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Your guide to the award-winning showJoin Kevin McCloud and a host of other celebrity guests at Grand Designs Live where you’ll be able to get free expert home advice, learn to cook with top chefs, discover great ideas for greener living and lots more

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PLAN YOUR VISITDesigning your dream home? Look no further than multi-award-winning Grand Designs Live, held at the NEC Birmingham from 12-14 October

Grand TechnologyExperience the latest technology in the Automated Home and see how it could help cut your energy bills.

Grand FoodSample culinary delights from around the world or source the perfect cooking equipment from one of the many exhibitors.

Grand GardensVisit striking competition show gardens for outdoor inspiration and test drive the electric Nissan LEAF.

Grand Kitchens Watch top celebrity chefs in action at Miele’s Live Kitchen Experience – there’s even the chance to cook along with them. Plus the latest products and appliances.

Grand Interiors From furniture to paint, get everything you need for a stylish and well-designed interior in the Grand Interiors hall, sponsored by Dulux.

Grand Build Find all the inspiration you’ll ever want at the UK’s biggest self-build show, sponsored by VELUX. Don’t miss Ask An Expert – a must for those seeking specialist advice on a project.

Grand VillageTry your hand at sustainable building, fi nd out about the latest eco-friendly products and listen to talks at the Grand Theatre.

Design ArcadeBrowse unique design pieces and discover products that are not readily available on the high street.

Grand BathroomsTake the opportunity to check out the market’s most cutting-edge bathroom products and get practical advice from the experts.

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BOOK NOW AND SAVE £4 0844 854 1348 www.granddesignslive.com

the high street.

EXPERT ADVICE FOR EVERY AREA

OF YOUR HOME

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With more than 500 exhibitors at Grand Designs Live, you can be sure to fi nd exactly what you need, from great building solutions to the perfect fi nishing touches. The numerous halls at the show dedicated to interiors, building materials, kitchens, bathrooms, technology and gardens will also offer you invaluable advice from specialist suppliers, bespoke craftsmen and experts, plus the chance to fi nd unique homewares that are not available on the high street.

4HUNDREDS OF EXHIBITORS


Start your day in style with fast-track entry and access to the Miele-sponsored VIP lounge. Relax with a free copy of the latest GDM, a show guide and a glass of bubbly. You can enjoy a free co� ee and a few pastries, too. Tickets are limited so for availability check granddesignslive.com or call 0844 854 1348.

Whether you want to spot Kevin, � nd inspiration for your project or buy key products, follow GDM’s guide to the Grand Designs Live show-stoppers

TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS

Free expert advice Save money and time on your project by booking a free consultation with one of the specialists at Ask An Expert, sponsored by VELUX, in the Grand Build hall. It’s the perfect chance to take along your plans and budgets and get guidance from the pros. You can learn traditional building techniques as well as pick up tips at the Interiors � eatre, sponsored by Dulux, and the Automated Home. What’s more, it’s all free! To book a slot visit granddesignslive.com.

Meet Kevin McCloud & coRub shoulders with much-loved TV stars, including Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud, The Restoration Man presenter George Clarke and sustainability guru Charlie Luxton. Kevin will be at the heart of the action, talking about the latest eco designs, colour and self-build, alongside other well-known experts at the Grand Theatre.1

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GDM’s must-haves Look out for the Grand Designs Magazine Loves! signs that will crop up throughout the halls. The

GDM team will be scouring the show for the hottest designs and most innovative ideas, making it easier to spot the best brands and must-have products.

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KEVIN’S TOP TV HOUSESWish you could see the houses from the TV show in the fl esh? Now you can in the Nano Village, sponsored by VELUX. To celebrate the 100th episode of Grand Designs, the village will showcase Kevin’s favourite projects with miniature architectural models.

Interactive workshops and seminars Head to the Grand Theatre and Dulux-sponsored Interiors Theatre for an array of inspirational talks, workshops and seminars from industry experts and celebrities . Listen to step-by-step tutorials and in-depth practical seminars on everything from plastering to home improvement on a budget.

The Eco TrailGreat ideas for green living are easier to fi nd with the launch of the Eco Trail, which will guide you to the green exhibitors at Grand Designs Live. Find the sustainable products you need by looking for the map when you arrive.

Cook alongside top chefsTake the opportunity to learn from the best at the Live Kitchen Experience, sponsored by Miele. Discover how to get the most out of your appliances with a range of live cookery demonstrations from top chefs. � ere’s even the chance to cook along with them for some invaluable tips.


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Kevin McCloud

Unmissable seminars

11.00 – 11.45Meet TV’s grand designersGrand designers Ed and Rowena Waghorn share the experience of their lengthy build with Kevin McCloud. Would they do it all again?

12.00 – 12.45Kevin and Jo’s colour codesColour expert Kevin McCloud and interior designer Jo Hamilton discuss how to choose the best scheme for your home.

13.00 – 14.00Self-build homes, self-build communitiesKevin McCloud, Ted Stevens, chairman of the National Self Build Association, and broadcaster and architecture critic Tom Dyckhoff discuss what the UK Government could learn from the Dutch about self-build. It follows a visit to the town of Almere where there are 6,000 self-built homes.

14.15 – 15.00Add value to your home TV presenter Melissa Porter from The Renovation Game heads a panel discussion on increasing property value by home improvement.

15.30 – 16.15The Grand Designs family albumKevin McCloud takes us on a whirlwind tour of his best-ever grand designs, as featured in a celebratory new book.

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11.00 – 11.45Meet TV’s grand designersGeorge Clarke talks to the brave souls who went through the trials and tribulations of creating their own home in front of the TV cameras.

12.00 – 12.45The amazing edible garden Mark Diacono, former head gardener at River Cottage and owner of the UK’s only climate-change farm, grows exotic, sustainable and delicious fruit and vegetables.

13.00 – 14.00Micro designs with George ClarkeThe search is on for material for George’s new TV programme on micro design. Projects with flair and imagination, from tree houses to shipping containers, demonstrate the British passion for unusual homes.

14.15 – 15.00Home technology – a smart future?Our experts pick their favourite new technologies that will transform the home you live in and the car you drive – today and in the future.

15.30 – 16.15George Clarke presents the real restoration manThe host of The Restoration Man introduces his favourite self-builders who performed the impossible with old buildings and very little money.

Visit the Grand Theatre for star speakers, expert advice and live debates. Plus, meet real TV grand designers

11.00 – 11.45Meet TV’s grand designersGrand designer Lucie Fairweather and architect Jerry Tate talk to presenter Kevin McCloud about how to balance eco principles with the constraints of a budget.

12.00 – 12.45Self-build – the power and the money Energy performance expert Alastair MacNaughton joins resident finance expert Mary Riley to discuss the realities of planning a self-build.

13.00 – 14.00The Green deal – what it means for youGreen Deal’s parliamentary sponsor the Rt Hon Greg Barker MP explains how the policy can help make your home more eco-friendly.

14.15 – 15.00design with daylightWant a light-filled and energy-efficient home? VELUX shows how this can be achieved with smart solutions from its Model Home 2020 project.

15.30 – 16.15See through the spin to really go greenCharlie Luxton, architect and TV presenter, explains the simple principles of sustainable design and how you don’t need complicated technical specs to be properly eco.

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Tom dyckhoff

Please note: The seminar programme is subject to change right up to the date of the exhibition. Please check on the website (granddesignslive.com) for the up-to-date schedule before you book your tickets.

Charlie Luxton

George Clarke

bOOK nOW And SAVe £4 0844 854 1348 www.granddesignslive.com

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Free expert advice, stunning grand designs from TV recreated in miniature and practical demonstrations – great inspiration for projects of any scale

GRAND HOUSES, SMALL SCALETo celebrate the 100th episode of Grand Designs, take a walk around the new Nano Village, sponsored by VELUX. Relive your favourite designs from the TV programme with a bird’s-eye view of Kevin McCloud’s top builds in miniature. There are also sketches, plans and photos to accompany these memorable homes.

Free expert advice, stunning grand designs from TV recreated in miniature and practical demonstrations

Your questions answeredThere’s nothing more valuable than advice from professionals – particularly when it’s free. With specialists ready to answer any questions you might have about your project, Ask An Expert, sponsored by VELUX, makes the task of running a self-build much more manageable. You can take along your drawings, plans and budgets to show to key players from every area of the industry – including RIBA architects, structural engineers and fi nance specialists – in your 30-minute one-to-one meeting. Book your slot at the show on the day, or avoid the queues by pre-booking a meeting online (granddesignslive.com).

DON’T MISSFREE ADVICE

Sign up for a session at Ask An Expert, sponsored by VELUX.

To confi rm your free 30-minute slot, visit granddesignslive.com.

Let there be lightEvery grand designer dreams of a light-� lled home. Luckily, Grand Build-sponsor VELUX is on hand to help you maximise daylight potential before you embark on a new project. � e specialist Design Pod service will teach visitors how best to introduce light into projects through product demonstrations and talks on energy-e� cient building. Book a session in advance to avoid disappointment (velux.co.uk/granddesigns).

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GRAND BUILD


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PLAN AHEADIf you’re scared your new-build dreams might be shattered by tight planning restrictions, book an Ask An Expert slot with Julia Riddle. She works for DTZ, one of the top global real-estate advisers, and can help you with how best to approach the planning process and how to negotiate with local authorities to achieve planning permission.

A Carpenter Oak/Roderick James frame, stand B118

Sliding doors fromiKlöeber, stand B206

A Carpenter Oak/Roderick James frame, stand B118

Stylish mobility solutions from Axess 4 All, stand B348

MUST SEEHere’s what to look out for at this year’s Grand Build

Finishing touches Klöeber is a sliding-door specialist which offers everything from French and single doors to roof lights and windows. Ask about the company’s innovative Funkyfront and Klassicfront entrance doors at stand B206.

Quality craftsmanshipCarpenter Oak and Roderick James Architects are leaders in the fi eld of oak framing. Visit them on stand B118 to talk about their stunning new eco design.

Improving accessibility For a practical and modern solution to home mobility, Axess 4 All’s compact Home Lift is a future-proof way to make life easier. Find out all about them by visiting stand B348.

Passive solutions If you’re contemplating a passive house, head to stand B350 to discuss leading Scandinavian supplier Rationel Windows’ energy-effi cient window and door solutions.

Turn up the heat Build for the future with ThermoHouse’s insulated concrete formwork which gives state-of-the-art insulation. Talk to the team at stand B347.

TRIED AND TESTED SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR PROJECT


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� e theme for this year’s show in Birmingham is green. You can follow the new Eco Trail, check out Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes and try your hand at sustainable building

TRY THE GREEN LIFEYou’ve probably seen it on TV – now’s your chance to try sustainable building techniques for yourself. Get to grips with natural materials from hemp to rammed earth, learn how to renovate your house naturally and discover the changes you can make to create a more sustainable lifestyle. Don’t worry if you don’t have acres of countryside for your new-build dream; there will be a focus on what can be achieved in an urban setting, too.

GRAND VILLAGE

Green Heroes

Eco-expert Kevin McCloud celebrates the drive towards sustainability with his top 10

heroes, ranging from small British inventors to large-scale

businesses. On display will be green products that provide homeowners

with cost-e� ective solutions for building a beautiful, sustainable home.

Highlights include furniture from Hendzel+Hunt’s Made in Peckham range and

cool upcycled designs by Jo Gibbs from Up.

DON’T MISSTHE ECO TRAIL

If you want to learn more about going green, track down the sustainable stands with the

Eco Trail map – located at the show entrance.


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Take home inspiration from celebrity chefs, the latest technology and innovative designs for your kitchen and bathroom

CREATIVE KITCHEN Chefs Nigel Smith and Mark Lloyd test the latest Miele appliances by cooking some of their signature dishes. They will demonstrate

different cooking methods by using a steam oven and induction hob, all in a beautifully

designed kitchen. Even Kevin McCloud will get to join in – and every day so will two lucky visitors. The Miele team will also be previewing some of its exciting

events for 2013; head to miele.co.uk/events to fi nd out more.

CREATIVE KITCHEN Chefs Nigel Smith and Mark Lloyd test the latest Miele appliances by cooking some of their signature dishes. They will demonstrate

different cooking methods by using a steam oven and induction hob, all in a beautifully

designed kitchen. Even Kevin McCloud will get to join in – and every day so will two lucky visitors. The Miele team will also be previewing some of its exciting

events for 2013; head to miele.co.uk/events to fi nd out more.

Live Kitchen ExperienceWatch top chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers at work and discover hi-tech appliances in the daily demonstrations at the Live Kitchen Experience, sponsored by Miele. Some of the biggest names in the culinary world have been brought together to create an impressive line up, including Daniel Galmiche, Romy Gill and Martin Blunos. In the new Cavani kitchen, designed by Edwin Loxley, there will be wine pairing; food busking with John Quilter, who has worked with top restaurants including � e Ivy and Le Caprice; and demonstrations from Michelin-starred chef Daniel Galmiche.

DON’T MISS CELEBRITY CHEFSLearn to cook Michelin-star-quality food with stylish Miele appliances

LATEST APPLIANCES

AND TOP TIPS FROM CELEB

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GRAND KITCHENS& BATHROOMS


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iKevin McCloud visits kitchens on show at Grand Designs Live

Kitchen designs from Jette Kueche, stands K400 and K59i

DON’T MISSBATHROOM BARGAINSShop around to fi nd tons of great deals

and at-show discounts in the Grand Kitchens

and Bathrooms hall; you can also buy

ex-display ranges Tudor’s stylish bathrooms, stand K540.

MUST SEEThe standout products to check out in Grand Kitchens and Bathrooms

Go bespoke For complete fl exibility at a realistic price, head to stand K110 for kitchens by Edwin Loxley.

Stylish surfaces For new products by Italian expert Scavolini, try natural-stone specialist Goss Marble on stand K544.

Fashionable fi nish For something a little different, try Jette Kueche, designed by world-renowned fashion, jewellery and furniture company Jette Joop and made by the leading German kitchen manufacturer RWK. Stands K400 and K59.

Retro look Make your way to stand K252 for Mid Century Kitchens, a company that maintains authentic designs but builds them for the modern world.

Must-have appliance Save money, space and time with the essential, energy-effi cient Quooker boiling water tap. Visit stand K501 to fi nd out more.

Complete package Stonewood Kitchens will be featuring appliances from Steel Cuisine and together they can create the perfect kitchen for your home. Check them out at stand K341.

Modern choice Tudor Kitchens & Bathrooms, on stand K540, has a good range of innovative designs and more than 20 years’ experience in the business.


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GRAND INTERIORSA one-stop destination for the latest design ideas, professional advice and must-have buys for your home

AND INTERIORSA one-stop destination for the latest design ideas, professional advice and must-have buys for your home

Get to grips with colourIf you’re about to embark on a redecorating project, make sure you pop over to the Dulux stand (L331) before you begin. � e team will be on hand to talk to you about the latest colour trends and creative techniques. You can also get practical help in fun workshops in the Grand Interiors � eatre. With step-by-step tutorials, you’ll discover easy ways to personalise your home. � ere will also be the chance to have a consultation with the Dulux designers and take away free paint samples.

MUST SEEThere are lots of essential buys in Grand Interiors

Bags of personality For something out of the ordinary, head over to Tom’s Company for whimsical, handcrafted pieces; the ceramics collection in particular is worth a look. Check it out at stand L1.

Fine fl ooring Nobody knows natural fl oorcoverings like Crucial Trading. For 26 years it has created beautiful textures, weaves and designs from the fi nest natural materials. See for yourself at stand L138a.

Sit back and relax For a revolutionary seating solution that meets your body’s need for movement and support, test out Ekornes’ Stressless recliner on stand L218.

Hot stuff For all your bathroom heating needs, head over to Geyser at stand L7 for designer radiators and heated towel rails in all sorts of exciting shapes and sizes.

Bespoke blinds Give your windows a lift with Thomas Sanderson’s blinds and shutters, all tailored to suit your needs and made in the UK. Stand L19.

CREATE YOUR OWN GRAND INTERIORIf you’re in need of a bit of inspiration, the Grand Interiors hall, sponsored by Dulux, is unmissable; you’ll fi nd buys for every room in your home. There’s also the Grand Interiors Theatre for top advice from industry experts.

iStatement fl ooring from Crucial Trading, stand L138ai


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DON’T MISSWORKSHOPS

Take part in practical seminars that will

teach you essential interior-design skills

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Design ArcadeWant to fi nd the perfect fi nishing touch, but feel like you’ve seen it all before? Then the Design Arcade is the answer. Here you will fi nd individual items from independent designers you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you want pieces that are kind to your budget or bespoke designer furniture, there’s something to suit every pocket.


