Life Magazines (London North editions) August 2023

FOCUS ON: EYELID SURGERY

Crows feet, excess skin, wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes are all signs of ageing. The delicate skin around the eyes is thin and with age loses elasticity as the supportive structures weaken. Age, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, dehydration and sun exposure can all contribute to the appearance of the eye area.

Blepharoplasty (upper and/or lower eyelid surgery) aims to create a more alert and refreshed appearance, whilst correcting any asymmetry. This is done through tightening the supportive structures and removing loose skin or bulging fat around the eyes.

Who is it for?

Most commonly surgery is appropriate for people over the age of 40. Before this, injections may play a role in prevention and treatment. Genetics can play a part in drooping eyelids and eye bags, in which case, patients may seek surgical intervention earlier.

Why get surgery?

Surgery provides a longer term solution. Often patients have trialled many different creams and other treatments and are ready for something that will fix the issue fully.

What are the types of surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery removes any folds and/or fat that has collected in the upper eyelid. The role of the eyebrow is important to take into consideration with upper eyelid surgery as it can fall with age and cause the eyelid to fold. Lower eyelid surgery improves the folds of lower eyelid skin and/or the fat that is pushing into the lower eyelid, causing a bulge. These types of surgery can be combined if necessary.

Chris Abela is an experienced reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. He prides himself on providing each individual with a professional, bespoke and compassionate approach with a gentle bedside manner and discretion at the heart of every consultation. He has clinics at 84 Harley Street, 102 Sydney Street, Chelsea and at Wimbledon Parkside.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris at info@chrisabela.co.uk or on 0203 545 2990

A SUPERIOR CLASS OF WIFI

Every aspect of Orbi has been specifically designed to unleash unyielding power and performance for today’s most demanding and sophisticated smart homes. Delivering flawless WiFi coverage, advanced security, and unparalleled reliability. Don’t settle for anything less.

Our goal is to craft a timeless narrative that transcends fleeting trends and leaves a lasting legacy of beauty and comfort.”

Misha Andersen

By marrying clean lines, minimalist concepts, and state-of-the-art technology with classic motifs, ornate detailing and luxurious materials, the design firm creates spaces that exude both modernity and sophistication. In the heart of our design philosophy lies a delicate balance between contemporary minimalism and opulent detailing.

Versatility is another hallmark of Misha Andersen’s portfolio.

Whether it’s a sleek urban penthouse, a rustic countryside retreat, or a sprawling coastal villa, the team can transform any space into a captivating haven. Collaborating closely with clients, they delve deep into their desires and lifestyles, resulting in highly personalised interiors that resonate on a profound level.

The LIFE garden furniture collection is aimed at comfort, functionality and user-friendliness. In every season this outdoor furniture can serve as an addition to your homes interior, with its 100% weather proof materials

The Spin Garden Torch burns clean Biofuel and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, German design beautifully crafted, our number one seller!

Want to get in touch? We’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can reach us… GARDEN CHEFS Email: sales@gardenchefs.co.uk

Handpicked luxury outdoor living

Quan Garden Art is about being together, united around fire, having the time of our lives. The grills are beautifully designed, skillfully handcrafted and unbelieveably functional.

The Glowbus® Dewdrop is an eye-catcher in any garden thanks to its timeless design. The ideal blend between raw simplicity and pure outdoor luxury. Plus for every Dew drop sold 25 trees are planted.

Website: www.gardenchefs.co.uk

Tele: 01383 669 190 Option 4

For product information contact Matthew Bluck

BEAUTIFUL BRITISH HANDMADE HARDWOOD FURNITURE

Our exceptionally gifted master craftsmen create stunning pieces for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

Environmentally friendly with a 15 year Guarantee.

GRAND BESPOKE BENCHES

TABLES OF ALL DESIGNS

ARMCHAIRS

PICNIC TABLES

For more information and to view our full range, visit www.teakgardenfurniture.co.uk

Brought

by TEAK GARDEN FURNITURE, a family business since 1923.

We also manufacture a wide range of memorial benches in the finest timber – a wonderful way to commemorate the life of a loved one.

A timeless piece of furniture with the choice of engraved plaques or a personal message engraved into the rail itself. Words and phrases mean so much, so somewhere you can sit, reflect and remember is almost priceless.

All our products are made with passion and a real love of wood and respect for our Planet’s resources.

LIFE MAGAZINES

Rachel Usher Interior Design is an accomplished full service interior design practice, with a particular interest in creating exceptional and highly bespoke spaces for private residences across London and internationally.

In 1953, Christian Dior struck up a powerful, enduring relationship with Harrods. This story, which has continued to develop through outstanding collaborations, is enriched today by a new chapter.

The capital’s nightlife has been boosted by a new independent late-licence restaurant and bar in the heart of theatreland. Americana is the latest venture by veteran London club and bar supremo Stephen Less, who has launched almost 50 bars, clubs and restaurants over a 50-year career.

Japan House London, located at the heart of Kensington High Street, invites you to discover the vibrant world of Japanese graphic arts in a bold new free exhibition which bridges the worlds of fine art, commercial illustration, and counterculture.

The Longines Global Champions Tour of London is one of the most prestigious events on the global equestrian calendar. As the twelfth leg of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL seasons, the coveted event is held in the heart of the capital.

Faye Manning Editor

EDITOR FAYE MANNING

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER

SUB EDITOR NICHOLAS PETER

FASHION EDITOR LARA ACCISON

DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE

SOCIAL MEDIA PARKER JONES

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

VANESSA LANE, NICOLA DREW, LISA WESTERMAN ACCOUNTS TRACEY HALLS, ANDREE GEORGIOU DIRECTORS RORY SMITH, PATRICK SMITH

PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

0844 800 8439

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM @LIFEMAGAZINES

Exciting new additions to the spectacular Silverstone Festival 2023

For the first time ever, some incredible displays and demos by dragsters, drifters and hot rods will light up this summer’s Silverstone Festival (25-27 August). The magnificent new fiery additions will be revving up in the Yokohama Shift & Drift Zone located on a former section of Silverstone’s famous Grand Prix circuit close to the event’s main entrance. Here, they will be joined by record-breaking stunt driver, Terry Grant, and the Slowly Sideways rally car demos which nod to Silverstone’s history of hosting the stars of the World Rally Championship with Rally GB special stages back in the late eighties.

The introduction of flame-spitting dragsters is particularly pertinent as it further enhances the Festival’s special celebrations to mark the 75 years of epic motorsport history at Silverstone. Dragsters are very much part of that heritage as it was exactly 50 years ago in 1973 that the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) held its first international drag race at the Northamptonshire circuit on the then newly resurfaced Club Straight. Marking that milestone, a dozen dramatic dragsters will be firing up and performing twice daily burnouts in the Yokohama Shift & Drift Zone.

Notable attractions include a Pro Modified 1957 Ford Thunderbird with a whopping 3,500bhp under its hood and an astonishing 1965 VW cab pick-up. With standstill to 60mph in just a second and clocking 199.89mph in a quarter mile, it is the fastest split-screen machine in the world!

The line-up of 12 super-cool retro-styled Hot Rods is equally evocative. Most are powered by small block Chevy V8s and they will be ready to rumble for twice daily ‘cruises’. The rousing wheel-spinning drift demos, will come from the locally-based Helix Autosport, one of the country’s top entrants in the Drift Masters European Championship.

Providing exceptional value-for-money, entrance to the action-packed Yokohama Shift & Drift Zone is one of the many outstanding attractions included in the price of admission to the Festival. Tickets also offer access to Silverstone Museum, live music from chart-topping bands on all three evenings, a Fan Zone dedicated to an incredible display of current Formula 1 cars, funfair rides, a Foodie Fest with celebrity chefs, both race paddocks and the grandstands. Full details and tickets can be found at: silverstone.co.uk/events/silverstone-festival Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 8TN

“Notable attractions include a Pro Modified 1957 Ford Thunderbird with a whopping 3,500bhp under its hood and an astonishing 1965 VW cab pick-up”

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL’S 21ST EDITION

16-24 September 2023

With a vibrant and thoughtprovoking programme of events, exhibitions, and installations, the Festival will once again provide a vital platform for designers and creative businesses to showcase their work. This year’s edition will continue to foster growth and excellence in the sector, building on a two-decade-long legacy and commitment to promoting and supporting the UK’s design community.

The Festival’s programme also encourages the next generation to pursue a creative career. Young and emerging talent are a vital part of the creative ecosystem and key to maximising the economic potential of the sector. The Festival is proud to announce the Mayor of London and Bloomberg Philanthropies as Principal Supporters for 2023, providing an unrivalled platform that showcases designers to domestic and international audiences.

The 2023 Festival programme will take over the city presenting groundbreaking ideas and creative concepts that underscore the vital role of design. The programme will feature major installations, museum exhibits, Design Districts

that highlight creative clusters across London, Design Fairs and the Global Design Forum, a thought leadership programme that brings together creative leaders to explore and propose solutions for pressing global issues.

LANDMARK PROJECTS INCLUDE:

2023 marks the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death. London Design Festival supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies takes the opportunity to delve into the legacy of the extraordinary architect and polymath through a modern lens.

At St Paul’s Cathedral, London Design Festival in association with Artichoke will present Aura, a live installation by Spanish artist Pablo Valbuena. The installation approaches what a temple means in today’s world and examines the potential of time, sound and light to create contemporary rituals, transforming the sounds present in the cathedral into a pulsating line of light projected at an architectural scale.

Studio Waldemeyer will present Halo a transcendent light installation within St. Stephen Walbrook Church. The conical pendulum traces a celestial path around Henry Moore’s famed altar, evoking planetary motions and creating an ethereal Halo. . It is a captivating journey into the

Aura, by Spanish artist Pablo Valbuena

Halo presented by Studio Waldemeyer

Morag Myerscough will be partnering with MINI

Maya by Poulomi Basu & CJ Clarke at V&A

past and an evocative exploration of the celestial, encouraging the modern viewer to find spiritual resonance within the timeless and the ethereal.

Festival Commission

Simone Brewster in collaboration with Amorim will present Spirit of Place on The Strand, an installation of 5 large scale sculptural vessels, ranging up to 2.5m, and represent Amorim’s cork forest at Herdade de Rio Frio, Portugal. The future of the forest is secured by four key traits: drought resistance, fungal resistance, upright expression, and fast voluminous growth. These four characteristics act as the foundation for the visual language of the piece, with Brewster translating each factor into a visual equivalent that can then be experienced and enjoyed in the centre of London.

Special Projects

Inspired by powerful Buddhist principles, the Rubin Museum’s Mandala Lab in Canary Wharf is an interactive space designed to explore challenging emotions and consider how to transform them into wisdom. The freestanding structure contains a metaphoric floorplan for our emotional well-being, featuring five thoughtprovoking, playful experiences that guide you along an inner journey focused on self-awareness and awareness of others.

Multi award-winning artist Morag Myerscough has partnered with LDF automotive partner MINI to unveil an immersive installation at Shoreditch Electric Light Station. This vibrant journey into the future teases the brand’s exciting vision, where tradition and technology collide, to create greener and more abundant urban environments.

Ldf At The V&A Museum

See iconic spaces within the V&A Museum transformed by an extraordinary collection of specially commissioned installations by international contemporary designers during London Design Festival. This year’s projects explore the global power of design to bind communities, reveal untold stories and rethink our relationship with materials. These include: a Hana Mikoshi or ‘flower shrine’. Inspired by the ‘Mino Matsuri festival’, a sculptural seating installation decorated with 50,000 sakura-inspired washi paper flowers handcrafted by craftspeople in Japan. The

THE DETAILS

For the full programme, visit londondesignfestival.com

Instagram: L_D_F_official Facebook: LondonDesignFestival Twitter: L_D_F YouTube: youtube.com/ @LondonDesignFestival

Design Districts

From North to South, East to West, the Design Districts are a key component of the Festival. Each District has its own unique personality that reflects the local community and enables visitors to explore events a short walking distance from each other. There will be 13 Design Districts this year: Bankside, Brompton, Greenwich Peninsula, Islington, Kings Cross, Mayfair, Park Royal, Shoreditch and Southwark. And new for 2023: Dalston, Battersea, Chelsea and Fitzrovia.

London Design Festival has earned the reputation as a key calendar moment of London’s autumn creative season, alongside London Fashion Week, Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival, attracting the greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to the capital, in a citywide celebration.

flowers will be applied to the structure by visitors to the V&A throughout the summer.

Hana Mikoshi at V&A

Smile Plastics, Classics Collection Profile ShapesMaterial Matters 2023

THE ICECREAM PROJECT – THE SEQUEL

By Anya Hindmarch. Until 27th August 2023

With sleek silver freezers packed full of ice cream pots, the Ice Cream Project in Chelsea is a minimalist temple to the joy of ice cream and sorbet, with a twist – the household names inspiring their ice creams are typically found in the pantry rather than the freezer. All hand made in small batches in Devon, each original recipe is created with the very best ingredients. Each flavour is available by the scoop or in 500ml tubs to take away.

This summer’s line-up brings more delights to tease and tickle your tastebuds!

THE FLAVOUR LINE-UP

Ambrosia Rice Pudding: Creamy and delicious, laced with the original Devon rice pudding

Birds Eye Petits Pois: Smooth and refreshing with the natural sweetness of specially selected peas

Blue Dragon Original Sweet Chilli: Rich, creamy vanilla with the sticky sweet tang of chilli and a touch of heat

Branston: Mellow cheddar cheese with the ‘chunky, crunchy bite’ of Branston

Heinz Tomato Ketchup: The unmistakable taste of sun-ripened tomatoes with the perfect combination of sweet, salty and tangy flavours

Kellogg’s Coco Pops: Milk chocolate with the crunch of chocolate flavoured toasted rice

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies: Rich creamy milk with toasted rice

Kikkoman Soy Sauce: Toasted sesame laced with umami-rich naturally brewed soy sauce

Kp Original Salted Peanuts: The great taste and crunch of KP salted peanuts with the rich, roasted flavour of peanut butter

Maldon Salt: Rich dark chocolate elevated with Maldon sea salt flakes and dark chocolate shavings

Mcvitie’s Digestives: Blended with the ‘classic sweet and salty crunch’ of the original digestive biscuit

Tiptree Lemon Curd: Deep and creamy with the distinctive sweet and tart zing of finest Sicilian lemon curd

Ribena: The unmistakably delicious taste of juicy blackcurrants, bursting with berryness

Warburtons Crumpets: Packed full with melt-inyour-mouth toasted crumpet and notes of butter Get set to try the new flavours in any combination you dare!

THE DETAILS

For more details visit anyahindmarch.com/pages/theice-cream-project

The Icecream Project, 11 Pont Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 9EJ

Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 12pm – 5pm

Please be prepared for queues at peak times

London’s Free

‘Summer By The River’ Festival

Until 1 September 2023

Regarded as London’s largest free outdoor festival, Summer By the River has taken the city by storm, captivating audiences with its array of exhilarating events. Ditch the hustle and bustle of the capital, with bliss just a deep breath away. Lose yourself in new experiences, reconnect with old friends and feed your curiosity or your appetite.

Running until 1st September, this year’s festival brings riverside retreat vibes to the banks of the Thames over three locations – The Scoop, Hay’s Galleria and The Pier.

Live at The Scoop: offers a vibrant mix of music, film, theatre and pop-up events all summer long. From family favourites to this year’s box office hits, bringing the best of the silver screen to The Scoop every Tuesday evening. Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis, Matilda and more will have you gasping, laughing and singing along while the sun sets over the Thames.

Fresh Summer Sounds: Thursday night is new music night at The Scoop, showcasing the hottest up-and-coming talent, including blistering lineups presented by Jess Iszatt from BBC Music Introducing in London.

Refresh and Unwind. Take time out for a little R&R at one of the pop-up bars this summer. Overlooking the Thames with stunning views of the City, the Riverside Terrace and Riverside

Pavilion are serving up the hottest food and drink in town. Foodies have a chance to tingle those taste buds with the newest sensations to hit the capital.

Morph’s Epic Art Adventure: For the kids amongst us, embark on a one-of-a-kind and complimentary public art trail showcasing 56 magnificent giant Morph sculptures placed strategically at renowned locations.

Whether you’re catching up with friends, planning the perfect date or just looking for somewhere to sit and watch the world roll by, their bars with live DJ sets offer the ideal backdrop for your summer. Prepare to eat, drink and enjoy this free timeless pop-up festival nestled next to London’s iconic Tower Bridge, looking across to the Tower Of London.

Summer By The River is the perfect setting to take in London’s iconic skyline. londonbridgecity.co.uk/events

“Live at The Scoop: offers a vibrant mix of music, film, theatre and pop-up events”

DIOR AUTUMN-WINTER 2023/2024

COLLECTION

Exclusive New Pop-up Stores at

HARRODS

From 4 - 27 August 2023

“In honour of the friendship forged with London’s epicentre of British elegance nearly seventy years ago, Dior is inaugurating a series of pop-up boutiques within the iconic department store.”

Monsieur Dior in the 1950s. Exalting the sacred ties that unite Dior and the French capital, the streets and monuments of the City of Light are traced on the floor and walls in a subtle interplay of shading and perspectives.

The emblematic Parisian locations – from Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, where the foundingcouturier spotted his lucky star, to 30 Avenue Montaigne, the House’s iconic address – also magnify the baroque Edwardian architecture of the facade: a large central panel is featured on the building and the windows display shelves filled with a multitude of books. A set of models are enhanced by the sketches that are veritable celebrations of poetic strolls. While trench coats are revisited, the home wear of the Dior Chez Moi capsule promises refined comfort.

In 1953, Christian Dior struck up a powerful, enduring relationship with Harrods. This story, which has continued to develop through outstanding collaborations, is enriched today by a new chapter.

In honour of the friendship forged with London’s epicentre of British elegance nearly seventy years ago, Dior is inaugurating a series of pop-up boutiques within the iconic department store. These disclose the Dior autumn-winter 2023-2024 Ready-to-Wear Collection thought up by Maria Grazia Chiuri.

Three exceptional spaces present the House’s different realms - from shoes to accessories, praising the strength, fragility and beauty of a femininity in perpetual motion. The first recreates the warm cocoon of a library dressed in the Plan de Paris motif inspired by a scarf designed by

The second, an ephemeral gift shop, invites shoppers to find the perfect present for their loved ones. Within this prestigious setting are items distinguished by floral details, such as the D-Bobby bob, silk twill shirts, Mitzah scarves and the Dior Book Tote with its delicate embroidery. A tribute to the art of giving that is so dear to Dior.

The final step is an enchanting cabinet of curiosities in which visitors can discover irresistible leather goods, glowing with chromatic nuances. Reflecting the virtuoso skills of the Ateliers, variations of the Lady Dior and Lady D-Joy appear in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours.

A marvellous event combining the bold innovation and classic heritage of the two Houses, linked more than ever by a quest for excellence in the name of dreams and magic.

dior.com harrods.com

GOODING & COMPANY’S LONDON AUCTION

1 September 2023

Historic English Sports Cars, Including a Pair of the Earliest Production Jaguar E-Types, Announced for Gooding & Company’s London Auction

The forthcoming London Auction will feature the 1953 Ferrari 166 MM/53 Spider (Estimate: £2,500,000 – £3,000,000), the 1955 Fiat 8V Berlinetta (Estimate: £1,500,000 – £2,000,000), the 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa (Estimate: £1,200,000 – £1,500,000), and a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible (Estimate: £1,000,000 – £1,300,000). We also have a gorgeous, desirable disc-brake, iron-block 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Estimate: £1,300,000 – £1,500,000) on offer

International auction house Gooding & Company is pleased to host its third auction event in the UK as the official auction partner of the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace.

On Friday, 1 September, the firm will conduct its London Auction, once again presenting some

of the finest vehicles to cross the block in the UK. “The auction house also announced star cars consisting of incredibly significant, historic English sports cars: a pair of highly sought-after, early-production Jaguar E-Types, a unique Aston Martin, and an extremely rare Bentley Eight Litre. These examples are all representative of groundbreaking automotive designs, particularly the Jaguar E-Type, which is one of the few models to ever go on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City for its unparalleled innovation and influence.

Gooding & Company is celebrated for its world-class automotive auctions, private brokerage, and unparalleled service in the international collector car market, achieving over $2.6 billion in sales since the company’s inception. The auction house continues to deliver market-leading results through both its live auctions and Geared Online platform, setting new trends and world records with best-of-category cars across numerous verticals. Gooding & Company consistently presents the highest quality consignments while operating with openness and integrity, providing the company a reputation of trust and respect unmatched in the industry. Offering a wide range of services including private and estate sales, appraisals and collection management, the auction house is ready to assist you with numerous collector car services.

THE DETAILS

London Auction Date: Friday, 1 September

Location:

Hampton Court Palace

Viewing Days: Thursday-Friday, 31 August – 1 September

Concours of Elegance

Ticketing Information: concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets/ Bidder Registration: goodingco.com/register

Live Auction Broadcast: goodingco.com

Facebook: facebook.com/

GoodingandCompany

Twitter: @goodingandco

#LondonAuction

#GoodingLondon

Instagram: @goodingandcompany

#LondonAuction

#GoodingLondon

YouTube: youtube.com/user/ GoodingandCompany

Phone: +1.310.899.1960

All images copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company.

Photos by Mathieu Heurtault

Sotheby’s Presents

Freddie Mercury’s Never-Seen-Before Private Collection

Exhibition on View Throughout August Ahead of Six Auctions in September

“I love going to auctions and buying antiques...the one thing I would really miss if I left Britain would be Sotheby’s” – Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury’s dazzling creativity would catapult him beyond the realms of a musician or performer; he was one of those rare stars who is nothing less than a global cultural phenomenon. Every inch of Sotheby’s 16,000 square foot gallery space will be dedicated to celebrating Mercury’s rich and multi-faceted life and passions, culminating in six dedicated sales in September, each one devoted to a different aspect of his life, both public and private.

The exhibition opened on 4th August and will close on what would have been his 77th birthday, 5 September. The highly anticipated auctions will feature stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, fine and decorative arts, Japanese art, precious objects & a trove of personal items.

Three online auctions will run alongside, presenting an eclectic array of the curious and everyday objects that made Mercury smile. The

exhibition will be accompanied by the release of a limited-edition Collection Book, a commemorative volume bringing to life the story of Freddie Mercury and the objects which surrounded him.

The six dedicated auctions will be led by a live Evening Sale on 6 September, in which a representative cross-section of the most significant items in the collection will be offered. On 7 and 8 September, two further live auctions will follow: the first dedicated to Mercury “On Stage”, the second dedicated to his life “At Home”, and to the objects he loved and lived with at Garden Lodge in Kensington.

Yet, while Mercury captivated audiences across the globe, it was at his beloved home where he fashioned his own private world, assembling a collection that reflected and fired his expansive imagination. Mary Austin, one of Mercury’s closest and most trusted friends, has treasured and cared for his home, remaining almost entirely as Mercury left it.

Complete with the many works of art that spoke to him so deeply: from Victorian paintings and

“The most important thing…is to lead a fabulous life.”

– Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury and Elton John at Live Aid, 1985.

Credit Nils Jorgensen,

Richard Young, Shutterstock

Freddie Mercury, Queen in Concert,Wembley Stadium, 1986

Credit Richard Young Gallery

Freddie Mercury, Queen - Wembley Stadium 1986, Photograph by ©Denis O’Regan

Freddie Mercury with Mary Austin, 1986. C redit - Dave Hogan, Hulton Archive, Getty Images

striking works on paper by the greatest artists of the 20th century and other beautiful objects, the contents of Garden Lodge will be revealed to the public for the first time. All 1,500 or so lots will be displayed in a sequence of specially designed immersive galleries, all complemented by defining objects from his more public life.

Highlights of the auctions include:

Freddie Mercury’s crown and accompanying cloak, in fake fur, red velvet and rhinestones, thought to be loosely modelled on the coronation crown of the UK. Indelibly linked to Mercury, they were worn for the finale rendition of “God Save The Queen” during his last tour with Queen, which ended with their very last live show together at Knebworth in 1986. Estimate £60,000–£80,000.

1975 Martin D-35 Acoustic Guitar, in its original case, photographed in his dressing room at Garden Lodge. While best known as a pianist, Mercury was a proficient guitarist too. Estimate £30,000–£50,000.

Handwritten manuscript of working lyrics to ‘We Are The Champions’: Queen’s greatest anthem, written by Mercury and released on 7 October 1977. Estimate £200,000–£300,000.

Freddie Mercury’s favourite waistcoat, worn in his final video ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’, 1991. The silk panels of red, green and purple are each hand painted with one of Freddie’s cats, Delilah, Goliath, Oscar, Lily, Romeo and

Miko. Estimate £5,000–£7,000.

James Jacques Tissot, Type of Beauty (1880), the last work of art Mercury bought. Estimate £400,000–£600,000.

Freddie Mercury’s 1980s vintage bakelite cream rotary telephone, which he kept besides his bed. Estimate £2,000–£4,000.

Mary Austin will be donating a portion of the proceeds of the sale to both the Mercury Phoenix Trust and to the foundation of one of Freddie’s greatest friends, the Elton John Aids Foundation.

THE DETAILS

Please sign up at sothebys.com/freddiemercury for the latest information about the exhibition, sales and ordering the Collection Book.

The full auction catalogue will also be available to browse online ahead of the London exhibition opening.

11 contact sheets from Mick Rock’s photoshoot for Queen II, the band’s second studio album, released in 1974. Est. £5,000 - £7,000

Freddie Mercury’s Martin D35 Acoustic Guitar A rare imagine from Freddie’s private album, showing some pre-concert downtime

Freddie Mercury’s White ‘Mercury Wing’ Catsuit and Bolero, designed by Wendy DeSmet together with Mercury. Estimate £50,000-70,000

LONDON DESIGN FAIR 2023

21–24 September 2023, Truman Brewery, Shoreditch

London Design Fair makes its muchanticipated return to the international design calendar next month. The largest commercial exhibition during London Design Festival, London Design Fair, is the leading showcase of cutting-edge design, brands, international pavilions, and makers. The Fair is both a trade and consumer destination; allowing visitors to source the latest in contemporary design directly from worldwide designers and manufacturers.

Meet 200 exhibitors varying from new independent designers to established brands Discover and explore exciting design pieces including furniture, lighting, collectable design, textiles and bathrooms.

Be inspired by design experts in the LDN design Talks Theatre with workshops, designer talks, trend forecasts and more. Carefully curated to cover the biggest topics and trends impacting the design community, the programme will run across all four days of London Design Fair, offering a world-class platform for discussion with reflections from the perspective of established designers and rising stars alike.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of exquisite designs sourced from all corners of the globe with a curated collection of exclusive installations, collaborations, and standout pieces.

A new feature, ‘Homes with a Heart’, in collaboration with Blue Patch and curated

by Roddy Clarke, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore a home that exemplifies designs and products with deep-rooted meaning, stories, and dedication, providing an eye-opening experience.

Exciting pavilions will be a key destination for many visitors:

The Design Alumni Pavilion will showcase an exclusive selection of carefully picked recent graduates who have just begun their career within their chosen practice of design.

British Craft Pavilion will exhibit high-end crafts, exclusively designed and produced in Great Britain, showcasing products from a spectrum of disciplines, with a spotlight on the very best in collectable design.

The Swedish Design Pavilion returns to the London Design Fair for its 4th year, showcasing Swedish designers, studios and companies during the London Design Festival.

As part of the Festival programme, London Design Festival hosts major trade and consumer shows, formerly known as Design Destinations. These are the commercial pillars of the Festival and are key meeting places for designers, manufacturers, buyers, specifiers, the media and design enthusiasts to discover new product releases and identify current trends.

London Design Fair 2023 is sure to inspire! For more information visit londondesignfair.co.uk

“Be inspired by design experts in the LDN design Talks Theatre”

LUXURY SLEEPOVERS AT LONDON ZOO

Animal lovers can travel the world on staycation this summer, as London Zoo releases extra dates for its sell-out Lodges experience - a one-of-a-kind overnight stay in the heart of Regent’s Park where guests can sleep within roaring distance of the lions.

The conservation zoo has something for everyone, with tailor-made experiences ideal for families with children*, as well as separate adultonly overnight stays, giving grown-ups a chance to explore the iconic zoo without little ones in tow. Taking place Monday-Sunday in August, an overnight stay will treat wildlife fans to three exclusive after-hours tours taking in the incredible wildlife at London Zoo.

Checking into a private lodge, guests will head out on their first animal adventure - an exclusive tour of the zoo’s impressive Land of the Lions, and a chance to find out how Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya spend their time after the Zoo has closed to the public.

After trying their hand at zookeeping, creating enrichment activities for the animals, guests will enjoy a two-course dinner before being whisked off at sunset to meet some of the zoo’s nocturnal residents, for a behind-the-scenes peek into life at the zoo at night.

After sleeping within a whisker of the lions, visitors may find themselves awoken by roars - the zoo’s traditional alarm clock - signalling it’s time to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Before the world-famous

zoo opens for the day, an exclusive morning tour will reveal the many ways the conservation zoo is working to protect threatened species, both in the zoo and in the wild.

Guests can then spend the rest of their special day exploring the day-time festivities at London Zoo’s Big Summer of Fun or hop over to Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to see elephants, rhinos and more - as the experience includes two full days zoo entry and includes both ZSL zoos. Funds raised from the overnight stays support international conservation charity ZSL’s vital work for wildlife – in the UK and around the world. For an unforgettable experience, book your stay at the London Zoo Lodges online now at londonzoo.org.

*The lodges can accommodate ages 5-13 years-old on family nights

LONDON ZOO LODGES HAVE RELEASED ADDITIONAL DATES ON:

Adult only:

Monday 14 August

Monday 21 August

Sunday 10 September

Sunday 17 September

Sunday 24th September

Family Nights:

Wednesday 16 August

Wednesday 23 August

Thursday 24 August

New dates released for VIP summer lodges

GREENWICH + DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

25 August to 10 September 2023

Victoria Dock, is joined by fellow Dutch dance theatre company Vloeistof’s SLIDING SLOPE, an urgent response to climate change and rising water levels, taking place on the roof of a fullsized, submerged house. At Greenwich Peninsula, acclaimed French specialists in spectacle, Gratte Ciel present RoZéO, a poetic performance installation on top of ten-metre-high sway poles evoking the wonder of the natural world.

As part of the 17-day festival of free outdoor arts and theatre, a spectacular fusion of dance and architecture RESURGAM, will take place on the façade of the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral.

BANDALOOP, the Californian based company known for its innovation in vertical performance, has been granted rare access to St Paul’s to create a site-responsive piece, fusing intricate mid-air choreography with rock climbing techniques and original music. This event also celebrates the 300year anniversary of the cathedral’s architect Sir Christopher Wren who also designed both the Old Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory.

French high-wire walker Tatiana-Mosio Bongonga opens GDIF 2023 on Friday 25 August with OPEN LINES. a heart-stopping tight-rope walk above Woolwich. She will be supported by twelve people who will hold and help suspend the ropes on which this performance takes place in a breathtaking act of participation, enshrining this year’s theme of Acts of Hope.

In a weekend of events from international companies that respond to the climate crisis, CYGNUS, a water ballet performed by life-sized, multi-coloured animatronic swans on the Royal

The Architect, a life-affirming theatrical immersive experience in which audiences travel across South-East London on a double decker bus, is a co-production with Actors Touring Company, and concieved by it’s Artistic Director Matthew Xia, with writers Roy Williams and Mojisola Adebayo. The journey is infused with the experiences of Black Londoners across the three decades since the murder of Stephen Lawrence and is created with the support of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. Festival favorites Greenwich Fair, a family-friendly day of street theatre and circus, will transform Greenwich Town Centre and at Greenwich Park, leading disabled theatre maker Julie McNamara presents a specially commissioned immersive production. DANCING CITY, from 9 - 10 September is a weekend of outdoor contemporary dance across the public spaces of the Canary Wharf estate, which returns for 2023.

For the full programme, visit festival.org/GDIF2023 #GDIF2023 @GDIFestival

The Architect © Emilie Chen

©RoZéO Marti-Albesa

BANDALOOP

Ancient Futures ©Unlimited Theatre and Upswing

Americana London

The Flavour of the Deep South comes to the West End

The capital’s nightlife has been boosted by a new independent late-licence restaurant and bar in the heart of theatreland. Americana is the latest venture by veteran London club and bar supremo Stephen Less, who has launched almost 50 bars, clubs and restaurants over a 50-year career.

The stylish restaurant specializes in high quality delicious cuisine from the deep south of the US, and has received rave reviews since opening four months ago. “Prime locations on The Haymarket do not come up that often,” says Stephen. “It’s what the area needed, because we have a late licence for food and drink, it is great for theatregoers, actors and staff who often finish work and have nowhere to relax or socialise.”

Stephen applied his entertainment know-how to design Americana, which is close to The Theatre Royal Haymarket and His Majesty’s Theatre, home of the long-running Phantom of the Opera.

“It was ridiculous that the area didn’t have an exciting restaurant with a late licence for people coming out of theatres – they don’t want to rush into a place and only have 30 minutes before it closes,” adds Stephen. “We didn’t want another burger place or Italian restaurant and we thought the southern States cuisine angle was new and exciting. The Restaurant, Bar and Gallery Dining is also available for events, looks amazing and because we are established operators, we were able to get a late licence to serve food and drink until 3am. “

“The industry has been hit by the pandemic and the cost of living, so you have to be a cut above everything else to attract customers. Our reviews have been phenomenal, meaning a great boost to those who have worked tirelessly to make Americana so brilliant.”

The six-month fit out includes a mezzanine floor with gallery dining which is also available for private

events for up to 40 people, along with stylish dining and bar areas with innovative menus. “It is a massive commitment to open a new restaurant in the current climate but the capital and theatreland needs Americana,” says Stephen, who also co-founded The Directors’ Lounge, in Euston.

“We also want Americana to be a place for actors and theatre staff too. There are more than 1,000 working in the West End and they deserve somewhere good to go. We have spoken to those involved in Phantom and they said the area was crying out for something like this.”

Stephen adds: “It is a big challenge, but I love London, its leisure industry and I’m a creative person so I always have ideas. I’ve been in the business successfully for many years, so I have a good sense of what works but you must back that up with a lot of planning and hard work. I wake up every day to business challenges and headaches but I’m a problem solver and I still get a buzz from creating something and perfecting it.”

Stephen shows little sign of slowing down despite now being in his seventies, and he also has interests in property and IT recruitment in the City of London and New York. But nightlife remains an enduring business passion that was ignited when he opened his first club in the late 1970s.

“I’ve still got energy and enthusiasm for the industry and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved at Americana and what it is contributing to London’s nightlife,” Stephen adds. “I’ve got very loyal staff and we are like a family and that makes it easier and more rewarding as we can all share in the success.”

“Americana is continuing to grow and will become a London landmark. But I’m still not finished; I’ve still got ideas and plans so watch this space.”

SOMERSET HOUSE SUMMER IN THE COURTYARD

Open-air, affordable gatherings are at the heart of the capital this summer.

The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court sits at the heart of Somerset House and is one of the capital’s most beautiful and inclusive public spaces. An oasis from the bustle of the city, you are invited to make the space your own this August.

On weekdays, everyone is welcome to the courtyard, providing a space for families to enjoy the sunshine alongside their magnificent 55 fountains - which rise and splash in choreographed sequence, forming not only a delightful spectacle at the heart of the courtyard, but also a fun area for children to play, especially in the heat of summer. The fountains will be on from 10am –7pm on select dates throughout the month.

Award-winning dance company and Somerset House resident Shobana Jeyasingh Dance presents Counterpoint, a performance taking cues from the stunning neo-classical courtyard and the dynamic fountains – a dramatic, intense and water-inspired dance, performed by 22 powerful women. Set to a pulsating score by Cassiel, this performance will take you on a dramatic ten-minute journey of changing speeds, contrasting textures and shifting dynamics.

If you forget your picnic, don’t worry, there will be a range of delicious food to fill you up and drinks to cool you down. Enjoy pop-up street food in the courtyard including E8 fish, plus churros and soft serve ice cream, and a fully stocked bar to cater for all the family. Their on-site cafés will also be open throughout the month, offering light

bites, lunch and modern coffee.

With shaded seating and sun loungers, hang out by the fountains and enjoy a unique slice of London in summer.

At weekends, Somerset House presents live events and performances including UK-born dance/electronic artist Aluna presents Noir Fever, celebrating the Black and queer roots of dance music on Friday 18th August, tickets £15 and on Saturday 26th August, the cross-disciplinary artist, curator and poet, Inua Ellams, brings his Rhythm And Poetry Party to the courtyard for an afternoon of free hip-hop inspired poems and hip-hop music.

