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FROM THE
EDITOR
W
hile physical visits are temporarily off-limits, there’s still a chance to peruse permanent collections and temporary exhibitions from the safety of your home. From top institutions to emerging collectives, curatorial teams have flexed their creative muscles to allow access online. Click open virtual vaults to uncover dusty artefacts, or brush up on modern history through interactive displays. Best of all, there’s no entrance fee and you can wander freely without any crowds. The innovative digital presentation of London Art Week Summer 2020, welcomes numerous new faces alongside familiar participants that have supported the event for many years. A London fishmonger that transformed into a ‘chef ’s supermarket’ to serve its community will quickly open a second site, The Supermarket of Dreams, in June. Working along a collaborative ethos, at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, Notting Hill Fish Shop teamed up with a local butcher, grocer and baker to ensure the very best produce could still be purchased or delivered seven days a week as well as delivering 500 kilos of fish to frontline NHS workers. Sloane Street’s origins can be traced back to 1777 when Charles Sloane, then Earl Cadogan, granted a lease to architect Henry Holland for the development of Hans Town, the area of fields between Knightsbridge and the King’s Road. Holland created Sloane Street, Hans Place and later Sloane Square as well as designing the street layout, building houses and selling speculative building rights on the development.
Faye Manning Editor
Editor Faye Manning Editorial Assistant Katie Miller Sub Editor Nicholas Peter Fashion Editor Lara Accison Design & Production Lisa Wade senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew, Lisa Westerman, Anita Hill ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith
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CONTENTS
The Vessel March 2019, £795
TWO PAINTINGS FOR POST-COVID NEW YORK
17
By Fleur Cowgill.
LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING
65
YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE
81
Whilst attending an opening of her work at The Agora Gallery in New York, March 2019, the artist visited The Vessel – Thomas Heatherwick’s construction in Hudson Yards. She was struck by its vibrancy and life against the city smog and painted it. Recently she envisioned how it may look in ‘lock-down’ New York. Empty, but against cleaner skies.
OUT & ABOUT
We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area Making the most of the great outdoors this summer The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London
Both paintings are oil on canvas, 100cm x 100cm.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
111
THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
123
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
159
LUXURY HOME RENOVATION GUIDE
201
The finest independent schools in the UK
Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world
For more information please email info@fleurcowgillartist.com
Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best From a small home improvement to a full scale renovation, our guide features the best local Interior designers, builders and tradesmen to create the perfect home.
The Vessel - Post-Covid, £795
0844 800 8439
www.thelifemagazines.com
out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AGE : NOTTING HILL F ISH SHO P
OUT & ABOUT
A Wealth of Elegance S
loane Street is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most exclusive shopping areas, attracting a global clientele spending vast amounts of money. Situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the street is almost a kilometre long and runs from Knightsbridge in the north to Sloane Square in the south. Sloane Street’s origins can be traced back to 1777 when Charles Sloane, then Earl Cadogan, granted a lease to architect Henry Holland for the development of Hans Town – the area of fields between Knightsbridge and the King’s Road. Holland created Sloane Street, Hans Place and later Sloane Square as well as designing the street layout, building houses and selling speculative building rights on the development. Sloane Street remains part of the Cadagon Estate, which has been in existence since 1717 when Charles, 2nd Baron Cadogan married Elizabeth Sloane, daughter of Sir Hans Sloane, who had purchased the Manor of Chelsea in 1712. The premier street is undoubtedly for the wealthy. Renowned for its elegant catwalk of iconic luxury brands, the street houses flagship stores from the world’s most prestigious brands including Giorgio Armani, Cartier, Gucci, Fendi, Hackett, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana (to name but a few!) all offering stylish collections from the runways of London, Milan, New York and Paris. Some of the finest jewellery, footwear and accessories in the world are located here such as Arije, Gina, Berluti, Graff, Hogan, Bottega Veneta and Bulgari. Luxury brands are interspersed with chic townhouses, beautifully manicured gardens and characterful side streets. As one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, buying property costs a fortune. From grand terraces of white stucco houses in Lowndes Square to elegant crescents of period properties, portered mansion blocks and
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“The street houses flagship stores from the world’s most prestigious brands” Image: Beppe Raso
neat conversions, this sought-after area contains some of the world’s most desirable residential homes currently on the market. A stunning 3 bed apartment is currently on sale through Oliver James for a cool £5.8million. Sloane Street continues to evolve, with Cadogan, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, are investing £40million to transform the iconic Street and secure its future as a vibrant residential area and one of the world’s most beautiful luxury shopping destinations. Further details can be viewed online at www.sloanestreetfuture.co.uk The three year development follows the transformation of Pavilion Road, a mews running parallel to Sloane Street and home to small, independent artisan shops – including a butcher, baker, grocer, cheesemonger and wine merchant. An ice-cream shop, ‘General Store’, barber and fishmonger. www.cadogan.co.uk
FEATURE
Monaco Yacht Show 2020 A Superyacht Industry Support Show. September 23 – 26, 2020, Port Hercule, Monaco
T
he Principality of Monaco and Informa have announced a secure, not-for-profit event in 2020 They have confirmed they are working together to deliver an intimate, not-for-profit Monaco Yacht Show in Port Hercule in September 2020, with full details to be announced in the coming weeks. The proposed event will employ the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness and be dedicated to supporting the speedy recovery of the industry post COVID-19, providing an invaluable platform for designers, brokers, shipyards and other key players within the yachting industry to connect with their customers and share ideas in a safe environment.
Return & Recovery post the COVID-19 Pandemic Like most industries, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a marked impact on the international yachting community, with many businesses temporarily closed and staff furloughed, and the usual annual cycle of industry activity severely disrupted. As countries and locations around the world gradually relax lockdown restrictions and ease control measures, it is imperative that the superyacht community is supported in every way possible to help the industry return and recover safely and quickly.
The 30th Monaco Yacht Show in September 2020 With this in mind, The Monaco Yacht Show has been working closely with the Principality of Monaco to determine how best to support the industry in 2020. This year’s Monaco Yacht Show is scheduled from 23 to 26 September. With control measures steadily being relaxed in Monaco, around Europe and internationally, on current course and speed, this should allow for a carefully staged event to still take place this year. Therefore, it is our intention to retain these dates for the 2020 Monaco Yacht Show and work with
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suppliers and local authorities over the coming weeks to confirm full details of the event. In the spirit of the history and position of the event within the superyacht industry, the 30th Monaco Yacht Show will be run on a not-for-profit basis, recognizing the challenges facing everyone post the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, providing direct support to all attendees and exhibitors from across the market. Whilst the intimate nature of the 2020 event will prioritize the safety of participants, both Informa and the Monaco Principality are committed to ensuring the quality of the event and show experience is maintained for everyone. Charlie McCurdy, Chief Executive, Informa Markets (organiser of the Monaco Yacht Show) said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on all industries, not least the international yachting community. As we move to the other side of the pandemic, all parts of the industry need to work collaboratively to ensure a speedy return and recovery. We are playing our part by hosting a notfor-profit Monaco Yacht Show in 2020, providing an opportunity for the community to come together, share ideas, meet with customers and start to rebuild positive momentum.” www.monacoyachtshow.com
“The Monaco Yacht Show has been working closely with the Principality of Monaco to determine how best to support the industry in 2020”
FEATURE
aston mARTIN Vantage: Sports Car Superiority For 70 Years
British brand. Spanning seven decades and covering some of the company’s most revered sports cars, the Vantage family forms a crucial part of the everevolving Aston Martin story. From the earliest days of the DB2 Vantage to today’s state-of-the-art Vantage sports car, this historic name has become synonymous with pace, power and more than a dash of style.
70 years of Vantage
A
ston Martin this year celebrates the creation of one of its most famous model designations, as the Vantage family of sports cars marks its 70th
anniversary. The name Vantage proudly sits on more than a third of all the sports cars ever made by the luxury 22 june 2020
The word Vantage first appeared in 1950, with the debut of the Aston Martin DB2 with Vantage specification. At the 1951 Earl’s Court Motor Exhibition, an Aston Martin press release said: “On the 1951 Earl’s Court stand will be displayed two Aston Martin DB.II saloons, one fitted with the regular engine and one fitted with the ‘Vantage’ engine, the high speed regularity of which was demonstrated so forcibly at Le Mans this year and last.” The DB4 Vantage made its debut with the start of the DB4 Series IV cars in 1961. Key to this was the ‘Special Series’ engine, featuring three SU HD8 carburettors and revised cylinder heads with
“The word Vantage first appeared in 1950, with the debut of the Aston Martin DB2 with Vantage specification”
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FEATURE
bigger valves and a higher compression ratio. Power was quoted at the time as 266bhp. The more spacious DB4 Series V Vantage in 1962 featured as one of the cars used in the filming of the James Bond film Goldfinger. The car of course is now synonymous with the world’s most famous secret agent and was used in some of the filming as the basis for the film’s ‘gadget’ car. The DB5 Convertible with the Vantage engine is a combination that is rarer still with only eight sports cars out of 123 built, featuring this engine. Genuine originals of the DB5 Vantage and DB5 Vantage Convertible are considered very desirable indeed. The DB6 Vantage in Mk I and Mk II versions, followed the same tried and trusted upgrade formula. The number of original Vantage-engined cars can be counted in the dozens, rather than the hundreds, remaining hugely desirable and jealously guarded by lucky owners around the world. The next Aston Martin Vantage was hailed at its 1977 introduction as “Britain’s first supercar”. It could outrun a Ferrari Daytona in the 0-60 mph sprint, and if pushed to the limit it could record a top speed of 170 mph. The V8 Vantage evolved significantly over the course of its reign spanning three decades. Throughout its build period the Vantage remained the jewel in Aston Martin’s burnished crown. The 1990s saw the Virage-based Vantage – often referred to as the supercharged Vantage. It sports six headlights and boasts massive 362mm diameter ventilated discs and four piston AP Racing callipers at the front:. With 550bhp and 550lb-ft of torque, this was, at the time, the most powerful production power plant in the world. In 1999, the DB7 V12 Vantage made its debut boasting a 5.9-litre, 48 valve, all-alloy, V12 engine delivering 420bhp. From 2000, an acclaimed ‘Touchtronic’ system became available with the last DB7 V12 Vantage built rolling off the Bloxham line in 2003. That same year, the world got its first glimpse of the AMV8 Vantage Concept. In 2005, the production version of the V8 Vantage was unveiled and on the strength of the concept alone, order books were already bulging. Series production began at a rate approaching 3,000 sports car per year. To date, this iteration of Vantage remains the single biggest sales success in the brand’s proud 107-year history. 24 june 2020
In 2009, Aston Martin unveiled one of the most iconic and desirable cars yet to join the Vantage club: the V12 Vantage. On the road and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox this means a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, and an autobahn blistering top speed of 190 mph. Aston Martin engineers challenged themselves with the V12 Vantage S. Power is hiked to 565bhp and the 0-60 mph time is a ferocious 3.5 seconds. At a top speed of 205 mph, it became the fastest production car Aston Martin had yet offered to the public. A variety of special editions peppered the V12 Vantage production run, although arguably the most significant was the V12 Vantage Zagato. As befits an Aston Martin Zagato these cars are hyper rare. Today’s cutting-edge Vantage two-seater sports car is styled for aerodynamic excellence as well as obvious kerb appeal. The car features a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a peak power output of 503bhp and a torque peak of 505lbft, mated to a rear-mounted 8-speed automatic gearbox. This endows the current Vantage with a distinctly brisk 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 195 mph. The car was created to deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience. Remarking on the enduring appeal of Vantage as part of the brand’s rich and fascinating heritage, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “Today’s Vantage and Vantage AMR sports cars represent the latest interpretation of what this single, yet incredibly evocative, word means to drivers around the world. As we celebrate 70 years of Vantage in 2020, it allows us to delight in our superb sports car heritage. Vantage has always stood for engineering ambition, thrilling performance and exceptional beauty, and I’m pleased that today’s models more than live up to the standards set by their iconic forebears.” www.astonmartin.com
OUT & ABOUT
Ascot behind the garden wall R
achel Trevor-Morgan shares some of her secrets and top tips on how to wear your Royal Ascot hat successfully and to full effect, even in your garden! Normally at this time of year, the summer season is in full swing with excitement mounting and everyone racing around, trying to find the perfect hat and matching outfit for Royal Ascot. Usually, at Rachel Trevor-Morgan Millinery, the studio would be buzzing with last minute orders, clients coming in for their final fittings and Rachel’s team would be working late into the night, putting the final touch on each creation that is unique and befitting the occasion. However, due to Covid19, the studio remains deserted, with no one to try on the beautiful millinery pieces. Around the world, a more or less cancelled social calendar has left milliners somewhat stranded, but not without optimism and ideas on how those stunning collections might still be able to see the light of day before the summer is over.
“Millinery is a very seasonal business with most of our orders coming in the spring season,” says Rachel, who has been running her own company for 30 years. “This is the first time I have ever known such a quiet month of June. Usually there are weddings, garden parties and of course the great race meetings. The cancellation of all events has been a huge shock to all of us, but I’m hoping that when lockdown is over, everyone will want to dress up and what better way to celebrate life and the future than with a hat to match the occasion!’
And she adds: “This year Royal Ascot will be held behind closed doors and we have learnt that a host of people will be holding their own special ‘Royal Ascot parties’ behind their garden walls. With social distancing in place and the restrictions being progressively lifted, what better way than to hold your personal picnic- Ascot Style- in your own garden. Here are some tips for making it a memorable event, either by sourcing your outfit from your own wardrobe or by shopping online.”
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We are very excited to show you some of our client photos shot in their gardens from last year and would love to see yours this year. Please tag us @racheltrevormorgan and #AscotBehindTheGardenWall to get featured on our Instagram Stories. Ascot racecourse is also running a series of initiatives to be announced soon. Keep an eye on their website and our social media for updates. www.racheltrevormorgan.com Photography - Catherine Harbour Styling – Rachel Gold Our Client – Sara Warren
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OUT & ABOUT
Top 5 most commonly asked questions: Should I buy my outfit or my hat first? No fixed rule. Normally, clients come to us with their outfit and we then design the perfect hat, dyed and trimmed to match. That said, if you find a fabulous hat that you have fallen in love with, go for it. You can always pair it with a simple dress and make your hat really stand out. What is the colour trend for this season? We were looking at beautiful soft pastel tones and neutrals. A really romantic palette. My prediction for SS21 is brights- Lots of colour and joy! How do I know what shape hat to wear? It’s all about balance, silhouette and making sure your hat is the perfect finish for your outfit. Keep in mind the shape- straight/ fitted/ full skirt and always look in a full-length mirror. Most importantly, try on lots of different styles. Women are not used to wearing as many hats these days, that’s why trying many different styles is a must. A visit to a professional milliner is ideal
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What is the appropriate size of a hat for Royal Ascot? If you are attending Royal Ascot and have a Royal Enclosure pass, a hat with a minimum diameter of 10cm is the rule. This is to make sure that race goers commit to a proper design to cover their heads and not just a minimal hair accessory. Be bold, everyone is wearing hats so you don’t need to feel anxious Should I wear my hair back with a hat? It really depends on the style of hat. More often than not, my answer would be yes. Hats always look beautiful with hair tied back, accentuating the silhouette. That said, hair down works for a slightly more low-key vibe. My greatest tip this year would be, with Ascot in your own garden, really have some fun, take some risks! You will be with friends and won’t have to worry about all the normal considerations…moving around and bumping into people, worrying about whether you have got everything absolutely perfect. Just enjoy the experience in a more relaxed way. Let’s just hope the sun shines!
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OUT & ABOUT
INSPIRATIONAL VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS Here’s how to enjoy world-class collections from home, says Sarah Marshall.
D
uring times of difficulty, arts and culture can help us make sense of a confused reality, offering refreshing perspectives and sharing lessons from the past. There’s something reassuringly therapeutic about exploring a gallery, even if you’re clueless about the works on display; for a few hours, it’s possible to get lost in another world. While physical visits are temporarily off-limits, there’s still a chance to peruse permanent collections and temporary exhibitions from the safety of your home. From top institutions to emerging collectives, curatorial teams have flexed their creative muscles to allow access online. Click open virtual vaults to uncover dusty artefacts, or brush up on modern history through interactive displays. Best of all, there’s no entrance fee and you can wander freely without any crowds.
1. The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York, USA Best for... mixing art with architecture So many of the world’s greatest museums are housed within buildings as beautiful as the art they display. Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, New York’s premier arts institution, The Met, has published a series of 360- degree videos offering visitors unique views and access to areas they might otherwise miss (even if lockdown wasn’t in place). Explore the neoclassical grandeur of The Great Hall, admire fragments of the Nubian Temple of Dendur set around a shimmering pool in The Sackler Wing, and discover The Met Cloisters, an enchanting branch of the museum located in 30 june 2020
northern Manhattan, overlooking the Hudson River, with a focus on medieval European art. Audio guides to current exhibitions are also available online. Discover the stories behind landmark works by Rembrandt and Vermeer as part of the In Praise of Painting: Dutch Masterpieces At The Met exhibition. How: Visit metmuseum.org
2. British Museum, London, UK Best for... unearthing great facts Had you snuck into this grand dame museum at the beginning of lockdown, you’d probably still be making your way around displays. The sprawling
“The Met, has published a series of 360- degree videos offering visitors unique views and access to areas they might otherwise miss”
OUT & ABOUT
mass of exotic finds and controversial treasures demands hours of attention; impossible to absorb in one visit, there’s always something new to find. As part of their online The Museum Of The World project, navigate key pieces via a nifty interactive grid, divided by geographical continent and historic period and connected by surprising, hidden links. Spiral back to 2000 BC to find how the Babylonians in Iran analysed sheep liver in the same way a fortune teller reads tea leaves, and discover the African origins of Kozo, the double-headed dog. How: Visit britishmuseum.withgoogle.com
Sir David Attenborough, who has voiced several audio guides for the Natural History Museum in London.
lofty, academic discourse and jaw-droppingly expensive exhibits, this ever-evolving, crowdsourced collection features everyday items donated by members of the public. People are invited to offload trinkets, talismans and any symbolic items relating to failed relationships as a cathartic means to dust off the past and move on. Although it has permanent galleries in LA and Zagreb, from the outset, the museum was built with a virtual space in mind; users can time-lock painful memories in a vault or share their own bust-up stories and images online. Many items from the collection are also virtually view-able - from entwined claddagh rings deposited by a distraught, jilted girlfriend, to a stolen scrap of belly button fluff shared to defiantly stick two fingers up at an ex. How: Visit brokenships.com/explore
5. Natural History Museum, London, UK
3. Canadian Museum For Human Rights, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Best for... opening your mind Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we can draw from this global pandemic is the value of kindness and respect shared between strangers. The need for greater equality is a battle that’s been fought throughout history with varying degrees of success; looking back at achievements and failures could help us understand where we need to go next. The world’s only museum dedicated to global human rights features stories, exhibits and tools to inspire and educate future activists. Download their app to tour two current exhibitions: Proclamation 1982 explains the background to a groundbreaking document which would grant every person in Canada stronger human rights, and Ododo Wa: Stories of Girls In War traces the harrowing ordeal of two young Ugandan girls kidnapped by rebel group, The Lord’s Resistance Army. How: Visit humanrights.ca. App available at the AppStore or GooglePlay.
4. Museum Of Broken Relationships, LA, USA, and Zagreb, Croatia Best for... life lessons Proof not all museums and galleries revolve around 32 june 2020
Best for... nerding out on nature Right now, it feels like humanity is at the centre of the universe; in reality, we’re dwarfed by the magnificence of our natural world. Nowhere is that story better told than the Natural History Museum, where inhabitants of land, sea, air - and even space have starring roles. Spanning 25.2 metres, the skeleton of Hope the blue whale wows visitors when they enter the grand Hintze Hall. While it’s impossible to appreciate the marine mammal’s scale from a computer screen, an interactive online display shares several fascinating facts about the creature. Venturing further into the museum, there’s a chance to zoom in on cabinets of beetles and flick through images on display in the popular Wildlife Photographer Of The Year exhibition. Other areas can be explored through audio guides narrated by David Attenborough, whose authoritative, familiar tones provide soothing relief to these troubled days. How: Visit nhm.ac.uk/visit/virtual-museum. html
OUT & ABOUT FEATURE
Serenity, lightness & delicacy N
orth London artist Lorna Doyan has built a reputation creating affordable three dimensional sculptural butterfly artworks, which are collected across the globe and commissioned by top interior designers. Butterflies are seen and revered for their serenity, lightness & delicacy as symbols of freedom, hope & optimism. This is one of the reasons we are drawn to Lorna’s creations. With the likelihood that more of us are set to increase our working time at home even after COVID, it is no wonder that people are drawn to buy art as part of improving their home environment. Lorna has seen demand for her works grow significantly whilst the world has been in Lockdown and continues to sell limited editions and build bespoke commissions for her clients. Working with the richest assortment of cards & papers, glitters & sheens and even photographs, she either hand cuts or utilises di-cutters to create and shape all of her butterfly creations. Lorna loves the precious and reflective qualities of 24k gold leaf and always tries to integrate this and uses genuine silver and copper leaf butterflies in her works. The 3 dimensional aspect gives her works movement and texture where light and shadow can change a piece depending on the time of day or the direction you’re looking at it. In fact as darkness falls and new shadows are cast you will always find something new to draw you in. Lorna spent her formative career in the buying & merchandising departments at Habitat and
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“Lorna has seen demand for her works grow significantly whilst the world has been in Lockdown and continues to sell limited editions and build bespoke commissions for her clients”
subsequently at Harrods sourcing home brands and finally shaping their Interior Design department. But eventually it was the call of a young family that caused her to leave that behind and embark on a new chapter as an artist, initially creating artworks for friends and her demand spring boarded from there. Artfinder.com gallery was the first to promote her and she soon amassed a loyal following of collectors from all over the world. Artfinder regularly accredit Lorna as a ‘Global One to Watch’ and ‘Best Investment Opportunity’ given how her pieces have appreciated in recent years and she has over 100 five-star reviews. Lorna still sells her affordable designs and gifts far and wide; but she is more likely to be asked to create bespoke statement pieces with hand-picked colours and backgrounds, created specifically to suit a space or personalised pieces using photographs or meaningful words that will be treasured for a lifetime. Lorna invites clients to her studio in Crouch End North London where she lives with her husband and two - now teenage children - and five (yes 5) adored cats. Family and home come first but when asked what motivates her art she’s quick to say ‘colour and form’ and ‘creating the perfect artwork that complements the person and the space, something that is loved and treasured for a lifetime’. For more information and to buy, visit lornadoyan.co.uk or follow her latest projects on Instagram @lornadoyan.
Lizzie Bentley Lizzie Bentley is a British, Figurative Oil Painter who paints from observation from her studio in Warwickshire. Lizzie trained at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, Oxford university. She has created artwork on Films for Disney, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks and Universal Pictures. She is available for commissions big and small. Email lizziebentley@gmail.com or follow her on instagram @lizzie_bentley_paintings www.lizziebentley.com
FEATURE
INNOVATIVE ART SOLUTIONS
Expert art consultant Louisa Warfield delights with innovative art solutions for residential and commercial interior spaces
L
ouisa Warfield is an expert in her field, dedicated to sourcing contemporary artwork – both emerging talent and more established artists - to bring joy, excitement and energy to interior walls. Working on a one to one basis with individual clients, interior designers and architects, Warfield’s approachable, straight-talking style has gained her an extensive portfolio of delighted clients who appreciate her design-led eye to guide them through their projects. Warfield states; “First and foremost I curate art collections for clients which they will love for years to come. Having been a consultant for over 15 years now, I am well placed to also advise on emerging talent and on what might prove to be a wise investment, although of course this is never a guarantee.” Louisa Warfield provides a tailored range of bespoke services to suit her clients’ individual needs and budgets: • Advise on how to hang existing artwork in
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residential or commercial spaces. Rehanging a current collection can really reinvigorate a space, breathing new life and energy into a home or office. • The Salon Wall concept – hanging multiple artworks at various heights and formations to create an interplay of artworks. This popular concept originated in Paris in the 19th century when aspiring artists showed their work at the Paris Salon. • Sourcing new works of art for interior spaces, often taking inspiration from a colour scheme, fabric or location, the solution is always entirely personal to the client. Clients are often surprised to find that using Warfield’s art consultancy services is very reasonable. Prices start from just £150 for 10 ideas for a space or for a two hour consultation. A passionate collector herself, Warfield can often be found trawling the international art fairs and degree shows and visiting artists’ studios. And it’s this love and enthusiasm for art which she pours into each and every project. www.louisawarfieldart.com
“Louisa Warfield provides a tailored range of bespoke services to suit her clients’ individual needs and budgets”
Bespoke ar t sourcing, ar t consultancy and ar t advice ser vices residential and commercial spaces.
w w w. l ou is awa rf iel d a r t. c om l o u i sa @ l ou is awa rf iel d . c om @l o u i sawa r f ie l d _ a r t c on s u lta n c y 07855 803509
L AW
Coronavirus has led to the breakdown of my marriage.