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Talks and hands-on

workshopsNeed a little DIY help? At the Grand

Interiors � eatre, sponsored by Dulux, there will be talks, demonstrations

and in-depth practical seminars. You’ll get advice from the likes of interiors

guru Jo Hamilton; Clare Nolan, author of Making A House Your Home;

and � e Renovation Game presenter Melissa Porter. For more details

on the guest speakers, visit the website (granddesignslive.com).

MUST SEETop buys from the Design Arcade

Solid craftsmanship For furniture built to suit your space and style, head to Staffordshire Bespoke Joinery on stand E20 and talk to its craftsmen about your plans.

Creative touch Ditch run-of-the-mill high-street prints for a statement piece of art – Lara Aldridge’s handmade glass panels will do the trick. Stand S7.

Bring the outdoors in Landscape photographer Joe Cornish takes striking panoramic views of the British countryside. Stop by stand E31 to see for youself.

Eye-catching design Make a statement in your home with Glimpze’s Wanted Collection – a selection of vibrant, patchwork designer chairs that will certainly be a talking point. Visit stand S2 to have a look.

Snap it up Alphabet Photography on stand E13 is perfect for tailored gifts – just spell out the word or name you want pictured and it’s created through photography.

Spoilt for choice For a huge range of wallpaper designs, pop along to stand E5 and Wallpaper Direct will have what you’re looking for.

iCheck out Wallpaper Direct’s collection, stand E5

EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS NOT

AVAILABLE ON THE HIGH

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Transform your home with state-of-the-art gadgets

DON’T MISSTHE NISSAN LEAFSee this revolutionary, 100 per cent electric car at the Automated Home

GRAND TECHNOLOGY

AUTOMATE YOUR HOME WITH EASE

The Automated Home launched at ExCeL London and will now debut at

Birmingham, working with CEDIA. Visitors will see cutting-edge automation in every room.

The kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living-room zones will showcase everything from multi-room audio to touch-control ovens. And it’s all more affordable and accessible than you think, so talk to CEDIA experts about how technology can help you live more effi ciently.

MUST SEEBrand-new products at Grand Technology

Smart system Head to stand L160 where AB Audio Visual will demonstrate Control4, a system that can automate virtually any device and reduce your carbon footprint.

Manage your home Use your smartphone or tablet to control your light, heat and power with LightwaveRF’s smart technology. Stand L260.

Fully integrated For an overhaul of your technology, speak to Design Innovation. Its products include a stylish touch-sensitive light switch that doubles up as a thermostat. Stand L460.

Home and away You can create the perfect spaces at home or work with iCensia’s AV control and automation system. Stand L251.

Innovative design WaterRower’s range of rowing machines are made from sustainable wood and can be stored upright. Stand L462.

Hidden technology PictureFrame.TV blends technology seamlessly into your home. Head to stand L30.

TOP GADGETSSomething special’s brewing The TopBrewer by Scanomat is a coffee machine which can be built into any worksurface, leaving just a beautiful stainless-steel, swan-neck tap visible. It creates authentic speciality coffee, hot and cold water and luxury hot chocolate. You can even control it from your iPhone or iPad.

Smoking hot Gorenje’s HomeCHEF built-in oven (left) is based on a traditional wood-fi red bread oven, but has all the latest technology added. It integrates ideas from areas like home entertainment to create a new cooking experience with easy touch-screen operation.

Personalised mini newspapers The Little Printer (above) by Berg prints information from the web chosen by you. You use your smartphone to set up subscriptions – whether that’s news or gossip from friends – and Little Printer will create a quirky mini-newspaper.

Bathtime bliss Have your bath automatically fi lled to perfection with the bathomatic (below)by Unique Automation. You can even pre-set different temperatures for each member of the family. It’s compatible with smartphones, tablet PCs and home-automation systems. At Grand Designs Live the company will reveal its stylish bathovision built-in TVs.


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Explore Grand Designs Live’s brilliant show gardens for innovative ideas, listen to expert advice and buy must-have products

TEST DRIVE THE LEAF The 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAF represents a huge leap forward in technology, not to mention a huge saving in running costs. Driving 10,000 miles a year for as little as £175 would have been inconceivable – until now. But Nissan has worked out it would cost £1,216 in a similar-sized petrol car and that the LEAF does the equivalent of 348mpg! Visit the Nissan stand in Grand Gardens to take a test drive and talk to real LEAF owners to see if it’s the car for you.

Stunning show gardensBe blown away by this year’s show gardens as leading local garden designers and landscapers � ght to showcase their work in the live show’s � rst-ever Grand Designs Live Garden Designer of the Year competition. � ere will be four show gardens on display packed with inspiration. Selected from all the competition entries, each one will encompass the Grand Designs’ ethos of contemporary style, inspiration and ethical responsibility. � e four � nalist gardens will be judged by Kevin McCloud and a professional garden designer. � e winner will be announced on 12 October.

Oceans’ teepee-style daybed, stand G240


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GRAND GARDENSMUST SEEEssential buys for creating your own grand garden

Sentimental seating For something meaningful in your garden, head to 4Memorial Bench on stand G241a to see its range of FSC-certifi ed wooden benches with personalised inscriptions.

Gardener’s choice With one of the largest tree nurseries in Europe, Barcham Trees will be able to help you fi nd what you’re after – talk to the team on stand G420.

Versatile furniture Give your conservatory or patio an instant update with Daro’s cane, rattan and wicker furniture. View its new collection for 2013 at stand G130.

Luxury living Love the idea of a hot tub but not the maintenance? Try the world’s only self-cleaning hot tubs and SwimSpas by Hydropool Hot Tubs on stand G400.

Lounge in style Oceans Outdoor Furniture will be showing a range of its contemporary garden furniture, including the new teepee-style daybed. Stand G240.

Escape to the outdoors Even Alan Titchmarsh is taken with UK Garden Buildings’ timber collection, and this spring it introduced a range of garden offi ces. See the Elite range at stand G449.

See UK Garden Buildings’ outdoor rooms, stand G449

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*Saving off the on-the-door price. All information is correct at the time of going to print. Please check the website granddesignslive.com for the latest details.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATIONGrand Designs Live will take place from 12-14 October 2012 at the NEC Birmingham

BOOK NOW AND SAVE £4* ON EVERY

TICKETVIP experience £39Advance £15On the door £19

Children Aged 15 and under free (ticket is required)

Group discounts For groups of 10 or more. Call 0844 412 4650 for further details.

TO ORDER TICKETS CALL THE 24-HOUR HOTLINE 0844 854 1348

Show detailsOpening hoursFriday 12 October, 10am-6pmSaturday 13 October, 10am-6pmSunday 14 October, 10am-5pmWhere National Exhibition Centre,Birmingham B40 1NT

How to get thereYou can travel directly to the NEC via the M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll, M40 and M42, and there are more than 20,000 car-parking spaces at the venue. The NEC is also easily accessible by train. Birmingham International Rail Station serves the venue and is connected to the halls via a short walkway. For complete travel details, visit granddesignslive.com.

Disabled accessThe NEC Birmingham allows unrestricted access for disabled visitors. For further information, visit granddesignslive.com or call 0121 780 4141.

ChildrenKids aged 15 or under enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult. You must present a child ticket, which you can obtain from the box offi ce. Children aged 16 or older will be charged standard prices.

VIP experienceTo enjoy Grand Designs Live in style, choose a VIP ticket, brought to you by Miele. This includes fast-track entry, a glass of bubbly on arrival, free coffee and pastries, admission to the Miele VIP Lounge, plus a show guide, a copy of the latest issue of GDM and access to the cloakroom. There’s also a shop-and-drop facility for your buys.

With thanks to

You can travel directly to the NEC via You can travel directly to the NEC via


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FOR A LUXURY

EXPERIENCE, GET VIP TICKETS

ESSENTIAL INFO_cb_tc_eh.indd 127 15/08/2012 17:11

february 2013 101

clever conversionat The chapel, somerset This former coaching inn and

Methodist chapel in bruton is more than just a boutique hotel; it also houses an artisan bakery, a wine store and a restaurant. in addition, it’s often used for film screenings, art exhibitions and one-off events, including royal ballet performances and book launches. original features are on show in the five large double

rooms, some of which also have great views. from £100 per night for a double room. (01749 814 070; atthechapel.co.uk)

rural hideawayTy hedfan, Powys This sustainable, award-winning hovering house, with solar panels and green roofs, was built by owner and architect featherstone young (020 7539 3686; featherstoneyoung.com). a stone’s throw from the brecon beacons national Park, Ty hedfan sleeps up to eight people and features a jaw-dropping cantilevered living room perched over the ysgir river. from £1,000 a week; around £36 per night for a double room. (ty-hedfan.co.uk)

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Take a break in an architectural gem for less than £200 per night compiled by charlotte luxford

Grand Getaways

couPles’ reTreaThill croft, north-west scotland This sleek five-star one-bedroom modern croft near Thurso is aimed at couples and honeymooners. Traditional materials, including the douglas fir framework, are juxtaposed by contemporary touches like the corrugated tin roofing, huge glass panels and wealth of eco features (solar power, a wind turbine, and tyres and sheep’s wool for insulation). Kitted out sparingly with a mix of locally crafted pieces and conran shop furniture, the property costs from £1,100 a week; around £157 per night for a double room. (0844 500 5101; underthethatch.co.uk)

ciTy heighTsst Pancras clock Tower, london watch the city go by from your very own landmark. central to key london sights, and obviously with good transport links, this two-bedroom two-bathroom conversion includes original features, such as exposed brickwork, wooden beams and the clock-winder’s room. visitors can use the st Pancras hotel’s room service. sleeps up to six. from £1,368 for a three-night stay; around £152 per night for a double room based on six guests staying. (0800 612 4377; onefinestay.com)

winning windMillhunsett Mill, norfolk awarded the riba Manser Medal in 2010 for its cedar-clad extension, hunsett Mill is an ideal spot for exploring the norfolk broads. with a minimalist interior and five light-and-airy bedrooms, this nineteenth-century grade ii-listed mill-keeper’s house also has spot-on eco credentials – electricity is the only off-site resource. from £1,600 a week; around £57 per night for a double room. (hunsettmill.co.uk).

hoMes Places To stay

sourcebook Grand Interiors

december 2012 97 96 december 2012

These are the four key trends for 2012’s festive season. Use these ideas for a contemporary look Compiled by Charlotte Luxford Christmas coloursModern metallics

Opulence is one theme for 2012 – mix shades of gold, copper and bronze with

rich woods and neutral upholstery

White porcelain 12-piece dinner set, £17.50; gold lacquer place mats, £6 for a set of four; gold lacquer coasters, £2.50 for a set of four; Finest champagne flutes, £10 for a set of four; Finest 18-piece cutlery set, £29.97; mosaic tea-light holders, £3.97 each; gold dinner candles, £2.97 for a pack of six; glass candleholders, £7 each; luxury crackers, £9.97 for a pack of six; gold star gift tags, £1.44 for a pack of 20; 6ft Highland artificial fir tree, £14.97; christmas tree decorations, from 94p each, Tesco (0800 505 555; tesco.com)

reclaimed console (H75xW110x d40cm), £299; small pine cone tree, £14; gold berry wreath, £22; twig candelabra: small £12, large £30; silver bark tea-light holder, £6; mercury glass candlesticks: small £12, large £20; pine cone tea-light holder, £10 for a set of three; gold stag head, £55; gold platter, £20; natural wood ball, £12; silver birch bark lanterns, from £12 each; star plaque, £18; stag cushion, £12; knitted throw in grey, £45; faux fur drum, £65; gold cushion, £14; patchwork rug in grey, from £90, Next (0844 844 8000; next.co.uk)

mr Perswall forest-feel knock-on-wood wall mural, £248; 7ft snow-capped artificial pine tree, £175; metropolis sofa in charcoal (H75xW180xd86cm), from £1,300, by matthew Hilton for case; metropolis footstool in charcoal (H42.5xW80xd65cm), from £499, by matthew Hilton for case; luxury sheepskin rugs in ivory, £59 each; chunky-knit cushion, £30; faux shearling woolly cushion, £15; broste lantern in white, from £15 each; broste birch candles, from £10 each; broste birch tea-light holder, £12; cross stitch gift wrap, £3 for a 3m roll; Snowy owl candle, £4; Winterland tea-light holders, from £5 each; Wooden tree lantern, £15; tree decorations, from 95p each, John Lewis (0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com)

For a contemporary overhaul of the traditional blingy-gold look, opt for a more muted finish by bringing together various knocked-back metallic shades. Although it is tonal, this is a very rich palette, so try splashes of gold, silver or bronze against a backdrop of neutrals like white, grey and beige. keep to simple shapes for your decorations, and avoid coloured lights; a real or real-look tree covered with antiqued-gold baubles and white lights works well. soft lighting is key – use candelabra, metallic tea lights and pre-lit garlands to create a warm, reflective glow.

Grand christmas Grand christmas

Grand christmas Grand christmas

bold design Branches candle holder in bronze, £60, Habitat (0844 499 4686; habitat.co.uk)

shining bright Tea-light holder in gold, £5.95 for a pair, Nordic House (0845 475 1610;

nordichouse.co.uk)

Fruity cruet Pear salt and pepper pots in gold, £70 for the pair, Michael Aram at Heal’s

(0870 024 0780; heals.co.uk)

soFt look Pine cone wreath in gold, £19.97, Tesco (0800 505 555;

tesco.com)

circulAr style Gold lustre beaded coaster, £8 for a set of four, Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262;

sainsburys.co.uk)

tAble decorAtion Glass trees in brown, £15 each, John Lewis (0845 604 9049;

johnlewis.com)

pArty poppers Decadence floral crackers, £25 for a pack of 10, House of Fraser (0845 602

1073; houseoffraser.co.uk)

AFFordAble glitz Gold raffia glitter reindeer decoration, £7, Debenhams

(0844 800 8877; debenhams.com)

seAson’s greetings Noel word in gold, £35, Laura Ashley (0871 983 5999;

lauraashley.com)

low-cost bAubles Gold glass tonal baubles, £4 for a box of 25, Paperchase

(paperchase.co.uk)

stylish serving Gold crumpled platter, £29.95, Dwell

(0845 675 9090; dwell.co.uk)

designer drinks Wine glasses, £39.50 for a pair, by Marcel Wanders for Marks & Spencer

(0845 302 1234; marksandspencer.com)


98 december 2012


100 december 2012 december 2012 101

For a sophisticated and minimalist look, mix

decorations and accessories in icy whites, pearly pastels,

glass and silver

6ft luxury woodland snow-covered artificial tree, £125; baubles from £2.50 each; romeo glass and chrome dining table (H72.5xdiameter110cm), £299; mayfair ash dining chairs in metallic fabric, £399 for a pair; snowflake napkin ring, £3.50; foil snowflake wine glass, £9.50; Fiore hi-ball glass, £15 for four; beaded mat, £9.50; Pavilion cereal bowls, £12 each; Pavilion dinner plates, £15 each; branch candle holder, £39.50, marks & Spencer (0845 302 1234; marksandspencer.com)

copenhagen oak extending dining table (H77xW175-215x d90cm), £669; copenhagen oak dining chairs, £299 for a pair; copenhagen oak console table (H77xW115xd37cm), £519; TU Leona rattan light shade, £25; silver bell heart wreaths, £2.50 each. On mantelpiece from left: white stars, £2 each; silver birds, £2.50 each; TU cut-out heart lantern, £8; silver pine cone and berries ball, £3 each; white Noel word, £5; felt hearts, £2 each; woven white hearts, £2 each; garland of white beads, £2.69; TU stag photo holders, £12 for a pack of six; TU chrome five-arm candelabra, £18 each; Home collection platinum band dinner plates, £4 each; Home collection platinum band bowls, £3.50 each, Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262; sainsburys.co.uk)

Fluted paper light garland, £45; mistletoe hanging decoration, £8.50; magical paper tree, £40; glitter birds, £15.50 for a set of three; zinc house lantern £15.50; zinc house tea lights, £15.50 for a set of three; pine cone candles: small £8.50, large £10.50; clear wine glasses, £35 for a set of six; midwinter Streets table runner, £30, cox & cox (0844 858 0734; coxandcox.co.uk)

Cool icy whites if you have minimal, bright-white rooms, then you probably want to avoid choosing anything too bold and colourful at christmas; silver is the perfect choice for pared-back interiors. it reflects the light, is understated, and is simple to introduce to any scheme. Along with silver metallics, look for icy pastels and brilliant whites, all of which work with glass and natural materials. dress your table, sideboard or mantelpiece with rough-cut foliage, like eucalyptus, mistletoe or ivy, or fill oversized clear vases and bowls with white and silver decorations. stick to a monochrome scheme for the rest of your accessories and keep the rest of the room as neutral as possible.