THE DETAILS

For more details and to book tickets, visit somersethouse.org.uk Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

Follow on

Inua Ellams Aluna Francis

Below: Shobana Jeyasingh Dance’s Counterpoint, photo Robert Piwko

‘THE BEST SHOW IN LONDON’

DOMINIC CAVENDISH, DAILY TELEGRAPH

DAILY TELEGRAPH, EVENING STANDARD, INDEPENDENT, FINANCIAL TIMES, METRO, TATLER

Photography by Dan Kennedy

WILTONS

Shuck me! Now is the time to book your place at Wiltons’ renowned Oyster Masterclasses! Starting on Friday 15th September at 5pm and taking place every month until April 2024 (except December), the 90-minute Masterclasses will be held by acclaimed Oyster Master, Tommaso Sicurro. Having started its beginnings as an Oyster Barrow in 1742 and receiving a Royal Warrant in 1836 for supplying oysters to Queen Victoria, there is no better place to learn more about the history, nutritional benefits, and proper way of serving the delicious molluscs than at Wiltons. For just £125 per person, guests can enjoy six oysters from the bar, six dressed oysters, one glass of Wiltons Champagne, and two glasses of delectable wine.

Beano marks 85th anniversary with star-studded special edition

Man actor Tom Holland, Manchester City player Phil Foden and Styles.

Beano artist Nigel Parkinson has drawn the celebrities assisting the Beanotown kids in stopping Mayor Brown from carving his own face into Mount Beano for the birthday celebrations.

The King can be seen wondering if he is the monarch in Beanotown, and the Queen informs him that children rule in the fictional town. The Prince and Princess of Wales also feature in the comic strip as well as singer Dua Lipa.

An eight-page pull-out, titled Beanow, has also been created from children’s comments and pictures summing up the highlights of being a child in the present day, including dancing, rapping and catapults.

By Paul Cargill

The world’s longest running comic, The Beano, is marking its 85th anniversary this week with guest appearances from top stars including Stormzy and Harry Styles.

The special commemorative issue, on sale from Wednesday, also features the King and Queen alongside other notable celebrities such as F1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton, former England footballer Jill Scott, singer Adele and broadcaster David Attenborough.

The guests were picked after 3,000 children aged seven to 14 were polled to work out which celebrities they would most like to see in cartoon form.

Footballer Marcus Rashford was voted the most inspirational celebrity, while children said their top pick for celebrities they would invite to their birthday party would be TV duo Ant & Dec.

The pair were also picked as the celebrities kids would most like to be best friends with, followed by Spider-

More than 4,100 issues of The Beano have been printed since its launch in 1938 with over 70,000 comic strips and 700 characters, including Dennis and Gnasher, the Bash Street Kids and Billy Whizz.

Mike Stirling, head of “mischief” at The Beano, said: “As Beano proudly celebrates its 85th anniversary, it continues to champion the power and joy of childhood by doing what it’s always done, showing kids being kids. “Here’s to the next 85 years, and we dedicate this birthday issue to every child out there, because being a kid never gets old.”

To ensure as many children as possible get the chance to enjoy the special edition, 2,023 issues will be given out to classrooms across the country through the Beano for Schools programme.

Special subscription prizes will also be made available across the birthday week. More details can be found at beano.com/birthday

“The King can be seen wondering if he is the monarch in Beanotown”

Making a Splash in Sandbanks

Introducing MOONRAKER De Antonio Yacht D42 - A 42ft luxury powerboat based in Sandbanks and the only one of its kind in UK.

Moonraker certainly is one of the most eyecatching boats not only in Poole Harbour but in the U.K. and is available for charter for the first time this Summer, exclusively through The Boat Club. If you want the wow factor, then look no further.

Designed and manufactured in Barcelona, Spain by De Antonio Yachts. The internationally renowned boat manufactures boast some of the most futuristic and progressive designs on the market, using the most advanced technologies in terms of their design, engineering, and construction. Over the last decade De Antonio Yachts features, and contemporary designs have caused a notorious impact in the boat industry, making them one of the leaders in the day boat market. Winning numerous design and manufacturing awards within the industry.

Moonraker is a superb day boat, ideal for entertaining up to 12 guests. Boasting an open plan layout and spectacular walk-around design.

MOONRAKER SPECIFICATION

Guests cruising accommodation: 12 guests & 2 crew.

The De Antonio D42 is a 12.10 meter open yacht with 2 guests cabins and a draft of 0.60 meters which can reach speeds of up to 49 Knots.

Summer Charter Rates

– From £3,600 p/day

Winter Charter Rates

– From £3,600 p/day Captain, crew, fuel and insurance included.

For further information and to fully discover the world of Moonraker Yacht charter contact The Boat Club. E:chris@theboatclub.com

T: 01202 724 912

W: theboatclub.com

The large sundecks,

and

layouts, allowing you to enjoy every inch of the boat. The sleek design features, exterior wet bar and retractable sun pad ensures major wow factor too.

Inspired by the James Bond film, Moonraker is more than just her namesake, she embodies the 007 lifestyle– stylish, sexy, cool, romantic and action packed. Your luxury charter with Moonraker can be whatever you want it to be. The boats open plan design suits cosy family days, exciting trips with friends, to memorable occasions with valued clients, whatever the occasion celebrate it in style and make amazing memories.

Moonraker is the ultimate in luxury, from the moment you step on board your dedicated and professional Captain and crew will be on hand to ensure the highest, most personalised and seamless service, that your time on board is safe, and your experience is everything you dreamed of and more. This one-of-a-kind experience is ready and waiting for you.

Proudly managed by The Boat Club, the private members powerboat and lifestyle club is based in Poole Harbour and is the exclusive distributer of De Antonio Yachts in the UK. The clubs specialist charter division will tailor your Moonraker charter experience to meet your requirements, working with you to create the ultimate day.

Enjoy all the unique and memorable benefits of a luxury day boat without ever needing to own your own one.

sunken bow lounge area,

the convertible centre seats zone offers 3 different

WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts

Japan House London, located at the heart of Kensington High Street, invites you to discover the vibrant world of Japanese graphic arts in a bold new free exhibition which bridges the worlds of fine art, commercial illustration, and counterculture.

WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts presents works by 60 of Japan’s most significant graphic artists, featuring pioneers such as Tanaami Keiichi and Yamaguchi Harumi alongside emerging artists being exhibited in the UK for the first time.

Together with well-known styles such as pop art and surrealism, the exhibition explores the concept of heta-uma, which translates as ‘bad, but good’, and refers to apparently unskilled art which is born from a strong artistic sense. Emerging in the 1970s and connected with the underground manga magazine GARO, heta-uma challenges conventional perspectives on beauty, skill, and ugliness.

Variety and anarchy are ever-present in the range of works featured in WAVE. Jenny kaori’s punky depictions of girlhood sit alongside Yukishita Mayu’s brooding, larger than life photorealist portraits, and husband-and-wife team tupera tupera’s delightful children’s book illustration.

Inspired by an annual exhibition in Tokyo of the

same name, WAVE has been described by artist and co-curator Takahashi Kintarō as ‘The present and the future of the creative essence of Japanese media art, unbound by genre or generation’. Presenting a ‘tasting menu’ of Japan’s best graphic art, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the diversity of Japanese illustration and graphic arts in one place outside Japan.

THE DETAILS

WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts runs until Sunday 22 October 2023 at Japan House London, 101 – 111 Kensington High Street. Admission is free, and guests are invited to book their visit online, or simply to drop in. A series of exhibitionrelated events such as short spotlight tours and workshops accompanies the exhibition, further details of which can be found on our website. japanhouselondon.uk

NOW OPEN FOR PRIVATE DINNERS AND LUNCHEONS

SUNDAY LUNCH

3 courses for 35.00 served 12pm – 2pm

LUNCH OFFER AT £22.50 for 2 courses served 12pm – 2pm

AFTERNOON TEA served 2pm – 4pm

TASTING MENUS available on request

Llyswen, Brecon, Powys, Wales LD3 0YP 01874 754525 Llangoedhall.co.uk

Glorious Golf & Gastronomy on Offer at BROCKET HALL

Aglorious day out on the golf course watching the future stars of ladies golf complemented by a delicious dining experience at the awardwinning Auberge du Lac is on offer at Brocket Hall in September when the Hertfordshire club hosts the Rose Ladies Open, hosted by golfing superstar Justin Rose and his wife, Kate.

Following the success of the inaugural

tournament last year, Brocket Hall will stage one of the foremost events on the Ladies European Tour Access Series from September 7 to 9. The tournament boasts the largest prize fund on the Access Series this year. What’s more, tickets are completely free, just register online at roseladiesopen.co.uk.

The field of 108 players will include defending champion, My Leander, as well as Tour rookie, Emily Price from England and Denmark’s Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen as well as local player, Sophia Fullbrook, the current Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Champion.

During the 54-hole strokeplay competition, played over the par-72 Melbourne Course, one of two championship courses at Brocket Hall, from Thursday, September 7 to Saturday, September 9, a range of hospitality offerings and public facilities will be open.

“Auberge’s head chef, John Barber sources the majority of his ingredients from the estate’s kitchen garden”

The tournament will be preceded by a Celebrity ProAm on Wednesday, September 6, which will give everyone a chance to spot a few stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment as well as the pros themselves.

After following the action out on the course, spectators can indulge in a luscious lunch prepared by the Auberge’s head chef, John Barber, who sources the majority of his ingredients from the estate’s kitchen garden and local suppliers to create a seasonal, modern British cuisine.

In addition to watching golf, there will be the opportunity to try out the game of golf thanks to The Golf Foundation who will be on hand for everyone to have a go at putting and hitting some balls. Children are more than welcome and the day is an excellent way of introducing them to the game and perhaps firing a lifelong interest in playing golf.

The Melbourne Course is one of England’s most picturesque championship courses with

its stunning views over the property’s glorious stately home and lake which is straddled by the magnificent Paine Bridge and its acres of rolling 18th century parkland.

There is no doubt that the demanding layout will provide the players with a testy challenge thanks to host of water hazards (it crosses the River Lea on no less than four occasions!), hanging fairway lies and sloping greens that will force the players to think about each and every shot.

Its memorable finish in front of the Hall itself after a short ferry ride to the 18th green will no doubt add drama to the action right down to the very last hole!

In addition to top level hospitality at the Auberge du Lac, Brocket Hall is offering hospitality packages from £66 per person as well as various other food options. The venue is easily accessible – and just 22 miles from the centre of London – and will provide free on-site parking.

THE DETAILS

For further details and registration for FREE tickets: roseladiesopen.co.uk, for Rose Ladies Open Hospitality Packages at the event, go to brocket-hall.co.uk/ the-melbourne-golf-club-at-brockethall/rose-ladies-open and to book the Auberge du Lac, call 01707 376700.

Kensington and Chelsea Festival Returns for a Third Year

Until Thursday 31 August 2023

Showcasing amazing performances and bringing people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired, Kensington and Chelsea Festival 2023 will once again bring a summer of creativity and culture to West London.

The festival will take place across the borough in a reimagining of its spaces. From the best-known cultural venues to the less discovered areas and outdoor spaces, Kensington and Chelsea Festival will make use of every inch of the borough to host a multitude of live art performances, from theatre, circus, opera, dance and music, to outdoor arts, family shows, participatory activities, talks, walks and public art pieces.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the festival’s extensive and free to attend outdoor arts programme, which has been carefully curated to be suitable for all ages. Highlights include, ‘Lungs of Our City’, an emotional and athletic dance performance featuring a striking 4m tall scaffold tree, ‘Forests’, which challenges forestry practices and timber over-consumption, and ‘Spurting Man’, a hilarious street theatre spectacle featuring the pompous Spurting Man performing a series of bizarre displays to Ravel’s Bolero as 200 litres of

water falls from his body.

One of the most exciting attractions to appear at the festival will be Mars: War & Peace, the touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars and will appear at several venues across the borough over the summer.

Elsewhere, The Chelsea Theatre will host 18 fringe shows over the summer on a “Pay What You Want” basis, with further shows to be hosted at festival partner venues, including ‘Twinkle’, an intimate portrait of a pantomime dame at the Drayton Arms Theatre, ‘The Wind and Rain’, a beautiful coming of age play at Finborough Theatre, and a night of classical piano with Yevgeny Sudbin at the Coronet Theatre.

The Kensington and Chelsea Festival will also partner with Opera Holland Park to bring an eclectic range of captivating performances, from ‘Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes’ to Giacomo Puccini’s ‘La Bohème’.

For the full programme, visit kcfestival.co.uk

Bullzini Family Circus

Mars Photo by Luke Jerram

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FOOD FESTIVAL

26 - 28 August 2023

Treat yourself to delicious food and drink with unforgettable entertainment, this August Bank Holiday.

The hugely popular Hampton Court Palace Food Festival will be returning this August Bank Holiday, giving visitors the opportunity to sample some delectable treats within the palace’s stunning formal gardens.

This year, the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival welcomes more producers and brands than ever before. The grand Tudor Palace will become home to a host of delicious food at

visitors’ fingertips, from tempting treats and devilishly, delicious street food, to authentic local fare and international cuisine alike.

Expect a unique Nordic food experience from Scandilicious’ Authentic Scandinavian food truck; plant-based and hand crafted, vegan cheeses from UKs first plant based cheesemongers La Fauxmagerie, award-winning tipples courtesy of Hampton Court Gin, drawing on the Palace’s 500 years of history – and so much more.

Visitors can immerse themseves in Bone Idyll’s Drinks Masterclasses where they can mix up delicious cocktails and learn how to taste hand crafted spirits and discover their new favourite!

See what Lexus has in store, as they support the Food Festival once again this year off the back of a collaboration with the UK’s first sake brewery, Kanpai London, in 2021. Stop by for a taste of the Basque Country for a mouth-watering slice of authentic, creamy cheesecake from La Maritxu, or transport your taste buds to a seaside oasis with freshly shucked Oysters from Rossmore Oysters. The bandstand will pump out toe-tapping tunes all weekend courtesy of fan-favourites the Polka Dots and the Estrellas. There will be fun

“The grand Tudor palace will become home to a host of delicious food at visitors’ fingertips, from tempting treats and devilishly, delicious street food, to authentic local fare and international cuisine alike”

for the kids too with face painting to transform them into a beautiful butterfly or their favourite superhero. Plus, hop on Shire horse carriage rides and experience a slice of royal life or fuel your families’ competitive spirit with a brilliant selection of vintage games before unwinding in the summer sunshine. They’ll take you on a trip down memory lane and provide plenty of amusement too!

Once appetites have been satisfied, visitors are invited to explore the hallways of Hampton Court Palace, the former home of one of history’s most notorious foodies, King Henry VIII! Here, visitors can walk through the Great Hall where the famous king once dined and entertained his guests, then pay a visit to his Kitchens to take in sights and smells transporting them right back to the 1500s. After wandering around the Palace, getting lost in hundreds of years of history, visitors can explore the magnificent grounds – including the world’s

oldest puzzle maze, the fun-filled Magic Garden, and the largest grape vine in the world!

Hampton Court Palace admission tickets include free entry to the Food Festival, while Historic Royal Palaces members can enjoy free entry across the sites throughout the year. Find out more and book now at hrpfestivals.com

“This year, the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival welcomes more producers and brands than ever before”

Casa de l’Oli

Add a taste of the Mediterranean to your dishes with our Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil, straight from our Catalonian olive grove. We also sell a range of Pure Fresh Ingredient Olive Oils – created not infused for maximum flavour and health benefits.

Balsamic Vinegars in a number of delicious varieties.

Pate d’Olives to enliven a simple snack.

Best-selling Stuffed Olives – described as ‘candy for grown-ups!’

Royal Park Picnics From The Athenaeum Hotel

The luxury al fresco experience in London this Summer

When the weather is warmer, there’s nothing better than spending time in our great British parks to enjoy a Picnic.

The five-star Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, in the heart of Mayfair, is offering the ultimate Summer al fresco experience, ‘Royal Park Picnics’. Situated directly opposite Royal Green Park and just a short walk away from Hyde Park, the Athenaeum is perfectly located for visitors looking to explore London’s gorgeous and most popular green spaces.

The hotel’s Royal Park Picnic offering provides a scrumptious picnic experience that is perfect for just about anybody – whether it be families, friends, couples, or solos. Grab a picnic basket, find a serene spot, and bask in the sun while enjoying the provided nibbles (and bubbles, if you wish!). Of course, if you need help carrying the basket or finding the perfect setting in the park, the hotel will be happy to assist you.

Picnic-goers can choose from a Lunch Picnic

or an Afternoon Tea Picnic – both of which can be elevated with ‘tipsy upgrades’ such as cider or Champagne. If opting for the Lunch Picnic, guests will enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury snacks including macaroons and strawberries as well as smoked mackerel rillettes and a nicoise salad. For those with a sweet tooth, the Afternoon Tea Picnic includes delicious treats such as cakes, pastries, and desserts – alongside classic finger sandwiches, of course.

Simply pre-order, collect your basket and blanket at the hotel, and find a sunny spot just across the road in Green Park for an al fresco treat.

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences’ Lunch and Afternoon Tea Picnics are available to pre-order at £45 per person, including a basket, until September. A minimum of 48 hours’ notice and a £25 deposit for the picnic basket and plates is required. For more information, please visit athenaeumhotel.com/restaurant-bar/picnics

The Athenaeum Hotel, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair W1J 7BJ

“Simply pre-order, collect your basket and blanket at the hotel, and find a sunny spot just across the road in Green Park for an al fresco treat”

RAF MUSEUM presents

Horrible Histories: Up in the Air Adventure

Until Sunday 3 September 2023

This summer, fasten your seatbelts as the RAF Museum presents Horrible Histories: Up in the Air Adventure. Get ready to experience the (sometimes gruesome) history of flight in their Horrible Hangar. Meet fearless and foolish flyers and solve the clues in this fully interactive experience for all the family.

Based on the children’s book ‘Horrible Histories Up in the Air’ by Terry Deary and Martin Brown, the RAF Museum will bring to life characters from the book and some of the truly brainless blunderers pursuing the desire to fly! Legendary aviation pioneers from throughout history will be on hand to steer you around six amazing zones for one fantastic adventure, including the Engineer’s Workshop; Barnstorming Braves; Creation Station; Meet the Inventor; Selfie Zone and Up in the Air Challenge.

Bespoke Horrible Histories activity packs and a free Twinkletoes Trail around the Museum are also on offer for visitors throughout the summer break. Not only did Twinkletoes the cat feature in the book, she’s the Transatlantic traveller and lucky charm of Arthur Whitten Brown who flew on

THE DETAILS

Book now for a great day out this summer, visit rafmuseum.org/ horriblehistories

Follow the RAF Museum on social media: Twitter@rafmuseum

Facebook@RAFMuseumLondon

Instagram@rafmuseum

Royal Air Force Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL

Open daily from 10am, Museum entry is free of charge.

the first ever non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. Twinkletoes is the purrfect character to guide you round the Museum.

The Horrible Histories: Up in the Air Adventure runs from Saturday 22 July until 3 September, with three 2-hours sessions daily. Advanced booking is strongly advised for this immersive experience. Tickets are £7.50 per person, or £25 for a 5 person group saver ticket.

Amy Johnson and Louis Blériot will be on hand to steer you around six amazing zones.

Victoria Potter VPA

In a world where we have everything we could possibly want at the literal touch of a button, is it surprising that we find ourselves busier than ever before?

We all know the feeling of having too much to do and not enough time. The feeling that you’re drowning under your ever-growing list of “to dos”. There may well be an easy solution, but you haven’t got the time to find it, never mind use it.

Time is the most precious commodity we have. When it’s spent, it’s gone forever. Yet we’re still far too careless with how we spend it.

So, the question becomes, what do you want to spend your time doing…and what do you not.

The emergence of Virtual Assistants (VAs) long pre-dates the Covid pandemic that (perhaps irrevocably) has changed how we live our lives.

A good VA will gift you back the time spent struggling with admin that gives you little joy, to spend doing more of what of you love and is important.

A great VA will make you feel like you’re their

only client.

Small businesses. Entrepreneurs. Corporate Tycoons. Full time carers and Parents. Everyone can benefit, however large or small your need.

You could delegate your work diary and inbox, have help with invoicing clients, assistance with managing & prioritising incoming business requests, project support, client management, making dinner reservations, help with organising personal appointments and other time-consuming tasks. However, you can also outsource all those longer-term promises that haunt the bottom of your do list, like finally organising your next holiday, booking a much needed spa day or tracking down that perfect gift.

Victoria Potter VPA was designed with you in mind. Someone incredibly capable, but who would benefit from outsourcing as much as possible, to free yourself to prioritise what you care about most.

With time being so precious, this is an investment you cannot afford not to make!

victoriapotter.co.uk

“Someone incredibly capable, but who would benefit from outsourcing as much as possible, to free yourself up to prioritise what you care about most”

RETREAT TO THE WILD

Live in the sunshine, swim in the ocean and drink in the wild air, all from your own private retreat. Introducing The Stables.

Waterside Holiday Group is celebrating 60 years of South Coast holiday parks, by launching a one of a kind luxury holiday home development in Weymouth.

Hidden away at Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa, in an exclusive gated development, The Stables offers a unique fusion of wilderness and luxury to holiday home owners.

Offering a selection of 31 luxury lodges, surrounded by unrivalled landscaping and coastal scenery.

The development is home to seven different specifications of lodges, each boasting a combination of modern luxury and stylish comfort.

Nestled between the rolling hills of the Dorset countryside and sitting just moments away from the ocean, The Stables is designed to bring you closer to nature as often as you need throughout the year.

This unique development has a variety of finance options available, guaranteed letting income for 2024 and site fees included in the price.* Holiday home ownership has never looked better.

We’d love for you to experience The Stables for yourself by visiting us for an Exclusive Viewing. You will get a chance to experience the owner lifestyle at Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa, as well as meet with our Ownership Team to receive a personalised tour of suitable holiday lodges. We are also hosting open days, with welcome fizz throughout August. It’s time to unlock coastal luxury and find your ideal home away from home.

THE DETAILS

Begin your holiday home ownership journey with Waterside Holiday Group today. Visit us at watersidesales.co.uk/ stables-openday or speak to us today on 01305 836 836.

*Prices correct at time of going to print. Full details can be found at watersidesales.co.uk/guaranteedlettings

WESTMINSTER SECURITY How to hire a Bodyguard

Hiring a bodyguard can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. However, it is easier than you might think, though caution is necessary to avoid rogue companies.

Westminster Security provides us with expert guidance on hiring bodyguards:

The first step is to determine your specific needs and personal requirements. There are thousands of close protection companies in the UK, so obtaining quotes from various relevant companies is essential. While recommendations from trusted sources can be helpful, conducting your own research and due diligence is vital.

A reputable close protection company will expect you to ask many questions, they too will ask many probing questions to understand your requirements, concerns, threat, and risk profile. They will also carry out basic due diligence on you to assess your suitability as a client.

To hire a bodyguard, start by researching online. Use relevant search terms and focus on the top three organic results after the paid adverts, as they are likely the most relevant and reputable. Be wary of fancy websites with luxury stock images and outlandish claims and make a shortlist of companies that appear professional.

Dig deeper into the shortlisted companies by checking their online reviews and social media profiles. Look out for fake reviews and scrutinise the claims made on their websites. Verify the background and experience of company directors on LinkedIn and cross-reference this with Companies House records.

Once you have narrowed down your list, contact the remaining companies to gauge their professionalism and responsiveness. During the

THE DETAILS

Professionals in protection. Always on Guard. For more information visit westminstersecurity.co.uk or call 0207 123 4544

conversation, ask pertinent questions, such as the background and experience of their staff, whether they are accredited and insured, their process for hiring a bodyguard, contract terms, security screening and vetting of bodyguards, costs, additional fees, and notice required for deployment.

Following this comprehensive procedure will increase the likelihood of hiring a reliable, professional bodyguard from a competent, accountable organisation, backed by relevant licenses, and insurance to provide personal protection services.

Westminster Security are headquartered in central London and provide private security and investigation services throughout the UK, Europe, and beyond.

Conference, Meetings And Events At Atholl Palace Hotel

Conference & Events Venue in Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland

The Atholl Palace Hotel offers a range of conference and banqueting rooms, suitable for business lunches, private functions and entertainment. The largest room is the spectacular, circular Atholl Suite, with a capacity for up to 300, and very large doors at ground level to allow for easy access.

The room sizes vary from the beautiful Bow Lounge, the original ballroom for larger conferences up to 140, to the intimacy of the Corrie Room, or the syndicate rooms for small groups or temporary offices. In our garden level museum we have a screening room with a seating capacity for 25 guests, making it ideal for training and promotional demonstrations.

All our rooms have large windows with natural light and fresh air. They are equipped with the technical capacity to suit all requirements including WiFi.

We have upgraded our Meetings and Conference equipment and can now offer an integrated Whiteboard. The interactive whiteboard can be connected to PCs and has many useful features including being able to use software loaded on the connected PC, but also allowing notes written on the whiteboard to be captured by the PC. This allows you to control the PC from the whiteboard. Obviously, Tablets can also be used instead of a PC.

In our circular Atholl Suite, natural daylight and 360 degree views over oak woodland create an atmosphere which is hard to rival. Built in AV Equipment and a separate AV room allow us to host international conferences, product launches and national awards ceremonies.

Our Atholl Suite (the largest of our conference rooms) now boasts a state of the art Video Wall which allows presentations to be easily seen throughout the room.

Our facilities are all situated within 48 acres of prizewinning gardens and parkland grounds of the hotel. Our location allows seclusion and privacy for your event.

Choose Atholl Palace Hotel

For Your Conference In Pitlochry athollpalace.com

FTWeekend Festival

Returning to Kenwood House Gardens, London on Saturday 2 September 2023

with the FT’s legendary gardening columnist Robin Lane Fox or put your style questions to a panel of experts including Rosh Mahtani, founder of Alighieri jewellery. And for those who want to test their intelligence, there will be a unique cryptic crossword puzzle which has been designed especially for the festival!

Other leading speakers include authors Leïla Slimani and Julian Barnes; Antarctic adventurer Ben Saunders; and Everest climber Rebecca Stephens. Whether you’re looking to gain a fresh perspective or simply meet like-minded people, the FTWeekend festival is the place to be. With limited passes available, make sure to book your pass at ft.com/festival today.

Use our exclusive promo code LLxFT to secure £20 off your festival pass.

FTWeekend Festival returns to Kenwood House on Saturday 2 September with a leading lineup of speakers, panel debates and interactive sessions. Spearheaded by FTWeekend’s newly appointed editor, Janine Gibson, the festival will showcase the best of FT and FTWeekend journalism and explore big ideas in politics, economics, climate and culture across ten different stages. Whether you’re a long time or first time FT reader, this is a day not to be missed!

Guests can hear from presenter and podcast host Greg James on the rising popularity ofpodcasting, and from the award-winning creator of the hit show Succession, Jesse Armstrong, on dysfunctional dynasties. Tune into a live recording of the FT’s politics podcast with Michael Gove, or hear from former chancellor of the exchequer, Alistair Darling and shadow chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves on what to expect from a future Labour government. Festival goers can also indulge in a variety of hands-on experiences, including a guided ceramics class with designer Henry Holland and a floral masterclass with King Charles III’’s floral designer Shane Connolly. Sample a new generation of top-class rum, a selection of Portuguese wines, and enjoy a chocolate tasting with Belgium’s pre-eminent chocolatier Pierre Marcolini.

If you’re looking for inspiration, join a Q&A

Chiswick Nursing Centre

Offers high quality rehabilitation, convalescence & respite care

Restore your strength and health after an illness or operation by letting us take good care of you with individually tailored nursing care and our in-house physio, excellent chef and expert hairdresser.

The Chiswick Nursing Centre’s physiotherapists work seamlessly with nursing staff to provide the highest levels of integrated care.

As a part of the rehabilitation programme, the Centre’s qualified physiotherapists work closely with nursing staff to help patients achieve their goals. Highly experienced in the treatment and management of numerous conditions, the Centre’s physio team are experts in the field of rehabilitation. We support convalescence after surgery and to aid cancer recovery, including care of those with a range of other complex needs. We have particular expertise in rehabilitation following hip replacements and knee replacements.

The physiotherapy sessions are tailored to help recover mobility and the physio team aims to provide early detection of any movement related problems. Through their treatment the Centre’s physios help patients and residents to regain their confidence and independence to promote an excellent quality of life through improved health and wellbeing. New for 2022 is Massage Therapy including Acupressure, Advanced Deep Tissue Massage, Seated Hot Bamboo Massage, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage all helping to escape the day-to-day stresses of life whilst you enjoy an

THE DETAILS

Please email enquiries@ chiswicknursingcentre.co.uk or call 07568 106258. chiswicknursingcentre.co.uk

hour long session with our trained and qualified therapist. Massage Therapy is available to residents and to outpatients, so book an appointment today.

A sister of a resident at the Chiswick Nursing Centre has seen the impact of care first-hand, she said, “ My sister (86) was admitted to this home during the virus crisis. The staff have been so caring and compassionate! She told us the carers were so kind and that the food was wonderful. The staff meet her every need and she feels that nothing is too much trouble for them. There are doctors, nurses and physiotherapists who help her daily.”

Chiswick Nursing Centre offers high quality rehabilitation, convalescence, respite & nursing care. We also offer holiday stays for carers who need a break – with maximum peace of mind –so they can take time for themselves. Respite care should be a proper break for you. Short term or long term, we can take care of your loved one so that you can rest, recuperate and re-energise, or simply catch up on your to do list.

With free parking on-site, the care home is a convenient location to be treated for a range of conditions including post-surgical rehabilitation and orthopaedic and musculosketal conditions. So, whether its physiotherapy, rehabilitation or convalescence, respite care, dementia care, longterm complex nursing care or general residential care, rest assured your loved one will be in safe hands at the Chiswick Nursing Centre.

LUXURY LIVING AT THE VALE

Ahome is more than just bricks and mortar. At The Vale, their collection of 30 luxury apartments available to rent, have been designed, so you can enjoy your retirement in a welcoming and vibrant community, without the worry of maintaining a property. Their contemporary apartments are beautifully crafted to the highest standards. Lightfilled open-plan living spaces, luxury kitchens and beautiful bathrooms combine style and accessibility.

Expect Porcelanosa kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances, built-in storage, underfloor heating and walk-in showers. Senior living can bring a change in pace and priority. They believe that The Vale enables you to live life to the fullest, safe in the knowledge that personalised care is available if required.

Their aim has always been to combine convenience, security contemporary retirement living in south London and affordability with access to a comprehensive range of hospitality. Knowing that support is available means you can embrace life with peace of mind.

With the Fleming one-bedroom elegant apartment, you can have the best of both worlds with a restful, stylish, open plan living room complete with hi spec, fully fitted kitchen. Add to this a chic double master bedroom with its fitted wardrobe and contemporary bathroom, all for a monthly cost that needn’t break the bank.

At The Vale you can have as much company and social life as you wish. The Bar & Bistro is perfect for catching up with friends. For a cosy place to read the papers or play cards, the library and lounge offer a comfortable, beautifully decorated environment. And If pampering is what

you’re after, the on-site hair salon offers treatments or if you want to learn a new craft, the hobbies room is the place to go.

Nestled in a peaceful location a short distance from Streatham, The Vale is more than just a new home - it’s a future filled with opportunities.

Are you unsure about making the move to a retirement village? At the Vale, they offer a trial stay experience so you can gain a feel for what it’s like to be a resident and whether retirement living is right for you. Meet the friendly team and residents which form the heart of their community.

Please contact them for a private appointment or they offer virtual appointments via FaceTime so you can experience The Vale virtually.

* Some services may not be available on your chosen trial dates

thevaleliving.co.uk Tel: 08081 696511

“Expect Porcelanosa kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances, built-in storage, underfloor heating and walk-in showers”

CINDERELLA AT GREENWICH THEATRE

This summer the team at Greenwich Theatre are continuing a growing tradition of staging an ambitious in-house family show, following hit productions of Treasure Island (“full of fast-paced family fun” The Family Stage), The Wolves Of Willoughby Chase (“just the tonic for our anxious times” Daily Telegraph) and Pinocchio (”a perfect blend of innocence, wonder and mischief” Southwark News).

This year’s summer spectacular is set to be an allsinging, all-dancing production of Cinderella.

With a script originally devised by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck (the team behind A Monster Calls at the Old Vic), the production will feature a company of astonishing actor-musicians, bringing to life a world of magical birds and moonlit dances.

Originally produced at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol, nominated for an Olivier during its run at the St James Theatre (now the Other Palace), and winner of an Offie Award for Best Show for Children and Young People at the Unicorn Theatre, the show revisits the original Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, bringing back of host of elements left out by Disney and others.

For this show, Ella is a keen bird-watcher, and she loves nothing more than spending her days in the forest with her father, seeking out her favourites and learning their special calls. However, when her father marries again everything changes. Finding herself under the control of a stepmother who just makes her cook and clean, and tormented by her new step-sister and step-brother, all the magic seems to have gone from her life.

At least, that’s how it feels until she meets a fellow

birdwatcher in the forest, receives an invitation to a ball at the palace, and discovers there’s a lot more to those birds than she first thought.

Reimagined for a company of astonishing actormusicians, CINDERELLA features a professional debut performance for Addy Caulder-James who appears in the title role, alongside Pete Ashmore as Father/Step- Mother, Harry Edwin as Step-Brother, Lara Lewis as Step-Sister and Rishi Manuel as the Prince. Composer and Musical Director David Haller also appears as the Queen. Direction is by James Haddrell, with costume design by Elyse McAuliffe, lighting design by Matt Keywood, and the unique set, formed entirely out of lights, is designed and constructed by Adrian Hampton. The fastest selling summer show at Greenwich Theatre, tickets are available for Cinderella at greenwichtheatre.org.uk or 020 8858 7755.

Onyourbeach to Onyourbed

Introducing Onyourbed, where your dog’s relaxation is our top priority. We understand that your dog deserves the utmost comfort and style, which is why we offer bespoke made-to-measure luxury dog beds, tailored to perfection in the UK. At Onyourbed, we take pride in our commitment to quality. Our skilled artisans bring years of expertise to every creation, using premium materials to guarantee durability and indulgence. Your dog deserves a bed that surpasses expectations.

We look forward to helping you,Karen & Sue

WHARF LIFE

Far East Consortium’s landmark development Aspen at Consort Place soars to new heights

Far East Consortium’s (FEC) landmark development, Aspen at Consort Place is soaring to new heights as it makes its mark on one of London’s most vibrant areas, Canary Wharf. With it now nearing completion, its transforming the London skyline with its striking 65-storey design and lifestyle amenities.

Once complete, Aspen at Consort Place will be one of the tallest residential towers in Canary Wharf. Offering 495 apartments ranging from studios through to three-bedroom apartments. Interest has been strong across all homes, especially since the show apartments were unveiled as they capture perfectly what life could be like at this exceptional new address. With its world-class architecture and interior design and its striking glass façade at a staggering 217 meters, its proving to be a captivating addition to the Canary Wharf landscape.

Consort Place will also feature a new 22-storey four-star Dorsett Hotel, featuring 231-rooms and a restaurant and roof top bar which residents can

also enjoy.

Aspen will provide exceptional facilities, thoughtfully placed throughout the building to take advantage of the breath-taking views. On level 63, Aspen Paramount features a Sky Lounge and terrace, level 21-22, The Aspen Club will have a host of amenities including private dining, a business lounge, screening room and winter garden along with a wellness suite featuring a steam room, sauna, vitality pool and gym. Families have also been considered at The Aspen Family Club on level one, providing an indoor and outdoor play area and games room. Aspen at Consort Place is ideal for those wanting to live, work and play in one place providing the ultimate modern day living experience.

In the heart of the development will be the North Pole pub, originally opened in 1860. It is amongst the last remaining few of the original 43 pubs that once thrived on the Isle of Dogs. Prices start from £599,950. For more information please visit: aspen-canarywharf. com. For more information on Far East Consortium, please visit: fecil.uk.

32 ACRES OF PARKLAND SURROUNDS CITY & COUNTRY’S HISTORIC SOUTH WEST LONDON DEVELOPMENT

Situated in the heart of South West London, City & Country’s multi-awardwinning development The 1840, St George’s Gardens overlooks a new 32-acre park within Springfield Village, offering residents luxury London village living with an abundance of green space right on their doorstep.

With the largest of three park areas restored and re-opened to the public earlier this month, the parkland features ponds and playgrounds, ideal for an afternoon stroll or outdoor playdate, with added areas for informal sport making it the perfect place to enjoy the summer.

Set amidst 8-acres of its own glorious private gardens and expertly designed landscaping, The 1840, St George’s Gardens has been meticulously converted and finished to a premium specification. The former hospital and Grade II listed building comprises a luxury range of conversion apartments, duplexes and mews-style houses. Framed by mature trees and cascading lawns, the unspoiled haven of The 1840, St George’s Gardens is a magnificent place to enjoy the delights of outdoor life.

