The London Magazine March 2024 - Sample Issue

Luxury lifestyle, prime property

THINK SPACE PERFECT EXTENSIONS

Luxury investments

Rankin

Flights of fancy

From art to rare books, where the smart money is going

The acclaimed photographer on life in ‘posh’ Hampstead

Anne Ashworth on London’s most dramatic staircases

MARCH 2024 £4.95

thelondonmagazine.co.uk

THE WISHLIST EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS Sofas & Stuff Fresh from opening its latest showroom on the King's Road, the family-owned furniture British bespoke furniture and fabric company Sofas & Stuff will be unveiling its latest collection, Threads of India, in partnership with the V&A museum.

Opens 1 March sofasandstuff.com

Collect Collect features pieces rich in narrative, made in the last five years by living artists and designers. This year's fair sees work from ceramicist father-daughter duo Chris Bramble and Freya Bramble-Carter, and Shona Heath, production designer of recently-released film Poor Things.

1-3 March somersethouse.org.uk

ART & DESIGN London Design Week The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour (DCCH) presents the unmissable London Design Week. Find a wealth of interior inspiration within 130 showrooms and talks at this event. A comprehensive source for trade and designers alike, the best place to be if you're planning to renovate or refresh your home this spring.

11-15 March dcch.co.uk/london-design-week

The Other Art Fair Presented by Saatchi Art, this fair returns to The Truman Brewery this month. Discover works from more than 150 emerging talents at the show that continues on its mission to reframe how art is enjoyed. Find a roster of immersive installations, above.

7-10 March theotherartfair.com

16 The London Magazine

Immerse yourself in seven decades of work from artist and activist Yoko Ono. This is the UK's largest exhibition to mark key moments throughout her career, across 200 works from music and film to photography, from the mid-1950s to now, pictured below.

On now tate.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHS: YOKO ONO, HALF-A-ROOM INSTALLATION FROM HALF – A WIND SHOW AT LISSON GALLERY LONDON, PHOTO BY CLAY PERRY ©YOKO ONO; OLIVER ROSSER; CLAUDE OKAMOTO

Yoko Ono: Music of The Mind

WHAT'S ON FOOD AND DRINK Crystelle Pereira The next instalment of Kanishka’s Sunday Supper Club series is hosted by Crystelle Pereira, a 2021 Great British Bake Off finalist, whose debut cookbook Flavour Kitchen was published in May last year.

Tickets are priced at £85 per person.

17 March kanishkarestaurant.co.uk

Barbican Grill

O N S TAG E An Enemy of the People Matt Smith (The Crown, Dr Who) stars as Dr Stockmann in Thomas Ostermeier’s bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s political drama. The thought-provoking production shines a light on truth in a society driven by power and money, above.

Book now anenemyofthepeople.co.uk

Opening Night Starring Sheridan Smith and Shira Haas, Opening Night is a new musical with book

by Ivo van Hove. Based on John Cassavetes’ legendary film, the play follows a theatre company’s preparations for a new play opening on Broadway. Behind the scenes, drama awaits as the leading lady (Smith), is faced with tragedy and personal turmoil.

Opening 6 March gielgudtheatre.co.uk

The Barbican's newly refurbished bar and restaurant offers delectable dishes and stellar views of the performing arts centre's sprawling waterfront. A fresh menu of burgers and plant-based delights offers up inventive culinary twists. barbicanbarandgrill.co.uk

Fantastic Five CKC 2020's MasterChef: The Professionals final four – Santosh Shah, Philli Armitage-Mattin, Bart Van der Lee and Alex Webb – will reunite for a two-day Fantastic Five Supper Club pop-up, held at Cinnamon Kitchen City on Devonshire Square.

1 & 2 March eventbrite.co.uk

Floris London Afternoon Tea Inspired by its Lily of the Valley Essence, Great Scotland Yard Hotel will team up with the heritage perfumer to create an afternoon tea. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer UK, below. hyatt.com L

LOOK AHEAD CLAP New to the Knightsbridge dining scene, the sensory Japanese dining experience is a stone’s throw from Harrods. The refurbished tube station unveils three levels of dining, including a rooftop offering panoramic views of London.

Menu highlights include Hokkaido scallops and pistachio-crusted baby chicken with yuzu daikon.

