow to the people who desperately need lifesaving transplants. To help a patient in need, a donor must be found who has a matching tissue type, and there are millions of variations. It can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. As it costs £100 to recruit each new person to their existing register of potential donors, it’s essential for Anthony Nolan to raise valuable funds and find more lifesaving matches. Last year, Daisy Ball Twenty raised over £240,000 – which helped to add more potential lifesavers to the register and conduct vital research to help people with blood cancer have the best possible chance of life. This spectacular, entertaining, and lifesaving event regularly attracts over 750 guests. The night includes a scrumptious three-course meal, inspiring real-life stories and world-class cabaret entertainment. There is also a surprise headline act, and previous performers have included The Three Degrees, The Osmonds, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Heather Small and the cast of The Jersey Boys.

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Guests will have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes in the raffle and to bid on incredible experiences throughout a live auction. Past prizes have included luxurious holidays to South Africa and Canada, a private screening at Everyman Cinemas, once-in-a-lifetime cooking experiences with celebrity chefs Brian Turner and Angela Hartnett and unique sporting memorabilia. Anthony Nolan is seeking donations of exciting raffle prizes to raise as much as possible from the event.

Guests who support Anthony Nolan’s lifesaving work by taking a table at the Daisy Ball will enjoy delightful champagne reception A A delicious three-course dinner A superb live band An opportunity to take home fabulous, unique auction & raffle items A star-studded cabaret and surprise headline act Individual tickets are priced at £245 or £2,940 for a table of 12 THE DETAILS For more information on booking tickets, or to donate a luxury prize, please contact the Anthony Nolan Special Events Team on 020 7424 6686 or daisyball@anthonynolan.org

Crafting the exceptional

London, England

81 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, SW1W 8DA www.theOriginalSofaCo.com

FEATURE

Fall in love with your perfect piece

e are a unique gallery nestled in-between artworks and artists, if you have an idea of what you want, Putney and Barnes offering a relaxed and we can help to point you in the right direction. We also offer welcoming a unique service of home atmosphere, approval where we are more Will’s Art Warehouse was founded by Will Ramsay in 1996. as well as a fantastic array than happy for customers to He realised that the need for a gallery that makes art more: of affordable art. We have try new pieces at home before a huge variety of original purchasing. We also offer AFFORDABLE All our artworks are priced under £4,000. We have a large selection in particular, priced between £40 and £4,000. artwork ranging from Wedding List and Gift Voucher beautifully crafted etchings services, so you can spread FRIENDLY We do not hassle or hard sell to our customers. All visitors and screen prints to the joy of owning art to your are welcome to browse and explore our collection in peace. We are sculptures and paintings. All friends and family. For more on hand to answer any questions or to chat about what you might be the artwork is handpicked by information why not visit our looking for. our curator and showcased website www.wills-art.com DIVERSE Will wanted his gallery to be ‘The Oddbins of the Art in seven exciting themed and view an array of artworks World’. Our diverse and intriguing collection enables the chance for exhibitions throughout the prior to your visit. We have anyone to wander in and find something to fall for and take away year. Our current show, many artists and artwork to ‘Fin, Fur, Feather’, ushers choose from and you can Spring into the gallery and filter our selection in various celebrates all things wild and wonderful! Following that, ways too. Alternatively you can email info@ ‘Thingamejigs & Thingimebobs’ opens on Saturday 2nd wills-art.com if you wish to delve a little deeper May and runs until Wednesday 24th June, and looks at We strive to create a friendly atmosphere our love of objects captured in stunning still life. at Will’s Art Warehouse so that buying art is an accessible and enjoyable experience for Whatever the exhibition, you will find styles spanning the traditional and formal to art for everyone! Be original and inspire someone or children's rooms, contemporary masterpieces, yourself with a piece of art! and even sculpture for the garden. We keep a variety of work in our storeroom for customers to THE DETAILS rummage through at their own pace, so no matter Will’s Art Warehouse 180 Lower Richmond Road, when you visit the gallery, there’s always plenty Putney Common, London SW15 1LY.0 to find and fall in love with! t. 020 8246 4840 e.info@wills-art.com www.wills-art.com We’re always on hand to offer advice on

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Pop into Putney’s friendliest gallery to see affordable art from £40 – £4,000 180 Lower Richmond Rd Putney Common London SW15 1LY T: 020 8246 4840 E: info@wills-art.com W: wills-art.com Open 7 days 10.30 – 6pm

EVENTS

WORLD PREMIERE OF THEATRE PRODUCTION

Launch es April 2015

‘Alice’s Adventures Underground’ Les Enfants Terribles is to create Alice’s Wonderland under the streets of London

o celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, critically-acclaimed theatre company Les Enfants Terribles is bringing Wonderland to the capital with Alice’s Adventures Underground, in an adaptation by Oliver Lansley and Anthony Spargo. For a limited season from April 2015 and staged in the atmospheric Vaults underneath Waterloo station, Alice’s Adventures Underground will create a fully formed world that blends storytelling, live music, puppetry, circus and spectacle. Invited down the rabbit hole in groups of 52 (based on a deck of cards), each audience member will be presented with a choice of EAT ME or DRINK ME, which will affect the way their show will unfold.

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dance pieces and live music. Oliver Lansley, Founder and Artistic Director of Les Enfants Terribles, says: “What stands out to me when reading Alice is the desire to experience Wonderland for yourself – this is what our show offers. This Wonderland will deliver a truly otherworldly adventure that is unique to every audience member, combining complete sensory immersion with the visual storytelling and stagecraft that remain at the heart of Les Enfants Terribles.”

SCHEDULE FOR ALICE’S ADVENTURES UNDERGROUND Previews 9th - 15th April Performances 16th April - 31st May (Tuesday - Sunday) The bar at Wonderland closes at 11pm Tuesday & Wednesday and 2am Thursday - Saturday.The bar will also host a live band Thursday - Saturday

SCHEDULE FOR THE WONDERLAND SESSIONS

WITH A CAST OF MORE THAN 30, ALICE’S ADVENTURES UNDERGROUND WILL ALSO FEATURE: Over 20 individual rooms A tea table of gigantic proportions, fit for a party of 60 An original soundtrack Three bars, including a VIP bar for premium ticket holders Plus projections and potions, a dizzying rabbit hole, a hazy Caterpillar lair, Cheshire cats, a terrifying Red Queen, a mysteriously absent Alice and enough tea to make anyone go mad

ABOUT LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES “A razor sharp theatre group”

After the show, audiences are encouraged to remain in the ‘Queen’s Garden’ bar until the small hours, with a full menu of food and drink available. The bar will form a lively part of the Wonderland world, with its own cast and installations, including a hedge maze and flamingo croquet. To complement the show, Alice’s Adventures Underground will also host a variety of companies and speakers to present The Wonderland Sessions, a multi-art exploration of the work and performances inspired by the original book, with a different partner weekly presenting an exclusive event from inside Wonderland, with performances ranging from readings and screenings to

Founded by Artistic Director Oliver Lansley in 2001, Les Enfants Terribles has since grown to receive consistent critical acclaim, been nominated for and won top industry awards, and established a large and loyal following for its original and unique work, including The Vaudevillains, Ernest And The Pale Moon, The Terrible Infants And The Trench. The company has now built a reputation for being one of the most visually exciting British theatre companies working today, and has performed all over the world and toured extensively in the UK. For more information, visit www.lesenfantsterribles.co.uk

Monday nights: 20th & 27th April and May 4,th 11th, 18th & 25th The Vaults, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN The show is suitable for 11+. Running time 90 minutes. For details of ticket prices and to book, please visit www.alice-underground.com UndergroundAlice @aliceunderLDN

THE TELEGRAPH

116 Fulham Road Chelsea London SW3 6HU Tel 0207 373 3668 26 Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane London NW3 4TG Tel 0207 4499 594 12 Lichfield Terrace Sheen Road Richmond TW9 1AS Tel 0203 166 4008

EVENTS

useums at Night, the UK’s annual after-hours festival of arts, culture and heritage, offers the chance to experience culture and heritage with hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK opening their doors after hours to put on an array of special events. The festival has experienced phenomenal growth during the past few years, attracting 180,000 visits to 700 events across the country in 2014.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE MAY FESTIVAL INCLUDE The Prize for Illustration 2015: London Places and Spaces, London Transport Museum, London (15th May) Be one of the first to see the new The Prize for Illustration 2015 exhibition which this year takes the theme of Places and Spaces. On the opening evening of the exhibition chill out the indoor pop-up park; curator talks, creative make and take poster and postcard making workshops, quizzes, bar and DJ. As well as enjoying the 100 illustrations on display, revellers will also be able to enjoy a 2 for 1 glass of Pimms offer.

Expedition to Iceland Sleepover, The William Morris Museum, London (16th May) Spend the night camping out in the mysterious landscape of the William Morris Gallery, follow Sigurd the Volsung’s brave journey in the Icelandic stories performed by E17 Puppet Project, and take part in art and craft activities. Ticket includes breakfast, hands on activities, prizes, torch tour and puppet show. For children aged 8 – 12 years old.

Dunkirk Little Ships 75th Anniversary festival (16th May) Over 20 Dunkirk Little Ships with gather in London’s Royal Docks over Museums at Night weekend, ahead of their Return to Dunkirk journey to mark the 75th anniversary of the Dunkirk Evacuations. During the evening the Dunkirk Little Ships will parade around Royal

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Victoria Dock. Little Ship The Silver Queen will offer twilight trips around the docks and there will be the chance to step aboard some of the other ships taking part.

Dickens After Dark, the Charles Dickens Museum, London (15th May) Away from the hustle and bustle of central London, hidden in a little corner of Bloomsbury, No.48 Doughty Street is a unique setting for a Dickensian experience. For one evening only, the former home of the great author opens its doors for a delectable evening of Victorian entertainment. Michael Slater will read from the infamous books penned in the house, whilst in the shadowy basement kitchens, costumed butter-churning demonstrations reveal the secrets of Catherine Dickens’s original recipes. There will be classic film screenings, live music, The Library Bar and a beautiful hidden walled garden waiting to be discovered.

Late Night Keats, Keats House, London (15th May) ‘Through buried paths, where sleepy twilight dreams The summer time away’ Try your hand at the art of shadow puppetry, create your own Regency silhouette or join a twilight tour to explore John Keats’ life. Join puppeteers Smoking Apples for a drop-in workshop.

Put That Light Out! Sleepover, Firepower Royal Artillery Museum, London (16th May) An evening packed with fun activities such as Military Drilling, Rocket Firing, World Wars Tour and Medal Making Crafts followed by a sleepover in among the guns and exhibits of the Museum. During the evening there will be a traditional military Sunset Ceremony to lower the flag and reflect on the day followed by a campfire sing-along of WW2 favourites & hot chocolate.

THE DETAILS For more details please www.museumsatnight.org.uk

New

ALL D R A O AB

Now open

at London Transport Museum

Covent Garden WC2E 7BB

Kids go free

The Baker Street Cake Shop

Come and play! WC2E 7BB

Supported by DCMS/Wolfson Fund Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust Optare

EVENTS

16th-19th April 2015 The Show room Marylebon , e NW8

THE LONDON ANTIQUE RUG AND TEXTILE ART FAIR

his exotic and fascinating souk-like event offers the perfect opportunity to choose a wonderful rug for your home, from the widest selection you are ever likely to find. LARTA is the UK’s only premier specialist fair for rugs and textiles A celebration of colour and design in antique rug and textile art, LARTA Fair will open its fifth annual event at The Showroom, off Church Street, Marylebone London NW8. LARTA is the one occasion every year that UK collectors and aficionados know they can see the widest and best selection of rare and beautiful antique and vintage rugs, carpets and textiles available on the market. Decorators and the international trade also visit to source items originating from Anatolia and Turkey, the Caucasus, Persia, Central Asia, India and China as well as Europe and Africa. Works are of all periods up to the early 20th century. A boutique event with twelve specialist exhibitors, LARTA is presented in a souk-like atmosphere, with rugs, runners, embroideries, tapestries, kilims, decorative

textiles and a selection of tribal artefacts such as woven baskets and bead-work. At no other UK event can you discover more about the skills of woven art and tribal design traditions stretching back centuries. LARTA offers exceptional works, rare collectors’ items and a fine quality array of pieces perfect for decoration, each created in timeless style by artists in the deserts of the Middle East or the peaks of Tibet. Opening night, April 16th, is the Fair’s Collectors’ Preview from 6pm-9pm (invitation only: apply online to join the Fair’s mailing list). Following the success of their online initiative in 2014, LARTA Fair opens a virtual viewing system on its website from 6pm the same evening.

The very best items offered at the Fair by exhibitors will be fully illustrated with high resolution images and descriptions together with direct contact details for each exhibitor. THE DETAILS For more information visit www.larta.net

FEATURE

Inspired By Racing

The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Special Edition

ston Martin has revealed the first details of its most potent and uncompromising Vantage to date: the track-inspired Vantage GT3 special edition. With production strictly limited to just 100 examples, the new model combines all of Aston Martin’s learning from its years of sports car competition around the globe to produce its most performance focused road-going Vantage. Equipped with a new iteration of the brand’s 6.0-litre V12 engine which is capable of generating up to 600 PS1, the car weighs in at 100kg less than a standard V12 Vantage S. Comprehensively re-engineered, as well as significantly restyled, the GT3-inspired special edition is lower and wider than any of its siblings in the Vantage family. A broader track – front and rear – brings even more composed cornering thanks to a reduction in lateral load transfer, while the use of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres provides even more assured handling. Thoroughly equipped with cutting edge motorsport-inspired features, from the extensive use of carbon fibre inside and out to the track-focused aerodynamics pack – which includes a prominent rear wing and pronounced front splitter – the race-derived new Vantage brings more focused and uncompromising capability and styling to a road-going Aston Martin. Designed and engineered exclusively at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters in Warwickshire, England, it is the most overt expression of everything that defines Vantage: an inspirational sports model offering supreme driveability on the road, and uncompromising dynamic performance on track. New flared carbon fibre front wings, carbon fibre bonnet, a lithium ion race-derived battery, carbon-fibre door casings, optional carbon fibre roof, optional weight-saving polycarbonate rear window and rear quarter windows are just a few of the measures which illustrate the engineers’

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determination to eliminate mass wherever possible. That determination has paid off, too, as the new car weighs in at only 1,565 kg2. Under the skin lie a number of bespoke engineering upgrades, aside from the new 600 PS1 V12 engine. Magnesium inlet manifolds with revised geometry, a lightweight magnesium torque tube and a full titanium exhaust system with centre outlets are just a few of the features that underline the rigorous re-engineering of this exclusive new Vantage. The car’s interior is comprehensively reworked, too, with a full carbon fibre centre stack and touch-sensitive control array; race-derived carbon fibre sports seats; Alcantara trim and the option of numerous bespoke features courtesy of the brand’s popular personalisation service: Q by Aston Martin. Announcing the arrival of the Vantage GT3 special edition, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Motorsport is in our blood at Aston Martin. The Vantage is the car we campaign in top level sports car racing around the world and so it seems only fitting that we offer an exclusive, limited edition Vantage that expertly fuses our motorsport know-how with our road car prowess.” He added: “The Vantage GT3 special edition is an uncompromising example of our design and engineering expertise and I’m sure the 100 owners who secure one of these cars will savour every second behind the wheel; whether on the road or on the track.” The Vantage GT3 special edition will make its public debut on 3 March at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show with first customer deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2015. THE DETAILS For further technical specifications, please visit www.astonmartin.com

LOVE LOC AL EVENTS

BMW PGA ChAMP Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, surrey 21 – 24 May 2015 Celebrity Pro-Am Day 20 May 2015

any of golf ’s global superstars will return to Wentworth Club, Surrey this May to compete at the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship. World number one and four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy will be spearheading a title defence against some of the biggest names on the European Tour. McIlroy overcame a seven-shot deficit to emerge victorious on the iconic West Course in 2014 – a success that kick-started a dazzling season for the current Open and US PGA Champion. He faces tough competition from a worldclass line-up at Wentworth this year including victorious 2014 Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley and fellow Ryder Cup team-mates Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell. McIlroy, whose fame now transcends the game with such brilliance, commented: “Growing up in Belfast, the BMW PGA Championship always featured high on my list of priorities along with the Major Championships. To return to Wentworth as defending champion is a huge

2462 aApPrRiI lL 22001155

honour and I can’t wait to draw on the memories of 2014.” Rose has come agonisingly close to lifting the trophy at a venue he used to visit with his family as a starry-eyed youngster. Rose reached a pinnacle in his career when he captured the US Open title for the first-time in 2013. He said: “Our family lived close to Wentworth and I was always excited each May to attend the event with my dad. The BMW PGA is rightly regarded as the European Tour’s flagship event.” The BMW PGA Championship offers a superb package of world class golf, entertainment, celebrity-spotting and hospitality offerings and takes place over a six day period. The ever popular Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday 20 May is now firmly established as the curtain raiser for England’s biggest golf tournament and has once again attracted an impressive line-up of A-list celebrities. With further names to be announced, Irishman Rory McIlroy will be playing alongside Manchester United legends Phil Neville and Paul Scholes. Other confirmed names include sporting greats such as

ionshiP

Alan Shearer, David Ginola and Teddy Sheringham. AP McCoy, Carl Llewellyn and Mick Fitzgerald will represent

The impressive line-up continues with female representation in the forms of model Jodie Kidd and Olympic bronze curling medallist Eve Muirhead the field of horse racing, with rugby legend Mike Tindall also taking on the complex challenges of Wentworth’s West Course. The impressive line-up continues with female representation in the forms of model Jodie Kidd and Olympic bronze curling medallist Eve Muirhead. Tickets for the BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am day are still available with children under the age of 16 once again admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. The Championship’s successful park and ride will once again be in operation and will run from two locations – Broomhall Farm in Sunningdale, which will carry traffic from the South and East and Ascot Racecourse, which will carry traffic from the North and West. The park and ride will run a free shuttle bus service to Wentworth Club every five minutes direct to the entrance of the Championship Village. Advance tickets, with a discount on the gate price, are available for the practice day on Tuesday, May 19, the celebrity Pro-Am day on Wednesday, May 20 and all four days of the Championship from May 21-24. THE EUROPEAN TOUR - CELEBRATING GOLF. WORLDWIDE.

THE DETAILS To purchase tickets, please call the ticketing hotline on 0800 023 2557, or go the European Tour website: www.europeantour.com/tickets ••••• Twitter: @EuropeanTour @BMWPGA #BMWPGA ••••• Facebook: European Tour Web: www.europeantour.com R iI Ll2 02 10 51 54 2 37 aApP r

FEATURE

Britain’s Most Expensive Parking Space For Sale Britain’s most expensive parking space has been put up for sale, priced at nearly £500,000. The triple-bay space, in South Kensington, would beat the previous record for a parking spot by £100,000.

isted with estate agent Foxtons at £480,000, the bay in Kingston House North is located in a “secure” underground parking complex. Kingston House Private Parking is ideally situated opposite The Prince of Wales Gate in Hyde Park, on the west side of Knightsbridge and lies on the south side of Kensington Road. As well as the space, the owner will also get a valet service, an “exceptional chauffeur lounge” 24-hour security, a valet service, extensive state-of-the-art CCTV and a complex ventilation system which ensures the regular flow of clean and extraction of carbon monoxide emissions. However, to cover these extras, there is an additional service charge of £1,500 a year; while stamp duty will take the total cost to £494,000. Boasting an exceptional location, this exquisite

44 APRIL2015

underground parking development boasts a secure, prestigious and exclusive environment,” Foxtons’ listing claims. “Kingston House Private Parking is excellently positioned to cater for London’s most prime addresses and renowned luxury leisure.” On its website, Kingston House Private Parking described the car park as a ‘5 star parking facility deserving of our discerning clients’. Property values in the area are among the highest in the country, with a twobedroom flat recently selling for £2m and a four-bedroom terraced home being bought for more than £5m. A two-car underground bay near the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington currently holds the title of Britain’s most expensive parking space after selling for £400,000 in February last year. THE DETAILS www.khprivateparking.com

The Volkswagen Golf. Like the old ones... But somehow even better. With a Deposit Contribution of £1,250. Plus 2 Years Servicing. All cars must be registered before 30th April 2015.

Volkswagen Golf 5dr Hat 1.4TSI Match

Solutions (Personal Contract Plan) representative example based on 5,000 miles per annum# Period of Hire

49 months

48 monthly rentals of

£199.72

Cash Price

£20,535.00

Final rental of

£9,630.00

Alan Day deposit contribution

£1,250.00

Acceptance fee*

£125.00

Customer deposit**

£3,300.00

Purchase fee>

£60.00

Amount of credit

£15,985.00

Total amount payable

£23,826.56

Add Charges

£3,106.56

Representative APR

6.4% APR

Balance

£19,091.56

Rate of interest

3.11% fixed

Alan Day Hampstead Alan Day Hampstead, 277 Finchley Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 6LT. Tel: 0203 553 5618. @alandayvw

facebook.com/AlanDayVW

www.alandayvw.co.uk

Picture used for illustration purposes only. Retail sales only. **Payable by one payment on or before entering into agreement. *Payable with first rental. >Payable with final rental. ^^2 years’ free servicing available to customers purchasing on Solutions Finance. #7.2p per mile excess mileage charges apply (incl. VAT). Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Volkswagen Finance, Freepost VWFS. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Available to over 18s in the UK only.

Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures for the Volkswagen Golf 5dr Hat 1.4TSI Match in mpg (l/100km) from: Urban 41.5 (6.8), Extra Urban 64.2 (4.4), Combined 53.3 5.3). CO2 emissions 123 g/km.

FEATURE

Thursday 28th May 2015, 5pm-9pm

CARNABY

Carnaby throws the ultimate Shopping Party!

njoy 20% off at more than 100 fashion brands, restaurants and bars who are uniting to create London’s coolest fashion party for one night only. The Carnaby Shopping Party will be showcasing exclusive tech led experiences in the 13 streets of the Carnaby area as well as in-store for the very first time. Shop for your Spring/Summer 2015 essentials in Carnaby’s participating flagship, concept and independent stores including A.P.C, Benefit, Brandy Melville, Cheap Monday, Dahlia, ELEVENPARIS, Lazy

46 APRIL2015

Oaf, Monki, SuperTrash, The Kooples and many more. Tech led experiences will include a digital magazine cover shoot, fashion trend talks at the Carnaby Google hangouts, a giant live feed interactive screen, a digital graffiti wall and more. Expect a free pop up bar, goodie bags, style hunter teams and money-can’t-buy experiences. THE DETAILS Keep up to date at Carnaby.co.uk @CarnabyLondon #Carnaby for more announcements

FEATURE FeaTuRe

For most people the home is their biggest investment

Do you protect yourS?