Situated close to a number of South West London’s most beloved commons including Clapham, Wandsworth, Tooting and Wimbledon, Springfield Village offers outdoor space to suit a variety of lifestyles. From fitness trails at Wandsworth to popular annual festivals and openair concerts on Clapham Common, The 1840, St George’s Gardens offers the perfect location to

make the most of the great outdoors, all year round. As part of a new, mixed-use collaboration project, the public park at Springfield Village is the largest park to be developed in London since the 2012 Olympic Games. Once fully restored and opened, the 32-acre space will offer a pavilion café, amphitheatre, youth shelter and play areas. There will also be excellent outdoor community space in the form of a sensory garden and trim trail, as well as wetland areas to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity. Over the next two years, with the addition of shops, cafes, a restaurant and a new gym, Springfield Village will be transformed into a vibrant new neighbourhood with green space and wellbeing at its heart.

Offering the very best of London village living, the pet-friendly City & Country development includes a concierge service available to all residents, with select homes benefitting from allocated parking and electric charging points. The 1840, St George’s Gardens combines period charm with contemporary style and elegant open plan living. Thoughtfully designed by inhouse specialists, all homes feature a premium specification with underfloor heating as well as 100% pure wool carpets in all bedrooms. Many homes include beautifully restored, original windows and cast-iron columns showcasing some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture. Residents will enjoy the best of city living with a choice of underground and overground stations within walking distance.

THE DETAILS

Prices currently start at £399,000 for a one-bedroom studio and £685,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.* Reserve a new home before 31st August 2023 and receive up to £13,000* contribution towards Stamp Duty on selected plots at The 1840, St George’s Gardens. To find out more, call 020 3811 6170 or visit cityandcountry.co.uk.

*Price correct at time of publication. Terms and Conditions Apply. Selected plots only.

FANTASTIC FIRSTS, DOWNSIZER DELIGHTS & IDEAL INVESTMENTS

Shanly Homes’ Waterside Quarter really does offer something for everyone. Finding a location that ticks all the boxes can seem impossible at times, particularly when looking for that perfect property. Situated on the banks of the rejuvenated waterways, Shanly Homes’ Waterside Quarter development combines tranquillity with the benefits of living in an area of regeneration, providing a stunning development with everything that you could dream of right on the doorstep. Whether you are an aspiring first time buyer looking to get on the property ladder in the heart of the town centre; a downsizer looking for something where you can unwind in a new home that is already perfect, meaning no distracting DIY projects are needed to make the home your own; or an investor looking for a second home with excellent projected rental values, then Waterside Quarter is for you.

Offering a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments, this fantastic new build development has bought with it a buzzing new retail, restaurant and leisure quarter. In addition, perfectly positioned to capture picturesque waterside views, Coppa Club is just across the road, and offers a varied dining menu as well as a wide selection of drinks. Maidenhead also reaps the benefits of being

THE DETAILS

Prices at Waterside Quarter start from just £310,000. For more information, please visit: call Roger Platt on 01628 773333 or email maidenhead@rogerplatt.co.uk

surrounded by 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, which is the highest concentration anywhere outside of London. Waterside Quarter is located in Maidenhead town centre where a wide selection of shopping opportunities await in the form of boutiques, independent and high street shops as well as a regular continental farmers market.. The contemporary apartments are the focal point of this picturesque waterside location, spear-heading Maidenhead’s exciting regeneration, and the pleasing outdoor aesthetic of the York Stream is matched by sleek modern interiors that are both spacious and stylish. The rejuvenated scenic waterways provide a calming backdrop for a variety of leisure activities from riverside strolls to competitive rowing. Greenspace is also plentiful with Kidwells Park close by offering a children’s play area and a variety of sports pitches and the surrounding rolling Chiltern Hills provide extensive opportunities for walking and exploring. Waterside Quarter also benefits from fantastic travel connections, ideal for commuters hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of London and enjoy life in the leafy suburbs. Maidenhead rail station is just a short walk away and offers regular train services to London Paddington in just 19 minutes and access to the Elizabeth Line providing direct trains to central London including Bond Street, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf to name a few.

EQUESTRIAN GUIDE

– A collection of high-profile events and specialists from the equestrian world –

The world’s most dynamic and exciting equestrian sport

LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR OF LONDON 2023

10th – 13th August, Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Longines Global Champions

Tour of London is one of the most prestigious events on the global equestrian calendar. As the twelfth leg of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL seasons, the coveted event is held in the heart of the capital. As an event showcasing the world’s finest equine athletes, competing for the honour of being crowned champion in front of a global audience, it is not to be missed.

The elegance of the event is reflected not only in the performances of the horses and riders, but also in the unique venue that hosts it - taking place in the stunning grounds of the magnificent Royal Hospital Chelsea, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Founded by King Charles II over 300 years ago, this iconic venue has hosted many world-class events, including the annual RHS Chelsea Flower

Show. The grandeur of the venue provides a fitting backdrop for the world-class show jumping that will be taking place, The individual and team competitions are set to be ultimate Championship showdowns at the historic home of our muchloved Chelsea Pensioners.

The Longines Global Champions Tour of London is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the equestrian way of life. Attracting the world’s most accomplished riders, who come to compete for the coveted title of LGCT Grand Prix of London, and the GCL of London. The competition is fierce, but the atmosphere is friendly, and the audience is treated to a display of elegance and athleticism that is truly unforgettable.

All season the British riders have been battling it out on the LGCT, one of the highest calibre circuits of equestrian sport. Spanning three continents and thirteen countries, taking in the world’s greatest cities including Paris, Monaco, Madrid, Miami Beach, Shanghai, Rome and Doha, Qatar they are now in London with their sights set on the ultimate goal of the GC Prague Playoffs this November. Olympic Gold Medallist Ben Maher said: “The atmosphere is always fantastic, and we are hoping to see as many supporters as possible again at the very special venue that is Royal Hospital Chelsea.”

Experience the exceptional as you watch four days of thrilling top-level equestrian sport, with show jumping stars, team managers and owners looking for local support as they battle for valuable points to help secure the Championship titles. Whether you are a fan watching from the grandstands or as a guest in the hospitality lounges, there is no better way to experience the drama, excitement and glamour of show jumping.

The youngest member of the Whitaker showjumping dynasty, 21-year-old Jack Whitaker, and member of Madrid In Motion said: “You can’t beat jumping in front of a home crowd and

in such an iconic location. The London Global’s event is always one of the best of the year it has everything from top sports, music, shops, and entertainment so looking forward to it! “

Alongside the show jumping action, families can enjoy the lively shopping village with kids’ activities and a variety of refreshments and food outlets to suit every taste. Visitors also benefit from unique access to the warm-up arena to see the elite horse and rider combinations preparing for competition.

The event has a rich history, having first been held in London in 2013. Since then, it has become a fixture on the global equestrian calendar, attracting a loyal following of fans who come from all over the world to witness the spectacle. The Longines Global Champions Tour of London is not just an equestrian event, but a celebration of London’s cultural heritage and its unique place in the world of sport, and a place to celebrate top sport and world class hospitality.

Millions tune in or attend the events each year to enjoy thrilling action from the world’s premier show jumping series, featuring the biggest stars in equestrian sport.

Visit gcglobalchampions.com for more information.

“The atmosphere is always fantastic, and we are hoping to see as many supporters as possible again at the very special venue that is Royal Hospital Chelsea”

THE WORLD’S BEST

horse, far more attractive and a great workout“we like to think of them as interactive pieces of sculpture” and their most recent horse presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II last year is testament to that, being based on Barber Shop the last race horse bred by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother available as a limited edition of 70.

Being conscious of depletion of the world’s forests, every client is sent an Oak tree to replace the timber used in their rocking horse. Do call to arrange a visit and meet the team, take dog treats too!

THE DETAILS

For more information, visit stevensonbros.com

Or call 01233 820363

Email: sue@stevensonbros.com

Stevenson Brothers, The Workshop, Ashford Road, Bethersden, Ashford Kent, TN26 3AP

If you thought rocking horses were out of date old Victorian play things, think again. We’ve found the Stevenson brothers Marc & Tony, just an hour out of London in the Garden of England.

Arriving at their fascinating showroom and workshops in the picturesque village of Bethersden, you will be met by Ollie, their meet and greet shihtzu and a huge variety of rocking horses which you’ll want to try out no matter your age.

Traditionally rocking horses were Dapple Grey and the Stevenson Brothers make some very fine examples including the Highgrove Horse, a faithful reproduction of the beautiful F H Ayres rocking horse that King Charles III grew up with.

The range has grown and they replicate owners real horses in Oak. Their Kenya roots inspired the rocking Zebra, one famously adorns the hallway of Claridges Hotel.

The twin brothers have built a global reputation over the past forty years, employing a small, dedicated family of craftsmen and women. Each horse is numbered and dated and can have a special plaque with the recipients names and dates of birth engraved, family crests, racing colours and initials can be hand embroidered onto the saddle cloths making each horse unique and ensure it becomes a treasured family heirloom.

Available in four sizes to suit most homes, some clients replace the exercise machine with a rocking

AWARD-WINNING EQUESTRIAN

AND ACTIVEWEAR

Equestrian inspired, but not just for riders.

The Mochara range of stylish and affordable equestrian and gym wear includes technical leggings, base layers, half zip sweatshirts and jumpers.

All designed with style and practicality in mind – they are perfect for any sporting activity. Designed to take you straight from the stables to the gym or out for coffee with friends.

• Embroidery & personalisation available

• Recycled & sustainable

• Designed in Great Britain, worn Worldwide

To view our full collection, please visit www.mochara.co.uk

Mochara, Hundred End, Fairwarp, East Sussex TN22 3BY Phone: +44 (0)7917 360521 | Email: info@mochara.co.uk

DEFENDER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS

31 August-3 September 2023

Undoubtedly the autumn highlight of both the British equestrian scene and the rural social calendar.

The CCI5* event - one of only seven horse trials worldwide at the very highest level of international competition - is a heady mix of top-class horse sport, superb shopping and great entertainment.

It is loved by the world’s elite equestrian athletes for its famously challenging and exciting crosscountry course - designer Derek di Grazia uses the undulating and varied terrain of Burghley Park to provide the ultimate test of horse and rider - the willingness of the organising team to go to any lengths to put on the best event possible, and its professional yet relaxed vibe.

“I think it’s the best event in the world,” says last year’s Burghley heroine Piggy March, who won

the event for the first time in 2022 aboard Vanir Kamira. “I grew up wanting to ride at Burghley, and it is always the event I look forward to the most all year.”

Entries this year include Zara Tindall, Olympic gold medallists Oliver Townend and Tom McEwen, six-times Burghley winner William FoxPitt, the 2019 and 2022 winners Pippa Funnell and Piggy March, and a host of overseas stars.

“I grew up wanting to ride at Burghley, and it is always the event I look forward to the most all year”

Burghley Horse Trials takes place in the glorious setting of the Capability Brown-designed Burghley Park, just outside Stamford in Lincolnshire. Burghley House, built in the 16th century for Sir William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I, provides the magnificent backdrop to this mostcherished event.

The carefully curated tradestands provide an exceptional shopping experience for Burghley’s many visitors, many of whom do their Christmas shopping at the event every year. High-quality clothing, jewellery, art, sculpture, furniture, accessories and equestrian equipment of every

variety range alongside the famously delicious offerings of the Foodwalk.

The CCI5* competition takes centre stage, but other entertainment ranges from Masterclasses with the great Carl Hester and Yogi Breisner, the irrepressibly brilliant Shetland Pony Grand National, a highly amusing side-saddle demonstration where showing star Katie JerramHunnable teaches a world-famous event rider to ride side-saddle for the first time, sporting stars up close and personal in the Celebrity Talk Area and the fun of off-roading in Defender vehicles at the Land Rover Experience.

Tea and the Trot-up is a new initiative at Defender Burghley this year. There’s always a frisson around the trot-up - the first horse inspection, where this year’s fit, gleaming contenders are presented to the Ground Jury by their stylishly dressed riders. This year Burghley is offering 100 guests the chance to make even more of Wednesday afternoon (30 August) at Burghley by combining the trot-up with a firstclass champagne cream tea, and expert insights on this year’s event and course from some Burghley legends such as Capt Mark Phillips.

THE DETAILS

Tea and the Trot-Up costs £300 per head and is limited to 100 places. No entrance ticket is needed to come into the event site on Wednesday, 30 August. Visit burghley-horse. ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/158 to book Tea and the Trot-Up.

Defender Burghley offers visitors a range of top-class hospitality options, from a table for six in the VIP Restaurant to a private pavilion for 20 or more guests with superb catering and service to add some luxury to a great day out with clients, family or friends. For more information on hospitality and to book, visit burghleyhorsetrials.com. Buy your tickets for Defender Burghley Horse Trials now and find out more information about the event by visiting burghley-horse.co.uk.

If you can’t attend every day of Burghley in person, watch all the action, great interviews and behindthe-scenes features on Burghley TV, presented by racing’s Nick Luck and Rosie Tapner. A year-round subscription to Burghley TV costs £20, and gives you access to hours of footage from past events. burghley-horse.co.uk/burghley-tv

Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 3JY

JAN SWEENEY SCULPTURES

“My work is inspired by watching the animals of Africa in their natural habitat, the untouched wilderness which is still to be found. There, the unwary die, so that even when the animals are at rest, they are ready to flee. It is this untamed power, always ready to explode into movement, which excites me.”

Growing up surrounded by ponies and dogs in East Anglia, Jan’s artistic journey began with 2 years at Colchester Art School as a painter. She then spent a transformative four years working with Mike Noble a well-known sculptor based in Verona Italy who truly shaped her artistic vision.

Jan’s fascination with wildlife led her to zoos, where she spent time drawing animals. One Christmas, she was invited to Zimbabwe and torn between adventure and the responsibilities of children and animals, she initially refused! However, after leaving them all in capable hands she went!

Canoeing down the Zambesi, sleeping on the riverbank listening to the lions huffing and seeing amazing wildlife ignited a lifelong passion. Determined to pursue this newfound passion, Jan sold her house in the UK and returned to Zimbabwe to teach herself sculpture. Her works, including portraits of dogs and horses and wax cheetah sculptures, impressed the Everard Reed gallery in Johannesburg. They encouraged Jan to cast them in bronze and her pieces found eager buyers.

From then on, Jan drove from Harare to Johannesburg every month, living in the foundry in Pretoria, working on her sculptures and learning as much as she could and showcasing her sculptures in various galleries, including the Palace Hotel, Lost City and Santon Gallery, Johannesburg.

Jan’s art was even air freighted back to the UK and for 19 years she displayed her sculptures at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Jan works from life whenever possible, stuffing wet newspaper into the hollow wax to keep it cool. She spends a lot of time in the bush and once rode a quiet horse into a herd of wildebeest working on the wax original, as they wandered about! With each sculpture Jan creates, her goal is to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of both the African wildlife and the animals of the English countryside.

THE DETAILS

You can see Jan’s work by visiting jsweeney.co.uk

Email: jan@jsweeney.co.uk

Tel: 01278 722023

EQUESTRIAN ELEGANCE

Alife-long passion for both horses and fashion really has been the inspiration behind the creation of Designer Equestrian explains founder and director Claire Colgate. Meeting her husband, Perry in the mid 1990’s, Claire quickly became immersed in the World of International showjumping, meaning she understands the demands of the sport and the importance of comfort and performance of what the rider and the horse need.

In 2009, living in France, becoming a mother and spending less time in the saddle led to a chance introduction to what at that time was an up-and-coming luxury Italian brand... this literally changed her direction in life opening her first shop in France. In the following years her continued work within the equestrian fashion industry in the UK, France and Italy has given her a good grounding for her latest project.

Claire says about Designer Equestrian - “Having accumulated a number of select loyal clients over the years, I realised that I was already providing a rather special personalised service and could see that there was an opportunity to create something a bit different. There is certainly no room for ordinary in this industry. You have to be different, to stand out.”

“I believe there is still a desire when dealing in luxury for that personal service, a personal connection and to feel valued which is too often lost in the world of the internet. We also

acknowledge traceability is very important and really matters to the responsible consumer in these times and only work with a small selection of brands providing quality, well designed and in most cases, hand made products with traceability”.

KEP Italia is my chosen brand of safety helmet. Chosen for outstanding safety standards and maximum quality Kep hats are made using carefully selected materials guaranteeing the highest quality, made in Italy. The added bonus of personalisation means you can configure your helmet exactly as you dream it.

THE DETAILS

To discuss your requirements, call Claire on 07557 876052 Email claire@designerequestrian.co.uk designerequestrian.co.uk

A luxury bespoke styling service for the equestrians wanting to escape the ordinary. We specialise in custom-made products, creating luxury, bespoke, co-ordinating collections, for the rider, the horse and even the stables. All hand made in Italy using the best materials.

Whether it is a customised saddle pad, personalised horse rug Inlaid with Swarovski – a bespoke airbrushed helmetor customised competition jacket, we can source and create perfect combinations in a style that is unique to you.

One off presentation winner rugs or personalised rugs and kit for your entire stables, we can provide it all.

FOR THE LOVE OF HORSES

There’s a reason why so many people fall in love with horses. We know the intoxicating cocktail of powerful emotions that they evoke in us, excitement, passion, deep contentment and joy to name a few.

Jane Johansson is a contemporary equine artist who captures the essence of horse energy in large expressive paintings and charcoal drawings.

Inspired by her adventures in the saddle and a lifelong love of horses, she explores our emotional and visceral relationship with horses: the marks they leave on our hearts, the space they inhabit in our soul and our primal connection to the natural world in a style that is both abstract and representational.

“Horses satisfy that deep longing within us to connect to the intimate wildness of all that is. I paint for the love of horses, to explore the magical connection that exists between us and to share the

essence of horse energy through the power of the painting.”

Jane Johansson works from her studio in The Cowshed in Lewes, East Sussex where she lives with her family and horses. After graduating with BA (Hons) in Fashion Design from Central St. Martins she had a successful career in fashion and costume design for Contemporary Dance and Ballet As coowner of Float Glass Design she has created several Public Art Commissions including a large-scale glass art commission for The Natural History Museum.

Jane is a member of The Society of Equestrian Artists and has exhibited her work at several prestigious horse events. Her paintings are also held privately in the USA and UK.

Next show: 24 – 25 September Autumn Show & International Horse Trials 2023, South of England Showground.

Available for Commissions janejohansson.com

jane@janejohansson.com

Let’s stay in touch

IG: @janejohansson_art

FB: janejohansson_art

“Jane Johansson captures the energy and soul of the horse in large expressive paintings and charcoal drawings”

Paintings that will take your breath away...

ROB HEFFERAN

At the age of 55, Rob Hefferan’s artistic skills are at a pinnacle, carefully crafted and honed over a lifetime of hard work and dedication to his art.

Since his inception as an artist, Hefferan has created a reputation, and is leaving a legacy, as one of the UK’s finest artists, specialising predominantly in both figurative and equestrian art across the years. Rob has a keen interest in a vast range of subject materials, and approaches each genre of art with a sensitivity, nuance and insight that firmly characterises his paintings as his own.

Using mostly oils and acrylics, Hefferan’s figurative paintings display the intricacies of the human form with remarkable depth. Each brushstroke reaches out from beyond the canvas to envelop the viewer into Hefferan’s world. His portrait commissions continue to be amongst the most sought after in the UK. His client list is stacked with a volume of the most recognisable names and faces that celebrity culture has to offer.

In the early 2000’s Hefferan embarked upon an adventure. This journey led him to the world of equestrian art, an avenue that he was beyond ecstatic to explore and dip his paintbrush into.

For several years, Rob has worked extensively on a quantity of equestrian-related artworks, targeting the international market of buyers. Perhaps most notably of all, the marvellous Frankel and Arrogate, two-time recipient of the World’s Best Racehorse award.

And, of course, Rob’s incredible depiction of Justify, the American thoroughbred racehorse known for being the thirteenth winner of the American Triple Crown. The latter artwork perfectly captures the beauty of horse and jockey in unison, galloping towards the finish line. All of Rob’s paintings demonstrate a similarly wondrous level of dynamism that sets him apart from other Equestrian artists across the UK and the globe.

To keep his art feeling fresh, exciting and unique, Hefferan frequently reinvents and invigorates his work with a range of moods, themes and styles. Rob is one of the world’s most collected and celebrated artists, and his resume of delightful paintings speak for themselves.

For all enquiries, please contact Rob Hefferan via robhefferan.net

Mobile: 07811 359345

Email: robhefferan@yahoo.co.uk

“To keep his art feeling fresh, exciting and unique, Hefferan frequently reinvents and invigorates his work with a range of moods, themes and styles”

‘YOUR HORSE or dog DESERVES THE BEST’ is the ethos of

WINSTON & PORTER

Creators of scientifically based nutritional products that boost animal health.

When horses are struggling due to arthritis or injury, it is vital to ease their pain. We spoke to Winston & Porter directors’ Devin and Kelly, for advice on how we can keep our horses and dogs healthy and happy.

Q. What interests and inspires you about nutrition and supplements?

“Having had horses and competed all our lives, we were well aware of the need to supplement the horse’s diet. When researching the market many years ago, we felt that, though it was a ‘busy’ sector, there was something missing. With a professional background in pharmacology and nutraceuticals, we were able to provide a range of supplements to meet that unmet need.”

Q. If a horse has a balanced diet, why might they need supplements as well?

“We demand a lot from our horses and they have

complex digestive systems. As fight or flight animals, they deplete their own vitamin and minerals reserves at an alarming rate when stressed or excited. Travelling to events and competing can be taxing on the intricate balance of essential nutrients, vitamins and digestive enzymes, but so can a simple life too. Our modern routines are often far removed from horse’s lives in the wild - as a preventative measure, supplements can make a huge difference to their quality of life and longevity.”

Q. What makes Winston and Porter’s products so good?

“All our products are unique. We use pharmaceutical/human grade ingredients - as all companies, who comply with the VMD( Veterinary Medical Directorate) do but their levels are often higher. Some of our ingredients are deemed cost prohibitive by other competitors. Every horse matters and we see efficacy as being more important than profit. This is probably why we are a multi award-winning company, despite being a relatively small business in comparison - big enough to cope, small enough to care.”

Gram for gram, some of their ingredients are worth more than gold - which is possibly why they are becoming the ‘gold standard’ for many horse owners.

winstonandporter.com

“As fight or flight animals, they deplete their own vitamin and minerals reserves at an alarming rate when stressed or excited”

CONTEMPORARY ART PHOTOGRAPHER EMILY HANCOCK RETURNS TO FULL TIME BUSINESS

Her studio becomes a place of colour, textures and a vast amount of imagination. She finds that her children’s fresh perspectives and unfiltered approach to art help her see things from a different angle, pushing her own artistic boundaries.

Emily recently exhibited her work for the first time since covid at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, and what a great show to start with. Royal Windsor is the only UK show to host international classes in Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance. This is a perfect place to get yourself seen by a wide range of people wanting to see different disciplines. Now with covid subsiding and shows opening up again, it’s the perfect time for Emily to relaunch her art. Emily is hoping to attend more shows throughout the year, giving many people the chance to fall in love with her creative mixed-media artwork.

Not only does Emily offer several of her own collections of carefully thought-out pieces, but she also offers equally well-thought-out private commissions. The private commissions comprise 4 stages to getting the perfect piece of artwork. The commissioned pieces are made using ancient techniques to portray the individual character of your horse.

Having over 34 years of experience with horses helps Emily understand that patience is required to gain the trust of the horse.

THE DETAILS

Tel: 07803 010394

emilyhancock.co.uk

info@emilyhancock.co.uk

Emily is a contemporary art photographer based in the New Forest. She has over two decades of commercial experience and has quickly become known for her photography and fine art pieces. The beautiful art that Emily produces is inspired by the connection she has with horses and nature.

Although Emily has still been quietly working away, she had a break to start a family. Now that her children are a little older, Emily has decided it is time to get back to her studio full-time. Emily has found great joy in helping her children find their own artistic talents.

EQUESTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHER AND ARTIST

“My challenge is always to express the perfect balance between the beauty and power of the horses and nature I portray.”

www.emilyhancock.co.uk | info@emilyhancock.co.uk

F OR T A BL E W A RE TH A T’S T A L KED A B OU T

A t Clu b M a tt er s we a r e p a s s i o n a t e a b ou t c re a t in g s t yl is h t a bl e w a r e t h a t’ s ha n d m a de in E ngl an d .

For Tableware That’s Talked About

Club Matters specialise in designing exquisite tableware, handmade in England. They pride themselves on the quality of their products and for a number of years have supplied Fortnum and Mason, Scully and Scully (New York) and the Royal Collection amongst other high end speciality stores. They also design trays, mango wood salad bowls, platters and nibble bowls which are made exclusively for them in India.

Club Matters was founded 16 years ago by Mary Corbett, disillusioned by the lack of stylish tableware available. It was a light bulb moment, born out of a love for entertaining family and friends around a beautifully laid table. Whether serving the most simplistic of suppers, or a fourcourse extravaganza, she always believed ‘it’s the Table that Matters!

With the kitchen the heart of the home, Club Matters can guarantee to transform your table into a vibrant and dramatically gorgeous back drop with a plethora of sumptuous designs to suit all tastes. They are the original “Table Scapers” – they began the trend and others followed!

Their “Harlequin” range was the design that really launched them, hand sketched by genius artist Coral Carroll. It features a square mat with four different coloured borders framing 8

beautifully hand sketched African animals. This popular design was then expanded to include salad bowls, trays, platters and nibble bowls all to be found on the shelves in Fortnums.

All their table mats, glass platters and engraved glassware are handmade in the UK and designed at their Hampshire showroom with artwork commissioned from a fabulous range of artists including renowned equine artist Susan Crawford, in house designer Sioux Durow, Hampshire artist Camilla Gardiner and mural specialist Nancy Daniel.

For the ultimate gift, Club Matters offer a one to one service and can design a unique set of bespoke hand crafted table mats especially for you, featuring either crests and coats of arms, horses, dogs, super yachts and holiday homes! The perfect present for the person who has everything.

With their personal approach and fastidious attention to detail, the Club Matters team have gained a reputation for outstanding customer service coupled with supplying original and supremely high-quality products.

Their philosophy is that a beautifully laid table speaks volumes.

To view their full range, please visit clubmatters.com; @clubmatters enquiries@clubmatters.co.uk

“With the kitchen the heart of the home, Club Matters can guarantee to transform your table into a vibrant and dramatically gorgeous back drop with a plethora of sumptuous designs to suit all tastes. They are the original “Table Scapers” – they began the trend and others followed!”

THE OUTDOOR LIVING GUIDE

– Making the most of the great outdoors this summer –

STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE FLOWER FESTIVAL 2023

In association with Flowers from the Farm 22 – 24 September 2023

Celebrating its 5th edition, the Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival - proudly sponsored by Savills Teddington - will return to Horace Walpole’s groundbreaking ‘Gothic castle’ this autumn, once again poised to challenge perceptions about floristry.

Curators Leigh Chappell and Janne Ford have commissioned over thirty leading UK-based floral designers and growers to take over and respond to the spectacular interior of Walpole’s stunning Georgian home.

The event will also act as a major showcase for a number of up-and-coming designers who are sure to dazzle with their limitless creativity. Visitors can expect to be amazed at the sheer variety of ways each of them works with British-grown seasonal flowers and foliage, sharing their artistry, expertise, and passion for sustainable foam-free floral design. Also making a hugely welcome return are renowned Hampshire growers Hortus Poeticus,

who will transform the stairwell with exceptional English flowers that will fill the space with their remarkable scent and beauty. The Petersfield firm uses homemade compost and compost teas to produce a wide variety of seasonal flowers and shrubs. Hortus Poeticus are also passionate about challenging the dubious ethical and environmental footprint of the many flowers we buy. Industry stars, such as Henck Rolling - who was a part of the team that created the Orchid display at Kew - and the exciting Sophie Powell from

“The event will also act as a major showcase for a number of upand-coming designers who are sure to dazzle with their limitless creativity”

Unidentified Floral Object - who describes her work as ‘reviving and revamping the traditional’ – will form part of the stellar line-up appearing at Strawberry Hill House over the Festival’s three days.

Powell will create an immersive piece in the form of a floral headdress that will also provide festivalgoers with a unique photo opportunity, in which they can either stand or sit underneath, so appearing as if they have donned a magnificent hat.

Chappell and Ford are also delighted to announce that the popular curator tours, talks and demonstrations will again be key features of the festival. Strawberry Hill’s own gardening team will also be on hand to give expert advice relating to horticultural hiccups; from reluctant rhododendrons to drooping dahlias and glean advice on how to grow gorgeous geraniums or impressive Italian Asters.

Launching the event, Leigh Chappell said: “We held our first Flower Festival at Strawberry Hill House in 2019 welcoming hundreds of visitors. In 2022 it was a sell-out, welcoming over 1,400 visitors over three days. This year, we look forward to another successful event. Once again, we will be working in partnership with Flowers from the Farm, the award-winning membership association for artisan cut flower growers in the UK.”

Janne Ford commented: “Both Leigh and I, plus all our wonderful curators and floral designers are excited to be working with Strawberry Hill

House for a 5th year, as it is absolutely the perfect backdrop to showcase floral designs, with all its colour, drama, opulence, light and shadow.”

Visitors to the Flower Festival are also invited to wander around the five-acres of gardens, which comprise beds, borders, walks, groves, lawns and woodland. Horace Walpole was a keen gardener himself, writing the hugely influential essay The History of the Modern Taste in Gardening which was first published in 1780. The grounds have been faithfully restored to much of their original appearance by using Eighteenth Century maps and paintings, as well as Walpole’s own writing. Today it is Grade II* listed and of national importance, as a reminder of a fascinating period in garden history.

THE DETAILS

Tickets for the Flower Festival are available online now. Prices, tour and talk times can be found at strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/ flower-festival/

Participating florists and growers will also be sharing blogs, tips, photographs and other content across social media, leading up to and during the festival, using the hashtag: #StrawberryFlowerFestival

Twitter @ strawbhillhouse

Facebook @StrawberryHillHouse

Instagram @strawbhillhouse

For more information on Flowers from the Farm and to find your local flower farmer, visit flowersfromthefarm.co.uk

OUTDOOR LIVING

SPLASH OF COLOUR

RELAXING AL FRESCO

The Cuckooland Hampstead Garden Natural Rattan Large Armchair and Coffee Table Set was made for sharing! With enough room for four of your family and friends to relax. You’ll all get to enjoy the plush showerproof cushions, cocooning arms and supportive angles while you have a well overdue catchup... Paired with metal frames, hairpin leg details, a poly-rattan weave and tempered glass top - you’ll be sharing memories around this durable and stylish garden furniture set for many summers to come! cuckooland.com

PICNIC PERFECT

The Daro name represents superior quality handmade furniture, innovative design and friendly customer service. Celebrating 50 years of cane and rattan furniture design and production in 2023, dedicated to the innovation and development of the UK market. We love this gorgeous outdoor rug. daro-cane.co.uk

TOP OF THE TABLE

The ideal Table Top Grill for an intimate dinner with your favourite person! While your food is cooking over low heat on the handy Table Top Grill, you can be truly present in the moment and savour the small grilled delicacies directly at the table.

berryuseful.co.uk

This deck chair can add fun, colour and style to your home or garden. Easy to fold and easy to store, your new deckchairs are just what you need for funky summer seating. They are made from FSC certified beech wood, which gives them that classic, British seaside authenticity. Designs are printed onto a thick and durable yet very comfortable canvas fabric. boldcottage.com

A LITTLE BIRDIE

A hand designed beautiful outdoor cushion 43cm x 43cm and new for 2023 to feature in the 2024 outdoor collection. Available to purchase online via Daro. These outdoor cushions and water resistant but also suitable for indoor use too. daro-cane.co.uk

Citrus Summer...

How to bring a taste of Mediterranean style to your garden

When the weather is warm and dry, there’s nothing better than spending time in the garden, making the most of the space that’s on your doorstep. Bring the experience of dining out to your very own patio, with some simple styling touches to elevate eating al fresco.

Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Dee Fontenot shares ideas and inspiration for outdoor summer dining...

Al fresco summer tablescape

The art of laying the table is definitely in the detail. Layering smaller plates on top of dinner plates and giving each guest cutlery for each course will add a sense of occasion. An essential piece of decor for any tablescape, a linen or cotton runner will bring a focus to the centre of the table whilst also protecting outdoor furniture from spillages and stains.

Think about individual place settings and the table centrepiece as a whole, and how they can

work together to create the overall look. Fold neutral linen napkins and add to each plate, placing a sprig of greenery and fresh lemon half for an effortless yet elegant - and aromatic - place setting. Instantly adding the Instagrammable factor, run off cuts of garden greenery or freshly foraged foliage down the centre of the table. Weave in between rustic serving boards and drape gently down the edge of the ends of the dining table for a super simple homemade runner.

Blend indoors and out

Gone are the days of bland, outdated garden furniture. With a huge variety of designs to choose from, with wood, metal, rattan and more, most sets would look just as good inside as they do out, with designs inspired by interior furniture. The appeal of dining outside on trips abroad is often how relaxed and effortless it feels. Bench seating can save space and often allows you to squeeze in extra guests without the need for more chairs. A bench set up is a perfect choice to suit a number of different styles and garden sizes.

Style and comfort

Delicious food and drink is certainly one important factor for outdoor dining, but comfort is just as key. For day time dining in gardens that get plenty of sun, a parasol will provide some welcome shade and protection - particularly helpful in the event of unexpected rain showers, given how unpredictable British summers can be! Outdoor cushions and throws or soft furnishings borrowed from indoors will cosy up hard seating for garden get-togethers, providing an extra layer for guests to use as the evening cools. All products available at Wayfair.co.uk

“The art of laying the table is definitely in the detail. Layering smaller plates on top of dinner plates and giving each guest cutlery for each course will add a sense of occasion”

TEAK GARDEN FURNITURE LIMITED

Afamily business originally established in 1923, is located in Hartlepool, where the factory still is. Their skilled artisans create stunning furniture using time honoured traditions. Mortice and Tenon joints, glued, screwed and then the holes covered with a matching dowel. Finally, hand sanded to give that extra special finish that quite simply, everyone loves to touch and caress.

The benefits of Teak cannot be overstated, its natural oils and minerals make it the obvious choice for exterior furniture. Beauty and longevity come as standard. Other hardwoods used are Oak, Iroko and British Sweet Chestnut. Their Oak is mainly sourced from France. Iroko originates from Africa and obviously the Sweet Chestnut from Britain.

FSC Certification is held covering Oak, Iroko and Chestnut. Teak has fully legal and certifiable sourcing but as yet, not FSC status. Teak Garden Furniture is very proud to supply The National Trust, English Heritage, The NHS many parks and gardens including The Royal Parks. Local Authorities and many more.

The top quality furniture created by Teak Garden Furniture can be found all over the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany. If sent abroad secure packing crates are made to ensure your furniture arrives safely.

Memorial Benches, again are all handmade. A wonderful way of commemorating the life of a lost loved one. Particular attention is paid to the inscription as words are so very special and mean so much.

You only purchase top quality garden furniture once, so their products are made to last for decades and provide you with furniture you are proud to own. If you like many clients, are looking to redesign your garden a call might provide that little bit of inspiration you are seeking?

THE DETAILS

For more information, you can visit teakgardenfurniture.co.uk or memorialbenches.org

Teak Garden Furniture are happy to discuss your thoughts and ideas, you can contact them by calling 01429 890808. or email; sales@teakgardenfurniture.co.uk or sales@memorialbenches.org

Mobile 07960 123580 info@thetreeagency.co.uk

King Edwards Grove

020 8274 0107

Middlesex TW119LY

07960123580

020 8274 0107

(iTree consultancy) (eTree planting) (iPlant landscape) (eTree surgery)

Outdoor Statement Seating

away the brighter days, an elegant day bed is the epitome of stylish lounging. A soft taupe woven faux rope back rest wraps around the head of the metal bed frame giving it a modern country look.

Introducing mid-century clean lines to your outdoor space. The warm tone and tactile finish of the acacia wood frame coupled with the generous dimension of the design delivers a premium look and ample comfort for long summer days. Sumptuous soft-toned cushions and a tall slender side table complete the set, which can be arranged in a variety of ways to suit your space.

Crafted from soft grey faux wicker woven on a strong aluminium frame, our Palermo Daybed is a stylish and comfortable place to while away sunny afternoons.

Perfect for bringing an indoor feel to your outdoor space and wonderfully comfortable for two to sit, our cocoon shaped outdoor beanbag in blush will make a fabulous addition to your garden or terrace. Designed to support you as you lounge together, our seat has a showerproof, fade-resistant cover and double-stitched seams for durability.

