The Bath Magazine March 2024

THEBATHMAGAZINE

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ISSUE 253 | MARCH 2024

thebathmag.co.uk | £4.95 where sold

ROOM

TO GROW

Let your ideas bloom with our Spring Homes, Interiors & Gardens special

DOUBLE THE

HIGHWAY

ACTION CRUISING David Morrissey talks about taking on Pinter

Iconic road trips with The American Museum & Gardens

VETERAN

ELECTRIC

REPORT CHARGE

Jeremy Bowen shares his insights into the Middle East

Powering cars for racing at the University of Bath

PLUS...

S O M U C H M O R E I N T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B AT H

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IN THIS ISSUE

Contents

38 70 8

5 THINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38

Great things to look forward to this month

12

16

TAKE TO THE ROAD Find out about the new exhibition at the American Museum & Gardens, The American Road Trip

BATH PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCULPTURE IN A TREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meet Luana Sasarman, Youth Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

40

NOTES ON A SMALL CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44 FOOD & WINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Columnist Richard Wyatt wonders why we don’t have a city museum when BRLSI have a ready-made collection

18 HOLDING THE STAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Melissa Blease talks to actor David Morrissey about a doublebill of Pinter at the Ustinov

20 HARD TALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Emma Clegg asks Jeremy Bowen about his book on the Middle East, ahead of his arrival in the city

22 WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Our rundown of great things to do and see in Bath

30 A SUPERSTAR IN WAITING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Melissa Blease speaks to Shaq Taylor on playing the lead in Hamilton and his journey to the stage

32 ARTS & EXHIBITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A round-up of the great art on display in our local galleries

Nicola Turner’s new installation involves a sawtooth oak tree

Wine choices and a plant-based recipe from Ella Mills

48 FAST CARS Electric cars for racing at the University of Bath

58 GET SUMMER READY Get on top of your game with treatments at The Orangery

62 THE WALK Andrew Swift uncovers fascinating landmarks in Nailsworth

64 INTERIORS SPECIAL News, company profiles and a directory of local resources

88 GARDENING As the days lengthen Jessica Stokes creates a spring window box

On our cover this month It’s our Interiors Special – tap into the design trends, the products and our directory of local suppliers and resources to get your home and garden in shape

Follow us on social media @ thebathmagazine

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FROM THE EDITOR

W

hat’s life like in the fast lane? Well, it’s pretty similar to reading our March magazine. First of all we’ve interviewed three high-achieving and respected figures within their profession. David Morrissey – who has played roles as diverse as Gordon Brown, an imposter Doctor Who, and Julius Caesar – shares his thoughts on page 18 with Melissa Blease on taking on a double bill of Pinter at the Ustinov.

Melissa also catches up with Shaq Taylor on page 30 who is playing the lead in Hamilton at the Bristol Hippodrome and has had his own share of illustrious roles – including Beast in Beauty and the Beast and Javert in Les Misérables.

I also talked to the BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen – who is appearing at the Curious Minds festival this month – who shared some insightful observations on the political, cultural and religious differences in The Middle East (see page 20), and how they inform the current tragic war in Gaza.

Another ‘fast’ link comes on page 38 with The American Road Trip, an exhibition at The American Museum & Gardens. Kate Hebert and Harriet Wilson together explain what inspired the exhibition, its interactive approach and the iconic appeal of the road trip. Then we zoom on to the University of Bath on page 48 who do fast without the carbon impact, because they have an electric Formula Student team who design and build a single-seater racing car each year and compete in competitions internationally.

We are also in the (highly charged) mode for interiors trends with profiles of The Cotswold Company (page 70) and Sofas and Stuff (page 68), a host of news from the region including a very yellow room from Maison et Objet in Paris (page 64), and our comprehensive listing of local interiors and garden specialists (page 72).

We’d also like to introduce you to baker Basil Athanasiou (see page 42) who agreed to be the very first of our new series of Portrait of Bath profiles. Basil, his wife and their three children travelled a great many miles to Bath from Thessaloniki, a port city on the Aegean. But eight years later they are here to stay, as they supply their customers with an array of British and Greek baked classics from soda bread to sesame rings, also known as koulouri Thessalonikis.

Thanks for accompanying us on our March journey!

Emma Clegg, Editor

News about travelling by bus...

The Bath Magazine 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED; 01225 424499 www.thebathmag.co.uk Editor Emma Clegg 01225 424592; emma@thebathmagazine.co.uk Financial Director Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk Assistant Editor/Web Editor Jasmine Tyagi jasmine@thebathmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Liz Grey liz@thebathmagazine.co.uk To advertise tel: 01225 424499 Publisher Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk

Contact us at thebathmag.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @thebathmagazine and Instagram @thebathmagazine The Bath Magazine and The Bristol Magazine are published by MC Publishing Ltd. We are independent of all other local publications.

The Bath Magazine is delivered free, every month, to more than 15,000 residential addresses as well as businesses throughout Bath and the surrounding area. We also have special distribution units in many of Bath’s supermarkets. © MC Publishing Ltd 2024

Talking of travel, we’ve discovered that England has lost 22% of its local bus provision since 2011 (source: FactCheck analysis). And when the study accounts for increases in population, the decline is even greater: 28%. The analysis finds that every region of England has been hit, with those outside the south east seeing the sharpest falls.

Some of the worst affected local authority areas have lost more than half of their bus provision per head of population since 2011. In the south west, we have lost 27% in local bus miles per person. Most significantly we discover that Bath and North East Somerset are one of the top five worst hit councils, having lost almost two thirds of our bus provision in that time.

Bath and North East Somerset Council said it wants to see bus decline “reversed” and that it has increased funding for supported services.

It said it needs the regional mayor to use bus funding to “ensure services in our area meet the needs of our residents”.

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Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bath Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

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ZEITGEIST

5 things to do Cultivate ideas

Watch the runners Support the marathon runners in the Bath Half Marathon on 17 March where spectators are able to line the whole route. There are particular recommended viewing and entertainment points, including Royal Avenue where the race starts and finishes; Royal Victoria Park playground; Chelsea Road; Weston Lock Retail Park; Great Pulteney Street; Churchill Bridge; and Green Park Station. The first race with the fastest runners starts at 10.20am, with other groups starting at 10.35am and 10.50am. bathhalf.co.uk

Dance to Taylor Swift Visit Komedia on Thursday 14 March and enjoy a night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift. Yes, it’s non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits. Join fellow fans in a celebration of the genius of the Swift – because she’ll never go out of style. Admission (standing) £10. Bring valid ID, such as a driving license or passport.

Doors open 11pm; last entry strictly 12.30pm. komediabath.co.uk

The Bath Arts Collective brings Curious Minds: a festival to ignite ideas to Bath from 7–28 March, with over 30 book talks, live performances and film screenings.

Adam Rutherford, credit Stefan Jakubowski Festival highlights include insights from the BBC’s International Editor, Jeremy Bowen on the situation in The Middle East (see page 20); and a discussion of climate change with writer and historian Peter Frankopan and writer and scientist Adam Rutherford. You can also hear the thoughts of Ellen J. Jones, the author of How Film and TV can Solve Racism and Save the World; consider The Life and Lies of Charles Dickens with Helena Kelly (author of Jane Austen, the Secret Radical); and discover authors and books with writers Judith Robinson and Scott Pack at their event Around the World in 10 Books.

See the website for the full range of events. batharts.co.uk

Celebrate Motown On 13 March enjoy a celebration of Motown legends, The Temptations. The material includes their first hit, The Way You Do The Things You Do in 1964, through the career highs of My Girl, Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Just My Imagination.

Featuring a cast of dynamic West End performers, Just My Imagination bring a fresh, exhilarating and incomparable night of sing-along, dance-along magic at Bath Forum. Tickets £19.50–£75. Doors: 6.30pm, show: 7.30pm. bathforum.co.uk

Feel uplifted The standout event at Bath Abbey this Easter is a concert performance of St Matthew Passion on 27 March at 7pm by the Abbey Choirs of Boys Girls and Lay Clarks, alongside baroque specialists Rejouissance (book tickets at bathboxoffice.org.uk). For families and schools there is a family Easter Trail at Bath Abbey, from 25 March – 14 April, involving Easter baskets and quiz questions. Just pick up a trail sheet at the Welcome Desk, and when you’ve decoded the mystery message celebrate with a free mini egg. Holy Week and Easter at the Abbey sees the standard seasonal services, including the Good Friday Family Service at 10am on 29 March, Church Family Communion on Easter Sunday (31 March) at 9.30am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. bathabbey.org

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ZEITGEIST

City updates MURDER MYSTERY IN MANHATTAN The former director of the American Museum & Gardens in Bath Richard Wendorf has recently published his book, The Subtle Thief, with the Conrad Press.

This is a witty, elegant, and intriguing murder mystery set in stylish Manhattan. You won’t find street-wise thugs or master criminals, but a heady mix of writers, curators, collectors, art dealers, and enticing sirens whose world is turned upside down when one of them is found dead in their Manhattan apartment.

A large number of artists are represented and a good deal of attention is given to collecting as a cultural enterprise. Richard says, “As a collector, art historian, and former museum and library director, I’ve spent a good deal of time in New York – it has an abundance of museums and galleries, and a beautiful antiques fair as well, so the setting is perfect for my book.”

The Subtle Thief, Conrad Press, £10.99 at all good bookshops

BLOOMING SUCCESS FOR 60 YEARS Bath in Bloom is celebrating 60 years of participation in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition. Since its inauguration in 1964 (when Bath won the first of many Gold Awards), this voluntary group has gone from strength to strength.

This year the Bath in Bloom group hopes to follow their Gold successes with new and inspiring initiatives.

As well as enhancing and maintaining key areas in the centre of Bath, Bath in Bloom will continue supporting the fantastic community groups developing and maintaining local areas and parks. Working in partnership with B&NES Parks Department and Bath Businesses Improvement District, it will also continue to play a vital role in making Bath a beautiful and inviting place. bathinbloom.org Above: Chairman of Bath in Bloom Stephen Brook and committee members receiving their Gold award at the 2023 Royal Horticultural Society awards ceremony.

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BEE-ING BOLD IN BATH With funding from The West of England Combined authority, B&NES Council has worked with Blooming Whiteway, artist Marian Hill and local communities to create eight new pollinator-friendly landscapes in forgotten green spaces across the district. In Weston, a roundabout verge has been turned into a pollinator haven with a new wildflower meadow and spring bulbs and a series of insect hotels to provide the full range of habitats needed by pollinators.

For many of these species, long grass and untidy corners are as important as flower-rich meadows. The caterpillars of butterflies like the gatekeeper will only feed on the unmown blades of common grasses like cocksfoot and early flowers like daisies and dandelions are one of the few nectar sources for bumblebees early in the year.

Spaces like this, and schemes like the Neighbourhood Nature Area initiative where residents can adopt a verge, will hopefully inspire residents to help transform some of the unloved corners of the city. beta.bathnes.gov.uk/bee-bold-pollinator-project

RHS PARTNER GARDEN IN BATH The American Museum & Gardens has been selected to be a RHS Partner Garden for 2024 – the only RHS Partner Garden open to the public in the Bath and Bristol area. Opening from 9 March, the first visitors can enjoy Daffodil Month in the gardens, when a cascade of 70,000 daffodils bloom between March and April.

RHS members will have free access to the gardens at selected times, on Wednesdays when open, plus Thursdays from 9 March to 30 June, and from September to December 2024.

The American Museum & Gardens is located on a hilltop with spectacular views over the Limpley Stoke Valley. Set in 125 acres of rolling green topography, the Grade II-listed gardens feature 2.5 acres of formal gardens, which were renovated in 2018 by US garden designers Oehme, van Sweden (OvS).

Open 9 March to 31 December 2024, 10am – 5pm; americanmuseum.org

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IN SEARCH OF MUSICAL TALENT Marion McNeir – who is Chair of the Bath-Aix en Provence Twinning Association – is on the look out for local musical talent that would like to represent Bath on a trip to France.

Every year Bath’s twin city, Aix en Provence, holds a music festival to celebrate its twinning links. This year it will take place from 3–5 May and the group – be it a choir, an orchestra or a band – will be The Camerata Choir of Bath invited to perform two concerts on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Marion says, “I would love to hear from any interested groups, as it’s a great opportunity to travel and perform in lovely venues in our beautiful twin city. Aix is very generous and will pay for two nights hotel accomodation for a maximum of 20 musicians. All the musicians from all the twin cities are also invited to join together for a fantastic dinner on the final evening – a real coming together to celebrate music and international friendship.”

In recent years, Bath has been represented by the Camerata Choir, the Paragon Singers, the Silver Ring Choir and the Ukelele Band of Bath. Anyone interested and needing further information should contact Marion: marianmcneir@yahoo.co.uk

INNOVATION GOLD MEDAL Principal Clinical Scientist Darren Hart who has led or supported a number of highly successful innovation projects at the Royal United Hospitals Bath Foundation Trust, is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Innovation Gold Medal by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).

The Gold Medal is awarded to those who have consistently contributed at an outstanding level to the advancement of healthcare innovation. Darren supported the development of the RUH’s Back to Basic’s Virtual Reality (VR) videos, which are part of the RUH Patient Safety Programme. Developed by a small project team and funded by a grant from Health Education England, the VR videos are a different and memorable way to refresh people’s knowledge of the RUH’s patient safety priorities.

Darren has also been collaborating with Dorothy House Hospice Care to explore the use of VR and 360° cameras to create immersive recordings that virtually transport patients receiving end of life care to local outdoor surroundings to aid wellbeing. ruh.nhs.uk

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BATH INTERVIEW

Bath profile LUANA SASARMAN

Luana Sasarman, a pupil at King Edward’s School, is one of just 35 young people in the UK who have been chosen as a Youth Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Luana is a Bronze and Silver DofE Award holder, and is now doing her Gold DofE Award.

Tell us when and why you moved to Bath.

I moved here six years ago because my parents both wanted a change in career. I must admit, I was not a fan of the idea at first. I was scared and did not know the city, let alone any children my age... I didn’t even speak English! Luckily people were very welcoming, and I made many friends quickly, all of whom helped me better my English.

How long have you been at KES and how have you found it there?

I moved schools at the start of September, and I’ve loved every second! I was so excited to meet new people and to grow my friendship group.

I was specially grateful to join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent within the school. I also chose to become a DofE charities and careers prefect because those are things I love doing and thinking about. I have done many things with the teams including speeches, supporting events, and planning fundraisers.

You speak multiple languages – how did this come about?