102 december 2012 102 december 2012


cool cAndleholder Ribbons Advent crown in steel, £85, Georg Jensen

(020 7499 6541; georgjensen.com)

woodlAnd style Winter branches hand-made cushion, £40, From The Wilde

(fromthewilde.com)

lAce-like pAttern Round trays with grey flower in pressed wood, £66 for a set of two,

Tine K Home (07867 507 664; tinekhome.com)

inset crystAls Shimmering snowflake napkin holders, £9.99 for a pack of four, The

Last Detail (0845 680 4084; thelastdetail.co.uk)

elegAnt eFFect Crystal droplet table tree, £19.99, The Contemporary Home

(0845 130 8229; tch.net)

snowy lights Modern Romance snowflake glass ball lights, £40, House of Fraser (0845

602 1073; houseoffraser.co.uk)

pretty pine Snowy pine cones, £3 for a pack of 12, Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262;

sainsburys.co.uk)

icy white Let It Snow cracker, £14.97 for a set of six, Tesco (0800 505 555; tesco.com)

understAted spArkle Leaves and beads wreath, £29.99, Cotswold Trading (01386 853

331; cotswoldtrading.com)

teAtime clAssic Kastehelmi cake stand in glass, £49, Iittala at Cloudberry Living (07780 693 034; cloudberryliving.co.uk)

love bells White bells heart, £8.95, Homehomehome (01252 758 703;

homehomehome.co.uk)

FAir-isle style Winterland découpage decoration pack, £10 for a set of six, John

Lewis (0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com)


december 2012 105

Blend shimmering decorations in bright,

jewelled hues with plush velvets and

embroidered fabrics

costello double bed frame, £399; Theatre jacquard double duvet set, £69; violet cushion, £19.50; Theatre embroidery cushion, £29.50; multicoloured berry wreath, £15. On mantelpiece, from left: Theatre vase, £25; gold frame, £19.50; Theatre faceted hurricane candleholder, £19.50; purple tea-light holder, £6; baubles from £2.50 each. 6ft luxury natural-effect fir tree, £140, marks & Spencer (0845 302 1234; marksandspencer.com)

7ft pre-lit red berry christmas paper tree, £100; tree decorations, from 75p each; Japan gift bag medium, £2; dip dye halves cushion in pink, £25; gift bags in aqua, £2 each; trinket boxes in red and pink, from £6 each; Sullivan chair in plain teal (H88xW76xd88cm), £399, John Lewis (0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com)

christmas tree glass jar, £30; jewelled fruit, £15.50 for 20 pieces; mercuried glass bowl, £28; coloured name place baubles, £12.50 for a set of 10; linen napkins in Atlantic deep, £32 for a set of four; chunky mercuried glass candlestick, £10.50; pillar candles in teal and purple, £8.50 each; mercuried glass plate, £10.50; crystal light garland, £25; mercuried glass candlesticks in antique silver, £32 for a pair; household candles in teal, £6.50 for four; mercuried glass tea lights in antique silver and Atlantic deep, £14.50 for each set of four; water goblets, £17.50 for a pair; wine goblets, £20 for a pair, cox & cox (0844 858 0734; coxandcox.co.uk)

Rich jewel tonesif you are brave enough to embrace the most avant-garde look this year, think decadent, over-the-top finishes and the Quality street colours. this will probably mean a shopping trip for a boxful of new christmas buys. look for decorations and accessories in jewel-like shades, including amethyst, ruby, turquoise and gold, and try to choose sequined, beaded or glittered designs. enhance the glow with colourful candles and lights, then finish your scheme with warm fabrics like velvet and fur, and modern glass and tableware collections.




stylish servers Peacock servers in gold finish, £24 for a pair, Oliver Bonas (020 8974

1200; oliverbonas.com)

blue velvet Plain velvet cushion in teal, £20, House of Fraser (0845 602 1073;

houseoffraser.co.uk)

shining style Light Up gold star indoor decoration, £20, Dobbies

(0131 561 6406; dobbies.com)

pretty pAper Folding paper lantern in purple, £5.25, Berry Red (0845 450 3937;

berryred.co.uk)

jingle bells Shiny wreath, £14.95, Gisela Graham at Gifts from Handpicked (0845 519

2408; giftsfromhandpicked.com)

retro look Reflector bauble, £4, Marks & Spencer (0845 302 1234;

marksandspencer.com)

luxurious lounging Plum Pinch velvet throw, from £50, Next

(0844 844 8000; next.co.uk)

recycled glAss Maya bowls, £7 each, Fairwind (0845 196 0256;

fairwindonline.com)

luxury choice Heritage superior crackers, £39.95 for a set of six, Liberty

(020 7734 1234; liberty.co.uk)

delicAte decorAtion Leaf garland in gold, £12, John Lewis (0845 604 9049;

johnlewis.com)

reAl FeAthers Opulent purple feather bird decoration, £5.50, Cox & Cox

(0844 858 0734; coxandcox.co.uk)

vintAge touch Pearl brooch votives in purple and teal, £6 for a set of three,

Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262; sainsburys.co.uk)


108 december 2012 december 2012 109

Scandi teapot, £22; mug, £6; red and white pillar candles, £5 each; heart- and star-shaped plates in red and white, from £7 each; berry and pine garland, £40; oak heart-shaped bowl, £25; red baubles, £8 for a pack of 20; tartan glass baubles, £7.50 for two; knitted stocking, £15; red cake tins, £24 for a set of two; cookie jar, £16; large mixing bowl, £25; small mixing bowl, £20; reindeer candle, £8; Linea cake stands, £30 each, House of Fraser (0845 602 1073; houseoffraser.co.uk)

Vancouver fir PVc christmas tree with pine cones (H210cm), £160; bridge walnut extending dining table (H74x W110-160xd110cm), £1,095; Splay oak dining chair with seat in wool (H82xW50xd44cm), £250 each; duo candle holders, £70 for a pair; cross stitch christmas crackers, £22 for a set of six; red Tree Accent dinnerware, from £6, by royal doulton; Ania red floral wine glass, £6.25 each, by LSA; wooden christmas bowls, £10 each; selection of christmas tree decorations, from £4 each, Heal’s (0870 024 0780; heals.co.uk)

Strala outdoor lights in red, £18; mörkt lantern in beige, £15; borrby lanterns in white and black, from £7.25 each; rotera lanterns in red and silver, from £3 each; Läckö chair in grey, £75; björnloka throw in red, £40; cushion made from Sofia fabric, £6 per m; Ludde sheepskins in grey, £20, and in white, £25, Ikea (0845 358 3363; ikea.co.uk)

Look to simple patterns and shapes for a modern

twist on much-loved traditional colours

Scandinavian red & white

it’s no longer red with green that dominates festive schemes; rather, white is matched with vibrant fire-engine shades for an up-to-date contemporary look. this palette has a distinctly scandinavian feel, with the use of natural materials and folksy, handcrafted decorations. go for bold, patterned crockery in both colours, and tap into the cosy side of the trend by layering blankets, throws and cushions in whites and greys with bright-red accessories.




bright decorAtion Floreo berry wreath, £30, Habitat

(0844 499 4686; habitat.co.uk)

simple style Ribbon bauble pack in red and white, £10 for a set of four, John Lewis (0845

604 9049; johnlewis.com)

unusuAl bowl Reindeer metal bowl, £5, Matalan

(0845 330 3330; matalan.co.uk)

cute glAsses LSA Ania tumbler in berry red, £15.95 for four, Beautiful Homes Direct (0871 873 2929; beautifulhomesdirect.com)

lovely lAntern Christmas red heart hurricane lantern, £30, House of Fraser (0845

602 1073; houseoffraser.co.uk)

Fun lights Reindeer hurricane lanterns, £32.95 for a set of three, Nordic House

(0845 475 1610; nordichouse.co.uk)

snAck storAge Log cabin biscuit tin, £12.50, Marks & Spencer (0845 302 1234;

marksandspencer.com)

trAditionAl pAttern Linen table runner in red and white, £37, by Mari at Skandium

(020 7584 2066; skandium.com)

modern updAte Christmas stocking, £15, Toast (0844 557 0460;

toast.co.uk)

Festive Felt Snowflake felt place mat in red, £3, Tesco (0800 505 555; tesco.com)

Finishing touch Bobbin with heart ribbon in red, £12.50 for 10m, Nordic House

(0845 475 1610; nordichouse.co.uk)

scAndi stAr Large Nordic wooden red star, £3.49, The Contemporary Home

(0845 130 8229; tch.net)

Decorative and practical parasol Droog Shadylace in polyester and aluminium in green, (H235xDiameter 210cm), £225, also comes in white, by Chris Kabel at DutchByDesign (0844 884 2340; dutchbydesign.com)

Flexible lighting Uto lamps in polyethylene in yellow, orange and white (L320x Diameter20cm), £281 each, by Lagranja Design for Foscarini at Made In Design (020 7692 4001; madeindesign.co.uk)

10 key summer buysMust-have pieces for updating your garden into a haven for whiling away those sunny days Compiled by Charlotte Luxford

Dining set with option to change seat colours Kore dining table in stainless steel in white (H73xW280xD110cm), £2,649; Asta dining chairs in stainless steel in citrus (H81xW61xD57cm), £299 each, Gloster (01454 631 950; gloster.com)

Waterproof beanbag also suitable for indoor use The Marimekko cushion in Kaivo Red (L180xW140cm), £219, Fatboy (0330 808 0186; fatboy.co.uk)

Minimalist containers on hidden castors Alea planters in fibreglass in red, ivory, white and beige/grey (H48x W52xD52cm), £735 each, also in black, exterior-interior (020 8786 9393; exterior-interior.com)

AUGUST 2012 101

outDoor living Shopping

Stylish and modern lounger for two Home Relax double hammock in marine-grade stainless steel and teak (H41xW220x D180cm), £3,990; cushion, £590, by Wolfgang Pichler for Viteo at Encompass (023 9241 0045; encompassco.com)

geometric designer tableware Positano dinnerware range in melamine in lime, orange, blue and pink, from £7.20 for a salad plate, by Jonathan Adler at Heal’s (0870 024 0780; heals.co.uk)

Colourful surround sound SoundWare weather-resistant speakers in plastic and metal in red (H15.7x W15.7xD16.7cm), £183.90, available in seven colours, by Boston Acoustics at Audible Fidelity (01327 301 006; audiblefidelity.co.uk)

updated interpretation of a classic Light House lantern in steel in turquoise (H43.7xW24xD24.5cm), £79.95, also in pink, yellow and white, by Holmback Nordentoft for Normann Copenhagen at Mooch (020 8422 4903; mooch.co.uk)

Modern take on the chimenea Wood-burning patio heater in black (H125xW35x D35cm), £130, Next (0844 844 8000; next.co.uk)

AUGUST 2012 102

outDoor living Shopping

october 2012 30

Could black be making a splash in the bathroom? Revolutionising traditional sanitaryware are dark, dramatic pieces like this Sasso basin (right), £1,560, from the Alternative Bathroom Company (020 3375 9002; alternative bathrooms.com). If you like the idea of a black bathroom but want to keep things more low-key, choose moody units like Duravit’s Ketho range in lava black (below). Prices start from £240 for a wall shelf. (0845 500 7787; duravit.co.uk)

It’s a trend Back to black

Caged inIf you’re a fan of industrial-inspired interiors, you’ll love Next’s new autumn/winter range of bathroom products. Swap wooden units and mirrored cabinets for its edgier wire cages (H45xW35xD20cm) – just £25 each, they’re a steal. Complete the look with the Dogtooth towel bale, £28. (0844 844 8000; next.co.uk)

Far East movEmEnt

Style & substancebathrooms are often tight on square footage, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style. Modular storage is a popular way of saving space in the home, and ex.t has brought it into the bathroom with its stylish collage range. conceived by Swedish designer Sigrid Strömgren, the units come in different shapes and sizes to suit your room. collage cabinets, from £441 each; collage vanity unit (H89xW165xD52cm) £1,687. (+39 055 331 700; ex-t.it)

GDM loves Italian company Made a Mano’s tiles, especially its latest range Komon tatto. Influenced by traditional Japanese designs, the tiles are very tactile as they’re made from natural lava stone. With unique metallic glazes, simple motifs and neutral colours, this new collection goes well with this season’s grey palette. Head to tom Dixon’s shop in London to see the entire collection, or view them online. From £543.60 per sqm. (07958 521 387; madeamano.com)

BathroomsThe latest inspiring designs on tap Words Charlotte Luxford

in thE knowSimply switching to flow-control showerheads, like the new beat eco and Nectar eco from Mira Showers, could save water and reduce your bill. A family of four could save up to £850 a year, so they’re well worth the £29

each price tag. (0844 571 5000; mirashowers.co.uk)

BULLETIN News

sourcebook Shopping

Make your interior work harder with these innovative solutions Compiled by Charlotte Luxford

CLEVER STORAGE

1 Versatile bedside unit Truck unit in MDF in white

(H42xW118.3xD44.5cm), £1,150, by Piero Lissoni

for Porro at Aram (020 7557 7557; aram.co.uk)

2 simple yet multifunctional Degree side table/stool

in cork (H37xDiameter32cm), £422, also available in

white or black options, by Patrick Norguet for Kristalia

at Nest (0114 243 3000; nest.co.uk)

3 oversized traveller’s trunk Remix trunk in oak

and MDF in yellow, blue and red (H140xW70xD70cm),

£4,000, by Gesa Hansen for The Hansen Family

(thehansenfamily.com)

4 complete shelving system Brimnes headboard

in particleboard in white (H111xW146xD28cm), £85;

Brimnes bed frame in particleboard in white (H47x

W206xD146cm), £159; Ekby Järpen/Ekby Bjärnum

shelf in particleboard in white (H28xW239cm), £39.98;

Lack wall unit in particleboard in red (H190xW30x

D28cm), £45.99, all Ikea (0845 358 3363; ikea.co.uk)

5 unique design Crossdock iPad dock and magazine

rack in walnut and aluminium (H39xW50.5xD32cm),

£279, by Dick van Hoff for Functionals at Iconic Dutch

(020 8906 6561; iconicdutch.com)

6 bespoke combination Montana chest of drawers

in aluminium in new white, milk, lounge, white, frost

and candyfloss (H135.8xW139.2xD47cm), £4,160

(as shown), available in 42 unit sizes and 49 colours,

by Montana Living at Icons of Denmark (07525 171

118; iconsofdenmark.dk)

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NOVEMBER 2012 139

sourcebook Shopping

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98

● What are the main things you should consider before buying a storage solution?‘Longevity, quality of materials and the product’s ability to hold the objects you need to store with easy access.’● should you match storage to your existing interior?‘I don’t think you need to. Your possessions and interior are both products of your personality that should not be restricted by your storage choice. Go for something unobtrusive and timeless that will blend seamlessly into your scheme.’● Do you have any tips for blending storage items and displaying decorative details?‘Keep books and files together in blocks, bookends will stop them toppling. Use an empty space to display beautiful ceramics, for example. But remember, the space around the object is just as important; breathing space is needed. A visual positive and negative. Light and dark. Lighting is an important consideration, too.’● What are the most effective storage solutions for small and awkward spaces? ‘Those that have been planned meticulously. Rather like the galley of a yacht, everything should have a space in which it fits snugly.’Vitsœ (020 7428 1606; vitsoe.com)

Vitsœ planner and interior designer Mykel Amwell collins offers his advice on storage

EXPERT VIEW

7 Modular method Valises cabinet with six fitted

modules in steel, plywood and leather in green

(H210xW118xD70cm), £6,909 (as shown), available

in two other colours, Maarten De Ceulaer at

Made in Design (020 7692 4001; madeindesign.co.uk)

8 compact workstation Wall-mounted pole with

adjustable table and storage shelves in brushed steel

and lacquer in white (H221.5xW96xD96cm), £895,

BoConcept (boconcept.co.uk)

9 space-saving wall feature Koala magazine and

CD holder in lacquered metal in white (H145xW13.2x

D20cm), £321.60 each (four shown), by Ludovica and

Roberto Palomba for Lema at DesignSpaceLondon

(020 7228 8088; designspacelondon.com)

10 Adaptable idea Occa coffee table with storage

in walnut veneer and chrome (H32.5-44.5xW102.5x

D70cm), £595, BoConcept (boconcept.co.uk)

11 Library at your feet Bibliopouf Home footstool

in lacquer in white and cotton cushion in yellow

(H36xW60xD60cm), £1,178.75, available in a range

of finishes and colours, by Nobody & Co at Timorous

Beasties (0141 337 2622; timorousbeasties.com)

12 Home-office solution Covet desk in oak and glass

(H72xW148xD83cm), £715, also available in walnut,

by Shin Azumi at Case Furniture (020 7622 3506;

casefurniture.co.uk)

