On The Hill Magazine - November 2017 by On The Hill Magazine

NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR PRIMROSE HILL PEOPLE

NOVEMBER 2017 | ONTHEHILL.INFO

THE HEMMING & MARR SHOW Adrian Hemming and Andrew Marr discuss art

THE REAL ROCK FOLLIES

Annabel Leventon talks about how her rock group was ‘stolen’ Produced by Primrose Hill Community Association

SAM’S CAFÉ

Primrose Hill welcomes the new café on the block

astonchase.com

CHALCOT ROAD PRIMROSE HILL NW1 FREEHOLD ASKING PRICE £3,950,000 JOINT SOLE AGENT

An extremely stylish and very well presented Freehold house (220sq m/ 2,372sq ft), completely remodelled throughout and presented to an extremely high specification. Located in the heart of Primrose Hill and within close proximity to Primrose Hill High Street (0.2 miles), the area hosts an eclectic mix of bookshops, cafés and restaurants. Primrose Hill Park and Regent’s Park are within a short walking distance.

6 9 – 7 1 PA R K R O A D LO N D O N N W 1 6XU 020 7 7 24 47 24

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Principal bedroom with en suite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms (1 with en suite bathroom & 2 with en suite shower rooms), kitchen/family room, dining room, formal reception/drawing room, study, guest cloakroom, 2 vaults, Italian kitchen by Arclinea, Gaggenau appliances, surround sound TV & audio system, underfloor heating, restored original fireplace with Italian marble surrounds, alarm system, solid oak flooring, Cat5 cabling & wiring for Sky, 2 terraces, private rear garden. EPC=D.

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November On The Hill On The Go Keep up with the latest news and happenings on our social media channels.

CONTENTS & PREVIEW

05 Editor’s Letter

06 Windows on the Past A look at the history of 73 Regent’s Park Road

07 On The Street

Sam’s Café, behind the scenes on Paddington 2, pets and fireworks, plus all your local news and views – and more!

15 Pilates and Primrose Hill Laughs 16 Collage and anti- idling training Turn off your idling engines!

17 Pauline Baines at 100 Happy birthday, Pauline!

18 What’s On

November events for your diary

20 The Real Rock Follies Annabel Leventon talks about how her rock group was ‘stolen’

28 Marketplace

Contact details for local services

@onthehill_mag

24 The Hemming & Marr Show

Adrian Hemming and Andrew Marr discuss art

@onthehillinfo @onthehillinfo

onthehill.info

30 Primrose Hill Eats

Salmon fishcakes from Sam’s Café

32 Hello, Primrose Hill! The St Mary’s Church hoedown

12:26

Sales £435,000

020 7043 4433 £1,200,000

Leasehold

Primrose Hill, NW3

An outstanding raised ground floor, corner aspect studio apartment with direct views over Primrose Hill forming part of a prestigious development on the borders of Primrose Hill & St Johns Wood. This highly sought after property is flooded with natural light comprises a large studio room and separate shower room. Other benefits include an onsite porter, high ceilings and ample storage.

An outstanding 3 bedroom apartment set on the entire second floor of an impressive double fronted, detached period residence. This superb apartment offers flexible living space featuring a stunning, south-west facing reception room, separate modern kitchen, a generous principal bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further double bedrooms, 1 that is currently being used as a dining room and a large family bathroom.

Energy Efficiency Rating - E54

Studio

Lettings £455* pw

Energy Efficiency Rating - E52

020 7043 3333 £2,500* pw

Unfurnished (£1,950 pcm)

Furnished (£10,833 pcm)

Primrose Hill, NW1

A fabulous apartment meticulously refurbished throughout, retaining many character period features which blend seamlessly with modern contemporary fittings. Comprising a stunning reception room, semi open plan bespoke modern kitchen with composite worktops and Miele appliances, a double bedroom with built in storage and a modern bathroom.

A stunning house comprising a reception room with direct access to the private rear garden, 2 further reception rooms, a fully fitted kitchen and a master bedroom with en-suite, dressing room and balcony. There are 2 further bedrooms with good storage, a family bathroom, shower room, guest cloakroom and a utility room. The property also enjoys an underground parking space and 24 hour concierge and further benefits from underfloor heating, air conditioning and a secure telephone entry system.

Energy Efficiency Rating - E39

Energy Efficiency Rating - C77

Set fees apply for all tenancies: £180.00 administration fee per tenancy + £48.00 referencing charge per Tenant/Guarantor. For variable charges and deposits explained please visit www.g-h.co.uk

CAMDEN OFFICE . 114-118 PARKWAY . CAMDEN . LONDON NW1 7AN . RESIDENTIAL SALES

020 7043 4433 . RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS

020 7043 3333

www.g-h.co.uk

2895 OTH Monthly Sales & Lettings Ad NOVEMBER 2017.indd 1

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:00:06

The Team Editor

Maggie Chambers

Editorial Group

EDITOR’S LETTER

Dick Bird, Doro Marden, Phil Cowan, Pam White, David Lennon, Mole on the Hill, Micael Johnstone, Andrew Black

What’s On Editor Julie Stapleton

Social Media and Website Editor Jason Pittock

Subeditors

Brenda Stones, Vicki Hillyard

Photographer

Sarah Louise Ramsay www.slrphotography.co.uk

Primrose Hill Eats Vicki Hillyard

Design

Luke Skinner for BLACK

Cartoonist

Virginia Smith

Advertising Sales Only Media 07973 642086

Contacts

Editorial: editor@onthehill.info Advertising: ads@onthehill.info PHCA website: www.phca.cc Special thanks to all our contributors. Thanks to Primrose Hill agency BLACK for their work on the design www.agency-black.com

This publication is created by the community and for the benefit of Primrose Hill on behalf of your local charity, the Primrose Hill Community Association (PHCA). All proceeds from this publication go directly to fund the charity. We hope you enjoy. www.phca.cc Disclaimer: the views in the magazine are not necessarily the views of the PHCA. This magazine is printed on FSC® certified paper. The trees used are sourced in an environmentally friendly, socially responsibly and economically viable manner.

Welcome to November I do love a good David and Goliath story. We have one for you this month with Annabel Leventon’s tale of the TV company who stole the concept of her female rock group and turned it into the series Rock Follies. It became a test case over intellectual property and Annabel won. In other tales of overcoming difficulties, Andrew Marr turned to painting after his stroke, and has recently held an exhibition with local artist Adrian Hemming. Read about their friendship based on the craft of painting, and continual striving for improvement. If you spot them in the Lansdowne, you can bet they’ll be discussing art. Meanwhile, over at Sam’s Café on Regent’s Park Road, the conversation is likely to take a more musical or literary turn. Started by Sam Frears and Andrew O’Hagan, and with Robert Plant in charge of the music on the jukebox, it’s a cool place for an all-day breakfast or lunch. Welcome, Sam’s Café. The first restaurant in our area was probably Mustoe Bistro, which opened at 73 Regent’s Park Road in 1970. See how that building has changed occupation throughout the years in the extract from Caroline Cooper’s Windows on the Past. Throughout the shooting of Paddington 2 in our area, young students from Haverstock School’s journalist group met and interviewed some of the crew. The film is out this month, so enjoy Paddington’s adventures in Primrose Hill. This month is firework season and Primrose Hill Pets share tips on how to avoid too much stress. Smoke from fireworks is one thing, but were you aware that one minute of your car engine idling can fill 150 balloons with exhaust fumes? Read what you can do to help. Have a great November and enjoy the sparklers!

ISSN 20-6175

onthehill.info

Cover image by Mike Din

WINDOWS ON THE PAST by Caroline Cooper

73 Regent’s Park Road The neighbourhood's first proper restaurant? From the start, Primrose Hill has had various ‘dining rooms’, ‘coffee rooms’ and ‘cafes’. Mustoe’s was probably the first eating establishment in the area which was not merely functional but – with its wooden benches and candles in chianti bottles on bare tables – a ‘trendy’ yet affordable place to go for an evening out: the first proper ‘restaurant’.