I have family all over Europe. I was born in Paris and French became my second language at a young age, after Romanian. Then I learned English. I love being able to communicate with so many people around the world – I’m learning Spanish in school and I have started to learn Arabic as part of my silver DofE skills section. I am now looking to learn some basics in Swahili before my school trip to Kenya next year, as well as Italian to communicate with morepeople at work, and Esperanto as part of my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

What is your experience with the Air Cadets and your DofE Awards?

The Air Cadets have been a large part of my life since I was 12, giving me so many opportunities, ranging from shooting to drill camps and gliding and flying to expeditions to Canada. I had the opportunity to teach a few intakes for children aged from 12–16, and I’ve enjoyed seeing

their evolution into eager cadets. My DofE expeditions rank high in my list of favourite experiences. I love meeting new people and pushing past my comfort zone boundaries, especially being able to do that while enjoying breathtaking views.

What physical activities do you love and why?

I’m an adrenaline junkie and this has led me to try lots of crazy things such as bouldering, archery, sprinting, horse-riding, mountain biking, semi-marathon running and go-karting. DofE gave me the chance to explore some of these, including boxing for my silver DofE. Sometimes my love for adrenaline has gotten me into trouble – when I crashed on my rollerblades going down a hill at 30mph. However, I used my Bronze DofE’s ‘physical activity’ section to build my skills back up, re-learn the tricks I could no longer do after having broken so many bones, and rekindle my love for rollerblading and ice-skating.

How do you feel about Bath now after being here for six years?

I do love the city! Its architecture is extraordinary, gorgeous, and inspiring and, although I do wish it had more activities such as rock climbing and a permanent ice rink, it’s easy to travel to nearby cities with these facilities.

Bath has a wide array of people and you hear so many interesting stories from visitors. My favourite places right now are where I work: The Holiday Inn, where I can speak a variety of languages; and Square Grill House Piano Bar and Edesia restaurants, which are both beautiful and friendly and enable me to make good dishes alongside my hilarious co-workers.

My favourite secret place in Bath is a little bench in the woods in Clarks Way Playground, close to my old house. I loved going there to read when I walked my dog Jacky (he’s a Jack Russell and Pomeranian cross), because he could explore and chase the squirrels without pulling me along.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to get into a good university and study languages, particularly French and Spanish. If I study in the UK I’d like to join a university air squadron and continue with my love for the RAF; however, if I go abroad, it will give me more authentic experience using the languages I’d be learning. Whatever I decide, my parents will support me through it, and I love them dearly for it! After finishing my studies, I’d love to be a fighter jet pilot in the RAF. I’d also love to travel and experience many cultures.

Who knows, I might pick up another couple of languages along the way?!

DofE.org

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Notes on a small city Columnist Richard Wyatt talks to Matt Williams at BRLSI and discovers that what is on view from their substantial collection of objects and books is the tip of an iceberg. Is it at last time for Bath to have a city museum?

T

Image: Bath & North East Somerset Council

CITY / NOTEBOOK

he original title of my bathnewseum.com blog used to be The Virtual Museum of Bath. That’s because I arrived in this city of museums 12 years ago to find there wasn’t one dedicated to the city itself. I have since discovered that, tucked away on one side of Queen Square, such a facility exists and it’s one that could claim that ‘city museum’ title – at least unofficially. The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution is a place that has always been one of Bath’s best kept secrets, even though it’s been going for 200 years.

The name is a bit of a mouthful, isn’t it? Just recently they’ve emphasised the ‘Bath Royal’ bit, but that sounds like the name of a hospital. But, whatever the billing, it’s a bit of a survivor.

According to its Collections Manager Matt Williams, the fact it didn’t go under like many other similar institutions around the country is the reason why there isn’t a corporation-funded city museum. This was a “historical accident”, says Matt because when other such bodies folded, the collections would usually go to the local authority. Having said that, Bath’s ‘cultural hub’ is still here by the skin of its historical teeth because in the past it was “forever teetering on the edge of insolvency”, according to Elizabeth Vincent’s detailed history of the BRLSI. How many know that it was once housed in a purpose-built classical pile down on Terrace Walk and demolished in the 1920s to make way for a road-widening scheme? It transferred to its present address in Queen Square only to be requisitioned by the Admiralty during the Second World War when its massive collection was put into storage.

Later its assets were transferred to the old Avon County Council and there was a real fear for the future of the remaining collections.

Luckily, in the late 1980s, a group of Friends of the BRLSI was formed and secured Trusteeship. The Institution got a relaunch in 1993, attracting many new members, and since then has become a flourishing cultural centre with over 150 lectures delivered annually by leading thinkers and researchers.

The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution at the end of York Street c.1920

The Institute has just had a big grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which will help it spread the word amongst new audiences. This will enable the recruitment of an Education Officer to develop an imaginative programme aimed at younger people.

They’ve also recently appointed local businessman James Hamilton as General Manager and he will be looking at more commercial ways of funding BRLSI. Maybe a museum shop could be on the way and, with Lottery help, a permanent gallery for the collection.

Matt Williams has his own anniversary this year. Back in 2004, as a young and newly qualified palaeontologist with a Master’s Degree, he successfully applied for the role of Collections Manager at BRLSI. He is still loving his job 20 years on, and is currently busy preparing an anniversary special exhibition which opens on 23 March.

The World Revealed - Curious Collections brought back to Bath will be a tribute to all those who have helped build up an amazing repository of 150,000 items. Matt told me “The public perception is that a museum is what you see, but what is on view is the tip of an iceberg.” He senses a new energy in the place, with a real desire to turn up the self-promotional volume.

“Up until last year the most visitors to an exhibition was 3,500, but last year it went up to 8,500. We are working harder to promote things and reach new audiences.”

Matt would love to see a permanent gallery in the near future, but it has to be financially viable. “It’s one thing establishing such a facility, but you have to factor in running costs,” he said.

Part of the Queen Square building is sub-let to other businesses, which brings in much needed funds – and sometimes even donations. That’s not going to change any time soon. “We are doing well as an institution; we just have to be cautious,” says Matt.

I was invited to the celebratory launch of this bicentennial year and I must say I approve of the new external blue floodlighting which certainly pinpoints where BRLSI is at night.

In my opinion, they just have to persuade the planners to let them have proper signage to pinpoint their location during daylight hours. There is a small ‘museum’ sign –but it’s currently over the wrong front door. Ssssssh!! Don’t tell anyone, but could it be on the move?! n

Left: Collections Manager Matt Williams; Right: A plaster cast of a Roman statue and General Manager James Hamilton

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Richard Wyatt runs the Bath Newseum blog: bathnewseum.com

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THEATRE

David Morrissey takes on Pinter

Photograph by Simon Annand

The various dramatic conflicts in the plays of Harold Pinter present serious challenges for his characters and his audiences. Here comes a double bill of Pinter to the Ustinov Studio with director Lindsay Posner, and they are both in the safe, interpretative hands of David Morrissey, says Melissa Blease

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THEATRE

T

here was a Martin McDonagh piece in the West End called Hangmen, in 2015; I really loved doing that. And Mark Antony in the National Theatre’s Julius Caesar a couple of years ago.

And Sherwood on TV, which I enjoyed – oh, and The Long Shadow, about the Yorkshire Ripper. It’s hard to pick! I have a lot of work behind me. But I don’t think there’s one particular role that I would stand up for as a highlight, for myself – that’s for others to decide.”

But other people have as tough a choice as David Morrissey when it comes to nominating our favourite of his characters Gordon Brown in Stephen Frears’ 2003 TV film The Deal? Ruthless Philip ‘The Governor’ Blake in US post-apocalyptic horror drama The Walking Dead? The confused Next Doctor in the BBC’s 2008 Doctor Who Christmas Special? All distinct characters, for sure; as the British Film Institute puts it so succinctly, Morrissey is “one of the most versatile English actors of his generation.”

Preparation for Pinter This month, Morrissey will be showcasing his chameleon-like, definitiondefying versatility yet again as he begins a four-week residency at the Ustinov Studio leading the cast (including Mathew Horne, of Gavin and Stacey fame) in a compelling double-bill of The Lover/The Collection, two of hugely influential British dramatist Harold Pinter’s most emotionally complex works, directed by Lindsay Posner. Two plays, in one night, for four consecutive weeks? Phew! Is there at least a link between them, to lighten the Morrissey load?

“Only in the sense that they’re both written by the same author,” says Morrissey, talking to me on the very first day of rehearsals. “Also, they were both originally written and conceived for TV. But there are no other distinct links apart from the fact that, in true Pinter fashion, both plays are to do with the human condition, and there are certain parallels between the two in terms of how people interact with each other.”

So is it a challenge to play two characters in one double-bill, if there isn’t a distinct link? “Actually, you could say I play three characters, in that in The Lover I play a person who takes on another character as well!,” he says. “But it’s fine, they’re all very, very different. I suppose that’s where the challenge is; to disappear into three characters during one matinee, or evening.”

Researching roles Now if you know Morrissey beyond ‘knowing’ the multiple roles on his CV, you’ll be aware that he’s noted for his intensely methodical approach to the job in hand. “I’m not a Method actor, though,” he explains. “Method describes an actor who lives in the life of a character, and I don’t do that. What I do is a lot of research around my work: if I’m playing a teacher, I’ll go and meet teachers; if I’m playing a copper, I go and meet coppers. I do a lot of work outside the script around my character, but I’m definitely not in the character 24/7, which is what governs Method – I just like to do research.”

Research for this production probably relies more on intellectual analysis of Pinter’s own, unique perception of the machinations behind love, relationships and the human condition: The Lover is described as a ‘quirky, tense and intriguing glimpse at the private intricacies of modern marriage’; The Collection, ‘a comic play of suspense and sexual jealousy between two couples, sparked by an anonymous phone call.’ Intriguing?

Unravelling the characters “From my perspective so far, The Lover examines the relationship between a middle class couple and how they interact with each other around their sexuality,” says Morrissey.

“But my character is also very funny; he’s very witty, and very cutting. The Collection is about a man trying to find out whether his wife is lying to him or not – also very funny; quite dark, but also quite musical in its language.”

If any actor’s going to bring these roles to life, it’s going to be Morrissey; I can already feel the intensity, plunder the depths and scale the heights of two plays that sound like rollercoaster emotional journeys with him, just talking to him on the phone.

As we’re in Pinter territory: will there be any controversy punctuating those journeys along the way? The writer’s apparent attitudes to women and female characters has always been a source of debate, to say the least...

“I like Pinter's writing – I think he challenged conventions,” says Morrissey. “If you see a bad Pinter production, it might be easy to think he was a misogynist, or that a lot of his characters are misogynistic. But I honestly don’t think that was his own, actual attitude. I think he knew – and saw, in our society – how some men have a misogynistic, women-hating attitude, and they’re triggered by women, and can only categorise them as madonnas or whores. But Pinter is commenting on those attitudes and exploring them, not condoning them. In The Lover, for example, my character is very triggered by women – it’s always a power struggle to him, and he questions his masculinity being challenged, and he reacts in very neanderthal ways, sometimes very violently, or highly insultingly.

“But I think that Pinter shone a light on that immaturity and that sort of misogyny in a way that’s really important to see: yes, some men do react to women like that. But the play is not a period piece; when you look at society today, I think that misogyny is, sadly, still alive and well.”

“I think [Pinter] knew – and saw, in our society – how some men have a misogynistic, women-hating attitude...”

Journey from The Everyman in Liverpool From our conversation so far, it’s clear that Ustinov audiences are set to be confronted another spectacularly thought-provoking production from the Ustinov. But taking a quick step back to where Morrissey’s own story began before we watch him get on with his future, I have a personal connection with him that I can't help nudging.

Morrissey was born in Liverpool in June, 1964 – a month after me, just down the road from where I lived. Inspired by seeing Ken Loach’s 1969 film Kes, Morrissey wanted to be an actor from a very young age. There were no drama classes to encourage his ambition at secondary school so he joined Liverpool’s Everyman Youth Theatre (EYT) – at around the same time that I did. But where I’d joined the EYT for the sole reason that I was shoehorned into the EYT to meet people who ‘got’ the fact that I was a bit of an odd kid, Morrissey clearly had innate aptitude and aspirations waiting to be fulfilled; he swiftly bagged a part in the EYT production of Fighting Chance (a play about the 1981 riots in Liverpool) and, in 1983, a starring role in Willy Russell/Gordon Flemyng’s TV drama One Summer – and a very big oak from that little acorn grew.

Ah, David: I remember you as being one of the clever kids at the youth theatre – the ones that not-so-focused kids like me looked up to from a respectful distance. “I don’t remember there being a specific group of clever kids!” he laughs; “I just remember us all being in one big group – it was a wonderful, wonderful time. I was there with my fellow actor Ian Hart, who also appeared in One Summer – we’ve known each other since we were about five years old. And Cathy Tyson, too; we all live near each other today, in north London – we’re all still close.”

David Morrissey has ‘been’, in his career to date, many things to many people. But he is ultimately, I believe, an actor who has always remained true to his authentic self, with the lifelong friends to prove that point. Me? I’m still the odd kid, all told. But you’re never too old to have a clever kid to look up to... and Ustinov audiences are poised to be presented with a very clever actor taking on Pinter to look up to this spring season.

The Lover and The Collection, Ustinov Studio, 22 March-22 April; theatreroyal.org.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | march 2024 | TheBATHmagazine 19

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EVENTS

Jeremy Bowen on the Middle East

Veteran war correspondent Jeremy Bowen is visiting Bath this month, as part of the Curious Minds festival. He took the time to answer some themed questions from us about his book on the Middle East, recently brought out in paperback, and to talk about his many years’ experience reporting on the conflicts there.

I

wrote The Modern Middle East because so many people have said to me over the years, “Jeremy, can you give me the name of a book that will help me understand?” These have all been intelligent people, but if you didn’t study the Middle East at school or university or didn’t live there, why would you know? And it’s such an important thing to understand in terms of the way the world is. So I wanted to write a book that people could pick up with little or no knowledge of the region and think ‘Oh yes, OK, this is why people think the way that they think’.

Understanding the region’s history In terms of the civilian population’s understanding of their past, I think history is more alive in parts of the Middle East than it is here in Western Europe. People have a strong feeling that they understand how they got to where they are.

Having said that, sometimes it’s not the full story because they absorb things in a very partial way. Jerusalem is a place where history is everywhere and people are conscious of it. A notable Israeli writer said once that Jerusalem is the only city where the dead are more important than the living. In other words, the weight of history bears down on the present.