For when heading into the garden needs to feel as good as a holiday, a perfectly placed statement seat creates a hotel style sanctuary, whether you have a small city space, a balcony or a large family garden.

The perfect platform from which to idle

Inspired by our best-selling Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair, this double version is perfectly proportioned for sharing. Each chair features a study grey metal frame, faux wicker seat and sumptuous cream tie-on headrest and seat cushions. coxandcox.co.uk

“Inspired by our bestselling Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair, this double version is perfectly proportioned for sharing”

Specialists in Luxury Outdoor Living Solutions

Bromic Freestanding Electric Eclipse Heater

Distinguished by its elegant circular design, dimmable LED perimeter light and highly efficient radiant heater, the Bromic Eclipse strikes the perfect balance between ambience and functionality.

Introducing Bromic, who are the global leaders in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of luxury outdoor heaters. Bromic offer a comprehensive range of ceiling or wall mounted, recessed and freestanding external heaters.

At Heatport we pride ourselves on our elite level of service and personal design assistance. Combining this service with the superior design focused Bromic Heater range of products allows us to provide our customers with a truly effective, aesthetically pleasing and specifically tailored outdoor heating solution.

Investing in an outdoor living space is becoming increasingly popular, allowing people to benefit from all the social and health advantages of being outdoors. Bromic heaters are an extension of this mindset. A truly effective and efficiently designed outdoor heating solution will provide all year round functionality to your outdoor living space.

Not sure which heaters are right for your outdoor space?

Our free design service will ensure the correct product, layout and mounting orientation is recommended to best suit your external space.

Contact Heatport to help maximise the potential of your outdoor space.

Enjoy the Summer sunshine at home with GASTROBACK

Set yourself up with this brilliant selection of kitchen equipment from German manufacturer Gastroback, invite your friends and family over and.... relax!

Gastroback has only been in the UK for three years but has over 30 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing premium kitchen electricals and selling them round the world. The impressive line-up covers just under 100 products – everything from bread makers, bean-to-cup espresso machines and kettles to stand mixers, air fryer/pizza oven and even an air purifier!

For summer get-togethers, Gastroback has the perfect products to cook, chill and hydrate.

GRILLS & BBQS

Gastroback has three electric BBQ models, where design and practicality meet in perfect harmony!

The Design Table Grill Plancha BBQ (£149.90) has an overall cooking surface of 1300 sq cm, split into two and which can be heated at different temperatures. One of these is ridged for food like fish, steaks, burgers and sausages while the flat ‘plancha’ surface is perfect for Mediterranean recipes including filets of fish, seafood or pancakes as well as bacon and French toast for a summer breakfast treat!

At 1500sq cm, the Design Table Grill Advanced Pro BBQ (£169.90) is slightly larger than the Plancha but with the same ridged and flat plates. The top of the range Design BBQ Advanced Control (£239.90) has 6 BBQ programs with pre-set temperatures, integrated grill thermometer and when unfolded can be used as an all-over cooking surface. All three models have removeable dishwasher-safe grill plates.

ICE MAKER

A must-have for summer parties, the Bartender

Pro ice maker (£229.90) makes bullet-shaped ice cubes in two sizes and around 75 of them in an hour. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want it on your counter-top all year round! Gastroback also has an ice crusher, producing crushed ice for cocktails in just 15 seconds.

JUICERS

There are 6 different juicers in the Gastroback line-up: from the Vital Juicer Pro (£89.90) to the Design Multi Juicer Digital Plus (£199.90) – a 4-in1 blender, juicer, chopper and coffee grinder! As a juicer, this model can extract juice from whole apples, carrots and other fruit in seconds, with no need to pre-cut the fruit. Its stainless-steel microsieve produces fine juice and its spout with splash guard and drip stop means no mess, no fuss!

THE DETAILS

For more details and to shop the range, visit gastroback.co.uk and follow on instagram @gastroback_uk

ART GUIDE

– Stunning art from local, national and international artists –

Saatchi Gallery Presents

UKRANIAN ARTIST MARIA PRYMACHENKO

Until 31 August, Gallery 3

Saatchi Gallery is showcasing paintings by Ukrainian folk artist Maria Prymachenko (1908 – 1997), one of the country’s bestloved artists. These works are being shown in the UK for the first time, having been preserved by the artist’s family for more than fifty years.

The Ukrainian museum where many of Prymachenko’s artworks were previously held was destroyed when Russian forces occupied the local village. Though concerned locals rescued some of her paintings from the blazing museum, it is now only possible to encounter Prymachenko’s work through exhibitions like this one. At a time when sharing and amplifying Ukrainian artistic voices has never been more important, Prymachenko’s artworks remind us of the beauty in everyday existence and are a vibrant and affirming symbol of hope.

The exhibition includes 23 works by Prymachenko. Many are double-sided, providing an insight into the self-taught artist’s working processes and methods. The works, originally

THE DETAILS

Open to the public until 31 August 2023

10am – 6pm (last admission 5.30pm) Free public entry, pre-booking not required.

conceived as illustrations for a children’s book, reflect life in a small village in the Kyiv region through magical and naïve imagery. Prymachenko drew inspiration and subject matter from various sources: observing nature, interacting with people around her, and delving into her own inner world. Saatchi Gallery is delighted to work in partnership with the Prymachenko Family Foundation and the Ukrainian Embassy on this project. The conditions of war present new challenges for the preservation of cultural heritage in Ukraine, and the Foundation is working to safeguard her legacy through the creation of a new museum complex on the site of the artist’s house. Saatchi Gallery are grateful for the support of Maria’s granddaughter Anastasia Prymachenko.

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Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY saatchigallery.com

I herded horses instead of my father. M.P, 1982 by Maria Prymachenko

I was spinning on the spinning wheel. M.P, 1982 by Maria Prymachenko

Above: No Name, by Maria Prymachenko; Below: No Name, by Maria Prymachenko

Sir Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64 EYES OF THE STORM

2023

More than 250 photographs from Sir Paul McCartney’s personal archive are being displayed for the first time as part of a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.

Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the exhibition shines a light on the portraits captured by McCartney using his own Pentax camera between November 1963 and February 1964, the period in which John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were propelled from being the most popular band in Britain to an international cultural phenomenon.

Described by McCartney in his own words as the “eyes of the storm,” the photographs provide a uniquely personal and never-beforeseen perspective, documenting McCartney’s time with The Beatles at a critical moment in the groups’ evolution. While the exhibition’s narrative represents just four short months, McCartney’s photographs chronologically document the experiences of the band on their travels.

An accompanying book of photographs and reflections by Paul McCartney, 1964: Eyes of the

Storm, is available by Penguin Press. While the photographs selected for this exhibition had existed as negatives and contact sheets for 60 years, the majority have never been made into prints. Rediscovered in the artist’s personal archive in 2020, the photographs provide an insight into the band, their fans and the early 1960s, all through eyes of Sir Paul McCartney. McCartney has selected the photographs, and shared personal reflections about the time and the images, which are captured in the exhibition.

The four months depicted in the exhibition were just the beginning of an era of British cultural dominance in music, fashion and film. McCartney’s extraordinary photographs invoke a time when culture was opening to everyone – when four very young men from a northern English seaport could influence the world with their music and creativity. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit npg.org.uk

“The truth is that I have always been interested in photography, from the time I was very young, when our family owned a little box camera in the 1950s. I used to love the whole process of loading a roll of Kodak film into our Brownie camera.”

– Paul McCartney, 2023

Unseen photographs taken by Paul McCartney, revealed at major exhibition, until 1st October

National Portrait Gallery presents

Centre: © National Portrait Gallery, London

This image, below and bottom: © Paul McCartney.

WHY INVEST IN FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY?

Tim Platt Fine Art

Abeautiful image in a frame on your wall is not just decoration. Framed pictures are like windows. They are aesthetic focal points to both look at and look through. Visitors will admire them, and they will enhance the positive energy within your home or workspace. They will last a lifetime and will eventually become old friends.

Your home is your sanctuary, a space where you can express your personality and create an ambience that resonates with your inner self. While furniture, colours, and lighting play vital roles in home decor, one element that often surpasses them all is art. The transformative power of art cannot be overstated.

You may move house, redecorate or change your furniture, but your artworks will remain a constant in your life. You will never regret the decision to invest in something beautiful for your everyday space. To begin with you will enjoy admiring your new acquisition, with an inner glow! Over time it will become a valued and constant part of the fabric of your environment, always there and helping to promote a reassuring sense of continuity.

Tim is now focused on his personal creative practice and has released four collections of beautiful strictly limited edition fine art prints.

These are Animals, Birds, Flora (a series of flower portraits) and Tim’s award winning Botanical Opticals series of abstract floral art.

Each limited edition print comes with a unique digitally signed certificate of authenticity. The certificate verifies the name of the image, the edition number, production date, certificate number and a hologram authentication patch that is matched by a unique number on both the print and certificate. Archival pigment ink prints will last for over 100 years. Printing and packaging is certified as Carbon Neutral. All prints are strictly limited. This sets them apart from “retail” prints and posters because only a few people in the world can own them.

timplattprints.com

TIM PLATT

Tim’s lifelong passion for photography began when he was given a clunky old Russian ‘Zenith’ SLR camera when he was 12. Before long he had a basic darkroom set up in the cellar and was swishing black and white prints around in trays of chemicals. He has since forged an award-winning career in advertising and fine art photography, and runs a busy central London studio.

CHILLON LEACH is an artist based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Acrylics, watercolours, and mixed media are her mediums of choice. She is inspired by nature, colour, abstraction, philosophy, humour, and life’s positivity. Pictured: “Gem Island #76”, is from her mythical Gem Islands topographical map series. She creates these tonal, shimmering paintings with genuine gemstone and traditional watercolours, and adds carbon ink line and pointillism details.

Visit www.chillonleach.com and follow @chillon_leach_art on Instagram and contact chillon@chillonleach.com

MOBILE: 07483118819

WEBSITE: www.careybaxendale.com

INSTAGRAM: @carey_baxendale_art

NO ORDINARY ART FAIR

Fresh: Art Fair returns to Ascot Racecourse in September. Co-founder Anthony Wardle tells us what to expect.

Fresh: is different. Unlike many art fairs, we host galleries rather than individual artists which means we show much more work by many more artists …a wider range of art than any other British fair. Our exhibitors are experts in their markets and are happy to answer questions and give advice.

We host 45 galleries showing original prints and paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramics by 450 artists. Unlike other fairs, you’ll see everything from fresh young talent to serious players like

THE DETAILS

Fresh: Art Fair – Ascot Racecourse

22nd – 24th September 2023

Private View 5.30 – 9.00pm

Thursday 21st September with free wine and first pick of the art Tickets from £8 online… Early Bird offers Free parking. Unlimited free returns. Under 16s go free. Everyone goes free on the Friday freshartfair.net

Hockney, Banksy, Matisse and Dali. You’ll see spectacular art from £50 to £30,000 or more, although most of it well within your budget. There will be artists demonstrating their work and answering your questions, and talks on art and interior design. More details on our website soon. We are the only art fair with a dedicated outdoor Sculpture Park showing around 25 amazing garden sculptures.

Because we’re called Fresh: we always invite exhibitors new to the Fair, with twelve new galleries to explore this time. Our visitors tell us they want choice and that is precisely what we give them.

Fresh: is for everyone from new art lovers to established collectors. The Grandstand at Ascot Racecourse is a spectacular venue. With free parking, licensed cafés, Talks, Artist Demos and an outdoor Sculpture Park, Fresh: really is the easiest way to browse and buy art.

Clockwise from top left: Nicoleta Costiuc: Kadip Gallery; Samantha McCubbin: The Art Agency; Hidden Gallery - Salvador Dali Le Téléphone; Melanie Cormack-Hicks: Paragon Gallery

New National Portrait Gallery collection to be ‘representative of Britain today’

By Hannah Roberts

The National Portrait Gallery re-opened recently following a three-year £41.3 million transformation, with an increased focus on representation in the collection.

Significant refurbishment has taken place at the gallery during the three-year closure, with the creation of public spaces, a new visitor entrance, public forecourt and a learning centre.

The updated collection of art pieces in the Inspiring People project will explore themes of regional history, social class, gender and ethnicity.

Dr Alison Smith, chief curator at the National Portrait Gallery, told the PA news agency: “We wanted to just readdress the balance of what we show, to make it more inclusive and representative of Britain today.

“So before we closed, there were more portraits of men than women. We’ve looked at that and now 48% of the works on display are female sitters.

“We’ve actually made it more of representative of Britain in terms of ethnicity, social class, disability, this kind of thing.”

Explaining the importance of representation and how it intersects with history, Dr Smith added: “We have to show that there’s no single narrative of British history.

“We have to share the contribution of other people or people who’ve been missing or overlooked.

“We’ve tried to weave these different strands together by introducing prints, popular portraits, we’ve even got record covers, photographs, posters, just to make it more inclusive, to show that we are a gallery for everyone and about everyone.”

To try to rebalance the representation of gender, British artist Tracey Emin was commissioned to create a new art installation at the gallery. Her piece, The Doors (2023), depicts 45 allfemale faces, which have been cast in bronze and placed on the National Portrait Gallery doors.

The gallery will also stage a major survey of African diasporic artists working in the UK and America called The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe The Black Figure.

To highlight the often overlooked stories of women who have helped to shape British history, five self-portraits made by female artists have been acquired as well.

Talking about what it was like to curate the collection, Dr Smith added: “It’s been a long journey, but well worth it because the results are absolutely stunning and beautiful and I think people will find it a really interesting and engaging experience.

“It’s educational and informative but highly entertaining as well.” npg.org.uk

“We have to show that there’s no single narrative of British history. We have to share the contribution of other people or people who’ve been missing or overlooked”

Katie Geis is an American artist and live event painter. She is internationally recognized for work and has travelled to paint live at special events. Having spent her childhood in San Jose, California, she frequently draws inspiration from those beloved hillsides and ocean scenery. She is especially drawn to the way light plays a role in drastically enhancing its subject, extracting stunning and unexpected colors. While her work can be appealing to the eye, it also generates a myriad of emotions. It’s a unifier, an ameliorating agent, it can satisfy a nostalgic heart. Or simply, it can make you happy. That’s her aim, to bring joy and tap into your fondest memories.

Katie offers original pieces, commissions,and live paintings for events worldwide. When she isn’t painting, Katie enjoys gardening, hiking, superb espresso, and spending time with her husband and three small children.

Photography by Christi Elizabeth Photography

‘It is all about the process’

‘Whether in art or in life, it is about the process of experiencing, being in the moment, being present and learning from the encounter with the now in dialogue with the past and future. Every artwork is another exploration, another iteration of a created vocabulary to a language of my own yet connected to all of existence. The art process is the epitome of gathered human expression, from then to now. As an artist one consciously communes with the very act of creation, with making ‘a knowing’, an understanding brought through the work itself.

The practice births a way of being in the world, a relating to one’s effect of presence and to the other. Artmaking facilitates means to digest and transform information and in response receive revelations, reflected at large in life. Art is a means to be aware, to become conscious.’

Carolin Rechberg, born in Starnberg, Germany, is a female artist interested in the importance of cognitive and sensory learning, initiated through the encounter of the artistic process. She places most value in the multi-sensory experience involved in creating, the embodied insights which are generated and how these transfer to a way of life. For Rechberg ‘alerting the senses through creating, is an opportunity to ground in the present moment. The art process, and the artwork, is a vehicle to harness instinct, stimulate creativity and gather awareness, information, and insight, emerging through heightened sense perception, in the communion with art and presence.’

Rechberg attained an Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Fine Art from the California College

of the Arts, a Master of Art in Drawing and Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, and a Master in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

She also taught Drawing and Painting as a Teaching Assistant in her 1st Master at the San Francisco Art Institute, and Etching, Lithography, Silkscreen and Woodcut during her 2nd Master at Teachers College. Simultaneously to completing her education, she managed the Printmaking Studios at Teachers College and, facilitated individual instruction of adult students and, assisted in workshops such as the ‘Making and Knowing Project’, an initiative from the Center for Science and Society at Columbia University, that explores the intersections between artistic making and scientific knowing.

Carolin Rechberg’s interdisciplinary body of work comprises of drawing, installation, painting, performance, poetry, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and sonic voicework. Her artwork has been exhibited in Solo and Group Exhibitions, in America, Asia and Europe. It has been published internationally, received awards and residencies. Recently she returned to Europe, where she is now working from her ‘studio C’ close to Murnau am Staffelsee in Germany.

Contemplation Stone XXV, Sculpture, Ceramic, 28 x 28 x 18 cm, 2021

Art is in the Process, Printmaking, Process Photography, size variable, Lithograph, 56 × 76 cm, 2018

Transitions II, Printmaking, AP Polyptych Woodblock Relief Print, Ink on Somerset Paper, 152 x 365 cm, 2019

Ingrid Brown is a plein-air, figurative & landscape oil painter living in beautiful West Cornwall. She has exhibited at London’s Mall Galleries, St Ives’ Penwith Gallery, and around the UK.

Her practice is all about life, land and light. The moods and energies of people and animals, particularly at home, inspire her current figurative work: “At home we are our most authentic, unguarded selves - I think this vulnerability is very special to observe.” Ingrid also loves painting cherished household plants and objects.

Her land and seascapes explore the light, weather, and atmosphere of a place, or the way she felt when she was there at a specific moment.

Ingrid’s work hangs in happy homes nationally, across Europe and the US. She is Associate Member of Penwith Society of Arts, St Ives, Cornwall. Commissions welcome. Please contact Ingrid directly to discuss.

Sophie Swan Design

at the end of 2020; she was ready to launch her brand. The brands mission is to create high quality products featuring beautiful designs to enhance your home, and to always be made locally. The current product range features double sided cushion covers made from soft cotton panama, cotton tote bags with webbing handles and a new range of occasion cards, printed on softly textured card.

Sophie sources UK companies to manufacture her products, using only companies that are environmentally friendly. It is important that the products are made in the UK, to ensure production of a high quality and also to support other UK businesses.

Sophie is currently busy working on new designs and products for release in 2024.

THE DETAILS

Independent greetings and accessories brand Sophie Swan Design is based on the Isle of Wight. Growing up on an island, surrounded by nature has greatly influenced Sophie’s designs. Inspired also by her love of Oriental gardens and enchanted forests, her creations are a fusion of botanicals, fairy tales, colour and pattern. She describes her style as Modern Floral.

Sophie’s modern take on floral prints began back in her days of studying for her degree in Surface Design at Somerset College of Art. Her final year work had an enchanted forest theme and she set out to create her own modern version of this. Taking photos of flowers, birds and butterflies, the designs were initially created by collaging these photos. This enabled Sophie to combine her interests in photography and pattern, which led to her finding her own style.

After a few years of developing her work, her designs have retained the same kind of style, but are now more refined with a smoother colour palette. The colours used in each design are vibrant, yet soothing. Sophie still uses her photos to create her designs, but instead of collage, she now creates the designs digitally, enabling her to have more control over the colour palette and scale of elements.

Sophie spent some time working in retail, while developing her designs and business plan, then

View the full collection at sophieswandesign.com, and follow on Instagram @sophieswandesign

For more paintings visit: tonyfandino.com I will display and attend the Parallax Art Fair, Kensington Town Hall, London. October 28-29 2023. Why not come and meet the artist?

Skiathos Marina, Greece, oil on panel, framed 54w X 44d cms £400

FRSA

Artist Sandra Hraba

Sandra Hraba is an Austrian-born talented artist whose colourful paintings are meant to convey joy and inspiration. Her artworks are heavily inspired by Australian Aboriginal art, blending traditional techniques with modern styles and themes. With her passion for art and her sense of creativity and originality, she creates unique and unforgettable works of art that delight the eye and touch the soul. In particular, she would like to conjure up optimism and joie de vivre in her home, office, practice, hospital or retirement home.

As a child she had seen a film about Uluru (Ayers Rock) on TV and from that point on all she wanted was to travel this wonderful piece of earth herself. At the age of 21 she fulfilled this dream and it should influence her whole life, because somewhere in the outback she met an old Aborigine who showed her how to make her own paint from natural materials and the stories, myths and legends of these millennia ancient primitive people, captured in the form of art. Until then she had never had any contact

with art, apart from occasional visits to museums and galleries. In Alice Springs she had bought herself 2 wonderful pictures with Aboriginal dot painting and wanted to buy more such unusual art back home in Austria, but unfortunately it was difficult to almost impossible to get, so she started to create her own pictures. Astonished that her pictures found more and more approval and popularity in her environment, she began to combine her two passions: Australia and painting, paired with a mixture of paintings of thousands of years old rock paintings, dot painting and modernity, result in colour explosions Pictures. She is very committed to animal welfare and the preservation of natural habitats, as well as the fight against the devastating pollution and overfishing of our oceans. She processes these unfortunately often sad topics in her pictures and tries to draw attention and encourage people to go through our wonderful world with wide open eyes and thus contribute to making the earth worth living in for the weakest, the animals and our children.

THE DETAILS

If you are looking for a unique and stunning painting then discover the wonderful world of her art and contact her to own your own colourful and inspiring art at: sandras.malereien.com, Instagram: sandras_malereien, email: sandras.malereien@gmx.at

All the Flowers Are for Me & Plants of the Qur’ān:

Two ground-breaking art exhibitions

Until Sunday 17 September 2023.

Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens

Acclaimed artists Anila Quayyum Agha and Sue Wickison present new works at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens. Exploring themes of faith and cultural exchanges, this tandem exhibition showcases stunning contemporary sculptural work alongside intricate botanical paintings, reflecting the ongoing evolution of art inspired by the natural world.

Pakistani-American contemporary artist Anila Quayyum Agha showcases two stunning pieces as part of the exhibition. All the Flowers Are for Me takes the shape of a large, laser-cut steel cube suspended from the ceiling and is inspired by patterns used in Islamic art and architecture. Filling the gallery space with elaborate floor-toceiling shadow patterns, All the Flowers Are for Me creates a unique experience where visitors can become a living, breathing part of the artwork, in an inclusive, sacred space. The work encompasses ideas of cultural connectedness and peaceful co-existence within the context of an increasingly fractious world.

Alongside this is Stolen Moment Bouquet I and II, a new work which receives its UK premiere at Kew Gardens. Constructed from mirrored stainless steel, this wall-mounted piece is inspired by Great Piece of Turf by the pioneering botanical artist Albrecht Dürer.

Running simultaneously is Plants of the Qur’ān, a world premiere exhibition featuring 25 brand-

“Plants of the Qur’an is a world premiere exhibition featuring 25 brand-new botanical paintings of plants referenced in the Qur’an , displayed for the first time at Kew Gardens”

new botanical paintings of plants referenced in the Qur’ān, displayed for the first time at Kew Gardens. Travelling to various locations in the Middle East, botanical artist Sue Wickison has illustrated plants including garlic, pomegranate, date palms, henna and flowering desert species. Highlighting the cultural, agricultural, and botanical significance of a variety of species, the exhibition allows visitors to engage with these often-everyday plants in new ways, exploring their cultural context alongside their role in modern medicine, as food sources and in gardens around the world.

For more information, visit kew.org

All the Flowers Are for Me by Anila Quayyum Agha

Plants of the Qur’an by Sue Wickison

Ingo Fincke Gallery

Later this year, Ingo Fincke Gallery will be exhibiting a new collection of intriguing work by Rachel Deacon.

Rachel Deacon is an established British artist with three decades of work since her graduation from Chelsea School of Art in 1991.

Following her architectural home renovation, Rachel found herself looking for an elusive abstract painting to fill a large space in the kitchen. Over the last 30 years, she has made intentionally narrative paintings, paintings of women which retell and reimagine stories and poems.

What she wanted for this particular space however, was the lack of story or intention to be apparent. “I was looking for something to resonate on a purely aesthetic level, and create a mood as opposed to a message,” she says.

Rachel then embarked on a wonderful, snaking creative journey through what had initially seemed like an easy genre. At the start, she made an image that had some links to recognisable objects. As Picasso said, “There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward, you can remove all traces of reality.” This was certainly true in the case of her first piece but less so later.

She says, “I realised quite early on that the work had to have something to say, some intent and that even though it is not always immediately apparent, I had no interest in the purely decorative space filler. I changed the viewing point of the work regularly during the process and only maintained that they were finished once they worked hung

upside down and on various sides.”

These new paintings express a rhythmic arrangement of abstract geometric forms, overlaying of shapes and soft colour. The negative spaces work to create harmony and direction within the composition. Form and incomplete surface texture, bump into the intersecting spacial forms.

She is interested in the experience of finding images and form in and behind other shapes, and providing the viewers’ eye a way to manoeuvre through-out the surface of the canvas.

Rachel uses the precision of geometry to create an opposition to the simplicity of the gentle shapes. Muted colour acts alongside substantial contrast effecting a dynamically moving image. By looking into and around the composition of these paintings they continue to reveal components not yet realised and yet at the same time, are peaceful and create stillness to live alongside. For more details contact kira@ingofincke.com

“She is interested in the experience of finding images and form in and behind other shapes, and providing the viewers’ eye a way to manoeuvre throughout the surface of the canvas”

Dotty 50x60cm oil on canvas

Winnie 50x60cm oil on canvas

Queenie 90x123cm oil on canvas

Loretta 90x123cm oil on canvas

Artist Anke Riemenschneider

Riemenschneider’s approach to visual art is characterized by a dynamic interplay of colors, shapes, and textures. Her paintings exude vitality and evoke a sense of motion, as if they are alive and pulsating with energy. Nature serves as a significant source of inspiration for her, with elements such as feathers and petals finding their way into her work. The vivid colors and abstract contrasts in her paintings create a symbolic force that invites viewers to interpret hidden meanings and embark on a visual journey.

Riemenschneider’s artistic progress has garnered recognition and acclaim on both national and international platforms. Her upcoming exhibition at the Artifact Gallery in Manhattan, New York in 2023 marks a significant milestone in her career, as she continues to push the boundaries of her artistic exploration and captivate audiences worldwide.

Contact: art-riemenschneider.com or follow @anke.riemenschneider on Instagram.

Anke Riemenschneider, is an artist whose work transcends conventional boundaries and captivates audiences with its multidimensional approach. From her roots in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, to her current base in Basel, Switzerland, Riemenschneider has emerged in the art world, effortlessly blending various artistic disciplines to create deeply evocative and original compositions.

Riemenschneider’s artistic journey began with a passion for music, as she honed her skills as a classical pianist, studying at the esteemed University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. However, Riemenschneider’s artistic appetite went beyond the confines of music, as she delved into the world of literature and pursued studies in German literature at the J.W. Goethe University in Frankfurt/Main.

Driven by a profound interest in the human soul and the intricacies of the human experience, Riemenschneider embarked on a parallel path of study, venturing into the realm of psychology. She obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Basel, delving into the depths of the mind and intertwining it with her artistic expressions. Through her art, she aims to stimulate a range of sensations and emotions within the viewer’s soul, crafting melodic and harmonious compositions that are dense with meaning.

“Riemenschneider’s artistic progress has garnered recognition and acclaim on both national and international platforms”

Clockwise from top left:

1. Poets Phoenix

2. Irisierend from “a poem behind the surface” series

3. Grünwesen

4. La Jouissance

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

FLUIDISM is a concept through which I express my artistic creed in works of art, inspired by the existence of a complex substance of outstanding properties andqualities – WATER.

WATER is a unique and indestructible substance.

WATER is the basis of life, growth and change. WATER has the ability to regenerate continually. WATER soothes and heals

WATER shows understanding and sensitivity. WATER is an accomplished artist.

WATER is the most important element on the planet, can be found in 70% of our earth and in the same proportion in the bodies of humans, animals and plants – sometimes even in a larger quantity.

I have chosen to use the seven colors of the rainbow and the shades obtained by combining them in all of my artworks.

“FLUIDISM is the most important moment in my artistic career. It is the essence of what I am.”

BELGRAVIA GALLERY Art that Makes a House a Home

Established by Anna Hunter in London over 30 years ago, Belgravia Gallery is now run by Anna’s daughter, Laura Walford. A family business with a global outlook, the gallery was born out of a vision to showcase exceptional artists, with an emphasis on giving back with art for charity. Since moving from its former base of Belgravia and then Mayfair, the gallery is now situated in a beautiful home setting just outside Cranleigh, Surrey, overlooking the Surrey Hills.

Belgravia Gallery is proud to represent both established and emerging British and international artists and has links with some of the most highly regarded artists of all time. It can also help secure commissions with local and global talents who are willing to create something unique and perfectly suited to its surroundings.

With an approachable ethos, Belgravia Gallery helps select works tailored to your individual needs, location and style and offers a personalised art advisory service to accommodate every level of buyer. Anna and Laura are focused on supporting clients to pursue their interests, whether for passion, investment or both.

As well as giving guidance for individual collectors, corporate clients and interior designers, there is also the opportunity to arrange site visits and view artwork in situ. With a wealth of knowledge, Anna and Laura offer advice from expert sourcing and current market trends through to installation, framing services, rental, insurance

valuations, shipping and restoration. Rather than something that is added at the end, Belgravia Gallery views art as a feature that enhances the character of its environment and is integral to a space and the owner’s enjoyment of it. The best pieces of art are not always the most expensive, and as art consultants with over 30 years of experience, Anna and Laura can ascertain very quickly what a client – and a space – needs.

Belgravia Gallery is committed to raising funds for a variety of charities with Art for Charity. The gallery supports its own charity, the Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust, which helps encourage livelihoods in India’s deprived rural communities in Tamil Nadu through the empowerment of education: sebsschool.org.

belgraviagallery.com

020 7495 1010

laura@belgraviagallery.com

Artists include Charlie Mackesy, HM King Charles III, Nelson Mandela, Maria Filopoulou, Monroe Hodder and others

EXHIBITION

‘Where Life and Art Merge - A journey of discovery’

Bringing Cornwall to Portobello Road JM Gallery, 230 Portobello Road, LONDON, W11 1LJ

12th to 17th October 2023

(9am-7pm 12th to 16th October. 9am-4pm 17th October)

PRIVATE VIEW

11th October 2023

(6pm-9pm- by invitation only)

Susan is a leading UK contemporary pressed flower and mixed media artist. Her unique artwork is inspired by Cornwall’s coastline. Her new exhibition launches in London where she will also be releasing new original artworks and signing copies of her autobiography ‘BLUE YONDER AND BEYOND’, her inspiring story of her journey from lawyer to artist. Meet the artist in person.

For all enquiries, please contact info@susanfowler.co.uk | www.susanfowler.co.uk | Instagram @susanfowlerart

Cornwall ‘GRAVITAS’

ELENA DOBROVOLSKAYA

opposed to the skin, whereby she builds a hypnotic luminosity that draws the viewer’s attention to the face. Pensive, dreamy, and overall intriguing, each figure inhabits a world only half-revealed, inviting us to probe further.

Elena Dobrovolskaya has exhibited broadly in the US and Europe, including ArtExpo New York, Florence Biennale and Salon Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. Her first Solo portrait exhibition “Look into my eyes” took place in March 2021 at the Artifact gallery in Manhattan, New York. Elena’s art was published in numerous art magazines and catalogues such as “We Contemporary 2021” and “50 artists to invest in” in Italy, “Trends in Art: Insights for collectors” in the UK and “Important World Artists, volume V” in the US.

THE DETAILS

Elena Dobrovolskaya is a New-York based award-winning portraitist working in Contemporary Realism style. Classically trained, she blends the core tenets of Northern Renaissance painters with the graphic aesthetic of Post Impressionism. From Holbein she takes the deep blues and greens of the background, from Durer the dark red, from Gauguin the flat surfaces and thick outlines. The elegant simplicity of Elena’s paintings is deceitfully effortless. Rather, it rests on solid drawing foundations and skillful color layering. Her palette is very limited for the clothes and background as

You can find her art works on artsy.net and visit her website elenadobrovolskaya.com Instagram @ladyvictoria2007

HEDVA SER

Rosie Tretter is german artist living near Stuttgart in the south of Germany. In her colorful artwork, using acrylic paints & acrylic spray in combination with gold leaf, varnish & diamond dust, she expresses the beauty, uniqueness & at the same time transience and destruction of nature & wildlife. She wants to inspire people to protect and save our singular planet, before some species possibly disappear forever.

“Perhaps the motivation to protect our paradise is higher when we focus on the beauty of nature”

Her inspiration she finds in many journeys around the world, especially when working as a flight-attendant in her former worklife, and always when spending time outside in nature.

“For me, art is freedom. Reality and fantasy meet and merge into a new world. Both the artist and the viewer can enjoy the freedom – the artist in his or her possibilities of expression, the viewer being able to interpret all of them.”

Rosie shows her artworks at several artfairs in Germany, upcoming next in september at”ARTe” in Wiesbaden.

See her portfolio on her homepage www.rosie-tretter.com or www.saatchi.art and follow @rosietretter.art on Instagram.

Hedva Ser, artist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Diplomacy, uses sculpture as a medium to build peace for the future by creating a dialogue between humans.

The Tree of Peace is a symbol of spiritual harmony, integrating imagery from the three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, creating unity with a single expression of peace.

Planted in public spaces, the bronze tree evokes the tranquil beauty of the natural world we share and together must maintain. Currently ‘planted’ in 16 locations across the world, The Tree of Peace has yet to spread its roots in London.

Hedva Ser is represented by Alexia Goethe Arts & Co, London

“Yesterday we clotured the 8th edition of Artcamp Andorra I am very honored to be the godmother since 2012 of this Unesco’s project, bringing artists from 5 continents, working together and building bridges for peace”

web: alexia goethe artnet

LUXURY TRAVEL

– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world –

TAKING LUXURY TO NEW HEIGHTS

Providing an efficient and reliable way to travel, a private jet charter allows you to become the master of your schedule to do more of what you love. It delivers the ultimate luxury experience to improve how you live, work and play.

Based in Edinburgh and operating worldwide, charter specialists jetlogic ensure their global clients travel in complete private and luxurious style for a stress-free flying experience. Managing every detail from departure to arrival, they provide superior service based upon attention to detail, reliability and a flexible approach to every client’s travel requirements.

Their highly experienced Operations team have extensive experience and knowledge of the aviation industry, catering to every need with bespoke charters. Providing informed advice prior to booking, they guarantee seamless travel catered to every need.

With access to a wide range of private aircraft, from small light jets to global jets for large group charters, jetlogic provides worldwide charter solutions to help their clients reach areas not accessible by scheduled flights.

Choosing to fly private provides the luxury of travelling wherever you want to go, whenever you desire. With the freedom over location and access to a network of private terminals and FBOs worldwide, take off minutes after boarding and arrive closer to your chosen destination.

The convenience of flying from London is an important decision for many when booking a charter. jetlogic offers tailored flight solutions to and from Luton, Farnborough, Stansted, Biggin Hill and Northolt. The popularity of these airports also offers a higher chance of empty leg flights in and out of London, providing a great opportunity to travel at short notice.

jetlogic’s experienced team are always available to create bespoke itineraries and offer personalised advice to create exceptional experiences. Visit their website jet-logic.com or contact their specialist team to enquire about a private jet and helicopter charters +44 131 478 0802.

CHÂTEAU BRACHET: THE LOOK AND FEEL OF A STATELY HOME AT THE HEART OF THE “RIVIERA OF THE ALPS”

to wake up the sleeping beauty. Turning it into a hotel was a rather wild dream. This renovation, which we wanted as faithful as possible to the rules of the art and the “soul” of the buildings, was made possible because, just before the time of the sale, we were made aware of many history components around this residence and its owners / visitors. We then brought in 3 contemporary history master’s degree students from the University of Grenoble who took a very active part in researching the history of the Château and were slowly able to piece together the puzzle of this intricate heritage.”

Located only 5 kilometres from the shores of Lake Bourget, on the heights of the small town of Grésysur-Aix, this 4-star hotel is housed in a beautifully restored historic residence: 15 rooms and suites, a wellness area, a gastronomic restaurant and a six-hectare landscaped park, with an 18-metre long outdoor swimming pool, a solarium and a selection of outdoor games: tennis and padel, pétanque, croquet, badminton and volleyball courts, a giant chessboard as well as an Executive Golf training area covering more than one hectare.

Staying at Château Brachet is not just about pampering your body and indulging in gastronomy, but a chance to travel back in history. The establishment is the ultimate homage to Dr Léon Brachet, one of the last owners of this stately home. His untiring efforts to transform Aix-lesBains into the queen of spa resorts at the end of the 19th century saw him mingle with the European aristocracy.