HISTORY

DENNY’S 1966

ÊÊ TOBACCONIST Robert Self 1855 ÊÊ John Jury 1860 ÊÊ CONFECTIONER John Rodesano 1870–85 ÊÊ Luke Rodesano 1871–85 ÊÊ WARDROBE DEALER Mrs Emma Muschamp 1889 ÊÊ CONFECTIONER Mrs Martha Randall 1901 ÊÊ William Burgess 1905

MUSTOE BISTRO 1970-2004

ÊÊ SHOEMAKER Mrs Ellen Sharpe 1910–15 Was a female cobbler unusual?  Did she perhaps make women’s shoes? ÊÊ WARDROBE DEALER Mrs Louisa Dixon 1920–25 ÊÊ LAUNDRY AS Ruffell 1930 ÊÊ BOOKSELLER Miss M Waterhouse 1935 ÊÊ HARDWARE DEALER Harold Barrett 1950 ÊÊ COFFEE ROOM Aida 1960 ÊÊ FLORIST Denny’s 1966

Mustoe Bistro, 1972

Mustoe, about 1983

ANTIQUES JUDITH MICHAEL & DAUGHTER 2005-12

WILD & GORGEOUS 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

PRIMROSE HILL NEWS, VIEWS, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE

Sam's Café comes to Primrose Hill p8

Postcards from Primrose Hill p 10

Paddington 2 shoot p 11

Fireworks and pets p 11 AND MORE

Christian Jansen Photography

Sam’s Café Primrose Hill welcomes the new café on the block, Sam’s Café on Regent’s Park Road. A cross between an American diner and a Parisian café, and serving British food, the café has its roots steeped in literature, music and film. Continued on p 8 

ON THE STREET

Sam Frears and Andrew O'Hagan | Christian Jansen Photography

Sam’s Café “Sam and Andrew have drawn on an impressive list of literary, artistic and musical friends to add some unique Primrose Hill character to the café”

is the creation of Sam Frears (son of film director Stephen Frears and editor of the London Review of Books, Mary-Kay Wilmers) and the Scottish novelist and non-fiction writer Andrew O’Hagan. Sam grew up in Gloucester Crescent, where his family life featured in the book Love Nina by the nanny Nina Stibbe. The book was adapted into a film in which Sam played a small role, and Helena Bonham Carter played Mary-Kay Wilmers. Andrew O’Hagan also lives in Primrose Hill and the two men have enjoyed a long friendship. It was always Sam’s dream to open a café. Sam and Andrew have drawn on an impressive list of literary, artistic and musical friends to add some unique Primrose Hill character to the café. The décor was designed by the legendary Jane Ormsby-Gore of Jane Rainey Design, believed to have been ‘Lady Jane’ in the Rolling Stones song. On the walls are black and white framed photographs which Gaby Wood – author and literary director of the Booker prize foundation

– bought as negatives online and developed. Down the stairs are glittery glam rock frames of David Bowie lyrics. In the centre of the café, a 1952 jukebox takes the place to a whole new level of cool; the songs on it have all been selected by Robert Plant. The tracks are all old-school rock and roll, dating from 1958 through to 1962. Charming touches are in evidence, such as the takeaway wrap printed with Sam’s favourite things, and a dessert named after Andrew’s daughter: Nell’s apple and blackberry pie with custard. The British comfort food which Sam’s Café serves ranges from allday breakfasts, to classic meat and fish dishes, and healthy salads. The classic British theme is taken up with shelves of condiments: timeless design classics such as Lea & Perrins sauce, Marmite, Lyle’s Black Treacle and Colman’s mustard. There are plans for a book to be written on the café and the story behind how it started. Until then, tuck in and enjoy the food. It’s a welcome addition to our neighbourhood.

NOVEMBER 2017

A unique takeaway wrap featuring Sam's favourite things

â&#x20AC;&#x153;a 1952 jukebox takes the place to a whole new level of cool; the songs on it have all been selected by Robert Plantâ&#x20AC;?

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Vicki Hillyard

ON THE STREET

POSTCARDS FROM PRIMROSE HILL

Oppidans Road looking towards the Hill, c 1910. What I love about this image, taken in wintertime, is that the bare tree in the foreground is still there! If only it could speakâ&#x20AC;Ś. Unfortunately most of the houses on the right side of the street, built in the 1860s, have all but disappeared. They were destroyed by a V1 in 1944, like so many in London during WW2, and were eventually replaced by Primrose Hill Court, completed in 1951. Only the first four houses of the original terrace survive. And how tranquil the road looks, not dominated by parked cars as it is today. @old_primrosehill_postcards

NOVEMBER 2017

Fireworks and pets The Paddington 2 shoot: A glimpse into a secret world Children from Haverstock School went to meet the crew of Paddington 2.

We then thought about how slow the whole procedure seemed to be.

Tall security marshals guarded a secret entrance to the Paddington 2 film location. Our identities checked and confidentiality agreements signed, a wave of intimidation hit us when we were ushered into Paddington’s world. Strange black balloons, as big as beach balls, floated eerily amongst the mist – it turned out they helped reflect the moon. Overhead a massive camera on a crane loomed above a house like a prehistoric bird. Everything else was rainbowcoloured, as if the houses had been painted by a magic paintbrush. We had lots of questions to put to Charlotte, the assistant location manager.

Us: How long does it take to film one minute of Paddington – approximately? Charlotte: How much of a scene do you think we shoot in one day?

Us: Were all the houses originally painted in such bright colours? Charlotte: No. We painted that house green because it was a cream colour. Us: Will you paint it back afterwards? Charlotte: No, because they like it! We realised that filming in a place where people live might be tricky. Us: What happens if someone takes a peek out of the window and gets into the shot? Charlotte: See those people from the crew over there? They watch the screen as we film, so they will see if someone gets in the way; they’ll run over and say, “Please get out of shot.”

Us: Three, four, five, sixteen minutes? Charlotte: It is probably only seconds! Us: What?? Charlotte: It is probably 20 seconds, if that, unless it is a big long dialogue scene. This is because action scenes have lots and lots of angles to shoot and sometimes things go wrong. The residents of this clandestine location in Camden must be extremely patient, because having a film world created outside your front door must be disruptive, even though Charlotte and crew were very quiet. There is no shouting “Camera… Action” on this set. They do their best to make sure that everyday life continues, for example making sure that post and parcels still arrive. Sixty people and massive film equipment on your doorstep is a lot. We are pleased that Marmalade Productions have returned for Paddington 2. Thank you, residents, because without your cooperation the world of Paddington could not be created. We hope you will agree to Paddington 3 after this! And thank you, Marmalade Productions Crew, for giving us a glimpse of Paddington’s world. Sabrina, age 12, Malise, age 12, Angel, age 12, Jez, age 12, Iman, age 11

Pets are genuinely distressed by the noise of fireworks. But there are several ways in which you can lessen their stress. Have an area where your pet can go to hide, preferably somewhere dark and far from windows. Make sure they can get there at all times, including when you are out. The first instinct is for the pet to hide, so do not discourage this. If your pet is used to a crate, cover it with a towel or blanket. Then use the TV or radio as a distraction, or to cover noise. Small pets are easily frightened. Bring hutches, cages and enclosures into a small room if possible, or a garage or shed. Extra bedding can make the pet feel more secure. A few helpful hints apply to dogs. Feed your dog before it gets dark, as an anxious dog will not want to eat. Make sure that you have put out water, as worried dogs can pant more. Don’t take your dog out when there are fireworks going off, and be careful if the dog is off the lead that it does not run off in fright. Cats are not thought to develop sound sensitivities as dogs do, but they may still be frightened by loud bangs and flashes. Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, although this change of routine can cause cats to become upset. Make sure you have extra litter trays, and that the cat has a safe place to hide. You can use pheromones as a collar, spray or plug-in for dogs and cats, especially before the event to be more effective. Many tablets and liquids containing valerian, skullcap and other herbal extracts also have a calming effect. All the above can be purchased through pet shops, but for the traumatised pet the vet can supply licensed products. Gail Levy Primrose Hill Pets