This does mean that the conflict is extremely embedded and that things are very polarised, and the war in Gaza since 7 October has really deepened that. There is a potential resolution to all of this and that is the two-state solution, finding a way to split off an area for the Palestinians and the Israelis. If they don’t manage that, then they condemn themselves to perpetual war.

International intervention The history of international intervention in the Middle East has been pretty disastrous. We haven’t made things better, because powerful western countries in the 21st century have had their own agendas. And these agendas matter more, in terms of where they are in the global race for power. Perhaps if we left the people of the region to try and sort things out for themselves it might have been easier.

Having said that, we are where we are and that’s not going to happen.

Could the international community have done more since 7 October?

They have been very invested in what has been going on, but there is a very different view between different foreign countries. The big countries in the European Union, along with the British, the Americans, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, have been supportive of Israel, but they are now thinking more and more strongly that there really does need to be a ceasefire.

“Impartiality actually is truth... and sometimes the truth is complicated...

So the challenge for a journalist is to explain all of that complexity The Americans have some leverage but it’s limited, although it’s clear they haven’t yet used the leverage they have to get the ceasefire. That’s because they have a lot of sympathy with Israel’s desire to get rid of Hamas.

The question that the Americans particularly raise – because they are Israel’s closest ally – is that while they support its right to defend itself, they are not happy with the way Israel is fighting. We hear constant reminders to the Israelis in public, increasingly strongly worded, that they have to respect international humanitarian law. We can surmise that the Americans don’t believe Israel has done that, so perhaps more could be done. For example the Americans could say to the Israelis ‘Do not use heavy weapons against heavily populated civilian areas’, but then again, those heavy weapons were originally supplied by the US.

Photograph by Johnny Ring

Impartial journalism

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Impartiality is very important in journlism, but this does not mean some kind of false balance. It doesn’t mean ‘he says this, she says that and the truth lies somewhere in between’. Impartiality actually is truth. It is trying to establish a way of finding the closest to the truth of what is happening.

And sometimes the truth is complicated. And for journalists reporting in the Middle East it sometimes means having to hold five or six contradictory things in your mind at the same time and find a way to explain those. It’s not black and white. So the challenge for a journalist is to explain all of that complexity. That’s not easy actually. At the BBC we do try very hard to get to that place, and what that means is being fair, and talking to as many different sides of the argument as you can.

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EVENTS

Interviewing leaders in the region I have met many of the senior leaders in the region, and the only way to talk to them is to be very direct, particularly important when you are dealing with powerful people. These are men, mostly, who can look after themselves. You must not pull your punches, but you don’t have to be rude.

You can be perfectly polite, but you have to ask the hard questions or you don’t have credibility.

I’ve interviewed president Bashar al-Assad of Syria three times. He gave me an interview in 2015 and we were really prepared for that. The template used by the BBC’s HARDtalk programme is very good, because they base their questions on things that people have actually said. So if a leader comes back on something you have mentioned and says “Well that’s actually not true because...”, then you can say, “Well, I’ve got this statement that you made two years ago and you said this”. You have to know what you are talking about and you have to push. I interviewed the late Colonel Gaddafi of Libya, which was the last big interview he did before he was murdered by his own people. He always said to me, “My people loved me”. I think he actually believed it.

People have often said to me, “Oh my goodness you’ve been to see Gaddafi or Assad and isn’t it dangerous?”. Actually it’s not dangerous for foreign journalists, because you are there with their permission – it’s very public and they are trying to put a point across. Going to see a leader in a palace is not dangerous. They are very polite and they offer you tea. I’ve never felt one iota of danger in these situations. What is dangerous is when you meet someone at a road block, miles from anywhere, someone who is a very bad mood that day and may not like your country or your

broadcasting organisation, or may have some strong belief that isn’t true about how people like me are against him. That is the dangerous moment.

A relevant commentary A lot has happened since I wrote the book, which was published in September 2022, but that was always predictable in the Middle East. Of course since 7 October the situation has lurched into one of the most profound crises in decades. But does the book stand up? Yes, I hope so, because what the book is really trying to understand is why there is an Israeli Palestinian conflict and how the region got to where it is. Clearly now there is more to be said, but I wouldn’t want to do that until this immediate terrible crisis, this war in Gaza, has ended and we can see more clearly what the new shape of the region might look like.

The Middle East: A personal Account with Jeremy Bowen, 21 March, Komedia Bath, 7.30pm, £15. Part of the Curious Minds Festival (batharts.co.uk).

The Making of The Modern Middle East

by Jeremy Bowen, £10.99, available from bookshops.

ANTIQUE JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

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MARCH EVENTS

What’s on

LOCAL LIFE DRAWING CLASSES Every Wednesday in March, 7pm–9pm n The Common Room, 2 Saville Row, Lansdown, Bath Join a growing artistic community in the heart of Bath. Drawing boards and a wide array of art equipment are provided but feel free to bring your own tools and get as experimental as you like! The sessions are relaxed and untutored. The model will sit a variety of different nude poses, including some short and some long poses. There will be a 15-minute break in the middle of the session. Instagram: citylifedrawing; eventbrite.co.uk WELSH DINNER 1 March, 6.15pm for 7pm n Bath & County Club, Queen’s Parade, Bath BA1 2NJ Black tie dinner, three courses with coffee. £35 Book by emailing secretary@ bathandcountyclub.com; or tel: 01225 423732

IFORD MANOR SUPPER CLUBS 1 and 15 March n Iford Manor Kitchen, Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2BAh Award-winning Iford Manor Kitchen has relaunched their popular fortnightly supper clubs, from 1 March. Book your table for a fantastic foodie experience, with expertly crafted food and drink largely sourced and

Daffodil Month at the Amer4ican Museum & Gardens

made on the wider Iford Manor Estate.

The evening kicks off from 7.30pm with a drink and dinner is served at 8pm. £65pp to include the six-course tasting menu, a welcome drink, tea and coffee with petit fours and live music. ifordmanor.co.uk/fooddrink U3A: THE HISTORY AND RESTORATION OF THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL 7 March n The Pavilion, North Parade The history and restoration of the Kennet and Avon canal by Graham Horn. Doors open at 9.45am for coffee. Admission is free for members, and a donation of £2 for nonmembers. u3ainbath.uk DAFFODIL MONTH AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS 9 March – 30 April n The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down

Enjoy a feel-good start to spring and experience the sensational beauty of 70,000 daffodils in bloom during March and April, with waves of different varieties opening in succession throughout the month across the contemporary and historic gardens. americanmuseum.org

Supper clubs at Iford Manor

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DOROTHY HOUSE: MEN’S WALK TO SUPPORT 9 March, 11am n Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon Team up with your brother, your son, your dad, your best mates, or take on the walk solo.! The Men’s Walk to Support is a great

chance to chat and share experiences while supporting the charity’s vital work at Dorothy House Hospice Care. Entry £25. dorothyhouse.org.uk BATH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: REACH FOR THE STARS 9 March, 7.30pm–9.45pm n Bath Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath Listen to Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir and Hayesfield Girls’ School Choir sing with Bath Symphony Orchestra as they present a space-themed programme of music featuring Gustav Holst’s The Planets; John Williams’ Star Wars Suite for Orchestra and Star Trek music by James Horner and Michael Giacchino. bathforum.co.uk THE FULLTONE ORCHESTRA: THE QUEEN SYMPHONY 9 March, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey, Bath The ‘Queen Symphony’ is a classical piece, in six movements, taking inspiration from a number of Queen songs. It is a sensational and enthralling musical work. The inspirations include Radio Ga Ga, Another One Bites The Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and We Are The Champions. fto.org.uk MOTHER’S DAY AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS 10 March n The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a day out for the whole family at the American Museum Continued page 24

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MARCH EVENTS & Gardens. Capture treasured moments with a free family photoshoot (book online) and enjoy prosecco and cake in the Deli. americanmuseum.org

MOTHER’S DAY AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE 10 March n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Road Green Park Brasserie is extending its Sunday Roast with last bookings being taken up to 6pm. Bath Pizza Co will be open all day until 9pm. Booking essential. greenparkbrasserie.com AlDRIDGE’S Of BATH AucTION 12 March, 10am (viewing Sat 9 March) n Online Decorative and household sale, including Victorian, Edwardian, 20th-century and modern household furniture and furnishings, decorative china and glass, pictures and prints, mirrors and rugs; also garden furniture, tools and general household goods. aldridgesofbath.com uNIvERSITY Of BATH GARDENING cluB: A BuZZ IN THE GARDEN – GARDENING fOR BEES 13 March, 7.30pm-9pm n Room 1 Level 1, East Building, East Car Park, University of Bath, Claverton Down Richard Rickitt is co-editor of BeeCraft. His fascinating and richly illustrated talk introduces many of the 330 bee species found around the UK and explains how gardeners can make a valuable contribution to the survival of these essential pollinators. Open to all, annual membership £25, visitors £8. ubgc.org

Gardening for Bees, University of Bath Gardening Club

ScOTlAND TO SINGAPORE BY 43 TRAINS 15 March, 6pm for 6.30pm n Bath & County Club, Queen’s Parade, Bath BA1 2NJ Listen to experienced travel writer Patrick Horton tell of his extraordinary journey through Europe and Asia to Singapore. Twocourse supper and coffee to follow. £25.

Book by emailing secretary@ bathandcountyclub.com; or tel: 01225 423732

BATH PROBuS cluB 14 March n Bath and County Club, Queen’s Parade The Probus Club is offering a talk on ‘Policing in the Sixties’. Membership of the club is open to professional and business people who are aged 55+ and are wholly or partially retired. The club has recently voted to welcome female members to the group.

Talks take place on the second Thursday of each month. You can also enjoy a two-course lunch with coffee, priced at £22.

Tel: 01225 469722; Email: brianwebber3@outlook.com SAM KEllY’S STATION HOuSE 15 March, 8pm n St James Memorial Hall Avon, 9 Lower Borough Walls, Bath Legendary drummer Sam Kelly’s Station House band has featured on the music scene for many years. Originating from London’s “Station Tavern” in the early nineties, the band has seen a wealth of quality musicians come and go, all with one constant goal – to mix instinctive funk/soul rhythms with the blues. Tickets £15. chapelarts.org JOYful cONNEcTIONS: cOMMuNITY cEIlIDH 16 March, 6.30pm–10pm n Batheaston New Village Hall A Community Ceilidh organised by Jamie Colston. Includes live music and dancing, curry and conversation, and an alcohol-free space designed around intergenerational, anti-racist, LGBTQI* and disability friendliness and inclusivity. Tickets priced to be inclusive. jamiecolston.com fAuRE REQuIEM 16 March, 7.30pm n St Mary’s Church, Bathwick Bath Cantata Group perform Fauré Requiem, and Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, along with 15th to 20th century motets and arias, with Neil Moore as music director. Tickets £20/£5/U18s free. bathcantatagroup.co.uk

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Sam Kelly’s Station House, Chapel Arts

BATH MINERvA cHOIR: J.S BAcH ST JOHN PASSION 16 March, 7.30pm n Bath Abbey, Bath Join Bath Minerva Choir for St John Passion, Bach’s monumental masterpiece, featuring a cast of international soloists led by James Gilchrist as the Evangelist, with Bristol Baroque Ensemble on period instruments under the inspiring baton of the director Gavin Carr. Tickets £30/£25/£15 side aisles.

Tel: 01225 463362. bathboxoffice.org.uk cITYSOuND vOIcES 16 March, 7.30pm n St Michael’s Church, Bath Popular Bath-based choir CitySound Voices, directed by William Stevens, together with soloists from Cardiff Opera, present an original programme of choral arrangements of Shakespeare’s works, including George Shearing’s Songs and Sonnets, Verdi’s Macbeth Choruses, Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music and a West Side Story medley. citysound.org.uk REvIvE YOuRSElf AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE ON HAlf MARATHON DAY 17 March n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Road Big terrace action, plenty of rehydration and great food at Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie. Swing by whenever suits and soak up the pre, during and post Bath Half party atmosphere all day from 10am until 10pm. greenparkbrasserie.com WHY BRITAIN lOST THE AMERIcAN WAR Of INDEPENDENcE 19 March, 12pm for 12.30pm n Bath & County Club, Queen’s Parade, Bath BA1 2NJ Talk by Betty Suchard, with lunch and coffee to follow. £27. Book by emailing secretary@ bathandcountyclub.com; or tel: 01225 423732

Continued page 26

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BATH’S BIG DAY OUT

Join Bath Racecourse on Sunday 7th April for their first raceday of the year!

They’ve pulled out all the stops this year with an action-packed day showcasing the best of what Bath has to offer!

Whether you’re looking for a pub garden feel where you can sit back, listen to live music and enjoy a pint or prosecco with friends, or you're on the hunt for familyfriendly fun that’ll keep everyone entertained – Bath’s Big Day Out is perfect!

And, what makes it even better… Kids go FREE! There’ll be live music all day long, a free fun fair for everyone to enjoy, lots of children’s entertainment including stilt walkers and free facepainting, PLUS you can bring your own picnic!

Book your tickets now at www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

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MARCH EVENTS

JohN gRay oN ‘the New LevIathaNS 19 March, 7.30pm–9pm n BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, or online Join Professor John Gray exploring a world after Liberalism. In The New Leviathans, John Gray allows us to understand the world of the 2020s with all its contradictions, moral horrors and disappointments through a new reading of Hobbes’ classic work. £4–£8. brlsi.org fIRSt Day of SpRINg at gReeN paRK bRaSSeRIe 20 March n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Road Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie are refreshing their famous terrace. Expect Happy Hour cocktails (2 for £14, 12-5pm) great music and award-winning pizzas, burgers, salads, fish and chips and more while watching the world go by. greenparkbrasserie.com SuLIS hoSpItaL: pReDIabeteS; pReveNtINg aND MaNagINg DIabeteS, the RISK faCtoRS you CaN beat 20 March, 6.15pm–8pm n Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath “Prevent Diabetes and Take Control of Your Life!” This event is your chance to learn about the latest research on diabetes risk factors, prevention and management. Expert speakers Dr Bhattacharya, a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology, and Dr Rebecca Hiscutt PhD provide practical tips on how to maintain good metabolic health and prevent disorders, such as diabetes. £5 per person (donated to The Elmhurst Foundation). sulishospital.com 26 TheBATHMagazine | MaRCh 2024 | iSSUe 253

bath oRCheStRaL gaLa CoNCeRt 2024: ouR DIveRSe woRLD 20 March, 7pm n Bath Forum King Edward’s School, Bath presents Our Diverse World, in partnership with Bath’s professional orchestra, Bath Philharmonia.