Tiffin can convert a sad and weathered property into a luxurious and well-maintained home

good and lasting relationship needs understanding, care and attention. Your relationship with your home is equally important. We all want our homes to keep our families, safe and happy. In turn, properties need to be protected from nature’s harsh and sometimes relentless elements like last winter’s treacherous storms and rain…

Why trust Tiﬃn? Because they have been supporting the community and even royalty for 320 years. Services include helping the local community and surrounding areas with building work and also identifying defects using thermography: latest and state-of-the-art technology which recognises

Have you considered the effects of recent bad weather on your home and the essential maintenance and repairs that might be necessary? Spring and summer are the ideal times for all repairs or building work.” Robert Tiffin

As a result of bad weather, buildings can silently suffer until a major problem surfaces. A prime example is damp. However, if you cannot tell whether a problem is damp or condensation, how would you rectify? Condensation causing damp is a health risk and is normally associated with heating, ventilation, insulation and building defects. It’s crucial to know the difference and especially, to be led by an expert’s recommendations. Robert Tiffin is an experienced quantity surveyor, who can advise and identify all building problems and offer the best solutions. You don’t need to worry or make costly mistakes. In addition he has a qualified and loyal team who can support his recommendations for all maintenance, refurbishment, modernisation and building work. For the long-term and to ensure your home is adequately understood and protected, it is worth investing in a full maintenance report (report fees are refunded upon completion of works by Tiffin) which will recognise and then address the imminent and potential long-term problems. Remedying an issue whilst still minor is much cheaper than an emergency repair which has been developing over a period of years.

building defects and sources of heat/energy loss. is service is especially important when making properties more Energy efficient. Whilst looking at your property as a current and long-term home and to maximise your property investment value, Tiffin offer a full-range of services which will keep the entire project in-house and therefore carefully managed.

“If you need to build an extension for a growing family because improving is generally cheaper than moving, we can help you adapt your space for new requirements with consideration for both aesthetics and function. We will help you to maximise your property’s value and purpose whilst you enjoy all the beneﬁts of home comforts.” Robert Tiffin

Ensuring that home and property owners can look forward to improving their comfort and lifestyle in a warm, cosy and cost-eﬀective, healthier home environment for themselves, their families or tenants. *Compliance and regulation must be observed as any building work must be in accordance with the Building Regulations and other bodies, such as the Listed Building Authorities, e Energy Act 2008/11 and CORE, which is one of the leading technical bodies heading up retroﬁtting to existing buildings in the UK. ■

The deTails For more information – please contact Tiffin Group Telephone: 01923 840 820 email: Robert@Tiffingroup.co.uk www.tiffingroup.co.uk

PIR ?4 8 AA PR L I2L0 21 50 1 5

// refurbiSh // ModerniSe // iMprove

Improve your home with warmth and comfort, whilst adding significant value to your property. We have highly trained and experienced staff using modern technology to help achieve the most cosiest and cost effective home, using thermography. // Building refurbishment and modernisation // Damp, decay, condensation and waterproofing treatments // Planning, design and costings // Maintenance, repair and redecoration For more information, please call us on

01923 840820

or go to www.tiffingroup.co.uk Proud members of

Proud members of Federation of Master Builders; CoRE, The Guild of Master Craftsmen; BSRIA; Approved AmPaRrIcLh2 0210 51 5 4399

EVENTS

Wednesday, April 15th, 20 15,

Sotheby’s

New Bond Str eet, W1A 2AA

Gavin Gardiner Limited

In association with Sotheby’s

avin Gardiner’s April sale at Sotheby’s will include a major private collection of Royal and Noble owned Victorian Sporting Guns and rifles. The collection comprises 15 guns built for the best known and finest shots of the Victorian age. A J. Purdey & Sons 12-bore hammer gun, built in 1871 for HRH Prince George, the Duke of Cambridge – the grandson of King George III and a cousin of Queen Victoria is estimated at £5,000-£6,000, while another example by J. Purdey & Sons - 12-bore bar-in wood hammer gun, built for Lord Walsingham in 1882, one of the greatest shots of his age is expected to fetch £6,000-£8,000. Two guns by J. Purdey & Sons built for Lord Ripon, renowned as the greatest gameshot of all time include a 20-bore lever-cocking bar-inwood hammer gun, built in 1880 (Est: £10,000-£15,000) and a 12-bore top-lever hammer gun, built in 1868 which is estimated at £6,000-£8,000. Other Royal guns include a 12-bore bar-in wood patent hammer gun, built by Westley Richards for Queen Victoria in 1869 as a present for her son, HRH the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, that carries an estimate of £10,000-£15,000 and a pair of 12-bore percussion hammer guns by Charles Lancaster, built for Prince Albert, Prince Consort and ordered by Queen Victoria as a present. The estimate is upon request.

50 APRIL2015

Also included is a rare 8-bore hammer gun by John Dickson & Sons ordered by the eccentric Victorian collector Charles Gordon in 1886, and remaining in it’s case with all original tools and accessories,which is estimated at £15,000-£20,000. Gavin Gardiner says: “I am delighted to be selling this collection, which has been amassed over a lifetime’s collecting, and includes examples owned by some of the most renowned and famous shots of the golden era of game shooting. The names Ripon, Walsingham and Edward, Prince of Wales conjure up images of the legendary shooting parties of Victorian England, these shots were well known to each other, and were responsible for some of the best shooting ever seen. I am honoured to be selling such an important part of our shooting heritage.” 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 as well as a good selection of accessories and more curious items. THE DETAILS For further information, please visit www.gavingardiner.com or call 01798 875300

You can follow Gavin Gardiner on Twitter @GavinGardiner

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Prices are correct at the time of going to print (07.04.2015). Anniversary Sale offer applies to selected sailings only on bookings made before 31st May 2015. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount, is subject to change and availability and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. An administration charge of £29.50 applies to all telephone bookings. A credit card charge of 2.5% applies. For more on what’s included and full terms and conditions please refer to Holland America Line’s latest brochure or website. Cruise118 (ABTA L3742 & Y6059 ATOL 5534). Errors & omissions excepted.

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FEATURE

Lord’s Home of Cricket

the

ord’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. Its 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-of-theart MCC Cricket Academy, the unrivalled MCC Library and the world-famous MCC Museum.

52 APRIL2015

Above all, Lord’s is the setting for some of the best cricket in the world. It hosts Investec Test matches and NatWest-sponsored oneday internationals plus most of Middlesex’s home games, some historic fixtures (such as Oxford v Cambridge) and the village and club finals. 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 Victor Trumper, Jack Hobbs and Don Bradman. Other highlights include the players’ Dressing Rooms with the renowned Lord’s Honours Boards, which provide a lasting reminder of exceptional batting and bowling performances in Lord’s Tests.

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, a nd 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 for batsmen, two-way simultaneous video recording equipment, a Supergrasse playing surface - especially for cricket, a bar & coffee shop for spectators (for tired players!) with coaching available throughout 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. THE DETAILS For more information visit the website at www.lords.org

LORDS FIXTURES 2015 APRIL

Sun12 - Wed 15 11:00am Tue 21 10:30am Tue 28 10:00am

MAY

Sat 2 - Tue 5 Wed 6 Thu 7 Thu21 - Mon25 Thu 28 Sun 31 - Wed 3

1:00am 10:30am 9:30am 11:00am 6:15pm 11:00am

Middlesex v Nottinghamshire County Championship MCC v Ireland A MCC Men’s Regional T20 Finals Day Middlesex v Durham County Championship MCC v MCCYoung Cricketers MCC Corporate Cricket Day England v New Zealand 1st InvestecTest Match Middlesex v Kent NatWest T20 Blast Middlesex v Warwickshire County Championship

JUNE

Thu 11 10:00am Sat 13 TBC Thu 18 6:15pm Sat 20 11:00am Tue 23 11:00am Sat 27 11:00am Sun 28 - Wed 1 11:00am

JULY

Thu 2 6:15pm Thu16 - Mon20 11:00am

Inter-Services T20 Tournament J.P. Morgan Cricket Cup Middlesex v Hampshire NatWestT20 Blast Eton v Harrow MCCU Challenge Final MCC Universities Oxford v Cambridge Middlesex v Hampshire County Championship Middlesex v Sussex NatWest T20 Blast England v Australia 2nd Investec AshesTestMatch

AUGUST

Thu 6 10:30am Fri 7 - Mon 10 11:00am Mon 17 10:30am Thu 20 10:45am

SEPTEMBER

Sat 5 Sold out 10:30am Tue 8 10:30am Wed 9 - Sat 12 10:30am

Middlesex v Nottinghamshire Royal London One-Day Cup Middlesex v Sussex County Championship Middlesex v Glamorgan Royal London One-Day Cup MCC v Club Cricket Conference England v Australia 2nd Royal London ODI MCC Schools v ESCA Middlesex vYorkshire County Championship

APRIL2015 53

EVENTS

Sunday 26th Apr il 2015

London Marathon 2015 S ince 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 that 150 countries around the world. As a fundraising event, there is no race in the world that comes close to the London Marathon. An iconic image of the event are the thousands of runners pounding the streets 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. When Virgin was announced as the title sponsor of the London Marathon in 2010, the ambition was to work together to reach a charity fundraising target of £1/4 billion in five years. This figure has been broken, with the total raised for charity in the five years of Virgin Money sponsorship now standing at £261.4 million. In addition, over the last three decades the London Marathon Charitable Trust has awarded more than £35 million in grants to develop sport and recreation facilities in the capital and other areas in the country where the London marathon stages events. The elite races start at 9am for women and 9.45am for men, with the London Marathon wheelchair races beginning at 9.20am and the mass race at 9.45am. Twelve months on from their thunderous battle down The Mall last April, wheelchair stars David Weir and Marcel Hug are all set for a thrilling re-match when the world’s best paraathletes will be going for gold in eight IPC Athletics World Championship marathons. Women’s marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe has spoken of her plans ahead of her farewell appearance

54 APRIL2015

at the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon. The 41-year-old athletics legend, who won the London Marathon on three occasions between 2002 and 2005, was speaking at the Virgin Money London Marathon’s annual lunch event at Michel Roux Jr’s restaurant, Roux at Parliament Square, before flying out to Kenya for a training camp. She said: “I’m full of excitement and lots of gratitude to the London Marathon for giving me the opportunity to come back and do my last one here. It means so much to be running the London Marathon again, because it’s an event I have grown up with. After this year’s race, my aim is to keep running but just for enjoyment, and to run as long as I can.” Celebrities lined up to take part this year include Formula 1 star Jenson Button and British fashion designer Henry Holland with Juliet Aubrey, Helen George, Dervla Kirwan and Corrie’s Bruno Langley just four of the famous faces from the world of television drama. Reality television stars Hugo Taylor and Oliver Proudlock putting aside the dramas of Made in Chelsea to run in aid of Malaria No More and The Rainbow Trust, and the British Heart Foundation respectively. Some advice to those that wish to go along and support and cheer on the brave runners, many roads are closed on race day, so the best way to get around is using the London Underground, South Eastern and Docklands Light Railway (DLR), who lay on extra services especially. Remember, the trains will be busy all day – expect it to be like rush hour. You’ll probably have to queue at some stations and the tube lines may be forced to shut temporarily throughout the day to help ease the crowds. THE DETAILS For more details go to www.virginlondonmarathon.com

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FEATURE

nutrition and wellbeing experts in Be:Fit London’s Meet The Experts Theatre. Throughout each day a host of leading industry speakers will be giving insights in how to manage health issues, optimise your training and modify your diet to help you look & feel sensational.

MEET THE BE:FIT LONDON AMBASSADORS Athletics’ golden girl, super mum and broadcaster Denise Lewis will reveal her secrets to staying in shape, keeping a work/life balance and staying motivated in addition giving fans the chance to personally ask their burning questions. On Friday 1st May visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the UK’s most successful ever swimmer, Becky Adlington - Becky will be chatting with fans, sharing her training tips and how she maintains her Olympic body, plus what’s next in store following her retirement from the sport.

RELAX & RECHARGE Rest is an essential part of training. Be:Fit London’s VIP Day Spa, in association with Harper’s Bazaar will give you the chance to relax and recharge in tranquil surroundings. VIP Day Spa packages are £50 and will offer a deluxe 30 minute treatment, a complimentary glass of bubbly, VIP cloakroom and shop & drop facility, the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar and an exclusive gift bag packed full of treats from our partners.

he UK’s best kept health & fitness secret dedicated to women and Winner of Best New Consumer Show 2014, Be: Fit London returns next month. Commit to becoming the best version of yourself - Learn from a dream team of experts, tone with London’s master trainers in the fitness studio and explore over 125 handpicked brands and discover how to reach your goals. Join the movement alongside 15,000 other women to becoming healthier and happier.

TRAIN IN THE FITNESS STUDIO London’s premier master trainers will give you the chance to try the capital’s hottest classes completely free – no wasted sign up fees or gym memberships! You can try as many classes as you like and the studio is for women only. So whatever level, shape or age, you can leave your insecurities at the door and push each other to train harder and sweat more. MEET THE EXPERTS THEATRE Get insider tips from a ‘dream team’ of health,

56 APRIL2015

FREE HEALTH CHECKS You can get a free health check (worth £90) where a trained expert will check your blood pressure, BMI and more to give you an overview of your general health and flag up warning signs of injuries or illness. Be:Fit London is the only place you can pick up everything you need to stay fit & healthy all in one place. No need to traipse up and down Oxford Street and to numerous health food shops, over 125 hand-picked brands is waiting for you. THE DETAILS www.befitlondon.com Twitter: @BeFitLondon www.facebook.com/BeFitLondon

FEATURE

Sky High Tea

The View from The Shard and Fortnum & Mason launch exclusive Sky-High Tea packages for summer 2015

vailable to book from 1st May 2015, The View from The Shard and Fortnum & Mason will partner to offer Sky-High Tea experiences. Celebrate the Great British summer-time with the city’s finest afternoon tea from the iconic 308 year-old home of fine food, dining and exquisite gifts at the top of London’s newest icon on the skyline. A limited number of Fortnum & Mason picnic experience tickets (40 per day) will be available to book at The View from The Shard for sittings starting 23 June. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Fortnum & Mason ‘Hamperling’ filled with a classic afternoon tea selection on the Level 72 open-air sky deck amongst seasonal floral decoration and the stunning panoramic views for up to 40 miles. Prefer a weather-safe option in the unpredictability of the English summer? Tickets to The View from The Shard will also be available with special Afternoon Tea packages at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Enjoy the best of both London icons at your leisure – take in the spectacular view from Western Europe’s tallest building – and then take a trip to Fortnum’s in Piccadilly for afternoon tea in the exquisite surroundings of the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Fortnum & Mason picnic ‘Hamperlings’ include classic finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, a miniature jar of raspberry jam, and their signature Royal Blend tea. To truly celebrate, champagne can also be added when booking. 40 picnic tickets will be available from midday to 18:00 beginning 23 June until 8 September. PACKAGES Sky-High Tea At The View From The Shard + F&M Hamperling £85 For Two Persons Includes: The View From The Shard ticket, Afternoon Tea

58 APRIL2015

Sandwich Selection, Scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, Tea Fancies and Tea or Coffee. Champagne Sky-High Tea At The View From The Shard + F&M Hamperling £135 For Two Persons Includes: The View From The Shard ticket, 1 x 75cl Bottle of F&M Champagne, Afternoon Tea Sandwich Selection, Scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, Tea Fancies and Tea or Coffee. FORTNUM & MASON Since its foundation in Piccadilly in 1707 Fortnum & Mason has been at the heart of London life, supplying the very finest goods and services.Known for its exquisite and impeccable service and surroundings, the Fortnum’s experience is one of pleasure, where nothing is too much trouble. In November 2013 Fortnum & Mason opened its second UK store in 307 years at London’s St. Pancras International Station, Fortnum & Mason opened its first standalone airport store at Heathrow Terminal 5. www.fortnumandmason.com THE DETAILS The View from The Shard Tickets and gift certificates can be booked in advance online at www.theviewfromtheshard.com or via telephone at 0844 499 7111 (booking fee applies for telephone bookings only). Advance tickets are priced at £24.95 for adults or £18.95 for children TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Tickets must be booked in advance. To be seated together all tickets must be purchased in the one online transaction. Bookings include blanket reservations. On the day guests will be directed to their picnic spot on level 72 sky-deck by a member of The View from the Shard team. If two tickets are purchased, a joint hamper for two persons will be provided. The Champagne Hamperling is for ages 18+ only. The View from The Shard’s usual booking terms and conditions apply.

EVENTS

25th & 26th April 2015 Royal College of Art SW7

The Vogue Festival returns in partnership with Harrods

The Vogue Festival returns for the fourth consecutive year with British Vogue hosting the event and in partnership with Harrods for the second time.

he Vogue Festival will once again offer attendees the chance to see and hear from leading international designers, photographers, models, and writers in the industry. Last year, the two-day extravaganza included Alexa Chung, Grayson Perry, Luella Bartley, Nick Knight, Phoebe Philo, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Sarah Burton and Valentino Garavani. Festival goers will also have the opportunity to get involved in discussions on some of the fashion industry’s most interesting and timely issues, as well as enjoying a range of workshops, makeovers, performances, and other activities. One of several new additions to the programme in 2015 will be career masterclasses. With very limited places, these classes will include the opportunity for one on one face time with leaders in their respective fields of the fashion industry. There will also be an experiential Beauty Hall, together with interactive styling events. Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue commented, “We’re looking forward to welcoming our readers again, giving them the chance to see, hear and

60 APRIL2015

meet some of those whose work is seen in the pages of Vogue, and take part in fashion and beauty experiences, as well as engage with the Vogue team. The support of Harrods for a second year is helping us make this event bigger and better than ever before.” Chiara Varese, Director of Harrods CRM & Personal Shopping Services remarked, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Vogue in 2015, for the second time. The Vogue Festival has become a key event in our customer’s fashion calendar and this year promises to be even more exciting. There is a natural affinity between our two brands, and we’re looking forward to working with Vogue to deliver a unique, innovative experience.” This year the Festival will be held at the Royal College of Art, with additional activities taking place at the Royal Geographical Society, located two minutes walkaway in Kensington, SW7. THE DETAILS Details regarding speakers can be found at www.vogue.co.uk/voguefestival or follow @BritishVogue and the #VogueFestival hashtag on Twitter

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property PROPERTY

LUXURY, STYLE, COMFORT With the hint of a residential atmosphere for financial/ property advisers’ offices in the heart of Mayfair

ne of london’s most elegant districts since the 18th century. South African born Louis Bührmann established his own interior design practice in 2007. He has created dazzling apartments in London, the Cote d’Azur, Paris and Dubai. Everything from furniture to carpets, chandeliers to door handles is custom made to the highest standards, mostly to his own design, with furniture crafted by his brother Balthasar, a master cabinetmaker. He had known the clients, directors of PGS (Principal Global Solutions) for some time, understood how they wished to provide maximum efficiency, while putting clients entirely at their ease. The company was founded in 2010 to advise some of the world’s most affluent individuals, their companies and family offices. PGS expertise spans commercial consultancy, all aspects of the property market, travel and logistics. Their offices, in a former grand town house, is seconds away from Mount Street and Park Lane (both names spell traditional chic and luxury). The building has classically proportioned interiors with Grade I (ie of officially recognised quality) marble and plaster work. Clients’ brief: spacious boardroom for members and guests with a specially designed boardroom table seating at least twelve people, equipped with the most up to date conference technology, an additional seating area leading effortlessly on to the heated terrace. Photographs and paintings selected by art curator, Sascha Bailey, were the work of Damien Hirst, one of the world’s most successful contemporary artists. Louis installed blackout blinds to ensure the lighting for video conferencing could be controlled. Grey striped pelmets balanced the visual weight of the classical mouldings. The ribbon and wreath plaster motif on the walls was hand finished in gold leaf. A bronze horse

9604 aApPrRiIlL 22001155

sculpture served as a clever device to separate the more relaxed seating area from the boardroom table, in this way creating two spaces. The gold chain coffee table was a happy discovery at Maison et Objet, an annual trade fair in Paris, favourite hunting ground for interior designers. The project had to be completed quickly to ensure nothing interrupted the clients’ work programme. Louis coordinated his team to finish everything within five weeks. No structural changes were needed, and the walls had been painted snow white, a perfect backdrop, Louis considered, to realise his vision: professional efficiency but subtly suggesting the informality of a private residence. Louis Henri Ltd. www.louishenri.com Photography by Bruce Hemming.

ST A M PA P D ID U * TY

OCTAGON 66 RORY

View from rooftop terrace

LONG WALK VILLAS WINDSOR

Windsor’s Finest. An elegant terrace of 9 classical townhouses in an enviable position, overlooking The Long Walk and Windsor Great Park. These traditional style properties are built to the highest specifications with 4/5 bedrooms, numerous reception and entertaining areas, and private landscaped gardens. With picturesque views towards the iconic Castle and ideally placed for the town centre, each property also benefits from its own rooftop terrace and secure private parking.

OCTAGON 67 Central London is easily accessible whilst Heathrow Airport RORY is less than 10 miles. Windsor and Eton train station provides a 29 minute train service to London Paddington and London Waterloo can be accessed in less than 1 hour. Price £2.75 million

Show house in Kings Road, SL4 2AH Open daily 10am – 4pm Octagon: 020 3137 8226 longwalkvillas@octagon.co.uk Selling agents: Hamptons Windsor, 01753 855 555 www.octagon.co.uk * Stamp Duty paid subject to Terms and Conditions please speak to a member of the sales team for more details.

NEW HOMES

NEW LUXURY at the centre of the capital Work has begun to convert London’s landmark Centre Point building into luxury apartments.

he former office building has been a focal point on the skyline for five decades - now it will be turned into 82 one-to five-bedroom apartments, averaging £3.2million each. The development will boast a pool, spa and fitness facilities, as well as views over the west end. Centre Point, which stands at the cross-section of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street, attracted controversy when it was first built by property tycoon Harry Hyams in 1966. It stood empty as he tried unsuccessfully to find a single tenant willing to pay the money take it on, and squatters moved in briefly to demonstrate against its residential areas remaining empty when London was in the grip of a housing crisis. Eventually let, it changed hands several times before being bought by current owners Almacantar 2011. The developers have taken on Rick Mather Architects and Conran and Partners to design the project, who, it said would “revive its sixties design appeal alongside cutting edge design and technology”. The project, which will include a new public square and 41,780 square feet of retail space, is next to Tottenham Court Road station which will eventually be served by the new Crossrail links. Kathrin Hersel, development director, Almacantar, said the work would “turn Centre Point into a destination Londoners can be proud of”. She added: “The project will breathe new life into this landmark, giving it a sustainable and exciting future for the benefit of all Londoners and visitors to the capital.” Work on Centre Point is expected to finish in the summer of 2017. The development may be attractive to overseas buyers who are keen to invest in London property. Recent figures from the Department of Business showed in some parts of London a fifth of properties were owned by foreign buyers and in one development in Thameside it emerged 80% of homes had been snapped up by purchasers from overseas.

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EGLETON HOUSE APARTMENTS Computer generated image

LUXURIOUS 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS IN THE ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED ROEHAMPTON VILLAGE

Superb, new build apartments with a high quality specification throughout Contemporary kitchen with premium brand appliances Private outside space to all apartments Communal gardens with a tranquil courtyard area Parking available to selected properties

GUIDE PRICES FROM

ÂŁ340,000

SALES & MARKETING SUITE: 4 Egleton House, 30 Roehampton Lane, Roehampton SW15 4LE

OPEN: Thursday to Monday, 10am - 5pm

Please call for further information

0844 809 2024

www.egletonhouse.co.uk

NEW HOMES

Sting and Trudie Styler Purchase an Apartment in the Battersea Power Station Development

attersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), on behalf of the shareholders of Battersea Power Station, confirms that Sting and Trudie Styler have purchased an apartment in the Battersea Power Station development as their new home in London. The news was confirmed at a launch party held by Battersea Power Station at Canoe Studios in Manhattan, New York where Sting performed for 300 guests. The party showcased the development, ahead of a global tour to exhibit the current commercial leasing and residential sales opportunities. Trudie Styler commented, “The exciting development plans for the whole site are a great solution for the regeneration of an iconic London landmark which has been in decay for the last 30 years. “We are both very pleased to be part of this new community and really look forward to making our London home at the Battersea Power Station.” Rob Tincknell, CEO of BPSDC, who was hosting the party, commented, “I am thrilled that Trudie and Sting have chosen Battersea Power Station as their London home and really hope they enjoy being part of this exciting development. “The entire 42-acre Battersea Power Station site is now being transformed into a world-class destination, which will gather the best in class operators across the globe to create a unique place of which we can all be proud. We are now launching Phase 3 of the development, being stunning apartments designed by Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners.” No further information regarding this purchase is available. Sting performed songs from his new musical, The Last Ship, which recently opened on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre, and he also played classic hits such as Englishman in New York, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, Fields of Gold, Message in a Bottle and Every Breath You Take. Battersea Power Station is at the heart of one of London’s largest, most visionary and eagerly anticipated new developments, which will see this vast 42 acre former industrial brownfield site become home to a community of homes, shops, cafes, offices and 18 acres of public space. The £8bn project will see the creation of a vibrant, mixed-use development, a new town centre for London serviced by an extension to the Northern Line and the restoration of the Grade II* listed Power Station. Battersea Power Station is contributing up to £211m to the NLE, which was guaranteed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne in the Autumn Statement of November 2012. According to Prime Minister David Cameron, it is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of central London’s significant regeneration area, Nine Elms on London’s South Bank. The overall project is divided into seven phases, with each designed by a range of specialist architects. Construction work officially began with Phase 1 on July 4th, 2013 - the 80th anniversary of this historic building. The overall development is anticipated to be completed in 2025, with The Power Station itself expected to be open to the public for the first time in over 30 years in 2019.

THE DETAILS For more detail on residential and commercial opportunities, please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk 70 APRIL2015

KEW BRIDGE ROAD, LONDON

Make Kew Bridge West Your Home this Summer. With over 90% now sold, call us now to book an appointment to visit our Sales & Marketing Suite. Our stunning new 2 bedroom Showhome in Hyperion Tower is now available to view. Kew Bridge West offers all the benefits of city living set within beautifully landscaped grounds. Perfectly located in West London, the development is just minutes from the River Thames and close to the charming village of Kew and the stylish boutiques and eateries of Chiswick High Street. Just a short stroll from Kew Bridge Rail Station with trains into London Waterloo taking under half an hour, residents can enjoy an idyllic London lifestyle whilst benefiting from the exclusive onsite facilities, including a concierge service, private gym and underground parking*.

2 & 3 bedroom apartments available, prices from ÂŁ680,000 Book your appointment today. Call 020 3797 1558 or visit www.kewbridgewest.co.uk Sales and Marketing Suite, Kew Bridge West, Kew Bridge Road, TW8 0EF Open daily, 10am - 5pm

www.stjames.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Images of Kew Bridge West are indicative only. Prices and details correct at time of going to print. Travel times taken from www.tfl.gov.uk. *Parking available by separate negotiation.

FEATURE

Tudor Rose Airport Parking

Stay, Park and Fly H

ookwood Park owned and operated by Tudor Rose since 1999 providing exclusive Meet and Greet parking serving both North and South Terminals. Established in 1992 Tudor Rose was the first company to introduce the exclusive Meet and Greet Service to the parking industry at Gatwick Airport. Our customised car park is just 4 minutes from the Terminals, safe and secure with all round CCTV and manned 24 hrs.

STAY, PARK AND FLY WITH HOOKWOOD LODGE HOTEL For an early flight we also offer hotel parking packages at Hookwood Lodge. All rooms are en-suite and have high-speed internet access. The Park and Fly packages offer exclusive airport parking for pre-booked guests. If you are looking for convenience and a peaceful place to stay close to

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Gatwick Airport, this is the perfect way to start your holiday. Your holiday begins the moment you leave home, and so should your feeling of relaxation. Stay, Park and Fly lets you escape the early morning drive to the airport and enables you to benefit from discounted parking. Hookwood Lodge Hotel provides exclusive transfers to the airport on demand at any time of day or night. No waiting around for buses or other people, just a one to one personal hassle free service. Start your holiday the night before you fly, and unwind at the Hookwood Lodge Hotel. THE DETAILS For more information call us on 01293 822844 or visit www.tudorrose.co.uk www.hookwoodlodge.co.uk

THE PARK CLUB feel the difference... Call 0203 740 4323 or visit theparkclub.co.uk The Park Club East Acton Lane West London W3 7HB.

GYM AWARDS 2014 WINNER OF

BEST FOR FAMILIES

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

LEARNING YOUR A,B,C’S

Our definitive guide to help you make all the right choices for your children

here are 2,500+ independent schools in the UK which are independent of local or central government control. Independent schools offer a wealth of facilities and high teaching standards that enable students to achieve great results year after year. Independent schools are in the unique position to provide a truly bespoke education for your child. Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision that takes plenty of time and research. There are a wide range of independent schools specialising in different age groups and needs. PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

(AGES 2 YEARS - 7 YEARS)

Pre-preparatory schools - also called nursery schools or kindergartens correspond to nursery and infants stages in local authority schools. In pre-preparatory schools children are taught to read, write, develop numeracy and learn to play. Preprep schools are often attached to specific junior schools.Pre-prep school is the first time most children will experience education, as opposed to the daycare provided by kindergartons. Children will have to learn the basics of mathematics, science and English, and a host of other subjects. Outside the classroom, many of the children will be having their first proper experience with team sports, music and/or choral tuition, and the arts. PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

(AGES 7 YEARS -11+ OR 13 YEARS)

Preparatory or prep schools, have a full range of subjects leading to admission to senior schools at 11+ or through the 13+ Common Entrance Examination.As their name implies, the preparatory schools are focused primarily on preparing boys and girls for their senior education, and the important public exams that come with it. 76 APRIL2015

Free of the National Curriculum, prep schools can differentiate their curricula according to what they think best prepares children for their later education. Most prep school children will be learning a foreign language from the very first year, and don’t be surprised to see subjects like Latin, Philosophy and Physics in the classroom, with cricket, rugby and tennis all on offer during games. As children reach the end of their time at prep school, most will look to the Common Entrance Exam as their gateway into the senior schools. It is during this transition process that senior schools are also looking for talented pupils for scholarships and other awards, so the very able students may be asked to attend further examinations/ recitals/matches &c, depending on where their particular strengths lie. In the state system, children are tested by the Government SATs, however many schools in the independent sector will have their own internal methods of measuring the performance of the children. There are around 499 prep schools in the Independent Association of Prep Schools, one of our constituent Head’s Associations, collectively educating over 134,000 children. SENIOR SCHOOLS

(AGES 11 YEARS -18 YEARS)

Most of the pupils in independent education are in senior school, educating over 350,000 senior school students in almost eight hundred schools. Independent Senior Schools offer approaches to education, subjects, facilities and sports unparalleled in the state sector – students can study History of Art, Government, Russian and Japanese, and try their hands at Astronomy, Ceramics or Equestrianism. They could be on their school judo or sailing team, and take trips all over the world. Whatever your child’s particular strengths, passions and interests, there is almost certainly a school which can offer the chance to try all of them.

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Bromley High’s Round up of

Triumphs

words Angela Drew, Headmistress

Bromley High School

his has been a term where we have enjoyed the delights of being a school at the heart of the GDST with all its privileged opportunities for girls to compete at a national level. On the first truly sunny day in March, we played host to the Trust Cross Country and Gymnastics rally, winning first place in the Senior Individual and Team Cross Country races. And in the last week of term, our keen-brained and quick-fingered team of girls from Y9 to Upper Sixth won their group matches (Putney, Bath and Northampton) and were placed third in competition with teams from 24 other GDST schools. Musically, our Junior School has had the privilege of taking the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in the finals of the GDST Young Choir of the Year Competition. And demonstrating the breadth of achievement in STEM, our Digital Leaders from the Junior and Senior schools won the prize for ‘Best App’ at the Digital Leaders Conference. Better yet, individual girls have tasted victory at the most challenging national level. Annie Thorpe (Y11) won the Chrystall Prize for Public Speaking. Judges, Mel Gydrich, Ragge Omar and Fiona Anderson awarded her the distinctive trophy for her superb speech ‘The World is Spinning out of Control.’ Isabella Harrod in Y6 was honoured with first prize in the junior section of the GDST Creative Writing Competition, judged by the eminent children’s author, Anne Fine. In the Sixth Form, Anna Myers won a place on the competitive GDST Nomura Scholarship Programme and Chaenel Hay won the GDST’s highly prestigious Johnston Memorial Scholarship for an outstanding applicant for a Law degree. Read more Bromley High School news here www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/Press-Release THE DETAILS Find out more at www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net or from the admissions office on admissions@bro.gdst.net or telephone 020 8781 7000 to arrange a visit. We look forward to meeting you and your daughter at one of our forthcoming open events on Friday June 5th and Saturday October 3rd 2015. Bromley High School, Blackbrook Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent BR1 2TW Follow us on twitter @bromleyhs

Discover what makes us special

OPEN EVENT Friday 5th June 2015 2.15 pm – 3.45 pm

YEAR 5 TASTER SESSIONS May 13th and June 11th 2015 10.55 am - 2.45 pm

Scholarships and Bursaries available (Senior School)

FOR GIRLS 4-18 YEARS admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

ST. JOHN’S WOOD PRE - PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Over 30 Years of Happiness & Success in Education Congratulations to the Year 2 class of 2013/2014 for receiving offers from schools including: City Of London School For Girls, Colet Court, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’, Highgate School, Latymer Prep School, Lyndhurst House School North Bridge House, Southbank International, South Hampstead High School and University College School Visit our brand new website and book for a tour of this small happy and successful school 020 7722 7149 info@sjwpre-prep.org.uk www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk

SINGING FROM THE HEART Being a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral is the experience of a lifetime St Paul’s choristers sing in one of the most famous and beautiful places of worship in the world, perform in concerts around the globe, and receive a first-class academic education at the Cathedral School. Boys are not expected to have fully-developed voices or much formal singing experience – enthusiasm, intelligence and musical potential are the keys. — — — — —

100% tuition fees for all choristers Assistance with boarding fees available One of the top preparatory schools in the country The finest musical education An amazing start to life

If your son is aged 6–8 and shows musical promise, do get in touch. He could become one of the next generation of choristers at St Paul’s. For more information please contact: Clare Morgan, Registrar, St Paul’s Cathedral School 020 7248 5156 · admissions@spcs.london.sch.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

‘Private schools should be praised for

producing influential people’

new study by Debrett’s, the etiquette experts, reveals that two-fifths of the 500 most powerful and influential people in Britain went to private schools. Crucially this cuts across all spheres of influence, including not only traditional careers, like business and politics, but areas like architecture and acting too: witness the amazing global success of Eton-educated Eddie Redmayne, still only 33, as Professor Stephen Hawking, in The Theory of Everything. Of course private schools are always going to produce far more than their fair share of Society’s most powerful “players”. This is inevitable, given the fact that most successful people educate their own children privately; thus the system is guaranteed to be perpetuated, with success breeding success. For example, high-flying parents will have all the key contacts, whether in commerce or theatre, to help ensure their own offspring have that first, vital helping

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hand up the career ladder. Work experience slots inevitably go to the children of top business people or lawyers, for example as inevitably their parents have the contacts to find precious openings. And anyone who has been to a private school, whether big or small, famous or not so famous, will know that there will be many such highachieving parents. Their added influence opens doors more easily and, crucially, other pupils can also benefit from their contacts. For example, successful parents are often instrumental in prompting high-profile acquaintances to visit schools as speakers: spending time with pupils and offering invaluable advice on “How to succeed” in the process. That way, everyone benefits from their expertise. This is indeed how the system works on a termly basis: little nudges here and there, but nothing too blatant or nepotistic. Private schools are exceedingly good at producing successful pupils...

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL www.westminster.org.uk

‘For the right girl or boy, simply the best.’ Good Schools Guide

16+ ENTRY FOR GIRLS & BOYS 2016 Online registration will open in June.

13+ BOYS ENTRY Register now for entry in 2018. To request a prospectus or find out about Open Days, please call 020 7963 1003 or email registrar@westminster.org.uk For information about entry to Westminster Under School at 7+, 8+ or 11+ please call 020 7821 5788. Westminster School is a charity (No. 312728) established to provide education. TAP2724_LifeMagazineAd_137x210mm_V1.indd 1

Whitgift. One of Britain’s finest independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10-18

‘Some might say it’s just bricks and mortar. Others may say it’s just a school. But Whitgift is so much more than that’ Old Whitgiftian (2006–2014)

OPEN MORNING | SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2015 SIXTH FORM AND BOARDING | BY APPOINTMENT admissions@whitgift.co.uk +44 (0)20 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk/opendays

Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT, United Kingdom

30/03/2015 14:15

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

Scien-terrific!

Sydenham High students celebrate British Science Week

ommunicating and celebrating the wonders of science were at the heart of Sydenham High School’s celebration of British Science Week (16-20 March). Girls from across the whole school went on an exciting five day journey of discovery - from exploring what it takes to make the ultimate cup of coffee to discussing the ethical issues surrounding the use of smart drugs in society.

Practical lessons included dissections, robotics and Year of Light demonstrations from lasers to eyes on National Demo Day. Year 9 Science Challenge students put their Lego Midstorms EV3 colour sorting robot through its paces, having spent five weeks building, coding and conducting test runs. The project has allowed students to combine robotics and coding skills. Up in the school’s dedicated cookery suite, students investigated the science behind top chefs’ culinary tips, such

Didn’t get the state school place you wanted? A few additional places available for September 2015 From scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond exams Open events Junior: Wednesday 6 May

9.30 - 11am

Senior: Thursday 7 May 9.30 - 11am Wednesday 24 June 6.30 - 8pm (including our D’Art Exhibition)

020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL

as how to cook the best steak, create great chocolate or poach the perfect egg. Activities culminated in a huge Science Fair, organised and run by members of Year 8 and attended by girls from Years 4 - 6. The would-be science teachers had to come up with their own idea for each stall to communicate and explain an aspect of science to this young audience. They definitely rose to the challenge, covering everything from testing forces and the properties of elements to blending perfumes and identifying what makes a good diet. Headteacher Mrs Kathryn Pullen said: “This week has been all about exciting the girls about STEM subjects encouraging them to explore many different aspects of and avenues in science. As the latest research has shown, taking STEM subjects to A level and beyond is a proven way for girls to close the gender gap and boost their future earning power by far more than the increase achieved by boys who also study these subjects.”

OPEN DAYS

2015

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE

25TH APR 19TH SEPT 3RD OCT

CATHOLIC BENEDICTINE 11– 18 CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL IN THE HEART OF SUSSEX

www.worthschool.co.uk

B1534 WS 137x210L.indd 1

10/02/2015 17:43

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

‘The Evolution of the Crammer’

nce tutorial colleges or ‘crammers’ were the destination of choice when it came to winning places at prestigious universities. Highly pressurised environments; intensive exam preparation was their primary focus. Modern sixth form colleges have little in common with these old fashioned institutions. Now, the crammers have all but disappeared and have evolved into educational institutions which offer so much more, in addition to exam success. Albemarle College, based in the heart of Mayfair, is one such college. One of London’s leading independent sixth form colleges, the college ethos is one of empowering students to develop as individuals to be able to work independently. Students join the college from a wide range of state, private and public sector schools; mostly British, with a smaller body of international students, Albemarle is a diverse community. All students feel valued and cared for, owing to the mentoring provided by the college’s supportive network of

84 APRIL2015

Personal Tutors. Regular appointments with the Welfare Team ensure that pastoral needs are catered for, whilst the students’ personal academic programme is overseen by a designated Curriculum Manager. The popular University Life Skills programme offered to the lower sixth students has specialist speakers leading sessions on work experience placements, the university application process and other enrichment activities. Exam success is a key element of the programme at Albemarle with 90% of students achieving grades A*-B grades at A-level. Most students progress on to one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK, although a few do opt for US universities. There are also programmes for students wishing to enter degree courses in highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Architecture and Economics. THE DETAILS For more information on Albemarle College, please see the college website at www.albeamrle.org.uk or contact the administrator at admin@albemarle.org.uk

An Award-winning Sixth-Form College In the Heart of Central London

Principals James Eytle and Beverley Mellon receiving the award for Best London Independent Sixth-Form College 2014 from Les Webb of sixth-form.com.

• Small group sizes – max class size of 8. • Excellent location – in the heart of Mayfair in central London close to Hyde Park and Oxford Street. • Excellent results

– 89.4% of A-level students gained A*, A, B grades in June 2014.

Wide Subject Choice

A-level & GCSE courses covering a wide range of subjects across Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Languages.

Specialist Programmes for University Entry

Specialist programmes for university entry onto competitive degree courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Economics, Psychology, Architecture and Engineering.

For enrolment enquiries please contact the College Administrator, Julia Millar on 020 7409 7273 or by email admin@albemarle.org.uk

www.albemarle.org.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

Does a new cricket bat really help you score more runs? WORDS BY DAVID ADKINS, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AT DULWICH PREP

I remember getting my first proper cricket bat like it was yesterday. I sized up many alternatives and settled on the one I thought was going to help me hit the biggest sixes. I was convinced it was going to be the key that unlocked my first century. It served me well but was it really the bat that got the runs? January saw the opening of a brand new Science and Technology Centre at Dulwich Prep London. This is our new cricket bat if you like.

utting-edge technologies at Dulwich Prepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Pennock Centre are enabling students to push their work to the next level. An open-plan layout with new machinery will help develop new skills in Design Technology. Lasers are used in conjunction with specific computer programs, all being operated from a purpose-built CAD Suite The glass-fronted Science labs have secondary school-style provision in bright airy spaces. The building has an open roof area which can be turned into an outdoor classroom. Photovoltaic cells generate electricity with the readings from the cells displayed for the children to monitor.

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An observatory with an array of three telescopes sits on the roof enabling the boys to learn more about our solar system. The ground floor includes a cookery suite and has enabled us to add cookery to our carousel of creative subjects. Yet the impact of the building will go far beyond its walls and the hardware it contains. Inspirational facilities inspire inspirational teaching and thus inspirational learning. Although my new cricket bat was bigger and heavier than its predecessor, I now realise that it was not the bat itself, but the fact of simply having a new bat that had the greatest impact on my run-scoring ability. It improved my confidence, giving me the lift I needed to take my batting to the next level. The new Science and Technology Centre at Dulwich Prep London will do the same for our boys, helping them to become the scientific run-scorers of the future. THE DETAILS Years 1 to 8 42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA Tel: 020 8766 5500

Nursery and Reception 8 Gallery Road, London SE21 7AB Tel: 020 8766 5531

www.dulwichpreplondon.org

CE 4223 Fulham Life Advertisement:Layout 1 4/1/15 9:22 AM Page 1

‘‘This is a big, bold, very brilliant school.’’ Tatler School Guide 2015

www.dulwichpreplondon.org registrar@dulwichpreplondon.org

Fulham Prep School

EARLY YEARS

Is your child the next sporting sensation, or perhaps a very good all rounder? Find out how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8) www.fulhamprep.co.uk

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE SCHOOL 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE

A co-educational IAPS Prep and Pre-Prep School for children from 3 to 13 with its own Oak Tree Nursery for children from 2½ to 3½ OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday, 6th May 2015 Thursday, 7th May 2015 For more information contact Admissions: 020 7435 1916 enquiries@devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk AMDG

DONHEAD

33 Edge Hill Wimbledon London SW19 4NP T: 020 8946 7000 www.donhead.org.uk

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

A Jesuit School Preparatory Day School for Boys 4 to 11 years Outstanding Inspection Report available to view at www.donhead.org.uk       

Our 10 year £7.7m development scheduled for completion in December 2015 Catholic Ethos Children of all denominations welcome Entry and scholarships achieved to top state and independent schools Outstanding Sporting and Musical tradition Extensive extra-curricular provision Wrap-Around Care from 8.00am to 6.00pm

Full admissions details available via the website. To arrange a personal tour please contact: Mrs June Smith, PA to the Headmaster, at headmasterpa@donhead.org.uk or telephone 020 8946 7000 (extension 1)

Killik Education Index 2014

Cost for 2 children over 14 yrs at private day school

600 k 300 k 100 k

1990

2005

2014

2027

Chief Executive

Medical Practitioners

Cost for 2 children over 14 yrs 9 yrs at private day school and 5 yrs boarding 900 k

450 k 200 k

1990

2027

2014

2005

Professional Occupations

1990

Older Daughter at school from 2012 - 2025 Private day to 13 & 5 yrs boarding

2014

Scotland £10,400

£396,000

£255,000

Private day State till 11 & private day

The North £10,000

Midlands £11,150

Wales £11,100

Private day to 13 & 5 yrs boarding

£179,000

East Anglia £12,600

£435,000

£271,000

State till 11 & private day

2027

£171,000

Younger son at school from 2014 - 2027

Private day

Construction Workers

South West £12,900 South East £13,900

Greater London £14,800

Please contact us on 020 7337 0522 or wealthplanninginfo@killik.com to find out about our range of saving and investment solutions and services specifically designed to assist with planning for the next generation.

www.killik.com/education The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the amount invested. Source for all figures: Cebr. Issued by Killik & Co which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

Private schools achieve

greater A-level success P upils from fee-paying schools achieve almost 30 per cent of all A* grades despite forming just 13.6 per cent of all A-level entries, raising questions over the education opportunities on offer to the vast majority of children. Private school pupils are continuing to outshine their state sector counterparts by a wide margin when it comes to A-level results, new figures show. A new analysis based on figures released by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) also shows that nearly half (48.2 per cent) of private school pupils achieve an A* or A grade, while just 22.5 per cent of A-level entries made from other exam centres – usually schools – achieve an A* or A grade. The figures show a disturbingly wide gap between the results achieved by independent and state school pupils. Tracy Cook, of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), which carried out the study, said: “The surprise is how big

Independent schools offer a rigorous and thorough academic education, based on an expectation of high standards, exceptional levels of teaching and support and an encouragement of pupils’ hard work and dedication. PROF SIR MICHAEL STERLING, A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE RUSSELL GROUP OF LEADING UNIVERSITIES

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the gap is between independent and state sector pupils’ results. It is indicative of the significant added value provided by independent schools, due to factors such as intensive, focused teaching and smaller class sizes.” The study found that the performance of independent school pupils is particularly strong in sciences, maths and modern foreign languages, where they score high proportions of the top A* grade, compared with the percentage of pupils taking these exams. These are key subjects that are deemed strategically important to our economic future, but which are less popular with pupils and attract fewer students. The gulf between private and state sector results was particularly stark in the sciences. In physics A-level, independent schools supply 18.3 per cent of all candidates, yet because of the strength of their performance they account for 34.0 per cent of the A* grades awarded in the subject and make up 28.5 per cent of all entries in physics that achieve an A grade or higher. In biology, independent schools supply just over 14 per cent of all candidates for A-level, but account for 28.7 per cent of the A* grades. Private school pupils also account for 24.1 per cent of all entries in biology that achieve an A grade or higher. And in chemistry, independent schools supply 16.6 per cent of all candidates for A-level, but account for more than 31 per cent of A* grades awarded. They account for 26.6 per cent of all entries in chemistry that achieve an A grade or higher. According to a report by Oxford Economics consultancy group last year, the higher academic attainment of pupils at independent schools contributes an estimated £1.3 billion per year to the UK’s GDP, once those pupils enter the job market.

H S GROUP ROUP OUSEschools CHOOLSgroup ROUP HOUSE OUSE SCHOOLS CHOOLS G house Bassett House Bassett HouseSchool School Bassett House School Bassett House School Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

Orchard House School Prospect House School orchard House School OrchardHouse HouseSchool School prospect Prospect House School Orchard House School Prospect House School Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick

Bassett Bassett House School BassettHouse HouseSchool School Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road, 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP 60Bassett BassettRoad, Road,London LondonW10 W106JP 6JP 60 London W10 6JP Tel 020 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk OPEN DAY Saturday 9 May 2015 - 10.00am-12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th 10am–12.30pm OPEN DAY Saturday, 9thOct, May, 10am-12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th Oct, 10am–12.30pm DAYS Saturday, Oct, 10am–12.30pm OPEN Saturday 10th 11th October 2015 - 10.00am-12.30pm th

Orchard OrchardHouse HouseSchool School Orchard House School Orchard House School 16 16 Newton 16Newton NewtonGrove, Grove,Bedford BedfordPark, Park,London LondonW4 W41LB 1LB 16 Newton Grove, Bedford Park, London W4 Tel 020 Tel 020 8742 8544, info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel020 0208742 87428544, 8544,info@orchardhs.org.uk info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAY Saturday, 7th March, 9.30am-noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAY Saturday 3rd October 2015 - 9.30am – 12noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon

Prospect House School Prospect House School House School P H Shhh lll PProspect HHouse SSchool PProspect H S 75 Putney Hill, London 75Putney PutneyHill, Hill,London LondonSW15 SW153NT 3NT 75 Putney SW15 3NT 75 Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel020 0208780 87800456, 0456,info@prospecths.org.uk info@prospecths.org.uk Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk OPEN DAY

Thursday 30th April 2015 - 6.00pm to 8.00pm

OPEN EVENING Thursday, 30th April, 6-8pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4thOct, Oct,2015 9.30am noon DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 9.30am –––noon OPEN Saturday 10th4th October - 9.30am to 12.00

Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth

Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard Bassett House House School School in in Kensington, Kensington, Orchard Orchard Bassett Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard House School in Chiswick and Prospect House House School School in in Chiswick Chiswick and and Prospect Prospect House House House House School in Chiswick and Prospect House School in Putney are prep schools for children aged Schoolin inPutney Putneyare areprep prepschools schoolsfor forchildren childrenaged aged School School in Putney are prep schools for children aged 333 and above. All are IAPS-member schools and and above. above. All All are are IAPS-member IAPS-member schools schools and and and 3 and above. All are IAPS-member schools and participate in the Minimum Funding Entitlement participate in in the the Minimum Minimum Funding Funding Entitlement Entitlement participate participate in the Mininum Funding Entitlement Scheme, which reduces the fees charged Scheme, which which reduces thecharged fees charged charged for for Scheme, reduces the fees Scheme, which reduces the fees for childrenfor children aged under 5 years old. children aged under 55 years years old. old. children aged under aged under 5 years. All three schools are co-educational to age 11, All three three schools schoolsare areco-educational co-educationaltoto toage age11, 11, All three schools are co-educational age 11, All when the children leave for their senior schools. when the the children childrenleave leavefor fortheir theirsenior seniorschools. schools. when the children leave for their senior schools. when The schools are non-selective for younger Theschools schools are non-selective non-selective forchildren, younger The schools are for younger The are non-selective for younger children, yet the academic expectations are high children, yet the the academic academic expectations expectations are the high children, yet are high yet the academic expectations are high and and the achievement distinguished. We believe this and the the achievement achievement distinguished. Wethis believe this and distinguished. We believe this achievement distinguished. We believe is for is two principal reasons. First, we provide at is for for two principal principal reasons. First, weatprovide provide at is for two we two principal reasons. reasons. First, weFirst, provide each ofat each of our schools nurturing, positive and eachschools of our oura schools schools aaa positive nurturing, positive and each of nurturing, and our nurturing, andpositive happy yet happy yet structured environment. We know that happy yet yet environment. structured environment. environment. Wehappiness know that that happy structured We know structured We know that happiness and success go hand in hand and we happiness and success goand hand in hand handsuccess and we we happiness success go hand and and success and go hand in hand we in celebrate celebrate success at every level and in every sphere success atevery everysphere level and and in every every celebrate success at every level in atcelebrate every level and in of school life, sphere be it of school life, be it in academic work, sport, music of school life, be it in academic work, sport, work, sport, in academic work, sport, music or the music arts. or low pupil toand teacher orthe thearts. arts. Secondly, we have lowpupil pupil have low teacher Secondly, weSecondly, have a lowwe pupil toaateacher ratioto an ratio and an abundance of resources. Together these ratio and an ofresources. resources. Together abundance of abundance resources. Together these Together bring out these the bring out the best in each and every child. bring each and every every child. child. best in out eachthe andbest everyinchild. Examination consistently been Examination results results have have consistently consistently been results have consistently been Examination excellent: the schools proud of their hard-won excellent:the the schools are proud of their their of hard-won excellent: schools areare proud of their hard-won and and and long-standing long-standing reputations. reputations. long-standing reputations. Parents usually register their children earlytoto to Parents usually usually register registertheir theirchildren childrenearly children early Parents secure Nursery or Reception secureplaces places in each eacheach school’s NurseryNursery or Reception school’s Nursery or secure placesin in school’s or classes groups arise from classesbut butclasses vacancies inother otheryear year groups vacancies groups from Reception but in vacancies in other yeararise groups time to you wish consider one of these these time from to time. time. Ifto youtime. wishIfto toyou consider one consider one of arise timeIf wish to consider schools foryour your child,for westrongly strongly encourage schools strongly encourage you to to child, we encourage you one of for these schools your child, we strongly visit us. us. Please Please call the school secretary visit secretary of the the of encourage you tocall visitthe us. school Please secretary call the school relevant of school, who will will be who happy tobearrange arrange school, who be happy relevant happy to arrange for secretary the relevant school, willto happy tofor you to tofor visit the school and see see it in in school and action. you visit see it in action. In arrange youthe to visit the school and it see it in action.In addition, there are occasional Open OpenDays Dayswhich Open Days which addition, Open Days which In addition,there thereare are occasional occassional give an an even even greater greateropportunity opportunitytoto tospeak speaktoto greater opportunity speak our give give an even opportunity to speak toour our strongestsupporters, supporters, namely the children! supporters, namely children! strongest namely thethe children! strongest children!

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

What was stopping Jack?

Jack went from getting nowhere at school and having to be physically dressed to get him there, to completing perfectly anything he puts his hand to. Parent Laura Kenton shares her story.

ife was such a struggle for my son Jack, everything was a burden for him and we felt we must get him ahead in life. We really wanted him to enjoy school and get some better results. At 12 years he suffered from very poor memory, poor reading & comprehension, low self-esteem & confidence, as well as high anxiety & frustration levels.

BACKGROUND Jack was getting nowhere at school and we had to physically dress him to get him there. He was becoming upset in the class because he couldn’t do the work, and he also didn’t understand the work. His teachers were confused as he tried his best, they didn’t seem to understand that he had a problem. He was always very frustrated and highly strung. He didn’t seem to have the ability to retain what he had learned and this was very frustrating for him. We took the treatment because it was a lifetime cure, 10 sessions isn’t very long and you don’t have to go back for check-ups. You just need to believe it works. You can’t put a price on getting

We tried a lot of different things to help Jack and this is the only one that has produced results, quickly and for life.

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sorted out for life, so we knew it wouldn’t be cheap. But every penny was well spent! It wasn’t easy to get him to do it, but we told him that 10 days wasn’t long to change his whole life.

You can’t put a price on getting sorted o for life. But ev ut er penny was we y ll spent!

AFTER TREATMENT About 4 days after treatment we started observing improvements. His spelling has improved drastically – he has surprised himself and his teachers that not only he remembered the word, but he knew how to spell hard words that he has never spelt in his life before. He has jumped a lot of levels in maths now, his teacher says that what he does is slow, but correct now. He is coming home every day now and telling me that he has got a really good marks in his work – this is so rewarding! He is just leaping up levels in all his work. He definitely concentrates well now. This has led to better memory which enables him to do his homework on his own. As soon as he receives his homework he gets straight down to work without being told – he would never have done this before. This was because he has understood what went on in the class and it didn’t go over his head like it used to. This used to be a big problem as he couldn’t remember and I wasn’t in the class, so between us we were stuck. He not only remembers the things he has been taught in school but he is remembering detail as well. He is a lot more conscious of things around him and as we

travel around, he now reads signs on buildings and vehicles – and because of this is less agitated in the car!! He completed a French test that he didn’t revise for (my fault) and he received 19/24, before it would have been 1 or 2/24 which was very demoralising for him. Accomplishing this sort of result in French, not even English is a massive improvement. All these things are really thrilling him to keep going. He came home the other day and told me that he had beaten a really brainy boy in his class! He went to mow a neighbours grass the other day and he remembered the number on the padlock that he had been shown 2 weeks before – he would never have remembered this before – so all round life is now easier. I have also had other peers and teachers say to me that he will now volunteer in class and speak in front of his peers. He will offer to do things for people and his self- esteem is just so much better. His school say he is quite different in class, and if things go against him he now stands up for himself and defends himself instead of getting upset about it and the whole thing becoming a pile up and going on for a long time. Whatever he puts his hands to is done perfectly and to a high standard and we have had other people comment on this. He has stopped biting his nails, which shows he is less agitated. His grandma says that he has lost his haunted look. They have noticed that he will pick up a book and read it now, before it was hard work, so it was easier not to. In fact he never used to read anything unless it was a comic or picture book. He is certainly not so obsessive about things and if we have a storm about something, it is resolved much much quicker and just as if nothing ever happened which is quite different. He now loves school, before we were going through a terrible patch to even get him to school and stay there. We have been told the school are amazed at the standard of work he is turning out now and are thrilled at the marks that he is now coming home with. We tried a lot of different things to help Jack and this is the only one that has produced results, quickly and for life. 7 MONTHS LATER Jack is still doing well, it is noticeable that things register with him more. He will remember registrations of friend’s cars, even after only seeing it once. Also in Science he remembers the special chemicals that I have never heard of before. He will discuss with his sister, his science lessons, while she struggles to remember the chemicals that she has used. He is still making progress - we are doing a lot of work on the house and he has learnt electrics from my Father-inlaw. That, to me takes quite a bit of understanding, but Jack can do a lot of electrics that my husband can’t do. He has the spirit of wanting to learn, which he has never had before.

He is just leaping u levels in a p ll his work.

17 MONTHS LATER We are nearly 2 years down the road - he is still making really good progress, in maths especially. English is improving too. He has just completed a Geography project, all on his own, with no help and he was finished before the rest of his class by a long way. In this project his dedication was very noticeable and we witnessed his joy in doing it and achieving such a target on his own. I look back and think about how things used to be, daily life was a struggle and burden. I never have to help him with any homework now. His woodwork at school is top as well, he has such confidence now, thanks to you all. Something which didn’t exist before his treatment. He evens plays football with the older boys at break time. Before he used to just walk round the school on his own, as a complete loner! He has just got science marks back this week and everybody else got low marks but he had gone up by a long way and was only 1 level down from the best students. So it is not an overnight matter, but as time goes on, the brain begins to become more awake and you really see the results in the grades, also his thrill over getting such good marks is something that you can’t describe. His stress levels are much, much lower, and he can cope with everyday life so much more. He is so much more manageable in all areas of life. The quick & effective Alison Lawson treatment, which is appropriate from age 4, has been used in Australia for over 20 years, but has relatively recently come to the UK. The team at the Yeovil centre have had first-hand experience in the life changing results the eye therapy brings and have a burning desire to pass these benefits to so many others, as they are seeing parents and teachers astounded over and over again. THE DETAILS

APRIL2015 93

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

THE GOLD STANDARD

airley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with specific learning difficulties. Offering a unique education with Educational Psychologists, Speech, Language and Occupational Therapists integrated into the school curriculum, the school enjoys a central London location with excellent facilities. Addressing 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.

0899 FH LIFE 125mm(h) x 185mm(w).indd 1

Following a great deal of encouragement from our parental body, Fairley House has decided, from September 2015, to continue its educational provision until the completion of Key Stage 4. This will enable 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 rejoin mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision will now offer 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. We are certain that this new development will enhance the provision that Fairley House can offer.

24/01/2015 09:47

Fish Media October 2014 ad_Alleyn's 04/11/2014 14:08 Page 1

Alleyn’s School Co-educational, academic excellence is closer than you think. Alleyn’s School, Dulwich: 14 minutes from London Bridge; 12 minutes from Victoria.

Westminster 3 miles

Surrey Quays 4 miles

Notting Hill 6 miles

Marble Arch 5 miles

Knightsbridge 6 miles

Greenwich 4 miles

Fulham 6 miles

Clapham 3 miles

The City 5 miles

Chelsea 6 miles

Borough 5 Miles

Battersea 5 Miles

Balham 3 Miles

Independent day school for boys and girls aged 4–18. Dedicated daily coaches serving inner and outer London.

For more information visit our website alleyns.org.uk Tel: 020 8557 1478

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

Mountview Summer Courses for

Amateur Actors & Directors M ountview Academy of Theatre Arts is world renowned for its training of actors, directors and musical theatre performers. Graduates include Ken Stott, Brendan Coyle and Eddie Marsan, West End stars Connie Fisher and Oliver Thornton and directors Maria Aberg, Michael Longhurst and Hampstead Theatre’s Artistic Director Ed Hall. Less well-known is that Mountview also runs a series of summer schools specifically for amateur actors, directors and young people. Mountview’s Summer School for amateur actors runs over three days and is a must for all performers looking to learn new skills and experience professional drama school training. Six half-day master classes look at Shakespeare, stage combat, text and character, improvisation, voice and singing. Taught in small groups to mirror an authentic conservatoire experience, the course costs £360 and runs from 23-25 July. The directors’ weekend introduces experienced amateur directors to techniques and practices used by professionals. The course focuses on the key responsibilities of a theatre director: the vision, script, actors and staging with workshops covering voice technique, ‘page-to-stage’ exercises, getting the most out of

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your actors and lighting, sound and digital production. This course runs on 24 and 25 July and costs £240 and will equip you with all the skills to put on your next production. These run alongside one-week and three-week summer schools for young people. For teenagers 17+ keen to go to drama school full time, Mountview runs threeweek boot camps in acting and musical theatre. High octane, they are packed with performance skills training and vital audition experience. These courses are designed to give participants the edge in the most competitive of fields. These courses run from 20 July to 7 August and cost £725 for three weeks. Younger children will love Mountview’s acting, musical theatre or scratch performance weeks. Aimed at those aged nine and over they are engaging and hugely entertaining, each culminating in a special performance for families. They run from 27 July to 7 August and cost £175. The courses take place at Mountview’s studios in Wood Green in north London. THE DETAILS For more details or to book call 020 8826 9217 or visit mountview.org.uk/shortcourses

MOUNTVIEW SUMMER COURSES FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE ONE AND THREE-WEEK COURSES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE AMATEUR DIRECTORS’ WEEKEND SUMMER EXPERIENCE FOR AMATEUR ACTORS WARDROBE WEEKEND STAGE MANAGEMENT WEEKEND

MOUNTVIEW.ORG.UK/SHORTCOURSES · 020 8826 9217 fishmedia ad JUNE 2015:Layout 1

31/3/15

09:20

Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

Inspiring Brilliant Futures We have a few places remaining in Nursery and Reception for September 2015 entry

Open Morning Tuesday 9th June 9.30 - 11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

020-8670 5865 email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

Page 1

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

Tutor proof exams:

A tutor’s

perspective. Written by Mark Maclaine

Director of Education & Co-founder, Tutorfair

n a bid to bring balance to the school entrance process, a number of schools have opted for “tutor proof” exams, which are designed to be harder for tutors to prepare students for. Recent findings have not only shown that these tests don’t work, but that they may in fact make things worse. The truth is these exams are exactly the kind that experienced tutors love to prepare students for. They are far more interesting than those that require rote memorisation and, just like IQ tests, the more you do of them the better you get. With the right kind of tutoring, students can jump far ahead of their peers in very little time. The fact that there is even a desire to create “tutor proof” exams draws attention to a misunderstanding about what tutoring is and can be. Tutors have a unique opportunity not only to make a difference to a student’s grades, but potentially to the rest of their life. My mother was a teacher and she felt that if she could have had one-on-one time with certain students at an early stage she could have prevented some of them from falling behind. But she simply didn’t have time. If a tutor can identify why a student has fallen behind, bring them up to speed and, most importantly, help them develop strategies to prevent themselves from falling behind again, then that tutor has taught their student the most crucial lesson of all how to learn. Sometimes just half an hour can make a huge difference.

Trying to create a “tutor proof” exam is like trying to develop an educationproof one. It fails to understand how flexible tutors can be

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in what they provide for their students. More than this, it directs the ever-diminishing resources allocated to education in this country to the wrong place. We should not be pitting teachers and tutors against each other, but working towards developing a system that allows both professions to support each other. The creators of “tutor proof” exams have a noble goal—to reduce educational inequality. They believe that the best way to do it is by reducing the impact tutors have on their students. By contrast I believe we should be increasing tutor numbers and impact. Providing as many struggling children as possible with a tutor is a powerful way to reduce inequality. Like this, we will move towards a system where no child is left behind, instead of creating tests that mean some have to be. A LITTLE BIT ABOUT TUTORFAIR Tutorfair.com makes it easy for parents to find the best tutors, and for every student who pays, they give tutoring to a child who can’t afford it. You can find inspirational tutors for every subject (such as maths, English, dyslexia support, and music). Simply type in your postcode, and you’ll see a list of tutors who will come to your home. THE DETAILS

For more information visit www.tutorfair.com

Find the best tutors in your area |

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tutorfair.com

ASHBOURNE COLLEGE A Level Scholarships Music and Performing Arts

• One of London’s best private colleges • Outstanding facilities for music, drama and art including state-of-the-art composing and recording software • Emphasis on study skills, independent thinking and individual attention has produced excellent exam results and university destinations

Located in the heart of Belsize Park in Hampstead, Sarum Hall is a modern and successful school in which pupils are motivated to learn, inspired to fulfil their potential and encouraged to achieve excellence. Natural talents and enquiring minds are nurtured, allowing girls to explore new horizons with confidence. We are proud of our academic, scholarship and examination success; the foundations laid at Sarum Hall last a lifetime. Means-tested bursaries are available for a limited number of pupils. Please contact the school for further information. Headmistress: Mrs C Smith 15 Eton Avenue London NW3 3EL Tel: 020 7794 2261 Email: admissions@sarumhallschool.co.uk www.sarumhallschool.co.uk Charity number: 312721 Company Registration number: 0666444

Preparatory School for Girls aged 3 to 11 years

• Informal, university-style approach and wide range of cultural activities • Opportunities for full and partial scholarships for students with exceptional talent and academic ability.

Contact admissions on: 020 7937 3858 admissions@ashbournecollege.co.uk

college.co.uk

Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form Kensington, London W8 4PL

HABS BOYS – NURTURING EXCELLENCE The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School is a single-sex, independent day school offering an enthusiastic, positive and challenging learning environment for creative and inquisitive individuals. The school produces confident and self-motivated young men who are fully prepared for the challenges of the future.

Haberdashers has a strong and supportive multicultural community at its core. Students make friends across the most extra-ordinary range of backgrounds and cultures, and they learn to respect and value each other for their diversity and difference.

“

The huge range of extracurricular activities available ensures that every boy finds something at which he excels and, as a result, develops a self-assurance that will equip him for life.

”

said Peter Hamilton, Headmaster The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Habs Boys is known for its academic excellence. They admit the brightest boys and, at every stage of their development, the curriculum is expressly designed to keep them involved, stimulated and eager to learn. Approximately 90% of pupils go on to their first choice university, with exceptionally high numbers to Oxford and Cambridge.

regularly gaining national distinction. Last year, three boys won places at the prestigious National Youth Theatre whilst, the U14 water polo team were named as national champions. The school hosted a Gala Concert with Habs girls at the Barbican. There are also numerous opportunities for leadership, charity and community service throughout the school year, including with the school’s celebrated CCF contingent. The school offers the best of facilities, including numerous sports pitches, a purpose-built Music School and state-ofthe-art laboratories. Construction of a state-of-the-art new indoor sports complex is well under way, which will complement the existing sports centre and provide a significant enhancement to current facilities. This new facility will include a 25 metre, 8 lane swimming pool, fitness suite, gymnasium, squash courts, multi-use space, climbing wall, conference room, school shop and sports café. The school is serviced by a unique coach service with over 140 stops, spanning a 30-mile radius, offering an unrivalled provision for pupils staying for after-school activities.

The school’s 2014 GCSE results made Habs Boys the top ranked independent boys’ school in the UK. 70% achieved the coveted A* and 112 boys gaining straight A*/A grades in their examinations, with 39 boys getting 10 A* grades. 45% of A Level entries were graded A*. 82% achieved A*/A grades at A Level and 95% received A*/B. Academic achievement is only part of the experience of life at Habs. The boys enjoy the academic opportunities alongside the wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer. The range of the non-academic curriculum is enormous and the level of participation by pupils very high. Sport, music, drama, art and debating thrive, with students 100 APRIL2015

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk www.habsboys.org.uk Open Day: Sat 3rd October 2015 1 – 4pm Booked tours are available throughout the year

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Nurturing Excellence

Open Day Saturday 3rd October 2015 1–4pm Booked tours available through the year

An outstanding independent day school for boys aged between 5 and 18.

www.habsboys.org.uk registered charity no: 313996

Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk Headmaster Peter B Hamilton MA

EDUC ATION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

Taylors, noT Dummies: 21sT CenTury Careers Helga Armstrong, Head of Careers, Merchant Taylors’ School

inding work that excites and inspires your son or daughter will be one of the keys to the good life you wish for them. To do this they will have to discover skills and personal competences that they can master deeply, and have to gain real work experience: “employability skills” is the employers’ mantra. Independent schools now work increasingly closely with employers and universities to understand what the UK’s top employers are looking for. They aim to provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date information on the job market so that they can advise their students on the degree courses that are most likely to open up real opportunities. The door to the Careers Centre at Merchant Taylors’ is always open. We offer a bespoke service tailored to the needs of each individual, and students are welcome to book an appointment, drop in and use the resources for career and higher education research, plan their enterprise initiatives, meet enterprise advisors, have mock interviews, plan work experience, and get support for applications. Our full programme begins as soon as students arrive in Year 7, and continues across the year groups to culminate in an Upper Sixth Careers Bridge Programme that prepares students for higher education and employability. We offer a wide range of lessons and activities, dedicated career days and events, guest speaker programmes, appropriate lectures, as well as a work experience and inspirations programme. From the age of 11, students start to explore their own personal skills and qualities through lessons with Sixth Form mentors. By Year 9, they have a dedicated careers day that includes delivering presentations and career ‘speeddating’ workshops to help them start exploring the sheer breadth of opportunities available. In Years 10 and 11, the careers programme continues to encompass self-awareness and opportunity awareness, with the introduction of employability skills, CV writing, and our work experience and inspirations programme. The Fifth Form Career Convention helps students explore career opportunities based on the Year 10 psychometric profiles that have helped them identify their innate aptitudes, abilities, and personal qualities. We give individual feedback to each student, with parents very welcome to attend. Where a student may have a vocational career in mind such as medicine or dentistry, specialist advice is on hand from the school’s Careers team in conjunction with the academic Faculty. We offer the Lower Sixth interview skills guidance and practice, as well as supporting the UCAS Advisors with higher education choices. Our annual Higher Education Convention offers the opportunity for our students to hear directly from specialist academics (often alumni) about university study. At the same time, we also encourage students to find out as much as they can about their preferred career options, both through work experience and by attending lectures, insight days, short courses and

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industry talks, as part of the school’s work inspirations programme. In the Upper Sixth, we prepare pupils for the undergraduate, internship and employment market. With a very keen eye on employability and the ever-changing nature of the labour market, we prepare our students to be global players. This year we are introducing a dedicated careers day with an international dimension, where skills and qualities are honed in a COBRA role-playing exercise, and where we bring in specialists to support future medics and dentists. Our own eight-week Career Bridge programme introduces the Upper Sixth to the undergraduate recruitment programmes, employer competencies and employability factors that they will face as they move on to the next phase in their lives. They have the chance to explore, debate, practise on us, and are given guidance on future opportunities and how and when to access them. In parallel, enterprise and entrepreneurship thrive. Younger student teams bid to compete in our Enterprise@ Taylors’ initiative and Sixth Formers bubble with enthusiasm for Young Enterprise and other business competitions. We continue to support our pupils after they have left: all alumni can access our database of mentors and many return to school to talk to current students about their professions; thus, careers at Taylors’ comes full circle.

THE DETAILS Moor Park, Northwood HA6 2HT ••••• 01923 820644 admissions@mtsn.org.uk www.mtsn.org.uk

APRIL 2015 7

MTS

Merchant Taylors’ School Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561 1561

Open Morning

09 May 2015 10.00 - 12.30

Wouldn’t you prefer a London school in the country? 40 minutes from Bond Street and Marylebone is: • 2017 Registration: 13+ February 28 2016 • 2016 Registration: 11+ November 30 2015 16+ December 31 2015 • Bursaries • Academic, Art, Drama, Music & Sport Scholarships

• A traditional boys’ education for your son • ‘Exceptional’ – 2014 School Inspection • Inspirational teaching

• Unique tutorial system

• Civilized, friendly & unpressured • Magnificent sports fields

• Superb facilities set in 250 acres

St John’s Wood coach from September 2015

Getting here

Online

Coaches : Barnet (via Stanmore), Beaconsfield, Ealing, Harpenden, Harrow, Highgate, Mill Hill, Radlett, Stanmore Car : MTS is 15 minutes from the M1, the M25 and the A40 Transit : MTS is adjacent to Moor Park (Metropolitan Line) and is accessible from any Jubilee/Metropolitan Line station. Chiltern line trains change at Rickmansworth From Marylebone: Chiltern Line trains change at Harrow. Travelling time from WC1/W1 is 40 minutes

Guided tours (last tour 11.30) The Head Master speaks at 11.15 and 12.15

Visit us at www.mtsn.org.uk Find us on Facebook Merchant Taylors’ School Follow us on Twitter @MerchantTaylors

Please contact Gregg McCann, Admissions Officer admissions@mtsn.org.uk +44(0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561.

For boys 11 - 18

Developing independent thinkers and learners Junior School Open Day Tuesday 5 May 9.00 am - 10.45 am Register for Open Days at www.schs.gdst.net or contact us for an individual visit Streatham & Clapham High School Nursery & Junior School Wavertree Road SW2 3SR 020 8674 6912 junior@schs.gdst.net

“OUTSTANDING”* 1 Montessori education 1 Open 8am – 6pm (50 weeks per annum) 1 Extra curricular activities including French, Ballet, Baby Massage Football Coaching, Swimming & Gymnastics

Call: Fulham 020 7386 0006

Shepherds Bush 020 8749 2877

Taking care of Little People since 1978

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3 V/A

V I A B L E A LT E R N AT I V E S

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A realistic choice for parents

FEATURE

Smooth Operators James Haddrell, Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre, introduces a bold new approach to Shakespeare

orking on a fundraising application recently, I came across an interesting statistic. It seems that women make up only 16% of Shakespeare’s characters, and speak less than 6% of the lines. At first thought that doesn’t seem right – characters like Lady Macbeth, Lear’s warring daughters or the tragic Juliet are so important to those stories and have such memorable lines that surely women have a higher presence in Shakespeare. But then, when you think about the companies that surround them, it starts to ring true. In King Lear, the king’s three daughters are the only female characters in the play. In Macbeth, if you set aside the witches and a fleeting visit from Lady Macduff, there are no other female characters. The likes of Macbeth’s queen and Lear’s daughters may be major characters, but they exist in plays hugely dominated by men. In the history plays, maybe this is because Shakespeare was writing about the figures dominating politics and the military, which were inevitably men. Maybe too the fact that he was writing for all male companies, which meant that each female character had to be played by a man, was an influence on his writing. However, the cross-casting was not a barrier to telling the story, and today there are companies like Propellor recreating that all-male Shakespearean performance to high acclaim. One company, however, have turned the argument on its head. Smooth Faced Gentlemen is a young company dedicated to producing Shakespeare’s plays with all-female casts. In 2013, having already won the John Beecher Award

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and the Best Play Award at the Buxton Fringe, the company made a huge impact at the Edinburgh Festival with their production of Titus Andronicus, and now they are the latest company to join Greenwich Theatre as a Supported Company. This year audiences can expect to see a range of work from the company here in Greenwich, starting with a revival of the award-winning Titus Andronicus scheduled for April and a new production of Othello coming later in the year, alongside a new concept – the Shakespeare Shuffle, in which a single play is split between up to five different companies to each perform an act in their own style on the same night. There is a risk, I know, that all this can sound like a bit of a novelty, a company looking for a niche to occupy or for a way to be noticed. However, far from being that, Smooth Faced Gentlemen is a young company with a bold ambition to address the gender imbalance still seen on our stages, whether in plays from the 16th Century or the 21st, and their work is built on an absolute respect for, and love of, the works of Shakespeare. For me, having seen so many productions of Shakespeare’s work in my life, anything that makes me watch the plays afresh, to listen to the words again and rediscover the astonishing writing, can only be a good thing. THE DETAILS Titus Andronicus plays from Tuesday 28th April - Saturday 2nd May. Box Office 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

FEATURE

Berkeley Street becomes the restaurant hotspot in London

he A-listers and hottest celebrities are heading to Mayfair’s Berkeley Street area to dine out as it becomes London’s most sought-after restaurant location, according to research. Rents in the area have soared by 67 per cent in the past five years as would-be restaurateurs from around the world jostle for space, property consultant Colliers International said. Dining room rents have increased to £125 per square foot, up from £75 in 2009. This far outstrips the price paid in Marylebone, home to celebrity magnet Chiltern Firehouse where rents are £90 per square foot. The shortage of available buildings in Mayfair is such that developers are also paying millions in “key money” an extra payment to the landlord, to secure prized leases. The Berkeley Street area is home to restaurants including Nobu and Novikov with a string of new openings in the past year. Dan Taylor, head of retail leasing at Colliers, said: “The internationalisation of eating and drinking in London has been extraordinary. “We have seen a continued influx of new

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brands from continental Europe, Russia, America, the Middle East and right across Asia encompassing every type of offer, from street food to fine dining.” Japanese restaurant Nobu is a favourite with celebrities including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nicole Scherzinger and Princess Beatrice although it lost its Michelin star last year. Novikov, which blends Asian food upstairs with Italian downstairs, has attracted stars including Rihanna, Rita Ora and Myleene Klass. Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings beat competition from 17 other operators to secure the former NatWest bank building on Berkeley Square, paying a rent of £1.1 million. Other recent openings in the area include The Beaumont Hotel, which features a room inside a sculpture created by Angel of the North designer Antony Gormley, and the first London outpost of the Bocconcino Pizzeria concept. The area is as hot for first-class restaurants as Bond Street is for fashion and jewellery boutiques. Only Covent Garden and Leicester Square can extract more cash from tenants but Mayfair has seen by far the strongest growth since 2009.

FEATURE

High Spirits, Scoundrels and Swing!’ This spring, a secret is being unearthed in Soho, previously hidden deep beneath the trudge of unwitting feet. Brought to the West End by the award-winning Inception Group, late night bar, “Cahoots”, will transport guests back in time, to post-war 1940s and to a disused underground tube station featuring dazzling cocktails, swing dancing and sing-a-longs around an old piano.

Cahoots will be Soho’s new underground home, where spirits are high and drinks never run dry.

nspired by true events that occurred in post-war Britain, Inception Group founders, Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling, decided to bring Soho’s illicit and nocturnal escapades from the era back to life. During the war, several disused underground stations were turned into air raid shelters and Londoners would transform the spaces into a ‘home away from home’, with their own nick-nacks and furnishings. There would often be a bar set up so that citizens could drink, dance and entertain themselves in order to boost morale during the dark nights of the Blitz. Monday Following the war a mischievous group of - Wed opportunists decided to keep the Blitz spirit alive by 5pm-1amnesday hosting nightly parties in an abandoned tube station Thursda y-F that would become known as Cahoots to people in the 5pm- 2amriday know! Rationing still existed and liquor was hard to Saturda come by so secrecy and tight lips were a necessity. 7pm-3amy Those wily enough to find their way into Cahoots (one must first find the Underground tube sign in Kingly Court) will discover a triumph of post-war resourcefulness, from the old fashioned wooden escalators that lead guests downstairs, to the dramatic, tiled, platform bar set alongside vintage train carriages. The 1940s tube carriage seats, mismatched furniture and bunting draped throughout the space, will then complete the perfect backdrop for a jolly good knees-up. As well as serving classic cocktails, black market liquor and post-war favourites will also be available, in particular rum and gin based drinks will be furtively knocked back from old mugs, hip flasks, vintage milk bottles and tins, finished with ingredients half-inched from nana’s pantry, picked from the allotment and foraged from the ruins. For those that simply want to enjoy the comfort of a classic ale, Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale will also be available to sip, alongside a portion of spam fritters, of course. Those in groups will be able to while away the time with the Cahoots signature sharer cocktail, ‘The Tanqueray No. Ten Station Clock’, served in an actual clock with a working clock face, mind you - the hands do tick backwards in time. Regular entertainment will be varied with homages to the 1940s stars of the stage and screen, with good time gals, Hollywood starlets, war veterans, politicians, aristocrats, milkmen and, of course, a ticket inspector, all on hand to fling another record on the gramophone. First timers will be greeted by the station master at the entry kiosk and issued a ‘day ticket’ to enter the station. Regulars to Cahoots will be rewarded with a special ‘season ticket’ which unlocks the gates, allowing them to let themselves and friends directly (and slyly) in to Cahoots!

OPEN

THE DETAILS Cahoots 13 Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW E: highspirits@cahoots-london.com www.Cahoots-London.com @CahootsLondon 112 APRIL2015

@CahootsLondon

Cahoots London

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FEATURE

18 th- 24 th

May 2015

LondonWine Week

fter an incredible inaugural year in 2014, which saw more than 7,000 Londoners celebrating the capital’s flourishing wine scene, London Wine Week is back – popping corks, decanting great vintages and decoding the wine list. Buy a London Wine Week wristband for just £10 and get ready for what will be a fabulous week of great wine, parties, pop ups and tastings. What could be a better way to kick start a fantastic summer? Once again, the highlight of the festival will be the self-guided Wine Tours, helping you discover new grapes, varieties and vintages. From dusty wine vaults to classic hotel bars, top-end restaurants to tiny hidden gems – let London’s Sommeliers guide you through their choice of taster wine flights, each just £5. Many venues and independent merchants, cherrypicked for their excellence, are also planning perfectly paired menus, special deals on corkage and drop-in tastings when you flash your London Wine Week wristband. Plus you’ll get a free London bar guide to

114 APRIL2015

2015

help you plan your week! Beyond the Wine Tours, you can look forward to fabulous pop-ups from English sparkling wine, Nyetimber, who will be hosting the central-London Hub, plus Celebrity Cruises, who are recreating The Lawn Club from the top deck of their iconic ships with renowned wine expert Oz Clarke – or brush up on your wine tasting skills with London’s oldest wine merchant Berry Brothers & Rudd, who will be running liquid lessons all week. If you’re keen for more from the pros, hotel partner Mercure will be calling on TV wine experts Susie Barrie MW and Peter Richards MW to curate their wine flights and host an intimate tasting session for those lucky enough to get a ticket. More details and partners will be released, so make sure you follow @LDNWineWeek on Twitter to stay up-to-date. THE DETAILS Wristbands are on sale now at www.londonwineweek.com.

FASHION

V&A Museum 14 MAR C - 2 ND AUG H UST 2015 TH

Savage Beauty Alexander McQueen

in partnership with Swarovski

his spring the V&A will present the only major retrospective in Europe of the work of the visionary fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen. One of the most innovative designers of his generation, McQueen was celebrated for his extraordinary creative talent. He combined a profound grasp of tailoring and eclectic range of influences with a relentless pursuit to challenge the boundaries of art and fashion, blending the latest technology with traditional craftsmanship. Originated by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Savage Beauty will be edited and expanded for the V&A’s large exhibition galleries. It will feature 30 additional garments, including some rare early pieces, lent by private individuals and collectors such as Katy England and Annabelle Neilson as well as pieces from the Isabella Blow Collection and the House of Givenchy. A new section will be added to the exhibition, focusing on McQueen’s fledgling development as a designer in London. Gainsbury and Whiting, the production company that collaborated with Alexander McQueen in staging his catwalk shows are working with the V&A on the exhibition. Each section will capture the essence of the provocative, dramatic and extravagant catwalk presentations that McQueen became renowned for, combining storytelling, theatrical performance, music and film. Another key moment of the exhibition is the Cabinet of Curiosities, which will showcase designs produced by McQueen in collaboration with fellow creatives such as the jeweller Shaun Leane and milliner Philip Treacy. Presented in a double-height gallery, interspersed with film footage of nearly all of McQueen’s catwalk shows, it will display around 40 additional objects that have not previously been seen together.

In total, the exhibition will showcase more than 200 ensembles and accessories, the largest number of individual pieces designed by McQueen and collaborators ever seen together. They range from McQueen’s Central Saint Martins’ postgraduate collection of 1992 to his final designs for A/W 2010, completed after his death, and are drawn primarily from the Alexander McQueen archive in London. Sarah Burton, Creative Director Alexander McQueen, said: “Savage Beauty is a celebration of the most imaginative and talented designer of our time. Lee was a genius and a true visionary who pushed boundaries, challenged and inspired. He believed in creativity and innovation and his talent was limitless.” ABOUT SWAROVSKI The crystal house and Alexander McQueen share a rich history, beginning in the 1990s when Isabella Blow introduced the young maverick designer to Nadja Swarovski. Swarovski went on to support McQueen’s S/S 1999 collection, which was to be the first of numerous collaborations. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski Crystal Business designs, manufactures and sells crystals, natural and created gemstones, and finished products such as jewellery, accessories and lighting.

Swarovskigroup.com THE DETAILS TICKET INFORMATION Admission £16 (concessions available). V&A Members go free. Advance booking is advised, this can be done in person at the V&A; Online at www.vam.ac.uk/savagebeauty; or by calling 0800 912 6961 (booking fee applies) @V_and_A #SavageBeauty www.vam.ac.uk/savagebeauty

The collections at the V&A never fail to intrigue and inspire me. The nation is privileged to have access to such a resource…. it’s the sort of place I’d like to be shut in overnight. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 116 APRIL2015

Branch on the park is a beautiful jewellery shop set in the heart of vibrant East London's Victoria Park. A treasure trove packed with all that glistens and sparkles.

Owner and Goldsmith Julia Cook has created a well thought out environment for you to spend time looking at jewellery. The shop has a collection of twinkly lit vintage cabinets filled with precious and semi precious gemstone, gold and silver jewellery.

Julia also makes private commissions. If you are getting married or engaged and need a ring or just want something unique, Julia will very happily design and make you whatever you wish.Clients really enjoy the process of having a piece made, talking through the design, choosing from a selection of gemstones and coming to see the piece whilst its being made. Everyone is always delighted with the outcome!

Behind the shop counter is a compact yet perfectly formed workshop, with two workbenches, rows of hammers and all the tools of the trade. Julia loves to use colour so there are strings of different gemstones hanging by her bench ready to be made into something gorgeous.

227 Victoria Park Road, London, E9 7HD +44 (0)20 8533 7977 www.branchonthepark.co.uk julia@branchonthepark.co.uk The jewellery is available to buy from our online shop: www.blossomingbranch.co.uk Wednesday to Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm

FEATURE

add

Ladies’ Day

a touch of elegance...

adies’ Day is racing’s special day for the Ladies, a highlight of the summer social calendar, where all eyes will be on the most stylish women. Every racecourse is transformed into a sea of colour, with bright outfits topped off by the most flamboyant of hats. Thousands of women across the UK prepare weeks in advance, selecting their dresses, eye-catching hats and fascinators, and flock to the races with the action on the track of secondary importance to their stylish outfits. Ladies’ Day is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up, enjoy yourselves, mingle with celebrities, and hopefully get some winners if you are able to prise yourself away from the champagne bar. Girls deck themselves out as if they are off to lie back on a sun kissed Caribbean beach in the hot sun. Some ladies looking somewhat bronzed already! Ladies’ Day is a real fashion show with bubbly, and outshining the other girls to be the most glamorous. When dressing to impress, Ladies’ Day is one of the most difficult days of the year. It is Spring, but the weather is utterly unpredictable; it certainly won’t rain on the fashion parade! Heels have to be worn, tottering around on the grass; and there is the small matter of choosing the perfect frock to wow the judges in the Ladies’ Day competitions. As befits tradition, statement hats

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are the order of the day, with many race-goers keeping their most magnificent outfits for the occasion. Generally headpieces, hats or fascinators must be worn in the grandstand area - with hats mandatory in the royal enclosure. From the most glamorous designer millinery, to the ridiculous and oversized novelty, or indeed eccentric hats, Ladies’ Day has it all. Whether you want to strut your stuff at the bookies, sip champagne on the lawns or simply resurrect that hat and shoes combo from the wedding you went to last year, Ladies Day provide a great excuse to let your hair down! The other important element, the people; your guests, be it business prospects, family or friends, you will have all the ingredients you need. Dress up and join the regal tradition and pageantry, join in the revelry, and enjoy a magnificent, and indeed memorable day of prestigious racing - and of fashion.

Here is a diary of forthcoming Ladies’ Days… ...we always need a bit of time to prepare!

The Grand National,Aintree Friday 10th April Lingfield Park, Surrey - Ladies Day Friday 8TH May The Derby, Epsom Surrey - Ladies’ Day Friday 5th June Royal Ascot, Berkshire - Ladies Day Thursday 18th June Sandown Park, Esher Surrey - Ladies Day Friday 3rd July Brighton Racecourse- Frosts Ladies Day Thursday 6th August Kempton Park, Surrey - Ladies Day Saturday 5th September

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Perfumes that pack a punch Page 124 APRIL2015 121

HEALTH & BEAUTY

DERMATOLOGIST DR ARIEL HAUS

Laser Love on Latest Technology

Syneron-Candela is worthy of their reputation for quality, safety, innovation and results, and as a dermatologist it is crucial that I offer superlative forward thinking treatments that deliver what they promise. I only use technology that is backed with reputable studies and trials, is proven to be safe and crucially only offer treatments that have the proper FDA and CE approvals.

razilian Dermatologist Dr Ariel Hausâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passion for skin and creating a youthful, flawless canvas means that he is constantly seeking the very latest non-surgical, hightech machines to deliver his patients long-lasting results. As well as being a medical advisor to La Roche-Posay and a spokesperson for Restylane, which includes involvement in trials for new products, Dr Haus works closely with global aesthetic leaders SyneronCandela (whose founder is the creator of IPL), and was the first London based dermatologist to take on their new ElosPlus for the face and body treatments. SUBLIME COLLAGEN CREATOR TREATMENT Painless deep dermal treatment for skin lifting, tightening & sculpting. Boosts new collagen growth to promote skin firmness and to provide a lifting effect. It targets deep folds, crepey skin, sagging jowls, and loose skin on the lower face, neck and abdomen.

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SUBLATIVE SCAR TREATMENT Treat scars from many forms; from acne, surgical scars, burns or accidents and stretch marks. The Bi-Polar Radio Frequency technology offers fractional skin resurfacing for smoother, improved texture and skin uniformity on face or body. SUBLATIVE REJUVEN-EYES TREATMENT Target lines & wrinkles around eyes, uneven skin tone & texture, sagging brow line. The Bi-Polar Radio Frequency technology offers fractional skin resurfacing to decrease fine lines and wrinkles, smooth out the skin surface and increase elasticity and collagen. MOTIF PAIN-FREE HAIR REMOVAL Safe, Predictable, Proven, Pain-Free laser hair removal harnessing the latest technology in the market. It targets face or body, all skin types for long term hair reduction. An average of 6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart are recommended for best results. THE DETAILS For Appointments Telephone 020 7323 6559 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF www.drhausdermatology.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

PerFuMeS THAT PACK

A PuNCH if you’re hankering for a new parfum to partner your new season wardrobe, you’re in luck. by KAtiE WrigHt, prEss AssociAtion

tHE AngEL in disguisE

his spring, there are dozens of newbies to choose from - and for once, they’re not all boringly airy and elegant. “Spring risks being one big cliche for perfumes, in which we are encouraged to get as dainty as Sandra Dee and switch over to delicate florals like lily of the valley,” says fragrance expert Lizzie Ostrom aka Odette Toilette (www.odettetoilette.com). “There’s nothing wrong with these kinds of perfumes, but there’s an awful lot more to enjoy beyond the usual suspects wheeled out at this time of the year.” Break the rules, Ostrom says: “Personal preference is much more important. Spicy scents often only get attention in the winter, but they can as much convey the energy of spring, as the crackling fires of winter.” So shake off those eau de toilette assumptions and take your pick from spring’s most potent perfumes...

tHE britisH bLooM

GIVENCHY ANGE OU DEMON LE PARFUM AND ACCORD ILLICITE, DEBENHAMS

124 APRIL2015

The latest addition to the Ange ou Demon family is undoubtedly on the demonic side. Le Parfum is a feline mix of sambac jasmine and musk, while the tiny black vial of powerful Accord Illicite enhances the patchouli and leather notes of its paramour, expertly marrying the angelic and the illicit. Givenchy Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum and Accord Illicite, £63.50 for 40ml, Debenhams (available in March; www.debenhams.com)

tHE cooL concoction

Inspired by a visit to the wilds of Alaska, the latest publication from the kooky Library Of Fragrance is as clean, green and icy as the Mountain Air after which it’s named. That doesn’t mean it’s barely detectable, though this unisex scent has surprising staying power. The Library Of Fragrance Mountain Air, £15 for 30ml (www.thelibraryoffragrance.com)

tHE sorbEt sELEction

If sugary ‘gourmand’ scents excite your senses, you’ll want to collect all three of the ice cream-inspired limited edition scoops from DKNY. Fruity Rooty and Dreamsicle are so sweet they’ll make you want to brush your teeth, but Cool Swirl, a tantalisingly tropical pistachio and coconut cocktail, has wider appeal. DKNY Delicious Delights Limited Edition Cool Swirl, £36.50 for 50ml (www. theperfumeshop. com)

In spite of the name, the rose accord doesn’t dominate in Jo Malone’s Tudor Rose & Amber, but that’s no bad thing at all. Lovers of sister scent Pomegranate Noir will be equally enamoured with this juicy Tudorian tonic, one of a quartet of British history-inspired new offerings. Peppered with Not keen on messing up your mane or spicy clove and ginger letting your kids do your make-up in aid notes, it’s as rich and of Red Nose Day? Us neither, which sumptuous as the red is why we’re alleviating our guilt (and velvet band that looking good doing it) by sporting a rings the bottle Kate Moss-approved lippy instead. top. Rimmel Limited Edition Red Nose Jo Malone Red Lipstick by Kate is £5.49, Tudor Rose & with £1.67 going to Comic Amber, £42 for Relief (www.superdrug. 30ml (available com). in March; www. jomalone.co.uk)

BuY iT Now

tHE crEAM oF tHE crop

Also falling firmly in the gourmand camp is Philosophy’s new dairy delight, Fresh Cream. The recipe infuses the aroma of whipped cream with almond blossom, vanilla and carob-like tonka bean, resulting in a toffee-

TOP 5 BEAUTY BUYS

tHE dEAtH-dEFiEr

A perfume range inspired by death and decay? Sounds pretty icky, doesn’t it? But fear not, Lush’s new collection doesn’t actually smell like that. In fact, Stayin’ Alive is a heady frankincense, vanilla and caramel blend that encourages you to disco dance in the face of mortality. Lush Stayin’ Alive, £75 for 50ml (www.lush.co.uk)

GIVENCHY ANGE OU DEMON LE PARFUM AND ACCORD ILLICITE, DEBENHAMS

Get the

LooK PENHALIGON’S AS SAWIRA, WWW.PENHALIGONS.COM

tHE LusH MusK

Don’t be deceived by its cool alabaster exterior, Clinique’s Aromatics in White is an intensely warm and enveloping fragrance. Crisp top notes of Sichuan pepper and violet leaf make way for an orange flower and patchouli heart, before the addictive amber and musk finish. Clinique Aromatics in White, £49.50 for 50ml, John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com)

tHE rELigious EXpEriEncE

Like stepping into a church (but without the associated guilt), the holier than thou aroma of La Religieuse conjures visions of burning candles, stained glass windows and a haze of incense. Photographer-turned-perfumer Lutens is famed for his cerebral scents and this musky meeting of light and dark is no exception. Serge Lutens La Religieuse, £88 for 50ml, House of Fraser (available in March; www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

tHE EAstErn AdvEnturE

Rooted in the 19th century Moroccan seaport of Essaoiura, As Sawira delivers more exotic ingredient notes than a colonial shipping merchant. Bergamot, saffron, absinthe, sandalwood and patchouli mingle over a dense base of oud and myrrh, the result is an intense, spicy brew that lasts and lasts. Penhaligon’s As Sawira, £150 for 100ml (in store now; available on www.penhaligons.com in March).

3 3 2 JO MALONE TUDOR ROSE & AMBER

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sweet but slightly floral scent that those in possession of a sweet tooth will crave. Philosophy Fresh Cream, £34 for 60ml (available in March; www.philosophy.co.uk)

Tried ANd TeSTed KAtE WHiting has an eye-opening experience testing out Lash perfect russian Layering technique Eyelash Extensions

s a busy mum, I barely get time to sit down, let alone do my makeup, so the idea of having eye-catching peepers without the hassle of applying mascara for at least three weeks definitely appealed. But the prospect of spending two hours of my life having false eyelashes individually glued on to my own was a little daunting. As it turns out, I had nothing to worry about and it’s definitely worth the time and money. After a consultation about what sort of look I’d like (“not too Sixties Twiggy”), therapist Jodie makes sure I’m comfortably lying down on the treatment table, where I promptly fall asleep. I wake to find my eyes have been transformed, with 500 extra long, ready-curled lashes on each one. Plenty of compliments reassure me it’s a “natural” look and, two weeks in, they’re still going strong and I can barely feel them. While it might be costly, for a one-off special occasion or holiday, Russian lashes are perfect! £180, Lash Bar, www.lashbar.co.uk

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COMPETITION

Satisfaction Guaranteed at British Military Fitness

emember, summer bodies are made in the winter, and with the help of British Military Fitness and their satisfaction guarantee, you can’t go wrong. Get down to your local BMF park and feel the burn! It’s fun, fast and effective. The military trained professionals have over 15 years’ experience and offer more than 400 classes every week at over 140 venues nationwide. BMF classes are tailor-made to suit all fitness levels. Whether you are a veteran or a rookie, you can get together socially, and challenge yourself. Plus, any new members who are not completely satisfied with their experience after 12 weeks will be entitled to a full refund thanks to their 2015 satisfaction guarantee. THE DETAILS If you want to sign up to a class near you, or find out more information visit www.britishmilitaryfitness.com

LIFE MAGAZINES COMPETITION For your chance to win 2 memberships for three months, (worth £300) at any British Military Fitness venues nationwide, over 20 of which in London - answer the following question: A crunch is an exercise that aims to strengthen which muscle? a) Bicep b) Abdomen c) Hamstring Send your answer with your contact details to competition@esmediagroup.co.uk Winners will be picked at random. Good luck!

2015 may be in full swing, but don’t turn your back on your fitness resolutions just yet. 126 APRIL2015

Diets fail for very good reasons t he way you eat on a particular diet is very different from how you normally eat. This demands effort and energy Diets work against the natural systems in the body for regulating eating and appetite which puts you under physiological and psychological pressure Dr Helen McCarthy helps you make stepwise changes to your current eating habits so that weight loss follows naturally. Using her 25 years of experience helping people change unhelpful habits and patterns of thinking, she helps minimise the willpower needed for successful weight loss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had be trying for years to lose the extra pounds that kept creeping on and never managed to shift them. With Positively Hungry something just clicked. With just a couple of easy changes to my daily eating pattern, I hit my target on schedule, having lost a pound a week for several months. I feel in control of my eating and my weight, which feels wonderful. I feel fitter and ten years youngerâ&#x20AC;?. THE DETAILS For more information call 0207 467 8470 or visit www.positively-hungry.co.uk PositivelyHungry @positivehunger

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Save time & Improve your life

e acquire many habits throughout our life, factors such as family, work, lifestyle, religion, cultural beliefs, social environments, nutritional knowledge, allergies and genetics all have a massive influence on how we behave and what our bodies look like. Over time these factors can have an impact on our health and wellbeing, reflected by a body that looks unhealthy. EVOTONE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT IMPROVING PEOPLE’S QUALITY OF LIFE AND THEIR BODIES. Recognizing that your body is not operating at its optimum AFTER 8 SESSIONS BEFORE or looking at its best can be a difficult thing to confront. At Evotone we don’t just think about the short-term solution (the physical AFTER 8 SESSIONS BEFORE change). We help you take those vital steps on your body transformation and lifestyle journey. We personalize our services to help you meet your short, medium and long-term goals. We address the habits that have built up over many years of your life and help you identify solutions. Our goal is to get our clients closer to their dream of a happier and healthier life - with a body that reflects their lifestyle.

very distressed with the results. A course of treatments with us is typically 70% cheaper and in our opinion gets far better results. Our non-invasive procedures have no downtime, leave no scarring and no unnatural redistributed lumpy formations of fat under the skin. Evotone specialize in non-invasive leading fat reduction treatments using i-Lipoxcell and XBody EMS full body workouts to shape and tone the body. It doesn’t matter what age you are, what gender, what body issues you have, whether you have small improvements to make or more drastic changes - we can help. We know people AFTER 8 SESSIONS BEFORE are short on time, so we offer weekly treatments that start from just 20 minutes per session. We’ve helped men and women achieve AFTER 8 SESSIONS BEFORE aesthetic, heath and fitness goals in as little as just 6 weeks. We’ve seen spectacular results with XBody, the full body EMS workout system. The workout effectively lifts and tightens those hard to tone areas in just 6 sessions. * i-Lipoxcell is comfortable, safe and clinically proven. The multi-platform body contour system offers 4 technologies in 1, enabling us to tackle fat reduction, stretch marks, lymphatic drainage, significant size (circumference) and cellulite reduction.

We Get Results

BEING SHORT ON TIME IS NO LONGER A VALID EXCUSE – ALL YOU NEED IS 20 MINS We’ve had a lot of clients who have undergone Vaser with some popular clinics here in London and have been

THE DETAILS Find out more at www.evotone.co.uk *Additional treatments may be needed to maintain results

I’m now back on track thanks to the experts at Evotone – I can now see positive changes in my body after having such bad results post cosmetic surgery EVOTONE CLIENT - FEMALE (30)

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Fully refurbished changing village opens 3rd April 2015

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Get back in the pool at Latchmere Leisure Centre

ifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beach at Latchmere Leisure Centre. With its walk in beach-effect leisure pool, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slides and a wave machine, this pool offers the best family swimming experience in the area For more serious swimmers there is lane swimming, great value swimming membership options along with swimming lessons for all abilities. PLUS NOW THE WHOLE CHANGING AREA HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED, CHANGES INCLUDE New flooring, wall tiling, WCs, basins and showers Improved air handing New lockers and changing cubicles. Additional group changing areas

Further to this they have gone very high tech and installed Ultraviolet technology, commonly known as UV. Using ultra violet technology for disinfecting pool water is increasingly popular. UV works as a highly effective disinfectant and operates from outside the pool

area in the plant room. It is a form of water treatment used in conjunction with significantly reduced levels of chlorine. This will therefore improve water quality, clarity and destroys the pollutants that cause irritation to skin and eyes. To swimmers this means that the water is of the highest quality for your swim and peace of mind! So what are you waiting for dive in today THE DETAILS

Latchmere Leisure Centre Burns Road, Battersea 020 7207 8004 www.latchmereleisurecentre.co.uk

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We want to make you feel like the very best version of yourself! Matt Roberts has a long held company mantra that encapsulates the approach his company takes to getting the best out of its clients: “We want to make you feel like the very best version of yourself!” “Ticking over, doing the minimum or less, and allowing time to catch you up, are sure fire ways to ensure that your best days are firmly behind you. It doesn’t need to be that way” says Roberts, whose London based company has delivered more than 600,000 hours of personal training from his four purpose-designed training centres. The strict “personal training only” stance adopted throughout the four Matt Roberts training facilities provides the ultimate unique and bespoke environment for clients to train within. Every client always works one-to-one with one of the Matt Roberts team, each of whom are employed and trained by Matt and follow the approach that has been enormously successful for two decades in London. . Comprehensive Fitness Testing, Functional Movement Screening and Dietetic Analysis, all form part of the “getting to know you” process. Ultimately, the team know more about your body than you do, and they use this information to provide tailored programming specific for you. Every client is managed by their own “Guardian Angel” trainer who oversees their programme and monitors their progress. This

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is combined with the on-hand assistance of the Matt Roberts Client Service Team, who provide access to every service within the company (and outside) and ensure that your training experience is nothing short of completely successful. All of this focus, programming and care, is provided in some of the most luxurious gym spaces in London. Each of the four London clubs (Mayfair, City, Chelsea and Hampstead) are large open spaces, beautifully designed and fitted, ensuring that your experience of training is one of luxury whilst being pushed to the outer edge of your comfort zone! Matt Roberts is geared around one primary objective, client success! The team are encouraged to be creative and innovative in their approach, the clubs are the height of luxury and convenience and the levels of service leave you with nothing to think about other than bringing your body, the rest is taken care of! “Physical perfection isn’t a primary objective for most people. Physical wellness, health, high self-esteem and the feeling that your body is improving and changing positively, certainly is. Bodies are all different, but the central plank of our approach is always the same. Let’s make you into the very best version of you!” THE DETAILS For more information about personal training courses at Matt Roberts please contact a member of our Client Service Team: Rachel Pace: rachel@mattroberts.co.uk Emma Rae: emma@mattroberts.co.uk Head Office: 0207 584 0916 www. mattroberts.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

A Superior Patient Experience at Medserena Upright MRI Centre

he Medserena Upright MRI Centre focuses on providing a superior patient experience at a well-established and premium quality facility in Kensington. The Centre is equipped with an innovative Upright Positional MRI scanner. Clinical Director, Professor Francis Smith MD. FRCR, FRCS, FRCP, FFSEM, brings a wealth of experience, expertise and quality to the standard of examinations and reporting generated at the Centre. The Medserena Upright MRI Centre is recognised by all major UK Health Insurances

TOLERATED BY CLAUSTROPHOBIC PATIENTS Our scanner is completely open, unlike conventional MRI or even many conventional “open” scanners, so there is nothing in front of the patient’s face during the scan, and subsequently there is no feeling of claustrophobia. In fact, the scanner is so open patients can even watch television whilst being scanned. BACK PAIN GETTING YOU DOWN? “One Stop”, same day consultation and diagnosis using our unique upright open scanner. You will have a Consultation with our Spine Specialist who will then direct the optimum upright MRI examination to determine the cause of your symptoms. He will then review the images and findings of the scan with you. The package includes a written report and copy of the scan on CD. SCANS USING NATURAL WEIGHT-BEARING AND VARIABLE PATIENT POSITIONING OFFERS REAL BENEFITS TO PATIENTS The Upright Positional MRI System offers the unique possibility of scanning patients in an upright or weight-bearing position versus the conventional supine MRI position. Supine scans may not detect certain pathology that become visible only when the patient is in an upright or weight-bearing position.

132 APRIL2015

WHIPLASH SPECIALISTS We have developed expertise in examination of Whiplash injuries, and have data that shows that the diagnostic accuracy of MRI following whiplash injury is improved by routine imaging of the cranio-cervical junction. We believe that the accepted practice of imaging the cervical spine, limiting the axial images to below the second cervical vertebra, C2 (the axis) is inadequate can under-estimate the incidence of significant post traumatic dislocation above this level. Upright MRI also has the advantage of being able to perform dynamic studies, and can examine the patients with the neck in neutral, flexion and extension or in rotation if required. All our Whiplash studies include specialised focused views. IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE SPINE Upright MRI has many other applications in the realm of Musculo-skeletal imaging and Sports Medicine. For example, knees, hips, feet and ankles may all benefit from a weight bearing scan, as patients often complain about pain only when standing or walking. We can perform prostate MRI without necessity of insertion of an internal sensor, patients can sit in the completely open scanner, and there is not even any need to undress. It also provides a solution for other patients who cannot undertake a conventional MRI scan, because of their size or who cannot lie down. THE DETAILS

114a, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4ES Telephone 020 7370 6003 www.mri-london.com

Is Your Back Pain Getting You Down? • Consultation with a Spine Specialist • Upright positional MRI scan • Referral for appropriate treatment For more information or to book your appointment:

Call: 020 7370 6003 E-mail: bookings@mri-london.com www.mri-london.com

One Stop Sam e Da y Diag nosi s

Medserena Upright MRI Centre 114a Cromwell Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4ES

“The most rewarding investment of this decade...”

“...do you want the key to unlock it?” Graham Rowan. Chairman of the Elite Investor Club.

This is a rewarding investment for two reasons. Firstly, because you receive an excellent guaranteed return of 12%. And secondly, because you help address the chronic shortage of high quality Dementia Care facilities in the UK. Hawthorn Care Village is a 210 suite facility in Burnley, Lancashire, being developed in partnership with Lancashire County Council. Uniquely, three levels of Dementia Care and related therapies will be offered on a single site. The benefits of this investment are: • 12% per annum rental income guaranteed for 10 years • Guaranteed sell-back to the developer for 125% of your initial investment after 10 years • You receive a 125 year lease with full legal title • You have multiple exit strategies and are free to sell at any time • This is a hands-free investment with no hidden fees or charges

Visit hawthorncarevillage.co.uk, email care@eliteinvestorclub.com or call us on 020 8914 8918 Disclaimer: Elite Investor Club is a trading name of Wealth Invest Limited. Please note that Wealth Invest Limited is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and as such is not FCA-authorised Independent Financial Adviser before committing to any form of investment. This is not an offer to participate in a collective investment scheme as defined in section 235 of the Financial Services and Markets Act (2000) and therefore investors will not have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or the Financial Ombudsman Service.

HOUSE &

IMAGE BY ROGER OATES DESIGN

GARDEN

Make an Entrance - Page 152

HOUSE & GARDEN

SIMPLY LOFT

Making lofty ambitions a reality

ntroducing a construction revolution; a loft conversion specialist offering home-improvement without the hassle. A design and build service dedicated to outstanding customer service guaranteeing quality and careful project management heralding an end to escalating building budgets and extended deadlines. Simply Loft; it’s the simple choice for your beautiful bespoke abode. With the cost of moving home in the capital skyrocketing, for many people the only way to increase their living space is ‘upwards’ with a loft conversion. Simply Loft is the leading builder of loft conversions in London. Developments are surprisingly affordable and are completed in a few weeks. With Simply Loft’s unique project management service your home is transformed with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of satisfaction. A loft conversion from Simply Loft is 100% bespoke. Whether it’s a Dormer, Mansard or a simple skylight loft conversion , designs are tailor made by Simply’s experienced in-house team of architects to meet individual specifications and bring a vision to life. A Simply Loft allows you the control to personalise your home to suit you. From kidsonly play zones, home offices and family cinema suites to spacious spa bathrooms, luxury bedrooms and relaxing spaces to escape the stresses of the everyday - a Simply Loft will transform your home and your lifestyle. Simply don’t just create beautiful spaces, being a husband and wife team with a young family, they understand the impact the intrusion of building work can have on family life as well as the family pocket. Customer communication

136 APRIL2015

and satisfaction is paramount and support is offered at every stage. Simply don’t sub-contract, so their standards and timescales are guaranteed, whilst fixed price quotations ensure complete peace of mind. Simply clients benefit from the reassurance of a dedicated Project Manager and the unique, fully automated Simply Dashboard; an online project management tool, which allows clients to monitor every aspect of their build from timing, to cost and design.

“Having had a bad experience with builders in the past, Simply Loft were a revelation. We were impressed by the endless patience shown, the excellent communication, which meant we knew what to expect every step of the way and the fact that the agreed works did not go over budget given the various complications. Simply Loft has changed what was a standard mansion flat into a highly functional and unusual duplex with a real wow factor. We love it – as do [our] many friends, family and neighbours.” THE TYRELL FAMILY, WESTMINSTER

“We would definitely recommend Simply Loft to the rest of the neighbours on out street” THE GILBERT FAMILY, MORTLAKE.

THE DETAILS For more information, past projects or to book a free no obligation quote visit www.simplyloft.co.uk, call Freephone 0800 917 7571 or follow us on Facebook /simplyloft. Simply Loft Is part of The Simply Construction Group; which includes Simply Extend and coming soon – Simply Basement. www.simplyconstructiongroup.co.uk

loop3 is passionate about creating beautiful, detailed interiors. Committed to managing every aspect of your residential project, from sensitive design to specialist artisans and construction expertise, loop3 turns concepts into reality. Design Centre Studios Chelsea Harbour SW10 0BD 020 7376 5300 | www.loop3.co.uk

HOUSE & GARDEN

DIVE DOWN INTO A BASEMENT POOL C helsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, Formula 1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone, and steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal are among those that have dabbled with basement extensions in recent years. If you have dreamt of having a home swimming pool and don’t fancy the idea of going for an outdoor swim in the middle of winter, then a basement pool is your answer. Of course, there is no upper limit on what can be spent and some pools are the absolute height of luxury and sophistication. There are very few places in your property that are suitable for pool installations, other than basements. Most basements provide the perfect setting, with concrete floors and being at the bottom of the property you do not have to worry about the weight a pool would put on the ceiling of the room below. Some build an extension to house their swimming pool, but there is nothing more luxurious with that extra wow factor than a basement pool. The design of basement pools can be equally indulgent, extravagant and indeed, delightful. Depending on your taste, you might have an underground grotto with cave-like stonewalls and a waterfall running into a spa beside the pool. You might be attracted by the idea of marble columns and arched ceilings in the style of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul or you might go for a modern, graphic approach. You need to make sure you don’t cut corners when it

comes to damp proofing your basement pool, as this will be your biggest challenge. Many people have problems with damp after they have installed a swimming pool, but don’t be put off by horror stories you may hear - ensure you employ an accredited builder to fit your swimming pool and that they have had experience in converting basements for swimming pools in the past. A basement is the perfect place for a pool, whether it’s a five-metre training pool or a 25-metre high-spec infinity pool. Professional designers can create a swimming pool of any shape and size to fit your space and your needs; with a specialist team who will then install your pool, and include any finishing touches such as tiling, wet rooms, and lighting. Working below ground is a specialist area and there are some specific regulations that apply. All floors and walls that are below ground level need to be waterproofed, or ‘tanked’ as it is sometimes called. Existing walls may have to be underpinned and additional joists and steelwork might need to be installed in order to support your property above. You will almost certainly have to ensure that there is a suitable fire escape from the basement, an adequate ventilation system and insulation to comply with building regulations. Different councils can ask different things of you when it comes to a basement conversion, so it is important that you speak to them before you plan or start any work.

Building a pool into your basement is very en vogue, extremely popular amongst the rich and famous. 138 APRIL2015

HOUSE & GARDEN

From concept to creation 3K Builders - Design & Build 3 K Builders is London-based building company with a wealth of experience in completing house extension, loft conversion and refurbishment projects to the very highest standards. We have built a reputation on the basis of providing clients with the quality service that is combined with professional and creative approach to work. 3K London Builders also provide kitchen and bathroom installation, carpentry and joinery, tiling and flooring, plumbing and heating, plastering, painting and decorating, roofing and electrical service. We aim to deliver bespoke and comprehensive building solutions, covering all needs from start to finish, no matter how complex is the project. With our extremely organized approach, experience, dedication and commitment to polite and respectful service, all our Clients can be assured that each project lives up to the their expectations. We have expertise in design, planning, technical knowledge and construction. Therefore we are able to offer whole package - Design, Work and Project Management. Our creative and experienced architects provide design service, architectural drawings, structural calculations, submit all plans on your behalf to the local council, liaise with the planning officers on your behalf to give you the best chance possible of achieving success with your planning application. Whether you select to use our architect or you provide your own plans we can deliver the results you want. We can assist in planning advice and liaise continually with local authorities to ensure a smooth and efficient project. As a reputable building company we bring an exceptional level of care and attention to every commission.

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With our experience and expertise we will help you to create a unique living environment suited to your individual needs and requirements. A stress free way to create the home you have always aspired to own. We give our undivided attention to every single detail of our clients requirements. Our Company always takes great care to ensure it delivers the level of service and craftsmanship that customers expect. 3K London Builders are always in close communication with our clients, even before any project has begun. We will also enquire into your refurbishment preferences and which suppliers and materials you wish to use. With 3K Builders construction and renovation company you will be able to rest assured that your property is in good hands. Our dedicated planning and project management team who will ensure that all our skilled tradesmen keep to the agreed schedule we have agreed beforehand and make sure that you are completely satisfied with our work and the progress we are making on your project. When you appoint 3K Builders, you can make sure that your building project will be managed on time and to budget. Work is carried out by our team of experts, with everything taken care of, including insurance and guarantees. THE DETAILS For more information about 3k Builders 25a Station Road, West Drayton UB7 7BT Call 020 8819 3533 or 07821 110330 / 07414 938523 3kbuilders@googlemail.com www.3kbuilders.co.uk

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HOUSE & GARDEN

Take the plunge A

swimming pool is not guaranteed to increase a property’s value or render it more sellable, even if it’s a large enough home to make a pool, along with a tennis court, de rigueur. In fact, with young families’ safety concerns, it could reduce the number of potential buyers, so do bear this in mind if you are planning to sell at a later date. Outdoor pools (not counting the above-ground temporary ones) will cost from about £30,000 up to £100,000, but keep in mind this is a lifestyle choice, not an investment. Have a swimming pool because you want one and will use it, and forget the “added value” bit. And do check whether you need planning permission before you start to create your dream pool. Position is everything: south-facing, out of the wind, away from falling leaves and the right distance from the house provides maximum enjoyment. There are two main types of swimming pool: aboveground pools and submerged pools. Aboveground pools tend to be cheaper because you don’t have to dig a hole and fit them but submerged pools are more traditional and provide easier entry for children or elderly people. In addition to the type of pool, you will have to decide on the type of materials you want your pool to consist of. There are three common finishes: liner; fibreglass shell; and tiles. These all require different amounts of maintenance and will affect the overall price of the job. You can use ecofriendly equipment such as ground source heat pumps and solar pool covers can reduce running costs. Increasingly popular is a pool as part of an outdoor entertaining area, perhaps with other leisure facilities, like a hot tub or play area. The addition of a spa to your swimming pool really adds a social dimension. What better way is there to while away some time in comfort and warmth, without all that energetic swimming? Safety is a priority: a surrounding fence with a lockable gate, and steps leading down to the main pool are advisable. Especially if you have children. They can still look stylish, ie the curved Roman steps add a particular feeling of luxury to your swimming pool. Whatever shape or design you would like - piano, fish, plane or an infinity pool, it can be built and designed to your requirements by a professional swimming pool contractor. Outdoor swimming pool design can include automatic covers, landscaping and garden buildings for changing, plant and equipment. You could also consider a beautiful tiled motif on the floor of your swimming pool to add a touch of persWhat is

fun is a “pool house” – a new structure or converted outbuilding with a fold-back glass wall, tables and chairs and a fridge-freezer stocked with ice creams and drinks. A glass-sided building or converted barn could, of course, house an indoor pool, which may be the ultimate British-weather compromise. “If it’s south-facing you could have the best of both worlds. Open the fold-backs when it’s warm, close them when it’s not, and you can still use the pool in winter,” says Christopher Bailey at Knight Frank’s country house department. Where can I find a contractor and how do I choose one? Of course, contractors advertise in local directories and online but the problem with choosing one like this is that you will have no idea of how reliable, professional, and expensive the company is before you deal with them. The best thing to do is to ask people you trust, who have had pools built, exactly who it was that they used. Neighbours are always a good source of information! In addition to this, always check that a contractor has up to date insurance, covering him for any damage that might be caused to your property. What qualifications/accreditations should you look for? SPATA (the Swimming Pool and Associated Trades Association) vets its members before membership to ensure that they are competent, professional and up to date in their methods and workmanship, which means that a SPATA-accredited contractor is likely to be a good bet. That said, the single most important thing you should look for in a contractor is experience. Someone with at least several years’ experience in building swimming pools is ideal: they will know what does and doesn’t work and will have built several different types of pools, which means they will be well-placed to advise you on yours. Costs of buying and installing a swimming pool? The estimate that you are given will comprise of two parts: the contractor’s labour rate and the materials rate. Often, however, labour will be included in an overall estimate price as opposed to being calculated daily. It is very important to get multiple quotes as prices can vary wildly. It is recommended that you obtain at least 3 estimates. It is also worth asking if they will guarantee their work – and how long for! You should also be sure to get a written estimate with a breakdown of all the costs. The final price should not deviate greatly from this guide price (provided no unforeseen problems surface). Please also bear in mind the cost of running and maintaining the pool after it is built. This ranges from £200 to £800 per season, depending on the size of the pool and the insulating materials.

They’re glamorous, highly desirable, fun and great for parties. And if you’ve been stuck in a car or train on a sweltering summer day, nothing beats diving into one as soon as you get home. A swimming pool in the garden will keep you fit and have friends beating a path to your door on a hot day. 142 APRIL2015

MULTI-AWARD WINNING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION UK Pool Pool Contractor 2012. Family Company celebrating yearsofofexcellence. excellence. UK Contractorofofthe theYear Year. Family Company celebrating 4948 years

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7 BEST OF THE

ny proud homeowner knows that keeping your home looking its best is just as important as keeping yourself well-groomed. Redecorating your entire property can be costly in both time and funds, but subtle nods to the latest trends in interior design keep things looking and feeling fresh. TREND 1 TURQUOISE The pastels and beiges of previous seasons are being firmly placed to one side as we embracing richer jewel tones. Turquoise is undoubtedly the must-have colour of the year; if you don’t want to commit to a full feature wall in the colour, then consider adding some accessories such as cushions, throws or rugs to bring in the trend. Be sure to choose shades that are rich as opposed to more subtle tones - this look is all about opulence. TREND 2 MIXING TEXTURES The fashion world saw an explosion of texture, as

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS

over your curtain pole for a casual, bohemian look. TREND 4 OPULENT KITCHENS Minimalist kitchens were the height of interior fashion a few years ago, but simplicity takes a back seat in 2014 as glamour arrives on the menu. Don’t get glamour confused with gaudiness, however; this look is all about decorative, Easterninspired lighting, sparkling metals such as brass, and richly painted wood. Some quirky accessories such as ornate kettles and teapots add the perfect finishing touches for this trend. TREND 5 VINTAGE PIECES Tying in with the luxury that the other trends encompass, this season your home accessories should all have flair and originality. The best way to do this is by picking up vintage, oneoff pieces that nobody else is likely to have A vintage armoire or chaise longue are the ultimate statement pieces, but you can also achieve the look with smaller items such as a vintage clock on the mantelpiece or some vintage movie posters.

Here are the key interior trends that you may want to think about incorporating quilted fabrics and leather became big news. This trend seeps into the world of interior design. Leather cushions can be mixed with corduroy throws to add interest to your sofa, or add some excitement to the bedroom with blends of fur and satin. The key is to mix your textures to create an eclectic feel. TREND 3 SHEER DRAPES If you have read our blog post on how to make apartments look bigger, then you will know that light is an essential to making the most of your space. Luckily one of the most fashionable things you can do for your dwelling is to open up the space around your window by replacing heavy curtains with light, sheer fabrics. Choose sheer curtains or simply pick up some fabric from a local market to drape

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TREND 6 TRANSPARENT FURNITURE Certainly not a trend for the faint-hearted acrylic furniture is going to become big news in interiors. Fans of minimalism will adore the added space and light that transparent chairs and tables allows for in a room, while fashionistas will love the retro feel that it creates. If you’re not quite brave enough to go for full acrylic, then transparent legs on sofas or tables will create the same effect, though more subtly. TREND 7 HEXAGONS Things get very edgy. In fact, the more edges the better. Things that were traditionally square in shape – think tiles, tabletops and mirrors – are given a modern twist by appearing in hexagonal form.

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HOUSE & GARDEN

Heavenly Interiors C

onversion opportunities are as diverse as the number of buildings around, and redundant churches can make for the most surprisingly unusual and exciting conversions. Thanks to the Victorians, who built so many surplus churches that the pews weren’t even being filled in the 1800s, a large number of these striking buildings fell out of use long ago. In 1969 the law changed to allow the release of churches for alternative purposes and, since then, over 200 have been converted. Converting a church yields several distinct design issues. Planners are unlikely to allow any major external alterations as they will want to retain the original character of the building, and existing windows and doors should be retained and restored with sensitivity. If additional light is needed for a new first floor it may be possible to insert conservation rooflights. Luckily, churches aren’t that hard to find: a list of redundant churches is available from the Church Commissioners. They also publish a useful pamphlet, New Uses for Redundant Churches, which provides a starting point for converters (020 7898 1000 or visit the website at churchcommissioners.org). You’ll need to run your ideas by the planners before making an offer, but when purchasing a church, the offer should be made to the local Diocesan Redundant Church Uses Committee. They put the offer to the Church

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Commissioners, who then make the final decision. As well as the planning department, you will also have to run any plans for architectural or structural changes to the Church Commissioners for approval. If the church has an attached graveyard, the law requires any human remains to be removed and interred somewhere else if the plans will affect them. Other than high ceilings and large windows, churches often have a convenient, central location. They’re ideal for open plan living and can provide the ultimate living space for homeowners that don’t necessarily require lots of bedrooms. A mezzanine level can work well, as it might be difficult to get permission for multiple rooms on ground level. Since there’s plenty of space to build vertically, there are excellent storage opportunities. The biggest advantage however is the architecture and unique features. Vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and mullions are hard to beat. Not everyone will feel attracted to the idea of living in a church, but you have to agree that every time we see a beautiful conversion of a formal church into a beautiful residence… we want to see more. You wonder what makes a person buy a church or chapel and transform it into a home – if you are looking for vast open space, original features and a unique design, then it could be the answer to your prayers.

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From the Runway to the Room

Inspirational Trends for Spring 2015

t was always said that interior trends were trailing behind what we were seeing on fashion runways but not anymore! Now it is clear to see that interior and fashion trends walk hand in hand and compliment each other. Each season has started to present obvious parallels between room and runway and Spring 2015 has proved no different with reflections of delft china and gingham making an appearance. For Spring 2015 there is a move towards the more cooler and softer tones of the colour wheel with an eclectic mix of brighter colours, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals all taking centre stage. Ochre is becoming more and more popular when it comes to interior design, being co-ordinated with rich velvet jewel tones to create one of this seasons hottest styles. It really is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the colour of the momentâ&#x20AC;?

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being used in a variety of textures and styles. Moroccan inspired prints have always been popular in both the fashion and interior world. Spring 2015 designs include strong geometric designs coming through in both wallpapers and fabrics. Statement pieces such as rugs and artwork will add the perfect finishing touch to any interior scheme. Cobalt blue has been around for many seasons and it is not going anywhere for quite some time. It is a bold colour which can easily stand on its own but it also compliments the lighter blues in the colour family. The deep blue tones are being introduced into home design with the use of soft furnishings and accessories. The mix of blues and patterns provide perfect accents in a room. Spring is one of the best times of the yearâ&#x20AC;Śwaving goodbye to those dark, depressing evenings and welcoming the return of the longer, brighter days and hopefully warmer weather. Now is the time to look to a new interior and brighten up your home.

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Spoons

was asked to sponsor an Egg and Spoon Race last week at a local school in aid of their chosen charity. It struck me how we take for granted the words we use and their origins and how closely connected they can be. The spoon is an ancient object being formed as a food dispenser from firstly natural things like shells and horn, then from humble materials like wood and pewter up to delicate enamels, silver and gold. Until the latter part of the 16th century it was accompanied only by a knife, for the fork was until then a novelty item introduced from Italy. The earliest models had only two tines or prongs, and were quite dangerous when in the hands of drunken, argumentative diners, when more than face cheeks were pierced. The third and fourth pronged forks as we know them today did not appear until the early and then the later 18th century respectively. Prior to the early 1700’s there were no boxes of cutlery or ‘canteens’ containing sets of dinner and desert knives, forks and spoons; you took your own trio of utensils in a little

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leather-bound travelling case for, not unreasonably, it was considered unhygienic to use anyone else’s. It’s well known that forever boys have whittled spoons from wood for their loved one, and the term ‘spooning’ emanates from that, but during the 17th century it became popular for the well-to-do Godfather to give the Godchild a silver spoon or set of spoons, the end of each handle cast to represent one of the twelve apostles. These are known as ‘Apostle Tops’, and are rare collectors’ items, much copied in the Victorian and Edwardian times, so beware and note the hallmarks. All of this is explains the origin of the expression ‘being born with a silver spoon in your mouth’. However, the word for spoon in the 17th century was ‘Spone’ and the person gifting it was the ‘Sponesor’, which is where the word sponsorship comes from, and where I came in. John Bly, 533 Kings Road, Chelsea john@johnbly.com

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HOUSE & GARDEN IMAGES BY ROGER OATES DESIGN

MAKE AN ENTRANCE! How to create a welcoming hallway

ntrance ways tend to be dark and narrow but painting them white isn’t necessarily the best option. “Hallways, especially busy family ones, can take a lot of wear of tear and white be very unforgiving, as well as cold, so a better option, is to choose a light, bright colour in a warm tone. Choose a colour that is a shade or two lighter than the main room the hallway leads to, and it will help create continuity between the two spaces. As this room is primarily a walk-through, you can afford to make a strong design statement and be bold with colour and pattern. Patterned wallpaper with a slight shine will help reflect the light, while vertical stripes can create the illusion of height. If you’re concerned about knocks and scratches, a practical option is to have painted wood panelling on the bottom of

essential. If you have a high ceiling, a large pendant light will act as a beautiful centrepiece and be the first thing that people see when they enter your home. If the ceiling is low, pendant lights will have the effect of making the room feel smaller, so wall lights are the better option. Mirrors are a good way to reflect natural light and give the illusion of more space. A large mirror placed at the end of a hallway instantly provides depth, making a hallway feel larger. STORAGE SOLUTIONS Hallways can easily become cluttered so finding a space for coats, keys and shoes is a must. A wooden bench with storage If you have room, offers storage as well as a useful seating area. The more floor space you can see, the larger

The hallway is the first room guests see in a house. Make yours warm and welcoming with our inspirational design tips and advice… the wall, with statement wallpaper above. FEATURE FLOORING Flooring in a hallway needs to be durable but choose wisely and you can create impact while being practical too. If you have a particularly long and narrow hallway, a chequerboard effect on the floor will create the impression of width - the wider the tiles, the wider it will look. Hallway runners are a great way to inject colour, while colourful striped carpet will instantly enliven a stairway. If you have bare wooden stairs, consider painting each step a different shade of the same colour or have fun with stencils to create patterns or words. LET THE LIGHT IN Hallways can often be dark, so getting the lighting right is

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your hallway will seem and there are lots of great wall-hung cupboards available. MAKE A FEATURE Hallways may be small but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a stunning focal point. A narrow console table with a pair of lamps and mirror above makes a pretty focal point while a vase of fresh flowers or a scented cinnamon candle will create an inviting aroma. A group of family portraits is another great way to add interest and personalise the space. Generally, it’s best to hang fewer, larger pictures as opposed to several smaller ones, as it can make the space seem more confined and cluttered. With a little imagination and the right colours, storage and lighting, you can create an inviting entrance you’ll love coming home to and will want to show off.

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HOUSE & GARDEN

To balcony or not to balcony?

That is the question. W

hen designing your new home, there are plenty of things you immediately consider such as the desired size, layout and overall look of the property, but have you given any thought to the growing trend in the UK self-build market of adding a balcony? A recent article in one of the UK’s leading self-build magazines discussed the rise that architects have been seeing over the past 10-15 years regarding the number of UK properties that now sport balconies. It is believed this growing trend is due to people acknowledging the British climate is far better than that of our Scandinavian neighbours, where a high proportion of new homes automatically include balconies, which in turn has created an interest in the UK in having balconies built into new designs. With so many different types of balconies available, you could choose something as elegant and simple as a Juliette Balcony, or something far grander and more opulent such as a large balcony which can act as a seating or decking area. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure it will create a stunning feature piece for your bespoke home. BALCONY STRUCTURE When choosing your balcony, whatever you decide, you need to give it a lot of thought, as it needs to be an integral part of your home rather than just something that is ‘stuck on’ as an afterthought. There are a number of materials and tread patterns available on the market which will all obviously affect the look. However, careful consideration needs to be given to how your balcony will be supported. There are numerous approaches available ranging from high-tech cantilevered ones, meaning that the structure of the balcony is tied into the main floor structures of the house, or the more simple option of being a bolt on structure, supported by gallows brackets or traditional support columns. The latter is the easier and most cost effective option, but for some buildings and applications the former is the only suitable solution.

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PLANNING PERMISSION A question a lot of people ask is whether or not you need planning permission for a balcony; the simple answer is that you always need planning permission in the UK for a balcony that projects from a building (excluding Juliette balconies). As well as the obvious considerations of appearance and structure, you need to consider how your balcony will act as a means of importing light and to make sure that it does not cut off light from below. MATERIALS As a rule of thumb, traditional timber decked balconies are a cheaper option than steel, cast aluminium or glass structures but it does not offer some of the key benefits previously mentioned, such as letting the light through to lower space, and they often require more complicated structures such as cantilevered ones, which cost more than those supported underneath by columns. Cast aluminium balconies are extremely strong and durable but weigh in at about 1/3 of the weight of steel, therefore making it easier to fabricate, transport and fit. They look exactly the same as cast iron and are in every way as durable and strong. As manufacturers of bespoke cast aluminium balconies, British Spirals & Castings believe they are a strong contender in the market. All their balconies have cast aluminium decking plates with designs in, so whether you are looking for a traditional or contemporary look, they will not only allow light to pass through to the floors below, but also allow water and dirt to drain away, ensuring they do not become a slip hazard. Why not come and visit the London showroom in Highgate to see for yourself what is available and turn your dream into a reality. THE DETAILS Please contact British Spirals & Castings for further information 305 Archway Road, Highgate, London N6 5AA Tel: 0208 341 5975 Email: sales@britishsc.co.uk www.britishsc.co.uk

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HOUSE & GARDEN

DESIGNED FOR LIVING

BUILT FOR LIFE Why choose the Design & Build approach to create your dream home

he refurbishment or remodeling of your home can be a complex undertaking. There are many different aspects to the process, all of which require detailed consideration and specialist skill. Traditionally, the approach has been to appoint numerous individual professionals to complete the project. These include architects, interior designers, structural engineers, project managers and building contractors amongst others. This design-tender-build approach demands a high level of involvement from the client as they have to manage all of these individual providers whilst overseeing the project as a whole. This can turn what should be the realisation of a dream into a very stressful experience. In recent years a new approach has been available which offers a much more cohesive and stress free experience. Also referred to as design led construction, design and build is a method of delivering a project where both the design and the build services are contracted to a single company for a fixed price. This keeps the entire process â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, from initial survey and planning, right through to the completion of the build. Red Square has been pioneering the design and build approach to residential refurbishment for 15 years. They believe that in order to achieve the best possible end result for the client, the project should be built and finished by the team who designed it. Ideal for those without the time or knowledge to project manage, design and build offers a significant number of advantages to the client. Product costs are discussed and reviewed throughout the design process, ensuring there are no surprises once the project is priced for the build phase. At all times the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall budget is being considered. Work can commence on site whilst the detail design is being finalised, enabling early discovery of potential issues with the property (i.e. hidden instability in the existing structure, requirement to level sub floors.) This allows the detail design to be amended to take into account such issues and thereby potentially reduce their cost impact. Removes the cost and time required to tender the construction phase and also avoids the frustration and difficulties in trying to compare submissions from various contractors. The client has certainty over costs as a guaranteed contract price is

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given at commencement of the build phase, inclusive of on-going design support, project management and full project liability. There is a single point of accountability. The same team is responsible for all of the work, which eliminates any problems that traditionally occur once responsibility is divided amongst individual professionals and contractors. When issues arise, the project is not delayed whilst designers and contractors determine who is responsible. A single point of contact simplifies the process, allowing a pro-active relationship to develop between the client and their principal contact, supported by a team with considerable experience of working together. This ensures any issues are overcome in a positive and efficient manner. The process allows for design and product specification changes during the construction phase. This is a huge advantage for longerterm projects where specified products can cease to be available and in areas such as home automation where they are constantly being updated. The team are able to review the market just before orders are placed to ensure the latest products are incorporated. The design team are fully responsible for the overall project, from initial concept design to build completion. This means they have full control over quality of construction and can ensure the build actually completes as it was designed. For these reasons design & build is now considered the best choice for the client. It is a low risk, low stress option that is time efficient, cost effective and ensures quality and continuity of workmanship throughout, resulting in a home you can be proud of for years to come. Red Square offers a complete service including; obtaining planning approvals, interior design & architecture, structural engineering, project management, construction, bespoke joinery, home automation and landscaping.

THE DETAILS Contact Red Square for further information and to arrange a free no obligation consultation please call 020 7385 8500 or email enquiries@redsquaredb.com To learn more about how design & build can help you create your dream home, please visit www.redsquaredb.com

APRIL2015 157

HOUSE & GARDEN

Beautiful furniture dovetailed to your needs

t Jennings-Bramly Furniture Ltd we pride ourselves on designing, making and installing quality bespoke fitted and free-standing furniture. We have built a reputation over many years, providing clients with the furniture that they need. We have a very professional and creative approach to our work. With training in violinmaking followed by making scenery and props for the Royal Opera House, as well as for film, TV and adverts, we have developed a range of skills which enable us to create the furniture that you would like. Our recent commercial work includes fitted furniture for the Officer’s Mess of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Woolwich, which will be followed in the coming year with display cabinets and panelling for their regimental museum. We have had an on-going job fitting out barristers’ chambers in a practice in Gray’s Inn Square, including an

We cover all aspects of the process from beginning to end, no matter how complex the project. With an extremely organised approach, our many years of experience, dedication and commitment to making great furniture, you can be assured that the furniture that we make will live up to your expectations. 158 APRIL2015

oak library, furniture for a board room, conference tables, and have recently been making bespoke furniture for Lincoln’s Inn as well. Domestic fitted work includes numerous wardrobes often with matching bedside furniture, as well as alcove cabinets in sitting rooms and dining rooms, and made-to measure kitchens. These are made in a style to suit the tastes of our customers, and to fit with the architecture and existing furniture of the room into which the piece is to be installed. As a result, much of our work is made in Victorian, Edwardian, Shaker and Art Deco styles, but we can cater whatever your personal taste is. We also make free-standing pieces, and specialise in the Art Deco style for these, but are not limited to this. We design everything in-house, so after meeting you to discuss what you would like and to measure up the space, perspective drawings are made which give you a true feel of how the furniture will look once installed. These can be modified until the furniture looks exactly the way that you would like, with all of the functionality that you need. Fitted pieces are all pre-made in the workshop and assembled and installed on site, in this way minimising the disruption in your home or workplace. We use both traditional and modern techniques and materials, including solid hardwoods, veneered boards, and modern manufactured boards which are then painted. We will be very happy to discuss any furniture requirements that you have, however large or small. Please have a look at the website, or give us a call or email for more information. THE DETAILS Jennings-Bramly Furniture Ltd. call 0208 945 5794 or email richard@bramly.co.uk www.bramly.co.uk

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Art Traditional Craftsmanship the

ack in the early 1980s, a pair of carpenters ran a small business restoring antique oak furniture for exclusive clients. While items like chests of drawers and chairs were relatively easy to come by, genuine antique bed frames of a size and quality to suit modern requirements were rare. If people wanted a big bed then there was little alternative but to go for the mass-produced option. So the pair had an idea. They began to research traditional bed design and construction from down the ages. They picked some of the most attractive designs, adjusted them to suit modern needs and began to handcraft prototypes using quality timber and time-honoured methods. The result was a range of handmade wooden beds that reflected the very best in the art of traditional craftsmanship and values – beds made from the finest cuts of mature, solid oak lovingly nurtured from the raw timber by experienced master craftsmen in our Nottinghamshire workshops. Word spread and Quercus began supplying luxury oak beds to discerning clients worldwide. Quercus is a benchmark for excellence in workmanship and innovative yet traditional bed design. From rough sawn timber through to a beautiful handmade bed built to be passed down through the generations, every single one of the 150 oak-framed beds we build each year is handmade to

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order in our Nottinghamshire workshops. Each bed is lovingly crafted using traditional methods and materials from the finest light character grade oak, handpicked for its distinctive notes and character. We also insist on oak that’s at least 150-200 years old for added strength as well as oak that’s sustainable to the environment. Also, because a Quercus bed is built to last, every bed features a unique affixed plaque. Just like a limited edition fine art print, this plaque is inscribed with the year your bed was made. Our craftsmen have designed your bed, customised your bed to your specification, carved your bed, put it together, polished it and spent a full 72 hours lovingly finishing your bed before checking every detail and carefully packaging it to be delivered and installed free of charge by our own specialist two-man team. Plus, to make sure you are completely delighted with your purchase, your Quercus bed comes with a promise that’s as solid as the oak: a no-quibble 10-year guarantee plus a 21-day money-back promise. THE DETAILS To request a brochure and oak sample, visit www.quercusbeds.co.uk or call 01777 869 669.

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espite the tough financial times the sales line for one small traditional company in London has continued to buzz, why? – Because of Google Street View. Google Street view is a remarkable new application on the Internet where people can now walk down a street and take a look around from their PC or even mobile phone.Which means of course, that the appearance of our homes as viewed from the road, has never been more important. “And that’s where we come in.” said managing director,Trevor Alexander.“Attractive steps can transform the first impressions someone has of your house – especially in London where steps are such a prominent feature.We create beautiful steps and paving using only top quality York stone or Portland stone, the two best looking and most famous natural materials for walking on.What is more, these traditional materials have stood the test of time because they have good grip even when wet, are extremely hard wearing, but above all, they both look fantastic! When a potential client phones us now we can now simply invite them to take a walk on Google Street View and look at the steps in their neighbourhood.As we’ve

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installed hundreds of steps in South Kensington and Chelsea the chances are - the ones they like - are ours!” First impressions do count, especially when you are trying to sell your home or impress your friends.We asked one of Trevor’s clients what they thought,“I hadn’t really appreciated what a difference to the look of the whole house the steps would make. It was only when I found the Natural Stone Steps Company website on Google, and saw the ‘before and after’ photographs that I realised.Visitors now comment on the nice appearance of the house, which we never received before – even though we’ve only changed the steps! I’m glad I Googled.Thanks Trevor!” A set of stone steps are normally installed in one or two days but will last a lifetime and if they are visible from the road then they are visible by the whole world! It may just be worth going on Google Street view to take a look (www. google.co.uk/help/maps/streetview/), and if improvements are needed, ring Trevor at the Natural Stone Company! THE DETAILS For more information contact Trevor Alexander on 01483 211311 email trevor@naturalstonesteps.co.uk or visit the website at www.naturalstonecompany.co.uk

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KITCHEN GUIDE

Cimitree - Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty in the bespoke - Page 184

M O N

EY HI LL

IN TE RIO

KITCHEN GUIDE

C GE IMA

ES RT OU

F O

KITCHENS Y

the hub of the home

ou need to decide on the space that is required over and above your units, worktops, appliances and sink unit. For example, if you have children, is extra eating space required? Are you looking to entertain and relax aswell as prepare and cook the evening meal? Your kitchen should be designed for whatever you are likely to want to do in it. The interior style of the rest of your home could dictate the style of your kitchen space, especially if it is open-plan, so you need to take this into consideration.

The design of your kitchen can cover a variety of themes... CONTEMPORARY KITCHENS The sleek look will provide instant gratification. Providing a more open feeling adds to the functional atmosphere of the space. That is, in essence, one of the great benefits of contemporary custom kitchen designs; the array of options available. No matter what your exact tastes and preferences, there is a contemporary kitchen design that will meet all your specific needs.

colours that hark back to the 1970s, or even appliances based on those found in American households of the 1950’s. Adding a touch of retro fun to your new kitchen can be a great way to give character to the space, and is sure to provide a few nostalgic talking points. CABINETS & WORKTOPS Cabinets are the workhorse of your kitchen, so always push your budget as far as possible. Think practically as well as aesthetically when it comes to the finish (highly polished dark colours show fingerprints easily, for example) and remember, neutrals stand the test of time more than bold colours. You can always apply brighter colours to the walls or splash-backs (glass is effective). Don’t neglect handles – they can make or break a kitchen. Chrome is effective and never dates. Avoid wooden worktops near sinks or you’ll become a slave to re-oiling, and glass worktops quickly look tired and scratched. Granite remains the top worktop choice. There are so many more materials at similar prices to the ubiquitous black. For sinks, stainless steel is best. For taps, the tri-flow system provides filtered water. You

On average, people spend in excess of £30,000 on a new kitchen. It is about creating a dream space. There are a multitude of choices when it comes to creating your dream kitchen... FRENCH COUNTRY KITCHEN Combining rustic country charm with a grand, chateau-like sophistication. We are talking an Aga, chunky wooden worktops and tiled splashbacks in earthy shades. Freestanding features and copper pans on a black wrought iron pot hanger, rustic oil bottles and richly coloured earthenware all combine to give you that French country feel. SHAKER STYLE KITCHEN This design appeals to those who adore both contemporary design and a classic look and feel. The round knobs, pillowfronted doors and beautiful woods epitomise the classic shaker style kitchen. The floor plan in a shaker kitchen is open, with cabinets often lining the sides of the kitchen. An island can make an attractive addition and can be created for you in classic shaker styling. This dignified, elegant kitchen is never excessive but nevertheless stunning to look at and work in. RETRO KITCHEN A retro kitchen is styled in a way that includes elements that imitate kitchen trends of the past. You might find psychedelic

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could also mix and match your worktops – for example, quartz and stainless steel – or vary the depth of work surfaces. KITCHEN FLOORING The flooring in your kitchen space is as important as the kitchen itself, so you need to get it right. Take advice from a flooring expert, or consult your kitchen designer. You can find more information and choices on kitchen flooring later in this guide. KITCHEN LIGHTING Safety comes first in any kitchen, so for high activity areas where you’ll be preparing food you need plenty of illumination, so work out which areas you’ll be using for practical purposes and install task lighting – i.e., focused, directional, bright light. Think of lighting as a design tool to emphasise or detract from good or bad features in a room. You can find more information and choices on kitchen lighting later in this guide. A bespoke kitchen will be tailor made for both the space and you. For pure luxury, this is the best that money can buy. You can have it designed especially for your needs and tastes, and built by the best in the business.

KITCHEN GUIDE

Creating a Country Kitchen

ancy a farmhouse kitchen with a modern twist? The country-style look is bang on trend for kitchens this year so no matter where you live or what style your home is, you can create the ideal country kitchen. if you’re planning a whole kitchen revamp, or simply would like to introduce some personality to your space, check out these smart kitchen design ideas... For the archetypal country kitchen look, choose generously proportioned pieces made in solid timbers with distressed and painted finishes. Freestanding items, such as butcher’s blocks and wall-hung plate racks, are also key ingredients. If you’re lucky enough to have any original features in your kitchen make the most of them by turning them into a focal point. Modern country kitchens are relaxed and informal: the heart of the home. While fitted furniture uses every inch of space in a kitchen brilliantly, it does have the tendency to look a bit too sleek and uniform. Always choose kitchen cupboards made from wood and pay a little extra for classic-style fittings like cup handles and simple doorknobs for a more authentic look. Shaker kitchens are distinctive thanks to the ‘picture frame’-style design on cabinet doors, this type of kitchen is characteristically country. From beech wood for a light look, to walnut for a darker feel, wood kitchens are a great way to achieve a country look. Solid wood kitchens are expensive but

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definitely worth the investment for that authenticity. A Kitchen island can be a great way to maximise on the space in your kitchen as it can not only house storage, appliances and fittings, but create a real luxurious feel. A range cooker will provide the wow factor for the ultimate country kitchen. A Belfast sink is a must, you don’t want a modern stainless steel sink that will ruin the overall effect. A stylish Welsh dresser would make an attractive addition to house your country style crockery. Kitchen flooring like real stone tiles, terracotta, travertine or slate will provide the country feel under your feet, with authentic wall tiles completing the style. Pastel colours work brilliantly in country style kitchens. As with duck egg blue, mint green rings a change from cream and white, but does not overpower the interior scheme. You don’t need to steer clear of overtly modern touches - a country kitchen can have all the mod cons and be evenly balanced by other features.

HANDMADE

IN BRITAIN We recently purchased a kitchen from your branch in Muswell Hill and we just wanted to drop you a quick note to mention how thrilled we are with it. Not only is it a beautiful kitchen but we have been absolutely delighted with the exceptional customer service we have received. We could not be more pleased about choosing John Lewis of Hungerford.

S PR I N G SA L E N OW O N Beaconsfield

Blackheath

Bristol

Cambridge

Chiswick

Cirencester

Cobham

Fulham

Harrogate

Hungerford Muswell Hill Oxford Tunbridge Wells Wantage Bedroom Showroom Winchester Scottish Sales

KITCHEN GUIDE

Authentic British Design & Heritage John Lewis of Hungerford has an enviable heritage of over 40 years in designing, crafting and installing painted kitchen cabinetry and furniture. The luxury fitted kitchens, beautiful bedrooms and designer furniture, have all been handmade in Britain since 1972.

ith an incredibly versatile offering, the high quality range of fitted furniture is tailored to individual requirements and tastes. There’s five kitchen styles yet no two kitchens have ever been designed the same, from the latest trends in painted wood and gloss kitchens including the Urban Cool and Pure ranges, to the elegant styles of the shaker period. For those with a true appreciation of authentic British design and heritage, they combine the highest levels of craftsmanship with meticulous detail in each and every piece, so everything comes with a 10-year guarantee. There’s also a range of beautifully crafted kitchen essentials from pantries to furniture and accessories. With highly experienced teams on hand to help you to envisage your chosen design, you can achieve your dream kitchen that’s beautifully tailored to your lifestyle, from style and colour to clever integrated storage solutions. 174 APRIL2015

Although best known for their kitchens, John Lewis of Hungerford has continuously grown by introducing new ranges and furniture pieces that show off their design capabilities but remain true to their handcrafted heritage. All cabinetry and furniture pieces are hand finished by skilled craftsmen in their Oxfordshire factory, which means individual preferences are simple to incorporate. As specialists in painted kitchen cabinetry, their love affair with colour is a result of the vast spectrum of 80 colours available from their very own award winning paint range and selected ranges can even be colour matched. With such a rich history steeped in paint, the ranges are perfected to ensure they are durable to cope with busy family life and so that customer’s have the reassurance of the best in quality that is expected of John Lewis of Hungerford. Attention to detail pervades their ethos seen across all of their luxury cabinetry and it is where the team of experts and artisans at John Lewis of Hungerford truly shine. The highly skilled craftsmen remain dedicated to ensuring each individually crafted and painted cabinet that goes through the workshop is handled with absolute care and attention so that it reaches its new home as flawlessly as it was created. THE DETAILS Visit your local London showroom to discover the full range of handmade furniture. 0700 278 4726 www.john-lewis.co.uk

KITCHEN GUIDE

Can a kitchen have a soul?

f you look at the designs of Paul Marazzi, the answer may be yes. Marazzi’s passion for design began a new approach to creating bespoke kitchens that are not only functional but also provide a focal point for a contemporary home. Drawing on his Italian heritage, Marazzi developed a philosophy based on understanding artisans’ techniques of the past, then reinterpreting them using modern engineering and technology. The result is beautiful products and spaces that are wholly custom made for clients. These bespoke kitchens have become part of a repertoire of cuttingedge rooms that belong to a long list of satisfied owners. But the Marazzi library of work stands out not only for its unique design and innovation but also for its ability to influence the lifestyles of those who experience his kitchens. Marazzi likes working with fluid shapes inspired by nature or other dynamic entities like sports cars. They allow him to do something very creative and individual, and they are peoplefriendly - no hard angles or corners to bump into, no rigid lines to conform to. Such concepts reveal an understanding of a client’s needs — not only in his preferred design and materials, but also in his lifestyle. So Marazzi adapts each design to take account of how the client likes to use and move around his kitchen. He turns his clients’ requirements into individual solutions that elevate the cook’s enjoyment and comfort in preparing dishes at home to immerse in the enjoyment of one

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of the most impressive kitchens in the world. The kitchen finishes include crocodile embossed leather, metallic gloss chameleon lacquer, Swarovski crystal lights and Venetian inked gold glass. Appliances are by renowned manufacturers from around the world - Zaha taps, a collaboration between architect Zaha hadid and triflow concepts; Sub-Zero refrigeration and wine storage systems; ovens, hobs and warming drawers from Wolf ovens; Max fire custom-made steel extraction systems with boiled and chilled water delivered via gold plated Zip hydro taps. Fisher and Paykel make the drawer dishwashers, and worktops are sculpted by hi-MAcS@Solid Surface. The hallmarks of a Paul Marazzi kitchen can be seen in their bold vision, refined engineering and cutting-edge composites and materials. Add to this craftsmanship, bespoke design and practicality and it’s easy to see why the company has a growing client list and enjoys accolades from all over the world. And why many of his kitchens are now the favourite nook in the house. THE DETAILS Marazzi Design 162 Coles Green Road, London NW2 7HW 020 8450 9555 | sales@marazzidesign.com www.marazzidesign.com

KITCHEN GUIDE

How to plan your

kitchen lighting O

ne of the first things you’ll need to consider when planning your new kitchen is the lighting, as electrics and fittings have to be installed at the start of the project, before plastering, decorating and the fitting. It’s an integral part of any scheme and this is your one chance to get it right. The key to a successful scheme lies in layering the effects, so you should try to zone the lighting according to its use - working (task), dining and mood (ambient) and creating the wow factor (feature). It’s important to concentrate on all three and consider dimmable solutions for even more flexibility. Installing ceiling lighting can pose some difficulties, but it is possible to illuminate a kitchen without using any ceiling lights. There is a wide range of spotlights, downlighters, uplighters and strips that can be placed either under or on top of kitchen units. It also means you can be more creative, as it’s possible to conceal fixtures and fittings. Every kitchen, no matter how large or small, needs efficient task lighting. This is as much from a safety point of view as anything else. You’ll need direct lighting wherever any food preparation is taking place - worktops, sinks and hobs - to make sure chopping and cooking can be done safely and without shadows. Undermounted options are perfect for this and be sure to look for recessed or semi-recessed options, as exposed light fittings will collect grease and dirt more easily. For the hob area, choose an extractor with four or more halogen lights and if the island is to be used for prep, highlight it with pendant lamps combined with recessed downlighters. These should always be controlled on a separate circuit, so make sure you talk to your electrician before any installation takes place. The latest trend is for easy-to-use sensor-operated products. They’re extremely practical - when preparing food, there’s no need to wash your hands every time you need to flick the switch, simply wave your hand in front of the sensor. Drawer and cabinet lighting can also be operated on sensors,

instantly coming on when the door is opened. Not only do they look great, the lights make it much easier to find that elusive corkscrew or pizza cutter. Open-plan kitchens with a dining area or those with a breakfast bar need a combination of adequate lighting for eating, with softer lighting for after-dinner conversation. Dining tables and island units will benefit from a series of overhead pendant lamps (rise-and-fall versions can be moved up or down when needed) while lamps and wall lights will create a warm glow that sets the mood. Mood lighting can change the ambience of the kitchen from practical preparation zone to a chill-out or entertaining space. Plinth lighting - especially strip lights - around an island unit or breakfast bar gives the illusion of floating furniture, which can create a magical feel at night and is great for wowing guests. If you have a period property or interesting features, such as an exposed brick wall, that you’d like to highlight, consider accent lighting that can be used to focus on a particular area or design element in the room. This is where you have the chance to set your kitchen apart. The LivingAmbiance by Philips is a range of coloured lighting that can be changed to suit your mood. ‘The kitchen is probably the most actively used room in the home,’ says Ashley Smith, consumer lighting marketing manager for Philips, ‘so lighting should be an integral part of its design. Good lighting improves the functionality, appearance and energy efficiency of your kitchen and also impacts on your wellbeing. LivingAmbiance lets you access a whole host of colours and shades of white to create the mood you want - from cool to warm - whether entertaining friends or cooking for the family.’ Sensio’s LED RGB 30W remote control and receiver is another option, as the remote control enables you to create any mood at the touch of a button. Choose from a slow or rapid colour change with a memory function to activate the settings previously used. Other effects include colour-changing back-lit glass splashbacks and light strips beneath the worktop on an island unit.

Essential for preparation and cooking, lighting can also be used to create mood and atmosphere at the flick of a switch. 182 APRIL2015

…

LOOK OUT FOR UR YO LO

…¬

C AL

IAL IST’S WIN D O W

DESIGN & DESIRE

IN PERFECT HARMONY UNCOMPROMISED GERMAN QUALITY COMES AS STANDARD

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KITCHEN GUIDE

Cimitree - Designers and makers of bespoke English furniture

‘There’s beauty in the bespoke’

ounded in 2006 by cabinet makers Chris Thorpe and Adrian King, Cimitree design and make bespoke furniture, kitchens and interiors for homes and properties across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, London and further afield. From their workshop and design studio on the West Sussex, Hampshire border, Cimitree make furniture, kitchens and interiors that ranges from coffee tables, dressers, sideboards, chairs and desks to completely unique kitchens, fitted studies , dressing rooms and even a garden shed. What every Cimitree piece has in common though, is that it is brought to existence by blending creative, practical design with sublime craftsmanship. It is the small details; the selection of only the finest-quality materials, the understanding of form and technique, that makes each commission a uniquely formed example of British furniture. In a world where high-street furniture and kitchen ranges are commonplace, Cimitree keep their focus very much on the bespoke. No piece of furniture they make is the same as any other – each commission is truly individual to that client and their home. Shop-bought ranges can lack a certain character, but with creativity, imagination and skill, a bespoke design can inject personality and a strong sense of individuality into your home, while remaining as practical, if not more so, as an off-the-shelf solution. Furthermore, if you have a very specific idea in mind and are unable to find what you are looking for on the high-street, it may be that commissioning a bespoke piece of furniture, or a bespoke kitchen, is the only way to get exactly what you are looking for. Designing and making bespoke commissions for clients across the UK, Cimitree have fulfilled briefs ranging

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from cabinets constructed around a chimneybreast to display of an Oriental art collection, to a painted kitchen with a nod to the art deco style. Individual client briefs vary greatly, but so too do commercial projects – one such commission saw Cimitree working alongside a highly-skilled network of specialist metal workers, metal polishers, mirror fabricators, corian fabricators, glass suppliers and printers to make and install the interior of an exclusive London penthouse. Each client is unique, but the one thing they all share is their desire for a practical space, which is visually exceptional. Cimitree do not let the aesthetic design overshadow practicality, but by intelligent, creative planning, they craft furniture and interiors that fulfil both functions. Cimitree is a forward-thinking company than embraces modern technology. Clever design, creative ideas and practical process from both the traditional era and the modern world are blended to create pieces that showcase the very best of contemporary furniture making. Their workshop has been set up to embrace both traditional skills and modern technologies and you will find stateof-the-art digital machinery being used alongside hand tools that have changed little in centuries – you are just as likely to find hand cut dovetail joints on a Cimitree piece as you are CNC laser cut marquetry. THE DETAILS Cimitree are happy to receive visitors at their workshop and design studio.To see them at work, or to discuss a bespoke commission, please visit www.cimitree.co.uk, email info@cimitree.co.uk or give them a call on 01730 826809.

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KITCHEN GUIDE

GOOD KITCHEN DESIGN

STARTS RIGHT UNDER YOUR FEET

o put on a fantastic floor show, start by looking at the construction of your existing floor and make sure it’s suitable for the type of flooring you’ve got in mind. Heavy materials such as stone or terracotta tiles need a solid concrete base. If you’re laying a floor over wood, go for lighter materials such as lino, vinyl or wooden floorboards.

VINYL FLOORING Comfortable and warm underfoot, vinyl is one of the most cost-effective flooring options and comes in a range of colours and patterns. For a durable surface that won’t fade, choose a vinyl with the colour running through - those with surface patterns tend to develop a patchy look over time. Your supplier can advise you on the correct grade for your kitchen and, if you have the budget, have it installed by a professional, as badly fitting vinyl will peel at the edges. To keep it looking pristine, sweep it regularly and clean with a non-abrasive cleaner. STONE OR SLATE Consult an expert if you’re thinking of using stone or slate on a kitchen floor as its porous nature means it can stain easily. It’s also one of the most expensive floors you can buy, but it will add value to your home. To reduce the risk of staining, go for the less porous slate rather than marble or limestone and make sure you have it professionally sealed. Look at travertine too – a natural stone made in Italy from calcium carbonate. It has a pitted appearance, comes in many colours and stands up to most cleaning products, making it the durable choice. If you have kids and pets running around, natural stone may not be the best option for you.

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LAMINATE This is a great, cost-effective option that creates an authentic, real wood plank effect at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. These days, you’ll also find stone and ceramic tile effects too. Laminates are tough so they’re ideal for busy households with lots of traffic in the kitchen. To create the appearance of real wood floorboards, choose a laminate with bevelled edges that form a v shape between the planks when they’re butted up together. Even better, this flooring is designed to be clicked together so there’s no need for messy glue and you can even lay it yourself if you’re a competent DIYer.

HARDWOOD A real hardwood floor is expensive, but will add value to your home. Treat it with a Polyurethane finish to make it easier to maintain and clean. Wipe spills up quickly though, as any water sitting for a length of time on the floor will result in warping. Unlike laminates, if your floor gets damaged, you don’t have to replace the boards – you can simply sand them down and treat them again. CERAMIC TILES A popular choice for kitchens as they come in so many colours, textures and patterns allowing you to create your own unique look. You can even use a central colour and create a tiled border all around to frame the floor. Remember though, you need a solid concrete base for tiles as floorboards would shift underneath and cause cracks to form. Ceramic can be cold underfoot so consider installing underfloor heating. Choosing your kitchen flooring is as crucial as choosing the overall theme for your kitchen, so consult a specialist designer for further advice.

Designers and makers of bespoke furniture, kitchens and interiors.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty in the bespoke By designing, crafting and installing the very finest furniture, kitchens and interiors, your home becomes reflective of you. It becomes your story. We do not build or supply ranges. Instead, we listen to and understand your requirements, then whatever you and your home need, we create. We believe that it is dedication and attention-to-detail, as much as form and technique, that results in truly creative, flexible and above all inspirational furniture design and craftsmanship. For a home thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as individual as you are, speak to Cimitree.

The Old Piggery - Church Farm - South Harting - Petersfield - Hampshire - GU31 5QG cimitree.co.uk 01730 82689

KITCHEN GUIDE

Kitchen design trends & style advice for 2015

Joanne Heavey, Design Manager at Cococucine offers trend insight and style advice for anyone planning the kitchen of their dreams in 2015 Minimalist design is very much on trend with sharp clear architectural lines making curves obsolescent. This follows through into colour selection with contrast being especially desirable, particularly when there is a large island and a bank of tall units in the scheme.

here is a growing desire to hide appliances away, even including hobs and sinks and this is becoming true even when the appliances are aspirational brands – less is definitely more in 2015. Ultra low plinth lines also contribute to the architectural feel of the kitchen and this is now often enhanced by creative worktop selection using ceramics, composites, Corian, Lapitec, solid woods and other materials to provide a wide range of options on thicknesses, colours and textures, which add to an almost industrial/engineered look, exploring form and function whilst adding drama and integrating it all seamlessly with living areas. There is also now a definite trend towards clients consulting us at a much earlier stage in the process, often before planning permission has even been sought and finding that their guided aspirations for the kitchen now often affect the final layout of the property rather than fitting the kitchen to an already defined space. Opening up ever larger areas of the home to create open plan living requires a truly stunning kitchen if it is to create the desired effect of a seamless link between cooking functions, entertaining spaces and 190 APRIL2015

living areas. It is increasingly desirable to have the kitchen as the centerpiece of the home, a place to cook, obviously, but to entertain, to have the kids do their homework, and yes, even to relax and de-stress after a hectic day. Large Islands offer a wonderful canvas for creating drama. They can be completely stone clad monoliths or combine veneers and lacquer finishes to stunning effect. Combining breakfast bars, perhaps in contrasting materials also provides for a convenient place for your guests to enjoy a glass of wine while you prepare food and – let’s be honest – for you to enjoy them admiring your kitchen. Appliances too allow for a huge combination of aspiration, form and function and there is a definite trend towards clients selecting higher brands, presumably a reflection of the improving economy. We now see steam ovens, warming drawers and other “non-essential” appliances becoming de-rigueur. We have more options available now than ever before in terms of finishes, materials and colours so it becomes ever more important to have a design partner to guide you through the intricacies of creating the kitchen that is perfect for you. THE DETAILS Cococucine, London 020 8968 9555 | enquiries@cococucine.co.uk www.cococucine.co.uk

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