Dear Resident
,
It is with great pleasure that Henry Hopwood-Phillips and I open the June edition of the Belgravia Residents’ Journal. It has been wonderful fun compiling our inaugural issue and we do hope you enjoy the read. In this issue, Henry has delved into the world of arts and culture, interviewing Kate Gordon, the founder of London Art Studies (page 20) and visiting the Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition extravaganza (page 16). Now in its 245th year, the exhibition remains a champion of all things aesthetic, serving as a window into the contemporary art world. Meanwhile, our main focus for this edition centres on the various street parties that pop up in Belgravia in June. We hope to whet your appetite for a superbly sublime summer season.
BELGRAVIA
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alice Tozer for her incredible work launching the Journal and editing it over the past year.
Resident’s Journal
Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your feedback, email: Belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk.
Above / Henry Singleton (1766-1839) The Royal Academicians in General Assembly, 1795. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London; John Hammond
Managing Editor Katie Randall Main Editorial Contributor Henry Hopwood-Phillips
Managing Director Eren Ellwood
J U N E 2 0 1Senior 3 • Designer I s s ue 1 3
Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell, Oscar Viney
Sophie Blain
Publishing Director Giles Ellwood
Editorial Assistants Lauren Romano, Lulu Rumsey
General Manager Fiona Fenwick
Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts
Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood
Head of Finance Elton Hopkins
Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey
BELGRAVIA Resident’s Journal JUNE 2013
I SSU E 013
The Belgravia Residents’ Journal is published independently by Runwild Media Group with regular editorial contributions from The Belgravia Residents’ Association. To become a member of the BRA, visit www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk. We would highly value any feedback you wish to email us with: editor@residentsjournal.co.uk; or telephone us on 020 7987 4320.
w w w. R e s i d e n t s J o u r n a l . c o . u k (020) 7987 4320
Dear Resident
,
It is with great pleasure that Henry Hopwood-Phillips and I open the June edition of the Belgravia Residents’ Journal. It has been wonderful fun compiling our inaugural issue and we do hope you enjoy the read. In this issue, Henry has delved into the world of arts and culture, interviewing Kate Gordon, the founder of London Art Studies (page 20) and visiting the Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition extravaganza (page 16). Now in its 245th year, the exhibition remains a champion of all things aesthetic, serving as a window into the contemporary art world. Meanwhile, our main focus for this edition centres on the various street parties that pop up in Belgravia in June. We hope to whet your appetite for a superbly sublime summer season. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alice Tozer for her incredible work launching the Journal and editing it over the past year. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your feedback, email: Belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk.
Above / Henry Singleton (1766-1839) The Royal Academicians in General Assembly, 1795. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London; John Hammond
Managing Editor Katie Randall
Managing Director Eren Ellwood
Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell, Oscar Viney
Main Editorial Contributor Henry Hopwood-Phillips
Senior Designer Sophie Blain
Publishing Director Giles Ellwood
Editorial Assistants Lauren Romano, Lulu Rumsey
General Manager Fiona Fenwick
Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts
Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood
Head of Finance Elton Hopkins
Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey
The Notebook
Who and what have been moving and shaking in Belgravia recently? We bring you up to date
A match made in Belgravia
To appease frazzled brides, frantically dashing around in the run-up to the matrimonial season, local bridal boutiques have thoughtfully clubbed together to form the Belgravia Wedding Quarter. In a display of neighbourly spirit, big-day to-do lists can be tackled in one fell swoop. Beautiful Allison Rodger couture dresses can be twirled in fitting rooms and then drenched in Elizabeth Gage or Erickson Beamon jewels; floral table centrepieces created at Neill Strain or Wild at Heart and addictively delightful Peggy Porschen cupcakes can be ordered too, all within walking distance from each other. Incidentally, the Bijoux Medi Spa isn’t too far away either, if a well-deserved pampering stop beckons. www.belgraviaweddingquarter.com
High five
The Lanesborough Hotel has received a five-star hotel rating and been named as the winner of the inaugural London Star Awards, organised by Forbes Travel Guide. The accolade recognises the superb level of service offered to guests crossing the hotel’s prestigious threshold. Here, stars of an altogether different cluster (that of the Michelin constellation) can be marvelled over in the elegant Apsleys – a Heinz Beck Restaurant; Cuban and pre-Castro cigars can be smoked in the walk-in humidor at The Garden Room, or a vintage cognac swilled at The Library Bar. Managing Director of The Lanesborough, Geoffrey Gelardi is understandably thrilled with the award, commenting: ‘It is an honour to be one of the first hotels in London to receive this esteemed designation.’ www.lanesborough.com
A local masterpiece
An enviable collection of exquisite art and antique treasures have been assembled at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the fourth Masterpiece London. For those avid collectors who would like to peruse the wares with a little more context, an enthralling lecture has been organised by the Belgravia Residents’ Association for its members. Adding a light-hearted note to the high culture, Tim Gosling, author of London Secrets – A Draughtsman’s Guide, arrives with anecdotes of private clubs and royal palaces up his sleeve on Friday 28 June at 6.30pm. Tickets include entry to Masterpiece London and can be booked at www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk.
Image by / Luke Sheridan
Uber convenient
If you’ve ever harboured thoughts of having a chauffeur-driven Jaguar at your beck and call, news of Uber, the on-demand, luxury car service, whose fleet of Mercedes S Classes, Audi A8s and BMW 7 Series, which can be summoned to Belgravia doorsteps at the touch of a button, will appeal. Simply download the app and pinpoint your pick-up location on the map. Once you’ve reached your destination, Uber will automatically charge your credit card, meaning that you won’t need to dig around in your pockets for the fare. Readers who want to give the service a whirl should quote ‘BelgraviaRJ’ to receive £20 off their first ride. www.uber.com
Fire station closures
Residents in six Westminster wards will have to wait for more than six minutes for a fire engine, exceeding target response times, if the Mayor’s Fire Station closures go ahead. Twelve fire stations look set to be closed, including Westminster Fire Station in Greycoat Place. This means 18 fire engines and 520 firefighters are to face the chop. Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the Labour Group, says: ‘A fire can quadruple in intensity every two minutes. These figures show that the Mayor’s cuts will put lives at risk. He should abandon his plans to close the Westminster Fire Station immediately.’ www.london-fire.gov.uk/Documents/ward-impacts.pdf
Walk on by
Ewan Munro on Flickr
Give your summer saunters a sense of purpose by hiring a Westminster Guide to take you on a tour of the locale. The army of Belgravia-versed guides are just waiting to have their brains picked and each has a universityaccredited qualification following a year’s study on the borough of Westminster. Their collective fountain of knowledge stretches from local heroes and villains of yore to historic pubs and even the Victorian sewage system, and all itineraries can be tailor-made before embarking. Joanna Moncrieff is an oracle on Belgravia’s hidden pubs, while Eleanor Bloom leads a fascinating walk, entitled ‘Above Stairs, Below Stairs’ which considers the glamorous lifestyle of Victorian and Edwardian high society and the lives of their domestic servants, cohabiting just downstairs. www.westminsterguides.org.uk
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
005
The Calendar Bringing you the lowdown on local events in June
Hey Charlie
After a childhood spent in seemingly permanent exploration of a riverside field near his house, Harry Cory Wright has immortalised the stomping ground of his youth in a new exhibition at Eleven Fine Art. Opening on 19 June (until 14 September), Hey Charlie is a fond documentation of a former playground and a nod to the environmental magnificence of those surrounds, which previously eluded his juvenile mind and that of his brother companion, Charlie. In a bid to create new memories, Cory Wright has returned to his former haunt to capture moments of personal interruption into the setting: rockets are fired and rare glimpses snatched as the adult artist reawakens and reshapes a life bond with the much-loved landscape. 11 Eccleston Street, SW1W 9LX, 020 7823 5540
Background image/ Dew Pond and Thirty Second Smoke Generator, 2012 From top/ Younger than before, 2012; Harry Bryan and Central Poplars. Smoke and 130 ft Mine, 2012; Astral Rocket Second Attempt, 2012; All images courtesy of Eleven London
Open Court
The Royal Court Theatre’s Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone hands over the keys to the kingdom this month in a six-week festival, Open Court, from 10 June to 20 July dedicated to and driven by the creative outpourings of some of the country’s finest playwrights. Officially taking over duties from predecessor Dominic Cooke in September, Vicky decided on a summer programme that would be both challenging and surprising, and would allow the vast plethora of playwrights associated with the theatre to shine. ‘[The Royal Court] is a playground for us and it shouldn’t ever become something that feels stifling. I want it to feel like a summer festival, and that the writers and the ideas are bursting out of the building.’
Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS, 020 7565 5000
Calling all chocolatiers
A few spaces still remain on William Curley’s much sought-after Truffle and Sea Salt Caramel classes, being held on Saturday 22 June. The two-and-a-half-hour sessions each make ideal weekend entertainment for those with a culinary disposition or a determinedly sweet tooth. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the processes behind the production of William Curley chocolates before taking up a piping bag to produce their very own sugary confectioneries. As a parting gift, you’ll leave with your saccharine creations all wrapped up in a ribbon-tied box. Original Truffle Classes at 10.30am (£75 per person) Sea Salt Caramel Classes at 3pm (£85 per person) 198 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UN, 020 8538 9650
Lullaby of Birdland
Cadogan Hall welcomes back old favourites The King’s Singers on Saturday 15 June for a musical tribute to pioneering jazz and classical music artists Richard Rodney Bennett and George Shearing. The Grammy award-winning ensemble will take to the stage at 7.30pm alongside Gwilym Simcock on the piano and Malcolm Creese playing double bass, in a celebratory evening led by special guest presenter Brian Kay. Fans of the a cappella group can look forward to their inventive and distinctive spin on popular original works by both Bennett and Shearing, while early birds should mark in their diary Brian Kay’s pre-concert talk (starts at 6.15pm), which features conversations with past and present members of The King’s Singers as well as Lady Ellie Shearing, among others.