Open now claprestaurant.com JAMES BLUNT The You're Beautiful and 1973 hitmaker returns to the Royal Albert Hall's auditorium as part of his UK tour, where he'll be performing songs from his new album, Who We Used To Be, released in October last year.

9-10 April royalalberthall.com

Letters Live Bringing together world-class performers, previous Letters Live performers have included Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, and Jude Law. Raising funds for the Women’s Prize Trust, each performer is kept secret until they reach the stage.

6 March royalalberthall.com

Icons Orchestral: David Bowie For one night only, the Leo Green Orchestra will perform the music of icon David Bowie at the Palladium, hosted by Cerys Matthews. Working through the Starman’s eclectic back catalogue of hits, songs will include Life on Mars and Let’s Dance.

18 March lwtheatres.co.uk

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Inspired by Margery Williams' book of the same name, the Sadlers Wells production promises fun for all the family.

Where toys come to life, the acclaimed dance theatre tells the story of a stuffed rabbit and a grownup boy who wonder about the realities of getting older.

5-6 April sadlerswells.com

The London Magazine 17

INTERIORS

24 The London Magazine

INTERIORS

Thoughtful SPACE IN LONDON, SPACE IS A LUXURY, WHERE HOME EXTENSIONS AND CONVERSIONS NEED METICULOUS PLANNING. ALEXANDRA GOSS TALKS TO LEADING ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS ABOUT CREATING SPACES THAT CELEBRATE THE PAST AND ARE FIT FOR THE FUTURE

W

hen you share a city with around nine-million others, space becomes paramount. And so, for years Londoners have extended into lofts, side returns, basements and gardens in a bid to eke out as much

room as possible. But with today’s high building and borrowing costs, it’s no longer simply about quantity of space – it’s about quality.

“When space is limited an ‘extension’ is the wrong term. It’s important to consider it ‘expansion’,” says Richard Parr, founder of Richard Parr Associates (richardparr.com). He and his fellow architects are busy creating new ways with space – not merely carving out more of it, but making buildings that celebrate their history while being fit for the future, and designing homes that are better for both modern

PHOTOGRAPH: TARRY + PERRY

EPIC PROPORTIONS

Left: Extended and refurbished with arts & craft principles, geometric precision and a combination of reclaimed stone and blond timber, the Tile House, Kensington by Palladian London makes for the ultimate serene open-plan space

living and the planet. Let’s call it ‘the era of the thoughtful extension’.

“The secret to making a space that’s built to last is adaptability and keeping things simple, while anything new needs to take inspiration from the asset they’re being incorporated into,” says Rob Cox, design director at ADAM Architecture (adamarchitecture.com). “It’s like reading a book – each chapter needs to relate to the ones before or the story won’t make sense.”

These principles are exemplified in the Tile House, an early 20th century tile factory in Kensington that has been reimagined and extended into a modern home that meets the evolving

The London Magazine 25

INTERIORS

CLEAN LIVING

Clockwise from top left: This Canning Road project designed by Ripples London used soft peach tones and monochrome flourishes; this fantastical Studio Peake en suite dressing room Chelsea townhouse exudes playful luxury; Barlow & Barlow used Ca'Pietra's Bamboo porcelain mosaic tiles in Verdigris in this family bathroom

RETREAT TO THE EN SUITE Ripples London director Jo Sangster is noticing clients creating a ‘hotel-retreat atmosphere’, with more asking for en suites for every bedroom (ripplesbathrooms.com).

“Many clients are creating master suites, and we’re seeing layouts altered to accommodate a bigger bathroom space and dressing-room area,” she explains. Also noticing the move towards hotel-inspired bathrooms, James White,

wet room continues to be a key trend, notes James Sirett, Fired Earth head of product (firedearth.com). “Since space tends to be at a premium in London’s bathrooms, using tiles across walls and floors to create a seamless, flowing feel is an effective way to open up a compact bathroom,” he explains. “As well as creating the illusion of more space, wet-room tiling will give the scheme a beautifully pared-back and contemporary fi nish.”

Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms (westonebathrooms.com) agrees, recommending tiling the shower base for continuity, instead of a shower tray. “Also, try a floating basin vanity and wall-hung WC for more floor space. This makes cleaning hard-to-access areas easier,” she suggests.

