and festive partnership 2017
Gulet in Saint-Tropez Paul Signac (French 1863-1935) Mixed media on paper, signed and dated 02 lower left, inscribed ‘St Tropez’ lower right Paper size: 12 x 9.5 inches, Framed size: 25.5 x 23 inches Provenance: Private Collection, France
FROM THE
T
EDITOR
his year, Cartier is celebrating the 100th anniversary of their iconic Tank watch. Created by Louis Cartier in 1917, the story goes that the watchmaker modelled the design of the watch on the heavy tanks of World War I. Long gone are the days when we were reluctantly dragged to museums by our parents or teachers. Now, many of us eagerly await new exhibitions, and the result of this year’s TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards show just how popular these institutions have become. Champagne suppliers The Finest Bubble have teamed up with local courier companies in London to offer consumers a two hour champagne emergency service this Christmas. The Kensington Dollshouse Festival is a unique event that brings together the best miniatures artists from around the world with dolls house collectors & enthusiasts. There are over 170 exhibitors at the show, all of which have to go through a vetting process before being accepted. For the first time in its 151 year old history, Claridge’s, the iconic art deco hotel in the heart of Mayfair, has created a series of Claridge’s Christmas hampers, bringing the magic of its time-honoured traditions, and its secret recipes of the festive season to be enjoyed at home. London is a wonderful place to be at Christmas. With twinkling Christmas lights and trees set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations, a trip to an ice rink is a must-do for the views alone. They are only open for a limited time so get your skates on before it’s too late!
Faye Manning Editor
THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD
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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Alex Lux ••••• Fashion Editor Rachel Gold ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• Directors Rory Smith Patrick Smith
CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT
We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties
11
ARTS & ANTIQUES
103
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
127
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL
149
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
161
HOUSE & GARDEN
203
FLOORING GUIDE
253
A collection of stunning arts and antiques The finest independent schools in the UK
Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best A collection of London’s finest interior companies A collection of London’s finest flooring and rug companies
0844 800 8439
www.thelifemagazines.com
OUT & ABOUT
10 NOVEMBER 2017
out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i m age : LONDON ’ S TO P 5 M US E U M S
OUT & ABOUT
OSLO the five-star Broadway hit is now playing in London’s West End The gripping political thriller is playing a strictly limited run until the end of December
Financial Times, Radio Times, The Times
‘Witty, gripping, Shakespearean in scope. Delivered by a flawless ensemble’ – Financial Times
‘It grips you from start to finish’ – The Sunday Times
‘A fast-paced, quickwitted intellectual thriller. Remarkable’ – The Independent
‘Toby Stephens is brilliant’ – The Times
F
ollowing a multi-award-winning season on Broadway and a critically acclaimed, sold-out run at the National Theatre, the gripping political thriller Oslo is currently playing a strictly limited run until 30 December 2017. In 1993, in front of the world’s press, the leaders of Israel and Palestine shook hands on the lawn of the White House. Few watching would have guessed that the negotiations leading up to this iconic moment started secretly in a castle in the middle of a forest outside Oslo.
12 NOVEMBER 2017
Oslo tells the true story of how two maverick Norwegian diplomats Terje Rød-Larsen, (Toby Stephens - Black Sails, Private Lives) and Mona Juul, (Lydia Leonard - Wolf Hall, Life in Squares) planned and orchestrated top-secret, high-level meetings between the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which culminated in the signing of the groundbreaking Oslo Accords. Best availability for Bartlett Sher’s ‘tense and sharply paced production’ (The Daily Telegraph) is from 27 November. Oslo, Until 30 Dec 2017. Harold Pinter Theatre Tickets from £18. Performance Times: Mon – Sat evening: 7.30pm, Thu and Sat matinee: 2pm. Book now at OsloThePlay.com or call 0844 871 7622* *Calls are charged at 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
‘Lydia Leonard is excellent’ – Evening Standard
‘A drama-filled dream of peace and diplomacy’ – Metro
‘Watch, learn, marvel.’ – The Daily Telegraph
Daily Express, Daily Mail, The Guardian, Jewish Chronicle, The Observer, The Stage, Sunday Express Images: Brinkhoff/Mögenburg
OUT & ABOUT
25
YEARS OF UNIQUE EVENTS This November, Wimbledon Art Fair returns for its 25th anniversary with over 150 artists, designers and makers. Formally known as Wimbledon Open Studios, this is the same prodigious event with a new name to reflect the browse and buy focus of these twice yearly art fairs.
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his is a truly unique event on the arts calendar and is one of the only free entry fairs in London. Every visitor is given the rare opportunity to step inside the hidden world of the artist. Over four days, you can walk into paint splattered private working studios and meet the artists and makers behind some of London’s leading contemporary arts and crafts. Held from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 November 2017, the fair is hosted at Wimbledon Art Studios – two buildings, eight floors and hundreds of studios to discover. This not-for-profit studio campus is a thriving creative community of both established, award-winning artists and exciting emerging talent. The Art Fair will present a diverse range of artists and makers, such as: LoveJordan, the collaborative work of artists Jonny Love and Samuel Jordan. Exhibiting from London to Miami, commissioned by the BBC to Saudi Royal Family. Fascinated by complexity, en masse, sprawling cities, human desire to fill empty spaces and miniatures. Emma Leone Palmer, featured most recently on Sky Arts, Portrait Artist of The Year (2017), Winner of The London Contemporary Art Prize and currently exhibiting in The Wallace Collection - this portrait artist captures gritty, real, expressive human beings with a load of paint, glitter and lube. Yuta Segawa, Japanese ceramic artist specialising in producing miniature pottery, challenging what the human body can make at such a small scale. Exhibiting jaw-dropping miniatures from Switzerland to Dubai, London to Tokyo. Divya Batra Pasgon, professional printmaker, specialising in silkscreen print, exploring themes of meditation on the self, identity and the female image through ornate, rich works. Katherine Le Hardy, well-exhibited artist, enjoyed by interior designers and using gestural marks and loose brushstrokes to engage the viewer in contemporary landscapes from Kew Gardens to the Thames and South America. Jacqui Kelly, multi-award winning cake artist and sugar sculptor, with commissions from Harrods to HRH Queen Elizabeth II to corporate buyers and the couple next door. 14-time Gold Medal winner at Cake International with installations and teaching from London to Miami.
AFFORDABLE, ORIGINAL ART Discover an inspiring contemporary collection of original paintings, editioned prints, photography, ceramics and sculptures. Whether you’re buying for your own home or seeking a special seasonal gift, Wimbledon Art Fair has something for all tastes and budgets, from as little as £70 to £5k+ for the more serious buyer. Small board works will once again be available to purchase before the art fair. These artworks start their life as square wooden blocks, on which the artists create their mini masterpieces. These are one off pieces the likes of which you’ll never be able to purchase again. These will initially be sold online – often the works are snapped up by buyers within hours of their release. Early access will be available to keen buyers as a perk of pre-booking a visit to Wimbledon Art Fair.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS AND HEALTH MOVEMENT For the first time, Wimbledon Art Fair will auction a selection of donated works from South London’s most sought after artists. All profits from the auction will be donated to St George’s Hospital Charity who provide an engaging art programme to support patients, families and staff. The auction will take place on Friday 17 November at 7pm.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF A VISIT Beyond the discovery of arts and crafts, other highlights of a visit include an official launch party on Thursday evening with Keith Brymer Jones (ceramicist and judge of BBC2’s The Great Pottery Throw Down). The 4 day event will also include a programme of talks and workshops, family activities on Saturday and Sunday and time to simply sit back and refresh with a range of delicious food and drink from The Mood Food Café.
FREE ENTRY TO ALL The Wimbledon Art Fair is one of London’s only free entry art fairs. You don’t need a ticket to attend, but pre-booking will give you access to exclusive perks including: the opportunity to win £200 to spend at the fair, a personal invite to the launch party, early access to an exclusive online sale of original artwork and behind-the-scenes news and info on the lead-up to the event (T&Cs apply, see website). Reasons aplenty to pre-book at wimbledonartfair.com
OUT & ABOUT
London as you’ve
never seen it before!
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asten your seat belts for a slide around The Shard! Two new virtual reality experiences have made their debut at The View from the Shard - on their open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor of the tallest building in Western Europe! Visitors can test their nerves up to 800ft above the city on ‘The Slide’ an adrenaline-fuelled 360-degree virtual reality experience. Guests ‘slide’ around its peak on a simulated helter skelter at speeds of 100mph along imaginary open-air tubes that corkscrew around the skyscraper – all via a curved platform which moves around beneath them during the two-minute ride. The second ‘Vertigo’ allows visitors to really face their fear of heights! This virtual adventure sees the building fall away, leaving you suspended in the air, walking across The Shard’s early infrastructure and balancing on scaffolding of the stripped back construction of Western Europe’s tallest building. Romeo the fox - The View from The Shard’s mascot that represents the intrepid real fox who was discovered on level 72 during construction of the building - also makes an appearance as guests take instructions from the construction sites foreman. Both exhilarating experiences heighten the sensation by blowing fresh air at the guest during their session. Patrick Allen, CEO of The View from The Shard said, “As the tallest attraction in the UK, we are always looking for new ways to offer exciting and innovative experiences for our visitors. The consumer technology space has been an area we’ve been keen to explore for a while and we are excited to be working with the design companies behind the VR, Happy Finish and INITION to introduce these two new adventures to the attraction’s visitors”
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THE DETAILS Only suitable for ages 12+, further restrictions may apply. A virtual reality experience can be unsuitable for people with certain ailments or conditions. A waiver outlining these conditions must be read and signed prior to using the experiences. In the event of heavy rain or storms, the VR experiences will be unavailable. The VR experiences are available daily from 10am-10pm and are subject to queues, so early arrival is advised to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available to book online at www.theviewfromtheshard.com
FEATURE
celebrates its Tank watch centenary in classic style
1917 – 2017
Tank Francaise Created in 1996, the new Tank Francaise comes on a bracelet with the famous brancards, dial with Roman numerals and ‘chemin de fer’. A new stainless steel version is available in small and medium, set with diamonds and powered by a quartz movement.
The Tank Américaine First introduced in 1989, it was the first of the Tank collection that offered a curved water resistant case. The new 2017 Tank Américaine watches comes in stainless steel for the first time, in three sizes: small, medium and large. The small version has a quartz movement while the two other models come with an automatic movement.
T
his year, Cartier is celebrating the 100th anniversary of their iconic Tank watch. Created by Louis Cartier in 1917, the story goes that the watchmaker modelled the design of the watch on the heavy tanks of World War I: the brancards, the elongated flanks on the sides resemble the tracks that ran either side of the first military tanks. The case, or cockpit of the vehicle, is seamlessly integrated with the strap, creating a functional and sophisticated timepiece. To celebrate its centenary, the luxury brand has produced a series of new models based on three iconic designs – the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Américaine and the Tank Française; elsewhere the Tank Cintrée, that inspired the Américaine, also returns in a skeletonised haute horlogerie format.
Tank Louis Cartier
TANK LOUIS CARTIER LM WHT GOLD PAVED CASE MECH, £20,100
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The new models come in small and large case sizes, both with the same manual-wound Cartier Caliber 8971MC movement. Ladies can choose from pink gold and white gold, set with diamonds. Then there are two pink gold models available in small and large size, without diamonds, for men and women.
TANK FRANCIASE MM STEEL DIAMONDS £7,200
TANK CINTREE 9917 MC MECHA LEGENDS PT, £63,000
Cintrée Skeleton Cartier has also introduced two stunning pieces coming in pink gold and platinum, both with the manual winding caliber 9917MC movement. Both watches are limited to 100 pieces. The skeleton movement follows the curves of the Tank case while the transparent dial shows some of the essentials of a Tank watch: the hands and the chemin de fer. Also available in a diamond set case. The Tank has graced the wrists of some remarkable people during its first century. Louis Cartier offered one of the first models of the Tank watch in 1918 to General John Pershing - the commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during the First World War – as a token of thanks. And for his final cinematic appearance, in George Fitzmaurice’s The Son of the Sheik, Rudolph Valentino demanded that he be able to wear his Tank watch in every scene. From Clark Gable, Gary Cooper and Fred Astaire to Greta Garbo, Michelle Obama and Madonna. The tank watch worn by Jackie Kennedy was sold at auction, and bought by Kim Kardashian for a staggering £300,000 at Christie’s in New York earlier this year. The purchase also broke the world record for being the most expensive Cartier Tank sold at auction. Andy Warhol famously said: “I don’t wear a Tank to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear.” Princess Diana was frequently photographed wearing a gold Cartier Tank Francaise, a gift from her father, John Spencer. She bought William a similar timepiece from the famed French label,
TANK CINTREE 9917 MC MECHA LEGENDS PG, £57,000
Louis Cartier
which she had engraved for one of his birthdays. After her death in 1997, William chose to keep Diana’s Cartier Tank as a memento – and in 2014, he gifted the Duchess of Cambridge with the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch for their third wedding anniversary. Not only was the watch on its own a beautiful way to connect his beloved mother and new wife, but William also went a step further by embedding a sapphire stone into the stainless-steel style to match Kate’s engagement ring — which also belonged to Diana. Since the very beginning, it has appealed to free-spirited men and women – free to appreciate its fine, understated design, enhanced by harmonious lines; free to choose a watch for its perfectly proportioned composition rather than the status it symbolises. These visionary admirers sensed the power that emanated from this creation and formed a special bond with it. BOUTIQUE CARTIER, 40-41 Old Bond Street, W1S 4QR, 175-177 New Bond Street, W1S 4RN; Jewellery Room, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB; 143-144 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BL. Fine Jewellery Room, Harrods, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL. www.cartier.co.uk NOVEMBER 2017 19
OUT & ABOUT
Friday 17th November 2017 – Monday 1st January 2018 (closed on Christmas day)
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WR Events and The Royal Parks are delighted to announce that Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will be returning for its 11th year this winter. The event has become a must-do attraction for Londoners, visitors and tourists alike. The UK’s number one Christmas destination will host an array of new attractions and entertainment, as well as the return of many visitor favourites. The UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink will be located around the picturesque Victorian bandstand. The rink stretches over 1,600m² with live music playing day and night as skaters take to the ice. The Magical Ice Kingdom returns with a new theme ‘Deep Sea Adventure’ featuring an awe inspiring underwater journey of myth and mystery, made completely from snow and ice. Family favourite, Zippos Circus, will be back with their brand new daytime show ‘Zippos Christmas Circus’ and an all-new evening performance of ‘Cirque Berserk’ showcasing jaw-dropping aerial stunts, motorbikes on high wire, spectacular trapeze and concludes with a must-see finale. New for 2017/18, The Imperial Ice Stars presents a new interpretation of the classic tale with Cinderella on Ice, featuring world-class ice skating. The captivating show combines powerful storytelling with elegant choreography to bring a modern twist to this treasured fairy tale favourite. A must for those who want to watch the action from above, the iconic Giant Observation Wheel will once again illuminate London’s skyline, offering spectacular views. A highlight for young children, The Sooty Christmas Show will see the nation’s
20 NOVEMBER 2017
much loved bear making a reappearance with a brand new Christmas show. For those wanting to soak up the festive atmosphere, the Angels Christmas market will feature over 150 chalets and offers a wide range of unique gifts. No festive day out would be complete without Father Christmas. Santa Land is an enchanting experience for young visitors and gives families the chance to meet Santa and his elves, as well as explore the inside of his toy workshop. Bar Hütte will make its London debut at this year’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Creating a mini village of Alpine huts in the heart of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, this unique take on ‘Alpine Après Ski’ offers visitors an exclusive and festive get-together venue for karaoke (or Carol-oke since it’s Christmas!) and cocktails. The hüttes can be enjoyed by friends, Christmas parties and families alike. For the last 10 years, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has been hugely popular with members of the Royal family and the celebrity crowd. Guests who have been spotted enjoying the festivities have included: Duchess of Cambridge & Prince George, David & Brooklyn Beckham, Simon Cowell, Mel C, Nicole Scherzinger, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Caroline Flack, Elle Macpherson, Tom Cruise, Elizabeth Hurley, Amanda Holden and David Cameron. For more details and to purchase tickets for the Ice Rink, Magical Ice Kingdom, Cinderella on Ice, Bar Ice, Giant Observation Wheel, Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Berserk & The Sooty Christmas Show, visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
“The UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink will be located around the picturesque Victorian bandstand”
Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ winterwonderlanduk Twitter: @WinterWonderLDN Instagram: @WinterWonderLDN Times: 10am – 10pm daily (except Friday 17th November – opens at 5pm)
OUT & ABOUT
LONDON’S TOP FIVE MUSEUMS
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ong gone are the days when we were reluctantly dragged to museums by our parents or teachers. Now, many of us eagerly await new exhibitions, and the result of this year’s TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards (released today) show just how popular these institutions have become. Chosen by members of the public, five spots in London have made it into the top 25 list of best-rated museums in Europe - more than any other European city - and most of them are free to enter. If you’ve not been to them before, now might be the time to find out what you’re missing. Victoria & Albert Museum (Nearest tube: South Kensington) Coming first in the UK is no small achievement: the V&A has overtaken last year’s UK winner, the British Museum, and has pushed the likes of Paris’ Musee du Louvre and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum aside. The V&A’s free to view collection is devoted to art and design, with objects ranging from Art Deco furniture to paintings by John Constable and JMW Turner. It’s the museum’s temporary exhibitions (which do require an entry ticket) that you really need to keep an eye on. In recent years shows dedicated to the likes of fashion designer Alexander McQueen and music icon David Bowie have been hugely successful. National Gallery (Nearest tube: Charing Cross) Walking through the National Gallery is a veritable who’s who of art history, with everyone from Botticelli to Titian, Van Gogh and Monet making an appearance. Ever heard of a little painting called Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh? It’s just one of the many masterpieces on display as part of the permanent exhibition - open free to the public. Once you’ve done admiring the artwork, pop into the elegant National Dining Rooms for a bite to eat. It was designed by world famous architect David Collins, who also designed the celeb-magnet bar at Mayfair hotel Claridge’s, and has window views
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spilling onto Trafalgar Square. British Museum (Nearest tube: Holborn) Speaking of impressive buildings, the British Museum can definitely be counted among some of the most incredible structures in London. The previous two museums on the list are largely dedicated to art, but in the British Museum it’s all about history. Don’t be fooled by the name, because there are artefacts from all over the world. Set aside several hours to learn about the ancient Egyptians or the Bronze Age in Europe. Remarkably, the museum is free - although tickets are required for temporary exhibitions. Natural History Museum (Nearest tube: South Kensington) If you haven’t visited the Natural History Museum since you were a child, now is the perfect time to go. Dippy - the giant dinosaur who filled up the main room of the building - has now been replaced by Hope, the 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton who hangs from the ceiling. It’s free to view the mind boggling collection of animals, fossils and skeletons so expect long entry queues at weekends. The annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is also held here, although ticket prices apply. It’s worth combining with a trip to the neighbouring V&A both are on Exhibition Road in South Kensington. Churchill War Rooms (Nearest tube: Westminster) Located in a secret underground bunker from World War Two, the Churchill War Rooms are the best place to learn about the former British Prime Minister’s life. It was in this confined space beneath Westminster that Churchill and his senior ministers mapped out the Allied victory. Many items of memorabilia have been placed just as they would have been all those years ago. This is the only museum in the top five which doesn’t have free admission. Expect to pay £19 for adults and £9.50 for children.
OUT & ABOUT
CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER CHRISTMAS MARKET RETURNS 30th November 2017 – 3rd January 2018
MORE INFORMATION London Bridge City is a bustling riverside destination incorporating More London, Hay’s Galleria, Cottons Centre and No. 1 London Bridge. A changing programme of arts, entertainment and events, world class food and drink against a backdrop of great architecture.
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his December, London’s most picturesque Christmas market returns to the banks of the River Thames for its fourth year. Set against the backdrop of some of London’s most loved landmarks, London Bridge City’s Christmas by the River is one of the capital’s most prestigious Christmas Market locations. Dressed with festive lights and Christmas trees, it will be the ideal place for not only gift buying, but experiencing the best of what London has to offer during the festive season with iconic views of The City, Tower Bridge and The Tower Of London. Christmas By The River will host a range of elegantly designed wooden cabins with over 40 independent traders offering handcrafted and
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Follow London Bridge City on: Facebook: LondonBridgeCity Twitter: @LDNBridgeCity Instagram: LDNBridgeCity For more details visit www.londonbridgecity.co.uk
bespoke gifts. Winter Dream returns for the second year providing the perfect spot for winter-warming drinks with a fully stocked bar serving cocktails, mulled wine and craft beers as the centre-piece for the enchanting Christmas market. And if shopping isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Christmas by the River, with live music and movies! Plus there’ll be a variety of workshops taking place at the London Bridge City Pier throughout December including wine and cheese tasting, cocktail making, Christmas carol writing, festive origami cocktail masterclasses and more. Save the date for the evening of Thursday 30th November and join in as Christmas by the River heralds the start of the festive period and opens its gates for the official launch party. Expect a wintery dreamland in an unparalleled London location and welcome back Christmas in style!
OUT & ABOUT
FASHION NOW: A perfect partnership Hotel Café Royal have introduced ‘Fashion Now’, an in-room wardrobe service and personal shopping experience in partnership with MATCHESFASHION.COM.
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aunched in September 2017, and exclusive to residents of Hotel Café Royal, the new ‘Fashion Now’ service was initially created for guests who have had the disservice of lost or delayed luggage to eliminate the immediate need for panic buying. Guests have access to a selection of key pieces available across three tiered levels – Active, Formal and Evening wear for both men and women, all delivered within 90 minutes once the order has been placed with the hotel concierge. As part of ‘Fashion Now’, guests staying in the hotel’s suites can request an additional specialised in-suite personal shopping experience. After a telephone consultation with a MATCHESFASHION.COM stylist, a curated wardrobe, chosen from over 450 brands will be delivered to the resident’s room accompanied by an expert stylist to run through the pieces. The perfect solution for those in need of style advice or those who are simply time poor, updating one’s wardrobe can now be done from the comfort of their hotel room. The in-room wardrobe service can also be pre-booked to allow for an array of designer clothing to be waiting in the hotel room ready for when guests check-in. As a suite guest of Hotel Café Royal, not only do residents have use of their in-room wardrobe service during their stay, they also have private access to MATCHESFASHION.COM’s flagship store in Marylebone, entitling them to a global team of experts, who provide a seamless and personalised shopping service in-store. Francois Xavier Schoeffer, Hotel Manager for Hotel Café Royal, comments, “Travelling can be full of surprises - whether it’s mislaid luggage or simply the desire to try something new. In an era of experiential luxury, we aim to provide an
exceptional level of service for our guests and ‘Fashion Now’ offers residents the luxury of a shopping trip without ever having the need to step foot outside the hotel.” Both synonymous with impeccable style, Hotel Café Royal has chosen MATCHESFASHION.COM as its first retail partner to offer a one-of-a-kind wardrobe service for hotel residents in this leading fashion capital. This unique partnership showcases the hotel’s continued commitment to provide the highest level of luxury service to its guests. For further information please visit www.hotelcaferoyal.com and follow @hotelcaferoyal on Instagram and Twitter and Hotel Café Royal on Facebook.
“Residents have use of their in-room wardrobe service during their stay”
26 NOVEMBER 2017
OUT & ABOUT
CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO CLAPHAM London’s Alternative Festive Experience, 23rd November 2017 - 1st January 2018, Clapham Common, SW4
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“The indoor market will be full of creations from independent designers. Think affordable fashion and accessories, cherry-picked vintage threads, unique crafts, unusual homeware and other Christmas gifts you won’t find anywhere else”
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fter a year off, Winterville is heading south of the river this month, offering a packed programme of seasonal classics and dazzling alternatives for all ages! Winterville’s Ice Rink is the first ever on Clapham Common. Open seven days a week, the all-weather, outdoor rink is 600 square metres and constructed from real ice. If gliding across the Common doesn’t appeal, then why not enjoy a winter warmer in the neighbouring cafe, where you can check out all the action in comfort. Street Feast brings some of London’s best street food traders to Winterville – head down for juicy ribs, pillowy soft Chinese buns, crispy wood-fired pizzas and LOADS more. There’ll also be hot toddies, mulled wine and delicious frozen toffee vodka shots to get you in the Christmas spirit. You can also sample craft beer and cocktails at the pop-up pub! Step through a wardrobe door, wander through a secret tunnel of trees and arrive at Backyard Cinema’s Winter Night Garden. Offering an alternative cinematic experience, the Winter Night Garden is a magical place where you can eat, drink and sink into a beanbag sofa, while you enjoy a film within an enchanted forest. The indoor winter cinema is fully heated, has its own bar and is one of the cosiest venues within Winterville. Watch screenings of Christmas classics such as Home Alone, Frozen, Beauty & The Beast, Love Actually, It’s A Wonderful Life, Bridget Jones Diary, Cool Runnings and many more! The Spiegeltent will host plenty of FREE entertainment including an opening weekend set from Norman Jay MBE and free shows from Guilty Pleasures, Ultimate Power, South London
Soul Train, R&She with All Saint Mel Blatt, Gin & Juice, Indeedy Musical Bingo and the Winterville Orchestra & Choir. Expect cabaret, brass bands, kid’s raves and choirs, and a special Christmas show. Ticketed shows include Cirque du Cabaret and Mexican Wrestling from Lucha Britannia, while Sunday nights see Sink The Pink Presents The Merry Marys, Little Gay Brother and Mariah & Friends take to the stage. The Twisted Wheels Roller Disco will feature nights from 2 Bears, Erol Alkan’s Disco 3000, Stevie Wonderland and Throwback Events, as well an All-Abba Disco and a Studio 54 Special. The indoor market will be full of creations from independent designers. Think affordable fashion and accessories, cherry-picked vintage threads, unique crafts, unusual homeware and other Christmas gifts you won’t find anywhere else. There’s also loads for kids to do. As well as the Ice Rink, Cinema, Fairground and Roller Disco, there’s a live adaptation of Mimi & The Snow Dragon from War Horse creator Michael Morpurgo, a family rave-up with Big Fish Little Fish, the World Beyond the Wardrobe immersive experience from A Tea Dance For Little People, plus their very own Santa’s Workshop. Entry is free but tickets are required for certain events. For more details, tickets and opening times visit www.winterville.co.uk. Winterville is brought to you by the teams behind Field Day and Street Feast.
OUT & ABOUT
HARRODS SALON DE PARFUMS
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haven for fragrance connoisseurs, with an alchemic array of haute perfumes for both men and women - the expanded salon will offer a number of worldwide exclusives from brands including Penhaligon’s, Armani Privé, Burberry, Sospiro, Frédéric Malle, Bond No.9 and Floraïku. These new boutiques 30 NOVEMBER 2017
will join those of Chanel, Clive Christian, Dior, Ex Nihilo, Guerlain, Henry Jacques, Kilian, Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, Tom Ford and Xerjoff. Penhaligon’s will be providing custom fragrance services. Also, an exclusive scent that is part of the Portraits Collection – The Remarkable Success of Mr. Harrod – is now available.
EXPANSION Armani Privé will present an immersive “Privé experience” combining fragrance, light and music to create a relaxing atmosphere. There will also be exclusive perfumes available, including Charm, the Couture Edition fragrance inspired by the fashion house’s SS17 collection. Created by Alberto Morillas, the fragrance includes notes of iris and guaiac wood. 100ml, £550 Burberry will showcase the Burberry Bespoke collection, inspired by the British countryside: a Bloomsbury garden, coastal settings and a lush Scottish heath. “Fragrance discovery” appointments will also be available, during which bottles can be monogrammed with up to three initials. From £225 Sospiro’s new space reflects the philosophy of the brand. A wall of butterflies – the symbol of Sospiro – welcomes you to the boutique; and two exclusive fragrances – Verde Accento (100ml, £165) and Diapason (100ml, £265) will be available. Verde Accento is refined and bright, with notes of
system. Bond No.9 Swarovski will also be available. Floraïku Salon de Parfums is home to the worldwide launch of this Japanese fragrance brand. The boutique will be home to exclusive fragrances, including I See The Clouds Go By, One Umbrella for Two and Sleeping on the Roof. The fragrances can be personalised with a letter, kamon or emoji. The intimate retail experience allows customers to explore some of the world’s finest and rarest scents, some of which are exclusive to Harrods. From traditional perfumes that have stood the test of time, to the newest creations, your signature scent is waiting to be discovered. The Salon de Parfums is located on the 6th Floor of Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL; www.harrods.com
“Sospiro’s new space reflects the philosophy of the brand. A wall of butterflies – the symbol of Sospiro – welcomes you to the boutique” mandarin and hesperidic bergamot, jasmine, and pink pepper, layered with amber and sandalwood. Diapason includes top notes of Bulgarian rose and geranium, middle notes of guaiac wood and atlas cedar, and base notes of amber, Haitian vetiver and musk. Frédéric Malle will present a range of home, bath & body products alongside its fragrances. The boutique will also offer personalisation services including monogramming, as well as an exclusive limited-edition travel case, part of Editions de Parfums’ collaboration with French goldsmiths Goossens. Bond No.9 will launch its first UK boutique, which will feature custom fragrance blending as well as Private Bond, the world’s first mix-at-home fragrance NOVEMBER 2017 31
OUT & ABOUT
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OUT & ABOUT
Mary Stuart A new adaptation by Robert Icke
Icke has crafted a rich, multi-layered, and deeply human political thriller’ –Time Out
Juliet Stevenson and Lia Williams are mighty as Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots – The Observer
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wo queens. One in power. One in prison. It’s all in the execution. Following a critically acclaimed, soldout season at the Almeida Theatre in 201617, Robert Icke’s new adaptation of Mary Stuart transfers to the Duke of York’s Theatre in London’s West End from 13 January for a limited run. Schiller’s political tragedy takes us behind the scenes of some of British history’s most crucial days. Playing both Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, Juliet Stevenson (Hamlet) and Lia Williams (Oresteia) trade the play’s central roles, decided at each performance by the toss of a coin. Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG; 0844 871 7627 www.marystuartplay.co.uk Photography: Manuel Harlan
In Icke’s production, Stevenson and Williams are modern leaders, operating in a male-dominated world in which misogyny is rife. There are glimpses of Hillary Clinton, Theresa May and even Margaret Thatcher in their manoeuvrings; sometimes they tactically deploy their femininity, but it’s a weapon also repeatedly used against them. – The Times
Robert Icke’s lithe, vital adaptation, with its talk of self-determining nationhood, terrorism, refugees and religious martyrdom, feels striking in its contemporary relevance. – Sunday Times
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OUT & ABOUT
READER Offer
We are offering all our readers a special 20% discount on all tickets online. Enter code - MAGS20 to redeem the discount.
The Magical Lantern Festival
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he Magical Lantern Festival enters its third year in London following two hugely successful years at Chiswick House & Gardens. This year’s Christmas themed Lantern Festival will illuminate the gardens turning it into a spectacular fusion of dual culture, vibrant colours and artistic sculptures! Prepare to enter a magical experience and discover life-sized and large-than-life lanterns in all shapes and forms, from ‘Santa and his Reindeers’ to a magnificent giant lantern recreation of an ‘Ancient city from the Song Dynasty’. The Magical Lantern Festival promises visitors a truly amazing experience, a visual feast of light and illumination, hidden amongst the grandeur of the 18th Century Gardens, which lends itself perfectly to the layout of the lanterns with its combination
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of lakes, woodland, gardens and pathways. The festival will not only wow visitors with its beautiful hand-sculpted lanterns, the entertainment area adds another dimension to this wonderful night out with a food and drink area, bar, Santa’s Grotto, handful of fairground rides for children and merchandise marquee where visitors can buy a souvenir of their experience to take home. Along the route visitors will uncover vibrant colourful lanterns at every twist and turn of the trail, offering amazing family photo opportunities and vividly lit scenery, making for a magical, cultural experience. There really is no better family-friendly festival to visit this Christmas..... The festival will be open from 24th November 2017 to 1st January 2018. Open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday each week and open every day during the school Christmas holiday period, apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The festival is open from 5pm to 10pm with last entry at 9pm. It is strongly recommended that visitors use public transport as the venue does not have a car park. The small A4 car park at Chiswick House is strictly reserved for disabled blue badge holders, drop off and pick up only. Nearest tube stations are Turnham Green and Gunnersbury. The venue is approximately a 15-minute walk from these stations. Tickets are selling fast, for more information and to book tickets today, please visit www.magicallantern.uk We are offering all our readers a special 20% discount on all tickets online. Enter code MAGS20 to redeem the discount.
“Along the route visitors will uncover vibrant colourful lanterns at every twist and turn of the trail”
FEATURE
The superyacht for
Millionaires are no strangers to luxury yachts, mega yachts, sporty yachts, you name it. But how about a 400 foot superyacht that has a computer controlled garden and sea level swimming pool? The new “Nature” concept vessel from exclusive yacht design company Sinot, is less of a yacht and more of a Hollywood style McMansion on water
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ature, in all its purity and greatness, offers a new perspective on yachting that transcends the traditional parametres of status and grandeur. A holistic approach allows the yacht to directly reflect the Owner’s true values in life: the richness of being and the intimacy of belonging. Nature grants those on-board every opportunity to be themselves in an atmosphere of complete tranquility and peacefulness. The carefullydesigned spaces, the interplay between natural and artificial light, and the pure materials and surfaces combine to create a new world that represents all the good we recognise from nature. You’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’re in a five star hotel, because that’s exactly what it looks like. Due to the intelligent layout, the thoughtful routing and the fully-customised furniture, Nature is extremely functional while offering the most desirable yachting amenities, including luxurious
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state and VIP rooms, a strikingly spacious Owner’s suite, luxurious spa deck, gym and a swimming pool at sea level. The essence of Nature is epitomised by the owner’s deck with a climate-controlled interior garden and retractable platforms that open to serve as semi-private beach clubs above the main deck. In addition, the forward space in the owner’s suite serves as an observatory for those who wish to search the stars without going out on the deck. The solid outer wall of the observation area retracts to allow the owner and especially fortunate guests an unobstructed forward view. A shining beacon of peace and tranquility, it also represents the fundamental interconnection between the yacht and her environment. It is nature within Nature.
“The aerial representation reveals multiple sun decks and open lounge areas where guests can soak up the sun” The aerial representation reveals multiple sun decks and open lounge areas where guests can soak up the sun. Even homes on land probably don’t have dramatic spiral staircases like this one which connects the owner’s deck up to the 900sqm+ Panorama deck. There’s no shortage of spaces for
the billionaire looking to further push the boundaries of yacht design with its next projects. “We always try to make a difference, to go a step further, to push the boundaries,” Sinot says. “I really don’t know what will be next, and that’s what’s exciting about this industry. I do have all the faith that we will come up with a concept that really makes a difference, not just another very large yacht.” Nature was officially unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show in late September. www.sinot.com
guests to get together and enjoy a drink or two, and the rear platform is perfect for diving enthusiasts to enter the water. Nature can carry up to 50 crew members to ensure that guests are well served. Crew accommodations include two double staff cabins, 18 double crew cabins, two triple crew cabins, two officer cabins, one first officer cabin, and the captain’s cabin. Design-wise ‘Nature’ looks like nothing that currently navigates the world’s seas and that’s a good thing because you’re bound to stand out in this floating mansion graced with svelte lines. The name of the yacht has duality in purpose: it is in reference to both human nature, and the way that humans interact with nature as environment,” says superyacht designer and founder of Sinot, Sander Sinot. “As designers, we are always fascinated by nature in its perfection, purity and greatness; nature offers endless sources of inspiration. But we have found that sometimes there is a strict distinction between nature and human-built structures and we wanted to break those boundaries. With Nature we chose a radically different approach through creating a design that blends into nature without conflict or competition.” It is anticipated to take four years to complete the Nature superyacht build with an undisclosed final costing. Sinot is excited about the future prospects of the yacht for its future owners. The firm is also NOVEMBER 2017 39
OUT & ABOUT
The Finest Bubble London’s Champagne Emergency Service
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hampagne suppliers The Finest Bubble have teamed up with local courier companies in London to offer consumers a two hour champagne emergency service this Christmas. With a choice of over 300 champagnes from 75cl bottles to giant Nebuchadnezzar (the equivalent of 20 bottles) - there’s no occasion they can’t cater for....family celebrations, birthdays, dinner parties, Christmas functions, St Valentine’s Day, weddings, anniversaries and engagements. Their wide range of champagne gifts cover every taste and budget from the most recognised and acclaimed Champagne Houses. Magnums are seeing the fastest increase in sales, and 2002 is the most popular vintage. Vintages corresponding to birth year are proving equally popular with Jeroboams (4 bottles), Methuselah (8), Salmanazar (12) Balthazar (16), Nebuchadnezzar (20) often gift-wrapped for significant birthdays, mainly 18th, 21st, 40th and 50th. The Finest Bubble also have a variety of carefully selected items including limited edition cases, outstanding vintages and ultra-prestige rarities not listed on the website, so if you are looking
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for something extra special, please call for further information. And if you are looking to send gifts to valued clients, The Finest Bubble offer a first-class gifting service throughout the year, and can deliver to multiple destinations in the UK. Their expertise in dealing with large volumes of corporate presents, from individual to group deliveries,w means every gifting requirement can be tailor-made to suit your needs. All of the fine and often rare champagnes are kept in optimum conditions. The bottles are stored and protected from potential damage by light and heat. Prior to purchase, the champagne is either kept in a temperature controlled bonded warehouse, or in a specialist Eurocave fridge to ensure that it arrives in the best possible condition. Over 90% of orders are received from the affluent areas of EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4, W1, SW1, E14 (Canary Wharf) with demand increasing from all over London and across the UK. The Finest Bubble pride themselves on their speedy delivery, the fastest from the moment an order is placed to champagne received? Just 28 minutes to EC1V. Gifting has never been so stress-free and easy.
THE DETAILS For further details and to place an order visit www.thefinestbubble.com or call 020 7359 1608 Email: direct office@thefinestbubble.com twitter.com/thefinestbubble www.facebook.com/TheFinestBubble www.instagram.com/thefinestbubble
OUT & ABOUT “I have been visiting this fair for almost 20 years and am always looking forward to the next visit!” Dirma van Eck – The Netherlands
“I thought the standard of work was very good and the range of items exceptional. I had two ‘non dolls house’ people with me who were fascinated … It was a really enjoyable visit.” Carol Owen – Suffolk
“Absolutely the most magnificent miniatures show anywhere in the world” Liz Davis - Kent 2nd December 2017, 11am-6pm Kensington Town hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX Tickets: Adult: £13 (£11 in advance via our website), Child: £5; Family: £18 (after 2pm)
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Kensington Dollshouse Festival Est: 1985
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he Kensington Dollshouse Festival is a unique event that brings together the best miniatures artists from around the world with dolls house collectors & enthusiasts. There are over 170 exhibitors at the show, all of which have to go through a vetting process before being accepted. There are makers & suppliers representing all areas of this hobby, from DIY tools & materials right up to the most delicate miniature furniture & accessories made by an array of super-talented craftsmen. The Festival has been running for over 30 years & in this time has
become the ‘must-go-to’ event in the dolls house calendar. Everyone who visits the festival can leave with something new for their dolls house, no matter what period, style or price range they are looking for. There are also free events for children, to encourage their creative skills, as well as organised workshops, tours & other events throughout the year. The dolls house world is ‘small’ but there are big opportunities to learn all sorts of new skills & crafts in the creation of your dream house. The exhibitors at the festival are all incredibly passionate about their chosen art form & will encourage & support all the KDF visitors to achieve their perfect dolls house or model. To find out more about all the London shows & watch a short film about the makers who attend, please visit website www.dollshousefestival.com.