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140 NOVEMBER 2012

BULLETIN News

ShadeS of greyGrey seems to be the new black for autumn/winter paint collections. Try the new Cool Neutrals range from Homebase for dark, smoky tones. Shown is Urbanite, £17.99 for 2L. (0845 600 2420; homebase.co.uk)

deTaILSEverything you need to go from first to final fix Words Charlotte Luxford

In The knowTake control of your lighting

scheme with a new range by Sensio and Wilhelm Koch. In

addition to customisable fittings, the brands have launched the Smart Drive app that enables you to control your home’s lighting from a smartphone or tablet. It also sends and

receives audio and video data. (0845 034 0780; sensio.co.uk)

Blast from the pastIkat-inspired fabric is the hottest textile trend this season, and these elaborate ancient patterns have been given a contemporary twist. For a bold look, try Madeline Weinrib’s colourful range (above), £210 per m from Andrew Martin (020 7225 5100). For a more neutral palette, go for John Lewis’ Tilia fabric in grey (middle right), £30 per m (0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com). Or inject a splash of muted colour with Sanderson’s small-scale geometric pattern Ooti (below right), £65 per m (0844 543 9500; sanderson-uk.com)

gLaSS acTIf you love the idea of glass balustrades, the new Cit i La system from Zapp Balustrades takes the concept a step further. This stylish glass screen can be raised from 1.1m up to 2.1m, offering protection against the British weather. From £600 per m. (01249 248 717; zappbalustrades.com)

Easy updateGive your hallway, kitchen or bathroom a quick overhaul with these self-adhesive vinyl tiles from Bouf. They’re proof that vinyl flooring can score top marks for style, as well as durability. The easy-to-lay flooring comes in five retro-inspired designs; pictured is Rose des Vents. £24.95 per sqm. (0845 519 2259; bouf.com)

february 2013 75

Coastal renovation Kirkcudbright, scotland Considered to be one of the finest and most unusual buildings in south-west Scotland, Castle Haven (known as The Coo Palace by the locals), is made up of an iconic five-storey, 23-metre high tower and an a-listed edwardian dairy farm. It needs a lot of work, but what makes up for this are the stunning sea views and original features, including glazed bricks, Italianate details and art Nouveau troughs. for sale through CKD Galbraith for a guide price of £485,000, or get your hands on a portion from £75,000. (01556 505 346; ckdgalbraith.co.uk)

Quirky buildings for less than £500,000 to transform into dream homes Words Charlotte Luxford

unusual projects

not run of the millanglesey, Wales While many mills on the island have fallen into total disrepair, this one has been newly renovated and has the potential to be the perfect family home. all the hard work has been done to this four-storey, three-bedroom property, including re-wiring, central heating and plumbing – all you have to do is finish it off. Its crowning glory is the 360°-observation deck with views across to Snowdonia. for sale through fine & Country for £385,000. (01248 711 999; fineandcountry.com)

floating home rochester, Kent Once aboard the Golden Sunrise, with its wishbone chairs, finnish open-tread staircase and Scandi-style accessories, it’s easy to forget that this modern home is actually a houseboat. Previously located at London’s Canary Wharf, the vessel now sits overlooking the river Medway in Kent with views towards rochester Castle. In just over half an hour you can be in London St Pancras from Strood station. On the market at £120,000 (allow around £200 a month for mooring), it’s good value for an unusual two-bedroom commuter bolthole. (020 7704 3504; themodernhouse.net)

sKy-high living Kenilworth, Warwickshire Were you inspired by the spectacular TV water-tower on the 100th episode of Grand Designs? Here’s the chance to buy your very own – and at a much cheaper price. Planning permission has been granted to turn this redundant building into a four-bedroom, four-reception room home. for sale for a guide price of £289,000, Knight frank (01789 297 735; knightfrank.co.uk).

homes Property

island esCapeout skerries, scotland If you thought owning an island was solely for the ultra rich, think again. This set of five islands, covering more than 600 acres, could be yours for just £400,000, or buy them separately from £25,000 each. The ruggedly beautiful estate, nine miles from Shetland, comprises two main islands and three smaller sites. It attracts plenty of wildlife and has a thriving fishing and island community, of which you would be landlord. With planning permission granted too, it’s hard not to be tempted. (0131 222 9600; knightfrank.co.uk)

Midcentury Magazineeditorial work

Midcentury Autumn/Winter 2011 31

Midcentury Home – Get the look

THE SOUL CREATOR: The man behind TintinCharlotte Luxford Like many other comic book heroes,

Tintin really came to prominence in the postwar era. His adventures provided escapism but also mirrored real events, providing readers with an insight into the political tensions of the 1930s and then events after World War II. One of the few comic books to successfully reach beyond subculture status through cartoon medium alone, it has so far avoided Hollywood. This is set to change this autumn as Tintin gets the Steven Spielberg treatment. What better time then to take a closer look at Tintin’s creator, the troubled genius that was Hergé.

© Hergé-Moulinsart 2011

Midcentury Media

Midcentury Autumn/Winter 201132 Midcentury Autumn/Winter 2011 33

Midcentury MediaMidcentury Media

Tintin, with his boy-scout charm and playful quiff, is someone who is loved and recognised the world over, but

how many of us know about his creator? George Remi (aka Hergé) said in an interview in 1989, “Tintin is me… I believe I’m the only one who can animate him, who can give him a soul”, and it was Hergé’s own heart and soul that went into producing this extraordinary 20th century icon.

While most of Belgium suffered the effects of the Second World War, Hergé thrived during the occupation, but at a cost to his reputation. He was a workaholic and never turned down an opportunity – even working for the less patriotic newspapers, namely the ‘stolen’ Le Soir, which saw him outcast after the war and in danger of forever being labelled an ‘incivique’ or collaborator. Hergé said: “I worked, period; that’s all…While everyone found it normal that a mechanic made trains run, they thought that people of the press were supposedly traitors.”

Saved by former resistance fighter and publisher Raymond Leblanc, Hergé was offered the position of Artistic Director on a new publication that saw Tintin and his crew firmly at the helm. While Hergé may have deemed it a ‘necessary’ project rather than a labour of love, it paved the way for the rest of his career and resulted in some of the finest examples of his work.

With Leblanc’s perseverance and risk-taking, and Hergé’s desire to work, the first issue of Le Journal de Tintin was published in September 1946. While Le Journal de Tintin went down a storm in terms of sales (in just three days all 60,000 copies printed had sold out), other publications once faithful to Hergé launched a series of attacks on the new magazine. Leblanc had worked hard to clear Hergé’s name through obtaining a ‘certificate of good citizenship’, yet many remained unconvinced. La Cité nouvelle, while not naming Hergé, said in 1946: “An incivique and a traitor, this individual can just pick up his pencil and commercially relaunch his little ‘Hitlerjungend’ brigade.”

While these sorts of comments did not dampen the spirit of Tintin loyalists, Hergé was seriously shaken by

the way his country had turned on him. He suffered from depression for over a decade, but it was during this time that he set up Studio Hergé in 1950 and produced some of his best works, culminating in his much-loved tale of friendship: Tintin in Tibet.

In The Comics Journal, writer Kim Thompson in 2003 called Tintin in Tibet, “an achingly pure story of friendship and heroism that is widely considered one of the series’ peaks”. It tells the story of how, after hearing of his friend Chang’s involvement in a plane crash in Nepal, Tintin embarks on a quest through the snowy mountains to find him, eventually rescuing Chang from an ‘abominable snowman’, a yeti, who it turns out had actually been taking care of him.

It seems that while Hergé was haunted by what he termed ‘white nightmares’, in which he dreamt he was trapped in a featureless white landscape, he transformed his struggle with life’s moral dilemmas into a beautiful piece of art. Unlike any of his other tales, Tibet is not about villains, chases and

savages, but a quest for amity. It was by no means an easy feat though and he almost gave up half way through. Turning to Jung disciple Professor Franz Ricklin to interpret his nightmares, he is advised to stop work on Tibet to face his crisis. This was exactly the provocation Hergé needed. Conjuring up his own boy-scout spirit once more, he returned to work immediately – he would never give up on Tintin, just as Tintin never gives up on Chang.

Hergé was also wracked with a moral dilemma at this time. Involved in an affair, he finally took the decision to leave his wife of 28 years for Fanny Vlamynck, a young colourist at Studios Hergé. He commented on this period: “Simply, things happened: I met Fanny, I left Germaine. C’est la vie! It was the time of Tintin in Tibet, which is the perfect reflection of this moral crisis: friendship, loyalty, purity”. Hergé realised that he had to complete the book in order to come to terms with himself, and probably based the character of the misunderstood abominable snowman on himself. The book was published in 1960.

But it wasn’t just the wholesome storyline of Tibet that made it so successful, visually it was also a thing of


© Atelier de Portzamparc 2011

© Atelier de Portzamparc 2011


“Tintin is me… I believe I’m the only one who can animate him, who can give him a soul”

Midcentury Autumn/Winter 201134

Midcentury Media

© H

ergé-Moulinsart 2011

“I consider my stories as films. Thus, no narration, no descriptions: I give all importance to the picture”

Midcentury Autumn/Winter 2011 35

Midcentury Media

beauty and flawlessness – his art was as pure as the narrative itself. When the books finally made it to Britain in 1952, it took a while for the British to accept the mysterious Belgian reporter, but he had an avid fan in journalist John Willet, who was pleased to find that Hergé’s artistry and meticulousness surpassed that of American comics, writing in 1958, “In redeeming the comic strip Hergé has justified an interesting medium, made it vastly more entertaining and turned it into art.”

Hergé’s books were indeed forms of art and Hergé took great pride in his work. In the late ’40s (although some alterations had been made prior to this) he decided to undertake the mammoth task of recasting most of his earlier books, adding colour and correcting errors and aesthetic problems, but in addition Hergé wanted to reinvent them. In his article ‘Rewriting Tintin’, Raphaël Taylor said, “From this crucial period onwards, the existence of multiple authorial versions would become a defining characteristic of Hergé’s œuvre. Whilst most readers are very familiar with the stories in their definitive forms, much still remains to be learnt in each instance about the complex and equally fascinating ‘story behind the story’.”

Hergé took on staff in the early 1950s to help with the technical revisions at Studios Hergé. However, those who came to work for him were expected to remain uncredited for their artistry. Hergé was too proud to share his achievements and would not allow anyone else’s signature to appear on the work that came out of the studio.

Through revision, he also aimed to change any elements of his narratives that could be construed as having racist connotations, notably the Jewish surname of the villain in The Shooting Star, ‘Blumenstein’, who became ‘Bohlwinkel’. Black characters became white in the American version of The Crab with the Golden Claws, among countless other changes, on the request of the publisher. In doing this, he was helping to ensure the longevity of his work.

Aesthetically, Hergé’s use of colour was more advanced

than most of his American counterparts, with production values that consisted of four printing shades and thus a dramatic, cinematographic approach to shading and lighting. Hergé would allow images to fill half pages or more, simply to detail and accentuate the scene, using colour to emphasise important points. Hergé said in an interview in 1943, “I consider my stories as films. Thus, no narration, no descriptions: I give all importance to the picture.”

Much later, Hergé started making plans for the adventures of Tintin to come to the big screen. While adaptations of Tintin had been made since the 1940s, Hergé was particularly interested in making a film with Steven Spielberg. Hergé

said in 1983 that he considered him a genius in his field and trusted Spielberg sufficiently to sacrifice control over Tintin in order that he could make a film. But this plan fell through due to a clause in the final contract stipulating that Spielberg had the right to assign the film’s direction to someone else. To the perfectionist Hergé, this was unacceptable.

However, after Hergé’s death, Spielberg obtained an option on Tintin from the estate and in 2002 he and his co-producers took up the project once more, with the aim of turning Tintin into a blockbuster sensation. Almost a decade on, Secret of the Unicorn has finally hit our screens this autumn. Hergé said to

Hollywood producer Larry Harmon in 1959, “I’m asking you, my dear Larry, not to reduce my characters to stereotypes; they have to remain human. I ask you not to reduce their adventures to a series of mechanical gags; they have to remain human adventures”. Let’s see for ourselves. M


The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn is on general release from 26 October 2011, visit www.tintin.com. For further reading, Raphaël Taylor’s new book, Hergé: The Genius of Tintin: A Biography, is available to pre-order from Icon Books at www.iconbooks.co.uk.

The Musée Herge is well worth a visit for any Tintin fan. Housed in a building designed by acclaimed French architect Christian De Portzamparc, it opened in 2009 in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium. For more details go to www.museeherge.com.

“I’m asking you, my dear Larry, not to reduce my characters to stereotypes; they have to remain human. I ask you not to reduce their adventures to a series of mechanical gags; they have to remain human adventures”

Collector's Perspective:

Tom Giannini of Tom Giannini Architects talks to Charlotte Luxford about why he collects Vitra miniatures

What made you start collecting the chairs?

As a little boy growing up in California, I was always interested in miniatures: Lego; Tonka trucks; Matchbox cars etc. Now I am an interior architect and we specify furniture for our projects. I was given a miniature Panton chair as a party favour years ago and that was it - I was hooked. Vitra's London showroom is just around the corner from our office and they have a selection of miniatures on display. I used to pass there often and admire them.

Why miniature?

Several reasons: first, I love the miniature scale. Second, I do not have the space for all the classic chairs I would want to own and third, cost. Although the miniatures are expensive, they are less expensive than the full-scale chair. Having said all that, I do have five or six design classics at work and at home that I have collected over the years: Eames Plywood chairs; the Aluminum chair; Hoffmann's Prague chair and Wegner's Peacock chair.

How many miniatures do you own?

I now have 215 miniature chairs in my collection. Most I bought on eBay over the years. I had a very active period of about two years where I bought on average a chair a week until I had found all the retired and limited edition chairs. I now add chairs from Vitra's current collection to my own. I still have 16 to go. Others are special editions that Vitra gave as gifts to their dealers and special friends, which were not sold in shops. This week I bought a rare retired chair (found for me by a reader of my blog) from the gift shop at the Guggenheim, Bilbao.

Which are your star pieces?

There have been a few: Vitra only made 500 of the Lockheed Lounge by Marc Newson. It had been retired years before I started collecting. I was offered one by a reader of my blog - it is one of my most prized miniatures, and very valuable. Vitra also only made a limited number of cowhide covered Eames LCW miniature chairs (I have been told it is as few as 100). I searched on eBay for five years before one came up for auction, which I won. It is my ultimate find.

Do you have any advice for potential collectors?

Count the cost before starting: it is a very expensive hobby - there is always another one to buy. They come in wooden boxes and with information booklets - keep them safe. The miniatures are considerably less valuable without the box and booklet.

Vitra: A mini story

While these pared-down classics are irresistible to the space-saving design enthusiast, Vitra didn't initially set out to create the miniature models as collector's items; they were borne out of practicality. Design classes at universities repeatedly asked the furniture company if they could borrow chairs from the Vitra Design Museum (an exemplary Frank O'Gehry structure based within the grounds of their factory in Switzerland). After shipping out the full-scale models in the early days, Vitra soon realised that due to their fragility and value they would have to come up with an alternative.

Now these small design gems are a worldwide phenomenon and swiftly becoming valuable collectors' items. While the miniature collection began in 1992, initially with 25 chairs, Vitra added to it every year thereafter with both new and 'retired' models, meaning there are now almost 100 different models to collect.

The chairs selected are mainly based on the contents of the museum's own collection and now serve to present the history of Vitra's designs to visitors. Each model is painstakingly constructed to match the original - Vitra often collaborate with the designers to develop miniatures of their designs, making them not only true representations, but also valuable items in their own right.

Founded in 1950, Vitra has always had its roots firmly grounded in mid-century design and follows in the footsteps of Charles and Ray Eames when it comes to the sustainability of their products, right down to the miniatures.

For more information on The Vitra Design Museum and to buy miniatures online, go to www.design-museum.de or take a trip to the London showroom at 30 Clerkenwell Road. To read more about Tom's collection, visit www.miniaturechairman.com

Midcentury Meets: Catrin James

This is the first in a series of pieces in which we meet one of our readers. This month mid-century obsessive Catrin James talks to Charlotte Luxford, about growing up in Swansea, where she fell in love with its architecture and discovered her fascination with everything from Beatnik fashion and classic cafés to Whitefriars glass and Carlton Ware

You have strong connections with Swansea architecture; what s your association with it and why do you love these buildings?

I live in Cardiff now, but I grew up in Swansea and the architecture has always inspired me. I love the fact you can make a wall look beautiful with moulded concrete; I became aware of 50s sculptors and their post-modern designs after reading a copy of Swansea Old and New: it was printed in 1972 and documents post-war changes. I became obsessed with this book and the new architecture that rose from the ashes of the Blitz - my grandfather, grandmother and mother all moved into the brand new Dyfatty Flats in Swansea in the early 60s. It sparked my love of Bauhaus, the International style and, my favourite, the De Stijl movement. I visited the Schröder House in Utrecht when I was 20 and studying Interior Architecture. I was in my element.

What is your favourite building in the area?

My favourite of all is the Kardomah Coffee Shop. A Swansea treasure if ever there was one. It hasn t changed its interior since it was built. It has fantastic Formica tables and amazing coat-hangers with big baubles to hang your hats and bags on. We would go there most Saturdays when I was a child and I would have a lime milkshake.

Who are your favourite mid-century designers?

I started off loving Charles and Ray Eames, Verner Panton and Eero Saarinen, and also Kartell and the Knoll studio furniture of the mid- 60s. Now I ve gone back to British designers like Robin and Lucienne Day and more day-to-day pieces from Poole Pottery s Delphis Ware or the Homemaker collection, which is more practical.

What would you like to collect more of?

Surrey Ceramics. I ve started collecting a few pieces and I look out for it whenever I go to a fair. I would love to collect the Carlton Ware 60s moneyboxes, as they are readily available and sum up the era perfectly. I have an orange fire engine moneybox, which I love. I would also like to have a whole range of Scottie Wilson pieces for Royal Worcester; I like the patterns so much and they are not too commonly seen.

What is your most treasured item of all?

My boyfriend bought me a Tangerine Geoffrey Baxter Whitefriars Mobile Phone vase for my 30th birthday. That means a lot to me. When I was 17, I would dream of owning an Eero Saarinen mushroom-based table and chairs. I bought a four-seat and table set and a Verner Panton Peacock chair before I was 23. Nowadays I prefer to aspire to owning smaller pieces - I have my Whitefriars vase and I m very happy indeed.

Interview by Charlotte Luxford

Vine Magazineeditorial work

behind closed doorsVine takes a guided tour with Robert Sackville-West of the unseen attics of Knole

Words Charlotte Luxford. Pictures Christopher Porter

Vine OCTOBER 80pp PRESS.indd 32 28/09/2010 17:24

On the face of it, Knole House has always conjured up mixed emotions, predominantly due to its awe-inspiring exterior which on a summer’s morning impresses a feeling of

splendour, but its sodden Kentish ragstone can strike a rather sombre note on a winter’s day. It is not its exterior however, but its secret passageways, its dusty, untouched treasures and its infinite attic space which hold the enchantment of this magnificent building. As a child, Robert Sackville-West relished discovering the nooks and crannies of these derelict and magical attic rooms; on the morning we arrive to meet him for our tour, he greets us with the same keen enthusiasm you might imagine when he was young. It is during this time climbing roof tops and winding staircases with Robert we discover the true essence of Knole, its extraordinary history and about those who lived and breathed Knole...

“Knole is a vast labyrinth... On the way, you encounter the

most unexpected juxtapositions: an eighteenth-century fire engine here, a range of cobwebbed classical busts there; a faraway attic room where

Victorian wash jugs jostle with Greek pottery; corridors where First World War military uniforms and cavalry

boots tumble out of cupboards, phials of laudanum lurk in Victorian medicine chests, and love letters from another

age curl on the windowsill.”

Inheritance; The Story of Knole and the Sackvilles, by Robert Sackville-West

K

Tapestry Passage is one of Robert’s favourite places; a small, narrow corridor packed with dusty treasures, from broken pottery to military clothing belonging to his great uncle Charlie (above). Robert likes to keep much of the room the way it is to maintain the spirit of the place and its history: “Every detail holds a story: the portraits, and all the junk which the subjects of those portraits left behind, point to pivotal moments in history.” § An impressive assortment of souvenirs from

various travels, including paintings, photographs and furniture, are chaotically collected, yet somehow artistically composed in this one attic space above the King’s Room (following page). A newspaper from 1946 rests on a table as if it were placed there yesterday alongside Lord Sackville’s labelled ‘mattrass’; nineteenth century deer hooves sit comfortably on the creaking wooden floorboards and a leather case with painted portraits for the purpose of travelling abroad is


left open. While objects rest idle there is a sense these rooms are still lived in – Robert’s children have cheekily written their names in the dust on mirrors and it seems possible that Charles Sackville-West might walk in to pick up The Times he left there in a moment of distraction (above). § The leopards are a recurring theme of the house, installed by Thomas Sackville in the sixteenth century. He turned Knole into a Renaissance palace, creating a show house to demonstrate

his success, with the leopard emblem playing a significant part in the grand display. The leopard is embossed on the ceiling of the Retainers’ Gallery and 27 impressive heraldic stone leopards carrying the family coat of arms stand proud on gables (following page). Vita Sackville-West in her book Knole and the Sackvilles stated: “There is here no flourish of architecture, no ornament but the leopards.” § The numerous galleries maintain a delicate balance of careful, ongoing


restoration and elegant chaos – Lord Sackville’s charming old trunk still remains intact as if it were still very much in use and objects lean absently against the walls. The Retainers’ Gallery, however, is in much better shape than it was after the devastating storm of 1987. A discovery of a Boulle cabinet was nearly consigned to a skip, but instead was rescued and sold for over £1 million at Christie’s, paying for the restoration of the park. § The clock tower began as The Bourchier Tower

in 1456-86 and the clock itself was added later in c.1743 from the roof over The Great Hall. The bell is inscribed, “St. George is my name. May my sound be pleasing to God. I was cast in 1540 by Jan de Steg.” § An important job for the staff at Knole would be to clear the snow off the roofs during the winter months. Here, an impressive documentation of pencilled names, dates and measures of snowfall are scrawled on the walls over several generations (above). v


6 vine November 2010 onlinevine.co.uk

STARKT H E

STARKreality

Kensington Vine NOVEMBER 40pp PRESS.indd 6 02/11/2010 18:16

onlinevine.co.uk November 2010 vine 7

In a rare interview, leading British

historian David Starkey tells Vine

his views on the Royal family, his

“soft-spot for Sevenoaks” and

why he feels naked without his

favourite comb WORDS

CHARLOTTE LUXFORD

David Starkey is famous for his ability to excite all sorts of passions; he’s been dubbed “the rudest man in Britain” and is known for revelling in his own controversial behaviour. Yet, he has curated some of the best historical

exhibitions in the country and is now well known for his hugely popular television series on Channel 4, Monarchy. However, more recently and perhaps most importantly, he has painstakingly condensed our British history into around 500 pages of engaging and animated narrative entitled Crown & Country. Despite his reputation, this interview reveals a man who is compelling, dramatic and keen to share his enthusiasm. As one of the leading historians of this century, he is also here to educate modern-day Britain on our monarchs who were sometimes mad, eccentric, truly great and most of all, part of our ancestry that make us who we are today.

Vine: Why do you think it is important for British people to know about the history of their country?DS: I think it is important for two reasons; human beings without a knowledge of their past is like a form of Alzheimer’s – not knowing where we come from, who your ancestors were, what they did and why they did it is hugely important and the consequence of not understanding this is practically like trying to read a foreign language. The second reason is that history is jolly exciting and it is simply human nature to be curious, to learn about the ancestors who shaped our words, values, institutions and laws of today.Vine: Do you believe that the traditions of the monarchy should remain the same or adapt to suit modern-day society, or do you think they already are?DS: Well they’ve all got a bit willy-nilly haven’t they? It’s astonishing how much the institution has changed – it is much like the seventeenth century rebellions which put the monarchy into question. The twentieth century monarchy has come to mirror our own confusions on traditional values, such as the nature of family – continuity is hugely important to Charles in some ways, yet he is the most famous marriage breaker in the world. However, it shows that we are all human doesn’t it?

Here, I make a subconscious slip of the tongue when I ask David about the historical fi gures in the book and which are his favourite. I accidentally called them “characters” and aim to rectify my mistake when David quickly steps in:

DS: It’s funny you chose the word character isn’t it? Because they really are, aren’t they? I chose to write about the monarchy not just because it was a popular subject, but the monarchy is the only institution which has always existed in some form or other and it makes a wonderful story. Alastair Campbell always understood the importance of narrative; it is important to have biographies, stories, and personalities whether they are madmen or great men. However, trying to condense British history from the Romans to modernity into 500-odd pages was not an easy feat and so I had to be ruthless – heads would be rolling everywhere!

I suggest that I am particularly fond of his description of Alfred the Great; Alfred’s own self-invented persona which may seem arrogant, yet quite justifi ed according to David, having written in Crown & Country: “Alfred’s achievements matched the grandiosity of his vision”.

DS: Alfred was remarkable wasn’t he? He learnt Latin and began to seriously translate it while also doing all his kingly duties; he puts texts into English and becomes a populariser of the language – a large part of the reason I fi nd him so incredibly attractive. Before Henry VIII, he was the only other king to actually write a book!

I enquire which historical fi gure fascinates him the most, but I barely have to ask.

DS: Of course it’s Henry VIII. It’s not simply because I have studied him my whole adult life but because his reign was a large turning point in history. There are very few fi gures that have changed from one world to another; Britain was largely a content, Catholic country, but Henry was the original Euro-sceptic and he turns Britain into this seemingly weird and eccentric island.Vine: Where is your favourite historical place?DS: It has to be Ightham Mote; it was the very fi rst house I studied seriously and it was one of my students who lived in Sevenoaks that suggested I go there. I looked at the badges and decorations in relation to

§



Richard Clement and Henry VII and Henry VIII. It was the fi rst time I really broke away from library studies and actually started studying real things – it was really where my public career begins.Vine: What did you think of the Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury holding the fi rst service together since Henry VIII’s break from Rome?DS: Well it is important and in a way it’s a good thing – Henry’s infl uence on religion is fi nally coming to an end and he’s had a good innings! The profound hostility once held against Rome has largely gone and Christianity is not as strong as it once was. While the sense that Europe as a hostile entity has largely vanished, there’s the new issue of politics, rather than religion when it comes to the EU. I actually voted in the referendum for joining the EU, initially believing it would be a very good thing, however, wanted I didn’t vote for was to turn all the countries into provinces, almost like the Roman Empire. Each country has such uniquely different economies and laws it is impossible to try and impose single rules and ideals.Vine: What’s the highpoint of your career?DS: Well, in the world of media you are only as good as your last success. But I don’t think it is too cruel to say that I probably began as the all-purpose media whore, especially

in my Moral Maze days! (He roars the most wonderfully mischievous laugh). But the pinnacle moment was probably April last year at the opening of the Henry VIII exhibition at the British Library. It was the point at which I had managed to bring all the various elements of my career together and it was a success – usually people hear ‘library’ and add the subtext ‘boring’, but the British Library has such a fabulous collection and those combined with amazing loans from the Vatican, I managed to achieve an exhibition that wasn’t just paintings; it was a mixture of objects, literature and art that relate to each other, bringing those people to life.

I know that David is fond of Kent and has a home there, which he is more than happy to talk about.

DS: It’s no mansion, but it’s a double fronted Georgian house with a nice garden – it’s very English. Every owner that has lived here has changed something so it’s a real mish-mash of history from eighteenth century to Art Deco. I do get a little unhappy when people try and re-instate one single period of history rather than leaving all the changes made – people lived in radically different ways over the years and my house refl ects that. I have some great photos of the house taken in 1909 and in some ways it is absolutely similar, but when you look closer you also realise how different it is too; the garden is dramatically different and

you can see in the photo the windows had the old Victorian sun blinds that were so popular in their day.Vine: What are your most treasured possessions?DS: Well I didn’t inherit anything as I had a very humble background so everything is acquired. There isn’t really anything I can’t live without but it’s those little things, those particular objects that are part of everyday life that I just have to have. I have a very particular pen for example and if I’m not carrying my mock ivory comb in my pocket I simply feel naked! I even have my favourite shoehorn for God’s sake!Vine: What’s next?DS: Well I’m doing a new Channel 4 programme which will include teaching a group of around 10 boys and girls who have left school at the age of 17 and try and encourage them to re-engage with education. I have taught before, but never in front of a camera so I could fall horribly fl at on my face!

■ Crown & Country (Harper Collins, £25) available now

v

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18 vine February 2011 onlinevine.co.uk

irstie Allsopp has led the way in Britain’s desire for a craft revival, charmed potential house buyers (with a bit of subtle coercion in cases) and has a magpie’s eye for all things beautiful, whether it's a

Victorian house or a piece of glass. Her talents and jolly character have made her something of a TV sweetheart, whether it’s her FHM award-winning curves or her sheer enthusiasm that wins you over. Kirstie hit our screens back in 2000, with co-presenter Phil Spencer and their fi rst series of Location, Location, Location, and now there's no stopping her. Her solo series Kirstie’s Homemade Home went down a storm and she is set to present more, including the aptly-named Vacation, Vacation, Vacation. She has also recently launched her own linen range, pulling on her background in interior design. Prior to her successful television career, Kirstie wrote for Country Living, worked for designers Nicky Haslam and Hindlip & Prentice, and studied History of Art at Christie’s – all of which gave Kirstie her knack for spotting properties with potential. Her latest endeavour is creating the true ‘homemade’ home. She has brought crafts and second-hand wares into our homes, with inspired interior design ideas that turn bricks and mortar into personal spaces. “Out with the new and in with the old” is her plea to homeowners and it is this trend sweeping across the nation that has stimulated a real creative frenzy in Britain.

The much-loved Kirstie Allsopp

talks to Vine about how

to create your own ‘homemade’

home, where to buy second-

hand furniture, her favourite

designers and the truth about

her and PhilWORDS

CHARLOTTE LUXFORD

K

Vine FEBRUARY 64pp PRESS.indd 18 01/02/2011 19:02

onlinevine.co.uk February 2011 vine 19

Where did you get your passion for creating your own homemade things?

My father has worked in the antique business all my life and he also paints and draws and I was very fortunate; I was surrounded by beautiful objects and brought up with a desire to know how they were made. It’s one of those things, once you start on this path and learn about how the craftsmen create the pieces, it snowballs and you start making shows and then you hear people saying their stained glass courses are booked up until Easter and Peter Jones say there has been a spike in sewing machine sales and the whole thing is so positive – look at the news for example, you really want to slit your throat! So working on something that has no downsides and just encourages people to do things for themselves is a real treat.

What advice would you give to our readers who wish to start making their own pieces?

Well, I’m not that skilled and I’ve had the benefi t of a very good tuition, so when you do the shows, you get the best people in and we’re doing it intensely for about four or fi ve hours, whereas if you go on a night course in reality it would probably go on for at least fi ve weeks. I always think, the thing to start off with is mending, and then you just build your confi dence. There’s a lot of evidence that people chuck away things when they lose buttons! There’s a big, big fashion at the moment for sock animals and there are whole websites devoted to these. It’s such a nice and easy thing, and so sweet too! There was one animal a lady made earlier on today who brought it in for me to sign and it was very obviously a drunken reindeer, but it was just a sock – so it is an art form and you can represent things – I think it’s very clever actually. A few days ago someone gave me a piece of embroidery from Fine Cell Work, which is a charity that encourages prisoners to do crafts. It’s one of those examples of people benefi ting psychologically and it was 80 per cent men funnily enough.

So where would you suggest people go to buy second-hand?

I would always say, familiarise yourself with places that are local, as you rarely fi nd what you want the fi rst time, so to make a big journey can be a bit frustrating. Everyone has local antique shops, charity shops and reclamation yards and if you get to know the people that run these places they can let you know when they have something for you. The other day, some pictures came in that the guy in our local antique shop just knew that we’d want so he put

them aside, and one of the best things about buying local is human contact. I’m still a huge fan of buying online; it’s easier, but you often don’t know who made it or who sold it and I think that’s incredibly important.

What inspired your new home range?

If someone had said to me fi ve years ago, “Do you want to design your own bed linen?” I would have thought it was a completely crazy suggestion. However, after series one of Kirstie’s Homemade Home I was trying to source sheets for that and I really struggled so when I got a call from Ashley Wilde, who specialise in commissioning celebrities, I thought twice after they said there was a market for them. They have an incredible team there and they can take vintage fabric and adjust it – it’s an extraordinary process. Just this morning we were talking about the spring range and I think it’s safe to say it’s one of the most fun things called “work” that I’ve done in my life!

So which of the crafts featured in the series is your favourite?

Freestyle machine embroidery is up there, which is this crazy thing where you take your foot off the sewing machine and move the fabric any way you want and you end up with abstract stitching. I also like anything that involves heat, like melting metal, but the crafts I really struggle with are the ones that are mathematical – I’m still struggling with knitting and crochet – anything where you have to count and concentrate, I’m not inclined to do two things at once!

Where do you shop for your outfi ts and do you have any tips on buying vintage?