WELCOMING GUEST BATHROOM For designer Molly Mahon (mollymahon.com), creating a warm atmosphere is the key to making

36 The London Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHS: RIPPLES LONDON; ALEXANDER JAMES; BARLOW & BARLOW

co-founder of MAWD (mawd.co), notes the renewed focus on using organic woods and textured marbles.

For city residents who are constantly on the move, the

VILL AGE LONDON

DULWICH

R

esidents of this rather enchanting corner of south-east London are known to put down roots for more than 20 years. “With its leafy streets, white-picket fences and exclusive

charm, Dulwich Village is in high demand for many reasons,” says Sylvia Jones, sales branch director at KFH Dulwich Village. “The area offers an incredible selection of world-class schools, excellent transport links to the City, an abundance of green spaces, and great independent shops, cafes, and boutiques.”

Dulwich has managed to

says Mel Carter, associate director of Hamptons Dulwich “There are large Georgian villas, Victorian terraces, mid-century townhouses and newly-built houses and developments. Periods can vary even in just one road, so there really is something for everyone.”

The property market tends to stay reasonably fi rm as there’s strong demand for

With its leafy streets, white-picket fences and exclusive charm, Dulwich Village is in high demand

properties across all price ranges, adds Carter. “Prices range from £500,000 to £10m, depending on size and condition. Flats fetch up to £1m for a Victorian conversion within the catchment area for

maintain its country-village feel – “something that you simply cannot fi nd anywhere else in London – and that’s why people here tend to stay in their

Set within the boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth, the village splits into the East Dulwich, West Dulwich

homes for 20-plus years,” says Jones. “It’s not unusual for clients to be searching for a couple of years before they fi nd their property.”

and Dulwich Village neighbourhoods, all of which have easy access to amenities such as the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich Park, Brockwell Park and lido, Crystal

Its eclectic mix of architecture is a particular draw,

Palace Park, Picturehouse cinema and Dulwich woods.

BEST FOR: OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS

54 The London Magazine

The Charter School.”

• AN ART SCENE • A VIBRANT COMMUNITY • GREEN SPACES

PHOTOGRAPHS: DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY; BERENICE GUZZO ILLUSTRATION: SARAH McMENEMY

A MERE FIVE MILES OUTSIDE THE CITY, THIS VILLAGE GEM HAS A SURPRISINGLY RURAL FEEL, WITH HISTORIC HOMES, ART FESTIVALS, AND OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS

VILLAGE LONDON

A day

I N D U LW I C H IN THE FRAME With a rich collection including Rembrandt and Canaletto, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is a must visit, left, and if you want to create a masterpiece of your own, why not join a class at the Dulwich Art School, below?

Ask a local 9A M Find your flow Start the day with a yoga class on Croxted Road’s Hotpod Yoga (hotpodyoga.com), as spring begins to bloom, find the class that’s right for you whether it’s nurturing, hotpod, or dynamic flow. You’ll need to book in advance to secure your spot.

11A M Cuppa culture Head to London Road for a trip to the inspiring Horniman Museum (horniman. ac.uk), named after social reformer Frederick

treats, in addition to being an event space.

Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, whether for a light lunch or fine dining in the evening.

3 PM Picture perfect A five-minute walk from Belair, designed, and built by Sir John Soane, Dulwich Picture Gallery (dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk) on Gallery Road has long been a landmark in the area. Initially built to house the collection of Soane’s friend, Swiss painter Sir Francis Bourgeois, RA, it’s home to one of finest collection of Old Masters in the world.

Horniman who ran his father’s tea business (Horniman’s Tea). Free to visit, discover global cultures in this dynamic space.

Highlights include the Horniman Spring Fair on the 30 March (ticketed) and the 茶, चाय, Tea (Chá, Chai, Tea) exhibition which explores how the essential drink is enjoyed worldwide and its history.

1PM Desi dining Built possibly by the architect himself (or in the style of Robert Adam), head to Belair House (belairhouse.co.uk) on Gallery Road.

The former residence is now home to the 1785 restaurant full of north Indian culinary

5 PM Artist in the making Made a resolution to start or refresh a hobby? Dulwich Art School’s classes (dulwichartgroup.co.uk) on Champion Hill, are tailored to those who have busy schedules, as well as sketchers with more time on their hands. Supplied with easels, charcoal and pencils, you just need to bring yourself.

Find classes on the website to start.