What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?
L
Liz Francis, a Partner at Hanne & Co Solicitors, explains
ockdown and social distancing; furloughing and redundancy; home schooling and reduced public services – over the last few months, Covid-19 has put multiple pressures on society in a way not seen in living memory. The unfortunate consequence has been the extraordinary strain that individuals and relationships have had to bear and there has been much in the media about the likely effect of coronavirus on the separation and divorce rate. By its very nature divorce is a very stressful event to have to go through and, once you have made the decision, it is very important to try to complete the process as quickly and painlessly as possible so you can find closure and move on with the next phase of your life. However, divorce can be very complicated especially when considering arrangements for: • Children and schooling; • The marital home and any other properties; • Financial assets, including pensions; • Maintenance payments. For this reason, it is essential that you have the help of a good divorce lawyer. And there are a number of traits you should look for in your solicitor. Technical expertise, tenacity, diligence and a forensic attention to detail are very important for guiding you through the legal complexities of the
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divorce process. But so, too, is having a friendly and sympathetic individual who can be there to provide both constructive legal support and help with strategies for minimising the impact on you of your divorce. As the divorce progresses, other legal services may also be required. For example, if you are selling the marital home so that both partners can move into separate accommodation you will need someone to deal with the conveyancing of both purchase and sale of property. And you also will want to change your will to reflect the new arrangements being put in place. It makes sense, therefore, to have this done by one firm which can offer you a seamless and integrated set of legal services. Hanne & Co has been providing legal services to London’s residents for over 120 years with its reputation being built on its strong technical expertise combined with a friendly and reassuring touch. And as a full-service firm there is a wide range of legal areas we cover – including Family & Divorce Law, Property Conveyancing, Wills, Trusts & Estates and Property Litigation amongst others. Image: Liz Francis is a Partner in Hanne & Co’s Family & Divorce Team
“…it is very important to try to complete the process as quickly and painlessly as possible so you can find closure and move on with the next phase of your life.” “Technical expertise, tenacity, diligence and a forensic attention to detail are very important for guiding you through the legal complexities of the divorce process.”
ART
Spotlight on… Anna Luisa Van de Hovel
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nna van den Hövel wants to give the viewer more. She connects the creative process with its own individual perception of the world. Expressive and unconventional techniques are used. After a long study of materials, Anna has found the perfect mix for her works to create a collage through layering and blending. She combines acrylics, pigments, lacquer and materials such as sand, earth or mortar to make the images in her head a reality. “My definition of art is to create something with my hands that expresses who I am,” says the artist about her work. Her works are more than just painting. The often large-format canvases with generously applied layers wrap the viewer through powerful movements and offer a surprisingly new and charming view of our planet. “Birdview”, a series from her creative cycle. The bird’s-eye view makes her motifs smaller, smaller and powerless. Only the big picture of colors, shapes and materials offers the viewer a scope to perceive buildings, objects and landscapes. The success proves Anna right. Currently, exhibitions are planned in Los Angeles and New York. Her agent in the US is none other than Guy Hector. With “the Art House” he already manages many great artists in North America. In 40 june 2020
addition, her art does not just show on the canvas but together with the shoe innovation “Mime et moi”, Anna van den Hövel designed the look of a exclusive shoe limited to 100 pairs. This makes it clear that the young creator is well equipped for her journey on the catwalk of the international art scene: with talent, techniques and heart and soul. art.hoevelvanden@gmail.com
“My definition of art is to create something with my hands that expresses who I am”
ART
Artist Teodora Ninova:
A Vibrant Story Of Life’s Hidden Beauty Author: Constanza Ontiveros Valdés
T
eodora Ninova’s ethereal abstract paintings are a haven for beauty, serenity, and contemplation. The self-taught craft of this London-based artist from Bulgarian origins is rooted in the abstract tradition and is coloured by a lively palette that speaks to the forces of nature, the multifaceted layers of human emotion, and our deepest fibres. Ninova’s compositions are populated by vibrant, con-trasting, and expressive brushstrokes that bear both a luminous and translucent quality. While each of her works is unique, Teodora’s paintings are created in series or collections revolving around a far-reaching theme that lends visible the transformational potential of art and hence of life experiences however challenging they are. By embracing the positives in life’s challenges, we can find peace and see - the otherwise hiddenflowers blossom in our souls. In Thich Nhat Hanh’s words, “without mud, there can be no lotus.”
“While each of her works is unique, Teodora’s paintings are created in series or collections revolving around a far-reaching theme” Most of Ninova’s works are abstract, nonetheless, some of the themes the artist has explored do include a symbolically-charged figurative component, such as a heart or butterfly, that weave on the artist’s driving forces: nature, emotion, joy, and personal growth. An open heart relates to love yet it also connects to compassion, 42 june 2020
hope, and forgiveness, being a source of inner power and creativity; while the butterfly represents transformation and reinvention of oneself. The spiritual potential of art is also present at Ninova’s latest series, Tranquillity, now available at www.teodoraninova.com with a 15% discount for first-time buyers. This series hold a special place in the artist’s heart given it has been developed while she has been isolated due to the pandemic. During these difficult times, the artist found inspiration in the breathtaking forms that nature takes and that she has witnessed whether it be the sea, a forest, a tree, or a flower. Thusly, this series is comprised of a palette of greens contrasted with lively colours such as pink, yellow, purple, or blue overlapped with white brushstrokes. This series brings to mind the playful lights that reflect on the leaves of a tree or the waves at different times of the day, particularly, during sunrise or sunset. This collection reminds us to appreciate the unnoticed beauty and joy that lie around us and, more importantly, deep within ourselves. Ninova’s intuitive working process is pivotal to creating the aforementioned series. It is nurtured by an ongoing hands-on experimentation with materials such as acrylic, hard/soft gels, and spray paints. Teodora creates each work by first relying on intuition for uncovering what composition emerges and then confidently applying thin and fluid layers of colour that grant her canvases a translucent and ethereal quality. The artist’s gestures are subtle yet powerful, they allow the colours to interact and react to each other resulting in strikingly vibrant and balanced paintings that open up a portal to pure beauty. For more info: www.teodoraninova.com or IG: @teodora.ninova_art
ART
Spotlight on… Hans Johansson
“I
was born in the north of Sweden but nowadays I’m living in university city of Lund, in the south of Sweden.I am educated in several art Schools, the latest was 5 years at The Royal College of Art in the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. I have made exhibitions in New York at Broadway Gallery, and at Florence Biennial and the Venice biennial 2019 and 2016 in Italy, I have participiated in the Drawing Biennial in Pilsen 3 times, and I was the winner of Saatchi Showdown 2009 round one. There are many more exhibitions that I have participate in in both in Sweden and abroad.I am represented with my art in several Museums in Sweden such as Modern Museum of Art in Stockholm. Internationally I am represented at British museum in London and World Gallery of Drawings, in Skopje, Macedonia for example.Before I started my artistic education I was working in a classical style, but nowadays my work has become more modern.I am working with painting, graphic and drawing. In the painting there is a wide range of possibilities to express my intentions. When I am working with the graphics, I can work more with the drawing. The drawing is always the basis for my works. My painting is colorful and I never get bored on experimenting with them.In my artistic work the most important thing are to create an emotional experience. Experiences that can inspire people to new ideas and create curiosity. I am fascinated by what I see around me, the environment, my dreams and also of course what I see on art exhibitions and in museums. But the historical perspective the mysterious myths in the imagination that the humans has created is also significant. Both historically and in our time.” www.hansjohansson-lundeborg.com/wordpress
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Here at Artisimo we are passionate about interiors, especially celebrity art. We want our wall art to be original, different and affordable. We know that art is a very personal taste so we hope to suit a broad range of styles and interest.
The portfolio of celebrities has been painted by Filippi, a European artist whose influences blend Pre-Raphaelite style with Pop Art. The originals have been painted using a variety of mixed media materials including oil, acrylic, watercolour, graphite and charcoal. Prints from only £30.00 are made to individual customer order using modern giclée fine art digital printing on either fine art paper or photographic paper in accordance with the client’s preferences. The portfolio is young and is being added to monthly, if you like Filippi’s style but your favourite celebrity is not yet in the portfolio, please let us know and we will ask Filippi to paint one for the collection.
www.artisimo.co.uk Email: artisimo.prints@gmail.com or filippi742@gmail.com Mobile: 07748986718
ART
New Faces join London Art Week for Summer 2020 Digital Event 3-10 July 2020
T
he innovative digital presentation of London Art Week Summer 2020, welcomes numerous new faces alongside familiar participants that have supported the event for many years. In response to the global Covid-19 situation, London Art Week has created a new online space for dealers to work together, preserving the collegiate nature of the event which embraces auction houses and which is supported by museum partners and art world sponsors. Among new London-based dealers taking part in London Art Week this summer is Stuart Lochhead Sculpture, Osborne Samuel, Panter & Hall, Benjamin Proust Fine Art, and Offer Waterman. Sladmore Gallery and Philip Mould & Company return after a few years. Works for sale span 5000 years of art, from ancient Egypt to Modern British, with an emphasis on Old and Modern Masters, offered by the world’s most respected fine art galleries. Some 50 exhibitors have been confirmed to date. International newcomers include Galerie Canesso and Jacques Leegenhoek from Paris, Nicolás Cortés Gallery of Madrid, Daxer & Marschall and Arnoldi-Livie. of Munich, and, from Italy, dealers such as Walter Padovani of Milan with sculpture, Antichita Alberto di Castro of Rome with works of art, Bottegantica of Bologna with Italian art and Enrico Ceci Cornici Antiche
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of Modena with fine antique frames. Dealer pages on the London Art Week website will house up to 25 works per gallery, and there is provision in LAW DIGITAL for supporting material such as videos, film clips, essays and exhibition catalogues. At the time of writing, it is hoped some of the London-based dealers may be able to open their galleries too. A comprehensive digital catalogue will accompany London Art Week Summer 2020. A major feature is a new series of mixed, curated Viewing Rooms where works from a cross-section of participants will be shown side by side, a new way for dealers to be discovered by a world-wide audience.
THE DETAILS The Viewing Rooms go live from 3-10 July, with an invitation-only Private View on 2 July. Further news and developments for London Art Week Summer 2020 will be announced soon Join the London Art Week community: register at www.londonartweek.co.uk to receive communications about Summer 2020.
Images from: Trinity Fine Art, Klaas Muller, Tomasso Brothers Fine Art and Stephen Ongpin Fine Art
I enjoy painting sunshine and shade, Je sui fait comme ça, that’s how I’m madeWith palette, brush and oil, at easel thus I toilAnd delight in improving my trade. For more of my work, visit: Tonyfandino.com I regularly display my work at Parallax Art Fairs, Kensington, Town Hall. Why not come along and meet the artist.
OUT & ABOUT
the Jericho Kitchen
N
estled in 1000 acres of beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, just over an hour away from the centre of London, on the Nuneham Estate, the Jericho Kitchen is a hidden gem of a cookery school and much more! We opened our doors in 2015 and have continued to grow and develop our brand by not only offering cookery classes but also artisan traditional crafts like bee keeping, basket making and foraging. We have 14 teachers who offer classes ranging from Cheese Making - Louise is an Academy of Cheese Training Partner & member of the Specialist Cheese Makers Association to Patisserie – Ghalid who was classically trained in Paris but then moved to London to work with Ottolenghi opening the first Baker and Spice. Niki Webster of Rebel Recipes is our resident plant-based expert – you can thank her for the fabulous images with this article. We know that more and more people are looking for classes that are vegetarian or vegan and so most, obviously not all, of our classes can be adapted to your individual dietary requirements – just let us know when you book! Whilst we have closed our doors temporary during the lockdown we will be offering online classes from mid June 2020 until we can safely open
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“We opened our doors in 2015 and have continued to grow and develop our brand by not only offering cookery classes but also artisan traditional crafts like bee keeping, basket making and foraging”
Food images: Niki Webster @Rebelrecipes
our doors again. Our classes are very much hand’s on and the emphasis is on a fun and informal way of teaching. We provide you with everything you need for the class – all the ingredients, aprons and recipe packs. You just need to turn up and enjoy. We spend 2-3 hours cooking and then we all sit down together to enjoy the fruits of your labour with a glass of wine and time to ask as many questions as you can think of! Starting in August 2020 we are starting children cookery classes. These will be regularly repeated during school holidays throughout the year. The classes have been specially designed to cater for complete beginners through to those who are looking for more of a challenge. Our gift vouchers make fabulous presents, they are valid for a year so it gives the recipient plenty of choice and time to decide which of our classes they would like to attend. We send out individual gift packs tailor made to the recipient within 24 hours of booking, so even if you have left it to the last moment we can help! Finally, if you are looking to arrange a teambuilding/corporate event we have many years experience with clients such as Carlsberg, Harley Davidson and BMW providing bespoke packages to their individual needs. So please do get in touch if you have any questions – we love to chat! Emma and the team www.jerichokitchen.co.uk
FEATURE
Niche Alcohol Supplies
K
nut Hansen was created by close friends Martin & Kaspar in 2017. They named their gin after legendary sailor & adventurer Knut Hansen, from Hamburg, Germany. An honest man with mighty fine facial hair and the most striking blue eyes you would have ever seen. Martin & Kaspar have put their heart and soul into this gin. After one year of intense trials and product development they found a recipe that exceeds our expectations of a fantastic gin experience. The gin is finely crafted with 14 carefully selected
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botanicals. Most of them sourced locally in North Germany. The natural flavours are preserved using their unique distillation process. After the gin has been distilled four times it is poured into their ceramic stoneware bottle and sealed with a natural cork. The gin has grown in popularity and demand has led to sales in 20 countries, as far as Japan, Taiwan & South Africa. Knut Hansen is subtly sweet with hints of cucumber, basil and fresh rose blossoms. It’s also perfect for sipping and welcoming the warmer weather. We suggest you keep your cocktails simple. The distiller’s favourite is the ice-cold KNUT HANSEN TONIC. Knut Hansen, a plain iced tonic water with a slice of orange peel. Niche Alcohol Supplies, a small family business is incredibly proud to be the sole distributor in the UK and as such be a part of the Knut Hansen Team and all the exciting adventures ahead. www.nascorporation.co
“Martin & Kaspar have put their heart and soul into this gin. After one year of intense trials and product development they found a recipe that exceeds our expectations of a fantastic gin experience”
her Vouc ff o % de: 10 nt Co u o c Dis
LIFE
OUT & ABOUT
COYA Launches COYA en Casa
Brightening Londoners’ Lockdown Mealtimes
A
ward winning luxury lifestyle group COYA has announced the launch of COYA en Casa, available via luxury online delivery service, Supper, Deliveroo and UberEats, bringing Londoners a taste of Peru in the safety of their homes. The COYA en Casa menu will be available daily from 12:30PM until 21:30PM and will include a vibrant selection of COYA’s signature starters, main courses, desserts and cocktails, selected by the group’s expert chef team and bartenders to showcase the very best of its traditional Peruvian dishes, made using Japanese, Chinese and Spanish cooking techniques, an ideal way to add some flavour and fun to lockdown mealtimes. COYA en Casa’s selection of starters make the perfect warm up to a delicious main course, while also lending themselves beautifully to a sharing style isolation lunch and supper. Starters include Tiradito Yellowtail a la Trufa - Yellowtail served with dashi, truffle oil and chives; Tacos Salmon - salmon, avocado, aji amarillo; Anticucho
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Pollo - chicken served with aji Amarillo and garlic; and Anticuchos de Setas - forest mushrooms served with aji panca and parsley. Especial COYA en Casa will also be available for lunch and will feature a typically indulgent selection of meat, fish and seafood delicacies including Ensalada de Gambas, Quinoa y Verduras - Grilled Argentinian prawn, quinoa, asparagus and peas; Credo Bun - slow cooked pulled pork, chipotle and salsa criolla; Wagyu Bun - Beef Wagyu with mushroom and rocket. COYA en Casa’s decadent array of desserts are the perfect way to round off a lockdown lunch or dinner, including Caramel con chocolate - a salted caramel ganache served with COYA’s own pisco blend and fresh raspberries; Maceta de chia con ananas - a chia pudding with granola and fresh pineapple; or COYA’s signature cheesecake, served
About COYA: COYA is an award-winning luxury lifestyle group, delivering an unforgettable Latin American experience around the world. Born from the spirit of adventure, COYA takes its guests on an immersive sensory journey by combining vibrant, creative and contemporary Peruvian cuisine and cocktails, with music, events and art from some of the world’s best talent.
with house blend pisco and fresh strawberries. A selection of ‘finish it yourself ’ cocktails, beers and ciders are also available for delivery. The cocktails are available in three different sizes, to serve up the whole household for a true Peruvian twist. Guests can select the following four cocktails which come prepared and can be topped with champagne, soda or prosecco of your choice. Aperol Spritz But Butter, filled with Strawberry Aperol, Greek Wine and Cream Soda - just add Champagne or Prosecco; Not Really A Mojito with Kaffir Lime Leaves Rum and Mint Tea Cordial just add Soda or Champagne; Paloma Por Favour includes Watermelon Tequilla, Cold Grapefruit Cordian and Mezcal - just add Soda and Wake Me Up filled with Vanilla Vodka, Coffee Liquor, Hazelnut and Chocolate Bitters - just add a double shot of espresso coffee and shake. COYA en Casa will be available via Supper, Deliveroo and UberEats, within a 2.5 mile radius of COYA Mayfair. Available daily from 12:30PM until 21:30PM. Collection if also available from COYA
Since opening its flagship location in Mayfair, London in 2012, COYA has expanded globally to five locations around the world; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Angel Court (London) and Monaco, with Paris joining the group in summer 2019. COYA Mayfair was recently awarded Venue of the Year 2019 at the Prestigious London Lifestyle Awards, a recognition of the restaurant, bar and private members club’s dedication to serving world class food and drink in a beautiful setting and reliably convivial atmosphere.
OUT & ABOUT
NOTTING HILL FISH SHOP ‘THE SUPERMARKET OF DREAMS’
A
London fishmonger that transformed into a ‘chef ’s supermarket’ to serve its community will quickly open a second site, The Supermarket of Dreams, in June. Working along a collaborative ethos, at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, Notting Hill Fish Shop teamed up with a local butcher, grocer and baker to ensure the very best produce could still be purchased or delivered seven days a week as well as delivering 500 kilos of fish to frontline NHS workers. The Supermarket of Dreams will offer restaurant standard, inventive dishes created by chefs from London’s finest restaurants alongside the highest quality ingredients, available to conveniently take away. Located on Holland Park Avenue, The Supermarket of Dreams will offer a playful, high end riff on a Kwik-E-Mart, injecting fresh energy and attracting a new demographic to the 54 june 2020
neighbourhood. Forward thinking founder and long-standing W11 resident, Chris D’Sylva was keen to create an entirely new concept, rather than the expected replication of his much loved Notting Hill Fish Shop. Chris has brought together several of the country’s most iconic independent food and drink companies, with Ottolenghi, Skye Gyngell, H.G. Walter, Natoora, Allpress Coffee and Neal’s Yard Dairy just a few of the brands with sections in the new shop. Delivering all over London, and also hot coffee, pastries within a five minute radius, The Supermarket of Dreams will serve up some of London’s most progressive, mouthwatering ready
“The Supermarket of Dreams will offer a playful, high end riff on a Kwik-E-Mart, injecting fresh energy and attracting a new demographic to the neighbourhood”
OUT & ABOUT
Notting Hill Fish Shop:
meals hand prepared on the premises by a young and dynamic team of chefs from Michelin starred restaurants. Takeaway meals will rotate on a daily basis according to seasonality with signatures including; signature Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail and Salmon sold in ‘ready to slice’ blocks to make sashimi at home, handmade sushi rolls, dressed lobster and crab, oysters and caviar. With something for everyone, the shop will also house a raw juice bar, products from Skye Gyngell’s SPRING, Happy Endings cult ice cream sandwiches, a hit with both children and adults alike, and fresh flowers delivered regularly by The Tuk Tuk Flower Studio, who bring their beautiful blooms to London from the Cotswolds to be sold at cost price so that the flowers don’t go to waste, offering an explosion of colour, joy and nature in peoples’ homes at a time when we could all use some cheering up. With true foresight, Notting Hill Fish Shop started to evolve to face the unprecedented crisis that was headed to the UK in early March. Everyday people form an orderly socially distanced queue to buy outstanding fish such as new season wild sea bass, wild native lobster, live langoustines, turbot, Scottish salmon and fresh sushi. Chris and his team have also been generously delivering 500 kilos of fish to NHS hospitals to help them provide quality meals for their key workers. The Notting Hill Fish shop will remain open serving up the finest raw ingredients, perfectly complementing the new Holland Park store. Chris says of the new opening: “The origins of The Supermarket of Dreams came from our desire for absolute creative freedom. We are looking forward to experimenting and having fun with our incredible produce. We can’t wait for Londoners to check it out both in person and online soon.” The Supermarket of Dreams, 126 Holland Park, London, W1 4UE www.supermarketofdreams.com Social: @SuperMarketofDreams 56 june 2020
Located on Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill Fish Shop has fast become a local foodie and community hub with celebrity customers including David and Victoria Beckham, Jack Whitehall, Sir Paul Smith, Barry Humphries, Jason Donovan, Trisha Guild and celebrity chefs such as and restaurateurs such as Michel Roux Jnr, Bill Grainger, Sam Hart, Oliver Peyton, Alex Dilling and Jackson Boxer. He has teamed up with other independent producers including; one of London’s most respected family butchery businesses, H.G. Walter, acclaimed British cheesemakers, Neal’s Yard Dairy, sustainable fruit and vegetable suppliers, Natoora and progressive bakery, Hedone, to ensure the freshest seasonal produce is available to the local community. The shop also developed a new online delivery platform delivering all over London. With true foresight, Notting Hill Fish Shop started to evolve to face the unprecedented crisis that was headed to the UK in early March, even changing their business status to supermarket to avoid any enforced closures to keep serving their loyal customers, and changing their opening times from five to seven days a week. Everyday people form an orderly socially distanced queue to buy outstanding fish such as new season wild sea bass, wild native lobster, live langoustines, turbot, Scottish salmon and fresh sushi. Chris and his team have also been generously delivering 300 kilos of fish to NHS hospitals to help them provide quality meals for their key workers. Despite sales being up, Chris is still struggling to make a profit with increased staff and opening hour costs. He has worked tirelessly during 16 hour days straight since February, running the cash register, ensuring the shop is functioning, his team are getting enough rest and taking on more staff to rehouse those who have lost their jobs in the hospitality industry and spending his evenings planning, strategizing and organising partnerships. Chris has even had his shop and staff continually threatened by gangs operating it the area attempting break ins and has had to install more CCTV cameras. Notting Hill Fish Shop, 287-289 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2QA www.nottinghillfishshop.co.uk Social: @NottingHillFishShop 020 7221 7524
FEATURE
The home you desire
Thinking of enhancing your home with a loft conversion, extension or refurbishment? support them, to ensure delivery of a high standard and professional service.
Party Wall agreements and Health & Safety legislation Our experienced Party Wall Surveyor, Gary Aarnes-Olsen who is a member of The Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, will ensure that you have an agreement that gives both you and your neighbours peace of mind throughout your building project. It is a legal requirement for building owners to advise the owners of adjoining properties if they propose to carry out works covered by The Party Wall etc. Act 1996. As well as drawing up any Party Wall agreements, the team at Create can assist to ensure you are compliant with the latest Health and Safety regulations for homeowners. Beyond the statutory processes, their service is bespoke to their clients’ requirements and needs.