ON THE STREET

NEWS & VIEWS

St Paul’s School Christmas Fair Fend off the chill this November with our renowned Swedish mulled wine at the annual St Paul’s School Christmas Fair. Get a head start on Christmas shopping with the gift and craft stalls, take the kids to visit Father Christmas at the grotto, have lunch in the restaurant, or coffee and cake in the

café. Enter the raffle to win gaming iWear by vuzix, a luxury hamper from the farmers' market, and many other prizes kindly donated by local businesses. Other attractions include Christmas wreaths, tombolas and live music. Saturday 25 November, 12–3pm

NOVEMBER 2017

Cecil Sharp House’s permaculture garden wins Camden in Bloom again The garden at Cecil Sharp House has won a top Camden in Bloom prize for the third time in four years. The muchloved green space has been awarded Best Business Garden 2017, after scooping the same prize in 2016 and also Best Business Entrance 2014. The prize was presented at a ceremony at Camden Town Hall on 26 September 2017. The Mayor, Cllr Richard Cotton, who was also one of the judges, said, “Camden in Bloom showcases the horticultural creativity of our borough and the results are simply beautiful. The entries were all brilliant.” Katy Spicer, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, said, “We are delighted that the hard work of our volunteer gardeners has again been

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Cecil Sharp House's award-winning garden

Mayor Richard Cotton with Cecil Sharp House staff

recognised with this prestigious award. Our beautiful outdoor spaces are packed with wildlife, fragrance and colour, and their continuing development brings daily pleasure to all of us here.” The low-maintenance ecological garden is in keeping with the folk ethos of Cecil Sharp House, with apple trees (central to the English folk tradition) and a large number of other edible plants. This multi-functional showcase permaculture garden was established by Permablitz London, who implement reciprocal edible garden makeovers and run a community garden hub. This year the garden’s Working with Nature

outdoor classroom has introduced over 350 volunteers to organic gardening and permaculture design, and over 100 schoolchildren have been involved in educational activities. Further annual events include the London Permaculture Festival, which attracts around 700 people. The garden is enjoyed every day by the many visitors to Cecil Sharp House, and is popular with hirers of the venue for weddings and parties. It was designed by Kayode Olafimihan, who also coordinates the garden’s integrated education and maintenance programme with Head Gardener Susannah Hall and a team of volunteers.

A D V E R T O R I A L

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Laser produces a single spectrum of intensely concentrated pure light in one colour and wavelength, whereas IPL provides a broad spectrum of colours and wavelengths and it is not possible to focus the light energy to a concentrated beam. As a result the laser precisely targets the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle; while IPL’s diﬀused energy does not only target the melanin in the hair follicle, but also the surrounding skin. Thus, IPL can reduce and slow down hair regrowth but not permanently remove hair unlike laser, which allows for very deep, more powerful and precise penetration, achieving permanent results.

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In NOVEMBER ONLY readers of On The Hill Magazine will receive 50% OFF all Soprano ICE Laser Hair Removal Courses at Aesthetics Lab*. QUOTE SopranoOnTheHill. *T&C may apply.

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ON THE STREET

Grand opening of St Mary’s Brewery After 128 buckets of concrete were lugged down the narrow spiral staircase to repair the floor and all the cobwebs were dusted off, the brewing kit has just been installed in the crypt below St Mary’s. Join the Bishop of Edmonton to celebrate with an evening of great beer and food. The night will include a beer tasting session of British craft beers in the following categories: sours, saisons, dark beers, lagers, fruit beers, with a fine selection of Neal’s Yard cheeses. Friday 3 November, 7.30pm Tickets £20 from: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grand-opening-tickets38737791778?ref=ebtnebtckt All profits go to St Mary's youth work.

On The Hill survey prize draw Elly Evans was the winner of our On The Hill survey prize draw. The survey was conducted at the Summer Fair and online, and was set up to enable us to gain feedback from readers and target our articles accordingly. Her prize was a Fortnum & Mason hamper kindly donated by John D Wood. Andrew Wright (left of the picture) and Hamish Gilfeather from John D Wood presented the hamper to Elly Evans at the Community Centre on Thursday 21 September. Congratulations, Elly!

September Open House An evening talk by local resident David Waller, titled Iron Men, was based on his third biography of Victorian figures. The first two books are about the strongman Eugen Sandau, and society hostess Gertrude Tennant. Iron Men is an outline of the work of Victorian engineer Henry Maudslay. Modern manufacturing owes much to Maudslay for the many innovations developed in his factory, especially for the machine tool industry. David's next publication is Reputation Game about making, keeping and losing a reputation in business. Open House stage regular events at the Community Centre. There is an activity (film, talk or performance) followed by tea, cake and chat. Events are free. See What’s On (p 16) for details.

Enjoy a day of pampering Local business, Prestige The Hair Connoisseurs, invites you to a day of pampering every Friday at the Marriott Hotel Regents Park. Detoxify your hair with the Kevin Murphy range of natural products whilst enjoying an invigorating head massage followed by a style of your choice. The event runs every Friday from 10 am to 5 pm but a slot must be booked in advanced. To book call Prestige on 02087419616. You can also receive a 20% discount when you present your copy on On The Hill until 31 January 2018. Marriott Hotel Regents Park, 128 King Henry’s Road, London, NW3 3ST www.prestige-hairextensions.co.uk

Primrose Hill LAUGHS

"He wanted to take me on a cruise, I just didn't expect to end up at Camden Lock."

I Hate Pilates By Susan Greenhill We’re all told we must keep fit but exercise is boring. I soon gave up on running, I couldn’t stand the kit, pounding miles and sweating cling-film tight in Lycra, looking like a wrestler, red-faced and dripping wet.

Every week on Thursdays I attend pilates classes, good money down the drain to pay for what I hate. Bored on the reformer I long for time to pass, the clock hands move so slowly as if working in reverse.

Swimming makes me shiver, eyes shut, sore with chlorine, unless you brave the river full of rusty cans and boats, or, never mind the weather, feel maybe death is better, to be or not to be – decide to drown yourself at sea.

But barring my fatality when my hour of torture’s done, I stagger to the café, reward myself with latte and a ton of chocolate croissants to feed my fading calories.

How I hate all exercise, wish pilates was more fun. Prefer to go to parties, or lie reading in the sun. Hear more at: www.soundcloud.com/ susan-greenhill-poetry

Yoga’s for contortionists, rowing is for masochists, gyms are far too strenuous, cycling much too dangerous, golf is full of golfers, football gives you bruises. Jogging may stop clotting but it’s only speedy plodding, and love all in tennis is a terrible misnomer.

Anti-idling training

Collage by Pam Walker “When I made this work I sat on top of Primrose Hill and spread an assortment of paper around me. Newspapers, tissue paper, magazines, gift wrap and old phone books. “Failing to reckon on the gale force wind, I resorted to chasing paper over the hill. I was forced to work rapidly . . . probably no bad thing.”

Did you know that just one minute of a car engine idling will produce enough exhaust fumes to fill 150 balloons? We do know that nitrogen dioxide levels exceed legal limits in nearly all of Primrose Hill (see the map in the Library for the latest figures). We can’t block off our roads to through traffic (though one Camden school has achieved this at drop-off and pickup times), but we can challenge drivers who park and keep their motors on. Nearly twenty people attended a training session sponsored by the Greater London Authority and Camden Council at the Library, to understand the problem and learn ways to approach idling motorists. Be polite, smile, never knock on the window, and introduce yourself by saying something like: ‘In Primrose Hill we are trying to get air pollution levels down, so do you mind turning off your engine?’ You could also tell them that pollution levels inside a car are at least double those outside, so they are not doing themselves any good. Concern was expressed about the continuing problem of coaches parked in Prince Albert Road, and of parents waiting to pick up children from Primrose Hill School in Princess Road. Email transitionprimrosehill@gmail.com if you want to get involved.