For the current owners, the acquisition of this building in 2010 was a case of love at first sight but also a major gamble. They confide: “We had

The goal was for the château to embody the French art of living and to recreate the rather relaxed atmosphere of the age. Thus, to convey the power of attraction of Aix-les-Bains, where aristocrats, crowned heads, artists and intellectuals - from the Austrian Empress “Sissi” to Sarah Bernhardt, not forgetting Queen Victoria, King George I and the thespian Coquelin brothers - all flocked to enjoy the thermal “seasons”. The result? After a ten-year restoration, the building has been brought back to life, transformed into an elegant historical boutiquehotel that offers modern comfort as well as a unique journey back into a forgotten era: Aix-les-Bains’ golden age as a spa resort.

chateaubrachet.com

infos@chateaubrachet.com

“Staying at Château Brachet is not just about pampering your body and indulging in gastronomy, but a chance to travel back in history”

SECRET ESCAPES The secret European islands you’ve probably never heard of

Dodge the crowds on popular archipelagos by opting for these quieter water-ringed spots. By Sarah Marshall

Nothing better sums up the joy of holiday disconnection than a break spent idling on a secret hideaway island. While we’re all familiar with the stars of the Balearics, Canaries and Ionian archipelagos, there are hundreds of specks in the sea that we foolishly overlook.

From a wildlife sanctuary offshore Mallorca, to a spectacular wildlife idyll close to Scotland, these islands are beyond extraordinary. So, for a stressfree holiday without the crowds, give these lesser known escapes a try.

MARETTIMO, ITALY

Sicily is a fabulous destination, but you can do one better. A 30-minute hydrofoil ride from Trapani, three islands in the middle of Europe’s biggest marine reserve make up the idyllic Egadi archipelago. The best and most remote is traffic-free Marettimo, believed to be Ithaca, the

homeland of Greek hero Odysseus.

There are only a handful of places to stay –including self-catering apartments at the Marettimo Residence, while fresh lobster and fish is served at local trattorias. As you’d expect, the opportunities for diving and snorkelling are superb – with more than 400 sea caves to explore. On land, hiking trails lead to ruins of a Byzantine church and a lighthouse. Wake early to see mouflon sheep and peregrine falcons on trails.

COLONSAY, SCOTLAND

Claiming to have the highest number of sunshine hours in the UK, this remote island off the west coast of Scotland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to disappear into crowd-free golden dunes.

The corn crake, one of Britain’s rarest birds, is a famous resident, while seabirds such as kittiwakes and fulmars can also be seen. Go fly fishing in the

lochs, surf from powdery beaches or play a round of golf.

This is also the smallest island in the world to have its own brewery and distillery, Colonsay Brewery and Wild Thyme Spirits. Stay in a hotel, self-catering accommodation or take advantage of Scotland’s legal freedom to wild camp.

INISHEER, IRELAND

Not to be confused with the fictional setting for The Banshees of Inisherin, this tiny fleck off the west coast of Galway Bay is still a wonderful advert for Ireland’s scenery. A combination of all three Aran islands inspired the setting for Colin Farrell’s hit film and some scenes were even filmed here.

In clear view of the Cliffs of Moher, Inisheer is the smallest island, where fishermen parade along white sand beaches with their daily catch. Measuring just 3km by 3km, it’s easy to cover by foot or by bike. But for a novel experience, travel by pony and trap or a bus tugged along by a tractor. B&Bs and hotels provide over night accommodation. To arrive at the island, take a ferry from Rossaveal or Doolin.

CABRERA, SPAIN

Mallorca may be a popular summer holiday choice. But where do the locals seek refuge when hordes

of tourists arrive? So wild and untouched it’s been designated a national park, Cabrera – a migratory stop-over for 130 bird species – is only an hour’s boat ride away.

Used as a food store by the Romans, its only inhabitants were historically goats, but it’s still open to day-trippers and a handful of guests lucky enough to stay in a beachside refuge from €50 per night. Book accommodation through the park (caib.es) and transfers through Excursions Cabrera (excursionsacabrera.es). Best visited in the afternoon when the sun’s rays stream through the entrance, the Blue Cave is one of the island’s top natural wonders.

KAUNISSAARI, FINLAND

Thousands of islands cluster together to form Finland – meaning it’s not hard to holiday close to the water. Featuring forests, beaches and enticing clapperboard cabins, all are appealing. But Kaunissaari, called ‘the beautiful island’, is definitely a stand-out choice. A 90-minute ferry ride from Kotka, 130km east of Helsinki, the coastal island sits in the Gulf of Finland. Visit handicraft stalls, wander around an art gallery, take a sauna or laze on long sandy stretches. Stay in campsites, rent a log cabin from Kaunissaari Holiday Centre or stay in old school building built in the 1900s. Book through visitkotkahamina.fi.

“So wild and untouched it’s been designated a national park, Cabrera – a migratory stop-over for 130 bird species –is only an hour’s boat ride away”

JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM ‘Luxury Arabic Opulence’

The stunning hotel’s design can be described as “Luxury Arabic Opulence”, with simple touches such as gold and marble floors, show stopping sand filled globes are recessed into the corridor walls with a stunning wall-length canvas of galloping horses in a beautiful piercing royal blue.

You will find the most professional staff are at hand in abundance. From my first greeting I received at check-in and throughout my stay was something I had never experienced before.

With 435 rooms and suites, this is the largest hotel within the Madinat and perfectly located facing the world renowned Burj Al Arab.

Lush gardens edge the sandy beach, providing pockets of privacy and peacefulness. The rooms and suites are open and spacious, accented with Arabian touches delivering a strong sense of place. From the balconies and extended terraces, there are spectacular views of the sea, the resort’s landscaped gardens, swimming pools and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

ROCKFISH: Delight in Mediterranean dining like never before in this beach front restaurant with a menu matched by stunning vistas of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

BLIND TIGER: With a concept following the narrative of ‘Flavours of the Jungle’, delight in a complete calibre of set menus anchored with a signature cocktail list.

SUMMERSALT: Discover the luxurious beach club with the most mesmerising views of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Savour delectable fusion cuisine, expert mixology and a live DJ by the stunning lounge pool.

THE PALMERY: Gaze upon the beautiful views from the open terraces as you enjoy a global menu that celebrates Arabian influence on world cuisine.

AL MANDHAR LOUNGE: Be it a sophisticated afternoon tea, eclectic international

“Gaze upon the beautiful views from the open terraces as you enjoy a global menu that celebrates Arabian influence on world cuisine”

bites or sumptuous array of pastries, this ambient lounge has it all.

KAYTO: A stunning rooftop dining spot offering Peruvian Nikkei, signature cocktails and shisha in a vibrant and captivating setting.

SUGARMASH: A hub of Polynesian cuisine, this vibrant pool eatery serves everything from exotic cocktails to delicious ceviches.

KALSA POOL BAR: The ideal place for tempting flatbreads, Sicilian pizzas and a host of trendy healthy bites.

JUMEIRAH AL NASEEM OFFER

Exceptional Jumeirah Escapes

Plan your next beachside retreat with Jumeirah’s unbeatable offers

Unwind moments from the beach, indulge in world-class dining and reconnect with loved ones on your next stay. Offer is valid for stays up until 24 December 2023.

Our Exceptional Jumeirah Escapes Offer includes:

• Up to 25% off our Jumeirah Flexible Rate when staying three nights or more

• Jumeirah One members can enjoy exclusive Member-only savings

• USD 200 per stay resort credit (for Suite bookings) and exclusive Summersalt Beach Club access when staying in a suite

• Access to our private temperature-controlled pools

• Unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™

• Use of wellness facilities at Talise Spa and Talise Fitness

• Access to KiDS at Jumeirah Al Naseem

• 30 complimentary minutes at Talise Spa with every 60-minute treatment

• Daily breakfast when booking Jumeirah Escapes with Breakfast

• Daily breakfast, and lunch or dinner when booking Jumeirah Escapes with Half Board

• Complimentary wi-fi to share your special moments

• Collect exclusive Jumeirah One Points when you book direct through Jumeirah jumeirah.com

A MOMENT IN TIME THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Escape the winter chill to an island where time stands still

For those who wish intimacy over the Christmas break, but are yet to decide what to do or where to go, JA Enchanted Island offers the perfect romantic escape in the Seychellois archipelago.

As the smallest of all luxury island resorts in the Seychelles located in the heart of Ste. Anne Marine National Park, JA Enchanted Island resonates with the intimate experience of this innermost natural sanctuary.

Festive is a time for connecting, whether you are young lovers excited to break with tradition, or parents with kids that have finally flown the nest and planning a first Christmas alone together. JA Enchanted Island presents the perfect tropical getaway for those seeking solitude in one of the most desirable destinations on Earth.

This is not your regular kind of resort. This is a secluded private island of just 10 villas with private infinity pools, beach and lagoon access, and an unrivalled sense of peace and serenity – each villa nestled in a lush tropical forest.

Not an ounce of bling or pretence in this understated and unassuming island, nor loud parties, or carnivals. This is the island destination to escape it all. Rustic charm embraces the island that only the greatest of poetic romanticists would admirably retire to. Voyage back to Frenchcolonial days staying in an exquisitely understated ‘home away from home’ with classical décor and shrouded with antiques, every piece telling its unique story.

Consider this an intimate Festive celebration for the two of you, far from the madding crowd. JA Enchanted Island is a journey to a time of discoveries, whilst savouring authentic Creole and international cuisine and exploring the Seychelles from its heart. Expect a just a nod to festivities this Christmas, in an unintrusive and reserved fashion, the greatest gift you can give each other this year is time.

This peaceful intimate private island features a bar, a restaurant, a sundowners cocktails pop-up, infinity pool terrace, spa, fitness facilities and a selection of water sports and excursions taking you to the most iconic of Seychelles locations.

Each villa is supported with the 24/7 island service, and with air conditioning, an outdoor dining area and minibar, all home comforts are catered for. To add to this unique remote experience, in the Private Pool Villas you will discover showers and bathtubs are located outdoors.

The open-air Spa experience takes you to the island’s hilltop where the only sound you will hear is Mother Nature’s call, whilst relaxing in the Massage Pavilion with outdoor shower and bathtub.

As well as the ten one and two-bedroom private infinity pool and signature villas, two new entrylevel Hilltop Lodge rooms and a Hilltop Villa are available without private pool, nestled in the treetop canopy, taking you closer to the island’s abundance of wildlife.

JA Enchanted Island can be reached in less than 15-minutes by speedboat from Mahé and Seychelles International Airport on Mahé is 10 minutes from the main island jetty. jaresortshotels.com

“The open-air Spa experience takes you to the island’s hilltop where the only sound you will hear is Mother Nature’s call”

3 of the best vineyards in the world

From Argentina to South Africa, these are some of the most impressive vineyards you can visit.

By Sam Wylie-Harris

Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, Rioja, Spain

You can imagine the wild applause when Bodegas Marqués de Riscal was voted the top vineyard in Europe – and number two on the list.

The Frank Gehry-designed pink and gold titanium-roofed building – inspired by the wines of the region – is a futuristic architectural feat in itself, before you’ve even stepped foot in the Michelin starred Restaurante Marqués de Riscal.

The wines are for the most part tempranillo temptresses, with some ravishing rosés to pique your interest. Order an old vintage of Riscal and the sommelier will open the bottle with a pair of heated tongs – quite the spectacle.

The Oscars of the wine industry, the World’s Best Vineyards 2023 has been revealed and the top 50 wineries are a wonderland for wine lovers.

An extensive and elite roll call of the very best in wine tourism, the list champions must-visit cellars across the globe, highlighting incredible experiences on offer – and of course, world class wines.

The ceremony took place in Spain’s Rioja wine region, and we’ve put the spotlight on three vineyards in the top five to fire your imagination and thirst…

Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina

In the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Catena Zapata was voted number one in the World’s Best Vineyards Awards.

Known as South America’s Grand Cru, the striking pyramid-shaped winery was inspired by Mayan temples. With three tours on offer, a highlight is the Blending Games experience where you can turn your hand to being a winemaker for the day – and create something unique with your glass of malbec and cabernet sauvignon.

Creation, Walker Bay, South Africa

Taking the number four spot and named overall African winner, Creation in Walker Bay is more a wine safari destination than cellar door. On a visit there, you’re encouraged to explore the showstopping scenery with cycling safaris and hiking across the magnificent estate.

A highlight must surely be an overnight stay in a self-catering cottage made from eucalyptus timber with epic views across Hemel-en-Aarde valley which translates as ‘heaven and earth.’ With a fully-stocked wine cellar, braii outdoor fireplace and binoculars for watching wildlife (including big cats), it must taste and feel like heaven on earth.

“Taking the number four spot and named overall African winner, Creation in Walker Bay is more a wine safari destination than cellar door”

Exquisite Escapes: Embrace Luxury at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort

At Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, deciding how to spend your day might be the most delightful challenge you’ll encounter. This exclusive new destination on the Cyprus hotel scene has captivated the hearts of discerning travellers, offering a plethora of activities and indulgences in the lap of luxury.

From the moment you wake up in your elegantly appointed room with panoramic sea views, the options for the day unfurl before you. If you seek relaxation, savour the breathtaking vistas on your private balcony or indulge in a rejuvenating massage at the spa. For fitness enthusiasts, the padel courts, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and football courts provide ample opportunities to stay active. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the beauty of nearby Akamas National Park or bask in the warm embrace of the resort’s several swimming pools and secluded beaches.

Spread across a sprawling 2,500 square metres, the Cleopatra Spa beckons with its twelve lavish treatment rooms. Indulge in facials, comprehensive massages, or find serenity in the banya or aromatherapy room. The indoor spa pool is accessible year-round, ensuring relaxation knows no seasonal bounds.

Evenings at Cap St Georges are an affair to

remember. Dress to impress for stylish dinners at the resort’s various restaurants, each offering a distinct culinary experience. Enjoy Mediterranean classics at Mesoyios or savour authentic Italian delights at Sapori, housed within rustic stone walls. For an elegant dining experience, head to Bonsai, where expertly crafted teppanyaki dishes and ocean-fresh sushi take centre stage.

The Chroma Lounge & Lobby Bar offers a cosmopolitan ambiance with mesmerising sea views. Sip on classic cocktails or enjoy sundowners by the pool at Thalassa Bar. After dinner, visit the Kohili beach bar where live DJs provide a chilled-out soundtrack to a night of relaxation and entertainment.

A day at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort promises to be a captivating journey, tailored to fulfil every desire and create cherished memories. Whether you choose to unwind in the serenity of the spa, revel in the pleasures of the Mediterranean cuisine, or simply lounge by the pool, this luxurious retreat is a paradise waiting to be explored.

For more information and reservations, visit: capstgeorges.com

TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia is in Dassia, Corfu Island, Greece. An awarded 4* lifestyle boutique hotel offering 48 design rooms and suites with free WI-FI.

Encircled by the verdant surroundings and the palm trees, TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia has mastered the art of service excellence inviting guests to experience a holiday beyond comparison. Ideally situated in the summer resort of Dassia, only 100 meters away from the sandy, shallow beach with crystal blue waters.

The hotel was fully renovated in 2014 and upgraded in 2022 to offer its guests a flawless fusion of leisure and pleasure in accordance with modern international standards.

Stylish and modern rooms, 2 high-end restaurants and bars, Spa, and wellness facilities as that perfectly reflect its clients’ personality and lifestyle. Travelers seeking for an amazing selection of premium accommodation are welcome to choose the kind of high-end rooms or suites that meet their desires and preferences among stylish Double Rooms, elegant Superior Rooms, spacious Family suites and enchanting Superior Suites, surrender to the pleasures of comfort.

www.trypcorfudassia.com

GOING KYOTO

respectfully immerse travellers in local cultures, while sustaining and preserving traditions. And there’s no better city than Kyoto for a more traditional take on the Japanese way of life.

I’m stood on one side of a screen while a geisha plucks the strings of a shamisen (traditional guitar) beside me. Should I emerge using a tiger pose, maybe draw for a sword like a samurai, or pretend to hold a walking stick like an old lady? I’m playing a game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ Japanese-style in a restaurant in Kyoto.

I drop to my knees and opt for the tiger. Masana, a maiko (or apprentice geisha) appears from the other side of the screen in the form of a samurai and I lose. It’s not all bad, I think to myself, as the kimono-clad trainee serves me another glass of beer.

Normally, a chance to meet a geisha is given on an invite-only basis to elite businessmen, but I’m getting a glimpse of centuries-old fun, thanks to GetYourGuide. Their Maiko experience, available once a month for groups of up to eight people (£324pp), includes a tour of a Shinto shrine and an evening of song, dance and local delicacies.

Kyoto is at the beating heart of Japanese culture. Since the country re-opened its doors to foreign visitors in late 2022, it’s tipped to be a popular spot. GetYourGuide has already seen a 59% rise in bookings for activities in the city compared to 2019, and have launched a new Originals series of experiences as a result.

Their one-of-a-kind offerings are designed to

I arrive in Japan via Osaka, the country’s second city. During an hour-long drive to Kyoto, large industrial buildings give way to traditional wooden homes, as I enter a city that takes things a little slower than its neighbours.

My first taste of Kyoto comes at Gion Saryo, a bright and airy breakfast spot away from the main drag, which serves one of the country’s biggest obsessions: matcha. You only have to walk a few metres to see matcha drinks in vending machines or matcha flavoured ice creams served from parlours.

Sean Coyte samples an exciting new range of insider tours in Japan’s former capital.

“Kyoto is at the beating heart of Japanese culture. Since the country re-opened its doors to foreign visitors in late 2022, it’s tipped to be a popular spot”

Our spectacular proper ty in the Turks and Caicos Islands is reminiscent of the Grand Villas of the Italian and French Riviera.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 800-234-0346 OR VISIT WWW VILLARENAISSANCETURKSANDCAICOS COM

Introducing our new ocean front, 6,000 sq ft, 2 story, 7 bedroom, 7 1/2 bathroom Grande Villa!

I’m going for the matcha bread (¥1650/£9), baked in-house using a vivid green dough. The tea house’s signature dish is a favourite with locals in the know and limited to 20 servings per day. It’s the perfect introduction to local cuisine.

My taste tour continues with a sit-down meal at Kifune Nakayoshi, a riverside restaurant north of the city, where wooden homes make way for winding roads and tree-covered hills.

Here, a place at the table means sitting crosslegged on a platform perfectly perched over the water. Instead of the din of diners and cutlery, it’s the gentle crashing of water below that provides the soundscape to my meal (mains around ¥9,800/£53).

The next morning, I make my way to the remote village of Ohara to learn about Noh, a type of theatrical dance dating back to the 14th century.

Noh Master Shigeki welcomes me to his home, where his love for the art is plain to see. Almost half of the building is dedicated to his very own Noh studio, and I’ve been invited to get up close to hundred-year-old silk kimonos and even older masks. The detail and colours are beautiful.

I’m treated to a demonstration of the slow and careful choreography before I attempt to recreate the controlled movements myself – an opportunity that’s usually reserved for Noh apprentices.

I take off my shoes and pull on a pair of special tabi socks. It takes a lot more concentration than I expect but, in this setting, surrounded by shoji (sliding paper screens) and beautifully maintained gardens, I’m in the perfect place to focus all my efforts on learning the basics of this uniquely Japanese art.

We finish the visit with an opportunity to

ask Shigeki questions, while enjoying rice-based sweets and green tea. It’s clear he takes pride in his country’s traditions and opening his home to small groups is part of his mission to share the traditions with new audiences. The Noh experience costs £110pp for groups up to six people, and takes place once a month.

Alongside these special edition tours, GetYourGuide also offers regular, more frequently held activities. I head to Arashiyama in the west of the city and its famous bamboo forest. The attraction has its fair share of tourists, but thankfully, it’s possible to avoid the crowds with a rickshaw tour (starting from £44pp).

It’s difficult not to feel like you’re getting VIP treatment while being carted from temple to trail and leaving wandering tourists behind.

My guide points to his favourite restaurants along the way before taking a break at a secluded pit stop.

“Can you see that down there?”

He points to a large frog on a lily-pad watching the world go by, while a heron perches on a nearby tree.

I get back on the rickshaw and weave through the crowds once more, before ending up at the most striking section of the route. My guide asks for my phone and captures me surrounded by the towering bamboo. Something tells me he knows all the best angles and has done for some time.

My final day starts early with before-opening access to the 1,300-year-old Ninna-Ji temple in Ukyo to the west of Kyoto. GetYourGuide’s outof-hours access to the UNESCO-listed temple (£273pp) is available once a month and is limited to six people at a time.

“The next morning, I make my way to the remote village of Ohara to learn about Noh, a type of theatrical dance dating back to the 14th century”

An Enchanting Collection Of Treehouses, Shepherds Lodges & An Original American Airstream Experience luxury and charm in the heart of the Devonshire countryside. Just a mile from the waters’ edge of the beautiful River Dart, overlooking a private sun-dappled wooded valley, sits the stunning Dittisham Hideaway. The Hideaway is just outside the picturesque village of Dittisham, and is just a 10-minute drive from the scenic port of Dartmouth in South Devon.

A young monk, Takashi, greets us at the large and imposing gates long before the crowds start to gather. The grounds look like a stereotypical Japanese scene: painted paper screens, buildings perched on stilts, ponds filled with koi carp.

The faint smell of sandalwood incense fills the air and creates a sense of calm as we tread the boards between buildings. Selina, my translator, explains: “The high priest finished his morning prayers a few moments ago. That’s the incense he used that you’re smelling.”

Our first stop is the main hall, never before opened to the public. I must be among the first westerners given permission to step inside. Takashi takes us behind an altar-style fixture to see 400-yearold paintings depicting Buddha in various forms.

I continue my tour with a masterclass in making wagashi. The Japanese sweets are as easy on the eye as they are to eat and moulded into pretty patterns with ease by my teacher, Shinya.

A few swift swipes of his simple wooden tools and the lump of ingredients take on a whole new floral form. If only I could make it look so easy.

Finally, I make my way to the temple’s tea house. I crawl through the waist-high entrance and learn that the child-size doorway is designed to make guests show humility.

I sit cross-legged inside and wait for the tea ceremony to begin. The tea master carefully wipes bowls and cups while the sound of croaking frogs fills the air.

I sip on matcha tea and take bites out of my wagashi while asking the tea master about how she honed her skills. She tells me she’s been practising the customs and techniques for 50 years and always learns something new.

For something I thought would be so formal, the experience feels incredibly secluded and relaxed. It’s the perfect analogy for my entire trip.

In a land of bullet trains and bustling cities, I expected the traditional side of Japan to be stiffer and stauncher. What I found was a warm welcome and a country keen to keep its culture alive with anyone willing to learn.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

For exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences, see Originals from GetYourGuide at getyourguide.com

RELAX & RECHARGE WITH NEFELI NINE RETREATS

Panoramic hikes, daily yoga classes, gourmet meals using the best and morning fresh, locally sourced ingredients, massage treatments and lots more.

Every possible comfort provided for you, the toughest decision you’ll be asked to make while you are with us is whether you want coffee or tea in the morning.

We take care of every little detail for you. www.nefelinine.com

WEST VIRGINIA USA

The Mountain State is home to spirited small towns, undiscovered hidden gems and world-class outdoor adventures. In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything and a little closer to Almost Heaven.

A state for all seasons, West Virginia never fails to inspire, whether you’re biking and swimming under summer sunshine or driving scenic roads to soak in the honey-toned hues of fall. The winters welcome skiing and snow play, while springtime beckons you to the mountains for wildflowers and

waterfalls. Culture seekers will discover centuriesold Appalachian traditions very much alive in small towns and historic sites, while foodies can order regional specialties fresh from the farms. Do it all in this perfectly located state, just a stone’s throw from the USA’s Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

As the only state in the USA that sits completely within the Appalachian Mountain range, West Virginia is a veritable playground for lovers of the outdoors. It’s home to the Monongahela National Forest, 35 state parks and nine state forests, and the USA’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which was established in 2021.

No matter the season you visit, the duration you stay, or your budget, West Virginia will not disappoint any traveller that is lucky to experience this wonderfully unique, natural and exciting state.

Purely America offers flights, hotels, car hire, attractions and self-drive tour itineraries to West Virginia and with direct flights from the UK surrounding this beautiful state there has never been a better time to visit.

THE DETAILS

“Culture seekers will discover centuries-old Appalachian traditions very much alive in small towns and historic sites, while foodies can order regional specialties fresh from the farms”

LUXURY LODGE HOLIDAYS IN THE DERBYSHIRE PEAK DISTRICT

There is no better place than the Derbyshire Peak District to enjoy a short break or a family holiday. The Peak District is ideally located in the Heart of England and is bursting with majestic landscapes, stunning views, stately homes and unique family attractions.

Award winning Landal Darwin Forest is situated between Matlock and Bakewell and combines luxury self-catering lodges with fantastic onsite facilities. Whether you want peace and tranquillity on a romantic break, action packed adventures or fantastic local attractions for entertaining friends and family, our lodges provide the perfect base from which to explore.

The luxury lodges at Landal Darwin Forest are nestled within a 47 acre woodland paradise. The parks 135 lodges are sympathetically interwoven into the forest, which enables you to get back to nature and enjoy the picturesque environment. We have created a holiday park where children can explore, and young and old will feel carefree and relaxed.

There are several types of accommodation options to choose from which will keep the whole family happy. Most popular are our spa lodges that include a private hot tub on the veranda and really enable you to appreciate the serenity of our forest setting. We also have a number of pet friendly lodges.

At Landal Darwin Forest we have created the perfect setting for you to relax, enjoy your holiday and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind.

Landal Darwin Forest is the perfect destination to enjoy a family holiday. Our fantastic onsite facilities include Evolution Health & Fitness, which has a swimming pool, spa, gym and beauty rooms.

For the younger members of your family, Little Monkeys indoor play centre will provide hours of fun and entertainment. The Activity Den is perfect for older children with pool tables and a games room to keep them entertained. We also offer a range of fun activities onsite that are suitable for children and adults. Let our qualified instructors train you in the art of archery or the skills of fencing. The more adventurous could experience the thrills of bodyzorbing, waterwalkerz or snorkelling! For all the family to enjoy, we have a tennis court, mini golf and an abundance of footpaths and cycling trails.

If you want to give yourself a break from cooking you can enjoy a coffee and lite bite at the Explorers cafe or you can visit the Foresters bar and restaurant which has an extensive menu serving fresh, locally sourced produce.

Many families enjoy celebrating Christmas or New Year at the park, or gathering the family together for a birthday or anniversary. No matter what the time of year, we are confident your friends and family will have a fantastic break.

darwinforest.co.uk

Chewton Glen & The Lygon Arms

fabulous outdoor pool and restoratively luxurious spa.

Chewton Glen is a true English Original; a five-star privately-owned luxury hotel and spa, situated on the edge of the ancient New Forest and a short walk from the beach in Hampshire. Located within a 130-acre estate, Chewton Glen is renowned for innovative luxury hospitality and effortless service. Choose from a variety of quintessentially English guestrooms and luxurious suites or spend the night amongst the trees in your very own exclusive Treehouse Suite, luxuriously secluded, private, and immersed in nature.

Savour delectably expert cuisine in The Dining Room or enjoy a relaxed meal at The Kitchen, an exciting meet, eat, restaurant and cookery school venue overseen by TV Chef James Martin. Within the grounds you can enjoy various activities including a 9-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a croquet lawn, as well as a

Originally a 14th century coaching inn, The Lygon Arms is a historic property with 86 unique guestrooms and suites, located in beautiful Broadway village in the heart of the Cotswolds. Welcoming families, dogs, and eco-friendly guests (with 4 EV charging points), The Lygon Arms has also hosted its fair share of famous guests – Charles I met here with his supporters, giving his name to the impressive ‘Charles I Suite’, while Oliver Cromwell occupied a room here immediately before the Battle of Worcester on 3rd September 1651.

Relax next to a roaring fire and bask in the history in one of the cosy lounges or satisfy your appetite with comforting, authentic food by James Martin served in Grill, the charming main restaurant, or a delicious selection of nibbles and grazing dishes in the laid-back Tavern. Replenish energy levels after a countryside walk with a fabulous afternoon tea (also curated by the renowned chef), or unwind in the fabulous spa and make the most of the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna or steam room. Treat yourself and choose from the range of blissful treatments to aid rest and rejuvenation. Offering the utmost in relaxation for all ages, The Lygon Arms is a taste of history reimagined.

lygonarmshotel.co.uk chewtonglen.com

The Lygon Arms

The Lygon Arms

The Lygon Arms

Chewton Glen

Above: Chewton Glen

looks inside and out.

Set in the grounds of the Grade II listed property, it has its own private gardens and uninterrupted views to the South over the adjoining orchard towards the Cotwolds. The property has 3 bedrooms, all with their own bathroom facilities, plus a unique baby suite.

Lovingly crafted using an age old aisle frame construction technique, comprising more than 12 tonnes of sustainably grown green oak, all set over a natural and locally quarried Cotswold stone plinth. The interior is a blend of high quality natural oak and limestone floors with underfloor heating, decadent free standing baths, power showers and a stunning bespoke kitchen with Aga.

You’ll also receive these getaway essentials:

• Sky Plus TV with Sports pack

• Wi-Fi

• Aga Oven

• Wine fridge with a bottle or two

• Washing machine with dryer

• Dishwasher

• Fridge and freezer

• Microwave oven

• Safe enclosed garden with great patio area, quality furniture and giant professional gas BBQ

• Corten steel wood burner on the patio and giant Kadai fire pit in the orchard amongst the fruit trees for alfresco fun

Tel: 007760 888318 windfallcottage.com | windfallbeckford@googlemail.com

Designer built to ooze luxury, we think you’ll agree Windfall Cottage has buckets full of stunning good

Stay calm and kickstart your holiday at The Connaught

The Connaught offers the ultimate stress-free “The Night Before” sleepover to eliminate pre-holiday travel tension

This summer, The Connaught in Mayfair, known for its legendary five star Butler service, has launched ‘The Night Before’ the ultimate pre-holiday sleepover to ensure early rising globe-trotters experience the smoothest, stress-free start to their holiday. ‘The Night Before’ carefully thought out series of rituals, turns the dreaded early morning flight call into a joyous holiday start.

The Connaught takes charge from the moment guests are collected from their homes by chauffeur driven car armed with the essential 10 point travel check list; passport...check, suncream... check, iron off... check.

Arriving at the hotel, guests are met by their butler who whisks their suitcases away to be pressed and repacked using secret Connaught techniques honed over the years,

ensuring the wardrobe arrives spick and span ready for the beach club – no travel irons necessary. Guests are then escorted to the legendary temple of relaxation, the Aman Spa, deep in the heart of The Connaught where a series of treatments and rituals ensures the stress of travelling is gently massaged away allowing them to return to their rooms for a light evening supper and early turn down and a good night sleep.

Early next morning ensuring no flights are missed, a gentle wake-up call with soothing cup of morning tea and a destination bound weather forecast, wakes guests who are then tucked into airport bound chauffeur car, complete with take away breakfast and a warm farewell from The Connaught doorman.

The holiday can officially begin… Connaught style. ‘The Night Before’ includes, a one-night stay for two people, chauffeur driven car from home to The Connaught within a 40 miles radius, pre-travel checklist, treatments for two people at the Aman Spa, Butler to repack suitcase, early morning take-away breakfast with chosen reading material and chauffeur-driven car to London airports or railway stations. Rates start from £1,060 per night for a Deluxe King Room (inclusive of tax). Offer must be booked two days in advance.

ABOUT THE CONNAUGHT

In the heart of London’s Mayfair, The Connaught, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, blends contemporary style, classic English character and impeccable service to create the ultimate in sophistication. Rooms and suites to suit every mood, exquisite cuisine from Hélène Darroze, the charm of The Connaught and Coburg Bars, and Europe’s first Aman Spa make this the perfect place to rest, relax and dine in style.

ABOUT MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP

Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.

THE DETAILS

To book “The Night Before” please call the Reservations Team on +44 (0) 20 7107 8945 or email reservations@the-connaught.co.uk the-connaught.co.uk

Feel the allure of Jamaica at Sandals Dunn’s River Resort

The all-new Sandals Dunn’s River is the latest resort in the award-winning Sandals Resorts portfolio.

Designed to embrace the essence of the destination’s rivers, lush forests, and majestic banyan trees, Sandals Dunn’s River infuses its Jamaican roots into every sense.

Located within minutes from Jamaica’s most iconic attraction, Dunn’s River Falls, in the lush region of Ocho Rios, Sandals Dunn’s River sits on a stunning stretch of white sand beach.

The premium all-inclusive luxury resort allows guests to sample cuisines from around the world at any of the twelve mouth-watering restaurants and try imaginative cocktails at nine different bars, including Sandals’ first rum club.

The modern designs of Sandals Dunn’s River elevates luxury to new heights with one-of-a-kind accommodations.

The Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica, have been designed with balconies where guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea from their own SkyPool. Guests in the top-tier suites will be pampered with the uncompromising attention of a personal butler— from unpacking and packing your luggage to

serving a gourmet meal on your terrace, just to name a few.

Guests checking in to a Coyaba Sky Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suite with a Private Pool will find that Sandals’ iconic standalone circular villas have been thoughtfully reimagined. With vast open-air rooftops from where to bask under the Jamaican sun, guests will have access to state-of-the-art telescopes for a unique stargazing experience. A personal Stargazing Concierge will help guests identify constellations and meteor activity in the Caribbean sky - all while enjoying moonlit cocktails, wine and cheese pairings.

For visitors wishing to experience the beautiful tropical island of Jamaica, a world awaits to be discovered.

From teeing off with complimentary green fees at the nearby and newly refurbished Sandals Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, to scuba diving and exploring the vast marine sanctuaries (included for certified divers), and exploring rivers on an artisancrafted bamboo raft, Sandals Dunn’s River puts Jamaica’s natural assets at guests’ fingertips. For more information call 0800 742 742 or visit sandals.co.uk/dunns-river

“The modern designs of Sandals Dunn’s River elevates luxury to new heights”

India Luxury Tours

IMMERSIVE ARTS AND CULTURE

India’s long history and deep cultural roots are still celebrated today. You will find many eclectic art galleries tucked away in bustling cities centred on the indigenous culture, crafts, and textiles.

But you will also find trendy cafes and restaurants you expect in any modern city that sit comfortably side by side with traditional street markets, artists and local craftspeople selling their wares.

With such a rich culture and heritage to draw from, you can marvel at ancient monuments carved from stone that tell stories of ancestors lost to time but still instil deep respect in and influence the lives of today’s generation of young Indians.

Exploring India with all its bountiful treasures to discover is a dream of many people. Luckily, Citibond Travel offers a tempting selection of Indian Tours where you can be immersed in the sights, smells and sounds of this fantastic destination.

India is such a rich country with so much diversity that you will be gazing at the splendour of a sunrise over a seemingly endless horizon one morning and the next, marvelling at the wonder of the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra.

But India has more to offer than majestic palaces! With an area almost equivalent to western Europe, you can spend time experiencing the big-name sights of Delhi, including the Mughalera Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb.

Following this, escape the crowds with a luxury safari to spot tigers and other exotic wildlife that live in the native jungles of Ranthambore.

Ranthambore National Park is a great place

to take a safari. You can see leopards, tigers, elephants, sloths, monkeys, and potentially hundreds of species of exotic birds. It is one of northern India’s largest wildlife reserves and home to the endangered Bengal tiger. You can experience jungle safaris and wilderness camps that allow you to live in the lap of comfort and luxury while getting close to nature.

You can discover the colourful cities of Rajasthan, primarily notable for the pink city of Jaipur, known for its rose-coloured buildings and its spectacular Amber Fort and City Palace. Rajasthan is also home to rolling dunes of the Thar Desert with its desert palaces and forts, which starkly contrast the lush jungles found elsewhere.

Start planning your next luxury India tour with Citibond Holidays. All holidays are ATOL protected. Tel: 0207 290 0607 email: luxury@citibond.co.uk

Even visitors get to live like royalty! There are many historic forts and palaces that have been restored and converted into heritage hotels where guests can experience life from a bygone time with vintage furniture, original artefacts, plush fabrics and soft furnishings that were only fit for former maharajas.

You can experience India like a Modern-day Maharaja, from flying in private jets to relaxing in luxury fivestar hotels or terracotta-hued Havelis that bring the charm and grandeur of the Rajput era - Citibond has got it all covered for you.

Citibond can ensure you will get the authentic experience each destination has to offer with a selection of Indian Tours, providing an eclectic blend of curated trips and adventures so you can partake in remarkable life experiences that will live on in your soul forever

Sabi Sands

Encounter the Big Five on a luxury safari in South Africa’s best private reserve

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a renowned private game reserve in South Africa. It shares an unfenced border with the world-famous Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely between the two areas. Sabi Sands is considered one of the best places for wildlife viewing, particularly for the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). In fact, the reserve is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including over 300 bird species.

Due to its private nature, game drives and walking safaris can get closer to animals, providing exceptional wildlife encounters. This reserve is particularly known for leopards, and visitors have a high chance of spotting these beautiful cats. From graceful adults to adorable, bouncy cubs, a leopard sighting is always a special experience.