Project Administration From tendering, right through the contract phase, and until your project is complete, their professional project administration team is on hand to ensure that your project runs smoothly and efficiently, whether or not you decide to appoint them to deliver the build phase. They are there to ensure that your dream is delivered.
The build phase
T
he team at Create has the complete range of skills and experience to take your ideas and help them blossom into a stunning reality, guiding you through the process every step of the way.
Architectural Design After meeting to discuss your project they will develop the design for your approval and then submit it to the local authority to achieve the necessary consent. The true value of the design process is to ensure that your needs, wants and likes are delivered, all encapsulated with a project of real integrity. They are passionate about helping you realise the vision you have for your home.
Planning and Building Regulations Many extensions or lofts can be built under the Lawful Development regulations while others need full Planning Permission. As well as dealing with all aspects of the planning process on your behalf, Create will develop the scheme to ensure that building regulations are adhered to, including structural calculations. They enjoy working in a collaborative manner with their clients, to guide and 58 june 2020
So that you know, in advance, how much the project is going to cost, you can appoint them to draw up a detailed specification for the works with estimated costs. This enables you to budget for the build phase and provides you with a set of documents with which you can facilitate more consistent prices from tendering builders. To find out more call 020 8852 7343, email info@createforyou.co.uk or see createforyou.co.uk
“A delighted client sums up her experience: “Create do simply that! A company of experienced, imaginative and interested individuals who deliver to high standard alongside attention to clients’ needs and requirements. From early stage planning, through to decoration, thanks to Create my house now feels like the home it was always meant to be!”
T 020 8852 7343 | www.createforyou.co.uk
FPR (UK) Limited
Stone Cleaning and Restoration Contractor With extensive experience on several prestigious projects, no job is too big or too small
BeFORe
AFteR
tel: 020 3195 3813 www.fpr.uk.com
FEATURE
The work-life balance
readdressed
How do you find the right partner to create the living spaces you want? Jane Milton spoke to architect, interior & landscape designers HollandGreen to find out their approach.
Interactive 3D Design HollandGreen use 3D digital design and the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) - an immersive virtual environment that allows their clients to see the proposed design long before any work starts on site. “We’re able to put our clients ‘inside’ and ‘walk around’ their homes on their tablet, smartphone or with VR headsets” says Alex. “It means they’re fully immersed and collaborative in the process and can potentially save thousands of pounds in the build as this refines ideas in a way that traditional 2D design just can’t do.”
O
ne of the many things we’ve all learned from lockdown is that, with an internet connection and PC, most people with office-based jobs can work perfectly well from home. This opens up opportunities; the possibility of living elsewhere or moving out of Town to have more family, office, outdoor and entertaining spaces. But how do you find or create your ideal home? Alex Moss, HollandGreen’s Client Relationship Manager says the key is to really understand the clients’ needs. “Creating wonderful living spaces is more than just the bricks and mortar, it’s about really listening to people. By doing so, we create inspirational, insightful designs that are perfectly tailored to their lifestyle and aspirations”. A friendly, dynamic team of 30, HollandGreen are formed of 3 complementary divisions across architecture, interior design and landscape design. Their passion is to generate contemporary new build houses, renovate and extend large family homes, restore period properties and convert and transform barns. They offer an exceptional client experience throughout, endorsed last year by winning ‘Most Innovative High End Residential Architectural Practice in England’. Alex says: “We offer an end-to-end service, from initial design work through planning, building regulations and tendering to contractors. We also handle the contract administration throughout the build whilst offering up our network of quality contractors, builders and specialists such as joiners, pool and spa companies, wine cellar, smart home and sustainability experts.”
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Interior & Landscape Design
“Creating wonderful living spaces is more than just the bricks and mortar, it’s about really listening to people”
Their in-house interior and landscape teams work closely with the architects and are regularly involved from the outset - from mood board inspirations to specifying fittings and planting designs - as much as the client chooses. Alex says: “Busy clients often like a fully integrated service; it’s less overwhelming knowing you have a talented team supporting you and undertaking the legwork. Across our 3 divisions we can think about all aspects from the very start to produce beautifully coherent solutions.” She adds, “By leveraging our experience on international projects, we’re fully set up to start or run projects virtually in the UK via our digital services. We’re supporting our clients now as well as ever.”. For further information visit hollandgreen.co.uk or call 020 8099 6112.
OUT & ABOUT
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law
Can a divorcing couple remain friends and avoid Legal Costs… … and, how does this work with current social distancing?
I
n the comfort of your own home, separating couples can now receive joint advice from one impartial expert family lawyer in matrimonial finance cases. As a result, you are far more likely to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. • The process is confidential and constructive, and it is suitable for couples at all stages whether you are just considering separation or involved in divorce litigation already. • You start with an Initial Conference remotely from your home or office or wherever you have a Wi-Fi connection at a time that mutually suits. The purpose of this initial conference is to provide information on the service and to assess whether it might work for you as a couple. The good news is that such an Initial Conference is entirely FREE and
without obligation. You then receive your fixed fee quote for the entire process • You are helped with providing full financial disclosure, which is essential • A lawyer, expert in matrimonial finances will then invite you both to a 2nd Virtual Conference • After the 2nd Conference you receive detailed and confidential written advice (about 15-20 pages) a document your divorce judge would consider fair in your circumstances. You can speak to Richard Buxton at Mortlake Law & Mediation, use his 40 years of expertise and discover more about Joint Matrimonial Separation 020 3935 9490. www.mortlakelaw.co.uk
“The process is confidential and constructive, and it is suitable for couples at all stages”
Richard Buxton one of the Best 28 Divorce & Family Law Legal Advisers in London rated by Wiselaw.co.uk Affordable legal advice you can trust, tailored to your needs. I am offering initial virtual consultations FREE for anyone needing family law or divorce advice, call me to learn about Joint Matrimonial Separation and how it could save you stress, time and expense.
Call me on:
020 3935 9490 Visit: MortlakeLaw.co.uk Email: richard@mortlakelaw.co.uk
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LUXURY
outdoor living guide
– Making the most of the great outdoors this summer – I M AGE : M AR K ILU X
OUTDOOR LIVING
An Oakfields design is an enduring tribute to its owner’s good taste, uncompromising standards, and zest for life. The Oakfields Group are committed to excellence.
Never have our homes been more important to us. During these very challenging times our homes and gardens have become a safe haven for all of us and the vast majority of us have been using our time to get around to those unfinished DIY jobs and for some this means looking at larger projects, to make our home just how we want it.
Architectural Glass For the Finest of Homes
T
he Oakfields Group specialise in extending the home with their impressive and very modern Winter Garden glass extensions, as well as a continuing heritage in stylish period conservatories and orangeries. They create almost everything in glass that you need; bespoke bi-folding and slim frame sliding doors, flat glass rooflights - that open, or very minimal roof lanterns. The current trend in home renovations is to add a bespoke Winter Garden. Most people are confused as to the difference between a winter garden and normal conservatory. But there is a distinct difference – comfort. A winter garden creates a bio-climatic environment - a natural space cooled in summer by air flow, shaded by stunning
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THE OAKFIELDS GROUP has a lineage going back two generations • A heritage based upon accurate period design and artisanship in traditional conservatories • A reputation for delivering unique designs and creating very special buildings and structures • A new journey taking this expertise and knowledge to explore modern leading-edge products and designs • A group unique in the UK that delivers both the traditional and the modern
Many of us are looking at how to create more living space as we continue to adapt how we live and work. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by adding a stunning Winter Garden, conservatory, or orangery. Or, if you simply want to extend your space to enjoy the garden more, then the latest in louvred pergolas and atrium glass rooms may be your answer.
“These stunning glass and aluminium designs certainly add the wow factor” in-built canopies, and then warmed in winter by the sun’s rays and the latest in high performance glass really keeps the heat in! A perfect glass room that really can be used all year round. These stunning glass and aluminium designs certainly add the wow factor and suit all styles of home, whether it’s a modern or period property. Their glass designs can also act as a link-way to different parts of your home, providing a light and airy room which can be used for any purpose, as a kitchen extension which we all know is now the hub of the home, a separate office space, or an entertainment room for the whole family. Not only do winter gardens add a luxurious addition to any home, but the extra room and unique design will also add value to your property.
THE DETAILS Oakfields work throughout the UK and can also undertake international projects. To find out how to transform your home contact The Oakfields Group. Their showroom is based in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside near Harrogate, and they also offer an remote design consultation that you can book online. To see their product range visit; www.theoakfieldsgroup.co.uk Or call today to arrange a no obligation consultation, 0113 3873118
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OUTDOOR LIVING
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OUTDOOR LIVING ENGLISH BEAUTY
In the glow of the soft summer sunshine, the spread of a blanket is an invitation to be outdoors, and as we get accustomed to living our life within close proximity to our home, the back garden has become a refuge and this picnic blanket, a place of retreat and comfort. We love “The English Garden” collection of picnic blankets from Heating & Plumbing London. www.heating-and-plumbing.com
Give your garden a luxe makeover
Give your garden that makeover it deserves with a variety of products from luxury lifestyle emporium Cuckooland. As summer is fast approaching, you may be thinking about turning your back garden into a holiday home for the season. The unique shape of the Garden Wheel Bench offers plenty of shade and shelter in your garden. Fabulously designed by Ornate Garden, this garden bench is truly one of a kind - ideally place it against a wall, fence or as a stand alone picnic bench, it is sure to make a statement wherever it is. www.cuckooland.com
unique & striking
Stone Globe Lights are decorative stone-like spheres that light up at night, offering a unique lighting solution for garden walls and terraces, paths and flower beds. Now, in time for summer 2020, they are available with a simple cable pack and transformer that can be plugged into a standard weatherproof outdoor socket meaning anyone can install them at home – no electrician, no fuss! www.stoneglobelights.co.uk
Halo, not Halogen
Ditch your halogen flood lights and give your garden some drama with these Halo miniature tier lights from LuxR. Precision machined in marine grade 316 stainless steel, copper or powdercoated aluminium, they produce a downward 360 degree wash without any glare. Perfect for shrubs, paths and planters. www.brand-designs.com 68 june 2020
fire up the bbq
Annabel James is an on line boutique selling home and garden accessories and gorgeous gifts, beautifully wrapped and delivered. We love this gorgeously presented in a chic khaki canvas carrying case with handles. The set includes a two-pronged fork, a spatula, basting brush and tongs to enjoy the perfect party with friends and family. Stainless steel and wood. www.annabeljames.co.uk
OUTDOOR LIVING
Bridgman
Shop Small, Shop Local
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or over 40 years, Bridgman has been designing, creating, and supplying beautiful, quality furniture that offers the perfect balance of traditional and contemporary designs with unrivalled innovation, all whilst retaining their core family values. Since their beginnings in 1977, the family-run business has created handmade British luxury crafted from the best materials. Bridgman’s home & garden furniture convey timeless elegance with uncompromising comfort. They believe that luxury furniture goes far beyond aesthetics as a well-crafted piece of furniture can transform a space and allow people to maximise the time spent relaxing and entertaining. This year, we have introduced an array of beautiful additions. New 2020 collections feature all weather dining and lounging sets with the industry’s only fully waterproof cushions that are also virtually stain-proof, even against red wine and coffee spills, offering stress-free relaxation during unpredictable English Summers. New for 2020 is the addition of dining to the hugely popular Cliveden modular collection which was launched last year in collaboration with the National Trust. Taking inspiration from the many breathtaking locales the National Trust has to offer, this collection features dining tables to seat 4 - 8 people which are handmade with the best quality rattan, unique fully waterproof cushions and a 10 year guarantee. The ‘In & Out’ Dining Collection is another new addition which features tables and chairs that are durable enough to be used in the garden, but stylish enough to be used indoors. Featuring a selection of mix and match table frames in aluminium or teak and tops in glass, ceramic slate, ceramic marble or HPL paired with a selection of chairs. Choose from fully upholstered with aluminium or teak legs, resin and rattan chairs for a perfect match. Curved seating additions to the All Seasons Pure Kingston modular collection for 2020 enables the highest quality seating to fit any shape of patio or
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deck. With sumptuous thick seat and back cushions, this collection is the ultimate in style and comfort. Featuring the Bridgman unique fully waterproof and virtually stain-proof cushions, even the odd wine spill will not cause an issue. Minimalistic and versatile, the aluminium Florence collection is sure to suit a variety of outdoor settings. Featuring gunmetal grey aluminium frames for a lightweight feel it comes in 3 dining table sizes with matching stacking armchairs, and for those who love a bit of lounging in the garden, a comfortable stacking sun lounger or relaxer. To complete the picture, Bridgman also sells a full range of garden accessories from cantilever parasols to storage boxes and garden planters. With large stocks of furniture in our Enfield warehouse, Bridgman can offer delivery in mere days. So pop into one of our showrooms in Enfield, Old Amersham or Walton on Thames whilst the sun is still shining to have the ultimate holiday in the garden this summer. Visit www.bridgman.co.uk/showrooms for opening hours.
“Minimalistic and versatile, the aluminium Florence collection is sure to suit a variety of outdoor settings”
OUTDOOR LIVING
C hic and sturdy Small Pergola awning provides large areas of shade
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he markilux “pergola compact” is a graceful awning on two support posts that is suitable for any façade. It is intended for small patios and provides generous shade. With its clear design and new accentuated lighting it endeavours to make summer even more beautiful. The markilux “pergola compact” is the right solar protection solution for houses to which it is not possible to fit a classical folding-arm awning. The cover extends on lateral guide tracks that rest calmly on two slim support posts at the front. They provide additional support. With its size, this smart awning is suited mainly for narrow patios that require graceful solar protection. The cover cassette against the wall measures in height and depth only twelve-and-a-half centimetres, yet the small “pergola compact” can shade an area of up to 18 square metres.
Design and light, a powerful duo Its very simple, angular design has a timeless appeal. So this awning scores primarily with houses based on modern architectural designs. A new lighting option below the cassette accentuates the slim shape of the awning by means of an LED light strip that can be dimmed via remote control. Alternatively, LED spotlights skillfully illuminate façade and cover with soft cones of light.
Filigree and wind resistant at the same time The cover, kept permanently under tension thanks to sophisticated technology offers here an attractive visible area embellished by a large selection of neutral and fashionable fabric patterns. Although this textile sun roof appears dainty, according to the manufacturer it is highly wind resistant. The closely fitting cover and the two front support posts guarantee this. Square and 72 june 2020
round versions are available and with the option of being able to lower one support post. This ensures effective water drainage.
“Its very simple, angular design has a timeless appeal. So this awning scores primarily with houses based on modern architectural designs”
A life of comfort thanks to a larger awning Those who would like to have maximum privacy, can get the “pergola compact” also with the “shadeplus” function - an additional blind that can be lowered at the front. With vertical and side awnings, a closed-in, airy space outdoors can be created. Matching infrared heaters create a cosy atmosphere in the evening or in cooler weather. For ease of operation the new awning is always motorised. Depending on the specification, it can also be controlled by tablet or smart phone. The next sun-drenched summer can arrive. For further information, please visit: www.markilux.com
Images: The new markilux “pergola compact” is a filigree awning for narrow patios with two support posts. With its angular design and effective accentuated lighting it shows how modern and comfortable even small awnings today can be.
Dilly’s cushions Contemporary British made outdoor cushions and accessories. Dilly only uses weatherproof, UV, mould, stain and fade resistant materials, Ideal for outdoor living with the British weather in mind. Each cushion is unique, colourful and will brighten up any seating area in the garden. Along with the cushions are The stem glass coaster, no more dreaded wine marks on furniture, dribbles on clothes and everyone will know which glass is theirs as each one in a pack of 6 is different. Visit www.dillyscushions.co.uk or email dilly@dillyscushions.co.uk
OUTDOOR LIVING
A TREE HOUSE For Your Children
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t’s a dream of many children to own their own tree house where they can escape and immerse themselves in fantasy and imagination. The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild. Tree houses have changed over the years, from rickety and unsafe structures, to modern designs that now even incorporate swings, slides and climbing frames. Despite their evolution, their popularity has remained consistent. When you really want to give your kids the ultimate custom tree house or wooden playhouse for the garden, getting a bespoke timber building from skilled craftsmen guarantees you get exactly what you want! The shops are full of playhouses barely big enough for the children’s toys and with a similar limited shelf life! If you really want to give your children a
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“The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild”
All images courtesy of Cheeky Monkey Treehouses
playhouse or tree house that lasts their whole childhood, bespoke wooden buildings are ideal. Bespoke treehouses are a big trend in many gardens; with elaborate designs built high up on stilts, within and around branches. They can take on many different shapes sizes, colours and themes, too, and feature a number of cute accessories and fun activities to keep kids entertained throughout the summer! And you don’t need a tree to have a tree house. It can be built in the right location for you. The areas surrounding your tree house could be landscaped with shrubs, trees or a lawn - whatever is needed to enhance the appearance of your treehouse. Your children’s safety is of paramount importance. The construction process of a treehouse can be demanding - not kids’ stuff at all; requiring a great deal of planning and ensuring European safety standards are met. Approach specialist tree house companies and get recommendations from friends. It is crucial that you receive professional advice and guidance, with construction and installation done by experts to keep your child safe. Provide them with a fantasy hideaway in natural surroundings by making a part of the garden their own. www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com
Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms. Commercial & International commissions welcomed
TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
Children’s Gardening Books To Inspire Young Growers
Captivate your children with a crop of gardening books aimed at the young.
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hen the contents of the sandpit are all over the patio, the trampoline has lost its bounce and the little ones are short of something to do, there’s a plethora of gardening books out there with activities to engage them. Here’s a selection for all ages of children to help them dig for victory.
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RHS Get Growing by Holly Farrell (Frances Lincoln, £14.99) This easy-to-use family guide to gardening covers everything from how plants work to identifying plants, growing easy fruit and veg and getting children to take part in creating wildlife gardens. If your child is arty, the book offers projects showing them how to decorate clay pots and coasters. If they’re interested in food, there’s an array of suggestions, from how to grow edible flowers to designing a herb garden. And if they are fascinated by wildlife, they can learn how to make a garden for minibeasts and birds, or create a pond in a bucket. They’ll probably need help from an adult to start them off, but the activities aren’t difficult and should help them reconnect with nature. The book strikes an excellent balance between education and fun.
“If your child is arty, the book offers projects showing them how to decorate clay pots and coasters”
BESPOKE, CREATIVE & PERSONAL DESIGN
Phone: 0207 603 0299 Email: info@gnlandscapedesgin.com www.gnlandscapedesign.com Our London office is open for business
AFTER
BEFORE
Sun awnings and blinds Recovering existing outside awnings and blinds Roller shutter garage doors Social distancing in operation
Tel: 01708 755667 www.drathmore.co.uk
OUTDOOR LIVING
I Ate Sunshine For Breakfast by Michael Holland and illustrated by Philip Giordano (Flying Eye Books, £14.99) Expert ecologist and educator Michael Holland shares this brightly illustrated guide to plants around the world, enabling children to become more acquainted with their leafy neighbours and showing how plants help create everything from rubber to honey. It features DIY projects for young gardeners including the fun-filled messy business of creating cornflour slime; exploring the effects of freezing conditions on deciduous and evergreen trees; upcycling using jars, bottles and tins as well as collecting seeds from the foods you eat; and how to make a power plant with a potato. The Book Of Brilliant Bugs by Jess French (DK, £14.99) This offering is ideal for little ones who are fascinated with creepy crawlies and want to learn more about them. Featuring everything from honey bees to crickets, spiders to beetles, it explains how bugs are huge contributors to our planet and can survive almost anywhere, including high up in the mountains and deep underwater. In easy-to-understand language, French explores the crucial role bugs play at the start of the food chain, their importance as pollinators helping plants grow and looks at the predatory bugs which keep pests at bay. Gardening With Emma by Emma Biggs (Storey Publishing, £14.99) Kids can relate to other kids, right? So this fun guide written by the 14-year-old gardening ace who has her own blog should tick the boxes. With a little help from her dad, Steve, she offers simple projects from step-by-step bug catchers, to growing all your pizza ingredients. In just one year, she grew 68 varieties of tomato. Raising the coolest plants is also a big focus of 78 june 2020
the book. She features everything from species that tickle and make noise, to vegetables ranging from the tiniest to colossal, providing lots of useful know-how about soil, sowing, and caring for a garden throughout the seasons, along with ways to make play spaces among the plants. Aimed at eight to 12-year-olds, lively photography helps capture the authentic creativity of a child who loves to be outdoors, digging in the dirt. Under Your Feet by Dr Jackie Stroud (DK in association with RHS, £9.99) This book for slightly younger readers is awash with fantastic facts about soil, worms and other organisms, cleverly punctuated with illustrations in earthy shades, along with things your children didn’t know about the secret world underground. Did your child know, for instance, that worm poo in soil helps plants grow? Or that ant colonies can join up to form super-colonies which can stretch for thousands of miles? The book takes an entertaining look at how animals build their homes under the ground and how plants survive in adverse conditions, as well as how fungi can grow to be the size of the forest. All these weird and wonderful facts will hopefully prompt your children to seek these creatures out in the garden, from spineless invertebrates to woodlice, spiders and molluscs, as well as seeing the soil and its importance in a different light. Ideal for budding young scientists. You Can Grow Your Own Food by Annabelle Padwick (Collins, out June 11, £7.99) The perfect go-to book for children who are curious about gardening, this new addition to the You Can series is packed with gardening projects and easy tips on how to grow fruit, veg and herbs outside and indoors. The book has space to scribble and draw, so children can design their own gardens and keep track of their progress. The author founded the social enterprise, Life at No.27 in 2019 to provide gardening and wellbeingbased therapy for children and adults struggling with low confidence and mental health issues.
“The book takes an entertaining look at how animals build their homes under the ground and how plants survive in adverse conditions, as well as how fungi can grow to be the size of the forest”
Yummy Mummy magazine
JUNE/JULY 20 issue 34
YUMMY MUMMY
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Babies & kids LITTLE ANGEL This baby grow comes in a subtle soft pink cotton sprinkled with golden stars with the classic angel wings on the back and a pink picot trim on the cuffs , hems and neck. A beautiful gift for a newborn or baby girl it comes gift boxed in an elegant white box. It is available in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months and 6-12 months.