Smoke Bubbles Exhibiting its characteristic appreciation of life’s finer things, Boisdale of Belgravia will host a Cuban Cigar and Boisdale Champagne tasting on Monday 24 June. Held as evening ascends at 6pm, the tasting will feature the new Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial, a lightly flavoured yet indulgently large cigar with a classic cedar wood, leather, cream and cocoa aroma. Champagne bases are also covered, with a three-piece selection to envelop all variants of taste. Among the trio, the Vintage Cuvée Speciale 2002 contains a sweet, citrus edge balanced with a distinct vanilla edge, while the Vintage Cuvée Speciale Rosé 2005 boasts a floral quality. For bookings, contact Alexandria Wood: alexandria@boisdale.co.uk (or call 020 7730 6922). £15 (members), £25 (non-members) 15 Eccleston Street SW1W 9LX
Tickets from £18 to £30. 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ, 020 7730 4500
Do you have an event that you’d like us to cover? Send us an email: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
007
The Great
Outdoors
Henry Hopwood-Phillips crosses his fingers for sunshine in anticipation of Belgravia’s famous street parties this month
A
long tradition of British festivity stretches back to the mist-shrouded moot halls, across the mummers plays, and extends into the beer streets and gin lanes that William Hogarth famously captured. The humble street party, however, has roots less further afield. Traditionally dated back to ‘peace-teas’ held to celebrate the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, this was the start of an interbellum. Lloyd George would proclaim ‘Homes for Heroes,’ the infamous Kellogg-Briand Pact would assure signatories that states would not use war to resolve disputes, and the London Naval Treaty would attempt to defuse another arms race. All these well-meaning sentiments proved to be puffery in the
end but the tea-party was on hand to celebrate their recrudescence at VE Day (1945) and later settled down as the acceptable means of expressing national elation. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (1953), the World Cup victory (1966), the Silver Jubilee (1977), Prince Charles’ royal wedding (1981), and most recently the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2012) were all commemorated by braving the elements beneath a sea of patriotically coloured pennants. Certain parts of British society, of which perhaps Belgravia is the most conspicuous, keep the flame of national jubilation alive on a more regular basis at their annual street parties: one happens on Elizabeth Street, the other on Motcomb Street.
Motcomb Street Party The Motcomb Street Party is held, as is tradition, in aid of the Household Cavalry fund. Now in its 26th year, the party fortuitously falls on 26 June. The word on the street is that the Cavalry are planning to include an appearance from Llamrei, pronounced ‘sausage’ to his many admirers, who, far from being the mare of King Arthur’s legend, is a six-year-old
“The event regularly attracts a crowd of more than 5,000 and in 2012 it raised a staggering £57,000 for the Household Cavalry and Cystic Fibrosis Trust” gelding who hit the headlines in five national papers and the BBC for his various eccentricities. The event regularly attracts a crowd of more than 5,000 and in 2012 it raised a staggering £57,000 for the Household Cavalry and Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This year its additional causes are the Chelsea Community Hospital Schools and the Intermission Youth Theatre. Set to include an auction, entertainments such as the Tree of Life, in which participants buy tickets of varying values in exchange for mystery gifts worth anything up to twice ticket-value, are also back by popular demand. Diana Dias-Leao will also be auctioning one of her unique artworks, inspired by images of war (past and present) and the symbol of the poppy. Making sure the party creates enough noise will be The Forgers, a rock and indy band, as well as tribute acts from the likes of George Michael to the Bee Gees.
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
009
Elizabeth Street Party Elizabeth Street’s party is on 12 June this year. It is in aid of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and has a strong animal theme. Things kick off at St Michael’s Church at 5pm where specialist entertainers Sharky & George ensure things start as they mean to go on – with all the kids in a jolly mood. The street officially opens at 6pm, but the first footfall is not likely to be human. Instead, after showcasing their agility in a dog
“The street officially opens at 6pm, but the first footfall is not likely to be human” show, Battersea’s furry friends plan to parade down it. Admirers can take their fill and slake their thirst from the surrounding stalls before various entertainments, including an auction, begin. As dusk slips away and one set of amber liquid (tea) is exchanged for another (beer) the hugely popular cover band What Next? looks set to guarantee a great atmosphere and perhaps even a little dancing. Getting into the spirit of things, Giles Clarke, executive director of Grosvenor’s London estate, has given a ringing endorsement of the fun: ‘Each year the Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street parties continue to draw revelers to these wonderful village-like enclaves, entertaining visitors and residents alike. At Grosvenor we are delighted to support these retailer-led initiatives, which highlight the prevalent sense of community.’ With the weather full of false starts and failing to offer the serotonin pick-me-up summer usually promises, the street parties have the potential to inject some human sunshine into Belgravia’s little corner of London. And if Pimms and bunting don’t cheer you up, well, there’s probably not much that will. www.motcombstreetparty.co.uk; www.elizabethstreetlondon.com
Illustrations / Mai Osawa
010
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
-
Motcomb Street Party 2013 wednesday 26th june 2013 5:30 pm
street party opens with disco
6:45 pm
celebrity opening
7:00 pm
THE FORGERS band
7:45 pm
disco
8:00 pm
auction
8:15 pm
“the bee gees” tribute band
9:15 pm
disco
9:30 pm
“george michael” tribute act
10:30 pm
thank you and goodnight
also featuring the tree of life, food & drink stalls, vip terrace and more!
streetparty@motcombs.co.uk www.motcombstreetparty.co.uk supporting the household cavalry foundation
EVENT SPONSORS: Grosvenor - www.grosvenor.com Motcomb Street Traders Association - www.motcombstreetparty.co.uk Knightsbridge Business Group - www.knightsbridgebusinessgroup.co.uk Chesterton Humberts - www.chestertonhumberts.com Brooks Gordon - www.brooksgordon.co.uk C Hoare & Co - www.hoaresbank.co.uk Cadogan - www.cadogan.co.uk Child & Child - www.childandchild.co.uk Coutts - www.coutts.com Harrods Estates - www.harrodsestates.com Motcombs Restaurant & Bar - www.motcombs.co.uk
Jones Lang LaSalle - www.joneslanglasalle.co.uk Jumeirah Carlton Tower - www.jumeirah.com Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel - www.jumeirah.com Pegasi Management Company Ltd - www.pegasi.co.uk The Berkeley Hotel - www.the-berkeley.co.uk The Halkin Hotel - www.comohotels.com/thehalkin The Pantechnicon - www.thepantechnicon.com The Park Tower Knightsbridge - www.sheratonparktower.com Waitrose Belgravia - www.waitrose.com Grace Belgravia - www.gracebelgravia.com Harvey Nichols - www.harveynichols.com
also supporting:
o f f i c i a l m e d i a pa r t n e r s
If you’d like to become a Sponsor, please contact Sue Liberman – streetparty@motcombs.co.uk who will be delighted to discuss how you can proceed with this fantastic opportunity.
From Moscow
with love
Henry Hopwood-Phillips is momentarily distracted from the Russian home cooking by the comforting clutter of Mari Vanna
M
ari Vanna recently celebrated its first birthday in London. The chain, only about six years old itself, has caused quite a stir among Russian expats and is beginning to lure an even larger gentile crowd – no doubt the allure of Prince William’s wall-signature (preserved for posterity by the modern equivalent of amber – a polycarbonate sheet) has helped. Not that this place is truly a home from home, unless you lived in your grandmother’s dacha on the outskirts of St Petersburg in the Romanov twilight years. However the restaurant has the magnetism of Raffles in Singapore: it stands for something more. The salad entrees were delicious, the ingredients perfectly balanced and the crockery it sat on, as thick as the slabs of dark rye bread that accompanied it: wonderful. In spite of the superlatives, I must say I found it quite indistinguishable from a typical Western salad, but perhaps that is a tad harsh; salad is a dish that robustly withstands innovation, after all. The half-baked bronze-coloured chicken was cooked faultlessly. I was surprised that the tomato-pepper ramekin accompaniment to the fowl was quite so mellow and delicate in taste, as visually it was brilliantly bright and colourful. Normally not a dessert man and certainly not a soufflé one at that, I was goaded into sharing a creation that was both,
a creation designed by the exemplar tastebuds of supermodel Natalia Vodianova. Perhaps one of the best sweets I have ever had, I ended up adopting a prisoner stance, doubling over the plate and letting the teaspoons ever so politely dance at an increasingly desperate pace with my companion. In one sense, however, this place isn’t about the food. If one was wont to be uncharitable, the interior could be described as Cath Kidston on steroids, with knick-knacks everywhere and little things to catch the eye. Mari Vanna is not a culinary cupboard, rather a higgledy-piggledy domain. The resulting interior effect is, however, surprisingly spacious yet homely: there was certainly method in the madness. The toilets deserve a review of their own. I was told that the loudspeakers in there played Russian fairy-tales – if so, be warned that Russian fables seem quite emotionally intense. As I polished off proceedings with my final homemade strawberryvodka infusion shot, that posed as a respectable digestif, I came to the conclusion that this place was neither a home from home for Russians nor a highly affected showpiece for the glossy people, it was something much more appealing – it was alive with a life of its own.
the restaurant has the magnetism of Raffles in Singapore: it stands for something more
116 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7PJ, 020 7225 3122 www.marivanna.co.uk
The Residents’ Association’s
June round-up Annual Garden Party
Don’t forget 17 June is our Annual Garden Party in Wilton Crescent Gardens, kindly sponsored by Ayrton Wylie and Duncan Lawrie Private Banking. Dance to The Dixie Ticklers and enjoy convivial conversation. Open to members and their guests, non-members still have time to join us if they want to be there, on what is hoped will be a glorious summer’s evening, all under a grand marquee (just in case). Look forward to seeing you all in the summer. Tickets £45 for two.
Masterpiece London
The Belgravia Residents Association & The Chelsea Society present Brighton Pavilion to Buckingham Palace, a masterpiece moved. Do join us at Masterpiece London 2013, the leading art, antiques and design fair with a private reception and illustrated talk by furniture designer and author, Tim Gosling, in conversation with Alexandra Loske, an expert on wallpapers and colour finishes from the Regency period, on Friday 28 June.