J E N N Y S C O T T,

Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery

“Wandering through Dulwich Village is an experience in itself – a picturesque neighbourhood. Quiche at Romeo Jones is a must, followed by a browse in Village Books and sampling the latest varieties at Heritage Cheese. In West Dulwich don’t miss Alleyn Park Garden Centre, and the Rosendale pub is a cosy gem. In East Dulwich, Lordship Lane is a hive of activity. My favourite treat is ice cream from Oddono’s. There are lots of green spaces to enjoy, from Sydenham Hill Wood to Dulwich Park, across the road from Dulwich Picture Gallery, with its array of creative activities.” dulwichpicture gallery.org.uk

The London Magazine 55

LONDON LIFE

ANNE ASHWORTH While elevators appear to be on the rise in London, Heal’s striking new addition gives us reason to celebrate the city’s centuries of staircases

Staircases on my list include the Monument in the City, where you ascend 311 steps to 360-degree stupendous views views, and the Tulip Stairs at the Queen’s House in Greenwich, which re-opens this month. Architect Inigo Jones, who completed the Queen’s House in 1630, based the stairs’ design on the works of the Italian master Andrea Palladio. It was England’s first self-supporting, cantilevered staircase, combining classical symmetry and 17th century ingenuity.

Somerset House in the Strand is the site of several staircases that delight the eye.

The Nelson stairs, named for the naval hero, rise five storeys between the rooms in Somerset House’s south wing that once served as government offices.

The elegant Stamp stairs in the Courtauld gallery, which is housed in the north wing of this great neoclassical complex, take you on a journey into rooms filled with the leading Impressionist works. In the west wing, there’s also a 21st century staircase, the ethereal steel-mesh Miles stairs, a vision engineered

by Eve Jiřičná, the Czech architect.

I’ll also be revisiting the King’s Staircase in Kensington Palace, which ascends to the King’s apartments, putting on a show along the way. Between 1725 and 1727, painter and architect William Kent decorated the walls around the staircase with portraits of the many personalities at the court of George I. Kent incorporated a trompe-l’oeil balcony –

take a look at, as many of London’s notable flights as I can – the famous and the obscure.

I plan to be ogling the grand staircase at

which makes you think that these figures are leaning forward to watch your progress up the steps. Kent added his own portrait as a

the OWO hotel, restaurant and apartment building in Whitehall, a piece of fabulous Edwardian bling constructed of Derbyshire

form of signature on his endeavour.

Over the centuries, architects have given London many memorable staircases. But they now seem determined to conceal the stairs in

alabaster and Italian marble. I’m also likely to be revelling in the gothic Victorian glamour of the three-tier staircase at the

apartment blocks and office buildings. It can be impossible to go up a flight or two. In fact, asking to do so can raise suspicions you’re a

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, the backdrop for the Spice Girls’ Wannabe video and many, many Instagram posts.

corporate spy, rather than there for a meeting.

Somehow the lift has become obligatory, leading to accusations that the architectural and developer trades have a role in the spread

For a different experience, I may walk down the probably-15th century Wapping Old Stairs at the end of a passage off Wapping

of obesity. Going up and down stairs are great ways to strengthen the core and stay trim.

High Street. These descend to the river and have a past with some gruesome elements.

The other historical staircases on my list include the Monument in the City, where you ascend 311 steps to stupendous 360-degree

60 The London Magazine

Being whisked to the top of a tower in the city via a superfast lift is exhilarating. But, FLIGHT OF FANCY This Cecil Brewer spiral has captivated the capital for more than a century

otherwise, this year and next, you’ll catch me on the stairs. L

PHOTOGRAPH: ALAMY/ROBERTO LA ROSA

T

he high-speed lift is a technological feat. But a statement staircase will always have a much larger wow quotient. You can project presence when exiting an elevator, but nothing equals sweeping down a staircase with stylish intent.

London has scores of extraordinarily beautiful examples of staircases from every architectural era in public buildings and private properties, and yet another has just joined their number. The centrepiece of the new extension at the Heal’s store in Tottenham Court Road is a striking steel and timber staircase created by furniture designer Matthew Hilton. Heal’s is already celebrated for its staircases, including a Cecil Brewer stunner which dates back to 1916.

The furniture store’s decision to focus on staircases has inspired a new theme for trips around our city this year. I hope to climb, or