In a celebration of diversity and our planet, the extensive repertoire encompasses a wide range of musical choices, featuring pieces such as Laura Karpman’s Marvels theme tune, Higher, Further, Faster, Together; Hans Zimmer’s hypnotic Earth; and Florence Price’s rhythmic Juba Dance. bathboxoffice.org.uk

IfoRD behIND the SCeNeS gaRDeN touR 28 March, 10am – 11.30am n Iford Manor Kitchen, Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2BAh This special out-of-season tour will look at the work currently being done in the garden, and provide a preview just before the gardens reopen. You will also visit Iford’s private walled garden (with vegetable garden, glasshouses, andcutting garden).

The tour concludes with a hot drink in the Iford Manor Café. £28.

MoMeNtS of pLeaSuRe: the MuSIC of Kate buSh 23 March, 8pm n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road Bradford on Avon A five-piece Kate Bush tribute band, featuring the amazing vocals of Lisa-Marie Walters.

Celebrating Kate Bush’s 1978 iconic debut album, Moments Of Pleasure will perform The Kick Inside. wiltshiremusic.org.uk

LOOKING AHEAD

bath & weSt fooD & DRINK feStIvaL 23–24 March n The Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset The Food & Drink Festival will be built around the British Cheese Awards judging arena. Stands bring together the region’s best in cider, beer, jam, gelato, cheese and chocolate.

A diverse line-up of guests will cover topics from farming to feasting and visitors can immerse themselves in the world of real ales and craft beer... while the Kids Zone will keep little foodies entertained. bathandwest.yourticketbooking.com J.S. baCh St Matthew paSSIoN 27 March, 7pm n Bath Abbey, Bath In Holy Week hear the beautiful sounds of baroque players Rejouissance as they lead the nationally acclaimed singers of Abbey Girls, Boys and Lay Clerks in this most uplifting and inspiring piece of music. bathboxoffice.org.uk Max haStINgS – the CubaN MISSILe CRISIS 27 March, 7.30pm–9pm n BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, or online Legendary journalist Sir Max Hastings comes to BRLSI to discuss his latest book on the Cuban Missile Crisis and what relevance this key event in history holds for the world of today.. £4–£8. brlsi.org

ifordmanor.digitickets.co.uk

u3a: the tItaNIC DISaSteR 4 April n The Pavilion, North Parade Paul Barnett explores the events before and after the tragic sinking of The Titanic on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in April 1912. A number of ideas and theories have been put forward as to why the tragedy happened. Paul attempts to dispel some of these theories with his own facts and reasoning. Doors open at 9.45am for coffee.

Admission free for members, and a donation of £2 for non-members. u3ainbath.uk bath’S bIg Day out at bath RaCeCouRSe Sunday 7 April n Bath Racecourse, Lansdown Join Bath Racecourse for their first race day of the year! This fixture is one of the 170 Premier Racedays across British horseracing that showcase the best quality of racing in the sport. It’s also a real family day with live music all day long featuring talented local artists; non-stop fun at the massive free fun fair; and for the little ones there is face painting, stilt walkers, and a whole lot more! Bring your own picnic to enjoy throughout the day. Gates open 12pm; first race 13.58pm. Book your tickets at bath-racecourse.co.uk n

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CULTURE & COLLECTIONS

Hidden treasures @ BRLSI

Here are some of the highlights of BRLSI’s programme this month, and we feature the oldest fossil in the collection, which was donated by Adela Breton.

B

RLSI’s Extraordinary Women series is providing a strong focus for the institute’s events in March. Scottish scientist and popular writer Mary Fairfax Somerville (1788–1872) is the first subject of a talk by Elisabetta Strickland on 1 March. There is also a talk on 4 March by Professor Ursula Martin on Ada Lovelace (1815–1852), referred to as the world’s first computer programmer. Then on 9 March comes the Extraordinary Women Symposium (10am– 4pm), a day with talks on the greatest female artist of the Baroque Age Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1652); writer and philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–97); Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) and a showing of the documentary on Paula Rego, Secrets and Stories. directed by Rego’s son. Finally on 15 March comes a talk looking at two women who changed the face of music across three centuries, Dolly Parton (b.1946) and Clara Schumann (1819–1896). brlsi.org Artemisia Gentileschi and Simone de Beauvoir

COLLECTION CORNER From the BRLSI collection we bring you a contribution from another extraordinary woman. Brought up in Bath, Adela Breton (1849–1923) was an archaeological copyist, researcher and watercolourist. A lady of leisure and private means, she devoted her time to her interests in history and geology. She was an intrepid traveller and failed to conform to the stereotype of the Victorian spinster, journeying extensively across the American continent and especially Mexico. Adela’s father W.H. Breton was a member of the Institution and both father and daughter gave objects to the museums, including this fossil trilobite (the oldest fossil in the Institution’s collection at around 510 million years old in the Cambrian Period). It’s from Mount Stephen in British Columbia, a location that contains exceptionally preserved fossil material. Adela collected it while traveling in Canada, and it comes from a fossil locality that preserves many and diverse species, resulting from a sudden radiation of complex life around that time in Earth’s history.

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Hamilton is nearly here. Ahead of the Founding Fathers finding their feet at Bristol Hippodrome next month, Melissa Blease speaks to leading man Shaq Taylor, who takes on the iconic role of Alexander Hamilton

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Shaq Taylor as Alexander Hamilton

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THEATRE

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musical set in the late 18th/early 19th century telling the story of the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton: on paper, maybe not a pitch for sure-fire success. But American songwriter, actor, singer, filmmaker and rapper Lin-Manuel Miranda had a dream.

Miranda saw something in Alexander Hamilton’s story that most people would have missed: a story from way back in the past, wholly pertinent to the right here, right now generation.

Miranda wrote a rap about Hamilton that he performed for the White House Evening of Poetry, Music and Spoken Word in May 2009. By 2012, he was performing an extended set of pieces based on his life. Three years later, Miranda’s own Hamilton premiered off-Broadway to sell-out audiences, massive acclaim and a clutch of illustrious gongs. Miranda describes Hamilton as about “America then, as told by America now” – and the rest is, quite literally, modern day history.

Charles Simmons as George Washington, and Company

Getting under Hamilton’s skin “I would have loved to have seen Hamilton when I was 8,10,12 years old,” says actor Shaq Taylor. “To see people that looked like me, doing those things and telling amazing stories like this musical does – like, wow!” So it must be an even bigger wow for Shaq now he is Hamilton?

“It honestly, really is amazing,” he concurs. “It’s really, really exciting.

The whole musical has impacted on so many people around the world – because it’s such a new, vibrant take on a historic story. And it brings together so many genres that are of today, while still telling that major, world-changing story. It’s literally one of a kind.”

But how easy was it for Shaq to get himself under the skin of a man who died 220 years ago (the loser in a duel with fellow Founding Father Aaron Burr) and today acknowledged as being the foremost champion of a strong central government for the ‘new’ United States?

“It wasn’t difficult at all,” says Shaq. “I became really interested in where Alexander came from: a small island in the Caribbean, which was really a down-and-out country. Prisoners were sent there as punishment – and that’s where he grew up. It was Alexander’s intelligence and far-reaching view of the world that got him out of that situation; he wrote a pamphlet about the effects on poverty-stricken families of a hurricane he witnessed, and his prosperous merchant guardian saw him worthy of sending off to America to get an education. That part of his story parallels with the backstory of many rappers, and people who live in underprivileged areas, who use their talents to get out, and do something with their lives.”

Images credit: All photos shown by Danny Kaan

Journey to the stage Hamilton’s story also has personal resonance for Shaq. “Both my parents are of Jamaican descent – my grandparents were first-generation immigrants to the UK”, he explains. “I’m the first in our family to go into theatre – and that is quite a unique story. When I was about 8 or 9, I did a drama class in primary school and it rocked my world – I thought, what is this art form that will allow me to really express myself, and tell stories in exciting ways? My mum sent me to Stagecoach Theatre School and then one day I got this letter that said my application for this young people’s thing at the Young Vic in London had been accepted – I had no idea who sent the application off ! But I went to the audition, and I got it, and that was my first taste of being on stage.”

Whoever sent that letter off must be very proud of Shaq; his CV is littered with illustrious roles including Beast in Beauty and the Beast at the London Palladium, Javert in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre... and the ‘Show Off Your Savvy’ guy in the latest IKEA TV ad campaign. Ah, Shaq, do people recognise you from the ad?

“All the time! I can’t get away from it!”, he laughs. “I said to my mum, ‘people keep recognising me in the street – it’s a bit overwhelming!’

And she was like, ‘do you realise how much joy you give to people?

They’re seeing the guy who they keep seeing in their living room, in real life!’ To be honest, it’s really nice – it’s a very human thing.”

Shaq’s modest, ego-free attitude to his career is very human too. “I haven’t done too bad so far, but there’s still a way to go!”, he says. “I always try to take something with me from job to job, because each one of them brings benefits. Right now, I’m very focused on Hamilton. Obviously, the play book has been set and that never changes. But in terms of acting and intention, it can change all the time, and other actors bring something different that makes you react in a different way; you kind of have to be on your feet with it, and I like to keep it fresh. But portraying my character and telling his story: that’s entirely my responsibility. It’s not simple, and that’s the fun thing about it – I don’t think I’d love what I do as much as I do if it wasn’t as complicated as it is.”

Complicated – and, surely, exhausting? By the time Hamilton lands at the Bristol Hippodrome, for eight weeks from the end of April, Shaq will have been with the musical’s first tour of the UK, since last autumn.

“The thing is, because we set down in cities for so long it doesn’t feel like a tour,” says Shaq. “Right now, we've been in Manchester for four months and it’s a luxury, to be honest, to get to know the city you’re in.

I visited Bristol for a period of time with Beauty and the Beast, so I do know it a bit, and I’m very excited to be back – there’s so much art, so much culture going on in Bristol. And I’m definitely going to try to get to know Bath this time around too – it’s high on my list!”

“Just you wait” Before I let Shaq go back to his iconic role as a man realising his own potential as he strives to do the same for his country, I have one more question for him, focusing not on Alexander Hamilton, or the journey that led to him and Shaq coming together as one... or even the IKEA man! Here we go: who is Shaq Taylor, in just three words?

“Ha, that’s is the toughest question I’ve ever been asked in an interview!” he laughs. “You’ve put me on the spot! It’s like a dating app!

But okay, here we go: I guess I’m calm – and down-to-earth. And active!

I reckon I’m active. That’s me!”

So, that’s Shaq’s summary of himself. But to quote one of Alexander Hamilton/Shaq Taylor’s lines in the phenomenally successful musical itself, “there’s a million things I haven’t done, just you wait” – and Shaq Taylor is a calm, down-to-earth, active superstar-in-waiting, “passionately smashin’ every expectation.” Go, Hamilton! n Hamilton arrives at Bristol Hippodrome from Tuesday 30 April and runs until Saturday 22 June; atgtickets.com THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | march 2024 | TheBATHmagazine 31

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WHAT’S ON / ARTS

Arts & exhibitions The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris, until 14 April This exhibition brings together paintings, watercolours, drawings and sketches to chronologically trace Gwen John’s 40-year career, focusing on her work in Paris and London.

Two Woman in Church, by Gwen John

Fortress Four, oil, charcoal and conte on canvas, by Day Bowman

Day Bowman at sandrahiggins.art

Gillian Lowndes: Radical Clay, until 21 April The exhibition showcases a small number of tabletop and wall pieces from Gillian Lowndes (1936-2010) one of the most daring and original artists of the post-war period.

Lubaina Himid: Lost Threads, until 21 April Lost Threads will see 400 metres of vibrant Dutch wax fabric transform the museum’s spaces. holburne.org

Much of Day’s work refers to the sea, the beach and the littoral, near her childhood seaside home. Through the use of colour, scribbled lines and drip marks, contrasting with the blocks of background painted area, Day Bowman captures the tides and occasional gleam of sunshine.

To view works by Day, visit the online gallery or email Sandra to arrange a private viewing by appointment. sandrahiggins.art; sandra@sandrahiggins.com Snow art by Simon Beck

Bath Textile Artists: Textures of Time, 29 March – 27 April, The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham SN13 9HX This year marks the 40th anniversary of the foundation of Bath Textile Artists. In this exhibition, this versatile group of currently 12 members explores and interprets the theme of Textures of Time in many ways. Different techniques used include hand and machine embroidery, printing and painting on fabric, weaving, collage, silk painting and felting.

Recycled materials are often utilised.

Altogether there is a varied and exciting body of original work to be enjoyed at the exhibition.bathtextileartists.com poundarts.org.uk 32 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | iSSUe 253

Sustainable Art Open, until 21 March, Atkinson Gallery, 8-16 Glaston Road, Street BA16 OYD As we navigate this pivotal moment in our planet's history, the call for sustainable practices and a rekindled connection with nature has never been more urgent. In response, the gallery presents an array of artworks transcending traditional boundaries, captivating the senses, and challenging us to reconsider our relationship with the environment. Weds–Sat 9.30am–5pm. millf ieldschool.com/atkinson-gallery Piece from Bath Textile Artists, Textures of Time

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WHAT’S ON / ARTS

The 35th Bath Decorative Antiques Fair Thursday 14 March – Saturday 16 March, The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath Celebrating its 35th edition, the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is a premier event showcasing a wide range of decorative items, country house furniture, art from renowned exhibitors and an array of accessories for both indoor and outdoor spaces. This year’s fair promises to be an exceptional experience, blending history with contemporary design.

Expect to see a captivating selection of English, French, and Nordic antique furniture and designs. Exhibitors will be

Paul Atterbury

With the Wind and the Wild by Stewart Edmondson, mixed media on paper

showing grand painted cabinets, distinctive chateau furniture, commanding statuary, cast iron urns, and garden benches tailored for outdoor elegance. Discover farmhouse tables, rustic oak furniture, intriguing architectural elements, unique salvage pieces, and diverse lighting options. An opulent mix of antique textiles, intricate needleworks, and rugs sourced globally, complemented by folk art, mirrors, early glass, and English and Continental pottery will be shown. The fair also boasts a wide spectrum of art, ranging from period portraits to modern and contemporary pieces by celebrated artists. A list of exhibitors is available on the website.

Preview on 14 March 12pm – 5pm; 15–16 March open from 10am – 5pm. Admission £5 (preview: free entry with trade invitation or business card, or £10). Complimentary tickets available via website. bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk

Stewart Edmondson: new paintings, until 8 April Beaux Arts Bath, 12-13 York Street, Bath For the first of its spring exhibitions Beaux Arts gallery hosts the work of Stewart Edmondson. Stewart visits his favourite haunts up on Dartmoor, along the river Dart, with guest appearances by rivers Avon and Frome, and some crashing waves on the south coast for good measure.