I tend not to buy vintage clothes because they don’t stand up to all that much when you are fi lming every day as you’re sometimes in the same thing two days running for continuity’s sake. For my clothes I’m the worst, because if I like it I buy all the colours, it’s a really bad habit! I only ever wear dresses; I have occasional skirts and jumpers if it’s very cold. At the moment there are two dresses I love in particular, both irritatingly American, meaning they’re more expensive, but they’re two small New York designers who have come up with absolutely brilliant, classically cut dresses – one’s called Tucker and the other is called

S-Sung, those are the two I’m wearing a lot and I have six of each of those in all

different colours!

Who are your favourite fashion designers and interior decorators?

I’m quite mixed with my clothes – Moschino, I’m quite a fan of – I also like Mark’s &

Spencer, but I’m equally happy

a piece of embroidery from Fine Cell Work, which is a charity that encourages prisoners to do crafts. It’s one of those examples of people benefi ting psychologically and it was 80 per

So where would you suggest people go to

I would always say, familiarise yourself with places that are local, as you rarely fi nd what you want the fi rst time, so to make a big journey can be a bit frustrating. Everyone has local antique shops, charity shops and reclamation yards and if you

know when they have something

same thing two days running for continuity’s sake. For my clothes I’m the worst, because if I like it I buy all the colours, it’s a really bad habit! I only ever wear dresses; I have occasional skirts and jumpers if it’s very cold. At the moment there are two dresses I love in particular, both irritatingly American, meaning they’re more expensive, but they’re two small New York designers who have come up with absolutely brilliant, classically cut dresses – one’s called Tucker and the other is called

S-Sung, those are the two I’m wearing a lot and I have six of each of those in all

different colours!

Who are your favourite fashion designers and interior

clothes – Moschino, I’m quite a fan of – I also like Mark’s &

Spencer, but I’m equally happy

INTERVIEW



Q My house has good insulation but the sash windows let in terrible drafts and I am concerned about the effect on my heating bills. What can I do?

A You’re right to be concerned – no one wants to throw money out of the window. Renovating windows to ensure they seal properly can reduce drafts and noise ingress by up to 90 per cent and reduce fuel bills. To ensure your windows seal properly, I would suggest installing a brush pile system as part of a general overhaul. The best ones sit within timber parting beads and therefore do not change the window’s appearance. They are even suitable for listed buildings and conservation areas. Once you have stopped drafts pushing cold air into the room, then good quality, lined curtains will also help to keep you warm and cosy this winter.

For a free sash window survey and estimate, contact Shane on 0800 731 5905. Find FAQs at www.SlidingSashSolutions.co.uk

Sash window dilemma? Email Shane c/o Vine on [email protected]

to go to Alexander McQueen – I think his team is continuing to do fantastic stuff. If I’m going to spend money I’d start with McQueen and Moschino and then at mid-range I like Jaeger a lot; I think what they’ve done recently is fantastic, they’ve completely revamped – Jigsaw too – it’s wherever I fi nd a good dress and then I just go for it! I’m also a huge Stella McCartney fan; I’ve got two or three of her coats from this season! As for interior designers, well, Cath Kidston is my cousin and I think what she’s done is extraordinary – it’s a brilliant British brand that has spread across the world and I think that’s something to be proud of. My fi rst job was working for Nicky Haslam and I’ve always admired him as a decorator. Jane Churchill I think is very talented – there are lots of people. I’m a big fan of wallpaper – it’s all sorts!

How badly has the property market been affected by the current economic climate and recent spending cuts?

It’s diffi cult for everyone as many are looking for indicators from national statistics and that just isn’t possible. It’s more of a regional change than a national thing; it depends on employment, house building, transport links and the schools and you have to do what’s right for you in your area and forge your

own path, but the thing that is national is that the pendulum had swung too much towards lenient lending and it’s swung back the other way and it’s now too restrictive in my opinion. I think that we have to have some sensible and rational lending and surveyors and mortgage companies need to know their stuff.

You and Phil Spencer work closely together, do you drive each other mad or get on well?

Well, we have a lot in common because he’s one of four, as I am, and he was brought up in the country and very close to his family. He’s absolutely devoted to his partner and he has two sons, so we start from that base point and we have a lot in common. We’ve been together for ten years – it’s a long time – I’ve been with him longer than I have my partner! I respect him as a talented negotiator, a dad and a husband and he’s an all-round nice guy, he’s really cool and we’ve done a lot together. We’ve got a new programme coming out, Vacation, Vacation, Vacation, in February, and he joined in Kirsty and Phil’s Perfect Christmas. He’s really fun to work with.

■ Kirstie’s home range is available from House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk. Follow Kirstie on twitter @kirstiemallsopp

INTERVIEW

v

Expert Shane Keens is dedicated to saving Kent’s sash windows. His message is “improve don’t remove.”

THROWING moneyOUT THE WINDOW?

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metropo

T he 19th-century Chesterfi eld is possibly one of the most iconic sofas ever created and one that is still incredibly sought-after today. As a classic piece, these sofas are easily matched with today’s contemporary styles, whether it’s a more ‘roughed-up’

model you’re after, or create your own style from scratch. One element that is constant throughout however, is the Chesterfi eld’s ability to sit comfortably in any interior space as a status symbol in its own right.One man who has recognised the value and desirability of the Chesterfi eld is former banker Harvey Mann, who has taken the idea of comfortable living to a whole new level with his successful business venture, the Original Sofa Company. Far from the chaos of his city life that used to be, working for the likes of Merrill Lynch, Harvey has turned to something more creative, producing quality Chesterfi eld sofas and lovingly restoring old ones to satisfy the demands of those in search of a classic. The showroom is centrally located just on the outskirts of Mayfair, creeping into the trendy Marylebone, laden with stylish interior design and furniture shops, making it a perfect location. It takes over 100 hours to make one single sofa; so dedicated are the craftsmen they only use the best

quality materials, aiming to achieve ultimate perfection. Having worked with 19th-century Chesterfi elds for many years, these experts want to reconstruct the quality of their ancestors’ efforts, so their sofas too will last for generations. After your very own bespoke consultation, work will begin on your tailor-made design. The Chesterfi elds are fi lled with loose horse tail lined with lambs’ wool and fi tted with a hand tied coiled sprung base which is then covered in the fi nest russet leathers (the top one per cent of world’s leather), which is then dyed by hand. The craftsmen use only hammer and tack to fi x the materials, so you know your sofa will endure all that wear and tear for years to come. It’s not just new ones that are on offer, however; ‘pre-loved’ or genuine antique Chesterfi elds can be purchased through the company and lovingly restored by the team if you wish. The work of the Original Sofa Company has not gone unnoticed; clients such as Harvard and Cambridge Universities, the Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass Inn and renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver have found the company’s Chesterfi elds perfect for their interiors.

Visit their showroom at 17 Seymour Place, London, W1H 5BS or view their full range at www.theoriginalsofaco.com For more information call 020 7723 0008 or 07748 606032

There’s a high demand for

timeless furniture that lasts for

generations, not decades – The

Original Sofa Company produces

Chesterfi elds that do precisely that

classic,Chesterfi eld

Goget a

Kensington Vine FEBRUARY 40pp PRESS.indd 25 03/02/2011 18:41

Vine takes inspiration from the elegant, understated home of local textile designer Caroline Gray

through the

Vine JANUARY 48pp PRESS.indd 31 06/01/2011 14:48







Scandinavian design has never been more popular and one woman who pays homage to its simple and solid elegance is textile designer Caroline Gray. Her home, whilst still a ‘home’, is also a beautifully constructed work of art with thought going into every detail. The groung floor was initially used as her studio, with elements of it now integrated artistically into the redesigned living space. Her bold textiles pervade each room, mixed with Brick Lane

findings and handcrafted pieces, such as a beautiful oak table and yew branches for the banisters. Caroline also dedicates one room to showcase her furniture and textiles for sale, which she also sells at her charming shop on Hollybush Lane in Sevenoaks. Caroline still has a studio at her home where she designs all of her pieces, working late into the evening to escape the frenzy of family life and her two charismatic cats, Kit Kat and Sprocket. v

Vine JANUARY 48pp PRESS.indd 33 06/01/2011 14:49

Elliot Ruby on set as an extra in the recent production of Burke and Hare (right) Holly Knowles

Vine DECEMBER 80pp PRESS.indd 20 30/11/2010 15:16

Elliot Ruby on set as an extra in the recent production of Burke and Hare (right) Holly Knowles


nole House is one of those few stately homes that are still very much at the heart of the community. Far from collecting cobwebs, the house is not just at the forefront of Sevenoaks life,

but also the entire global fi lm industry. Knole has featured in numerous fi lms and television programmes, not to mention forthcoming blockbusters, but what makes this imposing house so appealing to producers? Harvey Edgington of the National Trust Film Offi ce explains that the great attraction of Knole is the fact that it’s so adaptable – it has been used as a German castle for the new Sherlock Holmes 2 fi lm; it became a lively Edinburgh market in Burke and Hare and a nineteenth-century prison in the forthcoming controversial fi lm, Hysteria, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal. The extensive roofscape with all its different levels means it has even been shot as London, with the use of computer-generated imaging. However, Mr Edgington states that the fi lm industry is entirely unpredictable, where National Trust properties can suddenly become inundated with requests for fi lming and then for years, nothing. He said: “A good example was last year at Freshwater West beach in Wales; it was used for the latest Harry Potter fi lm, The Deathly Hallows, with a shell house especially built as Dobby’s home.” He added, “In the same year, Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett also starred in the

Hollywood fi lm Robin Hood, but nothing has been fi lmed for ages – it’s totally sporadic.” Hardwick Hall was also used for Harry Potter, but only in photographs taken to aid the reproduction of the hall in model form using computer generation. Mr Edgington said: “It needed

to be destroyed for the fi lm and obviously you couldn’t just destroy a National Trust property!” Knole has just seen the staging of a crucial scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: Of Stranger Tides coming out next summer, whereby a carriage was used as part of a night scene. Vine was informed that Johnny Depp was fl own in by helicopter on the last night of fi lming to play the roguish Jack Sparrow. Producer of Pirates, Jerry Bruckheimer said: “The outer walls of Knole House proved to be perfect for the needs of the scene we fi lmed there, and we were so fortunate that Lord and Lady Sackville, and the National Trust, extended such wonderful cooperation and hospitality to the production. Knole House is a true national treasure of Britain.” The production company were keen to keep things under wraps understandably as Depp has plenty of fans and apparently things can get out of hand very quickly. One woman however, the head gardener at Knole (coincidently named Holly Knowles), was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Pirates in progress. She said: “A particularly notable scene was one which was supposed to be by the Thames. Beams, boats, skeletons, pebbles and seaweed were scattered around the set! Another Spanish-set scene required a chariot and horses being sent in.” Holly and her family also participated as extras on the set of Burke and Hare earlier this year. “The fi lming took place in the freezing cold of February, so it really was an experience. We visited Ealing Studios for a fi tting of our costumes – all corsets, petticoats and underdresses. The older women were ‘market folk’ and our costumes were not particularly attractive, but my daughter’s costume was absolutely stunning. The men looked wonderful in their britches and boots. “Filming in winter was diffi cult, but we got many tips from the ‘professional extras’ on how to fi ght off the cold by stuffi ng newspaper in our shoes! The director John Landis was very busy and stressed out – we were petrifi ed of him! However, the fi lm crew were very

friendly, and I have had nothing but good experiences with them every time fi lming comes to Knole.” Being an extra provided locals with an opportunity to earn a little extra while fi lming was in progress and student Elliot Ruby took advantage of this: “Acting isn’t something I’ve ever done before, but it was really enjoyable – it was a bit surreal to be near celebrities like Simon Pegg and Bill Nighy. The set was amazing with livestock everywhere in the cobbled courtyards and stalls with real hung pheasants and stacked with things like oysters and potatoes.” Although fi lming at Knole is great for the National Trust and producers, what is it like to live in the property while it is all going on? Robert Sackville-West doesn’t seem to be too fazed by the disruption; in fact, he seems to quite enjoy the fi lming. He said: “It can be quite bizarre, for example, when you get back off half term with the children to fi nd fake snow scattered about, but it looked beautiful! My family and I enjoyed meeting John Landis when Burke and Hare was being fi lmed; he is a terrifi c guy – he’s huge in fact, and very funny. It’s a good thing that all this fi lming goes on as it benefi ts the trust’s restoration of the property.” Would Robert ever want to get involved in the fi lming? “Well it all depends on the weather,” he replies. “It seems to involve a lot of hanging around and, watching from a distance, it looks like an incredibly slow process, so if it’s a beautiful day, of course I wouldn’t mind, other than that – no!” While this year has seen a surge of interest from the fi lm industry, this isn’t the fi rst time that Knole has seen stars enter its walls; in 1967, The Beatles fi lmed their videos for ‘Penny Lane’ and ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, with the Fab Four riding horses through the stone archway on the south-eastern side of the Bird House. The popular fi lm The Other Boleyn Girl, starring Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman, was also fi lmed at Knole, along with nearby Penshurst Place and Dover Castle.

K

Hollywood fi lm Hoodbeen fi lmed for ages – it’s totally sporadic.” Hardwick Hall was also used for Harry Potter, but only in photographs taken to aid the reproduction of the hall in model form using computer generation. Mr Edgington said: “It needed

spotlighton KnoleKnole House may seem an unlikely destination for Hollywood stars, but in the past year the National Trust property has played an integral role in the international fi lm industry, says Charlotte Luxford

v

onlinevine.co.uk December 2010 vine 21



Tuscany’sHILLTOP HAVEN


onlinevine.co.uk November 2010 vine 33

■ Caroline’s stunning manor house has been painstakingly and lovingly restored. Theprevious owner had removed many of the original features so Caroline sought to put them back and return this Tuscan treasure to its former dignity and beauty. Wherever possible she used reclaimed materials, without jeopardising the comfort. She used antiques and elegant furnishings throughout. Every room has a wonderful view across the meadows and the olive groves to the distant hilltops. (left). Throughout the villa, the Italian heritage is highlighted through the design details. The fl oor in the light, airy hallway is stone from the Puglia regionof southern Italy, while the capitols are Roman (far left). The furniture in the house refl ects Caroline’s passion for travelling; there is an eighteenth-century Swedish chiffonier in the drawing room and a coffee table fromthe Gujarat region of India. Outside, visitors can enjoy the beautiful arched loggia – it was clearly designed for al fresco dining away from the fi erce sun. It has a large

terrace above, and panoramic views from both the terrace and the loggia. It is the focal point of the house and everyone congregates around the reclaimed Indonesian oak table for drinks, dining or just for playing cards. Caroline designed the loggia and the work was carried out by her talented friend and builder Mario Maggi. Everything was made by hand, using old materials, and in many instances if a suitable cornerstone was not available, he carved one using the traditional methods. (top). The pool with the incredible infi nity edge was built by Massimo, Caroline’s other builder, who once again worked tirelessly to achieve Caroline’s wishes. It is perhaps the breathtaking view from the pool or the loggia with its reclaimed stone pillars that provides the fi nal treat to this Tuscan Villa. It is the perfect area to relax and enjoy a Bellini while escaping the heat of the summer sun. All the work was supervised by Caroline’s project manager team of mother and son, Madeleine and Philip.

T uscany retains its hold on the souls of many English city dwellers; the area is fi lled with historical treasures and the rich countryside populated with traditional villages, vineyards and olive groves. The artistic and cultural heritage in the capital

of the region, Florence, is unmatched; with endless options for any sightseer. Taking a casual stroll on the Ponte Vecchio over the river Arno in the warm autumn sun, is a far cry from the commotion that surrounds a weekday morning near the grey, muddy Thames. Visitors can appreciate the magnifi cent Renaissance art on offer at the Uffi zi gallery and the Pitti Palace, or sample the gastronomic delights of the traditional and local produce cooked at one of Florence’s legendary trattorias. But Florence is not all there is to Tuscany. There are so many beautiful villages and towns to sample, and one of the fi nest is Cortona. Like so many others it is perched on top of one the rolling Tuscan hills. To reach it you wind upwards from the plains, through olive groves and fi elds until at last you enter the city walls. It is a gem in a region known for its beauty, combining a melting pot of cultures that weave themselves through the complex fabric of Tuscan history. This is clearly evident in the Etruscan remains that form part of the current city walls, the renaissance churches that rise above the houses and the narrow medieval streets that scale the hillside. From any viewing point you will see the beautiful Lago Trasimeno spread out below you.

Leaving Cortona behind, you are able to rent the exquisite house of interior designer Caroline Sandon. This eighteenth-century manor house combines the most outstanding position and setting and it has recently been lovingly and painstakingly restored to its former glory. Vine recently paid a visit.