STYLISH NURSERY STORAGE We absolutely love this Vermont storage chest. It’s beautiful and elegant in its simplicity, with a huge storage capacity, and is painted in chalk white with a limed oak style top. Part of the romantic Vermont collection, featuring subtle curves and carvings in the timeless French Provencal style. Complete with subtle distressing to give the impression of a shabby chic time worn piece. Perfect for a stylish nursery. www.mainefurniture.co.uk
MOROCCO COLOURS
LITTLE LEGGINGS
Inspired by the colours of Morocco, this set consists of three reversible LOMIE muslin Scarf Bibs. Made from 100% cotton, double cloth muslin fabric. www.lomiebaby.com
Fred & Noah leggings feature an enclosed non roll elasticated waist and are available in sizes 0-4. ( Premature sizes are available upon request ) The leggings also feature a reversible ankle cuff which can be turned up for shorter babies whilst also keeping their little socks on. www.fredandnoah.com
BEE ADVENTUROUS Available as a bear, tiger or bunny, the backpack is made from lightweight and breathable polyester that is super sturdy and hard-wearing. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort, and there is a clasp at the front to keep them in place. Inside the bag, the main compartment is large enough to fit a lunchbox, small books, favourite toys... whatever they need to take with them on all those adventures! www.bobbyrabbit.co.uk 82 june 2020
FIRST STEPS These delicate pink leather baby shoes are perfect for little feet, a truly traditional timeless pair of first shoes that will go with so many outfits. Crafted from buttery soft premium leather with a sweet T-bar and buckle perfect for baby to take her first steps. store.parentchum.co.uk
Best for mum & baby L
ittle Butterfly London is an awardwinning luxury Ecocert organic-certified skincare brand for mothers and babies created by Gudrun Wurm who created the range to nurture her newborn son’s delicate skin. Gudrun had been passionate about skincare ever since she was young and went on to embrace the study of organic cosmetics after her son was born, immersing herself in the world of gentle plant actives and learning about ingredients that can
nourish, soothe and protect all at once. Created in London from carefully sourced ingredients throughout the UK, Little Butterfly London ensures that only the purest, safest and most effective ingredients are used across the range. Whilst she was pregnant, Gudrun believed that whilst women’s bodies were working on creating magic, they also deserved to be cherished. She was passionate about creating products that could be mood-lifting and pleasurable and safe to use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, whilst being highly effective to deliver results. As Summer is finally upon us, it’s important to ensure that little ones’ skins are protected as well as ours. One of our favourite products is the organic-certified ‘Wrapped in Love’ anti-pollution baby face cream (£27 for 50ml), which is suitable for children of all ages, and provides an ultraprotective barrier between innocent skin and harmful pollutants. And for our pregnant readers, the ‘Fresh Meadows’ cooling leg gel (£22 for 100ml) is perfect for providing aching legs with instant relief from muscular aches and strains and can help heavy-feeling legs and feet feel revived, refreshed and lighter. www.littlebutterflylondon.com
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Little Folks Furniture T
he team at Little Folks Furniture are just a little bit passionate about design; to design great beds and to create inspirational bedrooms for children to grow up in. After all the bedroom is their living room – especially nowadays – and where they work, rest and play. We’re always busy sketching out new concepts to meet the challenges of a modern child’s life. We design all the products from scratch and spend lots of time working out the best way to make it and from what so that we can know it will more than meet the needs over many years. That’s why we make our bed frames and mattress bases out of carefully selected solid hardwoods – which we make sure are sustainably sourced – so our beds are rock solid and durable. And as a bonus with hardwoods you get a much better, long lasting and beautiful paint finish. It is that we understand and “do” manufacturing that elevates our designs. Over the 25 odd years we have been doing this sort of thing we’ve got a reputation for expertise, especially around quality and safety standards. We even have our own “test house” to “bish bash bosh” furniture again and again to make sure it works whatever is thrown at it. Test a bed made from a softwood like pine and you see how quickly it fails. You don’t want a child sleeping in a bed that is not secure (especially if it is a high bed such as bunks) and anyway it is a false economy as you end up having to replace the bed sooner rather than later. Safe and secure beds should be a given, but we
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then look at the myriad of possibilities of what can happen around – or even under – the bed. Things that make a child’s living space engaging as well as protective, something they can share with friends and hopefully quietly do a bit of homework. Perhaps even put some of their things away! So whether it is a trundle under the bed or elevating the bed so you can have chests, desks, relaxing chairs or sofabeds underneath we have thought through a good many of the options and applied our expertise and design flare to match a gambit of lifestyles and colours. We believe we have taken the stress out of choosing inspirational and safe beds for children, combining our years of expertise for guaranteed performance and quality and hopefully a little love. www.littlefolksfurniture.co.uk
“We’re always busy sketching out new concepts to meet the challenges of a modern child’s life”
YUMMY MUMMY
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Little Bevan London
Clothes to treasure for your memorable day littlebevan.co.uk 020 3802 7603
YUMMY MUMMY
Organic Summer Children’s Wear
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ummer has finally arrived, and children are starting to enjoy the great British outdoors again, playing in gardens, local parks, and even at our nation’s beaches. With this burst of outdoor energy, many parents are finding they need to stock up on summer clothes online. Frugi, the UK’s leading organic children’s wear
brand, uses ethically sourced GOTS Certified organic cotton to make their playful range of children’s wear for boys and girls up to 10 years old. The collection is brought to life with clever Frugi characters that can be found scattered throughout. You’ll find skateboarding cats, unicorns and sunflowers, lobsters and cherry blossom as well as parasols, Koi Carp, Sika Deer, and their very own monster. For babies, Frugi’s soft organic pieces will give little ones even more reason to smile. Their clothes are made specially to fit over reusable cloth nappies and are chemical free. Organic cotton is not only better for the environment by emitting 40% less greenhouse gas and using less water, it’s much softer than conventional cotton because fibres are left intact and not broken down by chemicals. Many parents are switching to organic cotton because it not only triggers fewer allergies, it lasts longer enabling pieces to be handed down through generations. This year Frugi has impressed the royal circuit. They swooped up not one, but two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the most prestigious honour for UK businesses, recognising and encouraging outstanding achievement. Learn more about Frugi and their commitment to sustainability at www.welovefrugi.com
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London’s Coolest Restaurants E
veryone is looking forward to the hospitality industry re-opening their doors with many parents running out of ideas of how to keep their kids amused! There are countless London restaurants that welcome families and offer special kids’ menus and fun activities to keep little ones entertained! It is important to note that if your child has food allergies or sensitivities, confirm before you go that the restaurant is able to accommodate these restrictions. Here’s our pick of child-friendly restaurants that have a little something for everyone...
For Kids
indulgence check out the freak shakes! You can also celebrate Birthdays in style at Sticky Fingers whether it’s for the little one or the older members of your family, they will make sure it is special. 1A Phillimore Gardens, W8 7QB Tel: 020 7938 5338 www.stickyfingers.co.uk
BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP
STICKY FINGERS, KENSINGTON Founded by Bill Wyman, bass player with the Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers (taking its name from the Stones’ album) is a must visit for the whole family who likes to have a great time! Food at Sticky Fingers as the name suggests, is designed for getting your hands and face messy….. and that goes for the grown-ups too! The much loved steak and ribs restaurant has a children’s menu catering for under 12’s. And you can’t get more child-friendly than an ice cream float from the soda fountain! Mums deserve a treat too so for pure and naughty
Give the little ones a taste of America’s Deep South at this Forrest Gump themed fun restaurant. Capturing the essence of the hit movie, shrimp is of course their speciality with a menu also including American burgers, steaks, grills and ribs, crisp salads and naughty desserts! Bubba Gump Shrimp serves kids’ favourites such as popcorn shrimp, chicken strips and macaroni cheese as part of its children’s menu; while, for dessert, they can even build their own sundae from delicious sweet treats! 13 Coventry Street, Piccadilly, W1D 7AB Tel: 0203 763 5288 www.bubbagumpshrimp.co.uk
HARD ROCK CAFÉ Take the kids to their newest flagship cafe and Rock Shop in Piccadilly Circus. Discover food, entertainment and culture spanning over 1,900 square metres on two floors. Take your children down your memory lane with authentic, one-of-akind memorabilia from decades of music history, from British music legends and international 92 june 2020
YUMMY MUMMY
stars alike. The tasty menu is freshly prepared American cuisine includes mouth-watering steaks, sizzling fajitas and succulent burgers. There is a menu specifically designed for the under 10’s with wonderful names such as Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hot Dog and Skiddley’s Not-So-Diddly Chicken Breast! Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, W1J 9HR. 020 7287 4600. www.hardrockcafe.com/ location/piccadilly-circus
atmosphere of fun for all the family. See the venue brought to life by elephants, gorillas, jaguars, crocodiles, gorillas, mechanical butterflies and orangutans, together with tropical fish tanks and a thunderstorm! All adding up to an exciting dining experience for all ages. There is an extensive international à la carte menu that includes classic favourites, such as fish and chips, burgers, caesar salad, pulled pork and quesadillas. 20 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU. Tel: 020 7434 3111
GORDON RAMSEY RESTAURANTS A great introduction to fine dining for your children – and it doesn’t get any better than this! The ultimate in family dining - there are Kids’ Menus with great offers, magicians, face painting, activity boxes and more! And incredible Children’s Party Experiences - Ice-Cream Parties at Heddon Street Kitchen, Pizza Parties at Bread Street Kitchen and Cookies & Cup Cake Parties at Hidden Heddon. A fantastic and enjoyable way for your pride and joy to discover their culinary skills – and looking the part in their own little chef apron! Contact the Gordon Ramsey team on 020 7592 1373. www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
RAINFOREST CAFÉ Let the kids go wild watching waterfalls, lightning, rain, animals and real tropical fish at the Rainforest Café. bringing together the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest in a vibrant and exciting 94 june 2020
PLANET HOLLYWOOD A visit to Planet Hollywood is always a big hit with families and is located in the heart of the West End near the bright lights of Leicester Square. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained including colouring sets and movie memorabilia. With delicious food on offer including burgers, hot dogs, fries and ice cream you can’t really go wrong! Their Kids’ Meal Deal caters for 12 years and under. There are big screens throughout the restaurant showing film clips, videos and trailers while you eat providing a fun atmosphere for all the family to enjoy. 57-60 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QX. Tel: 020 7287 1000
GIRAFFE ED’S EASY DINERS Enjoy American-style dining at its best! An authentic diner that captures the spirit of the American Dream. High stools, thick milkshakes, over ten tasty burgers and Foot Long Hot Dogs makes this restaurant a great hangout for all ages. And for younger children under 10 they can choose from Ed’s Junior Menu including a main, side and drink for only £5.99! With feel good retro music you will be smiling throughout your meal. Located at Victoria Shopping Centre, Buckingham Palace Road SW1, Watford, Lakeside Shopping Centre and Cambridge. www.edseasydiner.com
With plenty of healthy options, you can take your kids for a guilt-free meal at Giraffe at outlets across London. Whether porridge, fresh fruit or pancakes for breakfast; or salmon, omelette or nachos for lunch, your kids will love tucking into the fresh fare at this relaxed eatery. Don’t miss their Kids Menu Deal – a main meal, drink and dessert for only £6.50! No restrictions, available all day every day with tasty choices including bangers, pizza and pasta and yummy Strawberry & Banana Lollipops and Choc Brownies your kids will be spoilt for choice! Located Victoria, Spitalfields, Southbank Centre, Kings Cross and Heathrow Airport. www.giraffe.net
Eating out with young kids doesn’t have to be a battle. A restaurant meal is a social event and an opportunity to spend time together – eating, talking, playing games like I Spy, drawing, and just generally having fun. The more engaged your little ones are, the more likely they will be well behaved!
Stick-O – the funky, chunky, new magnetic toy
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tick-O is the new pre-school toy from Magformers - the award-winning magnetic construction brand. Launched earlier this year the London Toy Fair, this tactile new toy features large magnetic
sticks, balls and other solid magnetic shapes in a funky, chunky design made especially for little hands. The easy to hold pieces with their ‘grippy grooves’ encourage younger children to develop their motor skills and creativity through fun role play. The strong disc magnets safely sealed in every piece rotate, so opposite poles always connect, making model-building frustration-free for little hands. Toddlers and pre-schoolers can enjoy a choice of six different sets - a cooking set, a city set making pull-back-and-go planes and cars, a forest animals set, plus standard sets containing 10, 20 or 30 basic pieces with RRPs from just £14.99. Stick-O is made by Magformers, the global leader in magnetic construction toys. Since 2005, Magformers has led the way in developing creative magnetic construction toys for children and their sets are used extensively in nurseries and schools around the world for STEM and educational play and learning. Visit www.sticko.co.uk to find out more or follow @sticko_uk on Instagram.
“With Stick-O, there really is wonder and joy to be discovered from a construction toy that will last a lifetime in your family.” – David Kelly, Magformers UK
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A Pathway to Sporting Success
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Yorkshire school is supporting students looking to compete at the highest levels of sport, through a new Performance Pathway it is launching in September 2020. Set in 220 acres of stunning Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is a top performing independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 months to 19 years. The Team QE Performance Pathway will offer specialised training and development for those students with the potential and determination to push themselves to compete in their chosen sport, as part of a wide and varied curriculum. Using the dedicated Sports Village on campus, the professional team of coaches will create Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each Pathway student, with age based strength and conditioning programmes, use of video analysis tools appropriate to professional sport and ongoing nutritional guidance; to support each student to access their full athletic potential. Head of Sport and ex-professional rugby player Rob Rawlinson explains the Pathway approach: “The Collegiate will always have the ethos of sport for all. A supportive environment where students can try their hand at a whole host of sports and activities, to encourage them to grow up to lead healthy, active lifestyles. “The Performance Pathway gives students the opportunity to see what competitive sport really looks like. An environment where only the very highest standards will be accepted, where students can push themselves to achieve their full potential, both mentally and physically. Where students will be supported to become dedicated and driven sports men and women who will thrive in competitive situations. “Key to this approach is our coaching delivery. A games based approach keeps students students 96 june 2020
“The Collegiate will always have the ethos of sport for all. A supportive environment where students can try their hand at a whole host of sports and activities, to encourage them to grow up to lead healthy, active lifestyles”
active and engaged for longer, allowing them more chances to practice under pressure. Gone are the days of standing in a line and waiting for a turn or shot, we want our students to be equipped with the tools to stay calm and execute the right skill, in a pressured competitive environment. We also find that the more we do this, the better decision makers students become, which allows them to think clearly under pressure. Something that helps them in every facet of life. “Many former QE Students have gone on to university scholarships and professional opportunities in the UK and internationally. They all credit the work completed at QE as a crucial part of their success.” The Pathway is accessible to QE students, through a competitive application and selection process. To find out more about the TEAM QE Performance Pathway, visit www.qe.org.
YUMMY MUMMY
BEST FOR BABY • Hypoallergenic, naturally antibacterial • Softer-than-cotton luxurious bamboo • Breathable and temperature regulating • Reducing nappy rash • No nasty toxic chemicals against your baby’s delicate skin
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ama Bamboo have created a new award winning range of premium, sustainable, eco-friendly organic nappies and wipes to help and support parents who want the best for their little ones whilst doing their bit for the environment - Best for Baby, Best for You and Best for Mama Earth! We are very proud to be the only eco-nappy ever to have won the “Best Performance Nappy Range” 2020 Gold award from Mother & Baby. We are also winner of the Made for Mums Silver award for our baby wipes. Mama Bamboo nappies were judged to be more absorbent, softer, and better at controlling nappy rash than any other brand. Our products, quality, performance and service are consistently rated with 5* reviews by our very happy mamas! Mama Bamboo nappies and wipes are available with a 10% discount using code YM10 directly through www.mamabamboo.com or through our retail partners Ocado and Amazon. Mama Bamboo practises carbon offsetting by planting bamboo in association with the Ugandan Bamboo Village programme. www.mamabamboo.com sales@mamabamboo.com #mamabamboo
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BEST FOR MAMA EARTH • Sustainable bamboo harvested free-from pesticides, fertilisers & irrigation • 100% compostable liners & packaging • Recycled PET packaging for wipes • Chlorine free, Latex free, Phthalates free • Perfume free, Lotion free
YUMMY MUMMY
Karen Clince
Tigers Childcare Arrives in London Tigers Childcare is much more than a childcare service and is focused on child-centred learning and family-focused solutions. By using the latest in research and thinking, it provides individualised care for every child with the aim that they will reach their own potential, regardless of ability or background. Children are encouraged to have opinions and to question and participate. With 90% of brain development taking place within the first five years of life, Tigers Childcare believes these years will shape the children into the people they will become. Tigers Childcare was originally conceived in 2003 by former resource teacher Karen Clince in response to demand for high quality after-school provision for children of working parents in and around Dublin. It has grown considerably over the last 17 years expanding to include full day care and pre-school provision for children aged 4 months and up. Today, over 1,250 children are looked after by Tigers Childcare in 13 centres in Ireland’s capital and surrounding counties, where it is considered a market leader in the provision of high-quality childcare solutions. Karen Clince sits on a number of Government boards and steering groups to ensure Tigers Childcare is at the forefront of industry development. Another unique feature at Tigers Childcare is to exceed statutory requirements concerning childcare staffing in the UK. All the senior staff have degree qualifications, with the remainder qualified in earlyyears care and education. This is compared with the UK’s standard requirement that only 50% of staff need to be qualified in childcare. From the design of the centre, to staff qualifications, Tigers Childcare hope to set a new benchmark for childcare provision in the UK by applying the same practices, procedures and ethos underpinning their success in Ireland.
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igers Childcare has launched in London. The leading Irish childcare operator has opened its first childcare centre in Elephant Park, an exciting new mixed-use development area in the heart of Elephant & Castle. Around 3,000 new homes as well as new restaurants, shops and a new park are being delivered at the 28acre development. The flagship Tigers Childcare Elephant Park comprises an impressive 7,000 square feet over two floors and will welcome 120 children aged from 4 months to 12 years. The state-of-the-art space will make learning fun and memorable with its two large partially covered outdoor play areas, sensory rooms, dedicated crawl spaces and sleeping pods.
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THE DETAILS Elephant Park is the first Tigers Childcare centre to open in London with plans afoot to open more centres within the next five years including Battersea and Marylebone. For more information, visit: www.tigerschildcare.co.uk or call 020 3795 7685.
YUMMY MUMMY
‘Why do babygrows have all these poppers?’ M y lovely hubby would ask me this all the time when we had our first baby boy. This got me thinking about the many times I was struggling to match poppers in the dark whilst trying to dress our newborn. I now have two very wriggly little boys who won’t keep still for a second, it’s like wrestling a lion getting them dressed after bath time. So with two busy little guys to deal with I need ZIPPYUP’s more than ever to make nappy and outfit changes quicker and easier. Just over a year ago I got to work on making ZIPPYUP a brand for all those parents like us, slightly tired, run ragged and doing the best we can...we’ll take any help that is offered...if it makes our life easier. Before I promoted myself to the position of Mummy, I learnt my trade working for a company that designed and made many of the clothes you’re probably wearing right now. So I have taken those many years of experience and knowledge and put them to good use by designing and making a babygrow that works well for both the wearer and the dresser. ZIPPYUP babygrows aren’t just well designed, they’re amazing value and made from good quality soft fabric, that’s because I personally source and work with the factories that are making ZIPPYUP designs to get the best possible prices and materials.
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The classic ZIPPYUP original babygrow is made from 100% super soft cotton fabric. The zips are concealed so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab at the neck ensures the zip puller doesn’t catch on any little chins. The long sleeves have turn back cuffs so you don’t need separate (often lost or odd) mittens and they are long enough for your baby to have lots of hand room. Colour combinations include unisex colours such as aqua with pale grey and traditional white with pale grey. For baby girls we have designed a pink and white stripe. New colour combinations of the classic one-piece ZIPPYUP babygrow are in the pipeline as well as new designs, I’ve taken inspiration from baseball style tees by pairing up interesting colours which look extra cute as babygrows, I look forward to sharing these with you very soon. www.zippyup.com
“ZIPPYUP babygrows aren’t just well designed, they’re amazing value and made from good quality soft fabric”
BABY CLOTHES WITH ZIPS
We Wool You is a Swiss label passionate about making adorable blankets and knitwear for babies and toddlers. They successfully combine a traditional hand knitting with a fresh and colorful design. Your little dandy will love these soft blankets and playful cardigans, because they are made of organic merino wool. Visit www.wewoolyou.com www.zippyup.com
@zippy.up
makeawish@wewoolyou.com www.wewoolyou.com www.instagram.com/we_wool_you
YUMMY MUMMY
WEANING WITH JOE WICKS The Body Coach speaks to Lauren Taylor about the highs and lows of moving Indie on to solid food.
Wicks’ courgette, pea and mint puree Six months+ Ingredients (Makes 14 tbsp/ice cubes) • 1 large courgette (around 200g), washed and cubed • 100g frozen peas • 2 sprigs of mint, finely chopped • 80-100ml baby’s usual milk or water (optional) Method 1. Steam or boil the courgette for 8-10 minutes or until fork tender. Add the peas towards the end of the cooking time and cook for 2 minutes. 2. Drain the courgette and peas and mash or blend, stirring through the mint. Add in baby’s usual milk or water for a smoother consistency. Keeps for up to 2 days covered in the fridge.
Continued overleaf
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The Child and Family PraCTiCe An integrAted service for children, their fAmilies And Adults
the child and family Practice in central london hosts a unique range of services under one roof. members of the Practice are internationally recognised for their expertise in the psychological well-being and mental health of children, young people and adults. our team of over 50 consultants includes leaders in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy and mediation for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. the child and family Practice was originally conceived by the distinguished child and Adolescent Psychiatrist dr Arnon Bentovim and close colleagues. the Practice is internationally recognised for its expertise in the psychological wellbeing and mental health of children, young people and adults. We have a particular reputation for our multi-disciplinary child and adolescent assessments and work with eating disorders. The Practice offers a range of services, assessments and therapies: disciplines: • Audiology • clinical Psychology • counselling and Psychotherapy • couples and relationship therapy • diet and nutrition • educational Psychology • family mediation • family therapy • general Paediatrics • mindfulness • multi-disciplinary assessments • neuro-developmental paediatrics • occupational therapy • Physiotherapy • Psychiatry • speech and language therapy
The Family Covid Support Service our charity, the child and family Practice charitable foundation, has set aside some funds to support a new service, the family covid support service, for families going through stressful times as a result of the pandemic. the aim of the service is to offer a few sessions (free of charge, and online in the short-term) to parents and their children who are finding it particularly difficult to manage the anxieties of being in lockdown, or where parents are front-line workers and whose children and adolescents are finding this a particularly challenging situation. the support may involve bereavement work, or work around trauma, or help to manage excessive anxiety in children, adolescents and their parents and wider family members. in addition, reduced fees for longer term work may be negotiated for nhs staff.
Conditions, diagnoses, therapeutic approaches and services • Attention deficit hyperactivity (Adhd) • Autism spectrum disorder (Asd) • eating disorders • medico-legal reports and expert evidence • obsessive compulsive disorder (ocd) • school screening for sight & hearing • schools, education and special needs
For more inFormaTion PleaSe ConTaCT uS aT: The Child and Family Practice 60 Bloomsbury Street london WC1B 3Qu T: 020 7034 2690 | W: www.tcfp.org.uk | e: info@tcfp.org.uk
YUMMY MUMMY
W
eaning your child can feel like a daunting prospect. What will they like? What if they choke on something? What if they throw the lovingly-prepared food across the room? Joe Wicks - aka The Body Coach and now everyone’s favourite online PE teacher - says he felt exactly the same before introducing his daughter Indie, who turns two in July, to solid food. “I was in the same position; before you have kids you’re not sure what to do, what to start with, what not to give them,” the 33-year-old says. Wicks, who made his name on YouTube sharing healthy recipes and home workouts, also has son Marley, six months, with wife model Rosie Jones. So they’re about to start the weaning process all over again. Parents tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves to get weaning right and ‘keep up’ with the progress of other people’s babies, but as Wicks says: “All children end up using a knife and folk, all children end up eating by themselves. “They might be a little bit slower or a little bit faster but don’t put pressure on yourself. You really have to be on your own journey with your own baby, and know they’re going to catch up eventually.” After his successful series of Lean in 15 books, Wicks is back with Wean in 15, for which he teamed up with child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed, and it’s packed with weaning advice, stories of his own journey with Indie and 100 quick, healthy recipes - from purees, through to finger food, all the way to smaller versions of dishes to eat as a family. Wicks wants to arm parents with enough easy recipes so they’re less reliant on packaged purees or jars of supermarket baby food. “They’re fine to have occasionally,” he says, if you’re out for the day for example, “but they’re labelled as low sugar with no added stuff, and they’re very sweet. The jars and sachets are based around fruit so there is a lot of sugar- it’s not added sugar but there’s still a lot of carbohydrates and sugars in fruit. “When I was growing up in the 80s, my mum said that all I ate was jars of apple sauce and pear and blueberry - very sweet so it probably affected my sleep.” While it’s not inherently bad to give babies pureed fruit, Wicks says it’s important that their diet isn’t based on it. He encourages beginning with bitter food, like green veg. “It really gets them off to a better start. If you start on sweet stuff really early, you’ll end up leaning in that direction and they’ll find it hard to receive green veg later on,” he says. “For broccoli, cauliflower or spinach, I learned that they may not like it if you boil it - it tastes 106 june 2020
very bland! But if you roast it with cumin or curry powder or rosemary or fry it in a bit of butter so it goes crispy, they love it.” Indie, he says, likes a bit of paprika. “She loves butter-bean mash with some homemade pesto, little vegetable risottos, a bit of mild curry.” One thing he says made a huge impact was sitting down together to eat as a family, “rather than all the pressure on her, everyone staring,” Wicks says. “If she watches me put food in my mouth, she thinks, ‘I’m going to copy Daddy’.” It wasn’t an easy ride to get to that point, of course: “The first few weeks are always going to be tough. I think the most frustrating thing is the food refusal,” he says. “When you make something really lovely and you’re really excited about giving it to her, and they’re like no, not interested! Charlotte said to keep exploring multiple things, don’t give up, try again, offer it to them later on, so that helped me be persistent.” They also rushed to hospital when Indie had an allergic reaction to cashew nut butter, which he says was “quite scary”. But parenting comes with its unique set of worries and life lessons. Wicks says “patience and tolerance” are the biggest things he’s learned through weaning. “One day your baby can be very receptive to something, the next day they don’t like it. It might just be the mood they’re in, they could be overtired, or teething,” he says. “It’s definitely about learning to be patient and understanding that they’re just learning the world.”