FEATURE
Deluxe Advent Calendar Another beauty calendar containing bath and body treats you’ll actually use, this one looks so good, you can use it instead of a Christmas tree. Unbox 24 exclusive Rituals products, including four gorgeous candles - intended for lighting every Sunday of advent. £79.50, Rituals
Cabinet of Scented Luxuries Advent Calendar Smaller in the flesh than you might expect for £165, but if you’ve got the cash, you know you’re going to use each and every one of these Molton Brown minis. It also includes two 50ml eau de toilettes, as well as candles, shampoo, body washes and a 75ml Festive Shower Gel Bauble. £165, Molton Brown
SOME OF THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT ADVENT CALENDARS MONEY CAN BUY Advent Calendar Ahh, here it is. The one all women want, but few can afford. If you have £300 to spend on an advent calendar, let it be this - though you’ll need to be quick as it will sell out. There are 24 Jo Malone colognes and candles - and we want them all. £300, Jo Malone The Grooming Advent Calendar Hooray for a grooming calendar, made exclusively for men! Any blokes besotted with their hair and skin will love unleashing their inner product junkie on this ASOS calendar, including 25 products from loads of different brands, plus a discount voucher to spend online. £55, ASOS
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Limited Edition Advent Calendar If you’re Italian, a fan of Italians and their food, or just a bit of a foodie, Carluccio’s limited edition calendar - brand new for 2017 - might be a goer. At £75, it might cost the same as your weekly shop, but behind each door is one of the restaurant chain’s bestselling products - yum! Available early November. £75, Carluccio’s
Blow the budget Drinks By The Dram Very Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar Macassar Ebony (2017 Edition) And the prize for this year’s most extravagant calendar goes to Drinks By The Dram. For a cool £10K, your advent can be filled with 24 ‘wee drams’ of very old and rare whisky, from long-closed distilleries, highly sought-after limited editions and impossible-to-source liquid. There’s even a 60-year-old single malt Scotch and a rare Japanese whisky that costs £19,000 a bottle. We should also point out, the calendar itself is crafted by Kent cabinetmaker Simon Jewell Designs and is available in walnut, or finished in Macassar ebony. £9,999.95, Master Of Malt
We all love a little advent calendar action, don’t we? If it’s not chocolate, it’s beauty - but before you splash out on 24 doors of divine temptation, check out the immense offering available this year. They really are something else. Whether you fancy splashing out on the most expensive box of teabags known to man, or have a whopping 10K to blow on raising your spirits with, erm, spirits, there’s something for absolutely everyone. WORDS: Claire Spreadbury Beauty Advent Calendar 2017 Another renowned beauty buy, the Liberty calendar is a sell out every year. Containing over £500 worth of swag in one of the most beautifully designed advent boxes you’ve ever seen (a Liberty-print design adorns the inside, naturally), there are multi-brand treats inside, including 15 full-size products which is a big rarity. £170, Liberty
The Grand Advent Calendar Brand new for 2017, Hotel Chocolat have finally gone big and produced a super-duper calendar, bursting with massively indulgent chocolate treats. And we’re not just talking truffles. Hiding inside, you’ll find salted caramel vodka, crackers filled with dizzy pralines and even their new treacle tarts, encased in 40% milk chocolate pastry sculpted from real paper. We need it now. £68, Hotel Chocolat
25 Days Ultimate Advent Calendar There are beauty advent calendars, and there are beauty advent calendars. The Body Shop has had such a great response to theirs that you can now select one of three different options. This one is their priciest offering, housing 25 gorgeous gifts worth £214 in total, so if you can bear to part with £99, it’s kind of half price... £99, The Body Shop
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OUT & ABOUT
Celebrate Christmas in London
with the National Trust
Image: Rob Stothard
If you’re looking for somewhere special to escape the crowds this Christmas, look no further than the National Trust. See London’s historic houses decked out for the festive season with handmade decorations created by the charity’s team of Christmas volunteers. Whether you are tasting delicious local food, discovering unique gifts or simply strolling through frosty winter landscapes, you’ll be supporting winter conservation efforts. And keep the little ones entertained with a trip to visit Father Christmas in his grottos.
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See our pick of the best National Trust Christmas events across London: Ham House and Garden, Near Richmond • Father Christmas at Ham House Sat 16 – Sat 23 Dec, 11am-4pm Father Christmas has moved into Ham House for Christmas. Come and visit him and perhaps you might leave with a pre-Christmas treat.£5 per child. Book online. • Mistletoe and Merriment: Christmas with the Stuarts Sat 2 – Fri 15 Dec, 12pm-4pm Find out how Christmas was celebrated in the reign of King Charles II a music, food and merriment made their way back following the restoration. • Twelve dogs of Christmas: Winter walkies Tue 26 Dec – Sat 6 Jan, 10am-4pm For the first time, four-legged friends are invited in the garden. Walking routes, a ‘Ham’ bone for each new guest and a prize for the first dog on the day. Dogs welcome until Fri 9 Feb. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden Morden Hall Park, near Wimbledon • Christmas craft workshops Every Thursday until 14 Dec, 2pm-5pm and 6pm-9pm Learn how to make a natural Christmas wreath or Christmas cards with a personal touch at Christmas inspired workshops. Cost varies. Booking line: 0344 249 1895. Adults only. • Father Christmas at Morden Hall Park Every Saturday and Sunday 25 Nov – 10 Dec, 10am-5pm Visit Father Christmas in his cosy grotto and receive a special gift. You can also design and send your own postcard to Father Christmas using their special postcard express.£10 per child. Booking line: 0344 249 1895
• Traditions of Christmas Dinner Fri 1 Dec, 7pm-9pm A dinner talk on Victorian Christmas traditions with a three-course Victorian meal in the Potting Shed Café. £25 per person. Booking line: 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park Osterley Park and House, near Hounslow • Father Christmas at Osterley Park and House Every Saturday and Sunday 9 – 17 Dec, 11am-4pm Have you been good this year? Bring the family to visit Father Christmas in his decorated grotto. £10 per child. Booking line: 0344 249 1895 or online. • Winter wreath workshop Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 – 14 Dec, 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm Use fresh greenery from the Osterley estate to create your own wreath. £20 per person. Adults only. Booking line: 0344 249 1895 or online. • Osterley Winter 10k race Sat 9 Dec, 10.30am Burn off the mince pies and mulled wines with Osterley’s annual winter race. Separate prices apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard • Santa adventures Saturdays and Sundays, until 17 December Father Christmas welcomes you to Sutton House where you will hear stories of his magical adventures and receive a gift. Adult £6, Child £5 Additional prices on-line. Booking required. Booking line: 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-house For more Christmas inspiration visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/london
FEATURE
CLARIDGE’S LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER SERIES OF
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS F
or the first time in its 151 year old history, Claridge’s, the iconic art deco hotel in the heart of Mayfair, has created a series of Claridge’s Christmas hampers, bringing the magic of its time-honoured traditions, and its secret recipes of the festive season to be enjoyed at home. Claridge’s has long been a beacon of Christmas celebrations in the Capital and the Claridge’s Christmas Hampers are full of the gastronomic treats that make the hotel such a popular haunt, from the famous Christmas puddings in their eau de nil boxes to the wax sealed bottles of aged Negroni from the Fumoir. Presented in handmade willow baskets with the distinctive Claridge’s livery and chevron art deco details, the carefully-curated artisan treats include everything you need to create a little piece of Claridge’s distinctive style at home. From Claridge’s moreish vanilla shortbread biscuits, to the homemade raspberry and rose jam served on scones in the Foyer, to a time-honoured Dundee cake steeped in Scotch Whisky and of course their ultimate olives to be served with a chilled bottle of Sancerre, nothing has been forgotten.
Commenting on the Claridge’s Christmas Hamper, Executive Chef Martyn Nail said “For so many years our guests have been asking us to guide them on festive ingredients and open up our secret address book, so this year we have carefully handpicked some of our true favourites, and hopefully brought a little extra Claridge’s Christmas cheer!”. To create the all-embracing Claridge’s experience, in the larger hampers you will even find the distinctive Fornasetti candles that nightly flicker in the hotel lobby, a set of Claridge’s bone china mugs inspired the art deco design and of course a signature Claridge’s teddy bear in full bellboy uniform. Christmas is a favourite time of the year at Claridge’s, where the unveiling of its annual Christmas tree in the hotel lobby has become a festive landmark, and its glamourous decorations and famous Christmas afternoon tea draw visitors from around the world.
“To create the allembracing Claridge’s experience, in the larger hampers you will even find the distinctive Fornasetti candles that nightly flicker in the hotel lobby, a set of Claridge’s bone china mugs inspired the art deco design and of course a signature Claridge’s teddy bear in full bellboy uniform”
THE DETAILS The Claridge’s Christmas Hampers are available for delivery from 13 November, 2017 and can be ordered by visiting www.giftshop.claridges.co.uk
The hampers are available in three sizes; The Davies Hamper priced at £295, The Brook Hamper priced at £495 and The Mayfair Hamper priced at £895. www.claridges.co.uk
Claridge’s, the Connaught, the Berkeley Maybourne Hotel Group; www.maybourne.com
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OUT & ABOUT
GET YOUR SKATES ON THIS WINTER A guide to London’s coolest ice rinks
London is a wonderful place to be at Christmas. With twinkling Christmas lights and trees set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations, a trip to an ice rink is a must-do for the views alone. They are only open for a limited time so get your skates on before it’s too late!
NEW FOR 2017! GREENWICH WINTERTIME FESTIVAL
SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE WITH FORTNUM & MASON Open 16 November - 12 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Enjoy the perfect winter day out at Somerset House. Skate day or night with family and friends on London’s most beautiful ice rink. New for 2017 are Skate Lates, a programme of DJ music nights - the perfect start to your weekend. Warm up with wintry food and drinks in Fortnum’s Lodge, or watch the action rink-side from the Skate Lounge. The West Wing will once again transform into Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade. Learn to skate or perfect your skills with Skate School, and let little ones have a go on the ice at the Polar Cub Club. Book online at www.somersethouse.org.uk or call Ticketmaster on 0844 847 1520.
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND Open 17 November - 1 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Skate on the UK’s largest and most magical openair ice rink, set around Hyde Park’s picturesque Victorian bandstand. Once dark, the rink will be lit 50 NOVEMBER 2017
with thousands of lights, accompanied by Christmas soundtracks to get you in the festive mood. Ideal for all ages and abilities, it’s a great family day out which the kids will love. Ice skating sessions tend to sellout in advance, especially at weekends and evenings, so booking ahead is highly recommended. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Experience the magic of skating on a bespoke, covered clear canopied ice rink in the historic courtyards of the Old Royal Naval College, on the banks of the River Thames. Each 3-hour session begins with an on-ice performance by world-class freestylers before becoming a public ice rink for you, your friends and family to enjoy. Greenwich Winter Time Festival also offers artisan food stalls, an independent lifestyle market, enchanting entertainment for all ages and the opportunity to visit Father Christmas! Visit www.greenwichwintertime.com for more details.
ICE SKATING AT CANARY WHARF Open until 24 February 2018 (except Christmas Day)
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Open until 7 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Set against the stunning backdrop of one of London’s best-loved landmarks, the Natural History Museum Ice Rink is open throughout the winter period. The glistening ice rink which runs alongside South Kensington’s tree-lined streets will be topped off with a sparkling 30ft Christmas tree. Also, luxury chocolatier Hotel Chocolat will be serving their signature hot chocolate and other hot drinks for skaters to enjoy and indulge in. Calling all little ones looking to perfect their skating skills the penguin skate club will be running lessons for children aged four to eight. Visit www.nhmskating.com to book tickets.
SKATE AT THE ROYAL PALACE Open 24 November – 7 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) For an unforgettable festive experience, look no further than Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. The 1,040-square-metre outdoor ice skating rink offers spectacular views of the magnificent Tudor palace, where King Henry VIII once lived. There will be fun and excitement for all age groups and skating abilities, and The Ice Rink Café & Bar will offer a delicious winter menu and drinks including mulled wine, a selection of Champagne, Prosecco, wines and craft beers. And for little skaters there is a children’s menu that includes chicken drumsticks, chips, sausage baguettes and sweet treats. For more information visit www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Set to the backdrop of Canary Wharf ’s twinkling towers and enchanting greenery, this spectacular outdoor ice rink is back and runs for sixteen magical weeks in the picturesque surroundings of Canada Square Park. Offering fun for all the family, new for this year will be a dedicated children’s skating area. Back by popular demand, the famous Ice Rink Canary Wharf skate path returns for 2017/2018 following a new route under the canopy of trees. Skaters can expect a few new surprises along the way this season with exciting new activities, including winter sports. If you want to eat, drink and shop all in one go, Canary Wharf is the place. For more information visit www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
TOWER SKATE Open 17November – 2 January 2018 (except Christmas Day) Ice skate in an unforgettable setting within the walls of the iconic Tower of London and take in the magic and ambience of the castle beside the Thames. There’s something for everyone whether you are a novice or an expert. Try the early morning sessions – perfect for little skaters and families, leading into picturesque afternoons and bustling evenings. The Tower of London Ice Rink gets an extra helping of stunning in the evenings when the lights, set against the castle wall adds to the dramatic jaw dropping views. For history with a modern twist, there’s no better winter location. For more details visit www.toweroflondonicerink.com
NEW FOR 2017! WINTERVILLE, CLAPHAM COMMON Open 23rd November – 3rd January 2018 (except Christmas Eve & Christmas Day) Offering a completely different festive experience, Winterville also brings you the first ever ice rink on Clapham Common. The all-weather, outdoor rink is 600 square metres and constructed from real ice, and will be open seven days a week. And if gliding across the Common doesn’t appeal, then you can enjoy a winter warmer in the neighbouring cafe, where you can check out all the action in comfort. For more information visit www.winterville.co.uk
OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY! JW3 ICE RINK Open 3 December - 7 January 2018 including Christmas Day! A smaller venue but definitely needs a mention as it the only ice rink in London open on Christmas Day. With a skating area of 200m2 skaters can enjoy special events, glimmering lights, vibrant music and an electric atmosphere. For those who aren’t steady on the ice, helpful penguin stabilisers will be available and for less confident little ones, they can have fun on the seated banana toboggans. Kosher tasty treats are available at the in-house Zest café and restaurant, with hot chocolate, mulled wine, pizzas, doughnuts and more. 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET To book your tickets visit www.jw3.org.uk or call the JW3 Box Office on 020 7433 8988.
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PARTIES & VENUES
ONE EVENTS
O
ne Events embodies London’s leading luxury event spaces. With a portfolio of spectacular dry hire venues located throughout Central London, they can deliver anything from the intimate to the extravagant! Heading up the collection is One Marylebone; built in 1826 and lovingly refurbished to the original designs of Sir John Soane. The deconsecrated church is set over two stunning contrasting floors. The Upper Galleries are light and airy, whilst Soane Hall is dramatic with high vaulted ceilings. One Marylebone is a truly unique and versatile setting. Able to host standing receptions for up to 800 and sit-down dinners for 400 or intimate parties for under 100. Next is One Embankment, a less traditional venue. Situated directly under Waterloo Bridge, it is the epitome of London cool. The venue is laid out over two floors with a mezzanine that stylishly surrounds the ground floor, boasting a unique ‘amphitheatre’ type event space. It is able to host seated dinners for up to 250 guests and standing
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“It is a classically timeless blank canvas, perfectly complimented by crystal chandeliers and ornate architecture”
receptions for up to 750. Last but not least, is One Belgravia, a short walk from Hyde Park Corner. It is a classically timeless blank canvas, perfectly complimented by crystal chandeliers and ornate architecture. Spanning two floors which are connected by an exquisite white marble staircase. The Oak Room, located on the ground floor, has full-height oak panelled walls; which is the perfect setting for an intimate drinks reception. The contemporary Grand Gallery, on the first floor, with floor to ceiling windows, elaborate mirrors and beautiful terrace overlooking Buckingham Palace gardens, makes the perfect back drop for a dinner with dancing for up to 150 guests. Whatever the event and whatever your style, One Events can offer you something spectacular. From standing parties with up to 800 guests, to intimate weddings, One Events has the finest venue hire London has to offer. Please contact the One Events team to find out about last minute Christmas deals and special offers. Email info@one-events.co.uk. Telephone 020 7380 1663. www.one-events.co.uk
ONE EVENTS OFFICE
020 7380 1663 info@one-events.co.uk | www.one-events.co.uk
FEATURE
The D Throne S Electric
A luxury toy car built for the mini millionaire in your life Luxury cars often make heads turn when they drive by in their all-elegant gleaming avatars. This though, is hardly ever the case when you see a kid zooming around in a cute little toy car. However, here to make your jaws drop is the D Throne S Electric.
To find out more email contact@dthronefamily.com or visit the website at www.dthronefamily.com or www.joonghochoi.com
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or those of you with a love of luxury vehicles, this is a one in a million chance to make your child have the same tastes as you - and the quality of the craftsmanship is unparalleled considering that it’s intended for use by a child. The four-wheeled work of art bears all the hallmarks of craftsmanship one might associate with a luxury brand. The super-luxe D Throne S is painstakingly designed and is in all probability the most luxurious toy your child could ever own. The tiny automobile also offers you a perfect reason to bond with you little one, with a space on its rear that easily allows an adult to hop on board. Parents can also activate different modes on the smart controller and turn the D. Throne S into a motorised or non-motorised stroller. Designed by Seoul-based Hyunsoo Choi and Taeno Yoon at Joongho Choi Studio, D Throne is certainly no ordinary car manufacturer – they are currently on their third generation of their electric cars which just seem to be getting better and better with time. A great attention to detail can also be seen in the exterior and interior design of the car with finishes of exquisite car enamel and hand-made leather seats, four-inch aluminum wheels, side LEDs and working headlights for safety. This model also has been composed by simply dividing its body parts into two sections, which are top and bottom,
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using plastic molding techniques. In addition, it is designed to simultaneously configure gold grill parts located in front of the body, and a fender structure attached to each wheel, which maintains a design of a classic car. Concurrently, it has implemented a user-friendly feature that allows users to safely and easily manage and use the car. The luxe little car can be purchased in black, khaki, and. an off-white colour (complete with shimmering copper accentuations in both models). If you can afford to pamper your child silly (with no monetary limits whatsoever!), then buying him/ her the luxurious D Throne S is probably the ultimate gift. The rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of driving time, so a family can enjoy outdoor activities while it is available to convert the mode in situations when carrying children in something like a stroller. It has slip-proof breaks to prevent the car slipping. To have these various functions possible, the structures of the design and appearance have been delicately constructed by placing the parts and accessories though the engineering technology during the electronic car development process. The Korean electric car manufacturer has certainly made it big by going small, and counts amongst its esteemed clients Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Al Maktoum, the Crown Price of Dubai, who placed a customised order blinged out with over 2,000 Swarovski crystals.
OUT & ABOUT
Greg Rusedski
Mark Philippoussis
CHAMPIONS TENNIS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL Thursday 30th November – Sunday 3rd December 2017
THE DETAILS
Tickets and packages for this festive treat in London’s most famed and iconic venue are available now. Tickets: Standard from £18.50, Premium from £63.50, VIP from £199 Hospitality: Packages available from £299 per person + VAT Booking information: Visit www.championstennis.co.uk/ tickets or call 0207 0704 404 Website: www.championstennis.co.uk Facebook: @officialchampionstennis Twitter: @championstennis Instagram: @champions_tennis 56 NOVEMBER 2017
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reg Rusedski, Mark Philippoussis and Mansour Bahrami are confirmed to compete at this year’s Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall. They join two-time US Open winner Pat Rafter, British fan favourite Tim Henman, French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero, former World No. 1 Marat Safin and Roland- Garros doubles champion Henri Leconte, with further players to be announced in due course. Former World No. 4 and former British No.1 Greg Rusedski retired from the sport in 2007. A career highlight came in 1997 when Rusedski reached the US Open final, leading him to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and ITV Sports Champion of the Year Awards. In addition to these achievements, Rusedski is possibly best known for holding the record for the fastest serve ever recorded, at 149mph. Former World No. 8 Mark Philippoussis turned professional when he was 18 years old and went on to win 11 singles titles between 1996 and 2006. During his 21 years as a professional player, Australian Philippoussis reached the final of the US Open in 1998, losing to fellow countryman Pat Rafter and the Wimbledon final in 2003, where he was defeated by Roger Federer. He also contributed to Australia winning the Davis Cup in both 1999 and 2003. One of the sport’s greatest entertainers, Mansour Bahrami has played every Champions Tennis since its inception in 1997. A true jester of the courts, his
showmanship has made him a longstanding crowd favourite. During his professional career, Bahrami reached the 1989 French Open men’s doubles final and has competed in numerous tournaments around the world. Owned and managed by IMG, this year’s Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall marks 21 years of the event. It runs over the course of four days, with a day and evening session each day. Watching the greatest players on the grandest stage, Champions Tennis is the ultimate season finale for the ATP Champions Tour. In its 21-year history, Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall has featured many of tennis’ greatest stars including John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Andy Roddick, Tim Henman, Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, Goran Ivanisevic and Bjorn Borg, with special appearances from Andy Murray, Jamie Murray, Sir Elton John, Billie-Jean King and Novak Djokovic.
OUT & ABOUT
HARRODS AND DOLCE & GABBANA
ANNOUNCE FESTIVE PARTNERSHIP Harrods and Dolce & Gabbana partner on a programme of activity including:
This year Harrods and Dolce & Gabbana have joined forces to celebrate the 2017 festive season with an unparalleled partnership. Until 28th December a traditional and festive Italian atmosphere is the main focus of the world’s most famous department store. The partnership features special window displays, dedicated popup spaces, a traditional Italian street market, as well as a dedicated Dolce & Gabbana Christmas Tree.
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• The windows on Brompton Road & Hans Crescent take inspiration from the Sicilian puppet theatre, whose protagonists will be two very special guests in the form of marionettes: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The two charming puppets will recount the world of Dolce & Gabbana and all the inspirations that animate it, from fine tailoring to fragrances to the poetry of everyday life. • The Harrods Christmas Tree will be designed by Dolce & Gabbana and situated outside door 5 on Hans Crescent. The tree will be decorated with gold ribbons illuminated by colourful lights symbolising Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s holiday cheers. • An exclusive collection designed by Dolce & Gabbana including ready-to-wear across menswear, womenswear,
childrenswear and accessories are featured, together with a collection of Dolce & Gabbana Men’s Fine Jewellery including cufflinks, rings and pendants. • An exclusive pair of Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses for Harrods that recall a night full of stars. The frame is encrusted with bright crystals that illuminate the corners of the frame in a semi-lunar shape whilst the lenses are a dark blue. • The new Dolce & Gabbana Make up collections: Emotioneyes and Royal Parade, exclusively sold at Harrods in the UK; along with the two new Velvet fragrances: Amber Skin and Amber Sun and the recently launched The One Eau de Toilette. • Every floor of the department store is custom decorated for the occasion, starting on the ground floor with a special pop-up boutique and a Christmas market on the 4th floor displaying accessories, ready-to-wear, toys and gift ideas, many created exclusively for Harrods. “We put our personal [selves] in everything we do,” Gabbana says of this year’s partnership. “For me, Christmas is the tree and the nativity, friends and love and all of the most warming things… and now we are [bringing] it to Harrods.” This is not the first time Harrods has invited a single brand to deck its halls for the holiday. Last year, Burberry installed “A very British fairy-tale” in the store’s windows, with items designed just for Harrods available for purchase inside. For further details visit www.harrods.com/dolce-and-gabbana
FEATURE
The World’s Most Expensive Christmas Crackers £4,018,600
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he disappointment when you get the wrong end of the Christmas cracker this year could hurt just a little bit more, as instead of missing out on a plastic toy or silver thimble, you could be missing out on the most luxurious treat ever! The luxury launches website VeryFirstTo.com is offering the world’s most expensive Christmas crackers. Your guests will be in for a real treat - they could be going home with the Predator 84 yacht from Sunseeker, where the key fob is hidden in one of these incredible crackers. Don’t worry though, if you think a yacht is too extravagant you can swap it for a more modest speed boat. As the crackers are bespoke any item can be replaced with another and the price adjusted accordingly. (minimum £10,000) One lucky guest will get the key to a top of the range Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe. The Vanquish is the height of design, engineering, technology and craftsmanship offered by Aston Martin. Another prize is the ‘1 Like No Other’ trip of a lifetime travelling to destinations that are truly unique with no likeness anywhere else in the world. The 10 locations include the Wisteria Tunnel in Japan and the only Ice Igloo hotel. In each location they will be given an exquisite limited edition shirt from luxury shirt maker, 1 Like No Other. One lucky winner could be taking away a sparkling “Diamants Légers” Cartier necklace.
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Cracker Contents & Price • Sunseeker Yacht £3,700,000 • Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe £190,000 • 1 Like No Other Trip £77,500 • Breguet Tradition Watch £19,000 • Cartier Diamond Necklace £18,600 • Graf Von Faber-Castell £6,500
The 18K white gold long necklace is set with 20 diamonds. Also on offer is a stunning Breguet Tradition wristwatch in 18-carat rose gold. They also could pull out the beautiful pen from Graf Von Faber-Castell. The new limited edition “Pen of the Year” is inspired by Vikings, the design reflects the materials used in the construction of Nordic longboats. The crackers themselves are created by Simply Crackers and are available in a range of colours to suit your table décor. The current image is representative, as the crackers will be custom designed to fit the buyers requirements. Cracker prizes are subject to availability and delivery times may vary. Price excludes delivery. In order to have the crackers delivered in time for Christmas Day orders must be placed by 15th December 2017 for UK customers. A donation of £1,000 will be made to The Prince’s Trust charity should the crackers be purchased. For more details visit www.veryfirstto.com
OUT & ABOUT
ICONOCLASTS ART OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM UNTIL 7 JANUARY 2018, SAATCHI GALLERY
Lewis, Dale - Eurovision, 2015
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aatchi Gallery presents a major new exhibition featuring the work of thirteen contemporary artists. Iconoclasts explores the experimental and often transformational practices of a small group of groundbreaking artists, inviting us to engage anew with what modern day iconoclasm might be. By using a myriad of unusual image-making practices - from branding imagery onto human skin to sculpting curving structures out of crow feathers - these artists are breaking the mould, ushering in a
About Saatchi Gallery The Saatchi Gallery was founded in 1985 with the aim of bringing contemporary art to as wide an audience as possible and make it accessible by providing an innovative platform for emerging artists to show their work. Over the last five years the Saatchi Gallery has hosted ten out of the top 15 most visited exhibitions in London, according to The Art Newspaper’s survey of international museum attendance, and also has more followers on social media than any other museum in the world. Entry to all the Saatchi Gallery’s exhibitions is free.
Saatchi Gallery
Williams, Alexi - Echos Of The Kill, 2015.
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Anzeri, Maurizio-Giovanni, 2009
new age of artistic defiance through their resistance of typical artistic processes and their personal interpretations of cultural mores. As an act, iconoclasm historically holds both religious and progressive connotations. However, 21st century culture has eroded the radicalism of this concept, and artists are now questioning the intrinsic nature of iconoclasm itself by scrutinizing what defines a work of art. While this group cannot be described as iconoclasts in the traditional sense of the word, they are all driven by an iconoclastic urge, which manifests itself in the intriguingly diverse and often destructive ways they produce art. A startling number of materials and techniques cohabit in one exhibition, where abstraction, figuration, creation and deconstruction combine. At a time when the very notion of iconoclasm has seemingly become mainstream, Iconoclasts brings together the work of thirteen distinct contemporary figures, seeking to examine what it means to be an iconoclast today. Iconoclasts features the work of Maurizio Anzeri, Matthew Chambers, Daniel Crews-Chubb, Josh Faught, Aaron Fowler, Danny Fox, Makiko Kudo, Dale Lewis, Thomas Mailaender, Kate MccGwire, Renee So, Douglas White and Alexi Williams-Wynn. Entry to the exhibition is free. For more details, visit www.saatchigallery.com Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ,, King’s Road, SW3 4RY
OUT & ABOUT
unveils its top 10 Christmas toys for 2017
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he most famous toy store in the world has revealed its highly regarded annual prediction of the big toys for this festive season. INTERACTIVE robots and tech toys are set to dominate your children’s Christmas letters this year, according to Hamleys…. Top of the list is Tyler the playful tiger - a cute little cub which responds to petting and talking in over hundred different ways. Pet his head and his eyes might close, pet him on his muzzle and he moves. The toy is pretty much the robotic alternative to a cat but comes with a hefty price tag of £135. Suitable for age 4+ Also predicted to be a hit amongst younger kids is the Fisher Price Dance & Move Beatbox, selling for £33. The toy will teach toddlers songs and dance moves at the touch of a button. He will introduce baby to letters, colours, numbers and much more. Suitable for age 2+ Thanks to the imminent release of the latest Star Wars film, the LEGO BB-8 has climbed back to the top, giving children the chance to interact with their favourite robot – also keeping LEGO in the top ten for another year. The robot is available to buy at £85. Suitable for age 10+. Barbie is making a comeback with her Dream Horse figurine which reacts to touch and features more than 30 realistic reactions. The horse can also nod yes or no when you ask a question, play three different songs and show off with three different dances. The interactive animal alone will cost you £90. The ever-popular Nerf Gun is back with a £22 Nitro Longshot version, allowing children to design long-distance jumping challenges with the longjump ramp and obstacles. The pack includes blaster, long-jump ramp, two foam cars with plastic wheels, four obstacles, and instructions. Suitable for age 5+.
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Also set to be popular is the ultimate villain, Megazord from the Power Ranger’s film, which can be bought as an interactive figurine. The toy has eight features including: expandable wings, cannon and sword, battle and flight sounds, lights in the head and feet for enhanced realism, a light-up “Morphin Grid,” and five individual cockpits for each included ranger figure. Suitable for age 4+ The interactive Luvebella toy is manufactured by Spin Master - the company behind last year’s festive season sell-out, Hatchimals. The doll responds to affection, falls asleep, giggles and talks, and is available to purchase for £100 Hatchimals swept the boards last year and have proven their popularity again as the latest Egg Surprise proves to be a must-have toy of the season. This mysterious egg literally hatches on its own into an interactive toy. The latest version which cost £75 comes with a pair of twin Hatchimals. Each creature will have its own personality and they can also interact with each other. Kids can raise them from baby to toddler to kid and they’ll learn new things at each stage. Get A Grip, is a family game which challenges kids and adults to perform a series of increasingly difficult tasks without using their thumbs.First, players wrap their thumbs in the included hand bands so that they can’t use them. Then a player picks a card that will tell them to Draw it, Sculpt it, or Do it - all without the use of these important body parts The game is the cheapest item on the list and it might be a good way to get your kid to drop their iPhones. Victoria Kay, Head Buyer at Hamleys says: “We’ve seen a lot of tech for tech’s sake in the past few years with app extensions, but now, whether it’s a plush or a more sophisticated LEGO build, they are getting smarter in how kids can personalise and programme them.” For more information visit www.hamleys.com. 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT
Tyler the Playful Tiger
“Thanks to the imminent release of the latest Star Wars film, the LEGO BB-8 has climbed back to the top”
From top: Hatchimals Egg Surprise Fisher Price Dance And Move Beatbox; LEGO BB-8
CHRISTMAS OUT & ABOUT IN LONDON
Christmas at Kew 2017 As twilight falls…the magic begins… 22 November 2017 - 1 January 2018
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his winter, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will transform into an enchanted wonderland as the much anticipated Christmas at Kew returns. Kew has once again teamed up with entertainment promoter Raymond Gubbay Ltd to create a brand new illuminated trail, featuring over one million twinkling lights. The festive adventure will begin with a path lit by hundreds of illuminated globes winding through glittering trees festooned with silvery shards of light, snowflakes and stars. Children and adults alike will delight at the sight of an enormous glowing Sledge Tree constructed from over 360 wooden Santa’s sledges. Families will then be greeted by the enthralling sound of a chorus of Singing Trees as they head towards one of Kew’s most stunning attractions, its glistening lake, with an ethereal spectacle of light and sound with the lake’s two islands slowly coming to life as angelic voices call and respond across the water. The trail will feature many new and unique installations by a range of artists; an ephemeral ultraviolet walkway of thousands of continuously moving bubbles, trees wrapped in ever-changing ribbons of light, and a majestic weeping beech tree dripping with sparkling lights. An installation from French art studio TILT, will form an enchanted promenade of hundreds of huge glowing peonies, giant grasses and coloured reeds. Along the trail, there will be the chance to stop for delicious roasted chestnuts, mulled cider and other tasty offerings, while kids will be thrilled at the chance to toast their own marshmallows.
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The Great Broad Walk Borders, the world’s longest double herbaceous border, will for the first time form part of the trail. The stroll along the borders will culminate in a host of giant trees, made from thousands of colourful, sparkling flowers complete with holographic petals, from creative studio PITAYA. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas at Kew without the show-stopping Palm House finale. The pond and magnificent glasshouse will spring to life with an explosion of colourful criss-crossing laser beams, jumping jets of light, and new for 2017, kaleidoscopic projections playing across a giant water screen. Youngsters will delight in spotting Santa and his elves performing along the trail, and White Peaks will once again become a festive fairground with a Victorian carousel and helter-skelter rides for the little ones. As the winter trail comes to an end, visitors will be greeted by the scent of mulled wine, mince pies and other festive foods from a variety of enticing stalls at Victoria Plaza. For further details and to purchase tickets visit www.kew.org
“The festive adventure will begin with a path lit by hundreds of illuminated globes winding through glittering trees festooned with silvery shards of light, snowflakes and stars”
OUT & ABOUT
Walk the Red Carpet at
Mayhew’s Tinsel and Tails TICKETS
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ave your ball gown, black tie and furry friend at the ready. This Christmas, Mayhew’s annual dog friendly fundraiser, Tinsel and Tails, returns on Tuesday 5th December, bigger and better than before. Guests and their four-legged friends will be treated to an exclusive evening like no other at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Holborn, London. A spectacular evening of entertainment provided by BBC’s Pitch Battle contestants, The Noteables, is in store this year. The award winning pop chamber choir directed by comedian, Vikki Stone, have had success composing songs for heat magazine, as well as performing at concerts and festivals across the UK. For one night only, our guests are invited to join us in the venue’s iconic Grand Hall, where they will be treated to a three-course meal, raffle, auction, and the latest updates on Mayhew’s work in the UK and overseas. With some truly amazing prizes up for grabs, this promises to be a very special evening and one not to be missed. The unmissable event has previously been
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Standard Ticket costs £70 and includes: • Reception drinks on arrival • Three course sit down meal with wine included • Entertainment • After dinner coffee and mince pies attended by celebrity supporters including Peter Egan, James McVey, Neil Morrissey, Bill Bailey, and Helen George. Mayhew’s Chief Executive, Caroline Yates, said: “Every year Mayhew’s Tinsel and Tails gets bigger and better. We are thrilled to have The Noteables performing this year and we can’t wait to have them join us to raise much needed funds. Not only can you come along to support the work of Mayhew, but your dog can come and enjoy the evening too.” “It is a great event for our supporters and celebrity friends to hear about all that we have achieved and the amazing work we have done this year. Most importantly, all the money raised during the evening will go towards Mayhew helping more dogs and cats escape a life of cruelty, neglect and abandonment in the UK and overseas.” Whether you choose to bring your dog or not, Tinsel and Tails is the perfect opportunity for some canine companionship. Tickets for Mayhew’s Tinsel and Tails can be purchased by calling 020 8206 5872 or by visiting www.themayhew.org/events/tinsel-tails
Premium Ticket costs £90 and includes: • Premium seating in the room • A VIP Goody Bag • A Mayhew animal named after them • Reception drinks on arrival • Three course sit down meal with wine included • Entertainment • After dinner coffee and mince pies Guests and supporters also have the chance to buy tables (which can seat up to 10 people) at our glitzy evening. For further information on Mayhew and to donate, please visit www.themayhew.org/ donate
FEATURE
Moore Blatch celebrates entering top 100 UK law firms Moore Blatch has entered the top 100 law firms by revenue, as ranked by The Lawyer, after it grew by 7.1% to £24.3 million in 2017. In September, it also appointed a new managing partner who becomes the youngest in the top 100.