MARC CHAGALL FROM 18 NOVEMBER 64 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5BJ Wed - Fri: 11am - 6.30pm, Sat: 10am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm (also by appointment) Marc Chagall, La Dance, signed in plate, lithograph, 1951

26534 Sylvester Fine Art Chagall On The Hill 210x99.indd 1

t: 020 7443 5990 e: info@sylvesterfineart.co.uk www.sylvesterfineart.co.uk

Marc Chagall, Paradise l, from the Bible Series, lithograph, 1960

16/10/2017 10:46

Pauline Baines with Mayor of Camden Richard Cotton, Councillors Pat Callaghan and Lazzaro Pietragnoli with Mick Hudspeth and Valerie St.Johnston PHOTOGRAPH BY Liz Heavenstone

Pauline Baines – 100 years Born in Brighton on 9 October 1917, Pauline came to North London at the age of five with her parents, going first to a small school in Hampstead, then to Brondesbury and Kilburn School for Girls when the family moved to Willesden Green. Pauline wanted to go to university to study languages, but with two brothers that didn’t happen. Instead she went to Willesden Art School, then to the Central School of Art, which is now Central Saint Martins. When the Second World War started, Pauline was a volunteer Red Cross nurse at the Royal Free Hospital, but she moved to Hall’s telephone accessories factory in Kilburn, which made small parts for aeroplanes. She cycled to work each day from the family home in Willesden Green. Post-war she joined the Ministry of Information Exhibitions, and in 1951 designed exhibitions which went to various ports around the country on the Campania, an ex-wartime escort

carrier, as part of the Festival of Britain. Pauline met Harry Baines, an artist at the Ministry of Information, and they married in 1952. In 1956 they moved to 10 Regent’s Park Road, to a flat in a four-storey block commissioned by them and a group of friends. The architect was Ernö Goldfinger, and Pauline is the last remaining resident of the original group, marooned somewhat on the third floor, with no lift available below the fifth floor. Pauline started work as a book designer with Thames & Hudson in 1958, yet she was able to go to India with husband Harry in 1959 for six months. She returned to work as the Art Editor at Thames & Hudson, where she remained until she retired. India and Italy are two countries that Pauline holds dear, and until recently she went to two classes to discuss Italian and French literature, in those languages.

Always an avid reader, Pauline regularly read to her blind friend Jean Rossiter, another stalwart of the PHCA until she died in 2015. Surrounded still by books and periodicals, Pauline has to rely on TV to feed her love of opera, ballet, music, drama and travel ‒– a poor substitute. Morning visitors are the birds she feeds, which fly from the tree in the garden to the windowsill of her bedroom. A long-time committee member of the Primrose Hill Community Association and a willing volunteer, Pauline was also the membership secretary of the Primrose Hill Labour Party. Recent memories for her friends are the delicious meals she cooked, served with bread she had baked herself. These friends and old colleagues were all more than delighted to share the hundredth birthday celebrations of a truly amazing woman. Mary Wylie

What’s On November NEW THIS NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER Open House Visit the historic church of St Michael's, Camden Road, NW1 9LQ, 2pm. Transport available, contact PHCC. Pagoda Project Paul Hutchinson and Karen Wimhurst’s unique blend of traditional folk with jazz improvisation. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER Tales and tunes David Almond’s storytelling and Kathryn Tickell’s poetic power of language from her native Northumbria, combined with music. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER Councillor’s surgery PHCL. 11am. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER Film show at the Library Hannah and her Sisters (1986), written and directed by Woody Allen. PHCL. 7.15pm. £8, including a glass of wine, in cash, in advance at PHCL or on the door. WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER West Euston Partnership Choir PHCC. 2pm. Free. Evening Open House Place Names of Camden, an illustrated talk by Tudor Allen. PHCC. 7.15pm. Free. Tilston and Lowe Steve Tilston and Jez Lowe, two of the UK acoustic/ folk scene’s finest songwriters. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER ‘Flow and restore’ yoga workshop Breath work and dynamic postures to warm the body before restorative yoga to soothe the nervous system. Followed by tea and homemade cake! PHCC. 4–6pm. £26. www.carolineshawyoga.com/workshops-retreats Family barn dance Bring the family for lively folk dances accompanied by a live band.Cecil Sharp House. 3–5pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org Youth ceilidh Energetic English ceilidh for 12–19 year olds. Come with your friends or on your own, no experience required. Cecil Sharp House. 6–8pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER Open House Arthur Rackham Walk and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. PHCC. 2pm. Free. THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER Meditation yoga With Ellen Emmet. PHCL. 6.30–7.45pm. ellenemmet@outlook.com Peggy Seeger and family To coincide with the publication of her memoir and accompanying CD. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER The Stray Birds Best known for their vocal harmony blend and impassioned delivery of original material. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org

The Camden Choir (in association with the Rainbow Children’s Charity) presents A Celebration Of Europe Music by Handel, Charpentier, Pergolesi and others. St Mary’s Church, Elsworthy Road. 7.30 pm. Tickets £15 (students £10) available on the door SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER Introduction to folk song in England Steve Roud presents and Laura Smyth, EFDSS’ Library and Archive Director, present. Cecil Sharp House. 10.30am–4.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org TUESDAY 21 NOVEMBER Open mic at the Library Perform or listen. PHCL. 7pm. Donations welcome. WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER Open House Restoring the Memory of Forgotten Victorians, illustrated talk by David Waller. PHCC. 2pm. Free. Thomas McCarthy Irish song, intoxicating with its sensitivity towards the tradition. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER Craft fair PHCL. 11am–5pm. Free. TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER Mayor’s charity quiz Join us for a fund-raising pub-style quiz at PHCL. 7.30–9.30pm. Tickets £10. Drinks at below bar prices. All profits to C4WS Homeless Project. Tickets from richard.cotton@camden.gov.uk or www.eventbrite.com/e/quiz-in-support-of-c4wshomeless-project-tickets-39004705123 WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER Open House Hidden Figures, biographical film drama about the US space programme. PHCC. 2pm. Free. Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys One of the most exciting young prospects in the folk scene. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER Library book club The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. PHCL. 6.45–8.15. Free. Meditation yoga With Ellen Emmet. PHCL. 6.30–7.45. ellenemmet@outlook.com

PLAN AHEAD COMING SOON TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER Film show at the Library The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), directed by Tim Sharman. PHCL. 7.15pm. £8, including a glass of wine, in cash, in advance at PHCL or on the door. WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER Desmond Astley-Cooper Talking about his novel, In the Time of the Mulberry. PHCL. 7pm. TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER Local Lives Interview with adventurer, film-maker and writer, Richard Creasey, who talks of his life and work and plays the music he would take to a desert island. PHCC. 7 for 7.30pm. £4 includes a glass of wine. Further details from 020 7586 8327.

G&H On The Hill Centre Spread UPDATED (PRINT).indd 2-3

FOR KIDS MONDAY Ready Steady Go ABC classes Fun and educative groups for toddlers and babies with their parents and carers. PHCC. 9.15–10.15am for 6–12 months; 10.30–11.30am for 12–18 months; 11.45am–12.45pm for 0–6 months. £120 per term (pro rata when joining), trial classes available. Contact 020 7586 5862 to register or for more information. Circus Glory All levels welcome. Trapeze for ages 3–12. PHCC. 3–6.30pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Rhyme Time Library Rhyme Time for under 5s. PHCL. 10.30–11.15am. Suggested £2 donation. Contact 020 7419 6599 Homework Club Do your homework in the Library with a qualified teacher. PHCL. 4–6pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 TUESDAY Monkey Music Award-winning music classes for babies and toddlers: music, movement, percussion, bubbles and fun. Contact 020 8438 0189 for a free trial class. Hartbeeps Baby Sensory PHCC. Multi-sensory class of mini music productions for the very young. 1.30–5.15pm. Classes £8. Contact Clare 07528 688 734 Tatty Bumpkin Children’s mindfulness and yoga. PHCL. 4–5pm. Prices from londoncentral@tattybumkin.com Music and Rhyme for under 4s Drop-in sessions. PHCC. 4.30–5pm. £1. Contact 0207 586 8327 WEDNESDAY Ready Steady Go Yoga Baby and Me, age 6 wks–9 mths, with Lily. PHCC. 9–10am. £60 for 5 weeks (first class free). Contact yoga@readysteadygo.org Circus Glory Trapeze for ages 3–12. PHCC. 2.30–6.30pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Homework Club Do your homework in the Library with a qualified teacher. PHCL. 4–6pm. Free. Contact: 020 7419 6599 Primrose Hill Children’s Choir Learn to sing, enjoy fun songs and games. Ages 4–11. St Mary’s Church, NW3 3DJ. 4–5pm. First time free, then £8 per week. www.primrosehillchoirs.com. Contact Matthew 07817 234 925 All-ages Chess Club Join us for a game of chess. PHCL. 6.30pm. Free. Contact 07830 107 477, a.bruce@pardesgrammar.co.uk THURSDAY Ready Steady Go Yoga Baby and Me with Dorcas. PHCC. 8.30–9.30, pre-crawlers; 9.45–10.45, babies on the move. £60 for 5 weeks (first class is free). Contact yoga@ readysteadygo.org