Being a private reserve, Sabi Sands offers a more exclusive and intimate safari. There are typically fewer vehicles during game drives, allowing a more personalized encounter with the fabulous game.

The reserve boasts several luxury safari lodges and camps, meaning you can enjoy all the benefits of an authentic safari, combined with luxury rooms, first-class service and excellent food and wine. Spend your time between game drives relaxing by the pool, spotting wildlife from your room or indulging in a relaxing spa treatment.

Sabi Sands employs experienced and knowledgeable safari guides who are well-versed in the behaviour of animals and the local ecosystem. Each game drive is led by a local guide as well as a tracker, ensuring that the chances of spotting

the game are maximised. They enhance the overall safari experience by providing valuable insights and information as well as serving you morning coffee, snacks and sundowner drinks while out on your game drives. During your time in the park, these people are more than just a guide, acting as a host and a friend for the ultimate safari experience.

The reserve is actively involved in anti-poaching efforts and community development projects, helping to protect the area’s wildlife and support local communities and ensure that this precious place is preserved for generations to come. humboldttravel.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

THE WORLD’S FINEST DESIGNER BRANDS

CHILDSPLAYCLOTHING.CO.UK

BABIES & KIDS

BEE MINE

Part of the Frrrniture Range, this children’s play chair with a bee motif is a welcomed addition to any fun and educational interior. Made from beech plywood, this product is built to last and helps introduce animals to children’s’ play time and storytelling. littlefolksfurniture.co.uk

WHAT A CORKER!

Be safe, stylish, and sustainable, with our non-toxic, ethically sourced cork playmats. Practical, stylish, and best of all sustainable, our cork rugs are designed to help you reimagine playtime. Beyond playtime, our mats are ideal for use when exercising, including mum and baby yoga, pregnancy yoga, and exercising together with your little one. corkademy.co.uk

GROWING UP

Our brand new Grow Your Own British Tree Kit encourages children to form a lifelong connection with nature and contains everything they need to collect, identify and plant native tree seeds. Once they’ve planted their tree, they can watch it grow up alongside them in their own garden. thedenkitco.com

LITTLE STAR

As parents we understand the importance of praising good behaviour. Our star chart will help your child feel rewarded whilst promoting good behaviour. You will be provided with 4 stars and a slip of paper to write your child’s goals onto. The paper can be replaced as your goals change. handmadeinbritain.co.uk

FANTASTIC FOX

Say hello to our absolutely adorable and wonderfully charismatic fox cushion cover that would look lovely in any baby’s nursery, children’s bedroom or cosy reading corner. This beautifully illustrated and totally unique fox cushion cover is intended for those who like a more contemporary Scandi style or Boho inspired bedroom and would certainly look beautiful in any woodland or forest themed nursery or bedroom. tigercubprints.com

London Zoo’s BIG summer of fun

Until Sunday 3 September 2023

Families are invited to London’s biggest family day out this summer at the iconic London Zoo - home to big cats, giant Galapagos tortoises and the largest penguin pool in the UK.

Until Sunday 3 September, there are no cheatahs allowed at the Really Wild Challenge: wildlife lovers can play their way through the animal kingdom, going head-to-head with their ‘troop’ to test their wild skills, while trying their hand at being a ZSL conservationist – working to protect wildlife across the world.

Scorecard at the ready, kids can test their agility as they creep and crawl through a web of jingly ‘jungle vines’ trying not to wake the Sleeping Tigers. Those with a steady hand can prove their stealth as they guide an eel through its remarkable trans-Atlantic migration for Don’t Buzz the Buzzer, while budding conservationists can practice their aim with Tail Tag, looping radio collars on to replica animal tails to ‘track their range’.

London Zoo is also hosting the largest Hook a Duck* challenge in London, as the iconic Grade I listed Lubetkin Penguin pool is transformed into the fairground favourite – with more than 1000 rubber ducks calling it home for the summer.

Add in oversized brainteasers Savannah Scramble, Paws and Claws, Hurry to The Hive, Spot the Difference and Poo Dunnit?, and there’ll be big fun for everyone!

Come face-to-face with a colony of Humboldt penguins as they dart and dive in England’s biggest penguin pool, before saying hello to a newborn Golden lion tamarin in London’s largest living rainforest. And don’t forget to visit the zoo’s big cats - endangered Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya, as well as critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs, Zac and Crispin.

At the end of the biggest day out in London, kids can cool down in the Animal Adventure Splash Zone, while parents soak up the summer sun with an ice-cream milkshake at the Penguin Beach Café.

With more than 14,000 incredible animals to be inspired by, and free entry for under 3s, London Zoo’s BIG Summer of Fun is the ultimate big value day out this summer holidays.

*Additional charge applies for the Hook a Duck challenge. All other activities included in Zoo entry price. Visit londonzoo.org for more information and to book tickets.

Back to swim school with Splash About

Every parent knows a reliable swim nappy is an essential for baby swim lessons and Splash About’s reusable Happy Nappy DUO is a ‘must have’!

The eco-friendly DUO is, as its name suggests, two swim nappies in one. Made from soft neoprene its snug waist and thigh bands are completely effective against unwelcome leaks of solids and its innovative Silver Lining is scientifically proven to destroy any faecal bacteria before it enters pool water.

Swim schools insist on a ‘double nappy’ requirement to keep pool water clean, and this is typically a disposable swim nappy plus neoprene outer shell. However, the Happy Nappy DUO is the only swim nappy approved by 95% of baby swim schools that can be worn without a disposable underneath.

This is great news for your wallet and the environment especially because 150,000 disposable swim nappies end up in landfill every week taking up to 500 years to decompose. By opting for the DUO parents can ditch disposables with

confidence and do their bit for the planet. The Happy Nappy Duo is available in sizes from birth up to 3 years in six beautiful prints with an RRP of £17.99 splashabout.com

Make ‘back to school’ fun and practical, with Mini Mim’s accessories range

The new school year is approaching fast and it’s time to gear up! At Mini Mim we have created an exclusive, limited edition accessories range, designed to unleash imagination and creativity.

It’s time to make the back-to-school experience truly out of this world!

Our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability sets us apart. Each item in our collection is made in small quantities and boasts unique handdrawn prints that spark children’s vibrant imagination. We understand the importance of exceptional quality, and

that’s why our backpacks are handcrafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, ensuring they are durable and built to last. Our backpacks are 100% water-resistant, so no need to worry about anything getting wet on rainy days. They are also spacious and easily accommodate all the necessities for a busy day! Children can comfortably carry all that they need on their back.

At Mini Mim, we are dedicated to making each child’s school journey a memorable and delightful one.

THE DETAILS

Discover our range and get 15% OFF everything using code YM15 on mini-mim.com and follow us on Instragram @minimim_designs www.mini-mim.com

Discover the joy of cycling with Frog bikes

Cycling should always be an enjoyable experience for every child, that’s why Frog Bikes design and build their bikes in Great Britain, specifically for children at the centre. Their award-winning bikes have lightweight, durable aluminium frames and premium components that meet a child’s size and cycling ability, as well as ergonomic features for added comfort and ease of use.

Little bikes for little riders

Frog’s first pedal bikes are great for those transitioning from balance bikes to pedals, offering an excellent introduction to the world of cycling for 3-6-year-olds. As the bikes are super-lightweight,

they are easy to learn to ride on and manoeuvre, with child-specific components perfect for little riders, including smaller saddles, scaled-down handlebars and easy-to-reach brake levers, all assisting with comfort so children can travel further and faster. There’s the added peace of mind that all Frog bikes exceed safety standards too! Start your child’s first pedal to adventure with a Frog bike and inspire a love of cycling! frogbikes.com

THE FERTILITY CENTRE

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility:

• For social reasons

• Preparing to transition

• Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy

• If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts

THE DETAILS

Formerly the Assisted Conception Unit, The Fertility Centre is a longstanding centre of excellence for fertility treatment and care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In 2021 they enlarged the Centre with a new satellite service at West Middlesex University Hospital, extending patient care and convenient access across West London.

The Centre provides a broad and comprehensive range of fertility services to their patients –including IVF, ICSI and IUI – but their areas of particular expertise, include the management of women and couples over the age of 40, premature ovarian ageing or low ovarian reserve, and male or sperm-related infertility issues.

Notwithstanding their expertise in these complex fields, The Fertility Centre continues to perform very well in its success rates. They hold one of the highest clinical pregnancy rates amongst NHS hospitals in the UK (please visit hfea.gov.uk for further information) and welcome NHS-funded patients and those seeking to selffund their care and treatment.

As well as treatment for those trying to conceive now, The Fertility Centre offer services for those who are considering their ability to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation through egg or embryo freezing is becoming increasingly popular and they can provide these services through their dedicated Fertility Preservation programme.

If you are thinking about your fertility health for future years, they also provide a range of fertility assessments - with packages for individuals as well as couples. Alongside tests and assessments, expert clinicians can explain your results and advise you accordingly.

In addition to their clinical expertise and range of treatment options, The Fertility Centre understands the inevitable stress and anxiety of fertility treatment. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your treatment. This includes sessions with their British Infertility Counselling Association and UK Council for Psychotherapy accredited counsellors.

The Fertility Centre team is always happy to support you and answer any questions. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your fertility journey, please contact them on 020 3315 8585 or email chelwest.acu@nhs.net. chelwestprivatecare.co.uk/ fertility-centre

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

Open Morning Saturday 30th September 2023

FOLDiMATS – who said play mats can’t be stylish?

smash. The added layers of support take away a huge worry from parents knowing that their little ones are in a safe space to play and explore. They have also been tested to the highest standards making sure no nasties.

It’s so simple! Fold away or leave out to admire. No rolling, no breaking apart! They even come with a convenient carry case so they are easy to transport. Perfect for picnics, holidays or to the grandparents. So, whether it’s popped away under the sofa or packed in the car, their playmats can be stored and transported anywhere. Safety doesn’t have to stop at your doorstep. FOLDiMATS are not just for babies, they are so versatile and can be used by adults as an exercise mat and for older children. Perfect to use for activities such as gymnastics and karate making them great for the whole family to enjoy!

FOLDiMATS, UK’S FIRST LUXURIOUS FOLDABLE PLAY MAT. Their play mats are high quality, super supportive and complimentary to your interior, as well as being easy to store and fold away. Their luxurious cloud like feel makes them a must have product for every age and stage. Safety being their top priority they offer the ultimate support for your little ones, great for tummy time, crawling and when they take their first precious steps. You can even drop an egg on it and it won’t

Their current collection has been created in house and carefully selected to make sure they are contemporary and on trend to fit beautifully within everyone’s homes. All of the play mats are reversible. Pastels, neutrals and calm on one side and more of a fun playful pattern on reverse. Their play mats are 100% Waterproof and wipeable making them super easy to clean, perfect for messy play and the weaning stage. They are also great to use outdoors on patio areas or grass – no more worrying about grass irritations or hard surfaces. FOLDiMATS have been named the MUST HAVE BABY PRODUCT and are really taking the play mat world by storm.

foldimats.co.uk

“Being 2 new mums from an interior and childcare background we wanted to create a play mat that allowed our customers to still have a beautiful stylish home but also help to stimulate their children’s development and have a safe and fun place to play”

‘The game changer in the world of playmats.’

‘It’s so simple! Fold away or leave out to admire. No rolling, no breaking apart!’

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

Terrible Tudors ticket and afternoon tea package at Ham Yard Hotel for £48.50

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors has teamed up with Ham Yard Hotel to create a suitably gory and gruesome ‘Ticket and Afternoon Tea’ package to celebrate the return of their hit West End show, Terrible Tudors, playing at the Garrick Theatre this summer.

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!

So Terrible Tudors is back with the hit West End show for a second sensational year!

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack!

It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

THE TERRIBLE TUDORS AFTERNOON TEA

To accompany the show the talented team at Ham Yard Hotel have devised the Terrible Tudors Afternoon Tea, which features a hearty array of sweet and savoury treats including Cromwell’s cucumber and cheese sandwiches, Beheaded scones and a Tudor ruff tart with strawberries and custard.

The special package, perfect for a London day out, includes a Band A ticket to the show and the Terrible Tudors Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Hotel, which features three sandwiches, one scone and three Horrible Histories themed cakes. Adults can upgrade to a full portion an additional £10, payable on the day.

Ham Yard Hotel is located in a leafy courtyard in Soho, right next to Piccadilly Circus, and is just an eight minute walk from the Garrick Theatre.

To Book your Ticket and Terrible Tea package, visit the Horrible Histories –Terrible Tudors page at NimaxTheatres.com and enter promo code TerribleTea in the top left hand corner of the booking page, before choosing your performance and seats. Please note, you need to call the reservations team at Ham Yard Hotel to book your table before the date of the performance.

Until 2 September

THE DETAILS

Recommended age 5 – 105.

ONLY UNTIL 2 SEPT

T&Cs: The package is valid for all performances excluding Saturdays, subject to availability. You can upgrade to a full adult afternoon tea for an additional £10, payable on the day. Please let the team know if you want to upgrade at the time of booking. No cash alternative to any elements of the package.

The famous marmalade loving bear is heading to Blenheim Palace this summer!

PADDINGTON™ Lo-Commotion!

Join the immersive Adventure, Until 3 September 2023

This Summer, join PaddingtonTM in an immersive outdoor adventure for all ages, staged across the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace! The perfect day out for families who love to immerse themselves in live performance, puppetry, and outdoor adventure.

Created by Histrionic Productions in collaboration with The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company), The show takes audiences on foot through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories and search for ‘buried treasure’. There is also an opportunity to hop on board a real locomotive subject to availability on the day.

At the end of the 55-minute adventure, families can enjoy free arts and crafts-based activities, and visit the Paddington gift shop, as well as delicious food and drink at the many restaurants and cafés around Blenheim Palace. Additionally, everyone

can add an official photo with Paddington and the chance to drive a mini ROVER emergency vehicle for younger audiences, aged 4 - 10, to the standard cost of the show ticket.

To make a full day of the unique experience, tickets to enter Blenheim Palace, Park, Gardens and Adventure Play within the Walled Garden will need to be purchased and booked separately.

Heather Carter, Managing Director, Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “It’s fantastic to be hosting another memorable and unique family experience at Britain’s Greatest Palace, following on from the success and popularity of Peter Rabbit last summer.”

The show is directed and written by Calum Finlay and designed by Damien Stanton, both of whom collaborated with puppetry designer Jimmy Grimes. The show is supported by GWR and Jaguar Land Rover Classic.

THE DETAILS

For more details visit PaddingtonTrainAdventure.com

Paddington Lo-Commotion, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP

Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 2.10pm

Friday to Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday, 10am - 3.30pm

You can catch-up with Paddington’s many adventures on:

Twitter & Instagram

@paddingtonbear

Facebook.com/PaddingtonBear

dailymotion.com/Paddington

YouTube.com/Paddington

“The show takes audiences on foot through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories”

Mokee Nursery Furniture

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Preventing boredom this summer

A new study finds kids say they’re bored on average every day a week.

By Lisa Salmon.

Children’s repeated cries of ‘I’m bored’ are a standard lament heard by parents, according to new research.

It’s a problem many exasperated parents try to solve by handing their kids an iPad or mobile phone.

“Tech is not the big bad wolf, and it’s so easy to throw your phone or iPad at the problem when faced with a moaning child,” says clinical psychologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, one of the experts from Channel 4’s The Secret Life of 4, 5 And 6 Year Olds.

“Too much of this and kids can learn to rely on tech to fix their issues. But you do have alternatives.”

A new study by Argos has found that while parents hear the words ‘I’m bored’ an average of seven times a week, nearly a quarter (23%) of mums and dads say their kids don’t use their imagination as much as they did when they were young, and one in six say their children’s attention span is too short for games they used to play as kids.

So what can parents do to try to fill the endless summer days for kids and beat their boredom?

Change the scenery

If your child is cooped up in the house all day, they’re more likely to get bored and be full of unreleased energy.

“Go outside,” suggests Kilbey, “To the park, for a walk or just in the garden, or if it’s wet, get everyone to go upstairs and have an afternoon bath or make a fort out of duvets. A different environment can transform a mood instantly.”

A quick trip to the playground is also incredibly beneficial in helping kids burn off energy, and Kilbey adds: “There are so many activities you can do that don’t cost a penny that will keep the kids entertained all summer long”.

Schedule playtime

Try to carve out some time to help your child play.

“As a parent and specialist in child development, I cannot state the importance of play enough,”

Create a Boring Jar

Put your thinking cap on or scour the internet for simple activities your child will enjoy. Then grab a pen and paper and a jar or bowl.

“Inside, fill it with bits of paper that have an activity on each one, like dress up; have a tea party; do a jigsaw, and other crafts and activities,” advises Kilbey. “Whenever your kid says they’re bored, let them choose a piece of paper and do what it says.”

says Kilbey. “It can help children hone their imagination skills, has been proven to develop social skills, and promotes independence. So my tip is to schedule time for playing.”

She says just 10 minutes of help with play a day is effective in supporting children’s development, adding: “That’s the time it takes to boil the kettle and drink a cup of tea, but in that time you could squeeze in a game of hide-and-seek, do a jigsaw puzzle or build a train track instead.

“The joyous thing about summer holidays is that, as parents, we usually have some time off too which is perfect for honing our playing skills and keeping our kids entertained in those long weeks.”

The Argos research found that 44% of parents love playing games with their children. Kilbey points out: “Any play you can do jointly with them will help boost their social and emotional development and their language and communication skills.”

Pick play you enjoy too

Kilbey advises parents not to worry about what they play with their child, explaining: “Play comes in so many forms, so pick something that resonates with you as that will be much easier for you to engage in. Not everyone likes messy play or outdoor games, whereas others find den building and running around much more their thing. Stop worrying –your kids will be thrilled with whatever you do.”

Encourage solo play

While children often want to play with others or you, it’s also important for them to enjoy playing on

their own, explains Kilbey. “When kids are bored, they learn to self-occupy through engaging in play, which is an essential skill as we grow up,” she says. “So encourage it and take some time for you!”

Children may sometimes need a little encouragement to play on their own, so Kilbey advises parents to model how much fun it is playing solo, like hosting a tea party with teddies and dolls.

Give them a challenge

Kilbey says children love being set a task with a clear outcome as “it gives them a real sense of achievement”, she explains. She suggests challenging them to something fun like gathering daisies and petals to make a potion, or finding all the purple items in their bedroom and arranging them all in a line.

Forget the learning curve

There are no rules on what you play with your child, and Kilbey stresses that the purpose of play is to engage in an activity for its own sake, with no clear goal or agenda.

“It’s the summer holidays, kids don’t need to be learning for a few weeks, so use this downtime away from the timetables and history coursework as an opportunity to spend time together with no clear outcome in mind.”

“Play comes in so many forms, so pick something that resonates with you as that will be much easier for you to engage in”

‘WHY DO BABYGROWS HAVE ALL THESE POPPERS?’

at the neck ensures the zip puller doesn’t catch on any little chins.

Sleeves have turn back cuffs so you don’t need separate (often lost or odd) mittens. There is a wide variety of prints and colour combinations including unisex colours such as aqua and pale grey along with traditional whites, pinks, blues and rainbows.

I am very excited to have also launched the new ZIPPYUP sleeping bag with legs and detachable arms. Select from 1 Tog and 2.5 Tog thickness, designed to be worn as a baggy fit so it can also be layered with a ZIPPYUP babygrow underneath for extra warmth. The sleeves simply zip on or off depending on your babies needs. Sizes are from 6-12 months up to 24-36 months.

This is a question most parents probably ask as they are dressing their newborn in the middle of the night.

As a Mummy of two very wriggly little boys I have first hand experience of the struggle to dress them, it’s like wrestling a lion cub trying to get them dressed after bath time. ZIPPYUP’s will make nappy and outfit changes so much quicker and easier.

With this in mind I got to work on making ZIPPYUP a brand that gives you not only useful but stylish babygrows.

Before promoting myself to the position of Mummy I had a background in textile design and fashion, a passion I didn’t want to be lost in the midsts of motherhood. I have taken the many years of experience and put it to good use by designing a babygrow that works well for both the wearer and the dresser.

ZIPPYUP products aren’t just well designed, they are beautiful quality. The collection has now expanded with an organic cotton range in a variety of colours, Winter fleece onesies are great for after swimming or just to keep cosy on strolls in the buggy…and now sleeping bags with legs. I personally source and work with the factories making ZIPPYUPs to get the best possible materials.

All ZIPPYUPs have concealed zips so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab

New to the ZIPPYUP family this month is a subscription service, you can have a range of babygrows delivered straight to your door every month! Choose how many and what size you want in either girl, boy or neutral colours and we do the rest!

At ZIPPYUP we are always developing new designs, prints and colour combinations, I look forward to sharing these with you.

zippyup.com

BEAUTIFUL BABYGROW

(Spring Garden Bunny

Printed Zipped Babygrow)

“I couldn’t be happier with this beautiful babygrow. Night feeds in particular are so much easier now I can just zip up and I don’t have to fiddle with poppers”

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

– The finest independent schools in the UK –

IMAGE: QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE

SEE PAGE: 262

Instilling the love of literacy from the roots of Chapter House

It is important to instil a love of literacy from an early age as literacy skills span far wider than just picking up a book. Karen Kilkenny, Head of Chapter House School at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate talks through the innovative ways in which they ensure each and every pupil enjoys reading from a young age.

“In Chapter House, literacy and learning is at the heart of everything we do. Time is made every day specifically to enjoy sharing a book together, and each class has a specific time to visit the Chapter House library. This allows them to choose a book they can take home to share with parents and siblings.”

“One of our most successful, and popular initiatives has been the introduction of our reading dog, Indie, especially with our younger children. It has increased the confidence of reluctant readers by having a non-judgemental audience. The children are purely reading for pleasure with no one pointing out mistakes or questioning them on the text. It is an initiative where we have seen their confidence increase and their reading has become more animated, with more expression – one Year 1 child’s reading age has improved by two years over one term, and they are more curious about reading different texts. “

“Year 5 students are encouraged to be librarians, recommending books to their peers, creating displays in the library and using break times to share books with younger pupils. This vital

“One of our most successful, and popular initiatives has been the introduction of our reading dog, Indie, especially with our younger children”

engagement, extends beyond the classroom with regular parent information meetings on reading, sharing new school initiatives and advice on how they can support their child with reading at home.”

“Chapter House is a vibrant and engaging school that focuses on providing an enabling environment which respects, recognises and tunes into each unique child; central to our mission of ensuring each child can be ‘the best they can be, with the gifts that they have’.”

Children can board at Queen Ethelburga’s from Year 3.

THE DETAILS

To find out more, or to book a tour to see why Chapter House is the school where your child will thrive, visit qe.org

Supporting your child with the

Congratulations! You have made it through the challenging process of finding a senior school for your child. You have made the decision and accepted the offer. But how do you get ready for the next step? I have spent nearly two decades helping families with the transition to senior school and wanted to share what I have learnt about how best to prepare both children and their families for the start of Year 7.

First, it is important to celebrate. You and your child will likely have been through a very busy period of assessments and interviews, so take the time to celebrate their achievement. Support them to enjoy the final weeks of their junior school journey, with all the lovely celebratory events that come with the end of this chapter. As Year 6 comes to an end, take the time to discuss

Gemma Davies, Head of Lower School at St Dunstan’s College, guides you through the next important steps.

transition to Senior School

any questions you or your child have about life in Year 7. You may wish to write them down so that you ask them at any transition events the school is holding. It is natural for children to feel excited about moving into Year 7, but also to have some worries. Set aside time for them to talk or write about what they are looking forward to and anything they might be worried about. It may be worries about homework, getting lost or making friends. But time to talk this through with you and then discuss how they might navigate these or who can help them in their new school will often help to calm any nerves they have.

Your new school will most likely have one or more welcome events to help both students and parents prepare for the next step. Make sure you know when these are and who the important people will be for your child, for example their form tutor, Head of Year or Head of House, along with any contact details. Where your child has any specific needs, it is useful to make early contact with the staff who will be looking after

them such as the nurse, SEND and pastoral teams. These events are also an excellent opportunity to start to make connections with other families. Over the summer, start to think about the logistics of senior school life and preparing for these. Think about uniform, equipment, travelling to and from school, forms or documents that need to be completed, term dates, parent events and any trips that are on the horizon in Year 7. The summer is also a good time to have a discussion about homework and agree where and when

“Your new school will most likely have one or more welcome events to help both students and parents prepare for the next step”

it will be done. You can help them to set up a homework space with some new stationery and also have a discussion about your parameters for use of electronic devices during homework time. It is also worth reading the school’s homework policy, so you know what will be expected of your child and how you can support them. Having trial runs during the holiday of getting uniform ready, packing the bag and making the journey to and from school are useful activities.

Now is also the ideal opportunity to start to prepare them to become more independent. As a junior school parent, you are often far more immersed in their life at school and have closer contact to help them sort any questions or worries. However, in Year 7 they need to start to learn to solve their own problems. Rather than stepping in straight away, you could ask them how they think they might get an answer to a question, solve a problem or who they could talk to in school to get help. As the term begins, it is helpful to check in with them each day by asking what the best part of their day was and if they could change anything about their day, what would it be. These questions are often helpful at giving an insight into their day and allowing you to understand what is going well and if there are any concerns to discuss.

Finally, you need to start preparing yourself for the next step. You can not completely prepare yourself for that first day; even if you think you will be fine, sometimes you might not. Suddenly, they can seem so grown up. It may feel like yesterday you were watching them take their first steps and now here they are, off to big school. It may feel like they have grown up in the blink of an eye. So, take your time, take photos and make memories of this special time in their lives. It is also helpful to discuss in advance and agree with your child what the drop off and goodbye procedure will be on that first day. I am always reminding our families that a goodbye hug is ok!

THE DETAILS

Find out more about life at St Dunstan’s College at their upcoming Open Day on Saturday 23 September 2023. Book at stdunstans.org.uk

A Green Future: Rosemead Preparatory School pupils create new garden wall

Rosemead Preparatory School, Dulwich, south London, is delighted to announce a new initiative with a leading software company to develop a new wall garden for pupils and staff to enjoy.

The school will be working with SovTech, who are sponsoring the project, in bringing the wall garden to life in the school’s playground.

The project, led by the Eco Club, will build upon the school’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor learning. Pupils in the club have eagerly embraced the new opportunity and will play a nurturing role in looking after the new wall, ensuring it supports the club’s sustainability pledges and helps to combat pollution.

Speaking about the new partnership, Head, Graeme McCafferty said: ‘We are incredibly excited to be working closely with SovTech to develop our new wall garden. I’m looking forward to seeing the work of the Eco Club in building and bringing this space to life over the next few years.’

A spokesperson for SovTech added: ‘The wall garden at Rosemead Preparatory School stands as a testament to the collective efforts of SovTech, the Rosemead Preparatory School and the children, demonstrating the potential for positive change when organisations and individuals work together towards a common goal. It serves as a symbol of hope, reminding us all of the impacts we can make in curbing pollution and creating a sustainable future.’

The news comes at an exciting time for Rosemead Preparatory School. Earlier this year, the school announced it would be merging with the award-winning St Dunstan’s College. Speaking at the time, St Dunstan’s Head, Nick Hewlett, explained: ‘We are delighted to be bringing our schools together, which will strengthen and enrich both our communities. The two schools have a long and deep commitment to a values-driven education, preparing our young students for the world of tomorrow.

‘The merger will be a wonderful opportunity for our two schools, one set in the heart of Catford, and the second in the heart of Dulwich, to work closer together, learning from one another and enhancing our students’ educational journeys.’

Find out more about Rosemead Preparatory School at their upcoming open day on Saturday 7 October 2023. Rosemead also recently announced it will now accept 15 hours free childcare for Nursery.

“We are incredibly excited to be working closely with SovTech to develop our new wall garden”

Open Morning Saturday 30th September 2023

WALHAMPTON SHORTLISTED FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Walhampton School, located in the beautiful New Forest National Park, has been shortlisted in the Independent Schools of The Year Awards 2023 in the Independent Boarding School of the Year category. Walhampton has been recognised among hundreds of schools from across the country for the inspiring work that their boarding house families do, going above and beyond for pupils every day to ensure that boarders are happy, fulfilled and thriving at School.

At the heart of Walhampton’s boarding experience is the pupil voice and family ethos. Head of Boarding, Seb Miell and his family, have lived at Bradfield House for nine years. Working alongside their Assistant Boarding Parents, they strive to create a home-from-home family environment, with an exciting programme of weekend activities and events such as the much-loved ‘Glade-iators’ nights where pupils battle staff under the cover of darkness to ring the Head’s bell!

Head of Boarding, Seb Miell, explains: “Post-pandemic we recognise the importance of wellbeing and bringing together day pupils and boarders to contribute and belong to all aspects of our boarding family life. We are honoured to be shortlisted for the Independent Boarding School

of the Year Award, particularly following our recent nomination for ‘Happiest Boarding School’ in this year’s Muddy Awards. We are extremely pleased to be recognised among the top UK schools, which is testament to the hard work of all those who work tirelessly in the boarding house to enrich the children’s boarding experience.” Discover more about boarding at Walhampton including its accompanied Walhampton Express Train Service direct from London Waterloo and take a tour of Bradfield House on the School’s website.

Better still, you can visit in person at Walhampton’s next Open Morning on Friday 6th October, where you will have the chance to meet the School’s boarding parents and visit the boarding house as part of the tour.

Walhampton is celebrating 75 years of education in 2023 and is proud to be a Talk Education ‘Pastoral Care & Wellbeing’ Award winner for Innovation in Education 2022. walhampton.com

“Post-pandemic we recognise the importance of wellbeing and bringing together day pupils and boarders to contribute and belong to all aspects of our boarding family life. We are honoured to be shortlisted for the Independent Boarding School of the Year award”

FELSTED SCHOOL: THE FUTURE OF BOARDING

George Masters, Senior Deputy Head

Confidence, independence, social skills and international understanding are vital for success in the modern world and will be even more important in the future. Young people can develop all of these – and more – at boarding school, explains George Masters, Senior Deputy Head at Felsted, a co-educational boarding and day school an hour from the Capital.

Education at Felsted has been devised with the future in mind. Not only do we teach our pupils in a way that prepares them for the life and careers that lay ahead of them, but by boarding with us they can equip themselves with a versatile range of skills and attributes they will need to thrive and succeed as adults in a future world we can only imagine.

Boarders get the very most out of their academic education, with specialist subject teachers and house tutors on hand in the evenings, extending boarders’ learning on an individual basis. Boarding at Felsted provides an environment in which young people are able to develop the skills and attributes that will prepare them for happiness in life and success in their future careers.

INDEPENDENCE

Boarding is an excellent opportunity to gradually stretch young people, just outside their comfort zones, at a pace that suits them. At Felsted we have devised a choice of boarding arrangements to suit individuals and families - although around 20 percent of our boarders are with us seven days a week, many choose weekly boarding, which is

Mr George Masters

particularly popular with London-based families. Families based abroad find the school’s close proximity to London Stansted and other London airports very convenient.

Boarders quickly learn to take responsibility for themselves and their belongings. They understand the importance of self-reliance and personal organisation; being on time for lessons and supported to complete work to a high standard. There is a team of caring, experienced house staff to help and guide the boarders in each of our eight, on-campus boarding houses for pupils aged 13 to 18 (and one for children aged from eight in the Prep part of the school).

CONFIDENCE

Pupils soon feel settled in the house environment and their confidence is built through taking part in a broad and varied programme of clubs and activities, making use of the school’s superb facilities in the evenings, including sports, arts, debating and public speaking. There’s the chance to be appointed Head of House, or to become a prefect and chat through concerns and issues with younger pupils.

SOCIAL SKILLS

Social skills are essential at any stage of life, and boarders have plenty of time to build friendships and socialise. There is downtime in the evenings, when boarders relax in the house common rooms, watching movies or playing pool or board games. Saturday evenings are for social events, such as music and dancing and on Sundays boarders enjoy a leisurely brunch together before an outing

(Cambridge is nearby), or trip to the cinema, gokarting, bowling or shopping. Living and working together, boarders soon find they are happy to chat to anyone.

GLOBAL OUTLOOK

Around a fifth of Felsted’s pupils are from families that are not based in the UK and this makes the school a truly international environment. Boarding houses are a mix of nationalities and pupils casually discuss their cultures and experiences and respect those of others that are different from their own. Boarding presents a unique opportunity for young people to develop a level of international understanding at a formative age, that is hugely beneficial for future success in global careers.

To find out more, please visit felsted.org

‘My son wanted to board within a week of starting at Felsted’

‘From our family’s experience, the wellbeing of all of the children is at the heart of the school at Felsted’

FASHION & BEAUTY

– Fashion and beauty news to keep you looking your best –

IMAGE: WIMBLEDON FASHION LOOKS

FASHION & BEAUTY

ALL TIED UP

Made in London by an allfemale atelier, the Chloe Top is a real head turner. Crafted from pure 19 momme silk satin, the corset-like tie effect at the waist provides gentle support under the bust, which can be adjusted for your best fit. issoir.com

STUNNING IN SILK

Close your eyes and imagine this...You’re getting ready for the party of the century. You’ve got your hair styled to perfection, your makeup is flawless, and you’re wearing the outfit of your dreams. But there’s something missing, something that will take your look to the next level. Suddenly, you remember your luxurious scarf, crafted from the most exquisite materials and designed by the most talented artisans. You drape it around your neck, and voila! You’re ready to turn heads and drop jaws. justevelondonbeauty.com

MARKET FRESH

The French Market Basket from Bohemia is a simple handwoven palm leaf basket with natural sisal cord handle. Available in 3 sizes, mini, small and medium, there is a basket to suit all your needs. bohemiadesign.co.uk

A CLOSE SHAVE

These luxurious 3-piece shaving sets from Edwin Jagger include a Mach 3 razor, pure badger shaving brush and matching stand. annabeljames.co.uk

TASTE OF MOROCCO

Women’s Moroccan Leather Babouche Basic Slippers in Vintage Pink are a classic pair of slippers in soft pink-coloured leather. Handmade using traditional techniques by skilled leather artisans in our workshop just outside of Marrakech, Bohemia’s basic babouche slippers offer a modern twist on a classic slipper. bohemiadesign.co.uk

SPF COCKTAILING: Why you should steer clear of the buzzy TikTok trend

more prone to premature ageing.”

Dr Paris Acharya, leading aesthetic doctor and face surgeon agrees, saying: “When you mix an SPF with your other make-up products, such as foundation or concealer, you are changing the overall properties of the SPF and diluting the strength of the product.

“This will therefore reduce the protection that you will be getting from the SPF. There may also be certain products within your make-up products that may interfere with the way that your SPF is meant to work.”

However, Perry understands why people might be looking for ways to make their SPF look better.

“Sunscreens are notoriously cosmetically unattractive purely in part to the ingredients. The reason for this is that’s how they prevent the sun’s rays penetrating into the skin. The suncream companies already try to dilute this down as much as possible in order to make it cosmetically acceptable, however I appreciate in some instances this does not quite go far enough.”

It’s all about mixing your favourite SPF with another product – such as concealer or highlighter – and applying that as a ‘cocktail’ onto skin.

In theory, the idea sounds good – the aim is to reduce the white cast some SPFs leave, and mean less steps slathering products onto your skin in the morning – but dermatologists and skin experts have started pointing out the potential dangers of this new trend.

“SPF cocktailing is a recipe for disaster in so many ways,” says Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics.

“By mixing SPF with products such as concealer or highlighter you are leaving the skin entirely exposed to the dangerous UV rays, which will very likely burn the skin and potentially lead to skin cancer down the line, not to mention leaving you

So for Perry, it is a “balance between having someone wearing something that will protect your skin, versus not wearing it”. He adds: “I don’t advocate mixing the ingredients together, as it may reduce efficacy. I do believe though that if this is the only way people will wear sunscreen, then some sunblock is absolutely better than no sunblock.”

But make no mistake: the best option is wearing SPF that hasn’t been mixed with any other products. “It only takes one sunburn in a lifetime to lead to skin cancer. [Skipping sunscreen] isn’t something you should be doing at all, and in no way should be encouraged,” says Perry.

If you do want to reduce the white cast of sunscreen, Perry’s advice is to “apply a good moisturising cream prior to using a sunscreen –this will help the sunscreen absorb into the skin and reduce the tint”.

While Perry doesn’t recommend mixing your

Skin experts warn against mixing your sunscreen with make-up products. By Prudence Wade.

Award winning west London jewellery designer Sophie Harley creates exquisite jewellery for her clients, often transforming their existing jewels into unique and treasured future heirlooms.

Sophie’s iconic Algerian Loveknot necklace took a starring role in James Bond movie Casino Royale as a beautiful love-token worn by leading lady Eva Green. The gorgeous chain drop earrings are one of many pieces from Sophie’s stunning Algerian Loveknot collection, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and cufflinks, made in sterling silver and 18ct gold.

To view these and many more fabulous jewels visit: www.sophieharley.com. E: info@sophieharley.com

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products together, he does suggest that layering is fine: “If you apply them all separately and give them a chance to absorb first.”

Acharya has some other recommendations for best practice when it comes to sunscreen.

“My ultimate top tip is to always use a broad spectrum SPF. Broad spectrum protects you from both UVA and UVB rays which helps the skin to stay youthful and will help to reduce premature ageing and sunspots,” she advises.

“Another important tip for using an SPF is to always apply it to the face and neck to ensure full coverage and protection of all exposed areas. The skin on your face and neck is some of the first to age on your body so it’s vital that we care for these

areas properly.”

Acharya recommends an SPF30 or above for your face, and adds: “It is always recommended to reapply your SPF throughout the day at least twice to maintain maximum protection.”

5 OF OUR FAVOURITE SPFS…

These sunscreens are so good, you’ll want to apply them solo.

1. Paula’s Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 £33.15 (was £39)

3. Biore UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF50 £15.99, Superdrug

2. PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ £42

4. Caudalie Vinosun Protect Very High Protection Lightweight Cream SPF50+ £23

5. Collistar Protective Sun Cream SPF 50+ £35, LookFantastic

Key men’s swimwear trends to rock this summer

Get ready for holiday season with these poolside looks. By Katie Wright.

Along with sunscreen, flip flops, your favourite sunnies and a good book, swimming shorts are essential if you’re heading off for a beachy break this summer.

Whether you’ll be lounging by the pool, snorkelling in crystal clear waters, getting active with adventurous water sports – or all of the above – you’ll need beachwear that suits your vacation mode and your personal style.

From stripy shorts to sleek trunks, here are four major men’s swim trends to try this holiday season…

1. Sporty stripes

Go retro with classic side stripes and bright colour blocking, paying homage to Seventies and Eighties styles. Nail the athletic aesthetic with swim shorts in bold hues and flashes of neon.

2. Surfer shorts

Tap into surfer style with relaxed-fit board shorts in snazzy prints. Think Hawaiian florals, aquatic motifs and sunset shades.

3. Geometric prints

The coolest way to do nautical style is with subtle geometric prints.

A pair of blue and white shorts are on trend now – and will last you for many a summer to come.

4. Bold briefs

Make a summer style statement in a pair of bright briefs. Whether you’re doing laps in the pool or want to minimise tan lines, these swimmers are sleek and chic.

ED BAKER POPOV DARK BLUE GEOMETRIC SWIM SHORTS, £60, AVAILABLE FROM TED BAKER

SPEEDO MEN’S 7CM LOGO BRIEF BLUE/LILAC, £17.15 (WERE £24.50), AVAILABLE FROM SPEEDO

REGATTA MEN’S BENICIO SWIM SHORTS ROCCO RED NAVY, £19.95 (WERE £40), AVAILABLE FROM REGATTA

GEORGE ORANGE PALM TREE SWIM SHORTS, £8, AVAILABLE FROM ASDA

FATFACE X MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY CORAL SWIM SHORTS, £36, AVAILABLE FROM FATFACE

BUFFALO SWIMMING SHORTS, £38, AVAILABLE FROM FREEMANS

THE BIGGEST BRIDESMAID FASHION TRENDS

While the bridal gown will usually be the sartorial focal point of any wedding (and rightly so), bridesmaid’s outfits are an important part of the overall aesthetic.

As a bride, not only do you want your bridesmaids’ dresses to complement yours, you also want your BFFs to feel fabulous on your big day – and depending on the size of your bridal party, you’ll have several opinions to take into account.

As with bridal gowns, bridesmaid trends come and go too, so what’s hot this wedding season? We asked fashion experts to run down the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends of the moment. Here’s what they had to say…

SAGE GREEN

“Sage green is definitely the most popular colour for bridesmaid dresses this season,” says Lucy Menghini, founder of Six Stories. Following last year’s surge in deep green shades like emerald, now softer hues have come to the fore.

“The good thing about sage green is that it can work all year round,” Menghini adds. “While it’s a beautiful shade for summer, the grey undertones make it a perfect pick for autumn/winter weddings too.”

SAME SHADE, DIFFERENT STYLES

Gone are the days when every bridesmaid had to wear an identical dress or the exact same colour.

“With this trend, bridesmaids can wear a variety of different shape and style dresses, which are tied together by being similar hues of the same colour, or a range of complimentary colours,” says Kirsty Keoghan, global general manager of fashion at eBay UK. “I love this trend because it promotes individuality and helps bridesmaids feel their most confident selves on the big day.”

It makes shopping a whole lot easier too, adds Menghini: “It also allows the bridesmaids to have a say in what type of dress they find most comfortable and flattering.”

CLASSIC BLACK DRESSES

While a black wedding gown might not be for

These bridesmaid styles are on the rise, says Katie Wright.

everyone, contrasting the white or ivory bridal look with black bridesmaid dresses creates a modern, minimalist colour palette.

“Many people are often intimidated by a set of black bridesmaid dresses, however this look adds elegance and finesse to any wedding,” says Menghini.

“Black dresses are also perfect for those with large bridal parties, who are looking for different styles of dresses in the same colour, as you won’t have to worry about matching the shades.”

NEW LOOK PALE GREY SATIN ONE SHOULDER RUCHED MAXI DRESS, £45.99, AVAILABLE FROM NEW LOOK

MONSOON BEATRICE CREPE BARDOT MAXI DRESS BLACK, £87.50 (WAS £125), AVAILABLE FROM MONSOON

PRE-LOVED BRIDESMAID DRESSES FROM EBAY

PRE-LOVED PIECES

“One trend we’ve seen boom is bridesmaids wearing pre-loved wedding attire, with 58% of newlyweds looking at ways to shop sustainably and 75% of couples getting married looking to keep the costs down,” says Keoghan.

Occasionwear is perfect for shopping secondhand, because many garments have only been worn once so they’re in excellent condition (plus there might be big savings to be made).

Bringing together dresses from brands like, Monsoon, Karen Millen and Ted Baker, eBay has launched a pre-loved wedding hub. Keoghan adds: “Bridesmaids can look to the hub to find unique options from the high-street, to high-end, that increase the lifespan of the dress, for a fraction of the retail price.”

SATIN NO MORE

Traditionally, bridesmaid dresses often had a silk or satin finish, but recently there’s been a trend for different materials and textures.

“In particular, velvet dresses have emerged as a front runner in autumn and winter weddings, as a fabric which adds a new layer of elegance and luxe to the bridal party, while also providing a bit of warmth for the person wearing it,” says Keoghan.

“Taking it a step further, we expect to see more bridal party styling to feature dresses which are made from an array of fabrics, whether it’s velvet, lace or chiffon.”

STYLE OVER SYMMETRY

“One shoulder silhouettes are set to take over weddings this summer – it is definitely the bridesmaid shape of 2023,” Menghini says. “Perfect for summer weddings, the asymmetric shape is stylish and sleek and is such a flattering shape.”

Also, multi-way maxi dresses are a stylish solution for bridesmaids – the ribbon ties can be fashioned into an asymmetric neckline.

How should you style a oneshoulder dress? “Accessories can be pretty minimal, as the neckline is the star of the show,” says Menghini. “Steer clear of necklaces and stick with simple earrings, rings and a bracelet.”

SIX STORIES SAGE HALTER NECK SATIN BRIDESMAID DRESS, £120, AVAILABLE FROM SIX STORIES

SIX STORIES OYSTER COWL BACK SATIN BRIDESMAID DRESS, £120 EACH, AVAILABLE FROM SIX STORIES

THE CARLTON TOWER JUMEIRAH’S LUXURIOUS AND PRESTIGOUS FITNESS CLUB & SPA, THE PEAK, PARTNERS WITH GROWN ALCHEMIST

TREATMENTS

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Body Release Massage

(60/90 mins)

The Peak Fitness Club & Spa at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, is delighted to launch a new partnership with GROWN ALCHEMIST, offering its guests and members the brand’s new Regenerator Facial and Body Release Massage.

Offering guests something a little different, the GROWN ALCHEMIST treatment menu has been carefully crafted to address the impacts of urban living and busy, modern lifestyles, working in synergy with our skin’s unique biology to help repair natural functions, decelerate signs of ageing and restore radiance. Each treatment involves a combination of signature techniques, including; neurolymphatic stimulation, an anti-pollution mist infusion and cryotherapy.

“Partnering with The Peak Fitness Club & Spa, where its primary focus is the health and wellness of its members, aligns perfectly with GROWN ALCHEMIST, as our treatments help create the optimal conditions for skin to thrive. So centrally located, The Peak is truly stunning and incredibly unique - we’re very excited to continue to showcase the brand to their members.”– Harrison Gregory, GROWN ALCHEMIST General Manager, UK + EMEA.

Do you just feel...off? Release and rebalance with this full-body massage. Neurolymphatic reflex pressure points help stimulate the lymphatic system, and myofascial trigger points release key muscle groups. Firm pressure creates space within the body, helping improve posture and flexibility, as well as supporting gut health through abdominal and foot work. Detoxification is encouraged throughout this treatment, so you leave lighter and more balanced. Price: £145 for 60 minutes | £205 for 90 minutes

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“Each treatment involves a combination of signature techniques, including; neurolymphatic stimulation, an antipollution mist infusion and cryotherapy”

For fashion fans, Wimbledon is all about celebrity spectator style.

Famous faces always dress to impress when attending the iconic tennis tournament – and this year was no exception.

A slew of royals, athletes, actors, music legends and a few national treasures were spotted in the stands at SW19.

These are the best-dressed celebs from Wimbledon 2023…

Princess of Wales: Nodding to the traditional ‘Wimbledon whites’ rule (players must adhere to a strict all-white dress code on court), the Princess of Wales donned a mint green and white Balmain blazer with a white pleated skirt and court heels.

Wimbledon fashion looks

The Queen: Also tapping into the white theme, the Queen wore a pleated midi dress by Fiona Clare with beige suede heels and handbag.

David Beckham: A long-time regular in the royal box, David Beckham always looks dapper when visiting Centre Court. The former footballer wore a brown double-breasted blazer and tie with a striped shirt and off-white trousers.

Emma Corrin: The Crown star Emma Corrin, known for their

Celebs served up winning outfits at the iconic tournament. By Katie Wright.

ZAWADI NATURALS

Embrace the essence of Africa with Zawadi Naturals, your gateway to Eco-luxury Skincare. Discover our Probiotic Eye Revival Cream, a powerful elixir rooted in ancient wisdom and crafted with modern innovation. Experience the purest blend of nature’s gifts, nurturing your skin with love, leaving your eyes revitalized, and your beauty radiating like the African sun.

androgynous style, chose a summery cream short suit with a white shirt and beige tie from Polo Ralph Lauren.

Alexa Chung: Fashion icon Alexa Chung opted for a laidback look, teaming a utility shirt and blue jeans with a purple cable knit sweater slung around her shoulders. The presenter elevated her outfit with black patent peep-toe wedges and a cool suede mini bag.

Tom Hiddleston: Actor Tom Hiddleston matched with his mother Diana in a dark blue ensemble. The Loki star wore a midnight blue suit and navy tie with Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Sienna Miller: Always nailing summer style, whether at Glastonbury or Wimbledon, actor Sienna Miller donned a vintage-style sky blue and white pinstripe two-piece and carried a navy woven bag.

Princess Beatrice: Sitting in the royal box for the semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Jannik

Sinner, Princess Beatrice wore a blush pink shirtdress and carried a trendy woven clutch bag.

: Baking legend Dame Mary Berry, 88, chose a pretty aqua blue floral dress accessorised with a beaded necklace and

George Russell: Fresh from the British Grand Prix, Formula 1 driver George Russell was pictured in the royal box with girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt. The Mercedes driver chose a cream double-breasted suit with a blue shirt and navy tie for the occasion.

Jourdan Dunn: British model Jourdan Dunn opted for a sunny colour palette, teaming a pastel yellow cable knit jumper with a floaty silk skirt.

“Dame Mary Berry, 88, chose a pretty aqua blue floral dress”

Seductive and sensual floral by Imani

Vašek

Imani Vašek is a British Luxury Brand. They deliver the Finest long-lasting perfume to the millennial’s audience. Their perfumes are designed at their Headquarters in London United Kingdom.

The perfumer for this iconic scent is an English perfumer with a recognised career in the industry, he is Mr John Stephen. Mr John Stephen has created perfumes for luxury brands and has also created bespoke perfumes for the British Royal Family.

They speak with confidence that you will fall in love with their new fragrance ‘’HEART’S DESIRE’’.

Heart Desire is a floral fragrance inspired by the morning moon. This iconic scent is a beautifully light, clean, green, fresh floral dedicated to Jasmin.

Heart’s Desire has notes of Lime, Lemon, Rose, Geranium, Sandalwood, and Iris base.

She says a sensual night to remember.

www.imanivasek.com

ZACH FOOTWEAR

Ex Civil Servant launches growing luxury sneaker business during difficult economic climate

successful start-up sneaker brand in the UK in the last 10 years and taking on the big brands is considered almost impossible. We’re doing it from a standing start without investors and without any initial industry experience.”

Robbie was determined to bring Zach – a future legacy and namesake for his son ¬¬– to life, and the brand was officially launched. Each pair is beautifully and ethically hand-made in Portugal using quality materials.

“We do things differently at Zach and to an extremely high standard,” Robbie said.

“Shoe brands in the UK are pushing margins as much as possible, so quality of the shoes is generally low and customer service is notoriously poor. Our shoes are made in the same factory and to the same standards as brands charging £400 a pair, just without the price tag. We’ve already become the best rated UK premium sneaker brand on Trustpilot with over 95% of our reviews rated at 5 stars.”

London entrepreneur and ex Civil Servant Project Manager Robbie Thompson found himself out of work for the first time in 20 years when the pandemic hit in 2020, which was the catalyst for a bold career pivot and plunging his life savings into luxury sneaker start-up, Zach Footwear.

Within a year, Robbie had launched his new brand, showcasing beautiful handmade men’s sneakers with nine bespoke styles featuring unique premium materials.

“I found myself unemployed, like so many others during COVID-19,” Robbie said.

“It was a unique opportunity to build something, bringing an idea that had been bubbling away to reality. Hundreds if not thousands of new clothing lines pop up every year in the UK, but very few sneaker brands – and for good reason.

“It’s a high-risk industry to enter and incredibly challenging to change people’s mindset about wearing recognised brands on their feet. Only a handful of people have managed to grow a

“Starting my own business is a dream come true, but launching a sneaker brand is about understanding people’s mindset. It’s as much about marketing as it is about the product. We need to focus on both to create something that will blow-up, and we’ve got huge plans coming in the next 12 months.” Robbie said.

And alongside the challenges, it’s been an encouraging for Zach Footwear with sales in 51 countries around the world and 69,000 organic followers on social media.

“Despite the competitive nature of influencers and new brands across social media we have an edge in that we are doing something very few dare to do. I’m pretty sure we are the only sneaker start-up with a presence on TikTok in comparison to hundreds of clothing brand startups. We offer insight for our followers on how to grow a footwear brand from ground zero, and what the process is like including how they are made and what it looks like behind the scenes.”

“The most rewarding part of it all is seeing the reviews, seeing people wear the shoes and enjoying them” Robbie said. “Some customers have bought more than 10 pairs and we’ve even seen football legend Roberto Carlos, UFC star Paddy Pimblett and boxing world champions including Dmitry Bivol and Joseph Parker wearing them.” zachfootwear.com Tel: 07813035582

“It was a unique opportunity to build something, bringing an idea that had been bubbling away to reality”

SALT OF THE EARTH

Why did you start a natural deodorant business?

It was my mum who got me into it. After my sister and I went to university, she took over a small scale natural deodorant brand called Crystal Spring, which she ran from home. Mum has always loved using natural deodorants – even at a time when it wasn’t a popular thing to do; she just really believed in the concept of not putting controversial chemicals on the skin. After uni, I joined her and I became the Managing Director in 2008, when we rebranded as Salt of the Earth. The company is now one of the biggest natural deodorant brands in Europe. It’s been quite a journey!

Do vegan and natural deodorants actually work?

Yes, most definitely. Body odour is caused by bacteria on the skin and natural deodorant formulations can inhibit the growth of these smelly bacteria just as well as any other type of deodorant. It’s always harder to formulate with just natural ingredients, so it comes down to creating clever formulations where all the ingredients work in synergy with each other – and that’s what we focus on when creating new deodorants.

What is the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants?

Traditional antiperspirants block the skin’s pores and hinder the body’s natural sweat production process. Deodorants won’t block your pores. Our natural deodorants work by leaving a thin layer of natural mineral salts (potassium alum) on the skin, which inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria

while also scenting and nourishing the skin with natural aromatic extracts.

What has been a highlight for your brand so far?

There have been a few! We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year as the brand was originally founded in 1993. Also the fact we gained COSMOS Natural Certification was a big achievement as the application process was not easy, but we wanted our customers to know that all our products are indeed 100% natural. We are also very proud that we have won over 30 awards over the last 30 years, including Best New Personal Care Product at this year’s Natural and Organic Innovation Awards.

Is it possible to make my own deodorant from kitchen cupboard essentials?

Yes, absolutely. Coconut oil and bicarb are key ingredients in natural balm and stick deodorants. However, a lot of work goes into creating an effective formulation so it would be hard to match the quality of a shop bought product with a homemade version.

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THE DETAILS

For more information on Salt of the Earth, please visit saltoftheearthnatural.com and use discount code Londonlife15 for 15% off your order.

FORTUNY SILK LAMPS Vogue Collection

Introducing the Fortuny Silk LampsVogue Collection, a testament to timeless beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. These enchanting lamps are renowned for their opaline silk delicacy, refined decoration, and harmonious silhouettes. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by Fortuny Srl in the heart of Venice, upholding the artistic legacy of artist Mariano Fortuny, who started the production of such lamps in his venetian palace at the beginning of the last century.

Mariano Fortuny’s early studies on reflected light brought him to the conclusion that it was not the quantity, but the quality of light which “makes things visible”. From this basic principle, he developed different systems and models of lighting, based on the presence of a surface able to return the light it receives from electric sources.

In the case of the silk lamps, the light filters

through the lustrous fabric and spreads into space. With their ethereal allure, Fortuny Silk Lamps capture the essence of true light sculptures, emanating a soft and evocative glow which envelops the surroundings in an enchanting ambiance.

Fortuny’s dedication to quality and attention to detail shine through every aspect of the Vogue Collection. The delicate motif adorning these lamps is a tribute to the brand’s commitment to excellence. The balance of silhouettes showcases the expertise of skilled artisans who have honed their craft over time.

Beyond their captivating beauty, Fortuny Silk Lamps offer versatility. With various models and structures, they effortlessly complement any style of decor, harmonizing with diverse interiors. These lamps not only illuminate a space but also fulfil the need for perfect lighting, creating an atmosphere that is both soothing and timeless.

In an age where mass production dominates, Fortuny’s commitment to handcrafting these masterpieces is the evidence to their unwavering dedication to artistry. By preserving and perpetuating the artistic heritage of Mariano Fortuny, the company ensures that each piece possesses a unique charm and character, making them cherished heirlooms for generations to come.

Enter Fortuny’s world and discover the Vogue and lighting collections, clothing, and accessories on fortuny.uk and in the flagship stores in Venice, Paris and München.

“Fortuny’s dedication to quality and attention to detail shine through every aspect”

Left: Interior Thomas Hamel, photo by Anson Smart

Below: Interior Studio Indigo, photo by Andreas Von Einsiedel.

HEALTH & FITNESS

– Everything you need to keep fit, healthy, and happy –

Fitness Equipment For Everyone

Fitness Options Ltd is a renowned fitness equipment supplier, based in Nottingham. They opened their store in 1989 and are the oldest independent fitness equipment retailer in the UK. They are known for providing a wide range of fitness equipment, services, and solutions to cater to the needs of individuals, gyms, and other fitness facilities.

Over the years they have established themselves as a reputable supplier of fitness equipment. They offer a diverse selection of high-quality fitness products, some exclusive to them, including

cardio machines, strength training equipment, free weights, accessories, and more. These products are designed to meet the needs of both commercial fitness facilities and home users.

In addition to equipment sales, Fitness Options provides an in house design service, providing both 2D plans and 3D photo realistic visuals, so you can see just how the equipment will fit and look in your allocated space. They also have a team of experienced technicians who can assist you with setting up your fitness equipment and ensuring its proper function.

As a fitness company, Fitness Options understands the importance of providing excellent customer service. They have knowledgeable staff members who can provide guidance and recommendations based on individual fitness goals and requirements. Whether someone is looking to set up a home gym or equip a commercial facility, Fitness Options strive to offer personalised assistance to help customers make informed decisions.

Fitness Options have a showroom where customers can browse and purchase their products. They also have an online presence, allowing customers to access their products and services remotely.

fitnessoptions.co.uk

“Over the years they have established themselves as a reputable supplier of fitness equipment”

FIT TO FLY: GP shares advice for staying healthy in the air

Your out of office is on, your bags are packed and you’re ready for a well earned holiday! The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination feeling groggy and sick.

The flight is all part of the adventure, but can take its toll on the body – from an increased risk of catching air-borne diseases to Deep Vein Thrombosis. To help passengers stay healthy at 30,000 feet, Dr Hagar El-Habti, a GP at King Edward VII’s Hospital highlights possible flight risks and how to mitigate them, including diet tips, yawning and swapping contacts for glasses.

1. Practice mindfulness

Some people can suffer with quite intense

anxiety before and during a flight, also known as aerophobia. This can be due to fear of heights, being in an enclosed space or fear of accidents. Practice mindful activities such as listening to your favourite podcast or reading a book which can help take your mind of the fear. If you find your anxiety is impacting on your day-to-day life, you may need to discuss further options with your doctor, and which can vary from therapy to antianxiety medicines.

2. Yawn during take-off and landing

During take-off and landing, the air pressure inside the cabin changes dramatically, and the pressure in your inner ear tries to quickly re-calibrate to match this. Sometimes this will be signalled by your ears

Dr Hagar El-Habti, a GP at King Edward VII’s Hospital

popping. To help avoid this, try swallowing or yawning as you take off and land. This will open the eustachian tube in your inner ear – which controls pressure – and should makes the process less uncomfortable.

3.

Eat light before you fly

Similarly, the change in air pressure can have a gastrointestinal effect, whereby you become more bloated or feel pressure in your stomach. Try and plan ahead before you fly and avoid having too big a meal before you take off, eating small meals whilst on board, and steer clear of pulses or legumes known to cause gas.

MORE INFORMATION

King Edward VII’s Hospital has same day GP Appointments for all your needs.

For more information, contact: Mon- Fri 0203 930 1392 or visit kingedwardvii.co.uk

– usually in the legs – which can cause potentially life-threatening clotting. It’s important to try and get up and stretch your legs, even if it’s just walking from one end of the aisle to the other. You could also opt for a seat with extra leg room –particularly if you’re in the group at increased risk of DVT i.e., those who have recently had surgery, are pregnant, obese or have cancer – as this will allow you to do simple leg stretches and keep the circulation flowing. Also, ensuring you are well hydrated will help prevent the risk of a DVT as well and wearing compression stockings.

4.

Stay hydrated and swap contact lenses for glasses

Aeroplane cabins have very low humidity levels meaning there isn’t much moisture in the air that you’re breathing. This can lead to your throat, eyes and nose feeling dry and itchy. To combat this, make sure you take a refillable water bottle and fill it up after you go through security. If you usually wear contact lenses, swap for glasses, to prevent further discomfort to your eyes, and consider taking nasal drops on-board.

5. Wear compression

stockings

Immobility increases the risk of feet swelling due to blood pooling in your legs, as the lack of activity mean blood circulation slows. Depending on the duration of your flight and co-morbidities some people may be at increased risk. To help minimise the risk of this, keep moving the legs and feet regularly, get up and walk around a bit and wear compression stockings that can be purchased from most pharmacies.

6. Stretch your legs

Lack of movement, and not having enough leg room to stretch, can increase the likelihood of developing a DVT. This occurs when being immobile leads to a lack of blood flow in the veins

MID-LIFE HEALTH AND OUR MENOPAUSE

By Dr. Elise Dallas, Menopause Specialist

If you find yourself between the ages of 40 to 60, welcome to your MIDLIFE—a wonderful stage that grants us the opportunity to make real changes! In this article, we will explore the significance of midlife and its connection to menopause, while delving into the introduction of our new Menopause Service. This service is dedicated to not only managing menopause but also prioritising screening for chronic conditions that commonly arise during this transformative period of a woman’s life.

MIDLIFE: A PERIOD OF REEVALUATION

Midlife, spanning from 40 to 60 years, presents a golden opportunity to reassess our health and

shape our later years. In stark contrast to a century ago when women’s lives were often cut short after menopause, we now enjoy a longer average lifespan of 83 years. As we age, our hormones wield significant influence over our lifestyle choices, and in turn, our lifestyle profoundly affects our hormonal balance. The decline of oestrogen during menopause can profoundly impact heart and bone health, making midlife an essential stage for preventive measures.

SILENT CHANGES DURING MIDLIFE

Midlife brings about age-related changes, some of which are closely tied to menopause. These changes include bone loss, which can lead to conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, as well as adverse alterations in heart health, such as

By Dr. Elise Dallas, Menopause Specialist, The London General Practice

shifts in lipid profiles and the onset of diabetes or metabolic syndrome. What makes these changes particularly challenging is that they often manifest silently, without overt symptoms, making early screening and detection vital to our long-term well-being.

INTRODUCING OUR COMPREHENSIVE MENOPAUSE SERVICE

Our Menopause Service has an innovative approach, encompassing a comprehensive range of health assessments and targeted screenings. This service emphasises the detection of asymptomatic chronic conditions like cardiovascular and bone disease. By adopting an early intervention strategy, we aim to significantly improve long term health outcomes.

IDENTIFYING PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

When considering perimenopause, we examine factors such as age and menstrual changes. Perimenopause often presents with shorter, heavier cycles that later transition into longer and more spaced-apart periods, but often they can just stop. Menopause is when you have not had a period for a year. It can be challenging to diagnose if you’ve had a hysterectomy, use contraception, have a Mirena coil, or experience polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In general, if you are 45 years or older and exhibit symptoms, you may be perimenopausal.

Common menopause symptoms include changes in menstrual patterns, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, joint pains, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings. However, some symptoms can be atypical, such as ringing in the ears or sensations of crawling on the skin. Our Menopause Symptom Checker available on our website which we can personalise to you, can help you assess and manage these symptoms effectively.

PRIORITISING HEART HEALTH

Heart disease is a significant concern for women, standing as the leading cause of death worldwide. The risk of cardiovascular disease significantly rises after menopause, making women five times more likely to experience a heart attack. The loss of oestrogen during menopause can lead to adverse changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity, all of which are silent symptoms requiring screening.

At The London General Practice, we uphold peer-reviewed international guidelines to ensure state-of-the-art screening methods. Our comprehensive cardiovascular screening includes:

BLOOD PRESSURE ASSESSMENT

Further blood tests, including cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney, liver, and more

• Further blood tests, including cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney, liver, and more

• Exercise stress ECG to evaluate coronary artery risk

• ECG (electrocardiogram) to gauge coronary artery disease risk

• Echocardiogram to assess heart structure, valves,

“Our Menopause Service pioneers an innovative approach, encompassing a comprehensive range of health assessments and targeted screenings.”

and function

• CT coronary angiogram

• Chest X-rays

• EBCT Coronary Calcium Score, providing a 3D visualization of coronary arteries

• Ultrasonic abdominal aortic aneurysm scans

• Carotid artery Doppler ultrasound

PRIORITISING BONE HEALTH

Osteoporosis, arising from bone mineral loss, poses a significant risk during menopause. Weak bones may fracture with minor injuries, significantly impacting quality of life. Bone loss commences during the menopausal transition and accelerates around menopause. Half of women over 50 years are likely to experience a fragility fracture, and a hip fracture increases mortality risk by four times, with 80% of women losing their independence.

Early screening and detection are paramount to optimise bone strength preservation. For osteoporosis screening, we offer, bone density scans (DEXA scans) of your hip and spine which is the ‘gold standard’ to diagnose osteoporosis and to predict your risk of breaking a bone and tailored assessments based on individual health backgrounds.

EMPOWERING MIDLIFE HEALTH

In our Menopause Service, we take a comprehensive approach to managing midlife health, offering evidence-based Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) options. HRT has proven to effectively alleviate menopausal symptoms and reduce associated health risks. Notably, it can reduce heart disease by 50% and significantly mitigate the impact of osteoporosis. As part of our service, we also offer Mirena coil fittings and testosterone options for evidencebased HRT choices tailored to individual needs.

ADDRESSING LIFESTYLE FACTORS: NUTRITION, MOVEMENT, WELLBEING, AND SLEEP

At our service, we believe in going beyond medical interventions to encompass a holistic approach to women’s health during midlife. We address crucial lifestyle factors like nutrition, movement, well-being, and sleep. We help midlife women take charge of their overall health, ensuring that they receive the guidance and support they need to thrive.

This comprehensive approach enhances longterm well-being, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and improves women’s quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Midlife represents a significant and transformative period for women. Through our Menopause Service, we are committed to providing individualised and comprehensive care, empowering women to navigate their health and overall well-being during this crucial stage of life. By proactively detecting and managing chronic conditions, we aim to support women in thriving not only during midlife but also throughout their future, promoting vitality and happiness for years to come.

THE DETAILS

To book your screening appointment, please call now: 0207 935 1000

Or email info@ thelondongeneralpractice.com

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP Services thelondongeneralpractice.com

Occupational Health and Corporate Health Service

At Kinetica, we recognise that everyone from the marathon runner to the weekend footballer, the gym goer to the triathlete has a ‘why’, the reason they do what they do. Everyone’s ‘why’ is different and everyone’s ‘why’ matters. Our business is to get you safely to your goal by being your ‘how’. We want to nourish your self-belief with products that never compromise on quality.

We work closely with nutritionists, external advisors and our consumers to constantly improve our products. We know how important quality is and every batch is tested to comply with WADA exacting standards. Product safety is always our number one priority.

So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or an Olympian, there are huge benefits to nourishing yourself like an elite. Kinetica Sports is at the top of its game. Why not use it to get to the top of yours?

You know why. We know how. Shop the range at kineticasports.com

INTRODUCING KINETICA

THE FERTILITY CENTRE

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility:

• For social reasons

• Preparing to transition

• Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy

• If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts

THE DETAILS

Formerly the Assisted Conception Unit, The Fertility Centre is a longstanding centre of excellence for fertility treatment and care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In 2021 they enlarged the Centre with a new satellite service at West Middlesex University Hospital, extending patient care and convenient access across West London.

The Centre provides a broad and comprehensive range of fertility services to their patients –including IVF, ICSI and IUI – but their areas of particular expertise, include the management of women and couples over the age of 40, premature ovarian ageing or low ovarian reserve, and male or sperm-related infertility issues.

Notwithstanding their expertise in these complex fields, The Fertility Centre continues to perform very well in its success rates. They hold one of the highest clinical pregnancy rates amongst NHS hospitals in the UK (please visit hfea.gov.uk for further information) and welcome NHS-funded patients and those seeking to selffund their care and treatment.

As well as treatment for those trying to conceive now, The Fertility Centre offer services for those who are considering their ability to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation through egg or embryo freezing is becoming increasingly popular and they can provide these services through their dedicated Fertility Preservation programme.

If you are thinking about your fertility health for future years, they also provide a range of fertility assessments - with packages for individuals as well as couples. Alongside tests and assessments, expert clinicians can explain your results and advise you accordingly.

In addition to their clinical expertise and range of treatment options, The Fertility Centre understands the inevitable stress and anxiety of fertility treatment. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your treatment. This includes sessions with their British Infertility Counselling Association and UK Council for Psychotherapy accredited counsellors.

The Fertility Centre team is always happy to support you and answer any questions. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your fertility journey, please contact them on 020 3315 8585 or email chelwest.acu@nhs.net. chelwestprivatecare.co.uk/ fertility-centre

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

HOUSE & GARDEN

ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIORS

INTERIORS

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Bring some contemporary flavour to your bedside table with our Verla table lamp. The abstract style of the Verla features a terracotta body paired with a natural cylinder-shaped linen shade. The Verla table lamp creates a relaxing glow reminiscent of warm holiday destinations with that organic linen shade and warm terracotta base. The Verla Table Lamp is designed by our Cult Design Team for a chic versatile piece. cultfurniture.com

GORGEOUS GREEN

The Hjerte range is packed with character, heritage and a warm timeless feel, with timber effect shaker doors to create a kitchen fit for any home. Its name comes from the Danish for ‘heart’. smilekitchens.com

PRETTY IN PINK

Let your home blossom and bloom, with the Bloom sofa collection. And become your sanctuary, a place to unwind and disconnect from chaotic surroundings. With a wide range of fabric options available, each piece features fibre foam seat interiors as standard and the option of oak or mahogany effect feet to complete your furniture. scs.co.uk

SLEEK STORAGE

This TV Stand suitable for TVs up to 55” would be a fantastic addition to any home. Complete with cable management accommodation and various storage areas, both interior and visible, this tv stand would be the perfect TV stand to have in any living space. outandout.com

Inspired by the Louis XV style, this chest of drawers is a symbol of refinement par excellence. Styled in your living room or bedroom, this signature chest of drawers will bring a touch of femininity to your interior thanks to its chic and timeless Toile de Jouy patterning.

frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

CHAPLINS TURNS 30

This year luxury furniture retailer Chaplins is celebrating its pearlescent anniversary with a proud over-the-shoulder peek at its past.

James helped to establish a new era of interior design that reached the leafier suburbs of the UK and introduced a wave of avant-garde interiors. All while cultivating multiple central London venues with which to receive his star-studded clientele.

FROM FATHER TO SON

In 2005, this ideology was imbued upon Simon Chaplin as he took the helm from his father and prepared to pioneer a new era of expansion whilst maintaining the core values that his father had instilled in him and the entire companydedication to the highest level of service.

Key to this was the opening of the Chaplins Trade department, operating out of Chelsea Harbour, lifting the load from interior designers and architects with the ambition to tackle huge,

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Established in 1993 by James Chaplin, the original Chaplins furniture showroom was both a sophisticated spectacle and a surprise to all who visited. James introduced new brands to the UK market, discovering designers and showcasing pieces that would soon become classics. Not constrained only to London,

“The flagship Chaplins store becomes a onestop-shop housing the biggest names in European design”

multi-brand projects. With a team of experts at their side handling hundreds of suppliers, their renders became a reality, and their skills were spent on the passion of the project instead of being buried in bureaucracy.

With the explosion of online retail, it was clear that clients’ shopping journeys were beginning in their homes rather than Chaplins’. It was time to offer a website as unique, inspiring, and insightful as their in-store experience would be. Chaplins took its interior specialists’ advice to an online journal to offer trends and tips, filled an online catalogue with the best design has to offer, and extended customer care through the screen. Simon’s vision of creating an omnichannel business had been realised, with every touchpoint connecting Chaplins’ clients with an expert.

UNDER ONE ROOF

The flagship Chaplins store becomes a one-stopshop housing the biggest names in European design, a dedicated trade department, and in-house interior planning services. The 25,000

sq ft emporium has allowed Chaplins’ space to continue growing and thriving at a time when the physical presence of luxury retailers is becoming increasingly scarce. It remains, proudly, one of the few spaces of its size, hosting a compendium of design.

For Chaplins, home is at the heart of all they do, and their Hatch End headquarters is home not only to designer showpieces but to a family. It isn’t solely the Chaplins family line that has generated generations of interior specialists though, Simon is just one of the many second-generation Chaplins team members merged under one roof.

“Good design creates relationships — between people, perspectives and place. But when done well, it can also tell a story about what we value or who we’d like to become. In a world with increasingly finite resources, we think there’s something to be said for buying once and buying well. For investing in things that bring you delight. And that can be passed on and loved by future generations.” -

Simon Chaplin

In celebration of Chaplins’ 30th anniversary, a number of exclusive designs from their longstanding partners including Ligne Roset and B&B Italia will be displayed throughout the year. chaplins.co.uk

RACHEL USHER INTERIOR DESIGN

Creating immersive and bespoke luxury interiors

Designing an ultra-modern family home that has a strong architectural presence within a town which is steeped in Medieval history.

An inspiring, ultra-modern and unexpected interior scheme has been created by Rachel Usher and her team of interior architects and designers. The family’s brief was to create a sanctuary in which they could escape their busy lifestyles and entertain to use the large-scale space to it’s full potential. The re-design transformed their living area to create a new open-plan kitchen, dining, living and snug.

The Rachel Usher studio also re-designed the interior architecture including transforming the hallway, staircase and bathroom to ensure that the space flows seamlessly.

This unique family home is an unexpected juxtaposition against the backdrop of this historical context.

When the property was built, the family paid respect to the localities history by curating a home with an architectural palette compromising of natural stone and timber cladding to respect the Medieval association of the land and to reflect the materials used in a nearby castle.

The property’s scale and award-winning architecture challenged the design team to create an interior scheme that both enhanced the property as a whole and complemented the existing vernacular of the building.

Rachel Usher takes a human centric approach to all of the work that her studio delivers with

the intention of enhancing how the homeowners interact with their space. Unravelling how the flow of human activity works on a day to day basis in order to better understand how this reads against the opportunities for enhancing emotional connectivity within the home, this in turn will establish the creative direction for the design team. A compelling design was achieved through the re-imagination of the space, opening up existing apertures to maximise perspectives from differing viewpoints and flooding the space with an abundance of natural light.

Synonymous with a Rachel Usher Interior Design is the interaction of materials evident throughout all of the bespoke hand-crafted joinery, including shadow gap detailing and hidden light sources to highlight texture and contrast. The final scheme was brought together with the appropriate application of light, texture and materiality.

rachelusherinteriordesign.com

Rachel Usher Interior Design is an accomplished full service interior design practice, with a particular interest in creating exceptional and highly bespoke spaces for private residences across London and internationally.

Our international award-winning design studio works collaboratively with architects, builders and a trusted team of highly skilled artisans and craftspeople, delivering immersive designs that engage all of the senses. The multidisciplinary design team work meticulously across a range of luxury projects from renovations and restorations, to new construction homes and furnishing & styling services.

Each project at Rachel Usher is unique, yet sharing the constants of craftsmanship, provenance and imbuing a sense of soul that elevates our emotional connectivity to a space. Rachel and her team’s designs are intentional, breathing authenticity into a space that are an honest expression of how life can be lived with sensorial balance. RACHELUSHERINTERIORDESIGN.COM 02033 266 266 |

ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIORS

One of the leading interior design houses in the UK, Alexander James Interiors believes the world deserves design without boundaries, welcoming everyone but not dictating to anyone. With one of the largest teams of top interior designers under one roof, they can provide full end-to-end support, more choice for clients and an individual designer from their eclectic team to suit each taste. For a carefully considered creative design that is seamlessly seen through, they welcome you to share your vision and unlock limitless possibilities.

PRIVATE RESIDENCES

For all private residential projects, whether they are classical super-prime properties or modern apartments, we will provide a dedicated designer who delivers a level of service and attention to detail that is second to none, from the start to the finish of the project. From specifying the specific bespoke requirements for a single modern room to the interior architecture for an entire luxury private property, we deliver seamlessly to every client.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & SPECIFICATION

Our specialist, in-house team of Interior

Architects & Designers work on both new build and renovation projects. With our experience in creating stunning home interiors, we know how to make the best use of space, and how to create ideal room layouts. We produce plans and technical specifications that are precise to every detail, including lighting, joinery, kitchen and bathroom concepts, flooring, and internal finishes as well as liaison and design coordination with specialist subcontractors all focusing on accurate budgeting and exact construction.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE:

‘Shop the Look’ by Alexander James Interiors was created to provide luxurious interior pieces, furniture or gifts to enhance any space. Designed by our award-winning Interior Design team, all our ‘looks’ have been directly taken from some of our most prestigious high-end private or show home schemes. Whether you are looking for a bedroom layout or living room accessories, ‘Shop the Look’ by Alexander James Interiors, is here to provide all the inspiration you need in one easy-tonavigate website. Designed to make your consumer experience more enjoyable, our ‘Shop the Look’ website categorises each room by theme in order to make your purchasing decision more seamless. To find out more please contact; Email: enquiries@aji.co.uk Website: AJI.co.uk and shopthelookbyaji.co.uk Instagram: @alexanderjamesinteirors

“We will provide a dedicated designer who delivers a level of service and attention to detail that is second to none”

Northern Exposure: Add warmth to north facing rooms

Designing a scheme for a northfacing room brings with it a unique challenge, according to the experts at eco paint specialists Victory Colours.

The light in a north facing space has a much higher proportion of blue light compared to warmer south facing rooms, casting a blue tint in interior spaces. Embracing limited natural light can make a space feel colder and darker.

Here Victoria Yardley, Managing Director of Victory Colours, shares her top tips for creating a warming, welcoming colour scheme.

1. Avoid Blues & Greys

Light in a north facing room can be limited therefore, opting for lighter and warmer shades will enhance your space, creating a more inviting feel.

2. Warm It Up

Warmer shades and hues have the capability to infuse warmth whilst adding a cosy touch, helping to compensate for any cooler light that enters the room. Creamy whites, subtle yellows or a blush pink could be the way to go.

3. Stay Grounded

Earthy and neutral colour palettes can provide a sense of grounding and warmth to a space. Tones such as muted browns, soft terracottas and warm taupes can create a welcoming and comfortable feel amongst the surroundings.

4. Go Eco

When selecting the colour that is right for you, quality eco paints will ensure a stylish and sustainable solution. These high quality ecofriendly paints not only enhance your space but will also allow you to entirely transform your room.

The Victory Colours’ paint collection has been produced with the environment at the fore and are virtually free of all toxins and VOCs. Victory Colours’ matt emulsion is priced at £44.95 for 2.5-litres. It is available now from victorycolours.co.uk

“Quality eco paints will ensure a stylish and sustainable solution”

Blusher No. 77

Terrapotta

Lemoncello No. 62 Manor White No.

Investment Interior Pieces

You spend so much time in your home, you want items that are high-quality and sure to stand the test of time.

Peppermill Interiors hold a variety of luxury investment items for your domestic or commercial space and will complement all interior themes. So, which items are the most worthwhile to invest in? Read on for Peppermill Interiors’ top five investment interior pieces!

Padstow Extendable Dining Table

What makes the Padstow Extendable Dining Table the ultimate investment piece? Not only is it handcrafted from high-quality, natural oak; the Padstow is extendable so you don’t have to compromise on guest capacity, simply extend to allow room for more guests and fold away for quieter evenings! Perfect for country farmhouse inspired themes, the oak dining table has beautiful grains, distinct natural knots and rustic grooves that will add character and charm to your dining room. This table can also come with a matching bench to further enhance your unique dining set up.

Hamilton Leather Vintage Style Lounge Chair

A leather armchair is a must-have investment piece as they’re not only comfortable and stylish but high-quality and long lasting. This vintage style lounge chair is based on a 1950’s design by Arne Vodder and would be an ideal statement piece

“Try a sleek, contemporary look with the durable Miami Aluminium Outdoor Range”

for a vintage style office or mid-century inspired living room. The Hamilton Lounge Chair has a handcrafted ash frame and an authentic distressed leather upholstery with delicate yet high-quality embroidery.

Miami Aluminium Outdoor Furniture

Try a sleek, contemporary look with the durable Miami Aluminium Outdoor Range, perfect for outdoor dining on rooftop terraces or beer gardens. The aluminium outdoor set comes with two aluminium outdoor chairs and a table. Made with a robust powder-coated aluminium frame, it can stay outdoors throughout the summer months or in the colder months stacked and stored away when not in use. The smooth ceramic-effect laminate top of the tabletop is easy to maintain and keep clean and the aluminium outdoor chairs are comfortable with a slightly curved back.

Dawson Leather Dining Chair

Relax in luxury comfort with the Dawson Leather Dining Chairs. Choose from two timeless colours that will bring richness and warmth to your space. The high-quality leather seat paired with black wooden frame has an overall simplistic design and industrial style, versatile for many interior designs, from minimalist apartments to grand period interiors.

“The Darwin Wooden Coffee Table is made from long-lasting solid oak and features a modern cubic design that is versatile for many interior themes”

Darwin Wooden Coffee Table

The Darwin Wooden Coffee Table is made from long-lasting solid oak and features a modern cubic design that is versatile for many interior themes. This contemporary coffee table features strong sharp lines, chunky legs and lots of natural knots and splits that are unique to every table and enhances the authentic oak finish. The Darwin is durable and hard-wearing for everyday life and will be the perfect next statement to your domestic or commercial space.

NEW LIGHTING FROM ATKIN & THYME

Introducing this seasons new lighting from Atkin & Thyme. From ambient, feature lighting to task reading lights, there is a design for every space.

The Hive Glass pendant light provides the understated, elegant look many spaces demand. Its glass design allows the light to shine through while the glass shade brings an extra third dimensional element. Perfect for kitchens, dining areas and openplan schemes, the light works well independently or when hung with more than one in a cluster. The range also includes a matching table lamp.

The Spindle pendant adds warmth and texture. Made from sustainable solid mango wood, this light is perfect for hanging over bedside tables, kitchen islands and breakfast bars. Whilst the Shell pendant, crafted from burnished copper is a statement piece showcasing its stunning patina in different lights. Works perfectly in key entertaining areas. atkinandthyme.co.uk

“The Hive Glass pendant light provides the understated, elegant look many spaces demand”

Embracing the Pink Revolution

Are you ready to step into a whimsical world filled with…PINK? We are excited to present the latest interior design trend that, let’s face it …we know we shouldn’t love but we do: Barbie Core! Inspired by the release of the new Barbie movie, this trend celebrates the power of pink and infuses it into every aspect of your living space.

Barbie Core is all about embracing femininity, joy, and a touch of nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Barbie doll, this trend transports you to a dreamy world where everything is bathed in shades of Barbie pink. From stools to armchairs, tables to cute vases, our exclusive Barbie Core collection features a stunning array of furniture and accessories that will transform your home into a pink palace.

When it comes to Barbie Core, the key is to embrace the power of pink fearlessly. Think soft blush tones, vibrant fuchsias, and everything in between. Our expertly curated selection offers a range of options, from elegant velvet pink stools like the Matteo that exude luxury, to chic pink accent chairs such as the Sofia that add a playful touch to any room.

Creating a Barbie Core-inspired space is not just about the furniture; it’s about the entire ambiance. Complement your pink furniture with gold accents, mirrored surfaces like our HKLiving Mirror block coffee table and if you dare, a crystal

chandeliers to elevate the overall look. Add whimsical touches like HKLiving Stitched cushion, furry throws, and floral arrangements in super cute pink vases like HKLiving 70s Ceramics Vase to complete the pictureperfect Barbie Core atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard Barbie fan or simply want to inject a dose of vibrant energy into your home, the Barbie Core trend is the perfect choice. Celebrate the release of the new Barbie movie in style and let your inner child revel in the magic of pink. Step into a world where elegance meets playfulness, and create a home that reflects your unique personality and style.

At Cult, we not only love helping you bring your design dreams to life, but we have fun with it! So explore our Barbie Core collection today and let the power of pink transform your living space into a sanctuary of glamour and enchantment!

cultfurniture.com

BRINGING THE SPIRIT OF SUMMER INTO YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN

It’s time to infuse the spirit of summer into every corner of your home. And what better place to start than the heart of your home – the kitchen! By incorporating refreshing decor and embracing design elements inspired by the season, you can create a vibrant and inviting space that celebrates the joyous essence of summer. We will explore various i deas to bring summer into your kitchen design, from colourful accents to light-filled spaces, all aimed at transforming your kitchen into a summer kitchen.

Embrace Bright and Fresh Colours

One of the simplest ways to infuse summer into your kitchen is by incorporating bright and fresh colours into your design scheme. Opt for a bright colour palette inspired by summer. You can take inspiration from the coast with blues and greens

or mix pastel colours to brighten your space. Consider painting the walls or cabinets in these vibrant colours to create an instant visual impact. Or you can introduce pops of colour through accessories like kitchen towels, vibrant dishware, or fresh flowers on the countertop for a more subtle approach.

Let There Be Light

Summer is synonymous with natural light and the feeling of openness. Large windows are a great way to maximise the light entering your kitchen and this can be helped by keeping windows clear of heavy curtains or blinds. If privacy is a concern, consider sheer or light-coloured curtains that allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining a sense of openness. Additionally, strategically placed mirrors can help bounce light around the room and create an illusion of a larger, brighter space.

can be helped by keeping windows clear of heavy curtains or blinds”

“Summer is synonymous with natural light and the feeling of openness. Large windows are a great way to maximise the light entering your kitchen and this

Bring in Nature

What better way to embrace summer than by bringing a touch of nature into your kitchen?

Incorporate indoor plants, fresh herbs on your windowsill or bunches of flowers on the countertop to add a lively and organic element to the space. Consider installing a vertical herb garden or a hanging plant display to make a bold statement. Plants infuse your kitchen with a summery vibe, purify the air, and create a soothing, natural ambience that helps bring the outside in.

Incorporate Natural Materials

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, incorporate natural materials into your kitchen design. Opt for incorporating sustainable materials like bamboo or wood to add a natural look. You can enhance this look further with wicker or rattan elements like chairs, stools, baskets, or pendant lamp shades. These natural textures will evoke a sense of outdoor living, capturing the essence of summer within your kitchen.

Playful Patterns and Prints

Inject a sense of playfulness and energy into your kitchen by introducing vibrant patterns and prints. Consider adding colourful mosaic tiles as a splashback, featuring a tropical or floral motif. Opt for cheerful and patterned kitchen linens, such as striped or gingham dish towels and tablecloths. These lively patterns will create a joyful atmosphere and transport you to a summer paradise every time you step into your kitchen.

Open Shelving and Display

Swap out a section of upper cabinets with open shelves to create an open and inviting atmosphere. Choose sturdy and visually appealing shelves that complement the overall design of your kitchen. Arrange an array of colourful plates, bowls, or glassware on the shelves, creating a stunning focal point that catches the eye. The vibrant hues and interesting patterns will infuse your kitchen with a delightful summer vibe. By incorporating these decor and design ideas, you can effortlessly bring the spirit of summer into your kitchen. From bright colours and natural materials to playful patterns and light-filled spaces, every element works together to create a refreshing and inviting atmosphere. Let your kitchen become a sanctuary where you can enjoy the summer vibes year-round, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Embrace the season and let your kitchen radiate the essence of summer. geminiworktops.com

“Swap out a section of upper cabinets with open shelves to create an open and inviting atmosphere. Choose sturdy and visually appealing shelves that complement the overall design of your kitchen”

NEW AW23 ECO wallpaper collection D

rawing inspiration from the fiercest queen of all, Mother Nature, this collection celebrates our delicate ecosystems, natural beauty and the charming creatures that call planet Earth home. Expect a collection full of Divine Savages’ trademark humour and attention to detail. These 5 new wallpapers, 4 of which are printed on eco-paper, are £150 a roll and each will be available from divinesavages.com from October 2023.

Introducing REWILDING - the brand new wallpaper collection from British design house Divine Savages.

TRUE PIECES OF ARTWORK HANDMADE IN JAPAN

Futons from Japan deliver their beautifully handmade, 100% cotton-filled traditional Japanese futons directly from their family-run workshop in Japan. Embrace the support and comfort of a blissful sleeping experience that leaves you feeling well rested and refreshed every morning.

OPTIMAL COMFORT

Explore a distinct bedding system. Complement your futon set with our range of foldable tatami, protective covers and handmade cushions.

Futons from Japan provides everything you need to create a perfectly harmonious sleeping environment.

Sleeping will never be the same again. Futons from Japan are also curators of excellent quality kimono and other Japanese sundries at your request.

WELCOME TO THE GOOD NIGHT SLEEP CLUB

Browse the gorgeous collection on www.futonsfromjapan.co.uk

email orders@futonsfromjapan.co.uk or phone 07537 143275 to start discussing your bespoke plans to make any area your next dream space.

www.futonsfromjapan.co.uk

orders@futonsfromjapan.co.uk

07537 143275

@futonsfromjapanuk

Secret Linen Store Sustainable bedroom luxury

a B Corp, a true celebration of its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This prestigious certification recognises companies that meet the highest standards of demonstrated social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Secret Linen Store has earned this accolade by actively implementing sustainable practices throughout its operations, from working with factories to reduce manufacturing waste to choosing eco-friendly packaging materials. Being a B Corp is a very big feather in Secret Linen Store’s ‘making things better’ cap and testament to their dedication to making a positive difference in the world.

Secret Linen Store is a British, familyowned, online store specialising in luxury bedroom textiles. The brainchild of two sisters, Molly and Harriet, this unique B Corp certified company has reinvented bedtime with its responsibly sourced bedroom dressing and commitment to sustainability. With an emphasis on providing exceptional quality and comfort, Secret Linen Store has become a firm bedtime favourite for those seeking to make a sound ethical purchase, but without compromising a good night’s sleep.

Stylish and Luxurious Products

The brand offers a wide and colourful range of comfortable and stylish bedding, curtains, nightwear, and towels, all designed to give you that “oooh” moment when you step into your sleep haven. By carefully selecting only the very highest quality materials, Secret Linen Store ensures that every product is not only beautiful but also an environmental superstar. From the comfiest responsibly sourced cotton to 100% linen and hemp with their lofty eco-credentials, every fabric is carefully sourced to ensure both comfort and sustainability. From super soft bed linen to the cosiest of throws, sumptuous towels to stylish nighties and robes, each item is thoughtfully designed to ensure top-notch quality and luxury that will have you longing to get into bed.

Proud to be B Corp Certified

Secret Linen Store is tickled pink to be certified as

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

We spend a third of our life in bed and Secret Linen Store knows that a good night’s sleep is the key to a happy and healthy life. Your bedroom should be your snooze sanctuary, and by investing in your sleep and making your bed as comfortable as you can, you make your health and wellbeing a priority. The brand only uses natural products of the highest quality, making Secret Linen Store the ultimate choice for those who value luxury, sustainability and a sound slumber.

Contact

Ready to unlock the secret to a good night’s sleep? Visit secretlinenstore.com or give their outstanding Customer Smile Makers a call on 01243 822599.

At Carpets Clinic we have weavers who have had the skills and techniques passed down generations, imagine how good you would be at something if you had done it every day since the 1900’s.

Even a small repair can increase the life span of a rug by preventing further damage. Small damages will creep into larger damages as time goes on with use. This all happens before your eyes so have one of our experts assess your rugs and examine the condition.

Over the years, your Persian rug will naturally absorb dirt, dust, and allergens from the air that it breathes. This can cause discoloration, dullness, and a general decrease in the quality of your rug. Regular cleaning every 5-7 years is essential for maintaining the beauty of your rug and keeping it in good condition for years to come.

We use professional techniques for cleaning rugs that involve hand washing. Our experts are trained in all aspects of Oriental rug cleaning and repair, so you can be confident that your rug will be treated with the utmost care and attention by our experienced professionals.

Our drivers are available for daily collections in London and the surrounding areas. We also cater to the rest of England including Scotland and Wales with weekly collections.

Ligne Roset 50 years

The world has changed a lot over the 50 years that the Togo has existed. From the very first mere concept drawing to the actual product by the world renowned designer Michel DUCAROY, even he may not have fathomed the popularity it would gain as years passed by.

It has however become a style must-have to own a Togo. Something that has been passed down from a generation to another. Grandchildren growing up with Togos, so versatile and yet timeless- perfect for child’s play, where they have been piled on top of each other to create a den and yet also used just as perfectly in an ultimate living room designed to entertain and comfort both adults and children alike.

It feels unjust to call this a mere sofa. 50 years of this design masterpiece has stood the test of time with its simplicity yet magnificently carved lines. It is still just as popular today as it has been since its reveal. Popular across generations. Loved by young and old.

The 50th anniversary year of the Togo has been

celebrated in collaboration with none other than a Limited Edition Covering by Pierre Frey: La Toile du Peintre.

La Toile du Peintre’s bold graphic weave with multi colours was inspired by the painter Heather Chontos. An ode to artistic expression, this special edition will energise your living space with much needed flair and elegance.

In the impossible instance that you may not have seen or sat on a Togo, you can view the Limited Edition display case in Chelsea Harbour Design Centre and available to order till December 2023. Togo can also be experienced at the Ligne Roset Showrooms in London.

THE DETAILS

Ligne Roset Chelsea: 279c King’s Road, London SW3 5EW

Ligne Roset Bromley: 12 Sundridge Parade, Bromley, BR1 4DT

Ligne Roset Hampstead: 454 Finchley Road, London NW11 8DG

020 7018 0608

sales@ligne-roset-chelsea.co.uk ligne-roset-chelsea.co.uk

“La Toile du Peintre’s bold graphic weave with multi colours was inspired by the painter Heather Chontos”

Frustrated with your home internet? Orbi Mesh WiFi System is the solution.

Gary Newson, Regional Director for UK and Ireland at NETGEAR

WiFi has become a fundamental part of life, whether for leisure or work. WiFi and internet are so closely related that many people don’t make the distinction between them. But you depend on your internet service provider’s router to supply WiFi, and you may be disappointed with the signal strength. Especially if you have a larger home, or a garden which extends some distance from your house.

Are you relying on the lagging router from your current internet provider to get strong WiFi everywhere? Have you tried Wireless repeaters, but were dissatisfied with results?

Fortunately, WiFi Mesh systems are the solution to spread stronger signals throughout your home and garden. Unlike WiFi repeaters, which only extend your main router’s signal, Mesh systems create a new, boosted wireless network across your entire home.

Mesh systems give you the ability to fully enjoy the internet speeds you have subscribed for thanks to a WiFi up to ten times faster! They are usually based on 2 or more units, which create a single, reliable WiFi network, expandable with additional satellites. Connected devices are handed off seamlessly to the unit with the strongest signal, making Mesh WiFi ideal for large homes and businesses with WiFi “dead spots”.

For today’s needs as well as tomorrow’s, we recommend premium WiFi, meaning products which are easy to install and use and which offer the speeds and capacity to support your family’s evolving needs. Premium WiFi upgrades your

home, opening new possibilities, and elevating the things you already love. Imagine your hobby, favourite activity, anything you’re passionate about, taken to the next level with high-speed WiFi.

NETGEAR’s Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh Systems bring unparalleled performance based on cutting edge, patented technology. On top of that, the units are elegant enough to fit unobtrusively into your décor and secure enough to automatically shield your family from external threats such as hackers and identity thieves.

NETGEAR Orbi 960 series Mesh System: Nocompromise, best-in-class performance, capacity and range

The Orbi RBKE963 Mesh system features best-in-class, lightning-fast WiFi Internet access to homes of up to 7,500 square feet, with packages available for further coverage of up to 15,500 sq. ft. The Orbi 960 is also available in stylish white or black designs, making it a welcome addition to any home, and with up to 200 devices even the most demanding smart homes are covered.

If you’re tired of weak WiFi signals and slow internet speeds, consider a WiFi Mesh System like NETGEAR’s Orbi 960 series. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast, wall-to-wall WiFi access, seamless network operation, and the ability to expand coverage as needed. Shop online for the white or black edition today.

Learn more at netgear.com/uk/bestwifi

“Mesh systems give you the ability to fully enjoy the internet speeds you have subscribed for thanks to a WiFi up to ten times faster!”

CHAPEL BARN COTTAGE BY FLOORS OF STONE

Chapel Barn Cottage is a beautiful character property situated in the Lincolnshire countryside which features our very popular Jaipur Brushed Limestone. The owners of this property had undertaken a large renovation project, transforming old garages into a stunning kitchen and utility space.

The combination of a flagstone floor against the very impressive brickwork really highlighted the rustic nature of this space, whilst still maintaining a slight contemporary feel. The owners had a huge floor space to cover so getting the flooring right was a big part of their design process and decision making. After several samples from us and a visit to our showroom at Cotes Mill in Leicestershire, they settled on our Jaipur Brushed Limestone in the 500xFL (freelength) size.

The wonderful thing about our Jaipur Brushed Limestone is that it has an extremely authentic quality to it which gives the impression that a floor has been laid for centuries, just what this room needed. The distressed surface and tumbled edges of this stone really furthers the impression of an old, time-worn floor rather than looking like a brand-new floor that had been laid just a year or so ago.

For their kitchen, they chose to go with our sister company deVOL Kitchens and opted for one of their Shaker kitchens in the very popular Mushroom colour. The muted tones of their cabinetry really complemented the mix of earthy tones within our limestone tiles and gave the perfect contrast between the two. They also chose deVOL’s Aged Brass fittings and fixtures for their cabinetry as well as a very beautiful copper worktop for their impressive island.

It’s safe to say, we were very impressed with this project and it was obvious from the moment

we stepped inside that the owners had put a lot of time, thought and dedication into this project as the end result really speaks for itself. Planning a huge kitchen renovation like this takes some serious thought and, in this case, it has really paid off. If you are interested in our Jaipur Brushed Limestone, or any tiles within our range, please do not hesitate to contact us on, 01509 234000 or email us on enquiries@floorsofstone.com.

Photo © Chris Snook 2022

3 BATHROOM TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR NEXT SEASON

bringing a burst of colour into your room. A feature wall can be created with a lick of paint, a bold tile, or even wallpaper. You can choose how much space you want to use, be it floor to ceiling, half-height or even bringing your design up onto the ceiling. One advantage of a feature wall is that it offers a clever illusion of more space in smaller bathrooms aby helping to blur the lines and edges of the room.

3 | Au naturale

From soft and subtle to bright and bold, Ripples Senior Designer Jo Sangster shares the top bathroom trends set to take the interiors world by storm next season.

1 | Spathroom

The at-home spathroom continues to gain popularity as the trend for spending more time at home doesn’t seem to be going anywhere fast. Offering a place of retreat and relaxation, the spathroom combines the spa aesthetic with luxury products which aid wellbeing. Freestanding baths, luxuriant showers and even steam cabins are proving popular as bathrooms become a place of comfort and calm this summer.

2 | Feature walls

If you’re wanting to make a small change that has a big impact then a feature wall is always the way to go. 2023 is the year to experiment and be bold with the colours that you may have previously shied away from. Pink is the colour of the moment whereas oranges and greens are also popular for

Drawing inspiration from the natural world is nothing new in bathroom design, but this season it’s more prevalent than ever. Slatted wooden walls and panels are the biggest trend we’re seeing here, as wood, especially reclaimed, brings a tactile and textural element to a scheme. The use of recycled materials is becoming increasingly important, primarily for the environmental benefits but also as a way of adding character to a design.

Visit Ripples London at 26 England’s Lane, Belsize Park, London NW3 4TG, ripplesbathrooms.com or call 020 7449 9594.

“Slatted wooden walls and panels are the biggest trend we’re seeing here”

FROM THE HINDU KUSH TO HEBDEN BRIDGE

A Small Business with a Remarkable Story

‘We are the only company outside Afghanistan anywhere in the world purely selling faritrade handmade Afghan rugs’. James Wilthew, an RAF veteran of 5 operational tours, established The Afghan Rug Shop in 2015 and imports their rugs direct from their weavers in Northern Afghanistan.

Whilst serving in Afghanistan in 2003 James fell in love with the country and its people, also developing a passion for their rugs – buying many during his tour – thinking he’d never have another opportunity to do so, as there was no stable internet or social media to be able to stay in touch.

About 12 years later after James had left the military and moved to Hebden Bridge, he managed to track down his Afghan friend he used to buy from in 2003, rekindled their friendship online and the business was born. “It took a few months of cold-calls, emails to strangers and Facebook messages but I found him!”

Their rugs come direct from the weavers and weavers markets. “Even with the change of government we are still directly supporting hundreds of people in the region involved in all the stages of producing our rugs, the shepherds, shearers, spinners, washers, dyers, weavers, cleaners, packers and shippers.”…”Whilst a lot of freedoms have been lost recently, women are still able to weave in their homes and provide an income for their families.”

James stocks rugs suitable for a modern flat through to large country houses. “We can supply any size of rug and some of them are huge, people don’t mind waiting if it’s a bespoke order either, it’s quite special.”

Celebrating their eight year this month, they recently acquired and renovated the old Barclays in Hebden Bridge, a store some four times larger than their previous one and only a few doors down – where all their products are online and they ship worldwide. They are Living Wage employers and corporate sponsors of Afghanaid, regularly donating to vital Afghan projects. James is also a regional ambassador for X-Forces Enterprise and supports veterans transitioning into self-employment.

theafghanrugshop.co.uk

Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

@afghanrugshop @theafghanrugshop

01422 843331

We provide the highest standard and quality for window and door luxury. Traditional and contemporary styles.

We are not just a supplier of windows and doors. Our products can be installed into a variety of interfaces for residential and commercial multi-use buildings.

BESPOKE WINDOWS

• Full in-house design support

• Manufactured in the UK using a combination of cutting-edge CNC and in-house skilled craftsmen.

• Factory finished in a range of RAL Colours or Stains

• Available in engineered Softwoods, Hardwood and Accoya.

• Full range of complementary hardware and ironmongery

• Shaped and Arched frames also available

SLIDING SASH WINDOWS:

A distinctive property feature since the 17th century and still aspirational in period and historic style, conservation areas, and listed buildings. Manufactured to the highest standard and fully accredited.

DOUBLE DOORS:

Fully accredited range manufactured from either traditional timber sections or using contemporary timber composite blades. Doors can be modified to include fanlights, sidelights and arched heads.

Working together with our customers and supply chain partners enables us to manufacture and deliver the highest quality products, and world-class service at market competitive prices.

SINGLE DOORS: Cutting-edge design combined with the latest energy efficiency and durability advantages in a range of styles. All doors are fully accredited and Secured by Design.

MOCK SASH

CASEMENT WINDOWS: A lower priced alternative allowing for installation into a much shallower facade than a traditional sliding sash frame. Arden’s Heritage Mock Sash variant was awarded “Best Product Design in Wood” by the BWF in 2018 for its innovative features.

FLUSH CASEMENT WINDOWS:

The hallmark of British architecture in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties. Authentic highperformance window manufactured in engineered timber and fully accredited, factory glazed and finished.

BI-FOLD

DOORS:

Bring the outside in, transform and extend your living space. Easy to operate and maintain, with advanced weather seal technology to ensure an uncompromised internal environment.

To view our full range, visit www.ardenwindows.net Tel: 02476 632423

Email: sales@ardenwindows.net

SUBTLE meets BOLD

One is a wood floor brand, renowned for its quality flooring and sustainability record. The other is a maximalist wallpaper design house where colour and pattern reign supreme.

But put the two together and it just works as these stunning pictures show.

Woodpecker Flooring and Ohpopsi have come together to show that when it comes to interiors, mixing classic and the contemporary, the subtle and the bold, really does work.

Darwyn Ker, Managing Director of Woodpecker Flooring, said: “Our floors are renowned for their timeless quality, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work with modern, contemporary interiors. Quite the opposite.

“The real beauty of our floors is their versatility to complement every interior style.”

Woodpecker Flooring offer over 100 flooring options in real wood, engineered wood and wood design which retails online and nationwide stockists.

ABOUT WOODPECKER FLOORING

Woodpecker is a family-run business with a heritage in the timber industry that goes back three generations.

Founded nearly 50 years ago by Bruce Ker, a skilled craftsman who loved teaching people how to work with wood, the Woodpecker tradition is continued today by his son Nelson and grandson Darwyn.

Since the very beginning, Woodpecker have been passionate about designing and sourcing the finest wooden floors.

Their dedication starts in the forest. Woodpecker only use responsibly sourced wood with full FSC® or PEFC certifications, selecting the trees before they are felled and paying close attention to how they are sawn, stacked and dried.

The dry wood is then kilned twice for maximum stability before being machined. Centuries-old handfinishing techniques - such as lacquering, oiling and antiquing the wood - further enhance its natural beauty.

It’s fair to say, nobody knows or cares more about wood than Woodpecker.

Headquartered in Caerphilly, Woodpecker currently offer over 100 flooring options in real wood, engineered wood and wood design which retail online and at nationwide stockists. woodpeckerflooring.co.uk

Sumptuous and decadent. Classic and timeless. Luxurious and opulent.

Beautiful Walls unveil new collection from Candice Olson collection that offers a contemporary take on classic wallpaper stylings.

Introducing After Eight by Candice Olson – a new wallpaper collection available at Beautiful Walls.

Inspired by formal black-tie dinners and red carpet moments, After Eight celebrates the glamour of evening soirees in a new 13-strong

Tim Dixon, Managing Director of familyrun wallpaper company Beautiful Walls, said: “Candice Olson is renowned for creating striking modern papers that celebrate the rich history of wallpaper design, and the After Eight collection is no exception. It brings together beautiful damasks, solid geometrics and subtle waves.

“It will bring a real touch of decadence to any home.”

ABOUT BEAUTIFUL WALLS

Combining striking wall coverings with exceptional customer service, Beautiful Walls is a family-run business boasting exclusive wallpaper collections to suit all interior tastes.

From the bold maximalism of the Rifle Paper Co to the classic stylings of Candice Olson, Beautiful Walls scours the globe to bring the best designs to its customers.

Starting life as The London Paperhanging Company in 1854, the name and the interior scene might have changed in its almost 170-year history, but the company’s commitment to its customers has never wavered.

For more: beautifulwalls.co.uk

“It will bring a real touch of decadence to any home”

Luxury Pool and Leisure Ltd supply the finest pool tables that grace any surroundings.

Our tables are bespoke built to match your décor and designed to look original, contemporary and traditional at the same time!

Some of our tables come with a dining top. We can supply tables for American pool as well as English pool.

We also supply Snooker tables, Air Hockey and Football tables.

Please contact us. We can add a touch of class to your wonderful home or office environment.

Branche d’Olive: Sustainable luxury

British brand Branche d’Olive is synonymous with sustainable luxury. Offering a wide range of elegant home fragrances, curated lifestyle accessories and bath/body products built upon the simple philosophy of quality without compromise and style without complication. Established in 2002, founder Jane Comyn has always championed positive luxury and in recent years has achieved significant milestones in the brand’s journey towards sustainability.

The commitment to less waste is evident in every element: reducing over packaging and removing all single use plastics whilst exploring and introducing diverse and innovative new materials. The majority of the packaging is glass, highly reusable and recyclable and the bath/body ranges are packaged in 97%, UK manufactured, post consumer recycled (PCR) material which is 100% recyclable after use. From the start of this

month, the brand also celebrate the transition to 100% PCR manufactured plastic across all refills. Boxing is UK sourced mostly from local Oxfordbased box makers, 100% recyclable and made using World Land Carbon Trust Balanced Paper. The invigorating bath/body range, available in three gorgeous fragrances, Garrigue, Olive and Cloud, average 96.6% naturally derived ingredients, including Olive leaf extract, Cocoa butter, Inca Inchi oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. These enriching products are complimented by a selection of beautifully fragranced triple milled soap. Free from parabens, SLES, animal ingredients, silicons and phthalates, the soaps include Shea butter to nourish and soften without drying.

Whether for keeping or gifting, the Branche d’Olive complete range make luxurious additions to every home.

branche-dolive.com

“Established in 2002, founder Jane Comyn has always championed positive luxury and in recent years has achieved significant milestones in the brand’s journey towards sustainability”

HOW TO STYLE MODERN INDUSTRIAL DECOR

Modern industrial décor stands out with its bold, architectural design and sharp finishes. Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice shares three ways to bring modern industrial style to the home.

MIX WOOD WITH BLACK METAL

Get the modern industrial look by mixing black metal and wood textures. Start with a matt black kitchen and decorate around it with wooden accents. Install wood slats around a marble kitchen island to create a sophisticated designer feel. “Choose herringbone flooring in the kitchendiner for a warm, inviting look,” Rebecca says. “Contrast the rustic feel with an industrial-inspired concrete effect dining set.” Soften the space with faux leather dining chairs for a stylish and comfy touch. Balance the look with other textures such as ceramic accessories and greenery.

CHOOSE A NEUTRAL COLOUR PALETTE

Aside from black accents, another key element of modern industrial style is a neutral colour palette.

Choose from brown, beige or cream to complement the wooden flooring. “Dress up your living area with a faux leather sofa in a rich tan brown,” Rebecca says. Match the vibe using other soft textures such as neutral cushions. Zone the living area with a stylish modern rug for a chic, layered look.

BREAK UP CLEAN LINES WITH STYLISH CURVES

Use modern industrial style to complement architectural features of the home such as Critall doors or black windows. “If you don’t have black windows, paint the interior of the window frames black,” Rebecca advises. “Tie the look together with a casual black and oak dining set and bench for a casual feel.”

Even though modern industrial style favours clean lines and sharp finishes, break up the edges with curved or round accents. “Pick a round pedestal dining table and curved dining chairs for a distinctive look,” Rebecca says. Accessorise with a round pendant lamp or mirror to complement the dining set. Create a fresh, uplifting feel with artwork and greenery. furniturechoice.co.uk

“Get the modern industrial look by mixing black metal and wood textures”