■ Caroline Sandon has two villas outside of Cortona; Casale di Reschio (featured) and Bosco dei Tartufi . Both are available to rent through villa specialists CV Travel. For more information call 020 7401 1039 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk To fi nd out about Caroline Sandon’s interior design service, call 01386 841 488 or email [email protected].

With the November nights drawing in, we often dream about sunnier times and places. Vine visits Il Manerio, situated in the rural countryside of northern Italy, to get

away from the city and sample a true taste of Tuscan charm



ManoirLord

Manoir



INTERVIEW

Raymond Blanc began as a waiter in Oxfordshire. Now he is an internationally-renowned chef who has inspired not only the nation, but many award-winning chefs who he has nurtured to stardom. Growing up in rural France, Raymond learnt from an early age to appreciate food, and it was his passion inspired by his mother, Maman Blanc, which drove him to pursue a career as a chef. He opened Les Quat’Saisons in 1977, becoming an

overnight success and since then his brand name adorns patisserie Maison Blanc, his chain of Brasserie Blanc, a cookery school and his two-Michelin starred restaurant, Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons. Now his BBC series,

Kitchen Secrets, will return to our screens on February 21.

A s I arrive at the lavish Home House members’ club, situated in the heart of London, I look around for Raymond in the bustling drawing room. After inspecting a few faces, I fi nd him perched on the edge of a comfy-looking sofa

eating a late lunch of what appears to be a few Thai dishes. He is immediately welcoming and invites me to join him – already offering me some of his food. I kindly decline, but order some tea (which I never drank due to my cup and accompaniments being used as props for various demonstrations throughout our interview) and we begin to chat about his busy schedule. How this man manages I do not know. Yet, he says we have all the time in the world to chat and he certainly makes time – two and a half hours of it. He is an insatiable talker. After speaking to him for a while, I really get the sense that he is so keen to share everything he knows about cooking and encourages people to be as passionate as he is about it. As a man on a mission, it seems this is what inspired his programme Kitchen Secrets. So I begin by asking him, what made him decide to do the series? “I did a bit of television at my younger age, but I had far too much cooking to do! I was busy establishing my name; I was a totally self-taught chef, I created Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, plus I was creating the Brasserie Blanc concept and Maison Blanc. What I

Manoirof the

▲

Celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, star of the BBC series Kitchen

Secrets, meets Charlotte Luxford to share his cooking tips, dislike

of malt vinegar and his singing of the French national anthem with

the Queen Mother

ManoirCelebrated chef Raymond Blanc,

star of the BBC series Kitchen Secrets, meets Charlotte Luxford to share his cooking tips, dislike


the Queen Mother

Celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, star of the BBC series Kitchen

Secrets, meets Charlotte Luxford to share his cooking tips, dislike


the Queen Mother



wanted to do with Kitchen Secrets was to bring my culture and my food, which my Maman taught me, to television. Back then, I never meant to get on television, that was not my intention; I did it in the early 80s, but I really didn’t like it because food and television fell into the wrong hands. A food programme then had nothing to do with food effectively, and it would be created by producers who didn’t understand food – it was almost used as a weapon to undermine the true value of food. It is only now that chefs and consumers are reconnecting. Before, we would just grab everything without asking a single question. For the last 50 years we have been voracious consumers and food processing companies were making millions, adding colouring and flavours to this horrible food and the television programmes used to be a reflection of all that.” The culture of the ‘celebrity chef ’ has become quite popular recently, and it seems our television screens are infiltrated with cooking programmes; why all of a sudden has it become such a big thing? “Firstly, television chefs are quite recent, but chefs have always been well respected. Think back to medieval history for example; there were great kings who wanted the best chefs to create great feasts and for that the chef was very well rewarded, so much so that he was given titles and properties even. It is little-known that chefs have always been highly-prized and greatly appreciated. So, the phenomenon of the ‘celebrity chef ’ is not new, but now it is displayed through a new media.” I share my view with Raymond that there seems to be two types of cookery programmes; ones that teach and ones that, quite frankly, show off. So I ask him, is cooking more about experimentation, like Heston Blumenthal, who appears on television as a sort of gastronomic adventurer, obsessed with the science of food, or should it be more like the friendly-faced Jamie Oliver, who cooks for the masses? “I feel I can teach people, because as I was self-taught myself and made plenty of my own mistakes, so therefore I know what to do in each situation. It’s all about being enthusiastic and building people’s confidence so they can cook well themselves. Obviously there are techniques to it – for example, if you cook a carrot, you should always chop it finely, the longer you cook it the more you kill the taste and boiling is the worst thing you can do. Generally, shorter cooking is better, unless it is something that deserves to be cooked slowly, like a piece of meat – slowly, at 80 degrees – it may take hours, but it’s worth it. “When I teach I love to empower young chefs and I share all I’ve got in order to give joy most of all – then I educate as a by-product of sharing that knowledge. Maman Blanc was an amazing influence, and when she cooked, it was an act of love. I prefer to cook how she taught me rather than going for fashionable cooking – it can be fun certainly, but it is also short-lived.” Perhaps this is why the greats of the last century such as Jane Grigson and Elizabeth David still fascinate us today. As 60 years have passed since David’s first cookbook, publishers have jumped on the bandwagon and released several revised editions and new books. While David’s recipes may date eventually, they still seem popular, and this love of good, old-fashioned home cooking can be seen in the way that Maman Blanc’s cooking has influenced her son; so it is perhaps the solid foundations of traditional home cooking that



INTERVIEW

wins the day. After trying the first molecular gastronomy programme in 1991, Raymond kissed science goodbye and decided not to go back into television until he could do something “true and authentic” with food. “Working with the BBC on the latest programme was great – I said I wanted to recreate a proper kitchen and make it as authentic as possible. My kitchen is my home and it was as true as it could be – I was happy to give people the little secrets that make cooking so much easier.” At this point, Raymond shares some of these secrets with me. He asks what I like to cook and, in an ashamedly British fashion, I say a good roast. He gets out a notepad and starts drawing a diagram, explaining the beef needs to be left before serving for at least 30 minutes. “Poof ” he exhales as he throws himself back on the sofa, demonstrating that the muscles need time to relax. He says that during that resting time, the beef actually gets hotter by a few degrees, meaning your beef can turn from medium-rare to well done if you’re not careful. Cook it on chopped bones; it not only gives a great flavour to the jus, but by elevating it your beef is cooked evenly – otherwise it goes that “’orrible grey colour”. Raymond is passionate about getting the consumer to reconnect with their food and to know where it came from. The Pink Lady apple he tells me, as he quickly sketches one out on his pad (he apologises as it looks more like a cherry), is “seductive, she is beautiful, she is sweet and you want her – we choose on looks after all”, he says with a glint in his eye, “but, despite being the bestseller on the shelf, she may have come all the way from China, covered in pesticides, disease-resistant

sprays, modified to have that glorious, pink colour and when we choose her as the consumer we are making a political decision, a socio-economic decision – perhaps most of all – a health decision. The efforts of farmers are killed by imported food, and why do it, when we have so much beautiful, seasonal food right here?” So, has he always been this passionate about food? “Yes; even as a boy I had a deep understanding of food, of seasonality, and we were poor, but we ate like kings. At five or six, we had to earn our bread and help in the garden and my father would always ask me, ‘Taste it!’ I was taught to appreciate the value of food. We always bought our produce at farmers’ markets without a second thought and now it is something quite novel. When we buy our food now, we must buy responsibly and think, ‘What kind of society are we creating for tomorrow?’ Food is glorious; it’s a way to connect and share, to celebrate and appreciate each other’s company. It’s an opportunity to meet and sit down with family. We have become disconnected – the true values of food have been lost and we need to reinvent our own heritage.” As Raymond has a clear passion for food, I ask him what his last supper would be. He ponders for a while, as it is obviously a question worth considering. “That is difficult, but it would have to be Maman Blanc’s apple tart – it was a great gift. I remember when my Grand-père was on his last legs and lying in bed in the room downstairs. That Sunday afternoon Grand-mère was cooking her apple tart – it was a heavenly scent – and he said, ‘I really want a piece of that apple pie.’ She replied, ‘No, it’s for after your funeral.’ It’s a very French story, but I like it.” And what doesn’t he like? “There isn’t anything

Food is glorious; it’s a way to

connect and share, to celebrate and appreciate each other’s company. We have become

disconnected – the true values of food

have been lost and we need to

reinvent our own heritage

Raymond’s flagship restaurant Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire



263-7 Old Brompton RoadEarls Court, London, SW5 9JA

020 7370 1434 www.troubadour.co.uk

Since 1954 The Troubadour has grown in its mythical status as one of West London’s most loved institutions. Brimming with character and charm, this bohemian cafe offers delicious, filling fare with lashings of atmosphere. It sits above the legendary Troubadour Club with live music most nights from the singer songwriters of the future. The next door

wine shop regularly runs fun wine tastings which are a hit with connoisseurs and beginners alike. And then there’s The Garret, their cosy luxury accommodation overlooking London’s rooftops that offers a sanctuary for two to four people for short or even long stays. All in all The Troubadour is a complete entertainment destination and one you will enjoy discovering.

really, but I do have a dislike of malt vinegar. When I came to England in 1972, the fi rst thing I wanted to try was something British and I thought – fi sh and chips! When they were done in just a few minutes I was shocked they could be cooked that fast, and the guy covered my chips in malt vinegar and it was horrible! Also, my fi sh – I had never seen a square fi sh before, it was totally bizarre, and then I said to myself ‘What am I doing here!’ I also wanted to try Aylesbury duck; I had been dreaming about this big, fat duck, but when I went all the way to Aylesbury in my little car, I could not fi nd it, it didn’t exist!” Raymond has built an impressive resume since he came to the UK and made it as a self-taught chef. Obviously he has his restaurants and shops, but he is also now the vice president of Orient Express Hotels; he has taught many Michelin-starred chefs, as well as maintaining his own two stars for Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons for the 27th year running; he does plenty of regular charity work and seems to be constantly updating his social media sites. So, having achieved so much in his life already, receiving an OBE and becoming an internationally-renowned chef, what is Raymond’s greatest achievement? “It actually has nothing to do with cooking. It was making 200 British people stand up on Bastille Day, July 14, and sing La Marseillaise with their fi sts on their hearts, that I am proud of. I used to do a lot of cooking for the Queen and the Queen Mother and she actually asked

me the same question as you at a dinner, and I told her – the Queen Mother had a good sense of humour and she made her guests of about 30 lords and ladies stand up and sing it there and then! She had a perfect French accent and we used to talk a lot.” With such a hectic lifestyle (his phone goes off quite a few times during our interview and he has to dash off a bit later to the 100th year anniversary party of Michelin), how on earth does he fi t it all in? “I’m a multi-tasker and sleep little. I also happen to have a wonderful team of people, but I’m involved in everything I do. Did I want to be an entrepreneur? Not especially, it just happened by accident, but I enjoy it now! I write all my recipes and still contribute and get involved in everything that has my name to it. I’m a very privileged person to be in my position.” So what’s in the pipeline next? “Well the launch of the London Cocktail Club will be exciting – winners of last year’s series of The Restaurant, JJ and James are opening their new cocktail bar in February. I know that some people thought my decision to pick them was controversial because cooking wasn’t JJ’s strength, but he has a huge talent for cocktail making and extraordinary taste. They’ve both worked really hard, they put their own money in and I am supporting them.”

■ The new series of Kitchen Secrets will be showing on BBC2 from February 21.Visit www.raymondblanc.com

v

INTERVIEW

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Tel: 0207 603 2007www.crownandsceptre-w14.co.uk

NOW REOPENED & UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

34 Holland Road, Holland Park W14 8BAJust over the footbridge from Olympia station

Tel: 0207 603 2007www.crownandsceptre-w14.co.uk

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Le Manoir


Sarah’s new work brings Sevenoaks’ eclectic mix of architecture together, uniting doors from some of the most prominent townhouses to the beaten old thatched hut on

The Vine. Doors that seem worlds apart are brought together in this one art print. Following a foundation art course at Camberwell College of Arts and photography degree at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Sarah took her talent to London. She soon tired of lining others’ pockets and gradually set up her own business. Now, Sarah’s Sevenoaks-based studio has been running for five years and she has never looked back since. While Sarah is usually busy with studio portraiture and events, she decided to break away from her usual work to do something a bit more personal for this project. She said: “I love to walk around Sevenoaks and I just knocked on people’s doors and asked if I could photograph them. I wasn’t sure where it was going to lead, and it started as a bit of fun. I didn’t realise that doors were such a popular subject! “Sevenoaks’ doors are all shapes and sizes. Some beautifully decorated and some in need of a lick of paint. They are all appealing in their own way and each had its own personality.” Sarah has also created smaller prints with a single colour theme, in which customers can add their own front door if they wish. But Sarah says it’s not just residential doors that are of interest. “It’s also ones that are no longer working doors, some bricked

up – looking at the story of a door that had once been.” One local resident, Christine Zildjian, is most impressed with Sarah’s photography and is keen to stress the importance of her work in showcasing Sevenoaks’ architectural merits. “Sarah had really captured the unique flavour and richness of Sevenoaks in her portrayal of the 70 or so doors featured in her print. “These doors span over 400 years of history, each hinting at the private charm and historical importance of the unseen property that lay beyond.” Christine said it was only after she received her print, which now serves as a great talking point in her home, that she realised her previous house was in there too, which was a brilliant bonus. She added: “It’s difficult to drive round without noticing the doors in the print; there’s a quiet feeling of achievement every time I spot one of the doors featured.” Pepper the cat also seemed intrigued by Sarah’s work, creeping into the photograph of Maria Frauenrath’s front door. Maria said: “I had no objection – and no idea the cat would squeeze himself into the photo. It seems he smelled his claim to fame that day!” Maria said she is inspired by the prints and believes that more should be done to show off Sevenoaks’ charming houses and, of course, its pets. “Sevenoaks is such a beautiful town. I often find that just looking at certain buildings can lift my spirit.”

Prints, starting from £20, are available from sarahmurphy.co.uk or call 07970 187229

DOORS OF SEVENOAKS

Society is fascinated with what goes on behind closed doors but local photographer Sarah Murphy believes the doors themselves

each tell their own story. Charlotte Luxford reports


The Arab Hall



I n a quiet side street just off the bustling Kensington High Street, you may expect tofindbeautifullydecoratedhomeswitha handsome facade – that is not uncommon. However,whatyoumaynotexpecttostumble across are a number of properties once

belonging to a colony of highly successful 19th-century artists,knownasthe‘HollandParkCircle’.Theymaynotbeapparentthefirstorevententhtimeyouwalkdowntheseinterlinkingstreets,butonceyoulookoutforthem, you begin to notice the blue plaques, the gigantic studiowindowsandthebeautifullycrafted19th-century houses. Thegroupheldopen‘ShowSundays’andmusicalsoiréesintheirstudios,wooingthecollectorsandinvitingfellowartiststoadmireandpurchasethelatestpaintingsintrulyluxurioussettings.Theirprestigiousdwellingswereanythingbutmodest.Journalistsflockedtothestudio-apartmentstowriteaboutthem,highlightingtheirarchitecturalplansandthelavishinteriors.Thiswastheheydayof artisticKensingtonandLordFredericLeightonwasthepre-eminentfigureinthiscircle. Leighton’shousemayhavealessextravagantexteriorthansomeof hiscontemporaries’,butthisextraordinaryhomedeservestobeknownasa‘privatepalaceof art’.Leightonwasindeedaveryprivatesoul,yeteachdetailof thehousestandsasashowcaseforhiscreativity,orapracticalsolutiontoaidhiminhispainting–hewassimplydedicatedtohiswork.Quiteunusually,Leightonlivedbyhimself andtherewasonlyonebedroom;atestament to his artistic dedication rather than practical living (opposite).AwriterforCentury Magazine noted the uniqueness of the property: “In every square foot of spacetherehangsorliessomeworkof artancientormodern, peculiarly rare, choice, lovely. One feasts the eye perpetually upon forms of beauty.” Nothing about LeightonHouseisreally‘useful’,exceptLeighton’stinybedroom;withitsbare,simpleappearance,itwasliterallyusedforsleeping,givingnothingawayabouthischaracter.However,that’snottosaythatLeightonwasn’tsociable;quitethecontrary,hewasverymuch

Leighton House is one of Kensington’s best-kept cultural secrets. Vine explores this magnificent studio-home, the creation of

exceptional 19th-century artist Lord Frederic Leighton

ofpalaceARTT H E P R I V A T E

WordsCharlotte luxford

▲

Leighton’s bedroom


his magnificent interior spaces reflect that. While Leighton’s adoration of Eastern culture is clear – his love of peacock blue pervades almost every room – he was also a traditionalist when it came to art. Many of the paintings in his collection were by artists closer to home, in particular his young contemporaries, including good friend John Everett Millais. One of Leighton’s greatest friends, however, was George Frederic Watts, who lived in nearby Little Holland House. Leighton was impressed by his large-scale murals and many exchanges of work occurred between these two artists as their friendship developed, working closely together on the academy’s exhibitions hanging committee. Giovanni Costa and George Heming Mason befriended Leighton in Rome in the 1850s and he continued to support them for years after. Leighton owned at least 10 landscapes by Costa and he commissioned a work entitled Wind on the Wold, which hung at Holland Park Road along with around 13 works by Mason. Leighton’s entire collection was sold at auction by Christie, Manson & Woods in 1896 when he died – an event which attracted a huge amount of attention. Leighton told his sisters they could sell the contents of the house and the house itself, giving the money to the Royal Academy. On his deathbed he said “Give my love to the Royal Academy.” His sisters tried in vain to sell the house with all its contents as a museum (as it is now), but it was deemed too impractical by many to live in and therefore they were forced to sell the contents instead. The works of Corot made an extraordinary 6,000 guineas, bought by an English nobleman, a

respected by many of his fellow artists and rose with ease through the ranks in the artistic and academic world, demonstrated by his election to President of the Royal Academy in 1878. Leighton’s house was a labour of love – he spent substantial sums of money creating his aesthetic vision, with good friend and architect George Aitchison. As an avid traveller with an interest in Persian and Arabic art, he spent several years collecting well over 1,000 tiles from the East, among other objects, to create a striking display in the Arab Hall, based on the 12th-century Palace La Zisa in Palermo, Sicily. However, not everyone agreed with his decorative use of abstract fragments, lifted from ancient buildings; Edward Burnes-Jones condemned Leighton’s use of the Islamic tiles: “There couldn’t be any gain in making public property of it, and to have all those splendid things from the East built up in such a silly way couldn’t please me, could it? And they could not be moved without endangering them. It’s a great shame.” At the forefront of interior decoration, Leighton acquired many objets d’art and was known as a ‘bric-à-brac hunter’. Using his studio-house as a setting for his own personal collections and decorative antiques, he was quite cosmopolitan and forward-thinking for his time. He didn’t necessarily collect new objects from cutting-edge designers like James McNeill Whistler and Oscar Wilde did, but he preferred to create a ‘new’, fashionable look out of old and visually arresting objects. However, Leighton did go against tradition, as displaying personal objects went against the Victorian opinion that one should keep their private life separate from a public persona. But, this is how Leighton defined himself – he dedicated himself to the world of art and The studio

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• Leightonspokefivelanguages• Leightonwasanoblemanandagoodfriendof theRoyalfamily• ThecostoftherefurbishmentonLeighton Housecost1.6million• Themodelshadtheirownseparateentrance tothehouse,withtheirownprivateareato getready• Thepeacockbluetilesinthestaircasehall wereproducedbyWilliamdeMorgan,at considerablefinancialloss• BeforeLeightonHouse,Leightonrented brieflyat2OrmeSquare,butwasunhappy withthestudio• LeightongavefriendAlfredGilbert£100to produceastatuetteofanystyleandsubject; theresult,Icarus,becameoneofthemost influentialsculpturesoftheperiod• Leightonwasbeareroftheshortest livedpeerageinhistory;afteronlyonedayhis hereditarypeeragebecameextinct• LeightonwasborninScarboroughtoafamily intheimportandexportbusiness• HedesignedElizabethBarrettBrowning’s tombforRobertBrowningintheEnglish Cemetery,Florencein1861

InterestIng facts about Leighton house

Gainsborough drawing was purchased for the substantial sum of £304 and the highest price out of the old masters was Tintoretto’s Portrait of Paolo Paruta, sold for 420 guineas. However, it was the modern works drawing higher prices, with Millais’ Shelling Peas achieving 750 guineas and Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s Corner of the Studio making £1,890. With the dispersal of Leighton’s collection and the slow demise of the building, it seemed to be struggling, especially after suffering bomb damage twice during the Second World War, but post-war, it finally became a useful building (something that perhaps Leighton would never have expected), standing as an outstation for Kensington Central Library. Criminally, this resulted in the covering of the luminous gold leaf-stencilled walls and rich timber floors with white-wash and light flooring; it seems only the Arab Hall remained as a compelling reminder of what had once been a spectacular home. However, realising this building’s true potential, a concerted effort from Friends of the Museum in the early 1980s saw the beginning of the slow transition to its former glory. It was only with the turn of the millennium, when substantial investments were made by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, that a major refurbishment and restoration project took place. The museum closed its doors to the public in October 2008 and, after much painstaking work, reopened its doors in April 2010 to reveal the magnificent ‘private palace of art’ it used to be. v

n VisitLeightonHouseMuseum,12HollandParkRoad,W148LZ.Formoreinformation,gotowww.rbkc.gov.uk/leightonhousemuseum

The staircase hall

Millais’ Shelling Peasin the Silk Room

PICTURE CREDITS: ©JUSTINBARTON©ROYALBOROUGHOFKENSINGTON&CHELSEA



he history of the Royal Borough dates as far back as the Anglo-Saxon period, split for at least a millennium into two halves; Kensington and Chelsea. It was only in 1965 that the two boroughs fi nally became united, each with very rich and

unique histories. The borough has seen many notable fi gures come and go; Chelsea was home to Sir Thomas Moore and Henry VIII also took a fancy to the area, building a manor house for Katherine Parr, now the site of Cheyne Walk. Great houses and palaces have been erected in the borough, with Sir Walter Cope’s Campden House and Cope Castle, and William III was the fi rst royal to move to the area in 1689, when he settled into Kensington Palace. Queen Victoria was born in the palace and lived there until her accession to the throne in 1837. In the nineteenth century, Earls Court became a cowboy’s haven, with annual exhibitions and ‘spectaculars’ such as Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Other pioneering entertainment venues include the Royal Court Theatre, earning a reputation as a showcase for new playwrights, including Harold Pinter and Samuel Beckett. The Electric Cinema in Portobello

Road was the fi rst purpose-built cinema when it opened in 1910, which has recently been restored to its former glory. Despite the ravages of time, wars and often brutal post-war redevelopment schemes, Kensington and Chelsea still retain their unique characters. Today conservation is key; every corner of the borough is littered with signs of history, from listed buildings, blue plaques and museums, each meticulously cared for to preserve thousands of years of history. Along the way it has been home to royalty and pig farmers, cowboys and artists, entrepreneurs and soldiers. Only time will tell what will become of it in the future, but for now, here are a few snippets of Kensington and Chelsea that you might not have come across yet – certainly worth an afternoon walk anyway.

A brief history of the borough...

T

Campden House

We all know that the Kensington and Chelsea borough has plenty to offer – why would so many tourists come here if not? But what if you don’t want to join the

crowds in your own town? Here’s Vine’s secret guide to the area, just for locals

WORDS

CHARLOTTE LUXFORD

opened in 1910, which has recently been restored



There are many great parks in London, but Holland Park is great for those looking for

something a little quieter and unique. The well-kept park used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean mansion hidden in the depths of the woods, built by Sir Walter Cope in the

early 17th century. Cope was the Chancellor of the Exchequer during King James I’s reign, but the building was later renamed Holland House

after the Earl of Holland’s wife, Lady Rich, inherited the property. The house was badly

damaged in the Second World War, but one wing was saved and now stands as an attractive

youth hostel. The front terrace is now an impressive setting for many open-air theatre productions

and classical concerts in summer. Within the park

is the stunning Kyoto garden, usually adorned

with peacocks, built by an eminent Japanese garden

designer to celebrate the Japan Festival in

London in 1992. The park also contains the

original Ice House for the Holland Estate, which has

now been transformed into a contemporary exhibition space

used throughout spring to present small-scale works. www.rbkc.gov.uk

Ever wondered about the history behind the iconic Oxo cube or are you fascinated by those nostalgic adverts of the last century? The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising began with one boy who started with a packet of Munchies: Robert Opie, who is now a consumer historian. The menagerie of 12,000 original items comes together to reveal the history of consumer culture and what were popular items in the shopping basket in years gone by. With such a come back in retro posters and striking brand images, this museum tucked down a beautiful mews just off Portobello Road is worth the detour from the typical tourist attractions. Current exhibitions include ‘Political Mugs’ (literally mugs with politicians’ faces) and ‘The Art of Guinness’, celebrating 250 years of Guinness, from beer mats to TV commercials – both on until February 27. www.museumofbrands.com

Holland Park, Kyoto Gardens and the Ice House

youth hostel. The front terrace is now an impressive setting for many open-air theatre productions

now been transformed into a contemporary exhibition space

used throughout spring to present

The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising

SECRET KENSINGTON



1854-1900

OSCARWILDE

wit and dramatistlived here

Dame

1890-1976

AGATHACHRISTIE

Detective novelist and play wright

lived here 1934-1941

SIR

1874-1965

WINSTONCHURCHILL.K.G.

Prime Minister lived and died here

Alfred Joseph HitchcockADDRESS: 153 Cromwell Road, SW5This was the family’s home throughout Hitchcock’s English career. Designed by him and decorated by studio technicians, it became a second studio. He spent as much time here as on set during the making of a fi lm, believing a laid-back approach produced the most realistic scripts. Asked about working with Hitchcock most scriptwriters mention two things, his

dining room and his silk pyjamas.

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer ChurchillADDRESS: 28 Hyde Park Gate, SW7Moving to Hyde Park Gate in 1945, Churchill wrote his history The Second World War and lectured on the Communist threat. He was made Freeman of the Royal Borough

in 1949. He died at home in 1965, exactly 70 years after his father.

Hitchcock most scriptwriters mention two things, his dining room and his silk pyjamas.

Sir

1899-1980

ALFREDHITCHCOCK

Film Directorlived here1926-1939

Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa ChristieADDRESS: 58 Sheffi eld Terrace, W8Christie lived at 58 Sheffi eld Terrace, despite writing 48 in her autobiography; the error was spotted by English Heritage. She called 58 “a happy house” despite nearly being killed during an air raid. While here, she wrote many novels, including Murder on the Orient Express, The ABC Murders, Death on the Nile and Evil Under the Sun.

Oscar O’Flahertie Wills WildeADDRESS: 34 Tite Street, SW3

Tite Street became Wilde’s marital home in 1884 where his career took off and then came crashing down. Wilde was a familiar and popular fi gure in Chelsea: a regular at his mother’s soirees at Oakley Street, friend of Lillie Langtry and Ellen

Terry and verbal sparring partner of Whistler. Here he wrote his best works, including The Importance of Being Earnest.

There are plenty of good independent bookshops in the area, which are always good

for a potter. Speaking of which, Potterton Books London on Lower Sloane Street

(an area worth exploring anyway with the antique haven that is Pimlico Road around

the corner) is a specialist in arts and interiors books and also holds several art exhibitions

throughout the year. There’s also the beautifully designed Lutyens & Rubinstein Bookshop on Kensington Park Road for a great selection of general, new books

and Slightly Foxed on Gloucester Road is especially good for second-hand books. It is

also a showcase for the Slightly Foxed quarterly and its successful limited-edition pocket hardback series Slightly Foxed Editions. In

Notting Hill, Books for Cooks is the ultimate destination for the foodie and for a quick,

cheap read, head to The Book Exchange just off the Gate.

Read between the lines

1854-1900WILDE

1854-1900wit and wit and

dramatist

Oscar O’Flahertie Wills WildeOscar O’Flahertie Wills WildeOscar O’Flahertie Wills Wilde 34 Tite Street, SW3 34 Tite Street, SW3

Tite Street became Wilde’s marital home in 1884 where his career took off and then came crashing down. Wilde was a familiar and popular fi gure in Chelsea: a regular at his fi gure in Chelsea: a regular at his mother’s soirees at Oakley Street, mother’s soirees at Oakley Street, friend of Lillie Langtry and Ellen

Terry and verbal sparring partner of Whistler. Here he wrote his best works,

1854-1900

OSCARWILDE

1854-1900wit and wit and


onlinevine.co.uk February 2011 vine 35onlinevine.co.uk February 2011 vine 35

While stomping around all these great places in the borough you will need a little sustenance, so here’s a mini food and

drink guide to see you through the day:

wit and dramatistlived here

To keep you going throughout the day...

Lunch

There’s hundreds of great places, but off the beaten track you can fi nd The Admiral Codrington in Chelsea for some up-market pub grub or try 202 Westbourne Grove, Nicole Fahri’s café and restaurant, which has excellent food and always ice-cold wine.

Tea-timeThe Cadogan Hotel has launched the aptly-named “ARTea” in conjunction with The Kings Road Art Gallery. Sip afternoon tea in the wood-panelled drawing room and view an exclusive collection of the gallery’s paintings. The place has a long history with the bohemian community – ask what happened when Oscar Wilde came by.

Early-evening tipple Depending on where you are, two great pubs are The Windsor Castle with tiny doors and plenty of character on Campden Hill Road and the Scarsdale Tavern hidden down the beautifully tranquil Edwardes Square. If it’s wine you want, head to Kensington Wine Rooms and have a spot of tapas with a good glass or two.

DinnerFor something a little swish, Launceston Place is to die for and make sure you order the truffl e risotto if they have it on; Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental has the best burger in town if you’re willing to pay (try Lucky 7 on Westbourne Park Road if not). For something a little different, try Urban Turban for a grand Indian Feast; the quirky Tiroler Hut for bucksome Austrian waitresses and yodelling (Kate Moss loves it); El Gaucho in South Kensington for a traditional Argentine steak or Rodizio Rico on Westbourne Grove for a Brazilian meat fest.

After-party If you’ve still not had enough, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the cosmopolitan Beach Blanket Babylon (a bit of an institution) or try the sophisticated Firehouse opposite the V&A for something a little un-known. To escape the concrete jungle for a while, try Kensington Roof Gardens; a tropical paradise 100ft above Kensington High Street, with 1.5 acres of themed gardens, fi sh and fl amingos – it certainly makes for a unique evening!

While stomping around all these great places in the borough

To keep you going throughout the day...To keep you going throughout the day...

Up-market pub grub: The Admiral Codrington is the perfect place for a relaxed lunch

Full of character: Enjoy a drink or two at The Windsor Castle before dinner

Best burger in town: Visit Bar Boulud to see for yourself

Cheeky chocolate: Spoil yourself with churros and hot chocolate at Cafe Garcia

Busy brunch: Kensington Square Kitchen is a popular brunch hotspot

Tropical paradise: 1.5 acres of themed gardens 100ft above Kensington

Cheeky chocolate: Spoil Spoil Spoil

SECRET KENSINGTON

BreakfastHead to Ffi ona’s on Kensington Church Street; not for the faint-hearted, but damn good breakfasts in a quirky setting. The buttermilk pancakes are well-recommended or if you can manage it, Fi’s glorious “piggy pudding”. Kensington Square Kitchen is also delightful and does a fantastic range of brunches, but get there early.

Elevenses To escape the chaos of Portobello Road, head into Cafe Garcia for their fantastic, soupy hot chocolate and if you’re feeling a little cheeky, accompany it with churros. Pop to the delicatessen next door to recre-ate the experience at home.



While not necessarily a secret (it is situated in the heart of one of the largest parks in London) the Serpentine Gallery is small but hugely infl uential in the world of modern and contemporary art, with many free exhibitions around the year. You can still catch Philippe Parreno’s exhibition until February 13, with the outside sounds of Kensington Gardens played inside the gallery alongside visually striking images for the ultimate sensory experience. The work of American artist and activist Nancy Spero will also be shown from March 3 until May; the fi rst major presentation since her death in 2009. While there are many great independent galleries in the area, if it’s photography that you’re interested in, head down to the Michael Hoppen Gallery in Chelsea. As a photographer himself, Michael Hoppen has become a formidable presence in the international photography community and his gallery represents the very best of established and emerging photographers. Split over two fl oors, the contemporary gallery is showing the surreal and kitsch food photography of Japanese artist Yumiko Utsu until February 19 and in the fi rst fl oor gallery, the Diorama maps of 28-year-old rising star Sohei Nishino are being exhibited from February 24 until April. www.serpentinegallery.org www.michaelhoppengallery.com

The Serpentine and The Michael Hoppen Gallery

Straight to the art: (Clockwise from top) The Serpentine Gallery; ‘Squid mask’ by Yumiko Utsu on show at the Michael Hoppen Gallery; ‘Then There Will Be’ painting by Nancy Spero on show at The Serpentine

DID WE MISS SOMETHING?If you know of places that are off the radar but not to be missed, email [email protected] and we’ll print them in our next instalment of Secret Kensington

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Portfolio of Work

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