Wicks’ banana oaty pancakes with coconut and blueberries 10 -12 months+ Ingredients (Makes 10 small pancakes) • 1 banana, peeled and sliced • 2 eggs • 40g porridge oats • 30g desiccated coconut, plus extra to serve if you wish • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tbsp coconut oil or butter • 40g blueberries, large ones cut into quarters, smaller ones cut into halves Method 1. Blend together the banana, eggs, oats, desiccated coconut and baking powder until perfectly smooth. 2. Melt the coconut oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. To cook the pancakes, add tablespoonfuls of the batter to the pan and dot the top of each pancake with a few of the chopped blueberries. Cook for 1-2 minutes before flipping to cook the reverse side. Repeat until all the batter is used. 3. Leave the pancakes to cool a little after cooking to prevent the blueberries from burning your baby’s mouth. Sprinkle with desiccated coconut to serve, if you like. The pancakes keep for up to 2 days covered in the fridge. Wean in 15 by Joe Wicks, £16.99, Bluebird, is available now.
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YUMMY MUMMY
Little Earth Baby
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e’re currently loving Little Earth Baby, the eco brand shaking up the baby market with their sustainable, natural and non-toxic range of baby and kids essentials. In the wake of Coronavirus, consumers are increasingly looking for more environmentally conscious products. We’ve all now seen the difference we can make to our planet when humans collectively slow down and consume less. Little Earth Baby’s founder is passionate about
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natural living and all things eco. The company redesigns everyday baby and kids products out of totally natural, non-toxic and biodegradable materials, right down to the labels and packaging. Better for the earth and the health of our babies. Everything’s made ethically in happy, family-run, Sedex approved factories and they remove plastic from our oceans with every purchase made. And the most exciting part? They completed a fundraise at the beginning of this year so they’ll be adding lots of new products to their range over the next few months, and expanding into all ages! Their hero product is their all-season organic bamboo sleeping bag which actually helps babies sleep! With a unique fabric composition this sleeping bag is able to cover the largest temperature range on the market, enabling babies to regulate their body heat more effectively and making the bags perfect for room temperatures from 13-27°C. They also fit newborns right up to age 3-4 all in the same bag, meaning you buy less and create less waste. Their natural foam play mats are ideal for any home and made from sustainably harvested tree sap and bark, with the trees left living and nurtured for up to 200 years! www.littleearthbaby.com
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INDEPENDENT
SCHOOLS GUIDE – The finest independent schools in the UK – i m a g e : Q UEEN ETHEL B URGA ’ S COLLEGIATE
EDUC ATION
A Pathway to
Sporting
Success A
Yorkshire school is supporting students looking to compete at the highest levels of sport, through a new Performance Pathway it is launching in September 2020. Set in 220 acres of stunning Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is a top performing independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 months to 19 years. The Team QE Performance Pathway will offer specialised training and development for those students with the potential and determination to push themselves to compete in their chosen sport, as part of a wide and varied curriculum. Using the dedicated Sports Village on campus, the professional team of coaches will create Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each Pathway student, with age based strength and conditioning programmes, use of video analysis tools appropriate to professional sport and ongoing nutritional guidance; to support each student to access their full athletic potential. Head of Sport and ex-professional rugby player Rob Rawlinson explains the Pathway approach: “The Collegiate will always have the ethos of sport for all. A supportive environment where students can try their hand at a whole host of sports and activities, to encourage them to grow up to lead healthy, active lifestyles. “The Performance Pathway gives students the opportunity to see what competitive sport really looks like. An environment where only the very highest standards will be accepted, where students 112 june 2020
can push themselves to achieve their full potential, both mentally and physically. Where students will be supported to become dedicated and driven sports men and women who will thrive in competitive situations. “Key to this approach is our coaching delivery. A games based approach keeps students students active and engaged for longer, allowing them more chances to practice under pressure. Gone are the days of standing in a line and waiting for a turn or shot, we want our students to be equipped with the tools to stay calm and execute the right skill, in a pressured competitive environment. We also find that the more we do this, the better decision makers students become, which allows them to think clearly under pressure. Something that helps them in every facet of life. “Many former QE Students have gone on to university scholarships and professional opportunities in the UK and internationally. They all credit the work completed at QE as a crucial part of their success.” The Pathway is accessible to QE students, through a competitive application and selection process. To find out more about the TEAM QE Performance Pathway, visit www.qe.org.
“The Collegiate will always have the ethos of sport for all. A supportive environment where students can try their hand at a whole host of sports and activities, to encourage them to grow up to lead healthy, active lifestyles”
EDUC ATION
The Show Very Much Goes On! ArtsEd Embraces Remote Learning.
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ell-laid plans, a fantastic IT team and a hefty dose of positivity are ensuring that the summer term at ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form is running smoothly. In spite of not being in the same building, let alone the same room, students and staff are making full and inventive use of remote platforms with dance classes, singing lessons and drama sessions continuing right alongside Maths, History, English and the rest of the academic curriculum.
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Parents have been very encouraging about the school’s response to the current crisis: “Thank you for finding such imaginative ways to continue classes! I cannot begin to understand the complexities involved in doing this, but the fact you were able to inform everyone the week before, and were all set to go with timetabled lessons by Monday, is a monumental achievement.” – Sixth Form Parent “The focus that the lessons provide is invaluable, during a period where almost everything else is so fluid and unpredictable. The lessons have engaged our daughter and she is continuing to work very hard.” – Day School Parent Students and staff are navigating this brand-new territory with the great assurance and the spirit of adventure that is typically ArtsEd. Adrian Blake, Day School and Sixth Form Headteacher, says: “The smoothness of our transition to a virtual timetable is the result of our excellent teaching staff, our hard-working IT Team, and our dedicated pupils all working together to maintain the outstanding learning relationships that make ArtsEd so successful. I am delighted by their commitment to learning in these strange times, not only in their performing arts lessons, but also in the full-range of their academic studies. Regular one-to-one catch-up sessions have also ensured the continuation of our outstanding pastoral care, and the high quality educational and vocational guidance that is so valuable in enabling pupil achievement. We very much look forward to getting back together, but in the meantime we are really enjoying the demonstration of the ArtsEd spirit online”. Find out more about ArtsEd’s Day School and Sixth Form on their website: artsed.co.uk, and follow their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see what they’re up to!: @ArtsEdLondon
“The focus that the lessons provide is invaluable, during a period where almost everything else is so fluid and unpredictable. The lessons have engaged our daughter and she is continuing to work very hard.” – Day School Parent
EDUC ATION
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the opportunity to arrange a virtual visit
EDUC ATION
Infinite Opportunities at UCS, Hampstead P upils at University College School in Hampstead achieved record-breaking GCSE and A-Level exam results in 2019 but, on a recent visit, the Good Schools Guide felt that it was the “infinite opportunities for thought, exploration and discovery” which made a UCS education so distinctive. The provision of these opportunities is simply staggering, but UCS does so much more. Pupils are taught to take their chances, and their ambition and drive is nurtured by the strong pastoral care at all levels. Lessons are captivating and dynamic. Teachers inspire pupils and enable them to develop their skills relating to the “four Rs” of a UCS education: resilience, relationships, resourcefulness and responsibility. The freedom of subject choice throughout the UCS curriculum gives pupils the ownership of their learning that they crave. In year 9, pupils can choose which languages to study from a selection of five modern (French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Italian) and two classical (Latin and Ancient Greek). There is in addition a wide choice of creative subjects on offer in Year 9, including Computer Science, and at GCSE, pupils have an almost free choice; for example, they can opt to study only one science. Many pupils choose to study all three sciences but this freedom of choice allows those whose strengths are in the arts or humanities to study subjects which are more in line with their natural interests. In the Sixth Form, where the school becomes co-educational, the range of subjects offered is remarkable. History of Art, Psychology, Politics and Mandarin are well established. Friday afternoons are devoted to an academic enrichment and higher education preparation programme which enables students to develop a greater appreciation of their intended specialist areas for university applications. This impressive provision within the timetable
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is matched by an equally varied co-curricular menu. Robotics Club is well attended by boys in the Lower School; Model United Nations is popular in the Middle School; and Pyrotechnics & the Gender Politics Group are popular and active societies within the Sixth Form. University College School prides itself on the breadth of opportunities it provides to all pupils whether they are in the Pre-Prep Junior Branch or Senior School. From the classroom to the redeveloped sports fields, from the teaching laboratory to the drama studio, the opportunities at this school in Hampstead are truly “infinite”. UCS Senior School, Frognal, Hampstead, NW3 6XH Tel:020 7435 2215 www.ucs.org.uk @UCSHampstead email: seniorschool@ucs.org.uk
“History of Art, Psychology, Politics and Mandarin are well established. Friday afternoons are devoted to an academic enrichment programme”
THE LUXURY
travel GUIDE
– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a g e : OLI V ES AND V INES
LUXURY TRAVEL
Accommodating the most discerning of tastes to create
True Luxury Experiences
Feel Luxury Holidays is a luxury platform that offers exceptional villas that are sure to meet – and exceed- all expectations. Partnered with the best concierge services, they have built a reputation on creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. We spoke with one of the company’s Managers, Sybille Cabalé, to find out more about how their commitment to excellence has helped forge an enviable position on the luxury market.
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ttentiveness. Diligence. Commitment. Authentic. Feel Luxury Holidays understands how to create perfect experiences that can meet the most discerning of expectations. They understand that achieving excellence in the travel and hospitality industries is all about the big picture and the smallest of details. It’s about accommodation, and flexibility. An ability to say ‘yes’ rather than ‘no’. As Sybille explains, Feel Luxury Holidays is all about allowing guests to feel special and unique, ensuring that all needs are realised and met. “On top of offering unforgettable experiences for your holidays, we also organise company seminars and special events such as engagements, weddings, birthdays and bar mitzvahs. Feel Luxury Holidays take pride in being a true local contact, meticulously
“Making you travel is our job!” and regularly checking and verifying each holiday home and constantly making improvements if necessary. Our expertise is extremely selective and, ultimately, refinement is a term that we work hard to ensure retains its full meaning.” “Our staff are experts and attentive to customer, offering the most beautiful properties and the best experiences to compose and transform extraordinary stays into truly unforgettable ones. As a result, the Feel Luxury Holidays team shares the same dreams as its clients and pays total attention to them. The team is united, proactive and dialogue is omnipresent.” It’s no surprise then, all things considered, that Feel Luxury Holidays has experienced the growth 124 june 2020
that it has, expanding its network to include new collaborators and opportunities for their burgeoning client base. “We are in full growth and are looking for new external collaborators every day to become more present on the online landscape. Ultimately, we want to be the first company the customer thinks of when they think of true luxury holidays. So, as such, we are facing new challenges.” Sybille continues, exploring how the company is choosing to tackle these challenges. “The response times and deadlines of our external collaborators are sometimes too long. The fact that we are in full growth forces us to work faster. At the same time, we are not really affected by external factors as we are proactive in finding workable, real-world solutions internally.” The conversation soon turns to sector trends and how Feel Luxury Holidays works to integrate transient industry elements into their day to day work. “We notice that customers are booking more and more at the last minute, or they are totally the opposite and book far in advance (12 months before the date). A similar pattern emerges when you consider the price of villas, with customers booking cheap or very expensive. There’s no longer than distinct middle ground. As a result, we are trying to accommodate these preferences and offer luxury options at a low price, and ‘ultra’ luxury at high prices.” Finally, Sybille concludes on a hopeful note, acknowledging that the future is a promising one indeed. “We hope that the future holds some nice surprises for us because we are always happy to have new challenges and contracts.” Feel Luxury Holidays www.feelluxuryholidays.com/en Telephone: +33 971523269
Rooms with a view
own river access, you just won’t want to leave! When it comes to choosing your home away from home, Fowey Cottages offer some of the finest holiday cottages in and around Fowey. A family owned business based in the heart of the town, Fowey Cottages have a wide range of properties. You can choose to relax and unwind in a stunning townhouse with views across the harbour, retire to a cosy cottage along the coast or escape to a peaceful rural hideaway, just minutes away from the main town. So if you are planning your next escape to the country look no further, Fowey Cottages is guaranteed to have the property for you. www.foweycottages.com
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lan your summer getaway to Fowey, a beautiful haven on the southern Cornish coast. The historic seaside town has everything you need for your perfect holiday. Looking for breath-taking river and sea views? Then look no further. No.16 for example is a stunning three storey Victorian boutique town house, recently renovated and features a beautiful eclectic interior design vibe, with views as spectacular as the interiors. Then there is Somerset House, perched right on the waters edge, with it’s
A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.
Providing bespoke honeymoons for discerning travellers since 1994
Try our hotel… Have your car collected from the Terminal Forecourt and walk direct into check-in. On your return your car is delivered to the Forecourt and you can drive straight home. No Buses – No Waiting Our customised car park is only 3 minutes from The terminal enabling a prompt and reliable service. Car Park vetted annually by Surrey Police and holder of Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ award.
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CONNOISSEUR TRAVEL3.indd 1
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LUXURY TRAVEL
A secret part of France
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hat strange times we find ourselves in! Like many I am missing the thought of holidays, sunshine and sitting at a café watching the world go by. But on the flip side I am also concerned to be surrounded by hundreds of people around swimming pools, beaches, at the cafes and restaurants. It is with this need for a more secluded holiday that I would like to introduce you to one of the hidden gems in France, the Sud Sainte Baume. It is an area of nine communes situated between the sea and the vineyards. Located on the southern
coast of the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur area between Marseille and Toulon. The area is famous for the AOC Bandol vines and was one of the first areas to receive the A.O.P appellation in 1941. The Bandol vineyard lies in a natural amphitheatre where the vines are planted on terraces that run from the Massif of Sainte-Baume down to the shores of the Mediterranean. There is nothing better than walking or cycling in the early hours being surrounded by acres of beautiful vines as the sun catches the leaves. Taking time in the afternoon to quietly visit one of the many caves for wine tasting is a must in the area. With sixty-seven to choose from, there will always be a wine to suit everyone. Part of the experience is to spend time with “viticulteur” hearing the history of their vineyard and how they produce their wine. After an afternoon of wine tasting you can head to one of the beautiful Provencal ports along the coast. The port of Bandol is one of the largest and oldest seaside resorts on the coast and is nestled between the pine and mulberry tree covered hills. While the bay at Saint Cyr runs in a beautiful arc from La Madrague to Les Lecques with a wonderful flat walkway around the sandy beach with bars and restaurants that you can visit along the way. Or you could visit Sanary sur Mer a town full of Provençal charm. A rich cultural life animates the place with its authentic fishing port that boasts one of the most beautiful markets in France. When you have had your fill of the market (which is difficult) you can wander the beautiful pedestrian streets running away from the port. The Sud Sainte Baume is also well known for its two hill towns of La Cadière d’Azur and Le Castellet. The former boasts a rich and diverse
“The port of Bandol is one of the largest and oldest seaside resorts on the coast” cultural life and has kept the charm and authenticity of a medieval Provencal village. You can walk around the mainly pedestrian only back streets catching glimpses of the beautiful stone houses or the endless views over the plains below covered in olive trees and vines. While Le Castellet is a striking image of what the fortified villages were like. The houses grouped behind the ramparts around the castle and the church have retained their medieval charm, and the many craft shops encourage you to stroll around endlessly. The area allows the visitor so much to do without the crowds further down the coast towards Nice and Cannes. Of course, for the adrenaline junkies there is also the world-famous Circuit Paul Ricard where the French Grand Prix is located, with opportunities for track days and karting. You will never be bored visiting the Sud Sainte Baume. www.olivesandvines.eu 126 june 2020
LUXURY TRAVEL
Escape to the wide-open spaces of Capital Region USA: Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia
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nchored by America’s capital city, the Capital Region is an ideal holiday for those seeking to explore vast national parks, tranquil coastal waterways, sprawling coastlines, historic battlegrounds, charming small towns, and miles of open road along the region’s many scenic byways. The National Mall in Washington, DC is the ideal place to kick off an American holiday. Nicknamed, “America’s front yard”, this two-mile long national park is home to iconic monuments and inspiring memorials, from the stately Washington Monument to the dignified Lincoln Memorial. A visit to one or more of the city’s famous Smithsonian Museums is a must, and with free entry, it’s no wonder the world’s largest museum complex is one of DC’s top attractions. Beyond the National Mall, Washington, DC is home to more than 20 distinct neighbourhoods. Explore the cobblestone streets of Georgetown, the historic architecture and green spaces of Woodley Park, and the waterfront parks and eateries along the Capitol Riverfront. Across DC, sample the work of some of the country’s most celebrated chefs at a Michelin-starred restaurant. A quick day trip from DC can lead to vibrant urban destinations like Arlington, Virginia. Located just across the Potomac River from DC, Arlington offers easy access to DC’s top attractions and several historic attractions of its own including Arlington National Cemetery. Just one-hour north of DC, Baltimore, Maryland’s buzzing Inner Harbor is the city’s focal point and location for top attractions such as the National Aquarium. Those looking for fun on the water should check out Annapolis, Maryland’s capital city. A gateway to the Chesapeake Bay, America’s largest estuary, 128 june 2020
Annapolis’ waterfront location has also earned the city’s reputation as “America’s Sailing Capital”. Virginia Beach boasts the world’s longest pleasure beach, divided into three distinct areas, each offering a different coastal experience, from the lively resort beaches to the serenity of Sandbridge Beach. Williamsburg is just an hour west of Virginia Beach and is home to America’s Historic Triangle: Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown. If the mountains are calling, then Charlottesville, Virginia is the place to be. This historic city and the surrounding region in the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to the estates of three former U.S. presidents, more than 35 vineyards, and a robust arts community. Charlottesville is also a great home base for visiting Shenandoah National Park and the 105-mile long Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that runs the length of the park. In Maryland, Frederick is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Catoctin Mountains, steeped in American Civil War history, and home to a 50-block downtown with over 200 specialty shops and dozens of restaurants.. Purely America - www.PurelyTravel.co.uk 0844 80 444 80 reservations@purelytravel.co.uk ATOL PROTECTED 6874
“From the memorable monuments of Washington, DC to the beautiful beaches and majestic mountains of Maryland and Virginia, history and natural beauty abound through the Capital Region”
LUXURY TRAVEL
London DE specialise in bespoke diamond and coloured gemstone jewellery, handmade in their London workshop. They can create any design to order and only deal in responsibly sourced gemstones, purchased directly from ethical sources at the very top of the supply chain.
Contact them directly on +44 (0) 2078 594 754 or support@londonde.com to arrange a free consultation in their Hatton Garden studio. Visit www.londonde.com and follow @london.d.e on Instagram. 130 june 2020
fashion, HEALTH
& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : GIORGIO AR M ANI
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
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FASHION & BEAUTY IN THE BAG These gorgeous market baskets are perfect for a picnic, shopping at the farmers market, or storing crafts supplies or toys. Handwoven with love by female weaving cooperative in Bolgatanga area, Northern Ghana. All the baskets are fair trade. www.lolaandmawu.com
a ring to it wearable art Elisabeth Riveiro is a passionate jeweller who hand makes her pieces in her studio in France using ancient and traditional techniques such as lost wax casting, planishing, chiselling and enamelling. She has been working for more than thirty years translating the designs of Enesto Riveiro inspired by ancient civilisations with an emphasis on geometric, zoomorphic or symbolic patterns. They are small wearable sculptures made from bronze and then gold gilded or silver plated. www.nataliawillmott.co.uk
The band of this ring is cast from the grooved stems of the cow parsley plant found in our hedgerows throughout spring and summer. The ring is set with a round rainbow moonstone. www.lucysylvester.com
summer scarves This beautiful silk scarf is by designer GuanAnAn - London. Inspired by a fantasy of characters from ancient oriental literature The Classic of Mountains and Seas. In the book, He Luo Fish and Ran Yi Fish were described as real existed mythical creatures who lives in the rivers. www.charltonisland.com
ENVIRO-STYLE HEADING IT UP Beat any unexpected weather chills with this stylish turn up beanie. Available in three colours: Orange; Light Blue; Light Grey and Dark Grey. With the unique Budeful logo, wear this beach style brand when out and about this season. www.budeful.com 132 june 2020
These contemporary cactus swim shorts are made from recycled plastic bottles, keeping them out of landfill and most importantly out of our oceans. Stylish emerald green sustainable men’s swim shorts featuring a fun orange cactus print with navy and gold drawstrings. www.wearthlondon.com
for more info contact iurish_blacklabel@hotmail.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Jewel Tones “Fashion designers are combining Pearls and gemstones in their designs and interior designers are now incorporating them into the home for a touch of sophisticated glamour”
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olour me happy! Beautiful coloured gemstones have the capacity to bring a little light and joy into your life. It is well known that over the centuries they have been treasured for their beauty and their healing and mystical properties. Blue Topaz for courage, Amber for warmth and wellbeing, Amethyst for spiritual protection, Lapis Lazuli associated with royalty and the list goes on. Jewellery has been worn by ancient cultures around the world for thousands of years. The Egyptians had access to many precious gemstones. They were imported into Greece along the ancient Silk Road. There were many exotic jewels such as Emeralds and Rubies and Amethyst, Topaz, Amazonite and Turquoise from the Middle East and North Africa. They were a precious commodity to be traded with other cultures. The Greeks used Amethyst goblets to serve wine in as they believed it prevented over indulgence. Semi-precious’ became a term for other
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gemstones that weren’t the Big Four - Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Rubies. In fact some coloured gemstones such as the very rare Paraiba Tourmaline are so sought after that they rival the precious gems in value. Many people in the gem trade have now abandoned the pre-fix ‘semi’ altogether and refer to all minerals as Gemstones. They all have their value and beauty. Fashion designers are combining Pearls and gemstones in their designs and interior designers are now incorporating them into the home for a touch of sophisticated glamour. Stones such as Agate and Rose Quartz can draw attention to a space and make an impact and free standing Rock Crystal and Amethyst stalactites can add that extra edge. There is nothing like watching the light play on the gems when you move them and run them through your fingers. Gemstones are simply beautiful and intoxicating and there is one for everyone. www.byelise.com Instagram - @jewellerybyelise
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
How a t-shirt helps Greg Rusedski combat his shoulder pain F or 15 years Greg Rusedski fought for the biggest prizes in tennis reaching the US Open final at his peak. More than 700 matches did take its toll on the former British number 1 tennis ace though “tennis is an asymmetrical sport and as such most tennis players will suffer from back and shoulder pain”, Greg Rusedski explains. After having served more than 7.000 aces Greg Rusedski called it a day in 2007 and has since worked as a tennis commentator, not always a pleasant experience “I would often be sitting for long hours, 7-8 hours, and it just led to a lot of pain and ache”, the 46-year old explains. However, he came across a specially designed t-shirt that became a game-changer for him, a Posture Shirt from UK-company ActivePosture “I loved the shirt immediately when I started wearing it. I could feel myself straightening up, my posture became better, I had less pain in my back and shoulders”, says Rusedski. But how can a t-shirt help reduce back and shoulder pain? The CEO of ActivePosture, Daniel Shilemay, explains: “Our Posture Shirt is working a bit like when your mother asked you to sit up straight, it constantly reminds you to align your posture. It does so through something we call NeuroBands. These bands are panels of variable
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elasticity incorporated into the shirt mapped to mirror the muscles and create a controlled resistance on the body to help activate the muscles and keep them moving, even when sitting, and hereby correct body alignment” Daniel Shilemay says and continues “You can actually get quite sore muscles when you first start wearing the shirt, but that is only a good thing, it means your muscles are working and when they are working you are not slouching which is often the cause of back and shoulder pain“. Greg Rusedski believes he has become more attentive of his posture since wearing the t-shirt. ”I have definitely become more aware of not slouching because of the Posture Shirt. It puts you in the right position and takes the strain off your body”, he says. While it is great that the shirt works while sitting at your desk, we are many who would like to know if it can also make us better tennis players!? ”When playing tennis it keeps you in the perfect position and allows you to have the right balance when you play. The shirt will keep you nice and tall and by doing so, you will play a lot better tennis”, Rusedski promises, but whether the shirt can make you the next British number 1 is probably more doubtful! Learn more about the Posture Shirt on www.activeposture.co.uk
Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.
Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com
www.caelestebeauty.com
The Perfumist Over 300 years of making perfumes and colognes strictly and privately for kings and royalties, we decided to offer our work to the public. Everything we offer is 100% limited, natural, and extremely rare. We have been working, designing and making perfumes, from father to son, for over a century. www.theperfumist.com
We are no one and everyone – an international collection of explorers who are called by many names. We care about the wellbeing of this universe and you as we believe that we are all one.
Welcome to our webshop focusing on organic, ethical beauty and wellness products that evoke feelings of the divine cosmos existing in each and every one of us. Leave no trace, say cheers to your neighbour or strangers and much love to you.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
beautiful bespoke jewellery
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uch of our day here at Gerry Summers is dedicated to making bespoke pieces of jewellery or remodelling clients’ existing jewellery. The commissioning process starts with a consultation where we discuss your ideas. Gerry, an award-winning master jeweller, will work with you to ensure that your piece is entirely unique to you, or your loved one. He will create a series of drawings for your consideration. Beauty of line, form, colour and scale are key elements in the
design process, and so too are the elements that reflect your sentiment for the piece. Gerry has access to the most exquisite of precious stones, and if your commission is gem-set, you’ll be invited to view a selection of gems from which you can choose. Remodelling a piece of treasured jewellery allows you to preserve the sentiment and memories behind a piece while endowing it with new life. The process is similar to a bespoke commission. Equally, Gerry is happy to work with loose stones you may have. Once your piece of jewellery is in progress, we will update you with photos and videos of its creation at the bench, right here at the back of our gallery. Depending on the piece, bespoke and remodelling commissions start at approximately £800.00 and delivery is four to six weeks. Do phone for an appointment so we can allocate you an uninterrupted consultation in our beautiful gallery. 67, Barnes High Street, Barnes, London SW13 9LD 020 8878 6600
“Remodelling a piece of treasured jewellery allows you to preserve the sentiment and memories behind a piece while endowing it with new life”
67, Barnes High Street, Barnes, London SW13 9LD 020 8878 6600 WWW.GERRYSUMMERSJEWELLERY.COM @gerrysummersjewellery_shop june 2020 139
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Seaweed with a purpose Maiiro (pronounced Mer-o, derived from the Guernsey French word for “Sea”)
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fter battling with inflamed skin on a regular basis, with expensive skin creams appearing to make things worse rather than help, the founder, Katy Rowe, decided to have a closer look at what she was putting on her skin. After having researched a range of products, it became evident that even her best-loved brands contained synthetic ingredients that appeared to offer very little benefits, if any, to the skin. Founded in the channel island of Guernsey in 2017, Maiiro was born out of the desire to offer a credible, natural alternative to mainstream brands. Remembering accompanying her grandmother down to the pristine shores to gather various varieties of seaweed for her homemade seaweedbased routine, it became the inspiration for Maiiro’s range of skincare products, taking full advantage of the ocean’s rich and abundant offering on Guernsey’s shores. Now using only natural and, where possible, organic ingredients, the company has made a conscious effort to move away from artificial ingredients such as phthalates, parabens and 140 june 2020
artificial fragrances and preservatives, to provide a credible and, above all as natural an alternative to the mainstream brands. At the base of all products lies Maiiro’s trademarked, seaweed-based formulation, Kelpogen5™, which offers a powerful blend of five mineral-rich super seaweeds and algae. The AntiAgeing Cream, Anti-Blemish Cream, Organic Soap and Organic Lip-Salve are based around this unique formulation, containing Astaxanthin, Bladder Wrack, Oarweed, Thongweed and Wakame. Renowned for their proven anti-oxidant and anti-microbial qualities Maiiro provides a natural and sustainable source of powerful restorative skincare ingredients. Maiiro’s commitment to minimising their impact on the environment means they use only ethically sourced organic, natural and vegan ingredients. They will never test on animals and promise to actively reduce the use of plastics where possible. Their successful plastic awareness campaign “Pack of Lies”, which recently won a prestigious contents award, clearly illustrates the company’s ethos. Highlighting the incredible waste generated by the cosmetics industry, Maiiro sources sustainable packaging alternatives, including cardboard made from seaweed. Whilst in the absence of suitable alternatives they still use a minimal amount of plastic, they have made sure that all their packaging is 100% recyclable. Maiiro remains actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at reducing any environmental impact even further and are very excited to have recently met the stringent requirements to obtain organic accreditation from the UK Soil Association for their seaweed harvesting. This will enable them to include locally harvested seaweed in their products in the very near future. Starting with a childhood memory of their founder, today Maiiro represents the very highest standards in skincare, from the quality of the raw ingredients to finished products. Harnessing the power of the ocean, Maiiro combines natures beauty with yours, naturally. www.maiiro.com
Pronounced Agnes (Beth – Elle), Stephen & Leslie Bessent’s goal is to build a brand of diversity and inclusion. This husband and wife team nurtured Agnes Bethel to fill a void of new luxury fashion brands with family roots and life’s inspiration. Branded as the “Rebels of Luxury Footwear”, the Agnes Bethel woman is not afraid of taking risk and knows that luxury is an overall experience. The Agnes Bethel woman is authentic and likes to make a statement. With our handcrafted shoe art our clients are guaranteed to standout. We take pride in what we design for you. Our designs are exclusively unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In this “NEW NORMAL”, we are rebels reinventing footwear bringing back creativity, individuality, and freedom of expression through the art of style and slow fashion. Pictured our Dorothy sandal re-releasing in November 2020. Photographer Steve Mongare/ Sinzia Photography @sinziaa
For more information visit www.agnesbethel.com
Follow us on social media: Instagram @agnesbethelshoes Facebook @AgnesBethel Twitter @agnesbethel_
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
ERADINE: INCLUSIVE LUXURY BRAND FOR ALL WOMEN
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radine is an inclusive luxury fashion brand designing timeless, feminine fashion for a more inclusive size spectrum. Launched in 2019, Eradine challenges the idealistic perception of ‘body norm’ offering both ready-to-wear collections as well as highly sought-after bespoke designs offering a range of luxury fabrics, personalised service, and unique pieces. We speak with Kiera Rigden, founder of Eradine: How was the concept of Eradine born? As a curvy woman, I was often faced with the dilemma of trying to find outfits suitable for work or events. I realised how few options there really were in the mid and luxury markets for my shape. Larger sizes available, appeared to be ‘scaled up’ versions of designs which didn’t fit well and as a result, were generally unflattering. The initial concept was to provide a range of luxury ‘resort wear’ that would cater to a more inclusive size spectrum. Now, all of our ready-to-wear collections contain pieces that are one-size, fitting a UK6 to UK26, in a selection of the finest materials and exclusive prints. What is the biggest challenge facing fashion today? There are numerous areas for industry improvement. Environmental sustainability, exploitative labour practises, the relentless release
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cycle, the impact of fast fashion and ecommerce, the rising cost of raw materials, production, packaging, and distribution. However, in my opinion, the greatest challenge lies at the heart of the industry’s idealistic perception of ‘body norm’. Luxury fashion continues to ignore realistic body shapes which influences society’s perception of body norms. What sets you apart from other fashion designers? I think the greatest differentiator is that I am not from a fashion background. I am passionate about creating a fashion brand with purpose; to do more than just designing beautiful pieces. Fashion needs to be inclusive, we need to encourage women to embrace their bodies, to provide them with clothing and accessories that are aesthetically beautiful and, wherever possible, comfortable to wear. In addition, we avoid bulk manufacturing processes, creating pieces that are timeless and offer bespoke services to build a personal relationship with our customers. Alongside Eradine I am also establishing “The Rigden Trust”, a philanthropic initiative focusing on empowerment, sanctuary and self-worth. Recognising the need to empower through education, to provide sanctuary to enable change and to focus on helping to recalibrate the perception of self-worth. 20% of the net realised profits for Eradine will be channelled to “The Rigden Trust” when it is fully operationalised. It is a great opportunity to stand behind a force that will focus on showing young girls that “being beautiful” should never be at the expense of a healthy body or mind. How would you describe Eradine in one sentence? An inclusive luxury brand that designs elegant fashion for all women. www.eradine.com
www.MarcEllaLondon.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Poison Pure Silk
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oison Pure Silk is an Italian brand based in Noto (Sicily.Italy) born on January 2020. The creator of this young brand, the stylist Eugenia Marescalco, consider her first production “The Kimono Collection” as an intercultural project that mixes Japanese Kimono’s timeless elegance with Sicilian tailoring tradition. After attending a prestigious tailoring school, Eugenia spent a couple of months in Japan, an adventurous backpacking trip that allowed her to get closer to Eastern culture and its beautiful creations, including Kimonos. She decided, back from the trip, that her own creations would be an imaginary bridge between the East and the West, able to dialogue thanks to the choice of pure silk Made in Italy (a fabric, one of the finest in the world, that is undoubtedly of Eastern origin but which is also a symbol of the great Italian merchants and craftsmen). “The Kimono Collection” is a colorful and refined selection of handmade Kimonos, all unique pieces manufactured inside a small home craft workshop. Eugenia takes care of all the processing phases, from the paper pattern design to embroidery. Being an handmade Kimono means that no piece is the same of another, so you can be sure you’ll wear something exclusive in the world. The Kimono proposed by Poison Pure Silk is a particularly versatile garment, you can have fun creating several original and sophisticated outfit for
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many occasions and seasons. You can use it as a comfortable ( but stylish!) dressing gown or as a beachrobe with your favourite swimsuit and denim shorts, maybe for a poolside party. You can wear a it with a little black dress, heels, a nice bag and it’s done, you’re ready for your night out. And why not, a cozy chic outerwear to absolutely match with a pair of jeens and the classic white shirt. In other words, this Kimono is something that should never miss from your closet! As we already told, all Kimonos are one of a kind, but you can make your own kimono even more special by choosing your favourite silk from a specific section on Poison’s website (Our Silk) or asking for a custom-made request: you can ask for an obi, the traditional Kimono’s belt or you can request a custom label with your name embroidered on it. The exclusivity of a Poison Kimono is right here: it is born as a unique handmade product, you can make it customize and you can keep customizing it yourself by combining it with the accessories you prefer. Visit www.poisonpuresilk.com to discover “The Kimono Collection” sign up for the newsletter and stay up to date with promotions and news about the latest collection. Follow @poison.pure.silk on Instagram and on Facebook Poison PureSilk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Advice on Coping with Your Family’s Hay Fever
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t is estimated that around a third of children in the UK are affected by hay fever every summer – resulting in itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and general exhaustion. Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg offers parents some handy advice for hay fever sufferers in their family. “Limit exposure to pollen during peak periods - the early morning and evening, when the pollen grains reach nose height, so try to keep children indoors at these times.” “Take your child to the GP, to get a proper diagnosis. If the symptoms occur only in high summer on hot, sunny days, it’s almost certainly hay fever. But it could be any of a number of other allergies and treatment might differ in each case” “Change children’s clothes daily and after they’ve been playing outside and wash children’s face and hair after periods spent outdoors. Pollen sticks to clothing, skin and hair so symptoms can continue even when indoors. Washing or showering will remove any pollen remaining on the skin and hair.” “Make HayMax part of the daytime and bedtime routine. Apply this organic drug-free allergen barrier balm immediately after washing/showering first thing in the morning and before going to bed. Pop a pot in your daytime bag and leave a pot by the bed so it can be re-applied as needed. In independent studies [1], HayMax has been shown to trap over a third of the pollen before it gets into the body: less pollen, less reaction. And as it’s drug-free, HayMax is suitable for pregnant and breast-feeding women as well as children.” “Encourage your child to wear wraparound
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sunglasses. This creates a protective layer between their eyes and the pollen-laden atmosphere, and can reduce symptoms considerably. It also relaxes their eyes, which in turn relaxes them. And it’s cool!” “Wash bedding frequently. Pollen grains come indoors borne on the air and stick to bedding, so frequent washing, covering the bed with a sheet which is carefully folded and stored away from the bed during the night, before they get into bed, and turning pillows just before they get in, can all help reduce symptoms.” “And of course the same applies to parents with hay fever too. Apply your HayMax regularly, change your clothes, wash or shower when returning home, wear wraparound sunglasses, wash your bedding frequently and stay indoors during peak pollen times.” www.haymax.biz Reference: [1] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.
“Change children’s clothes daily and after they’ve been playing outside and wash children’s face and hair after periods spent outdoors”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
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he COVID 19 pandemic is unprecedented. It has affected everyone. The NHS has been magnificent but having to use so much of the NHS’s resources to treat virus victims has had a knock-on effect on other services, with much being delayed or deferred. Those worrying about breast cancer may have found their appointments postponed, and almost everywhere the Breast Screening Service has been suspended. Breast screening detects small breast cancers and pre-cancerous changes. Treating early breast cancers gives a much higher chance of cure and it is regrettable that many women will be having their diagnosis delayed. No one knows how long it will take to catch up again, but it is likely to be at least 6 months. Not only will there be a backlog but there will also need to be changes in how breast screening is carried out. To meet with social distancing requirements, the capacity of mobile screening units may fall to one third of normal, increasing the delays. It could be argued that a delay in diagnosis of 6 months for an early breast cancer will not affect the outcome, but that may still leave many people anxious, and, of course, we can never be sure. Having a mammogram privately could be a route that some women might want to explore, but even that may not be so simple. Most private hospitals are under contract to the NHS and so capacity for
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private care is limited. In addition, whilst all private hospitals have taken measures to try and avoid patients with the virus these steps are unlikely to have been 100% successful. The so called “silent spreaders” are difficult to detect. Here at the London Breast Clinic, at 108 Harley Street, we have not been treating NHS patients and remain a “clean” site. Our expert team of specialist radiologists and surgeons are all back, not only for our old patients, but to help anyone with a new problem who may be concerned about delays. Women can also ask for a mammogram without a doctor’s referral, if their screening has been delayed. Mr Simon Marsh Surgical Director, Breast Consultant 108 Harley Street London Breast Clinic
Mr Simon Marsh
The Details 108 Harley Street London W1G 7ET Book in your breast screening 0207 563 1234 / 0207 563 1209 info@108harleystreet.co.uk www.108harleystreet.co.uk
“Women can also ask for a mammogram without a doctor’s referral, if their screening has been delayed.”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Aktaie: BEST OF BRITISH T
he idea behind Aktaie, the new British jewellery brand, was born during long beach walks with the dog along the shores of the North Sea in Norfolk. Fluidity of the waves, their movement and cleanliness of lines inspired many of Aktaie designs. The waves would often bring beautiful stones such as quartz and carnelian that were tumbled by the ocean over many years making them smooth and rounded. There was such beauty in those natural stones and their flawed shapes that it gave the inspiration for jewellery that is simple, where nothing detracts from the beauty of the gems, jewellery that is perfectly imperfect.
Name Aktaie was not chosen by chance. Being one of the fifty Neireids, Aktaie is the Greek goddess of the seashore, it seemed like Aktaie herself gifted the idea that has inspired the creation of the brand. Most of the stones come from India and are cut and faceted by hand. There is great beauty in slight imperfections and variations in colour, because just like it is in nature – nothing is ever absolutely perfect. All pieces are handmade in a small studio in Norfolk by the designer and founder, Ksenia. Every gemstone is completely unique and there will be no other like it in shape, size or colour which makes each Aktaie piece one of a kind. Discover more at www.aktaie.com info@aktaie.com Instagram: @aktaie_jewellery
Aktaie Jewellery offers a range of perfectly imperfect pieces crafted by hand from precious metals and natural gemstones. The collection is frequently updated with unique, one of a kind designs, where nothing detracts from the beauty of the stones. Website: www.aktaie.com Instagram: @aktaie_jewellery
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Pregnancy and early motherhood during Covid-19 pandemic
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his different and difficult time is bringing a lot of concern to many generations. “When we are talking about fertility, trying to get pregnant and pregnancy, it can be particularly stressful. It can bring along worry, anxiety and loneliness. We are going into unchartered waters and this, in its own right, brings fear” says renowned King Edward VII’s Hospital fertility expert, Mr Michael Dooley. If you find you’re pregnant or have a new-born whilst in lockdown, the most important thing is to give yourself permission to be upset with the current situation. It’s not what you would have planned or expected, but there can also be hope. Remember, you are not alone. Healthcare professionals are here to help and guide you through this difficult time.
Coronavirus and pregnancy “We are still in the early days of understanding
Covid-19” says Dooley. “New information and data is coming in every day for us to provide advice – this can be difficult for our patients as facts change, and they can get confused. Currently, it does not appear that pregnant women are any more likely to get Covid-19, or if they do catch it, to be seriously unwell.” Usually, patients will get mild flu-like symptoms, although pregnancy may give slightly more aggravated symptoms. Obviously, severity increases as you get older, if you’re immune-compromised or have another medical condition.
Will Covid -19 affect my baby? Mr Dooley says: “There is no evidence that it increases the risk of miscarriage and no evidence that it increases the risk of abnormality. It may transmit vertically at birth, and this is how new-born babies can obtain it. This has been documented anecdotally as well as from two small studies.” You can reduce your chance of catching Covid-19 by routine hand washing, using tissues for facial contact and discarding the tissues in a safe container, and obviously avoiding social contact. “Social isolation is important, and if there is any concern you’ve been in contact with someone who has contracted Covid-19, don’t panic. Self-isolate and monitor your symptoms” explains Dooley. “It is especially important that you continue to listen to and follow the up to date Government guidelines.”
Ante-natal care and labour during Covid-19 Understandably, people are often worried about 154 june 2020
“New information and data is coming in every day for us to provide advice – this can be difficult for our patients as facts change, and they can get confused. Currently, it does not appear that pregnant women are any more likely to get Covid-19, or if they do catch it, to be seriously unwell.”
their ante-natal care and how they will be affected. It is important that you talk to your midwife and your medical team – fear of the unknown can be reduced this way. A pregnancy is there to be enjoyed and cherished, so talking to your care team if you feel overwhelmed will really help alleviate worry. “Scans are still being arranged, but there may be some restrictions on when the partner can attend. Certain appointments may also be conducted via phone. However, it is extremely important that if you have any concerns, whatever they are, including decreased movement, bleeding etc, that you still call your midwife or maternity unit or 111” explains Dooley. If you develop a cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, or shortness of breath, it is important that you call 111 and do not attend your scheduled appointment. A lot of these symptoms could be due to other medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection. However, appropriate care will be offered by specialists who will be well equipped to look after you. “Remember, a lot of health professionals will be wearing PPE. If you have indeed contracted the virus, a lot of hospitals after a Covid-19 infection arrange for a scan to be done 2 weeks later” says Dooley. “If your partner gets symptoms, it is essential that they do not attend the hospital, follow government guidelines and make your hospital aware. They will be able to help you.” During labour, there will be local policies and again, it is important that you talk to your hospital about their policy. “It is important that a plan is put together, and the involvement of your partner
is discussed. This is true for spontaneous labour, induced labour or for caesarean section. There obviously will be a difference in the environment and a lot of the staff may be wearing PPE” says Dooley.
Breast feeding and Covid-19 A lot of new parents are worried about breastfeeding. “At present, there is no evidence you cannot continue with this” explains Dooley. “If you do contract Covid-19, speak to your midwife and follow the latest guidelines but at present, it is advisable to wear masks and take the usual precautions.” Again, with social isolation, all visitors should be avoided.
THE DETAILS If you or someone you love is feeling anxious about getting pregnant, there is hope. Find out more about the King Edward VII’s Poundbury Fertility Centre by contacting our patient services team: 020 7467 4344 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm www.kingedwardvii.co.uk
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Osteoarthritis in young people: it doesn’t just affect the elderly O
steoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK. It’s a chronic, debilitating condition that affects over 9 million people. However, misconceptions about osteoarthritis proliferate - perhaps most notably, the myth that it only affects the elderly. This is not the case: although older people are more likely to get osteoarthritis (it is, in fact, most common in adults in their mid-40s and older), about 15,000 children and young people also develop this condition.
What is osteoarthritis? King Edward VII’s Hospital physician Dr David Porter explains: “Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that develops when cartilage in the joints wears down over time. Cartilage is a spongy material that’s present at the ends of the bones, to help 156 june 2020
cushion them and prevent them rubbing against each other.” Dr Porter continues: “When cartilage wears down and bones rub against each other causing friction, it leads to pain, stiffness and loss of movement.” Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine. It occurs gradually and will eventually become worse over time.
What causes osteoarthritis in the young? The causes in the young generally differ from those of an older person, and include being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having a job that requires sitting down for long periods of time, and poor posture when sitting for long periods. “Performing regular impact sports, such as football
“When cartilage wears down and bones rub against each other causing friction, it leads to pain, stiffness and loss of movement”
or hockey is also a common cause” explains Dr Porter, an internationally renowned senior physician in sports medicine and previously the Club Doctor at Chelsea FC. “A family history of osteoarthritis, or having diabetes or a disorder related to growth hormones can also be a cause” says Dr Porter. “Osteoarthritis in older people and the elderly is usually down to wear and tear of joints that naturally occurs with age.” How does osteoarthritis affect young people differently? Early onset osteoarthritis can affect a young person’s ability to carry out their job or perform their favourite exercise. Older people will still be affected in the same way, but perhaps they might be retired and less keen on intense exercise or professional level sports. “In especially young people, such as teenagers, osteoarthritis can affect mental wellbeing too” explains Dr Porter. “This is a time when there’s a pressure to ‘fit in’ and be like everybody else. If osteoarthritis means teens can’t do the same sports or have the same social life as others, then they may feel left out and socially isolated.” Osteoarthritis in young people can also have an impact on education. If time is needed off school to attend appointments, have surgeries or to deal with pain, then they could be at a disadvantage
when it comes to exams. Young people in their 20s and 30s can be left behind in the race for university places, jobs and careers if their school grades have been affected or they’re suffering flare ups preventing them from achieving what they want to achieve.
THE DETAILS For more information on Dr Porter and the treatment options at King Edward VII’s Hospital, call our patient services team: 020 7467 4344, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm www.kingedwardvii.co.uk
What are the treatment options? Although any damage to the joints cannot be reversed, the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be managed, allowing sufferers to live as normal a life as possible. Treatments for osteoarthritis include lifestyle advice, medications, orthobiologics and surgery. Dr Porter specialises in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, a highly-personalised treatment which has been used for more than a decade in professional sports for both men and women. “PRP treatment involves the collection of a small amount of the individual patient’s own blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the red blood cells. The platelets are then injected into the area of injury to stimulate healing and regeneration. Platelets are the body’s own wound and injury healing mechanism” says Dr Porter. If you’re a young person suffering with osteoarthritis, Versus Arthritis has lots of valuable help, information and support available on their website.
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AGATA TREASURES sources unique home accessories and decorative objects handmade in Sicily. We are passionate about Sicilian craftsmanship, and will show you a new unconventional “Sicilia�, invisible to most of its travellers. Explore our offer of vases, planters, bookends, candle holders, lamps, tableware and jewellery. Every product comes with a fascinating story rooted in the ancient traditions of Sicily.