Essay – A Stranger in Belgravia Don’t forget our competition to write a short story on a stranger in Belgravia. Let your imagination run free (within the confines of fair Belgravia, of course) and write up to 3,000 words please. It can be a thriller, romance, adventure, mystery or historical. The competition is open to adults and children and the winners will become famous when their story is published locally. Further details are on our website.
by Sara Oliver
Need for speed
Picture this deeply glamorous scene: driving in your favourite open-topped convertible in the sunshine, aviators on and the wind in your hair. Your scarf billowing softly in the breeze as you zip down to Monte Carlo. We are on a mission to take a group of car lovers on a Grand Tour to Monte Carlo and beyond, and all for a wonderful cause, the UNICEF Education Programme. We also aim to contribute towards mentoring and supporting young people leading up to Day For Change in February 2014, a UNICEF initiative to support young people with their educational needs. The Grand Tour is not just a car rally; it is the start of an international journey. Sometimes we forget that Belgravia is home to at least 40 embassies with countless international links. We aim to remind people and are planning a pre-event screening in Belgravia where refreshments will be served and attendees can meet their fellow travellers for a briefing on the forthcoming trip. The following day, after an early morning breakfast in Belgrave Square, participants will set off and head through Cambrai and Troyes, where we check into our hotel for the evening. On our second day, we shall head through Dijon and Lyons to Geneva, our stop for the evening before the final exciting drive to Monte Carlo. The following morning, bright and early, we shall set off and head down on the Route Napoleon to Sisterton for a ‘pit stop’ lunch. The Route Napoleon beckons us for a final 131 thrilling miles of full-throttle driving. We arrive in Monte Carlo in the early evening, just in time to enjoy the sophistication of The Metropole Hotel. Guests on the trip will have a choice to have their car concierged home, while they fly back in style on a private jet, or to carry on with the exciting drive through Bormio, on the Stelvio Pass. A morning at the Porsche or Mercedes Museum followed by a leisurely lunch will be one of the highlights of this extraordinary tour, but that’s another story... Enjoy the drive. Don’t forget to bring your cameras with you as we would love to see your photos entered in our ‘Voyage to Belgravia’ photo competition, kindly sponsored by Ayrton Wylie Estate Agents and Property Consultants. There will be a master class hosted by a top professional photographer to help you get the edge over competitors. In 2013 we also welcome the new and popular Instagram photographic medium. There will be some great prizes and the winners will be awarded at our AGM. £4,200 for driver, £1,550 for passenger, 020 7808 0128, communications@belgraviaresidents.org.uk (www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk)
Finally...
As always, we are looking for volunteer coordinators to help us with our work. Please go to our website for further details on how you can get involved or contact the membership team. Join the BRA to keep abreast on what is happening in Belgravia. Our voice is only as strong as we are collectively heard.
Until next month... www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk Roberto Cerruti / Shutterstock.com
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
013
Beauty &Grooming Outside-in beauty and TLC on our doorsteps, for him and for her
Naturally
Beautiful
Q. How does your background and organic way of life transcend into your haircare products? A: I was born into an influential hairdressing dynasty, which inspired me from a young age and I began growing the organic beauty market 12 years ago. It all began when my son was born and I noticed harsh and unsafe chemicals in children’s shampoos and baby washes. As a father, this struck a chord with Daniel Galvin Jr. me. Together with a team of experts, we set about extracting pure, organic ingredients in a sustainable way. I use nature’s resources in my products so I don’t compromise on my support of the environment. Q: What differentiates the Daniel Galvin Jr. brand? A: We view hair as ‘the crowning glory’ of our customers. All of our staff are trained on-site and we use all our own haircare
Daniel Galvin Jr. has created a line of organic haircare products made from natural products, the sales of which benefit a charity close to his heart, The Prince’s Trust. Briana Handte Lesesne catches up with the haircare maestro products. We pride ourselves on an exceptional level of service to our clientele. We offer organic and bespoke services tailored to our clients’ needs by keeping a record of each visit, condition of their hair, what processes have been used in the prior visit and what recommendations have been made. For example, do they require a more vitamin-rich treatment or detoxifying treatment? Q: Tell us about your work with The Prince’s Trust. A: As a board member, I am an active mentor to young adults by hiring them to work in my salon. My team and I teach them valuable work experience and interpersonal skills that will prove essential as they move forward in their lives. To date, Daniel Galvin Jr. has donated £25,000 to The Prince’s Trust and unlocked the potential in more than 25 young adults. Q: What does the future hold for Daniel Galvin Jr. and your mission? A: To continue to educate those in the haircare industry on the benefits of organic products and, one day, to launch my products globally. More importantly, I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of my clients and those young adults that I mentor. 4 West Halkin Street, 020 3416 3116 www.danielgalvinjunior.com
Artistic scents
A background in art, music and dance lends perfumer Francis Kurkdjian a unique perspective on the olfactory world. His latest creation is a trio of OUD fragrances beautifully packaged in modern, clean-cut bottles inspired by a flacon found in a luxury antique travel case. OUD is a rich, intense ingredient sourced from Laos, and is considered one of the rarest and most expensive. This collection captures three moods, reflective of three genres of notes – OUD Velvet Mood, OUD Silk Mood, and OUD Cashmere Mood. Velvet Mood is spicy, with cinnamon from Ceylon, saffron and Brazilian copahu balm. Silk Mood is rosy, light and airy, reminiscent of a supple rose petal. Finally, Cashmere Mood, an Oriental fragrance, enhances the OUD with Moroccan labdanum, Laotian benzoin and vanilla. Each of these exquisite fragrances is available as an Extrait de Parfum natural spray, 70ml at £275.00. Available at Les Senteurs, 71 Elizabeth Street, 020 7730 2322, www.lessenteurs.com, and Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, 020 7201 8641, www.harveynichols.com
Bronzed Goddess
Referred to as Heat Wave; Estée Lauder’s new limited-edition Bronze Goddess summer collection takes its inspiration from the sultry shades of the Caribbean. Think golden sands, lush palm trees, shimmering turquoise water. This seductive look is aptly called Bronze Goddess Colour Collection and for a limited period (while supplies last) it will transport all who wear it to a tropical paradise. Created by legendary make-up artist Tom Pecheux, the Pure Color Gelée Powder Eye Shadow Palette in Batik Sun (7.8g, £35.00) is a palette of five brilliant colours: cool turquoise, warm coral, gold and nude shades ranging from matte to shimmer, for eyes to make a sultry and expressive statement. Available at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and at www.esteelauder.co.uk
Summer spirit
For summer 2013, Tom Ford Beauty introduces a seasonal colour collection that captures the luminous and sensuous effect of bronzed skin. This limited-edition collection features the new Tom Ford Skin Illuminator, Tom Ford Illuminating Cheek Color, and a beautiful collection of shimmery and sheer shades for eyes, lips and nails. The designer says: ‘I wanted to capture a very particular look of skin that is bathed in sunset light in the summer. It is a sultry and sublime glow. In this light, every woman looks irresistibly relaxed and sensual.’ He has achieved his goal, the fivepiece collection will give your skin a glowing luminosity and shimmery sun-kissed look reminiscent of a holiday spent in St Barts.
Jo Malone London’s Saffron Cologne Intense Inspired by ritual and rich in exotic and precious ingredients, the Cologne Intense collection from Jo Malone London includes six deeply sensuous scents. In June, available just in time for Father’s Day, the brand launches the seventh instalment within this collection, Saffron Cologne Intense. Created by Jo Malone London’s master perfumer Marie Salamange, the scent features, as one would imagine, saffron, a spice traditionally associated with cooking. Normally in perfumes, it is a secondary note. Saffron Cologne Intense is the first cologne to allow the saffron ingredient to take centre stage in a fragrance. The top notes of incense and heart notes of saffron are striking against the base notes from the creamy warmth of blond wood. The man in your life will make a bold statement with this cologne. 100ml retails at £100.
Jo Malone London, 150 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BX, 0870 192 5121, www.jomalone.co.uk
The Tom Ford Beauty Summer Bronzing Collection is available at all TOM FORD COLOR counters in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, www.tomford.com
Words / Briana Handte Lesesne B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
015
Miscellaneous
Masters
Henry Hopwood-Phillips grills the grand vizier of the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, Edith Devaney, on the process that sorts the wheat from the chaff
N
ow in its 245th year, the Summer Exhibition is the largest open submission contemporary art show in the world. This year two Royal Academicians, Norman Ackroyd and Eva Jiricná, are coordinating the affair. The Belgravia Residents’ Journal has approached the éminence grise behind the paintbrushes, Edith Devaney, for a more comprehensive perspective. ‘We receive more than 12,000 submissions and “the hang” lasts a fortnight,’ she explains. ‘This operates almost as a second selection process with the initial avalanche of entries reduced to around 40 per cent.’ Who is responsible for this sizeable trimming, I enquire? ‘Around ten Royal Academicians,’ comes the reply. The ruthless decimation is a tough procedure, I learn. Indeed, only 1,000 entries make the final cut and even then some are sacrificed if they don’t fit their surroundings. The Summer Exhibition might be one of the more prestigious events to grace the social calendar, but the creative melting pot does include pieces to suit every penchant and pocket. ‘The works
come with a spectrum of price tags, from £500,000, dropping all the way to the £100 mark for the more modest artworks,’ Edith tells me. One set of figures that does not fluctuate much is the prize money offered. ‘The Charles Wollaston award hits £25,000 – that’s about as much as the Turner Prize,’ Devaney declares, and bulkier bait attracts larger prey. Tracey Emin, Michael Craig-Martin, Anselm Kiefer and many other Royal Academicians are sure to make an appearance this year on 30 May, whilst non-members Varnishing Day falls on 3 June, and is welcomed with a steel band fanfare. A date of historical importance, Varnishing Day was the last day artists could rush in to varnish or even finish off their work (Turner did, in fact, paint some of his late masterpieces at the eleventh hour in-situ) ready for the opening of the exhibition. Summer Exhibition, 10 June-18 August, Royal Academy of Arts Burlington House, W1J 0BD, 020 7300 8000 www.royalacademy.org.uk
The Main Galleries during the Summer Exhibition, 1956 Image by / Unidentified photographer Black and white © Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academicians in General Assembly, 1795 Henry Singleton 1766-1839, © Royal Academy of Arts, London; John Hammond
Summer Exhibition 2012 Image by / Darren Gerrish © Royal Academy of Arts
Moore
mots
Henry Hopwood-Phillips watches sparks fly between Charles Moore, political journalist Andrew Neil and the audience at Cadogan Hall as they discuss Margaret Thatcher’s official biography
T