Mini Mozart Musical story time. PHCL. 9.30am for young children; 10.15am for babies. Contact hello@minimozart.com Mothers and Babies Pilates PHCL 10am and 11am. Contact pilateswithpaulette@gmail.com First Class Learning English and Maths tuition. PHCL. 3.30–6.30pm. Contact primrosehill@firstclasslearning.co.uk Drop-in for under 4s Drop in and take part in a variety of activities. PHCC. 11.15am–1pm. £2.50 to include snack, tea and coffee for mums. Contact 020 7586 8327 Catherine’s Ballet, Chalk Farm School of Dance for under 5s Ballet classes at PHCC. 4–5pm. Contact info@chalkfarmschoolofdance.co.uk, www.chalkfarmschoolofdance.co.uk Music and Rhyme Time for under 4s Drop-in at PHCC. 4.30–5pm. £1. Contact 0207 586 8327 FRIDAY Mothers’ Mornings Meet other mothers while your children play. PHCL. 10.30–11.30am. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 Circus Glory Trapeze for ages 3–12. PHCC. 2.30–6.30pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Tatty Bumpkin Yoga-inspired movement, to soothing music, in a relaxed multi-sensory environment to nudge your child towards physical and social development, 0–7 years. PHCC. 2.45–3.45pm. Contact 07393 970 185 www.tattybumpkin.com/londoncentral Funky Dance Classes – Pitta Patta Ages 4–16. PHCC. 4–7.15pm. Contact Juliet 07971 916 174, Juliet@pittapattadance.co.uk, www.pittapattadance.co.uk SATURDAY Jingle Jam Music Jazz-orientated music classes for ages 0–5 by Emily Dankworth. PHCC. 10.10–10.55 am, Jitterbugs, 0–18 mths; 11.10–11.55am, Jelly Rollers, walking to 5 yrs. Contact 07905 979 024, jinglejammusic@outlook.com SUNDAY Drama, dance and singing classes A unique mix of drama, dance and singing to ring out every child's true potential, age 4–7. PHCC. 10–11.30am, and 11.30am–1pm. PHCC. Try a free class. Contact 020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk,www.perform.org.ukz

FOR ADULTS MONDAY ACOL Bridge Club PHCC. 1.45–3.45pm. £3. Contact Maureen Betts 07919 444 187 Circus Glory: Trapeze for Adults All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.30–2.45pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Neighbourhood Information Centre Drop-in advice centre. PHCL. 2–4pm. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) New drop-in class to release chronic tension patterns and return the nervous system to balance. PHCC. 4–6pm. £15 per class, or 5 for £50. Contact Tim Kirkpatrick, www.back2base.co.uk

What’s On November Chilled Strings Small amateur string chamber orchestra, guided by professional tutor Kwesi Edman. PHCC. 6.30–8.45pm. £10 for each evening. Contact sueandhercello@gmail.com Bridge Class Beginners/intermediate. Join us in the Library for a game of bridge. PHCL. 6.30pm. Contact jojarrold@ gmail.com Primrose Hill Community Choir Love to sing? Try us out! All welcome. PHCC. 7.30–9.30pm. £6. Contact Matthew 0781 723 4925, www.primrosehillchoirs.com TUESDAY Pilates PHCL. Dynamic sessions, 9am and 10.15am. Gentler session 11.30am–12.30pm. £12 per class, £100 for 10 classes. Contact lizacawthorn@gmail.com Laban Movement Workshop To practise and explore Rudolf Laban’s Scales and Efforts. PHCC.12noon–1pm. £10. Contact 07970 536 643, jennyfrankel.laban@gmail.com ESOL Class Learn English at the Library. PHCL. 12noon–1.30pm. Free. Contact jojarrold@gmail.com Hatha Yoga PHCC. 1.30–2.30pm. Drop-in £11, 5 classes £50, 10 classes £90. Contact 0780 855 3599, emma. lecoeur@gmail.com Keep Fit for over 60s PHCC. 3–4pm. Free. Contact 0207 586 8327 General Yoga PHCC. 6.30–8pm. Contact Catriona 020 7267 5675, cat.b1@blueyonder.co.uk Morris Dancing Led by tutor Andy Richards, learn lively Cotswold Morris dancing with handkerchiefs and sticks. No experience necessary. Cecil Sharp House. 6.30–9pm. Contact www.cecilsharphouse.org, 020 7485 2206 WEDNESDAY Circus Glory Trapeze for adults All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.15–2.15pm. Contact Genevieve 07973 451 603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com Feldenkrais Gentle movement using the Feldenkrais method. PHCC. 6–7pm. Free. Contact 0207 586 8327 Open House A regular activity (film, talk, performance) followed by tea, cake and chat. PHCC. 2pm. Free. Contact 020 7586 8327 All-ages Chess Club Join us for a game of chess. PHCL. 6.30pm. Free. Contact 0783 010 7477, a.bruce@pardesgrammar.co.uk English Folk Dance Club Camden Great fun for dancers of all abilities or none. No partner needed. PHCC. 7.30–10pm. Drop-in charge £5. Contact camdenfolkdance@yahoo.com THURSDAY Pilates For mothers and babies. PHCL. 11am. Contact: pilateswithpaulett@gmail.com Gentle Pilates Gentle but effective pilates class. PHCL. 12.30–1.30pm. £10 per session. Contact annie@mactherapy.org

Narcotics Anonymous PHCC. 1.30–3.45pm. Free. Pregnancy Yoga PHCC. 2–4pm. Contact 0780 855 3599, emma. lecoeur@gmail.com Primrose Hill Yoga Strengthen, stretch, relax and re-energise. PHCC. 5.30–6.30pm. £11 drop-in, £40 for series, student and unemployed discount available. Contact carolineshawyoga@gmail.com Yoga for Seniors PHCC. 7–8pm. Free. Contact 020 7586 8327 Yoga PHCL.6.30–7.45pm.Free.Contact02074196599 Life-drawing Beginners to professionals, just drop in! PHCC. 7–9.20pm. £8 or £6 concession. Contact 020 7586 8327, phlifedrawing@gmail.com, www.meetup.com/Primrose-Hill-Life-DrawingLondon, Instagram: @lifedrawingph English Country Dancing Learn English country and ceilidh dancing with tutor Mike Ruff. Musicians welcome to join the band led by Ian Cutts. No need to bring a partner, no experience necessary. Cecil Sharp House. 7.30–10pm. www.cecilsharphouse.org FRIDAY Aerial Pilates PHCC. 9.45–11.15am. Contact circusbodies@gmail.com Mothers’ Mornings Meet other mothers while your children play. PHCL. 10.30–11.30am. Free. Contact 020 7419 6599 Circus Glory: Trapeze for adults All levels welcome. PHCC. 1.30–2.45pm. Contact Genevieve 0797 345 1603, gmonastesse@googlemail.com SATURDAY Primrose Hill Market St Paul’s School playground, Elsworthy Road, NW3. 10am–3pm. Contact www.primrosehillmarket.com SUNDAY Hopkinson’s Bar Meet for a drink with your neighbours. All welcome. PHCC. 12 noon–2pm. Contact 020 7586 8327 CONTACT DETAILS PHCC Primrose Hill Community Centre 29 Hopkinsons Place (off Fitzroy Road) NW1 8TN Contact: info@phca.cc 020 7586 8327 PHCL Primrose Hill Community Library Sharpleshall Street, NW1 8YN Contact: events@phcl.org 020 7419 6599 Please submit entries for our December issue by Friday 10 November

Hampstead Sinfonietta

RFMS Autumn Concert Allegri Miserere Mozart Symphony no. 38

March 18th, 7.30pm Haydn's Nelson Mass & Symphony No. 88

Saturday 4th November, 7.30pm St Mark's Church, Primrose Hill, NW1 7TN Tickets: £10 in advance from www.ticketsource.co.uk/rfms £12 on the door

onthehillwhatson@phca.cc

05/09/2016 10:03:51

THE REAL ROCK FOLLIES WORDS BY The Mole on the Hill PHOTOGRAPH BY Sarah Louise Ramsay 20

“THIS IS A DAVID AND GOLIATH STORY” Annabel Leventon has been on the stage and screen since the 1960s. She was in the original London cast of Hair! and in the film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and has had many other roles in theatre, film and TV. Now she has written her first book about the three-woman rock group she formed in the 1970s and the extraordinary tale of what happened to it. Annabel was born in Hertfordshire and worked her way through the state education system: “The state has been good to me. I went to a grammar school and got a state scholarship as well as a bursary to St Anne’s, Oxford. I read English and spent most of my time acting, singing and doing cabaret, with people who became lifelong friends like Michael Palin and Terry Jones. I got a degree, but really I started my acting career there. I paid my way through college by singing with a dance band, The Fourbeats.” After Oxford Annabel spent two years at LAMDA, and within two years was playing the female lead in the original London production of the American rock musical Hair! She was nominated as Actress of the Year for the Evening Standard Awards, 1969. She has since played many times in the West End and at the National Theatre. However, early in her career she became embroiled in a rip-off of massive proportions. This is the subject of her new book, The Real Rock Follies. “In 1973 I formed a three-woman rock group ‒which has never been done before or since – called Rock Bottom, with two other actresses: Diane Langton, a classically trained ballet dancer, and Gaye Brown, six feet tall and an ex-deb. We had no backing, no

budget, we wrote our own material, we did all our own fly-posting. We took the fliers around all the West End theatres and gave them to all our chums. We performed on Capital Radio and LBC and appeared on Nationwide. We cut demos and we brought out a single. We did eight live concerts and sold out every time.” Rock Bottom took off rapidly, and being rather naive (all of them were actresses rather than business people) the whole ground-breaking idea got taken by a television company who replicated all their details and stole their whole concept. This is a David and Goliath story, a cautionary tale about people in showbiz getting ripped off. Rock Bottom didn’t know it, but Thames TV had come to their first show: “They said they wanted to do a series about us. We had a meeting and they said, ‘Are you happy for us to develop this show for you?’ We were excited. Our plan was coming true. Then they didn’t use us, but stole everything: our concept, our names, our heights, the colour of our hair, our backgrounds. We lost our recording contract. It was despicable. There was no way we could go ahead. The guy who wrote the series was a close friend of mine. I had told him all our stories.

He knew us, he’d written a song for us, he’d come to our recordings, our shows. Creatives are all on the same side: actors and directors have to stick together. It was a betrayal I could not countenance.” That strength saw the girls, against everyone’s advice, take Thames Television to the High Court for theft of their idea. The advice was, you will never win, you will never work again. It took eight years to get there. It was a civil case so there was no jury, but a judge whom they had to convince. And convince him they did: “Luckily it was a judge who knew what rock-and-roll was and watched television. We had key witnesses who were clearly trustworthy. After Nigel Hawthorne appeared, the judge asked him for his autograph. Our case was that you have to be able to pitch an idea knowing that it will not be taken from you. They used to do it all the time. You’d go along and pitch an idea and they’d say thank you very much but we’re not interested in developing it. And then they’d take it away and do it themselves. Ours was a test case and it established intellectual property in this country. Creative ideas are now property, and you’re not allowed to steal them.” Thames TV has never shown Rock Follies again in the UK, but when it was repeated in New York, at the end of every

Annabel and Rock Bottom

episode were the words: “This series was created by Annabel Leventon, Diane Langton and Gaye Brown.” Justification, of course, but it did nothing for the careers that had been thwarted. However, “Our leading counsel said he wanted each of us to own a home of our own. That’s how I came to live in Primrose Hill.” While all this was going on, despite the stress, Annabel’s career was continuing. One of the highlights was appearing with Peter O’Toole in Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell: “Peter’s son was the same age as my son Harry

and he would not start the show before eight o’clock so that he could read to Lorcan and put him to bed. That suited me fine. Ten years later, the Old Vic revived the show with the entire original cast and set. Peter got a standing ovation every night. His technical ability was unequalled: he had to light cigarettes, smoke them, pour vodka, pour tomato juice, set the place on fire and talk non-stop. We had three weeks’ rehearsal and he was perfect in every detail. We used to stand in the wings night after night and marvel. He was extraordinary. He

could engage with his audience and the text in a way that was hilarious, masterly, heart-rending.” Now in her seventies, Annabel is still acting, teaching and coaching while launching her account of the defeat of Goliath, The Real Rock Follies. And planning her next book.

THE

Hemming &

Marr S H OW

In October, Primrose Hill artists Adrian Hemming and Andrew Marr held a joint exhibition at Art Bermondsey Project Space. Included in the catalogue was an account of their artistic friendship, which is reproduced here. Artwork by Adrian Hemming | Photograph by Mike Din

Marr ... on Hemming Painting is, necessarily, a solitary occupation. Everything that matters most about it takes place silently, in the brain of the painter. In the studio, when the hard work is being done, the silence is absolute. And yet every painter needs to talk – needs help, needs criticism, needs a frank and knowing friendship. So, when I began to try to paint seriously, after I had suffered a stroke, Adrian Hemming’s friendship was both wonderful luck and a lifeline. He comes into the studio, raises a quizzical eyebrow, perhaps shakes his head about something that had pleased me, and quietly, gently, suggests other directions I might follow. And he’s always right. Adrian and I started to talk because we live close to one another, have numerous mutual friends, and do not fanatically abjure pale ale. But the basis of our friendship and relationship is painting, painting and painting. I always call Adrian, with a slight note of jealousy in my voice, ‘a proper painter’. Unlike me, he has gone through a full and rigorous training. He has devoted his entire life since teenage-hood to mastering pigment and surface, design and meaning. And, by God, it shows. Working in his Islington studio, he is meticulously picky about the colours he uses, and mostly grinds for himself (the Unison Company of Northumberland’s A19 Ultramarine being a particular favourite). The walls around him are hung with the latest work, which is always and forever work in progress: Adrian is a great believer in the virtues of pitiless obliteration. Anything that may seem easy about his painting has been very hard won. In fact, one of the first lessons he taught me was that even what one might consider to be a fine passage of painting – square inches one is quietly delighted with – must often be overpainted or rubbed out in the higher interests of a completed work. This way of painting produces a surface that must be looked at near at hand. What I particularly value in Adrian’s art is the rich, rucked textures, the densely worked, scored and often extremely complex surface area he achieves. Let me explain why I think this matters so much. We live in a world dominated by flat, glossy, glassy screens. Today’s digital manipulation is boundless and endless. And, just as with the original invention of chemical photography in the nineteenth century, this technical

revolution throws problems to today’s painters. How does handmade, traditional art respond? Should we become video artists? Should we give up pencils for apps on the iPad? Both of us believe that the flatness of the digital world must send painting in the opposite direction, back to the claggy materiality, the ‘thisness’ of oil and pigment. To be radical today is to insist on the organic essence and origins of the tradition; and I would argue that you can read this very clearly in the texture of a Hemming. (Which means you need to look at the paintings: reproductions, however good, are not nearly enough.) But – and this is not a skill I have yet achieved – Adrian’s densely worked passages occur only in harmony with larger areas of calm.

“I always call Adrian, with a slight note of jealousy in my voice, ‘a proper painter’” The frenzy is more frenzied when surrounded by lapping quiet blues or greens. Although, when we talk, we mainly talk about the craft and physicality of painting – about pigments, bristles, different oils and glazes – Adrian Hemming is a philosophical painter, much concerned with myth, the environment and the nature of perception. Above all he is trying to answer the most difficult and important question painters’ face, which is simply: ‘What should fresh painting look like in 2017?’ All of us who paint do so with the huge weight of the Western tradition sitting

on our shoulders. At times it can seem as if every idea has been had before. Perhaps every design, motif, colour combination has been done better already; perhaps all that is left, even for a serious and honest painter, is quotation. Adrian, like me, is a fascinated and obsessive looker, a haunter of exhibitions by greats. When we flop down in our nearest pub – the Lansdowne in Gloucester Avenue – we are often talking about the latest Rauschenberg show, or Howard Hodgkin or Peter Lanyon or Patrick Heron. Adrian was taught by, among others, the painter I would regard as the most successful non-representational living British artist, Gillian Ayres. Yet he has managed that great feat: a Hemming, whatever its size, shape and colour range, looks like a Hemming and nothing else. He has absorbed, ingested and then quietly gone his own way. I admire him so much for that. Since my stroke, I have had a much more intense sense of the importance of going your own way. Not a day passes when I don’t think about how little time is left; and for me this means a redoubled effort to paint better, because it is the best way of expressing my personal sense of what it means to be alive. Although this might seem a somewhat solemn undertaking, and it is certainly a strenuous one, it is in fact full of joyousness. When I am painting badly, I drive myself into a rage. But when I am painting well, I feel full of delight. A big part of that delight has come about thanks to the calm, wise friendship, and peaceable advice given to me by Adrian Hemming. A lesser man would have tried to encourage me to paint just like him: Adrian has helped me to paint like me, only better – a much harder task. As you observe these pictures, I hope you see the story of an artistic friendship too.

Adrian Hemmings' work on display at Art Bermondsey Project Space

Andrew Marr's work on display at Art Bermondsey Project Space

Hemming ... on Marr I first encountered Andrew (or rather I didn’t but used to observe him) rapt with attention, painting on Primrose Hill and I knew that the last thing an artist wants in those situations is an old git like me interrupting him to say: ‘Hi, you must be Andrew Marr.’ A time and a place for everything. So, finally I did meet him and he kindly invited me to his studio. It was a revelation. Not because the work was amazing then, but I could see and sense that it was the start of a serious, momentous, lifetime journey. I don’t mean the physical journey he has had to endure, but I mean the journey that all artists undertake if they are truly going to call themselves artists. Yes, it’s difficult, of course the journey is obscure, it’s about many, many things. It’s about seeing inside one’s self and the world around us, it’s not just surface detail. The stroke has changed his attitudes to painting, making him determined to become ‘a real painter’ – to quote Andrew himself. Remember, this is a man who has never been to art college, so he has missed out on all those interconnecting threads of art practice, but at the same time it has also freed him from the shackles of art college expectations. He has exploded from being a Sunday painter to becoming a fascinating artist. Since that initial meeting I have been back to his studio many times and have been

privileged to observe these changes in his art. A big influence on his work is the paintings and prints of Gillian Ayres, as they both share a similar response to post-war British abstraction. Since his stroke, the imagery of his work has changed radically and, in my perception, for the better. He has

“He has exploded from being a Sunday painter to becoming a fascinating artist.” moved from landscape realism, like the Primrose Hill work, to a much more demanding and exciting iconography of abstraction. He works in oil paint on canvas and board. His subjects are abstract motifs and shapes, floating on highly coloured backgrounds. They gain their excitement and visual energy from the push and pull of object to colour, each fighting for balance and/ or dominance. However, he doesn’t slavishly copy other artists; he wants to distil the imagery from his own sensibility and the world around him to create a truthful comment on himself.One of the notions behind Andrew’s work is how some artists have no aptitude for paint, the paint just gets sloshed on and as long as it conveys a message or object

that’s all that matters. He is pushing his own work so that the look and feel of the paint is a big part of the message. It has to be sensuous. It has to be alive. There is a sense that the painting process is almost like being in psychoanalysis: there are deep layers of unconsciousness that you constantly try to understand. It’s both deeply satisfying and deeply disturbing at the same time. What I love about his work is that as more and more paintings come to fruition, this sense of the quality of the medium becomes more apparent and accomplished. It’s a joy to be a witness to that process.I admire Andrew’s huge work ethic and his constant desire to innovate all the time. There is an urgency to his work, and he has told me that he feels time may not be on his side so he paints and pushes himself at a furious pace; whilst I, in contrast, stroll along to his studio humming a little ditty until confronted by him dragging out painting after painting dripping with wet oil and brandishing them at me, sometimes with total enthusiasm, other times as gloomy as Eeyore. We chat about the work, sometimes we have a lot to say, sometimes very little. It doesn’t really matter because what it does is reinforce his will power and his conviction to paint ‘good paintings’.Of course, the next bit of the evening is the whole point of the exercise: and that is to retire to our local pub and down a couple of half and halfs.

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Eating & Dining

WHITES HAIRDRESSERS 42 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7586 5850 cait.whitesofprimrosehill@gmail.com M–Sa 11.00–19.00 Th 11.00–20.00 www.whitesofwhitecross.co.uk

L’ABSINTHE (ALL DAY) BRASSERIE 40 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7483 4848 absinthe07@hotmail.co.uk M 08.00–16.00 Tu–F 08.00–22.00 Sa 09.00–22.00 Su 12.00–21.00 www.labsinthe.co.uk

GARRY TRAINER CLINIC 65 Princess Rd, NW1 8JS 020 7722 6203 garry@garrytrainer.com M–F 07.00–20.00 Sa 09.00–17.00 Su 09.00–13.00 www.garrytrainer.com AESTHETICS LAB 128 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL 020 7722 5872 info@aestheticslab.co.uk M 09.00–18.00 Tu–Th 09.00–19.00 F 09.00–18.00 S 10.00–18.00 Su 10.00–16.00 www.aestheticslab.co.uk NUYU LONDON 9 Princess Rd, NW1 8JN 020 3204 2020 info@nuyulondon.co.uk Tu–W 10.00–19.00 Th–F 10.00–20.00 Sa 09.30–19.00 www.nuyulondon.co.uk GARY INGHAM HAIRDRESSING 150 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XN 020 7483 1000 info@garyingham.com M–T 10.00-19.30 W 09.00 –19.30 Th–F 09.00–20.30 Sa 09.00–18.30 Su 11.00–18.00 www.garyingham.com SHAMPOO HAIRDRESSERS 63 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XD 020 7722 9594 alinashala@hotmail.co.uk Tu–Sa 09.00–18.00 Su 10.00–16.00 PRIVATO HAIR BEAUTY & FASHION 170 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XN 020 7586 6887 info@privato.co.uk M–F 10.00–19.30 Sa 9.00–18.00 Su 11.00–17.00 www.privato.uk

RIPE KITCHEN 136 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL 07572 480 102 info@ripekitchen.co.uk M–F 07.30–18.00 Sa 08.00–19.00 Su 08.30–19.00 www.ripekitchen.co.uk PRIMROSE BAKERY 69 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8LD 020 7483 4222 hello@primrose-bakery.co.uk M–Sa 08.30–18.00 Su 09.30–18.00 www.primrose-bakery.co.uk ODETTE’S 130 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL 020 7586 8569 info@odettesprimrosehill.com Tu–F 12.00–14.30, 18.00–22.00 Sa 12.00–15.00, 18.00–22.30 Su 12.00–15.00, 18.00–21.30 www.odettesprimrosehill.com GREENBERRY CAFÉ 101 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UR 020 7483 3765 info@greenberrycafe.co.uk Tu–Sa 09.00–22.00 Su–M 09.00–16.00 www.greenberrycafe.co.uk THE LANSDOWNE 90 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8HX 0207 483 0409 info@thelansdownepub.co.uk M–S 12.00–23.00 Su 12.00–22.30 www.thelansdownepub.co.uk LA COLLINA 17 Princess Rd, NW1 8JR 020 7483 0192 info@lacollinarestaurant.co.uk M–Su 12.00–14.30, 18.00–22.15 www.lacollinarestaurant.co.uk NEGOZIO CLASSICA 154 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XN 020 7483 4492 info@negozioclassica.co.uk M–S 11.00–24.00 Kitchen closes at 22.30 www.negozioclassica.co.uk MANNA 4 Erskine Rd, NW3 3AJ 020 7722 8028 enquires@mannav.com Tu–Su 12.00–22.30 www.mannav.com