Discover our treasures on www.agatatreasures.com info@agatatreasures.com - +44 (0) 7449772176
HOuse &
garden SPONSORED BY
Expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property
– Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AGE : ES P RESSO DESIGN
H OUSE & GARDEN
[ NE W S ]
INTERIORS
CONTEMPORARY CORNERS
A contemporary corner sofa is perfect for open-plan living and relaxed spaces. Designer sofa specialists Darlings of Chelsea have a selection of new corner sofas available in a variety of styles, fabrics and colourways to suit your dĂŠcor. The Norton Corner Sofa offers a wide range of fabrics and allows you customize your inclusive scatter cushions in complimentary fabrics if you wish to make this chair truly your own. Style with minimal accessories and soft hues to inject class and comfort into your living room. www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk
unique & striking
MY Furniture’s striking new Papillon range takes inspiration from the highly collectable, bespoke American furniture of the 1960s. Each piece is unique and has its own individual character, designed using eyecatching Macassar Ebony veneer applied to solid ash. www.my-furniture.com
fun & functional
London based Mint & May puts the fun into functional with its range of unique and funky homewares. From decorative items to home bar accessories, the Mint & May website is packed with gift ideas. www.mintandmay.co.uk 160 june 2020
FRENCH FANCY
LUXE STYLE
Tap into luxe style with the Helena range from Living it Up. A classic yet unique design, ideal for contemporary and glamorous interior spaces. The Helena sofa is a classically Art Deco designed sofa. Featuring a large back and narrow arms, there will be plenty of space for all the family to enjoy a big night in. www.livingitup.co.uk
The French Bedroom Company collections of French furniture, contemporary lighting and quirky accessories are for those who want a bit of sassy French style in their bedroom. Born out of a fascination of French designs, textures, craftsmanship, heritage, and history, the collections are fun and feminine - with quality at the core. Beautifully made French designs combine with quirky and contemporary lighting and accessories to create interiors that are eye-catching, elegant, inspiring, chic and most importantly, unique! www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
HOUSE & GARDEN
‘Kiss my kitchen!’ T
hey say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and over the past few weeks this sentiment has most definitely been proved true! Not just a practical room where meals are prepared and often served, it’s become the real hub of the home. From home schooling and a ‘hot desk’ office space to stay-at-home dinner parties, the kitchen has become the soul of the home as well as the heart. Many amateur chefs and home bakers have embraced lockdown, finding the time to try new and exciting recipes, often with the help of younger, budding cooks too! Even those reluctant cooks have been forced to re-discover their kitchens, learning some basic culinary skills. Who hasn’t tried sourdough bread recently? Along with the attention that has been put into creating these lockdown meals, people have come to appreciate just how valuable sitting and eating together is – real quality time! Having spent so much time in lockdown in your home, whether you want to ‘kiss your kitchen’ because it’s done you proud or ‘kiss your kitchen goodbye’ and can’t wait to see the back of it, the chances are that there’s something you want to change! Ideally situated between East Sheen and Richmond on Upper Richmond Road is Ray Munn Kitchens. It’s a fabulous showroom that’s provided private clients, interior designers and architects, and even some celebrities with the kitchen of their dreams. Proudly independent for over 10 years, the showroom displays include inspirational settings from leading Italian kitchen manufacturers and bespoke kitchens, handcrafted by some of the top British manufacturers.
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“Whether you want to ‘kiss your kitchen’ because it’s done you proud or ‘kiss your kitchen goodbye’ and can’t wait to see the back of it, the chances are that there’s something you want to change!”
With kitchens to suit all budgets, Ray Munn’s most popular kitchens are supplied by the Arredo 3 and Davonport brands. Arredo 3 is based in Italy and offers exciting and contemporary styled kitchens, mixing on-trend finishes with glass and woodgrain, whilst a Davonport kitchen offers the discerning homeowner a truly bespoke design, with customised and painted units. The established and highly talented team of designers at Ray Munn have worked on many different projects during the past 10 years, transforming compact kitchens to large, open plan spaces, all with the same care, attention to detail and stylish touches that are synonymous with a Ray Munn Kitchen. Working with local builders and architects, the experienced team at Ray Munn can oversee your entire kitchen project by offering a design and installation process, leaving you to enjoy a stress free transformation with minimum inconvenience. For more information on Ray Munn Kitchens or to contact them, visit their website at raymunnkitchens.co.uk or call 0208 487 5774 and ‘Kiss your old kitchen goodbye forever!’.
Ray Munn Kitchens LtD 429 upper Richmond Road West, London sW14 7PJ t :020 8487 5774 We aRe oPen foR PRivate aPPointMents LiMiteD to one househoLD gRouP at a tiMe. PLease caLL to MaKe an aPPointMent With one of ouR DesigneRs. 20% Discount on ouR itaLian fuRnituRe DuRing June, JuLy anD august. aPPLies to neW enquiRies. teRMs anD conDitions aPPLy.
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Stunning Chandeliers
T
he Wilkinson family have been in the glass business since the 1920’s, when Frank Wilkinson had a glass cutting shop in Stourbridge, the home of the English crystal industry. Currently David Wilkinson, the third generation of the family to run the business with his wife Mandy, their 4 daughters and the office dog Oscar. David is recognised as one of the UK’s most knowledgeable authorities on historic lighting. In 1986 David was granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM the Queen as glass restorer and still holds the honour today. Their shiny black vans with the royal coat of arms are instantly recognisable around London. They are able to recreate almost any chandelier by copying originals or by working with new designs and drawings. They have the skills and expertise to use a combination of new or antique pieces from their stock and newly blown glass and metalwork to construct chandeliers in a variety of styles and sizes. Now based in rural Bredgar in Kent, they employ 18 staff manufacturing and restoring chandeliers and glassware from all over the world, they also clean customer’s chandeliers on site particularly for the City Livery Halls, private banks and clubs. They take chandeliers apart and clean them by hand. They do not spray them with solvents that can cause untold damage and leave a film to attract dust. Whilst onsite, they will check over the chandelier for electrical faults and damaged parts and will compile
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a report for the customer. They also carefully pack chandeliers for shipping and they have a warehouse for storing customers chandeliers and lights while they are having renovation works at their properties. Wilkinson regularly work or clean the chandeliers at all the Royal Palaces in London and their other customers include several middle eastern royal families, the National Trust, English Heritage and dozens of stately homes. Spencer House in St James’s is undoubtedly London’s finest surviving 18th century town house and they have 5 of Wilkinson’s finest Adam style chandeliers, a short walk away, the magnificent Lanesborough Hotel on Hyde Park Corner has 50 handmade Wilkinson chandeliers from the suite of three huge Baltic style chandeliers in the Michelin starred Celeste restaurant to fine reproductions of 19th century English chandeliers by Perry and F&C Osler Their highly skilled glass cutters are able to remove chips from the rims of glasses, bowls and vases, remove stains from decanters and fit new legs, bowls and feet to wine glasses. 2020 will be remembered for the year of the coronavirus but it will also mark a new chapter in the Wilkinson company history. New glass melting furnaces have been built and assembled a few miles away at their industrial unit in Sittingbourne and renowned glass blower Carl Nordbruch will give Wilkinson’s a unique edge, being able to blow, cut and polish anything in lead crystal. www.wilkinson-ltd.com 01795 830000
“The magnificent Lanesborough Hotel on Hyde Park Corner has 50 handmade Wilkinson chandeliers “
Photography: Ken Crook Images
H OUSE & GARDEN
THE GREAT ESCAPE Studio Azur - a new photo collection by Desenio
D
esenio offers a wide range of stylish posters and prints showcasing the latest interior design trends – and always with great prices and high quality. With a wide assortment of primarily Scandinavian art designs, they understand the effect good wall art can have on a home. Their posters let you show who lives there and let you convey the feeling you wish your home to impart with very simple means. Art should be for everyone, and by offering thousands of different designs and art
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posters, Desenio hope you will find those that are perfect for you. You will always find inspiration for your interior style, whether you want to decorate a bedroom, a small hallway, an office or an entire home! They have affordable wall art for all rooms and occasions, and naturally offer equally stylish frames and other high-quality accessories at great prices. Desenio is launching Studio Azur, a new photo collection embodying our innate need to be human. With everyday life becoming more data-driven and result-oriented, a lot of people are yearning for emotional connections and experiences rooted in reality. This modern longing for a simpler life inspired this photo art collection, shot in beautiful locations along Mexico’s Caribbean coast by a creative team from Desenio’s Design Studio. With the new collection, Desenio wanted to capture what it means to be truly present. Azur reflects a lifestyle trend where we feel a need to ground ourselves and appreciate the little things. We want to feel connected to, and be, our true selves, says Executive Creative Director Annica Wallin. This collection of 32 photo art prints portrays a dreamlike world where today is all that matters. - Since the production of Studio Azur took place, a lot has changed due to the current global health crisis. Right now, a lot of people are being challenged to really live in the moment and appreciate life’s little joys, says Annica Wallin. The longing for a calmer-paced lifestyle is also influencing how we decorate our homes. – When you look at the interior trends of the season, a big one is creating a calm and relaxing space that is free from clutter. Making conscious choices regarding materials and furniture is more important than ever right now. We believe this art collection really conveys the feeling of being present and enjoying the moment you are in. www.desenio.com
“With the new collection, Desenio wanted to capture what it means to be truly present. Azur reflects a lifestyle trend where we feel a need to ground ourselves and appreciate the little things”
blackheath flooring & interiors
10%
DISCOUNT WHEN YOU MENTION LIFE MAGS
131 Lee Road Blackheath SE3 9DS
Carpets, rugs, sisal, coir, seagrass, wood solid & engineering boards, laminate, amtico, vinyl
By appointment only, keeping us and you safe.
Not just a pretty floor!
Also suppliers of Plantation Shutters and Blinds For a FREE estimate 0208 297 9600
blackheathinteriors@gmail.com
www.blackheathinteriors.com
HOUSE & GARDEN
Definitive
Design at its best
I
nteriors By Joanne Mills is an award winning interior design company based in Kensington Church Street, London. Joanne has been in the industry now for over 20 years and has managed to build a progressive relationship with clients here in London, Essex, Surrey, Kent, Hertfordshire, Europe and now the Middle East, with a very impressive portfolio. Joanne feels she has now over the years built an amazing team around her that are an imperative part of the business, and between them all they work very closely putting together some amazing projects. “Specialising in residential and commercial design we feel we are one of the best in London offering competitive rates. Our soft furnishings are sent all over the UK and
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further afield and our attention to detail is delivered with an immaculate finish. We work with all the leading wallpaper and textile companies delivering the best thats available to each and every individual client that steps through our door.” “I strongly believe that a home should tell a story, it’s all about you and your history of where you began and what you learned along the way to create this beautiful space that you call your home. It should be practical, functional, and inspire you everyday. We all need that one room in the house to walk into, kick off our shoes and totally feel rewarded and chilled just by sitting there. I do consider myself as a true designer story teller, clients hire me to tell they’re stories within the architecture, design, furniture, paints, feature walls, and all those little one off pieces within the home that I’ve selected to tell a little about them. I believe when designing, the hand picked pieces are the elements within the design that I personally love placing the most. This could be a piece of marble flown in from halfway around the world, a beautiful light design brought in from Italy or an old chair selected at a boot sale, however it’s how we place it, that really makes the difference.” – Director, Joanne Mills Interiors by Joanne Mills, 58/60 Kensington Church Street, London W84DB. 020 7368 1633 www.interiorsbyjoannemills.co.uk
“I do consider myself as a true designer story teller, clients hire me to tell they’re stories within the architecture, design, furniture, paints, feature walls, and all those little one off pieces within the home that I’ve selected to tell a little about them”
We are aN Interior Design Company offering an Elite design service to Private and Individual Clients, and Property developers. Specialising in Residential and Commercial design we feel we are one of the best in London offering competitive ratES.
58/60 Kensington Church Street, London W84DB. 020 7368 1633 www.interiorsbyjoannemills.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
SGS Design:
Passionate & Creative F
ounded by Sophie Stevens, SGS Design is a Kent-based practice and established studio of Interior Architects and Designers. Sophie leads a passionate and creative design team of 7 to produce diverse high-end residential interiors and select, smallscale commercial projects, including The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells. The Beacon demonstrates the studio’s aesthetic and adeptness to combine materials, colour and decorative periods to create a welcoming and eclectic interior. Every project is approached with the client’s brief as the foundation of the design process. SGS Design collaborate with their clients to develop innovative design solutions, unique to each home and inspired by the owner’s taste and lifestyle. The studio’s approach is holistic; using their experience to combine the practical architectural interior considerations, supported with detailed technical drawings and specification with the layering of final furnishings and finishes. SGS Design has worked on some beautiful and varied projects – from the full refurbishment of a 1930’s family home with a modern extension and minimalist interior, to a new-build home within an established walled-garden in Kent and full refurbishment of a London Bridge wharf apartment. The variety and unique demands of each project ensure the design approach is distinctive to every client’s home. As an established business, SGS Design has been fortunate and adapted to work through this current period of uncertainty as a result of the pandemic. The full design and administration team have continued to work remotely to support live client projects, complete design work for exciting new client briefs and revisit old clients wanting to adapt their interiors to accommodate changes to lifestyle with the new demands on our homes. The studio is currently busy working on a variety of projects – supporting a client with the sympathetic restoration of an Elizabethan estate in East Sussex, in Sevenoaks the design team are completing a Soho House inspired extension and refurbishment of an Arts and Crafts family home, whilst also designing an extensive new-build luxury
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property in London incorporating home gym, indoor pool and self-contained annex. Whilst each project is commenced with a fresh design approach, every project has a team dedicated to the design process from initial concepts through to completion and supported move-in date. SGS Design work with local architects, contractors and tradesman to ensure a professional and comprehensive design service. The design team are supported by an office and procurement manager, underpinning the design process with administrative support. Interior design is an essential element to achieving a functional and beautiful home. SGS Design will work closely with the client to understand and interpret their design aspirations and practical lifestyle demands and create a unique and exquisite home.
THE DETAILS For further details of our design service please contact Sophie Stevens via email studio@sgsdesign.co.uk or call Jill in the studio on 01892 574 576.
Hingstons Of Wilton Purveyors of Antiques and decorative items (est. 1976)
T: 01722 742263
E: nick@hingstons-antiques.co.uk
The Old Bell House, 2 Shaftesbury Road, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0DR
www.hingstons-antiques.co.uk
Specialist plastering company that has been established for over 30 years. Recently, the firm were selected in LUXLlfe’s 2018 Leading Designers Awards where they were awarded the accolade Most Outstanding Plastering Firm in London. They also won the Plastering Company of the Year award in LTG Lifestyle Awards 2018/2019 and the Best Plaster Restoration Company South East England award of BUILD 2018 Construction & Engineering. Established in 1990, London Plastercraft Ltd have the largest range of stock cornice patterns anywhere with over 200 Victorian patterns, more than 100 Edwardian and over 100 Georgian, along with many other modern and period designs. Currently they have been developing cornice patterns to incorporate L.E.D lighting and also air conditions flow through designs.
H OUSE & GARDEN
Tap into Interiors Inspiration There are still lots of ways to get creative with your decor, as interior designer Penny Ann Johnson tells Sam Wylie-Harris.
T
he decor, pattern and colour we bring into our homes is often influenced by the things we see beyond our own four walls, when we’re out and about. Statement pieces that catch our eye, or simple style fixes like a new sofa or display cabinet to set the scene. It’s much easier to imagine how these things will sit and take shape when someone else has done the groundwork, and put all the bits and bobs together in a lovely showroom. So what does interiors inspiration look like during the #stayhomestaysafe era? Things may be very different right now, but tapping into our creative side can bring a host of benefits - for our wellbeing as well as breathing new life into our living spaces (where we’re spending a lot more time than usual!). And there’s still a realm of possibilities to explore, especially when you play around with existing household items, pick up a paintbrush, or
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introduce a few key pieces available online. Here, interior designer Penny Ann Johnson of Penny Ann Interiors, who will be appearing at Grand Designs Live 2020, shows how to get creative with your interiors while in isolation... “What have you been doing with your time while we’re all confined to our own four walls? I’d imagine if you’re anything like me, you’re sat on your sofa staring at a bare wall wondering how to improve it, or thinking about how you can complete that spare bedroom you’ve been ignoring for a year,” says Johnson. “But lockdown, means limitations, things aren’t so readily available as retailers are abiding by government regulations. So here’s a few clever tips on how to have some fun with your interiors.”
Play with panelling “Panelling is a thing. It’s everywhere at the moment; Insta-worthy 3D wall panelling is a modern version of period architecture. At first it seems a little ‘off
H OUSE & GARDEN
“To kill some time in isolation, bring all your styling pieces together in one place, regroup them into three’s and redistribute them around your room. And then sit back and relax with a feeling of having a revived space with little effort.” Check out swoonworthy.co.uk for inspiration.
Style up your space with statement art
the wall’ but in the right room, it can add great character without a lot of work. “Firstly play around with the width, pattern, orientation and height of the wall to come up with a design. Get yourself online to B&Q Homebase (use their click and car park collect service if available) and purchase some simple lengths of baton to help you create your masterpiece. “Measure your design out on the wall and secure the baton either with grab adhesive or screws. Once it’s secured, choose a beautiful colour to help emphasis the statement. Sit back and watch the shadows cast their shade and your wall come to life.” Check out angelarosehome.com for inspiration.
Create a picture wall “Picture walls are all the rage these days, a great way to fill that empty wall, show some self expression and make that space more homely. “Visit Amazon and search ‘Picture Gallery Frames’. There are some fab sets of 10-plus frames of varying sizes too, to help you create your picture wall. Have a think about what you’d like to put in your frames. “Pinterest is a great source for frame-able quotes, and these are a fab way to make the design feel more personal. Include some family photos - get them printed either via your home printer or a company like Snapfish, delivered to your door. Then get them hung, stand back and revel in the pride from seeing those important moments and people displayed beautifully in your home.” Check out posterstore.co.uk for inspiration.
Group decos and homewares “They say three is a crowd... not in the case of interior styling it’s not! Think about the styling around your home, and think odd numbers. There’s something about grouping things in threes that leads the eye to move around the display. “Some people do prefer a symmetrical look but this needs to be done expertly and with sharp precision. Where as designing with odd numbers in mind allows a little more freedom,” she adds. 176 june 2020
“Think smart with some statement art. In this uncertain world we’re all living in at the moment, support the little independent companies. Check out Etsy and search ‘Prints’. There are some fantastic artists, illustrators and designers, who are still working away to help you make your homes beautiful,” she suggests. “Artwork can be one of the most important parts to a room. It’s a talking point, and offers both the purchaser and onlooker the opportunity to think and express creatively. Find something that speaks to you, and look forward to that little package arriving from the outside world.”
“Picture walls are all the rage these days, a great way to fill that empty wall, show some self expression and make that space more homely”
Consider wall murals “Get out the paint! We’re seeing a huge revival in wall murals. The idea offers such versatility to add character and personality to a room, you’d be mad not to devote at least one wall in your home to an idea,” says Johnson. “So while we’re all getting in touch with our creative sides, delve into your garage and see what old paint pots you have stashed away. Companies like Mylands can still send you sample pots of their fantastic paints (I’m a big fan) to add to your colour library, while you’re searching for inspiration. “Whether it’s a geometrical or floral design, an abstract creation or ombre fade, that wall can be anything you want it to be. Let loose and go wild, it could be the most liberating thing you do during lockdown.” Check out lilitartstore.com for inpiration.
Autumn Fae Candles creates vegan candles made from soy wax, cruelty free ingredients and hand picked petals. Autumn Fae Candles are whimsical, natural and perfectly blended. Find the summer scents at www.autumnfaecandles.com and follow on Instagram @autumnfaecandlesuk
H OUSE & GARDEN
IURI&JANE-HOME A
cclaimed international designers Iuri Shubladze and Jane Wilson-Marquis have launched their first collaborative collection, IURI&JANE-HOME. The line debuts with their new collection of midnight black and barely off white pillows. Their original designs and surface treatments such as hand painting and silk screening give a one-of-a-kind beauty and quality to their pillows. Iuri is an innovative New York fashion designer creating one-of-a kind clutches, bags, scarves, and other accessories for men and women. His work has found a following among people all over the world and is regularly featured in shows and galleries. He is a graduate of New York’s elite Fashion Institute of Technology and, while at FIT, studied international fashion design in a special year-long program at the
Politecnico de Milano in Milan, Italy. Jane, who is also based in New York, designs clothing for women who want a distinctive and original look. Her clothes have been featured in film, theater and television and exhibited in London, New York City, and Singapore. Jane, from the United Kingdom, comes from the world of modern dance and mixed media theater, and Iuri, from the country of Georgia, is a mixed media artist and painter as well as a fashion designer. They share a passion not just for fashion, but for everything HOME Now, in partnering to create their first IURI &JANE-HOME Collection, they have joined their artistry and talents to produce a unique pillow collection that reflects Jane’s and Iuri’s distinctive cultural heritages and design sensibilities.
THE DETAILS For further information and order inquiries including custom orders: Contact London-based: Koulla Constantinou, sales UK and EUROPE Email: koullaconstantinou@hotmail.com. Cell: 07496669186 NYC -based Iuri and Jane, sales USA and Canada Iuri iurish_blacklabel@hotmail.com Jane jane.wilsonmarquis@gmail.com 001 917 678 5537 www.iuriandjanehome.com
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Keeping London Magnificent
W
hen I first got involved in the security door and window industry, I thought I knew at least a bit about doors and windows, having used them all my life. As it turned out, I had a bit of an eye-opener when it came to the ease and speed with which criminals can gain entry to a property through various types of locks and doors. Everything I saw from lock picking to purely just kicking down the door made me realise that my front door had given me a false sense of security all this time. Affluent counties have reported year-on-year increases in burglaries during the latest release of annual crime stats and there are currently neighbourhoods in London where we’re helping to combat burglaries from mopeds crashing through front doors. There’s never any harm in being proactive and taking precautions to ensure your family and possessions are protected. A high quality security door can do so much more than just keep
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“When you’re designing a property, you need to be able to personalise the security aspects so they fit seamlessly into the overall look and feel, without detracting from it”
intruders (not to mention wind, fire, water, cold and noise) out. It can improve a property’s aesthetic, raise its value and decrease the cost of insurance. We’re starting to see a trend where new builds and refurbishments are including an element of panic rooms, security doors or security windows as standard. When you’re designing a property, you need to be able to personalise the security aspects so they fit seamlessly into the overall look and feel, without detracting from it. Our bespoke design service and ability to literally incorporate any door furniture into the manufactured product, gives you all the flexibility you’ll ever need.
Why Magnificent Security? • Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features. • Security - incredibly durable panic rooms, security doors and security windows with bulletproof or triple-glazed security glass. • Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients. • Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty. • Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install and service your new security doors, security windows and panic rooms, whilst removing and recycling anything that is being replaced. • Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station. www.magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk
Security doors, windows and panic rooms
Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features. Security - incredibly durable doors and windows with bulletproof or triple glazed security glass. Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients. Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty. Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install, and service your new doors and windows, whilst removing and recycling your old ones.
www.magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez | 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
LETTERS FROM THE LABYRINTH Artist Rebecca Solow
table book, but as a fantasy one. Launched in 2019, The Stranger’s Guide To Talliston follows the adventures of a 13-year-old boy as he gets trapped within the labyrinth of the house and there discovers the maze and the mystery of the children who have vanished inside.
Epic adventures
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ewis Carroll once said, “The proper definition of a human is an animal that writes letters.” Yet in our world of mobile texts, email and Facebook messaging, the days of receiving good old-fashioned letters in the post seems a thing of the past. Not so, says John Tarrow, author and creator of Talliston House & Gardens. “There is something almost magical about receiving an actual letter these days,” says John. “There’s a real thrill to see your name hand-written on an envelope.” Magic is something John is quite familiar with. In 1990 he bought the UK’s most ordinary house – a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Essex – and over 25 years transformed it, room by room, by ordinary people on an ordinary budget, into what The Times now calls “Britain’s most extraordinary home.” Each one of its locations is set in a different time and place, and visitors experience the house like walking the path of a labyrinth. Part of the Historic Houses Invitation To View Scheme, this private house is open on select days for tours, afternoon teas and enchanted evenings exploring the thirteen rooms. Once Talliston was completed, John set about capturing the rooms’ stories and characters in a young adult novel. Having enjoyed an awardwinning career in publishing and editorial, John knew that the way to tell the story of the building of the house and gardens was not with a coffee-
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When his publishers asked for a follow-up, John decided to postpone writing the sequel, turning instead to a new and unique project. Inspired by similar initiatives like artist Janice MacLeod’s Letters From Paris, “At its core, Letters From The Labyrinth reintroduces us to the thrill of receiving letters. But these are not just ordinary letters. These are monthly illustrated and personalised correspondence that build into an epic adventure story. It’s the perfect gift for any fantasy reader, young or old.” Lavishly illustrated by artist Rebecca Solow, each letter is a work of art in itself. An illustrator of children’s books, young adult book covers, and magazine stories, she also designs characters for games and concept art for films. Rebecca primarily paints traditionally in mixed media and draws inspiration from classic folk and fairy tales, exactly the classic style John was looking for. So while the story of the letters is filled with wild adventures, you also get to own high quality prints the hand painted watercolour originals. Discover more about the house, novel or the letters from www.johntarrow.com.
Author John Tarrow
“Author John Tarrow has created a fascinating way to reintroduce young and old to the joy of receiving letters”
Hand poured, 100% soy wax candles decorated with foraged botanicals, natural crystals and biodegradable glitter. Non Toxic | Cruelty-Free | Sustainable A Littlemore than just a candle.