wo titans of the media world assembled under the shade of The Spectator magazine’s banner to the delight of the local commentariat. Both were on top form, navigating Margaret Thatcher’s political life. Moore gave a polished, accomplished performance; Neil was both insightful and direct. Noticeable was the decent amount of time that elapsed between question and answer, and questions were considered after reflection, instead of instantly reacted to. The fact this was conspicuous speaks volumes about the parlous state of our political dialogue. People have become accustomed to either smooth, PR-perfected deliveries of partylines, or faulty, jittery newspeak that can feel as though a robot has had washing-up liquid poured over its circuits. The conversation didn’t harbour any surprises and was pleasantly brisk. The best question put forward by Neil after bookish pleasantries was whether Thatcher had concluded that
articulate audience. Moore was invited to answer a question pertinent to the current political climate when asked whether Thatcher would have felt herself more closely affiliated with UKIP than the current Tory crop were she alive today. Unruffled, Moore deployed the Heraclitus defence – the idea that one cannot step into the same river twice – peddling the idea that Thatcher’s character would alter in different circumstances, that she wasn’t some static idea frozen in conservative iconography like a Byzantine saint. A philosophical reply and not without merit, but hardly a watertight defence. The idées à la mode shifted rapidly from economics to kulturkampf soon after Thatcher’s deposition in 1990 and she showed every sign of being just as inclined to cultural figures, such as Leo Strauss, Allan Bloom and Enoch Powell, as she had been to politicians and economists Keith Joseph and Fredrich Hayek. Perhaps sensing this, Moore added that ‘though she preferred Enoch Powell to Ted Heath she always prized loyalty above all else.’ However, it was in a conversation with the former that the Iron Lady was reminded that she believed in the country because it held her beliefs, while he believed in the country no matter what its beliefs; a welcome reminder that Margaret stuck to her ideological guns. Margaret Thatcher: The Authorized Biography; Volume One: Not for Turning by Charles Moore is out now (Allan Lane, hardback £30, www.penguin.co.uk)
“Charles Moore’s biography of Margaret Thatcher immediately supercedes all earlier books written about her.” Stuart Proffitt, Publishing Director at Allen Lane
leaving the EU was the best option for Britain after she had left office. Moore replied in the affirmative and implied that her advisors were right to have kept her opinions hushed as she would have been side-lined as a public figure. An odd argument to advance against a woman whose political life was synonymous with conviction and division. And especially against a woman who would be in the stands if she positioned herself any more in the shadows of her post-political purgatory. Much of the red meat of the evening came from a bold and
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
017
Interiors A style guide for the home
Bashing L
Bronze
Kamini Ezralow shows what can be done with some metal and a dose of love
eading international interior designer Kamini Ezralow launched the first eight pieces of her inaugural furniture collection, Bronze, at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan last year. At this April’s Salone, she showed the complete collection, launching eight further pieces to great acclaim. A collaboration with Italian family firm Orsi, Bronze is testament to traditional Italian craftsmanship and how well it translates into contemporary luxury. As a material, bronze represents longevity, classicism, tactility and elegance, and it is these connotations from which the designer took inspiration. It is now possible to see the collection virtually in its entirety at the L&B showroom on Motcomb Street. L&B, 6-7 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JU, www.lblondon.com
The Royal Chamber
Soft white linens, intricately painted wooden furniture and a cot more inviting than any standard four-poster: suite dreams are made of this. The Residents’ Journal was thrilled to be invited on a tour just down the road around one of the Grosvenor Hotel’s Premium Park View Suites, which has been transformed with the flick of the Dragons of Walton Street’s magic wand. Bespoke nursery designers, the Dragons have created a bedroom fit for a prince or princess, with handpainted furniture and thoughtful touches for busy families. Lucinda Croft, MD of Dragons of Walton Street, reveals that they own the copyright to hand-paint Beatrix Potter artwork onto the walls, an honour the company is very proud of. ‘It is intrinsically British and timeless for a guest from overseas,’ Lucinda explains. A three-night Buckingham package in the nursery suite starts at £6,270, and guests will be treated to a concierge service, a specially devised menu and a range of luxurious pampering activities. 86-90 Park Lane, W1K 7TN, 020 7499 6363, www.marriott.co.uk 018
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
The
Belgravian Art Attack
Threatening to both educate and entertain us at once, Henry Hopwood-Phillips meets the belle of the art world, Kate Gordon, as she outlines plans to elevate her London Art Studies courses to a new level
A
s I trundled along, Arts Club bound, in a rickshaw to meet Kate Gordon about her new public art courses hosted at Koffmann’s at The Berkeley Hotel, two very obvious headwinds to her project rattled in my head. Firstly, the British have always had an ambivalent relationship with art. Unless created in a garage-studio east of the Barbican with no regard for form, it has, fairly or otherwise, been associated with social and intellectual one-upmanship. Secondly, getting strangers to rub shoulders and communicate with one another about art in a manner that could not be described as cordial distance, sends a frisson of terror down the spine of every rosbif worth his or her salt, and seems a gratuitously cruel task to set oneself. I set these rather plainspoken problems aside, however, when confronted by a rather dainty and refined lady who surprised me with both the admission she was slightly nervous and the faint mid-Atlantic accent in which she articulated the confession. After a brief introduction of about two hours, during which the chianti cast its Tuscan spell, and nothing but history, art and philosophy was spoken of, eventually the debate wound itself round to her arty mission. I registered my concerns about social cement with her. ‘Well my accountant told me to keep the wine prices down.’ A pause. ‘I told him it was impossible.’ So there it was. She lubricated the wheels of intellectual exchange in the time-honoured way the ancients had at their symposiums, minus the musicians and dancing-women. I pushed her; there must be more to it than plonk I insisted. ‘Well, there are three types of lecturer: cloister academics, lecture-hall academics, and the sort of academics who actually like people,’ leaving me in no doubt about which sort she netted. Normally I would be a bit cynical about such a claim. It is just what her market wants to hear. But I believe Kate. No doubt a major element of this trust is that she wears her own learning so lightly and is refreshingly inquisitive. I’m sure she asked me as many questions as I thrust at her. And so, in spite of a CV that lists St Paul’s, Moscow University, Sothebys, Carlton TV and CNN among a litter of accomplishments, a spirit of enquiry rather than superficial egotism saturated our conversation. I started to resent my own line of questioning. I had treated her as a normal subject and prepared a very underwhelming set of questions. Cursory queries about her ‘favourite artist’ fell deservedly flat on spikes of laughter. It wasn’t that she didn’t have one; it was that as the mind broadens, to fix on one torch at the expense of another, when all illuminate the artistic horizons, feels at best counterintuitive and at worst pedantic. Escaping the conversational cul-de-sac, I praised her business acumen in seeing a gap between the expert (someone
who Malcolm Gladwell estimated spends ten thousand hours on a subject or skill in Outliers) and the uninitiated public, worth cultivating. I wondered what main factors she attributed her one hundred per cent return rate to: ‘Firstly, the courses are topical; I hear about exhibitions six months before they launch. Secondly, the course is a one-off five hours straddling the 10am-3pm period, enabling participants to get on with morning and late afternoon tasks. Thirdly, it is limited to 16 people – it’s a small, cohesive group.’ Indeed, its success has been remarkable. In spite of the fact that her enterprise lacks any advertising and juggles undoubtedly high overheads at Koffmann’s, it has continued to grow and grow. So what’s been the great crowd-pleaser? ‘Contemporary art,’ she answers. I turned my nose up. Contemporary? ‘Yes contemporary, what would you rather see, Henry?’ (Chianti has the welcome effect of adding years to familiarity.) I declared myself a Carravagio man. A bit of stabbing here, a bit of sex there, some shade over here – actually a lot of shade everywhere – a biblical scene radically reinterpreted there: the sort of art a man can say he likes without compromising any element of his masculinity whatsoever. We mused over the rogue’s adventures for a bit before she admitted he would make a good character for a course. If so, I shall expect a little brown envelope for my inspired contribution. Thinking the subject had best be changed before she thought my amateur attempt at blackmail sincere, I began applauding the food, completely unaware of course that I was paying her yet more compliments. Kate politely reminded me the chef at the Arts Club was trained by Pierre Koffmann – the grandfather of French cooking in London and one of the few to have gained three Michelin stars, and of course her bras droit behind the art. Koffmann concocts delicious meals for guests of Gordon’s art talks. I question the atmosphere in the restaurant, is it overly formal? ‘Far from it,’ Kate responds, it’s probably one of the only places where the cuisine is so good and yet you can get away with sneakers and a T-shirt.’ As lunch came to a very late close, I reflected on how Kate had actually underplayed the revolutionary aspect of her courses; re-soldering people and art back together is no easy task. Both art of the high tradition and post-modern period have had quite an alienating effect. It was a minor local official, a tax-farmer-turnedwriter, Comte de Buffon, who reminded people in the 18th century that ‘Le style est l’homme’ and Kate delivers a similar cri de coeur... albeit with Americanisms.
“she wears her own learning so lightly and is refreshingly inquisitive”
For further information, email: office@londonartstudies.com or call: 020 7259 5634, www.londonartstudies.com Illustration / Russ Tudor
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
021
That was
Then
In 1912 aspiring Conservative politician, Stanley Baldwin moved to number 93 Eaton Square. The commodious reception rooms afforded ample space to entertain political luminaries of the day. It was at this address that Andrew Bonar Law appointed him as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1922, a move which marked the beginning of his political ascent to the position of Prime Minster in May 1923
(93 Eaton Square) Dear Maid, ... I had a curious confirmation the other day of an old theory of my own. I have always felt, knowing the Working Man pretty intimately as I ought to, that a good deal of shall we say misunderstanding between classes arises from the fact that they don’t speak the same language. That is, words convey different meanings to different classes. A shade of meaning is a thing not understood by Working
Men... Here is an illustration. I was talking to one Wardle the other day in the smoking room. He is the present leader of the Labour party. Sitting apart was an unpleasant trio, often seen together, Pringle, Dalziel and Houston. I called Wardle’s attention to the group and observed partly to draw him, ‘Houston isn’t a type that appeals to me’ or words to that effect. To which Wardle, edging near to me and lowering his voice ‘No: I wasn’t to use a word about him that
I don’t like to use’. Every word of abuse current in the circles in which Wardle had been brought up rushed through my brain. I held on to the table near, and prepared for the worst. It soon came. ‘He has a sinister look’. With great emphasis on the evil word. I told him he had employed the mot juste... Wonderful how everything in the heights or the depths can be reached by the English language... Much Love, S.B
(Carlton Club, Pall Mall) Very dear Maid, ... I wonder what I shall have to do if Lloyd George mobilises the nation. You will of course be left where you are, but I daresay I shall be put to drive the Chelsea refuse carts, and you will see me attired in a wideawake hat leading my charge down Egerton Terrace. What price a General Election within three months? A hideous but very possible event. I used to enjoy an election in the heyday of an ebullient youth: I hate ‘em now... Much Love, S.B.