THE PRINCESS OF WALES 22 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LL 020 7722 0354 info@lovetheprincess.com M–F 11.00–24.00 Sa 09.30–24.00 Su 09.30–23.00 www.lovetheprincess.com MICHAEL NADRA RESTAURANT, MARTINI BAR AND GARDEN 42 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8JD 020 7722 2800 primrose@restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk Tu–Th 12.00–23.00 F–S 12.00–24.30 Su 12.00–14.30, 18.00–22.00 www.restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk THE ENGINEER 65 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8JH 020 7483 1890 M–F 12.00–23.00 Sa 10.00–23.00 Su 12.00–22.30 www.theengineerprimrosehill.co.uk

Home PRIMROSE HILL FRAMING COMPANY 45 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7586 4571 primrosehillframingco@gmail.com M–F 09.30–13.00, 14.00–17.30 Sa 09.30–13.00 CLIFTON INTERIORS 168 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XN 020 7586 5533 rosie@cliftoninteriors.com M–F 09.00–18.00 Saturday by appointment www.cliftoninteriors.com CAVE INTERIORS 29 Princess Rd, NW1 8JR 020 7722 9222 georgina@caveinteriors.com M–F 09.30–17.30 www.caveinteriors.com PRIMROSE INTERIORS 55 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XD 020 7586 6595 info@primrose-interiors.com S–F 10.00–17.00 JINO DESIGN Studio 44, Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7419 1774 jino@jino-design.com Mon–Fri 10.00–17.00 www.jino-design.com BESIDE THE WAVE 41 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7722 4161 gallery@beside-the-wave.co.uk M–Sa 10.00–18.00 Su 11.00–16.00 www.beside-the-wave.co.uk

Food & Drink Shops NICOLAS WINE SHOP 67 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XA 020 7722 8576 primrose@spiritedwines.com M–Th 10.00–21.00 F–Sa 10.00–22.00 Su 11.00–21.00 www.nicolas.co.uk LA PETITE POISSONNERIE 75a Gloucester Ave, NW1 8LD 020 7483 4435 lapetitepoissonneire@gmail.com Tu–Sa 09.30–19.30 Su 10.30–17.30 www.lapetite-poissonnerie.co.uk MELROSE & MORGAN 42 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8JD 020 7722 0011 M–Sa 08.00–19.00 Su 09:00–17.00 BOTTLE APOSTLE 172 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XN 020 3805 5577 info@bottleapostle.com M–F 11.00–20.00 Sa 10.00–20.00 Su 10.00–18.00 www.bottleapostle.com PRIMROSE HILL BUTCHERS 65 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XD 020 7586 0570 M Closed Tu–Sa 07.00–19.00 Su 07.00–18.00 www.facebook.com/primrosehillbutchers

Specialist PRIMROSE HILL PETS 132 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL 020 7483 2023 gail@primrosehillpets.co.uk M 09.30–18.30, Tu–Sa 09.00–18.00 Su 11.00–17.00 www.primrosehillpets.co.uk RUTH KAYE DESIGN 67 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8LD 020 7722 7227 team@ruthkayedesign.com M–Sa 09.30–17.30 By appointment only www.ruthkayedesign.com SEW MUCH FUN 46 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7722 9889 sewmuchfun@btinternet.com M–F 11.00–18.00 Sa 10.00–17.00 www.sewmuchfun.co.uk FITZROY’S FLOWERS 77 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UY 020 7722 1066 M–Sa 09.00–18.30 Su 10.00–17.00 www.fitzroys-of-primrosehill.com

Your guide to shopping and eating in Primrose Hill

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KETURAH BROWN 85 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UY 020 7586 0512 keturahbrownltd@gmail.com M–F 10.30–18.00 Th 10.30–18.30 Sa 10.00–18.00 Su 13.00–18.00

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SWEET PEA 77 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8LD 020 7449 9292 mail@sweetpeajewellery.com M–F 10.00–18.00 Sa 10.30–17.00 www.sweetpeajewellery.com

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ZOE AND MORGAN 48 Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS 020 7586 7419 personalshopper@zoeandmorgan.com M–F 11.00–18.00 S 11.00–17.00 www.zoeandmorgan.com

Community

ANNA 126 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XL 020 7483 0411 anna@shopatanna.com M–Sa 10.00–18.00 Su 12.00–18.00 www.shopatanna.com

PRIMROSE HILL SURGERY 99 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UR 020 7722 0038 M–W 09.00–18.00 Th 09.00–12.30 F 09.00–18.00

PAMELA SHIFFER 75 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UY 020 7483 4483 M–Sa 10.00–18.00 Th 10.00–19.00 Su 12.00–18.00 www.shop@pamelashiffer.com

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GALLERY 196 196 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XP (orange door) 020 7722 0438 info@gallery196.com M–Su 10.00–18.30 www.gallery196.com

Fashion

ROSE & NORTH FINANCIAL PLANNING & WEALTH MANAGEMENT 142 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8JA 0203 627 6297 hello@roseandnorth.com M–F 10.0017.00 www.roseandnorth.com

PRIMROSE HILL DENTAL 61a Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8XD 020 7722 0860 / 07845 0088 240 primrose.dent@gmail.com M, W, F 09.00–17.00 Tu, Th 09.00–20.00 Sa 09.00–13.00

PRIMROSE HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE 29 Hopkinson’s Place, Fitzroy Rd, NW1 8TN 020 7586 8327

PRIMROSE HILL COMMUNITY LIBRARY Sharples Hall St, NW1 8YN 020 7419 6599 M 10.00–18.00 W 13.00–19.00 F 10.00–18.00 Sa 10.00–16.00 POST OFFICE 91 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 8UT M–Su 06:00–22:00

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Primrose Hill EATS

Salmon Fishcakes with lemon & garlic spinach, poached egg & hollandaise sauce

Recreate the most popular dish at Sam’s Café at home and accompany with a classic rock and roll soundtrack. 1. Poach the fish gently in the white wine for 6–8 minutes, then drain (reserving the wine). Allow to cool then flake the flesh. Return the wine to the heat and reduce down to a thick syrup. 2. Mix together the mashed potato, salmon, red onion, herbs and reduced white wine, then season to taste. Mould the mixture into eight round cakes and refrigerate for about 1 hour. 3. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly flour the chilled fishcakes, shaking off any excess. Beat six of the eggs and dip the fishcakes into it, then roll into the breadcrumbs. Fry in the vegetable oil for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then place in the oven to heat through. Cut two of the lemons in half and fry cut side down in the same pan until golden. 4. Heat a little oil in a large pan then add the spinach, give it a quick stir and add the garlic. Allow the spinach to cook down, then add the juice of 2 lemons and season. Poach the remaining 4 eggs. 5. To serve, split the spinach between four warmed plates and place the fishcakes on top. Sit a poached egg on top of each fishcake and cover with hollandaise sauce. Spoon over a little salmon roe, and serve the charred lemon on the side.

FROM

Sam's Café

Ingredients • 400 g skinless salmon fillet • 500 ml white wine (or fish stock) • 400 g potato, peeled, cooked and mashed • 50 g red onion, finely chopped or grated • 100 g chopped herbs (eg dill, parsley, tarragon, chervil and chives) • Maldon sea salt and ground white pepper (to taste) • 100 g plain flour10 eggs • 250 g panko breadcrumbs • Vegetable oil for frying • 500 g spinach, picked and washed • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped • 4 lemons • Hollandaise sauce • Salmon keta (roe)

Sam’s Café 140 Regent’s Park Road www.samscafeprimrosehill.com PHOTOGRAPH BY Sarah Louise Ramsay

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