07539 223 487 molly@littlemorecandleco.com www.littlemorecandleco.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
George and James Architects transform hammersmith townhouse basement
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mploying someone to design and remodel or build your most valuable asset is likely to be a nerve racking experience. Architects are highly skilled and professionally trained to turn your aspirations into reality. They will guide you through the design, planning and construction process. The clients approached George and James Architects looking to improve a previous basement conversion, which included an under-used family room, a dark kitchen diner, and a utility room enjoying prime position overlooking the garden. Their first gesture was to remove as much of the internal walls as possible, connecting the southfacing front lightwell with the north-facing rear garden. George and James Architects added a small extension to the front lightwell to provide an entrance lobby, utility space and storage for shoes and coats. The front half of the basement – with its Terrazzo tiled floor – is given over to the kitchen, whereas the rear half – with its limed oak floor – is divided into a dining room adjacent to the kitchen, and a music room opening out onto the rear garden via a pair of full-height aluminium French doors. The existing staircase was adapted to create a more inviting route down from the ‘piano nobile’, including a glazed balustrade and a brightly coloured stair runner. This colour theme was carried through to the steel columns, pendant light cabling and soft furnishings. Timber and aluminium shelving was installed in the kitchen and dining room, so that the client could populate the space with their ‘objet d’art’. The front lightwell was accessed via a modern steel staircase, which was not appropriate given the house’s siting in a Conservation Area. George and
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James Architects replaced this with a traditional stone staircase with a metal handrail, providing much-needed refuse and recycling storage. The front gate, path and door were also replaced to improve on first impressions. Simon Drayson, a director of George and James Architects and the project architect said “This was a great opportunity to transform an impressive townhouse. We enjoyed working collaboratively with the clients and the contractor to create a thoughtful, contemporary space that reflects the clients’ Irish-Italian heritage and their love of good food, socialising and the arts.” George and James Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice based in Bermondsey, South London. The practice was founded in 2013 by Simon George Drayson and Darren James Leach as a design-led studio working on architecture, interior design and conservation projects. www.georgeandjames.co.uk E: architects@georgeandjames.co.uk T: 020 7231 7495
“George and James Architects carried out our basement renovation with an assured and modern touch. The judgement of proportion and layout was spot on as well as their guidance on how to maximise and brighten a rather dark and lowceilinged space. We are delighted with the result which has transformed our living space and given our home a new lease of life.” – Client
H OUSE & GARDEN
5 ways to bring boutique living into your home
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othing beats a weekend jaunt to an immaculately designed boutique hotel, with its welcoming reception, buzzing bespoke bar and beautifully designed bedrooms, what’s not to love. That’s because the best hotels in the business are carefully crafted to offer their temporary residents a fleeting moment of exclusivity. But why should that experience be so brief, when you can simply immerse yourself in boutique luxury living all year round in your very own home. This month award winning Interior designer Shanade McAllister-Fisher reveals her top 5 tips for elevating your own interiors without the need to lift a single sledgehammer.
Wallpaper to wow Wall coverings instantly bring warmth and interest to a room. Shanade recommends hanging a textured wallpaper such as grass cloth or silk in the bedroom to create a serein luxe environment. On the other hand, she encourages her clients to be far braver in powder rooms or entrance hallways where the introduction of bold patterns or punchy colours will produce a flash of instantaneous drama.
Art, Art, Art Shanade insists that art is vital when it comes to revolutionising rooms. She suggests tackling large plain walls with an eclectic arrangement of different art pieces or by showcasing one large standout image. Either way, it will introduce colour, energy and depth. Shanade say’s “art is the ultimate 188 june 2020
conversational catalyst, so be prepared to fire up a fiery debate”.
Fuse the old with the new “Shanade recommends hanging a textured wallpaper such as grass cloth or silk in the bedroom to create a serein luxe environment”
Hotels don’t hold back, so why should you. Create statement pieces with intrigue by reinvigorate vintage furniture. Aim to reupholster old items in energetic and vibrant fabrics before mixing these back into your scheme alongside more contemporary elements and objects. This juxtaposing contrast will bring new life into any room, while maintaining a feeling of soul.
Invoke the Senses Use scented candles or diffusers to create a warm relaxing atmosphere. Shanade proposes selecting a scent that matches the mood of your room. For example, if you have a bright airy living space you may choose a fresh, light, zingy citrus scent. Or for a more atmospheric space, a smoky oak or cedar wood smell would really set the stage. Alternately for the ultimate in high-end luxury you could commission your very own signature scent.
Reach for the soft furnishings For a swift and satisfying fix, upgrade cushions on sofas, beds, and occasional chairs to introduce a new accent colour that compliments your rooms existing palette. This will positively revive the room’s energy and style. This is also a great opportunity to add different textures, patterns and forms. Finally, introduce throws and blankets of varying textiles for added layers of luxury. Contact: www.shanademcallisterfisher.com
THE ASpEn poRcELAin Wood TiLE RAngE
1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546
info@spacers-uk.com | maidenhead@spacers-uk.com
Luxury Interior Design
T:+44 (0)2036687617 | M:+44 (0)7799286802 www.rosenarmani.com | Instagram: @rosenarmani.interiors
magnificent security - lisa
Underfloor Heating Solutions UK Ltd will design, supply, install and commission all your underfloor requirements. Our aftercare team are always available for technical support. Contact the office for our free consultation and quotation service.
warm@underfloor.org • 0800 048 9403
H OUSE & GARDEN
ROYAL
TEA “A
s my Son has been called to His Majesty’s Colours, this establishment will be open by appointment only until further Notice” was the announcement my grandmother posted on a card in the window of our antiques shop in Tring High Street in 1941. Two years later, with the help of my mother the shop was open on a regular basis. By 1943 I was four years old and already taking an interest in the assorted collection of small items that each evening the two ladies would wrap and put away for safe keeping, lest Hitler decided to drop a bomb on Tring, and then unwrap and place on display the next day. Objects of silver and brass, copper and glass, ivory and papier-mache and of course small pieces wood called Treen. Each item was stroked and lovingly handled and for my benefit described. How, when and where it was made and what is was made of. How to tell Georgian cut glass decanters from Victorian copies? Well the former were polished by wheel and were sharp to the touch, the latter polished with acid and therefore much smoother. Many of such pearls of wisdom stood me in good stead over the years that followed, but some were more fable than fact. I learnt that in France in the mid 1800’s, the very best glass paperweights were made in four main factories; Baccarat, Clichy, Pantin, and Saint Louis. At Millefiori, a thousand flowers made of canes of glass was first developed about 100-200 BC, and
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used to decorate bowls and vases. Encasing these on a glass bubble magnified them and their great period was from1845 -1860. Some have dates hidden in the flowers. All true. But that glass jugs, bowls and tumblers when decorated with enamel pictures of Victorian children were all done by Mary Gregory, a lady glass decorator at the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company is way off the truth. She certainly existed but worked only from 1880 -1884, making it humanly impossible to have produced the hundreds of thousands of examples that were actually made in Bohemia in the 1920’s when they became so popular as a collectable. But the best of myth was the explanation of the little two-box tea caddy with its pretty glass bowl in the centre. One box for Fine Green tea and the other for Bohea tea and the bowl in the middle was for blending the tea to your own taste. I related this at many a television programme until the proud owner of a beautiful specimen produced it for an appraisal during a live recording. Having heard my evaluation the gentleman drew from his pocket the original receipt from the ‘Caddy Maker to His Majesty’ and dated 1824. In it the caddy was described much as my grandmother had said except it ended with “and one glass bowl - for sugar.” Of course you didn’t blend your own tea, Mr Twining did that for you. And Fine Green and Bohea would probably taste like poison. But otherwise.....Thank you Grandma.
THE DETAILS John Bly Antiques: 24 High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 5AH email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com
King Size bed or Mattress for Price Of Double Bed or Mattress Hypnos Offer Ends 30th June 2020
Free Delivery & Assembly Free Gifts Online at www.bestpricebeds.co.uk and Instore
BestPriceBeds Ltd 22 Redenhall Road Harleston Norfolk IP20 9ER
01379 855456 / 01379 855461
At Hypnos, comfort comes guaranteed. But whilst every bed is individually handmade by master craftsman using the very finest natural and sustainable materials, it is you who carefully designs the look of your bed and creates a beautiful centrepiece for your bedroom. So, to be sure that you enjoy a healthy night’s sleep and wake up feeling revitalised and refreshed, visit our Showroom and design a Hypnos bed that’s just right for you.
Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your garden This is a brand new launch of incredible outdoor lighting available from fairyDusk. Creatd Interiors is a carefully curated collection of home accessories, with an emphasis on organic, artisan and design led products.
For more inFormation visit www.creatdinteriors.com
Order yours at www.fairydusk.co.uk/ collections/the-med-collection Al fresco never looked so good contact: lights@fairydusk.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram @fairydusklights
H OUSE & GARDEN HOUSE
Espresso Design
the world’s coolest kitchens
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o be the best in our industry, a company needs more than great products and design skills. At Espresso Design we’re not just experts at creating beautiful spaces. We specialise in dealing with the practicalities and logistics of delivering complicated projects whilst offering excellent value for money and brilliant customer service. During lockdown we have been working virtually, sharing our digital work directly with clients at home. This hasn’t been a difficult adjustment as we have always designed in a virtual environment. Many clients enjoy the freedom this technology offers, and our designers are very experienced at working with the latest platforms and 3D software to create a digital reality for their projects. In line with the latest health and safety guidelines, we are now delighted to announce the re-opening of our Chelsea Harbour and Wandsworth showrooms on an appointment basis. We have recently completed an extensive re-fit of both showrooms and are delighted to introduce four stunning new ranges from Cesar. • The award-winning Intarsio range takes its inspiration from traditional marquetry to create doors with distinctive cross directional veneers.
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These units pair beautifully with marble and other luxury materials to create truly unique kitchens. • The 50’s is a modern interpretation of iconic 1950’s bookcase design re-imagined for dining and living areas. The unit is based around aluminium vertical supports with built-in dimmable lighting. The versatile structure can accommodate everything from ovens to glass and bottle cabinets, alongside open units. • The Williamsburg range is based around a cast iron and marble island inspired by the modern bridge construction. Side supporting structures are bridged by a suspended horizontal element. The island conveys solidity and strength with a light, slender aesthetic. The result is a stunning, perfectly functional and eminently social space. The UNIT range is a striking freestanding island solution that is elegant, timeless and versatile. Fifteen years after we started Espresso, we are still driven by the same objective: to deliver a truly customer focused approach to award-winning design. We are an organised, stable and wellfunded business with an exemplary track record of delivering beautifully designed interiors and excellent customer service.
THE DETAILS Visit us for coffee and a chat at: 149 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1TQ Tel 0207 078 9912. Unit 203/4, Design Centre East, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour SW10 0XE Tel 0207 078 9912
H OUSE & GARDEN
New Horizons New Home S ince the end of March, the intrinsic value of home and family life has never been more relevant, with many of us living closer and more intimately than we are accustomed to – or possibly ever felt comfortable with! The key to more harmonious co-habitation and survival, in many cases, has been planning space utilisation by creating zonal areas, either consciously or by default. This in turn has led many of us to grasp the unique opportunity to reflect on our domestic environment, and the quality of life that we enjoy within the security and comfort of our homes. In some instances, it’s thrown plans and ideas for a future home project into sharp relief, with a real drive to make it happen sooner rather than later. Richard Dudzicki, principle at RDA Architects, is optimistic about the future of home design, with the level of interest in home building, remodelling and renovating enquiries sharply increased in anticipation of relaxed ‘lockdown’ rules in the coming weeks. “Like many of our clients, we were initially in a state of shock and uncertainty, wondering what the future held and how we would all cope. But as time has elapsed, the crisis in many cases has allowed homeowners to focus on their living space as an alternative to endless video calls, family routines and commuting. This additional time – we call it ‘bonus time’ – has, if anything, hastened ambitions to ‘do something’ about the way that we live and utilise untapped potential in our clients’ properties.” It’s not surprising that we are all taking a keen introspective eye to our surroundings, using the added time to reflect and consider options on whether to remodel or renovate our homes. It may be a far more palatable option to consider the best
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way to improve home lifestyle qualities and possibly future proof against a move. This idea seems even more attractive when weighing up the alternatives of a post pandemic move, including the difficulties associated with socially distanced viewings, a possible dip in the value of your home, and whether your next ‘move’ is even on the market! As Richard continues, “where we seem to succeed with RDA is taking the time to listen to our clients’ needs and what’s important to them. The final project result is quite often an alternative solution to the reason for the original call. It takes a little bit of detective work and listening to really understand what the key needs and issues are, quite often having to strike a balance between the various individual requirements of the house holders.” Richard is passionate about space and light, optimising external views and bringing the garden and greenery into the home. In fact, so much so that RDA has become a leading proponent in the Passiv House movement, where sustainability and conservation play a critical part in each project’s planning and design options. “Client projects can vary from complete home remodelling and structural reshaping, paying all due respect to the location and surrounding architecture, to iconic new builds and extraordinary country houses.” With the summer sun continuing to shine to illuminate every aspect of homelife, it’s the perfect time to seize the moment and create your very own grand design. Richard and his award-winning team are on hand to enable you to realise the home lifestyle you’ve always wished for!
THE DETAILS Richard Dudzicki and his team are available for project review bookings, with further examples and testimonials available by request. Call 020 8299 2222, or find out more by visiting: www.rdauk.com
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THE LUXURY HOME
RENOVATION GUIDE Are you looking to modernise your kitchen, rip out the old bathroom or add a conservatory to create your dream home? From a small home improvement to a full scale renovation, our Guide features the best local Interior Designers, Builders & Tradesmen to create the perfect home. INTERIORS KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS CONSERVATORIES LOFTS BASEMENTS WINDOWS DOORS FLOORING
RENOVATION GUIDE
Hodkin & Jones The Finest Quality
The beauty of fine plaster mouldings was the business of Herbert Hodkin of Hodkin & Jones in 1868 and from those early beginnings for over 150 years now, the company have been associated with the design, manufacture and installation of quality fibrous plaster products still produced by hand now as then.
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odkin & Jones range of mouldings offers one of the most comprehensive selections of fibrous plaster mouldings available. With traditional elegant cornices from Georgian, Victorian, Gothic, Regency and Art Deco periods right through to popular modern day contemporary stepped cornices. Often Architects and Interior Designers create designs not available from standard ranges, which is where Hodkin & Jones offer a bespoke service. From drawings they are able to manufacture mouldings to exact dimensions specified, whether it is a bespoke ceiling design to create a grand space or a cornice specific to the particular project they are working on. Restoration of Listed buildings and historical properties is also a speciality of Hodkin & Jones with many buildings having mouldings reproduced and installed by their team of fixers, overseen by a dedicated contracts manager. Many of the most exclusive properties in London have mouldings from Hodkin & Jones, but confidentiality agreements are strictly adhered to by the company, so unless clients, or their
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representatives allow promotional documentation, the company would never allow images to be taken and used for marketing purposes. This would be a stumbling block for many companies needing images to promote their company, but as a lot of business undertaken by Hodkin & Jones is from architects and interior designers who are already aware of their reputation and also recommendation from contractors who have worked previously with them, this is not a major issue but of course they are always delighted when they are allowed to showcase their work. Hodkin & Jones undertake projects both nationwide and overseas with installers working on a daily basis in London and the surrounding counties. They also have there own transport department to ensure all products are delivered safely and on time.
THE DETAILS For more information, visit the company’s web site on www.hodkinandjones.co.uk. For a free catalogue or to discuss your requirement, call the sales team on 01246 641214
RENOVATION GUIDE
Authentic materials woven and hand-finished in Britain, are the hallmarks of Roger Oates Design Flooring.
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he name Roger Oates Design is synonymous with elegant, timeless floorcoverings. The colourful runners are an exciting way to finish your stairs, making a statement the moment you open the front door. The flatweave is joined to create highly distinctive rugs and wall-to-wall flooring for every room in the house. Made from British Cheviot wool spun and dyed in Yorkshire, the flatweave is woven on traditional shuttle looms in the UK. The lifting and drafting of the loom gives the flatweave its unique texture. The woven edge and intrinsic suppleness enables it to be expertly fitted on to straight steps or winders, resulting in a perfectly tailored staircase. The stripe is at the core of the collection and there is a stripe for everyone. Border designs are bold and dramatic whilst classic, fine lines create an understated, subtle tone. A selection of the border designs have a complementary ground design which work in harmony for stairs and landings. There are currently over 100 designs in the collection but for those wanting something unique, Roger Oates
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offers a bespoke colour service and designs can be rescaled for wider or narrower stairs. For rugs and wall-to-wall fitted flooring, multiple widths are hand-sewn together by skilled craftspeople in the Roger Oates Herefordshire workshop. During the design process special consideration is given to how the stripes will join to create a continuous pattern over multiple widths. Rugs can be finished with a clean simple hem or bound with a linen tape to provide the added benefit of being reversible. All the designs can be viewed by appointment in the Chelsea Showroom or on the website. Small samples for colour reference and larger returnable samples are available on request. Fitting flatweave requires a high level of skill and knowledge. Roger Oates Design offers a full estimating and installation service and is happy to provide advice at the point of measure. This truly British product has become a design classic furnishing floors in chic, urban residences and rural retreats not only in the UK, but across the globe. www.rogeroates.com Tel 020 7351 2288
RENOVATION GUIDE
Adding value to your home
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he best interior design can add real value to your home. And for 14 years, Lindi Reynolds Interior Design has been doing just that by taking on new builds as well as whole house character renovations. When the Lewis family decided to build a 750-square-metre house from scratch in New Road, Esher, Surrey, it was Lindi Reynolds Interior Design that they turned to. They had found the perfect plot on one of the most sought-after roads in Esher. The only problem was that the plot had a tired bungalow on it that required demolishing and they needed someone who could help them envision and create the perfect forever family home. Lindi rose to the challenge, scoping out the project stages. Asked what the secret ingredient to her project recipe is, Lindi says, ‘Without doubt, it is the series of bespoke client workshops that I run with my team at the beginning of any big project. This critical stage helps us establish a shared vision with the client and this is why our projects run smoothly and our clients achieve the results they hope for at the outset. ‘We won’t take a project on without this critical stage, as in the long run it saves everyone time and money. The beauty of it is that it is unique for each client,’ says Lindi. The Lewis Family signed up to a series of workshops tailored to their specific needs. The first topic on the agenda was to establish the design vernacular of the home. Of course this is not
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“When the Lewis family decided to build a 750-squaremetre house from scratch in New Road, Esher, Surrey, it was Lindi Reynolds Interior Design that they turned to”
always necessary. From there they moved onto overall space requirements, general style orientation, specifics on materials usage, colour pallets, textural likes and dislikes, pattern preferences, storage styling and functional requirements, kitchen and bathroom style orientation and functional requirements. ‘Lindi and her team have helped me right through from the initial design of the house to electrics, furniture layouts, lighting, kitchen design, colour schemes, materials choices and furniture specification and soft furnishings,’ says Lorraine Lewis. ‘The quality of their delivery throughout is excellent.’ After the workshops, Lindi puts together a detailed working brief for the clients to sign off. Often this is the first time that the client is able to see the future of their new home clearly. It provides a brilliant start point for the design phase to commence. Lorraine adds: ‘I don’t think I could have taken on such a big project without Lindi’s help and she and the team are a pleasure to work with. Her input has added a lot of value to the house, and she has also stopped me from making expensive mistakes, so I have easily covered her fees several times over. I am thrilled with the result and would recommend Lindi Reynolds Interiors to anyone looking for a wow factor for their home.” If you are considering building from scratch, did you know that the build will enjoy a VAT exempt status? Not in all areas of the build though. That’s why it’s essential to work with experts who can guide you. Make sure you are in good hands so that you can enjoy the maximum benefit of this. Whatever your project, Lindi and her team have a wealth of specialist information to tap into in order to help make the most of your project journey. If you are embarking on a full-house renovation or wanting to build your dream home from scratch, they would be delighted to discuss your plans with you. It is important that you find the right match in project partners, and on the off chance that is not them, they would certainly be able to recommend the perfect fit for you and that’s what truly matters. Please call Lindi directly on 07940 572554. www.lindireynolds.co.uk
RENOVATION GUIDE
The foundation for perfection with Artifloor Ltd.
New flooring for beautiful homes Starting in 1959 and following in the footsteps of his father, Ted Thomas, the man behind Artifloor Ltd., has been providing flooring services for over 50 years. During this time, Ted has travelled extensively throughout Europe gaining an enormous knowledge of wood and all types of flooring, specialising in solid hard wood, parquet, engineered wood and laminate.
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rom large commercial projects working alongside designers and architects to smaller domestic installations, Ted still receives great pleasure from working with his customers in designing and laying floors. They offer a truly bespoke service; from the initial design through to the completion, they offer expert advice, designing the correct flooring system to meet your requirements and budget. Artifloor Ltd. is based in Wimbledon but cover most areas of London and the South East. They offer free no obligation planning and estimates for both wooden flooring and carpets. You are welcome to visit their showroom where they have a large range of samples for you to choose from or they are happy to arrange a home or site visit with samples. Artifloor Ltd. offer a carpet supply and bespoke fitting service, designed to meet the exact needs of your home. Once you’ve chosen your perfect style, they will make sure it fits into each corner of
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“Artifloor Ltd. is based in Wimbledon but cover most areas of London and the South East. They offer free no obligation planning and estimates for both wooden flooring and carpets”
the room snugly.Their extensive range of carpets include 100% wool, synthetic fittings, striped runners, velvets, sisals, and so much more. If you’d like to turn your home into a work of art, you might want to choose from the Amtico tile range. With a range of beautiful laying patterns available, you can create a look you’ll enjoy seeing every day. For beautiful new flooring that will last, contact Artifloor Ltd., and they will cater for all your flooring needs. For more information contact: Artifloor Ltd 258 - 260 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB; Telephone 0207 938 1000 or 020 8543 9083 Email: tedthomas1945@hotmail.com www.artifloor.co.uk
BESPOKE WOOD FLOORING LUXURY VINYL TILES STYLISH CARPETS EXPERT FITTING SERVICE For beautiful new flooring that will last, contact Artifloor Ltd, and they will cater for all your flooring needs.
Artifloor Ltd
258-260 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Telephone: 020 8543 5083 or 0207 938 1000 Email: tedthomas1945@hotmail.com www.artifloor.co.uk
ARTIFLOOR
DESIGN & INSTALL Beautiful flooring for beautiful homes
RENOVATION GUIDE
EXTENDING YOUR HOME
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or a lot of households, there comes a time when your home becomes a bit of a squeeze. Maybe you have had more children, or have embarked on working from home. So should you move somewhere bigger, or extend your house to make it large enough for you and your family’s needs? An extension can radically improve a property. Bigger, better space and extra rooms can add value, and make a house more attractive to buyers. Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving. In high-value affluent areas in London it can be more worthwhile digging under the house to add a basement conversion, go up a level or even extend sideways. The reality is that if you are able to extend, it is often sensible to do so from a financial point of view. The cost of buying a new house would far outweigh the cost of building. If you want to make structural changes with the purpose of adding value, you should first find out the current market price of your property, as well as its potential value once the changes have been made. Otherwise, your hard work and cash may not reap rewards. Also be area aware - before you plan that extravagant extension or costly conversion, it’s crucial to talk to a local estate agent to find out what renovations are popular in your area. Every street has a ceiling value so don’t over develop if you want to see a good return on your investment. However, this is a major project and shouldn’t be undertaken lightly: • Call in professionals to get the job done properly, as there are important planning restrictions and regulations which need to be followed. • Ask friends if they can recommend an architect and builders. It is really important that you locate the specialists as a botched extension can devalue a property. • The National Federation of Builders (NFB) can provide you with a list of registered builders in
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your area. A builder that belongs to a respected trade organisation will have to comply with membership standards. • The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides a list of registered architects. • Although a modern extension can look good on an old house, when it comes to selling on it is important to appeal to the average buyer’s taste. Therefore it is advisable for an extension to match the architectural style of the existing house. • Be strategic: Extra bathrooms and large kitchens are usually good investments in family-sized homes, and a garage in a busy, urban area will also add value. The room that usually benefits the most from enlarging is the kitchen. Adding a kitchen/ diner creates the farmhouse kitchen most people want and provides extra space. The old dining room can become an office, playroom, or an extra sitting room. Kitchen extensions also provide the opportunity to extend upwards - an additional bedroom can be built on top at the same time.
“Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving”