Little Greene opens in Notting Hill
LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR
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8 SEPTEMBER 2019
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FROM THE
L
EDITOR
ondon Fashion Week is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers alongside Paris, Milan and New York. It presents an unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry. Iconic members’ club, TRAMP has long been a destination for those who want to party into the small hours, but it has also forged a well earned reputation as a club where fine-dining is always on the menu. Southampton International Boat Show, powered by Borrow A Boat, is Britain’s biggest festival of boating, with an exceptional line up of interactive attractions, the latest innovations, world launches and experts galore. A neighbourhood with an extraordinary design heritage, renowned for its bohemian free thinkers and creatives throughout the centuries, Chelsea will be participating for the first time in this year’s London Design Festival 2019, with the creation of the Chelsea Design District. From architecture to interiors, fashion and jewellery to fitness and food, Chelsea flourishes today as a neighbourhood rich in artistry and artisan making. Totally Thames 2019 explores the environmental importance and the rich and varied cultural heritage of the capital’s river. The event encourages visitors to participate in artistic, historical and musical events in celebration of this iconic landmark.
Faye Manning Editor
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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
CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT
15
LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE
75
We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties From gifts to venues, we’ve got the big day covered
ART GUIDE
109
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
131
THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
185
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
203
HOUSE & GARDEN
251
Beautiful artworks by a range of local and international artists The finest independent schools in the UK
Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best A collection of London’s finest interior companies
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out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M A G E : L O N DO N COC K TAI L W E E K
OUT & ABOUT
EAT YOUR HEART OUT THIS SEPTEMBER WITH
H
CARNABY EATS
ead to Carnaby this month for Carnaby Eats, a month-long foodie fest filled with delicious delights! From masterclasses and cookbook launches to exclusive menus from over 20 global cuisines, Carnaby Eats has something for everyone. Over 40 Carnaby restaurants, bars, cafés and pubs have signed up to a brand new ocean-friendly initiative, the Blue Turtle campaign, created in collaboration with ocean conservation organisation Project 0. The pioneering initiative aims to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic products and encourages businesses to adopt more sustainable practises. For all budding food gurus, Dehesa are hosting the Croqueta Challenge, plus there is a free Pisco Sour masterclass from Señor Ceviche and mixologist taster class at Jakata. New cookbook launches come from Dishoom, Leon and Chai by Mira.
Food-lovers can look forward to brand new Autumn menus from Pure, Shoryu Carnaby and pasta favourite, Pastaio, who are offering a September special with a new tapas-style menu. Diners at Dirty Bones are invited to ‘Pimp Your Dog’, building their own take on the signature Yankee Dog, plus celebrate Pizza Pilgrims’ 7th birthday by ordering their special Birthday Pizza. The pizza parlour will also be launching their new pasta straws, which are 100% biodegradable and use no plastic. Perfect for conscious diners, Carnaby Eats is also showcasing the best in green eating with Stax Diner, Rosa’s Thai Cafe, Wright Brothers and The Good Egg. Enjoy a side dish of live music with 1940s cocktail bar Cahoots. They are hosting picnics with a twist, serving up a ‘Squiffy picnic’ every Saturday in September, featuring a hamper with top British delicacies, all accompanied by live swinging entertainment. With an impressive variety of global cuisines from over 60 eateries offering mouth-watering menus brimming with exceptional food, plus green eating at the core of Carnaby’s dining scene, tuck into the best dining experiences during Carnaby Eats. Bon appétit! 16 SEPTEMBER 2019
THE DETAILS For more information on Carnaby Eats and the Blue Turtle initiative, visit Carnaby.co.uk/carnabyeats
OUT & ABOUT
This image: DC Winch; Below: Sissi Chair By Ludovca & Roberto Palomba
Little Greene
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2019 WELCOMES CHELSEA DESIGN DISTRICT
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Saturday 14th-Sunday 22nd September 2019
neighbourhood with an extraordinary design heritage, renowned for its bohemian free thinkers and creatives throughout the centuries, Chelsea will be participating for the first time in this year’s London Design Festival 2019, with the creation of the Chelsea Design District. From architecture to interiors, fashion and jewellery to fitness and food, Chelsea flourishes today as a neighbourhood rich in artistry and artisan making. To celebrate this, the Chelsea Design District will see a series of events, experiences and talks from Saturday 14th-Sunday 22nd September. For those looking to marvel at exhibition spaces, key highlights include Duke of York Square’s Saatchi Gallery which will be hosting the inaugural I-MADE, London’s first exhibition solely dedicated to Italian design and manufacture along with talks and workshops that capture the country’s passion, innovation and craftsmanship. At the nearby National Army Museum, guests can experience ‘The Art of Persuasion’ exploring the life and legacy of iconic designer Abram Games. The exhibition will examine his time as ‘Official War Poster Artist’ during the Second World War and the legacy that continues to influence the art of persuasion employed by visual designers today. Visitors to the Chelsea Design District can also experience a series of talks at various locations, including a presentation by Chelsea resident Peter Jones on the fascinating story of their Grade II 18 SEPTEMBER 2019
listed building, with a pop-up exhibition exploring how the bricks and mortar shop has changed from 1877 to present day, ahead of the store’s renovation of its iconic façade. Other highlights include Anthropologie, which will be showcasing ‘The World of Kaffe Fasset’, known for his colourful designs in the decorative arts, while The Rug Company will be celebrating their collaboration with Winch Design by exhibiting a new collection of hand-knitted rugs inspired by the textures of the natural world; sand underfoot, clear blue of tropical seas, bursts of sunlight and rolling clouds after rainfall. Socially conscious fashion brand Eileen Fisher will be hosting a talk on their innovative ‘Waste no more’ movement, a zero waste initiative that brings together creativity and innovation, and visitors to jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas MBE will be taken on a journey into her multi-sensory world and the abundant textures and colours that inspired her new ‘Hidden Reef ’ collection. Gallery Roca London will be hosting ‘Drawing attention: The Digital Culture of Contemporary Architectural Drawings’, an exhibition exploring the speculative future of drawing; London College of Fashion curates a pop-up showcase just off King’s Road, challenging the notion of how products change and influence the world we live in, with pieces combining traditional craft with new technologies.
THE DETAILS The full programme of events across the Chelsea Design District at London Design Festival 2019 can be found at: www.londondesignfestival.com #chelseadesigndistrict Instagram: @Kingsroad.London #LDF19 Instagram: @L_D_F_official Twitter: @L_D_F Facebook: LondonDesignFestival www.cadogan.co.uk www.londondesignfestival.com
OUT & ABOUT
BOWIE UNSEEN Klinko Reveals Never-Before-Seen Images for Charity Exhibition
THE DETAILS Tramp, 40 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6DN www.tramp.co.uk/membership i&t: @Tramp_London. #letsgettramped Zebra One Gallery, 1 Perrin’s Ct, Hampstead, NW3 1QX www.zebraonegallery.com i&f: @zebraonegallery t: @zebra1gallery www.macmillan.org.uk i&t: macmillancancer www.markusklinkostudio.com &t: @markusandkoal
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xtraordinary, never-before-seen images of the late David Bowie by awardwinning photographer Markus Klinko will be unveiled on 1 October by Zebra One Gallery – a Bowie Unseen exhibition at London’s exclusive Tramp members club, where he was a regular. The images include eerie shots of Bowie as a blind man; posing with a pack of wild wolves and cradling a baby and will be on sale to members of the legendary London club throughout October. A percentage of profits will go to Macmillan Cancer Support in honour of the music icon, whose life was tragically cut short by the disease in 2016. The images will then move to Hampstead’s Zebra One Gallery, where they will be available to view and on sale to the public until the end of November.
“The images include eerie shots of Bowie as a blind man; posing with a pack of wild wolves and cradling a baby” International fashion and celebrity photographer, Klinko was invited to shoot the Heroes legend for the cover of his 2002 album. Klinko recalls: “David Bowie came along to help choose the cover. He was every bit as charismatic and extraordinary as one can imagine, but really kind and lovely to talk to.“ “He is one of the very few celebrities I have worked with who personally got involved, he asked if I could come over to a Broadway recording studio and listen to some tracks. The mental image of Bowie sitting by a window, smoking cigarettes while his producer played the rough mixes from the
20 SEPTEMBER 2019
board, is a memory that I will never forget”. Zebra One Gallery owner Gabrielle Du Plooy added: “We’re extremely excited that we can share these extraordinary images and raise funds for such an important cause.” Tramp GM David Fleming added: “It’s particularly apt that the private view will be held at Tramp, where Bowie spent many happy evenings sitting in our Zodiac Restaurant and peoplewatching.” Klinko has photographed the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Kanye West and Naomi Campbell. Brands such as Lancôme, L’Oréal Paris, Nike, Hugo Boss and Remy Martin have hired Klinko to create advertising campaigns. His campaign for Keep A Child Alive raised more than $1 million for children with AIDS in just a few days.
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OUT & ABOUT
London Cocktail Week 4th – 13th October 2019
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ondon Cocktail Week, the largest festival of its kind in the world, by DrinkUp. London will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of its first ever festival. And to mark the occasion, this exciting event will be ten days long! So that’s two weekends to extend the party – with 300 amazing bars serving £6 cocktails the whole time. Bars from Soho to Battersea, Islington, The City and even Crouch End will all be getting involved. The £10 digital pass entitles you to £6 cocktails for 10 days at London’s best bars, free, unlimited entry to The Cocktail Village - the biggest cocktail hub London has ever seen with hands-on cocktail masterclasses and demonstrations, a chance to meet the people behind your favourite spirits, a first look at the newest mixology techniques and product launches, street food from London’s best vendors and DJs and special appearances! Events during London Cocktail Week confirmed so far include: • Hendrick’s Gin will be bringing back its Tini Martini Townhouse from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October, taking punters on a journey of unusual experiences including a pygmy petting zoo and microscopic games, as well as perfect Tini Martinis from a roster of the world’s best bartenders. • The London Essence Company has announced the launch of The Essence House, an interactive
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space which will take guests on a journey of discovery to understand their individual palate profile. The experience will start with the exploration of London Essence’s distilled botanicals and end with the enjoyment of an exquisite bespoke cocktail. The Essence House will be open from 3rd - 5th October and tickets to The Essence House will be available on through DesignMyNight for £10. • Laphroaig, the single malt that has been dividing and inspiring opinions since 1815 with its distinctive smoky flavour, will be taking guests to The Cocktail Village on a journey into its richly flavoured history. For the first time, the Scotch whisky will be building The Laphroaig Smokehouse, a peat fire kiln using freshly cut Islay peat. The Smokehouse will offer cold smoked cocktails and food, from haggis to butterscotch, and will also give guests the chance to personalise the smoke level of cocktails to their liking. And as a nod back to their first foray into pop-up shops – London Cocktail Week is bringing their hub back to Seven Dials!
THE DETAILS For further details of all events visit www.drinkup.london/ cocktail-week The Cocktail Village 9th - 13th October Located in The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 The London Cocktail Week Hub 4th - 10th October 5-7 Grape Street, London, WC2H 8DW
HARTWELL HOUSE HOTEL • RESTAURANT • SPA Hartwell House, standing in over 90 acres of gardens and parkland, is quite simply the most civilised place to stay. Relax in elegant drawing rooms, savour the delicious fare in the Soane restaurant and sleep in luxurious bedrooms. The award-winning Hartwell Spa offers a sumptuous swimming pool, gymnasium, and a wide range of health and beauty treatments. Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR Telephone: 01296 747444 Email: info@hartwell-house.com www.hartwell-house.com
FEATURE
A VINTAGE JEWEL Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007
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hampagne Taittinger’s top prestige cuvée, Comtes de Champagne is the jewel of all their cuvées – made as a Blanc de Blancs or Rosé it is only produced when the harvest is deemed to be of exceptional quality, worthy of a vintage year, 2007 was such a year. Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007 is only the 35th vintage to be produced since the first cuvée in 1952 - just one year before Ian Fleming made Taittinger the Champagne of choice for James Bond in the Casino Royale novel. Only the best Chardonnay grapes grown in the top Côtes des Blancs vineyards are used. These vineyards are classified Grands Crus taking their names from the villages from where they are located. For the Comtes de Champagne, the Chardonnay is carefully selected from vineyards in the villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnilsur-Oger and Oger. To produce the very best from each vineyard, the work is undertaken by hand and follows the rhythm of nature. Each Cru brings a specific characteristic to the final blend, such as fruit character, minerality or structure, and allows the wine to age elegantly over time. Such blending requires precision and experience and the 2007 vintage was made under the careful guidance of the long-term Chef des Caves, Loic Dupont. Only the wine from the first press is used to produce Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. It is slowly matured for a minimum of eight years on its lees, deep underground in the Champagne House’s fourth century Roman cellars, which once belonged to the Saint-Nicaise Abbey. This is the part of the recipe that guarantees a delicate and sophisticated wine, bubbling with layers of complexity and depth.
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This great 2007 vintage lives up to all expectations from the treasured pop of the Champagne cork. That typical Chardonnay colour is there in all its sparkling, golden glory with shimmers of green adding lustre to the constant stream of fine, delicate bubbles. The wine has a fine and delicate nose that combines white blossom and a certain minerality with general overtones of Anjou light pear and golden raisins. Subtle hints of aniseed and smoky flavours follow this suggestion of fruit. The taste is vibrant, with a combination of lemon and saltiness. This is immediately followed by a sensation of complex, yet mellow freshness creating the perfect balance between ripeness and a full-rounded flavour. It is rounded off by a longlasting, crisp finish with hints of salted butter. This elegant wine promises interesting cellaring potential and is perfect for a truly special celebration. Esteemed wine critic James Suckling awarded 98 points to Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007, describing the wine as “…a step up from the linear and fresh 2006. It shows subtle depth and power with a dense block of vivid fruit that’s highlighted with lemon zest, green apples and hints of white peaches. Just the right amount of praline and nuts on the nose. Fine and tight bead give the Champagne a luxurious mouthfeel. One for now or the cellar. Drink or hold.” The name Taittinger has been synonymous with fine Champagne since 1931 and today it remains one of the few Champagne Houses to be owned and actively managed by the family named on the label. This Blanc de Blancs Champagne was created in tribute to the Comtes (counts) de Champagne, the lords of the Saint- Nicaise Abbey, and to Thibauld IV whose seal adorns all the bottles.
THE DETAILS Champagne Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2007 is available from Harrods, Waitrose, www.champagnedirect.co.uk. RRP £153.85. www.taittinger.com @TaittingerUK @taittinger_uk
Annual returns of 12%+ per annum
LIQUID GOLD Has Whiskey become a better investment than Gold, Property and Stocks? Find out the answers...
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his headline is likely to ruffle a few feathers from avid investors in gold, property and stocks, but casks of whiskey are fast becoming the go-to investment for people looking to hedge against inflation and the uncertainties of the financial markets. Knight Frank has included whiskey in its wealth report for the first time in 2019; a key indicator that this asset class is favourable with HNWI & UHNWI who are securing their wealth by owning casks of whiskey. This is not about being speculative and buying rare bottles of whiskey in the hope they go up in price. That style of investing requires skill and knowledge of the market while still being a gamble. This article is specifically about owning casks of whiskey.
HOW IT WORKS
You can purchase casks of whiskey straight off the still. Because the whiskey is brand new, it hasn’t aged and therefore is far most cost effective. Whiskey must be at least three years old to be bottled and sold, and most would agree at least five + years old to be desirable and palatable enough to drink. The cost of maturation over five years can hurt distilleries, as it is quite a capital- intensive model. Some distilleries, therefore, opt to sell a small percentage of their whiskey right off the stills. They do this to cover running costs while the rest of their production matures over five years or longer. This opens up a great opportunity for investors to buy off the stills and hold for those five years, then releasing at a profit.
WHY IS WHISKEY BECOMING FAVOURABLE WITH INVESTORS?
Unlike most commodities, whiskey increases in quality and value as it matures. Its price increase is inevitable over time. It doesn’t tend to suffer the highs and lows of financial markets and it’s also a major exported product, where demand significantly outstrips supply. The Irish variety is the fastest- growing, brown spirit in the world. The International Wine & Spirit Record (IWSR), which is the global benchmark for alcohol data and intelligence, shows the growth of Irish whiskey will continue to outstrip that of Scotch and Bourbon for at least another ten years. What’s more, it has been outperforming both for the last twenty years. The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) echoes the same data and statistics and predicts the rise to continue, as Irish whiskey comes back to where it once was on a global stage. So, Irish whiskey specifically offers a mix of stability and huge growth upside. The Whiskey industry in Ireland is set to soar above €1 billion euros per annum — which is predicted to double again by 2030. There simply isn’t enough mature Irish whiskey available to supply the demands of the market today — and especially not in five or ten years time. Join a number of London residents who are choosing to secure their wealth with Whiskey & Wealth Club. Based in the centre of Richmond the club offers private clients the opportunity to invest in casks of Irish, Scotch or Bourbon Whiskey. The casks mature and increase in value over time, while safely secured in government-controlled bonded warehouses. Investors are seeing returns above 12% per annum with little downside risk as all casks are
fully insured against fire, theft, etc. Single casks of Irish whiskey are being sold for between €5,500 and €7,850 by competitors. The model at Whiskey & Wealth Club is based on small margin, high volume. For an equivalent cask from the same distilleries, it buys in bulk and can sell to its clients for only €2,900 a cask. However, it requires a purchase of at least one pallet (6 casks) or more. This includes five years of storage and bonded warehousing fees, plus five years of insurance. Annual returns are being achieved above 12% and as high as 54.5% a year, depending on an investor’s chosen exit strategy.
WE HAVE VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE
To receive a prospectus and a deeper understanding of this opportunity, please call today on 0203 129 9739 and quote ‘London Life Magazines’. Ask to speak to Senior Wealth Manager, Gary Schroeder, for this exclusive offer. Gary is always happy to meet face-to-face with investors to discuss the investment and answer any questions you have. With clients who come on board having seen this advertisement and quoting “London Life” they shall receive a complimentary bottle of “The Whistler - Blue Note” from our current distillery we are partnered with who won “The Best Single Malt In The World Under 12 Years” in 2017 for this particular Whiskey. Whiskey & Wealth Club Gary Schroeder, Senior Wealth Manager 51A George Street, Richmond TW9 1HJ 020 3129 9739 g.schroeder@whiskeywealthclub.com
OUT & ABOUT
26 SEPTEMBER 2019
cover story
LITTLE GREENE
OPENS IN NOTTING HILL Introducing three new finishes to its ‘Intelligent’ paint range
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dding to their growing portfolio of showrooms in London, Paris & Munich, Little Greene has recently opened a new showroom at 109 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill. Fronted by a large window which floods the space with natural daylight, the showroom has been fitted out to the highest specification, each element carefully considered to help customers choose colour. Little Greene’s signature ‘colour cube’ concept envelops one side of the showroom; enabling colours to be viewed in different lighting conditions. A playful wallpaper feature sits on the other side of the space, which slides across the showroom wall allowing customers to reveal and compare an array 28 SEPTEMBER 2019
of charming wallpaper designs, from contemporary digital murals right through to their more traditional surface printed wallpapers – it truly is an inspiring destination for any interior design project!
Three New Finishes for September Following the success of its current family of ‘Intelligent Paints’ – a ground-breaking range of water-based finishes designed especially for busy people and lively homes – Little Greene are introducing three new finishes in September 2019: Intelligent Floor Paint, Intelligent Satinwood and Intelligent ASP. Long-lasting, environmentally-friendly and
“Little Greene’s signature ‘colour cube’ concept envelops one side of the showroom; enabling colours to be viewed in different lighting conditions”
completely washable, the paints will be available in all Little Greene shades. Being water-based, Intelligent Paints are quick-drying and virtually odourless. They are also high in opacity, making them efficient, economical and easy to apply with minimal disruption. They are up to 15 times stronger than ordinary household paints and, being stain and mark resistant, are completely washable. Containing minimal VOCs, they are kind to the environment, pet-friendly and, with child-safe certification, they are also completely safe to use in children’s rooms, even on cots, making them the smartest choice for all areas of the family home. The showroom is open seven days a week so why not pop in to meet the team, pick up your complimentary colour card and kick start your next interior project.
a simple, neutral scheme with a highlight of colour. Find out how to add texture and pattern with wallpaper, to create a welcoming space for dining and entertaining. Each guest can select a free sample pot of their choice to inspire their next scheme to take away on the day. You can join the Chelsea Showroom team at any of the below times: • Monday 16th September at 1–2pm • Wednesday 18th September at 1–2pm You can join the Marylebone Showroom team at any of the below times: • Saturday 14th September at 10.30–11.30am • Thursday 19th September at 10.30am–11.30am To book one of the workshops, please email your preferred showroom, specifying a date and time that suits you: Chelsea@littlegreene.com OR Marylebone@littlegreene.com.
“Pop in to meet the team, pick up your complimentary colour card and kick start your next interior project”
‘How-to’ Masterclasses’ How to choose colours for your kitchen & paint furniture with perfection. As part of London Design Festival, 14th–22nd September, the Chelsea & Marylebone showrooms will be hosting a series of ‘how to’ masterclasses. These workshops are ideal if you want a little help or advice with your kitchen project. The kitchen is often the heart of the family home, a place you can utilise colour to create a vibrant, inspiring space to reflect your interior style. Whatever stage you are at, come along and learn how to be bold with dark shades or produce SEPTEMBER 2019 29
OUT & ABOUT
Bbc music introducing live 2019 One of the biggest & most exciting events on the UK music industry calendar. Tickets on sale now! Tobacco Dock, London, 31 October – 2 November 2019
DJ Pete Tong
B Tickets: Early Bird Day Tickets from £10 + booking fee Early Bird 3-Day Tickets from £25 + booking fee Group ticket deals are available, for more information contact: info@introducinglive.co.uk BBC Music Introducing LIVE is produced by Get On Vision. Thursday 31 October - 2 November 2019 Tobacco Dock, Tobacco Quay Wapping Lane, London. E1W 2SF
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BC Music Introducing LIVE is back, following an inspiring three days of talks, panels, performances, masterclasses and more last year. Whatever your stage in your career, you can discover your next step at BBC Music Introducing LIVE 2019. As well as a rich and varied programme of panels, ‘in conversation’ chats, debates, advice and more from top industry names; attendees are invited to get involved with a range of practical opportunities including Songwriting Masterclasses, Industry Networking Sessions, and direct input A&R Feedback Sessions. BBC Music Introducing LIVE is the ultimate one-stop-shop for anyone looking for a career in the music industry, or those wanting to take their knowledge to the next level. A whole host of major artists, BBC DJs and producers, keynote speakers, top names from record labels, brands and streaming services will gather to offer hands on, practical sessions and insider knowledge and guidance to help the next generation of artists find their inspiration. Official Partners for 2019 include Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming subscription service, who will take up residence in The Discovery Theatre. Other official partners include Marshall, Yamaha and AIM, and other 2019 partners Shure, CD Baby and ACM. BBC Music Introducing supports unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar music across the UK, supported by the UK’s biggest music bodies including the BPI, Performing Rights Society and Association of Independent Music.
The event will provide multiple platforms for new musicians to showcase their talent in front of peers and industry experts alike. Attendees can also expect surprise performances from top talent, showcase slots and surprise appearances across the three days. In 2018, 15,000 young people attended, with over 250 emerging and established artists participating in three days of activity. More than 700 speakers from the music industry took part in over 130 hours of talks, panels and masterclasses, including Adele’s manager Jonathan Dickins, Kano, Jax Jones, Nile Rodgers, and Zoe Ball with Glastonbury’s Emily Eavis. James Stirling, Head of BBC Music & BBC Music Introducing said, “It was amazing last year to see the UK music industry come together to support the inaugural BBC Music Introducing LIVE event. BBC Music is dedicated to developing the next generation of artists and music industry professionals around the UK and this event is a true inspiration for all who participate.” BBC Music Introducing LIVE is the ultimate event for young people looking to start their career in the music industry. More information can be found at www.bbc.com/introducing
Jamie Cullum will be providing inspiration at this year’s event
Nile Rodgers
OUT & ABOUT
London Fashion Week Preview Spring/Summer 2020 Collections
13th – 17th September 2019
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ondon Fashion Week is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world – and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers alongside Paris, Milan and New York. It presents an unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry. While most of us are only just thinking about our winter wardrobes, designers will be showcasing their Spring/Summer 2020 Collections. It’s a week where designers are free to create at will
“Designer Showrooms, located at The Store X, 180 Strand, is home to over 150 British and international designers” and experiment with new trends, with the world watching as fashion history is made. Luxury designer brands will include: Victoria Beckham, Fashion East, Pam Hogg, Temperley London, David Koma, Aspinal of London, Burberry, Halpern and Simone Rocha. Designer Showrooms, located at The Store X, 180 Strand, is home to over 150 British and 32 SEPTEMBER 2019
international designers. The international element of the showrooms illustrates that the doors to London are truly open, with designers worldwide descending on the capital. The London Fashion Week schedule will facilitate two audiences. The trade audience will attend on scheduled catwalk shows and presentations routinely across the 5 days of London Fashion Week from 13th – 17th September 2019. The public audience is able to purchase tickets to an immersive London Fashion Week experience taking place at the official London Fashion Week Hub; Standard tickets are priced at £135 and Front Row tickets at £245 and can be purchased online. House Of Holland and self-portrait will host public-facing shows on Sunday 15th September to present their current AW19 collection to London Fashion Week ticket holders at three different time slots; 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm. The magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists’ cutting-edge collections but the media excitement and A-list celebrities that accompanies them. The allure of the show is exceptional and London Fashion Week continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe. For more information about London Fashion Week including up-to-date schedules, news, and tickets go to www.londonfashionweek. co.uk. Follow on @LondonFashionWk and join the conversation #LFW
OUT & ABOUT
THE SON Until 2 November 2019, Duke of York’s Theatre
“One of the finest plays of the past decade” –Sunday Express Images: Marc Brenner
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irect from a sold-out season at Kiln Theatre the five star, hit play, The Son, is now playing at the Duke of York’s for a limited season until 2
November. Written by the internationally acclaimed Florian Zeller (The Father, In The Height of the Storm), lauded by The Guardian as ‘the most exciting playwright of our time’, The Son is directed by the award-winning Michael Longhurst. “I’m telling you, I don’t understand what’s happening to me...” Nicolas is going through a difficult phase after his parents’ divorce. He’s listless, skipping school, lying and thinks that moving in with his father and his new family may help. A fresh start. When he doesn’t settle there either, he decides that going back to his mother’s may be the answer. When change feels like the only way to survive, what will he do when the options begin to run out?
“Theatre’s answer to a page-turner” – The Observer
“A beautifully sensitive drama” – Evening Standard Limited season until 2 November Book now TheSonWestEnd.com 34 SEPTEMBER 2019
OUT & ABOUT
FOCUS/19
AT DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR 15 – 20 September 2019
D THE DETAILS Focus/19 is a Design Destination at the London Design Festival. For a list of all participating showrooms visit www.dcch.co.uk Trade preview: 15 – 17 September 2019 All welcome: 18– 20 September 2019 10am – 6pm Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE
Social Media #Focus19AtDCCH @designcentrech
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esign Centre Chelsea Harbour’s creative landscape is constantly evolving with exciting expansion plans, events and experiences. As Europe’s leading design destination, it nurtures its vibrant design community and champions creative excellence. For six days in September, Focus/19 is a dynamic platform dedicated to inspire, inform and deliver and the place where industry professionals and design enthusiasts come together at one address. Expanding the show this year, an enhanced programme features more product launches and showroom openings than ever before, alongside an abundance of insider insights and specialist knowledge. New collections from 600 international brands look to the future by showcasing fresh colour stories, original narratives and inventive techniques, while meet the designer sessions, workshops, discovery tours and artisan demonstrations further inspire and inform. At Focus/19 visitors can engage with established makers and emerging innovators at close hand. On the main stage, a stellar line-up of international speakers share their experiences at the acclaimed Conversations in Design series. This season, the world-famous nexus of design adds another layer to the offering with an array of
guest pop-ups that will augment home-grown talent. From lighting, flooring and furniture makers to carpet and fabric designers, it will be the first time they have been able to exhibit at Focus/19. Specially commissioned installations and places to eat and drink, complement the event’s dynamic approach. This wealth of experience is extraordinary and, what’s more it is a free resource for every visitor, reflecting Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour’s commitment to creativity and connection.
OUT & ABOUT
Totally Thames 2019 T
Until Monday 30th September 2019
otally Thames 2019 explores the environmental importance and the rich and varied cultural heritage of the capital’s river. The event encourages visitors to participate in artistic, historical and musical events in celebration of this iconic landmark. Its diverse culture and its connection to the rest of the world, Totally Thames 2019 is jampacked with exciting events bringing together local communities with visitors from across the globe.
Highlights include: • Discover London’s Wildlife Secret with ZSL, The Riverside Walkway, 1 London Bridge, SE1. Until Mon 30th Sept. Join ZSL on a virtual reality journey into the Thames. Peer into ZSL’s VR portal to discover the incredible wildlife. As you ‘swim’ along, you will join ZSL’s conservation team in discovering all the amazing species that call the River Thames home. • RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station Open Days, Lifeboat Pier, WC2R Fri 13th, Wed 18th & Sun 29th Sept, various times. Free, pre-booked. The Tower Lifeboat Station is open to encourage visitors to learn all about the RNLI’s amazing Lifeboat crew, their important and essential work, and to take a tour of the Station! • Illuminated River Boat Tours, various locations Thurs 12th & Thurs 19th Sept, 9pm – 9.45pm. £4.50-£6. Join official City Guides and experts from Historic England as they take you on a stunning journey under the newly illuminated London, Cannon Street, Southwark and Millennium Bridges. 38 SEPTEMBER 2019
• Regatta London, Hammersmith – Greenwich and Putney – Big Ben. Sun 29th Sept, 8am. Free. The Thames’ newest and biggest river extravaganza features kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and rowed boats, racing for environmental causes. Join in the fun at the start of the race at Putney Riverside Festival, or mid-way through at Shadwell Riverside Festival. Full details of the Totally Thames 2019 programme can be found online at www.totallythames.org @TotallyThames, #TotallyThames
“Totally Thames 2019 is jam-packed with exciting events bringing together local communities with visitors from across the globe”
OUT & ABOUT
THE HOME FROM HOME HIDDEN BENEATH LONDON’S JERMYN STREET For fifty years, an unassuming door on Jermyn Street in London’s well-heeled area of St. James’ has welcomed those in the know into a bustling basement venue where celebrities and sports stars rub shoulders with businesspeople and late night revellers.
I
conic members’ club, TRAMP has long been a destination for those who want to party into the small hours, but it has also forged a wellearned reputation as a club where fine-dining is always on the menu. When Tramp launched in December 1969, its owners saw the opportunity to turn the former Freemasons Lodge, with its intricately hand-carved ceiling, into the Zodiac Restaurant, which still stands today. The salubrious 17th century wood-panelled room has played host to countless gatherings over the years. It was at Tramp’s dinner tables that producers made the decision to cast Christopher Reeve as Superman; where Muhammad Ali discussed his fear of flying with then club-owner Johnny Gold; where Marlon Brando shared breakfast with the staff before returning to Elstree Studios for a day of filming and where Dame Joan Collins cut cake with her friends on her 80th birthday. More recently, it was the chosen location for celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine’s 40th birthday, where a host of celebrity friends and Michelin-starred chefs gathered to toast their friend’s milestone at her favourite members club. But while the beautiful surroundings remain largely untouched, the menu has evolved from the simple offering of twelve burgers - one for each sign of the Zodiac - into a sophisticated, contemporary twist on British and Italian dishes created by head chef, Richard Ismond. Seared Scallops with curried parsnip puree; Beef Tataki with wasabi dash mayonnaise and Marinated
40 SEPTEMBER 2019
“It was at Tramp’s dinner tables that producers made the decision to cast Christopher Reeve as Superman and where Muhammad Ali discussed his fear of flying with then club-owner Johnny Gold”
Tuna with soya-yuzu and avocado are popular choices from the starters menu, while Lobster with squid ink Tagliolini; Angus Beef Fillet and Atlantic Line-caught Cod are favourite main courses among members. Of course, Tramp is a club built on history and the menu still contains a nod to the days of old the Tramp Burger, featuring the club’s special sauce, a recipe passed down between head chefs who are sworn to secrecy about its ingredients. And to celebrate their 50th anniversary, Tramp launched the Gold Burger, a 24k gold patty, topped with foie gras and truffle oil to create an offering as rich and luxurious as the club itself. With late-night dinner service and an extensive bar menu consisting of classic dishes and Asian fusion selections, Tramp is the subterranean oasis guests need after a night at the theatre or experiencing the bright lights of the capital. With membership costing just £1,000 per year, Tramp is a home from home, wherever you’re from. For more information and membership enquiries, please visit: www.tramp.co.uk
OUT & ABOUT
BONHAMS ANNOUNCES MPH
FOR MODERN AND POPULAR COLLECTORS’ MOTOR CARS Thursday 26 September 2019, Bicester Heritage, Launton, OX26 5HA
B
onhams, the international auction house, renowned for its sales of rare and significant collectors motor cars at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, is bringing its expertise to the growing modern and affordable classics market, with the launch of Bonhams MPH. Bonhams MPH is based at Bicester Heritage, the UK’s only hub for historic motoring excellence – where Bonhams will hold four drive-through sales per year to service the growing market for modern and popular classics. The debut sale will take place on 26th September and Bonhams MPH will host monthly on-site valuation and photography days on the last Friday of the month, when potential sellers can show and discuss their cars with the MPH team.
The service will include a simple online consignment process, offering sellers and buyers an efficient way to sell or purchase a car, via the new MPH portal - a first for Bonhams. Sellers will be guided by a user-friendly step-by-step process, which includes a unique 100-point condition report detailing all aspects of the vehicle to provide buyers with as much advance information as possible. They will then be contacted by one of the Bonhams MPH team to discuss the vehicle and finalise the consignment process for the next auction. Sellers can choose one of three entry fee packages to suit their needs:
Bronze The simplest package, costing £125 + VAT, provides full display on the online catalogue and a half page entry in the printed edition.
Silver As Bronze, but with a full page in the printed edition at £175 + VAT.
Gold The ‘cover all’ package includes professionalquality photography of the vehicle by an MPH representative, as well as a minimum one-page entry in the printed catalogue and full online inclusion. In addition, the vehicle will be valeted at the sale venue, at £300 + VAT. mph.bonhams.com
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Auction Fees MPH offers Sellers and Buyers alike a modest fee structure with Sellers paying 5% + VAT and Buyers 12.5% + VAT. Buyers can bid the traditional way in person, by telephone, by submitting an absentee bid or online via the Bonhams MPH dedicated platform – at no extra charge. Consignments are being invited for the debut sale on 26 September with confirmed lots including a unique collection of ex-SAS and military Land Rovers, including two of only 20 remaining iconic ‘Pink Panthers’, which are to be offered on the open market for the first time in 20 years; plus a private collection of a dozen popular classics ranging from a 1939 Ford V8 Roadster to a 2017 Morgan Plus 4. Contact Rob Hubbard for further information on 07775 511825 or via email rh@bonhams.com For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.
OUT & ABOUT
44 SEPTEMBER 2019
FEATURE
Wood Green, The Animal Charity W ood Green’s aim is to help every pet and pet owner that comes to them. Wood Green, The Animal Charity’s aim is to bring pets and people closer together, providing pets with loving homes that they deserve whilst empowering owners with the knowledge to take the very best care of their beloved pets. Wood Green offers free pet advice to anyone who needs it, whether you are considering having a pet in the future and need guidance on pet choice, or you already have a pet and need some general advice or intensive support. Last year, Wood Green found loving homes for more than 4,000 pets and their dedicated team gave one-to-one care and support to 2,343 pets and their owners. Sponsoring a pet pen is a meaningful way to be part of rescue pets’ journeys at Wood Green and help the financial effort in providing the best quality treatment and care possible – from food and veterinary care to love and training. Pets at Wood Green stay for an average of 30-35 days, meaning you will play a vital role in a number of pets’ lives. You will receive regular updates from your dog, cat or small animal pen, seeing first-hand how your support is making a difference. Find out more at woodgreen.org.uk.
“Sponsoring a pet pen is a meaningful way to be part of rescue pets’ journeys at Wood Green”
SEPTEMBER 2019 45
OUT & ABOUT
SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL Returns to Battersea Evolution with an exciting line up. 24 – 27 October 2019
B
attersea Evolution will transform into an alpine arena to host The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Festival for the fifth year running. With 17,000 visitors in 2018, and the highest number of attendees since its move to Battersea Evolution in 2015, the 2019 festival will mark 46 years of the popular event, making it the longest running winter sports event. Over four days, The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Festival will unite ski, winter sports and destination experts from across the globe under one roof. Packed full of information for novices and ski fanatics, the event has taken inspiration from some of the best large scale ski celebrations in the mountains to create an exciting festival right here in London. Marking the beginning of the ski season with an exciting line-up of 200 exhibitors including Sierra Nevada and Crystal Ski Holidays, The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Festival is the perfect place for travellers to get inspiration and advice from a host of international professional athletes and The Telegraph’s own-award winning journalists. This year, these will include The Telegraph’s ski technique editor Warren Smith and Team GB’s Winter Olympic and Paralympic stars, all of whom will be on hand to inspire guests with a multitude of incredible stories, experiences and advice that is sure to encourage travellers to book their next ski holiday. It is also the perfect place to shop the latest kit in preparation for a ski or snowboard holiday.
46 SEPTEMBER 2019
Taking place during the October school holidays, the show will also feature a full schedule of activities, games and entertainment that is perfect for the whole family over the half-term break including an artificial slope, ice skating, face painting and Halloween themed entertainment. New features for this year include craft beer tasting, curling on the ice rink and sports taster sessions, as well as an authentic Street Food Village serving delicious alpine food and drinks, competitions and a fantastic line-up of live music, DJ sets and comedy. With more entertainment to be announced soon, the show will also offer two nights of après entertainment to bring the atmosphere of the slopes to London to provide a true ski holiday experience. Tickets start from £17.25 per person and £10.25 per person for the après event excluding booking fees. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.telegraph.co.uk/events/event/ the-ski-snowboard-festival-2019
“The show will also feature a full schedule of activities, games and entertainment that is perfect for the whole family over the halfterm break”
OUT & ABOUT
SOUTHAMPTON INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2019 Returns Friday 13 September – Sunday 22nd September Indulge your passions….just add water
the latest technological innovations, it offers visitors the perfect opportunity to indulge their passion for the water while meeting like-minded people. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, boating beginner or a seasoned pro, there is something for everyone. With a host of beautifully designed boats and products from over 600 global marine brands, 2019 will be the biggest Show yet!
“Set against a stunning backdrop of some of the world’s most luxurious and innovative boats” Key features at this year’s Show include:
S
outhampton International Boat Show, powered by Borrow A Boat, is Britain’s biggest festival of boating, with an exceptional line up of interactive attractions, the latest innovations, world launches and experts galore. Set against a stunning backdrop of some of the world’s most luxurious and innovative boats, the Show boasts Europe’s largest purpose-built marina hosting thousands of guests and businesses over an action-packed 10 days. Featuring live music, interactive attractions and
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• Try-a-Boat – come aboard and glide through the waters in a high-speed RIB or float across the Solent under sail. • Ocean Scene Mini Cruise – fully equipped with sundecks and bars, the Ocean Scene is the Show’s very own mini cruise ship • Andark Try-a-Dive – if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater, the Andark Try-a-Dive tank is your opportunity to experience a whole new world • A practical boating stage – for both beginners and enthusiasts, meet some of the biggest sailing personalities and learn skills first-hand ahead of your next nautical adventure • Virtual Sailing – in partnership with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), experience the thrill of competing against other visitors and users from around the world in a virtual reality experience to see if you’ve got what it takes • Rum & Gin Bar – relax and unwind with a rum or gin cocktail, tasting opportunities and demonstrations on offer There is so much to see and do. From kayaks to catamarans, SUPS to superyachts, there’s a boat for everyone. Find yours and more at this year’s Show!
THE DETAILS Book your tickets today and start planning your visit! General Tickets start from £16.50. Concessions and Group discounts available To purchase all general and hospitality tickets visit www. southamptonboatshow.com Keep up with the latest news and announcements, follow the Southampton International Boat Show on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Southampton International Boat Show 2019 13–21 September 10am – 6:30pm, 22 September 10am – 6pm Mayflower Park, Southampton, So14 2Aq
OUT & ABOUT
SMALL STEPS & GIANT LEAPS
A WORLD CLASS FESTIVAL FROM A LOCAL COMMUNITY
B
loomsbury Festival is an annual celebration of the area’s pioneering creativity, presenting an inspiring programme of arts, science, literature, performance, discussion and reflection. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s lunar landing, the 2019 Festival theme Small steps and giant leaps will act as a springboard for a host of creative and engaging events as the festival leaps from five to ten days long in 2019. Celebrating endeavour, progress, and pioneering achievements Small steps and giant leaps will embrace the small vital contributions alongside the famous moments, shining a light on the radical imaginations, institutions and residents of contemporary Bloomsbury. Launching the Festival on Friday 11th October is Moonlight on Store Street - a night time street party with a twist. Store Street is a hidden gem with a very special local flavour. And for one
50 SEPTEMBER 2019
night only, Moonlight on Store Street will dazzle all ages as they bask in the presence of artist Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon. Look out for artists of all types interacting with Museum of the Moon or just lie back on the moon loungers, lift your eyes to revel in the presence of the Moon at very close quarters. Join in the participative dance project, make and wear a moon hat, listen to the Store Street House Band and watch a new commissioned dance work by Subathra Subramanian working with Westminster Kingsway College students. Store Street’s unique mix of independent shops, cafes and businesses will open their doors to reveal an array of moon-related creative delights. After the launch event Bloomsbury’s institutions, academics, performers and residents will collaborate in a truly local festival that could only happen in Bloomsbury. Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon heads into a working local church for the duration of the Festival and hosts a series of events under the installation. While London Artist’s Projects Truth to Power asks local participants ‘who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?’ Alongside family museum days at Grant Museum of Zoology, the Petrie Musuem and UCL Art Musuem, there will be concerts, talks and even a tea dance. Bloomsbury Festival 2019 will take place from Friday 11 October to Sunday 20 October. Full details of events can be found at www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk. Moonlight on Store Street 11/10/19 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Entry free. www.storestreetbloomsbury.co.uk
“Celebrating endeavour, progress, and pioneering achievements Small steps and giant leaps will embrace the small vital contributions alongside the famous moments, shining a light on the radical imaginations, institutions and residents of contemporary Bloomsbury”
FEATURE
fine tuning
at COUNTRYWIDE PIANOS
C
ountrywide Pianos has been proudly serving both the local and wider community and we have developed from small beginnings to become the ultimate premier showroom in the South- East of England. The piano’s magical sound is created by the player pressing any one of its 88 keys, which creates a note. This happens through a complex hammer-on-string mechanism, which needs to be perfectly regulated and tuned. In the 1900’s a piano which played by itself, by reading a punched out paper roll, was all the rage. Today pianos are sophisticated musical instruments, which may not only play themselves but can be enhanced by full orchestral and vocal parts – in essence providing a live orchestral performance in your own sitting room. Today the punched out paper rolls have been replaced with the very latest digital technology, incorporated within a real acoustic piano, which can be played as a regular piano. Seeing, however is believing and a visit to Countrywide Pianos for a full demonstration is recommended. Our showroom is an array of both new and pre loved pianos with a price range to suit all pockets -from the upright piano to the very largest of full size concert grand piano, self player pianos, ‘Silent’ Yamaha pianos, together with recognition of being a Kawai real and digital Piano Selection centre you really will find it fun making your choice and for those who may need assistance there is always help and advice on hand. Being perfectly located just 35 minutes outside of London with our own FREE car parking right outside the door, shopping is made easy and enjoyable. We will arrange delivery and collection together with onsite tuning and 24 hour event support. With all of this to offer and our specialist
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THE DETAILS 194 Penn Road, High Wycombe HP15 7NU. 01494 813388. www.countrywidepianos.co.uk
knowledge, it is little wonder that we have become first choice for many major events anywhere in the UK. At Countrywide Pianos, our in- house team of piano specialists include, piano technicians to piano tuners, piano polishers to our own piano logistics team, we offer a service next to none. A traditional service, which holds on to the best but moves with the times. Countrywide Piano Centre www.countrywidepianos.co.uk is as traditional as the piano itself.
West of London
Over 100 Pianos. Largest choice of quality new and used upright pianos for London and the Home Counties. All pianos delivered and set up anywhere in the UK. Easy Free Parking – Only 25 miles from London. Showroom open 6 days a week. Well worth a visit. Showroom: 194 Penn Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 7NU www.countrywidepianos.co.uk | Tel: 01494 813388
OUT & ABOUT FEATURE
F
Chez Plume Bespoke Catering by Javier Duarte
54 SEPTEMBER 2019
ounded by Javier Duarte, Chez Plume Bespoke Catering was born out of a desire to fill a gap in the market for a truly Bespoke Catering service. With his new venture, Javier Duarte seeks to bring his gastronomic experience to create a highly personalised, tailored approach to catering for private and corporate events. Whatever the event, Javier’s one goal is to deliver a memorable moment, exactly the way the client envisages. Every plate is conceptualised and developed by Javier, whose Michelin-starred background means that quality, flavour and experience are the cornerstones of his business philosophy. Quality…in the produce and ingredients used. Celebrating seasonal eating from farm-to-fork, Javier works with London’s finest suppliers to provide produce of outstanding quality. Flavour….in each mouthful. Believing that eating is a moment that should be cherished and celebrated, Javier aims to create unforgettable moments around his culinary experiences and make your event one to remember. Experience…in the discovery of dining. Whether it be at your home or elsewhere, Javier curates experiences with a holistic approach to catering for your event. Whether it be a corporate or private event, Javier’s tailored approach ensures a highly bespoke event, exactly the way you wish.
About Javier Duarte Javier has been working in the hospitality industry for the last 15 years, achieving highly at the prestigious University of San Sebastian, at the Basque Culinary Center. His international career has been rooted in Michelin starred restaurants both in Spain and in London, working in Restaurant Lluçanes (1*), El Celler de Can Roca (3*), Barrafina (1*) and also within Gordon Ramsay Holdings. His culinary journey has also taken Javier on projects to South of France, Monaco, Qatar and Istanbul. Following his role as head chef at London’s Barrafina (1*), Javier went on to open his own gastronomic advisory company. Javier’s Bespoke Catering was founded to bring Londoners a truly Bespoke Catering experience. For more information and any enquiries, please contact us at info@chez-plume.co.uk www.chez-plume.co.uk – +44 (0)7966645851
“Whether it be at your home or elsewhere, Javier curates experiences with a holistic approach to catering for your event”
Chez Plume Bespoke Catering by Javier Duarte Founded by Javier Duarte (former Barrafina Head Chef) with a vision to bring a truly unique Catering experience, Chez Plume offers Bespoke Catering for any private or corporate events. Whether it be an informal dinner with friends or a Fine-Dining celebration, Chez Plume works closely with the client to define an entirely bespoke menu and ensure a highly personalised service to suit your catering needs and budget.
www.chez-plume.co.uk
+44 (0)7966645851
info@chez-plume.co.uk
OUT & ABOUT FEATURE
Strictly September
S
eptember is the month that the country gears up in anticipation of the new season of our favourite TV entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing. Well this year, how about moving from the sofa to the dancefloor to experience your very own journey into Ballroom & Latin Dancing? For the last 10 years, Karen Hardy Dance Studios – London’s only private members dance studio - has brought the ultimate in luxury and glamour to the experience of learning to dance. Established in 2008 by former world Latin American champion
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and Strictly Come Dancing Professional Champion, Karen Hardy, it’s the perfect place to learn to dance. This month we bring you a useful insight from one the KHDS members, Aimee Norman. Aimee’s initial drive to start dancing had been a long-standing desire, plus she relished a new challenge. Her first goal she set herself was to perform a showcase at the Christmas Gala after commencing lessons in July. She told us: “I had no idea of how ambitious this actually was until I got started. But Richard, my teacher, was amazingly supportive and encouraging, as was everyone at KHDS, which helped me overcome my fears and just go for it on the night. We asked her why she chose KHDS in particular, and she said “I did some research on different places but having a tailored dance journey rather than timetabled lessons really appealed and works so much better with juggling everything else in life. Once I walked in, I realised it was the place for me – the 5* vibe makes any time spent at the studio feel like a real treat. Which it is!” Aimee has now taken part in her first ProAm competition in Barcelona. She loved the feeling of performing in front of other dancers on the competition floor, and is now working towards learning new choreography and may be even dancing in the hallowed home of Ballroom dancing that is Blackpool. So, if Aimee has inspired you to get off that sofa why not take advantage of the promotion Karen Hardy Dance Studios are offering our readers? You can get a free 25 minute taster lesson and a further 20% off your first lesson pack when you quote promo code KHDSLIFE20 when booking.
THE DETAILS To book your taster today call 0207 731 7316. Karen Hardy Dance Studios, Imperial Wharf, 10-12 The Boulevard, Fulham, SW6 2UB. www.karenhardystudios.com
OUT & ABOUT FEATURE
Stephen Cawston Sculptural Artist, Headlining the Internationally Renown
Art Nocturne Knocke Art fair 10-18 August
T
he Conceptual Real Golden Skeletons by Stephen Cawston made an impression on the organisation team, of the 44th Art Nocturne Knocke Fair in Belgium. As the interaction between the ancient and contemporary art scene is central to the fair, Cawston’s sculptures are being presented in our Theatre, with the combination of one of Cawston’s films showing at the same time. The supple link to the origins of the creature combined with the precious aspect of real gold, makes us think of the relativity of life and nature, while creating an intimate atmosphere to reflect on.Alexander Tuteleers, Art Nocturne Knocke Bronze Sculptures now available.
Sculptures Available to Commission Because of the super rarity and value of some of the skeletons, Stephen will only create them via commission. The rarity of these skeletons cannot be stressed enough. • Male and Female Bengal Tigers • An Adult Indian Elephant • Polar Bear • Hippopotamus • Rothschild’s Giraffe These skeletons, with full CITES licenses, are one-offs, unique! Bronze sculptures are available soon!
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FEATURE
Designer Paul Smith to publish first children’s book this Autumn
Celebrated British designer Paul Smith will publish his first children’s book this autumn, as part of a two-book deal signed with Pavilion Children’s Books.
P
aul’s first picture book, The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown will be published worldwide in October 2019 as a hardback, with a special boxed limited edition, including a signed print, released simultaneously. The book is illustrated by Sam Usher, well known for his multi-award shortlisted book Can You See Sassoon? and popular seasonal picture book series – Snow, Rain, Storm and Sun. The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown is a laugh-out-loud adventure story of animals, travelling the world and finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Mr Brown is an international fashion designer who agrees to help a Moose he encounters at an airport to track down his lost twin brother, Monty. Along the way they travel the world and help multiple animals by designing garments to meet their particular needs – including slippers for sloths, parkas for penguins and scarves for giraffes. The stories are inspired by Paul’s incredible career in fashion, and the main characters are based on toys Paul has owned for many years, and who reside in his London office along with other curios and artefacts collected from around the globe. Paul commented on the upcoming publication: “I’ve known Moose and Mr Brown for a long time and I’m delighted to be able to bring their stories to life in my first ever children’s book. Sam’s illustrations are
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really special and capture the colour and energy of Moose and Mr Brown’s adventures perfectly!” Paul Smith is one of Britain’s foremost designers. He is renowned for his creative spirit, which combines tradition and modernity. From its origins in one small shop in Nottingham, England, in 1970, Paul Smith has grown into a global business, selling in over seventy countries. The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown by Paul Smith and Sam Usher will be published by Pavilion Children’s Books on 24th October 2019, Hardback, £12.99, ISBN 9781843654285. Limited Edition Boxed Hardback with signed print, £60, ISBN 9781843654339
“The Adventures of Moose & Mr Brown is a laugh-out-loud adventure story of animals, travelling the world and finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places”
OUT & ABOUT
London Design Festival Announces its 17th Edition: A Citywide Celebration of Design
Clockwise from top left: Please Be Seated, Paul Cocksedge; Affinity In Autonomy at V&A; Iri-Descent, Liz West; Camille Walala, South Molton Street
14-22 September 2019
L
ondon Design Festival returns with an inspiring programme of events and installations, bringing together global designers, artists and architects with a vision to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world. This year marks 11 years with the V&A as a collaborating partner and the official Festival hub. The world’s leading museum of art, design and performance will again host specially-commissioned projects by internationally-renowned designers and LDF’s leadership programme, Global Design Forum, which celebrates design with an inspirational line-up of talks, debates, daily tours and workshops. There will be 10 official Design Districts, each organised locally and independently via the platform of London Design Festival. New for 2019 are Kings Cross Design District and Chelsea Design District, which join design districts in Bankside, Brompton, Clerkenwell, Marylebone, Mayfair, West Kensington, Pimlico Road, Shoreditch Design Triangle and Victoria Connections.
LANDMARK PROJECTS include: British designer Paul Cocksedge is transforming Finsbury Avenue Square, Broadgate with: PLEASE BE SEATED. The large-scale installation, fuses innovation and technology, and responds to the changing rhythm of the community: its design features curves for people to sit on and walk under, further enhancing London’s largest pedestrianised neighbourhood.
FESTIVAL COMMISSIONS include: • LIFE LABYRINTH by Patternity will be located at Westminster Cathedral Piazza. The heart of the installation will be based around a giant geometric labyrinth formation, a pattern-based journey proven to have positive health benefits for the user as they meander through the journey to the centre of the piece. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the sacred space, amidst the hustle and bustle of London life. • Iri-Descent by Liz West is a suspended arrangement of 150 skeleton-framework cubes located in the atrium of the historic Fortnum & Mason store in Piccadilly. Clad with dichromatic film in two differing colour-ways, the cubes appear to change colour as visitors move around the atrium and between the floors above and below.
SPECIAL PROJECTS include: Camille Walala returns in a characteristically colourful manner. The designer has been commissioned by Grosvenor Britain & Ireland to energise and enliven South Molton Street, in the heart of the West End, with a bold and beautiful family of street furniture. Combining head-turning colour and geometric shapes, the 11 3D sculptural benches of Walala Lounge will give visitors something unexpected to look at – and to sit on.
PROJECTS AT THE V&A include: • Canadian designer, Matthew McCormick, 62 SEPTEMBER 2019
presents Falling Sky, a multi-story design-art installation featuring countless deconstructed, frost-like formations, positioned over the heads of its onlookers. The asymmetrical fragments are seemingly frozen in time, offering observers a means to take pause and reflect on the effects of planetary change through global warming. • Affinity in Autonomy - translating innovation into perceptual experiences is the theme for the creation of this interactive robotic pendulum. The independence and free-will of robotics is portrayed by its random movements. Human presence can be detected and recognition appears from within the kinetic motion, engaging visitors seeking an emotional and physical response. For further details visit www.londondesignfestival.com #LDF19. Instagram: L_D_F_official. Twitter: L_D_F. Facebook: LondonDesignFestival
PROPERTY
SKY POOL PERFECTION B
reathtaking behind-the-scenes photos of the highly anticipated Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens have been released - together with an update on the construction of the world’s first sky pool, coming to London. Over the past year teams of architects, engineers and consultants have been busy testing and developing the pool structure in its factory in Colorado. The innovative pool is pushing boundaries in the capability of construction and will be a feat of engineering, never seen before. It is an intricate and challenging process for which there are some of the best minds in the world working together to accomplish. The stunning outdoor pool will link two residential buildings at the tenth storey – a world first – and allow residents to swim from one building to the next. The sky deck at the top of the two buildings incorporates a spa, summer bar and Orangery for residents to relax and take in the views of London icons which include the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. The pool is entirely transparent, 25m long, 5m wide and 3m deep with a water depth of 1.2m. Designed by Arup Associates, with specialist input from Eckersley O’Callaghan and aquarium designers Reynolds, the experience is intended to be more akin to an aquarium than a pool.
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The acrylic is now in its final phase of construction and is currently undergoing its final testing and treatments before it will be prepared for shipping to the UK, itself a lengthy and complex process. The pool is expected to arrive at Embassy Gardens next Summer, when this vision becomes a reality. They will then need to lift and secure the structure in place and complete works on the Sky Deck but the pool will be open next Summer.
About Embassy Gardens: Embassy Gardens sees the creation of nearly 2,000 new homes, stunning landscaped gardens, vibrant new bars and restaurants providing a variety of al fresco spaces and shopping space. One and two bedroom homes, located on the 10th floor or higher, offer residents luxury living in the heart of the Nine Elms regeneration area, with prices starting from £1million. The development is just a 10 minute walk from Vauxhall Station providing prime connectivity with the capital and beyond. Transport links will undergo further improvement with the extension of the Northern Line, seeing the opening of two new stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. For more details visit www.embassygardens.com
“The sky deck at the top of the two buildings incorporates a spa, summer bar and Orangery for residents to relax and take in the views of London icons which include the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye”
PROPERTY
Image: James French
Discover how to make your property ambitions a reality at the
London Homebuilding & Renovating Show 4-6 October 2019, ExCeL, London
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he number of new homes to be built within the London region has reached more than 5,500 - a 58 per cent increase on last year - following recent reports from The National Housebuilding Council. To help identify, appraise and secure the perfect plot to turn their property ambitions into reality, visitors will be supported by masterclasses from the Land Hub, a self-build stage in collaboration with Plotfinder and Potton’s Self-Build Academy. Sian Astley, lady-builder and project manager for BBC2’s ‘Your Home Made Perfect’ will tackle themes ranging from fresh design ideas, cost-effective styling and underfloor heating and insulation, drawing upon her extensive knowledge accumulated over 23 years. Jo Dyson, property renovator, interiors specialist and founding partner of home design consultancy Mae House Design. will offer indispensable advice and expertise on re-modelling, re-designing and restoring for people who wish to transform a house into a home. No matter the phase of a building or renovation project, attendees can access reputable expert support and expertise on all aspects of self-build and renovation. Visitors will find up-to-date information on a vast range of topics including renovating, building your own home, extensions and conversions, eco and heating, doors and windows, and more, discussed extensively at over 45 free seminars and masterclasses at the Masterclass Theatre, sponsored this year by Kitchens for DIY, a leading supplier of high-quality kitchens, as well as at the Self-Build Theatre, sponsored by Self-Build Zone, a provider of site insurance and structural warranty.’ The event will also introduce visitors to the Home Improvement theatre, sponsored by Korniche, a market-leading manufacturer of aluminium roof products, which will host sessions on themes such as adding space and value, loft conversions and planning permission. ‘Consumers will also have the chance to discover innovative products and services from over 360 national and local brands. In addition, they will be able to interact with real case studies on site to discover the most common challenges they might encounter during the build process.
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Self-builders and renovators can run their ideas past industry-leading property experts via the Ask the Expert area inside The Advice Centre. Specialists include director of content and product development for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine Michael Holmes; editorial director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine Jason Orme; building expert Bob Branscombe; eco expert David Hilton; planning expert Sally Tagg and interiors expert Mariana Pedroso. This section will also house the Ask the Builder zone, where members of the Federation of Master Builders will offer tips to visitors on hiring accredited construction workers. For those interested in finding out more about design, planning and construction, the Ask the Architect area in The Advice Centre is a mandatory stop where chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will provide tailored advice and support via one-on-one consultations. All attendees can navigate their way on site with the help of the show app, available on iPhone and Android. They will be able to schedule and receive alerts for key seminars and masterclasses, browse through the list of professionals available at the Advice Centre, and access the latest offers and information. Image: James French
Image: Simon Maxwell
THE DETAILS One-day tickets £18 on the door (children under 16 go free) For further information visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/ london or call the ticket hotline on 0871 231 0824 (calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras).
PROPERTY
The World’s first 360 degree Infinity Pool is coming to London
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ompass Pools have developed Infinity London, the only building in the world to incorporate a breath-taking 360-degree infinity pool - allowing visitors to float over 200 metres above the capital’s skyline. The concept features a 600,000-litre pool built right on top of a 55-storey building, with the floor of the pool transparent, allowing visitors to see the swimmers and sky above. The pool is made from cast acrylic rather than glass, transmitting light at a similar wavelength to water so that the pool will look perfectly clear. The pool is also fitted with a full spectrum of lights which will give the building the appearance of a sparkling jewel-topped torch at night. Boasting an innovative twist on renewable energy,
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the pool’s heating system will use waste energy from the air condition system for the building. Compass Pool’s swimming pool designer and technical director Alex Kemsley commented: “Architects often come to us to design roof top infinity pools, but rarely do we get a say in the building design because the pool is usually an afterthought. But on this project, we actually started with the pool design and essentially said, ‘how do we put a building underneath this? We wanted an uninterrupted view, both above and below the water. 220 metres up, it really will be something else –it’s definitely not one for the acrophobic!” Infinity London could kick off construction as early as 2020 with a five-star international hotel on the top floors of the building with the pool used by the guests. Commenting on the design, Alex continued: “We faced some quite major technical challenges, the biggest one being how to actually get into the pool. Normally a simple ladder would suffice, but we didn’t want stairs on the outside of the building or in the pool as it would spoil the view – and obviously you don’t want 600,000 litres of water draining through the building either. “The solution is based on the door of a submarine, coupled with a rotating spiral staircase which rises from the pool floor when someone wants to get in or out – the absolute cutting edge of swimming pool and building design and a little bit James Bond to boot!” Infinity London’s exact location is yet to be confirmed. www.compass-pools.co.uk
“Architects often come to us to design roof top infinity pools, but rarely do we get a say in the building design because the pool is usually an afterthought”
PROPERTY
Oasis Construction London We’re passionate about the philosophy and practice of Passivhaus design Why Passivhaus
“Applying building physics to strict and meticulous modelling at the primary design stage, allows constructors to be able to predict ‘the buildings behaviour’”
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ith years of experience and expertise building smart, low energy homes and commercial properties, we guarantee luxury living.
ABOUT PASSIVHAUS DESIGN Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort whilst using very little energy for heating and cooling, as they’re built with meticulous attention to detail. This rigorous design and construction process adheres to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute.
Achieving Passivhaus Applying building physics to strict and meticulous modelling at the primary design stage, allows constructors to be able to predict ‘the buildings behaviour’. According to Passivhaus design, we can then make informed decisions in order to specify the most effective solutions, unique to your project. 72 SEPTEMBER 2019
We work with our clients to achieve maximum comfort, with unprecedented thermal balance. High quality, efficient buildings carry a higher commercial value and are becoming more in-demand for ecoconscious consumers. • A healthy environment, with clean air • A quiet setting, with acoustic separation from the street and surrounding neighbours • A well-functioning building, with simplicity of operation • An affordable home or building • Resilience • Peace of mind
Passivhaus Certification Passivhaus buildings are certified through an exacting and quality assurance process. This is considered to be one of the most rigorous energy-based standards in modern architecture. For our clients, this translates to the realisation of highquality construction that can virtually eliminate the performance gap; very common in current building regulations and compliance architecture.
Our Services At Oasis Construction, we provide full construction and passivhaus services including: design concept and development, internal and external fit-outs, joinery, interior decoration, smart-house technology and landscaping. Call us now for a free consultation and realise your dream to live in a healthier, greener home. t: 020 3844 2208. www.oasisconstructionlondon.co.uk
LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE – From gifts to venues, we’ve got the big day covered – i m age : W E DDI N G S AT L E E DS CAST L E
Your exclusive wedding planner in London
20% off consultations when quoting lifemagazines 07340 58 32 38 www.audreyametisweddings.co.uk Image credit: Jodi Hanagan
Weddings at
ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA A hidden gem, home of the beloved Chelsea Pensioners Enquire: events@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk / 02078815350 Website: chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/rhc_venuehire
WEDDING GUIDE
Top honeymoon golden rules Your honeymoon is the most important holiday of your life, a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Here, The Turquoise Holiday Company offers its first-rate tips, advice and a friendly helping hand for anyone planning a honeymoon
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honeymoon is meant to be the most special holiday of your lives. Just you and your loved one spending precious time together in a dreamy setting. Your first holiday as newlyweds means it’s important to get it right and the trick to that is to start early. The best rooms in the finest hotels get booked up quickly because a honeymoon isn’t something that should be left to the last moment. Trust us - you’ll have a wedding to worry about and besides, it will be nice to have something to look forward to! We at The Turquoise Holiday Company are brimming with first-hand tips and advice to help make your honeymoon that extra bit special. Here’s just a few... • Private transfers are of relatively small cost and a lovely luxury, whether it’s a taxi to the airport or getting around the destination itself. • Go in to see your tour operator! At Turquoise Holidays, we love meeting people face-to-face and you’ll be assured of the best service. • Enjoy breakfast or dinner in your room at least once – you can even have it delivered by canoe in Tahiti! • Set yourself a realistic budget. There’s nothing worse than staying in an expensive hotel and not being able to buy a drink. It’s much better to have the best room in a less expensive hotel and live like king and queen. • Seek advice about the weather for where and when you want to go. Remember, particularly in the tropics, the hottest season can be accompanied by high humidity. • Decide if you want to travel in your new married name. Airlines charge heavily for name changes, so make your decision and stick to it. We suggest you travel under your maiden name – then you don’t need to worry about getting your passport renewed straight away as well. • Wherever you go, look to speak to someone who has been to the place and the hotel you’re looking to stay in. At Turquoise, we know how vital first-hand knowledge is. Planning your honeymoon but not sure where to start? Get in touch with Turquoise Holidays today: www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk. Phone: 01494 678400. Instagram: @turquoiseholidays 80 SEPTEMBER 2019
WEDDING GUIDE
WEDDINGS WITH A WOW An elegant location for every occasion. One of the most impressive and flexible wedding venues in the South East.
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rom small family gatherings to large lavish banquets, wedding packages may include a Civil Ceremony in one of Ascot’s iconic or historical rooms plus a reception, or a ceremony at another venue followed by your wedding reception and celebrations at Ascot.
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Ascot is proud to be the Royal Racecourse, a place made truly special and totally unique by over 300 years of patronage by twelve monarchs, with the five days of Royal Ascot a pinnacle of the British horse racing and social calendars. Renowned for its hospitality, fine dining and sense of style, Ascot’s heritage and prestige make it an inspirational setting for any occasion, especially a wedding. Create the bespoke wedding of your dreams with Ascot’s experienced Events Team and specialist caterers, all of whom take pride in delivering outstanding and memorable experiences, matched by exemplary service.
Hosting up to 1,100 guests Ascot Racecourse specialises in Asian weddings Set in 179 acres, with views over Berkshire and the Crown estate, Ascot Racecourse is easily reached by car and/or train from London, its airports and major road networks, with free parking for mini buses, coaches and 6000 cars. Its Preferred Hotels partnership provides a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets, with 950 rooms within a 10 minute drive of the venue (transport options can also be arranged). Ascot’s Wedding Suites range from traditional to the contemporary, in terms of architecture and style, and from intimate to epic in terms of size. The contemporary On 5 Suite is located on the fifth floor of the Grandstand and offers spectacular views over the track from the panoramic windows and balcony that span its length. Situated opposite the Royal Box, the sophisticated Parade Ring Suite has beautiful interior finishes and a balcony overlooking the Parade Ring itself. The Furlong Suite is an ideal summer venue (July-October) comprising a luxury trackside marquee with a large private terrace.
The Pavilion Suite is made up of three sections, which may be used individually or together, and occupies its own standalone building overlooking the beautiful Plaza Lawns and Bandstand. Being able to host such large numbers makes Ascot a superb choice for Asian weddings. The various suites can be easily transformed to provide either classic layouts (dinner, dinner dance and cabaret) or more informal arrangements (buffet, lounge, sofa-style and reception). Suites with blank canvas spaces are able to be fully personalised to suit any theme and preferred style of decor. All offer natural daylight and views over elegant lawns, while the racecourse itself provides a perfect location for stunning wedding photography and filming. Ascot also works very closely with dedicated caterers to provide authentic dining for a range of cuisines, up to whole event management packages, for observance of cultural traditions and the enjoyment of clients and guests alike.
THE DETAILS To discuss your wedding requirements or arrange a more detailed tour of our facilities please call 0344 346 3611 or email conferenceandevents@ascot.co.uk www.ascot.co.uk/wedding-venue
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WEDDING GUIDE
How you can plan your Luxury Wedding With Celebrity Wedding Planner, Siobhan Craven-Robins
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ondon is a sought-after wedding destination for couples seeking historic settings in a city also renowned for its cool and on-trend society. With the capital leading the way, wedding planners are heading to London to enhance their skills, catch up on trends and make connections that only a globally networked city can offer. With experienced planners and those new to the role wanting to maximise their investment in their careers, they increasingly seek tuition opportunities that offer an introduction to London’s high society venues and wedding industry networks. Demand has consequently increased for classes offered by Celebrity Wedding Planner and the UK’s leading Wedding Co-ordinator, Siobhan Craven-Robins. Widely credited with bringing the concept of
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“With experienced planners and those new to the role wanting to maximise their investment in their careers, they increasingly seek tuition opportunities that offer an introduction to London’s high society venues and wedding industry networks”
wedding planning to the UK in the 90s; Siobhan’s elegant, stylish and uniquely creative approach has attracted celebrity clients including Joan Collins, Des O’Connor, Greg Kinnear, Barbara Windsor, Ronni Ancona and Joey Tempest. In 2003 Siobhan became a household name herself as GMTV’s Wedding Expert. She also regularly features on Sky, BBC and radio offering her views on topical (usually Royal) weddings and other industry news. Siobhan now develops talent in the industry including those starting their careers, like Sara Rozzi and Chiarra Inverardi. These dynamic Italians started their business, Lake Garda Family Events, after studying with Siobhan in London. Chiara said, “I consulted with wedding coordinators from around the world widening my cultural knowledge.” Sara added “We visited luxury wedding locations and showcases giving me many ideas for my business and website.” Already a successful planner in the Philippines, Michael Munoz from Portfolio Events enthused about his Destination Wedding MasterClass, “The experience opened up new business perspectives, I’ve been inspired to extend our services overseas. More than the power of the certification, it is the unforgettable experience that mattered most.” Having trained wedding planners from as far afield as Europe, India, Africa and across the UK, Siobhan knows what makes a successful wedding planner, “A strong creative streak is essential, but you need to use both the right and left side of the brain as you must be well organised as well as creative. The rewards of working for yourself are wonderful but it is an immense pressure. Being a wedding planner is not just doing what you enjoy it’s running a business – you need the skills that go with that. You also need to be a people person with good attention to detail and always, always remain calm under pressure!” Places on Siobhan’s wedding and event planning programmes are strictly limited and those lucky enough to obtain a place will have a truly unique opportunity to access Siobhan’s vast experience and knowledge. For more details please call 0203 239 0950 or visit www.eventschool.london
Certificate in Wedding, Planning (Foundations)
Wedding Planning Autumn Collection By Siobhan Craven-Robins
5 days starting 11 november 2019 ideal for those new to the role - learn to plan beautiful weddings from start to finish and how to market yourself as a wedding planner
MasterClass in Destination Wedding Planning 7 & 8 november 2019
We are delighted to present wedding expert, Siobhan Craven-Robins, leading on our Wedding Planning Autumn Collection. Siobhan is widely acknowledged as the UK’s first wedding coordinator and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to an exclusive group of participants this Autumn.
gain in-demand destination wedding skills to attract new clientele to your wedding or event planning business
MasterClass in Wedding Planning (Business) 28 & 29 october 2019 accelerate the development of your wedding planning services to develop and grow your revenue streams
www.eventschool.london/wedding-planning-courses call 0203 239 0950 | email info@eventschool.london
WEDDING GUIDE
[SHOPPING]
weddings “Bespoke design, show-stopping wedding display or delicate hand-tied bouquet – Interflora expert florists go to great length”
PRETTY PIN UP These pretty, handcrafted flower hair pins add a romantic touch to brides and bridesmaids’ wedding day hair styles. Each individual pin features six ivory flowers, set in the centre with Swarovski crystals in Vitrail for extra sparkle; and flanked by hand beaded silver leaves, this pin adds a subtle touch of pretty when worn alone, and full on romanticism when worn in clusters. £30 Each; www.andsotoshop.com
FLORAL INSPIRATIONS The Interflora Wedding Collection is a great place to start searching for inspiration, with a vast collection of wedding flowers already online, find ideas for hand-crafted arrangements along with the expert Interflora florists who are ready to make the entire day yours, from romantic bouquets and buttonholes to arrangements and displays. Bespoke design, showstopping wedding display or delicate hand-tied bouquet – Interflora expert florists go to great lengths to transform cut flowers into exquisite arrangements. With so many shades, textures, styles and designs, fine wedding flowers add natural beauty to any wedding. www.interflora.co.uk
WE LOVE These Garda wedding invitations by Ruby Blue Weddings are absolutely stunning, and include a choice of vellum cover or wax seal. www.rubyblueweddings.co.uk
A silk wedding veil can make a dramatic difference transforming the simplest dress into a stunning Bridal outfit. This gorgeous bespoke single tier silk tulle wedding veil from Ann Guise is edged with French Chantilly lace. Handmade to order. www.silkveil.com Photograph courtesy of Eleise Theuer www.eleisetheuerphotography.com
SAFE KEEPING A pretty Porcelain Indian silk douppion cushion decorated with a 1920’s white Jacquard with embroidery and trapunto in gold French ribbon, with two letter-pressed cards and envelopes and a pen. Present the rings at your ceremony and keep your vows, poems or love messages close. £160, www.mybilletdoux.com 88 SEPTEMBER 2019
Beautifully BESPOKE
WEDDING GUIDE
Image:: Catharine Noble Photography
Image: Louise Bjorling
THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW: T Everything a couple needs to plan their dream wedding in one exciting event
Image: Louise Bjorling
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ry, buy, book and hire everything you need for your special day at the ultimate day-out for the whole bridal party. With hundreds of wedding specialists from boutiques and florists to jewellers and wedding venues, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate shopping experience. A day’s visit will save you months of planning stress and leave you with endless ideas and inspiration for your big day. From trying on and buying your dream dress from the thousands on offer, to hiring your venue, ordering your cake, booking your photographer, choosing your stationery and lots more, it is the destination for wedding planning. But most of all a fun way to spend time with your friends, family, bridal party or fiancé! Visit the show this autumn and enjoy: •The Catwalk will showcase a selection of dresses from designers to high-street names. Inspiring you with all the ideas you need to achieve your ‘wedding day look’, pairing beautiful dresses with on-trend hair, makeup and accessory ideas. •The Champagne Bar – Celebrate your engagement and a successful day wedding planning with a glass of bubbly. •The VIP experience – treat the bride tribe to the VIP experience for exclusive bridal benefits including all-day access to the VIP lounge, a complimentary glass of fizz, a tote bag filled with goodies, fast-track entry, latest edition of Confetti magazine and guaranteed catwalk seating! Plus, more to be confirmed! Find out more at www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk
Image:: Catharine Noble Photography
Diary Details: The National Wedding Show at London Olympia Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd September 2019 Friday 12-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm London Olympia Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX
WEDDING GUIDE
Save the date Weddings at Leeds Castle “Leeds Castle has a number of breathtaking options for your wedding, with luxurious accommodation on-site for both you and your guests”
THE DETAILS Appointments will be available on either of the two days, from 10am-4pm with the experienced Leeds Castle wedding coordinators on hand to make sure you get the most out of your visit.
Banqueting Hall
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nly an hour’s drive from London, the 900-year-old Leeds Castle in Kent is an idyllic setting for the most romantic weddings, making it the perfect location, whatever the season. Set amongst 500 acres of beautiful Kentish parkland and formal gardens, the estate offers a selection of stunning venues in which to hold your wedding ceremony and celebrations. Be it the stately grandeur of the Castle, the Maiden’s Tower or timber-framed Fairfax Barn Leeds Castle has a number of breathtaking options for your wedding, with luxurious accommodation on-site for both you and your guests for a night to remember. Choose to stay in one of 42 bedrooms sleeping up to 84 guests, including the lavish Castle State bedrooms, five star Maiden’s Tower bedrooms and Stable Courtyard Bed and Breakfast rooms, In addition, guests can stay in the unique Battel Hall manor house as well as self-catered holiday cottages for a larger wedding party. Discover first-hand everything the enchanting Leeds Castle has to offer at the next Wedding
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Showcase on Saturday 12th and Saturday 13th October 2019. Book your appointment today and experience “the loveliest castle in the world” in all its glory. Up to 100 guests are welcome to witness wedding ceremonies within the Castle, taking place in the elegant Ceremony Room adjoining the book-lined Library, ideal for champagne drinks receptions. A banquet-style wedding breakfast is served in the largest room in the Castle, the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, with impressive views across the moat. After dinner, guests are invited to dance the night away in the Heraldry Room or relax in the opulent 1920s Drawing Rooms, before staying overnight in one of the luxurious state bedrooms. Couples can also take the opportunity to visit Battel Hall, Leeds Castle’s manor house, on the edge of the Estate. Picture saying ‘I do’ in the beautiful Ceremony Room, featuring rich oak panelling - and move on into the drawing room or library, both wonderfully traditional rooms ideal for celebrations. The private gardens and marquee terrace offer an equally memorable space for wedding celebrations, with the opportunity to take your vows under the romantic old English bower. Battel Hall
WIN!!! In celebration of the 900th anniversary, one lucky couple who hold their wedding at Leeds Castle before 31st March 2021 will win an exceptional prize of £5000 worth of floral displays, expertly arranged by Head Florist and RHS Gold Award Winner, Louise Roots. To win this incredible prize, couples need to book their wedding at Leeds Castle and pay their deposit before 31st October 2019. For further information or to book a viewing, call Leeds Castle on 01622 767877 or visit leeds-castle.com/weddings.
WEDDING GUIDE
Bath’s Historic Venues Roman Baths & Pump Room • Assembly Rooms • Victoria Art Gallery • Guildhall
Amy Sanders Photography
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ecognised as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Bath is the only city in Britain to enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. It is the perfect location for a wedding, with its stylish combination of beautiful architecture, breath-taking scenery and luxurious accommodation. Only 90 minutes from London, Bath is both an exceptional and accessible city. Bath’s Historic Venues are integral to the city’s history and include some of the country’s most iconic buildings:
Roman Baths & Pump Room Situated at the heart of the World Heritage site, the Roman Baths and Pump Room was voted Best Historic Wedding Venue in the 2017 UK Wedding Awards, and has won gold two years running for best venue in the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards. It is without doubt one of the most distinctive and unique buildings in the country. Not only is there nothing like it in the world, it also provides a fantastic opportunity to be married in the open air but remain under cover, safe from the unpredictable British weather. What could be more romantic than exchanging your vows next to the torchlit, steaming waters of the Great Bath in one of our Sunrise or Sunset ceremonies? The Great Bath is continuously filled with hot flowing water which rises up bubbling from deep underground, warmed by the heat of the earth’s core. Surrounding this bath is 2000 year old paving, where couples can exchange their vows amid the flickering torchlight and rising steam. Beyond the classical statues on the Terrace above, Bath Abbey will be illuminated whilst guests can gather and enjoy a stunning and atmospheric wedding. The grand Pump Room, built in the 1790s was the focal point of Georgian society and Jane Austen observed people and fashions from within the 94 SEPTEMBER 2019
Lee Niel Photography
THE DETAILS
Bath’s Historic Venues: Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LZ bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 477786 bathvenues.co.uk/life www.facebook.com/ BathsHistoricVenues @bathvenues (twitter) @bathshistoricvenues (instagram)
Bhavesh Chauhan Photography
building. This elegant room is a perfect location to continue celebrations, with a seated wedding breakfast and dancing. There is a choice of rooms, and the venue can cater for intimate groups as well as much larger wedding parties for up to 200 guests.
Assembly Rooms The Assembly Rooms is one of Bath’s most prestigious venues and has been at the heart of the city’s social life since the 18th century. Voted Best City Wedding Venue in the UK Wedding awards 2017, the venue houses stunning crystal chandeliers, impressive architecture and everything necessary for a stylish city wedding. There are four inter connecting rooms of varying size providing versatile space for weddings with 50-300 guests. Searcys, our esteemed in-house caterer at the Pump Room and Assembly Rooms, have an enviable reputation. Since 1847, they have been one of the UK’s most prestigious catering companies. With a passion for quality and an ability to execute an event to the very highest standards, they have developed a world-famous reputation for catering and hospitality at their iconic, exclusive venues which include Blenheim Palace, the Gherkin and St Pancras Grand.
“I know everyone says it’s the best day of their lives, but it was and this is down to the beautiful venue, amazing staff and perfect food. You don’t deliver a wedding; you deliver an experience of a lifetime!” – Gemma Davidson Wedding ceremonies and receptions can also take place in the Guildhall and Victoria Art Gallery, both in the heart of Bath. For further information about all of our venues, visit our website: www.bathvenues.co.uk/life.
FOOD & DRINK
WEDDING GUIDE
The Speech and the Suit
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ere comes the groom! Even the most modern of weddings can often feel like it’s all about the bride, but now Debrett’s, the authority on modern wedding etiquette, is offering bespoke services for the bridegroom and his best man. They will ensure that you fulfil your two primary responsibilities – looking good and giving a brilliant speech – with confidence and style. The two courses can be taken together over a full day or separately as half-day courses. An additional guest (usher, father or father-in-law-to-be) can be included.
The Speech Rupert Wesson, academy director and public speaking expert at Debrett’s, will deliver an intensive two-hour session on speech-giving for the bridegroom and up to two others. The workshop will focus on the content of the speech, mastering nerves, timing, humour, and using aids such as a microphone and notes. It will also cover traditional toasts, thank-yous and the order of speeches. 2 hour sessions available. 96 SEPTEMBER 2019
The Suit Men’s style expert Tim Lord will work with the bridegroom and up to two others to style and source the perfect outfit for his wedding day. Whether you’re choosing traditional morning dress, a lounge suit or an alternative, Tim will accompany you to a selection of his favourite men’s outfitters on Savile Row and advise on the best cut, cloth, pattern and style to suit you and your budget. He will encourage you to try on a range of options to incorporate elements that are most meaningful and personal to the individual and to the couple. The session will help you to find a wedding outfit that best complements your personality and style, while covering the finer points of tailoring and men’s style 4 hour sessions available. Tim Lord is a highly experienced stylist and personal style consultant whose clients have included Jude Law, Keith Richards, Michael Fassbender, Alex James, James Bay, Mumford & Sons and Jack Guinness. His work has been featured in a range of publications including GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health.
THE DETAILS Please enquire for pricing and more information: email OllyWalker@debretts.co.uk or telephone Debrett’s on 0203 705 2210. www.debretts.com
LBWG18 Quote LBWG19 to receive a 10% discount on our Wedding Packages
“Your quiet strength was felt by all. Wishing you love and light” – Demi Moore
Gemma has over 20 years’ experience as a celebrity Hair and Make-up Artist in the international film industry. Films she has worked on include ‘James Bond – The World is Not Enough’ and ‘Pirates of The Caribbean – On Stranger Tides’ and on famous faces such as Tom Hardy, Demi Moore & Elizabeth Olsen plus many more. Let Gemma transform you into the leading lady on your big day. Also offering film quality European hair extensions and tailor made private hair and makeup tuition, all the comfort of your own home. Get in touch to discuss your requirements. www.gemmawaugh.com | gemmawaughmakeup@gmail.com | 07970 918565
WEDDING GUIDE
STYLE INSPIRATION Hales Hall & The Great Barn Lose yourself in love Capturing the magic of your special day is easy when you’ve found the perfect venue. The romance and beauty of Hales Hall & The Great Barn is simply breath-taking. A magnificent medieval estate with romantic walled gardens and acres of wild Norfolk meadows it offers a unique private paradise for your wedding.
The details Inspired by the enchanting walled garden a soft muted palette against a mix of silk, vintage linen and ivory candles are at the centre of this look. “Everything is understated, but utterly captivating” Trailing English garden roses, and blossom were delicately layered to create “a relaxed, graceful style”. A bespoke bronze wax seal, soft edged handmade paper in pastel shades, tactile textures and beautiful calligraphy followed through to table settings.
To have and to hold Exclusively yours to host your bespoke wedding, accommodate guests and enjoy celebrations the country estate is licensed for civil ceremonies. The Great Barn, with its vaulted timber roof and feature arrow-slit windows, each candlelit for your occasion, hosts 50-200+ guests. Hales Hall, the cottage, the gatehouse and garden rooms sleep 25 across the fairy-tale five-star properties; all just a toddle away from The Great Barn. www.haleshall.com Venue: haleshall.com Styling: sundariferris.co.uk Photography: taylorandporter.co.uk Stationery: estherclark.co.uk Floral design joflowers.co.uk
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WEDDING GUIDE
Quirky Country Styled shoot LONG FURLONG BARN
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ong Furlong Barn in Worthing, was home to a beautiful countryside bride styled Shoot theme ‘Quirky Country’. The idea came from Kim Thackery from Bespoke and Beyond Events, inspired by Long Furlong Barn’s countryside setting. Bright, vibrant colours were used as a contrast to green spring fields, with textured floristry by the Floral Artisan and props provided by Hire Your Day and Toast to create an alternative style to a countryside wedding theme. Long Furlong Barn’s recent addition to the venue was the Furlong View, a handcrafted oak ceremony arch overlooking the South Downs National park. Vicki Lamont, the Venue Manger explains : ‘Outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and we wanted to design a structure which provided a subtle nod to the interior of the barns, whilst celebrating the beautiful backdrop.’ The quirky cool look for our bride, Vanessa was created by Rosi (Rosina Green, MUA) and Hello Halo Hair, combining bespoke pieces such as the Fedora hat from Love Hats by Victoria to complete the look. The wedding cake was created by Beachside Bakery and looked stunning on a beautiful Moon Arch cake swing provided by Hire Your Day. Printed linen menus and bouquet ribbon by Extra Special Touch and the plum coloured stationery was provided by Hip Hip Hooray. If you are looking for a countryside venue out of town, with a contemporary elegance, but with all the rustic charm of a barn, contact Long Furlong Barn at www.longfurlongbarn.co.uk
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WEDDING GUIDE
NATURAL BEAUTY:
Stunning Floral design from petal & wild Josephine Stevens speaks to Alana Watts, Owner and Floral Designer of Petal and Wild. The company specialises in wild, pretty and romantic wedding floral design covering, London, Essex and surrounding areas Tell me a bit about yourself and your company. I’ve always been creative and loved the outdoors. As a child I’d spend hours outside in the garden helping my parents prune the roses and plant tulip bulbs. I trained at Italia Conti Academy of theatrical arts and performed in West End shows as a singer/ dancer for a number of years. I was frequently sent the most beautiful bouquets during the run from a florist stand outside the theatre on Seven Dials. Once I left the theatre world I struggled to find something that gave me the same passion. By chance a leaflet was popped through my door advertising a floristry course at my local university which caught my attention. I enrolled and am delighted to say it reignited my creative fire and reminded me how much I love working with natural materials. It was totally fate looking out for me and I’ve never looked back. I created Petal and Wild flowers to appeal to the bride who wants something completely unique and elegant on their wedding day. My style is romantic and natural, like flowers just picked from a country garden. I enjoy working with a loose brief so I can really be creative and design something stunning and enchanting for the big day. Where do you get inspiration from? I get inspiration from so many sources, including the natural beauty of the English countryside. Pinterest and Instagram are great online tools too as they give you access to amazing floral designs from around the world. 104 SEPTEMBER 2019
What is your favourite part of being a wedding florist? I love the early morning trips to Covent Garden Flower market shopping for my blooms and the excitement to see what’s new in and what is in season. I also love seeing the bride’s reaction to her flowers on the wedding morning. It’s such a wonderful feeling after months of planning to know you’ve been a part of making someone’s special day look beautiful. What plans do you have in the future? More weddings and more beautiful flowers! I’ve got some gorgeous weddings booked for next year at amazing venues, it’s a privilege and I’m very grateful to work with such lovely brides. www.petalandwild.co.uk; 07976 881505
top tips for brides Let your florist know your budget from the very start. It’s much easier to advise on designs and flowers to achieve the look you are after if we have this information. If you love expensive flowers such as peonies, ask your florist to use them in your bouquet and find a more economical substitute for the table flowers if your budget will not stretch. Ask your florist to choose flowers that are in season, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily cheaper but means they are better quality and at their best. It will also help to encompass the time year you have chosen to get married in. Choose a few larger arrangements, rather than lots of smaller vases or jars if you really want to make an impact on your wedding day. Pedestal arrangements and pew ends can be re-used from the ceremony and repositioned in the reception area afterwards to help make the most of your flowers.
Top left & centre: Irena K Photography. Top right & left: Helen Elliott Photography / Venue - The Old Parish Rooms, Essex
WEDDING GUIDE
Timeless collector showcases
www.factoryforpiu.com 108 SEPTEMBER 2019
ART GUIDE
– Beautiful artworks by a range of local and international artists – I M A G E : F LY I N G CO P P E R , b a nk s y, E s t i m at e £ 1 5 , 0 0 0 to £ 2 5 , 0 0 0 , S o l d f o r £ 4 0 , 0 0 0 .
ART GUIDE
Julija Saler: The wonders in simplicity J
ulija Saler is an Austrian, self-taught, abstract artist and is working intuitively with the flow of energies. She started painting 12 years ago, while getting to know all the different media, during her studies of art therapy in Vienna. There she learnt, how to let go of thoughts, not to focus on the result but only on the “doing” itself. Her art business though started to evolve after she moved to Ireland about 3 years ago. The Irish clear energies, as she calls it, gave her room to free the mind and simply work away. Julijas medium is a mixture between acrylics and oil crayons. She applies layers of paint, to scratch them down later, this is the way she gets the paintings look vintage. Her tools are mostly a knife, sponge and sometimes simply her fingers. Her paintings have depth, are full of colour and scratches and yet, there is the sparkling golden leaf that appears as the translucent medium in nearly all of her paintings. Sometimes though, client related, she uses copper or silver leaf too. For her, this is a synonymous for the divine within everything and everybody. “With my paintings, it is like watching the clouds, all of a sudden there would be something we can spot in there. Whatever gets visible, don´t take it for granted, because it is telling a story and it wants to remind us of something as we go through our very own roller coaster of life. I believe that everything that appears to us and crosses our way, belongs to us and is part of our movement – of our personal growth. I believe, that everything is connected to anything else! With my art I try to catch the wonders in simplicity”. The artist falls for everything old, especially old walls, because they remind her of us humans, with all our layers of experience, of situations in life that made us the way we are today. Old walls tell a story and have soul. The vintage look of her artwork is a perfect match to modern homes but also rural country houses. The variety of placing these special
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statement pieces into lovely settings is huge, either you prefer art on paper in a classy looking frame or art on canvas in a shadow box. These original abstract pieces of art will always bring a certain kind of glow and especially good and impressive vibes into your home. Julija says, that her goal was always to paint with a purpose. Therefore a 20% of all sold pieces will go to children’s foundations at the end of each year. As Picasso once said: “The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away” www.julija.saler.at
ART GUIDE
Colour, light, space, time “Significant collaborations include live painting in concerts and the translation of these synaesthetic, musical artworks onto clothing”
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aroline Bordignon is a Manchester based Canadian composer and fine artist working in a variety of mediums including oil, water colour, acrylic, graphite, and mixed-media in correlation with musical composition. She seeks to explore aspects of colour, light, space, time and ways in which these interrelate through visual and musical expression synaesthetically. Her greatest artistic pursuit besides more traditional practice is to create visual and musical works together with the objective of establishing single, yet varied and complimentary art forms. Significant collaborations include live painting in concerts and the translation of these synaesthetic, musical artworks onto clothing. The creation results in an experience that is not only heard but worn. This is especially effective as a way for composers/ performers to see their music come to life and also wear their own music as a memoir of a performance. Items of musical clothing can be purchased at LeGalleriste, based in Montreal, Quebec. Recent engagements have included performing as a live painter with classical musicians including Chinese pianist Fangbin Xia and the formation of duo XHI: Live Artwork and Musical Exploration with German pianist/organist and composer Dennis Tjiok. Caroline’s works have been performed in Canada and internationally including at the International Sound in the Land Music Festival, Northern Chords Festival, the Equator Festival at King’s Place London and she is currently a composer on the 2019/2020 London Symphony Orchestra Panufnik Scheme. Significant commissions have included a work for singing solo viola by Katherine Clarke and arrangements of Norwegian Folk Song for Susanna
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Solsrud, Soprano in association with the Bergen National Opera. Caroline is currently composing a new work for string quartet and soprano as part of the Illuminate concert series held across the UK celebrating female musicians and composers. In 2020 her three movement work for string quartet in collaboration with still and live painting will be premiered by the Equilibrium Ensemble at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. She has participated in master classes with artists such as the BBC Singers lead by Judith Weir, Psappha, Eleanor Alberga, Margaret Schedel, Anders Hillborg and Deborah Pritchard. Caroline is a PhD Candidate in composition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK with Adam Gorb and Laura Bowler. She completed her Masters of Music in Composition at the RNCM under the tutelage of Adam Gorb and Gary Carpenter where she was generously supported as a Stanley Picker Trust Scholar as well as a recipient of the Waverley Fund. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Music and Fine Art at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Caroline Bordignon - Composer - Fine Artist www.carolinebordignon.com
ART GUIDE
Harnessing Light
Renowned glass artist Julia Mills has relocated to a larger studio and is now focusing on designing unique pieces of glass art to commission. Lucy Studley finds out more… At her Newlyn workshop, glass artist Julia Mills is surrounded by the sights and sounds of a working harbour. The space, which she shares with celebrated potter Lincoln Kirby Bell and versatile ceramicist Lucie Sivicka, is reached up a set of time and weatherworn stone steps. Visitors follow in the footsteps of fishermen and merchants, sail-makers and artists of previous generations – those famous figures of the Newlyn School who captured scenes of coastal life in the heart of this bustling harbour.
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n these new spacious surroundings, Julia can be found hard at work, tools and materials of her trade to hand. Using the highest quality handmade glass sourced from around the world and enlivened by natural lines, tiny bubbles and intricate textures, she uses the techniques of acidetching and sand-blasting to manipulate and craft light as it falls onto the glass. Each piece is a unique marriage of the character of the glass itself and Julia’s designs – a constantly evolving experiment with translucence, colour combinations and organic forms. These bright, contemporary glass artworks are a jubilant response to the forms and colours which Julia encounters during her daily life in West Cornwall, where she has lived and worked since 1999. Each carefully hand-made piece harnesses the astounding light of the peninsula, incorporating dynamic, abstract elements alongside shapes from nature and the coastline. “I love walking along the seashore,” explains Julia. “A lot of my inspiration comes from that constantly shifting interface between land and sea.” Some of her pieces are reminiscent of gazing into a rockpool on a bright sunny day and watching light dance over the life contained within. Creatures of land, sea and air proliferate in various guises, including some mythological visitors, whilst humans also leave traces on the surface of the glass in the form of harbourside cottages and fishing boats. Julia’s smallest pieces are framed glass hangings which can be hung anywhere in the home; most of these she sells via local galleries (her work can be found in The Lighthouse Gallery in Penzance, _). However recently demand has been growing for her full-scale architectural commissions, and it is this which precipitated the move away from her own gallery and small workshop to this larger, shared space.
Julia is excited about this new phase. “As much as I loved having my own gallery, it feels like the right time to dedicate myself to ambitious new projects,” she explains. “Working on large-scale pieces for private homes and commercial clients, such as restaurants, is giving me more freedom and my work has been developing in fresh and exhilarating directions.” For these large eye-catching features, such as windows and doorways, Julia works with clients – and sometimes also their architects and interior designers - to produce a bespoke piece of glass which resonates with the individual person and setting. She uses colours and formal elements including landscape features, plants and animals - which have a particular significance for the patron. Her experience has given her a profound understanding of the impact that colour and the reflective properties of glass can have on a space. Each piece transforms its surroundings as light passes through it, filling rooms with magical light and mysterious reflections. Recent commissions include round ‘pilchard barrel’ windows, internal door panels and external glass features. Julia’s work featured in a prestigious development at Rock in North Cornwall, which has since been described as the fourth most expensive property in the world. Julia’s new workshop is at Unit 4, Harbour Road, Newlyn (behind Trelawny Fish Shop & Deli). The public can visit to discuss commissions and make purchases from a selection of unique pieces in a variety of sizes. Calling or emailing ahead is recommended. For contact details and more information visit www.juliamillsgallery.co.uk
ART GUIDE
Where’s Bonky? Laura Beaumont’s work has been variously described as...
‘Funny, sometimes raunchy but always surprising. A delight to behold’. ‘An emotionally charged rollercoaster treasure hunt for adults, plus a train wreck.’ ‘The League of Gentlemen meets The Chapman Brothers.’ ‘Where’s Bonky?’ is open to the public from 13th September – 6th October at Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, W1T 1DR
Top left: The Cut (detail), working model railway and mixed media Books, left to right: Water Babies, The Wizard of OZ, The Mystery of Tally Ho Cottage, mixed media book sculptures Bottom right: Distressed Clock II, Cuckoo Clock and mixed media
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mmy award winning writer of children’s animation, Laura Beaumont, is repurposing beautiful books into highly collectible works of art. Laura’s work reflects a growing area of the contemporary art scene where artists are utilizing cultural ephemera, with the medium itself taking centre stage. Gallery Different who represent Laura have seen the collector base for her work grow substantially over the last three years and believe that Laura is an artist to watch, as her work continues to evolve and to attract critical acclaim. Laura comes from a show business family, and initially followed in the ‘family business’. However she found she was at her happiest and most fulfilled when drawing, painting, sculpting and writing. Her approach to her writing and her artistic careers are very similar – both are about exploring characters and telling stories and along the way she tackles some big issues. She finds inspiration everywhere - characters she meets, things people tell her about their lives, movies, music, television, art. For her it’s always about the story and if she can make people laugh, cry, or think about an issue, then all the better. “I have always been drawn towards the dark side of human behaviour and emotions, so I feel I have found a medium that is perfect to explore these themes. In some of my pieces I feature sex, voyeurism, deviant behaviour and violence towards women.” Laura describes her book installations as
collaborations with the original author – albeit an unknowing one on their part. Taking a scalpel to the original book, she creates a tableau which references the book, but onto which she imposes her own narrative. In her forthcoming solo exhibition, the media has expanded to include customised cuckoo clocks, a moving model railway, a film, and 3 dimensional installations. Whether we are following a gang of five Enid Blyton characters on their ill-fated investigation, witnessing the sexual exploits of the Tyrolian inhabitants of a cuckoo clock, exploring the secret cultish history of the area surrounding The Cut Railway Station or sparing a moment to honour an electrocuted elephant, stories are unfolding everywhere you look. The exhibition also includes an interactive element with London bookclubs being invited to hold their bookclub event at the gallery. The exhibition title is a reference to one of the recurring characters, Bonky, who appeared in her first book sculpture, recently exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer show. Bonky is the heart of her little troupe. He represents kindness, understanding and naïve innocence, ever hopeful that he can heal the hurts of the world… but ever unaware that he really is just a clown holding a bunch of balloons…
ART GUIDE
Frances Lee ceramic artist BA Hons (applied arts)
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fter completing a degree in her late 50’s Frances graduated in 2011. The degree was in Applied Arts but she specialized in ceramics. After 5 years of study and making, she then had a studio space organized by an ex student in a warehouse near to the college in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. At first it was a little daunting to have no input from tutors and she wondered if the ideas would still come. On a morning walk with her dog in the park she was aware of a lot of litter and unused bins. After a conversation with the park keeper, she was informed it all went into general rubbish. So she picked up a plastic bag and filled it with bottles and cans. Whilst at home she noticed how different all the bottles were and decided to make molds which were then filled with liquid clay. The labels were images of graffiti, unused bins showing cobwebs overlaid with some lightbox drawings of beautiful buildings in Brighouse for contrast. Urban mess was her first series of work. Whilst studying at college, one of the modules involved entering a competition. A friend spotted the Taiwan Biennale and said ’It’s free - try this one’. 118 SEPTEMBER 2019
She entered 16 plates from the 30 plate installation of her Family Tree. Then she forgot about it. A few weeks later Frances received an email to say she was a finalist. Deciding it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, she packed and sent the plates. She was then invited to the opening ceremony in Taiwan and decided again it was a great opportunity not to be missed. From this idea she has made many commemorative plates for birthdays, weddings and most recently a presentation plate. Her work varies, with different styles of illustration. The clay, usually white earthenware in solid or liquid form, as the canvas. During college she discovered that she was able to draw while doing experimental techniques. Left hand continuous line opened up a style of drawing she was unaware she was capable of - she is now able to use her right hand and not always continuous line. She has made several series of work seen on her website francesleeceramics.com. She has work in some galleries in West, South and North Yorkshire and currently works from a studio space run by East Street Arts in Leeds.
F R A N C E S L EE CERA MI C ARTIS T
• Hand built and illustrated ceramics • Semi functional contemporary designs • Where the ceramic is a canvas for the art
Lizzie Bentley www.francesleeceramics.com frannymarylee@yahoo.co.uk also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linked In And Pinterest
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
ART GUIDE
Jessica Zoob Hong Kong show T
his September Jessica Zoob will be opening her Sussex studio to share, for the first time, her latest collection ‘Inspired by Asia’. For the last three years Zoob has been travelling extensively through Asia and working from her Hong Kong Studio. For her ‘experiencing Asia is immersive and overwhelming. These paintings are a distillation and reflection of [her] adventures’. This exhibition represents the unique opportunity to witness Zoob’s life in Asia in her UK studio. The contrast between the soft Sussex countryside and the hard edges and neons of Asia is exhilarating, each one made more beautiful by the other. Zoob is renowned for large scale works which are at once immensely powerful and exquisitely delicate. In her latest collection Zoob has captured this energy and distilled it into small scale works. The result is an immensely rich collection of miniatures that are intricately layered and jewel bright. She has created windows into her experience of Asia: ‘The magic of intimate details, dust motes and faded colours… The complicated, fragile, heatsoaked chaos and the rare oases of calm’. Jessica has an eye for the tiniest detail. Constantly taking photographs, when she paints she does not attempt to copy, but rather to ‘capture the essence’ of her dynamic muse. When in Hong Kong Jessica is able to give in to her need to create and paint for days, ‘I get up in the morning, I paint all day. I sleep for a while then paint some more.’ The layers of work that
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create these miniatures is astounding. Textures that may have taken years to create are obliterated in seconds, in pursuit of a moment of ‘elation’ when she knows the painting is complete. This moment is, for Jessica, ‘precious and unique. Those moments are rare, sunshine on purple skies’. Jessica’s life as an artist mirrors her experiences travelling: they are extreme, spontaneous, transient and joyful. She describes moments of great doubt, the agony of loss and intense fear, all balanced by moments of euphoria. When travelling Jessica follows her instinct and takes her time to take in the beauty of rain on a windscreen, a single flower or the rustle of a new dress. When painting, she follows a map only she can see, though ‘glimpses, colour combinations, suggestions, flickering like phosphorus, it is a thread to follow, the first tiny stitch in a tapestry’. If you are in London this summer, do not miss the opportunity to see some of Jessica’s monumental, large-scale pieces in an exhibition that ranges across two nearby galleries: 10 Gresham Street and 60 Threadneedle Street. In delightful contrast to these Asia inspired miniatures, this show entitled ‘Dreams Do Come True’ spans 7000sqft and is Zoob’s biggest display to date. These galleries are the perfect place to view Jessica’s recent pieces. As a viewer, it is a joy to be able to step back and take in a whole painting surrounded by tranquillity and light. For full details of current exhibitions visit www.jessicazoob.com Portrait photo: Shirlie Kemp
ART GUIDE
FLEUR COWGILL BORN AGAIN ARTIST
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n her 60th birthday, in March this year, Fleur Cowgill exhibited work in New York for the first time in Chelsea’s Agora Gallery. It was, she says, ‘a rather special birthday treat’. It marked a milestone in a journey that started 37 years earlier in another Chelsea – at Heatherley’s Art School, just off London’s Fulham Road. Cowgill trained for 5 years in London, gaining her BA from Middlesex University (by then a Polytechnic follow-on from the famous, and sometimes infamous, Hornsey Art College). Following graduation, she entered the UK’s most prestigious landscape prize, the Laing, winning first place in the national competition with a seascape called ‘The Red Boat’. At the award a judge told her that during adjudication it was the painting that ‘just wouldn’t go away, until it was the last one standing’. Not going away is an apt metaphor for Cowgill’s artistic career. Following successful years showing and selling on the London circuit, she took a career break to raise two children. Discovering they were dyslexic she retrained as a dyslexia specialist (she holds the equivalent of a Master’s in Dyslexia), lectured, taught and became a Specialist Assessor – something she still does today when not in her studio. In 2017 the call of the studio became too strong and she enrolled on the MA course in Fine Art at Brighton University. This presaged a change in her mark-making from figurative to abstract work, experimenting with coloured pigments, solvents, chalks, graphite and inks on large square canvases with a personal language of short vertical strokes representing a distillation of thought, memory and experience. The short answer is ‘nowhere’… Ask Cowgill where she comes from and she’ll say ‘the short answer is nowhere’. Born in Liverpool
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her family were part of Africa’s colonial diaspora. School terms were spent boarding in England, holidays in Tanzania or the Congo. She has, she says, ‘no sense of home, but a great sense of place’. She also has a huge emotive sense of history and these factors, together with her aptitude for colour and light, inform her work as an abstract artist. Her sense of place and journey drive her inspiration. A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Butrint, Albania, led to her series The Palimpsest of Butrint – from which a recent work was short-listed for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. She also has a series based on journeys along the Greenwich Meridian at 0° Longitude to and from Africa, and following the experience of a hurricane in Lefkas.
THE DETAILS Now established in a new studio in Sussex, overlooking Platform 2 of Billingshurst Station, Fleur Cowgill has sold this year in New York, London, Brighton, Worthing and online. For more information see www.fleurcowgillartist.com
Time Stands Still Encouraged to paint from the age of 6, I never stopped. The lower east side of N Y where I grew up was exciting. The docklands, tugboats, old cobbled streets, bridges and the East River itself. When I moved to London, now Kent, I discovered new interests. I still associate with the River Thames. But the lakes and beaches of the Continent where colour and light is so bright and clear – drew me to paint in Greece and Spain. My work become flooded with light – to the extent that I became fascinated with: El sol y sombre. (sunshine and shade) capturing it in my work. In the hours of repose, sketching or painting an artist becomes imbued with their surroundings, becoming a part of their own work. This inspired me to write the poem ‘Time Stands Still’, which I was encouraged to read the night of my first solo.
Were I to lay me down Beneath an ancient bowerand gaze at sky and smell the flower, Time would stop its endless rush Then would descend a peaceful hush. While in reverend silence so profound, leaves and grasses sway from ground Creatures buzz and do their crawling. The brook its flow and falling. A bird gives forth in song.
www.tonyfandino.com
Tony Fandino born in N Y. Museum of Modern Art inaugurated a young people’s art course, received the free scholarship. He passed the exam to the highly respected School of Music and Art. Then attended newly established School of Visual Arts. Instruction was given by famous practicing artists/illustrators. In competition awarded a scholarship. Leaving America for London entered Horsey Art College’s Post Graduate course for emerging artists. He became manager of design/art/ photography for the British Tourist Authority. Throughout travelling abroad Tony has sketched, using pastels, water colours and oils. Capturing a moment in true definition. Once informed by a viewer of this work “what I like in a painting is – as I walk up close to it the detail remains the same.” He achieves a finished quality, while retaining a fresh artistic impression.
Achievement and work exhibited has been extensive. See: www.tonyfandino.com Displays regularly at Parallax Art Fair, Kensington, London, and will be present this October 18 to 20. Also, Baltimore, USA – Art Antiques Show, Convention Center, Aug 29 to Sept 1. Represented by Steidel Fine Arts. Also displaying at: ‘Unity In Variety X’, Shapiro Modern, Mayfair, London Sept. 29 to 3 October. Represented by Gabriel Fine Arts, presently preparing another show in November containing his work. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Art, London.
ART GUIDE
Railings Gallery H
THE DETAILS La Boîte à Merveilles: new works by Hormazd Narielwalla 9th September - 4th October Railings Gallery, 5 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 8UT Open 10am-6pm Mondays-Saturday & 11am-5pm Sundays Tel: 020 7935 1114
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ormazd Narielwalla’s career as an artist began during his Masters in Fashion Design, which led him to research bespoke tailoring at the atelier of Dege and Skinner, London, one of the oldest tailoring firms on Savile Row. During this time he learnt that the tailor would shred the patterns of customers who had passed away. This had a profound effect on Narielwalla, and prompted him to respond to them by meticulously collaging handmade, hand painted or found papers onto vintage sewing patterns. This immersion in the traditions of tailoring is felt in the artist’s sensitive handling of material, and its manipulation into forms sympathetic to the human body. The resulting imagery recalls the great masters of 20th century art from Picasso’s Cubism to Matisse’s ‘cut-out’ works. Many of the sewing patterns belong to people long since gone but in his application of new forms and colour the surface becomes reanimated, breathing life into materials once confined to history. It is no surprise that, after a recent visit to Morocco, Narielwalla has been deeply inspired by Marrakech, a city with a rich history of attracting European artists and designers. For his forthcoming exhibition, ‘La Boite a Merveilles,’ the artist has produced a new body of work that draws directly from his experiences of this city. Narielwalla describes Marrakech as a place of strong contrasts. The opulent gardens, majestic palaces, and thriving marketplaces are meeting places of bustling human activity set against dazzling geometric ceramic tiles, perfectly symmetrical and ordered in their patterning. Riotous colour is found everywhere from local textiles to Riad interiors, from stalls selling spices
to shops selling pigments - the most famous being the luminous ‘Majorelle Blue’- a colour that occurs prominently in these new artworks. Named after its maker, Jacques Majorelle, this intense lapis lazuli blue adorns walls, fountains and features in the famous garden of his design, created in 1923. By the 1980s the Majorelle Gardens had fallen into disrepair and might have continued to decay were it not re-discovered by renowned French Fashion Designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé who, together, bought and restored the garden. Featured in this exhibition are a group of works in which Narielwalla sets an intense ‘pop’ of colour against black designs referencing significant couture creations designed by Saint Laurent during his numerous stays in the city. These works reference Saint Laurent’s famous declaration that “Marrakech taught me colour. Before Marrakech everything was black.”
ART GUIDE
Fresh: Art Fair comes to Ascot Ascot Racecourse 20 - 22 September 2019 53 galleries: 600 artists: 6000 artworks Dee Campling and the intricacies of framing by London framer and fine art fabricator Darbyshire. Visitors are also invited to bring up to three pieces (or photographs) of their old pre-contemporary art for a free valuation by Bonhams who will advise them on selling their art and may consign suitable works to an appropriate auction. “We’re expecting around 6,000 visitors over the weekend”, says Eleanor. “There will be a Private View on the Thursday evening with live jazz, no shortage of free wine and first pick of the art. With well over a thousand guests there’ll be a huge buzz”. The Racecourse is less than twenty minutes from the M4, M3 and M25 with unlimited free parking and a mainline station 5 minutes walk. There will be NO racing, just ART. With two fabulous Fresh: Cafes and Ascot’s spectacular Racecourse, Fresh: makes an unmissable day out.
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ritain’s fasted growing contemporary art fair will open at Ascot Racecourse this September hosting 53 leading Galleries from across the UK and Europe. There will be 6000 original prints and paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramics from £100 to £30,000. The 600 artists represented will include exciting new talent, established professionals and Royal Academicians. Work by acclaimed sculptors Sophie Ryder and Adam Binder will be there together with Sir Peter Blake, Hockney, Hirst, Emin, Banksy, Warhol and McLean. Exhibiting Galleries include London’s Quantum Contemporary Art, Cube Gallery and Gallery Different; Lime Tree Gallery from Bristol; Young Jamieson from Marlborough; Doorway Gallery, Sol Art and Gormley’s all from Dublin, and Bruno Dahl from Denmark. Unlike many contemporary art fairs, Fresh: exhibits Galleries not solo artists. “It means we can show the work of far more artists, professionally hung in large room-like spaces,” says Fresh: founder Eleanor Wardle. “All our Galleries are experts with their fingers on the pulse of the market, so our visitors know they are looking at acknowledged talent and can buy with confidence” Browsing and buying contemporary art has never been easier. With 53 galleries in one convenient place, Fresh: is the perfect way to see a huge volume of quality work in a couple of hours with coffee, lunch or a glass of wine. The Fair will also have a full programme of Talks and artist demonstrations with at least six painters, sculptors and print-makers showing their skills over the weekend. Talks will include ‘Art in Interior Design’ by interiors expert
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READER OFFER: FREE TICKETS! For free tickets to Fresh: Art Fair visit Freshartfair.net/book and use promo code LIFE when prompted. Top left: Peter Graham ROI: Art Salon, Bath Left: Iain Holman: Doorway Gallery, Dublin Above: Banksy: Gormleys Fine Art, Dublin and Belfast
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 motives with Pop Art. The originals have been painted using a variety of mixed media materials including oil, acrylic, watercolour, graphite and charcoal. Prints are made to individual customer order using modern giclÊe 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 if he is able to paint one for the collection.
www.artisimo.co.uk Email: artisimo.prints@gmail.com or filippi742@gmail.com Mobile: 07748986718
art guide
Christie’s presents Banksy
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etween 16th - 24th September, Christie’s are holding a dedicated online auction of Banksy prints, titled Banksy: I can’t believe you morons actually buy this shIt in homage to the artist’s Morons screen print. The source image of the work is a photograph of the record-breaking sale of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at Christie’s in 1987, with Van Gogh’s canvas replaced by Banksy’s text. The sale is led by an extremely rare artist’s proof of Girl with Balloon (Gold). But who is Banksy? An anonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director, active since the 1990s. His name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. His works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world. His work started appearing in London around 2004. By the late 2000s the art world had caught up with Banksy’s popular appeal, with many of his works removed from their original public settings and sold. Kissing Coppers (2004) was
taken from the wall of a Brighton pub and sold for $575,000 in Miami in 2014. Banksy no longer sells photographs or reproductions of his street graffiti, but his public “installations” are regularly resold or auctioned. A small number of Banksy’s works are officially, nonpublicly, sold through Pest Control. There exists a cult-like following for the artist, heightened by the ambiguity of his identity. Banksy is regarded as a British cultural icon, with young adults from abroad naming the artist among a group of people that they most associate with UK culture, alongside William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth II, David Beckham, The Beatles, J. K. Rowling, Elton John, and Adele.
THE DETAILS Christie’s, 8 King Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6QT Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060. www.christies.com
Far left: Choose your weapon (Magenta, Screenprint in colours, 2010, signed. Estimated £30,000-£50,000 Left: Banksy, Morons (Sepia), Screenprint in colours, 2007, signed. Estimated £12,000-18,000 Above: Flying Copper. Estimate £15,000 wto £25,000. Sold for £40,000 at a previous auction at Christie’s
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE SEPTEMBER 2019
THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN your area
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NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN
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t’s never too late to get back in the classroom! After graduating from Roehampton University in 2010 and embarking on my career as a professional, I never imagined I’d be spending my Saturdays at an adult education centre, but it has been a truly incredible experience. I spent much of my twenties thinking about how I could do something more creative in my spare time, but I never actually did anything to make that happen. In fact, I’d often put obstacles in the way, such as courses being too expensive, conflicting with my day job, or just not being quite what I was looking for. When I came across the floristry course at Adult Learning Lewisham, it ticked every box. And, unlike many floristry courses out there, it was actually affordable! I enrolled onto my first course in September 2018, which involved four weeks of learning how to make hand-tied bouquets starting with the basics, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m now on my fifth course and, in just a matter of months, my confidence and skill set has grown
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immensely. Whilst completing an eight week course on ‘Wedding and Occasion Design for Beginners’, I was fortunate enough to receive my first client booking and I now have four more weddings booked for this year and another two for 2020! When joining that first course back in September, I had no idea of just how much it would enable me to turn my dreams into reality. As well as now being well on my way to becoming a freelance wedding florist, I feel happier and more confident in general, and I have made some fantastic new floristry friends. Studying with Adult Learning Lewisham has been such a great experience and I would encourage anyone who wants to do something fun and enjoyable in their spare time to sign up today! To find out more about my floristry journey with Adult Learning Lewisham, check out my Instagram page: @louisachastneyflowers.
“I enrolled onto my first course in September 2018, which involved four weeks of learning how to make handtied bouquets starting with the basics, and I haven’t looked back since”
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Where happiness gets great results
“W
e’re seeing a quiet movement away from hothousing,” says David Bradbury, Headmaster at Portland Place School, an independent co-educational school for children aged 10-16. “Parents want their children to get great results, but not at the expense of their wellbeing.” “The happier a child is, the more receptive they are to new ideas. So we don’t test them left, right and centre. We give them space to discover their passions; small class sizes allow us to see every child’s potential and set it free.” The Good Schools Guide describes Portland Place as “a haven for creativity”. But this isn’t just about putting on plays at the Shaw Theatre or giving free music tuition and instrument loans to every Year 7 student. The school is creative in many ways. For example, children regularly practise their still life drawing skills at the Natural History Museum. Meanwhile, the school’s ‘Strive’ programme gives children the freedom to explore their favourite subjects by
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“reading, watching, listening, seeing and doing”, stretching learning far beyond traditional bookbased study. Children at Portland Place quickly develop a sense of independence, making the most of their central London location by playing sport in Regent’s Park and visiting the world-class galleries and museums on their doorstep. Further afield, the school has recently taken trips to the Azores, New York and Tanzania, where pupils carried out community work to renovate classrooms for a local school. As for results, in 2018 staff and pupils celebrated a 92% overall GCSE pass rate at 9-4, including 100% A*-C grades in French, Mandarin, German and Arabic. “Although we’re non-selective, we excel in helping children to progress,” says Bradbury. “Our aim is for children to achieve personally, socially and academically,” he concludes. “We’re open-minded about what success looks like because it’s different for every child.” www.portland-place.co.uk
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The GOLD Standard
Fairley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with Specific Learning Difficulties
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ddressing the needs of children from the age of six, who require assistance due to dyslexia and dyspraxia, the school has a staff/pupil ratio of 1:3.5 and the average stay at the school is between two to three years. Children then return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude. Fairley House now offers Key Stage 4. This enables pupils to carry on their education in an environment that ensures that their
needs are fully met. While our intention is to enable your child to re-join mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision now offers the possibility of remaining in our school to undertake the first major examinations that a pupil will face. Many of our alumni have enjoyed great success at GCSE and A-Level and they have progressed to top universities and have successful careers in a range of professions.
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Educational Roadmap
Sara Boomsma from Gabbitas shares her thoughts and some key milestones when planning for your child’s educational future
the horizon - from nursery to pre-prep to prep, prep to senior and onto sixth form- we identify the options to best meet the needs of the child and fit with the requirements of the family be it for ‘day’ schooling or boarding. An education road map can pull together choices and key dates to ensure that no deadlines are missed. Most highly selective schools have much longer lead times. Students moving into senior schools at 13+ will be invited to take pre-tests in the Autumn before taking their Common entrance exams. Successful candidates will then be invited for interviews and assessments the following Spring. The same is true of those moving at age 11+ – it is the Autumn the year prior to entry that is a key time.
Choosing a school
Sixth form
Choosing a secondary school for your child can seem a far-off dream when you are still getting to know your child’s prep school teacher but by this stage the next move should be firmly on your agenda. Too often our consultants meet with parents who tell us that they have identified the perfect school only for us to have to break the news that they have missed all the registration and assessment deadlines and that places in their ideal school have already been allocated.
For a move to 6th form the timeline is less pressured. Most schools will expect your child to be registered by the September prior to entry and many will offer assessments in the November of the year preceding taking up a place. But again, it is wise to be aware of all the dates and the requirements for entry. There are, of course, a wide range of schools who operate a more felxible programme of admissions. There will always be great schools who will be happy to accommodate some last-minute applications and this is where our consultants at Gabbias can also help – ‘immediate assistance’ is one of our key services. Having an Education Road Map can give you a clear time line, a heads up about the when you need to act and how your child needs to prepare and most importantly peace of mind so you do miss out on a place in your child’s dream school. Interested in sourcing an Education Road Map for your family? Get in touch with us today. www.gabbitas.com
Start early So how can you avoid disrupting your child’s education at critical stages and give them the best chances of success. Information is key! And the earlier the better. One of the many services we offer our clients is the ‘Education Road Map’. Starting a few years before any key transition points are on
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“One of the many services we offer our clients is the ‘Education Road Map’. Starting a few years before any key transition points are on the horizon - from nursery to pre-prep to prep, prep to senior and onto sixth form- we identify the options to best meet the needs of the child and fit with the requirements of the family”
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The Benefits Of Before & After School Care WORDS: Sophie Baber, Headteacher
of Brookham School in Hampshire
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recent study by CIPHR, revealed that 75% of working parents suffer from stress and anxiety as a result of their work life balance. As a working parent myself, I know that feeling all too well. I also know that when I’m stressed there is a knock-on effect for my children. The key is not to feel guilty about working, but to be organised so that the time you spend with your children is of real quality. That doesn’t mean whizzing from one activity to the next, but listening to your child, hearing about their adventures and worries. But how can you do that when home time is a rush from dinner to homework to bath to reading to bed! Fear not, schools can help and using them is not something you should feel guilty about. Here’s why… • Better than just breakfast. Before school care ensures that mornings are stress free. There’s no need for hurrying or worrying about being late, no dishes to wash and no panic when you open the fridge to find there’s no milk! Both parents and children start the day calmly. When your child is relaxed they concentrate better and consequently learn more. Starting the day with a hearty breakfast is a delicious added bonus. • Separating ‘work’ and ‘parents’ from working parents. It helps working parents separate their home and work life. No emails around the dinner table or juggling cooking with finishing that report that’s due tomorrow and hearing your child read all at the same time. It means when parents are with their children, they are exactly that – parents. • Healthy hobbies. Most schools will have a range of exciting clubs and activities on offer before and after school. At Highfield and Brookham we offer the usual arts and crafts, football, French and book club, but also some more unusual clubs such as yoga, judo, street dance, musical theatre and ukulele. These help children stay active, develop new skills and nurture new passions. • Socialising. Children have the space to build on existing relationships and foster new ones. They spend time with children from different classes outside formal teaching time. It gives them the opportunity to bond with other children with similar interests at the different clubs and activities. • Cuddles and care not admin and errands. Finally, evenings can focus on what is important – curling up in bed with a story! It allows parents to have family time rather than admin time with their children. At Highfield and Brookham we do the admin for you – afterschool snack, homework, clubs, activities and cook a lovely homemade dinner. For more information about Highfield and Brookham Schools and their before and after school care visit highfieldandbrookham.co.uk 140 SEPTEMBER 2019
“At Highfield and Brookham we offer the usual arts and crafts, football, French and book club, but also some more unusual clubs such as yoga, judo, street dance, musical theatre and ukulele”
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ArtsEd Day School & Sixth Form Excel in 2019 Results! “I wanted my daughter to be somewhere where she could continue her academic successes, but in a warm and happy environment that’s fun and supportive, and ArtsEd was the answer.” – Parent
Come and see for yourself at ArtsEd Open Evenings & Boys Day: Day School Open Evening: Wednesday 25 September, 6pm Sixth Form Open Evening: Tuesday 24 September, 6pm & Wednesday 20 November, 6pm Boys Day (For Sixth Form): Saturday 12 October, 11.00am – 5.00pm
The Details: Register for an Open Evening at artsed.co.uk. Or if you have any questions, give them a call: 020 8987 6600
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n their 100th year, ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form in Chiswick celebrate record-breaking GCSE and A level results. ArtsEd Sixth Form saw the best ever BTEC results with a superb 100% Triple Distinction and above (equivalent to three A levels at A and A* grade), with 85% achieving Triple Distinction (D* D* D*)! A levels also saw a 100% pass rate with 30% of all A level results at A* / A, and overall 78% of all results were A* - B, which is our highest figure on record and significantly above the national average. ArtsEd’s Sixth Form leavers will be heading off to a range of vocational destinations, including Bristol Old Vic, Bird, Laine Theatre Arts, LAMDA, London Studio Centre, Mountview, RADA, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and of course ArtsEd, with others choosing top choice university places, including Falmouth, University of Sussex, Rose Bruford College, Cardiff University and University of the Arts London.
Sixth Form student, Maisie Ayres said: “ArtsEd really helped me get the support that I needed to get these results. I can honestly say that it’s been the best two years that I’ve had – there are so many options here, both academically and opportunities for live performances, and the teachers are amazing - they really cater to each student and help them do the best they can. I’m so happy with my results – I did much better than expected and I’m excited to attend Guildhall next year.” Meanwhile, ArtsEd’s Day School has produced a brilliant set of GCSE results with every student securing at least six GCSEs and many students achieving eight, nine, and even ten. With the new top grade of ‘9’ now being in full operation (equivalent to A**), ArtsEd has once again seen a third of students achieve this new grade in one or more subjects, and every student achieving a top grade of 7, 8, or 9 in at least one subject – indeed over 40% of all the GCSE Results were in this top band.
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Kensington Prep puts books at the heart of the school Mrs Caroline Hulme-McKibbin Head of Kensington Prep School in Fulham explains how the school has transformed its new library and is putting reading at its heart.
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earning to read; reading to learn. Reading for pleasure; reading for knowledge. Nurturing a love of books is essential for educational excellence and enjoyment, and must go beyond an annual showcase event such as World Book Day. That is why investing in re-designing the school library has been such an important and worthwhile project for Kensington Prep School. The library’s transformation is the latest development in the school’s ‘Creating Spaces for Growing Minds’ programme which has created imaginative new learning spaces including a hightech Explore Floor, spacious classroom breakout areas, an eco-greenhouse and multi-media recording studio.
An inspiring space Before the redevelopment and expansion programme the library already had great potential with its high wood panelled ceiling and stainedglass windows (the building was a convent in a past life). Yet it remained a drab and uninspiring place. Now it has been transformed! Beanbags and cosy corners make it impossible to resist snuggling up with a book. A sweeping mezzanine has improved accessibility to texts. Books that were once stacked frustratingly high now feature prominently on attractive new shelving, begging to be borrowed. This has allowed the school librarian to increase stock and take advantage of new display opportunities. Building this new level has not compromised the grandeur of the space, quite the opposite – it feels like the room has opened up in terms of space and light. On completion, the school has succeeded in creating an atmosphere of both intimacy and inspiration.
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than reading books, magazines, newspapers combined, Kensington Prep wanted to ensure reading is every bit as enticing for children as the digital screen. A celebratory launch event began with a troupe of local actors greeting the children dressed as beloved characters from children’s literature. Following an impressive musical fanfare from the mezzanine, a group of Year 3 students performed a poetry recital. Other activities included book speed dating, paired reading between older and younger children, and a reading picnic. As such the girls sampled a range of new material and were able to recognise that reading can be as much a shared and social activity as it is a solitary one.
Author in Residence Visiting authors over the last year have followed a ‘fearless females’ theme. Sally Grindley spoke to Key Stage 2 about social issues affecting young ladies in China and India; Bethan Woolvin explored refreshingly revisionist feminist fairy tales with the younger children. The next step in the school’s programme of library events is the introduction of the first KPS Author in Residence. Perhaps one day a KPS girl will find her own published work sitting alongside Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and Little Women. The new library is sure to inspire them on their reading journey. Kensington Prep GDST is an independent girls’ school in Fulham and won ‘Independent Prep School of the Year’ in 2018. Registration for 4+ entry for September 2020 closes on 27 September 2019.
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Five-Star Blackheath High Performance at Edinburgh Festival
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ou may not think that Billy Connolly, Stephen Fry and Blackheath High School GDST’s current Sixth Formers have much in common. But as of August 2019, they share a very special accolade, having now all received five-star reviews for their performances at the Edinburgh Festival. Blackheath High’s senior students joined the legends of comedy and the stage in the elite fivestar club following their performance of Ionesco’s classic absurdist drama, ‘Rhinoceros’ at this year’s festival. After making the 400-mile trip north, the group of 13 Year 12 and 13 girls put on a series of five performances of the adaptation to delighted audiences at The Space on the Mile venue. The students who were involved in every aspect of the show from acting to production, were also able to take in the culture, atmosphere and other fabulous performances at what is now one of the world’s longest-established comedy and arts festivals. The production in Edinburgh was directed by Blackheath High School drama teacher, Cath Day, the award-winning writer and composer of the 2015 sell-out show ‘UKIP! The Musical’. The performance bore the fruits of Blackheath High’s recent £18 million redevelopment. The investment brought with it a brand new state of the art Sixth Form Centre, specialist teaching studios for Art, Design & Technology and Music; as well as expansive gallery and exhibition spaces to enhance the opportunities already on offer through the school’s Theatre, Dance and Drama Studios. Alongside the redevelopment, the school has been putting a strong focus on not just STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects, but STEAM (A for Arts) to ensure students full creative potential is achieved. The school believes that the arts not only develops communication skills, collaborative working skills and leadership skills but that drama students develop an understanding and appreciation of other perspectives, encouraging empathy and open-mindedness. This focus was rewarded this year, with 148 SEPTEMBER 2019
Blackheath High’s GCSE students receiving phenomenal results in both Art and Science as 90% of girls received 7-9 (A-A*) and 81% 7-9 (A-A*) in the subjects respectively. Among those students was Mia Dyson who had her GCSE Artwork exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts earlier this summer. Head at Blackheath High School, Mrs Carol Chandler-Thompson said: “We place a huge emphasis on encouraging creativity to flourish amongst our students here at Blackheath High. “As a result, it was wonderful to see the girls’ dedication and commitment to their roles rewarded with such strong reviews from the audiences and critics alike in Edinburgh. “Not many people can say they have put on a five-star show at one of the most renowned festivals in the world, and even fewer can say so aged 17 and 18!” www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net
“The production in Edinburgh was directed by Blackheath High School drama teacher, Cath Day, the award-winning writer and composer of the 2015 sell-out show ‘UKIP! The Musical’”
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Modern
boarding approach Hurst College tells us how flexi and weekly boarding are the popular choices for students and parents
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odern boarding is about achieving academic excellence and building confidence, leadership skills and independence, as well as gaining a sense of community and cultural understanding. The boarding community at Hurst College is made up of flexi and weekly boarders, now that it has moved away from full boarding. Hurst believes that these two options allow students to make the most of the educational and co-curricular opportunities during the week, and enjoy home life with their families at the weekends. Flexi boarding for three nights each week is a huge attraction, it is a halfway house between home and school - and it really is flexible. Students are able to choose their nights, even at short notice, and retain their own bed throughout the term. All students participate in co-curricular activities and many find this particularly beneficial, as do parents who need to
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“The boarding community at Hurst College is made up of flexi and weekly boarders, now that it has moved away from full boarding”
juggle a busy lifestyle. Weekly boarders can stay for five nights (SundayThursday/Monday-Friday) removing the stresses of a daily commute and allowing even more time for co-curricular activities and study. Caty Jacques, Deputy Head Pastoral said: “It is much easier to fully immerse yourself in the school community when you stay the night. You can embrace the ethos and values and really feel part of it. This is the first time I have worked in a school with flexi boarding, and I am completely sold on it.” Housemaster Adam Hopcroft said: “Boarding gives students a work-home balance. The school day is busy, so boarding provides students with the chance to take part in extra-curricular activities afterwards.” The benefits of boarding extend far beyond extra-curricular options. Adam believes boarding gives students an advantage academically. “Boarders have more access to their teachers, our students work in study groups during prep and we make sure they are productive during this time. If they work well it allows them to have a more relaxed weekend.” Housemistress Tania Fielden believes that the boarding environment gives students a strong foundation for their future. “Boarders have to learn skills for life, which is good preparation for their future. They grow up in a supportive environment and it becomes their second home.” Key to a home-from-home environment is the sustained effort by housemasters/mistresses and their teams to not only provide a welcoming house, but to make themselves available to share the experiences of the day. In families where both parents work full-time, boarding means busy parents do not have to worry about the school run and can be confident their child is being well looked after, leaving weekends free for quality family time. For children, boarding is a way to spend more time with their peers, be better prepared for the school day and have more time to take part in a full range of extra activities. Headmaster Tim Manly explains: “Our aim is to strike a healthy balance between school and home. Boarding means that students are able to engage with a rich and textured life within strong communities and also maintain contact with parents and family. We want our students to develop in many good ways, gaining independence and individuality, the ability for teamwork and to understand how to be a fully functioning human being, to live not just for oneself but for other people too.” The open-door policy of Hurst’s modern boarding approach, coupled with excellent communication between school and home, means that parents are continuously in touch with progress and can regularly watch their children in perform. The college operates a chaperoned train service from Clapham Junction on Monday mornings, returning Friday evenings, to accommodate weekly boarders from London. www.hppc.co.uk
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OPTIMUS LAUDUM With ‘Felices Erimus’ as its motto, happiness is at the heart of the philosophy at St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory School and it works
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ducating 3-7 year-old boys and girls in a friendly and caring environment for over 35 years is its strength. Principal & Proprietor Adrian Ellis believes that the excellent ratio of staff to pupils allows each child to reach their full potential. “Of course, together with parents, we look to recognise each child’s unique qualities and particular talents and aim to develop them as fully as possible,” says Mr Ellis. “We want our children to move on to the right schools for them. As a result, St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory has been since 1982 a ‘feeder’ to many of London’s top preparatory schools, including St Paul’s Juniors, Highgate, South Hampstead High School, University College School and Westminster Under School. “The sense of a whole-school community is evident in this small school, we become an extension of home and family, I hope it feels more like a village school.” adds Mr Ellis. Size
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matters to St John’s Wood Pre-Prep. By limiting its numbers, most children know the rest of their fellow pupils throughout the school – an important element in building confidence and developing social skills.” There is never a time when prospective parents aren’t welcome and there are frequent tours bookable via the website.
Latest Leavers List: The 2018/2019 class received offers from: Bute House, North Bridge House, South Hampstead High School, St Anthony’s for Boys, St Paul’s Juniors, University College School. For more details visit www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk Tel 020 7722 7149 or email info@sjwpre-prep.org.uk. St John’s Hall, Lord’s Roundabout, London, NW8 7NE
“We want our children to move on to the right schools for them. As a result, St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory has been since 1982 a ‘feeder’ to many of London’s top preparatory schools”
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North Yorkshire School Sees Most Successful Year To Date
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ueen Ethelburga’s Collegiate has been celebrating another successful exam season this summer, capping off a fantastic year for the North Yorkshire school, the College of which was ranked No.1 secondary school in the North of England by The Times Independent Schools Guide, 2019. A Level students in the academically focused College achieved 80% A*/A (92% A*/B) and students in the Faculty, which offers a wide range of academic, creative and vocational courses, achieved 70% A*/A at A Level (93% A*/B) and 82% D*/D in Level 3 BTECs, (equivalent in UCAS university points to A*/A at A Level). The Collegiate has also seen a significant improvement of around 10% on last year’s already great GCSE results, with students in the College achieving 80% 7-9 or A*/A (99% 4-9 or A*/C) and students in the Faculty achieving 37% 7-9 or A*/A (93% 4-9 or A*/C). “I am sure our students are as delighted with these results as we are. They reflect students’ hard work across the board, and the degree to which our staff have inspired and challenged each one of them. “We instil in our students the Hill Standard – “to
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be the best that I can with the gifts that I have”because each of them is unique, special and gifted in their own way. We support this ethos with an innovative and personalised curriculum, extensive co-curricular opportunities and outstanding pastoral care, to help them to grow into resilient, caring and confident young adults who are well equipped for life beyond QE. “As they go on to the next step in their educational journey, our students are our greatest ambassadors.” said Steven Jandrell, Collegiate Principal. The results complete a string of successes this year for the Collegiate, after being awarded the highest grading of ‘Excellent’ across all schools and areas in spring by the ISI, who praised the pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development. QE supports students through four schools: Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), the College and the Faculty (both Year 10 to 13). www.qe.org
“A Level students in the academically focused College achieved 80% A*/A”
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Step into the most exciting school in England “We have had four children through the public school system and I think that Hurtwood House is the only one which has really delivered what it promised”
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lthough it has all the facilities of a typical public school, Hurtwood House specialises exclusively in the sixth form and the age range 16-18. Changing schools at 16 opens up a whole new world of fresh experiences and challenges and provides the perfect steppingstone between school and university. Hurtwood House is young, exciting and dynamic and, most importantly of all, it is exceptionally creative with drama, media, art, textiles, dance, music and singing to die for. Famous former students include Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer (music for Gladiator, Rain Main, Lion King) and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, Gideon’s Daughter) and watch out for Hollywood hot-tip Jack Huston (Factory Girl). Zara Brownless (winner of the first Young Apprentice). But marvellous as the performing and creative arts are, this school is definitely not a one-trick pony. It also caters for the budding entrepreneur, doctor, lawyer, architect, etc etc etc with a range of subjects which, though less eyecatching, are no less successful and inspirational. Small wonder, then, that the world is beating a path to Hurtwood’s door, and one of the first things to strike visitors is that it has a completely different “campus” feel about it – not like school at all. That’s because there are no juniors – everybody here is 16+ and they all join after they have taken their GCSE’s. In many ways, it defies definition - more public school than sixth form college, but smaller and less institutional – more boutique than department store. At the moment it’s in a class of its own but one suspects that one day soon there will be more schools like this, because five years is a long time 156 SEPTEMBER 2019
to be in one public school, and so many boys and girls are now ready at 16 for a fresh challenge and a more stimulating life. A lot of parents agree wholeheartedly. As one satisfied customer puts it: “We have had four children through the public school system and I think that Hurtwood House is the only one which has really delivered what it promised.” Indeed, Hurtwood has a file of letters as thick as your arm from grateful parents, and clearly what they appreciate most is that Hurtwood has given their children the confidence to cope with anything in life and has fired up their enthusiasm. “Her mind was turned on,” says one, “and her appetite for learning is voracious. I want you to know that you lit the fuse.” Who could ask for anything more?
THE DETAILS Hurtwood House, Holmbury St Mary, Nr Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU Tel: 01483 279000 www.hurtwoodhouse.com
EDUC ATION
Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School opens in September 2020 N estled in the heart of Kensington, a stone’s throw from some of London’s most acclaimed institutions, Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 3-11, is due to open its doors in September 2020. State-of-the-art science laboratories, music and art studios and an amazing ‘maker space’ are some of the innovative redevelopments underway for the project; highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and character development. The school will also have direct access to both a wonderful garden space to the rear and Hyde Park, surrounded by the inspirational museums along Exhibition Road. It demonstrates the emphasis of the school’s teachers for nurturing a global perspective in their pupils and preparing them for the exciting challenges that life can offer through a myriad of activities. Alison Melrose, Headmistress, told The Life Magazines about their exciting plans to renovate four Victorian townhouses at 10-13 Prince’s Gardens. “This is such a tremendous opportunity, which places the school firmly in the academic hub of London. We want our pupils to relish all that school life has to offer so that they leave us confident and excited about their future.” The rigorous and wide-ranging curriculum draws
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on the school’s access to London’s museums and outdoor spaces which serve as fantastic stimuli for collaborative learning projects and creating the next generation of independent, curious children. Details about the plans will be held at an information event on Monday 23rd September at 10am on the premises of the Royal Geographical Society. Go to www.princesgardensprep.co.uk/London to reserve a place at this event.
“A tremendous opportunity, which places the school firmly in the academic hub of London”
EDUC ATION
Embracing Change at Ursuline Preparatory School A fter a busy first year in charge Mr McGrath, Headmaster at the Ursuline Preparatory School, continues to focus on enhancing the school’s provision. Academic Excellence: The Independent Schools Inspectorate report gave a ringing endorsement of the school’s academic programme, together with a real emphasis on the highly developed personal qualities shown by the girls. The inspectors were hugely impressed with the kindness the girls showed to one another and rated both their academic achievements and personal development as excellent.
“At the start of the new academic year, the school will continue to move forward” Art: Building on the now annual Art Exhibition, which celebrates the artistic talents of every pupil, visiting artists helped to develop artistic ambitions further. Modern Foreign Languages: All the girls in the Prep School entertained the audience with a ‘Revue’ celebration of the multitude of languages 160 SEPTEMBER 2019
existing in the school. Music: A Head Chorister and two deputies were also introduced and the House Music Competition saw parents attending for the first time, making for a wonderful community event. Sport: Building on the sporting foundations laid in the first year, senior girls enjoyed their first 3-day Sports Tour, whilst competitive sporting events were introduced for the Pre-Prep Department. Facilities Development: An ICT Suite has been installed this summer providing a high quality environment to develop the provision of ICT within the school. A Studio Theatre is also being installed and will provide a fully-functioning theatre environment to help develop the dramatic and musical talents existing within the school, as well as providing lighting and sound training opportunities. At the start of the new academic year, the school will continue to move forward. The children here have one childhood and one opportunity to have the best childhood they can have. The provision is now in place to ensure that every child is given every opportunity. The school provides an environment in which every child is loved and believed in every day, with a firm belief that this is the bedrock required to ensure that every child becomes the person they were born to be.
THE DETAILS
Ursuline Preparatory School is a Roman Catholic Independent School for girls aged 4-11 and a Co-educational Nursery located in The Downs, Wimbledon.
The School’s next Open Day is Thursday 10th October 9.30-11.30. Register online: www.ursulineprep.org.openday or call Mrs June Smith on 020 8947 0859 Ext 2.
Ursuline Preparatory School 18 The Downs, Wimbledon, SW20 8HR 020 8947 0859, www.ursulineprep.org @UruslinePrep Instagram Ursuline_Prep
EDUC ATION
Opening September 2020:
North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep West Hampstead H
The global schools group Cognita is delighted to announce that North Bridge House will be expanding to include a sixth school in West Hampstead in September 2020. Stuart Rolland, Cognita’s CEO for Europe, explains how North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep West Hampstead will be Cognita’s 75th school: “As North Bridge House celebrates its 80th anniversary this coming academic year we look forward to expanding the highly successful group in London. The curriculum and ethos at North Bridge House continues to thrive in London, to include now a new provision for families in West Hampstead.” North Bridge House Nursery and Pre- Prep West Hampstead will be opening in September 2020, becoming the sixth North Bridge House school. Building on North Bridge House’s commitment to provide successful independent, coeducational, and mixed ability schools, the school will mirror the wellestablished provision in existence across Hampstead, Islington and Regent’s Park.
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ead teacher Christine McLelland will oversee all three lower schools and aims for them to share the same balance of happiness and success, with excellent academic results, led by qualified teachers who are subject specialists and experts in EYFS and KS1 in every year group. “We follow an individual and holistic approach to children’s development, which means that the progress made in one area will positively impact on other areas,” says Mrs McLelland. By the time North Bridge House (NBH) children reach Reception, they are often writing independently and last summer, 46 per cent of pupils were performing in the top 4 per cent of the country for literacy and 38 per cent of pupils were performing in the top 4 per cent of the country for numeracy. 42 per cent of Year 2 pupils were in the top 4 per cent of the country for literacy and 50 per cent in the top 4 per cent of the country for numeracy. Academic progress is enhanced at NBH by Philosophy for Children (P4C), a powerful approach to teaching and learning that boosts children’s reasoning, social skills, and overall attainment. Just one year after adding the subject to the curriculum, NBH Pre-Prep gained a Bronze Award for its outstanding commitment to P4C. Reading and writing are further developed through speaking and listening activities, which are part and parcel of the musically rich curriculum. “Music is essential to the children’s personal development as it encourages confidence and growth of character,” says Mrs McLelland. As well as their timetabled music lessons, NBH Nursery pupils enjoy music and movement classes, drama
workshops and extra-curricular LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) lessons. A child’s development is very much a personal journey: children develop at different rates and learn in different ways, “particularly in the Early Years of education, when curiosity can often and more naturally be sparked outside the classroom,” explains Mrs McLelland. As such, outdoor learning, school trips and extra-curricular activities are fundamental to child development and academic progress at NBH Nursery and Pre-Prep. “School pets also add enormous value to our community,” says Mrs McLelland. “At NBH Pre-Prep we have three bantam hens, each named and very much loved by the children. They have been fantastic for the social and emotional development of the children. We very much look forward to rearing some new pets at NBH West Hampstead.” NBH West Hampstead will also join the annual tradition of being transformed into a petting zoo for the day, welcoming a family run farm with an impressive menagerie of educational helpers for the children to touch and learn about. A popular choice among North London parents who want the option - as a result of the academic success seen at every stage - of the country’s leading destination schools, NBH also reassures parents by providing a stress-free all-through education from 2-18, which does not compromise on academic excellence. The results speak for themselves and pupils continue to excel at GCSE and A Level. Headteacher: Mrs Christine McLelland Enquiries: 020 7428 1520 Register your interest: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com
EDUC ATION
The Growth of Educational Mapping
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ducational Mapping – a term increasingly used amongst London parents facing fierce competition for limited ‘top’ school places for children. Navigating the maze of options arguably starts for some before their child is actually born with oversubscribed nursery schools requiring registration from birth. Many parents recognise the process of ‘mapping out’ a child’s educational journey allows an ‘optimal’ pathway to achieve best school placements... Early nursery choice ensures a child is both happy and motivated to confront early admission challenges at Reception age, thus gaining entry into increasingly ‘selective’ Prep schools. Likewise, careful plotting of ‘best’ Prep schools provides parents with the reassurance that children will be prepared and equipped with skills to succeed in competitive admissions that characterise oversubscribed Senior schools. Identifying and plotting key schools on a child’s bespoke map is important but increasingly, careful mapping extends to the pathways or routes between each flag on the larger map. Janie Richardson School Search recognises that whilst good schools are preparing and getting pupils ready for examinations, parents are increasingly looking to supplement school education to ensure the next destination on their child’s map is actually reached.
“The process of ‘mapping out’ a child’s educational journey allows an ‘optimal’ pathway to achieve best school placement”
Detailed scheduling extends into long school holidays with education workshops, exam preparation and tuition all aimed at preparing children to reach the next stage. The JR Team further supports families by mapping which schools are available for their child, when best to attend oversubscribed open days and understanding admission processes for individual schools. Undoubtedly educational mapping is time consuming, but if done well, it is a valuable investment to ensure a successful journey for your child. -– Janie Richardson School Search www.jrschoolsearch.com
Extending to GCSE from 2020, starting with entry into Year 9
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EDUC ATION
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EDUC ATION
First days at school
Starting school at 4 is a momentous time for everyone in the family. Here are some tips to help, says Nicola Borthwick, Head of Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep School
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eptember is an exciting time. Uniforms are laid out for four-year-olds, House ties are proudly tried on and mummies all over London will be assailed by cries of ‘but what will it be like, mum?’ Rather than ask your child “What did you do today” which can be quite overwhelming for a small child to relay… try these 10 alternative questions to ask your child… • What made you smile today? • What was the book about that your teacher read? • What is the most popular game at break time? • What was the best thing that happened today? • Did you help anyone today? • Did you learn something you didn’t understand? • Who inspired you today? • What was your least favourite part of the day? • Did you learn any new words today? • If you switched places with your teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class? If your child is showing signs of separation anxiety, it may partly be due to the fact that he is very tired, but mention it to the form teacher at the earliest opportunity. At the Pre-Prep parents have daily access to the form teacher at pick up and drop off and it is often reassuring to find that a moment of a child feeling overwhelmed is only a tiny snapshot of the whole day, and the rest of the time he has been happily included. Voicing anxieties to experienced teachers makes for a happier early school experience as most children will clam up when they are bombarded with questions. After
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school, you may want to give your child as much attention as you can but let them tell you about school in their own time and way. Children can become very grumpy when they first start at school and sometimes it is simple exhaustion. It’s a big change for a small child to be in a large class with a new teacher and new friends, absorbing huge amounts of new information every day. It is hardly surprising that children might let go at home after having been on their best behaviour all day. Don’t forget that not all children want to be the centre of attention and may be happy to get on with their own activities. You really only need to intervene if your child seems anxious or upset or is having trouble developing social skills. At Eaton House, the teachers are all passionately committed to knowing each child, and to making sure that they have a happy start. But remember, learning to deal with other people is an important skill that children need to master. They will often work out how to deal with challenges themselves if you encourage them to do so. Eaton House Schools Admissions Tel. 020 3917 5050 Email. sfeilding@eatonhouseschools.com www.eatonhouseschools.com
“Don’t forget that not all children want to be the centre of attention and may be happy to get on with their own activities”
EDUC ATION
New Head joins the Falcons Pre-Preparatory School in Chiswick “Early in my career I fell in love with how children learn”
OPEN MORNING The Falcons Pre-Prep will be holding their next Open Morning on Saturday 12th October from 10.30am to 12.00pm, offering a great opportunity to come and have a look around the school and to meet Liz McLaughlin who will be giving a short talk at 10.45am. Please visit the school’s website for further information www.falconsboys.co.uk or call the Registrar on 020 8747 8393. Individual tours and a meeting with the new Head are also available by appointment.
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his September, following the departure of their Head, Andrew Forbes, The Falcons Pre-Preparatory School in Chiswick welcomes Harvard alumnus, Liz McLaughlin, to take over the reins and, as she herself says, to ‘help it continue on its journey of
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being a school that excels due its high expectations of the boys, whilst also taking care of their wellbeing.’ Liz brings to the school a wealth of experience from working in the Primary sector in various leadership roles and has taught in four different countries including Canada, Italy, USA and the UK. On her choice of career in education, and in particular Primary education, Liz explains ‘Early in my career I fell in love with how children learn and watching their excitement as they come to school. There is nothing that matches the twinkle in a student’s eye or the smile on a child’s face when he or she has learned something new. Children in this age group naturally love learning and it is our job as educators to put the right material in front of them so that they excel and thrive in each new learning opportunity. Boys in particular at this age love learning by doing, trying, and experimenting and it is a joy to create an environment where they can do exactly what they do best.’ Liz is looking forward to working in a boys only school and is resolute on the benefits that a single-sex school can offer: ‘Boys and girls learn differently. It is proven by research and also if you were to ask any primary school teacher about their experiences teaching boys and girls. By having a boys only environment, we can intentionally design our curriculum to suit their needs and to enhance their skills.’ www.falconsboys.co.uk
EDUC ATION
TOP MARKS
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Haileybury is a top co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18 year olds, set in a 500 acre campus in Hertfordshire, 20 miles north of London.
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t is an academically-selective school and most pupils take up places at the best universities in the UK and around the world. In addition to providing academic rigour and challenge, the School’s ambitious curriculum lays the platform for pupils to excel across a broad range of areas. Century has made Haileybury a Flagship school for its use of artificial intelligence. In the 1970s, Haileybury broke new boundaries by developing the Double O Levels in science which saw the Combined Science qualification become the most commonly taken GCSE Science examination in the UK. The School’s Head of Science, Arthur Kattavenos says: “Lessons are tailored to the individual learning needs of each pupil but all individuals are encouraged to be independent, creative and intellectually ambitious.’’ In recent times, research conducted by a Haileybury pupil has been published in the Chemistry Review journal. Haileybury has developed links with some
leading universities and science-based industries. These links not only support the curriculum, they enable pupils to develop the experience and skillset to pursue a career in the sciences. An example of this is the research project between Haileybury pupils and the Eastman Dental Institute at University College London looking at the prevention of tooth decay. All 12 laboratories at Haileybury have recently been refurbished and there are further plans to build a new Science and Technology Centre which will incorporate all the latest technological innovations. The quality of teaching is outstanding and the department is staffed by experienced and dynamic teachers boasting a number of Doctorates and Oxbridge Alumni. Pupils are offered a plethora of opportunities, ranging from participation in STEM competitions and Olympiads to discovery days and placements. Pupils recently won the chemistry challenge and ‘best team overall’ at the Salters Festival of Chemistry, hosted by the University of Hertfordshire. Haileybury offers a world of opportunity for its pupils, preparing them with the life skills and academic credentials for them to flourish in a competitive global employment market. Haileybury School, Hertford, Herts, SG13 7NU. www.haileybury.com 01992 706200
EDUC ATION
A great life, a great beginning.
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aint Christina’s School is a leading Catholic Independent Day school for girls and boys aged 3 – 11 in St John’s Wood. Saint Christina’s is the school of choice for parents who want strong academic achievement, whilst still recognising the importance of developing the whole person and allowing children to flourish in a caring, nurturing environment. Whilst the Catholic ethos permeates throughout all of school life, Saint Christina’s is proud of its rich multicultural heritage, boasting children from many faiths. The school is located in St John’s Wood, a ‘hidden suburb’ in Central London just a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill; these provide unique open spaces in Central London for sports and field trips. An extensive extra-curricular programme including STEM, Latin, Chess Club, Orchestra and a variety of sports clubs give pupils the opportunity to explore their interests, thereby enabling the strongest possible start for all. In a recent interview, Headteacher Mr Alastair Gloag outlined the importance of visiting a prospective school; “Get close up and personal:
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Open Events can be very helpful in giving you a feel for the school and more specifically the leadership, teachers and pupils within the community. Great teachers are really enthusiastic about their subjects and have an ability to bring that interest and passion to the children they teach in an engaging and relevant way. Make sure that you have the chance to meet the people who will look after your child and ensure that you understand their approach and the values that your child will be exposed to. Also ensure that you know what the school offers in terms of enrichment both academically but also in terms of extra-curricular activity - aside from the intrinsic benefits to deeper learning and a balanced education, extra-curricular interests are often the things that stay with our children well after they have left school.” T: 0207 722 8784 E: office@saintchristinas.org.uk W: www.saintchristinas.org.uk
open morning You are warmly invited to the Saint Christina’s School Autumn Open Morning on Tuesday 8th October 2019 from 9.15am – 11.00am, where you will have the opportunity to meet the pupils and see the school in action. Please email office@saintchristinas.org.uk or phone Michelle Hamilton on 0207 722 8784 to book your place.
EDUC ATION
Why choose an independent education? Martin Reader,
Headmaster Cranleigh School
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hen we are warned that future living and working will be dominated by complex technologies, what will we need? Those skills and qualities that make human beings special which technologies cannot replicate: creativity, imagination, teamwork, love, empathy, resilience. When children of today face temptations, challenges, anxieties that affect their wellbeing, and we as parents are desperate to shield and prepare them, what do we need to do? To nurture those qualities which make humans special. Qualifications are important and are often a gateway to opportunity, but they are not education. Education is about drawing the best out of young people, allowing them to discover who they are becoming and what their purpose in life could be. In short it is about human flourishing. Since their founding, independent schools have always promoted education in this roundest sense. Now that priority could not be more vital. When there has been a narrowing of the curriculum in recent years, with the creative and performing arts on the decline; with opportunities for team sports in schools restricted, the independent sector has championed and expanded its provision. As examination reform has taken shape, the independent sector has not only continued to perform outstandingly well, it has also sought to innovate and broaden with the Extended Project Qualification, PreU, IB and a range of its own qualifications, the latest of which is the School Certificate in Philosophy Cranleigh is launching with the New College of Humanities this autumn. We want to encourage thinking beyond the test. In short independent schools offer opportunities and experiences that will enhance the lives of children now and prepare them for their futures. With independence comes the freedom to make choices which are right for the children in our care. Whilst independent schools are diverse in nature, they all share this DNA. The best will also add a healthy dose of fun, for childhood is short. To quote one of my Senior Prefects, ‘Cranleigh is a memory-making machine.’ I know for sure that there will be schools up and down the country where leaving students will testify to the same. www.cranleigh.org 176 SEPTEMBER 2019
EDUC ATION
The Study Preparatory School Wimbledon:
Developing for the Future T he Study is a renowned prep school for girls, based on two beautiful sites near leafy Wimbledon Common. Founded in 1893, the school educates 320 pupils across two beautiful sites, Wilberforce House is for girls from Reception to Year 3, and Spencer House is for girls from Years 4 to 6. The school is known for its creative and nurturing ethos, and excellent academic results at 11+. Spencer House, standing proudly on one of Wimbledon Village’s many leafy and peaceful residential roads, provides a vibrant and stimulating learning environment that gives the older girls a sense of their increasing maturity and independence. Following the successful refurbishment of Spencer House in 2017, including new playground, hall and kitchens, The
the work includes six new classrooms, a library, a welcoming new reception area and a double height, multipurpose hall which will accommodate an audience of 180 people for performances. This will provide the school, well known for its excellence in music and the performing arts, a space for the girls to showcase their talents. This is an exciting time in the history of the school, and the development will enhance the girls’ educational experience and creative opportunities. The Study holds regular tours, where prospective parents can meet the Head and see the school on a normal working day. For further information and to book a tour, call 020 8947 6969 or visit the website on www.thestudyprep.co.uk
“The Study has recently commenced the redevelopment of Wilberforce House” Study has recently commenced the redevelopment of Wilberforce House. Nestled within the leafy serenity of Wimbledon Common, Wilberforce House is currently undergoing development to modernise and enhance the facilities in order to provide the best possible educational environment for pupils. This will be a major step forward for the school as 178 SEPTEMBER 2019
From top: The Study, Wilberforce House Artist’s impression of the new development Right: Spencer House
EDUC ATION
New Headmaster for Windlesham House School
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he Board of Governors have announced the appointment of Ben Evans as Headmaster of Windlesham House School on the retirement of Richard Foster in summer 2020. Ben is currently Head at Edge Grove School, where he has been since September 2012. He has previously worked as Head of the British School Colombo (Junior) and as Deputy Head at Bramdean College, Exeter. Ben will be joined at Windlesham by his wife Alex, who is looking forward to playing a full role in school life, and their two boys, aged 5 and 8. They were attracted to the role by the opportunity to continue Windlesham’s development as one of the country’s top coeducational boarding schools. Ben Evans: “Alex and I are very much looking forward to joining the Windlesham community in September 2020. From our first visit to the school, we were struck by the warm and friendly atmosphere, the tremendous opportunities available to pupils and were hugely impressed by everyone we met. We are keen to build on the school’s long tradition and outstanding education and be part of its exciting future.” The Governors are very excited about Ben and Alex joining Windlesham and building on the wonderful contribution consistently delivered by Richard and Rachel Foster over the course of what will have been 13 incredible years. Douglas Moody-Stuart, Chair of Governors: “We very much look forward to welcoming them into the Windlesham community. Ben will bring a wealth of experience, dynamism and leadership to the School to build on Richard’s fantastic legacy”. Richard Foster: “Rachel and I are delighted with the news that Ben Evans has been appointed as the next Head of Windlesham. Windlesham is such a wonderful, family orientated environment and I believe that Ben and Alex have all the right credentials to take on the baton from us and lead this amazing school into a very exciting new era.” Set in 60 acres of the South Downs National Park, Windlesham House School is an independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 4-13. www.windlesham.com
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EDUC ATION
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A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.
Try our hotel…
Open Morning
Saturday 28th September 9am – 12noon www.dulwichpreplondon.org admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org
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.
Book online at: www.tudorrose.co.uk or telephone 01293 822844
10% Discount Code TRLM010
THE LUXURY
travel GUIDE
– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m age : PA R A D I S P L A G E R E S O R T
LUXURY TRAVEL
Discovering the Undiscovered Peru
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achu Picchu is a victim of its own success. Set in its unique mystical location, it is a must do on the “bucket list” of almost every world traveller. Despite having to take both a two-hour flight and a three-hour train ride to reach the site from Lima, Machu Picchu saw 1.57 million visitors in 2018, leading the government to now promote other sites, both to protect their prime attraction and to bring tourist revenue to other parts of Peru. So with visitors now time restricted at Machu Picchu to alleviate crowding, what options does the savvy traveller have to make a Peru visit far more than just a bucket list tick and are there alternatives to the classic beeline to Cusco? Driving a 4x4 self-drive vehicle can give you unprecedented access to the rich culture, scenery and wildlife of this vibrant country. Peru Safari, a small UK specialist, are now offering their guided Cloud Warrior Tracks tour, that explores deep into Northern Peru and well off the beaten tourist trail. When an FT journalist recently joined the trip, he described it as “A cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and a Top Gear style road trip through Peru” This new largely undiscovered route heads North from Lima, via some of South Americas highest peaks (the Cordillera Blanca) eventually arriving via sinuous tracks into Amazonas, and a remote jungle landscape that hides the massive pre-Inca stone fortress of Kuelap. Nearby are the world’s second highest, recently discovered falls at Gocta, and the adventure returns via the desert coast, and some of the most significant ancient sites in South America including Chimu, and the 5000-year-old city of Caral (the oldest in the Americas). If wildlife is more your thing, the planets most bio-diverse location beckons with a new, and totally unique guided 4x4 adventure that leaves Lima on
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June 15 2020 - heading to Manu reserve. Clients in 2020 will take on 2900km of pure adventure, as they drive the stunning 4x4 track down from the high Andes and Cusco, deep into one of the only remaining virgin jungle rainforests in the world, Manu. Here you swop your expedition vehicle for a motorized canoe down the Madre de Dios river into the land of uncontacted tribes. This is the last preserve of the giant river otter, the pink dolphin and the elusive Jaguar, and wildlife encounters here are guaranteed. There are just four places left for the Manu Jaguar Tracks expedition in June 2020. For sure, a 4x4 adventure in Peru is not for everyone. It’s a full- on travel experience, that takes some of the world’s more spectacular roads, at heights that exceed Everest base camp on occasions, so isn’t for the feint hearted (and you need to enjoy driving). This is where the guided bit comes in handy. The Peru Safari team have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the country and are always on hand with friendly assistance from the moment you arrive. After all that, if you still want to visit Machu Picchu, it’s not too late! Peru Safaris amazing Inca Tracks tour to Machu Picchu has just a couple of places left for 2019/20 departures. Contact Peru Safari on info@perusafari.com or call 07522 776160. Trip Costs (all inclusive “in country” does not include flights) 1 Vehicle / 2 Share – £4,690 pp 1 Vehicle / 3-4 Share – £4,290 pp
“Machu Picchu saw 1.57 million visitors in 2018”
LUXURY TRAVEL
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dining & relaxation at Paradis Plage Resort
aradis Plage Resort is positioned on a 5km stunning white sand beach between the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlas Mountains. It is one the first Eco resorts in Morocco to combine Surf, Yoga and Spa and with only a 25 minute transfer from Agadir, this is the perfect place to catch a wave or just to relax and unwind. Organic kitchen garden and local produce are served in any of the 4 restaurants of the resort. The richness of the flavours of the Moroccan local produce help create healthy menus using fresh and organic foods sourced from farms in the region. Thanks to the proximity of the fishing village, fresh fish is brought each morning by artisanal fishing boats.
Organic Dining Le Chiringuito Bar & Restaurant - Surf House: The Surf House offers a relaxed atmosphere and a bar menu including, fresh fish, lobster, a selection of salad or a rustic gourmet burger served on a board. Le 27 and Le Lounge: These à la carte restaurant change throughout the year, using the seasonal fruits and vegetables and the fresh fish and seafood. The Lounge overlooks the beach and Atlantic ocean, where you can enjoy lunch, a cocktail or just relax on the comfy sofas on the terrace taking in these stunning views. Le 27 on the other hand, offers a larger and more high-end menu in a cosy and modern atmosphere. L’Ocean: Buffet Style: Located next to the main bar but seating also available outside by the pool. Breakfast offer a varied menu with fresh eggs or pancakes from the outside pancake station, or help yourself to the extensive choice of fresh food. The buffets also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Wellness Yoga: Three times a day, 6 days a week from sunrise to sunset, the Yoga guru at Paradis Plage welcomes its guests for dynamic and relaxing yoga sessions. A beachfront location, the glass sliding doors open onto the swaying grasses and the vast Atlantic ocean. The view is one of sand and sea, really quite breathtaking and the perfect place to soothe your body. Go on a journey of sensory exploration, into states of being, where awareness of posture and breath become tools for creating greater vitality, relaxation, calmness and well-being. Eco Spa: a place with a unique concept. Paradise eco spa represents and respects the Moroccan 188 SEPTEMBER 2019
Oriental Tradition enhanced by Traditional Arts of wellness to offer you a comprehensive menu. Only the best local Moroccan products are used, all with natural ingredients and harvested locally, such as orange blossom, black soap or argan oil. Paradis SPA, with an area of 300 m2, was designed around a traditional Moroccan Spa and our treatments include: Traditional Hammam for the practice of ancestral care; Scrub with black soap or spices; Wrapping with ghassoul, algae or honey; Sensorial Hammam with a vault dedicated to light therapy and vaporisation of aromas. There are 3 multi-treatment cabins - the largest one includes a jacuzzi and can accommodate up to two 2 adults, children over 6 years old are more than welcome if accompanied! You can enjoy a soothing tea in the relaxation room, book a manicure or pedicure in the salon, or an outdoor massage overlooking the ocean, a unique experience for yourself or to share with your beloved one. www.paradisplage.com
LUXURY TRAVEL
The coolest places to stay under the Northern Lights!
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itnessing the spellbinding celestial Northern Lights is a once-in-alifetime experience for most, and the cutting-edge innovation of glass-roofed Aurora accommodation means never missing a chance to see them with uninterrupted views of the Arctic sky. We caught up with Northern Lights Experts, The Aurora Zone, for
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their insider knowledge on the coolest new places to snuggle up and enjoy nature’s light show. For those looking for the ultimate private getaway, be immersed in nature in the mobile Aurora Huts situated on Lake Inari by the boutique Wilderness Hotel Nangu. The first of their kind, the Scandi-style eco-friendly cabins can be situated on ice, snow or water, providing the best view of the expansive Lappish skies and surrounding winter wonderland. Designed for cosy cabin life, the enchanting thermal-glass Aurora cabins at the brand-new Northern Lights Village Levi allow you to gaze at the stars from the comfort of your bed. Alternatively, for those seeking a luxury hideaway, experience Wilderness Hotel Inari’s semi-detached, Panorama Lakeside Chalets featuring a private sauna, a warming log fire and full-height windows; you’ll be watching the Northern Lights in true luxury. The Aurora Zone has been built on years of passion, scientific research, expert knowledge and first-hand experience resulting in an unparalleled collection of Northern Lights holidays.
THE DETAILS To find out more, speak to an Aurora Expert on 01670 337 754 or head to www.theaurorazone.com
LUXURY TRAVEL
Going Glamping When it comes to holidays, families are often spoilt for choice. There’s the luxury villa escape, the sunshine all-inclusive, the activity break, the holiday park all tastes and budgets are pretty much catered for. But there’s nothing like a family escape to the middle of a field, where Wi-Fi isn’t even an option.
My kids have always been keen to go camping, but after trying it out at a festival a few years back, and having to survive the next day on barely any sleep, I was less keen. Camping with grown-ups is one thing, but it’s a whole different ball game with small people.
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Sniff in the great outdoors and let little ones explore the countryside, says Claire Spreadbury
ew research from Booking.com, however, reveals that 50% of us are foregoing our dream destinations in favour of family-friendly spaces, and it’s easy to see why. Back at home, when life feels like a never-ending to-do list, upping sticks and setting up base beneath the stars and surrounded by trees sounds like my idea of heaven. Swinging in a hammock with the sun on my face, the breeze in my hair and the sounds of birds and my two daughters playing happily in a sandpit, I think this is a holiday that could rival any other, though obviously good weather helps. We’ve landed at Plush Tents, where 12 yurts are dotted about a field in the middle of the South downs, near Goodwood and Chichester (and West Wittering Beach if you need to find a space with more people). OK, so it’s not exactly camping, but if a posher version gives you a few home comforts and some communal facilities to keep the whole family happy, that’s got to be a good thing, right? Macca and Louise set this place up seven years ago, and do it for the lifestyle, rather than the money. They live in a yurt with their six-year-old Olivia and wanted to share the experience with everyone else. There’s plenty to do here. Grab your towels and plunge into the wood-fired hot tub, cook up a storm on the BBQ, and join in with the evening’s entertainment. On our visit, our mouths dropped at sunset, as a sexy stilt-walker (and mum) shortened her legs to transform into a fire-eater one night, dancing with paraffin-doused sticks. Then the next, a kids’ entertainer had us in stitches as she fell all over the floor, cracked jokes and made animal balloons for all the little ones. But it’s also quite nice to just come here and stop. Kids can roam freely, snuggle up on the bean bags in the tipi, or collect arts and crafts kit and hide away in the hut to paint a masterpiece, make a dream catcher or draw a picture. Each yurt comes with a really comfy bed (extra mattresses can be plopped on the floor for kids) and a wood burner (which can be lit for you, if you’re not much of a fire starter), plus a gas and/ or charcoal BBQ. Be sure to order a delicious and enormous - breakfast hamper and make your neighbours envious as you rustle up a full English in the morning (adults from £14.95, children from £9.95) and eat it on the rustic old picnic table and benches, made from local timber.
The toilet and shower cubicle has been prettified with circles of tree trunks and inside, it’s pimped up with brass toilet roll holders and vintage soap dispensers. Wood chippings provide pathways across the site and there are trees everywhere, some old, some brand new, all dotted between wild, grassy lands scattered with bluebells, dandelions and daffodils. The yurts easily sleep four of us. They’re solar powered, but have a charging socket for your phone (though the idea is to get way from the digital world, and there’s joyfully very little reception here). Within a weekend, I feel almost as relaxed as I do after a full week in the sun. On our final night, we scrawl wishes on pieces of paper, scrunch them up and throw them into the fire one by one. We watch, mesmerised, while they spark, burn and zip up into the night - apparently meaning a wish has been granted by the resident fire fairies. I wish for more nights like this. More simple pleasures, more nature-inspired activities and more slowing down. Holidays can be so stressful for parents, but camping - or glamping - lets kids enjoy freedom, independence and the great outdoors, while parents can genuinely enjoy a bit of a rest. Plush Tents is available to book via Booking. com, with upcoming dates starting £110 per night.
LUXURY TRAVEL
Rest & Relaxation in Cascais Close to Lisbon but far less crowded, this pleasant town is the ideal base for rest and relaxation, says Liz Ryan
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t’s dark inside the cluttered boathouse, where salt-spattered windows make it impossible to peer inside. This, at least, gives me some relief as I struggle to cram my reluctant middle-aged body into a wetsuit. Unfamiliar with the garment, I’m not even sure I’m putting it on the right way round. By the time I emerge - hot and bothered - I’m already convinced my decision to try stand-up paddle boarding is destined for disaster. Why on earth am I risking humiliation in a place as chic and stylish as Cascais?
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This Atlantic resort town west of Lisbon has long been seen as a must-do day trip from the Portuguese capital. As well as outdoor adventure, it has many attractions; beaches to suit all tastes, a higgledy-piggledy old town, and the Paula Rego Modern Art Museum dedicated to the venerable Portuguese painter. But you can just as well use the pristine suburb as a base for exploring Lisbon and its surrounding area, including the beautiful English gardens and palace of Monserrate at Unesco World Heritage site Sintra. When it comes to watery pursuits, I should have had more faith - not just in my own abilities, but in Nick and Wolfi from SurfnPaddle Cascais (surfnpaddle.com). At sheltered Duquesa Beach, their individual attention helps get me afloat. The first stage is an onshore briefing from Nick, a surf-mad Merseysider who married a Brazilian girl and set up a surfing school with her in Cascais. Then I launch my board across breakers that are all of two feet high to meet Wolfi, my tutor and a competitive paddle-boarder, who was born in Austria but now makes and markets paddleboard wetsuits internationally from his Cascais base. Once I overcome my collywobbles, I discover that my punting skills, acquired decades ago on rivers Cherwell and Cam, have a direct application to paddle boarding. There is an unexpected serenity from propelling myself rhythmically across the bay under my own steam - and a huge sense of accomplishment from taking on a new challenge at a time of life when it’s easy to fall into a rut. I’m staying at the five-star Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa, previously the home of Umberto II, the exiled last King Of Italy. A sense of decadence still clings to the residence, and while piling my plate at breakfast I’m amused to note
“You can just as well use the pristine suburb as a base for exploring Lisbon and its surrounding area”
LUXURY TRAVEL
that vodka, tomato juice, Tobasco and Worcester Sauce - all the makings of a perfect Bloody Mary are laid out in a discreet corner. The Villa Italia’s basement houses a spa and hydrotherapy complex, inspired by the underground shrines of the ancient world. To enter, one descends a flight of marble stairs, with tiny aqueducts tinkling on either side. Beyond the mysterious portal, the hydrotherapy pool and relaxation areas have an airy, sky-lit brightness. A 50-minute body scrub and massage turn me into an acolyte of whatever goddess is being worshipped here. With liberal use of sunflower oil (no, not the sort you buy in the supermarket; think wafting aromas of health-giving fresh seeds) my rough skin and ill humours are sloughed away. The therapist uses a cabaca, or bottle gourd, as well as her skilled hands, to unknot my aching post-paddle muscles. If the weather is fine, then sunrise yoga is available on the beach. My class is forced indoors by threatening skies, but still does a great job of boosting my physical awareness and calming my mind. Sonia from Salty Pelican Surf & Yoga Retreats (saltypelican-cascais.com) soon has me tying myself in knots on the mat during a session of rebalancing yin yoga. And at sunset, Cabo Da Roca is the place to view the Green Flash - a meteorological optical illusion 196 SEPTEMBER 2019
where a green dot appears to hover above the setting sun. This is Europe’s most westerly point, and in places, the coastline has the wild grandeur of the West of Ireland. The headland has long since surrendered to coach parks and selfie-sticks, but the surrounding National Park of Sintra-Cascais is great for walking and mountain biking. In the company of a guide, Francisco, from Walk Hike Portugal (portugalwalkhike.com), I tramp crumbling cliffs held together by cactus plants. The boulder-strewn cedar forest of Sintra Mountain is another tranquil hiking-and-biking option. On a coast renowned for its seafood, choosing my favourite ocean-side restaurant becomes a dilemma. Accompanied by a spectacular view of waves crashing on rocks, fine dining is served at the Farol Hotel. But the modest Da Adraga Beach Cafe (restaurantedaadraga.com), where multi-generational Portuguese families dine together after knocking the sand out of their shoes, sets the bar high by serving goose barnacles. These fearsome objects are prised from the inter-tidal zones of rocky shores, a dangerous and time-consuming business. For main course, a freshly-caught sea bass is paraded in front of the table. Expertly cooked and filleted, it is served simply with lemon on a giant platter. At Maria Pia Seafood Lounge (restaurantemariapia.pt), overlooking Cascais Harbour, I eat a spicy fish and potato stew made with fresh finds from that morning’s market. Outside, yachts form a riveting spectacle as they negotiate the lively wind and tides to enter the marina. Wherever you go in Cascais, there’s a celebration of the sea - whether you choose to get in the water or enjoy its bounties on dry land. Both, I’ve discovered, are fun - although it’s safe to say, getting dressed for dinner is far less of an ordeal.
THE DETAILS TAP (flytap.com) flies from London to Lisbon from £92 return. Doubles at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa (granderealvillaitalia. realhotelsgroup.com) cost from €140/£126 per night including breakfast. For more information on the destination, go to visitcascais.com.
LUXURY TRAVEL
Your dog needs a holiday too! Discover pet-friendly holidays with Coquet Cottages. the picturesque village of Chatton. Welcoming up to two dogs, this cottage offers cosy getaway for everyone. Hidden away in a beautiful valley, you’ll love exploring the gorgeous Northumbrian countryside. Plus, you’re right next door to the dog-friendly Percy Arms! We go the extra mile to ensure your pooch feels right at home, with complimentary dog treats, water and food bowls, doggy disposal bags and dog towels provided in your £20 fee per dog. Plus, if you would like to go out for dinner or spend a few hours exploring places where dogs aren’t permitted, you can take advantage of our dog-sitting service at most of our cottages! Visit our website to browse our stunning cottages today: www.coquetcottages.co.uk
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ere at Coquet Cottages we understand that a dog is part of the family, and they deserve a break too. A holiday with your pooch is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the beautiful coast and countryside of Northumberland and make lasting memories together. We believe you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality with your choice of holiday cottage, and that’s why 70% of our luxury properties across Northumberland welcome dogs! All our cottages are graded luxury 4 or 5 Star and many have prestigious GOLD Awards for excellence too. Check out a small selection of our pet-friendly cottages below…
Lost Lobster For a traditional home from home with coastal walks on your doorstep, look no further than Lost Lobster for your next break. Set in the pretty village of Embleton, this cottage offers a relaxing space for up to 4 guests plus 3 dogs – the ultimate retreat for the whole family.
Ambler’s Retreat Located in the Vibrant fishing village of Amble, Ambler’s Retreat offers the perfect escape for large families, with space for up to 8 guests and 3 dogs. There’s an abundance of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants on the doorstep, as well as a dog-friendly beach!
Percy Cottage Percy Cottage is a beautiful retreat for two set in 198 SEPTEMBER 2019
LUXURY TRAVEL
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LUXURY TRAVEL
Escape to the Country made up as twin or super King-size. 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, or escape to a peaceful rural hideaway, like Long House, just a few minutes drive 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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hat makes Long House so special for your getaway is that not only do you have your own private garden to enjoy but a further 12 acres of grounds. The rural setting and woods are perfect for dog owners. Your dog can have all the exercise it needs without leaving the grounds. Long house offers a large open plan living area, with highbeamed ceilings, a cosy wood burner, wooden floors and under floor heating through out. The Master bedroom has an en-suite shower room while the second bedroom has zip linked beds which can be
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fashion, HEALTH
& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a ge : C O C O N U T C R AZY
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
[NEWS]
BEAUTY & FASHION KEEP IT CLASSIC
AUTUMN COMFORT We’re getting ready for cooler weather with this woollen scarf in an alternative blue colour way, inspired by the traditional Welsh costume, once worn by rural women in Wales. It is a celebration of childhood memories of the celebrations on St David’s Day. Designed on a hand operated loom in Cardiff and woven locally in Bristol, made from the softest wool. Large, wide width size scarf, hand finished with neat fridge edging. Pair with these pretty drop earrings and gold bag. www.kraftspace.co.uk
FRIENDSHIP FUN
UNDER COVER
Show someone you care with this friendship bracelet for grown ups! This cute enamel pin badge makes the perfect gift for your Aperol Spritz loving mate. The saying and illustrations are the perfect celebration of friendship. www.oflifeandlemons.co.uk
A cute cover-up for chilly evenings! This fitted geo pattern cardigan jacket has button front fastening with back belt pleat detail. Each garment is made in the UK. www.cecilejeffrey.com
raining cats and dogs BACK TO NATURE Flo and Joe are back with yet another on-trend update to Ipanema’s T-strap sandal collection. The khaki green sandals have the look of a braided and knotted nautical rope. The rope textured details give it a handmade look and are finished with a metallic detail at the front. www.floandjoe.co.uk
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This black & gold classic styled Watch is made from Piñatex – an innovative sustainable material from pineapple leaf fibres. Piñatex is a by-product from the pineapple harvest and provides additional income for the farmers growing this wondrous fruit. This unisex watch is fitted with quick release straps that are made of highly durable, vegan friendly materials and are easily interchangeable. www.wearthlondon.com
Umbrellas are one of life’s little essentials (especially in the UK!) Our folding umbrellas are neat and compact so perfect for a handbag, glove box or briefcase. Covered in our quirky ‘Cats and Dogs’ design it features black labradors, dachshunds, terriers, jack russells, pugs and some super cute cats. www.sophieallport.com
NanaLola Couture is changing the way that the World view Fashion. #lilmonster is high-end fashion for young adults, that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high-quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail. For the Young Adult looking to Look different, Feel different and Be Different. “Elevate Your Style, Elevate Your Life“ Model: Wyllow Jones | Photographer: Rick Myers
nanalolacouture@gmail.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Autumn/Winter Fashion Trends Faux Fabulous
With London Fashion Week this month, we spoke to British London based footwear designer, Sarah Watkinson-Yull, of Yull Shoes to talk A/W19 fashion trends.
Faux fur continues to dominate the catwalk. We have incorporated faux fur into our Gloucester Boot for style and added warmth. Knitwear returns oversized and slouchy, and our Gloucester Boot instantly dresses up this look without compromising on comfort.
Tweed With A Twist We love tweed. A timeless and versatile fabric, we’ve ticked the trend with tweed elements on our Cumbria and Orkney boots. Championing Harris Tweed & Tartan with a fresh new slant. Team with check and tartan fashion for an ‘en vogue’ look we love.
Biker Groovy The biker boot trend has been around forever, and this season, we have taken chunky and turned it into classy with our Orkney and Chepstow styles. Modelled on a classic work boot design, our take
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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incorporates tweed, and the gorgeous gold button detail adds charm. Your perfect footwear to accompany this season’s trend for ankle-skimming hemlines.
On Point Pointed toes are back, but before your toes recoil in horror, our Wrexham ankle boot presents pointed without the pain. Cleverly designed with a comfort sole and perfectly positioned block heel, they offer height with balance. Team with your favourite jeans and a floral print sweatshirt for laid back glamour.
Strike The Right Cord And finally, looking for the perfect partner for your cord suiting? Our Burlington Slipper styles & Brighton Brogues are the finishing touch to this Seventies style revival. www.yull.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Stunning Bags From
Marc E lla L O N D O N E
ven her pram is classy. Across from me is a casually, yet stylish and smartly dressed woman. I’m meeting Marcella Polzer, founder of accessory label Marc Ella London , at a juice bar in Battersea to get the inside scoop on how she took the leap to start her own business. Her entrepreneurial story begins in 2014. Daughter of an entrepreneur, Marcella found herself in a place she never thought she’d end up in: Insurance. “I don’t think anyone grows up dreaming about working in insurance; as a girl I didn’t even know what it was,” Marcella says, sipping her Energizer juice. “I loved my job, but knew that I had to take the leap at some point and now was as good a time as any.” Marcella went on to launch Marc Ella London — an affordable luxury accessories brand, mainly focusing on handbags. But it wasn’t pre-determined: “Back then, I took a good chunk of time out of my diary to generate ideas and prioritise them. I remember sitting at a restaurant with my husband, trying to cut down a list of 30 ideas to 5.” Today, Marcella has designed more than 90 products, all the while juggling family life. She takes her inspiration from the London scene, her travels across the world, but also family and nature: “I want to create products that are as versatile as they are fashionable. For me, it is a statement of freedom— of the independent woman, always on the move.” I look across the table and see her bag and instantly know what she means; she has an adorable Monty bag sitting next to her (seen above). It’s a bucket bag, and has a soft, origami-like construction. “It’s not just a bucket bag, it can be collapsed or even rolled up, which is perfect for the world traveler and mum alike,” Marcella explains. The Monty bag, it turns out, is named after her newborn son, who is now 5 months’ old. She also
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has a 3-year old daughter, a dog, and lives together with her husband in London. I wonder how she does it: “I am as ambitious on the family front as I am in business, if not more. Ultimately, both my family and my business give each other the flexibility so that I can pursue both,” Marcella says. We are both long done with our juices. As we both get up to leave, I can’t help but think what’s next for Marcella and Marc Ella London. She leaves the cafe effortlessly, with her stylish, uniquely recognisable pram, onto her next mission. Yes, that’s what it is… she’s a woman on a mission. Time will tell us what she’ll have been up to next. Browse the Marc Ella London collection and buy online at marcellalondon.com Instagram: marc_ella_london_official Below: Marcella ‘talking bags’ with her daughter
“I am as ambitious on the family front as I am in business, if not more. Ultimately, both my family and my business give each other the flexibility so that I can pursue both”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
SECRET WEAPON The sweat is on. Liz Connor discovers
why this combat sport is a great way to amp up your post-summer workout routine.
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hat do Idris Elba and models Martha Hunt and Gisele Bundchen have in common? Aside from winning the genetic lottery, they all apparently use kickboxing as their secret weapon to stay in shape. This combat sport offers a satisfying full body burn and involves punching and kicking with bare feet at either an opponent or a bag. It borrows moves from multiple types of martial arts including full-contact karate, Muay Thai, and boxing. While it won’t be on the Olympics schedule next summer, the sport has been granted provisional acceptance by the International Olympic Committee, so it’s likely to grow in popularity over the coming years. Kickboxing can feel intimidating for a first-timer, but many of today’s classes combine martial arts moves with highintensity cardio, allowing people to build up their confidence and get a taster of the sport in an approachable way. If you’re looking for a fast and furious way to get the body of a Victoria’s Secret model or DCI John Luther, getting in on the fight club might just be the answer. Here are some of the health perks to know...
It’s a total body workout Kickboxing is an effective form of cardio for total body toning. Although it looks as though you’re mostly using your legs and arms, kickboxers engage their core and glutes to throw their whole force behind each kick and punch. It’s also great for building a six-pack too. “There are very few exercises that engage so many of our core muscles collectively as throwing a roundhouse kick,” says Ben LeonardKane, co-founder and trainer at London kickboxing studio Flykick (flykick.co.uk). “This is because when you kick, you’re balancing on one leg, while rotating different parts of your body through different axes. You’re engaging the majority of both your ‘moving’ (abdominals, obliques, abductors) and ‘stabilising’ (transverse abdominal, pelvic floor) core muscles.” Balance, power and stamina are all needed to master the non-stop jabs, crosses and kicks involved in a match. Many hybrid classes also involve intervals of cardio, so expect to be slayed with non-stop squats, burpees, planks and press-ups.
It gets your brain in gear As well as being a workout for your body, kickboxing challenges the brain too. Unlike other forms of cardio where you run through the moves on autopilot, kickboxing requires total concentration to remember the combinations and dodge your opponents’ attacks. Even when you’re recovering from an all-out burst on the bag, your brain is still engaged as you size up your next move and stay 210 SEPTEMBER 2019
light on your feet.
It can help to fight stress Had a stressful day at the office? 30 minutes of kickboxing is all you need to blow off some mental steam and achieve that feel good fitness high. “There are numerous studies that show kickboxing is an effective form of stress relief,” says LeonardKane. “While you are punching and kicking the bag, letting go of all that stress in a constructive manner, your body releases endorphins that relieve pain and aid in decreasing depression and anxiety.”
You can burn some serious calories Hitting and kicking a heavy bag takes brute strength, so don’t be surprised if you’re totally wiped out by the end of your first class. HIIT-style kickboxing classes also get you working at 70 to 90% max heart rate, which is the sweet spot for torching fat, building muscle and toning your body. When you give 100% effort in a high-intensity class, you also reap the benefits of the ‘after burn’ effect - where the body continues to burn calories for up to 24 hours after your workout is finished. “The highintensity nature of a kickboxing session means you can burn a surplus of 1,000 calories in a class,” says Leonard-Kane. “Let’s not forget, kickboxing is fun too!” he adds. “Training, as well as being challenging, should also be rewarding and enjoyable, and kicking a punch bag, particularly when you catch that sweet spot, is extremely gratifying.”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Is Your Skin Looking Older Than You Feel? Blame it on Menopause
Jane Atherton, CEO of Phytomone London answers questions on Menopause Skin Care What’s different about your skin care business? Phytomone is a skin care company dedicated to enhancing menopausal skin. The formulations are all developed with ingredients and special actives which specifically target hormonal skin ageing at the root cause, loss of oestrogen, allowing mature skin to keep looking youthful and radiant. Can the beauty industry help menopausal women? Menopausal skin is definitely ‘a thing’ and I was truly astonished that no other companies were taking this group of women in to account. Women over 45 (which is our demographic) now account for over 58 percent of the beauty market and it is important to stay relevant to their physiological and emotional needs. They don’t necessarily want their skin to look wrinkle free, but they do want it to look the best it possibly can for their age, so enhancement products rather than anti-ageing are far more appealing. Phytomone focus on identifying, fine tuning, upgrading and simplifying the somewhat complicated beauty regimes. For example, Pause Hydra Creme is a cream/serum hybrid which has been carefully formulated to be used as a eye cream and neck cream, as well as a moisturiser and serum. Mature women really don’t want a complex skin care regime, they want all the benefits in the easiest way possible, which our award winning multifunctional products can now offer. 212 SEPTEMBER 2019
How else is your business different from others in the market? We have built up an incredible community around Phytomone and supporting menopausal women. Our social media platforms are extremely interactive and informative. Our facebook page has almost 100k followers (fb.com/themenopauseroom) and is the most popular menopause ‘hang-out’ in the UK. Having this strong, trustworthy presence on social media gives us the ability to reach out and connect with our demographic, making them feel like they ‘belong’, during times of uncertainty. We encourage, motivate and inspire women to keep looking and feeling great, optimistic and confident. I’m not sure of any other cosmetic house which offers such support, outside of selling their products. What’s your ultimate goal/ambition? To ensure every women receives the best possible care, advice and knowledge as they enter the mid life transition. For them to fully understand what is happening to their body and the changes they need to make to keep looking youthful, healthy and radiant. Ultimately it would be fabulous to have a Phytomone wellbeing retreat for women to carry on recognising and reaffirming how wonderful they are and how to keep looking and feeling their very best.. Further information on Phytomone products can be found at www.phytomone.com
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.
FinAL REdUction
Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
NYC Based Sustainable Jewellery Brand
Noor Shamma Debuts Collection at LFW
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hile there are many new designer brands making their way into the jewellery industry, Noor Shamma stands apart with her distinct point of view, individuality, and unquestionably profound talent. Her interest in understanding the complexities inherent in the everyday simplicities allows her to look beyond the obvious and see within and around. Today, Noor Shamma is a sustainable fine jewellery brand that articulates a harmonious rapport between classic and contemporary, inspired by architectural elements, geometric brutalism, distinctive patterns and minimalist motifs. Even at first glance, the brand clearly speaks for itself as the collections truly resonate with any fine jewellery connoisseur; timeless fine jewellery for the modern made! Every piece of jewellery is executed to perfection by the most skilled artisans in New York City, while she personally oversees the process from inception to completion. Moreover, in a commitment to protect the planet, Noor Shamma embraces sustainable practices through conserving natural resources, reducing energy usage, carbon emissions and carbon footprint. Since metal mining also results in poisonous emissions, landscape damage and human rights violations, Noor uses recycled conflict-free 18-karat gold from suppliers that are certified by 214 SEPTEMBER 2019
the Responsible Jewellery Council in her efforts to produce sustainable jewellery. Additionally, all gemstones are responsibly sourced with the highest integrity, and diamonds are sourced from countries that are in compliance with the Kimberely Process Certification Scheme, thus ensuring the protection of human rights and the environment. Noor Shamma is also a member of Ethical Metalsmiths. This September, during London Fashion Week, Noor Shamma debuts her latest collection, Luz, which fits right into the core of the brand’s DNA, re-introducing architectural elements, geometric patterns, and Noor Shamma’s bestseller signature U-hoop earrings which are making a strong comeback with an exquisite twist. The collection also includes new diverse pieces such as a signet ring, an amulet bar necklace and huggies, intricately blinged up with diamonds and rubies. These expertly engineered jewellery pieces allow a unique multi-functionality through different adaptations, making them perfect day-to-night. This gives customers the opportunity to personalise their edit through mix-matching and/or stacking. With that being said, buyers beware, as her lines expediently sell out, which is quite spectacular! Noor Shamma exhibited in Milan Design Week, Metal & Smith NY (where she won second place for ‘Best in Show’), and JA New York. Noor has a GIA accreditation in Applied Jewellery Professional.
THE DETAILS Shop at www.noorshamma.com and follow on Instagram @noorshamma For enquiries, email customercare@noorshamma.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
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WHY FITNESS SPACE? Whether you’re a gym newbie or training is your thing – we’ll take your fitness further than you ever thought possible
PERSONALISED TRAINING PROGRAMME At Fitness Space we aim to take you on a journey. We take time getting to know you and your body. Only then can we create a tailored programme based on your capabilities, DNA, health history as well as working around your schedule to fit in your training at the most convenient time for you. Your programme is then uploaded to your Fitness Space app, meaning you will never train alone.
FITNESS SPACE APP The Fitness Space app, available for Apple and Android, will allow you to access your personalised programme at any time that suits you. The app also connects to the studio’s equipment, meaning you can track your workouts and your trainer can see the progress you are making each day. A 24/7 messenger service is also available should you have any queries on a particular exercise.
PERSONAL TRAINING Your trainer will work around your schedule to make sure you reach your goals. Not only do our qualified trainers walk you through your workouts, they also provide positive encouragement, motivation and focus to ensure you stay committed and dedicated. Your coach will review your results and tweak your programme regularly, so you’ll only ever make progress.
CLASSES Alongside personal training, Fitness Space offers a variety of classes, from HIIT to Hot Yoga. Whether you want to sweat it out, tone up or stretch, we have a class for you. 218 SEPTEMBER 2019
OPENING HOURS Weekdays: 6am-10pm; Weekends: 8am-5pm
Mark Hignett, General Manager says “At Fitness Space Battersea Reach, our aim is to give members the best possible experience. We take time getting to know each and every member, to ensure they feel comfortable and content in the gym. We know all of our members on a first name basis and work closely as a team to create a welcoming environment for anyone looking to begin their fitness journey with us. In addition to this, the technology at Fitness Space makes it extremely easy to stay on top of your progress and allows you to have contact with your trainer at all times. We are currently one of the only gyms in the area that offers this technology.” www.fitnessspace.com/battersea-reach Tel: 0203 371 1345
“Alongside personal training, Fitness Space offers a variety of classes”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
ALPACA ATTRIBUTES, DID YOU KNOW?
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he Alpaca Clothing Co, a family run business set in the Lake District began breeding Alpacas in 1995. This was at a time when Alpacas in the UK were virtually unheard of as a farm animal, with only 250 in country. I began with three pregnant female alpacas purchased from a good friend Pat Bentley who at the time was trying to promote alpacas as a viable farm animal. My husband and I decided we would like to start a new Alpaca business to do all things alpaca. We built the Alpaca Centre store
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and stocked it with beautiful alpaca clothing and with Pat’s support, expertise and in-depth knowledge about the animal we became a national help line for people as they became interested in breeding alpacas themselves. Alpaca has many advantages over other natural fibres. It is very silky soft against the skin and doesn’t irritate. It is hypoallergenic, it doesn’t pill, it is the second strongest to silk and will last for many years. We have had customers visit the centre who purchased an alpaca sweater 20 years ago and still wear it today. We have a very wide selection of alpaca garments with exquisite knits and beautiful coloured patterns unique to the Alpaca Clothing Co. I am sure anyone new to wearing alpaca will love it, just like we do! - Joy Stevenson
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Coconut Crazy The beauty world has gone loco for coconuts, says Katie Wright
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upermodels and celebs swear by coconut oil for a wealth of purposes, from removing eye make-up to moisturising dry shins. The tropical fruit with the sweetsmelling flesh and refreshing juice has numerous beauty benefits, which is why it’s been harnessed in a host of new products, giving a nourishing boost to everything from fake tan to waxing strips. Love coconut oil? Then you’ll love this bunch of innovative buys. Here are some of the best new coconut infused launches and what they can do for you...
Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Blurring Coconut Face Primer Part of the Coconut Collection - inspired by Marc Jacobs’ obsession with coconut water - this primer contains no less than five different forms of the fruit, which combine to moisturise and soften your skin, leaving it primed and ready for make-up. £31, Harvey Nichols
Nair Coconut Body Wax Strips Hair removal products are notorious for leaving skin looking red and irritated, but these wax strips are infused with coconut milk, making them suitable even for sensitive skin types. Plus there’s no heating required, meaning they are super quick and easy to use. £6.99, Superdrug
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo Rinsing your hair in coconut water every time you wash it would be a pretty pricey endeavour, but this smoothie-inspired shampoo is the next best thing, which sees coconut blended with banana to offer you a double dose of antioxidant rich fruity goodness, to gently cleanse hair and scalp. £24, Cult Beauty
Biolage All-In-One Coconut Infusion Leave-In Spray Spritz on this vegan-friendly coconut-infused conditioning spray before blow-drying or straightening to protect your tresses against heat and leave them looking smooth and shiny. £14.75, Feel Unique
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam Medium Following the success of its hero hair masque, Coco & Eve has developed a tanning foam which not only delivers a bronzed glow (you can choose from three different shades) but also gets to work on cellulite and pigmentation. £29.90 Koconoi Coconut Cleansing Oil If you tend to have dry skin, you’ll be amazed what a difference it makes when you swap from a foaming cleanser to a balm, like this lightweight formula, which contains coconut, roucou and moringa oils. Massage onto dry skin, add water to emulsify then rinse thoroughly. £16, Skinspace Herbal Essences Bio:renew Coconut Milk Hydrating Mask Part of a collaboration with Kew Gardens, this coconut milk mask comes with the Royal Botanic seal of approval and is made with 90% natural ingredients. Use once a week to hydrate your hair and keep your colour looking vibrant.
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£5.99, Boots
Banyan Tree Coconut & Seaweed Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ Part of Banyan Tree hotel group’s marine conservation efforts, this sunscreen is the brand’s first reef-friendly formula. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate (substances known to have an adverse effect on coral reefs), the SPF30 cream also contains organic coconut oil ethically sourced from Koh Samui, Thailand. £32.90
For more information, contact iurish@hotmail.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
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Focus on…
DIABETES Dr Angela Rai from The London General Practice discusses diabetes
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iabetes is a condition where your blood sugar level is too high. High levels of glucose in the blood can cause symptoms which can lead to complications. However with early detection, treatment and management you can live a healthy life and reduce the risk of complications. Insulin is an integral part of controlling sugar levels in the body. Insulin is made by the beta cells in the pancreas and helps us regulate blood sugar levels and keep them within the normal range. After you eat food, blood sugar levels rise and the beta cells in the pancreas are signalled to release insulin into the blood stream. Insulin helps the cells absorb glucose, reducing the blood sugar levels. If your pancreas does not produce insulin or your cells are resistant to the effects of insulin the blood sugar levels will rise. There are two main types of diabetes, Type1 and Type 2. In the UK 90% of adults with diabetes have Type 2. • Type 1 diabetes is insulin deficiency caused by autoimmune destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas. Therefore very little, or no insulin is produced by the pancreas and blood sugar levels remain high. There are both environmental and genetic factors that predispose to this condition. Treatment is with Insulin. • Type 2 diabetes is characterised by insufficient production of insulin or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin, known as insulin resistance causing hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels). Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugars are high but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. If undiagnosed or untreated, prediabetes can develop into Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is an indication that important lifestyle changes need to be made to prevent diabetes. A healthy balanced diet, appropriate physical exercise, addressing obesity and keeping at a healthy weight can help bring your blood sugars into the normal range and can help prevent the development of diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, passing urine very often, fatigue, weight loss or weight gain, slow healing wounds, recurrent thrush (fungal infection) and blurred vision. Diagnosis is by a simple blood test and if you have symptoms you should seek medical attention as early detection can avoid complications. Some people do not have symptoms but may be at risk of diabetes, a blood test can also screen for prediabetes. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include
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obesity, a family history, and is more common in people of South Asian descent and AfricanCaribbean descent. Complications of diabetes include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney and eye damage. Treatment of type 2 diabetes includes lifestyle changes, weight loss, healthy diet and increasing physical activity, diabetes medication (such as metformin) and insulin therapy. There are many new advances in medication and managing diabetes.
THE DETAILS
The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place) Tel: 0207 935 1000
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Private GP services www.thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services www.londonocchealth.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Introducing… My very own facelift procedure (It’s non-surgical!)
Dr Rav i Jain
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hen Lauren came to see me she was stuck in a rut. In her mid40s, she had been working in a professional field for several years. Although she was desperate to apply for more permanent and more senior jobs, she lacked the self-confidence to do so. Lauren was convinced that the loose skin on her face made her look far older than she really was, and that interviewers would discriminate against her because of her age. While she was desperate for a cosmetic procedure to tighten her skin and restore her looks, she was also very nervous about her colleagues knowing she’d had work done. It was vital, she said, that any change was as subtle as possible. In the meanwhile, she scoured the industry press for adverts for more senior positions – and applied for none of them. I have been developing my very own non-surgical face-lifting technique, called the R-Lift and the R Lift XL for a longer lasting results. I started thinking about the technique years ago, when I began seeing lots of people with what I call “the pillow look”. Their cheeks had been filled out in an effort to lift their skin, making them look, to my mind, a bit like hamsters. It was trendy at the time , but I knew that it wasn’t right for our patients, who wanted a much more natural look. Over the subsequent months, I have worked to develop a procedure that gave the same effect as a facelift, but without patients having to go under the knife; using a minimum number of needles; and at a fraction of the cost. Most importantly, it needed to leave patients looking normal – not fake. 228 SEPTEMBER 2019
With the R-Lift and the R Lift XL we inject small amounts of dermal fillers into as few as two points on either side of the face. Unlike ordinary fillers, we run a cannula beneath the skin’s surface, to release the fibrous bands that fuse skin to muscle and this fades deep wrinkles. The minimal use of needles means pain is unlikely - 99% of patients don’t require any anaesthetic and bruising is extremely rare. It also meant we could keep the cost down to £900 at the lower end. And the results? The R-Lift refreshes and restores your skin, making you look younger – but still like you. People won’t know you’ve had anything done, they’ll just think you’re looking great. Take Lauren, She had the R-Lift about 18 months ago, and hasn’t looked back since. Within weeks, she noticed such a difference that she had the confidence and self-assurance to apply for the jobs she had previously shied away from. That insecure and self- doubting professional who had approached me months aced an interview and is now a Senior Director.
THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list. Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582 762877 to book in.
By appointment only Call 01582 762877 w w w. r i v e r b a n k s . c o . u k
Acne | Wrinkle Reduction Injections | Dermal Fillers | Fat Freezing | Skin Peels | Pigmentation Mole Removal | Liposuction | Vita min Injections | Rosacea | Non-Surgical Facelifts (Ultherapy ) Hormone Profile tests | Laser treatments | Cosmetic Surgery
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Getting back on your feet faster and safer after knee surgery
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nhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a new approach to the way that care can be delivered to patients having certain operations, such as knee replacement surgery. The aim of the programme is to enable patients to be well enough to go home two to three days after their knee replacement by following a specialised pathway of care. Early mobilisation of the joint is a key part of the programme contributing to a shorter stay in hospital, meaning a faster return to a patient’s usual activities. It is getting back to normal activity quicker which is the main objective of ERAS as it is beneficial in both the rehabilitation process and in reducing the risk of developing blood clots after surgery. Desmond Runganga is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Orthopaedics at King Edward VII’s Hospital: “Working with the surgical, nursing and physiotherapy teams, patients are actively encouraged to work towards achieving their daily goals. The more involved they are in the programme, the more successful it will be and the faster their recovery from surgery.” King Edward VII’s Hospital has one of London’s only purpose built hydrotherapy pools, providing patients with non-weight bearing enhanced rehabilitation on-site. Hydrotherapy is part of the ERAS as Desmond explains: “Hydrotherapy is the use of water in rehabilitation. The warmth and support of the water helps to decrease pain, increase muscle strength, improve mobility of stiff or swollen joints and enhance balance and co-ordination, making it ideal for patients recovering from knee replacement surgery.
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Hydrotherapy sessions usually start on day 2 post-surgery. The benefit of including hydrotherapy in a patient’s ERAS is to help increase strength and range of motion in the knee post-surgery.” If you are suffering constant pain and restricted movement in your knee, or in any of your bones, joints or muscles, the musculoskeletal specialists at King Edward VII’s Hospital can provide an expert diagnosis and advise on a treatment plan to get you back to enjoying day to day life. To enquire about paying for treatment or using your private medical insurance at King Edward VII’s Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA, contact the dedicated patient services team. www.kingedwardvii.co.uk; 020 7467 4344.
“Patients are actively encouraged to work towards achieving their daily goals”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Sponsor a Veteran THE DETAILS To help raise funds towards this appeal King Edward VII’s Hospital will be hosting a Gala Dinner on 1st October 2019 at Fishmonger’s Hall, City of London EC4R 9EL. Tickets are priced at £150 per person or £1,350 for a table of 10 and can be purchased via www.tickettailor.com/events/ kingedwardviishospital/255068
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ounded in 1899, King Edward VII’s Hospital is an independent charitable hospital combining world-leading expertise with impeccable standards of nursing care. Since sisters Agnes and Fanny Keyser opened their home 120 years ago to help injured soldiers, King Edward VII’s Hospital has been more than just a hospital for veterans, it has delivered medical care with kindness and compassion. This tradition continues to this day as the Hospital delivers life-changing surgery and treatment to the men and women who have served this country. That commitment is widely acknowledged through the creation of their Centre for Veterans’ Health (CVH) in 2014, running grants programmes and the ground-breaking Pain Management Programmes (PMP).
“The Hospital delivers lifechanging surgery and treatment to the men and women who have served this country” Up to 60 veterans each year are able to participate in the PMP, giving them the tools to reduce their pain medication, to manage their pain, to feel more confident and to be more engaged with their family and friends. Since 2014 (when the programme was introduced) the CVH has helped 447 veterans by providing grants and subsidies in order that they 232 SEPTEMBER 2019
may benefit from an extensive range of surgeries, and 187 veterans have attended a PMP. Through the launch of the ‘Sponsor a Veteran’ appeal the Hospital aims to raise £360,000 to increase the number of veterans helped by 40%. “The practices and techniques combined with the knowledge learned during this 10-day Pain Management Programme, have given me back to myself, a husband to my wife, and a father to my children. It’s nice to be off medication, optimistic about the future, and full of life again. I will always be grateful to the team. Thank you from me and my family.”
To donate directly to the appeal either send a cheque to The Fundraising Department, King Edward VII’s Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, London, W1G 6AA or via www.cafdonate.cafonline.org/ 10370#/DonationDetails
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Highgate Private Hospital providing first-class healthcare for the local community
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f you are looking for first-class private healthcare with cutting edge technology and outstanding standards of nursing care and clinical excellence provided in a friendly and private setting, then look no further than Highgate Private Hospital. Established for over 35 years, Highgate is a leading private hospital serving the needs of North London and the surrounding areas. Easily accessible from central London and the home counties, the hospital is located in the centre of Highgate and offers everything you would expect from a local private hospital including outpatient clinics, private healthcare, and treatment in most medical specialties, such as diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, pharmacy, minor operating suite, cosmetic surgery, Private GP Services and much more.
“Highgate Private Hospital can accommodate all types of surgery from a tonsillectomy to joint replacements” With 14 outpatient consulting rooms, 4 operating theatres, a minor operating suite, physiotherapy suite and a JAG accredited endoscopy suite. Highgate Private Hospital can accommodate all types of surgery from a tonsillectomy to joint replacements. All patient bedrooms are private en-suite rooms, equipped with TVs, complimentary wifi, REN toiletries and have recently been voted number 1 for patient room décor in London. Your friends and relatives are welcome to visit at any time throughout the day. 234 SEPTEMBER 2019
A wide range of nursing care services are also available including hearing tests, dressings and removal of clips/sutures, health screening, ECG’s, travel vaccines, phlebotomy, urine flow rate as well as pre and post-operative checkups. The Imaging department at Highgate Private Hospital gives patients access to state-of-theart equipment and specialist services, including Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), 3/4D Ultrasound, Digital Fluoroscopy, and Digital X-Ray services. For those of us that say that we don’t like hospitals, Highgate Private Hospital may just change your mind as it provides the feel of a 5-star boutique hotel in a hospital environment, working with more than 200 of London’s top consultants and specialists who serve the healthcare needs of the local community. Whether you are an inpatient, day case or outpatient you will be cared for by a team of professionals who are dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment. The hospital welcomes both insured patients and those choosing to pay for their own treatment and is accepted by all major health insurers. Flexible appointment times and longer opening hours are offered at Highgate Private Hospital and limited onsite complimentary car parking is provided. For more information or to make an appointment call 020 8341 4182 or email enquires@highgatehospital.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Access to Private Health Care is easier than you think W hen you or a family member is unwell it can be a distressing time. Waiting for the treatment or care you need can be unbearable. Avoid long queues and waiting times with the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, London’s leading private hospital with an international reputation for the finest patient care. Home to some of the world’s leading Consultants and specialists, the charitable Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is one of the capital’s best
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“Home to some of the world’s leading Consultants and specialists, the charitable Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is one of the capital’s best kept secrets; able to treat almost any illness whist providing ultimate standards of care”
kept secrets; able to treat almost any illness whist providing ultimate standards of care. With same day consultations available in their specialist units including Urology, Spine, ENT and Dermatology, patients can enjoy immediate referrals to imaging and diagnostics where treatments and surgeries can be scheduled for the next day. Patients enjoy luxurious surroundings, state of the art technology and the reassurance of being treated by some of the best consultants and nurses in the world. Based in St John’s Wood, minutes from Central London, services include Casualty First, a walk in urgent care centre, which is able to treat children from the age of one. Uniquely, profits support their on-site Hospice, St Johns, which provides care to 4,000 terminally ill patients and their families each year for free. So while enjoying the best care you giving something back to the community. Contact the dedicated patient services team today to find out more about appointments and care at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH; www.hje.org.uk; 0207 806 4000
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Above: Image courtesy of BBC
V
An Extraordinary Place
anessa Feltz, journalist, TV and radio broadcaster has publicly paid tribute to St John’s Hospice after attending a dinner on Wednesday 14 November to thank supporters. During her BBC2 morning show Vanessa referred to the event and said. ‘Yesterday evening I attended a dinner to give a short speech. A short braising speech at The Royal College of Physicians which is on the edge of the beautiful Regents Park in the heart of London. And in the most exquisite book lined library there was a dinner to thank people for all their hard work on behalf of the St John’s Hospice. I’m sure if any of you have had any contact with hospices in your life, you’ll know they are places of great joy, and places of calm, and a place where there’s a wonderful feeling that patients can really, really be themselves – in whatever way they feel they can. St John’s Hospice is such an extraordinary place. And this is what the dinner was about, to thank all those who work so hard to make it what it is. A fine time I must say was had by all’. St John’s Hospice is an independent charity located in St John’s Wood within London’s leading private charitable hospital, The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. The hospital is one of The UK’s only private charitable Hospitals, where profits and surplus funds are put back into the hospice to help provide crucial palliative care to more than 4,000 terminally-ill patients and their families every year. - serving those living in Westminster, Brent,
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“The Hospice runs a range of services and includes an Inpatient unit, Therapies, Day services, Community support and Hospice@Home”
Camden, Islington, Barnet, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham. The Hospice runs a range of services and includes an Inpatient unit, Therapies, Day services, Community support and Hospice@Home which enables patients to be cared for in their own home. St John’s Hospice aspires to a time when every individual can approach death informed, supported and free of pain; a time when the needs of the individual, and of those close to them, are met with personalized care at the end of life. It really is an extraordinary place. For more information on how to support the Hospice visit www.stjohnshospice.co.uk. Tel: 020 7806 4040. Email hospice.info@hje.org.uk St John’s Hospice, 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Urgent Care Centre at The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth
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he urgent care centre within Casualty First at The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth ensures that patients and families receive first class care 7 days a week, from 8am-8pm. The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth set up Casualty First 5 years ago. Andre Van Nierop, Clinical Lead at Casualty First comments, “The urgent care centre is truly unique in that our team of A+E Doctors provide care for adults and children from the age of one year, we see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!” “Putting patients’ needs first, Casualty First provides an ease of access to treatment that is essential when you are juggling a busy schedule, Andre explains “The urgent care centre is a fantastic facility for people to access our first class care, with no waiting time and the option to receive treatment on the same day or at a convenient time. We often refer patients to see a specialist Consultant or receive imaging and diagnostics on site, in the state of the art hospital facilities” “We have seen patients come in with minor complaints, where after our investigation we have diagnosed serious conditions and been able to
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“We see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”
refer next or same day treatment, which in some cases has potentially been life-saving due to early diagnosis. It is so rewarding to see the difference that it makes.” “A large amount of the patients we see are children, we provide treatment from the age of one and our child friendly waiting area and consulting rooms disperse any anxiety the kids might have from seeing a doctor. I see worried and concerned parents come in to see us who within minutes are able to see a doctor and the children, and their parents, are smiling and laughing again.”
Visit Casualty First Located at the entrance of the world famous Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth in London, Casualty First is a self pay service with treatment available for all the family, including children from the age of one year. The experienced A&E doctors treat all minor accidents, injuries and illnesses. If you think you are having a heart attack, stroke or have serious head injuries please phone 999 or go to A&E. www.casualtyfirst.co.uk Tel: 0207 432 8300; Open 8am – 8pm everyday 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Latest Advanced Therapy for Prostate Cancer Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment
BIOGRAPHY Dr Yong Du has treated the largest number of patients with Lutetium-177-PSMA in the UK and practises at Cancer Centre London, one of only three hospitals in the UK that offer this treatment. Dr Yong Du graduated from Shandong Medical University. He was awarded a PhD in Cancer Sciences at the University of Southampton for his work on lymphoma and completed his nuclear medicine specialist training at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College Hospital in London. Dr Yong Du also has extensive experience in radionuclide targeted therapy. He is interested in combining the fast advancing functional imaging technology with multidisciplinary expertise to help develop and optimise radionuclide targeted therapy for cancer patients. Dr Yong Du is a Trustee of the British Nuclear Medicine Society. He was the first recipient of the UK HEFCE Clinical Senior Lectureship award in the Nuclear Medicine speciality. He lectures in national and international medical conferences regularly.
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What is Lutetium PSMA Therapy? Lutetium Prostate Specific Membrane (PSMA) therapy is an innovative targeted therapy used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. Lutetium PSMA therapy aims to reduce the size of the prostate cancer metastases and stop them from spreading. This results in a decrease of the symptoms that people may get with metastatic prostate cancer.
“Lutetium PSMA is most often used when the disease has metastasised�
How does Lutetium PSMA Work? Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type of protein found on the prostate cancer cells. When someone has prostate cancer there is an increased amount of PSMA protein on the cell. PSMA will also appear in other parts of the body where the prostate cancer has spread or metastasised. Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy uses a molecule which attaches itself to the PSMA receptors on the cancer cells. Before it is administered, the PSMA molecule is bound with Lutetium-177, which releases beta radiation, a destructive type of radiation that damages the cancer cells when it is in close proximity to them, with minimum damage to healthy cells. Prior to starting the therapy, a diagnostic scan is performed (Gallium 68 PSMA PET/CT) to highlight areas that have high levels of PSMA and
ensure the radiation will target the right areas during treatment. Who should have Lutetium PSMA Therapy? Lutetium PSMA is most often used when the disease has metastasised and when other therapies are poorly tolerated or have stopped working. This therapy aims to reduce the size of the cancer and stop it from multiplying, as well as to ease the symptoms that people may get with metastatic prostate cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated this treatment to be highly effective in a significant number of patients. A substantial number of patients have experienced long term remission after PSMA therapy. How will this improve quality of life? Patients undergoing Lutetium PSMA therapy often experience a noticeable relief from pain caused by mestastic prostate cancer, especially in the bones. A number of patients who have had Lutetium PSMA therapy have also experienced long term remission. With the reduction in symptoms, patients can carry on with their activities of daily living and enjoy time with family and loved ones. There are very few side effects from Lutetium PSMA therapy. Some patients may experience a dry mouth, tiredness and a brief decline in the production of blood cells. Blood tests are performed intermittently to ensure the radiation is not damaging healthy tissue. . To book an appointment call: 0208 247 3428 Email: info@cancercentrelondon.co.uk www.cancercentrelondon.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
TREATING REPEATED URINE INFECTIONS WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS medicinal drugs are put through. If you are going to take cranberry supplements, taking a product which contains at least 36mg of PAC may increase the chance of it being effective. • Probiotics: ‘healthy’ bacteria such as Lactobacillus have also been suggested as another remedy for rUTIs. The evidence suggests there is very little benefit in using Lactobacillus either vaginally or by mouth in preventing infections in the urinary tract. • D-mannose: a naturally occurring sugar which also prevents bacteria (mainly E. coli) from sticking to the bladder lining. A small study published in 2014 suggested that taking D-mannose (at a dose of 2 grams in powder form dissolved in 200ml water) was as effective as taking a small dose (50mg) of Nitrofurantoin once a day (i.e. low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis). I keep getting urinary tract infections – is this unusual? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely common. Approximately one third of adult females in the United Kingdom have repeated episodes. Once you have 3 UTIs in a year (or 2 in six months), you have what’s known as recurrent UTIs (rUTIs). I’ve been told the best treatment for rUTIs is antibiotics, is that right? Taking a low dose of antibiotics every day (a strategy called ‘low dose antibiotic prophylaxis (or prevention)’) can help to reduce infections, but there is evidence that once the antibiotics are stopped, the frequency of UTIs return to the level prior to treatment. In addition, long-term antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. What over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can be used to prevent rUTIs? The 3 most common OTC remedies are: • Cranberry supplements: this is a non-antibiotic agent that has been used as a folk remedy against UTIs for many years. Most recent studies suggest that a compound within cranberry, called proanthocyanidin (PAC) prevents the common bacteria responsible for UTIs (E. Coli and Klebsiella) from sticking to the lining of the bladder. However, the studies looking at cranberry in the prevention of UTIs have shown largely contradictory results. One difficulty in recommending the use of cranberry products is that there is a large variation in the quality of products available on the market. Being a herbal substance, cranberry products are not required to go through the rigorous approval/ regulatory process that 244 SEPTEMBER 2019
What if I am still getting infections? Despite there being limited evidence relating to the treatments suggested above, many women try them out of desperation. If these treatments haven’t helped then it’s time to see your GP and you may need onward referral to a specialist. Occasionally your specialist may suggest some tests such as a kidney/bladder scan or a small camera to inspect the inner lining of your bladder. Subsequent treatments may include nonantibiotic tablets which stop the growth of bacteria in urine, or introducing substances into your bladder through a fine catheter/ tube which can protect the bladder lining. The latest treatments for rUTIs which do not respond to the treatments outlined include a vaccination (Uromune, Uro-Vaxom®) which is still being evaluated in the UK or faecal microbial transplants (FMT). These treatments are certainly promising but should only be trialled once your specialist has evaluated your symptoms.
THE DETAILS To book an appointment call: 020 8971 8026 or Email: info@parksidehospital.co.uk www.parkside-hospital.co.uk
BIOGRAPHY Miss Rashid BSc(Hons) MB BS(Lon) FRCS(Urol) is a highlyexperienced urological surgeon at Parkside Private Hospital. She specialises in treating women and men with urinary infections and leakage and in performing transgender genital surgery. She is a member of the British Association of Urological Surgeons, Royal College of Surgeons and British Association of Gender Identity Specialists.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Live longer, live better:
Recover faster from joint surgery
L
engthening life expectancy is one of the key goals of modern medical research. In 1900 the average life expectancy in the UK was around 49, whereas now it’s significantly higher at 81 years old. A report from Public Health England (PHE) found that the life expectancy for older people in England has risen to its highest ever level. However, despite evidence showing that people are living longer, many are doing so in poor health which can dramatically affect their quality of life. This is particularly evident when looking at the impact ageing has on our joints. Although joint conditions such as arthritis might not be able to kill you, they have the potential to seriously undermine your health and wellbeing.
Why do our joints let us down? Cartilage is the flexible, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of our bones and cushions our joints, allowing for a smooth range of movement. Either as a result of wear or due to injury or disease, the cartilage and other tissues in the joint can deteriorate resulting in osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes increasing stiffness and pain that can eventually limit what you are able to do on a daily basis. As the most common form of arthritis, 7.3 million people in England have sought treatment for osteoarthritis. That’s 33% of the entire population aged over 45! Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the most common are the hands and the weight-bearing joints in the hips and knees.
Prevention rather than cure Age is a common factor in developing osteoarthritis, however there are a number of other factors that can effect joint health such as: • Being overweight or obese; this puts a great 246 SEPTEMBER 2019
amount of stress on the joints, particularly the hips and knees. • Being inactive; this tends to be linked to being overweight but even being relatively slim and physically inactive can increase your risk. • Being injured; trauma to the tissues in the joint, including the ligament, meniscus and cartilage, can increase the chance of developing osteoarthritis in later life.
Early intervention is key Damaged cartilage can be repaired and research into how to effectively regenerate cartilage tissue is ongoing. The Fortius Joint Replacement Centre at Bupa Cromwell Hospital is home to industry-leading surgeons who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of joint health, using the latest techniques and robotic technology to deliver the best patient care. Consultant Knee Surgeon Mr David HoulihanBurne said: “At Fortius, we pride ourselves on providing the most advanced treatment and care for each individual patient. The installation of the Stryker Mako robotic-arm system is a prime example of this. The technology allows a personalised surgical experience delivered with precision, reducing pain and resulting in quicker recovery times.” In addition to state-of-the-art technology, the centre offers an enhanced recovery pathway which aims to accelerate and improve all aspects of a patient’s recovery process following surgery. With faster recovery times, lengthy hospital stays are now a thing of the past, helping not only to get you back home quicker but enabling you to have a better quality of life. For more information about the Fortius Joint Replacement Centre at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, call 020 3195 2442, email appointments@fortiusclinic.com or visit fortiusclinic.com
David Houlihan-Burne BSc MB BS MRCS FRCS (Tr & Orth) Consultant Knee Surgeon, Fortius Joint Replacement Centre at Bupa Cromwell Hospital
“As the most common form of arthritis, 7.3 million people in England have sought treatment for osteoarthritis. That’s 33% of the entire population aged over 45!”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
A shining light for breast cancer M
any things have changed since Miss Walters was appointed as a consultant breast surgeon in 1996. • Mammograms are now performed by tomosynthesis and are three-dimensional, increasing accuracy and decreasing false positive, abnormal results caused by overlapping of the breast tissue. • Contrast enhanced mammograms, which will be as accurate as MRI will soon be available in London. Improved digital analysis of the images has resulted in less compression of the breast tissue during the procedure and therefore much less discomfort for the patient. • Microscopic areas of calcification can now be targeted and biopsied under mammographic control with stereotactic vacuum biopsy and X-rayed immediately with a device called a faxitron to ensure that the correct tissue has been sampled. • Biopsy of lesions no more than a few millimetres in size can be undertaken under ultrasound control and are now commonplace. • Immuno-histochemistry of the specimens provides greater accuracy of diagnosis and therefore prognosis and treatment can be tailored to fit both the nature of the disease and the needs of the patient. • Genomic tests of the tissue of breast cancer tumours is now able to improve selection of patients needing chemotherapy and that chemotherapy is better tolerated and more effective in preventing the spread of the disease to more vital organs where it can cause decreased function. • In the past all of the lymph glands were surgically removed in patients with breast cancer, but now with radioactive isotope and a gamma probe only the Sentinel or’ the guardian’ lymph node needs to be removed and this can be analyzed for abnormal cells while the patient is still under anaesthetic and with the identification of smaller earlier tumours by screening often the tumour needs
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to be marked with a wire before surgery and the surgeon would be unable to see or feel it. This can then be examined by X-ray in a faxitron machine, again while the patient is still asleep. • Keeping patients warm during surgery has reduced the risk of bleeding post-operatively and improvements in anaesthetic agents her meant less nausea is experienced. • Radiotherapy is now more focused on the treatment area, which has reduced the side effects from this treatment. • There are now several drugs available to treat hormonally sensitive breast cancers, although Tamoxifen remains a powerful anti-hormonal therapy. Problems with decrease in bone density, post chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are now better monitored and treated and bone strengthening drugs also reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading to the bones. With more women surviving breast cancer for longer periods, therapy is also better directed at supporting their needs post therapy and the mental health sequelae of a diagnosis of cancer. Some of the genes causing breast cancer have been identified and it is possible to detect these genes in embryos, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis means that genes carriers do not need to pass these genes onto their children and grandchildren. So why do we still read in the newspapers of 40 year old women dying from the disease? It is still the most common cancer. At the age of 40 the risk of breast cancer is 1/250 women and at the age of 47 it is 1/50. Many other countries screen at an earlier age than the NHS BSP and more frequently. For appointments please call 01622 873058. For more details call Tena’s PA Helen on 07982 249612. Or email tenakerrywalters@gmail.com
“Biopsy of lesions no more than a few millimetres in size can be undertaken under ultrasound control and are now commonplace”
Awareness Is Power Early detection can save lives. If you have any concerns you would like to discuss, I am here to help. Fast access to a one stop clinics offering assessment and diagnosis of all breast symptoms Any breast lump, nipple discharge, dimpling should be investigated and management is offered for problems with breast pain, family history, breast feeding Also provide screening and a second opinion Miss Tena Walters, Consultant Breast Surgeon MBBS, FRCS, MS 22 years experience in Breast Surgery For appointments please call 01622 873058 For more details call Tena’s PA Helen on 07982 249612 Or email tenakerrywalters@gmail.com
HOuse & garden – A collection of London’s finest interior companies – I M A G E : S O N YA W I N N E R R U G S
H OUSE & GARDEN
[NEWS]
INTERIORS keep it calm The Maya range from Icon is a calming collection of soft seating which takes inspiration from meditation and nature. Made from a water-resistant, tactile and multi-tonal fleck fabric in a range of colours, they are easily moveable so ideal for relaxing inside the home or for enjoying outside spaces. www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk
AUTUMN AT AUDENZA
Celebrate the advent of Autumn with Audenza’s new season AW19 range in deliciously autumnal colours. Ochres and greens and russets create warmth and vibrancy, with a textural scrumptiousness in velvet, wool and fur for that essential tactile experience. Rejoice as we settle into the delights of Autumn and hunker down for the year in a blaze of colour. Out this month. www.audenza.com
MOODY BLOOMS
Midnight blooms for the midnight hour. The French Bedroom Co has released a botanical bed linen set adorned with a large-scale painterly print of tea roses, honeysuckle and devil’s trumpet. The colour palette combines jewel tones of opulent green, blue and dark coral reds for a deep and romantic vibe, perfect for a luxuriously romantic boudoir. www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
BOX CLEVER
The Ashton Armchair was designed to suit a wide palette of tastes and decors. This classic buttoned armchair combines classic and contemporary, making it ideal for any interior space. With a choice of over 50 shades, there is bound to be a dream colour out there for everyone. www.livingitup.co.uk 252 SEPTEMBER 2019
ORIENTAL OPULENCE Oriental furniture specialist Shimu has announced its latest collection of Chinese antique furniture. The collection was selected by Shimu’s director, James Cottrell, on his latest sourcing trip to China and includes antique cabinets, sideboards, chairs and tables from the far-flung regions of China. www.shimu.co.uk
Helena Clunies-Ross is a New York and London-based international design studio, specialising in high-end residential and hospitality design. Helena creates spaces that exude warmth and sophistication; from clean lines and framed views to the placement of screens, bespoke pieces and the layering of textures. Visit www.helenacluniesross.com and follow @helenacluniesross on Instagram.
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Living Space Design: L
Turning Dreams into Reality
iving Space Design is a unique design house that turns your dreams and desires into a reality with over 25 years in our industry we strive to deliver the very best for your project from concept of design through to our bespoke fitting service we feel our success lies in offering exclusive items that no one else has. We focus on wellness as well as design working with industry leading brands. Living Space is synonymous with a meticulous and a very personal experience. Every project we undertake is as individual as you are, with our hand held service on every project which is formed through a close collaboration between designer and client from concept through to the finished work that will exceed all expectations. We have an unrivalled reputation for building magnificent one-of-a-kind custom rooms that combine classic elegance with the finest contemporary materials. Visit our brand new showroom to discover a collection of luxurious room styles. You’ll immediately find an environment in which to build your idyllic room scheme with our huge working displays and expert design team who focus particularly on a knowledge for timeless style that’s integrated with top quality fixtures and fittings, ensuring each finishing touch is in keeping with the high end specification, latest trends in luxury
“Living Space is synonymous with a meticulous and a very personal experience. Every project we undertake is as individual as you are”
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interior design and the timeless style of the Living Space design team. Our designers are on hand to help you make your dream a reality, every step of the way, as we believe it is important to ensure a room is designed to suit each and every one of our client’s personal requirements, which is why everything we do is tailored. We also offer a home visit service with our designers, during which they will explore all options and designs covering all room types from Family Bathrooms, Wet Rooms, Ensuites, Cloakrooms to wellness rooms Our designers will create decadence with exquisite tiles & finishes using the highest quality real stone and porcelain tile finishes with natural veins that make each piece unique and texture that adds luxurious depth with polished and honed options available to bring a stunning look and feel to any space that produce timeless sophistication and class for statement rooms with true aesthetic beauty. We specialise in Extra large format porcelain slab piece tiles, which are available in various sizes and provide our designers with the opportunity to create a seamless surface expanse with minimal grout lines for maximum impact. Ideal for luxury residential projects these tiles are suitable for both floor or wall applications. Many are just 6 mm in thickness and it is this lightweight format that also brings with it new surfacing opportunities such as ‘hidden’ doors or shower partitions. Our Focus is Private Wellness and with this we offer that latest elements which can be freely composed, for a total customization of one’s own shower, so to create a “private” wellness, designed according to one’s own desires. We offer a full Multisensory feeling which conjures a new relationship between water and the pleasure of a daily experience where the user can renew the contact with his/her senses and inner self. Refreshing cascades or delicate rainfalls, bracing hydro-massage or beautiful atomization, and amazing chromo-therapy all provide for a pleasant multi sense stimulation, our Private Wellness products make aesthetic, functional and technical perfection come together: It is A-grade technology, embedded in objects of absolute beauty. www.livingspacedesigns.co.uk
H OUSE & GARDEN
TRANSFORM A ROOM Surprisingly a rug can be the most transformational piece you add to a room… So picking the right rug is essential!
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onya Winner’s contemporary rugs are award-winning pieces designed to transform spaces into Vibrant Contemporary welcoming homes. Her rug designs are bright, bold, interactive experiments of colour. She also often works with shape and tuft height giving her rugs a sculptural quality. Utilising her passion for colour and design Sonya’s floor art pieces enhance your space and uplift your spirits. These highly original luxury rugs add warmth, texture and vibrancy, and soak up sound improving acoustics – they literally turn your space into a welcoming home. All Sonya’s rugs are expertly hand tufted or hand knotted by GoodWeave artisan weavers in New Zealand or Tibetan wool and Chinese silk. Sonya’s designs have won awards around the world and have been featured widely in the international press. As a result, Sonya and her team have chosen to only sell her unique designs directly from her showroom / design studio giving homeowners and interior designers the highest level of service. The design studio has grown since launching in 2011 and now sells their unique rugs direct to their design loving customer in over 30 countries direct from her studio. The 2018 opening of Sonya’s beautifully designed showroom by Hampstead Heath was the realization of her long-held dream to create a place to share her passion for colour and design. The showroom took two years of design, planning and renovation to transform a solicitors’ office into an inspiring light airy design gallery where you can see her vibrant rugs alongside Sonya’s carefully curated and ever changing selection of other design pieces, including hand blown glass, ceramics and jewellery. Most of these pieces cannot be found elsewhere as these designers, like Sonya, only work with small production. Visiting Sonya’s design gallery to experience their passion for design and colour is a rewarding and uplifting experience – there is no pressure to buy
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just to enjoy! If you are unable to visit, Sonya‘s team can help you choose a rug by email/phone using their free service to digitally place their rug designs into a photo of your room – allowing you to see how their rug designs will look before you purchase. You can also request a free small woven sample of many of her designs. Each year Sonya and her small team work on a number of new designs and a small number of bespoke commissions. This year Sonya will be launching new designs in September in conjunction with London Design Festival during which you can view the “Using Colour to Change your Space” exhibition with British cheese and wine from 14th – 22nd September. Sonya Winner Studio, 14 York Rise, London NW5 1ST. Tel: 0203 283 8776 Email: Enquiry@sonyawinner.com www.sonyawinner.com
H OUSE & GARDEN
Designs on
Privacy T
he desire to create beautifully stylish, private spaces in London gardens is something that both landscapers and designers find top of their client’s list of requirements. Also, the growing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of planting trees and plants in city spaces has led to us all wanting more green in our lives. Many of our outdoor spaces are overlooked by neighbours or may have immense walls which block out light and require softening using the natural foliage of plants and trees. It may not be possible to achieve full privacy within your outdoor space; however you may wish to create one area where you can relax in peace, giving you that calm space we all need. Instant Hedges, a family run nursery in rural Buckinghamshire, grows a vast range of quality semi mature and mature trees and hedging. They offer a complete service from design & consultancy, through to supply & planting. They work closely with designers and private clients and are experts in providing the best advice and most suitable planting options for creating privacy. Choosing the right plant is the starting point for any project. A number of factors must be considered such as soil type, aspect, proximity to services and structures and any site or access constraints. It is important to consider all options available. Rather than simply planting a tall hedge, using pleached trees would create more of an airy space while still providing screening. Further planting at the base of the trees may include grasses, hydrangeas and lavender, creating a wonderful space. Box-Head Trees can create more of a statement, often used at the front of properties, transforming the look of the entire entrance. Again, with the trunks being visible there is the opportunity and space to plant more varieties of hedging or plants. The privacy level is still achieved but they are more of a design element, not simply shielding the view of the property entirely. And then there are the wonderful Table Top trees, roof trained ‘umbrella’ shaped trees such as Malus x ‘Evereste’ (crab apple), or Tilia cordata (lime). These beautiful style features provide instant privacy, shelter you from upstairs views and create a pretty dappled shaded area to your garden. Balconies and roof terraces can also often require screening too and wind is a further factor to consider here. A neat evergreen clipped hedging such as Griselina will provide enough privacy and will not require too much maintenance. Please call Instant Hedges on 01296 399585, or visit www.instanthedges.co.uk for helpful advice or further information on any of the above.
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H OUSE & GARDEN
Dazzling
Dahlias Dahlias are the divas of late summer but if yours are looking lacklustre, experts offer 10 tips on what you can do about it.
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s dahlia shows take place throughout late summer, these spectacular plants continue to dazzle, their gorgeous blooms creating a riot of colour. But what if your own specimens are looking tired and forlorn, with damaged leaves and petals or stilted growth? We spoke to the experts to find out how to tackle these problems, with The Cornish Dahlia Society, this year staged its 39th annual show at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, offers the first three of the following tips.
1. Check if your dahlias have a disease Fungal diseases (powdery mildew & dahlia smut) are the most difficult of dahlia ailments to remedy. Spider mite is also difficult to deter, but could be treated every 10 days using a horticultural soft soap. It’s recommended to remove the lower leaves affected by mildew to improve air circulation. You could also try a milk/water 30/70 solution, which is commonly used to manage powdery mildew on cucumbers and courgettes. Dahlia smut presents as pale spots in the early stages and then develops into yellow and finally dark brown spots. Older, lower leaves are generally first affected. Tubers will not be affected so can be lifted as normal and cleaned thoroughly but the spores can contaminate soil for years afterwards so plant your dahlias in a new location the following year. You could also try mulching below plants, using straw, to limit further spread through splashback from the soil on to foliage when rain is forecast.
2. What about bugs? Deformed blooms are likely due to capsid bugs. As they suck the sap of plant tips, usually developing
flower buds, toxic saliva enters the plant, causing distorted buds and flowers. Capsid bugs are green, so they are difficult to see - it’s best to look out for early signs of damage, such as holes in leaves and distorted foliage. Simply remove foliage affected. Leaves may develop many small holes, which get bigger as the plant grows and the bugs are most active from May to August. You could try an organic spray but try to do so at dusk, when pollinating insects are less likely to be affected. Weed control is another way to help prevent the spread of capsid bugs, which may use weeds as host plants over winter. Vaseline on stems could be worth a try. Aphids such as blackfly can cause issues on the tips of plants. Spray off using water or you could use a horticultural soft soap. Alternatively, cut out the infected stem and monitor closely.
3. Do you have holes in petals? This is likely to be due to earwigs. The best solution is to put an upturned pot, filled with straw, on top of a cane secured in the ground. Check the pots regularly and empty earwigs elsewhere. Put the pot at a similar height to the dahlia flowers you want to protect. Planting depth for tubers is 10-15cm (4-6in) and 60cm (2ft) apart. Rotted cuttings grown on in pots can be spaced slightly closer together. Mulch after planting to conserve moisture. Katie Kingett, productive garden supervisor at Heligan, offers these additional tips:
4. Prepare your ground in autumn Ground preparation is key. Add manure early on in the autumn in an area where you are intending on planting your dahlias. Alternatively, add mature matter from your compost heap or blood, fish and bones at planting time. Poor preparation may result in a reduced show of flowers and a less vigorous plant.
5. Protect against slugs Slugs love dahlias, so be vigilant against slugs while the plants are establishing. Put your slug traps out before you plant, so you clear the area before you begin. Transplanting bigger plants from containers 262 SEPTEMBER 2019
“It’s recommended to remove the lower leaves affected by mildew to improve air circulation”
H OUSE & GARDEN
“Ground preparation is key. Add manure early on in the autumn in an area where you are intending on planting your dahlias”
prevent it spreading to the healthy part of the plant. Regular feeding on a weekly basis is a good idea.
9. Deadhead flowers If you want the flowers to last until the end of autumn, you’ll need to deadhead them regularly. As the plant develops, pinch out the dominant bud, which will encourage sideshoots to produce a much bushier plant with more flowers.
10. Lift them after a hard frost which were started off indoors may also help reduce slug damage.
6. Plant after risk of frost has passed If you plant them out too soon, they could get knocked back by frost. Alternatively, pot up tubers in containers in early April indoors ready to transplant later, which would give you an earlier flowering period. Don’t plant them out until at least the end of May.
8. Water at the base of the plant This will help alleviate the risk of powdery mildew. Hot, humid and damp weather can lead to powdery mildew destroying foliage. Remove foliage affected to
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Leave the tubers in the ground until the foliage has been hit by frost and the leaves are blackened. Cut the stems to ground level then dig out the tubers carefully. Once the tubers are out, hang them upside down in a dark, dry, frost-free place with the stems pointing downwards because that allows any water collected in the stems to drain away so it won’t rot the tubers. Leave them upside down for two to three weeks before storing them in crates for the winter. Check spasmodically and remove any tubers which look like they are rotting. They can then be started off again in late spring. If you live in a mild area and decide to leave the tubers in the ground, cover them with a thick mulch of straw or added compost.
H OUSE & GARDEN
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
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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
barely big enough for the children’s toys and with a similar limited shelf life! If you really want to give your children a 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
H OUSE & GARDEN
A BEAUTIFUL WOODEN FLOOR FOR LIFE Oak Parquet Silver White Oiled
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he surface you walk on provides the backbone of an interior scheme. Get it right and it will make a dramatic difference to the overall feel of a room. Wood flooring is a wonderful option as it introduces colour, texture, pattern and character. It’s easy to live with being practical, hardwearing and a cinch to maintain. There are endless design options too. “Wood flooring is brilliant for bringing a scheme together,” says Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company. “Dark floors create a luxurious look, while rustic floors with lots of knots enhance a casual, country scheme. Rich colours will add warmth, while pale colours will go with just about anything and introduce plenty of light into a room.” The grade of wood will also create a different look. Prime grades have minimal knots and colour variation, so create a contemporary feel. Natural grades have more feature marks so lend themselves to more traditional looks. “Don’t be constrained by this though,” Peter advises. “A rustic board with plenty of knots, shakes and detailing can soften modern schemes.” When it comes to the latest trends, darker hues are gaining in popularity. “Although there will always be a demand for light wooden floors, darker shades are about to step into the limelight and have their moment. The dark rich shades found in our Smoky Mountain and Baked Oak flooring introduce a glamorous, dramatic look and can’t fail to get noticed.” Parquet blocks have been back in fashion for a while, but couldn’t be hotter right now. The combination of colour, wood detailing and pattern makes for a real statement floor. For an up-todate look go large with 600 mm sized blocks. Alternatively, aged blocks are great for adding extra
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character as they look like reclaimed blocks but can be used with underfloor heating. It always pays to buy a good quality floor from a reputable supplier, as the right wooden floor will improve your property, add to its value and last for years. The Natural Wood Floor Company manufacture most of the floors they sell and are also valued for their expertise. The full flooring collection can be viewed on large display boards at their Wandsworth showroom or on their new-look website. The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG. 020 8871 9771. www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk
Oak White Mist Oiled
“When it comes to the latest trends, darker hues are gaining in popularity”
TW10 Architects
Architecture, design and space merge to provide a bespoke and personal service Please call or email to book a free consultation E: son@tw10architects.com | DD: 020 8940 7704 | W: www.tw10architects.com
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Splash out on a garden pond F
You can dig a miniature pond in just an afternoon. It may hold only a few gallons of water, but will still make a pretty feature. A slightly larger one - 1m x 2m - gives more scope, but a 2m x 4m pool has massive potential for plants, wildlife and beauty
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or small ponds, rigid liners are a good option. You’ll want the mould to be virtually invisible beneath the water so choose a dark green or black model. Tiny moulds can cost as little as £20, but expect to pay £600 for a 2.6m x 1.8m x 0.6m pond. Prices vary, so visit an aquatic centre or look online before buying. Flexible liners - PVC or layered polythene - are an alternative, especially if you want to create an unusual shape. They must be laid in a faultlessly prepared hole that has been interlined with old carpet or pond underlay. If you know what you’re doing, pond building is fairly easy. Otherwise, call the professionals. Remember that the pond sides must be level so that the water comes right to the top, leaving no unsightly liner on display. Site your pond in sun or partial shade away from trees, and have paving, turf or soil running right Picture: up to the edges for an attractive margin. The pond should be at least 0.5m deep for aquatic plants, but needs to be shallow at the edges for marginal species.Use planting baskets filled with aquatic compost or soil topped with gravel. Wildlife needs to have access, so install a ramp of some kind or build up part of the marginal shelf
with bricks or stones. Planting is the best bit. You’ll need floating leaves for summer shade so include water lilies and aim for 60 per cent surface cover. For tiny ponds, choose Pygmaea range or other non-vigorous types Oxygenating plants are essential, so include native starwort, curled pondweed or water crowfoot. These help to keep water clear and give homes to invertebrates. Beautiful marginals include Japanese water irises, Bowles golden sedge, kingcups, water forget-me-nots and cotton grass. Choose carefully and match plants to the pond’s size. Thugs such as great spearwort, pickerel weed and yellow flag are suitable only for big ponds. If you want fish, fine. But for more diverse fauna, limit your choice to sticklebacks. That will give tadpoles, dragonflies, newts and other creatures a chance.
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Stunning textile design by Aviva Stanoff H
Setting the trends, California based Aviva Stanoff is one of the worlds most successful textile designers aving started her career designing her own signature fabrics on the runways of Paris for Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Givenchy Couture, Aviva then launced her own line of home accessories in Brooklyn, New York, with the sucess of her home accessories, Aviva now has her own studio in her hometown of California, staying true to her Japense heritgage which has a strong influence in her designs, Aviva consistently stays one step ahead, setting the trends worldwide with her latest innovative designs. Modestly known for inventing the sequin mermaid cushion which gained global overnight popularity having over 35 million ‘You Tube’ hits in just a matter of days. Proving she’s not a one trick pony, Aviva continues to gain other notable accolades including being voted Best of the Best for 4 years by the American Society of Interior Design, getting invited to The United Nations to host one of her acclaimed live painting shows which she encourages invitees to join her in create her masterpieces and has even been asked to design her own Liberty’s scarf. Her designs are favoured in luxurious hospitality properties including Nobu,
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The Cosmopolitian, Ritz Carlton, The Plaza, and The Four Seasons. Is there no end to her talent you must be asking, a regular in Vogue, Elle Decoration and Cosmopolitan, Aviva is proud of her Conscienctious Fur, Sustainable, Vegan, CrueltyFree Silk and Faux Leather Artisan Designs. Aviva’s Signature Velvet Collection, known for it’s unique style of imprinting different objects including, leaves, feathers, minerals and even elegant vintage underwear into Velvet to leave a beautiful impression is part of a permanent exhibition at The Brooklyn Art Musuem in New York. Aviva regularly gets invited on-board the opulent yacht The World Residence at Sea to show her latest collection which is an affirmation of her talent and expertise in design. www.charltonisland.com.
“Aviva is proud of her Conscienctious Fur, Sustainable, Vegan, CrueltyFree Silk and Faux Leather Artisan Designs”
H OUSE & GARDEN
HARVESTING HERBS: HOW TO MAKE your HOMEGROWN HERBS LAST into autumn Don’t let the late summer rain wash away all your homegrown herbs. We offer top tips on how to keep them going, long after summer has faded.
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ant to save your freshly grown herbs? They may have run to seed or look the worse for wear in the heavy summer rain, but it’s easy if you know how. Some herbs will soon be coming to the end of their natural harvesting period, so here are some top tips on how to pick them to enjoy for months to come.
1. Mint Hopefully you’ll have grown your mint in a pot so it hasn’t invaded other plants in your herb garden or border. The best way to harvest it is to start snipping as soon as the leaves are large enough. However, this may have been at the beginning of summer. But if you want fresh mint into the winter months, take some cuttings now. Pick three leafy, non-flowered sprigs that are about 10cm long, sit them in a glass of water in a light position inside, ideally on a windowsill, and they should take root fairly quickly. Then pot the cuttings into a container about the same size you’d buy in a supermarket pot of herbs, with multi-purpose compost, and the mint should continue to grow. Cut it regularly and it should bush out.
2. Parsley This common herb is usually grown as an annual, either at the front of vegetable beds or in pots, but it doesn’t dry well, so if you want to save your harvest, freeze bunches in a plastic bag, then you can rub the leaves off the stalks when you remove them, as needed.
3. Sage This Christmas favourite - an essential addition to stuffing - also looks fantastic as an ornamental because of the striking texture and tone of its leaves. However, sage is a Mediterranean plant, so won’t appreciate a really wet winter. To be on the safe side, dry your sage leaves now by blanching them - dipping them into boiling water followed by cold - then lay them out on baking trays in a warm area to dry, turning them over from time to 280 SEPTEMBER 2019
time. Once they are totally dry, keep them in airtight screw-top jars.
4. Coriander Have you noticed that your coriander plants have run to seed, sending up wisps of cow parsley-like flowers? Don’t cut them off, because at this time of year, round, greenish seeds will be developing which can be used in your cooking. At the end of summer, cut the flower stalks complete with seedheads, and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place, but out of direct sunlight. Tie paper bags over the heads to catch the seeds which fall, and after a few days, shake the bag to encourage the seeds to drop. You can then dry them on a tray before storing them in an airtight screw-top glass jar. When you want to use them, grind them in a spice mill or in a pestle and mortar for maximum flavour.
5. Chives They may have long finished flowering, but if you want the oniony flavour of chives later on in the season, you’re best off digging up a small clump from your garden to repot and take indoors. Cut the foliage down to 2.5-5cm (1-2in) above the top of the roots, then repot in multi-purpose compost for windowsill plants, which should soon start growing and will be ready after outdoor plants have died down for the winter.
“At the end of summer, cut the flower stalks complete with seedheads, and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place, but out of direct sunlight”
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Wake up
your walls
Think wallpaper’s too daunting or outdated? how to get on board with one of decor’s boldest shifts
Gabrielle Fagan reveals
B
e honest, are you weird about wallpaper? Relax - you’re not alone if you resort to safe, old emulsion, rather than delving into a world of exciting pattern, colour and dazzling designs. You may find the prospect too scary, demanding or the choice bewildering - but truly, it’s time to wake up from your decor slumber and embrace the future. Because, like it or not, wallpaper is the way to go. Walls are being wickedly transformed by
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“This is the year to fill your home with bold prints and pattern - and wall coverings are the perfect way to get maximum impact”
designers, who can literally create any pattern or image to suit your taste and fulfil your visual dreams. There’s even a growing trend for papering the fifth wall - the ceiling! Don’t hang around. Let wallpaper transport you to a jungle or country garden; embrace stately home-style panelling, industrial, pared-back ‘brick’ walls or chic chintz patterns (yes, twee flowers are back in fashion), or even plunder the work of the great artists at the National Gallery. One design house, Andrew Martin (andrewmartin.co.uk), is reproducing famous paintings from the famous gallery, so they can grace the walls in your home. “This is the year to fill your home with bold prints and pattern - and wall coverings are the perfect way to get maximum impact,” enthuses Nina Tarnowski, founder and designer of Lancashirebased specialist wallpaper company, Woodchip & Magnolia (woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk). “There’s no need to be intimidated because there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what looks good. Individuality is key to adding your own personality to the home. If you follow your instinct and go with what you love, your home will never look better.” Papering the ceiling proves being adventurous and abandoning convention can pay dividends, she points out. “Putting wallpaper on the ‘fifth wall’ can make a room appear larger and brighter, but it also adds a surprising focal point,” she says. “Test it out in a spare bedroom or small room to see just what an impact it can have on your decor. You’ll be amazed - honestly, these days, the sky’s the limit for experimenting and playing with wallpapers and murals.”
Follow these easy steps to waking up your walls...
Don’t just follow the trends or the pack “Your home is an extension of your personality and should reflect that. No two people are the same, so why should their homes be?” declares Tarnowski. “Find wallpaper that speaks to you and make sure it’s something that you fall in love with. Don’t settle for decor that ticks the box on a trend but does nothing for your soul.”
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What’s hot? Patterns and images which are eye-catching and make a statement are becoming hugely popular, says Tarnowski. “As a designer, working digitally lets me explore colour and scale in ways never before possible. I used to design traditional analogue wallpapers working within a set repeat. I now feel free, “ she says. “The digital age has enabled wallpapers to be designed in new and creative ways, and the results are spectacular. It’s a really exciting time to be in the industry, with new designs coming out everyday.”
Bag a high-street bargain High-street lifestyle and fashion brand, Accessorize, has launched its first range of wallpaper, with 13 designs including florals, wild prints, metallics and texture, all at £30 a roll. My favourite for adding texture is the Camden White brick. Check it out at WallpaperDirect.com.
Step into the jungle One way to escape our unpredictable weather is to change your indoor landscape. Put away the passport and simply replicate a hot, steamy jungle (wildlife optional) and key into one of the strongest trends in decor. The jungle trend has been around for a while now so we’re seeing a lot more people being more adventurous and playful with it to keep it alive and fresh,” says Rachel Kenny, head of the studio team, Wallsauce.com. “Exotic wallpaper designs, which bring in pattern and colour, are giving rooms that punch with show-stopping feature walls.” Another mural in its range features a more delicate colour palette and design but has a similar faraway feel: The Birds Voyage of Discovery Wallpaper Mural, from £32 per square metre, Wallsauce.
Trick the eye “Wallpaper just keeps rolling, and whatever your taste, there is something for everyone,” promises David Harris, design director at innovative and cult interiors destination, Andrew Martin. “From traditional florals and trompe l’oeil, to contemporary geometric and tropical patterns, or animal motifs and architectural designs, it’s a world of endless possibilities.” Wondering how to best style your wallpaper? “Ideally, pair a large-scale patterned wallpaper with a plain rug, and add in cushions with smaller-scale patterns,” Harris advises. “Instead of using matching colours, opt for shades that complement one another, to create a sense of cohesiveness.” For those who are more wallpaper-wise and using two different contrasting patterns, he recommends limiting the palette to two or three shades to avoid overwhelming a room. “Balance large-scale patterns with smaller-scale prints, and keep some areas devoid of pattern altogether,” he summarises. If you’re still nervous about wading into wallpaper, Harris suggests turning your attention to the - often neglected 284 SEPTEMBER 2019
smallest room in the home. “If there is one room in the house where you can afford to have lots of decorating fun, it’s probably the downstairs loo,” he says. “Why not make this a fun and interesting place of contemplation? Anything goes wallpaper wise; bright colours, geometrics, florals, stripes, books, animals and maps. “Finish by adorning the poshly-papered walls with your favourite pictures, photography, mirrors and collectables to add extra depth, texture and light.”
Make a splash “Wallpaper’s a quick and affordable update for a bathroom - far cheaper than tiles and easier to change,” points out Alex Whitecroft, head of design at I Want Wallpaper (iwantwallpaper.co.uk). “The damp and steamy atmosphere needn’t be a problem if you use the right paper, and that doesn’t need to limit your choice. From glamorous metallics to faux tiles and tropical jungles, there are some stunning papers around. “When applied correctly, modern wallpapers can stay strong for years,” Whitecroft adds. “A top tip is to apply a coat of Decorator’s Varnish over the top to seal and make the surface moisture-resistant.” Feature walls, she suggests, work brilliantly in this room, and fashionable mosaic, slate and marble tile effects can be recreated at a fraction of the cost. They can also be a way to enlarge the space, she says, as a patterned paper can help create the illusion of more room in a compact bathroom; murals or large-scale patterns can work well. Finally, Whitecroft concludes, source the appropriate type of papers, which should have a hard-wearing vinyl finish. For instance, some are marked ‘scrubbable’ or ‘highly scrubbable’.
The Brownhouse
InTerIors
The Brownhouse InTerIors 42 QueensTown road BaTTersea London sw8 3rY TeL 02077388499 www.TheBrownhouseInTerIors.com
InTerIor desIgn sTudIo and reTaIL sTore curaTed gIfTs, InTerIors and home accessorIes
H OUSE & GARDEN
timeless elegance The design of a small penthouse revolves around the everchanging natural light of its riverside location.
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tudio 29 – the West London partnership of architects and interior designers - are well known for their clever use of space and elegantly understated interiors. “Natural light is the most important asset of any built space and the starting project for all our projects” Margherita Thumiger, one of the two partners, told us. The top floor apartment commands beautiful views across South London, but, before the redesign, the kitchen was at the back, facing a dark courtyard and the bedroom took over one of the two South facing rooms. Not much use for the client, a busy executive who lives abroad and bought the flat as a pied-a-terre and who wakes up very early and goes to bed very late. The new layout, achieved by joining the two South facing rooms in an open plan kitchen/living area and carving a bedroom suite with a tiny walkin-wardrobe at the rear of the building, away from the busy road, is perfect to enjoy the views and the everchanging light at breakfast and at sunset times.
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Materials and textures were selected for their decorative and tactile qualities, as the client, too busy to want to add many personal objects to his second home, still wanted a welcoming and personal environment when he is in town. The first material chosen was the floor, which runs throughout the apartment. “The floor is the material that sets the tone of a project.” continues Margherita” When we specify timber floors, we always visit Tuttoparquet, as they have the best selection in a very wide range of prices, to suit every client’s budget. We have been working with Tuttoparquet for many years and their suggestion for this project, a light oak parquet in a simple basket weave pattern was perfect for our concept”. The oak’s honey tones provide a relaxing background for the other richer materials. Two types of marble – brown streaked in gold for the fireplace and light and reflective for the kitchen -, brushed brass and bronzed mirrors form an elegant and masculine palette. The apartment is furnished with small selection of contemporary classic pieces for a timeless relaxed elegance. www.studio29architects.co.uk - 020 8968 4964 www.tuttoparquet.co.uk - 020 7435 8282
“The new layout, achieved by joining the two South facing rooms in an open plan kitchen/living area and carving a bedroom suite with a tiny walk-inwardrobe at the rear of the building, away from the busy road, is perfect to enjoy the view”
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INNOVATIVE & STYLISH enjoy your additional space all-year round. You can choose blinds with smart technology that can be adjusted from anywhere in your home, or beautiful tracked shutters that can transform your space without restricting light.
SMART BLINDS Timed for your lifestyle If you enjoy a daily routine or are planning to be away from your home, PowerView® also allows you to create schedules for your blinds to move at a set time. Just choose how you would like them to be positioned through the day, then watch as they automatically adjust. Instant voice activation If your smartphone or PowerView® remote are just out of reach, enjoy the luxury of asking a personal assistant like Amazon Alexa to adjust the shade for you. Built to integrate seamlessly with most leading smart home systems, PowerView® can effortlessly adjust your blinds.
CURTAINS & ROMAN BLINDS
A
t Thomas Sanderson, we have been designing, crafting and installing superior quality window furnishings for over twenty-five years. Throughout this time we have perfected our craft ensuring we are always producing innovative and stylish shutters, blinds and curtains that will be unique to your home. By booking an in-home design consultation you will have access to our designer’s expertise and knowledge. You will be guided through our product collections enabling you to choose the perfect window furnishings.
SHUTTERS & SPECIALIST SHAPES Our collection of wooden and vinyl shutters provide the perfect solution in balancing natural light and privacy. Made from sustainably sourced hardwood and MDF, or durable vinyl, our shutters are precisely measured to fit even the most complex window shapes. These elegantly designed pieces feature discreet hidden hinges allowing for fluid movement and flawless finish. We can also match our collection of wooden and MDF shutters to your desired colour palette, to ensure they complement your decor seamlessly.
EXTENDED LIVING & CONSERVATORIES With the guidance of our expert designers, we can assist you in achieving the perfect balance of light and heat, with tailor-made window furnishings for your conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms. Perfectly designed for complex configurations and unique window shapes, we have a stunning selection of specialist blinds that will allow you to 288 SEPTEMBER 2019
Our elegant collection of premium fabrics can accentuate any living space. From soft wools and linens, to embroidered prints and luxurious weaves, our beautiful collection of curtains and roman blinds have been designed to complement any decor. Our curtains and roman blinds are all expertly measured and tailored made to your needs. Choose from a selection of linings and headers to ensure a beautifully bespoke finish, and make your windows a statement piece. www.thomas-sanderson.co.uk. 0800 688 8118
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While most of us cannot afford the luxury of owning a roof terrace, while the sun is out in London, it is hard not to look up and dream about spending an afternoon basking on your own luxurious roof terrace
A roof with a view F
or full-scale entertaining or quietly admiring the sunset in the evening, there is no doubt that a good roof terrace can be the main attraction of a property. Rooftop gardens provide an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of London. They say that typical urban Georgian and Victorian streets have the potential for roof terraces, while modern apartment blocks need them to compensate for the lack of private gardens. They are the ultimate refuge from the stresses of city life and can raise the value of your property. You might be after an entertaining space with a comfortable seating or alfresco dining area and a hot tub, or plants, shrubs, and even a lawn! All of which can be enhanced by soft lighting.
“They are the ultimate refuge from the stresses of city life and can raise the value of your property” If you’re considering creating your own oasis above the eaves, however, there are vital considerations to take into account. If the space overlooks other properties or you want to build substantial walls, for example, then planning permission is likely to be required even if you are converting an existing flat roof. Whatever layout you choose, take account of the view. Whether you are looking out across the Thames or have an attractive view of the city, make the most of it in your design. Organise your area to maximise good views, maybe framing them with tall container plants or pencil junipers. Decking is a good choice for a roof terrace or balcony because it’s warm underfoot, easy to work 290 SEPTEMBER 2019
with and lightweight for carrying up several flights. Choose western red cedar or hardwoods such as ipe or balau (from a sustainable source). They retain their colour, last much longer than softwood decks and look better too. If your roof terrace abuts a room with wooden flooring, use decking of a similar colour to help blur the boundaries between the two. Most roof terraces are covered in a waterproof membrane, while others have a fireproof layer, so be careful not to puncture them with fixtures and fittings. A rooftop terrace in the capital allows you to enjoy London from a completely different perspective.