Town Magazines (London editions) October 2020

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TATE MODERN presents

Andy Warhol Until 15 November


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on panel

Sir Alfred Munnings KCVO, PPRA

20 ½ x 27 ¼ in

Lord Astor’s High Stakes with Sir Gordon Richards up at Newmarket Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) was perhaps the foremost painter of equine subjects since the eighteenth century painter, George Stubbs. The present work, High Stakes, is the most important in a series of paintings of The Start on which Munnings embarked in the early 1940’s, and continued until his death. Here the beautiful setting is Newmarket, and unlike the majority of the series, the horse, jockey and owner are all named. High Stakes was by Lord Derby’s 1933 Derby winner, Hyperion, out of the 1929 Oaks winner Pennycomequick. Sir Gordon Richards was one of the finest ever jockeys, and along with A.P. McCoy, the only jockey to be knighted; he was flat racing champion twenty six times. Lord Astor was a renowned owner and a great patron of Munnings. Museums: London, Tate Britain; Collection of HM The Queen; Liverpool, Yale

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on board

22 ½ x 30 ¼ in

Edward Brian Seago RWS, RBA Boats in the Harbour, Dieppe

Edward Seago (1910-1974) was a keen sailor, and a friend of the Duke of Edinburgh, himself no mean sailor, he accompanied him on trips to Hong Kong and Antarctica on board The Royal Yacht, Britannia. Seago’s first boat Endeavour, served as a floating studio, his second, Capricorn is the green hulled vessel in the above work. Seago sailed frequently to the Continent, often painting the Port at which he moored. Seago was an extremely popular painter in his lifetime; lengthy queues would form at the gallery opening of an exhibition such that tickets would be issued to prospective buyers, who would be limited to one painting each. Museums: Collection of HM The Queen; London, Norwich, New Brunswick

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

27 x 28 in

Walter Richard Sickert ARA Barnet Fair

Barnet Fair first took place in 1588, and was for centuries a horse, cattle and livestock Fair. By the time Walter Richard Sickert (1860-1942) portrayed the Fair, here circa 1928-30, it had increasingly become a Fair of traditional fairground entertainment, with horse trading taking a minor role, and referred to in the painting by the horses grazing beneath the trees. This an uplifting painting, a tented children’s theatre awaiting the arrival of the crowds streaming through the distant gates, by an artist regarded as one of the founders of the Modern British Movement. Museums: London, Tate Britain; Edinburgh, National Galleries; Liverpool, Brisbane

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MACCONNAL-MASON EST 1893

Oil on canvas

18 x 24 in

Henry Moret

Le Guilly, Port de Pêche

Born in Cherbourg and a disciple of Gaugin and the Pont Aven School, Henry Moret (1856-1913) spent much of his career painting the coast, fields and forest of Brittany, but it was above all the coast and fishing communities that were the focus of his work. Gradually, Moret’s style evolved to become, as in this composition, more impressionistic with the silvery light and flecks of colour and smaller more delicate brushstrokes. Museums: Paris, Musée d’Orsay; Boston, Museum of Fine Arts; Washington, National Gallery; St. Petersburg, The Hermitage

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


MacConnal-Mason Gallery has been established for

over one hundred and twenty years spanning four generations. Based in London, although with roots in the north of England, MacConnal-Mason have two galleries in Duke Street, St. James’s, the heart of London’s Art and Antique district and moments from the Ritz, St. James’s Palace and the renowned Clubs, Boodles, Whites, The Athenaeum and the Carlton Club. MacConnal-Mason present the finest paintings and sculptures of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries over six floors of exhibition space. From Pre-Raphaelite and High Victorian paintings, through Impressionist paintings, represented by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Eugène Boudin to Modern British works by Laurence Stephen Lowry, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, and Marine paintings by Montague Dawson, the gallery’s exhibit a continually changing collection of works.

MacConnal-Mason have been instrumental in forming some of the most important collections of Fine Art in the United Kingdom and abroad. Being at the forefront of the Art Market for many decades, the gallery has dealt with many of the most important Nineteenth Century European paintings to appear on the market, including the record breaking “The Finding of Moses” by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, that subsequently sold for a sum approaching thirty-six million dollars.

The ethos of the gallery has always been, and remains the case today, to source the finest paintings and sculptures, be they by artists of the Nineteenth or Twentieth Century and to make them available to the gallery’s clients and museums. The most important and principal reason for acquiring a painting or sculpture should be that it resonates with the viewer, causes an emotional reaction and one that will last. Ideally the acquisition will prove to be a form of wealth management, but it is the desire to own and enjoy a painting that is paramount, again, ideally one will be living with this for a long period of time. As previously mentioned, MacConnal-Mason have six floors of exhibition space in St. James’s but in addition, have always been delighted to show paintings at the home of clients and potential clients. In the present circumstances, this has also included gardens, garages and greenhouses! The process serves a useful purpose, it can be difficult to visualise a painting ‘in situ’ when seen hanging on a gallery wall several miles or several hundred miles away from home. To hang the painting ‘in situ’, at no obligation of course, is a means of facilitating the whole decision making process.


Lighting is a further matter on which the gallery is more than happy to advise, all paintings need light, whether it be natural light, spotlights or frame mounted picture lights, circumstances and position dictate the solution and the gallery has vast experience in such matters. As one of the foremost galleries in the United Kingdom, MacConnal-Mason exhibit widely, at prestigious art fairs in London, and abroad at the world renowned The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht, perhaps the largest and finest Art and Antiques Fair worldwide. In New York, along with London, the centre of the Art Market, and home to a myriad of collectors, the gallery exhibits at the Seventh Regiment Armory, a spectacular and iconic building on Park Avenue. The gallery frequently produce catalogues of recent acquisitions to accompany the fairs.

MacConnal-Mason also organise exhibitions inhouse, one of the most significant such exhibitions being what was described as the finest exhibition of works by L. S. Lowry in the past twenty years, this in the same year as the major Lowry retrospective at Tate Britain in 2013, for which the gallery organised the loan of one of the principal works, which was also included in the Macconnal Mason exhibition.

The gallery has a wealth of experience under the Chairman, David L. Mason, O.B.E., along with Directors, David M. Mason, Marcus Halliwell, Sue Palmer and Gallery Manager, Richard Pikesley. They can muster approaching two hundred years of art market experience, connoisseurship, and present day market intelligence, and above all have a true passion for their subject.

14 & 17 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6DB | Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 7693 fineart@macconnal-mason.com | www.macconnal-mason.com


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MAGAZINES Andy Warhol (1928–87) was one of the most recognisable artists of the late 20th century, yet his life and work continue to fascinate and be interpreted anew. A shy, gay man from a religious, migrant, low income household, he forged his own distinct path to emerge as the epitome of the pop art movement. This major new exhibition at Tate Modern – the first at the gallery for almost 20 years – offers visitors a rare personal insight into how Warhol and his work marked a period of cultural transformation. The National Trust has come a long way since it was founded by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley in 1895. The founders believed that nature, beauty and history are for everyone and so set up the Trust to look after the nation’s coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces. Octavia Hill, a radical social reformer and cultural philanthropist, saw the preservation of open spaces as crucial to improving the lives of the urban poor. One Aldwych, London’s much loved, independently-owned and run hotel in Covent Garden reopened on Wednesday 16th September, with a new look, feel, sense of inclusiveness and string of experiences created with local partners. Known for its striking contemporary interiors and fabulous 20th century art collection, One Aldwych has been spruced up from head to toe. Princess Beatrice has married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a surprise ceremony, but what’s more unexpected was her choice of wedding dress. Instead of enlisting a top designer to make a gown from scratch like so many royal brides before her, Beatrice opted for a customised vintage dress.

ZOE WRIGHT, editor Editor ZOE WRIGHT Editorial Assistant LAURA PAGE Sub Editor BENJAMIN JONES Fashion Editor Lara Accison Design & Production Lisa Wade DIGITAL & PROJECT MANAGER CHAMINDA JONES SOCIAL MEDIA LOUISE HALL senior business development manager SHANNA COLLINS ACCOUNT MANAGERS ABI GARDNER, NICOLA DREW, LISA WESTERMAN, GEMMA GOODWIN COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER ELIZABETH WATKINS ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD 0844 800 8439

www.magazines.town


020 7354 8958 www.amberth.co.uk

kitchens bathrooms interiors


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The legendary

Blue Bar

at The Berkeley

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here are plenty of places to have a drink or a cocktail in London. But few can match the luxuriously inviting Blue Bar for the wow factor. Drop in for some of the most colourful cocktails in the snazziest part of town. There’s nothing quite like a Minted Fizz, a Ginger Guru or a Smoke & Mirrors to ease you into the evening.

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Originally created by the late Irish architect and designer David Collins, the bar was restored and extended by one of Collins’ former protégés Robert Angell. When it came to refreshing the design, he masterfully maintained its architectural features with its iconic wooden panelling coming from the original Berkeley on the corner of Piccadilly and Berkeley Street. Restored and painted in the bespoke Lutyen’s Blue with additional colour touches of seductive reds with black and silver tones. A blue bar, topped with onyx, dramatically takes centre stage set on a floor of white marble and dark crocodile print navy leather, mirrored by blue leather touches on the bespoke furniture. Discover the Blue Bar’s contemporary side in the state-of-theart glass extension, diffusing light throughout the bar for a sense of long, summer evenings and starry-eyed nights. As the sun sets, the Blue Bar comes to life. The Blue Bar features a ‘Cocktails with True Colour’ menu, with drinks that “increase in potency depending on the colour chosen. Spacious and impeccably stylish with its deep blue velvet sofas, this is a bar whose sparkling energy is sure to leave you spellbound.

“The Blue Bar features a ‘Cocktails with True Colour’ menu, with drinks that “increase in potency depending on the colour chosen”

THE DETAILS Opening Hours Monday - Saturday: 12.00pm - 1.00am Sunday: 12.00pm - 11.00pm The Blue Bar operates a no reservation policy. the-berkeley.co.uk The Berkeley, Wilton Place Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL 0207 235 6000

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garSin Su Shop of 9 1 Sweet 0 2 r a e Y e h t

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oted as the Best Sweet Shop Central London 2019, SugarSin is in the Theatre District of Covent Garden! A bright blue shop that stands out from its more austere fellows, SugarSin is the home of some of the most delectable sweets in the whole of London. Firmly planted at the high-end of the market, SugarSin is a haven for pick n mix-lovers, a tribute to chocolate-lovers, and a home to unique cocktail & fruit flavored candy. Sourcing products of the highest quality from the best confectionery suppliers in the UK and Europe, SugarSin brings a unique collection of confectionery for vegetarian, vegan, glutenand dairy-free diets. 90% of SugarSin products are hand-packed in-house with utmost care ensuring every bag, box or jar reflects the SugarSin ethos of great quality and outstanding taste. The emphasis on quality is at the core of all SugarSin decisions, never compromising on this aspect of its business. This ethos is what brings people coming back time after time, in the search for a repeat of an excellent experience. 12 OCTOBER 2020



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Finding a sweet shop with a vast variety of products, wonderful staff, and in the perfect location is no mean feat. Becoming the destination for those wanting a premium sweet experience is no accident. It is the result of years of work, building a fine reputation that has garnered the respect of Londoners, tourists and – thanks to the Royal Opera House being a stone’s throw away – theatregoers. READER OFFER: Owned and managed by Jiten Shah, the adoration SAVE 20% he has for the shop is reflected in the customer service SugarSin provides. A visit to SugarSin need not be a step into the dark, but a charming tour through captivating confectionery.

Shop at SugarSin

Spend up to £30 or more online at sugarsin.co.uk and use code ‘Strawberry 20’ to get 20% off your order. Whilst SugarSin is working hard to 14 OCTOBER 2020

bring its entire pick n mix offering online, to know more about how you can order SugarSin pick n mix to be delivered to your doorstep, send an email to hello@sugarsin. co.uk. It is a simple process where you virtually choose your sweets to create your own bespoke box or jar of luxury pick n mix sweets.

THE DETAILS Visit SugarSin at 1 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5JD. Tel: 020 8616 5959. Email: hello@sugarsin.co.uk. sugarsin.co.uk



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ONE ALDWYCH RE-OPENS, WITH A THOUGHTFUL RESET

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ne Aldwych, London’s much loved, independently-owned and run hotel in Covent Garden reopened on Wednesday 16th September, with a new look, feel, sense of inclusiveness and string of experiences created with local partners. Known for its striking contemporary interiors and fabulous 20th century art collection, One Aldwych has been spruced up from head to toe. In embracing the new normal, One Aldwych will be guided by their guests: whether they prefer to enter their room alone, or be shown to their accommodation by a staff member; to using QR codes for menus, or opting for a printed menu. Whichever option is chosen, the hotel will operate within the regulations and make sure that their journey is safe, happy and relaxed. When it comes to sustainability, One Aldwych has always led from the front and its green credentials are

second to none. The hotel reopens with a new beefriendly rooftop garden, complete with beehive. Working with London-based charity, River of Flowers, who help partners to plant ‘rivers’ of wildflowers and trees in urban landscapes to feed and shelter bees and pollinators. One Aldwych will be using bee-friendly ingredients in two new cocktails – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – which have been created for the cocktail list, in the Lobby Bar, and a portion of the proceeds of sales will go to River of Flowers. One Aldwych’s scrumdiddlyumtious Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, created in partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company, has been taken to the next level. Diners can now expect to feast their eyes and taste buds on a mixture of splendid savouries (think salmon and beetroot macron); scrumptious sweets (look out for the blueberry chocolate tart and scones with snozzberry jam); and fizzylifting drinks. For the first time ever, One Aldwych has just opened its doors to our four-legged friends, creating a doggie-friendly package in partnership with Bowwow London. Canine guests can choose an overnight stay, sharing their accommodation with their humans, at no extra charge. They will be provided with a bed and bowl, whilst in residence, and treats from Bowwow to enjoy. Re-opening offer: LOVE LONDON at ONE ALDWYCH from £485 for two sharing a double room. Includes a guaranteed room upgrade, English breakfast, parking for one car, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, early check-in, late check-out and access to unlimited online magazines and newspapers through Press Reader. onealdwych.com

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Pristine Watches London

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and to the experienced watch connoisseurs. All watches sold have a ristine watches London, founded in 2014 is located one year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction. in the heart of Watch polishing, servicing and repairs are also available Knightsbridge. It is at Pristine Watches, they have a specialist team of certified one of the leading watchmakers with a passion for perfection. A walk in companies specialising in quotation service is available at the Knightsbridge office luxury watches, diamonds and which is open 6 days a week 11am-7pm. jewellery. Pristine Watches Pristine Watches London gives clients the flexibility source, buy and sell preto exchange and part-exchange their unwanted luxury owned and new watches as jewellery, diamonds and timepieces with their large well as jewellery offering selection of products in store. instant cash valuations and Clients can cash out of products authentication services. All they no longer wish to keep products are inspected and authenticated by a team of THE DETAILS instantly and easily without the in-house experts with over 20 years’ worth of brand hassle of dealing with online knowledge. Pristine Watches specialise in pre-owned Pristine Watches London listings and buyers, providing an brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, 11 Knightsbridge Green effortless and streamline process. Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels London SW1X 7QL Pristine Watches makes and many more. shopping for luxury products The aim at Pristine Watches is to make luxury goods instagram: pristinewatcheslondon convenient, fast and personal, easy and accessible for their clients to buy and sell. wherever you happen to be. Luxury watches and jewellery are great investments, info@pristinewatcheslondon.co.uk with any Their highly experienced staff subject to investing in the right brands and models. enquiries or call +44 (0)20 7225 2515 have access to some the rarest An investment watch is a timepiece that will retain to book an appointment. All quotations and fine jewellery and watches from its value or increase over time. The staff at Pristine estimations can take up to 24 Hours. around the world. Watches offer great advice for first time watch buyers

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“Pristine Watches aim is to make luxury goods easy and accessible for their clients to buy and sell”


Best Blended Learning in West London Join us to catch-up, keep up and get ahead

St Augustine’s Priory: Leading Ealing Catholic Independent Day School for girls aged 3 - 18 and boys in the Nursery, set in 13 acres of stunning grounds

Private tours are available upon request Please visit our website at www.sapriory.com Hillcrest Road, Ealing W5 2JL, Tel: 0208 997 2022


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Kensington & Chelsea Art Week 1-11 October. Hundreds of participants confirmed for packed public art programme - free and open to all

1. Liz West, Through No.3, 2015. Image Credit - MDP Photography

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“We are proud to once again fill our borough with public art installations alongside a rich and diverse programme of cultural highlight”

C. Alex Chinneck - Alphabetti Spaghetti - London - Image 1 Photography by Marc Wilmot

Sanle Sory David Hill Gallery Je Vais Décoller, 1977

AntikBar OriginalVintagePosters KCAW20 London PanAm 1950s

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David Hil Gallery Rachidi Bissiriou ‘untitled’, 1983

his year’s Kensington + Chelsea Art Week will bring the Royal Borough to life with incredible public art during October. Highlights include the façade of the Coronet Theatre wrapped in embroidered poetry, empty retail spaces transformed with installations and colourful murals from local artists acknowledging Black Lives Matter, the COVID19 pandemic and paying tribute to the NHS. This vibrant festival is free and open to all. “We are proud to once again fill our borough with public art installations alongside a rich and diverse programme of cultural highlights for October, developed in response to the momentous events of the past few months.” comments Festival Director Vestalia Chilton. “There has never been a more important time for KCAW to promote the work of our community, foster collaboration and support local culture.” Participants of this year’s expanded Public Art Trail are Liz West, Lois O’Hara, Barnaby Barford, Toy Studio, Alex Chinneck, Chris Ruffoni, Found Fiction and

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Fiona Grady Kaleidoscope 67 (12 of 67)

store windows along King’s Road through a series of exhibitions and imaginative interventions, with art from Juliette Losq, Fiona Grady, Sarah Edwards and Yoni Atler. A highlight will be Yoni Alter’s “Shapes of Dogs” for the Love My Human store window. This third edition of Kensington + Chelsea Art Week takes place 1-11 October. Eleven days of public art festivities have been developed with

“Art in Windows will see art installations filling vacant retail spaces along Kensington High Street”

Amy Jackson responding to the Curatorial Call: Transformation. The artists have created installations that will serve as temporary landmarks connecting eight areas in the RBKC, including: Sloane Square, Duke of York Square, Kings Road, Chelsea Theatre, Holland Park, Freston Road, Portobello, High Street Kensington and White City. Art in Windows will see art installations filling vacant retail spaces along Kensington High Street, which will stay in situ until Christmas. Participating artists include Alexander Ikhide, Shuster Moseley, Luap, Dotmaster, Lindsay Mendick and Catriona Robertson. KCAW X Chelsea Windows will see local artists activate toyStudio, nBloom-04

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community consultation, with a diverse programme of events, talks, highlights, installations and exhibits taking place throughout the Royal Borough. Over 130 participating venues with more than 200 events both online and offline, this is the most extensive edition of the festival to date. kcaw.co.uk

Paul Lincoln Multiple cranes Cy Bernheim


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The ART of Attraction

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he days of browsing the high street and finding things you had no intention of buying seem to be disappearing. Online is now becoming our go to and targets us directly, all thanks to the world of cookies (and not the choc chip kind!). The internet now suggests what we want or what we need, tailored for a completely unique online experience. However, the fundamental rules still apply, we are ALL unique and we ALL have different tastes from the clothes we wear, the food we eat to even the colour of our sofa. We practice our subconscious likes and dislikes every day and they propel every action we make, and ART is no different. Our unique taste is what makes us different to the next person. It is personal. Art is simply a reflection of this, an extension of your personality and may even inspire others, creating lasting impressions.

Surprise yourself, finding a piece of art which resonates with you will show more about your character than anything else. Art is a luxury to invest in and enjoy forever. The art world may look like a minefield and confusing where to start and drop the pin; but by talking with a reputable gallery can guide you on your journey. As one of the leading UK galleries, we are happy to lend a hand. We offer in-person gallery experience and an online service. However, online does not mean impersonal, we can call or FaceTime you around our Galleries and offer complimentary virtual art interior design for your home or workspace. With two beautiful galleries in the heart of Baldock you can see, touch, and get up close to an eclectic portfolio of ever-changing works of art and sculpture. So, drop the pin and visit Baldock for a fine art experience. gallery1066fineart.com Above: Andy Warhol by Zinsky right: Intertwined II, Jennine Parker LEFT: Snowy Path II, by Philip Gray

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125

years

OF THE National Trust

26 OCTOBER 2020


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he National Trust has come a long way since it was founded by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley in 1895. The founders believed that nature, beauty and history are for everyone and so set up the Trust to look after the nation’s coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces. Octavia Hill, a radical social reformer and cultural philanthropist, saw the preservation of open spaces as crucial to improving the lives of the urban poor. Their aim was not only to save important sites, but to look after them for everyone to enjoy in the years to come. From this trio of environmental pioneers, the National Trust was created. Initially, one hundred people paid 10 shillings each to get the ball rolling forming the National Trust into an independent Charity. And their original values are still at the heart of everything the charity does 125 years later. The National Trust welcomed more than 27.9million visitors over 2018/19. Vast coastlines, land, historic houses , castles, ancient monuments, 250 gardens and parks and nature reserves – with 9 lighthouses, 56 villages, a gold mine and 39 pubs including the George Inn in Southwark, featured in Dickens’ Little Dorrit. The National Trust’s first house was Alfriston Clergy House in East Sussex, a dilapidated medieval meeting house, acquired in 1896. The National Trust’s historic houses and stunning landscapes have also provided backdrops to some unforgettable moments on the small and silver screen from Harry Potter to Poldark and from Tarzan to Wolf Hall, via Game of Thrones. Stourhead House in Wiltshire was the inspiration for Lady Penelope’s residence in the original Thunderbirds puppet series in the 1960s. And you don’t need to leave the bustling, lively streets of London either. With thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all including Morden Hall Park, Ham House and Garden, 575 Wandsworth Road, Fenton House and 2 Willow Road in

“With thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all including Morden Hall Park and Ham House and Garden”

Polesden Lacey House; MAI N IMAGE: HAM HOUSE, LONDON

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HAMPSTEAD GROVE, HAMPSTEAD

“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has been President for the past 25 years”

Hampstead, Carlyle’s House in Chelsea, Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard in Hackney and the last remaining galleried Inn in London - The George, built in 1677. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has been President for the past 25 years and in a special anniversary edition of the National Trust Magazine, The Prince has written a foreword acknowledging the vital role of its members and 28 OCTOBER 2020

volunteers. This extract clearly displays his passion for the National Trust and what it has and always will, stand for. “This year marks the 125th anniversary of the National Trust. It also happens to be my 25th year as President of this great British institution which, with your valuable support, continues to play a vital role in our national life. When our three founders established their new organisation it would surely have seemed impossible to them, or indeed anyone else, that a membership of millions of people would one day own and support 250,000 hectares of farmland, 780 miles of coastline and more than 500 historic properties, together with glorious gardens and spectacular Nature reserves. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those pioneers and to everyone whose support over the years. Your membership is much more than a pass to beautiful


places: every penny you spend helps keep these places alive and special for the future, and open to all. The global spread of coronavirus is challenging society in a way that we have not experienced for generations and as a direct impact it has of course, necessitated the temporary closure of the National Trust’s properties, parks and gardens too. While this was undoubtedly a great shame, I know the anniversary will not be overlooked and I shall do whatever I can to play my part in celebrating this important milestone – however remotely. I can only say how enormously privileged I am to have watched this remarkable institution grow over the last 25 years and hope you will look forward, as much as I do, to seeing the next chapter unfold” The National Trust reopened more than 130 gardens and parklands last month.. To ensure the safety of their visitors, staff, volunteers and local communities, they have reduced the number of people they can welcome at one time and you’ll need to book your visit in advance. L ​ ast year over 65,000 volunteers devoted in excess of 4.8 million hours of their time to

Clandon Park House, Guildford.

THE DETAILS For further details of The National Trust, re-opening dates and to become a member visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Claremont LANDSCAPE GARDEN

Claremont Amphitheatre

support The National Trust and thanks to the generosity of their supporters they received almost £97.8 million in fundraised income during 2018/19.

The Homewood

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VyTA: Experience Italy In The Heart Of Covent Garden

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n the heart of the iconic Covent Garden Piazza you’ll find the vibrant and effervescent VyTA restaurant. You’ll be transported back in time to 1960’s Italy once you step foot into the opulent restaurant. With an array of luxurious decorative details and geometric stylisations, the electrifying energy of the mixologists, the magnetic pull to the grand terrace and its views over Covent Garden, this is sure to be the go to spot for Londoners. VyTA pays attention to every detail to create a truly memorable dining experience for every single guest. With impeccable attention to detail, first class service and welcoming staff, this is a restaurant that puts the guests needs first. Enjoy the luxurious authentic Italian menu while sipping on sumptuous cocktails that are sure to invigorate your senses. With a modern twist on classic Italian dishes and a focus on fresh fish, executive chef, Mario Bruno will guide you through every dish on the mouth watering menu, helping you select which dish to indulge in. Chef Mario will be personally greeting every guest at each table which adds to VyTA’s truly unique dining experience. Finish off the perfect culinary experience with one of their hand picked wines from the VyTA awardwinning collection. You’ll truly feel as though you’ve escaped London for an Italian oasis. To end on a sweet note, indulge in their decadent selection of desserts, paired wines, or a genuine Italian coffee. The scene is now officially set for one of the most spectacular dining experiences you can find in London. The terrace boasts live DJ sets that add to the feel good element of your experience that allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy an all-encompassing sensory

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experience. In the words of Daniela Colli, founder of the Romebased award-winning architecture and interior design studio COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO, that brought the restaurant to life “VyTA Covent Garden is a wonderland of colours and shapes, designed to surprise, celebrate and entertain people who’s looking for a world of pleasure”. No expense is spared to ensure that your experience at VyTA is definitely one for the books. 21 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RD 020 7654 3030 vytacoventgarden.co.uk



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Created by mixologists, shaken by you! Introducing The

Cocktail Delivery Company hake up your nights this summer! The Cocktail Delivery Company is proud to deliver delicious premium cocktails nationwide. Created by world-class mixologists with decades of cocktail experience, the new delivery service couriers premium, freshly made cocktails straight to your door, so all you need to do is select, shake and pour. Founded by the experiential drink specialists at the 43 Club, The Cocktail Delivery Company offer a true bartender quality serve allowing any novice cocktail maker to serve a completely professional drink from home. Choose from a long list of classic serves from the ever popular Porn Star Martini (£30 for 6 serves) to the crowd pleasing gin Bramble (£31.70 for 7 serves). For something a little different, choose from the ever changing and developing Club Signatures which include the new addition Lost in Mexico (£30 for 7 serves); a punchy mix of tequila, mezcal, pineapple and a 32 OCTOBER 2020


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“Each serve comes with garnishes and a handy ‘how to’ guide so you can pour like a pro” specially crafted basil cordial. There is also a wide range of delicious mocktails and for those looking to throw a proper party; choose from the specialist party boxes. Fancy something not on the menu? The Cocktail Delivery Company also creates bespoke cocktails to-order for those after something specific. Each serve comes with garnishes and a handy ‘how to’ guide so you can pour like a pro. All cocktails abstain from using artificial flavours, sweeteners and preservatives plus they are completely fresh so ensure you drink them before the use-by date. All packaging is 100% recyclable and any waste created from making the cocktails; goes on to make something else, whether it be the garnishes or development for new serves. The Cocktail Delivery Company is available nationwide with next working day delivery. For more information please visit: thecocktaildeliverycompany.co.uk 34 OCTOBER 2020



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Z RA OT ALC The immersive cocktail experience

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aying homage to cult TV shows like Orange is the New Black and Prison Break, Alcotraz has cemented itself as one of London’s leading alternative nights out. Located on Brick Lane since 2017, the notorious prison-themed venue opened two new sites last year - Covent Garden and Brighton - following phenomenal consumer demand. It has generated global headlines, creating controversy and thrilling audiences looking for a memorable night out. Each Cell Block, accommodating up to 40 inmates at a time, unlocks its doors revealing a secret speakeasy prison cocktail bar. The stakes couldn’t be higher and covertness is paramount when guests attempt to smuggle liquor past The Warden and into the hands of some of Alcotraz’s longest-serving inmates, who transform the contraband liquor into delicious cocktails. The experience begins as soon as a ticket is purchased. Guests – 36 OCTOBER 2020

or inmates - are given their own processing number to bring their liquor and covertly meet the Crooked Guards. Don’t expect to swap pleasantries, code words and knowing looks are what’s required to commence your journey. A game of cat and mouse, inmates attempt to smuggle their liquor into Alcotraz encounter a cast of actors as a theatrical storyline plays out. With orange prison jumpsuits, inmates are led to their cells where they come face to face with shady characters and the jails notorious bootlegging gang who transform your illicit liquor into bespoke, delicious contemporary and classic cocktails. Combining world-class cocktails with a theatrical experience, Alcotraz meets the demand for experiential nights out. Alcotraz Penitentiary is one of many immersive cocktail experiences from Inventive Productions, including the Westernthemed Moonshine Saloon and the Prohibition-Era inspired cocktail delivery experience, Cassidy’s.


THE DETAILS For details of opening hours and to book online visitalcotraz.co.uk or via Design My Night. Tickets cost from ÂŁ29.99 (including four cocktails from your smuggled liquor and just under two hours inside the experience) Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cell Block Two One Two, 212 Brick Lane, E1 6SA Cell Block Six Eight, 68a Neals Street, WC2H 9PA Cell Block One Three, 13 Kings Road, BN1 1NE Instagram: @alcotraz_uk Twitter: @alcotraz_uk Facebook: @AlcotrazPenitentiary

OCTOBER 2020 37


local

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

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ndy Warhol (1928–87) was one of the most recognisable artists of the late 20th century, yet his life and work continue to fascinate and be interpreted anew. A shy, gay man from a religious, migrant, low income household, he forged his own distinct path to emerge as the epitome of the pop art movement. This major new exhibition at Tate Modern – the first at the gallery for almost 20 years – offers visitors a rare personal insight into how Warhol and his work marked a period of cultural transformation. Drawing upon recent scholarship, it will provide a new lens through which to view this American icon. Featuring over 100 works from across his remarkable career, the show will shed light on how Warhol’s experiences helped shape his unique take on 20th century culture, positioning him within the shifting creative and political landscape in which he worked. While he is best known for his iconic paintings of Coca-Cola bottles and Marilyn Monroe that held up a mirror to American culture, the exhibition will emphasise recurring themes around desire, identity and belief that emerge from Warhol’s biography. Key works from the pop period, such as Marilyn Diptych 1962, Elvis I and II 1963/1964 and Race Riot 1964, will be examined in relation to contemporary issues around American culture and politics, while Warhol’s limitless ambition to push the boundaries of media

will be represented via his famous Screen Tests 1964–6 and a recreation of the psychedelic multimedia environment of Exploding Plastic Inevitable 1966. Visitors will also be able to experience Warhol’s floating Silver Clouds 1966 installation, initially meant to signal his ‘retirement’ from painting in favour of moviemaking. He famously stated that ‘good business is the best art’: the exhibition will look at how Warhol’s forays into publishing and TV, as well as his interest in club culture. The exhibition will emphasise his skill as a painter and colourist with a room dedicated to the largest grouping of his 1975 Ladies and Gentlemen series ever shown in the UK. These striking portraits depict figures from New York’s transgender community, including iconic performer and activist, Marsha ‘Pay it no mind’ Johnson - a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Warhol’s final works of the 80s, such as the poignant Sixty Last Suppers 1986 – on view at Tate Modern for the first time in this country – will be considered in relation to the artist’s untimely death as well as the unfolding HIV/AIDS epidemic, which ultimately went on to impact the lives of many in his close circle. The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, as well as an extensive programme of public talks and film screenings with exclusive new merchandise collections in the gallery shops. For further information call 020 7887 8888 visit tate.org.uk or follow @Tate #AndyWarhol

OCTOBER 2020 39


HYLUS

LOCAL

H

YLUS is a digital contemporary art gallery, showcasing the latest art trends into uncommon art pieces. The company is an expert in Acrylic Glass with over 30+ years of experience in the industry, shipping more than 3500 ultra high quality products to their customer’s homes. HYLUS believes that working or living in an art oriented environment brings creativity and motivation into your everyday life. We proudly look forward to expanding our products portfolio with new, innovative ideas.

Why Skateboards and Surfboards, next to Glass Prints?

A skateboard and a surfboard is an ideal canvas because it is affordable, mobile, and useable. These two items are also a symbols for freedom. They have the power to break social barriers. Our company, despite having only launched at the beginning of 2020, can already boast more than 1000 happy customers. HYLUS’s popularity has steadily increased in the past few months, shipping more than 3500 ultra high quality Acrylic Glass products to our customer’s homes. We are also very proudly supporting real artists: during the course of this year, we’ve worked together with artists from Miami (Jenny Perez), NYC (ZZDesign), Los Angeles (Nick Sabatalo), and more. For each artist collaboration piece sold, the artist gets paid. At HYLUS we believe that working or living in an art oriented environment, increases creativity and motivation into your everyday life. “HYLUS exists to bring art into your life – in an unusual way.” Craftsmanship is an essential cornerstone upon which we pride ourselves on and customer satisfaction is how we assess and ensure we maintain this belief. Shop now on hylus.co.uk, or drop them an email at info@hylus.co.uk.

“HYLUS connects people to the reality that anything around you can become a work of art”

Why HYLUS?

The name derives from the Latin word “hyalus”, meaning “glass”. By placing works of art on responsibly Made in Italy Acrylic Glass skateboards, HYLUS connects people to the reality that anything around you can become a work of art. With our unique works of art we aim to unveil the deep relationship between society and art. Our mission is also to deliver high quality, contemporary art pieces to our customers. 40 OCTOBER 2020



local FEATURE

Princess Beatrice marries in vintage: How to choose the perfect pre-loved wedding dress The royal wore an upcycled gown lent to her by the Queen.

42 OCTOBER 2020


OCTOBER 2020 43


FEATURE

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“People often turn to preloved wedding dresses as they can offer something a little different to more modern designs”

rincess Beatrice has married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a surprise ceremony, but what’s more unexpected was her choice of wedding dress. Instead of enlisting a top designer to make a gown from scratch like so many royal brides before her, Beatrice opted for a customised vintage dress. For her big day, she dipped into the Queen’s archives and found a Peau De Soie ivory taffeta dress by Norman Hartnell, trimmed with duchess satin and encrusted with diamantes. The Queen wore the gown to the premier of Lawrence Of Arabia at the Odeon Leicester Square in December 1962, and again to the State Opening of Parliament in 1966. Beatrice had the Queen’s senior dresser Angela Kelly and designer Stewart Parvin remodel the dress to make it appropriate for her wedding day, adding delicate capped sleeves. She topped off the

44 OCTOBER 2020

outfit with another loan from the Queen – the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, which Elizabeth II also wore on her wedding day in 1947. Over the last decade we’ve seen royals get married in pieces by top designers from Alexander McQueen to Givenchy, so Beatrice’s vintage choice is quite unique. The outfit was well received on social media, with one Twitter user writing: “Adorable couple and could not have picked a more perfect wedding dress for her than that elegant/whimsical, yet very vintage, sentimental ensemble she wore.” Beatrice has also been praised for choosing a more sustainable option for her big day. Not only is re or upcycling an existing dress eco-friendly, but people often turn to pre-loved wedding dresses as they can offer something a little different to more modern designs. “Princess Beatrice’s choice of wedding dress marks a point in the royal family’s iconic fashion choices, taking steps towards mindful consumption even on such an important day,” says Victoria Prew from rental platform HURR Collective (hurrcollective.com). So if you’re looking to wear a vintage outfit on your wedding day, these top tips may help you find the perfect outfit…


planning. “Make sure there’s enough time to have your perfect piece altered,” says Prew. “Get the dress, then get it altered to perfection.” Grant also says you should be flexible with sizing: “As it’s preloved, it might have also been altered at the time of buying to fit the owner, so you may have to size up or down to get the fit that works for you. Always get in touch with the seller to check the specific measurements.” As well as tailoring the outfit to fit, Grant recommends shortening hemlines or streamlining waists to give your vintage look a modern touch.

Search for accessories

You might not have the Queen’s tiara handy for your wedding, that doesn’t mean you can’t take inspiration from Beatrice and hunt for vintage accessories to go with your dress. “Vintage is also great for crowns and earrings,” says Prew. “Going vintage means you can guarantee your choice will be ‘timeless’ rather than ‘trendy’ – it’s your day, so make a statement.”

Consider its condition

“While a few buttons or sequins missing shouldn’t put you off investing in a great quality, pre-owned wedding dress, more significant signs of wear and tear require further thought,” Grant says. “Don’t risk your money on items that are fraying, holed and stained as, chances are, trying to repair a gown and get a good colour match will be trickier to get away with. If the dress hasn’t been professionally cleaned by the seller, consider getting this done yourself.”

Be open-minded and set aside plenty of time

“Make sure there’s enough time to have your perfect piece altered,” says Prew. “Get the dress, then get it altered to perfection””

You might have your heart set on a particular designer from a certain era, but Prew warns against this. “Try not to be too focused on the designer; there are incredible options out there without the labels,” she says. Head of pre-loved at eBay (ebay.co.uk) Emma Grant recommends you commit a fair amount of time to the hunt, saying: “The nature of vintage clothing is that you’ll need to have a good scroll before that one-of-a-kind gown catches your eye.”

Be targeted in your search

“Try and find the best vintage sellers online, starting with Etsy or 1stdibs,” advises Prew. To make life a bit easier for yourself, Grant says: “If you’re looking for a particular cut, style or era, be specific in your search. Naming brands or eras that are associated with the style you’re looking to emulate will help you narrow down the search to the most relevant items.”

Plan in advance

Vintage wedding dresses tend to be one-of-a-kind, so it’s unlikely you’ll find a dress that fits you like a glove. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear it on your big day, but you’ll have to be a bit smart with OCTOBER 2020 45


TRAVEL

Luxury in

Cornwall Claire Spreadbury checks in to Luxury Lodges in Cornwall and discovers the brand’s expansion plans.

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s I lie, face down, sniffing in the scent of TempleSpa’s Breath Of Life before having all the stresses and strains massaged out of my shoulders, I conclude all family holidays should be like this. Having time together to make memories is so important, but so too is just a little time out. It’s something Sharon Hurley is very aware of. She set up Luxury 46 OCTOBER 2020

Lodges - a collection of resorts throughout the UK (two in Cornwall, one in the Lake District and a new launch coming soon to Wales) - in 2015, because she couldn’t find anything for “busy families, seeking practical but stylish holidays in the UK”. She wanted to create a space where families could enjoy quality time together, but also get away from the stresses of everyday life. And she’s achieved it. At Clowance, in South Cornwall, the


games room playing pool or creating masterpieces on the Lego wall, leaving you time to relax over dinner. The pool area has also been invested in, and there are plenty of other activities to try. Croquet on the lawn, tennis courts and a well-equipped gym mean you can burn off any cream teas you might be consuming when you’re down there. Or, if you fancy something a little more thrill-enducing, H2O Training offers SUP lessons, fitness classes and board hire, archery sessions and kayaks, and as Clowance is only five miles from the coast, you don’t need to travel far. If you do want to explore the local area, it’s a 20-minute drive to Porthtowan Beach, which sits in a designated Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and won a Blue Flag beach award in 2019. The surf is sparkling and clear, and there are gorgeously steep coastal walks, a sandy play park and a couple of nice cafes. The Unicorn On The Beach is definitely worth a visit - check out the eye-bogglingly huge Chelsea buns which sit atop the bar, calling your name while you order a local cask ale. So, are the best family holidays self-catering ones? With the new Welsh launch set to be complete in early 2020, Hurley certainly thinks so. “I believe you should not have to compromise on style and quality, just because you have a family to cater for. We want to offer all the luxuries of hotel-quality accommodation, but with the freedom and flexibility of selfcatering.” Visit luxurylodges.com for more information and to book.

“It’s a home from home, but with added luxuries, like a hot tub”

accommodation is lovely. Simple but stylish interiors, with great beds and linen for a quality night’s sleep, everything you need in an openplan self-catering living area, little extras like games for the kids, and outside space. So it’s a home from home, but with added luxuries, like a hot tub. The grounds are enormous - 97 acres of pretty parkland - so you can wander around, feed the ducks on the lake, swing high in the children’s playground, explore the boat house or play giant chess or draughts. There are a variety of lodges to suit different party sizes and pockets, and they’re all wonderfully spaced out, so you can sit and read outside, or let the kids run wild, without worrying about the neighbours. In spring 2019, Clowance completed its extensive £5million refurbishment of the Club House, which now offers a huge bar and restaurant overlooking all the gorgeous greenery. Plush, comfy sofas sit alongside funky mustard diner-esque booths. Blue velvet, orange leather and floral fabrics all pop against the neutral background, and the kids can lose themselves in the

OCTOBER 2020 47


TRAVEL

Book the best, book early

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hen booking a luxury ski holiday, it pays to be organised. By booking early, you will have the best choice of accommodation, location and travel. If you’re looking to travel in a large group, there are more opportunities for booking an entire chalet to yourself. You might also benefit from group discounts on top of fantastic early booking savings. Getting ahead of the crowds also gives you the best choice of dates. You can book your annual leave well before Michael two desks down gets first pick, again! Exclusive resorts like Val d’Isere, Courchevel, Meribel, Verbier, St Anton and Lech always sell out fast, so it’s best to book early if you’ve got your heart set on a particular destination. This is especially important for peak weeks like Christmas, New Year, February Half Term and Easter. By the end of the current ski season, many chalets and hotels are over 50% booked for the following season’s peak dates. Securing your ski holiday well in advance also gives you plenty of time to get yourself completely organised. You can book the best seats on flights THE DETAILS from your most convenient airport, get first pick on childcare, ski guiding and tables at the top Interested in booking an amazing restaurants in resort: ensuring your holiday is the luxury ski holiday? Alpine Luxury best it can be. Chalets has just opened its bookings “We recommend our clients to book their ski for 2020/2021. Call now on holidays as early as possible,” says Earl Knudsen, 020 8189 5413 one of the Partners at Alpine Luxury Chalets. “We have an excellent range of luxury properties in resorts across Europe and North America, and the best chalets and hotel rooms always sell out well in advance of the season.” Alpine Luxury Chalets is a luxury snow sports travel agent, specialising in chalet and hotel holidays in Europe. Established in 1992, their excellent team of ski holiday specialists have booked thousands of ski trips. Using their expertise, they’ll handpick a range of options to help you find the perfect accommodation in the best resort for your group’s unique requirements. They are financially protected, with ABTA and ATOL licenses, and their booking service is completely free. And the best part about booking early? You’ll have something to look forward to all summer! 48 OCTOBER 2020



local Travel

Back to

nature I Luke Rix-Standing discovers the perfect mix of green and grey.

n an increasingly eco-conscious world, smoky, fume-filled cities often get a bad name. The car exhaust, the noise pollution, the grey, concrete brutalism - urban areas can feel claustrophobic, and it’s no wonder so many city-dwellers spend their weekends escaping to the country. But not every metropolis is so tree-free. Here are a few urban jungles that won’t make you choose between nature and culture...

Vancouver, Canada

Crowning a king of green cities is a remarkably difficult task (one entirely dependent on how you mark city limits), but whatever your metrics, Vancouver is pretty damn verdant. 1,000-acre Stanley Park is undoubtedly the park de la creme, with lakes, lily ponds, hiking trails, outdoor theatre performances and even a moonlit cinema.

Vienna, Austria

Ringed by 12,000 hectares of almost unbroken green belt, Vienna contains 280 imperial parks, and in March 2019, the Mercer Quality of Living Survey named it the world’s most liveable city for the 10th time in a row. For every one of its residents, Vienna contains nearly 100 square metres of green space - an astronomical ratio for a metropolis of 1.8 million souls. 50 OCTOBER 2020


Singapore, Singapore

Nicknamed ‘The Garden City’, Singapore spent decades nurturing nature under the watchful gaze of founding father Lee Kuan Yew. He personally planted around 60 trees during his premiership and demanded that city planners create leafy, tree-lined boulevards providing shelter from the glare of the tropical sun. Now local residents are reaping what they’ve sown, and most estimates class Singapore as by far the greenest city in Asia, if not the world.

Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the straight-up nicest cities in Europe, and somehow still under-appreciated, Edinburgh’s buildings are so attractive that they sometimes detract from the trees. In 2017, satellite analysis by ESRI declared the Scottish capital the UK’s most verdant city, with a whopping 49% green coverage, streets ahead (or indeed, behind) second-placed Glasgow.

Auckland, New Zealand

Zoom out on Auckland on Google Maps, and you’ll immediately see where it gets its green reputation. Auckland council administers 40,000 hectares of space split between 4,000 parks, pitches and farms, while designated walking trails criss-cross city and region. Though perhaps a bit of a trek for Europeans seeking a bright and breezy city break, New Zealand’s largest city rewards its visitors with more flora and fauna than some forests.

Oslo, Norway

When 95% of residents live within 300 metres of green space, does Oslo even count as urban? More a built-up park than a green city, estimates suggest that up to two thirds of the Norwegian capital is green in some way, while even the more urban areas are segmented by a network of waterways. Nestled within an amphitheatre of hills, Oslo was made the European Commission’s ‘Green Capital’ for 2019. O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 5 1


local TRAVEL

WILDLIFE WEEKENDS With so much wildlife on our doorstep, you don’t have to travel far to discover nature, says Sarah Marshall.

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o often, nature lovers travel long distances to observe wildlife in exotic locations. Seduced by the epic cinematography of documentaries such as Seven Worlds: One Planet, it’s easy to believe all the best animal encounters happen far away. But look a little harder closer to home and you’ll find a surprising number of species. The National Biodiversity Network collects data from different regions around the UK, working alongside 200 members and drawing from 223 million wildlife records, to create the NBN Atlas. But despite the great wealth of wildlife living on our doorstep, there’s a real risk it could disappear. According the the NBN’s 2019 State of Nature report, the UK’s biodiversity is declining, and 15% of species are threatened from extinction. Along with taking greater care of the environment by sticking to designated footpaths and avoiding littering, one of the best ways to protect our precious resources is to get out there and appreciate them. Based on data collected by NBN, Holidaycottages.co.uk have created an interactive map of the most biodiverse places in the UK, counting distinct species ranging from mammals and birds, to insects, plants and mushrooms. Here are three of the top places you might consider visiting...

Scottish Highlands

Total number of species: 16,273

A trip to the Highlands is recommended for those wanting to see 52 OCTOBER 2020

the most varied plants (2,956) and mammal (67) species in Great Britain. According to statistics gathered, this area is the most biodiverse spot in the UK.

Gwynedd, North Wales Total number of species: 14,221

There are multiple nature reserves to choose from in this area of Wales. Abercorris is an area of broadleaf woodland, the Blaen-yWeirglodd is a secluded peat bog with specialist plants, and Bryn Pydew is wonderful for butterflies.

North Norfolk

Total number of species: 10,754

Although it only ranks 11th in the chart for overall number of species, this area boasts the highest number of different bird species (434), making it a hot spot for twitchers. For more information, visit holidaycottages.co.uk/biodiversity-in-britain.



TRAVEL

Back to nature

Seychelles in the

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t the northern tip of the Seychelles archipelago lies Bird Island, a coral atoll renowned for its natural beauty and birdlife. Every year from the month of May to October, Sooty Terns journey across the oceans to nest here in the thousands. Thanks to a short 30 minute flight from the main island of Mahé, visitors are able to access the island to experience this breath-taking spectacle. The island is also a port of call for countless other species of birds and is home to Giant Land Tortoises that roam where they please. Another key attraction are the sea turtles that come ashore to nest and the resulting hatchlings that emerge a few months later. Witnessing these creatures making their way out to sea is surely one of Mother Nature’s gifts. The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean that lap this island’s white sand beaches and its lush green interior are complemented by a simple eco-lodge boasting only 24 chalets. Here there are no televisions, mini-fridges and telephones. Traditional furnishings can be seen throughout the lodge and local creole dishes are served, offering an authentic island experience. This is what guests can expect as they arrive on the daily flight from the main land. Visitors looking for things to do may 54 OCTOBER 2020

“The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean that lap this island’s white sand beaches and its lush green interior are complemented by a simple eco-lodge boasting only 24 chalets”

explore the natural trails and the abundant flora and fauna, or they may head off on a snorkelling or kayaking adventure in discovery of the surrounding marine life. Those who simply wish to relax on the beach are free to do so and can end the day with a cocktail or local beer in hand enjoying the sunset off the West Beach. Bird Island is a place that is far from the hustle and bustle of everyday. The focus is on getting in touch with nature and enjoying the simplicity of island life. Eco-Tourism and conservation work are of great importance and visitors immerse themselves not only in the island’s natural beauty but in the lives of the people who live and work here. Great efforts have been undertaken by the owners to build this modest eco-lodge and nature reserve and they are proud to remain its custodians to this day. birdislandseychelles.com


back to nature

+248 4224925 reservations@birdislandseychelles.com www.birdislandseychelles.com



fashion

& beauty

Keeping you looking and feeling your best i m ag e : H O W TO M A S TER T H E BR U S H ED U P BRO W TREND


Fashion & Beauty

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Fashion & Beauty AUTUMN ESSENTIALS

ONE OF A KIND Hoda silk kimonos are hand made by highly skilled tailors from a family run business in Rajasthan, India. Created from recycled wedding sari silk, each one is totally unique. Perfect holiday ‘beach to bar’ cover-up, sleepwear, loungewear or for adding a glam pop of colour to your jeans and basic tee. £55 from FABRIC - new fashion boutique in Old Amersham. fabricfashionstore.co.uk

KEEP YOUR COOL

Don’t let the coming colder weather dampen your style - make a statement or keep it subtle with these cosy knitted jumpers. In four of our most popular designs, the reverse of each jumper features one of Sophie’s striking animal illustrations. sophieallport.com

LONDONfasSThioYLn anE d style on the streets of London,

Inspired by nal illustrations square features origi and this beautiful silk an by orange coral by Emma, framed tw er. 100% silk ill leopard print bord rolled edges. finished with hand 90cm x 90cm. just-add-style.com

The Billy Ruffian Chelsea Boot, durable and desirable. Hand crafted and blake stitched in either fine European leather or rich calf suede. Available in various colours, with full leather lining and double leather sole. billyruffianshoes.co.uk

slumber in style

This mask is naturally gentle on the delicate eye area, and made from Mulberry 22 Momme silk. Eliminates harsh light for a perfect night’s sleep. chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk

we love

This Morris Blue Fruit Silk Tie by Fox & Chave. 150x8cm. foxandchave.com

58 OCTOBER 2020



Fashion & Beauty

Michael Platt is Open! Do Visit 60 OCTOBER 2020


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for some with a new everyday ‘normal’ for ichael Platt, Goldsmiths & Jewellers are delighted most, including Michael Platt. Feel secure in to be back. Both the shop and on-site workshop visiting; the shop and on-site workshop are have re-opened to the ‘new normal’. Being safe environments with regular excellent in lockdown has meant being away from standards of hygiene and cleanliness nearest and dearest, very difficult times and, for most, constantly applied. The whole area is it hasn’t been possible to celebrate special occasions; misted regularly with anti microbial Michael Platt is now ready and raring to provide some surface protector; all staff wear face masks, sparkle. sometimes gloves, and customers must wear masks and Were you prevented from attending a special celebration, or hand sanitize on entry. Plexi-screens have realise now how valued a family member is or been introduced to all serving areas with want to show your appreciation to someone who cleaning and sanitizing completed after each was especially supportive and kind during the THE DETAILS customer leaves. With an on-site workshop all isolation of lockdown, mark the occasion now, jewellery is properly cleaned and sanitized. show your appreciation or thanks with a very Michael Platt Goldsmiths and Jewellers Many things have changed but the special piece of jewellery. 1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, standards of customer care, expertise, Jewellery speaks directly from the heart. SW19 5DW workmanship, creativity and friendly the deepest of feelings and sentiment can be Tel: 020 8947 4774 welcome (behind the face mask!) are all still expressed with Jewellery. The perfect piece of Open Tuesday-Saturday exactly the same. Visit soon. enduring Jewellery says so much more than words michaelplatt.co.uk ever can. Whether the jewellery boldly declares Thank You; You’re appreciated; We’ve Missed You; I Love You; Well Done; Congratulations; You’re So Special or just marks a moment in time, it always does a brilliant job of reflecting heartfelt emotions. For jewellery to have emotional impact, one doesn’t need to spend zillions; it’s the thought that counts. Choosing a special jewellery gift conveying sentiments is easy at Michael Platt in Wimbledon Village; choose from a magnificent selection in silver, gold and platinum. A custom made Bespoke Piece of Jewellery is the ultimate thoughtful jewellery gift. With some imagination and a little effort, a wonderful unique piece can be tailor made in-store to suit requirements and budget. Michael Platt specialise in working directly with customers, guiding them through the exciting journey of the bespoke jewellery process. Jewellery given with meaning and thought will be highly valued and forever treasured. It has recently been a tough time for all, very rough indeed OCTOBER 2020 61


Fashion & Beauty

The 40 second AI HIIT workout It’s exercise, but not as we know it

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“This is smart tech for smart people who want to optimise their lives and spend it doing things they love with people they love”

orking out on CAR.O.L is taking everything we know about exercise and turning it on its head. This bike is the world’s first scientifically proven exercise bike that uses AI to give you a personalised true HIIT workout in just 2 x 20 second sprints of hard work. It’s true – you don’t need to workout for a long time to get results. CAR.O.L is a true game-changer in fitness innovation, giving impressive results in a very short space of time, helping you lose weight, reach your fitness goals and improve your mental health. It is like having an exercise physiologist and personal trainer rolled into a stationary bike; its clever tech uses AI to customise and automate each ride. The more you train her algorithms, the smarter she gets. Each workout is personalised to you and you reap the benefits of these tailor-made rides to push you further than you could ever push yourself. This is smart tech for smart people who want to optimise their lives and spend it doing things they love with people they love. Invented by scientists who recognised that millions of people simply don’t have time to commit to regular lengthy exercise sessions, CAR.O.L is the perfect home workout for the busy person. CAR.O.L has been independently tested by the prestigious American Council on Exercise who concluded that just 3 workouts (equivalent to 26 minutes) out on CAR.O.L per week makes government guidelines of 5 x 30 minute sessions per week obsolete. A session on CAR.O.L takes only 8 minutes warm up and cool down and 40 seconds of very hard work, having the same effect on the body as a 45-minute jog. You won’t even sweat, so you don’t need to get changed or even shower after working out. CAR.O.L triggers well-known metabolic pathways that lead to improved fitness and health, by pushing your body to its absolute maximum (those 2 x 20 second sprints). 62 OCTOBER 2020

THE DETAILS CAR.O.L costs £2995 in store at Selfridges or online at carolfitai.com. Financing options are available.



Fashion & Beauty

e h t r e t s d a n m e r t o t s w w o o r H d-up b e h s bru

Katie Wright asks eyebrow experts to explain everything we need to know.

64 OCTOBER 2020


Hourglass Arch Brow Volumising Fiber Gel, £25, available from John Lewis

“Brushed-up brows are my personal favourite look for everyone – they adds structure and strength to the face, and they also add an instant lift to the eyes”

Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil, £27, available from John Lewis

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ver since the great eyebrow revolution of 2015, when Cara Delevingne almost single-handedly ushered in the era of the bold brow, thin arches have been firmly out of fashion. Lustrous eyebrows are still very much on trend, but now we’re seeing the emergence of a variation on the Cara look that’s growing – quite literally – in popularity: brushed-up brows. Offering a soft, feathery feel – as opposed to a thick, defined shape – fans say it gives the appearance of fuller brows, without being too dense or severe. It’s easy to create the look at home, or a treatment called brow lamination offers a longer-term solution. Here, beauty experts explain everything you need to know about mastering the brushed-up brows trend…

Where did the brushed-up brows trend come from?

“Brushed-up brows have been on the trend circuit for quite a few years now,” says Marc Reagan, make-up artist and global director at Hourglass Cosmetics. “As people embrace the power of a naturally full and fluffy brow, there are more and more products in the beauty industry available to help everyone achieve the brow that works best for them.”

Who does it suit?

“This is quite a universal look and suits all eye and face shapes,” says Sherrille Riley, founder of Nails & Brows, but she warns that it’s more achievable on brows that are already quite thick. “More mature women – and those who have thinner and sparser hairs – will need to use make-up to enhance their brows.” Reagen says: “Brushed-up brows are my personal favourite look for everyone – they adds structure and strength to the face, and they also add an instant lift to the eyes.” He adds that when it comes to brows, it’s best to find “a look that works with what your unique features already provide,” rather than being guided by the latest trends. “Whatever your personal preference, make sure that it makes you feel good when you look in the mirror. Focus on giving yourself the brow that works for you.”

Are there ways to make your brows grow thicker?

“Absolutely,” says Riley. “I would advise investing in brow serums like RevitaBrow or using castor oil.” Brow growth serums use peptides and conditioning ingredients to strengthen hairs and prevent them from breaking. “Our clients swear by the result of these products,” Riley adds. OCTOBER 2020 65


Fashion & Beauty

Mayfair Brow Styler, £18, available from Nails & Brows

Mayfair Brow Setter, £25, available from Nails & Brows

“ Apply colour where you need it first, focusing on sparse areas of the brow and adding definition to the arch and tail”

“Applying a serum daily will help with re-growth, as well as condition the hair.”

How can you create the brushed-up brows look at home?

Reagen suggests a three-step approach to create the look at home, starting with filling in sparse areas with an eyebrow pencil matched to your hair colour. “Choose the Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil (£33, John Lewis) when you want to fill in and shade throughout the entire brow, and the Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil (£27, John Lewis) when you want precision and individual hair-like strokes. “Apply colour where you need it first, focusing on sparse areas of the brow and adding definition to the arch and tail.” Next, follow with Hourglass Arch Brow Volumising Fiber Gel (£25, John Lewis), which “adds a tint of colour while wrapping fibres around brow hairs for a fuller, multi-dimensional look. “Lift the hairs away from the skin using the tip of the wand to build texture, then comb the hairs at the start of the brow upwards, working along the first half of the brow. Then, brush in the direction of the arch and tail for a perfectly sculpted shape. “For a finishing touch, apply the Hourglass Arch Brow Clear 66 OCTOBER 2020

Shaping Gel (£25, John Lewis) to separate, set, and hold hairs in place.” Riley recommends using the soap trick to create the look: “This is one of the secrets used by many make-up artists to achieve this look behind the scenes of editorial shoots and fashion shows. “I would recommend using a brow brush, such as our Beauty Edit Mayfair Brow Styler (£18, Nails & Brows), dampening it in water and gently rubbing it on a colourless soap. “Then use this brush to ‘brush up’ the brows to create the look. The soap will hold the hair in place.”

What is brow lamination?

“Many salons offer brow lamination, which is a professional service to achieve a more permanent effect of the brushed-up brow look,” says Riley. “This is called the Brow Lift Treatment at Nails & Brows. “It’s an innovative technique that straightens the brow hairs to tame and set them in place for a feathery, natural style.” The results last up to six weeks and can include a brow tint as well. “I would recommend using a conditioning brow serum, as lamination can make the hairs a little dry.”


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Refresh your

memories

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stley Clarke is a luxury British brand, founded in 2007 to celebrate design and craftsmanship in fine and demi-fine jewellery. Championing radiant diamonds and colourful gemstones, Astley Clarke jewellery is made to be worn, layered, gifted and enjoyed every day. Every piece of Astley Clarke jewellery is conceptualised in the brand’s all-female design studio, situated in a charming cobbled mews in London’s Paddington. All of the jewellery is crafted exclusively from 14 carat solid gold, sterling silver or 18 carat gold vermeil, with semi-precious and precious gemstones, and natural diamonds, which are responsibly sourced and adhere to the Kimberley Process. A desire to create relevant jewellery for a new generation is central to their process, with acute attention-to-detail in everything they do, making Astley Clarke pieces refined yet easy-to-wear, intelligent and joyful. Astley Clarke is renowned for an eclectic selection of relaxed, luxurious jewellery, with coveted gemstone friendship bracelets, adorned in significant charms, sitting alongside solid gold pieces crafted to last generations. Astley Clarke’s signature is fine diamond jewellery designed for everyday wear, and demi-fine jewellery that can be mixed, matched

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

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and stacked together effortlessly allowing customers to create a jewellery collection that is unique to them. Every collection celebrates layering, with a particular emphasis on colour and meaning. Bestsellers include the iconic gemstone beaded friendship bracelets, engravable signet rings, curated ready-made bracelet and ring stacks, diamond hoops and the ultimate jewellery gift: engravable photo lockets. Made to treasure, simply upload your favourite photograph and add a special sentiment to be engraved and they will ensure it arrives already customised to your specifications. Whether you’re looking for a special present for a special someone, or treating yourself, there is a locket to please every personality, from colourful gemstones to celestial-inspired designs; thoughtful gifting has never been simpler. Shop the full collection at the awardwinning website astleyclarke.com, with free global delivery and free returns to over 30 countries.




HOME & GARDEN

A collection of London’s finest house and garden companies i m ag e : ORI G IN LEI S U RE


HOME & GARDEN

{ NE W S }

Interiors LITTLE EARTH

With plenty of us spending more time indoors, the home is increasingly the place to entertain and impress. This beautiful and bespoke curved cabinet is a stylish focal point. Whip up a drink and gather nearby with your loved ones. littleearthdesign.co.uk

FRENCH FANCY The French Bedroom Company collections of French furniture, contemporary lighting and quirky accessories are for those who want a bit of sassy French style in their bedroom. Born out of a fascination of French designs, textures, craftsmanship, heritage, and history, the collections are fun and feminine - with quality at the core. Beautifully made French designs combine with quirky and contemporary lighting and accessories to create interiors that are eye-catching, elegant, inspiring, chic and most importantly, unique! L-R: Mulberry Silk Bed Linen by Gingerlily; Pom Poms on Parade Bed Linen set. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Christmas is coming

Hallway happiness is so simple when you’ve a beautiful setting to come home to! You too can create your own special Christmas magic using festive wreaths and garlands. lights4fun.co.uk

STYLISH STORAGE Spice up your humble abode with a unique sideboard or media unit from Housecosy. If you are planning on a spring clean in your home, sideboards and media units are always a great addition for introducing that extra bit of storage that your hallway, bedroom or living room craves. housecosy.com 72 OCTOBER 2020

WALL TO WALL

The Shop Floor Project are excited to launch new collections of original paintings, textiles and prints, all framed by the wonderful framers in Cambridge. theshopfloorproject.com


Climatised Coatings are a superb range of external wall coatings that are tough, flexible, durable and weatherproof. • High build breathing coating suitable for all types of external walls • All the latest colourings available • Nationwide service with over 20 years experience • Guaranteed not to flake, peel or chip for 10 years • Not affected by acid rain or salt laden atmosphere. This resurfacing is applied by high pressure spray by our own fully trained staff • All our work is done by our highly trained personnel to an exceptionally high standard of details, rarely seen these days.

01244 378488 or for A quote visit www.climatisedcoatings.co.uk

Tel:


HOME & GARDEN

RENOVATING YOUR KITCHEN JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT EASIER

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“The Used Kitchen Company has now saved over 15,000 tonnes of waste from landfill”

on’t let lockdown put a halt to your new kitchen plans before checking out The Used Kitchen Company. Take a look at their online portal where you can buy and sell used and ex display kitchens at a fraction of their RRP. We are not talking brushing the dust off your great aunt’s antiquated old kitchen, these are designer kitchens from brand new to 10yrs old. Most come with high end worktops and top of the range appliances. Don’t forget to top up your renovation budget, you may well be

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able to sell your existing kitchen too. The Used Kitchen Company not only sell your kitchen, arrange for it to be dismantled and taken away before your new one arrives, but puts cash in your pocket as well. The Used Kitchen Company has now saved over 15,000 tonnes of waste from landfill in their bid to extend the cradle to grave life of every kitchen by finding it a second and sometimes a third new home. Don’t be betrayed by the name either, as they are renowned for their high end house clearances, selling bedrooms, bathrooms, furniture and soft furnishing from high end homes and showrooms in their SOMETHING ELSE FOR SALE section. Give recycling your stamp of approval. theusedkitchencompany.com Tel: 020 8349 1943


SELL YOUR OLD KITCHEN AND MAKE SOME CASH TO PUT TOWARDS YOUR NEW ONE

The Used Kitchen Company is the UKs #1 Platform for selling used and ex display kitchens. Give them a call today to find out how you can find your old kitchen a new home and make some extra cash at the same time. It’s not just kitchens either – high end designer furniture/bedrooms and bathrooms can all be sold through this online portal. Give recycling your stamp of approval. Call us Today on 020 8349 1943 www.theusedkitchencompany.com


HOME & GARDEN

+VENOVO – when a kitchen starts to float A profile of the design team at neongrün, Hamburg

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esigners Sören Jungclaus and Mathias Knigge are the creators of Poggenpohl’s +VENOVO: an aesthetically scaled-back piece of furniture which offers added value by enhancing open living spaces. Questioning the tried and tested, improving functionality, intuitive use of materials and a striking design sense: these are neongrün’s key objectives. It’s under this name that Sören Jungclaus founded his product design company in Hamburg. Ever since he finished his studies, he has focused his work on the interface between architecture and design. He brings a blend of passion and patented,

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detailed solutions to every product he designs, from the very first concept right through to the finished prototype. None are meant to be stand-alone items. Jungclaus does not confine himself to a purely creative realm. Instead, he supports the creative process with an examination of user behaviour and a product’s environment. The goal is, ultimately, to offer a unique added value, just as with +VENOVO for Poggenpohl. +VENOVO, a kitchen newcomer, is a response to overarching contemporary trends such as urbanisation and mobility. It stands, as if floating on its sleek twin frames, for freedom and flexibility.


VENOVO, a kitchen newcomer, is a response to overarching contemporary trends such as urbanisation and mobility

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It seamlessly blends into open living space. “It has to look attractive from every angle,” says Sören Jungclaus, referring to +VENOVO’s aesthetic efficiency in organising a variety of tools and functions, from hob to refrigerator. “People seek out visual calm, and we seek out minimalism,” Jungclaus continues. His collaboration with Mathias Knigge in developing +VENOVO was all about reinventing the kitchen. “It was important to us that we always had the piece in mind for living space, and therefore as a piece of furniture,” explains Knigge. An engineering graduate and designer, Knigge has been advising companies on the design and development of products which are characterised by a special proximity to the user since 2004. neongruen.de poggenpohl.com BELOW: neongrün. L-R: Sören Jungclaus, Mathias Knigge

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HOME & GARDEN

newin town

N

ina Marika Tarnowski is the creative force behind Woodchip & Magnolia, a design house famed for its striking wallpaper, fabrics and bold fearless pattern. Aged just five she told her school teacher she was going to be a wallpaper designer and that’s exactly what she did after graduating from Leeds College of Art in 1997 with a BA (Hon’s) in Surface Pattern and Textile Design. Fast forward, and after 18 years as Head Stylist and Design Manager for British wallpaper house Graham & Brown, Nina has now gone solo. Alongside husband Paul, an industry expert who spent 16 years at the helm of Graham & Brown’s technical team, Nina launched Woodchip & Magnolia with a determination to do things her own way. Her vision to bring together her creativity with Paul’s technical know-how have made Woodchip & Magnolia unique in the pioneering way they use traditional design skills in a digital world. Freed from the deadlines and seasonal launches most design houses adhere too, Nina can launch the designs she loves when the mood takes her. Her designs are available to order the minute they are unveiled online. With a determination to protect the environment at the heart of their business, Woodchip & Magnolia manufacture all their own wallpaper and fabrics in-house so their business remains as eco-friendly and sustainable as it possibly can be. They work with artists they love and boast unique ranges, including a stunning collection of wallpapers and velvets from vintage style queen Pearl Lowe – their wallpapers now hang in the bedrooms of supermodels, five-star hotels and legions of family homes. Because interiors need never be boring again! woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk

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Fearless Available in 7 colourways: A timeless damask with a hidden serpent, bold with a twist! Fear is something that biological creatures developed to help them survive in nature Nina has a fear of snakes it is said to be the most common phobia in existence.


Ava Marika Emerald Wallpaper A new colourway of our iconic Ava Marika our customers wanted so we listened Our take on the ‘Dutch Masters’ moody floral look. Ava Marika is an expressive green floral with touches of rouge, blush and bursts teal. We have expressed the true potential of digital print and experimented with scale without it be overpowering in your home.

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Biophilia Wall Mural A biophilic scene featuring lush vegetation created from a vintage botanical encyclopedia the perfect way to bring the outside in. Continued overleaf

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4 Doris Available in 7 coloursways:

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Oversized florals and atypical quirks, this is the wallpaper for the originals. For those strong characters who know what they love and embrace it. Jacobean in its style, Doris is a modern take on a whimsical print redrawn by hand.And like its namesake, Nina’s Grandmother Doris, this design is dynamic, courageous and packed with passion. If ever history was reimagined, this is it!

Lepidoptera Available in 3 colourways Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the order Lepidoptera. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The Butterfly 82 OCTOBER 2020


Plumage​ Available in 7 colourways At the start of her design career, Nina was told not to use caged birds in her wallpaper designs. You see, there is a superstition that caged birds in the home bring bad luck. It all goes back to the days of taking canaries down the mines to test for deadly poisons in the air. Plumage in all its glory, sets these caged birds free allowing them to mingle among the rich flora and fauna and bring happy vibes to your home.

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Gorgeous garden rooms Russell Taylor from Russell Taylor Architects discusses the pleasures and advantages of a garden room.

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would encourage anyone with space in their garden to consider a garden room. We have built a number and know from experience that they have many attractions:• They create additional accommodation cost effectively. • Some may be erected without the need for planning consent. • They encourage greater use of the garden. • In urban gardens, they are an attractive focal point something good to look at from the house. • And, in the new world of home working, they are ideal as a fully equipped home office, the perfect work environment – but not in the house and without the need to travel. A garden room (or summerhouse) will be part of the garden in a way that a shed can never be. A shed is just a utility thing best tucked away out of sight. A garden room should enhance the garden, and it’s a good opportunity to have some fun: for a degree of display or fantasy. This is the tradition of English gardens. Think of Kew Gardens, but on the scale of your own garden. Kew has temples, the pagoda and other fine buildings. The planted landscape and the architecture work together. The construction of a garden room is straightforward and, of course, adding that extra space is less disruptive for those in the house than building an extension would be. They can be built

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inexpensively because (usually) the sides and back are never seen and can be plain with the decoration, the fun part, reserved for the front facing the garden. It’s a simple matter extending electricity, water and drainage to a garden room. They’re easy to heat because as new construction they can be very well insulated. And its worth considering, as an added delight, an open fireplace or a log-burner. A garden room is a flexible space: it may be used as a home office, others use them as a studio or a gym. They make great entertainment spaces, they are perfect for summer parties! For the more ambitious a garden room can be a large dining room with many more seated in comfort around a table than can be accommodated in a typical London house. With the right planning consents a garden room can be a guest suite or a granny annex (it’s easy to make the services connections). Garden rooms really are the easiest way to improve your home and garden. rtarchitects.co.uk E: mail@rtarchitects.co.uk T: 02072611984



HOME & GARDEN

The

ultimate

staycation

8 6 october OCTOBER 2020


W

ith everything happening this summer it looks like many of us will not be jetting off on holiday anytime soon, but that’s where Origin can help. Origin’s barn range allows you to capture the feeling of your summer holidays all year long. It gives you a swimming pool building with all the charm of a country barn conversion, blending in with your surroundings and emulating the countryside aesthetic, helping you get back to basics with nature. The quintessential British aesthetic of the barn range is a blend of traditional style and modern ethical considerations. Every element of the barn style can be tailored to suit your needs, whether you’re looking to create a tropical oasis in your garden by using bi-fold doors that open up, inviting the outside in or by putting together your own pool ‘club house’ and recreating that all inclusive feeling with a spa, sauna and swim up bar. Owning an Origin pool is about more than the pool itself, it’s the lifestyle that comes with it, it’s more important than ever to create space in your life for the people that mean the most and the barn OCTOBER 2020 87


Fashion HOME & GARDEN & Beauty

“The barn sits well in any rural garden setting as a design solution to finding space for an indoor pool”

THE DETAILS To speak to the experts at Origin Leisure call 01895 823366 now or visit originpools.co.uk for more information and to subscribe to our newsletter. Instagram - @originpoolsuk Facebook - Origin Leisure Twitter - @OriginLeisure

style allows for that perfectly. The barn pool house is also an energy efficient design due to the improved layers of insulation and as Origin want to help you put your best green foot forward, there is also an extensive variety of other green energy options available so you can have your dream swimming pool, do your bit for the environment and save on running costs. The barn sits well in any rural garden setting as a design solution to finding space for an indoor pool. The selection of building sizes include different specifications and the opportunity to tailor your swimming pool house to your wants and needs, whether your pool is to be used for fun or fitness. If you want your pool house to be a place of wellness, the barn gives you the scope to add a gym, yoga room, juice bar or steam room and sauna. Origin pride themselves on their ability to do it all, delivering on a project from concept to completion whilst also being able to offer a wide variety of choice in design. Their other ranges include 88 OCTOBER 2020

the highly anticipated ‘Eco-Swim’, as well as the ‘Olympic’ and their custom designs which often consist of extending homes to include a pool, these are widely used in more suburban areas when clients still want the luxury feel but don’t necessarily have an abundance of garden space. The traditional barn style lends itself to the idyllic nature of the countryside but can work well in any environment, it’s also designed to meet permitted development criteria so in most cases there’s no need to worry about planning permission. During this period where we’re spending more time than ever inside, you can plan the perfect staycation with Origin.


West London Carpentry & Decoration BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE

WARDROBES - BOOKCASES - CABINETS - STORAGE

020 3179 9700


local& GARDEN HOME

Children’s bedroom furniture full of Fantasy and Fun

90 OCTOBER 2020


When I heard about this new ‘unbelievable’ range of children’s bedroom furniture, I just had to find out what all the hype was about! Just how exciting could it be? Enter the world of a child’s imagination and then try and bring it to life in their bedroom, with a fabulous range of beautifully themed bedroom furniture, and I suspect you will be the envy of... well, anyone! And Viktor & Eugenie have done just that! V&E is the brainchild of David Ham, who has been responsible for making fine hand-crafted furniture for many markets over many years and this is his latest range of unique, bespoke, hand-crafted children’s room furniture, that will be the envy of any child or parent/grand-parent for that matter. Presented with fine wood finishes of high-gloss lacquers and

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local& GARDEN HOME

“If we can delight a child with our furniture range and please mum and dad with style and pride at the same time, then it’s mission accomplished!”

veneers, V&E’s range of seven hand-crafted themed beds and supporting room accessories are all finished with incredible detail. I mean, let’s face it, who could refuse an invite to sleep in a life-size Camper Van, fitted with its own built-in bed and cleverly hidden drawers and cupboards? It even has its own fitted fridge! Forget the children in your life! The camper vans are finished in boyish-blue or perfectpink, or by request, V&E can match any RAL colour for total continuity throughout your child’s fantasy bedroom. Moreover, in most cases, these gorgeous bed designs can quickly convert to fantasy seating arrangements, at which point, they are prepared for ‘lift-off’ in a hot air balloon, or ‘zooming’ down the run-way in the fabulously-fun Biplane. Or perhaps ‘swimming’ with Ariel down to the Little Mermaid Oyster Shell... Personally, I’d go ‘trekking’ on a world adventure in the incredibly well-appointed Teepee! Now that takes ‘glamping’ to a whole new level! There is also a wonderful Treehouse bunk-bed arrangement with its own slide from the top level and the ever-popular Fantasy Castle to consider. Not only that, but with an array of room accessories available, V&E can complete the whole room decor. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the potential in a design that can release a child’s creativity. Our designs are created by trying to step into their world, to give them the tools to live their dreams, then who knows where it can take them?” Suggested David. And I agree. I would have loved something like this in my day! You could say that a child’s imagination can be just a cardboard box, a stick and a couple of cushions, but that doesn’t tick every box. David continues: “If we can delight a child with our furniture range and please mum and dad with style and pride at the same time, then it’s mission accomplished! When it comes to the 92 OCTOBER 2020

Camper Van especially, we have had some very exciting enquiries from adults too. The VW camper Van is a very iconic vehicle and to have one in a contemporary London apartment has become quite desirable.” Influenced by the original VW Camper in style, the V&E indoor version is equally endearingly with it beautifully appointed features. All this said, it’s the Biplane and Air Balloon designs that raise the highest eyebrow. The Biplane, with its quirky look, gorgeous attention to detail and oh-so-nifty use of storage space with hidden drawers within the wings and the travel cases that double up as steps and storage, it is truly a winner. And that front propeller just invites you to fly off into a world of fantasy. Likewise, the Air balloon bed - a centrepiece for any a room of dreams, and yes, that has hidden storage too. And now David tells me they do a pink version as well which takes your breath away. David tells me that turnaround times for bed orders is around eight to ten weeks as they are built to order. But given the detail, I’m not surprised. Good food is worth waiting for, and so is great furniture! I have to say, if you are looking to theme and decorate a child’s room with a real WOW factor (and I mean WOW!!), then I’d strongly recommend taking a look at the Viktor & Eugenie range. There is a dedicated website www.viktorandeugenie.com that features their products in plenty of detail and you can order online too. So, with an up, up and away, we off-loaded the sandbags and floated into the clouds, to return just in time for bed!


enquires@viktorandeugenie.com viktorandeugenie.com Tel: 0203 434 437

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HOME & GARDEN

Flatweave flooring designed, woven and hand-finished in the UK Flooring is currently taking centre stage adding colour, texture and interest to every room in the house.

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oger Oates Design has been creating iconic flooring for over 30 years, with an ethos firmly rooted in heritage and craftsmanship. Staying true to traditional techniques the 100% wool flatweave is woven on specially adapted Hattersley looms in small scale British mills using a specially blended British Cheviot wool that is spun and dyed in Yorkshire. It is the lifting and drafting of the loom that gives the flooring its unique texture, and the woven edge and supple nature means that it can be expertly fitted onto almost any staircase. The narrow widths can also be hand sewn together to create highly distinctive rugs and wallto-wall flooring. All design and hand- finishing takes place in the Herefordshire workshop. Referencing the rich archives, the designs and colours continually evolve, preserving the unique and distinctive hand-writing, but with a contemporary edge. Currently there are over 100 designs in the collection across a carefully edited colour palette of eye-catching brights, classic monochromes and soft neutrals. At the heart of the collection is the stripe; there is something for everyone from bold, dramatic borders to understated, fine lines. A handful of the border designs have a complementary ground design that work in harmony for stairs and landings. This truly British product has become a design classic furnishing floors in chic, urban residences and rural retreats not only in the UK, but across the globe.

Rugs For rugs and wall-to-wall fitted flooring, multiple widths are hand-sewn together by skilled craftspeople. During the design process special consideration is given to how the stripes will join to create a continuous pattern. Rugs can be finished with a clean simple hem or bound with a linen tape to provide the added benefit of being reversible.

Wall to wall To install the flatweave as fitted floorcoverings multiple widths are hand sewn together to fit the dimension of the space. The seam is hidden within subtle classic lines or textured stripes. OCTOBER 2020 97


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The hallway The hallway sets the mood and tone of a home so rather than playing it safe, create a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects the style of the rest of the house. In transient areas you can afford to be adventurous with colour and pattern. A bright runner will add instant impact and draw the eye up through the house. Use paler shades of the same colour in rooms leading off from the hall or pick out accessories in similarly bright colours to add interest to neutral rooms.

Stair runners On wooden or stone floors, if laid with underlay, runners soften the resonating sound of crashing feet but allow the character of wood or stone beneath to be visible making them far chicer than fitted carpets. Stair runners are a stylish and practical choice. Stripe runners are especially versatile complementing wooden floors, decorative tiles and patterned or floral wallpaper.

THE DETAILS

Bespoke For those that desire something totally unique, Roger Oates offers a bespoke service. Designs can be customised in colours to suit any scheme and rescaled for narrower and wider width staircases.

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The complete collection can be viewed on the website or by appointment at the Chelsea Showroom. Small samples for colour reference and larger returnable samples are available on request. Flatweave is unlike other floorcoverings and fitting requires a high level of skill and knowledge. Roger Oates Design offers a full estimating and installation service and someone is always on hand to offer advice on colours, designs and widths. rogeroates.com Tel: 020 7351 2288




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