(93 Eaton Square) Very dear Maid ... you feel you would like to chuck it and something tells you you oughtn’t to and that it wouldn’t be a very brave thing to do. Isn’t that so? My dear, you are going through, probably for the first time, what is common experience with anyone who has tried to do anything in common with other people since the world began! There are two paths in life: one to cuddle up sheltered (Browning has some remarks on this – as on many things) [Browning was B’s favourite poet] the other to go out and help in the melee of life. And the light isn’t very good and there is a lot of dust about and we get banged on the head by friend as well as foe. You have chosen the better part, but you have just had your first bad bang on the head, and you wonder if the game is worth the candle. It is, a thousand times. Face it and go on, with the same cheerful courage that took you back to work in the middle of your holiday. I always have a double prayer about my work – ability to do it, whatever and wherever it is, and to do it with cheerfulness. Every day for eight years I have asked for those two things. Try it... Much Love, S.B.
(From 93 Eaton Square to THE TIMES) Sir, It is now a truism to say that in August 1914 the nation was face to face with the greatest crisis in her history. She was saved by the free will offerings of her people. The best of her men rushed to the colours: the best of her women left their homes to spend and be spent: the best of her older men worked as they had never worked before, to a common end and with a sense of unity and fellowship as new as it was exhilarating. It may be that in four and a half years the ideals of many became dim, but the spiritual impetus of those early days carried the country through to the end. Today on the eve of peace we are faced with another crisis, less obvious but not less searching. The whole country is exhausted. By a natural reaction, not unlike that which led to the excesses of the Restoration after the reign of the Puritans, all classes are in danger of being submerged by a wave of extravagance and materialism. It is so easy to live on borrowed money: so difficult to realise that you are doing so. It is so easy to play: so hard to learn that you cannot play for long without work. A fool’s paradise is only the ante-room to a fool’s hell. How can the nation be made to understand the gravity of the financial situation? That love of country is better than love of money? This can only be done by example, and the wealthy classes have today an opportunity of service which can never recur. They know the danger of the present debt: they know the weight of it in the years to come. They know the practical difficulties of a universal statutory capital levy. Let them impose upon themselves, each as he is able, a voluntary levy. It should be possible to pay to the Exchequer within 12 months such a sum as would save the taxpayers 50 millions [sic] a year. I have been considering this matter for nearly two years but my mind move slowly; I dislike publicity, and I hoped that some on else might lead the way. I have made as accurate an estimate as I am able of the value of my own estate and have arrived at a total of £580,000. I have decided to realise twenty per cent of that amount or say £120,000 [£3m today] which will purchase £150,000 of the new war loan, and present it to the government for cancellation. I give this portion of my estate as a thank offering, in the firm conviction that never again shall we have such a chance of giving our country that form of help which is so vital at the present time. Yours etc. F. S. T.
From the Baldwin Papers, A Conservative Statesman: 1908-1947, edited by P. Williamson & E. Baldwin, Cambridge University Press, 2004
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
Compiled by / Henry Hopwood-Phillips Illustration / Mai Osawa
023
Residents’ Culture Exploring the minutiae of residents’ explorations and encounters
Secret
Squirrel Secret Squirrel voices concerns over the potential loss of green space across the UK
T
here were disturbing reports (Sunday Telegraph, 5 May) about trading off nature reserves, woodlands, meadows and animal habitats for development. This means developers could have a ‘licence to trash’ previously untouchable wildlife sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty, provided that they put aside money to create new habitats under a government scheme to put a value on wildlife. I think the whole idea is monstrous and is just another way to evade planning rules and developers’ access to prime green-field sites. This is just not on! Like the ghastly HS2 scheme, which also threatens to destroy large swathes of our beautiful English countryside, this controversial proposal should, in my opinion be scrapped. An anonymous resident expresses opposition to a recent environmental proposal being championed by Environmental Secretary Owen Paterson, whose department (Defra) is planning trials of the proposal in Essex, Warwickshire, Norwich, Devon, Doncaster and Nottingham.
Old
Sloper
Old Sloper considers the political landscape
W
e have heard many tributes to Margaret Thatcher recently; one of her greatest legacies was reform and democratisation of the trade unions. The ballot act of 1872 introduced the secret ballot into parliamentary elections, which was one of the main points of the Chartist Movement that formed the ethos and principles of the Labour Party. The fact that in 1972 there were no secret ballots in trade unions indicated they were completely out of date and had far too much power. Thatcher wanted to stop members of the trade unions being victimised and often ‘beaten up’ by fellow trade unionists, so she introduced secret ballots into the trade unions. The current political landscape could do with an injection of Thatcher-style politics. The fact that David Cameron has a number of old Etonians as his advisors in the cabinet is a great tribute to that educational institution. In my opinion, it highlights some of the failures of the state system: mainly the abolition of grammar schools by the public school-educated Labour Secretary of State for Education, the late Anthony Crosland (Westminster). It indicates to me that the grammar school system should undoubtedly be restored. Congratulations to UKIP and Nigel Farage, a Huguenot, for their success in the council elections. This reinforces the fact that large sections of the British public are thoroughly dissatisfied with the main political parties and their views. In fact, I have read that 34 per cent of Conservative voters want the Conservative Party to link up with UKIP If the Conservatives want to win the next general election, in my opinion they must put forward joint Conservative/UKIP candidates in most, if not all, of the constituencies. Secondly, they should opt for Nigel Farage as Deputy Prime Minister over Nick Clegg. Many of UKIP’s policies have found favour with a large number of Conservatives and Labour voters and are based on common sense, which has been singularly lacking in many of the Liberal Democrats / Conservative proposals of late. According to a national newspaper, the government could save £440 million by deporting the 11,000 foreign prisoners who cost £40,000 per year per head (inmate figure from prison population statistic document published by www.parliament.uk). Our judges should stop kowtowing to the European Court of Human Rights, in respect of the deportation of foreign prisoners. If the Conservative Party wants to win the next election in 2015, it should do a Margaret Thatcher (who moved her tanks onto Labour’s lawn and won the 1979 general election) and move the Tory tanks onto UKIP’s lawn, joining forces with them.
Belgravian moments Briana Handte Lesesne fondly reflects on the men in her life as Father’s Day and the anniversary of D-Day approaches
If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign field that is for ever England. There shall be in that rich earth a richer dust concealed; a dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, a body of England’s, breathing English air, washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, a pulse in the eternal mind, no less gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; and laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, in hearts at peace, under an English heaven. The Soldier, Rupert Brooke, 1914
G
randfather, at last I found you.’ This was the inscription on a note left on a gravesite in Ypres, Belgium, along with a black-and-white photograph of a two-year-old girl leaning against a man in a British Army uniform. There is also a second image of an elderly woman and a red poppy all placed together on top of the tombstone. This elderly woman had found the grave of her grandfather and brought him this small tribute. The first picture shows him as a father with his daughter (the woman’s mother) and a picture of herself, a granddaughter he never knew. This story stuck with my husband when he visited a small cemetery in the town of Ypres, in June of 2004. The place wherein the Battle of Ypres and the numerous battles that surrounded this Flanders town became forever linked with World War I. Its aftermath left sheer devastation, not only to the many local towns and countryside, but also with the loss of a whole generation of men. More than 1.7 million soldiers on both sides were killed or wounded. These were men who tragically would not grow up to become fathers, and young fathers who would not grow up to become grandfathers. One beautiful May weekend, as I walked through Hyde Park Corner, I stopped in silence at the Australian War Memorial. This memorial commemorates the servicemen and women who served in WWI and WWII by listing the names of the towns in which they were born and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. A bit further into Hyde Park, I found myself standing in reverence at the RAF Bomber Command Memorial, unveiled in June 2012 in honour of the sacrifice of more than 55,000 aircrew from Britain, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Poland and various countries of the Commonwealth. June is an important month for many men. Firstly, on
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
Centre, Robert E. Han dte, Briana’s father, US Navy during WW II
6 June, D-Day will be remembered as one of the greatest sacrifices of World War II. Secondly, on 16 June we will celebrate Father’s Day, in the U.S. and the UK. It is a day to honour fathers and father-figures, such as grandfathers and fathers-in-law. How do I pay tribute to my father who sadly is not here to celebrate Father’s Day? I pay tribute by remembering the sacrifices he made for his family and country, as well as sharing these stories with my children. He was an outstanding father and role model, having raised five children after my mother passed away. He was also a grandfather to 11. He was an ensign in the U.S. Navy during WWII (1943-1946) and became a physician on 3 June 1953. My father re-enlisted in active duty for the U.S. Army from 1975-1978 as a colonel. In 1978, he joined the Army Reserve with the 300th M*A*S*H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit for the Tennessee Army National Guard, Smyrna, Tennessee. In 1991, he was called to duty, at the grand age of 65, to serve in Operation Desert Shield & Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. Like many great men who served his country, for over 20 years of service he received the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. On 3 June, 2010, he was laid to rest, with my mother, with full military honours, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A. To all fathers and grandfathers present and past we celebrate you this June. To those men who have served and are serving their country, we salute you.
025
Residents’ Culture Exploring the minutiae of residents’ explorations and encounters
Tax
Tales
The legal framework of enfranchisement may be taxing but, as Claire Allan discusses, enfranchising owners can breathe a sigh of relief in relation to a certain enfranchisement tax relief
A
s with all land and property transactions in the UK, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is payable on the premium paid for a freehold purchase. If the freehold premium is above a certain threshold, SDLT is chargeable at the appropriate rate on the whole amount paid. The applicable rates range from 0 to 15 per cent. The vehicle chosen by participating flat owners in order to buy the freehold is likely to be through a company structure. While the participating flat owners will always need to seek advice to establish whether there are general tax implications to the transaction, both in relation to the vehicle chosen to buy the freehold and in relation to their individual position, there is one particular relief available in relation to the amount of SDLT payable. The relief is applicable where flat owners collectively exercise their statutory right to buy their freehold. It acts to determine the rate of tax chargeable by dividing the total premium payable for the freehold by the number of participating flats. The rate of tax appropriate to that proportion of the premium is then applied to the total premium. It is worth noting that the Land Transaction Return for the transaction, completed by the flat owners’ solicitor, must claim this relief in order for it to become available. This relief can be claimed only where the effective date of the transaction is on or after 22 April 2009. Claire Allan is a partner at Child & Child, Claire won the award for Enfranchisement Solicitor of the Year 2012-13 claireallan@childandchild.co.uk
Amanda Slater on Flickr
Follow the
yellow brick road James Humphreys of Duncan Lawrie looks at whether gold is losing its lustre
G
old suffered a sharp fall last month and prices reached a two-year low on 16 April at £865 ($1,322) per ounce. There has been a good deal of speculation about the reasons for this: the sale of Cyprus’ gold reserves, a large hedge fund order, or the easing of inflation expectations among them. Most of the commentary has been a little disappointing and has failed to see the price fall in the context of gold’s past. For most of the last decade gold has been in a ‘bull market’, for a variety of reasons. In 2000, the precious metal was completely out of favour, so a rally was always possible with a small change in sentiment. In addition, the central banks around the world had been progressively selling down their gold reserves during the 1990s, but these sales began to slow during the 2000s. There were also positive drivers. The advent of ‘exchange traded funds’ (ETFs) made it much easier to buy gold. In recent years, a clear trend of using gold as a portfolio diversifier has emerged, as well as investing in it for its perceived inflationhedging qualities. However, it is our view that the main driver of the gold price is actually the dollar. As the global reserve currency, the dollar is the international pricing currency for commodities. Gold, which has no industrial use of any note, is largely a financial asset and can therefore lay claim to being an alternative global currency. A key reason for the attractiveness of gold during the last decade was as an alternative to the weak dollar. However, it looks as if a change in the trend may have emerged in 2011. The US economy began to pick up, with a meaningful decline in the unemployment rate and, in early 2012, the US housing market began its recovery. Since then, confidence in the US has grown and demand for US assets has returned. The dollar has rarely been in a ‘bull market’ since it came off the gold standard and has entered a strong up-trend. If the US recovery takes hold and quantitative easing ends, gold is likely to continue to struggle. Duncan Lawrie, Belgravia’s local bank since 1971 duncanlawrie.com
What’s your view? Write to us at: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk
Confronting
Mary Beard
Winifred Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at Cambridge, lowers the drawbridge on a subject famous for its residence in tall structures of ivory: the classics
M
ary Beard mounts a robust and refreshing justification of the Classics. Not in the tired, abstract and defensive manner usually practised, but as a compilation of reviews. Immersing herself in debates in which all the players appear full of gumption and verve, the reviews provide insights into the state of the Classics today; insights that belie common conceptions of fusty academics desperately blowing air into cadavers of history as a rather vain and morbid exercise in career-vindication. Her style is very droll, which is both a blessing and a curse. Describing Alexandrians as the Ancient World’s equivalents of Millwall fans is an excellent example of her reconnecting current audiences with a subject often thought stilted. She is at the height of her powers deconstructing Daniel Mattingly. When the historian scorns Roman sources for pursuing ‘confirmation of their own innate superiority,’ Beard tartly corrects him, suggesting that he ‘cannot dismiss them with a gamma-minus for
greater historical understanding. Beard also sometimes neglects to profitably employ her humour on behalf of her subjects too. Poor Lucius Memmius is immortalised as the ignorant general, sacker of Corinth (146 BC), who told his troops they would be charged with replacing any of the [priceless] art they lost – an act often interpreted as proof of philistinism – and Beard surprisingly swallows his whole, failing to even entertain the possibility that his bluff military humour underlined precisely the preciousness purportedly denied. She does make several very salient points that are rarely articulated in the public sphere and should be applauded for doing so. Few people are fully aware of the amount of conjecture and speculation involved in the production of both statistics and translations. Most know that we occupy a room furnished by the Ancients but rarely the extent. She is also unafraid to rouse unsettled controversies over whether Livy was a bad historian, whether Thucydides’ historiography affects our own, to question Tacitus’ own rhetoric and to explore the implications these issues have on today’s fields. Beard has undoubtedly succeeded in reanimating the Classics and not only that, she does it well. My fear is that with its erudition, its distance, its barriers to entry – it’ll take more than an irreverent tone and a pair of red sunglasses, to convince me that Beard is not simply preaching to the choir stalls – albeit better than everybody else. Profile Books, £25. Confronting the Classics, Mary Beard, 2013 Pick up a copy from Waterstones Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 0LZ
“the reviews provide insights into the state of the Classics today; insights that belie common conceptions of fusty academics” political correctness’ and quotes Auden for good measure: ‘Man is born savage, there needs no other proof than the Roman wall. It characterises both nations as robbers and murderers.’ This tone, however, which is of such great service to the flow and thrust of her essays, sometimes does historical fact a disservice, often missing the facetious mark and degenerating into flippancy. This is the case when she assumes Roman officials must have learnt the language of the locals simply because ‘they presumably did not have sex only in Latin,’ an activity hardly renowned for its repartee, and a point that hardly harvests much
Words / Henry Hopwood-Phillips B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
027
VOYAGE TO BELGRAVIA
Annual Photography Competition 1st March – 30th September 2013
Visit website for full entry details
Sponsored by:
www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk Get social on twitter, facebook, pinterest Also check out www.perfectlybelgravia.co.uk
Estate Agents and Property consultants
Planning &Development Keeping you in the know about important street plans affecting Belgravia
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
No waste of time
DATE RECEIVED
ADDRESS
PROPOSAL
29 April
Chesham Place
Conversion from six apartments into a single family home
22 April
Belgrave Square
Single-storey infill rear extension on ground floor
4 April
Belgrave Street
Excavation of basement vaults
Enhancing Ebury
Before
Residents in central London have given their backing to a multi-million pound regeneration programme in Westminster. Nearly two-thirds of residents from the Ebury Bridge Estate in Pimlico took to the polls, with 78.4 per cent voting in favour. New homes which are environmentally sustainable will be created, and include private open space for each property. New retail and community units will also be built on Ebury Bridge Road and a new children’s playground installed.
Westminster Council has launched a waste and recycling consultation, which runs until 26 July. Residents and businesses have until that time to complete a survey, available to download online from the council website. Currently only 13 per cent of waste is recycled in Westminster, with 83 per cent incinerated to generate energy and four per cent sent to landfill sites, despite the fact that half of all waste collected could be recycled. www.westminster.gov.uk
Power switch After
www.westminster.gov.uk
planned road works STREET
PLANNED WORK
DATES
WORKS OWNER
Chesham Place
Removing damaged metal railing and signs
1-6 June
City of Westminster (020 641 2000)
Grosvenor Place
Crane operation to lift glass from property
2 June
Transport for London (0845 305 1234)
44-38 Elizabeth Street
Reinstatement of granite works
3-10 June
City of Westminster (020 641 2000)
Ebury Street at Junction with Eaton Terrace
Connections project: new supply scheme
3-14 June
UKPN (0800 028 4587)
Westminster Council joined the Big Community Switch in February, teaming up with other authorities to persuade energy companies to bid for residents’ business, thus securing local households a better deal. The first round accrued residents average savings of £114 and anyone who missed out on the first auction has until Monday 3 June to sign up for round two. Furthermore, for every home that switches, up to £10 will be donated to local community projects. To register, visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/energyswitch
Do you wish to comment on any local planning stories? Send us an email: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
029
The Belgravia
Directory
A compendium of the area’s key establishments
Estate Agents Andrew Reeves 77-79 Ebury Street 020 7881 1366
Harrods Estates 82 Brompton Road 020 7225 6506
Savills 139 Sloane Street 020 7730 0822
Ayrton Wylie 16 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 4628
Henry & James 1 Motcomb Street 020 7235 8861
Strutt & Parker 66 Sloane Street 020 7235 9959
Best Gapp & Cassells 81 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 9253
John D Wood 48 Elizabeth Street 020 7824 7900
W A Ellis 174 Brompton Road 020 7306 1600
Cluttons 84 Bourne Street 030 3773 0020
Knight Frank 82-83 Chester Square 020 7881 7722
Wellbelove Quested 160 Ebury Street 020 7881 0880
Food & Drink BARS Amaya Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street 020 7823 1166 The Garden Room (cigar) The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599 The Library Bar (wine) The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599 Tiles Restaurant and Wine Bar 36 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7834 7761
CAFÉS Bella Maria 4 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7976 6280 Caffe Reale 23 Grosvenor Gardens 020 7592 9322
The Green Café 16 Eccleston Street 020 7730 5304 ll Corriere 6 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 2087 The Old English Coffee House 1 Montrose Place 020 7235 3643 Patisserie Valerie 17 Motcomb Street 020 7245 6161 Tomtom Coffee House 114 Ebury Street 020 7730 1771
The Orange 37 Pimlico Road 020 7881 9844 www.theorange.co.uk
The Pantechnicon 10 Motcomb Street 020 7730 6074 www.thepantechnicon.com
The Thomas Cubitt 44 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 6060 www.thethomascubitt.co.uk
Valerie Victoria 38 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7630 9781
RESTAURANTS
PUBLIC HOUSES/ DINING ROOMS
Como Lario (Italian) 18-22 Holbein Place 020 7730 9046
The Antelope (classic) 22-24 Eaton Terrace 020 7824 8512
Il Convivio (Italian) 143 Ebury Street 020 7730 4099
Olivo (Italian & Sardinian) 21 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2505 Zafferano (Italian) 15 Lowndes Street 020 7235 5800
Motcombs 26 Motcomb Street 020 7235 6382 www.motcombs.co.uk
Mango Tree Manager: Chai Cuisine: Thai; Capacity: 150 46 Grosvenor Place 020 7823 1888 Pétrus Manager: Paulina Trocha Cuisine: French; Capacity: 86 1 Kinnerton Street 020 7592 1609
Health & Beauty BARBER
DOCTORS
Giuseppe D’Amico 20 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2968
The Belgrave Medical Centre 13 Pimlico Road 020 7730 5171
DENTISTS
The Belgravia Surgery 26 Eccleston Street 020 7590 8000
The Beresford Clinic 2 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7821 9411 Motcomb Street Dentist 3 Motcomb Street 020 7235 6531 The Wilton Place Practice 31 Wilton Place 020 7235 3824
Michael Garry Personal Training 54b Ebury Street 020 7730 6255
Motcomb Green 61 Ebury Street 020 7235 2228
Yogoji (Yoga) 54a Ebury Street 020 7730 7473
Stephen Casali 161 Ebury Street 020 7730 2196
HAIR SALONS
MEDISPA
Colin & Karen Hair Design 39 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 7440
Bijoux Medi-Spa 149 Ebury Street 020 7730 0765
The Light Centre Belgravia 9 Eccleston Street 020 7881 0728
The Daniel Galvin Jr. Salon 4a West Halkin Street 020 3416 3116
earthspa 4 Eccleston Street 020 7823 6226
FINISHING TOUCHES
Humphrey -Carrasco 43 Pimlico Road 020 7730 9911
Westenholz 80-82 Pimlico Road 020 7824 8090
Jamb 107a Pimlico Road 020 7730 2122
88 Gallery 86-88 Pimlico Road 020 7730 2728
Lamberty 46 Pimlico Road 020 7823 5115
Ahuan Gallery 17 Eccleston Street 020 7730 9382
Linley 60 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7300
Gallery 25 26 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7516
Mark Wilkinson Kitchens 10 West Halkin Street 020 7235 1845
Gauntlett Gallery 90-92 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7516
Dr Kalina 109 Ebury Street 020 7730 4805
GYM/ FITNESS
SPA
Home ANTIQUES Bennison 16 Holbein Place 020 7730 8076 Turkmen Gallery 8 Eccleston Street 020 7730 8848 Patrick Jefferson 69 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6161
ARCHITECTS/ DESIGN Marston & Langinger 194 Ebury Street 020 7881 5700 Paul Davis + Partners 178 Ebury Street 020 7730 1178
ARTEFACTS Odyssey Fine Arts 24 Holbein Place 020 7730 9942
BUILDER Capital Projects Ltd Gillingham Street (off Ecceleston Square) 07793 777 043 www.capitalprojectslondon.co.uk
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
Paint Services Company 19 Eccleston Street 020 7730 6408 Rachel Vosper (candles) 69 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 9666 Ramsay (prints) 69 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6776 Sebastian D’Orsai (framer) 77 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 8366 Zuber 42 Pimlico Road 020 7824 8265
FURNITURE Ciancimino 85 Pimlico Place 020 7730 9959
Ossowski 83 Pimlico Road 020 7730 3256 Promemoria UK 99 Pimlico Road 020 7730 2514
The Dining Chair Company 4 St Barnabas Street 020 7259 0422
Soane 50-52 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6400
Hemisphere 97 Lower Sloane Street 020 7730 9810
Talisman 190-192 Ebury Street 020 7730 7800
GALLERIES
Gordon Watson 28 Pimlico Road 020 7259 0555 John Adams Fine Art 200 Ebury Street 020 7730 8999 The Osborne Studio Gallery 2 Motcomb Street 020 7235 9667
INTERIOR DESIGN Chester Designs 9 Chester Square Mews 020 7730 4333
031
The Belgravia
Directory Fashion BOUTIQUES Le Spose Di Giò (wedding dresses) 81 Ebury Street 020 7901 9020 www.le-spose-di-gio.it
Christian Louboutin 23 Motcomb Street 020 7245 6510
Patricia Roberts 60 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 474
Philip Treacy 69 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3992
Lynton Hotel 113 Ebury Street 020 7730 4032
The Belgravia Mews Hotel 50 Ebury Street 020 7730 5434
The Sloane Club Lower Sloane Street 020 7730 9131
Morgan Guest House 120 Ebury Street 020 7730 2384
The Diplomat Hotel 2 Chesham Street 020 7235 1544
Tophams Hotel 24-32 Ebury Street 020 7730 3313
Westminster House Hotel 96 Ebury Street 020 7730 4302
Lime Tree Hotel 135-137 Ebury Street 020 7730 8191
LUXURY
BOUTIQUE Astors Hotel 110-112 Ebury Street 020 7730 0158
The Rubens at the Palace 39 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7834 6600
BOOKMAKERS
SOLICITORS
Hotels B&Bs B+B Belgravia & Studios@82 64-66 Ebury Street 020 7259 8570 Belgravia Hotel 118 Ebury Street 020 7259 0050 Cartref House 129 Ebury Street 020 7730 6176 Lord Milner Hotel 111 Ebury Street 020 7881 9880
The Berkeley Wilton Place 020 7235 6000 The Goring Beeston Place 020 7396 9000
Services BANKS Duncan Lawrie Private Banking 1 Hobart Place 020 7245 1234 www.duncanlawrie.com
C Hoare & Co 32 Lowndes Street 020 7245 6033 Royal Bank of Scotland 24 Grosvenor Place 020 7235 1882
Coral Racing 67 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6516 William Hill 12 Buckingham Palace Road 08705 181 715
CHARITIES British Red Cross 85 Ebury Street 020 7730 2235
Child & Child 14 Grosvenor Crescent 020 7235 8000 www.childandchild.co.uk
EDUCATION
Eaton Square School 79 Eccleston Square 020 7931 9469 Francis Holland School 39 Graham Terrace 020 7730 2971
Cameron House School 4 The Vale 020 7352 4040
Garden House School Turks Row 020 7730 1652
Eaton House School 3-5 Eaton Gate 020 7924 6000
GEMS Hampshire School 15 Manresa Road 020 7352 7077
Glendower Preparatory School 86-87 Queen’s Gate 020 7370 1927
Queen’s Gate School 133 Queen’s Gate 020 7589 3587
Hill House International Junior School Hans Place 020 7584 1331
Sussex House School 68 Cadogan Square 020 7584 1741
Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street 020 7590 9000 Miss Daisy’s Nursery Ebury Square 020 7730 5797 More House School 22-24 Pont Street 020 7235 2855
Thomas’s Kindergarten 14 Ranelagh Grove 020 7730 3596
EXCLUSIVE The Caledonian Club 9 Halkin Street 020 7235 5162 www.caledonianclub.com
FLORISTS
POST OFFICE
Judith Blacklock Flower School 4-5 Kinnerton Place South 020 7235 6235
Post Office 6 Eccleston Street 0845 722 3344
Neill Strain Floral Couture 11 West Halkin Street 020 7235 6469
PRINTING & COPYING Printus 115a Ebury Street 020 7730 7799
LIBRARY
TRAVEL
Victoria Library 160 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7641 1300
Bravo Travel 6 Lower Grosvenor Place 0870 121 3411
MOTORING Belgravia Garage 1 Eaton Mews West 020 7235 9900
Speciality Shops BAKERIES
DELI
NEWSAGENT
Polisher
Baker & Spice 54-56 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3033
La Bottega 25 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2730
Mayhew Newsagents 15 Motcomb Street 020 7235 5770
F Bennett and Son 9 Chester Square Mews 020 7730 6546
GREENGROCERS
PERFUMERIES
Charles of Belgravia 27 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 5210
Annick Goutal 20 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0248
Ottolenghi 13 Motcomb Street 020 7823 2707
CIGAR SPECIALIST Tomtom Cigars 63 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1790
BOOKS Belgravia Books 59 Ebury Street 020 7259 9336 www.belgraviabooks.com
CONFECTIONERS Peggy Porschen 116 Ebury Street 020 7730 1316 Pierre Hermé Paris 13 Lowndes Street 020 7245 0317 Rococo Chocolates 5 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0993
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L
The Market Quarter 36 Elizabeth Street 020 7824 8470
JEWELLERS Carolina Bucci 4 Motcomb Street 020 7838 9977
Les Senteurs 71 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 2322
Floris 147 Ebury Street 020 7730 0304 www.florislondon.com
Pet accessories
David Thomas Master Goldsmith 65 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7710
Mungo & Maud 79 Elizabeth Street 020 7022 1207
De Vroomen 59 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1901
PharmacY
Erickson Beamon 38 Elizabeth Street 020 7259 0202
A. Moore Chemist & Belgravia Health Foods 25e Lowndes Street 020 7235 5887
033
savills.co.uk
1 WELL PRESENTED FIRST FLOOR BELGRAVIA APARTMENT chester square mews, sw1 Reception room ø kitchen ø bedroom ø bathroom ø 50 sq m (534 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Guide £850,000 Leasehold, approximately 125 years remaining
Savills Sloane Street
Savills Knightsbridge
Tom Wilson twilson@savills.com
Katie Rumbellow krumbellow@savills.com
020 7730 0822
020 7581 5234
savills.co.uk
1 A RARE OPPORTUNITY IN PRIME BELGRAVIA upper belgrave street, sw1 Grade II* listed building ø accommodation arranged over 6 floors (served by a lift) and adjoining mews ø garage parking for 3 cars ø current planning as B1 use ø potential to convert to a single family residence (subject to the necessary consents) ø a new FRI lease of 128 years (unenfranchiseable), subject to a supplemental deed ø 1,113 sq m (11,988 sq ft) Guide £16.5 million Leasehold, 128 years
Savills Sloane Street Richard Gutteridge rgutteridge@savills.com
020 7730 0822
savills.co.uk
1 IMPRESSIVE RAISED GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT eaton square, sw1 Reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 2nd bedroom ø shower room ø 159 sq m (1,708 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Guide £4.95 million Leasehold, approximately 65 years remaining
Savills Sloane Street
Savills Knightsbridge
Richard Dalton rdalton@savills.com
Alex Christian achristian@savills.com
020 7730 0822
020 7581 5234
savills.co.uk
1 A STUNNING FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT FINISHED TO AN EXACTING STANDARD sloane gardens, sw1 Double bedroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø high ceilings ø west-facing balcony ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C £850 per week Unfurnished
Savills Sloane Street Adam Simmonds asimmonds@savills.com
020 7824 9005
CADOGAN PLACE, LONDON. SW1X 1 BEDROOM FURNISHED
ÂŁ800
PER WEEK stc Reception room, Separate kitchen, Double bedroom, Bathroom, Terrace, Communal gardens, Housekeeper. An elegant, spacious one bedroom apartment located on the 1st floor of a white stucco period building in a prestigious location. Having windows to both sides of the building and a spacious terrace the property has an abundance of natural light and attractive leafy views over Cadogan Place Gardens. The accommodation comprises spacious double bedroom
with built in wardrobes, reception room, bathroom and a kitchen with doors leading onto a sunny terrace overlooking Cadogan Place communal gardens to which the tenant has an access (by separate negotiation). Applicants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges. EPC rating C.
BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
CHESHAM STREET, LONDON. SW1X ONE BEDROOM FURNISHED
ÂŁ595
PER WEEK stc Reception room, Kitchen, One bedroom, Bathroom, West facing balcony. A charming quiet and sunny one bedroom flat with a south facing private balcony, at the back of this well maintained building in prime Belgravia, located just a short walk from the boutiques and restaurants on Motcomb Street and the exclusive shops and amenities of Knightsbridge and Sloane Square. The property has been refurbished to a high standard
and comprises a separate modern kitchen, bathroom with a bath, double bedroom, a reception room with a feature fireplace and doors onto a balcony. The property is available furnished for a long term let. Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges. EPC rating D.
BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
PARKSIDE, LONDON. SW1X SHARE OF FREEHOLD THREE BEDROOMS GROSS INTERNAL AREA: 2,273 SQ FT/ 211 SQ M
ÂŁ5,950,000 stc Entrance hall, Three reception rooms, Kitchen/Breakfast room, Utility room, Three bedrooms, Three bathrooms (one en suite), Lift, Porter. Presented to an exceptional standard, this highly sought after period property offers a wealth of entertaining space which includes an impressive dining room, large family room and drawing room with doors leading directly to the balcony overlooking the park. There are three double bedrooms; a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and two further
double bedrooms, bathroom and separate shower room. In addition there is a large kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and entrance hall. The flat has an abundance of character, wonderful views and numerous features throughout which include, good ceiling heights, cornicing and a period fire place. EPC rating C. NB. Property is let till May 2014
BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
.
WILLIAM MEWS, LONDON. SW1X LEASEHOLD THREE BEDROOMS GROSS INTERNAL AREA: 2,149 SQ FT/ 200 SQ M
ÂŁ3,950,000 stc Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, Three bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Cloakroom, Roof terrace. Immaculately presented and offering flexible accommodation, the property includes three double bedrooms, a wealth of entertaining space and a beautiful terrace. Included on the ground floor is an entrance hall, large reception room with stairs leading down to the kitchen and dining area with conservatory style roof. The first floor is currently arranged
as two inter connecting bedrooms although originally it was separated by a hallway that led to the bathroom. The second floor would make an ideal master or second bedroom as it has an en suite shower room and spiral staircase leading to a glass summer/study room opening onto the stunning roof terrace. EPC rating D.
BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
C00063 International Circles Ad_Belgravia Residents A4.indd 1
17/05/2013 13:39
C0
13:39
Moving in international circles We don’t just market your property locally. We know buyers aren’t always just around the corner but could be thousands of miles away. That’s why we market your property to the Middle and Far East ensuring we capture those purchasers, giving your property full international exposure through our network of overseas offices.
Cluttons London office network Belgravia 020 7730 0303 belgravia@cluttons.com
Holland Park 020 7371 3600 hollandpark@cluttons.com
St John’s Wood 020 7586 5863 stjohnswood@cluttons.com
Chelsea 020 7584 1771 chelsea@cluttons.com
Hyde Park 020 7262 2226 hydepark@cluttons.com
Tower Bridge 020 7407 3669 towerbridge@cluttons.com
Clapham 020 7223 7574 clapham@cluttons.com
Islington 020 7354 6666 islington@cluttons.com
Wapping 020 7488 4858 wapping@cluttons.com
Cluttons overseas office network Dubai, UAE Abu Dhabi, UAE Bahrain Muscat, Oman Sharjah, UAE
Jakarta, Indonesia Bangkok, Thailand Jaipur, India New Delhi, India Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Shanghai, China
Hong Kong, China Tokyo, Japan Phnom Penh, Cambodia Perugia, Italy Cape Town, South Africa
Our history doesn’t define us, our people do cluttons.com/london
C00063 International Circles Ad_Belgravia Residents A4.indd 2
17/05/2013 13:39
2013-05-20 10:36:37
1
RESIDENTIAL
cluttons.com/london
Passmore Street London SW1W reception room I 2 bedrooms I bathroom I kitchen | EPC rating C A beautifully presented flat with windows on all aspects, located to the north of Orange Square ideally situated for the range of boutique shops and restaurants along the Kings Road, Sloane Square and Sloane Street
Guide price ÂŁ1,250,000 leasehold Belgravia office
belgravia@cluttons.com
020 7730 0303
1
Grosvenor Crescent Mews, SW1 This beautifully refurbished low-built house (1655 sq ft/ 153.8 sq m) is located in a private gated mews off Grosvenor Crescent, in this prime Belgravia location. With the advantage of private parking outside the house, accommodation comprises of a large reception/ dining area, kitchen, utility room, master bedroom suite with dressing room and ensuite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a separate shower room. Grosvenor Crescent Mews is a quiet private mews in the heart of Belgravia moments from Hyde Park Corner and the restaurants of Motcomb Street, as well as being ideally located for the amenities of Knightsbridge and Mayfair. Available from mid-June on a furnished basis for long term lets.
£2,600pw 020 7225 6602 karen.boland@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
Cadogan Gardens, SW3 A stunning, first floor lateral apartment (with lift) in this red brick mansion block with resident porter, at this prestigious address close to Sloane Square. Accommodation of approx 1820 sq ft comprises two interconnecting reception rooms leading to balcony, large eat in kitchen, master bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom, second double bedroom with ensuite shower room, third double bedroom and family bathroom.The apartment has independent heating and hot water, and the tenant will also have access to the Cadogan Square Gardens. Available now on an unfurnished basis for long term lets.
ÂŁ2,750pw 020 7225 6602 karen.boland@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
KnightFrank.co.uk
Ranelagh Grove, Belgravia SW1
Delightful three bedroom Georgian town house to rent in Belgravia A beautifully decorated house including the latest technologies whilst retaining charm and character. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, utility, guest cloakroom, private south facing patio garden. EPC rating E. Approximately 141 sq m (1,518 sq ft)
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings belgravialettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6006
Available furnished Guide price: ÂŁ1,650 per week (BEQ178115)
(All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, administration fees will apply when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.)
m
KnightFrank.co.uk
Dorset Mews, Belgravia SW1
Belgravia Mews house with three bedrooms and secure parking A beautifully presented house located in a secure mews with the added benefit of two underground parking spaces. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, further bedroom, 2 further bathrooms, drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, study/bedroom 3, guest cloakroom. EPC rating E. Approximately 204 sq m (2,198 sq ft) Leasehold 113 years approximately Guide price: ÂŁ4,950,000 (BGV130077)
KnightFrank.co.uk/belgravia belgravia@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5910
Pavilion Road, Knightsbridge SW1 • 3 Bedrooms
• Kitchen/breakfast room
• 3 Bathrooms
• Roof terrace
• Guest cloakroom
• Approx. 2,045 sq ft (189 sq m)
• Reception room
• EPC rating: current (D) potential (C)
“ A wonderful mews house in this quiet street running parallel to Sloane Street”
£3,950 per week Furnished
For more information call Lucy Morton on 020 7306 1630 or email lmorton@waellis.com
W.A.Ellis LLP 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.com
Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.
The Penthouse, Belgravia Mansions, Belgravia SW1 • 2 Bedrooms
• 51’ Roof terrace
• 2 Bathrooms
• 2 Underground parking spaces
• Large study
• Lift / porterage
• 44’ Reception room
• Approx. 1,903 sq ft (176.8 sq m)
• Kitchen
• EPC rating: current (E) potential (D)
“ A superb penthouse apartment within this prestigious secure development offering excellent accommodation over the third and fourth floors”
Guide price £5,200,000 Share of freehold
For more information call Tim des Forges on 020 7306 1610 or email tdf@waellis.com
W.A.Ellis LLP 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.com
www.bestgapp.co.uk
020 7730 9253
estate agents, surveyors and property consultants 81 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Square, London SW1W 9PG tel: 020 7730 9253 Fax: 020 7730 8212 email: reception@bestgapp.co.uk
www.bestgapp.co.uk Over 100 years experience in Belgravia
eaton terrace, sW1 A Light and spacious terraced family house of 284 Sq M (3061 sqft) situated within minutes of Sloane Square, which has been remodelled to a contemporary design to create excellent entertaining and family living space opening onto a large 47 ft rear garden.
Freehold
ÂŁ5,450,000
* * * * * * * *
First Floor Drawing Room Dining Room 2 Further Reception Rooms Kitchen/Sitting Room 4/5 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms (2 En-suite) Laundry room Garden
77-79 Ebury Street, Belgravia, SW1W 0NZ www.andrewreeves.co.uk
Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1
ÂŁ4,250 per week Fully Furnished A stunning apartment in the heart of Belgravia on the 5th and 6th floors of this prestigious building. A period conversion property which has recently been refurbished to the highest standard. Private access to Belgrave Square gardens included.
Lettings Office: lettings@andrewreeves.co.uk +44 (0)20 7881 1366
926 sq ft / 86 sq m Approx Internal Area The accommodation comprises: Light and spacious living room | Dining room | Modern, fully fitted kitchen | Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and large dressing area | Three further double bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Lift
Sales Office: sales@andrewreeves.co.uk +44 (0)20 7881 1333
EBURY STREET, SW1 A superbly presented maisonette, that has been modernised to the highest specification. Energy Rating: D. 3/4 bedrooms, 3 en suite shower rooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen/dining/sitting room, garden. Garden house: bedroom 4/gym, en suite shower room 3. Lease to 2141 Guide Price ÂŁ3,450,000
Belgravia Residents Journal June13.indd 1
10/05/2013 14:06
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management
020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417
struttandparker.com
Chester Row | Belgravia | SW1 2,938 sq ft (272.9 sq m)
Located on the favoured section of Chester Row moments from Elizabeth Street, a very well presented five bedroom townhouse with garden. Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Family room | Sitting room | Master bedroom suite | 4 further bedrooms | 2 further bathrooms | Cloakroom | Balcony | Garden Asking price ÂŁ5,350,000 Freehold
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 james.gilbert-green@struttandparker.com
Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode
Pont Street Mews | Knightsbridge | SW1 2,408 sq ft (223.7 sq m) EPC rating E
A recently developed three bedroom house, located in what is regarded as the finest mews in Knightsbridge, with private parking. Drawing room | Living room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Media room | Study | Master bedroom suite | Two further bedrooms | Two further shower rooms | Private parking Asking price ÂŁ5,850,000 Freehold
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 charlie.willis@struttandparker.com
Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
struttandparker.com
St Michael’s Mews | Belgravia | SW1 2,451 sq ft (227.7 sq m) EPC Rating E
A contemporary 4 bedroom townhouse, currently laid out as 3 bedrooms, with an integral garage and roof terrace, within a secure gated development. Reception room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Master bedroom with en suite | Second bedroom with en suite | Dining room/third bedroom with en suite | Utililty room | Terraces | Parking Asking price ÂŁ4,595,000 Share of Freehold
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 charlie.willis@struttandparker.com
Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode
struttandparker.com
Year after year, we deliver excellent results for our clients. We take pride in knowing that our philosophy, approach and passion for selling and letting property in London has achieved extraordinary results for our clients. Our attention to detail, coupled with excellent customer service and expertise in the marketplace unveils a track record of delivering on promise every time. So much so that 97% of our clients said they would use us again. We are proud to count amongst our clients many of the property industry’s leading professionals who choose to use us above their own agency. So, if you wish to get the most out of your property, whether you are considering selling or letting, contact: Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair
3895 London 2012 Belgravia.indd 4
020 7235 9959
01/02/2013 10:41
Belgravia Resident’s Journal