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oore Blatch, which employs over 300 staff across their offices in Richmond, Southampton, Lymington and the City of London, has grown both organically and through targeted acquisitions. In June this year it acquired Richmond law firm, Calvert Smith & Sutcliffe. Ed Whittington, managing partner, commented: “Moore Blatch invested heavily in its people, their working environment and technology to support them. In the summer we relocated 200 employees from central Southampton to new offices on the outskirts of the city. Staff numbers have increased by 25%, including a 15% increase in partners. We have also invested over £1 million in new technology. As a result, we are now a top 100 law firm, and one that has ambition and, more importantly, the ability to continue this growth for the benefit of our staff and our clients.” This accolade was swiftly followed by a record year in the UK’s leading guide to law firms, Legal 500 with Moore Blatch widely recognised for 15 of its work areas and 40 of its solicitors. Each year Legal 500, which is regarded as the Who’s Who of the legal profession, independently assesses the UK’s law firms, recognising firms and individuals that are identified as leading experts and practitioners in their field. In particular Moore Blatch, the first law firm to establish a major trauma service, saw the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury claimant teams once again be awarded the tier 1 rankings, the highest
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“Moore Blatch is now a top 100 law firm, and one that has ambition and, more importantly, the ability to continue this growth for the benefit of our staff and our clients.”
ranking afforded by the publication. The Clinical Negligence team is headed by recommended, ‘outstanding lawyer and critical thinker’ Tim Spring. The expert team, which includes former NHS lawyers, is praised as ‘exemplary and dedicated’. Eight further lawyers from the team were recommended including Maya Sushila who was listed as a ‘next generation lawyer’. The personal injury team, who work in partnership with hospitals and rehabilitation experts to build specialist and expert care teams for clients, saw practice lead Damian Horan and major trauma expert Matthew Claxson both recommended. This year also sees two new practice areas awarded the top tier ranking for Moore Blatch: the private client - family team; and real estate – commercial property team. The private client – family team are described as a ‘top drawer’ family practice praised for its ‘good commercial acumen and eye for detail’. Debra Emery and Katy Barber have both been recommended, with Debra, who leads the team, described as ‘thorough and robust in her negotiations, whilst being pragmatic and collaborative in seeking solutions’, and Katy who ‘is a reliable and thoughtful adviser’. The real estate – commercial property team are described as ‘head and shoulders above the competition’ with six members of the team recommended, including Luc Algar who was also listed as a ‘next generation lawyer’. Ed Whittington, managing partner at Moore Blatch, commented: “With four top-tier practice areas and 40 individuals recommended across the firm this year, including an elite ‘leading lawyer’ and three ‘next generation lawyers’, I’m incredibly proud of this year’s results, which reflects the high quality of work and commitment across the firm.” www.mooreblatch.com
CAN YOU BENEFIT FROM THE NEW INHERITANCE TAX THRESHOLD? Barry Adamson of Moore Blatch says now may be the time to review your will to take advantage of the new inheritance tax threshold. SOME GOOD NEWS - From April 6 this year, the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold was raised. For married couples and civil partners the increase is from £650,000 to £850,000 (due to rise to £1m by 2020), if the family home ultimately passes to their children or grandchildren. Being able to take advantage of the higher threshold should mean your family pays less IHT. You will need to check that your will does not inadvertently frustrate this, however. This is because an existing will is unlikely to have taken the new rules into account and might include clauses that were IHTefficient at the time it was made but now prevent the higher IHT threshold from being available. The ‘nil-rate band’ - Each person is entitled to give away an amount on death that is effectively exempt from IHT because it is charged at 0%; commonly called the ‘nil-rate band’. This amount is currently £325,000. Above the nil-rate band, IHT is charged at 40% unless either (a) the person inheriting is an exempt beneficiary (such as a surviving spouse or civil partner or a registered charity) or (b) the estate includes assets which have favourable IHT treatment (such as agricultural or business assets). Transferability - The IHT rules were changed a few years ago so that, to the extent that one spouse/civil partner’s nil-rate band was not used, it could be transferred and added to their surviving spouse/civil partner’s own nil-rate band. This meant that on the death of the surviving spouse/civil partner a maximum amount of £650,000 could be given away free from IHT. ‘Gripes’ - IHT has been a political ‘hot potato’ over recent years. A principal gripe has been that the increase in the
nil-rate band has not kept pace with the increase in property values. This has led to the estates of many people who might not consider themselves as ‘wealthy’ having to bear a significant IHT liability. In many cases a property might have been bought with the aid of a mortgage and the loan instalments financed from taxed income and there is the perceived unfairness that, because there are no other assets available which can be used to pay the tax, a property has to be sold to pay IHT and so cannot be handed down within the family. The ‘residence nil-rate band’ - This perceived unfairness has sought to be addressed by the introduction of an extra nil-rate band. The extra band is called the ‘residence nil-rate band’ because it can only be claimed if a parent gives their residence to their children or grandchildren and is therefore not available to everyone. The residence nilrate band can only be claimed in respect of deaths on or after April 6, 2017 and the initial amount of this extra band is £100,000 per person. The rules that determine whether a residence nil-rate band can be claimed are complicated, for example: 1. The value of a person’s estate can affect whether a full residence nil-rate band can be claimed and might mean that no claim is possible; and 2. A residence nil-rate band might be available even if a person had sold their main residence, downsized or even moved into a nursing home. As with the existing nil-rate band, it is possible for one spouse/civil partner’s unused residence nil-rate band to be transferred to their surviving spouse/ civil partner. This means that since April 6, 2017 the maximum amount a married couple/civil partner can give away IHT–
free is now £850,000 if they are each entitled to both a nil-rate band AND a residence nil-rate band. Recommendation - It is advisable to seek professional advice to check whether your estate might be able to benefit from the new rules. As explained, not everyone will be entitled to a residence nil-rate band on their death. In particular it is recommended that a professional review of your will is undertaken because it might include clauses that were IHT efficient when the will was made, but would inadvertently prevent a residence nil-rate band being claimed. These potentially ‘offending’ clauses may have been incorporated in a discretionary trust in a will. Such a trust was primarily intended to ensure that a person’s nil-rate band was used at a time (before October 9, 2007) when it was not possible for an unused nilrate band to be transferred between spouses/civil partners. Such discretionary trusts were also used to protect assets that have been left to children against divorce, bankruptcy or spend-thriftiness. To place the issue into context, the team at Moore Blatch hold the wills of over 35,000 individuals and it estimates at least half should be reviewed. A similar situation will apply to most law firms, so literally hundreds of thousands of wills could be affected. Conclusion - Although the above might sound complicated, your solicitor should be able to check fairly swiftly whether your will needs to be updated and advise on the changes that should be made in light of the new IHT rules. This could be worthwhile if the review means that the benefit of a residence nil-rate band is thereby secured, as the likely cost of the review would be but a fraction of the potential IHT saving!
Barry Adamson 020 8744 0766 barry.adamson@mooreblatch.com
OUT & ABOUT
ALADDIN AT RICHMOND THEATRE O nce again, Richmond Theatre are gearing up for a pantomime extravaganza to delight all the family this festive season, and this year is set to be no exception as panto legend Christopher Biggins makes his return to the 118 year old stage. Situated on the picturesque Richmond Green, Richmond Theatre never fails to bring the magic of the season alive – and it’s time to get your magic lamps at the ready as this year’s star cast present the family favourite, Aladdin! So jump aboard a highflying, magical carpet headed for Old Peking and make tickets for this year’s spectacular pantomime one of your three wishes. TV and radio’s Count Arthur Strong, Fascinating Aïda and West End star Issy Van Randwyck and hilarious comedian Rikki Jay, join panto stalwart
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Christopher Biggins in this high-flying adventure your family won’t want to miss. Join Aladdin, his hapless brother, and of course his mother Widow Twankey, on a spectacular adventure featuring a beautiful love story, flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp packed full of spectacular family entertainment. Brought to you by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Aladdin has all the ingredients of the perfect pantomime; a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy. Fly to the Box Office and book your tickets today! atgtickets.com/richmond Images: Nick Simpson
“Situated on the picturesque Richmond Green, Richmond Theatre never fails to bring the magic of the season alive”
FEATURE
THE Christmas
Gift Guide 1
KERA PETS GIFTS
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Kera Pets offers the ultimate in affordable luxury for modern dogs’. This contemporary UK brand offers vibrant designs that are elegant, practical and durable, all made from top quality leathers. These stunning collars are beautifully presented in a luxury gift box making them the perfect Christmas gift for a pampered pooch. www.kerapets.co.uk
WELLY BOOT FAMILY PRINT Thisisnessie.com have updated their much loved original welly boot family print for Winter 2017. There are wellies in every colour and some fabulous patterns. You can choose to add woolly hats, sparklers, bunting or the new festoon lights. Create a unique and personalised family print that will be treasured forever. First choose your family names, then decide on your favourite wellies. You can add bunting or lights and even your pets! Available in 6 sizes and a panoramic print. There are 3 choices of frame. Prices start at £45 available at thisnessie.com
4 NIGHTDRESS IfOnlyIf is a luxury brand of beautiful nightdresses that are exclusively made of the softest cotton lawn and silk. Our designs suit all women and ages, with a range of both classic and contemporary designs that are easy to care for and elegant to wear. Effortlessly stylish as well as being exceptionally comfortable, IfonlyIf nighties are the perfect gift to make any woman feel more than special. www.ifonlyif.co.uk Tel: 01963 440138
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timeline wallbooks EXPLORE HISTORY as you have never seen it before! A beautiful set of unique Timeline Wallbooks that unfold to reveal key moments in the history of the world. The range includes three hardback titles: Nature, Science and Big History in a lovely gift box. Created in partnership with the experts at the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum - The Wallbook Timeline Collection makes the perfect gift for curious kids and adults alike. www.whatonearthbooks.com/santa special offer: 6 Book Timeline Collection £49.95 (RRP £54.95) NEW! 3 Book Timeline Collection £29.95 (RRP £34.95)
Sega Toys Planetarium Homestar Original
PEACHY BELTS
Get 60,000 twinkling stars from the skies to your ceiling Imagine enjoying the sky full of stars while sitting on your sofa. This dream can become reality with the Homestar Original from Sega Toys. The high definition planetarium with the ultra-bright 3 watt LED and its rotating movement projects the night sky throughout the year. Two interchangeable disks containing the fixed stars in the northern hemisphere will enable you to observe the night sky or the map of constellations. And with the integrated “shooting star” function you can help your dreams come true even quicker. Projection angle and focus are adjustable. The handy timer lets you fall asleep while gazing at the stars, turning off the planetarium automatically. Buy online for £99 www.segatoys.space
Peachy Belts fabulous range of Italian leather belts are handmade in England, with easily detachable buckles - the perfect present for jeans and trouser wearers. Available in 3 widths with a great range of Swarovski crystal and everyday buckles in gold and silver with new belt colours and buckle designs each season. Anything can be changed and the ‘drop a hint’ on the website means online shoppers love them! www.peachybelts.co.uk or call 01664 454994 for advice.
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hawkins & brimble gift sets
Get the perfect gift for the man in your life for Christmas from Hawkins & Brimble, the new men’s grooming and skincare brand everyone is talking about. Gift sets range from £16.95 to £59.95 and get an amazing 25% off when you use code READER LIFE25 at checkout at OFFER: SAVE www.hawkinsandbrimble.co.uk
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HOME FRAGRANCE GIFT SET
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Britain in a Bottle…. Creators of Noble Isle have travelled the length and breadth of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to source authentic, quintessentially British ingredients including Rhubarb from England, Sea Oak from Ireland, Barley from Scotland and Beetroot from Wales. This Christmas, create a cosy ambiance with our Shrouds of Splendid Rhubarb Gift Set containing our Fine Fragrance Candle and Reed Diffuser. Each gift set is tied with an embossed grosgrain ribbon and elegantly finished with a smart sleeve stamped in rose gold with the coat of balms. See more at www.nobleisle.com. Email: marketing@nobleisle.com
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FEATURE silksarongs.com The Sarong Specialist. The only thing you need from beach to bar, from bar to dinner, for honeymoons, holidays & traveling light. With a fabulous selection of individual hand made, pure silk sarongs to choose from. These works of art make the most wonderful gift and can be worn in a variety of ways. With our clever booklet and online video’s to show you how. From a dress, to a top, to a skirt, as a shawl , or scarf. They really are the most versatile wardrobe essential. We also have our own collection of resort wear, as well as our soft pom pom sarongs, fabulous bags and barefoot beach sandals. Let us show you how to make a Sarong of your own at silksarongs.com. Contact details for corporate enquiries: amanda@silksarongs.com; +44 (0) 7887 633330
10 9 ille de cocos clothing The Ille De Cocos philosophy is simple: Dress Easily. From her Chiswick studio, Founder Deola Charles creates easy to wear, luxury essentials and everyday pieces that are grown up yet playful. Luxury yarns in sleek silhouettes are met with edgy details and tongue-in-cheek slogans for an authentic London sensibility. Ille De Cocos is available online (www.illedecocos.com), at Harvey Nichols and selected boutiques nationwide. The collection is also available at London pop-up boutiques in Hampstead and Belgravia this November. Visit the website for details.
cardology card
12 11 maria gourmet fine gifts Maria Fina is a gourmet gift company specialising in sourcing the best of Portugal and Spain, presented in luxury gift boxes. Inside of Maria Fina Gourmet Gift Boxes you will find only the highest quality gourmet products, ethically sourced at their root and carefully combined for the most harmonious flavour combinations. Maria Fina also specialises in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, poetically called Liquid Gold on their online shop. This Christmas, Give Love. Give Food. E: talkto@mariafinagourmet.com; www.mariafinagourmet.com; Facebook: @mariafinagourmetgifts; Instagram: @mariafinagourmet 76 NOVEMBER 2017
This Christmas, a Cardology card offers a great way to show the special people in your life just how much they mean to you. As much a gift as a card, an exquisite design from their London studio is certain to take pride of place on this year’s Christmas mantlepiece. What’s more, London Life readers get 10% off card orders until 15th December 2017. Use code LL10 READER when checking out at OFFER: SAVE www.cardology.co.uk, or contact info@cardology.co.uk for further details.
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LUXURY HOME LINENS SARAH.K offers an exclusive printed, and hand embroidered range of home linens. Bedlinen for adults, children and babies, quilts and blankets of all sizes, pillowcases from baby to super king size, block printed table linen, wash bags, hand towels and more. Monogramming available and perfect for extra special gifts. www.sarahk.co.uk
kovered gifts Kovered combines a small collective of designers, environmentalists and out of the box thinkers. Blending tech with design to craft bespoke sustainable tech accessories hand finished in Bath, England. Taking inspiration from nature, their vintage design and contemporary focus, forge upcycled materials to provide durable and timeless products, perfect for the next adventure. The range of handmade accessories include iPhones, iPads, luggage and laptop bags. Use discount code KVDLIFE15 for 15% (Orders must exceed £50 and expires 1st Jan 2018). Shop the collection www.kovered.co.uk
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READER OFFER: SAVE
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POLO EXPERIENCE VOUCHER Looking to experience polo yourself or giving it as a gift for someone special this Christmas? Purchase a Polo Experience Voucher and you can choose to have the voucher e-mailed to you directly, or during check-out choose to have one of our stylish GIFT PACKS posted to you or that someone special. Each voucher entitles one person to a Polo Experience at one of the Polo Experience Polo clubs. Once purchased the voucher can be redeemed at any one of our advertised locations across the country. Full contact details for all our clubs are issued following your booking. All vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The voucher can be posted in a gift box, emailed to you, or to a recipient you stipulate in the checkout. To book visit: www.poloexperiences.com
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15 Princess Olga, A Wild and Barefoot Romanov Princess Olga Romanoff with Coryne Hall Stories passed down from Olga’s father, Prince Andrei Alexandrovich of Russia, and funny anecdotes about her unusual upbringing, are told by a down-to-earth modern-day princess. “Colourful, definitely. Entertaining, without question” Sunday Telegraph. “Rasputin’s murder, sexual misconduct and the Loch Ness monster; the newly released memoirs ... make for quite an extraordinary read … A richly entertaining book has emerged which will defy many expectations” Mayfair Times Facebook: Shepheard-Walwyn Publishers; Website: www.Shepheard-Walwyn.co.uk; Twitter: @SWPublishing; Email: books@shepheard-walwyn.co.uk NOVEMBER 2017 77
FEATURE
17 LUCY BRADSHAW JEWELLERY
18 flight simulator experience The BEST gift you ever bought! Whether they are an experienced pilot; someone who dreamed about becoming an airline pilot or just someone who wants to experience the thrill of a lifetime, buy a gift voucher for a trip on one of our 3 simulators (2 motion). Choose between a Boeing 737, 747 (Jumbo) or an Airbus A320. Buy a voucher valid for 12 months and the recipient chooses the aircraft he wants to fly. Flight simulators Midlands. www.flyfsm.co.uk; 0800 999 7370
Luxury at Finer London Finer London Monogram and Interiors, bespoke luxury embroidered cushion gift service, curtain makers and upholstery design. All products are made by exclusive commission. www.finerlondonmonogram.co.uk 07809 906372. email info@finer.london
19 ALPACA BED SOCKS Treat your feet this Christmas to gorgeous, cosy 90% alpaca bed socks from Perilla. Alpaca is as soft as cashmere to wear; it also boasts better insulating qualities than any other wool fibre keeping feet at a perfect temperature. Great colour palette of pastel and vibrant shades that come in four sizes from extra small to large. Can be beautifully boxed and make a superb Christmas gift for anyone of any age at any time. www.perilla.co.uk
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Lucy Bradshaw Jewellery designs and creates bespoke sterling silver jewellery with a twist of colour. Each collection is unique with a classic elegance to compliment your personal style. As seen in Vogue, Tatler and Elle. To view their stunning collections you can visit their website at www.lucybradshaw.co.uk
PORCELAIN TEA LIGHTS Luna Lighting creates a range of playful porcelain tea lights from a studio in the heart of Bloomsbury. Thrown on the potter’s wheel, each one is then pierced with tiny holes so that, with a flickering tea light inside, the pretty patterns shine through. With more than 50 designs, including lots of Christmas imagery, they make the perfect hand made present. Available online from www.lunalighting.co.uk or at Cockpit Arts Open Studios 23-26 November www.cockpitarts.com
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22 BONE CHINA BAUBLE A stunning Bone China Bauble is the must-have Christmas gift for a Labrador or Spaniel owner! Part of an exquisite collection of Labrador and Spaniel printed linen home accessories, fine bone china and stationery. Beautifully designed and made in England. Visit inspiredbydarcy.co.uk or call 01823 740004
READER OFFER: SAVE
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lime tree design gifts
Working from our Nottinghamshire studio Lime Tree Design creates a collection of precious jewellery, bags and lavender fish made in Liberty prints and silk. Lime Tree Design’s handcrafted jewellery features our own charms in sterling silver, gold and rose gold. We are particularly known for our lockets - both modern and vintage which we can engrave to personalise your gift. Visit the website to find out more: www.limetreedesign.com. Free delivery & 10% discount with code LTD10 Email hello@limetreedesign.com Tel 01636 894043
Mulvany and Rogers
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TABLE-TOP GOTHIC FOLLY Show-off your knowledge of top British artist-craftspeople and give the ultimate handmade gift. Mulvany and Rogers, long renowned as the makers of the finest dolls’ houses and miniature rooms, have created a special decorative piece just in time for Christmas. Unique and quintessentially English, their table-top Gothic Folly opens to reveal a pretty architectural interior with glowing fire and a hand-painted portrait by the artist Max Mulvany. See more of M&Rs’ work in museums and galleries around the world or at www.mulvanyandrogers.com, Instagram and Facebook. For more details email info@mulvanyandrogers.com
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FEATURE
25 scottish knitwear from the croft house The Croft House is an exclusive collection of Scottish knitwear inspired by heritage designs and the landscape of Scotland. Ladies Croft Yoke Fair isle jumper (£110) is knitted in a Donegal merino lambswool and comes in 5 colourways. Mens needle rib polo neck (£99) is hand framed in 100% pure new wool. Find the perfect gift for both him and her when you browse the full collection of knitwear, hats, scarves, gloves, socks and Harris Tweed bags online. www.thecrofthouse.com; 01779 838155
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EMBELLISHED SLIPPERS FancyLine DeZigns offer bespoke luxury with limited edition and custom designed embellished slippers. Attention given to every detail – including an accompanying satchel for easy, fashionable transport – makes these handmade beauties works of art. Never compromise elegance and comfort when you may enjoy both. What a gift for the stylish bella who makes a statement whether for a special occasion or lounging in luxury! Email enquiries: Styled@FancyLineDeZigns Magazine & Gallery: pub.lucidpress.com/fd-fancylinedezigns Visit & Shop: FancyLineDeZigns.com
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READER OFFER: SAVE BUNDLE BED eyellusion adventure Looking for an unusual gift this Christmas? A UK based company manufacturers of one of a kind prestige hand crafted kaleidoscopes and British made antiquated navigational instruments. Unique gifts from the young to the old, perfect for collectors, adventurous, curios people or simply for those who like to make this Christmas a special one. Full collection available in Greenwich market, London SE10 9HZ or any of our Christmas market outlets Kaleidoscope available online at www.eyellusion.net. Contact us: Info@eyellusion.net. +44(0)7883 356229 80 NOVEMBER 2017
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Give the adventurer in your life the gift of the comfiest night’s sleep, wherever they are. The Bundle Bed is the ultimate luxury travel bed, with a self-inflating mattress, soft pillow, cosy duvet, and cotton sheets. It’s the comfort of home, rolled up in one bundle. Coming in four contemporary colours, please claim a special 10% discount at www. bundlebeds.com using code LONDONLIFE10 (Valid until 31st December 2017).
coco & kinney jewellery
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Coco & Kinney fills a gap in the market for modern, stylish and wearable jewellery. They have a variety of pieces, from the very practical and low-key, to jewels that make more of a vibrant fashion statement. Coco & Kinney specialises in semi-precious stoned designs, that you can mix and match, to make your own unique earrings. Start with your basic stud, then add either a gemstone, a hammered drop or tassel to make a more vibrant statement. Coco & Kinney want you to have as much fun wearing their jewellery as they have had designing them. www.cocoandkinney.com
JEWELLERY gifts from seven saints Seven Saints is a California based jewllery company that creates pieces with both beauty and meaning. From mala beads to chakra jewellery, sacred geometry and engraved mantras, you’ll find unique, handmade gifts that are sure to both uplift and inspire. Discover their range of 100% pure aromatherapy products, like chakra roll-ons and signature essential oil blends that complement the healing energies of their jewellery pieces. See more at www.sevensaints.life or on Instagram @sevensaintslife
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31 32 Monty Dog Watering Can Vase
champagne bath Luxury champagne bath crafted in nickel plate with leather handles and champagne hammered finish. Holds up to six bottles - perfect for parties and family gatherings when one bottle of wine or champagne is simply not enough. A stunning bath to keep all your wine and champagne chilled. Also perfect for bottle of beers and other drinks. ÂŁ174.95, www.annabeljames.co.uk
If you are a fan of quirky interiors, then this Monty dog watering can is the way to go. Best described as whimsy with a touch of chutzpah we think he makes an amazing flower vase - of course he is just as delightful on his own with no adornment to create scene stealing show. The Monty dog watering can vase is made from ceramic glazed to look like brass. ÂŁ195; www.audenza.com
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FOOD & DRINK
TASTE OF LONDON: 16 - 19 November 2017, Tobacco Dock
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he festive edition of the capital’s finest culinary celebration, Taste of London, is returning to showcase all that the capital has to offer as an exciting and innovative global culinary hot-spot – the best chefs, the best restaurants and best gourmet producers. Visitors will enjoy festive tipples and take part in hands-on masterclasses where they can learn how to create an impressive dish or shake up a cocktail or two ahead of the party season. Heroes of modern cuisine, including Ollie Dabbous (Henrietta), Jackson Boxer (Brunswick House), Lee Westcott (Typing Room), Sebby Holmes (Farang) and Sam Kamienko (Ellory) are all set to cook up a storm live on stage at the AEG Taste Theatre where they will wow the audience with what’s hot right now, and unveil the trends of tomorrow. Taste of London creates the rare opportunity for food lovers to curate their perfect taster menu as 22 of the capital’s most acclaimed restaurants appear
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over the duration of the festival. Expect mouthwatering dishes from a line-up that includes cult Taiwanese restaurant BAO and Mayfair’s Jamavar, Sandia Chang’s Bubbledogs, Strut & Cluck, Soho House, Cecconi’s and Dean Street Townhouse, Les 110 de Taillevant. Appearing for one day only as part of the Daily Special restaurant spot, Barrafina will be serving up Michelin-starred tapas on Friday 17th November, followed by Anglo-Indian small plates from the critically acclaimed Kricket on Saturday 18th November. For the very first time, Taste of London is proud to announce that the largest cheese competition on the planet, The World Cheese Awards 2017 will be taking place at this year’s event. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the awards will bring together more than 3,000 cheeses from around the globe, with 260 judges from 20 countries to crown the world’s best cheese. It really is the ultimate food haven for all cheese lovers. Festivalgoers will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy an array of wines, cocktails and seasonal drinks. The Champagne Laurent-Perrier Club House will be the perfect wintry haven to relax in during the festival and enjoy the exclusive house champagne of Taste of London, La Cuvée, alongside signature La Cuvée Rosé. For the shoppers, a high quality range of more than 100 sought-after artisan food and drink producers have been brought together for guests to stock up on treats and gifts, and get a head-start on their Christmas shopping. The festive edition of Taste of London will take over Tobacco Dock in Wapping from 16th – 19th November 2017. Tickets on sale now from £15: www.london.tastefestivals.com
“Visitors will enjoy festive tipples and take part in handson masterclasses where they can learn how to create an impressive dish or shake up a cocktail or two ahead of the party season”
food & drink
Hints and Tips for Buying Wine at Christmas With Christmas just around the corner, Richard Ellison, founder of boutique wine merchant Wanderlust Wine, has all the answers for how to surprise and delight your friends and loved ones with the ultimate wine accompaniments this festive season.
What are winter warmers? The first thing people think of when you say Christmas wines is deep, full bodied red wine in front of the fire when it’s freezing outside. So what makes a winter warmer? Stylistically winter warmers are such because of the types of grapes they are made from. The delicate, light bodied Pinot Noir can’t achieve this type of body, profile or character. Grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz and Malbec need more sun to ripen, in turn producing more sugar in the grapes and consequently more alcohol in the wine – all contributing towards making more full bodied, robust and heavier wines. And it’s the higher alcohol content that gives the ‘warming’ sensation in the back of your mouth and throat. Merlot/Malbec Bordeaux - £11.05 Certain red wines can also naturally achieve the flavours and spicy notes reminiscent of mulled wine – another big Christmas favourite and perfect to enjoy in front of the fire or accompanied with a mince pie. Sojourn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - £45.83 Look just outside of the borders of the big named wines to find a much better bargain With falling exchange rates, the wines you drank last Christmas will be more for the merchants to purchase, and you to drink this year. So how do you get value? The world of wine can be complicated so to keep it simple, find what you like and then look for a lesser priced version - not in quality but in name! Bordeaux is a good example - the big names are extremely expensive and achieve wine ratings of 90 points+ from the experts. Did you know you can drink 90 point wine from as little as £15? These wines will often be from areas neighbouring the very expensive wines. Picking on a couple: Chateauneuf du Pape - made in the Southern Rhone. It has two neighbouring villages, Gigondas and Vacqueyras (pronounced Vac-ere-y-as) which are a lesser known name made from the same grapes in the same climate. Vacqueyras ‘Reflets de l’ame’ - £13.67 Barolo is another wine which is very expensive these days. You can buy wine from exactly that region, made from the same grape (Nebbiolo) outside of the commune lines for a lot less. And the best bit is it doesn’t take a long time to come of age. A few years in the cellar at the producer before release and it is delicious and ready to drink. Baby Barolo labelled as Langhe Nebbiolo £14.60 Cremant is a fantastic alternative to Champagne – look just further south of the Champagne region
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to Burgundy, and you can find similarly delicious fizz made using the same grapes and process as Champagne, but available at half the price. Cremant du Bourgogne Blanc, Brut - £14.38 Sweet Prosecco has had it’s day the new thing is extra dry Prosecco Prosecco is making a new wave comeback with extra dry wines. The sweetness of Prosecco is what has kept Champagne snobs on the top of their pedestal, however, the new bounds of dry, light and easy drinking Prosseco should see a few of them knocked off. As a Christmas trick, serve one blind at the start of the evening and see what your guests guess it to be. Wanderlust Wine has seen a massive demand for their organically farmed, extra dry Prosecco. Stylistically wise it has been received as different yet delicious; and price tag wise you are still half the price of an entry level Champagne. Molmenti & Celot Extra Dry Prosecco DOC £11.83 And finally… drink less and spend more… The UK has switched onto the clichés about ‘life being too short for bad wine’. Stats on wine now show a significant shift towards quality instead of quantity, and rightly so. In general terms and from an honest wine merchant, you pay for what you get and this is partly down to the huge taxes in the price tag of a wine. Spending a fiver on a bottle of wine will get you around 50p of actual wine ‘cost’ in the bottle. Double your money to £10 and get 5.5 times value in the wine at £2.75. So when you are choosing your Christmas plonk, stretch your budget and be merry from wines that are that little bit more special. Oliver’s Taranga Small Batch Sagrantino £25.50 Wanderlust Wine offer good value, sustainably made wines from smaller, lesser known producers that are off the beaten track. All of the wines are sourced directly allowing for clear and transparent pricing - featuring organically farmed, biodynamic and even vegan wine selections. The wines are available to buy from wanderlustwine.co.uk; now with delivery to Londoner’s doors within an hour of ordering through Wanderlust Wine’s revolutionary new ‘Wine On Demand’ service. Alternatively, gift friends with Wanderlust Wine Club membership from just £25 per month this Christmas– the ultimate gift for wine enthusiasts looking to discover the boundaries of the wine world with new wines, regions and styles every month! www.wanderlustwine.co.uk
AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN WAITROSE, MAJESTIC AND 31DOVER.COM
OUT & &ABOUT FOOD DRINK
The School of Christmas Cookery W
Book a class at one of the three Waitrose Cookery Schools in December and you’ll be the host with the most this Christmas.
hether you want to learn how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner, arrange a fun activity with friends or buy a unique present for someone special, a course at one of the Waitrose Cookery Schools, in London or Salisbury, will tick all the boxes. Using delicious Waitrose ingredients, talented chefs will show you how to make gorgeous edible gifts for loved ones, from mulled wine macarons to salted chocolate cranberry fudge, cocktails and canapés for festive parties or the ultimate roast with all the trimmings for the main event. The hands-on, fun and relaxed classes run during the day and in the evenings, cater for everybody from beginners to experienced cooks. They take place in beautiful, purpose-built kitchens, with prices from just £25. Or if you’re looking for the perfect present for the foodie in your life, why not buy them a gift certificate? They can be used for any course over the next year. Whether you treat yourself or a loved one, the Waitrose Cookery School has something for everyone. To view the full range of courses and to book, visit waitrose.com/cookeryschool or call 020 7372 6108. myWaitrose members save 10% on all courses.
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The Danubius Hotel Regents Park is delighted to announce its newly designed Pavilion Lounge Bar and Grill and Trueman Suite. Our guests can now dine in the cosy atmosphere of our elegant Pavilion Grill, with choices from a brand new A La Carte Menu. With natural daylight and state of the art equipment, it provides the ideal setting for conferences, events and Christmas functions for up to 130 people. Please contact us for more details
FOOD & DRINK
Fishing For A Good White? OUR TOP WINES TO PAIR WITH SEAFOOD
WORDS: Sam Wylie-Harris
(£8 or buy 3 for £16, promotion from now until October 3, Morrisons, in-store) Ramon Bilbao Rueda Verdejo 2016, Spain A natural bedfellow with a seafood paella, this verdejo has the perfect combination of freshness and concentration and is rich enough to tackle the weight of the rice, saffron and shellfish. With firm acidity to support the tangy herbaceous, citrusy fruits, there’s an appealing purity on the palate. (£10.95, Great Western Wines) Guigal Blanc 2015, Cotes du Rhone AOC, France An excellent value southern Rhone white, that’s versatile and seafood friendly, this silky, rich blend of viognier, roussanne, marsanne and clarette offers honeyed fruit and ripe peach flavours with pretty floral aromatics, texture and length. Utterly delicious, enjoy with rich shellfish or a gourmet fish pie. (£9.95, The Wine Society)
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ith the leaves turning and an ‘R’ in the month to signal the start of the oyster season, there couldn’t be a better time to welcome these rough, grey shells back on the menu and plunder the fruits of the sea. Our fishmongers’ stalls are laden with seafood and shellfish (Seafood Week runs from October 6 to 13) and, depending on your budget, there’s oceans of choice when it comes to a bright white to complement your catch of the day...
Here are some favourites that caught our eye... Tesco Finest St Mont AOC 2015, France Fresh citrus fruit, peach and quince are at the core of this aromatic, crisp dry white from the Gascony region in south-west France. Made for Tesco by the pioneering Plaimont co-operative, it’s a blend of local grapes and closes with bright acidity. Enjoy with white fish such as fried skate. (£6, Tesco) Italia Pinot Grigio 2016, Italy With generously fresh lemony flavours, attractive floral and citrusy aromas and a tingle of lemony acidity on the finish, this is the perfect easy drinking dinner party white that would pair brilliantly with light dishes such as seafood spaghetti. Nice at the special price. 88 NOVEMBER 2017
Corney & Barrow White Burgundy Domaine Dominique Cornin 2016, France Worth shelling out for, Corney & Barrow’s new own label white Burgundy is part of their Mid-week Meals mixed case. The organic producer has turned out a crowd pleasing chardonnay to pair with hot crab pots and the wine charms with pear drops on the nose and a lovely creaminess to the tangy citrus and tropical fruits which are framed by a limey juiciness. (£14.95, Corney & Barrow) Tempus Two Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Australia A new release from Australian wine brand, Tempus Two, the Silver Series sauvignon blanc is fresh and vibrant and described by the winemaker as having ‘delicious passionfruit and lime aromas and a splash of tropical fruit that perfectly balances its crisp, clean finish’. Down Under, they suggest pairing with tiger prawns, but we like shell-on prawns from our beautiful coastline. (£7.99, Waitrose, in-store)
PROPERTY
Striking townhouses and spacious apartments at Wells Park Place, Sydenham Hill
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ombining contemporary architecture with elegant interiors, Crest Nicholson’s Wells Park Place is an exclusive collection of two and three bedroom apartments and four bedroom townhouses in Sydenham Hill. This contemporary new development offers residents the chance to be positioned in the leafy location of Sydenham Hill, whilst remaining within easy reach of the hustle and bustle of central London. Wells Park Place comprises a collection of 46 homes, which all come with private parking and are centred around beautifully landscaped gardens. The townhouses are set over four storeys, complete with an outstanding master bedroom that boasts five metre floor to ceiling heights and gabled windows that provide breath-taking views over London and Kent. Both the townhouses and apartments have been finished to the highest specification, with integrated appliances in kitchens including multiple ovens, built-in wine fridges and pull-out hidden sockets, all designed to offer a luxurious living environment. Homes also come fitted with plenty of storage throughout to minimise clutter, perfect for modern family living. Wells Park Place is ideal for those with young children, due to its proximity to excellent schooling. The area is in a prime location for some of the country’s best educational facilities, such as Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School and Alleyn’s School, and Forest Hill offers four comprehensive schools, all of which have been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Situated in the sought-after location of Sydenham Hill, residents will enjoy fantastic transport links into central London. Sydenham Hill station is just a seven-minute walk from the development, and provides direct trains into London Victoria in just
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15 minutes. Alternatively, Sydenham station is served by the London Overground line, with trains to Canada Water in just 15 minutes, making areas such as Canary Wharf easily accessible. Wells Park Place is positioned within easy reach of an abundance of open space, with Crystal Palace Park and Sydenham Woods both nearby, as well as the stunning grounds of the Horniman Museum. Residents can spend weekends exploring some of the food markets in the surrounding areas to pick up some local produce, with the well-renowned Dulwich farmers’ market and Crystal Palace food market both easily accessible. Homes at Wells Park Place start from £535,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and are available through the government Help to Buy London scheme. Prices start at £1,300,000 for a 3 storey four-bedroom townhouse or £1,450,000 for a 4 storey four-bedroom townhouse. To register your interest or find out more information, call 0203 437 0472 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/wellsparkplace
PROPERTY
Woven stories for bespoke spaces
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eerali believes that interiors should be a balance between unique character and complimentary storytelling that weaves experiences together. For the design of Aria, the show home was inspired by the leafy countryside of Hadley Wood, allowing of the introduction of specific tones and colour palettes, giving an edgier look that could compliment and soften the monochromatic architectural details. The resulting design has a formal yet relaxed feel. The abstract artwork and quirky details give the interiors a unique style. It’s a dramatic statement, with a sophisticated elegance which runs through the property and is exemplified by the chosen light fittings, furnishings wallpapers and fabrics. Neerali works primarily on residential projects based in Aldenham, Herts, focusing on designing for both private individuals and developers, with clients within the Hertfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey areas. Her signature approach spans many styles in order to deliver truly bespoke and tailored designs for each of her clients. Neerali believes in fully engaging with the clients by listening to and understanding project brief in order to produce a holistic concept and design. Her starting point for any design is to find an inspirational focal point; whether it be in fashion, architecture, product design, graphics or even a
“The design should tell a story to bring the client’s vision to life.”
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colour theory. For Aria, all of these played a part in crafting the interior vision. Playing off the masculine style of the architecture, with the monochromatic details highlighting the high ceilings and large windows, and expansive views across Hadley wood, inspired the design to bring the feeling of the outdoors into the space. The design was heavily influenced by nature to have a subtle autumnal feel with hues of emeralds, purples captured in the antique mirrored and brushed gold tones of the furnishings and the soft furnishings. It also balanced out the house with complimentary tones to soften the hard architectural details, allowing for the space to be more approachable and to be more attractive to a wider potential audience. “My favorite room in the house, is the formal Living space,” says Neerali. “It has the perfect amount of drama, yet is understated and luxurious all at the same time. From the velvet used for the occasional chairs, to the antique mirrored coffee tables that have such a classic and elegant look, yet really work well with the contemporary joinery. The chosen accessories and abstract artwork breaks the neutral palette and accentuates the rich colours.” Bringing together a varied spectrum of materials, underlines the style Neerali likes to bring to a space. “Textures really add layers into the design that enhances, and showcases different features of the interior. Interiors should evoke feelings and experiences, just like a work of art.” For more information and to book a consultation visit: www.neerali.co.uk or call 07581 312295.
PROPERTY
Tower
A new level of luxury living has arrived in the heart of London
I
n an exclusive partnership with Versace Home, the global symbol of opulence, AYKON London One brings you the ultimate in branded living experiences. Versace Tower is about to light up the multibillion pound Nine Elms regeneration zone, in the shape of a designer piece of property for those who love a label. Thanks to a collaboration with Italian fashion house Versace, 50-storey Aykon London One will be the glitziest tower on the block. The £600million tower, dubbed the ‘Jenga tower’ because of its appearance, is due to open in 2020. A studio can be bought for £747,000, with onebedroom apartments from £1,116,000, and twobedroom flats from £1,877,000. As the floors start to rise, so do the prices. A top-floor duplex would set you back £13 million. Choose from studios to one, two and three bedroom arrangements, finished to the highest standards, with special ‘winter gardens’, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. Even the
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“Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics”
chandeliers in the residents’ lounge are gold-plated filigree, while “V” for Versace Home is in marble patterns inlaid into the walnut floors at the entrance to each apartment. For their money, buyers certainly get plenty of Versace branding in their homes. The style house’s trademark Greek key decorates splashbacks, kitchen islands and mirrors in the white marble bathrooms, while master bedrooms are decorated with lavish amounts of pale gold-and-cream Versace wallpaper. Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa - all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics. Even the children’s playroom has a patchwork Versace carpet in primary colours, plus a double-height yellow slide and designer chairs. Each of the building’s outdoor spaces will be unique, with its own focal sculptures, water features and landscaping aesthetic, all complemented by stylish furniture and specialist lighting. Nine Elms is already home to the New Covent Garden Market, the brand-new US Embassy and Battersea Power Station, a cherished feature of the London skyline. It’s also blessed with almost two miles of Thames river frontage, and will be lined with cafés, bars, restaurants, cultural attractions and public space as part of the planned regeneration. Since construction work on “Versace Tower” began in August, 170 of its 360 homes have sold. Unsurprisingly, many overseas buyers have taken the bait, from the Gulf States, Hong Kong, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. Developers have come under fire for selling highly priced flats at Nine Elms to overseas buyers before addressing the British market. www.aykonlondonone.com
PROPERTY property PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY
Fusion heralds a new era of Fusion heralds a new era of Fusion heralds aaexclusivity new era ofof Fusion Fusion Fusion heralds heralds heralds anew anew new era era era ofof elegance and elegance and exclusivity in Ealing’s W5 elegance and exclusivity in Ealing’s W5 elegance elegance elegance and and and exclusivity exclusivity exclusivity in in in Ealing’s Ealing’s Ealing’s W5 W5 W5 in Ealing’s W5 myriad joys of life. From the secure and gated underground parking with
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onceived and crafted by boutique multi-award winning design apartments will also exotic hand-crafted accoutrements, marvellous Residential, when The Birchwood enjoy life’s finer moments while the and Denham private airfield just minutes away,The possession ofpossession a uber-luxurious Fusion residence is to take of destiny. The possession possession of of a Fusion a Residential Fusion of afeature Residential Fusion Residential Residential residence residence residence is to is control to take take is control tocontrol take control of20 of destiny. destiny. of destiny. 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Established more than aat decade ago, Fusion Residential has isdeveloped Enjoying an elevated position inthoroughfare, Park Road, the most Enjoying Enjoying Enjoying anan elevated elevated an elevated position position position in View in Park Park View inboasts View Park Road, Road, View the Road, the borough’s borough’s the borough’s most most most prestigious thoroughfare, The Birchwood aborough’s W5 London postcode the borough’s most prestigious The at over 2,500sq ft will feature the most sensational high-speed rail which will revolutionise Established more than athan decade ago, Residential has developed andeveloped Established Established Established more more more than areputation decade athan decade aFusion decade ago, ago, Fusion ago,link Residential Fusion Residential Residential has has developed developed has anthe an daily an enviable and unrivalled forFusion creating the most exceptional prestigious thoroughfare, The Birchwood aboasts W5itretreat. postcode prestigious prestigious thoroughfare, thoroughfare, thoroughfare, The The Birchwood Birchwood Theboasts Birchwood boasts aLondon boasts W5 a W5 London aLondon W5 London postcode postcode postcode making itprestigious the capital’s finest and newest country Birchwood boasts a W5 London postcode making courtyard garden in which toresidences celebrate the myriad commute, shaving 18 minutes from the enviable and enviable unrivalled reputation for creating the exceptional enviable enviable and and unrivalled unrivalled and unrivalled reputation reputation reputation for for creating creating formost creating thethe most most the exceptional most exceptional exceptional in the most exclusive locations around London. They arejourney the ruleto making it the finest and newest country retreat. making making itcapital’s the it the capital’s itcapital’s the capital’s finest finest and finest and newest newest and country newest country country retreat. retreat. retreat. The design brief for the project was pioneering and innovative. Interest has the making capital’s finest and newest country retreat. joys of life. From theresidences secure andingated underground Canary Wharf and around reducing byThey half the travel time thein most exclusive locations around London. They are the rule residences residences residences in the the most inmost the exclusive most exclusive exclusive locations locations locations around around London. London. They areThey are thethe rule arerule the rule breakers, the dream makers and are well versed inLondon. luxury. 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Queens Queens Queens of of London London of London suburbs. suburbs. suburbs. will This of majestic to take possession a Fusion Residential residence high-speed rail link which will revolutionise the daily commute, shaving 18 shaving high-speed high-speed high-speed railrail link link rail which which link will which will revolutionise revolutionise will revolutionise thethe daily daily the commute, commute, daily commute, shaving shaving 1818 18 It has been created by aproportions collaboration of the best craftsmen, designersofand minutes from the journey to Canary Wharf and reducing by half the travel It has been created by a collaboration of the best craftsmen, designers and It has It has been It been has created been created created by by a collaboration a collaboration by a collaboration of of the the best of best the craftsmen, craftsmen, best craftsmen, designers designers designers and and and manifest masterful blendbeautiful of design, technology is to materials take control The will minutes fromapartments thefrom journey tothe Canary Wharf and reducing by half travel minutes minutes minutes from thethe from journey journey journey to to Canary Canary to Wharf Canary Wharf and Wharf and reducing reducing and reducing bythe by half half the bythe half travel travel the travel artisansausing the most colour palettes, textures, andof destiny. timeaccoutrements, to Liverpool Street in the heart of the city. artisans usingartisans the most beautiful colour palettes, textures, materials andmaterials artisans artisans using using the the most most the beautiful most beautiful colour palettes, colour palettes, palettes, textures, textures, materials materials and andhand-crafted and and sophistication -using homes fit for beautiful a colour prince in this, alsotextures, feature exotic time to Liverpool Street inStreet theinheart ofinheart the time time to to Liverpool time Liverpool to Liverpool Street Street in thethe heart the ofcity. heart of thethe city. ofcity. the city. objets d’art sourced from around the globe. 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Ealing. for Ealing. apartments, The Birchwood, which gets its name from the birch orchard that apartments, The Birchwood, which gets its name from the birch orchard thattactile The area famous as the home ofthe the iconic film studios just 10minutes minutes apartments, apartments, apartments, The The Birchwood, Birchwood, The Birchwood, which which gets which gets its its name gets name itsfrom name from the the from birch birch the orchard birch orchard orchard that that that craftsmen, designers and artisans using the most and tantalisingly wall and floor coverings easy engender astudios loving feeling for The area isarea famous as the of iconic film just 10 minutes The The area The is is famous isarea famous is famous ashome as thethe home as home theto ofhome of the iconic of iconic the film iconic film studios studios film studios just just 10Ealing. 10 minutes just 10 minutes will be planted around the site, will redefine perceptions ofof aesthetic will be planted around the site, will redefine perceptions of aesthetic will will be be planted will planted be planted around around around the the site, site, the will will site, redefine redefine will redefine perceptions perceptions perceptions of aesthetic aesthetic of aesthetic away. Now that exceptionally talented team atResidential Fusion Residential have beautiful colour palettes, textures, materials and confirming you have away. truly away. arrived at aexceptionally heaven on exceptionally The area is at famous the home ofhave the iconic Now that talented teamtalented atteam Fusion have away. Now away. Now that that Now exceptionally exceptionally that talented talented team team at Fusion Fusion atasResidential Fusion Residential Residential have have achievement and push the boundaries in terms of exquisite finish, attention achievement and push thepush boundaries terms ofterms exquisite finish, attention achievement achievement and and push and thepush the boundaries boundaries theinglobe. boundaries in in terms inofterms of exquisite exquisite of exquisite finish, finish, attention finish, attention attention created aasecond icon us all to marvel at and abuilding building that will trulytruly objets d’artachievement sourced from around the earth. film studios just 10 minutes away. Now that created a second icona for usfor allfor tous marvel at and aat building that will truly created created created a second second second icon icon for icon us all for all tous to marvel all marvel to at marvel and and aat building aand a building that that will will that truly truly will totodetail, specification and classical styling. The triple aspect lateral apartments to detail, specification and classical styling. The triple aspect lateral apartments to detail, detail, tosix specification detail, specification specification and and classical classical and styling. styling. The styling. The triple triple The aspect triple aspect lateral aspect lateral apartments lateral apartments define its destination. Boasting sumptuous three and classical four-bedroom Established moreapartments than adefine decade ago, Fusion define its destination. define its define its destination. destination. its destination. exceptionally talented team at Fusion Residential boast expansive and exquisite wrap-around terracing inin which to entertain boast expansive and exquisite wrap-around terracing in which to entertain boast boast expansive boast expansive expansive and and exquisite exquisite and exquisite wrap-around wrap-around wrap-around terracing terracing terracing in which which in to which to entertain entertain to entertainan enviable and unrivalled concierge serviced apartments, The Birchwood, Residential has developed have created a second icon for us all to marvel at and enjoy life’s finer moments while the uber-luxurious penthouse covers the THE DETAILS and enjoy life’s finer moments while the uber-luxurious penthouse covers the and and enjoy enjoy and life’s enjoy life’s finer finer life’s moments moments finer moments while while the while the uber-luxurious uber-luxurious the penthouse penthouse penthouse covers the covers the the exceptional THEand DETAILS THE THE DETAILS DETAILS THE DETAILS which gets its name from the birch orchard that willuber-luxurious reputation forcovers creating the most a building that will truly define its destination. entire top floor and affords 360 degree panoramas of London, with clear entire top floor and affords 360 degree panoramas of London, with clear entire entire top entire top floor floor top and and floor affords affords and 360 affords 360 degree degree 360 degree panoramas panoramas of of London, London, of London, with with clear clear with clear Prices by private negotiation. be planted around the site, will redefine perceptions residences in the most exclusive locations around Prices by negotiation. To register your PricesPrices byPrices private negotiation. byPrices by private private byprivate negotiation. private negotiation. negotiation. out to the Shard and beyond. views out toout the and beyond. views views views out toShard to the out the Shard toShard the and Shard and beyond. beyond. and register your interest and experience the exceptional please contact To register your and experience the exceptional please contact ToTo To register register Tointerest your register interest your and interest and experience experience and experience the the exceptional exceptional the exceptional please please contact please contact contact ofviews aesthetic achievement and push thebeyond. boundaries London. They are the rule breakers, the dream interest and experience the exceptional please The four-bedroom garden apartment meanwhile atmakers over 2,500sq four-bedroom garden apartment meanwhile atmeanwhile over 2,500sq ft will The The four-bedroom four-bedroom The four-bedroom garden garden apartment garden apartment meanwhile at at over over 2,500sq at 2,500sq over 2,500sq ftftwill ftwill willversed ft will in luxury. Fusion Fusion Residential on216 01923 216 530 Residential on 01923 Fusion Fusion Residential Residential Residential onon 01923 01923 on530 216 01923 216 530 530 216 inThe terms of exquisite finish, attention toapartment detail, and are well contact Fusion Residential on530 01923 216 530 feature the most sensational courtyard garden in which towhich celebrate the visitorfusionresidential.co.uk feature feature the feature the most most the sensational most sensational sensational courtyard courtyard courtyard garden in garden in which into which to celebrate celebrate to the the the or visitvisit fusionresidential.co.uk orfusionresidential.co.uk visit feature the most sensational courtyard garden which to celebrate the fusionresidential.co.uk specification and classical styling. The triple aspect Ealing is acelebrate beautiful area with more greenorflag or visitfusionresidential.co.uk fusionresidential.co.uk
6N 7 6 J79U E 2U 1JE72E 67 6JN UJ7O N 60V N E UM 02N 10B7E 1E72R0 1270 1 7 76 JUNE2017
London’s New Country Retreat. PARK VIEW ROAD, EALING, W5 Beautifully crafted, bespoke, 3 & 4 bedroom lateral apartments with expansive open air terraces, concierge at your service, gated underground parking & private store rooms. Just 11 minutes to Bond Street via Crossrail from 2018.
LIMITED TO SIX RESIDENCES LAUNCHING WINTER 2017
To register your interest please call: +44 (0) 1923 216 530 or email: info@fusionresidential.co.uk Brought to you by
fusionresidential.co.uk
PROPERTY
L
ondon is one of the world’s most desirable cities in which to live and the UK is renowned for its heritage, design, architecture, and culture. Despite London’s global status, a high calibre luxury home and property show catering for the needs of affluent to HNW homeowners does not exist. It is time that London has an event that reflects our status as a world leader in the luxury home, interiors and property sector. Exclusively Living aims to address this with a spectacular show unlike any other. The show focus is on finer homes from country estates to luxury city apartments and impressive town houses and will encapsulate all elements of properties in this calibre. Exclusively Living will be the UK’s most exclusive luxury home, property and lifestyle show, the ultimate ‘black book’ to discover the specialists that span the full spectrum of luxury living. All the companies exhibiting have been carefully curated by a group of industry leaders so that you can be sure to discover some of the most exciting companies in the marketplace today. The steering group includes key companies and figures from the industry including Vanessa Brady OBE, Helen Chislett from London Connoisseur, Mac Cox from Haberdashery, Ben Warbrick from Sub Zero & Wolf, Mike Beatty from Pulse Cinemas and Grant Pierrus from The Interior Style Hunter. Exclusively Living incorporates every aspect of owning and living in luxury homes from cutting edge security to indoor and outdoor entertaining. Exclusively Interiors showcase the very finest
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Image supplied by Taylor Howes
interior designers and leading artisans in a stunning exhibition featuring aspirational room sets to ignite your imagination. The pedigree of exhibitors will span the breadth and depth of the luxury home sector including prestigious names such as Taylor Howes and Deirdre Dyson. Show content will include interior designers, furniture makers, an artisans quarter, home cinema and automation and outdoor living. The show also opens the opportunity for companies to launch new products and services for 2018 and a number of companies are preparing preview and launch parties with details to be announced. Together, Exclusively Living and Exclusively Interiors is the ultimate ‘pop-up’ luxury showroom, a three day event showcasing leading luxury brands, some of which you will know and many that will be new to you Upon arrival, guests experience a red carpet treatment and should you choose to arrive by chauffeur the drop off and pick up point is just outside the entrance.
THE DETAILS Exclusively Living is brought to you by Exclusively Events, the UK’s leading luxury lifestyle event specialist with an impressive portfolio of world-class luxury lifestyle events in the UK and overseas
Tickets Advance Adult Day Ticket: £28 Adult Day Tickets on the Gate: £45 Children 16 and Under: Free To purchase tickets visit www.exclusivelyliving.com
LIFE MAGAZINES READER OFFER We have teamed up with Exclusively Living to offer our readers a complimentary ticket when purchasing a £28 Advance Adult Day Ticket. Please quote lifemagazine when purchasing. Olympia West Hall, Kensington, W14 8UX. For further details visit www.exclusivelyliving.com
PROPERTY
HOLIDAY HOUSE LONDON R
achel Laxer is Co-Chair and UK Creative Director to Holiday House London. A pop up design exhibition which resides in the heart of St John’s Wood in two £23million Saigol DDC homes. The exhibition pairs global interior designers with amazing brands with proceeds benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please introduce yourself in a few short sentences? We moved to London over a decade ago and feel so fortunate to be able to raise our 2 girls in this amazing country. We had previously been in Tokyo and we’re are originally from NY. This global background served me well as I started my career at Kelly Hoppen’s studio right after she had published “East Meets West” and this sense of pure design resonated with me as I had been doing up flats for friends while we lived in Japan. After working for Kelly and another architect in Camden I decided to go out on my own professionally and have set up a design practice. What first made you get involved with the HHL concept? In 2013 I was fortunate to meet Iris Dankner and to do a room in the Showhouse in the Academy Mansion in NYC- I was drawn to the idea of giving back to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as my mother and 2 closest friends are all breast cancer survivors and I deeply believe in funding research to fight this terrible disease. I loved my experience so much that we joked about the idea of bringing it to London. When I designed my second room we
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pursued the idea of exploring the concept over here. Do you think it will be as popular in London as it is in New York? The big hurdle was explaining to people what is a showhouse and how the concepts works, I truly believe that London will love the idea – exciting to see so much creativity under two roofs- as a designer unless it is commercial work what you create is very private so it is a pleasure to do something that can be shared. Tell us a little about the concept and about your room within the house? We have 2 houses – and each one was curated with a brief behind them so hopefully the rooms feel as they flow from one space to another. House 59 is a bit more “English with a Twist” not traditional but not contemporary but extremely fun and sophisticated. House 61 is the more contemporary, international house with a focus on Art as installations. My dining room in house 61 is based on the concept of the French salons of the 1930s & 40s, where the dining room was a place to gather, discuss and celebrate design – a modern café society. Best part of being part of the Holiday House team? The sense of community and being a St Johns Wood resident and having this project in the backyard is so exciting. The most important aspect is that we are raising funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to benefit the researchers within the U.K. www.theholidayhouselondon.com
“I truly believe that London will love the idea – exciting to see so much creativity under two roofs”
HOLIDAY HOUSE LONDON A DESIGN SHOW HOUSE
8 NOVEMBER – 10 DECEMBER 2017 Join us as we open the doors to an interior design showcase in our inaugural Holiday House in London. In one of the most exclusive streets in London, 25 leading interior designers will create rooms full of drama, luxury and beauty for you to enjoy. A unique experience, supporting breast cancer research. For further information and tickets, visit www.theholidayhouselondon.com
Smoking Lady, 2016, 61 cm x 50 cm, Acrylic on canvas Website : www.ronnie-jiang.com • Facebook : www.facebook.com/ronni3.mat • Email : jiangronnie@yahoo.com
arts &
antiques
– A collection of stunning arts and antiques – I M A G E : A G UID E TO ANTI Q U E F URNITUR E
ARTS & ANTIQUES
Marc Chagall A modern master with a unique language
“I
don’t know where he gets those images....” said Picasso, “he must have an angel in his head.” Marc Chagall was born in Vitebsk, Russia in 1887. After studying in St Petersburg he went to Paris where he befriended the avantgarde circle of artists. In 1917 he returned to his native Vitebsk where he was made Director and Commissar of Fine Art. However, his fantasy-based work irked the conservative authorities so he left for Moscow to design for the new Jewish Theatre. Returning to Paris in 1923 he met the art-dealer Ambroise Vollard. Between 1941-47 he moved between occupied France and the USA, eventually settling near Nice. Chagall was a prolific artist, his work reminiscent of Jewish life, bible stories and of the folklore from his early years in Russia. He died in 1985. During a 75-year career, Chagall made an astonishing 10,000 works of art, many of which were prints. He was a prolific lithographer and etcher and these more affordable artworks are as collectible as any of his paintings.
The legendary Fables of la Fontaine… Chagall’s Fables are among the very best illustrations of La Fontaine’s moral tales. Published in 1952, the naive imagery and extraordinary breadth of tones achieved in each etching convey the simple power of La Fontaine’s text, a mixture of cautionary allegories from the ancient Greek fabulist Aesop 104 NOVEMBER 2017
and La Fontaine’s own invented fables. Vollard commissioned Chagall’s etchings to accompany La Fontaine’s Fables some 20 years before they were published. Chagall began by painting preparatory gouaches which were to be translated to the etching plates for printing. Realising that even the master printers could not match the gradations of tone he desired, Chagall elected to prepare the etchings himself, using a drypoint technique to work his designs directly into the metal plates. Throughout the suite, scenes rarely share direct parallels with the text, Chagall instead choosing to try and capture the essence of each moral tale, with an emotional range that reveals the cruelty and the melancholy as much as the ease and the joy of La Fontaine’s stories. Widely regarded as one of the great print suites of the 20th century, Chagall’s Fable etchings were finally published in 1952 in an edition of just 200, with 85 special sets which were hand-painted by Chagall himself. An enduring series which embodies the humanity and the humility that is so typical of his work, the Fables remain one of Chagall’s most treasured endeavours. A wide selection of work by Chagall, including hand-coloured examples from La Fables de la Fontaine, will be available to buy at Sylvester Fine Art from 18 November until 17 December 2017. Clockwise from top left: The Wolves and the Ewes; The Funeral of the Lioness; The Sick Stag; The Sculptor and the Statue of Jupiter; The Bitch and her Friend
Sylvester Fine Art, 64 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5BJ; T: 020 7443 5990; www.sylvesterfineart.co.uk; info@sylvesterfineart.co.uk
ARTS & ANTIQUES
Hope for an Elegant Game.
T
he earliest known definitive reference to Chess was in 600 AD and by 1000 AD it had become widespread across Europe and Russia thanks to the Moors introducing it to Spain and Sicily. What we recognise as the modern game was established by the beginning of the 16th century and so we find records of Tudor furniture inlaid with chequer boards of contrasting colour woods and other materials. As the range of household furniture and the timbers and styles of their manufacture increased so did the variety of pieces with game boards as integral accessories. Some tops were reversable thus providing a double use, others were made to be visible displays of the wealth and taste of the owner. Although there were professional chess players in 1600 it was more than a century before games were recorded as they were played, and it was from this period that furniture both grand and eccentric can be found to include a chess board. A fine example is the table illustrated, made to a design by one Thomas Hope, whose name is synonimous with the most recognisable Neo-Classical movement of the English Regency period which stylistically ran from 1784 - 1830. This was when George, Prince of Wales and later George IV was the chief arbiter of taste and style to his coterie of cognoscenti and fashionistas. The hugely wealthy Thomas Hope 1769 - 1831 is best known for his book of designs entitled ‘Household Furniture and Interior Decoration’ published in 1807, in which can be seen his drawings of the interiors of his London and country homes, in Duchess Street and The Deepdene near Dorking. Both were altered to house his collection of antiquities from the Greek, Egyptian and Roman ages with furniture designed by him to complement their display. The publication helped to further his taste among a wider audience and became what we recognise today as being the ultimate Regency style. This table faithfully follows that with its inverted baluster end supports, classical bronzed mounts and of course an inset chess board of 32 different types of variegated marble.
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Which is why we need Hope for an Elegant Game. For more information about John Bly Antiques and this large pewter charger: 533 King’s Road, Chelsea, email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com
“Some tops were reversable thus providing a double use, others were made to be visible displays of the wealth and taste of the owner”
A similar table, with a plain top, can be seen in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
ARTS & ANTIQUES
Sitting Pretty
A guide to antique furniture
W
hen people talk about antique furniture it can have many different meanings. ‘True’ antiques are items which are over 100 years old, but with many other retro and vintage pieces coming back into fashion, pieces younger than this are often referred to as antiques by the lay person. The term ‘furniture’ covers an enormous variety of items. From the obvious, such as tables, chairs, dressers, sofas, desks and the like through to smaller pieces such as shelves, coat hooks, vintage suitcases and even the fixings for doors and light switches. Antique and vintage furniture has, over the past decade or so, been at its lowest price in years. The savviest amongst collectors and people in general have taken the opportunity to purchase various quality items of antique furniture to both enjoy and use in their homes along with seeing it as an investment opportunity. It is only a matter of time before the pendulum swings and antique furniture prices once again begin to rise. Good quality antique furniture is a joy to own. The craftsmanship and sheer amount of man hours which went into producing a quality piece is apparent from every angle. Items made from rich woods such as mahogany, oak and walnut just cry out to be appreciated; not only by sight but 108 NOVEMBER 2017
a gifted craftsman produces pieces which are tactile and almost decadent in their appearance. Furniture antiques are one of the most popular types of antiques, not only because of their practicality but also because of their historical significance. The most popular time for antique furniture was the Victorian period, which dates from about 1850 to 1910 and the most popular woods used to make the furniture were mahogany, oak, pine, rosewood and walnut. There is also a difference in pieces depending in which geographical location they were produced. Some people yearn for English crafted pieces whilst others adore the intricate, quality pieces created in various other European countries such as France. Increasingly popular are vintage pieces from the 1950’s and 60’s. Retro is very much the in thing right now, with many people clamouring for originals with which to furnish their homes. You only need to glance in any modern furniture store’s catalogue to see how this era has inspired today’s current styles. Whatever your favoured style of antique furniture, the canny investor can not only put their money into something which is almost guaranteed to be worth more in the future, but will have a unique and beautiful pieces which can be enjoyed and appreciated each and every day.
ARTS & ANTIQUES
London Art Antiques & Interiors Fair returns 12 - 14 January 2018, London ExCel
T
hose looking for inspiration for their homes amidst the post-Christmas weeks rejoice as the London Art Antiques & Interiors Fair returns to ExCeL for a second year. London Art Antiques & Interiors Fair is a new style art and antiques Fair bringing together 100 specialist dealers showcasing over 30,000 unusual and desirable items from classic to contemporary. The fair is an ideal shopping destination for those searching for that perfect piece to add to their collection or simply looking for a statement piece; as well as those on the hunt for items to decorate their home. After a successful launch in January 2017, the event will return to London ExCeL for three days, where visitors will discover all types of exhibitors and designs including furniture of all periods, ceramics, glass, prints, paintings, jewellery, silver and vintage textiles. Priced from £50 to £50,000, there is bound to be a piece that every visitor will fall in love with! A series of Celebrity Talks will include experts, Mark Hill and Judith Miller from BBC Antiques Roadshow, as well as recognised names from the world of interior design such as the British Institute of Interior Design. The event is expected to draw a number of avid collectors, seasoned shoppers and first time buyers looking for something truly unique, and with the eclectic range on offer, the fair is sure to suit a variety of tastes – young and old. Every item on sale will be vetted by a team of vetting experts to ensure that all pieces are authentic and correctly labelled, giving buyers every confidence in their choice. Mary Claire Boyd, Fair Director of London Art Antiques & Interiors Fair says: “Our first year of the fair proved hugely successful with shoppers travelling far and wide to meet dealers and browse for that one of a kind piece of art or antique. For 2018, there will be an even broader range of
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exceptional pieces for guests to discover including an array of decorative and mid-century pieces to inspire, ensuring the fair remains a must-attend event in the New Year. “People come not only to shop but to learn. Visitors have the opportunity to hear first-hand from some of the UK’s best and most well-known antiques experts, so those making their first foray into the antique world need not feel daunted as help is on hand throughout!”
Tickets are priced at £16 on the door and £12* in advance. For more information please visit artantiquesinteriorsfair.com. *A transaction fee of £1.20 applies.
“Visitors have the opportunity to hear first-hand from some of the UK’s best and most well-known antiques experts”
Jennifer Watt Sculpture
Jennifer is nationally known for her elegant bronze and resin figures, many of which celebrate women and motherhood. Her distinctive style developed after winning a Royal Glasgow Institute prize which involved going to France. While there she became fascinated by human shadows. “I started to take photographs of people’s shadows, and really noticed how they reduce their forms to such an elegant simplicity,” she said. Jennifer’s sculptures, which can be found in homes and gardens across the UK and far beyond, can each take two months to design and create. After the initial sketches, she creates an armature from metal rods. This “skeleton” is the covered in clay and a mould is created for the resin or the molten bronze. Once the casting is complete the sculpture is patinated to achieve the desired final texture and colour. Jennifer’s figures are highly stylised and often tall and slender, with the women frequently wearing the small hat which is a trademark of her work.
Jennifer Watt, Burnhead House, Burnhead, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4AD www.jenniferwatt.co.uk • wattsculpture@gmail.com • Tel 01848 331524 • Mobile 07933758541
Joelle Joy is a fine art photographer, specialising in three-panel canvas art. She creates unique home décor by capturing nature from exotic locales. A large variety of her affordable original art is available to ship worldwide, including many statement pieces to fit your home or business. To purchase art or learn more about her photography, contact her at www.joellejoy.com or joellejoycanvasart@gmail.com.
ARTS & ANTIQUES
SPOTLIGHT ON… christophe gowans
“W
ith watercolour, I consider myself to be the delivery system only,” says Londonbased artist Christophe Gowans. “The water, paint, paper and brush interact in the most wonderful way – determined by nature, by the laws of physics – and I’m there just to steer and curate.” A career art directing and designing record sleeves, theatre/dance posters, magazines Esquire, The Sunday Telegraph Magazine, Modern Painters, Newsweek - as well as for newspapers such as The Financial Times and The Guardian, has installed Gowans as a fixture in London’s graphic design community. His project, ‘The Record Books’ – imaginary book jacket designs which poach their titles from famous music albums (Abbey Road as a classic Penguin novel; Purple Rain as a pulpy sci-fi paperback etc) – turned into a popular print series. A number of other successful creative series have followed, referring to culture
“The result of this discovery is an ongoing series of abstract paintings which are immediately attractive in their simplicity” and music in some way, reflecting his professional background. But he says it is only since working in watercolour that he feels he has truly begun to find a way to let inspiration flow for no reason other than its own existence. The result of this discovery is an ongoing series of abstract paintings which are immediately attractive in their simplicity, but which also bear close viewing, the medium providing chaotic texture and detail in rich profusion. The paintings have no figurative thread, but refer by their nature to the organic. Does the artist take inspiration from the natural world? “Not directly,” he says, “but I try to interfere as little as possible with what the medium wants to do. So the resemblance to naturally-formed objects is unavoidable – and
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desirable. For example I discovered that a number of my grouped-object paintings could pass for microscopic close-ups of grains of sand. I found this to be very satisfying, and I’m encouraged to continue letting my mind wander after the paintbrush on the paper, knowing that there may be a piece of nature out there saying, ‘Yes, that’s me,’ when a painting reaches its conclusion!” Recently, the watercolours caught the eye of musician and singer/songwriter Matt Deighton, erstwhile collaborator with Paul Weller and Oasis among others, who was releasing an album he had co-written with Chris Difford (of Squeeze fame). Two strands of Gowans’ life came together, as he was able to design a cover for the album incorporating his specially-created watercolours, responding to each beautifully-crafted song. Gowans, 55, works out of a tiny studio in his home in south east London. For the modest-sized paintings he is producing, it’s a reasonable space (the paintings are rarely larger than 70cm in height) but he intends to find ways to work on a bigger scale. Interest in his work is growing – his studio may have to follow… Christophe Gowans is available for commissions. You can visit his website - ceeg. co.uk - where he sells original work as well as limited edition signed prints.
ARTS & ANTIQUES
I
Gutlin Clocks Atmos Centre
n the last 10 years Gutlin Clocks have become specialists in modern Swiss atmos clocks, they currently stock around 30 atmos clocks which all can be viewed on their web site www.gutlin.com. They also repair atmos clocks for clients from all different parts of the U.K. Swiss Atmos clocks have become very popular in recent times due to the fact that work very well in modern surroundings. Atmos clocks are made by the Swiss company Jaeger Le Coultre and never need winding, working only on temperature change in a room. Some of the rarer limited edition atmos clocks have increased in value in the last 10-years to more than double of their purchase price. A year 2000, Millenaire atmos clock cost £5400 new but today they sell for between £12-£15K. For further information on atmos clocks visit Gutlin clocks new atmos clock web site: www.atmoscentre.co.uk. The proprietors Father and Son, John and Mark Coxhead have a combined passion for collecting clocks and have turned their dream into a very successful business dealing in quality restored
“The proprietors Father and Son, John and Mark Coxhead have a combined passion for collecting clocks” clocks. This family business established 22 years ago is located from a pretty 19th century shop in the Kings Road, Chelsea, London. This prestigious area is world renowned for fine quality antique shops and fine art galleries. Mark and John have been selling and restoring 114 NOVEMBER 2017
“They also stock a wide selection of carriage and wall clocks ranging from unusual English station wall clocks to fine Regency period drop dial clocks” clocks for the last 22 years and because they have a large amount of stock always for sale in their showroom they see a big cross reference of antique clocks having restored their own showroom clocks as well as customer’s clocks. They restore the clocks for the British Home Office, the Supreme Court, Lloyds of London and for the Royal Lifeguards, Hyde Park. We are also proud to have sold clocks to members of the British Royal Family. All their clocks are restored by themselves and come with a two year guarantee in the UK. They also stock a wide selection of carriage and wall clocks ranging from unusual English station wall clocks to fine Regency period drop dial clocks. Also they carry a variety of interesting French period carriage clocks ranging from simple timepieces to repeaters. All their carriage clocks have the original platform escapements and not replacement modern ones. John and Mark also offer a full restoration service for all types of English and French antique clocks including a ‘home visit’ facility for antique clock owners. For more information on our restoration service please contact us. For more information about Gutlin Clocks telephone 020 7384 2804 or email mark@gutlin.com; www.gutlin.com
ARTS & ANTIQUES
The Art Lovers Dream Trip Twelve global locations, £70,000
V
eryFirstTo presents the ultimate art lovers trip. The month-long luxurious six country tour will take you to the locations that inspired twelve masterpieces by artists including Cézanne, Monet, Turner, Gaugain, Renoir, Hockney and Seurat. The trip starts in London where the you will visit Westminster, the location of Turner’s famous revolutionary impressionist masterpiece depicting the burning of the Houses of Parliament. Then off to Yorkshire where David Hockney created the bold and vibrant ‘Garrowby Hill’. Many of the locations on the agenda are in 116 NOVEMBER 2017
LIST OF ARTISTS, PAINTINGS AND LOCATIONS Monet, Water Lillies Series, Giverny, France Matisse, Collioure, Collioure, France Cézanne, Mountains Sainte Victoire, Mountain Sainte Victoire, France Seurat, A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte, Paris, France Renoir, La Grenouillere, Paris, France (Giovanni Antonio Canal) Canaletto, The Molo and the Piazzetta San Marco, Venice, Italy Klimt, Church is Cassone, Lake Garda, Italy Turner, Burning Of The Houses Of Parliament, London David Hockney, Garrowby Hill, Yorkshire Gaugain, Tahitian Landscape, Tahiti Klee, Temple Gardens, Tunisia Hokusai, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa (The Wave), Mount Fuji, Japan veryfirstto.com
France. Monet painted his famous ‘Water Lilies’ Series in Giverny, one of which, ‘Nympheaus 1907’ was recently sold for $24m. You will also visit the picturesque town of Collioure where Matisse painted the beautiful ‘Collioure’. Paris, an inspiration to various Masters, of course features. Renoir created the iconic ‘La Grenouillere’ on the Seine; and perhaps most the most famous example of pointillism, Seurat’s ‘A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte’ at the gates of Paris is on the itinerary. You will also travel through Italy taking in both Venice and Lake Guarda, the inspiration for Canaletto’s ‘The Molo and The Piazetta San Marco’ and Klimt’s ‘Church in Cassone’. Like Gauguin they too will journey to Tahiti. He went in search of new, exotic motifs and the couple on the tour will be able to discover what he found when he escaped “European civilization”. He once said of his Tahitian paintings that he had been “eager to suggest a luxurious and untamed nature, a tropical sun that sets aglow everything around it... the equivalent of the grandeur, depth, and mystery of Tahiti when it must be expressed in one square meter of canvas.” The global trip also takes you to Japan, where a visit to Mount Fuji will allow you to see the landscape that inspired one of the best-known pieces of Japanese Art – Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave’. The exceptional trip is organised by luxury travel specialist, Hurlingham Travel. The cost of £70,000 includes organisation of business class travel, airport transfers, and accommodation (junior suites where available). Visiting the inspiration of different or other masterpieces can be arranged (and estimated for). The order in which the locations are visited can be altered to suit the travellers needs. A donation of £1000 will be made to The Prince’s Trust charity should the trip be purchased.
ARTS & ANTIQUES
A splash of colour P
lus One Gallery is one of the leading galleries specialising in hyperrealism, a genre being widely acknowledged within the art market as a sound movement for connoisseurs and collectors. The gallery is located in Battersea Reach a development by Wandsworth Bridge and hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the year showcasing the best of contemporary hyperrealism. Plus One Gallery is currently holding a solo show for gallery artist, Javier Banegas (b. 1974, Madrid, Spain). ‘Colour Notion’ (8th November – 2nd December) continues to explore Banegas’ undivided connection with colour and composition. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will experience his devotion to colour and detail explored in his abstracted still lifes. His interest is in depicting used objects, devoid of human presence but reminiscent of their trace. Whether it is the shavings from a pencil or ink pots often left with their lids off, there is a feeling that someone, somewhere is not quite finished using them. Banegas brings into focus objects that are used daily but often overlooked and brings their simplistic beauty to the forefront. By amplifying the scale of the objects and the compositions he chooses he makes over looked objects unmissable. He also achieves this with his use of colour, which he has mastered over the years, bringing a sense of harmony and elegance to objects that would otherwise be thrown away. “In this world of globalised instant images, painting continues to maintain a significant role in
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recording the permanence of emotion, the footsteps of man through the world that he inhabits and the objects that surround him. I avoid creating the spectacular images in order to create those which encapsulate these areas.” – Javier Banegas. Javier Banegas’ works can be found in a number of private and public collections across the globe and he exhibits worldwide; UK, Canada, Israel, USA and Europe. Upcoming exhibitions include a solo show by German artist, Volker Kuhn (6th December – 6th January) and the new year will see the opening of our annual ‘Winter Show’ (10th January – 3rd February). For more information please contact info@plusonegallery.com. Plus One Gallery, B & C Trafalgar House, Juniper Dr, London SW18 1GY
“He is interested in depicting used objects, devoid of human presence”
Clockwise from left: ‘Eighteen Colours’, Oil on board, 110 x 100 cm ‘Composition with Primary Colours’, Oil on panel 55 x 198 cm ‘Eight’, Oil on board, 80 x 94 cm ‘Shavings V’, Oil on board, 80 x 80 cm
SPECIALISTS IN HYPERREALIST ART
J AV I E R B A N E G A S
8Th november – 2nd december 2017 'ůĞŶ ^ĞŵƉůĞ ‘ ĨƚĞƌŶŽŽŶ dĞĂ’ ĐƌLJůŝĐ ŽŶ ĐĂŶǀĂƐ͕ ϵϬ dž ϭϮϬ Đŵ
Specialists in Hyperrealist Art ‘eighTeen colourS’ oil on board • 110 x 110 cm
‘COLOUR NOTION’
^ƚĞǀĞ tŚŝƚĞŚĞĂĚ ‘DĂŐŐŝĞ D’ ĐƌLJůŝĐ ŽŶ ĐĂŶǀĂƐ͕ ϰϭ dž ϳϲ Đŵ
020 7730 7656 | info@plusonegallery.com | www.plusonegallery.com B & C Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, Battersea Reach, York Road, London, SW18 1GY, UK ‘ShavingS Pink and TurquoiSe’ • oil on board • 95 x 190 cm
020 7730 7656 | info@plusonegallery.com | www.plusonegallery.com b&c Trafalgar house, Juniper drive, battersea reach, York road, london Sw18 1gY
ARTS & ANTIQUES
SPOTLIGHT ON… ANDREA PADOVANI
“Painting is a true love for me, it is the door to my world”
A
rt can be many different things, but to me it’s just a feeling: it has the power to transport you to a dimension of dreams, peace or even evoking flash backs of personal history. The part that fascinates me most and draws me to my easel everyday, is the apparent simplicity and the banality of every image; to this, I should add the immense potential of my color box. When I look at an image as a potential subject for a painting, I can see many different interpretations that can be generated . Age, culture, the historical moment and personal emotions we live in at that specific moment are all playing a leading role on how we perceive and see images. I find this truly spectacular and fascinating; it shows all our potential, innate freedom and diversity as human beings. As an artist, I believe that the real challenge is to capture the soul of the image and rendering it to the canvas. After so many years, I fear the possibility of painting something simply by taking advantage of the technical skills I’ve developed leaving the muse behind. That’s why I love playing with colors, sometimes juxtaposing them boldly or playing with light and shadows forcing them to outline profiles or define atmospheres. The other important element is my color box. I look at it and it’s just like looking at all the paintings and masterpieces in the world. Every great work has begun from a simple box of colors; then of course the individual capacity and experience shape paintings in different intensity and artistic quality. Here, the daily challenge is all there, the potential and the limits are set by me. In my life I faced many challenges; I left a secure and well paying job when I was 33. I moved my family to the other side of the ocean, I have invested numberless hours closed in my studio listening classical music and educating my way towards my personal interpretation of art. One of my favorite subjects is the interior of houses. A house as the place where we live, we dream, we make love, we wake up and we return to. I find that the house comes to represent who lives in it or who I can imagine lives in. A house builds and represents memories; feeling 120 NOVEMBER 2017
and emotions are stronger than memories. When I paint I always try to get the meaning of the subject in relation to what I am and feel at that moment. It always gives me a sense of self accomplishment knowing that some intuition is taken away from the world of thoughts to become a tangible artifacts. My day starts always early, most of the time before sunrise; I sit at my easel with inquietude and I chase joy and personal satisfaction. The joy that only a beautiful image can unleash, the satisfaction that comes when I realize that colors, composition, texture are harmonious and can dance together. www.andreapadovani.com
“As an artist, I believe that the real challenge is to capture the soul of the image”
ARTS & ANTIQUES
READ ALL ABOUT IT
MODERNIST WORKS FROM HERBERT READ COLLECTION AT BONHAMS
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orks by leading names in British Modernism from the collection of art historian and founder of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Herbert Read, are to be offered for sale at Bonhams Modern British and Irish Art on Wednesday 22 November. A towering figure in the story of British art in the mid-20th century, Read was a tireless champion of emerging artists struggling to make their mark against prevailing orthodoxies. In gratitude for Read’s support, many artists gave him works as tokens of their appreciation. As Herbert’s son, the celebrated novelist, Piers Paul Read, writing in the Autumn 2017 edition of Bonhams Magazine, recalls, “There were around a hundred works in his collection…almost all of it given to my father by artist whom he had encouraged and defended at a time when modern are was widely despised.” Three of these works, eventually inherited by the Reads’ youngest son Benedict, feature in Bonhams 122 NOVEMBER 2017
November’s Modern British and Irish Art sale: 1936 by Ben Nicholson (1894-1982), estimated at £150,000-200,000, was a Christmas gift to Read and his wife, Margaret known as ‘Ludo’. In 1933, Read had left his first wife and son and eloped with Margaret, a fellow lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. They moved to one of the Mall Studios in Hampstead belonging to Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. (The two artists were later to marry). The dedication on the back of 1936 – a gouache on card - reads ‘Ben Nicholson 1936/gouache/version 3/12 hand painted by B.N./ for Herbert + Ludo Xmas 1938/Nicholson/ Mall Studios/Park hill Rd/NW3 London.’ Mother and Child by Barbara Hepworth (19031975) was a gift to Margaret Read in 1934 shortly after the Reads had moved to Mall Studios. Carved in ironstone, this major work has been widely exhibited – including at the 2015 retrospective of Hepworth’s work at Tate Britain – and is estimated at £150,000-200,000. The Peacock Path by Paul Nash (1889-1948) entered the Read collection via a bequest in 1947 to the then infant Benedict. It is estimated at £70,000100,000. Bonhams Director of Modern British and Irish Art, Matthew Bradbury said: “It is impossible to imagine British art and art history without the contribution of Herbert Read. Against the hostility of the art establishment, he stood up for the new and distinctive talents that emerged in the 1930s and ‘40s and gave them a voice. The artists he encouraged are among the greatest creative minds of the 20th century, and it is a privilege to be entrusted with works that meant so much personally to Herbert and Ludo Read, and which have such public significance.” In 2018, Bonhams will be offering two other works from the Read Collection: Für Herbert Read by Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948), executed in 1944, and a piece by the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama (b1929).
Clockwise from top left: Ben Nicholson O.M. (British, 1894-1982) 1936 (gouache) 38.1 x 50.2 cm. (15 x 19 3/4 in.) £150,000 - 200,000 Paul Nash (British, 1889-1946) The Peacock Path 45.7 x 38.1 cm. (18 x 15 in.) £70,000 - 100,000 Dame Barbara Hepworth (British, 1903-1975) Mother and Child 13 cm. (5 1/4 in.) wide (including the base) Carved in 1934 £150,000 - 200,000
THE DETAILS Modern British and Irish Art, Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street, W1S 1SR. For more details visit www.bonhams.com
A great gift for every sports fan. A hand-crafted Bloke painted with your chosen scarf colours These quirky characters are hand made by artist David Smith. They stand 14 cms high and each one is individually painted with the scarf colours of your choice. For £14.95 plus £5 p+p they make a great gift for any sports fan. Each one is signed on the back to guarantee its authenticity and comes in a box with authentication certificate. HOW TO GET YOURS Visit our website www.davidsmithblokes. co.uk
ABOUT THE ARTIST David Smith is a Dorset based professional artist with clients all over the world and his work can be seen in many galleries around the UK. His paintings feature his unique, quirky “Blokes” in all sorts of situations as can be seen on this page. Many of the paintings feature a 3D model of a Bloke. Now the Blokes figures are available individually
BLOKES Any questions to -
davidsmithblokes@gmail.com
Facebook @DSBLOKES
ARTS & ANTIQUES
London art week returns to the capital for first ever winter edition
F
ollowing the success of its Summer event, London Art Week is delighted to announce the launch of its inaugural Winter week, taking place 1st – 8th December 2017, previewing on 30th November. This is a great opportunity for art aficionados and visitors from around the world to come and explore, enjoy and discover world-class art in the heart of London. More than forty of the capital’s most distinguished galleries and prestigious auction houses, will open their doors once again to unveil previously unseen works of art, promising a week of endless discovery and inspiration. With a myriad of objects on display, from ancient sculptures to Old Master drawings and Impressionist paintings, there will be something for everyone whether you are a seasoned collector or just curious to learn more about art. London Art Week Winter invites guests to experience and examine works of art with the top experts in their field. Galleries will be putting on special exhibitions to welcome visitors, and their dealers and directors will be available to show and discuss all aspects of their unique and varied collections.
“More than forty of the capital’s most distinguished galleries and prestigious auction houses, will open their doors once again”
Exhibitors include: • Bonhams • Charles Beddington • Christie’s • Daniel Katz Gallery • Kallos Gallery • Lowell Libson Ltd • Sotheby’s • Tomasso Brothers Fine Art • The Weiss Gallery London Art Week will shortly announce its full exhibitor list, sponsors and partners, and a series of important talks and events. For more information visit www.londonartweek.co.uk Thursday 30th November – Preview; Friday 1st December – Friday 8th December: 10am – 6pm; Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3th December: 11am – 5pm 124 NOVEMBER 2017
Above: Stephen Onpin Fine Art Right, top: Tomasso Brothers Right, bottom: Lowell Libson Ltd
INDEPENDENT
SCHOOLS GUIDE – The finest independent schools in the UK – i m age : K E NSIN G TON PAR K SCHOOL
EDUC ATION
a new senior school for fulham MORE INFORMATION For further information on the Pre-Prep, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Christina Newns, on 020 7471 4217 or cnewns@fulhamprep.co.uk
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he Inspired Group of Schools is delighted to open a new senior school in Fulham. It will allow the Fulham Prep Schools to provide an all-through education for children from four to eighteen. The idea for Fulham Senior School was born out of a clear need for a new senior school in Fulham. The Prep School celebrated its twentieth anniversary last year and will continue its tradition of preparing children for entry into the top London day schools and national boarding schools. This tradition centres on sending children to the “right� school; one in which the child will thrive and feel challenged, but not be overwhelmed. All three schools will strive for academic and all-round excellence. One Year 9 class opened at the Prep this September and the new site, on Broomhouse Lane is due to open in September 2018. The Senior School will be co-educational with the same nurturing ethos on which we pride ourselves at the Prep School. Ultimately, we aim to equip our young
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For further information on the Prep and Senior School, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Carolyn Parrish on 020 7386 2448 or cparrish@fulhamprep.co.uk
Fulham Pre-Prep 47A Fulham High Street London SW6 3JJ Fulham Prep & Fulham Senior School 200 Greyhound Road London W14 9SD www.fulhamprep.co.uk
men and woman to be committed, considerate and courteous; ready to fulfil their potential both personally and academically. We expect our pupils to maintain their best efforts to produce a high standard of work and contribute positively in the classroom and participate fully in school life. We will ensure that, as well as the best possible qualifications, our pupils leave us equipped with the enterprise skills that they will need for the future which will enable them: to work independently; organise themselves effectively; research, analyse and evaluate; communicate and debate with one another. In variety, the pursuit of individual interests, skills and talents, both inside and outside school, play a crucial part in developing a well-rounded individual and are to be encouraged. The children at all of our schools are encouraged to develop passions and interests through an array of clubs and activities which balances their academic endeavours. Pupils will be offered a range of sporting opportunities, drawing from the local facilities. Clubs that cover the arts and spur technical ambitions will mirror and complement the curriculum.
Co-educational Junior ∙ Senior ∙ Sixth Form School Tour Dates 9 November, 5pm
“A godsend for the discerning parent”
14 November, 8.45am 18 November, 10am 29 November, 8.45am
Good Schools Guide
Contact us to arrange a visit. 020 7307 8700 | admin@portland-place.co.uk | www.portland-place.co.uk
Portland Place School is part of the Alpha Plus Group
EDUC ATION
Girls taking centre stage For over 130 years, Channing School in Highgate has been leading the way in girls’ education, offering opportunities to lead, inspire and take on challenges with confidence and character. We caught up with Headmistress Mrs Barbara Elliott to discover Channing’s winning formula…
‘I
’m often asked what makes Channing such a unique school,’ says Mrs Elliott, who has been at the helm of Channing for 12 years. In that time, she has overseen a transformational, multi-million pound development programme. “I think our vision statement ‘Girls Enjoying Success’ sums up our ethos. It puts our pupils at the heart of everything we do. We are an academic school - just look at our results! - but we firmly believe that girls must discover their own talents and passions. Channing School helps them realise their ambitions.’ The £13m development programme wrapped up this summer, with the completion of a state-of-theart Performing Arts Building, which is clearly visible from Highgate Hill. ‘It is no coincidence that our recent investments have focussed on Drama, Music (a bespoke Music School with over 300 individual lessons every week), Sport (a double-height hall with fitness suite) and healthy food - we have an extended dining room where our in-house caterers serve the most delicious meals). We have always been committed to offering a broad and exciting curriculum and our pupils will now benefit hugely from the new facilities.’ Channing also prides itself on spotting potential in girls who apply for a place. “It is, sadly true, that we are over-subscribed, but my team and I look for intellectual curiosity and ambition in candidates as we know that these girls will benefit most from a Channing education. In essence, these are girls who are keen to learn and who will make a positive contribution to our caring school community.’ says Mrs Elliott. ‘We prioritise creativity, resilience and collaboration here - all things that we know will best prepare girls for success in the future’.
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And what can parents do to help? ‘Parents are vital partners at Channing. They can support by making sure that their daughters are well-fed, well-rested and ‘ready to learn’. It also helps if their daughters have observed the value they place on a good education by seeing their parents’ intellectual curiosity in action: learning, reading, thinking deeply and enjoying the experience. We should all model the behaviours we want to nurture in our young people. If you’d rather spend all evening looking at a screen, why would your children want to read a book, play an instrument, engage in discussion and think deeply?’ Girls Enjoying Success - come and see for yourself at one of Channing’s Open Day events. For more information about Channing School, please visit www.channing.co.uk. Or contact the Registrar, Maureen McHarg, on 020 8340 2328 for all enquiries. Channing School The Bank, Highgate, London N6 5HF
Above: ‘A Head for Heights’ - Headmistress Barbara Elliott inspired girls in July by skydiving, raising money for the new Performing Arts Building’
EDUC ATION
Excellence in the Heart of London:
Introducing Kensington Park School Key Application Dates KPS 11+ Exam Saturday 2nd December 2017 KPS 16+ Open Evening Wednesday 29th November 2017 If you would like to register for either of these events, please contact Jane Lovell, Registrar at j.lovell@kps.co.uk.
Contact details:
K
ensington Park School is a new academically rigorous independent school for boys and girls aged 11-18. It boasts some of the country’s most experienced teachers and offers excellent cultural and sporting opportunities, all in the heart of London. While the school is new, its leadership and core teaching team have long successful track-records at some of the best independent schools in the country. A large contingent come from St Paul’s School, including Dick Jaine, the former acting High Master, and senior teachers for subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry and Economics. Between them, these superb teachers have decades of experience delivering outstanding grades at GCSE and A Level as well as guiding entry into the world’s top universities. KPS operates from two buildings either side of Kensington Gardens: • KPS Sixth Form, in Queen’s Gate, which opened in September 2017 for pupils aged 16-18
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Kensington Park School Sixth Form 59 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5JP Kensington Park School Seniors 40-44 Bark Place London W2 4AT T: +44 (0)20 7225 0577 E: j.lovell@kps.co.uk www.kps.co.uk
• KPS Seniors, in Bark Place, opening in September 2018 for pupils aged 11-16 The school also has exceptional boarding facilities in South Kensington providing a comfortable and secure home-from-home environment.
Excellent sporting and cultural opportunities KPS is about much more than academics. The school has partnered with providers of world-class sports facilities in and around its West London home. These include Imperial College’s Ethos Sports Centre with its state-of-the-art gym, pool and climbing wall; expert coaches, including former Olympians, in fencing and riding; and Fulham Reach Boat Club, a superbly equipped new rowing facility on the Thames. There will be an exciting outdoor education programme, including the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. Similar partnerships are in place for music and drama.
EDUC ATION
Private school vs. Private tutor 138 NOVEMBER 2017
N
owadays, instead of sending their child to a private school, many parents plump for a state school option with a private tutor top-up. The general consensus among private schools is that this choice frequently leads to a false economy. Ashley Richardson, Director of Studies at the award-winning Albemarle Independent College, a private college in London’s Mayfair comments: “Of course, there are outstanding private tutors offering their services in the educational marketplace. These tutors, however, are in high demand. Consequently, all too often, recent
“Of course, there are outstanding private tutors offering their services in the educational marketplace. These tutors, however, are in high demand”
graduates who have little or no experience of teaching a specific syllabus are called upon for their services. There is no doubt that these individuals can help by explaining difficult content but in many cases they may cause significant problems when giving advice with regard to exam technique. All too often students are misled into thinking that they can
achieve the very best grades even while covering half of what they should be learning. Moreover, they will be all too ready to fall into the trap of risky exam predictions. Instead of improving a grade or two, the student may well end up with the very worst grades. Let us also not forget that private tutors are untouched by the rigours of an inspection body. Indeed, students may still face dangers when the very best tutors are brought in to help. No matter how educated and experienced they may be, such tutors are unlikely to have detailed knowledge of the full set of options on a syllabus. Additionally, students find themselves left with a confusion of notes to revise from; one set from their school teacher and an entirely different set from their tutor. This can cause conflict in the classroom and confusion in exams. Of course, a disastrous set of exams results may then provoke parents to opt for the original private school option, where they will benefit from small class sizes and a specialist teacher who attends to their individual needs. However, if a student is aiming to get on to a highly competitive degree course like Medicine, Law or Economics at a top university, they need to have a proper foundation in their first year of A-level study and not seek to put things right in the second year.” For further details please contact: Ceri Stephenson-Jones, Admissions Manager, Albemarle Independent College, 18 Dunraven St, Mayfair, London W1K 7FE; Tel: 020 7409 7273; www.albemarle.org.uk
The GOLD Standard
Fairley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with Specific Learning Difficulties
A
ddressing the needs of children from the age of five, who require assistance due to dyslexia and dyspraxia, the school has a staff/ pupil ratio of 1:3.5 and the average stay at the school is between two to three years. Children then return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude. Fairley House now offers Key Stage 4. This enables pupils to carry on their education in an environment that ensures that their
needs are fully met. While our intention is to enable your child to re-join mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision now offers the possibility of remaining in our school to undertake the first major examinations that a pupil will face. Many of our alumni have enjoyed great success at GCSE and A-Level and they have progressed to top universities and have successful careers in a range of professions.
EDUC ATION
A happy, nurturing, successful school
H
awkesdown House is an independent pre-prep school for boys from the age of four to eight, with a Nursery class for boys of three years old. It is housed in a fine building in Edge Street just off Kensington Church Street where bright and airy classrooms provide a creative and welcoming environment for the boys. Hawkesdown House is dedicated to providing an outstanding early education. The boys are prepared for examinations at eight years old to London’s selective prep schools including Westminster Under, St Paul’s juniors and Sussex House, as well as for country boarding schools. The excellence of the broad and creative educational provision enriches the boys’ lives across the curriculum and in all co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, so fencing, judo, chess and coding, for example, are all included in the timetable. The ethos and aims of the School embrace high academic standards and expectations, thoughtful teaching, individual attention and Hawkesdown House prides itself on its outstanding pastoral care. Right from the beginning, Hawkesdown House provides advice, support, reassurance and the preparation to give pupils and parents a very happy start at school. The School’s motto, “Endeavor’ Courage, Truth”, reflects the aspirations for the boys; that they grow into kind, capable and considerate
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adults, well prepared to make sound judgements and take responsibility for themselves and others. Hawkesdown House boys are actively encouraged to develop both their initiative and their intellectual curiosity. Mrs Jenny Mackay, the Headmistress, has a deep commitment to pastoral care, academic excellence and the development of the individual. With a degree in Education from Oxford, she also has extensive experience of some of the best education in Britain, at some of London’s most highly sought after and outstanding schools. Hawkesdown House is a happy, nurturing and successful school. There is a fantastic, dedicated staff body and a wonderful collaborative approach which ensures that the curriculum meets the needs of each and every boy. The school exudes busyness and celebrates the excellence and achievements of all. www.hawkesdown.co.uk
Achieve academic excellence through stimulating learning in a nurturing environment. School Tour Date: 11 November, 10am
Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road, London NW11 7SX Tel: 020 3869 3070
CUR IOSIT Y
info@stanthonysgirls.co.uk @StAnthonysGirls
www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk 10057-APG SAG St Ants School for Girls Half Page Ad - 190X133mm V2.indd 3
30/06/2017 16:47
EDUC ATION
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EDUC ATION FEATURE
SWIMWAY: A NEW CONCEPT IN
SWIMMING EDUCATION
146 NOVEMBER 2017
HOLIDAYS & travel – Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m age : m a u r i t i u s
H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL
SKI SEASON IN THE FRENCH ALPS
Four Seasons Hotel Megève unveils introductory offer as reservations are launched for the 2017/18 Winter Season
O
pening in time for the 2017-2018 ski season in the French Alps, the new Four Seasons Hotel Megève is now accepting reservations, with a special introductory offer to welcome its first guests this winter. The all-new slopeside hotel is conceived as a modern interpretation of the traditional Alpine mountain resort, with everything that families, couples and friends travelling together imagine in memorable ski holidays or hiking through blooming Alpine meadows, from days besting 136 groomed snow runs or kayaking in mountain valleys, to evenings savouring cocktails, hot chocolate or cigars by the fire in what promises to be this charming area’s chicest après-ski scene. “Megève has been a popular destination for generations of in-the-know skiers and lovers of the outdoors. Now, with the debut of Four Seasons in the region, holiday makers can look forward to a new level of personally customised service within the contemporary comforts of an all-new hotel,” says General Manager François Arrighi. Also making its debut on December 15, 2017 will be the new location of Le 1920 restaurant within Four Seasons Hotel Megève. The two-Michelin starred restaurant, already a favourite of locals and annual visitors to Megève, will continue to offer the finest in seasonal cuisine by Chef Julien Gatillon. Hotel features also include four more dining and drinking venues with large terraces for enjoying
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sunny winter days and long summer evenings, a luxurious spa with fitness centre and heated yearround indoor-outdoor pool, and separate dedicated facilities for kids and teens. In addition to the many services and thoughtful amenities found at Four Seasons around the world, guests in Megève will have access to an in-house ski concierge and comprehensive ski valet services in winter, as well as preferred access to the Mont d’Arbois Golf Course located next to the Hotel for some of the region’s best golf during the summer season. Enjoy 20 percent savings on the regular room rates between December 15, 2017 and April 15, 2018 for a limited time only. www.fourseasons.com
“Megève has been a popular destination for generations of in-the-know skiers and lovers of the outdoors”
OUT H OLIDAYS & ABOUT & TRAVEL
Switching OFF IN Mauritius
words: Hannah Stephenson, Press Association
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Chinese tourist carefully positions herself on the front of the widebeamed luxury catamaran, adjusting the straps on her sundress before raising a selfie stick like a conductor’s baton for another smiling picture. But try as she might, she can’t quite capture the pod of dolphins in the sparkling Indian Ocean, that she was trying to feature as a backdrop. Eventually, she settles for a picture just of herself – and misses the dolphins completely. She may have posted that picture of her vacationing in Mauritius on Instagram or Facebook, but the scenario is a sharp reminder of how easy it is to miss really amazing things when your sights are on social media. We head for the Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort, offering a plethora of sporting distractions and an impressive nature reserve on its doorstep, in the wilder, less commercial south of the island. Set on the former sugar estate of Domaine de Bel Ombre, the African-themed hotel, featuring a decor of tribal art, drums and masks, is one of two neighboring five-star golf and spa resorts in the same group – the other is Le Telfair – which share each other’s facilities. We visit the C Beach Club, a chic hangout for sports lovers and sun worshippers alike, where water sports on offer include kite surfing, paddle boarding and water skiing, and gradually begin to switch off. Boredom doesn’t feature - we scale the long sandy beach on Segways, practise our swings on the driving range, snorkel in search of angel fish and silver pipers, and detox further when we have coconut oil, 152 NOVEMBER 2017
powder and other derivatives slathered on us in the spa, resulting in sighs and smiles in equal measure. The shallow lagoons and steady winds of the southwest coast make Bel Ombre a terrific kite surf location, an exciting distraction for any teenager. We discover, though, that you have to master flying a kite the size of a small tent on land before taking to the water, so anyone expecting to be kite surfing like a pro after one lesson should think again. Mealtimes become a pleasure, the dishes reflect the different cultures and the Indian, Chinese, Creole and French influences of the island. Minus social media, my companion and I appreciate the cuisine more; the fresh local seafood, the steaks from South Africa, the rich mix of Indian spices which so often permeate the food.
“Mauritius isn’t just a fly-and-flop destination with paradise beaches, though. It also has mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls and nature reserves”
Later, we sit in the open-air bar with our drinks, a pack of cards and we laugh, talk like we haven’t talked for a while. Mauritius isn’t just a fly-and-flop destination with paradise beaches, though. It also has mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls and nature reserves. The Domaine de Bel Ombre is home to the Frederica Nature Reserve, a former sugar cane estate which has been transformed into a 1,300-hectare conservation area, run in conjunction with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. It’s home to Java deer, wild boar, long tailed macaque monkeys and a plethora of birds, although we’re centuries too late to spot the long-extinct flightless dodo, endemic to Mauritius, whose last confirmed sighting was in 1662. Wide open grassy plains overlook the coastline, leading to a green canopy of forested flora and fauna in the upper wetlands, which shelter rare plants and birds, streams and waterfalls, eucalyptus, bamboo and princess palms. Will and I embark on a 4x4 buggy trail - the more adventurous can do it on quad bikes – with our guide Nitish, in the hope of spotting some real wildlife. Driving along a rough track which slices through fields of sugar cane, we stop at the reserve entrance where we dip the soles of our trainers in disinfectant, while the vehicle’s tyres are cleaned with the same solution, to protect the reserve’s fragile ecosystem from the threat of disease from the outside world. Once through the gates, the 4x4 bumps precariously along rocky ground before reaching an open expanse where Nitish stops, pointing to some activity in a huge albizia tree, from which a colony of fruit bats, the island’s only endemic mammal, are hanging. In another tree, we see a flash of vivid emerald green as a pair of echo parakeets, an endangered species, takes flight. Along the way we spot deer, nearly run over numerous pheasants, examine great termite nests on thick black ebony trees and seek out the common grazing spots of wild boar. Exploring further on foot, Nitish tells us about invasive plant species, botanical plants introduced by the colonists and medicinal plants, before we reach a cascading waterfall where you can swim. On the journey back, we stop to sample the sweet sap from sugar cane - still the main industry
of Mauritius - as Nitish breaks off a growing cane, shows us how to strip the stalk and chew the tough fibre inside before spitting it out. It tastes, well, as you’d expect, sweet, but in a subtle way. Leave the luxury tourist resorts and you enter a different world. Colonial-style houses sit on the mountain slopes, while on the southern coastal road to Souillac, long fronds of banyan trees sway in the breeze and tall, slender conifer-like filao trees provide shade along the glorious beaches. Makeshift independent stores are peppered along the southern coastal villages, while locals sell coconuts, pineapples, bananas and mangoes at roadside stalls to make ends meet. Buses are crammed with people either going to work or going to school, and traffic is often heavy. It may seem a frugal lifestyle but the people we meet are happy. Most Mauritians choose to stay on the island, working in agriculture or the tourism industry. All the staff we encounter in the hotels are locals. As we leave this paradise island, Will’s phone starts pinging with messages and I feel my burgeoning email box beckoning – but it was great to look up from our phones for a while. Hannah Stephenson stayed at the Heritage Awali, courtesy of Heritage Resorts (www.heritageresorts.mu)
OUT H OLIDAYS & ABOUT & TRAVEL
see the lights
WORDS: Sarah Marshall.
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iterally starting with a bang when a coronal mass ejection (basically an explosion of energy on the sun’s surface) causes light displays as far south as northern England, the Northern Lights season is well underway. And if you want to see the stunning natural phenomena with your own eyes, now could be the best time to go. The strength of the lights depends on electromagnetic activity in the atmosphere, which peaks and falls in an 11-year cycle. After years of fantastic displays, we’re beginning a downward slide, and although the aurora will always be present, the shows might be gradually less frequent and intense until 2020. So, to optimize your chances of seeing those wizard wand luminous streaks, book one of these new-season tours.
Churchill, Canada Endless stretches of Arctic tundra and a healthy population of polar bears make this remote town in the Hudson Bay a true wilderness escape. At 58 degrees north, it sits within the aurora oval (the area where the lights are best observed), and in October, when the river freezes, energetic bears come to hunt and fight. Next year, from March 2-10, a pop up restaurant with a transparent roof will be erected inside the 18th century Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site. Along with a gourmet fourcourse meal cooked by a top Canadian chef, guests will hopefully dine out on spectacular light displays. Price is still TBC but you can join the waiting list online now. For more information, visit www.raw-churchill.com.
Rovaniemi, Finland Standing around in the cold for hours on end waiting for a green strip of light to streak across the sky - it’s a rite of passage for aurora hunters. But Regent Holidays have come up with an alternative approach: new for this season, they’re inviting guests to float around in the cold instead. Dressed head to toe in a dry suit, willing participants will float in a frozen lake while waiting for the lights to turn up. The Ice Floating excursion can be booked as part of a three-night break at the Arctic Light Hotel for £900pp including direct flights from London and transfers. Visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk
The New Year saviour: Lapland There’s no guarantee the aurora will show up on December 31, but it would certainly beat any 154 NOVEMBER 2017
fireworks display if they did. Anyone looking for a novel way to see in the New Year should consider Off The Map Travel’s New Year Twice trip, which zips across the border, allowing party-goers to ring in 2018 in both Finland and Sweden (there’s a onehour time difference). Package includes champagne from an ice bar, a gala dinner and an opportunity to dance and sauna with locals. A three-night/four-day trip costs £1,299pp including accommodation, activities and transfers to Lulea airport. Flights extra.
Tromso, Norway Cloud cover frequently scuppers chances of viewing the aurora, particularly along coastal areas. But one method to get round the problem is to soar above the fuzzy grey masses on a plane. Special flights will operate from Tromso airport from January to March 2018, with a bottle of champagne stowed on board for the moment the show begins. Magnetic North Travel offer the Aurora flight, with guaranteed window seat, as part of a three night break in a four-star hotel, costing £995pp with flights and transfers.
“Along with a gourmet fourcourse meal cooked by a top Canadian chef, guests will hopefully dine out on spectacular light displays”
OUT H OLIDAYS & ABOUT & TRAVEL
The secret ski holiday no-one has told you about
A typical day starts by clipping into skis at the hotel and skiing down to the chair lift for a warmup run, then daily lessons begin where an elite level ski instructor will teach all-mountain techniques. Piste perfection, deep powder and tackling moguls are the order of the day, customers are masters of the mountain in training. As lessons come to an end and the lifts close for the day, it’s time to ski down to the bar and have a well-earned refreshment. After a few weeks of training with the best instructors in Canada, students take the CSIA level 1 exam to become a certified a ski instructor. Training continues towards level 2 certification after the exam, but expect it to kick up a gear – the steeps get steeper and deeps get deeper.
“This type of holiday is unique to Canadian resorts like Sun Peaks”
T
he best kept secret in Canada is definitely Sun Peaks Resort. With the second largest ski area in Canada (only Whistler has more runs) Sun Peaks has no lift queues, empty pistes, pure powder and an alpine village that wouldn’t be out of place in the French Alps. Sun Peaks is the Courchevel of Canada – with better quality snow and quieter runs. Sun Peaks boasts luxury hotels, amazing restaurants and dozens of winter activities and events, it’s no wonder most visitors return again and again. Making the long journey to Canada has to be worthwhile, and tour operators are offering a different kind of holiday for the UK market – ski instructor training holidays. More people than ever before are taking extended holidays or mini-gap years, and joining a ski instructor course is the perfect getaway from the fast paced, long hours of the workplace. Holidays to Sun Peaks range from 2 weeks to living and skiing for a full season - a minigap year - in the centre of a world class resort.
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Photography: Adam Christian Photography
This type of holiday is unique to Canadian resorts like Sun Peaks. Over-crowding has become a problem in popular European resorts and there is no room to accommodate hotels for weeks on end, let alone full seasons. Tour operators are aware that the modern traveller is looking for quality accommodation, prime location and first class service and instruction whilst on these extended holidays – and the hidden winter paradise of Sun Peaks is perfect. You can book up to four months in Sun Peaks Resort with Winter Sports Company. Packages include flights, transfers, breakfast and evening meals, lift pass, first-class tuition and instructor exam from £610 per week. www.wintersportscompany.com
H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL
The Ultimate Christmas Trip: The World’s Finest Christmas Decorations & Shopping, £49,500
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uxury launches website VeryFirstTo.com has announced an incredible opportunity for couples to experience the most spectacular decorations across the globe. They will visit spectacular sites in eight legendary Christmas destinations, travelling on business class and staying in the finest hotels. The exceptional 17-night trip, which begins on 1st December, is organised by luxury travel specialists Hurlingham Travel. Marcel Knobil, founder of VeryFirstTo, Superbrands and Cool BrandLeaders says “This never done before tour is the ultimate Christmas experience for those who appreciate the finest and brightest decorations across the globe. The lights in particular really evoke the magic of Christmas. From the iconic to the modern this trip also includes the opportunity to shop the Christmas markets of Paris and Vienna and of course, the famous stores of London, Paris and New York.” The couple will begin this one of a kind trip in London, taking in the incredible lights of the major shopping streets including Regent Street and Oxford Street as well as the iconic Piccadilly Circus. It is then on to New York city to enjoy the wonder of the tree at Rockefeller Center as well as the window displays of Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Continuing the American leg of the tour in the “Happiest place on earth”, Walt Disney World, Orlando, where they will visit the magical Christmas wonderland and all the fairytale Christmas joy that is offered by Mickey and his friends.
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They will then travel to Medellin, Columbia’s second largest city, which is known for its Christmas Lights Fiesta, an annual holiday celebration that illuminates the night sky with exquisite scenes and giant 3D figures each year. The next stop takes in Paris, the “City of Lights” where not only will they see the incredible illuminations and beautiful window displays, they will also be able to shop at the beautiful Marché de Noel, a Christmas market featuring artisans, food, and holiday-themed vendors, considered by many as one of Europe’s top markets. They will then sample Celebrate Christmas in Singapore (CCIS) which infuses the world famous Orchard Road with music, performances, and a series of decorated floats all honouring the holiday’s religious aspect. Back to Europe and decadence in Monte Carlo where the French Riviera town of Monaco is lit up with spectacular lights including cascading, interwoven lights recreating the magic of Christmas. The last stop on the tour is Vienna. The famed shopping streets of Graben and Kärntnerstrasse host some of the city’s most dazzling light displays. In Rathausplatz (Vienna’s City Hall Square), they can bask in the light of the town hall, which glows like a fairytale castle. Rathausplatz is also home to the city’s largest Christmas market, the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts and festive goodies to bring back home in time for Christmas Day. To purchase The Ultimate Christmas Trip visit VeryFirstTo.com
fashion, HEALTH
& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m age : F ASHION INS P IRATION F RO M TH E CAT WAL K S
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
An unmistakable eye for detail In 2011, Shinola was conceived with the belief that products should be built to last. As makers of modern, handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods and now Audio, Shinola is proud to be based in Detroit, a communityminded city with a strong manufacturing legacy.
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hinola built their watch and leather factories within the College for Creative Studies in the former Argonaut building. As a new company with a storied name, Shinola is founded in the belief that products should be well-made and built to last. Across a growing number of categories, Shinola stands for skill at scale, the preservation of craft and the beauty of industry.
WATCHES To build the first handmade watch in Detroit,Shinola had to build the first watch factory in Detroit so Shinola transformed 30,000 square feet of raw space into a state-of-the-art watch factory. Every Shinola watch movement is built in Detroit with Swiss and imported parts. The Shinola production line combines meticulous hand assembly with the most advanced technology available to ensure Shinola watches are both beautiful and built to last. The Watch factory assembles an average of 700 watches per day with thirty-four different people participating in the assembly of one Runwell watch. Every Shinola watch is guaranteed for life under the Shinola Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty.
LEATHER GOODS The 12,000-square-foot Shinola Leather Factory produces the finest quality leather watch straps, bags and small leather goods, using traditional labourintensive methods as well as modern hi-tech custom made Italian machinery. Located next door to the Shinola Leather Factory is the Leather Studio where their bags and small leather goods are crafted from sketch to sample by Shinola designers. All Shinola leather products are designed, cut and sewn in the U.S. from leather tanned in some of America’s oldest and finest tanneries. Shinola currently produce over 70 percent of their watch straps in Detroit, and the balance are made in Key Largo, Fla. with a partner factory. Made with American Leather, the factory cuts and sews an average of 350 leather watch straps per day
BICYCLES The heart and soul of a Shinola bicycle begins in the legendary Waterford Precision Cycles factory in Wisconsin, where their frames and forks are individually handcrafted by experts using lightweight double-butted 162 NOVEMBER 2017
chromoly steel. It’s a process that requires an incredible amount of careful handwork performed by master craftsmen, many of whom have decades of experience working in the same factory. Once the frames and forks are finished, they’re shipped to the Detroit workshop along with the rest of the components, including Shimano internal hubs and leather saddles. Their master production mechanics in Detroit, then hand-fit each component during the custom-level assembly. This close attention to each detail ensures that every bicycle that ships from the Detroit workshop delivers impeccable reliability and an unbeatably smooth and responsive ride.
AUDIO In November 2016, Shinola launched their first audio product: The Runwell Turntable. Every component and element of the Shinola Runwell Turntable is carefully sourced from manufacturers across the globe then built at their newly installed 5,100-square-foot Shinola Audio factory within the Shinola Detroit Headquarters. Commited to making Shinola goods with the absolute highest quality standards possible. Shinola is founded in the belief that products should be well-made and built to last. Across a growing number of categories, Shinola stands for skill at scale, the preservation of craft and the beauty of industry. For more information about Shinola 28 Foubert’s Place, Soho, London W1F 7PR Telephone 020 7734 5402 or visit www.shinola.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
[NEWS]
BEAUTY & FASHION SCOTTISH STYLE Keep warm and look sophisticated as the days become cooler with this fine merino scarf, designed in the highlands of Scotland by GSA textiles graduate Catherine MacGruer. With it’s modern colour palette and long length, this scarf is guaranteed to compliment any winter attire. This subtle birds eye pattern with a pale mint trim makes this sumptuous scarf a key piece of on-trend knitwear. Bird Eyes Scarf - Mint, £95, The Glasgow School of Art Shop, www.gsashop.co.uk
SILVERSMITH GIFTS FOR MEN Hersey & Son Silversmiths have a fantastic range of silver cufflinks, silver mens bracelets and silver men’s necklaces, ideal for the special someone in your life. The majority of their products are hallmarked in London and can be personalised with an engraved name, date or message. They are sent to you carefully packed in black pouches within Hersey Silversmiths black presentation boxes. From £40 upwards, www.hersey.co.uk
A luminous composition
THIRTIES GIRL We love this amazing vintageinspired 1930s shell shaped clutch bag which would glam up any outfit this festive season. Vintage Art Deco style gold shell 1930s clutch bag, £40, It’s Vintage Darling www.itsvintagedarling.com 164 NOVEMBER 2017
Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel, the House of Chanel perfumer Olivier Polge, working with the Chanel Laboratory of Creation and Development of Perfumes, composed a solar flower based on a bouquet of four white flowers. The fragrance appears to hover weightlessly within the exceptional square bottle, crafted of ultra-thin glass. The transparent sides fade into the background allowing the light-filled fragrance to shine through. The label and the stopper have the same shape and the same indefinable lamé colour, between gold and silver. The sleeve interior is warmed with an even more precious gold. The case features a special internal sleeve that protects the bottle, nestled in an imprint of its silhouette. Gabrielle Chanel is the fragrance of a solar woman.
MAKE A STATEMENT Embrace the changing season with the Rowan Leaves Statement Necklace. An array of deciduous leaves are captured in pearlescent caramel and tortoiseshell acrylic, hand linked to a golden chain with hand curved, copper glitter berries. Layer yours over a chunky knit for cosy, seasonal style. Rowan Leaves Statement Necklace, £110, Tatty Devine www.tattydevine.com
OUT & ABOUT FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
LOOKWITHFORWARD TO SPRING LONDON FASHION WEEK HIGHLIGHTS We look back at the big hitters of fashion week and what these collections tell us about next spring. WORDS: Katie Wright
Here’s what happened at the ‘big five’ shows of London Fashion Week. Burberry The front row: Notably, grime artists Stormzy and Skepta were invited, which hinted at Christopher Bailey’s direction this season. The models: Kaia Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, made her London catwalk debut. The look: Drawing heavily on the house’s archive, the sheepskin jackets, tartan coats and oversized knits were this time imbued with a new streetwear feel. Bailey even went as far as resurrecting the beige Nova Check print that the brand was forced to 166 NOVEMBER 2017
virtually abandon 10 years ago after it became the calling card of D list celebrities and football fans. It was a risky move, but one we can see the fash pack lapping up.
Topshop
Topshop The front row: New British Vogue editor Edward Enninful cosied up to Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Grace. The models: A diverse line-up including Adwoa Aboah, Jourdan Dunn and Joan Smalls. The look: Creative director Kate Phelan’s last collection was a jubilant send-off, a riot of party girls in 90s Sohoinspired bodycon frocks, strappy dresses, metallic skirts and big fluffy coats. There was some gorgeous daywear too - particularly the cable knit jumpers and extra-long, straight-leg suit trousers.
Burberry
Christopher Kane The front row: Alexa Chung and Selma Hayek, whose husband is CEO of Kane’s parent company Kering.
Main image: Christopher Kane
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ondon Fashion Week seems to get bigger every year, with more names to know on the schedule and models to keep track of on the catwalks (and Instagram). But the same stalwart designers have remained the most influential for the last decade, so it’s to them we look to find out what’s in store for next spring that’s when the designer collections hit department stores and the high street’s catwalk-inspired creations are unveiled. If September’s shows are anything to go by, the 90s will remain very much in vogue, stripes will get a squiggly makeover, and the Queen is going to be your number one style icon.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
The models: In-demand newcomers Cara Taylor and Kiki Willems walked. The look: As usual, a seemingly disparate bunch of references ruffles, handkerchief hems, chintzy prints and sugary pastels - all came from a single source, which this season Kane said was the idea of the domestic goddess. But this homemaker is hiding something, which is why her fluffy cocktail dress is worn with black latex gloves and her shoes come with kitchen mop fringing. The master of stylish subversion triumphed again.
Erdem
Right: House of Holland; top: Burberry; All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout
The front row: Erdem superfan Alexa Chung, actress Jenna Coleman and Brit model Erin O’Connor. The models: Another designer who favours interesting newcomers, Erdem Moralioglu chose Cara Taylor to close the show. The look: Imagining a 30-something Queen transported to a New York jazz club (inspired by time spent in the royal archives), Moralioglu sent out a slew of stunningly opulent satin gowns and frock coats. A 50s silhouette ruled throughout - on full skirts or pencil skirts - and there was lots of sequin and crystal embellishment alongside the designer’s trademark florals.
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Erdem
House of Holland The front row: Singer Ella Eyre, Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock and designer Henry Holland’s BFF Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud fame were in attendance. The models: A refreshingly diverse roster included Sudanese-born Duckie Thot and American Adesuwa Aighewi. The look: In a word, stripes. Well, waves, really. These psychedelic squiggles, Holland’s ode to surf culture, emblazoned everything from slip dresses to midi skirts to sweatshirts. The tinsel pool slides and pirate hats that accompanied almost every look may not be to everyone’s taste, but the undulating stripes were a real winner.
info@capriceschoes.co.uk |
Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.
@capriceshoes
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
AUTUMN LIPSTICK TRENDS A model on the catwalk during the Eudon Choi Autumn/ Winter 2017 London Fashion Week show, London
A model on the catwalk during the Topshop Autumn/Winter 2017 London Fashion Week show at BFC Show Space, London
Red and pink have been make-up mainstays for decades, but the AW17 shows gave us new ways to wear these classic colours on your lip
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ed lipstick is possibly the most iconic make-up product of all, with pink not far behind it. So if we told you these classic hues are on-trend this season, you’d be well within your rights to say, “So? What else is new?” But, in actual fact, these enduring shades were reinterpreted on the AW17 catwalks in ways that made us sit and up and take notice. “Applying red to the face is one of the most ancient of beauty gestures, but right now it feels really new,” says MAC backstage make-up artist Lyne Desnoyers. “The way we’re using it this season reflects a need of make-up artists to break apart the classics... or reinterpret them with colour.” And the results are oh-so pretty, it must be said - but you will need a few tips to tone down the more out-there catwalk designs. Here are four fresh ways to wear lipstick this season, and the products you’ll need to achieve them.
Chalayan’s cherry-lined lips At Chalayan, the make-up muse was a “weird, club kid Geisha”, Thomas de Kluyver explained backstage. “Take the classics and make it more 2017.” That meant lips that were patted with a fuchsia cream colour, working from the centre outwards, then lined with a cherry red liner that’s smudged slightly, creating an ombre effect. Get the look: Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Fuchsia Flood, £9.99; Nars Precision Lip Liner in Juanles-Pins, £18
Topshop’s ruby pout Looking for an alternative to the matte red lip but 170 NOVEMBER 2017
Nars Precision Lip Liner in Juan-lesPins, £18, available from Nars
don’t want to go full-on gloss? At Topshop, the ruby shade was midway between the two. Forgoing liner in favour of an ‘I-whacked-this-on-in-the-taxi’ vibe, the juicy tone gives you a full, healthy-looking pout with minimal shine. Get the look: Hourglass Ultra Slim Refillable Lipstick in I Desire, £28, John Lewis
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour in High Drama, £17.50, available from MAC
Eudon Choi’s powdered perfection Inspired by the clothes in the collection, at Eudon Choi, a bright coral red was mixed and applied in varying intensities so that “individuality is respected and embraced”, according to make-up maestro Adam de Cruz. Whether you want to try a delicate tangerine wash or a dense umber, the key to the perfect shine-free pout is to press a touch of coral blusher on top. In fact, whatever colour your lippie this season, adding a coordinating blusher on top will bring it bang up to date. Get the look: Collection Velvet Kiss Lip Cream in Mango, £2.99, Superdrug; Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Sculpt Blusher in Peach Passion, £30, John Lewis
Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Fuchsia Flood, £9.99, available from Burt’s Bees
Hourglass Ultra Slim Refillable Lipstick in I Desire, £28, available from John Lewis
Giambattista Valli’s glossy girls The most extreme expression of the glossy lips trend came at Preen, where the models were meant to look like they’d gone and snogged all their lippie off before they hit the catwalk. But at Giambattista Valli, the look was way more wearable. Contrasted with perfectly polished, dewy skin, a burgundy lip pencil was applied over the entire lips, followed by a smear of matte liquid lip colour and a generous dose of clear lip gloss, to give the shiniest finish possible. Get the look: MAC Lip Pencil in Burgundy, £13; MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour in High Drama, £17.50; MAC Lipglass Clear, £15
Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Sculpt Blusher in Peach Passion, £30, available from John Lewis
Iuri Shubladze creates one-of-a-kind bags and clutches with a sexy modern sensibility, handmade at the highest level of craftsmanship. Our designs play with scale and motif, and mix materials in fresh, unexpected pairings. Chic, fun, brilliant. See the collection at www.iurishnyc.com Buy Clutches, Bags and Wallets Online - Iuri Shubladze www.iurishnyc.com
Model - Guri Shubladze Photographer - Bakur Tvrineli
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
BORN TO SHINE Combining work with a passion for something you love, sounds like a dream job. Add a good sprinkling of gold and diamonds, and you have Sylvia Kerr Jewellery. We meet the designer Sylvia Kerr at the helm of this luxury jewellery brand to chat to her about her job, her passion and her jewellery in this exclusive interview.
Sylvia, how was Sylvia Kerr jewellery born? “I have been a designer Goldsmith, making fine bespoke jewellery since 1989. It was only after an illness which put my life on hold for a while, that the idea of combining my two passions in life: jewellery and all things country living and equestrian came to fruition.” Which aspects of the design process do you enjoy the most? “I love the whole process of bringing pieces to life from initial drawings, taking the raw materials and creating pieces that people will love to wear for eternity. I spend a lot of time focusing on attention to detail and in creating pieces that are tactile and an absolute joy to wear. I love working with clients on bespoke pieces, helping their vision become a reality and to get feedback on our pieces from our customers is something I just don’t think I will ever tire of. While designing each piece, I always think about the versatility each piece offers, its longevity to move effortlessly forward beyond fashion trends with the ability to always stand out with a fresh, contemporary feel. And I always think about the women who wear them. My customers don’t have 172 NOVEMBER 2017
time to spend hours thinking about what they wear, let only changing jewellery pieces. They want jewellery they can wear to the office, during the day but which will take them to a cocktail party or out for dinner without question. Easy to wear pieces that make a statement day or night. You mention your passions, tell us more about those: “Obviously jewellery design is a huge love of mine but animals, in particular horses and country living also inspire me. Our workshop is situated in a beautiful part of the world, so I’m fortunate to be inspired by nature every day. For the last six years, I have also shared my life with Farah, a very beautiful and feisty 17hh Belgium Warmblood Mare. Farah is also the source of inspiration for our collection of the same name.” Tell us about your new Burghley Gold Collection. “This timeless equestrian-inspired collection is our first full Gold ‘ready to buy’ collection. All our pieces are handmade, and this particular collection is finished in 9ct yellow gold and pavé set with fine Diamonds. We can also incorporate other stones at customer’s requests and Golds. For example, since our launch, we have created a stunning Ruby set earrings, necklace and bracelet collection for one customer who wanted to surprise his wife on their anniversary and another who wanted to celebrate his girlfriend with a bangle uniting her birthstone of Emerald into white Gold - simply stunning.” www.sylviakerrjewellery.com
“I love the whole process of bringing pieces to life from initial drawings, taking the raw materials and creating pieces that people will love to wear for eternity”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Christmas luxuries from Maison SL L
ingerie can make a wonderful Christmas gift for all of the women in your life - wives, girlfriends, lovers, sisters and daughters. And it is easy when you know her favourite brands and the colours, shapes and sizes that will fit and flatter her. But buying lingerie is fraught with peril for the first-timer. There’s nothing worse than striking the wrong note with an overly risqué red and black bra set or baby doll for a woman who doesn’t appreciate it. So here are the key dos and don’ts for buying lingerie, nightwear or swimwear for one of the women in your life. First, unless you know they are into high fashion and fun, it is safest to steer clear of novelty. Forget about the overtly sexual (crotchless knickers and latex) and avoid anything with too many colours or too fussy. Err on the side of caution instead and look for sophisticated luxury. Any woman will die for a top-of-the range La Perla set. Andreas Sarda and Aubade lingerie offer sophistication with a touch of naughtiness while silk pyjamas from Stella McCartney or cotton sets from Feraud are just as heavenly for teenage daughters as mature mums. The next challenge is getting the right size. All you need to do is check the label on two or three of her favourite bras (more than one is important in case she’s between sizes) and make sure you take a number i.e 34 or 36 and the letter i.e B or
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D. Showing you know her well enough to pick out something that both suits her style and looks fabulous on her will win you no end of brownie points. If it’s not possible to check bra size, do not despair. The dress size is a good start and even without that you can still buy camisoles, negligés, robes and luxury pyjamas. All evoke the same feeling of glamour and luxury, and most styles are versatile enough that being one size out will not matter. www.maisonsl.com
“Any woman will die for a top-of-the range La Perla set. Andreas Sarda and Aubade lingerie offer sophistication with a touch of naughtiness”
LINGERIE
&
SWIMWEAR
The ultimate combination of fit and fashion in sizes A to I La Perla, Aubade, Stella McCartney, Marie Jo, Prima Donna, Empreinte, Lise Charmel, Pleasure State, Feraud, Transparenze, Nicole Oluvier, Maison Lejaby, Wacoal, Marjolaine, Luna di Seta, Gotex, Banana Moon and Andres Sarda For free bra fitting and styling contacts us on 020 7243 0003
Maison SL 53 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA
OUT & ABOUT FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Catwalk
Beauty
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t’s been several months since the autumn/ winter catwalk shows, which means the high street shops are now full of clothes inspired by the designer collections. It also means it’s time to experiment with the creative concepts the beauty pros came up with backstage at fashion week - and the good news is you might already have some of the tools needed to recreate these looks at home. In fact, there’s a good chance you do, because AW17 marks the return of some enduring - and very appealing - ideas, though given a different spin for the new season. And if you don’t have what you need? Then we’ve got the product recommendations for you. From make-up to hair and nails, here are six autumn beauty trends to try now. Mary Katrantzou AW17
Max Mara AW17
Next to nothing make-up
3ina The Color Kajal 404, £8.95, available from 3ina
Bright eyes A splash of aqua at Mary Katrantzou, thick red lines at Oscar de la Renta and Prabal Gurung, two-toned wings at Marco de Vincenzo - if it’s rainbow brights you’re after, there are plenty of eye make-up options for autumn. Whether cream or powder, the colour must be highly pigmented, but the application needn’t necessarily be precise - this is about freedom, not restriction. 3ina The Color Kajal 404, £8.95 176 NOVEMBER 2017
“If it’s rainbow brights you’re after, there are plenty of eye make-up options for autumn”
This may sound like yet another rehash of the ‘no make-up make-up’ trend, but it’s not. It’s about using delicate apricot and peaches-and-cream shades to enhance your complexion and features. Max Mara and Marques’Almeida did it beautifully on the eyelids, while the flushed cheeks at Blue Marine and Salvatore Ferragamo were super flattering. MUA Blush Perfection in Riot, £3, Superdrug
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MUA Blush Perfection in Riot, £3, available from Superdrug
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Chloe AW17
“The most exciting manis were found at Jeremy Scott, Sophia Webster, and Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs”
4 Nail art Sound the alarm: nail art is back. In a big way. OK, there were still plenty of short, nude nails on show, but the most exciting manis were found at Jeremy Scott (long red talons), Sophia Webster (frosted with sparkly tips), and Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs (logos painted on - so Nineties, of course). The easiest way to get the look? Stick on a handful of fakes, the more extravagant the better. Elegant Touch Opulence Ruby Royal, £8.95, FeelUnique
Giambattista Valli AW17
Red versus pink
Red is dominating on the fashion front this season but in terms of beauty, the spectrum runs from darkest crimson to neon pink. It’s all about how you apply it - take your cue from Giambattista Valli or Preen and dab on a wet, inky stain, or go for ultra-defined edges and matte colour like the girls at Chalayan and Christian Cowan. MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in High Drama, MAC Retro Matte Liquid £17.50 Lipcolour in High Drama, £17.50, available from MAC
Romantic rebellion As for hair, the words romantic and rebellious were quoted by many a stylist to explain the tousled (verging on tangled), braided and waved ‘dos seen at Antonio Berardi, Alberta Ferretti, Mark Fast and Bora Aksu. Volume is key to create this undone look, so a decent mousse is a must. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse, £22, LookFantastic
Pur On Point Eyeliner Pencil Heartless, £16, available from BeautyBay
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Antonio Berardi AW17
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse, £22, available from LookFantastic
“It’s about creating a seductive ‘morning after’ smudge, as seen at Elie Saab, Chloe and Molly Goddard”
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Black eyes No, not the bruised kind. This isn’t Halloween make-up, it’s about creating a seductive ‘morning after’ smudge, as seen at Elie Saab, Chloe and Molly Goddard. How? With lashings of jet-black eye pencil and powder shadow, then a hint of colour or shimmer to give a polished edge. Pur On Point Eyeliner Pencil in Heartless, £16, BeautyBay
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5
Elegant Touch Opulence Ruby Royal, £8.95, available from FeelUnique
open sundays
Bespoke Fine Jewellery
Christmas is coming.... Spread Joy and Happiness Specialist in re-design of dated or inherited jewels Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken in-store by Master Goldsmiths Friendly professional service.Visit website for full details.
www.michaelplatt.co.uk Goldsmith & Jewellers
No 1 Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5DW 020 8947 4772 | info@michaelplatt.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
A new lease of life as The Cinnamon Care Collection brings luxury care to Blackheath
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pening this autumn following the extensive remodeling and refurbishment of a classic building in Blackheath, Rectory Court care home is ready to welcome up to 41 residents; the perfect number to ensure a close sense of community, while allowing the highest standards of personalised care. This new care home is Blackheath’s own contemporary spin on residential care, courtesy of The Cinnamon Care Collection. General Manager at Rectory Court, Gina Lim, who has over 20 years’ care industry experience, said: “We are simply committed to providing the best level of care we can and have selected each member of our team for their specific skills and naturally caring and compassionate nature. “Rectory Court brings quality residential care to the local area, and will also offer respite breaks. Residents, whether choosing to live with us on a permanent basis or for a short period of respite or convalescence, will enjoy a full programme of activities designed to reflect their interests and hobbies. “As well as an active calendar of events, we believe meal times at Rectory Court should be an enjoyable experience. Our team of chefs will offer varied menus that change with each season and are always nutritionally balanced.” This stunning, new care home, perfectly located close to local amenities, is due to open at the end of October and is holding a community open weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November, between 10am and 4pm. Members of the local community are invited to Rectory Court to enjoy welcome drinks and refreshments. The friendly team will be on hand to give tours of the home and answer any questions regarding the care and facilities coming soon to Blackheath.
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Rectory Court will become sister care home to Cinnamon’s Leah Lodge Care Home, located on Blessington Road, Blackheath which opened in 2016. Leah Lodge offers residential care with the addition of specialist care for those living with dementia, whether on a short- or long-term basis. Those interested are encouraged to call in on 18th or 19th November to experience the wonderful hospitality, or the team is happy to arrange tours at any other time before then by calling 0208 297 5860. Rectory Court is located on The Glebe, off Lee Terrace in Blackheath, London (SE3 9TU). Alternatively, email rectory.haa@cinnamoncc.com or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/rectory for more information.
PROPERTY HEALTH & BEAUTY FASHION,
HEALTH RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
We ask the experts which resolutions we should be making this year, and how we can actually stick to them.
S
ick of making and breaking the same New Year resolutions every year? Whether it’s giving up smoking, exercising more, or getting our 5-a-day, most of us have usually given up before January ends. But with a little help from the pros, you can live a happier, healthier life in 2018...
you’re capitalising on there is positive self-regard, but also the fundamental process of self-watching. There’s a lot of success in seeing your own achievements. When you collect all that up, you can start saying, ‘Actually I’ve got nearly 10 occasions there when I did well, I’m doing well, I’m someone who can change’.”
Drink more water
Look after your skin
Health and fitness mentor Sarah-Anne Lucas (birdonabike.co.uk) says starting a daily ritual is the answer to New Year resolutions. She suggests drinking more water: “Water intake is massive. Most people do not drink enough, but what we’d all like is more energy. That comes down to what you put in, so increase your water intake. It’s the first thing you put in your body in the morning. Go and get yourself a minimum of 100ml water and get it into you. To progress that practice, add lemon, to make the body alkaline. Lemon water is amazing, it also adds a bit of flavour.”
Louise Thomas-Minns (uandyourskin.co.uk), celebrity skin therapist, recommends we pay more attention to protecting and caring for our skin: “Wash your skin nightly. Not removing make-up, daily dirt, oil, grime and pollutants from the skin every night will result in infections and outbreaks. Your skin regenerates at night too, so give it a helping hand. And don’t pick! Picking at your skin will result in scarring and create more spotty outbreaks. Wear SPF every day to slow ageing and protect from the harmful effects of UV rays. Find out your skin type from a skin health expert, so you stop wasting time and money on incorrect products.”
Learn to meditate Life-coach and mindfulness practitioner Dr Caroline Hough (aspiring2wellness.com) says we can train our minds to reduce stress, making us more likely to achieve our goals: “It involves sitting and meditating for 20 minutes. Bring yourself into the moment and be aware. That’s an awareness of your external environment, so just looking at the flowers and the trees and the sunshine and appreciating it instead of rushing through life. Be aware of your internal environment, by noticing if you’re very stressed, for example if you’re clenching your muscles. We tend to live our lives at a level of stress which is unhealthy.”
Start self-watching Professor Jim McKenna, head of the Active Lifestyles Research Centre at Leeds Beckett University, advises we record our successes to motivate ourselves: “Whatever you want to do, whenever you achieve, write it down. You’re trying to achieve it every day, so it needs to be nice and small, and all your job is then is to keep the sequence running. It’s really as simple as that. What 182 NOVEMBER 2017
“We can train our minds to reduce stress, making us more likely to achieve our goals”
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Focus on…
menopause In the ninth of our regular features from The London General Practice, Dr Angela Rai discusses the menopause
T
he menopause is a normal process that women experience, and can greatly affect the quality of a woman’s life. The menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs, leading to a drop in hormone levels in the body. There are 3 stages: • Perimenopause – this occurs a few years before the menopause when the ovaries gradually make less oestrogen. The fluctuation of hormone levels leads to the symptoms of menopause. • Menopause - is the point when it has been at least one year since the last menstrual period. • Post menopause – these are the years after the menopause. As oestrogen drops it can affect different systems in the body, such as skin, bones, heart and vagina. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 years. Symptoms can start earlier at around the age of 45. Menopause prior to the age of 40 is defined as premature ovarian insufficiency. Symptoms of menopause vary greatly between women. Some women may only experience symptoms for a few months, whilst others may suffer for many years. Around one in four women have no symptoms. The first sign of menopause is usually a change in the normal pattern of your periods. They can become lighter or heavier with a change in frequency, until eventually the period stops altogether. Common symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats. Other symptoms include vaginal dryness, reduced libido, joint pains, difficulty sleeping, mood changes
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such as irritability and anxiety. There are also long-term health problems associated with a lack of oestrogen. These include osteoporosis which is a weakening of the bones making them fragile and increasing the risk of fractures. The risk of cardiovascular disease also increases after the menopause. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can improve can both symptoms and quality of life. HRT is also recommended for women who have gone through an early menopause and should take it until around the time of natural menopause. HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, however it may also be associated with a small risk of developing breast cancer and women need to be assessed on an individual basis. HRT is available as tablets, skin patches and gels. Oestrogen creams can help symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort. There are also over the counter vaginal moisturisers that can be used that do not contain oestrogen. Wearing lighter clothing, keeping the bedroom cool at night, using a fan, having cool showers or having a cold drink may be simple measures that help the symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats. Following a healthy lifestyle, reducing alcohol consumption and giving up smoking are beneficial. Regular weight bearing exercises and safe sun exposure for Vitamin D production helps protect the bones against osteoporosis. There is limited evidence on ‘natural’ supplements and safety may be uncertain due to lack of data. Some woman experience benefits from alternative treatments, however you should seek medical advice if you have troublesome symptoms and before starting treatment. If you would like to speak to a Doctor please contact the practice.
THE DETAILS
The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place) Tel: 0207 935 1000
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Private GP services www.thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services www.londonocchealth.com
PROPERTY HEALTH & BEAUTY FASHION,
Suffering from a sports injury or something more serious? Bupa Cromwell Hospital’s Therapy team can aid your recovery
W
hether you’ve sprained an ankle on your morning run, or need ongoing treatment after surgery, many of us will need physiotherapy at some point in our lives. The physiotherapy team at Bupa Cromwell Hospital are on hand to help with all of your aches and pains. Our highly-trained specialists provide a wide range of services to both our in-patients and out-patients.
Muscles and joints If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, our physiotherapists can not only help to relieve pain, but also identify whether poor posture is the cause. They will put together an exercise plan to help resolve the issues – this might include dynamic strengthening exercises to change the coordination of all the muscles in a particular area. Sports injuries are another common problem. They can be acute, chronic or ongoing and are managed differently to everyday aches and pains. The team can help to get to the root cause of the pain and provide education and exercises to ease the pain and avoid further harm.
Rehabilitation after surgery Rehabilitative physiotherapy is best started as soon as possible after surgery. The aim is to support you through your recovery, enabling you to recover or adjust to achieve your full potential. Research has also shown that physiotherapy can shorten the time spent recovering in hospital and your time off work, helping you to get back to normal sooner. 186 NOVEMBER 2017
Other conditions where physiotherapy can help People who have had a stroke, head injury, or suffer from a neurological condition like Parkinson’s disease can improve their motor neurone skills through therapy. Asthma sufferers can combat breathlessness, and children can be treated for everything from feeding problems to club foot and developmental delay. Physiotherapy can also counter the side effects of cancer and its treatment. Exercise programmes help cancer patients with daily activities, relatives are given guidance on supporting their loved one, and massage therapy can reduce pain, swelling, tension and stress. Whatever the reason for your aches, pains or discomforts you will be in good hands with the Bupa Cromwell Hospital physiotherapy team.
THE DETAILS Treatments are available to both insured and self funding patients, and can be booked by calling 0207 460 5749 or emailing info@cromwellhospital.com. For more information about the physiotherapy services at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, please visit www.bupacromwellhospital. com/services-and-specialities/ physiotherapy. Bupa Cromwell Hospital, 164-178 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0TU
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Andre Van Nierop, Urgent Care Centre Clinical Lead in Casualty First
A
ndre van Nierop, Clinical Lead, in the walk-in urgent care centre Casualty First ensures that patients and families receive first class care 7 days a week, from 8am-8pm. Andre, and the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth set up Casualty First 5 years ago, he comments, “The urgent care centre is truly unique in that our team of A+E Doctors provide care for adults and children from the age of one year, we see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”
diagnosed serious conditions and been able to refer next or same day treatment, which in some cases has potentially been life saving due to early diagnosis. It is so rewarding to see the difference that it makes.” “A large amount of the patients we see are children, we provide treatment from the age of one and our child friendly waiting area and consulting rooms disperse any anxiety the kids might have from seeing a doctor. I see worried and concerned parents come in to see us who within minutes are able to see a doctor and the children, and their parents, are smiling and laughing again.”
Putting patients needs first
Visit Casualty First
Casualty First provides an ease of access to treatment that is essential when you are juggling a busy schedule, Andre explains “The urgent care centre is a fantastic facility for people to access our first class care, with no waiting time and the option to receive treatment on the same day or at a convenient time. We often refer patients to see a specialist Consultant or receive imaging and diagnostics on site, in the state of the art hospital facilities” “We have seen patients come in with minor complaints, where after our investigation we have
Located at the entrance of the world famous Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth in London, Casualty First is a self pay service with treatment available for all the family, including children from the age of one year. The experienced A&E doctors treat all minor accidents, injuries and illnesses. If you think you are having a heart attack, stroke or have serious head injuries please phone 999 or go to A&E. www.casualtyfirst.co.uk; 0207 432 8300; Open 8am – 8pm everyday; 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH
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“We see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
A G ame C hanger
in Facial Aesthetics D
r Ravi Jain launches new Hyaluronic Acid skin super-booster, Profhilo, at Riverbanks Wellness®. With next-level skin remodelling capabilities, and leading a new category in injectable treatments, this is no filler! Beyond plumping cheeks and filling wrinkles, cosmetic injectable treatments have evolved to actually achieve skin structural changes by stimulating the natural tissue and influencing the nature of our collagen and elastin production, orchestrating our skin’s behaviour. Moving modern developments forward, the new Profhilo treatment is based on savvy hyaluronic acid technology and has been formulated, in essence, as a bioremodeling skin enhancer, it’s in a different league entirely to ‘fillers’, more of a forefronter in the category of ‘skin super-boosters’. Cosmetic Physician and Medical Director of Riverbanks Wellness® Dr Ravi Jain, is Profhilo’s key opinion leader in the UK, he explains “It’s important to understand this is NOT a volumising dermal filler. It is also not mesotherapy. It sits between skinboosters and fillers as a Super Skin Booster in that it offers fantastic hydration but ALSO triggers collagen and elastin production, resulting in bioremodeling of the skin.” Uniquely, Profhilo combines both high molecular weight and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid creating a dual action that nourishes the dermal
BEFORE
ONE MONTH AFTER SECOND TREATMENT The patient here is 43 years old, treated using the BAP technique Images courtesy of Dr. Patrizia Piersini Italy
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BEFORE
AFTER
Photos courtesy of Professor Cassuto
cells and actually remodels the skin (referred to as Bioremodeling). By directly delivering unique levels of hyaluronic acid, Profhilo hydrates from the inside out while simultaneously stimulating collagen and elastin production to tighten lax skin, change skin quality and eliminate crepey-ness. The solution flows freely, integrating with subcutaneous tissue fluently, making it capable of rejuvenating areas that were previously a challenge, such as the neck, arms and forehead. There are multiple characteristics that qualify Profhilo’s revolutionary status. It is BDDE-free and treatment entails fewer injection points, limited discomfort and side-effects, less top-up sessions and longer-lasting results. “Our patients have been overwhelmed with their results from Profhilo” says Dr Jain “it’s a pretty quick treatment which achieves big improvements by accelerating the skin’s own capabilities.” At Riverbanks, Profhilo is customised for each individual, and two treatments (with a one-month interval between) are recommended for the optimal effect. Treatable areas include: • All areas of the face • The neck and décolleté • Arms Profhilo treatment takes approx. 30 minutes and results last from 4 to 6 months. Price starts from £850.
Dr Rav i Jain
THE DETAILS Riverbanks Wellness is located in Harpenden Hertfordshire LU2 9QS, 01582 762 877, www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
What you need to know about chicken pox W
Dr Rai from The London General Practice, discusses the symptoms and treatment of chickenpox.
ith summer comes the emergence of viruses such as Chickenpox, a highly contagious infection caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Predominantly affecting children under 12, it can affect anyone at any age if they have not previously had the infection or the vaccination. It is usually a mild illness and clears up in a week or so, but can be dangerous for some people, such as pregnant women, new-born babies and those with a weakened immune system. Whilst there is a chickenpox vaccine it is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule.
TRANSMISSION Around 90% of people who come into contact with an affected person will develop the condition. Transmission is through direct person to person contact, airborne droplet infection, or even through contact with infected clothing or bedding.
INCUBATION PERIOD The incubation period is around 14-21 days. The most infectious period being 1-2 days before the rash appears, but infectivity continues until all the lesions are dry and have crusted over, usually about 5 days after the onset of the rash.
SYMPTOMS Symptoms normally start with fever and a general feeling of malaise. Then a intensely itchy rash 192 NOVEMBER 2017
develops. The chickenpox lesions usually start on the body or face, later spreading to the limbs and scalp. It typically begins with small red spots which quickly develop into a blisters which scab over in a few days.
TREATMENT Paracetamol can be used to help alleviate symptoms such as fever and pain. Ibuprofen or other antiinflammatories should not be used in children or adults with chickenpox. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, wear loose comfortable cotton clothing and keep nails short to avoid scratching. Calamine lotion can help relieve the itching as well as Piriton which is an antihistamine and licensed for the symptomatic relief of itching from chickenpox for children over the age of one.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE It is important to contact your doctor if you are not sure of the diagnosis, if your baby is less than four weeks old, if you develop chickenpox as an adult or if the symptoms haven’t started to improve after six days. Also if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox (or you have symptoms) and you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Also seek medical advice and see your GP if you or your child have signs of chickenpox complications, such as swollen and painful skin, difficulty breathing or dehydration.
THE DETAILS The London General Practice provides a wide range of Private Medical Services including vaccinations against Chickenpox. If you would like to contact the Practice please telephone 020 7935 1000. OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK 16 Devonshire Street, London W1G 7AF www.thelondongeneralpractice.com
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Playing Golf With Arthritis F
Osteoarthritis and Golf
or golf-lovers, being diagnosed with osteoarthritis can be a devastating blow. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in joints has worn away, usually causing pain in the knees. Which any keen golfer will know is the absolute worst. In golf we walk long distances, traverse uneven surfaces and repeatedly squat and bend to line up a putt or pick up a ball. It’s a challenging hobby that puts pressure on our muscles and joints. But an osteoarthritis diagnosis doesn’t always mean hanging up the golf clubs – there are other options. The two main treatment options for meniscal injury and chronic knee complaints are surgery, or conservative management. Normally, medical practitioners will do their best to exhaust all conservative management options for before opting for surgery. Surgery comes with risks, sometimes complications or lengthy recovery periods – and it should be treated as a last resort. Conservative treatments for knee injuries focus on muscle strengthening combined with balance and coordination training. The goal of this treatment is to regain function, reduce pain and achieve normal levels of activity – whether that’s returning to walking, standing – or, in this case, playing golf with your buddies again. But the success of these conservative treatments can be limited. So what else can we try? Regenerative Medicine like LipoGems offer a new alternative for non-surgical approach for treating osteoarthritis degenerative meniscal injuries. Clinical tests have shown that LipoGems can reduce pain and improve the stability, movement patterns and quality of life with osteoarthritis – which means for golfers, you could get back to your best without the need to resort to painful, complex surgery. With any injury it’s important to work out which specific treatment plan is right for you. Weighing up all the options and choosing the correct course of action to suit your needs will give you the best chance of getting back on the golf course.
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For more details visit www.RalphRogers.com. The London Sports Injury Clinic, 108 Medical Chambers, 108 Harley Street, London W1G 7ET Tel: 0207 1125400 Email: PA@ralphrogers.com
“The goal of this treatment is to regain function, reduce pain and achieve normal levels of activity”
CHRISTMAS FASHION, HEALTH IN LONDON & BEAUTY
Have you been considering plastic surgery recently? T
here are a number of reasons someone may consider plastic surgery, for many it’s to boost self-esteem in their own appearance and this can be achieved through various cosmetic surgical procedures to reshape, enhance and lift. For those reluctant to undergo surgery, there are a number of non-surgical cosmetic treatments to bridge the gap between the results cosmetic surgery can offer and generalist beauty treatments, enabling you to still achieve the look you desire. Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon offers an array of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, carried out by a team of highly-qualified, registered Consultants who are BAAPS/BAPRAS accredited. They currently have 26 cosmetic surgeons, each renowned for their expertise in the field, so whether you want to banish the bags under your eyes, rid your face of wrinkles or reduce the size of your breasts, they have an expert there to help.
Why Parkside? Having any form of cosmetic procedure is a big decision to make, naturally you will have a lot of questions and queries when deciding on your treatment, during the treatment and post treatment. At Parkside Hospital, they ensure you meet with the cosmetic surgeon who will be carrying out the desired procedure for an in-depth initial consultation. This ensures you receive the information, level of experience and knowledge you deserve from the expert themselves when making your decision (there are non-surgical options to be discussed too!). During your initial consultation with the cosmetic surgeon, you will be given the 198 NOVEMBER 2017
“Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon offers an array of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures”
opportunity to discuss your requirements, learn about various treatment options, and have any queries answered. Parkside Hospital are renowned for their high standards of care and friendly environment and are fully registered and reviewed by the Care Quality Commission. Their Cosmetic Surgeons are leaders in the field and take pride in the level of service provided throughout the whole patient journey. If you’re looking for more information on the procedures offered or to arrange a consultation with one of their expert surgeons visit the website on www.parkside-hospital.co.uk/ cosmetic-surgery or call 020 8971 8026.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
An award-winning
innovator B
ritain has a reputation for innovation and distinctiveness that brings something new and refreshing to our busy world. Think The Beatles, James Bond 007, the Mini car. All are people or products we instantly recognise - world famous names that combined make up what some call “Brand Britain”. And in a small corner of British design, another brand is building a distinctive reputation for standout products – this time for shaving and grooming for men: razors that sell worldwide from San Francisco to Tokyo, and of course, London as well. Top retailers look to stock Bolin Webb, including Harrods of London and The Conran Shop, perhaps the worlds leading design retailer. This English maker of premium razors is an award-winning innovator that brings new thinking to product design, taking shaving out of the shadows into a place to be enjoyed and appreciated. Indeed, the small Midlands-based company, receives global recognition through its multiple competitive brand and design accolades from London to Chicago, New York to Munich. Bolin Webb razors were originally inspired by the shape and colour of top-end sports cars, from the 1960s AC Cobra for its striking front wing to the detail of a modern-day Aston Martin. Finding a form that works in terms of the balance, curve and the “energy” it projects, is the hallmark of a Bolin Webb razor. Hold a Bolin Webb razor and you will understand why the brand has won as many awards as it has. These razors and accessories are all about design: their look-and-feel, how they are built, the carefully selected colours, the quality finish. All ages can appreciate an impeccably crafted product in terms of performance, handling and appearance. Bolin Webb is there too. Design is indeed as much about performance as it is appearance. Sure, these razors look great on the bathroom shelf, but they are no ornament. A Bolin
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“Bolin Webb razors were originally inspired by the shape and colour of top-end sports cars”
Webb razor is built for handling and hygiene, as well as for good looks. And the Gillette blades fitted to these sturdy handles ensure the man gets the good shave he wants. You can buy, or better give, a single razor chosen from a range of carefully-selected and automotiveinspired colours. More enticing still, is when the razor of your choice is combined with either its unique stand or a tactile travel case made from silicone. Both remarkable accessories have won their own design awards. Bolin Webb aims to create beautiful, innovative and aspirational grooming products that turn every day shaving experiences into exceptional ones. A distinctive result that adds a little more to Brand Britain. www.bolinwebb.com
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
Knee or Shoulder Pain affecting your daily activities?
Don’t give up – a dedicated surgeon will get you fighting fit • First class treatment • State of the art non-surgical interventions • Cutting edge pioneering surgical techniques • Personalised rehabilitation to support your recovery • Internationally recognised team • Rapid access to your Consultant Surgeon • Selection of hospital and clinic locations across London
Sports Med London ReStoRe - RepaiR - Reconnect aLL Knee & ShouLdeR coMpLaintS tReated. FoR MoRe inFoRMation: Appointments: 020 7394 6614 • Email: info@sportsmedlondon.uk www.sportsmedlondon.com 202 NOVEMBER 2017
HOuse & garden – A collection of London’s finest interior companies – I M A G E : S M ITH & TAYLOR
H OUSE & GARDEN
A touch of French elegance at Westend Bed Company
T
he stunning Supercad adjustable bed from Treca Interiors Paris combines traditional French design with an outstanding movement mechanism and is now exclusively available at Westend Bed Company. Over the past 80 years, Treca Interiors Paris has developed a reputation for quality across the globe and has become an important brand synonymous with premium luxury. The team have been dedicated to delivering the exact requirements of international clients who appreciate French-made quality and
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customised products. Treca Interiors Paris has been popular with their loyal customers due to their use of the finest and rarest raw materials, hand-finishing techniques and the ability to choose personal specifications and dimensions. For the past eight decades, Treca Interiors Paris has remained faithful to its ethos of offering French craftsmanship, design and know-how with each bed still made in France to this day. The brand has become a reference in the world of upmarket bedding thanks to the respect of tradition and
“For the past eight decades, Treca Interiors Paris has remained faithful to its ethos of offering French craftsmanship�
custom-made products. Treca Interiors Paris selects the finest raw materials to ensure their mattresses give you outstanding comfort and support night after night. The designers and craftsmen use a luxurious combination of Merino wool, silk, horsehair, mohair, hemp, alpaca, camel hair and cashmere to create mattresses of the ultimate comfort. Ensuring they are consistently improving the quality and comfort of their beds, Treca Interiors Paris has pioneered articulated relaxation beds with their CAD bed base. They now offer two lines of articulated bases which combine the comfort of a traditional high quality bed base with an outstanding movement mechanism. The Supercad adjustable bed from Treca Interiors Paris is now available to experience in Westend Bed Company’s purposebuilt Sleep Room. With the revolutionary Supercad, the technology remains discreet. The pocket spring suspension, hidden beneath the ticking, gives all the comfort of a traditional fixed bed base. Four silent motors smoothly move the five independent sleeping surfaces and allow you to find your ideal position. The ‘Travelling’ system enables you to remain close to the headboard when your head and upper body are raised in the reclining position. The innovative radio remote control also permits single click recall of any of three previously memorised positions allowing you to easily revert back to a comfortable position. There is also a heated pad that is placed at the foot end of your mattress and a home automation socket that enables control of a lamp or other electric appliances in your bedroom. The design and production team at Treca Interiors Paris filled a niche in the luxury market with their adjustable beds that combine a luxury sleep surface with the convenience of being able to move the bed. This capability provides practical and
The details Take your first step to quality, restorative sleep with a visit to Westend Bed Company at 215 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8QT or call 020 7723 2925. For more information, visit www.westendbedcompany.com
comfortable sitting positions when reading, working on a laptop or watching television – an essential, must-have option in today’s modern world. Brent Cooper, Managing Director of Westend Bed Company, said: “The bed is the most important and undervalued piece of furniture in the home – accounting for your wellbeing during the third of your life spent asleep, and the two thirds you spend awake. Every person has a different requirement for their bed, whether that’s to combat posture issues, back pain or sleep conditions such as sleep apnoea so it is important to help show people how different models and designs can benefit them individually. We decided to build a purpose-built Sleep Room at our showroom in London to help demonstrate the difference between the support a regular base gives compared to that of an adjustable bed.” To help you find the perfect bed for your individual requirements, the team at Westend Bed Company also offer complimentary Sleep Consultations which include a sleep evaluation and lifestyle analysis to help determine the ideal design, style and support for you. Experience the Supercad adjustable bed from Treca Interiors Paris exclusively at Westend Bed Company in East Sheen today.
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Bespoke Kitchens Where life meets style
W
ith over 10 years of experience in the industry, Amberth, an Islington based bespoke Interior Design Company specialise in kitchens, bathrooms and fitted Interiors. They are renowned for their craftsmanship, and attention to detail, creating custom made cabinetry and furniture to suit their clients’ needs and expectations. Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire home into a comfortable one of a kind space. With their own team of designers and fitters, projects are taken on board from initial concept right through to demolition and installation. Working with any size, they transform the style and functionality of Interiors. Their projects are managed by Amberth, ensuring the entire process is a stress-free experience for their clients. Beginning with a free consultation at their studio, 3D visuals are designed according to the given brief and a total of 2-4 designs are proposed, complete with a quote. Amberth are flexible and happy to make changes to the design to ensure their clients
“Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire home� 206 NOVEMBER 2017
are happy. Once the design is approved by the client, the process is followed with a detailed space assessment at the property giving the designers and project manager a visual sense of the space they are working with. A site survey is carried out where measurements and photographs are taken to be used during the design process moving forward. Having exclusive access to a wide range of materials from around the world, the dedicated team of designers work closely with the project manager to produce high standard designs with top quality finishes. Each project is approached differently with a dynamic embrace of contemporary and traditional design, producing fantastic spaces that their clients love. Being a family run business, Amberth pride themselves on building long lasting relationships with their clients and often receive a vast number of clients through recommendations. If you are in the area feel free to stop by for a quick chat, there is always someone on hand to help. For more information about Amberth Studio visit www.amberth.co.uk. 311 Essex Road London N1 2BD; Telephone 020 7354 8958 or email: studio@amberth.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
[NEWS]
INTERIORS QUIRKY CHRISTMAS AT SMITHERS Whether your beloved is a dab hand in the kitchen, a motor enthusiast, music lover or just appreciates exceptional homewares with a twist, Smither’s have gone the extra mile and covered all the bases this Christmas. Listen to the sweet sounds of the Caruso Gramphone Hifi or sit astride your brand new Vespa Chair. www.smithersofstamford.com
Caruso Bluetooth Gramophone, £4,072
LET THERE BE LIGHT! British furniture designer and manufacturer Blackbird London have launched their debut furniture collection, Let There Be Light, in-store and online. The collection comprising of handcrafted tables, mirrors, lighting and accessories, was designed by Founder & Creative Director, Maggie Calmels and her partner Louis, taking inspiration from the cosmos and solar system. Each piece of furniture is handmade in their central London workshop, where they have devised a range of metal textures specifically for the Let There Be Light collection including the popular ‘crater’ finish which evokes the pitted surface of the moon and the ‘ripple’ texture which represents the sand dunes on Mars. To complete each item, Blackbird London hand-apply metallic finishes in old gold, antique silver, bronze and white bronze to represent the colours of the cosmos. All pieces from the Let There Be Light range can be found at Blackbird London’s boutique showroom in Battersea, or online at www.blackbird-london.com.
GOODBYE MIAFLEUR, HELLO AUDENZA! As well as a new name, the company will also be completely re-branding and re-designing the entire website. Whilst the high-quality, unique product range for the new launch will remain the same, the look will be anything but. The brief for the new look was to create something refined and striking, but which firmly lets the fabulous products do the talking. Having launched MiaFleur in October 2012, selling upcycled vintage furniture, the product range has evolved dramatically since then and the brand has evolved far beyond the original name. www.audenza.com 208 NOVEMBER 2017
Vespa Scooter Chair, £890
Bicycle Bar Stool, £360
H OUSE & GARDEN
Snuggle up in new surroundings Colonial Charm range: mirrored screen, £120; ceramic gold plates from £9-£15; faux cheese plant leaf, £1.49; (chair) Chenille throw, petrol blue, £16; Valentina velvet duvet set, from £34-£58; two-tone teal sequin cushion, £10; pineapple foil cushion, £20; velvet bedspread, teal, from £65, Dunelm
Venetian mirrored dressing table, £441, Sweetpea & Willow
Arthouse Kyasha butterfly embroidered cushion, £20, Wallpaper Direct
I
Marble reversible double duvet set, £12, George Home
t’s time to ‘nest’ as the temperature drops, and transform your bedroom - the room in the house where you can truly retreat and relax into a cosy but stylish sanctuary. After all, this is the place where we start and finish our day. We spend a third of our lives in bed so it deserves special attention. Whether you dream of a glamorous setting, a luxurious hotel-style bedroom, or would simply like a quick update, here’s everything you need to know...
Glamorous sanctuary “Creating a glamorous look is all about using rich, decadent colours and textured fabrics,” says Samantha Parish, interior design manager for bespoke beds and mattress specialists, Hypnos. “Conjure a warm and inviting colour palette with
Humphrey copper & black wall light, £125, The French Bedroom Company
Hotel Style Chester upholstered bed frame, £1,265, Furniture Village
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champagne hues, subtle pinks, purples and plums. Combine textures such as satin, velvet and faux fur, key to creating a luxurious, romantic feel. For a contemporary vibe, dress a bed with white bed linen and a velvet throw, and add an eclectic mix of cushions. In any style of bedroom, the bed should always take centre stage. For a more feminine interpretation, add art deco-style mirrored furniture and on-trend metallic accents, lamps and accessories.” Tip: For smaller rooms, avoid heavy patterns and dark colours, as they’ll look too busy, while at the
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Carrara pair of scatter cushions, £55, Furniture Village
Odeon plush velvet bed frame, from £1,175; Krystal 3-drawer white glass and mirror bedside chest, £585; silver ceramic pineapple table lamp, £35; aubergine fur throw, £199, Barker & Stonehouse
other end of the scale, larger rooms shouldn’t be too minimalist, as they can look cold.
Hotel style
Grey chunky pom pom throw, £50, Dunelm
“Neutrals or greys will work with most schemes, and carpet is warmer underfoot”
“A boutique hotel-style bedroom is a hugely popular choice and this crisp, smart look appeals particularly to couples who want a style that suits both their tastes, and is neither overtly feminine nor macho,” says Samantha. “Colour is key in creating a haven of rest, so look at palettes you’re both drawn to. If you can’t agree on which shade, opt for something pale - like a soft grey or off-white hue - that provides a neutral backdrop. Enhance the mood and ambience with carefully considered lighting, such as task lighting for bedtime reading on either side of the bed. We offer Zip & Link beds, (£1,722 for Zip & Link mattress; £2,289 for Zip & Link mattress and bed set), ideal for couples who have different preferences. This type of bed is made up of two mattresses with different comfort levels, which can be used together or separated into two singles.” Tip: Dare to go for a paler carpet, as this is normally a ‘low-traffic’ area and hopefully, where people don’t wear shoes. Neutrals or greys will work with most schemes, and carpet is warmer underfoot.
Tahlee palm leaf design uplighter, £22 Dunelm
Boudoir on a budget “Autumn’s the perfect time to put a stylish twist on your bedroom’s design. For a simple and easy way to rejuvenate the look of your space, consider changing a headboard,” suggests Samantha. “A tall, winged headboard gives a room the ‘wow’ factor and completely transforms its aesthetic into something sophisticated and special. Or opt for a simple metal or wooden one, if you don’t want the bed to dominate. Dress a bed with throws and cushions in a new colour scheme - deep blues, teal and indigo are in fashion. This colour could be used to paint a feature wall behind the bed, or take the shade over the walls and ceiling for a cosy, cosseting feel. Even a basic makeover can make a difference. Focus on decluttering and tidying surfaces - too many visual distractions can make it hard to relax and sleep. Change bedside lamps or just replace drawer handles and curtain ties with more decorative items. All these can make a surprising difference to the room’s atmosphere and appeal, and all for a minimal cost.” Accessorise your bed with Furniture Village’s Velour Cushions, £39 each, and a Cera Mustard Table Lamp, £119. Tip: If you’re space-starved, consider fitted furniture, which can create up to three times more storage space than freestanding pieces, as it can be tailored to precisely fit the room. 5A Fifth Avenue Milan navy cut table lamp, £55, Dunelm
Positano armchair, Wedgewood blue, £199.99, My Furniture All images courtesy of PA Photo/Handout
Knitted pouffe, £25, George Home
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CHRISTMAS H OUSE & GARDEN IN LONDON
TOP TIPS FOR SHOWERS Most of us start our day by showering, but choosing a new shower can be confusing, so what do you need to consider?
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here are three main types of shower power, electric and mixer. Power showers are ideal for homes with plenty of hot water - they mix hot and cold water to create the desired temperature and a built-in pump boosts the flow of water, creating a powerful spray, but they do use a lot of water. An electric shower only needs cold water because it heats the water as you shower and so will work even if the boiler is broken or turned off. Electric showers are often suited to homes with limited hot water. Mixer showers need a supply of both hot and cold water, and blend them to the required temperature - go for one with thermostatic control to ensure the temperature stays constant.
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The latest technology, digital showers give you complete control at the touch of a button, so you can have exactly the same showering experience every time by presetting your preferences. The new range of Mira Mode digital showers (RRP £582, www.mirashowers.co.uk) can be controlled by a remote control - you can turn the shower on while still in bed, for example - and from your smartphone, as the Mira Mode app enables you to personalise your shower settings, including the temperature and duration. If your shower produces little more than a dribble, having an electric booster pump fitted should make it more of a deluge, but shower pumps aren’t compatible with all boilers, or necessarily the right solution for your home. In some older properties, it may be necessary to replace the pipework, especially the mains pipe, to improve the water flow rate. Unmodernised homes often have a small lead pipe bringing the mains water in from the street, but a new mains pipe will be much bigger and made of plastic, so it won’t fur up like lead can. A better boiler and/or hot-water cylinder may also help - ask a good plumber or heating engineer for advice. If your home has good water pressure, a budget option can be to fit bath-shower mixer taps instead of an over-bath shower. These are bath taps with a fitting for a shower hose - you have to have bath taps anyway, so why not pay a bit more and get bath taps that double as a shower? If they don’t produce a good showering experience, bath-shower mixer taps are still useful for washing the bath, your hair and the dog.
“Mixer showers need a supply of both hot and cold water, and blend them to the required temperature go for one with thermostatic control to ensure the temperature stays constant”
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Contemporary Kitchen Design Tips Upon moving into a new home, many people want to redesign their kitchen. For many people the kitchen is the centre of the home. It is the place where we create our culinary masterpieces, and gather with friends and family.
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ne trend that is particularly soughtafter is a contemporary kitchen design. The first thing that separates a contemporary kitchen from other styles is its clean lines and minimalist feel. Although some people equate contemporary with cold, it does not have to be so. “Cool” materials such as glass and steel used in a contemporary kitchen design can be “warmed” up by the strategic use of accessories or colour. Six major components that make up a contemporary kitchen are:
GLASS Glass is an important feature of minimalist design. Glass can be incorporated into contemporary kitchen design through windows, lighting, shelving or toppers for an island. Cabinetry can also have glass doors which provide a visual of the inside.
METAL The most popular type of metal used in the design of a contemporary kitchen is stainless steel. It is most often used in appliances such as refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers. The use of stainless steel gives an urban feel to a kitchen.
LIGHTING When designing a contemporary kitchen, lighting is key. Many contemporary designs incorporate recessed lighting into ceilings and underneath cabinets. If however, you don’t’ like recessed lighting, track lighting or fixtures made of metal or glass can also impart a contemporary feel.
MARBLE/GRANITE Marble and granite are usually used for countertops but fit well within contemporary kitchen design. They are both cool to the touch, allow for sharp clean lines and depending on the colour and design chosen really impart a big city feel to your kitchen.
COLOUR As part of the minimalist design ethic of a contemporary kitchen, “cool” colours are usually 216 NOVEMBER 2017
used. “Cool” colours are those that come to mind; blues, greens, grey, silver and even black and white. Using these colours in your kitchen invokes a modern feel. When putting these elements together, four other design points to consider are: backsplash, cabinetry design, appliances and accessories. When it comes to backsplash, most contemporary kitchens use either tile or metal; your personal preference will decide. As far as cabinets are concerned, some designs don’t require pulls to open, while others use metal hardware. Having a built in design also provides great storage (because clutter does not fit into contemporary design at all). Appliances are an easy way to impart some contemporary style into your kitchen. As I mentioned earlier, many refrigerators, freezers, ovens and the like come in stainless steel. If you don’t really like the look of metal, all black or all white appliances also project a contemporary feel. The last component of contemporary kitchen design is that of accessories. Accessories are another way to easily modernise your kitchen, with a minimalist design. Contact a luxury kitchen designer who specialises in bespoke kitchens and they will lead you to the contemporary kitchen of your dreams!
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Furniture That Makes Your Heart Beat Faster
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ince launching in March, 2016, Casa Botelho has flooded the covers and pages of interior magazines around the world, such as Marie Clare Maison, Elle Decoration, Living Etc, House & Garden, Wallpaper, and The Times Magazine. Everyone is entranced by the boldness of João’s designs and the personality that comes with them. Inspired by the architectural details of Art Deco design, the sensual nature of curved lines, and the artistic architecture of his hometown in Brazil, João has introduced a new style to the world of interiors. With furniture and accessories that’ll make your heat beat faster, you’ll need to see it to believe it! Casa Botelho’s latest collection is more daring than ever before and for this reason, João has coined its style as ‘chic eclecticism’. By incorporating textiles such as leather, sheep skin, and suede, with finishes like brass, bronze and concrete crocodile-skin tiles, João has mixed vintage and modern, matt and shine, glamour and industrial to once again, create his own, unique interior style. Casa Botelho’s signature style is infused with geometric shapes, symmetrical design and luxurious textures. Throughout many of his interior projects, João Botelho has used Margo Selby fabrics
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because of their exquisite quality and her ability to individualize her fabrics through woven texture, pattern and colour. With a working relationship that goes back many years, a collaboration between Casa Botelho and Margo Selby was natural and harmonious. João had the idea of creating a collection that evoked the natural beauty and vivacious energy of his home in Brazil, as well as the unique architectural works of Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer. He knew of only one woman fit for the job; Margo Selby. For more information about the collection, the collaboration, images, commentary and sales from João Botelho, please contact joao@casabotelho.com or 07956170735.
“Casa Botelho’s latest collection is more daring than ever before and for this reason, João has coined its style as ‘chic eclecticism’”
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Luxury Designer Bathrooms
Our light and bright bathroom showrooms contain a huge range of bathrooms, from traditional and classic to chic and contemporary; which are all presented in different sized displays to give the customer an improved idea of how their bathroom could look. There will be designs to suit all tastes and budgets.
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f you are seeking an oasis of calm within your home, make your bathroom an inviting area where you can let the stresses and strains of the day literally drain away. A visit to any of our showrooms will take you through an array of the most elaborate, unique and technically advanced bathrooms in the world. Our showrooms are completely integrated to offer a complete range of design options; your bathroom can be finished with flooring from our selection of tiles on display, and our plumbing team will be on hand to discuss heating options. From radiators and heated towel rails to underfloor heating systems, we have everything to ensure that the bathroom is the comforting retreat of our clients’ dreams. We also supply a broad range of down lights and spot lights along with illuminated mirrors. Our specialist manufacturers have a range of products to suit every style and requirement, from functional acrylic baths to classically styled units. We aim to give you the widest possible choice so you won’t have to search for your bathroom anywhere else – we supply everything for your convenience. A family run bathroom business with more than 25 years’ experience we pride ourselves on offering a high standard of personalised customer service
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which is second to none. Our bathroom experts are always on hand to offer free, impartial advice or more information on any of the products you are interested in. Pankaj Mehta, Showroom Manager at The Showroom Limited, commented, “The displays are there to not only showcase the range of bathroom options, but to also offer inspiration to those that work in the trade and people in the local area looking for ideas for their own bathrooms. “We appreciate that updating a bathroom can be a big decision. Therefore the showroom has been designed to make it easy for customers to view every display and if they would like the bath from one range, the sink from another and toilet from another, that’s fine, as it’s important that our customers are able to create a bathroom that is totally bespoke to them.” At The Showroom we believe by pairing the right suite with stylish fittings and accessories, your perfect bathroom isn’t too far away. Whether you’re dreaming of a complete bathroom suite or just in need of a few accessories, we have the choice and range for you no matter your style or budget. If you’re looking for something specific our easy to use search bar at the top of each webpage is the
“Over the last few years, bathrooms have become one of the most important rooms to decorate in the home”
BATHROOM SHOWROOMS LONDON SHOWROOM Bramley Road, Notting Hill, W10 6SZ 0207 221 6786 We are open Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 5.00pm and on Saturday between 10am and 4pm Hertfordshire Showroom 2 Castle Road, St Albans AL1 5DL 01727 899 152
PLUMBING SHOWROOMS
best place to start. We stock 1000’s of bathroom products from leading brands, along with showroom favourites and our best-selling own-brand designed range. The Showroom Ltd features a variety of bathroom and tile displays, as well as a dedicated showroom to our huge range of stunning lighting. Here at The Showroom Ltd we have a wealth of experience in the supply of bathrooms, so you can be sure to find a bathroom you’ll love. Design, Tailor and Inspire is our promise to you, a commitment from everyone at The Showroom
Ltd to provide the best service at every stage of your project, whether it’s inspiring you to rethink the layout of your bathroom or guaranteeing the quality of the items we sell. There’s a choice for any project and any budget - whether you are refreshing your ensuite, adding a cloakroom or refurbishing a family bathroom. If you need a little inspiration, pop down to your local showroom where our friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to help make your perfect bathroom become a reality.
London Showroom 140-144 Freston Road, Kensington W10 6TR 0207 221 6786 ESSEX SHOWROOM Unit 2a Claire Road, Frinton-On-Sea, CO13 0LY 01255 678 444
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Break free with Escapology If you’re bored of seeing the same old homeware designs on the high street, maybe it’s time for a change with a little help from lifestyle concept store, Escapology.
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scapology spend their time curating their collections to offer the finest design at affordable prices. Their collections of timeless, updated classics and authentic reproductions provide a unique range of inspired design that is high in quality and unparalleled in value. For an instant update in a timely fashion, set tongues wagging with one of these striking vintageinspired table clocks. These stylish timepieces have an appealing antique style as they have all been copied from distinctive classic designs. The Tyler Table Clock will provide a touch of English charm to your bedside table with its heavy nickel plated case and cast brass fittings. Inspired by an original found in a 1910 London luxury hotel, this solid clock tilts back for viewing, revealing its elegant dial. Based on a French mantel clock, the Ophelia Table Clock features a brass finial atop its solid nickel plated body. With its long oval frame, pure white dial and curved legs, this handmade clock would look great in a French country styled lounge. Perfect for adding an industrial look to your home, the WWII Altimeter Clock in black is based on the altimeters found in World War II combat aircraft, so would also make a great gift for an aviation enthusiast. Straight from the living rooms of 1950s America, tune in to retro style with the Teevee Table Clock.
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Inspired by the classic television sets, the polished cast aluminium clock is outfitted with a solid brass antenna, feet, and bevel, and finished with a two-tone dial that will ensure you never miss your favourite programme. Ophelia Table Clock; H: 22.9cm; £86; Tyler Table Clock; H: 15.2cm W:15.2cm; £86; WWII Altimeter Clock – Black; H: 10.5cm W:10.2cm D: 12.7cm; £99; Teevee Table Clock; H: 15.2cm W: 11.4cm; £69; www.escapologyhome.com
“For an instant update in a timely fashion, set tongues wagging with one of these striking vintage-inspired table clocks. These stylish timepieces have an appealing antique style as they have all been copied from distinctive classic designs”
DO YOU NEED A HOME OFFICE AND A SPARE ROOM? From a desk to a bed in 3 seconds Clever Design means you don’t need to move anything!
Tel: 01844 214484 www.studybed.co.uk
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5
tips for improving your bathroom
Redoing your bathroom can be a great opportunity to improve the layout, but there are lots of things to consider...
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1. If you’re happy with the layout of your bathroom, replacing the suite should be straightforward and relatively inexpensive, but if you want to change the layout, expect it to be more complicated and costly. Unless you’re a very experienced and competent DIYer, get a good plumber to do the work. They should be able to offer advice about changing the layout and what is and isn’t possible or advisable, as should a good bathroom/interior designer. A professional may think of things you haven’t, such as what you can and can’t do with the wastes, which could affect the layout and the products you choose. 2. If you’re not using a designer and rejigging the layout is proving tricky, try drawing the bathroom on graph paper. Draw the room’s features, such as the window, door, airing cupboard, etc, on one piece of graph paper and the fittings you want on another, using the same scale. Then draw different layouts on different pieces of graph paper and lay them over the first plan to see how they work, or make life simple and do all this on a computer or tablet! 3. Once you have a layout you’re happy with, it’s a good idea to make life-size templates of the fittings in cardboard to try in the room. Having an above-bath shower will restrict where you put the bath, for example, and you may come across other problems when placing your templates. Better still, try the actual loo, basin, bath, etc, when the room’s empty to see how they work together and in the space you have. If returning them isn’t a problem, you could try different loos, basins and baths if you’re unsure about which will work best. 4. Don’t forget to work out how much space is needed to comfortably use the loo and basin and to dry off after having a shower or bath. Pack in too much and you’ll find that your bathroom isn’t particularly easy, practical or pleasurable to use. It’s important to choose a suite that’s in proportion to
the size of the room. Straight baths, for example, come in different widths and lengths, but if you’ve got a really small or awkward space, a tapered bath may be ideal. If there’s more space, a shower bath, which is roomier at the shower end, can be a good choice. 5. Freestanding baths and separate shower cubicles need room to breathe, so squeezing them into a small space isn’t advisable. If your heart’s set on a freestanding bath, but you don’t have room, a freestanding-style shower bath is a good compromise. This looks like a freestanding bath, but the tap end and one side is flat so it sits flush against two walls, meaning you can have a shower above without water leaking down the sides onto the floor.
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H OUSE & GARDEN
Buyers & Cellars
Sebastian Riley-Smith, founder of Smith & Taylor’s Chelsea Bridge Cellars examines the importance of fine wine storage, home and away, in adding value, to your wine, and fun to your entertaining.
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utankhamun knew how to protect wine. On the discovery of his tomb deep underground more than 3000 years after his burial, its contents included forty wine storage jugs for red, white and fortified wine, to ease the boy Pharaoh king’s arduous journey to the afterlife. Today’s wine storage receptacle, glass bottle and cork on its side, certainly does the same, but rather for the living not the dead. Cellaring away from home: The governing rule for storing your treasured bottles away from home, only cellar direct with a specialist independent cellarage company, so avoiding conflicts of interest. Each portfolio cellared must carry insurance, ownership identification, in a controlled secure environment. Wine is a treasured chattel. Nobody can care more about your wine reserves than you. Once you have embarked on buying, keep on top of it! Through imagery Smith & Taylor have expressed the key canons of fine wine storage - Temperature, Humidity, Darkness, Provenance, Stability, Timing. Each of these aspects play their part in giving each bottle the best chance to develop against the vagaries of nature. Lovers of wine need a reliable extended cellar for their treasured bottles, when the constraints of suitable space, moving home, business travel or postings abroad demand it. Smith & Taylor have consistently provided fine wine storage for private clients from their cellars at Chelsea Bridge, London, since their founding in 1986. As independent cellarers Smith & Taylor pack, move, deliver and bank wine reserves from a single bottle to an entire collection, to and from their temperature & humidity controlled cellars. Cellar portfolios show unparalleled detail for each
Temperature: Constant and cool at 55F
Humidity: Enveloped in 70% humidity and stored in a quarter turn, ensures the corks are kept moist and tight
THE DETAILS Smith & Taylor Chelsea Bridge Cellars, 1c Broughton Street, London, SW8 3QJ E: cellar@smithandtaylor.com W: www.smithandtaylor.com T: 0044 (0)20 7627 5070
bottle stored including insurance values and Master of Wine commentary. Wine cellared perfectly and drunk at its optimum is the consummate gift Cellaring in the home: The profound change from half a century ago is a wine’s resting place has gone from underground to over-ground as living space has risen, and the wine label has become as much a domestic accessory as the room in which it is stored. The entry point for home cellarage has to be The Wine Cabinet. It is hardly surprising that an invention that creates the environment of a subterranean cellar, in a space a fraction of the foot print and the price, was going to bring wine home, which it undoubtedly has. If the wine cabinet is restrictive by its nature, the full blown wine cellar or wine room is certainly not, though with space at a premium, it is the ultimate luxury. Fine wine bottles are made to reflect a wine maker’s craft. Put a thousand together in a room and you have a liquid art collection. There are not many finer aspects to life, than choosing and tasting the very best of your wine collection, with others in your own home. For over thirty years Smith & Taylor, has been designing and making some of the finest town and country house wine rooms in Europe and Asia. The service includes scale drawings, bespoke joinery and project management above and underground. Each cellar crafted is unique combining single bottle racking, with bottle binning, original wooden case storage and large format displays. The finished wine rooms and cabinets, encompass the aesthetic, the practical, the versatile and the ordered. Today’s experience of wine storage under or over ground for the living, rather beats the Pharaoh’s alternative!
Smith & Taylor’s Wine Corridor. A fine wine bottle alley can be a very good use of space, though ideally, best be chilly to perform. The best corridors have the bottles all on an angle directing you through the passageway.
Smith & Taylor’s Wine Rooms are a museum piece to wine with stunning lighting and columns of large format floating display bottles, amidst traditional individual bottle and case storage. A triumph to wine and showmanship.
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A Smith & Taylor Country House Cellar with eighteen bevelled solid oak pillars and tasting table, and restored running stream, creates the perfect theatre of wine.
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Crop print bedlinen, double set, £21, Sainsbury’s Home
JL Cole & Son palm wallpaper, jungle, ink/grey, £82; Duresta Carnaby chair, Harrow velvet navy, £1,249; West Elm pedestal side table, £399, JOHN LEWIS
Jonanna chair, in matt velvet mustard, from £499, Next
AUTUMN INTERIORS TRENDS While the temperature may be dropping as autumn arrives, there’s no need to feel the chill indoors. The season’s three hottest new decor trends are rich with glowing colour, pattern and detail, and we can’t wait to try them. WORDS: Gabrielle Fagan Midnight tropics Deep moody blue shades and a focus on texture and luxury come together for this opulent trend. “Midnight Tropics sees the summery tropical theme continue and develop throughout the autumn and winter,” says Clotilde Passalacqua, interior design leader, Ikea. “Instead of featuring bright and playful colours, this trend pairs rich, dark tones - such as navy and emerald green - with accents of brass and gold, to create an exotic and luxurious look with a touch of opulence. Accessorising with succulents and tropical plants is key, as is artwork and patterns that take their cue from nature, and in particular, feature foliage.” Many major home brands have embraced this luxe look, including Marks & Spencer with its Manhattan collection (main image). It has a rich palette of inky matte black and brass accents, and is inspired by the opulence of New York’s luxury hotels, with details including soft velvets and green marble, mixed with bold monochrome furniture.
“These shades pop against mustard and duck egg blue tones, seen on ceramics and home accessories, complementing this classic look. There are figures in a rich, brass metallic finish, and we have a fragrance of Applewood and Clove - a woody, spicy scent - all finishing touches for an interior which is cosy, nurturing and perfect for winter.”
Squirrel Print Cushion, £9, B&Q
Mulberry Check Throw, £15, Sainsburys Home
Moody blooms A berry-hued palette of blueberry, cherry, deep plum and purple, paired with designs featuring lush blooms, is a chic, seasonal way to interpret the fashionably botanical trend. “This season our collections draw inspiration from the humble tulip bulb that became more precious than gold and five times more expensive than a house. It’s a bulb that went on to inspire generations,” says Tricia Guild, founder and creative director, Designers Guild.
Hare Lamp, £30, Sainsbury’s Home
Woodland walk Aubriet Amethyst cushion, £95, Designers Guild
Our love affair with nature and the great outdoors continues, and one of the easiest ways to refresh an interior is to take inspiration from the countryside. “Woodland walk captures the tones and textures of an autumnal country walk, creating a cosy living space with warm aubergine and mulberry colours, used across chunky knits and patterned textiles,” says Andrew Tanner, design manager for home and seasonal, Sainsbury’s Home.
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Arthouse Momoka floral screen, £110, Brewers Home Floral romance occasional table, from £160, Miafleur
slab Italian Porcelain Natural Stone Bespoke Fabrication
01494 670 866
sales@slabtiles.co.uk www.slabtiles.co.uk 2 The Broadway, Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2PD
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All about ibbi C
olourful homeware brand ibbi is based in the heart of rural Northumberland. Established in 2015 by co-founders Eliza Browne-Swinburne, Anna Kirkup and Claire McAlpine, ibbi already has a passionate fan base amongst lovers of unusual authentic home accessories with a boho vibe. The three founders travel extensively each year to India and Africa and work closely with talented artisans and small family businesses to source their timeless, eclectic, handcrafted collections. At ibbi there are no limitations on what products are chosen, it’s simply whatever the team find and get excited about. And the reaction to their collections to date has been nothing short of spectacular. Hand block printed quilts, authentic fire bowls, huge soft vintage kantha throws (made from layers of traditional India sari, delicately hand stitched together to create the ultimate boho bed throw), vibrant hand painted ceramic tableware, painted metal flamingos and traditional Rajasthani vegetable carts all have their place in the ibbi collections. Every product tells a story, something the team is very proud of, and all products have three essential qualities: quirkiness, colour and character. There’s a simple feel-good functionality about all that ibbi sells and Eliza, Anna and Claire feel every product chosen by them sits equally comfortably in both modern urban homes and traditional rural retreats. At the very heart of the brand is colour, inspired by the team’s travels through India, where every journey has been a memorable feast for their eyes and an inspiration to the ibbi vibe: mountains of chillis drying by the roadside, fresh flower markets in Kolkata before dawn, spice markets in Rajasthan and the endless miles of freshly hand block printed textiles blowing in the warm breeze in Bagru on the outskirts of Jaipur. All have in some way inspired
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the ibbi range. ibbi became the UK agent for their hugely popular best-selling Potter’s Workshop ceramics from South Africa earlier this year. The pottery was established in 1986 and continues to be a safe environment for a dedicated team of artisans with no creative background who have turned their lives around by creating this beautiful, distinctive hand painted functional ceramic range, inspired by the beauty, rich colour and flora of the Cape. Every ceramic piece is timeless, sensibly priced, fair trade and entirely unique. Eliza, Anna and Claire believe that a few small, affordable eclectic touches can create a big difference to well loved, well lived in homes. To discover more about ibbi or arrange to visit the showroom, please call 01830 530433 or get in touch at info@ibbidirect.co.uk
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Established Furniture Retailer’s 50th Anniversary!
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stablished Cobham Retailer No 44 Furniture & Fine Things has been a feature on Portsmouth Road in Cobham for 50 years this year! Formerly known as Antics Furniture, and rebranded by owners Paul & Jayne Robertson in 2014 to its current name. Entering No 44 Furniture & Fine Things you will find it exactly as the name describes, with a wonderful selection of unique and individual furniture items, and many Fine Things including Lamps, Decorative Items, Mirrors, Clocks and Homewares. Paul comments “We take considerable time sourcing our furniture, and buy directly from suppliers in Europe and Asia. Our aim is to provide an interesting and varied furniture range and accompany this with individual accessory items that are regularly changing. We hope that our clients
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Top left: Laya Outdoor Corner Sofa and Coffee Table currently reduced to £1800.00 Top right: Ideal Christmas Gifts, Animal Sculptures from £25.00 Below, left to right: Console with Drawer £180.00, Mirror from a selection in store; French Glazed Cupboard £1255.00, French Rustic Table from £385.00, French Country Chair £149.00 Circles, top to bottom: Jeanne Extending Pedestal Table from £1180.00, Dolly Dining Bench £645.00, Dolly Dining Chair £249.00; Christmas at No44 Furniture & Fine Things
“French Country Furniture features strongly in the store with a bespoke furniture service where items can be made to the customers own specification” will see something new whenever they come to the store”. French Country Furniture features strongly in the store with a bespoke furniture service where items can be made to the customers own specification. Other strong selling ranges include beautiful Oak Dining Tables in both classic and contemporary designs, accompanied by a wide range of dining chairs including Dining Benches in Leather or Fabric – a favourite in Europe and now becoming popular with the British customer. The team of staff at No 44 Furniture & Fine Things really understand the furniture business and are on hand to offer advice and a personal service to their customers, Paul confirms “Our aim is to make a visit to No 44 Furniture & Fine Things an inspiring experience that will give our customers new ideas for their homes, and the first class customer service they would expect when visiting an established independent store”. No 44 Furniture & Fine Things is open seven days a week and has a customer car park at the rear of the store. No44 Furniture & Fine Things, 44 Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT13 1HY. T: 01932 865505 E: info@no44.furniture. www.no44.furniture
TIMELESS STYLE AT CELINE ESTATES Celine Estates headed by Director Noor Charchafchi is fast becoming one of the most esteemed London residential interior design firms. Noor’s attention to detail and focus on luxury service has distinguished her company and allowed her to excel in the world of residential interiors. Asking Noor about her preferred design style she explains that she she chooses not to pinpoint a particular style but a contemporary home that supersedes trends and is curated for each particular client until the space can truly be unique to them. Noor explains that working with her clients is the most important part of her business and a part of the business she relishes. Showcasing one of her recent prime central London projects shown she says, I feel flattered that the business gets the attention that it does but the real business is the passion for design and the realisation of our clients aspirations for their spaces. Celine Estates works alongside an in house architectural and construction team and she explains that she is therefore involved in every part of the design process starting from where it must necessarily begin with the architectural drawings and space planning. Believing in a hands on approach Noor explains that early entrance into the design stage always gives her team an incredible advantage and as she herself oversees every aspect of the project her clients really get full exposure to the woman who is fast becoming a permanent fixture on London’s interior design scene.
Celine Estates Ltd, Unit A 27, Jasmine House, Juniper Drive, Battersea Reach, London SW18 1GJ Tel: 02073513659 Tel: 020 8032 2911 Web: www.celineestates.com
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The New England Shutter Company Ltd
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he New England Shutter Company makes shutters as a traditional joinery company would have done years ago, using time honoured methods and fine craftsmanship. Attention to detail goes beyond our design process through to the personal service we provide to ensure complete customer satisfaction. From Monaco to Zanzibar, New York to Paris, our shutters are the first choice for architects, designers, discerning homeowners and commercial clients. They combine traditional elegance with contemporary style, designed for modern living. We deliver and install around the world. TNESC is the only UK Company to design and manufacture shutters from responsibly sourced timbers. Our Tulipwood comes from the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern New England region of America. Our shutters are caringly hand sanded and hand sprayed to give a fine furniture grade finish which allows you to see the wood grain on the final finish. To produce truly bespoke shutters, we employ only skilled craftsmen in the joinery workshop we own in Dubai. This enables us to offer customised manufacturing and flexibility in every component of your shutter and a short lead time. As pioneers in shutter design, we were the first to design and manufacture shutters with a concealed tilting mechanism. We continue to create innovative shutter designs as we are the only company that can vary every element within the design of a shutter; from the blade size, the distance between the blades, rail and side stile sizes, to the depths and height of a midrail. This flexibility allows us to design a shutter that is made to fit, not made to measure. A unique variety of finish types are available from TNESC: painted (colour match service), fire
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retardant, sandblasted, limed wax, fabric and natural woods. To preserve the natural look of the timber, stained, oiled or lacquered finishes are applied by hand to a variety of solid woods such as Ash, Oak, Walnut, Maple, Tulipwood, Iroko and Teak. Beautiful stitched faux leather and suede shutters are exclusive to The New England Shutter Company. Our experienced tailors machine stitch the fabric and hand cover each tulip wood shutter with incredible attention to detail offering both luxury and durability. Investing in shutters is as rewarding as investing in a piece of bespoke furniture as we design to enhance the architectural and interior design features within your living areas or commercial space. Whatever your specific needs are, we can design and manufacture shutters to meet them. Visit their Showroom: 16 Jaggard Way, London, SW12 8SG www.thenewenglandshuttercompany.com/idy t: (0)20 8 675 1099 e: enquiries@tnesc.co.uk
“Investing in shutters is as rewarding as investing in a piece of bespoke furniture�
H OUSE & GARDEN
CHOOSING A NEW SOFA WORDS: GABRIELLE FAGAN
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uying a new settee can be stressful. Three experts share their top tips and trends to plump for. Over the course of a sofa’s life (which lasts, on average, 11 years) it will witness 1,236 arguments, 2,105 kissing couples, 3,135 films watched by families, and overhear 2,631 phone conversations, according to new research for Furniture Village. So, it’s all the more important then, to choose a sofa that doesn’t just look good and fit in, but can withstand all that activity and emotion. Experts reveal their buying secrets to help you choose the best seat in the house...
‘Green and orange are the hottest sofa colours right now’ “We’re always keeping abreast of trends and this year, in Italy, at Salone del Mobile - which showcases the latest in furniture and design from around the world - we saw two colours dominate - burnt orange 236 NOVEMBER 2017
and forest green,” says Alison Hill, creative director at DFS. Forest green reflects our desire to bring the ‘outside in’ and orange is a complementary colour to green. Curved-back ‘cocooning’ furniture is increasingly popular, too. We’ve really seen craftsmanship trending in recent years - highlighted in detail on upholstery and frames. Raising furniture forms on plinths - another popular look - provides a sense of continuous space in a room, and is an advantage if you’re constrained for space. All cushions are not created equal - some people like a firm and supportive feel, while others want something soft and squishy to sink into. We have fibre filling for a soft feel; a foam core for balanced softness, and support and foam for a supportive, slightly springy feel. An extra set of loose covers are available to buy with our sofas, too.” Alison’s favourite sofa... “The Fliss is country-style meets urban living, with its sweeping curved arms and stunning turned legs. I love the pink and plum colour combination.”
“Over the course of a sofa’s life it will witness 1,236 arguments, 2,105 kissing couples, 3,135 films watched by families, and overhear 2,631 phone conversations”
CHRISTMAS H OUSE & GARDEN IN LONDON
sofa will work wonders. A large corner unit may be a good option to consider, as this offers flexible seating solutions, as well as adding structure to open-plan spaces. If you’re working with a more compact room, consider a raised sofa with smaller proportions and slender tapered legs, which will help create the illusion of space and light.” Malcolm’s favourite sofa... “The Nicoletti Movimento Recliner Corner Chaise is my top pick, as its deep, luxurious foamfilled seats and optional touch sensitive power recliner function make this a stylish and superbly comfortable choice,” says Malcolm.
‘Big families should opt for a statement sofa’ “A sofa’s one of the most used and best-loved pieces of furniture in our home,” says Malcolm Walker, director of product at Furniture Village. “Far from just being a place to sit, it can be the centre of many pivotal moments in family life whether it’s arguments and the subsequent making up, or a power nap after a long day. But the sheer amount of time that we spend on a sofa, along with the number of activities that we do while lounging on it can mean it needs to stand up to a lot of wear and tear - particularly if you have children. As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, we have seen the re-emergence of earthy hues and tactile finishes. Worn leathers and raw materials pair together to create a rustic decor, perfect for those looking to achieve a sense of warmth and comfort,” says Malcolm. Velvet continues to enjoy a renaissance around this time of year, with jewel tones and brass finishes accompanying this textile, to introduce a sense of sophisticated luxury to any scheme. The two key concepts to take into account when choosing a sofa are the space you are working with and your own personal style. A sofa will naturally become the focal point in any space, so ensuring that it captures the look you want is essential,” says Malcolm. If your home caters for a big family, then a statement
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‘Check the basics’
“Check a room is not only large enough for the size of the sofa, but also that its proportions are right”
“We’re fans of sofas that are big enough to lounge around on, look good and most importantly are super-comfy,” says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf. “People are becoming more adventurous with colour in their homes, as sites like Pinterest are providing people with inspiration, making it easier for them to get bolder colours right. Our new fabric collection for 2018 is full of vibrant hues, including Carnival (a red/pink coral hue), Maize Yellow, Clean Green and Deep Blue Lido, in velvets and linens. We recently updated our Souffle Sofa as a modular design, and each unit can be customised in a different fabric and colour for a statement look, or in one fabric for a classic look.” Check a sofa has a solid beech frame, held together with screws and dowels, rather than glued and stapled chipboard versions, which aren’t as durable and break easily If you have your very own team of ‘stain spreaders’ (young children and pets) removable covers are a good choice, as they can be easily whipped off for cleaning,” advises Charlie. Always measure up before buying. Check a room is not only large enough for the size of the sofa, but also that its proportions are right. High-back sofas can be overpowering in a smaller room with a low ceiling. Fitting a new sofa through narrow doorways can be tricky - ask for access advice - bolt-on arms can be a great solution.” Charlie’s favourite sofa... “The Pudding Sofa is a fresh take on a classic design and it has a super-deep comfy seat. It looks great in our classic linens and neutral fabrics, as much as it does in our bolder choices, such as Burnt Orange velvet.”
H OUSE & GARDEN
Make Yourselves Comfortable
“These chairs are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your seating arrangements”
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f you’re looking to breathe new life into your dining room in time for Christmas, you can’t go far wrong with a lovely new set of dining chairs. MY Furniture’s stunning collection ranges from sumptuous, dark velvet seats to classic, elegant styles, so there is something to fit every home. MY Furniture’s beautiful range of dining chairs is headed up by their bestselling Torino and Positano designs. With their distinctive style and luxurious upholstery, these chairs are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your seating arrangements. The Positano Chair with back ring is sophisticated and elegant, featuring a chrome handle and handsome chrome upholstery tacks for a stylish finishing touch. Customers can choose from black, cranberry and cream, but also have the option to re-upholster the chair in a colour of their choice, ensuring that they co-ordinate perfectly with their interior scheme. From just £99.99, these chairs are a perfect example of MY Furniture’s dedication to providing high-quality furniture at affordable prices. Another statement chair from MY Furniture is the Ravello. With its distinctive shape and bright velvet upholstery, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who really wants to make an impact. The brass electro-plated finish makes the Ravello range perfectly on trend for 2018 and at £199.99, they’re sure to give years of enjoyment and comfort. Last but certainly not least, MY Furniture’s Venice Dining Chairs are the latest additions to their
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collection. A distinctive and outstandingly elegant dining chair, the Venice design features an impressive polished aluminium lion ring handle. This is paired with finely tailored velvet upholstery, beautiful pinched pleat detailing and deep buttoning to create a truly luxurious feel. Prices start at £139.99. For further information visit www.my-furniture.com or call 0800 092 1636.
your home improvement experts
H OUSE & GARDEN
Home Technology Godsend or gimmickry?
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ith so much technology pervading (or is it invading?) our homes, one person’s ‘must have’ is another’s gimmick. Take voice control, for example – are you a ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ on that one? How do you decide what’s important and what’s a waste of your hard-earned cash? We asked Simon Lever, a veteran of the technology business and founder, in 2004, of Simply Sound and Vision, a West London based specialist home technology supplier: ‘From the outset, we believe it’s crucial to work with a supplier who has their feet firmly planted on the ground – one who does not get carried away with the art of the possible, but relates to how you engage with technology and, more importantly, how you enjoy your home. Home technology can do almost anything you want these days. The key question is – “do you want to do ‘x’?” Will it enhance the pleasure of being in your home or will you be driven mad by a reliance on your children just to turn on the lights/TV/music/etc? Planning for home technology has become as important as planning your interior design, electrics, lighting, plumbing, bathroom and, the all-important kitchen. With the right supplier on board, it can actually be easier and less time-consuming than all of the above essentials. What’s different is that the design work needs to start earlier in the process than 242 NOVEMBER 2017
people think and yet the majority of the expenditure happens right at the very end of a project. Many people approach home technology decisions with trepidation and often leave it until too late in their renovation process. “Well, isn’t everything wireless now?” is an oft-used (and misplaced) reason for this. Wireless is an essential part of the picture, but it is not the panacea to all things. For example, architectural speakers (ones that blend into your home and deliver a warm, pervasive, but unobtrusive sound) need to be planned and wired. Minimising (visible) cables and equipment connected to televisions also means planning for cabling. Planned cabling provides reliability and flexibility as well as aesthetic appeal. At Simply Sound and Vision we specialise in the design and implementation of high-quality, easyto-use, home technology solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients. From simple audio systems to powerful automation solutions, the focus is on the customer requirements, not on the latest gizmos. With that said, there should always be an eye kept on future-proofing. After all, today’s gimmick, may turn into tomorrow’s Godsend…’. “Alexa – I’m home!”… [turns on lighting scenes, sets blinds, music…] www.simplysoundandvision.co.uk Tel: 0208 977 8633
“Simply Sound and Vision were founded in 2004 and specialise in the design and implementation of high-quality home technology solutions”
W h at c o u l d t h i s l i g h t i n g d e s i g n e r do in your home?
creative lighting design | cwl-lighting.com | ian@cwl-lighting.com
ARTS H OUSE & ANTIQUES & GARDEN
It’s Not Christmas without Frankincense
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he Festive season is almost here, the time of year we get to spend some quality time with our loved ones. It’s the time of year we fulfil all them promises of which gifts to buy and for whom and with so much choice and offers it really can become stressful. The very first Christmas gifts were the gifts of Frankincense Myrrh and Gold, Given by the three wise men to baby Jesus. The tradition of giving these gifts may have gone a long time ago but it is today that these gifts have much more meaning and significance. Frankincense and Myrrh have many healing properties and Gold of course is always known to have significant value. The benefits of using Frankincense to name a few range from purifying the atmosphere, calming the mind, detoxifying the body, firming and toning the skin and spiritually connected one to themselves. But for many, Frankincense is known as an incense burnt in Church for mass. That was the case until recently one small business revolutionised the Frankincense Trade. The Frankincense Store started out in 2009 with a small table in the markets. The business grew and with a dedication and passion for frankincense and its magnificent history and healing benefits, The Frankincense Store has now become one of the words exclusive Frankincense Brands located in
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the heart of Notting Hill. With over 20 grades of Frankincense to suit each and every occasion and a wealth of knowledge on the magical properties of Frankincense , The Frankincense Store is bringing back the ancient trade and tradition of burning Frankincense during Christmas. It has been missing from our homes for many years , and even though we continue traditions such as the Christmas Tree, Turkey, Pudding,Crackers and Lights, Frankincense will sure add the calming magic to the festive season. The Frankincense Store has a range of gift options to suit every household. They also stock 5 various species of superior quality Frankincense essential oil all packed and served with love. Pop down to the Frankincense Store in Notting Hill this Christmas, where you will experience a true Frankincense Journey. Take your children as they educate them on the benefits of Frankincense and Myrrh and show you the different grades and species. You will be taught about the Frankincense Tree and give you the real reason to why Frankincense Myrrh and Gold was carried as gifts for thousands of miles to baby Jesus. Remember it’s Not Christmas without Frankincense. The Frankincense Store, 10 Chepstow Road, Notting Hill, London, W2 5BD 02070182100 or visit www.thefrankincensestore.com
“The very first Christmas gifts were the gifts of Frankincense Myrrh and Gold Given by the three wise men to baby Jesus”
H OUSE & GARDEN
Bring Calm to Rooms with ‘Heart Wood’ Colour
Gabrielle Fagan dips into the latest paint shade set to star in homes and shows you how to use it...
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olour is a powerful mood enhancer. If you’re looking for a feeling of calm, warmth and reassurance (that’s all of us, right?) you could consider Heart Wood, the Dulux Colour of the Year for 2018. The paint experts claim this smoky, gentle neutral with a tinge of purple heather can not only bring a sense of comfort, harmony and balance, but is so versatile it blends beautifully with other fashionable palettes, from inky blues and purples through to chocolate and pinks. If it does, indeed, do what it says on the tin, it could just be an easy way to paint your way to a peaceful paradise....
Create light “Heart Wood can be described as a warm neutral - a colour inspired by natural materials, which contain
hints of pink, gold or yellow,” explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director, Dulux. “It can appear subtly different in changing light conditions, with notes of sophisticated ‘millennial pink’ through to a warm grey coming to the forefront. The shade has a subtle hint of heather, which creates a cosy, relaxed and welcoming look. It works perfectly with natural materials, woods and leather, and there’s a supporting palette of seven colours, from stunning Blackberry Bush to delicate Blossom Tree.” TIP: “Heart Wood can be used on all walls, or used as a band of colour for the lower part of a wall, as a feature (see main image),” says Shillingford. Alternatively, bring the shade into an existing scheme by using it to paint architectural features and furniture, and enhance the look with accessories.
Make it mellow and moody “If you’re looking to give a bit of a kick to this laid-back hue, pair with a flash of hot pink or a rich, deep navy,” says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor, Wayfair. “This will take the colour from grown-up to glamorous, especially if you add accents and accessories in on-trend gold or copper, and use tactile fabrics like velvet and linen for a luxurious touch. This neutral, which sits somewhere between smoky taupe and soft mink, can conjure a serene space that’s easy on the eye and instantly relaxing - perfect for a bedroom.” TIP:“Lovers of more natural styling may prefer to go ‘au naturel’ and pair the shade with weathered wood furniture, rattan and sea grass touches, as well as brushed cotton and wool fabrics,” advises Nadia. 246 NOVEMBER 2017
Passion for Luxury
The Finest World Class Interior Design Service
T: 01992 788377 | E: info@passionforluxury.co.uk | W: www.passionforluxury.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
For the latest trend in conversions look down T his cost-effective craze has been big news in London for a while, where homeowners are keen to use every square foot of space. In the US, basements have long been used as play and utility rooms, but it’s only in recent years that British homeowners have started making good use of the same space. Your kids can have a giant playroom all to themselves – or you can treat yourselves to a home cinema, a recording studio, a swimming pool and gym, or a state-of-the-art wine cellar.
IS MY BASEMENT SUITABLE FOR A CONVERSION? Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for basement conversions, as the work can often be carried out from outside, which means you can easily continue to live in your property while the renovations are taking place. A word of warning, however, some older houses may have shallow foundations, so in order to create a safe living space below, you may need to underpin your property first. If this is the case for your property, then the easiest thing to do is to talk to an underpinning firm or specialist builder who can advise you on feasibility and cost of the job. Remember – while a basement conversion may seem like a dream come true, always make sure that a cellar conversion is a realistic venture for your property before forking out any cash. DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION? The good news here is that most cellar conversions don’t need planning permission because you are only changing the inside of your property. However, if you choose to add a new entrance or windows at the front of the house, dig an entirely new basement, or need access to dig up parts of the road or pavement outside your home, you will need planning permission from your local council. You may also want to check out the specifics of planning permission for basement conversions in case you want to extend or change your basement structure in the future. If you live in a listed building,, then remember that all renovations require permission before you begin any work - even if they are completely out of sight from the outside. This is because the features in listed buildings are protected for historical reasons. Whether or not you need 248 NOVEMBER 2017
planning permission, you will need to comply with the current building regulations for extensions these are simply legal requirements for any new living space, which exist for your own safety. WHAT ARE THE BUILDING REGULATIONS? Any extension that people will use as a living area is covered by building regulations. These regulations are designed to protect the inhabitants from health or safety hazards, and include things like adequate fire escape methods. The most basic regulations for a basement conversion are; ventilation, damp proofing, electrical wiring, safe access, ceiling height and a fire escape route. Even if you don’t need planning permission, you must get building regulation approval for your basement. These regulations will insist on certain considerations when you are planning your project - for example, a door which is at least 30 inches wide is considered fine but a window has to be a certain size, as well as a minimum distance from the floor, in order to be considered safe.
“Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for basement conversions” WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The biggest factors to consider when it comes to converting your basement are underpinning the foundations which we have discussed above, waterproofing or damp-proofing walls, and providing a suitable access point. And ensure your neighbours are totally aware of your conversion plans, giving them notice to avoid any conflict later on.
when you need more living spaCe, look down. We offer a complete basement design and construction service. Add value and space to your existing home.
enlarge your home without moving house
Contact us for details as to how we can give you more space. 020 8099 8450
www.capitalbasements.co.uk 295 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick London W4 4HH For further information or to book you free survey email info@capitalbasements.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
eye-catching FEATURE WALLS W
allpapering is one of those jobs that I’ve grown up doing. Whether it was picking up the scraps (a surprisingly important job) behind my Grandad as a nipper, or matching 5m drops of hand-printed paper down flights of stairs, it’s a skill that’s relatively easy to master if you follow a few simple rules. Here are my five tips for papering a feature wall - a great way to add interest to a room, without overwhelming a space or making the room seem smaller...
Invest in the best Rooms usually have four walls and if you’re only doing one of them, you can afford to spend a few quid on a decent bit of wallpaper. The idea of a roll costing upwards of £80 can be a bit intimidating, but see it as being art for your walls. Don’t be afraid of choosing something quite vibrant and in-yourface, as it’s only one wall. I like to get a number of different samples from wallpaperdirect.com and tape them to the proposed feature wall to get used to them for a couple of weeks, before making a decision. If you fancy something a little more dramatic, you can order a bespoke mural to fit your wall from Surface View. They have an incredible collection to choose from and take feature walls to the next level. We have a map wall at home and the kids love it.
Do your maths You can’t just measure the area of your wall and buy the exact quantity of paper to match, because it’s really important to check your pattern drops. Wallpaper is usually 52cm wide and typically about 10m long, but it will always tell you the repeat 250 NOVEMBER 2017
length of the pattern. So, for example, you may have a wall that’s 2.5m high and 3m wide, and a wallpaper with a pattern repeat of 0.5m. Take 0.5 from 10 and then see how many times 2.6 goes into this - adding 0.1m on to the wall’s length to allow for cutting-in the paper. This tells us we’ll get three drops from the roll, so two rolls will be sufficient to paper the whole wall. It’s always best to err on the side of caution with estimating quantities, especially if you’re less experienced with wallpapering.
Get the right kit
You do need a trestle table, so borrow one if you need to, as the floor is too dusty to lay the paper on, and you’ll end up with fluff or grit in your paste (and lumpy walls). You can buy a wallpapering kit for about £10 (try Screwfix or B&Q), including a pasting brush, hanging brush, long scissors, paper scraper, seam roller, plumb bob, etc. Wallpaper paste is pretty self explanatory - you’ll also need a bucket - and your wallpaper will come with instructions on whether to paste the paper (most likely) or the wall. You’ll also need a sharp Stanley knife, preferably with a new blade.
Level and straighten Nine times out of 10, walls are not level or straight, so you can’t guarantee that your wall’s corners are going to be even. Use a large spirit level to identify where any dips or contours are in your wall. Measure out from the furthest point into the corner you identify and draw a straight line down the wall using a plumb line - this is a piece of string tacked to the wall or picture rail with the plumb bob as a weight on the bottom of it. Paper to this line and use your Stanley knife to cut the paper into the corner. Match the rest of the paper to this first drop
and, if you’re using a patterned wallpaper, match the pattern at your eyeline.
Unscrew sockets and switches
If your feature wall includes sockets and/or light switches, unscrew these carefully from the wall and don’t touch any of the wiring. Hang your paper down to the switch pattress (the cavity that your switch/socket sits in). Use your fingers to feel the shape of the pattress through the paper. Identify the corners of the pattress and use your Stanley knife to cut a cross-shape diagonally from corner to corner. Use your scissors to cut away some of this paper in the middle and you will be able to put your switch plate back onto this without tearing the paper. Screw this back on once the paper has dried.
FLOORING
GUIDE – A collection of London’s finest flooring and rug companies – I M A G E : M ARTIN M OOR E STON E
FLOORI NG GUIDE
The foundation for perfection with Abbotswood Flooring
New flooring for beautiful homes Starting in 1959 and following in the footsteps of his father, Ted Thomas, the man behind Abbotswood Flooring, has been providing flooring services for over 50 years. During this time, Ted has travelled extensively throughout Europe gaining an enormous knowledge of wood and all types of flooring, specialising in solid hard wood, parquet, engineered wood and laminate.
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rom large commercial projects working alongside designers and architects to smaller domestic installations, Ted still receives great pleasure from working with his customers in designing and laying floors. They offer a truly bespoke service; from the initial design through to the completion, they offer expert advice, designing the correct flooring system to meet your requirements and budget. Abbotswood Flooring is based in Wimbledon but cover most areas of London and the South East. They offer free no obligation planning and estimates for both wooden flooring and carpets. You are welcome to visit their showroom where they have a large range of samples for you to choose from or they are happy to arrange a home or site visit with samples. Abbotswood Flooring offer a carpet supply and bespoke fitting service, designed to meet the exact needs of your home. Once you’ve chosen your
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“Abbotswood Flooring is based in Wimbledon but cover most areas of London and the South East. They offer free no obligation planning and estimates for both wooden flooring and carpets”
perfect style, they will make sure it fits into each corner of the room snugly.Their extensive range of carpets include 100% wool, synthetic fittings, striped runners, velvets, sisals, and so much more. If you’d like to turn your home into a work of art, you might want to choose from the Amtico tile range. With a range of beautiful laying patterns available, you can create a look you’ll enjoy seeing every day. For beautiful new flooring that will last, contact Abbotswood Flooring, and they will cater for all your flooring needs. For more information about Abbotswood Flooring Ltd, 258 - 260 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB; Telephone 0207 938 1000 or 020 8543 9083 Download the app or email info@abbotswoodflooring.co.uk www.abbotswoodflooring.co.uk
FLOORI NG GUIDE
[ SHO P P IN G ]
FABULOUS floorS REVAMP YOUR ROOM Mylands, Britain’s oldest familyowned and run paint and polishes manufacturer, has launched a new Floor Paint available in a comprehensive range of colours. Expertly created for use on interior floors using decades of paint and colour expertise, Mylands Floor Paint combines exquisite looks with outstanding performance for a low-maintenance, flawless result. Specially developed for use indoors on wooden floors, Mylands Floor Paint is easy to apply, low in odour and hardwearing. Extremely durable, it resists soaps, detergents, grease and oil, making it an attractive and practical choice with easy after care and longstanding beautiful results. Available in all 120 Colours of London® palette, Mylands new Floor Paint transforms old, tired or bare floors into a stylish addition to your interior space. Its classic satin finish has an elegant mid-sheen (40%) which smoothes and hides small imperfections whilst providing a tough, scrubresistant surface. www.mylands.com
STEP BACK IN TIME We just love the selection of flooring options at Tile Mountain, particularly this striking Comillas range. Evocative of the colourful and charming Victorian mosaic-style floor tiles synonymous with the likes of Thomas Minton, Comillas offers a refreshing take on a classic design aesthetic in a durable, easy to install single tile format. £24.99 per sqm, www.tilemountain.co.uk
MAKE A STATEMENT For statement flooring, look no further than the Tuscany floor tile in Cotto. Part of the versatile Tuscany collection, this tile will bring warmth to any room thanks to the use of classic brown shades. A fantastic start in which to base an entire room around. £48 per sqm, www.bakedtiles.co.uk
QUICK FIT This is an easy to lay click fitting system. Water resistant, extremely durable and easy to clean it’s ideal for any room of the house except the conservatory. Can use with underfloor heating £27 per sqm, www.diy.com 256 NOVEMBER 2017
BESPOKE WOOD FLOORING LUXURY VINYL TILES STYLISH CARPETS EXPERT FITTING SERVICE For beautiful new flooring that will last,contact Abbotswood Flooring, and they will cater for all your flooring needs.
Abbotswood Flooring Ltd
258-260 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Telephone: 020 8543 5083 or 0207 938 1000 Download the app or email: info@abbotswoodflooring.co.uk www.abbotswoodflooring.co.uk
Beautiful flooring for beautiful homes
FLOORI NG GUIDE
Antique York Stone
American Oak wood effect Porcelain
The Beauty of Natural Stone W
hether you want a country farmhouse look or a sleek metropolitan style, natural stone and the new-generation lookalike porcelains offer countless different options and solutions for any location. Look to native English stone flooring to give a traditional feel of luxury and permanence. Probably the most perfect expression of this would be reclaimed antique York stone, used in Britain for centuries. Rescued from old buildings and given a new lease of life, it provides an authentically aged finish. It’s just one of many new and antique English flagstones available, including Cotswold, Portland, Purbeck and Lincoln limestones. Each has its own distinctive character and look. Natural stone is an obvious choice for period houses, whether you are restoring original glories or creating a new, modern space. Many classic floors were laid in geometric designs, which look just as sophisticated and relevant today as in Victorian or Georgian buildings. Whether you opt for a classical chequerboard or something more complex, both the pattern and the stones used to create it can be tailored to suit the style of your space. If you have altogether more minimalist leanings, look for large format tiles in a calm limestone or marble. Available in a wide palette of colours from white and cream through to soft greys, many varieties offer a consistent colour with little or no veining or fossil inclusions. Classic Italian marbles such as Carrara bring a crisp, modern look to a wide variety of settings. Natural stone is a versatile material with many decorative uses, from floors and fireplaces to large slabs used as wall cladding. In some locations 258 NOVEMBER 2017
however, stone may be too weighty or unwieldy for floors or walls - making the new generation porcelains such a great solution. Improvements in 3d and digital printing have made vast improvements in the quality of both stone and wood lookalike porcelains, making it possible to get the authentic look of a natural material with the advantage of a thinner, lighter tile. One hidden secret of any floor (stone or porcelain) is the installation. There are many horror stories of builders laying floors upside down, using three different colours of grout in the same floor and staining floors with engine oil. For floors or walls, always use an experienced fixer, who will select tiles properly mix the variation of colour to provide the most pleasing effect and add that expert touch that transforms a good tile into a great floor. Martin Moore Stone; T: 0330 311 6574; www.martinmoorestone.com Black and White Slate
Cartmel White Limestone Bolection Fireplace in Bath Stone
FLOORI NG GUIDE
Classic is always a good idea.
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ho cares about current trends in wood flooring when it seems we have been buying parquet wooden floors for what seems an eternity. Some things will always remain classic and stylish, and both herringbone and chevrons are patterns that are here to stay. But, they can be funky too, like our individually time worn herringbone multi coloured floor. Brave, bold and exuberant. But of course it’s the possibilities that are the heartbeat of a creative mind, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to wooden flooring. Designs are possible with wood that are not even conceivable with any other floor finish. Durable too, which we all seem to overlook. Take a look at Copenhagen airport. Its first wooden floor was laid in the 60’s and was made form solid padauk, a slight reddish African wood that is incredibly hard wearing. It is still there today, looking even more elegant than the day it was installed. There is a multitude of beautiful exotic wood species on the market today and, its always nice to explore the tones of these woods before simply opting for oak, the most popular of all wood species. But even oak has its magical qualities. We’ve made everything from oak including boats houses and musical instruments, so oak is here to stay. 260 NOVEMBER 2017
But, if you’re looking for something special, something really really special, something you may never have even have heard of or even knew it existed, then you should explore the beauty of a natural and historic oak that is at least 2000 years old. Black beauty still exists. www.turgonflooring.co.uk/ reclaimed/historic-bog-oak
BEAUTIFUL FLOORS FROM SPHERE8
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hen decorating your home, flooring is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make – not only a big expense, it covers the largest area! A lot of people therefore stick with what they know, and settle for carpet or floorboards, but few people consider that there may be a comfortable, stylish and versatile alternative… But there have been quiet whisperings for a few years… maybe a decade for interior stylists with insider contacts. Resin has been a viable alternative in industrial or commercial sites for some time, but recently there are a small number of resin suppliers that work in the most luxurious of London homes, supplying elegant and stylish seamless surfaces. From a Chelsea pied-à-terre to a Canary Wharf penthouse or West London family home, any space can be accommodated and a distinct and bespoke style stamped on the property. Sphere8 are the design-led contractor offering poured resin floors and hand-applied rock resin wall finishes in countless London homes, creating seamless surfaces that can completely redefine an interior space. Part of the team behind the new Harrods Wellness Spa, they have worked in countless sites over the last 8 years. Suitable for use throughout the home, their floors are warm, soft and comfortable underfoot – equally suited to a busy open plan kitchen-living space as a master en-suite, uniting bedroom and bathroom with one stylish surface. And whilst they can produce almost any colour or finish, from bright turquoise to terrazzo, they have a core colour collection of warm and cool greys that offer a comfortable and elegant interpretation of ‘industrial chic’.
“Part of the team behind the new Harrods Wellness Spa, they have worked in countless sites over the last 8 years” “One of the things we are most often asked about is replicating the look of polished concrete. It’s been a growing trend for some time, but in recent months it’s become more and more popular in people’s homes” says owner and CEO Alex Dennis. “Fortunately, we offer a safer, more comfortable and more versatile solution”. There is no doubt about the aesthetic appeal of these seamless floors – chic, minimalist and industrial, they works as an ideal foil to more classic or traditional interiors, or can complement modern minimalism and rough textures. More than anything it acts as a neutral backdrop that’s anything but boring – unique but universal, distinctive but discreet. However, the physical properties of polished concrete are far from ideal. Unforgivingly hard, concrete is also often cold underfoot and most importantly it will invariably crack at some point. This is where a Sphere8 poured resin floor can provide the ideal solution.
SO WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF A SPHERE8 POURED RESIN FLOOR? Unlimited range of colours and a huge variety of finishes Warm, soft and comfortable underfoot – with or without under-floor heating Durable and long-lasting with guarantee against cracking Environmentally-friendly and sustainable, especially compared to concrete
To view Sphere8’s huge range of colours and finishes, and to experience their floors for yourself, make an appointment at their West London showroom – on site with Tom Dixon and the Dock Kitchen at Portobello Dock: 344 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5BU 020 8969 0183 info@sphere8.com www.sphere8.com
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Is underfloor heating right for my project?
With many UK households now enjoying the benefits of warm water underfloor heating (UFH), you may be wondering if this invisible, efficient heating solution could work for you. The good news is that UFH can be used in almost any project, from new builds to renovations, and conversions to extensions. WORDS: Rachel Roberts, Nu-Heat Underfloor Heating Advisor
Let’s consider some common UFH queries. Q: How does UFH work? A: UFH is an ‘invisible’ heating system that works by pumping a controlled flow of warm water from any heat source, such as a boiler or heat pump, through tubing hidden beneath or laid in panels directly on top of the existing floor. Because the surface area of the floor is so much larger than that of a radiator, UFH can run at a lower flow temperature and is therefore cheaper to run – up to 25% more efficient than an equivalent radiator system and 40% more efficient with a heat pump*. Q: Is my property suitable? A: All new – and many older – UK properties are suitable for UFH, whether made up of timber, joisted or screed floor construction. Expert UFH providers will honestly assess options for your project, and will only recommend a system that performs. As part of your system design, they will account for floor construction and insulation levels, and provide full heat loss calculations. Q: I’m renovating, will I have to dig up my floor? A: No! UFH can be fitted directly on top of an existing floor, between or over joists and is compatible with screed, joisted or floating floors. If you are retrofitting an UFH system, make sure you consider the full height build-up, including any structural decks required over the UFH before your floor covering can be fitted. Q: Can I install UFH on the upper floors of my property? A: Yes, UFH can be installed on all floors. An experienced supplier can recommend the best options for your project, as well as offer advice on specialist systems such as acoustic floor decks that reduce noise transfer between floors. Q: How long does the installation take? A: The length of time needed for the installation of your UFH will vary depending upon the best solution for your project. If you are building from scratch, your UFH can be installed within your floor as it is constructed. If you are renovating your property, there are a number of UFH solutions that can be laid over the top of your existing floor, some of which are ready for your floor coverings to be fitted immediately. Specialist UFH suppliers will help you to select the right solution for your property. 264 NOVEMBER 2017
Q: Do I need a special boiler? A: No, UFH works with gas, oil and LPG boilers as well as heat pumps. UFH can also be run alongside your existing heating system, which is particularly useful for extensions or where UFH is only required in part of the property. Good system design will take into account the heat source(s) used to ensure your UFH works efficiently. Q: How do I control my UFH? A: Specialist UFH systems incorporate controls that take into account both how the property will be used, and your choice of floor coverings. The property can be split into zones (rooms or areas) that can be controlled individually, meaning that you can set separate UFH schedules and temperatures for each. Nu-Heat provides a comprehensive user guide, including step-by-step instructions on how to control your system. Q: Can I have carpet? A: Yes. UFH is compatible with a wide range of floor coverings, including carpet, tiles, polished concrete and vinyl. A good supplier will ensure that your system is designed to work with your choice of floor covering, providing a consistent, controllable heat.
Expect more with Nu-Heat Know-How Every Nu-Heat design is bespoke; working with you to provide an energy efficient, cost effective system that matches your exact requirements. The only heating company awarded a Distinction from the Institute of Customer Service, you can be confident that we will provide you with the support you need. Speak with our UFH experts on 01404 540650 or email info@nu-heat.co.uk. Watch our video: www.nu-heat.co.uk/ ufh-explained *Source EuRay 2005
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[ SHO P P IN G ]
beautiful RUGS ROUND AND ROUND Using round Persian rugs as inspiration, Designer Niki Jones has blended her Scottish heritage with ideas gained from her travels. The result: a contemporary, bohemian textiles collection. Vaserely Circular Wool Rug 200cm Chartreuse, £349, www.made.com
TAKE INSPIRATION Being a matinee idol, Bogarde soon became a giant in the high-rank intellectual cinema. That’s the reason behind this inspiring accent armchair. It is finished in leather, a very popular fabric in the 60’s, and the swivel polished brass base conveys an idea of style and playfulness. It can make a great occasional chair for your home or office decor. Audrey is a contemporary low pile rug that features a mesmerising pattern of coloured triangles. It uses a synthetic fibre called tencel and it is produced using a cut and loop technique. The bright vivid colours mix with the abstract geometric pattern to produce an amazingly rich indoor rug. www.essentialhome.eu
ragS TO RICHES These woven leather rag rugs are meticulously made, which gives the rug its strong structure. Perfectly suited to many rooms in your home, such as your entrance hallway or by the door to a terrace or balcony. These rag rugs work both as a functional home accessory and a feature piece. £15, www.tch.net
THE WOW FACTOR Soft as silk, and wonderfully tactile, these beautiful luxury Tibetan sheepskin rugs are a great way to add some texture to your home. £136, www.audenza.com 266 NOVEMBER 2017
FABULOUSLY FLORAL Ted’s signature prints take centre stage on this inspiring Collection. Digitally printed on a mix of pure Wool and Tencel they are a charming addition to your space. Tencel is an eco-friendly fibre from the eucalyptus plant which has a look and feel very similar to silk, whilst being very durable. Available in two sizes. Ted Baker Maximil Pink Rug, Modern Rugs, £994 www.modern-rugs.co.uk
Rugs That Stand Out
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artists and designers but particularly love Matisse, Henri Moore, Vivianna Torun, Maija Isola, Bridget Reilly, Renzo Piano. I have a library of inspiration that I love adding to. I keep a camera and sketch book close to hand adding postcards, bits and pieces from magazines and notes and scribbles of things I find inspiring around me.” Sonya Winner Rugs are the focal point within any type of interior. In contemporary interiors, which often feature hard materials, such as stone, concrete and wood – the natural fibres of the rug softens the room’s design and soaks up sound, creating an inviting and cosy living space. In traditional interiors a Sonya Winner Rug brings contrast and cohesion into the room. In eclectic
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n a homogenous world, it can be a challenge to find something that stands out and adds depth and emotion to your home. Sonya Winner rugs have been developed for discerning buyers and collectors looking to own something rare and elusive. Designed to suit today’s open plan living, these rugs are not only beautiful accents in any home, they are also hardwearing and durable. These contemporary designs are transformational in any space and add warmth, texture and vibrancy. Sonya Winner creates exceptional rugs that are graphic, vibrant and highly original. Her first rug, After Matisse, caused a sensation when it was launched at London Design Festival 2011, and was promptly shortlisted for the Homes & Gardens Designer Award. It has been a favourite with discerning buyers, stylists and celebrities ever since. Her unique designs based on colour experiments have brought Sonya a rapid international recognition and have placed her among today’s most inspiring designers on both the local and international scene. She is the winner of “The Best Flooring and Floor Covering” award at the Architectural Digest Show and has been nominated for the American Society of Interior Designer Top Picks and shortlisted by the Society of British International Design for their new product award in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Sonya’s rare talent for colour blending is one of her most recognizable features and led to her being included in the standard college textbooks on colour theory in the USA. When we asked Sonya what is essential for the creative process to begin, she says: “I find a calm place and put on some peaceful jazz and immerse myself in my library and sketch books full of ideas I’ve jotted down. When I am designing I like to be playful and spontaneous and not restricted by convention. I am inspired by many
interiors, Sonya’s rugs bring together different styles, grounding them around the bold, statement piece. Sonya works with traditional techniques of collage and then translates this into digital artwork, which is then converted into weaving plans that weavers work to. All rugs by Sonya are handwoven, adding another layer of beauty to the final product. Sonya works with a limited number of clients each year to create commissioned designs. Working directly with Sonya on a bespoke piece is an artistic process in itself – personal, creative and inspiring, resulting in a truly unique piece. The unique combination of colour, texture, pile-height and shape, has resulted in a huge interest in Sonya’s work. The press in the UK and worlwide have picked up on this, resulting in over 300 articles featuring Sonya’s work. Since 2011 the designs have been sold online in over 30 countries from Sonya’s London studio. Her delighted customers often become collectors. You can read what they have to say in the testimonials section at www.sonyawinner.com. Many designs are kept in stock and available to buy online to be delivered within a few days.
THE DETAILS Please do take a look at www.sonyawinner.com, where you can buy online or contact Sonya Winner studio to arrange an appointment to visit the showroom. Sonya Winner Studio, Tel: 0203 283 8776 Email: info@sonyawinner.com Studio showroom: 14 York Rise, London NW5 1ST
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Oak Chevron Premier Unsealed
The W wood flooring experts Oak Antique
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ood is the first choice for many when it comes to flooring. It has timeless appeal, is easy to maintain and is available in an abundant choice of species, styles, designs and colours. With so many products of varying quality on the market, it definitely pays to buy from an established, specialist supplier with a strong reputation. Founded 25 years ago, The Natural Wood Floor Company is a family owned and run business which has grown to become one of the leading wood flooring manufacturers and suppliers in Europe. Run by three brothers, the company now employs 1,450 staff at its Wandsworth warehouse and European manufacturing centre. “We’ve got over 20,000 square meters of wood in stock” explains Director Peter Keane, “so we can deliver flooring to projects running to extremely tight deadlines”. There’s plenty of choice too, with 140 different designs on offer. Parquet is tipped to be the look for 2018, “Parquet has always been in favour”, says Peter, “but it’s set to become more popular than ever. Our aged range is a best seller, with its tumbled edges and authentic looks. For a more contemporary feel we have a collection of larger 600 mm blocks in light and dark shades. White Mist, Drift Wood, Coastal Grey and Silver White all reflect the trend for pale tones, while the specialist finishing process brings an extra dimension to the design by emphasising the wood’s distinctive grain patterns.”
Oak Parquet Silver White Oiled
Antique floors are another popular option. The Natural Wood Floor Company manufactures several products to create this look, which are sealed with mid brown tones to produce a rich, warm patina. With environmental issues high on their agenda, The Natural Wood Floor Company’s products are all FSC certified. Timber is selected from both farmed and managed natural forests, which have long-term replanting procedures in place to ensure
“We’ve got over 20,000 square meters of wood in stock, so we can deliver flooring to projects running to extremely tight deadlines” that there is a healthy crop of wood for the future. At The Natural Wood Floor Company, you are buying direct from the experts. With the specialist advisors’ time at the company averaging around 12 years, they know everything there is to know about wood flooring. So if you want to find the perfect wooden floor for your home, The Natural Wood Floor Company is the place to go. The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EQ. 020 8871 9771. www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk
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FLOORS OF STONE
“A tumbled tile can bring a gentle, rustic feel to a property”
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looring. We walk on it every day, yet how many of us actually take the time to look down and see what is under our feet. Flooring is such an integral part of interior design, yet so often it is an afterthought, but it truly can make or break a scheme. A tumbled tile can bring a gentle, rustic feel to a property, something to soften the edges but not make it too olde worlde. A porcelain tile, or honed natural stone has clean lines, giving a much more contemporary feel. A light creamy stone, or polished finished can be great for reflecting light around a room and making it appear brighter and more spacious. Equally a dark grey or flagstone tile can help add a bit of drama to a room and give the appearance of an original, time-worn floor. And then there’s wood flooring. Nothing can beat the warmth of a natural wood floor, whether it’s laid in a parquet or chevron, or a classic plank. It’s no wonder that people are flummoxed when it comes to choosing a floor, there’s almost too many options!
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Here at Floors of Stone, we want to try and make that decision process a lot easier. We have a large showroom, based at Cotes Mill in Loughborough in the East Midlands, only an hour and fifteen minutes on the train from St Pancras, where we have displays of all the tiles and wood flooring we sell. Our friendly team are also on hand to make you a cup of tea, show you around and offer advice as to what will work in your home. Our sister company, deVOL Kitchens, also display their full range of kitchens at Cotes Mill, along with an eclectic and surprising array of antiques, gifts and one-off pieces. If you are not able to make the trip, we also offer a free sample service, allowing you to get a feel for the stone, porcelain or wood in your own home. Of course we are also available for a chat over the phone, or email if you prefer, where again our team are more than happy to offer expert knowledge as to what could work for you. We are confident we can help you find the perfect flooring for your home. www.floorsofstone.com
I am delighted to announce the opening of my new gallery specialising in rugs, carpets and textiles, antique and contemporary • Decorative Carpets in all sizes • Tribal rugs and weavings • Kelims and other flatweaves • Runners of all lengths • Tapestries and textiles
4 Church Street, London NW8 8ED E: anejad@talktalk.net www.aaronnejad.com 0203 489 5370 07976 826218
Antique Shekarlu Rug South-west Persia, circa 1880. 2.52m x 1.97m (8’3” x 6’5”)
FLOORI NG GUIDE
Stylish flooring ideas for your bathroom Finding the perfect floor design for your bathroom will add the finishing touch to your brand new look. A bathroom floor needs to be both durable and stylish to meet all of your needs and should give your bathroom a strong and solid foundation.
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ith so much choice available, it can be hard to decide on one option. Take into consideration your daily routine and lifestyle: Do you have children who will need a slip-free and hardwearing floor? Or do you have a glamorous and grown-up bathroom suite that requires an equally chic floor? Don’t be afraid to try unusual materials, such as wood, which can work well in a bathroom, despite any concerns you might have about the humid conditions affecting the wood. Try hardwood, laminate or PVC flooring to get the same effect, but without the damp results. Floors in marble, granite or polished concrete will also create a dramatic effect and lend a chic, polished finish to your bathroom. These are all hard-wearing materials that will look stunning and last for years.For something truly unique, try cork or rubber. Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, cork is back in a big way and is one of the most eco-friendly floor options around. Rubber is warm, waterproof and easy to keep clean, so a great option for anyone with children.Solid
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wood or laminate floors aren’t usually suitable for bathrooms as the humidity will cause the material to discolour, swell and warp. But hardwood floorings, such as teak and bamboo, can work well (doublecheck with the manufacturer first) and engineered wood and bathroom-specific laminate - made with PVC - are designed to withstand moisture.
“Don’t be afraid to try unusual materials, such as wood, which can work well in a bathroom”