Ceramics are by the redoubtable Adam Buick.

Open 10-5 Monday to Saturday. beauxartsbath.co.uk

Art from the Kitchen Garden at the Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH Natasha Clutterbuck is currently working as a commissioned artist at the Dyson Cancer Centre, including the creation of a series of murals and vinyls inspired by precious pollinators and the forest garden.

Insects such as honeybees, bumble bees, butterflies, hoverflies and dragonflies are vital to support a healthy ecology and Natasha likens these pollinators to the precious lives of the people who will use the Macmillan Hub, meaning both patients and staff.

For each mural created, the artist has planned the use of key plants such as hazel, wild rose, blackberry, and wild parsnip with its beautiful umbellifers. Ideas will incorporate the different seasons of each 34 TheBATHMagazine | MaRCh 2024 | iSSUe 253

plant from spring shoots to summer blooms, the fruits of autumn and delicate wintery seed heads. This idea will be woven through the designs, so wild rose and blackberries might climb around the pillar on the ground floor, a crab apple branch might cascade across the wall in the large seminar room, then meeting adjoining delicate grasses and seed heads and hazel branches with a shower of catkins.

A key part of this mural project is to include the pollinators in each mural. Some of the pollinators will be highlighted with a touch of gold leaf, symbolising just how precious they are, like the lives of people using this space. n The Dyson Cancer Centre is due to open in spring 2024. ruh.nhs.uk

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The Human Connection CYNTHIA WIHARDJA & RON PRINGLE Beau Nash Antiques, Bath

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n today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of online shopping has become a dominant force in the retail landscape. With just a few clicks, consumers can browse through endless options, select their desired items, and have them delivered right to their doorstep. It’s undeniably convenient, but is it really the epitome of the shopping experience?

Shopping is not just about click and buy; it’s an immersive journey that engages all the senses. It’s about stepping into a physical store and being surrounded by a myriad of products, each with its own unique texture, scent, and appeal. It’s about running your fingers over the upholstery of an armchair, feeling its quality, and envisioning how it would look in your home.

It’s about picking up a piece of silver, feeling its weight and history, and imagining it adorning your dining table. In essence, it’s about the tangible connection that comes from physically interacting with the products.

Moreover, shopping is not just about interacting with automated systems; it’s about engaging with real people. While chatbots and shopping carts offer convenience, they lack the personal touch that comes from conversing with knowledgeable shopkeepers. It’s about striking up a conversation, seeking advice, and receiving personalized recommendations based on your unique preferences. It’s about building relationships with the individuals behind the counter who are passionate about their products and dedicated to providing exceptional service.

In this era of digital dominance, the art of good oldfashioned shopkeeping lives on. While the click-and-collect mentality caters to those unable to visit physical stores, there’s simply no substitute for the experience of wandering through independent shops. It’s about the thrill of discovery as you explore the eclectic array of items on offer. It’s about the delight of stumbling upon hidden gems and one-of-a-kind treasures that you wouldn’t find online. It’s about embracing the serendipity of the shopping journey and relishing in the joy of making a purchase that feels truly special.

So the next time you’re tempted to simply click and buy, consider the richness of the traditional shopping experience.

Take the time to step away from the screen, venture into a brick-and-mortar store, and immerse yourself in the sensory delights of the shopping journey. After all, some things in life are best experienced in person. n

Full team of specialists available for home visits throughout Bath and surrounding areas to value your art, objects, jewellery and antiques.

beaunashbath.com; info@beaunashbath.com; 01225 334234 @beaunashbath

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Beauty and the Beast We are a nation with a longstanding fondness for horses and dogs. Such subjects have enjoyed a dependable popularity at auction for many decades. However, the endearing sentimentalism of some Victorian artists who gave farmyard horses an anthropomorphic quality did not enchant Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993). As the daughter of an amateur jockey, she grew up with a workmanlike respect for the animals and her studies of them are stripped of any whimsy. Frink was moved more by the energetic spirit of the animal. The intriguing antipathy between the mastered, saddled mount and its independent energy and caprice enchanted the artist. ‘The horse has done so much for man,’ she commented in 1992. ‘It works for him, carries him into battle and yet it has retained its independence. it can in a flash transform everything by chucking him off.’ For Frink, the horse was a metaphor for the irreconcilable, unknowable animus: in her art, both the biddable and the beastly defined the independence of these mighty animals.

A charming study of a peaceable horse attracted keen bids in our sale in January.

The watercolour, 63 x 44cm, had been a gift from the artist to a dear friend upon his 50th birthday in 1991. The recipient’s death brought the work to market and keen bids pushed it to £12,250. The eagerness of the bidding was more of a canter than a trot - and I like to think that Frink would have admired that.

Lawrences are welcoming consignments for their upcoming Spring and Summer sales. Get in touch if you have an item you would like to sell.

Silver | Vertu | Pictures | 19th/20th Century Design | Ceramics Oriental Works of Art | Jewellery | Watches | Furniture | Clocks | Rugs Militaria | Coins | Medals | Collectors | Sporting | Textiles | Wine | Spirits Books | Maps | Manuscripts | Photography Free valuations are available online at lawrences.co.uk.

Home visits also available throughout Bath and the West Country without charge or obligation.

Lawrences AUCTIONEERS South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8AB. T: 01460 73041 E: enquiries@lawrences.co.uk 1A Woodlands Estate, Westbury, BA13 3QS T: 01373 822337 E: wessex@lawrences.co.uk

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50 Mirrors Over 4 Floors Visit Our Antique Mirror Gallery

info@beaunashbath.com | 01225 259646 | www.beaunashbath.com |

beaunashbath

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From driving Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles to following the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway as you travel from Washington D.C. to Nashville, The American Road trip has become a rite of passage. Kate Hebert, Chief Curator, and Harriet Wilson, Exhibitions and Interpretation Officer at the American Museum & Gardens share their thoughts about the museum’s new exhibition...

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ne of the things that we notice when people visit the American Museum & Gardens is that they are keen to tell us about their own experiences in America. Everyone has a story to share and often these stories centre around holidays and road trips. This got us thinking that it would be fun to create an exhibition in which people were invited to share their experiences. American Road Trip has been a really collaborative experience and is the culmination of lots of individual conversations.

The best thing about working on this exhibition has been getting to hear so many incredible road trip stories from members of our community, and beyond. These include getting stuck in the middle of the Arizona desert, to befriending a group of Norwegian tourists on a Hell’s Angel experience, and travelling thousands of miles following the rock band Grateful Dead, everyone’s experience is totally unique.

Below: Group of Florida migrants on their way to Cranberry, New Jersey to pick potatoes.

Shawboro, North Carolina, Jack Delano, 1940, Library of Congress

Collaborating to create the exhibition Working with exhibition designers Smith and Jones has been so rewarding. We chose them as we like to work with local businesses and they are based in Spike Island, Bristol. We also loved their approach, which felt contemporary and exciting. Their focus on interpretation has been vital in helping us to refine and shape this topic.

As a team we are juggling multiple exhibition projects at once, but with this project we’ve been able to fully immerse ourselves in research, connect with a wealth of experts – including input and feedback from our resident road trip expert David Cornwell, and the team at Haynes Motor Museum – and collect lots of amazing road trip stories from staff members, volunteers and other community members.

The American Road Trip is such a huge topic, so Smith and Jones have been incredible at helping us streamline our ideas into a final exhibition which we all feel our visitors will love.

Creating an interactive experience It was important to us that this exhibition included opportunities for visitors to contribute to the content. So early on we discussed ways in which we could include response sections – this means our visitors become guest curators and the content is ever-changing as new people visit. Road trips are opportunities for shared experiences, so we wanted this exhibition to encourage social interactions and to recreate some of the sense of discovery that you encounter on a road trip. That’s where the interactive elements are crucial.

When we plan in our exhibitions we look for a mix of more traditional museum-style exhibitions and those that are designed to be more immersive and family-friendly. With all our exhibitions we encourage visitor feedback and use this to help plan future exhibitions and changes to our permanent displays.

Incorporating music and theatre Our amazing road trip expert David Cornwell has spent months crafting the perfect road trip playlist. He has put together a mix of 38 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | iSSUe 253

Road through the Salt Lake Desert, Utah, Arthur Rothstein, 1940. Library of Congress

The American Road Trip

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EXHIBITIONS

Above: Greetings from Arizona, Tichnor Bros Inc, c. 1930–1945, Boston Public Library

Above: Denali National Park and Reserve, Kent Miller, NPS Photo

familiar road trip favourites like Get your Kicks on Route 66 as well as some off-the-radar tunes that will appeal to musical connoisseurs.

In terms of lighting, roadside business owners quickly learned that the easiest way to encourage drivers to stop and spend was by attracting them with oversized characters, gigantic billboards, and curious places of interest. The entire route effectively became an open-air amusement park. After dark, business owners needed a new way of enticing customers, so they used neon to light up the road. The exhibition is packed full of iconic light-up signs and structures.

new states in search of better jobs.

The road trip reached its heyday in the decades following the end of World War II, due to increases in car ownership, disposable income, and paid leave. Business owners were quick to recognise the opportunities of this boom in road travel, and motels, diners, gas stations, and gift shops became common roadside delights. The idea of an American road trip remains popular today, as seen in books, movies and music.

The exhibition narrative

For Black motorists in the mid-20th century, the automobile’s promise of freedom coexisted with the Jim Crow era of segregation and discrimination. Instead of seeing where the road would take them, a road trip required careful planning. In the exhibition we explore the amazing history of Victor Green’s The Green Book, which was a lifeline for Black Americans navigating across the country, showing safe spaces to eat, sleep, refuel, and be entertained. Visitors will be able to look through several facsimile copies – including the 1964 international edition which mentions Bath!

The exhibition also explores the exploitation of Indigenous American culture along the roadside. When it was constructed, Route 66 tore through the lands of more than 25 individual tribal nations. Native American stereotypes were used as a major lure for tourists all along the highway. Travellers were presented with inaccurate, and often offensive, images inspired by popular Hollywood films. As business owners thrived on the exploitation of Indigenous American cultures and history, they were simultaneously excluding Indigenous People from many of their businesses. Signs declaring ‘no dogs, no Indians’ were hung in roadside shop windows.

The exhibition begins with a brief history of the American Road Trip and a commentary on the earliest trips – which were not on tarmac but steel rails. By 1869 railroads crossed America, providing the opportunity for wealthy Americans to experience the nation’s richly diverse landscape as part of a carefully managed package.

As automobile ownership became more affordable in the 1920s, the popularity of road trips soared. Motorists making long journeys would find a pleasant spot along the route, pull over, and either set up a tent or sleep in their car. This ‘autocamping’ craze led to the creation of motor hotels, or ‘motels’.

As the highway system was improved it opened up new opportunities for making money, from truckers moving goods, to families moving to Neon sign for the Supai Motel at dusk, Seligman, Arizona, Carol Highsmith, 2016, Library of Congress

The automobile and the promise of freedom

A final thought from the curators The draw of the American landscape, and the opportunity to experience it for real, will always call people to the road. From arid deserts to pine tree laden mountainsides, swampy bayous to coastal views, as well as the sense of space and the beckoning of open roads, America promises a road trip full of discovery. n The American Road Trip exhibition is open to the public from 9 March to 31 December 2024, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm (last entry at 4pm). It is also open on Bank Holidays and Mondays during Bath & North East Somerset school holidays. The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Bath; americanmuseum.org THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | march 2024 | TheBATHmagazine 39

Bath 275 x 210 Nicola Turner V3.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2024 09:52 Page 1

ART / ARTIST PROFILE

A tree in waiting

The Uninvited Guest from the Unremembered Past, Wells Cathedral, 2023, photo by artist

With a background in set and costume design, Bath sculptor Nicola Turner has designed for companies such as The Royal Opera House, San Francisco Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company and Sydney Opera House. Now she’s applied her particular brand of sculpture to a sawtooth oak tree in Hampshire.

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icola Turner is one of eight early career sculptors selected from the south west and east regions in September 2023 to take part in a residential course held by The New Art Centre in Wiltshire and Chapel Arts Centre in Hampshire, designed to boost the careers of emerging artists. Nicola’s work – and that of the other eight artists – will feature in a group exhibition at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire. That’s where the sawtooth oak tree comes in.

Trained as a stage designer at Central St Martins in London, over the years Nicola has worked as a designer for major ballet, opera and theatre productions. Recently she decided on a career change and returned to her studies at Bath Spa University, graduating in Fine Art in 2019 and setting up a solo practice as a sculptor. Both careers share the common element of telling stories, but the move to sculpture allows Nicola to select themes that are wholly personal and that relate to the viewer in a completely different way.

Nicola’s sculpture emerges from an awareness that we are living in a time of climate, political and personal emergencies. She uses waste such as discarded furniture and dead materials like horsehair and coir which slowly degrade over time. These are transformed into abstract forms that are placed in a landscape or in relation to a building. Her sculptures challenge our thinking about our relationship with the natural world, our built environment and the relationships we have with both and with each other.

Nicola reflects on people’s reaction to her work, “I am fascinated by how different people bring their own experiences to my sculpture. Some feel disgust; some are moved to tears. Some share stories that my pieces provoke, and some are stories of trauma.”

In order to make this mid-career change, in 2023 Nicola decided to downsize her home and use the proceeds to buy a disused industrial unit in Bath. This has been transformed into seven artists’ studio spaces, including one for Nicola herself. The new space, called FORM-ica, is now an independent collective of artists and it will soon be hosting events, including life-drawing classes. Sculptor Anna Gillespie, whose work is represented by Bath’s Beaux Arts, has a studio here. It’s an impressive set-up presented in a industrial warehouse style with elements reclaimed from old panelling and doors sourced from the inherited factory space. Flexible walls and divisions within the main ground floor unit allow for its reinvention for events and workshops.

Nicola exhibited her work at three London shows last autumn and has a variety of exhibitions on her calendar or 2024. We’ll definitely be checking on the sawtooth oak tree’s transformation at @nicolaturner.art. n • Sculptural Interventions at Hilliers at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire runs until 15 April (hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens).

• Casting Shadows, Royal Society of Sculptors, ACEARTS, Somerton, Somerset runs from 2 March – 6 April (acearts.co.uk/2024-2).

• Death in Venice (Britten opera) is at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff from 7 March (wno.org.uk).

• Instagram: @form_i_c_a; @nicolaturner.art 40 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | iSSUe 253

Myth and Miasma, Iceland, 2022, photo by artist

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ART / ARTIST PROFILE

Cl Ec Po W by Kl ph

The sawtooth oak tree waiting for Nicola’s installation

The final installation on the sawtooth oak tree in Hampshire

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CITY / STORIES

Portrait of Bath Basil Athanasiou, Basil’s Bakery From Thessaloniki, Greece to Bath is a long journey for a family with three young children, but for Basil and his wife Noula it has proved to be a rewarding decision.

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asil Athanasiou and his wife Noula are from Thessaloniki, a port city on the Aegean. Basil used to own and run two bakeries there and Noula had a regular job as a chemical engineer. That all changed during the Greek economic crisis, which was triggered by a worldwide recession.

Basil’s bakeries were open but none of their customers had enough money to buy very much, and bread was the only staple that they were buying. Then Noula lost her job. “I couldn’t find anywhere as an engineer because unemployment was very high – and then there just wasn’t enough money to raise a family with three kids,” she says.

So in 2013, with three young children aged 3, 6 and 8, the couple had to take action. They decided to sell the shops to raise money to start again, and came up with the idea of coming to the UK. The next stage was to find a job as a baker for Basil, and after applying for numerous positions, he was offered a job at Bertinet Bakery in Bath.

He came to work there and stayed for three months to be sure it would work, and then Noula followed with their three boys.

Photograph by The Bath Magazine

“Basil was very determined”, says Noula. “He said that everything would be alright – and he was right”

Noula admits that she was so anxious when they first came, especially for the children, but they found nothing but friendliness from the local community in Bath, and this really helped them settle in. After a couple of years, Basil wanted to start his own bakery and found a suitable location in Locksbrook. “Basil was very determined,” says Noula. “He said that everything would be alright – and he was right.”

“When we opened the bakery in Locksbrook it was just me serving and Basil in the kitchen at the back, but everything went very well and the business started to take off,” she says.

Now Basil and Noula have taken over the premises next door to give them more space and they will be offering seating for customers.

The bakery produces a combination of British baked goods, such as white tins, harvester and wholemeal loaves and the ever-popular sourdough, alongside Greek specialities such as sesame rings (koulouri Thessalonikis), cinnamon rolls, olive bread, mpougatsa breakfast pastries, baklava and the recently introduced spinach and feta pie, or spanakopita.

Basil’s Bakery, Locksbrook Works, Unit 1 Locksbrook Road, Bath; basilsbakery.co.uk THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | MARCH 2024 | THeBATHMAgAzine 43

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FOOD & DRINK

A look at

Hattingley Valley winery Recommendations by Tom Bleathman from the Great Wine Company With the Great British climate now comparable to Champagne in the 1980s, it’s no wonder a plethora of high-quality still and sparkling wines are now being produced in the UK. One stand-out producer is Hattingley Valley. The Hampshire-based winery started production in 2008 and now lays claim to some of the best wines England has to offer. Here’s a selection of my favourites, all available from The Great Wine Company. Discover more at greatwine.co.uk The Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve is the best-selling sparkling wine in the range and the perfect choice for any celebration. It boasts aromas and flavours of zesty lemon, hedgerow blossoms and baked apple, complemented by hints of toasted brioche. Notably, this blend follows a Champagne-style composition, with Chardonnay as the dominant grape variety, accompanied by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. £35 Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015 is an outstanding example of an English sparkling wine. Made from 100% Chardonnay, the 2015 vintage is an elegant, bronze-gold colour with delicate aromas of brioche, orange peel and zesty citrus. Its juicy, bright acidity and complex, long finish makes this wine utterly irresistible! £44 There is also a very elegant Chardonnay, Hattingley Valley Still Chardonnay 2022.

This has wonderfully pronounced citrus, blossom, and grapefruit aromas with a hint of honey and pear. The palate is clean and fresh, with a mouthful of green-apple flavours and a creamy texture that is nicely balanced. Dare I say it, who needs Chablis? £27.50 44 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | issue 253

FOOD & DRINK COSY ROASTED SHALLOT AND BUTTERBEAN BOWLS MIDWEEK SUPPER • SERVES 2 TIME 30 MINUTES

Roasting shallots in their skins ensures they’re perfectly sweet and tender...

Recipe by Ella Mills, from her latest book, Healthy Made Simple

• 5 shallots, quartered lengthways, keeping the root intact and the skin on • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to serve • 4 garlic cloves, skin on • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, • finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme • pinch of dried chilli flakes (optional) • 2 leeks, sliced • 120g green beans, trimmed • a 400g tin of butter beans • 2 large handfuls of baby spinach (about 100g), roughly chopped • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar • grated zest of 1 lemon • sea salt and black pepper • sourdough toast, to serve (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Toss the shallots with a tablespoon of the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place on a baking tray, cut-side down, add the garlic cloves and roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until soft and caramelised.

2. Warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan or shallow casserole, over a medium–low heat. Add the thyme, chilli flakes (if using), leeks and a pinch of salt and cook for 10 minutes, until the leeks have softened but not coloured.

3. Next, add the green beans and the butter beans, along with the liquid from the tin. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 4–5 minutes, until most of the liquid has reduced. Stir in the spinach, and allow to wilt, then add the white wine vinegar and season to taste.

4. When the shallots are ready and cool enough to handle, peel their skins off and stir the flesh into the beans. Peel the garlic, gently mash it with a fork (it should be very tender) and stir it into the beans too.

5. To serve, divide the braised beans between serving bowls, top with a generous drizzle of olive oil, the lemon zest and plenty of pepper. This is delicious as it is or served with some sourdough toast. n Healthy Made Simple – Delicious Plant-Based Recipes by Ella Mills, published by Yellow Kite, £16.99, from local bookshops

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CARS & ENGINEERING

A racing certainty

Team Bath Racing Electric (TRBe) is a student team who operate from the University of Bath. The students taking part are from a variety of courses, including Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and produce bespoke, in-house designs to optimise cars for racing conditions. We spoke to the team to find out how they are preparing for this year’s competitions.

T

eam Bath Racing Electric (TBRe) is an electric Formula Student (FS) team based out of the University of Bath’s Faculty of Engineering and Design. Formula Student is the largest student engineering competition worldwide, in which teams from over 600 universities design, build and compete with a single-seater racing car in competitions internationally.

For most of its history, TBRe has held the title of the UK’s best electric team due to the hard work of its members. Recently they have been climbing the European rankings, placing third overall last year in Portugal. This year they are hoping to prove they are the UK’s best team while aiming to better their European standing.

Your electric race car team has built up its presence on the track to achieve its ranking as one of the UK’s number one electric Formula Student teams. Why has this been possible?

The main reason for our success is the hard work of the students involved, both currently and in the years since the team’s creation. Every year we evaluate our performance and refine the design accordingly to allow us to build on previous students’ work. In addition, every member who takes part does so because they love being involved, making not only a very efficient and productive team, but also a positive and friendly environment in which members become close friends over the years..

TBRe racing revelations: University of Bath Formula Student teams have been among the UK’s top performers, with TBRe finishing third in the ‘Electric Vehicle’ category in Portugal last year.

Many of the students who take part go on to careers in the automotive and motorsport industries, including within Formula 1 teams and top-tier car manufacturers.

In 2024 the team is competing at Silverstone in Northamptonshire, as well as in international Formula Student events across Europe.

Sponsorship is integral as it provides funding to buy and manufacture components for the car, and to arrange travel to competitions.

A digital render of the 2023 car, created using CAD (computer aided design)

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CARS & ENGINEERING

How many students are involved in the electric car team?

Do students join from specific courses at the University?

The team has grown from around 10 students in 2015 to its current 50 core team members, along with countless others who get involved on a less regular basis. Although the majority of the technical team comprises mechanical and electrical engineering students, the rest of the team connects people with a passion for motorsport, studying degrees such as Politics, Physics, Marketing and Psychology. This is unique to TBRe. Groups work on different aspects of the car based on their interests or specialist areas; among these are the chassis, powertrain, brakes and aerodynamics. Sub-teams are usually made up of experienced final-year students who oversee and support students with less technical knowhow. In addition, students can get involved with business operations to manage logistics and find sponsors.

“With their huge passion and dedication, students find [the work] complementary to their degree due to the skills and experience they gain” The team produces a different car each year. What are the stages involved in the design and build?

Work on the new car begins in September, right after the last race of the summer, giving us around 10 months to design, build and test the vehicle before taking it to competition. First, there is the design and validation.

Shortly after, the manufacturing of the chassis begins, followed by the manufacturing of the components for sub-systems and, finally, testing.

However, these are not linear processes, as the teams work on different aspects simultaneously. The design process is iterative, varying from generating new ideas for the car, to simulations and testing.

What is the technology you use in the cars?

The technology is similar to that of any professional motorsport team, yet with a lower budget. This is seen in our single motor and brake for the rear axle instead of separate components for each rear wheel – something we are looking to upgrade in the coming years. Another key part is our accumulator (battery), which powers the car. Unlike the majority of the UK’s Formula Student teams, the entire process of manufacturing was completed in-house, something we are so proud of.

Can you tell us about the plan for the 2024 car?

The main change we’re introducing is the carbon fibre chassis, which replaces the more traditional tubular steel spaceframe used by the majority of our competitors in the UK. Carbon is much lighter and stiffer than steel in this context. Additionally, the monocoque allows for a lot more creativity and options for sub-system integration. For the majority of the other components, we are building on last year’s designs to increase their quality and performance to make a faster and more reliable car.

TBRe’s electric race car navigates the Silverstone circuit during time trial events in July 2023

How does the collaboration between students work?

Every week we hold a meeting in which the core members discuss their progress, to ensure that everyone is up to date with the status of different systems of the car, in order to integrate them successfully. All new ideas are discussed and evaluated based on their rule compliance, ease of integration, and feasibility. The designers then make the required changes and the process repeats.

How do the competitions work? What is the best achievement the team has had in a competition?

Competitions involve dynamic and static elements. The dynamic areas test the speed, acceleration and control of the car in time trials on real racetracks across Europe. The static aspects require teams to deliver a business plan presentation. In addition, the team defends their engineering choices and deep knowledge in the ‘Design’ and ‘Cost & Manufacturing’ events, proving that the design and manufacturing of the car was done at the highest possible standard for our budget.

Last year we competed in three events: at the Silverstone circuit in England, as well as in Spain and Portugal. Our greatest achievement was coming third in Portugal and completing in an official endurance event, a 22km race, for the first time since 2018. These are some of the best results the team has achieved, along with ranking 1st UK electric team in Silverstone in 2022.

How do you finance the team and find sponsors?

While we receive funding from Bath University every year, the team also relies on its sponsors to be able to function. Securing sponsorship involves contacting and meeting companies through the university’s impressive industry links. Many of the alumni or placement students who have gone on to work in different engineering roles act as contacts and help us to get in touch with the right people from these companies.

How much time do the students involved contribute?

Most students are incredibly passionate about their role on the project, spending countless hours with the team, and often describing it as being “like a full time job”. Yet with their huge passion and dedication, students find this complementary to their degree due to the valuable skills and experience they gain. This leads them to often being among the university’s highest performers.

Continued page 50

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CARS & ENGINEERING

Successful, well-established year-round language school in the centre of Bath requires

HOMESTAY HOSTS IN BATH to host both short-term and long-term students.

We teach adults and teenagers, and need both single and twin-room accommodation.

For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Student Services Manager: The TRBe team celebrates their success at the Silverstone racetrack in July 2023, after coming second out of all the UK teams What percentage of the students from the team have gone on to work in the car industry or in related fields?

Being a member of TBRe is an incredible opportunity as we are involved in what is effectively a small professional motorsport team.

The chance to apply theoretical concepts to a real-life scenario means that we see our work pay off in terms of performance. While it’s hard to put a percentage to this, almost all of our members who want to pursue a career in the motorsport or automotive industries are able to do so with the knowledge and experience they’ve gained.

Can you outline some of the challenges the team encounters?

Raising funds for the team is a big challenge. Compared to some of the teams in Europe, our budget is minimal, and without proper funding we can’t make significant progress. That’s why this year, a lot more people are involved in the business operations team, contacting and arranging meetings with as many different companies as possible to ensure we have the funding to implement some of the more expensive changes we’d like to make, such as the carbon chassis or four-wheel drive.

Can you tell us about some of the highlights from the team’s design and racing history?

One major highlight was being able to compete in Zhuhai, China, in 2018. Not only did we arrive at this event as the only UK team, but we were also the first UK team to ever compete there. This shows the true international scale of Formula Student as a whole, proving that it’s not just a European competition. Additionally, last year’s successes in Portugal and Spain, where we came third and fourth respectively, are matters of great pride. Despite extreme heat, our dedicated team was able to complete the endurance event in Spain.

What are the team’s plans for the future?

From a technical point of view, we have a long-term plan to gradually upgrade components of the car, starting this year with the carbon fibre monocoque. One major goal is to replace the single motor on the rear wheels with two separate motors on each wheel, as part of the process of moving from a rear-wheel drive to a four-wheel drive, which would hugely improve manoeuvrability. From a more general point of view, we’d also like to focus on building up the team culture and integrating professional standards of practice, with the aim of becoming the UK’s foremost Formula Student team. n

• If you would like to find out more about the Team Bath Racing Electric Team, see teambathracingelectric.com

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Sarah Wringer Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 448840 Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

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BATH AT WORK

Bath business

LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES

ROBOT IMPROVING LIVES

Tag Rowe at the Emirates

An apprentice from Bath law firm Stone King has won a national award for the most outstanding intern.

Tag Rowe, an apprentice solicitor currently working in the law firm’s Employment Team, scooped the Alexander Paul Award at an event held by the 10,000 Interns Foundation. Tag started at the firm last year through the 10,000 Black Interns scheme, the brainchild of the 10,000 Interns Foundation, before successfully applying for an apprenticeship.

The event at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium saw 25 longlisted candidates who had achieved places on the scheme shortlisted to five, with Tag emerging as the winner for his work at Stone King. stoneking.co.uk

NEW BATH ESTATE AGENCY Simon Lord will soon be launching his own estate agency business in Bath. As a qualified member of RICS, Simon will continue to apply his established, broad based knowledge of the property sales market in the Bath region.

Simon commented, “As the business owner I am really looking forward to having a more direct, personal impact in helping clients’ hopes and aspirations in property become a reality. A real positive about this exciting new venture is that I will also be able to engage more closely with the local communities across the region and the business network which serves them.”

Simon can be contacted by email at simon.lord@exp.uk.com, or by phone; 07394 040896

JOIN THE BATH WOMEN’S FUND The Bath Women’s Fund is looking for new members. The Women’s Fund is a philanthropic giving circle where local women come together to support women and girls in our local communities who are facing tough challenges.

Members donate £25 per month (£20 plus Gift Aid). These funds are pooled and

donated to local groups chosen by members together. In 2023 65 members donated £23,000 to three groups making a significant difference in the lives of local women and girls facing the challenges of prejudice, poor mental health, and postnatal depression.

Members also come together for regular events, visits, and walks to learn about local issues and hear from inspiring local women.

For more information visit bathwomensfund.org.uk

Thanks to £2.3 million of fundraising, a new Da Vinci surgical robot is improving lives in RUH Bath theatres. This is due to the ongoing fundraising efforts by RUHX hospital charity’s supporters.

The arrival of the robot has ushered in a new age at the hospital, supporting more than 400 complex surgical operations across the RUH. The robot’s many benefits include improving cancer-specific survival rates; removing health inequalities, as it’s more suitable for a wider range of patients; decreasing readmissions with lower risk of complications, pain and infection; and accelerating recovery times. ruh.nhs.uk

Interaction’s managing director Dieter Wood

MOST OUTSTANDING INTERN FOR STONE KING

EXCELLENT INTERACTION Interaction, the workplace design and build company, is in the running for a prestigious award for creating Osborne Clarke’s state-of-the-art office in Bristol.

Bath-based Interaction has been shortlisted for a British Council for Offices (BCO) award for the fit-out of the law firm’s flexible workplace in the landmark Halo building, one of the UK’s most sustainable office developments.

Interaction was commissioned to design and build Osborne Clarke’s Bristol workplace with a focus on wellbeing, agile working and sustainability.

Highlights include indoor gardens with flexible workspaces, a yoga and spin studio, and restaurant with a rooftop terrace.

interaction.uk.com

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ocl A C C O U N TA N C Y

141 Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EL Tel: 01225 445507

www.oclaccountancy.com

Tax and the main residence For most of us, the house in which we live – our ‘only or main residence’ – is our most valuable asset. Often, it is one that has increased in value substantially over time.

Typically, an increase in value is subject to capital gains tax (CGT) on a sale or disposal, but there is a specific exemption for the only or main residence. This applies to a house and garden or grounds of up to half a hectare (or a larger area if this is needed for the reasonable enjoyment of the property, bearing in mind its size and character).

Some periods when a property is not occupied as the main residence may still qualify for the exemption. Examples are the last nine months of ownership, absences of up to three years in total for any reason, four years if employment requires the owner (or their spouse or civil partner) to work elsewhere in the UK, or longer if they have to work abroad.

An individual (or spouses and civil partners) may only have one main residence eligible for exemption from CGT. If they own more than one property that they use themselves (e.g., a city flat where they live during the week and a country cottage for the weekends), they can elect which is to be treated as their main residence.This election must be made within two years of the properties becoming available for their use and it can be changed from one property to another.

If the exemption applies only to a property for part of its period of ownership, any gain must be apportioned on a time basis to determine the exempt element.

Generally, there must be ‘a degree of permanence or expectation of continuity’ if a property is to be treated as the only or main residence.

If the whole property is not occupied as a main residence (e.g., because a part is used exclusively for business purposes or is let out as residential accommodation), any gain on disposal must be apportioned on a time and area basis to establish the non-exempt element.

If part of the gain relates to residential letting while the owner occupies part of the property, there is an exemption of up to the lower of £40,000 and the amount of the gain that would otherwise be exempt. are unlikely to be trading and unlikely to be making a profit.

For more information contact us – call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Gillham or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507

Call Tristan Wilcox-Jones, Samantha Gillham or Lucas Knight on 01225 445507 to arrange a no-obligation meeting THEBATHMAG.CO.UK | MARCH 2024 | THeBATHMAgAzine 53

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EDUCATION

Education matters NEWS FROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS

INCLUSIVE SPORTS The Palladian Academy Trust is providing a wealth of sporting opportunities designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of ability or previous experience. To help achieve an accessible range of options it has introduced free sports clubs and a mother and daughter strength class.

The Palladian Academy is a group of 11 schools based in Bath and Wiltshire – including Widcombe Infant school, Oldfield Park Junior School and Ralph Allen School – which prioritise sports and physical wellbeing alongside positive mental health and its main education curriculum provision. The Trust’s free sports clubs encourage pupils to easily explore and develop their interest in sports without financial barriers.

Each school offers hockey, mixed football and other popular sports. palladianacademytrust.com

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Mayor Dine Romero with pupils from Oldfield School

THE MAYOR AND THE DOUBLE DECKER Oldfield School welcomed the Mayor of Bath, Councillor Dine Romero and the team at ‘I Can & I Am’, a Bath-based mental health charity, for the opening of their second double decker bus.

Oldfield students were invited onto the brightly coloured bus where they got stuck into pizza-making and were joined by the Mayor who got involved too. She then went up to the top deck to view a wellbeing workshop where James Shone, founder of the charity, was explaining his philosophy of improving self-esteem and self-belief. The friendly and experienced team on board introduce the idea that we all have a metaphorical ‘balloon’ within us. When this is full of air, we feel good about ourselves, we are resilient and we have self-confidence. icanandiam.com; oldfieldschool.com

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EDUCATION

Education matters NEWS FROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AWARD St Gregory’s Catholic College has once again been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its repeated success in bringing the world into the classroom through its links with schools around the globe.

The International School Award recognises the remarkable efforts of the school to carry out exceptional work in international education, enabling young people to gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad... The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with pride that we celebrate their achievements.” st-gregorys.org.uk Melissa George and Micahel Leaman from St Gregory’s with Wera Hobhouse

HEAD-ING TO WILTSHIRE Mr John Davies, Senior Deputy Head and Vice Principal at Kingswood School, Bath, has been appointed as the next Head of Dauntsey’s School in Wiltshire. He will therefore be leaving Kingswood at the end of the academic year to take up this role.

Since joining Kingswood, first as Deputy Head Academic and latterly as Senior Deputy Head and Vice Principal, Mr Davies has made an outstanding contribution across many areas of Kingswood School life, including guiding the senior school to a double excellent grading in the ISI inspection in the 2022/23 academic year. Mr Davies joined Kingswood from Abingdon School in September 2017 where he was Director of Teaching and Learning.

Mr Davies said: “While I am hugely excited to take up my new position as Head of Dauntsey’s, I am also sad to be leaving the Kingswood community, which has been my home and family for the last seven years.” kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Royal High Bath: Designed for Girls Royal High Bath is a proud member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading family of 25 independent girls’ schools, united in the mission to help girls learn without limits, so they can lead lives without limits.

Ethos and teaching philosophy Designed for girls, Royal High Bath provides a supportive and empowering environment where girls can be themselves and embrace their unique qualities.

Our ethos is embedded in recognising every pupil’s potential. We use current research on how girls learn, develop and thrive. Learning at Royal High Bath is active and collaborative, and we help our girls to develop the ability to tackle real-world issues, write with passion and speak their minds effectively.

From the moment she walks through the doors, your daughter will be encouraged to do more than she thought possible, and go on to excel personally and academically.

Learning without limits We recognise school life is about much more than academic success and are passionate about equipping girls with skills they need. We encourage and support our students on developing their Learner Qualities, so they are: brave, reflective, inquisitive, collaborative, kind and sparky; desirable for the classroom and beyond.

56 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | iSSUe 253

Creativity is also nurtured with a wide range of activities. From awardwinning Art and Design Technology departments to a state-of-the-art Steinway Music School, as well as inspiring Dance and Drama staff, we provide creative and stimulating environments to help our girls grow in confidence and ability.

What makes Royal High Bath special?

Within impressive buildings and tranquil grounds, girls are adventurous in their thinking and ambitions – they support each other as they achieve high academic standards and build skills and confidence for life.

Find out why Royal High Bath is the right choice for your daughter.

Book your place on one of the upcoming Open Houses: Senior School 13 March, Prep and Nursery 24 April www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

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INTERIORS HEALTH & BEAUTY

Get summer ready

It’s March, but the warm days of summer are approaching and holidays beckon. So if you want to look your best in the sunshine, it’s wise to start planning now, says Emma Clegg

Y

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments The first is IPL treatments, which offer the safe and effective long-term reduction of unwanted hair. Indeed there are multiple benefits: “If you’re having a regular IPL treatment to deal with unwanted hair, your skin will look automatically brighter and clearer,” says Victoria. That’s because when you shave your legs you have a shadow on your skin from the hairs, but when you do IPL you are getting rid of the hair from the root.” A course of IPL treatments is recommended for the best results. It is important to keep away from the sun, or to use sunscreen, 30 days before and after the IPL treatments.

Body conditioning The second focus is body conditioning. LPG Endermologie is a nonsurgical procedure that helps improve the appearance of cellulite, benefits circulation, and helps to tighten the skin. This breaks down fat, water and toxins and allows the lymphatic system to drain it away. Your body reacts to the massage stimulation through suction rolling with a pleasant tingling feeling, as if it is being woken up and stimulated. “LPG Endermologie benefits from regular sessions because it keeps you energised, puts your skin in a good place and keeps the fatty bits smooth,” explains Victoria. “The treatment makes you feel alive, which in turn inspires you to look after yourself more.”

Another treatment is Velashape, involving suctioning and rollering alongside infrared and radio frequency, which effectively tightens the skin, reduces stretch marks and improves your body confidence.

Photograph: Christopher Campbell

ou might not quite yet be dreaming of the summer sunshine – rather revelling in the gradual lengthening of the days as we move towards spring. However if you do want to look your best on the beach, by the pool side or in the hot tub, it’s wise to put in the time now, says Victoria Rawlinson at The Orangery. “We offer a wealth of information here, but the important thing is that beauty is maintenance, and for this you need to plan ahead.”

While there are multiple options at The Orangery for treatments that can be tailored around the individual, there are four broad categories that can be considered for a summer uplift.

Facial treatments You might have long hair that will drape elegantly across your face as the waves break behind you (see above), but there’s just no hiding a complexion that is dull and lacking in radiance. “The sunshine can’t get through dirty windows,” says Suzannah (founder of The Orangery), who – with beauty and skin care specialist Hannah – offers a wide range of facials. “We need to clear the skin in order to let it radiate – we offer many treatments including peels, microdermabrasion and radio frequency to help tighten and lift the skin, which also works to reduce the impact of lines and dark circles.”

Facial treatments include those with the M3 Matrix machine, which incorporates cavitation peeling for exfoliation; radio frequency for skin tightening, promoting collagen and elastin production; and non-needle mesotherapy for a brighter complexion and the reduction of wrinkles.

Cosmetic teeth whitening Another option to bring your smile into play is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening, an effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing the tooth enamel. The teeth whitening laser works in conjunction with a powerful non-peroxide gel which is vegan friendly and causes no sensitivity – leaving just a beautiful natural smile!

Victoria summarises the impact of these treatments: “Our work at The Orangery is about managing the ageing process and winding back the clock – it’s all about management and maintenance, and it’s the simple things like having vibrant skin and a radiant smile that make the big difference.” n

Arrange an appointment at The Orangery for a complimentary consultation. Many treatments work effectively in multiple sessions, where packages are available.

The Orangery, No.1 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA Tel: 01225 466851; theorangerylaserandbeautybath.co.uk

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the orangery clinic l a s e r

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Wind back the clock BODY TREATMENTS • Slimming • Cellulite reduction • Skin tightening and toning • Massage therapy

AESTHETICS • Peptide injections for skin and hair rejuvenation • Dermal fillers • Lip enhancement • Wrinkle treatments • Profhilo • Non surgical skin tightening & lifting treatments for face, eyes & neck

IPL PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION TREATMENT • Suitable for face & body • Offers permanent hair reduction for men and women

IPL SKIN REJUVENATION

FACIALS • Radio frequency facials • Environ skin care & facials • Bespoke facials to treat all skin concerns • Scientific skincare that really makes a difference, outstanding results for all skin types and ages • Skin peels • Microdermabrasion • Wow facial • Guinot Hydradermie facials

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Bath 275 x 210 Andrew Swift.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2024 15:15 Page 1

WALKS NEAR BATH

The Red Lion (right) around 1910

The Red Lion today

Discovering Nailsworth The Red Lion (right) around 1910

Nailsworth, only a 45-minute drive from Bath, is one of Gloucestershire’s best-kept secrets. Andrew Swift uncovers a succession of fascinating landmarks, including buildings that were 17th-century mills or the homes of mill owners and workers, and (appropriately) remembers the poet who wrote the couplet, ‘what is this world if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare’.

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any guides to the Cotswolds fail to even mention Nailsworth, and yet in 2014 The Sunday Times named it as one of the best places in Britain to live. More recently, lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos awarded it a similar accolade, describing it as a ‘buzzy, artistic haven full of cool boutiques, restaurants and galleries’.

As you follow the A46 through its busy, narrow streets and turn off into the bleak 1960s town centre, it’s easy to see why it is not on most people’s must-visit list. You don’t have to walk far, though, to discover what makes Nailsworth special, and, having parked in one of its free car parks, a good place to start is opposite the clock tower by the roundabout in the town centre.

From here, head up Fountain Street, cross at the zebra and turn left up Tabram’s Pitch.

Through the gateway on the left at the top, you’ll see a building with a couple of ancient windows. This started life in the 14th century as a chapel serving what was then an isolated hamlet on the borders of three parishes – Horsley, Minchinhampton and Avening.

Nailsworth had to wait until 1892 to become a parish in its own right. The ancient windows were not part of the chapel, but bits of architectural salvage added by a Mr Tabram 62 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | iSSUe 253

who set up a museum here in the 19th century. Today, however, it is a private house.

Opposite the gateway, turn right along Church Street. St George’s, on the right, is the second church on this site. The first, built in 1794, was a delightful building with a pepperpot tower. It was replaced by the present church around 1900.

At the bottom, cross at the lights and turn left along Market Street. At the end, carry straight on up Brewery Lane, passing Lion Cottage (formerly the Red Lion) on the left.

Beyond it lay the massive Nailsworth Brewery, only parts of which survive. Follow the lane downhill towards Locks Mill, where an information board outlining its history can be found beside an archway on the right. This is an ideal place to get an idea of the eclectic variety of buildings, ranging from the 17th to the 19th centuries, in Nailsworth’s out-of-theway corners.

There were once at least 14 mills in Nailsworth, which by the mid-17th century was growing fast as clothiers were attracted by the fast-flowing streams that met in this steep sided valley. Weavers’ cottages and mill owners’ houses still characterise much of the town today.

Go through the archway, and at the top turn left and then right into Barn Close, a

harmonious group of four very different buildings. At the end turn left along a path for 50m before turning right down to Price’s Mill, where there’s another information board.

Turn right past Shortwood Chapel to the Britannia Inn, an impressive rubble-stone building of around 1700. Opposite, on the corner of Chestnut Hill, is Stokescroft, built around the same time, with its three gables pierced by oval windows. Behind it is the Wool Loft, incorporating a warehouse of 1726. A little further up Chestnut Hill is a meeting house where we know that Quakers first met around 1680. Nonconformity and independence were strong here from the start – hardly surprising given the way the town came into being – and these qualities still characterise Nailsworth today, with its thriving independent businesses and friendly, down-to-earth vibe – not to mention the world’s first vegan football club, Forest Green Rovers.

Retrace your steps down the hill and turn left along Old Market, which was driven through the site of the former cattle market in the 1960s. New buildings were erected and the millponds which fed Day’s Mill – part of which survives further along on the right – were filled in.

At the end, turn left up Spring Hill, which

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leads past several former mill owners’ houses.

Springhill House, early 18th century, and Spring Hill Court, with a date of 1680, are especially impressive. At the top, just past Spring Hill Cottage, cross and turn right down a footpath.

Cross the road at the bottom and turn right past Egypt Mill, now a hotel and restaurant.

Turn left past the Railway Hotel and follow the cycle path as it curves left. Ahead lies Nailsworth Station, opened in 1867, but long closed and now a private house. The cycle path curves to the left of it before picking up the trackbed a little further on. Tall trees line the The copper kettle, dating from when the building was a tea merchants

path, while down to your left former millponds have been restored as a wetland habitat, making this an inspiring woodland walk in early spring.

Soon, though, you come to Dunkirk Mills, their scale exceeding anything you’ve seen so far. To fully appreciate it, follow a tunnel under the old line which leads into the heart of the complex, which was built between 1798 and 1855 and now houses flats along with a small museum. Then, having retraced your steps through the tunnel, take a footpath leading steeply uphill to Dunkirk Manor, where the owner of Dunkirk Mills once lived.

Then turn right along Watledge Road.

Although there is nothing else on the scale of Dunkirk Manor to look forward to, this leads past a succession of splendid buildings perched on the edge of the wooded valley. Among them is the honey-stone cottage where the poet WH Davies – famous for the couplet ‘what is this world if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare’ – died in 1940.

At the end – with one last mill owner’s house, High Beeches, on the left, turn right downhill, and, once past the cattle grid, you’re back in the heart of town. The copper kettle on the right dates from 1887 when there was a tea merchants here. Below it, a board

Day’s Mill, which was fed by the millponds

outlines the history of the mill that stood opposite, while a little further on is the clock tower where the walk started.

For details of Dunkirk Mills Museum visit: stroudtextiletrust.org.uk Andrew Swift has written many books including On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks around a World Heritage City – available from bookshops or akemanpress.com.

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INTERIORS

Design notes NEWS & UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S BEST INTERIORS BUSINESSES

Maison et Objet news John Law and the buying team at Woodhouse and Law recently had a successful trip to Paris, seeking out some beautiful new finds at biannual trade fair Maison et Objet. This year marks the fair’s 30th anniversary, with over 2,500 exhibitors collectively representing 62 countries.

This year, the fair celebrated multidisciplinary creator Mathieu Lehanneur as its Designer of the Year.

Fresh from his commission to design the Olympic torch for this year’s Paris games, the designer was given carte blanche in his installation at the design event. He used the opportunity to create Outonomy, a thought-provoking, luminous yellow cabin that looked to

offer a moment of calm and clarity within an ever-bustling event. Sparsely furnished with items such as a punchbag, the installation prompted visitors to question how we live our lives, our consumption habits, and our interactions with the world at large.

The event is an opportunity to source items for clients and the showroom, and it also offers the chance to identify new, emerging trends. This show was full of free-form, organic shaped furniture, often with ceramic legs or tiled tops.

Travertine in myriad colours had taken over as stone du jour from marble, artisanal pieces reigned supreme, and earthy tones with depth – browns in every hue, pigmented with aubergine, rust and pinks – predominated colour palettes. woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

Home interiors club Bath based Interior designer Lola Swift has recently launched an exciting home interiors club, enabling you to design your own space with her simple step-by-step guide.

Embarking on an interior project can be overwhelming, but with Lola’s extensive experience in renovation projects, she understands the importance of a solid plan and a realistic budget. The stress-free 6-step guide will help you on your design journey. It’s exclusively available for interior club members (which is free to join).

The membership gives you access to a tried and tested design process, short video guides, mood boards and lots of tips and tricks!

Join Lola’s home interior club via the website: lolaswift.co.uk/home-interiors-club

64 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | issue 253

Outonomy, a luminous yellow cabin by Mathieu Lehanneur at Maison et Objet in January

Go with the Grain A fairly recent arrival at Magalleria is GRAIN, a sumptuous craft, lifestyle and culture magazine from France, now published in a bilingual edition. It's a magazine that will appeal to devotees of Hole & Corner and Cereal, but brings a slightly different blend to the lifestyle format, adding essays, poems, interviews and opinion pieces as well as touting some truly sublime photography to invent what it regards as its own medium, one that is both ‘subversive and poetic’. This volume explores the interweaving threads between inside and outside, intimacy and community, emancipation and alienation, beauty, destruction and care. £20.

Magalleria, 5 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; store.magalleria.co.uk

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Victoria Carpets, Habberley Herringbone

Simply beautiful flooring

Visit our Showrooms: 4 Kingsmead Street, Bath, BA1 2AA 01225 471888 Flooring@bathcontractflooring.co.uk For your Home: www.carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk For your Business: www.bathcontractflooring.co.uk

CARPETS | VINYLS | DESIGN FLOORING | RUGS | COMMERCIAL BCF March V2.indd 1

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INTERIORS

Design notes Treasures in the vaults Interior designer Clair Strong has created some underground magic in a vaulted wine cellar and social space in a Georgian town house in Bath. Vaults are a common feature of Georgian terraced houses, originally used for coal storage, laundry and other services. The vaults in this house had already been tanked (meaning an impervious barrier which prevents dampness) and the owners wanted to use the space for wine storage and occasional entertaining.

Wine racks were designed in walnut veneer to fit around the arc of the vault and a bespoke curved banquette maximised the seating area.

Flooring was an oak effect herringbone vinyl and bronze spotlights and uplighters were fitted to create flexible mood lighting. Existing kitchen units were spray painted in a strong blue and a dark brown quartz worktop was added to create a kitchenette area. A guest cloakroom was painted a soft pink and tiled in rose gold tiles to create a glamourous Art Deco look.

The vaulted area now provides an atmospheric and sophisticated area for entertaining as well as for storing wine. clairstrong.co.uk

35 years for Mandarin Stone Known for their collection of natural stone, porcelain and decorative tiles, 2024 marks 35 years of offering the most innovative and exciting surfaces in the UK for Mandarin Stone.

In 1989 owner and founder Alma Small was asked by a roofing company to sell some Chinese flooring slate. Alma developed the product offering, sourcing from overseas and forming relationships with trusted suppliers. Expansion into the retail market came in 2000 when the first Mandarin Stone showroom opened in Bath.

Now with 15 UK showrooms, each one is the ultimate tile shopping experience, with specialist advice given on design and technical aspects of projects.

In 2010 the company expanded into man-made porcelain and ceramic tiles. With the huge developments in digital technology the graphics and textures that can be translated onto porcelain tiles is outstanding because they mimic materials such as stone and wood.

With 35 years under their belt, new showrooms planned and always seeking out the latest new surface designs, there’s a lot more to come. mandarinstone.com

Light up your life with glass These gorgeous and unique Garaffa Glass Bottle Lamps (£159) from The Cotswold Company are made from recycled glass creating the distinctive shapes in each lamp. Fittings and flexes are sourced from the UK, and the cork is ethically sourced from Portugal.

Visit the new store in Bath to see the company’s range of products. The Cotswold Company, 12 Northgate Street; bathcotswoldco.com

New name for specialist store One of Bath’s well-loved small businesses is changing ownership and its name from 1 March. The quirkily named ‘Knob Connection’ at the top of Broad Street will now be called Bath Homeware.

The Knob Connection has been trading since July 1995 when it took on the business of ‘Knobs and Knockers’ in Northgate Street. Maurice Cousin has run the shop providing an impeccable service to customers who need a bespoke solution to their home interior needs.

Bath Homeware will continue to offer high quality furnishings and fittings for windows, doors and cabinets as well as locks and latches and all sorts of accessories for the home. The shop remains a treasure trove of antique and contemporary interior items with a huge range of products to suit all budgets. Bath Homeware will also be adding new items to its range including interior décor and lighting.

Maurice and his long-standing assistant, Leasil Rule, will hand over to an enthusiastic and knowledgeable new team. The store will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, from Monday to Saturday.

Bath Homeware, 22 Broad Street, Bath

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kitchen files Kitchen insights from Sky Interiors BY roBBie hoWarD

With materials that are in vogue in the kitchen we’ve really seen a rise in ribbed timber panels stained to dark tones, and even painted. These are designed to be a bold contrast against soft, warm paint colours giving depth, texture and character.

Ceramic and porcelain worktops are very much part of the sustainable discussion right now. an array of colours and designs is available within this now affordable product. a hand-painted finish is still popular with our clients, but we can also produce a spray-painted finish in any sheen level and colour, which can be matched.

Brass in different finishes is a big trend, including aged brass, satin brass, and the odd concept with polished brass.

Black is making a big statement appearance in cabinetry, including hand-painted or spray-painted finishes.

‘Skinny Shaker’ is a contemporary, sleeker version of the

Modern or traditional kitchen?

classic Shaker style, which has evolved with the times to satisfy designs, and being a bespoke manufacturer, we can adapt to clients’ requirements. skinny shaker can be designed as a ‘lay on’ kitchen, ‘inframe’ as well as a ‘handle-less’ concept.

Splashbacks with colourful tones have been making their mark in both muted pastels and vibrant colours, and they are not necessarily chosen to match the worktop.

Island configurations are still a huge deal in the kitchen, statement pieces that offer a good social hub for the ‘and how was your day’ conversation while the evening meal is prepared. skyinteriors.co.uk

The Bath Kitchen Company

BY james horsfall of the Bath kitchen companY

opting for a modern or traditional style is a weighty question when looking at kitchen designs. here are some thoughts:

MODERN modern kitchens are chic, trendy, and more suited to those who want their kitchen to be a work of art. Think integrated appliances, feature walls, thoughtful splashes of texture and a streamlined colour scheme. modern kitchens are simple yet effective. smart appliances, handleless cabinets and clever storage solutions all work together to create a tidy and sleek look – think clean lines, bold colours and effortless functionality. modern kitchens keep up with the latest trends, at the moment emphasising sustainable materials, minimalist features and kitchen zoning.

TRADITIONAL a traditional kitchen will never go out of style; it is homely and warm, with a touch of cosiness. most often it will blend into the home’s original features, whether dated or new. Despite the name, these kitchens are robust and geared up for modern life. often drawing inspiration from the Georgian era, traditional kitchens ooze charm from every beam, brick and antique. typically, they’ll use lots of real wood finishes and try to maximise the use of pre-existing architecture. cream and grey hues are popular to complement the exposed brick and wood, and it’s not uncommon to see a splash of black for depth. bathkitchencompany.co.uk Above: Light Shaker cabinetry was introduced to give space and prominence to the details. There is plenty of unobtrusive storage – such as rounded cabinets that seamlessly meet the old stone wall and bespoke larder cupboards with glazed tops.

The Bath Kitchen Company

Left: Visible from all areas of the house and garden, the kitchen sits in harmony with the rest of the building. Built-in cabinetry and appliances merge into their surroundings while white worktops radiate light around this clean, progressive kitchen.

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INTERIORS

Timeless textiles

Brunel 3 seater sofa in V&A Threads of India, Mughal Garden Safari, Hunter

Sofas & Stuff has already produced two textile collections with the V&A: the Brompton Collection and Drawn from Nature. A third collection that has just been launched draws inspiration from the museum’s archive of South Asian textiles.

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ritish furniture and fabric brand Sofas & Stuff has launched a new fabric collection, Threads of India, in collaboration with the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum). Drawing inspiration from the illustrious archive of South Asian textiles at the V&A, the collection tells a story of the Indian subcontinent’s unique textile heritage, with designs inspired by ceremonial fabrics, tent hangings and garments, including an opulent, embroidered hunting coat.

The designs are presented on a linen and viscose blend that is soft and luxurious but tough enough to withstand wear. Using a palette that combines deep and rich tones with soft fresh hues, each pattern is offered in an array of contemporary shades that nevertheless reflect the history of the of the timeworn objects that inspired them. Whether adorning a sofa, gracing an armchair or accentuating a footstool, these fabrics have the power to elevate interiors to new heights of sophistication.

Andrew Cussins, Founder of Sofas & Stuff, says “This collection is not just about furniture, it’s about storytelling, cultural heritage, and the seamless blend of past and present. We invite you to discover the Threads of India collection and immerse yourself in a world of timeless beauty”.

Left: Snape chair in V&A Threads of India, Regal Arabesque, Flame This fabric draws inspiration from an intricate lattice floral pattern from the time of Shah Jahan held in the V&A archive.

Representations of textiles at the emperor’s court depicted in miniature paintings suggest that Jahan, known for his architectural accomplishments, also enjoyed wearing elaborate garments and beautiful fabrics.

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INTERIORS Right: Exbury 3 seater sofa in V&A Threads of India, Mughal Arbour, Hunter Rediscover the timeless charm of an 18th-century cotton tent hanging from the V&A collection and bring echoes of the grandeur of Mughal artistry to your furniture. The design takes inspiration from the ageless Mughal motif of a flowering tree enclosed in an arch, infusing it with a fresh twist that merges the past with innovation. Printed in Lancashire on a viscose linen union.

V&A Threads of India, Mughal Arbour fabrics

Threads of India fabrics can be used across any of Sofas & Stuff ’s range of British handmade bespoke sofas, chairs, beds, footstools, or purchased by the metre for other soft furnishing projects. Furniture upholstered in Threads of India fabric is also available to purchase online. sofasandstuff.com/toi Pugin 3 seater sofa in V&A Threads of India, Varanasi Wilderness, Pitch

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Cotswold in Bath

INTERIORS

Jackson Chaise Large Right Hand

You may have noticed that the shop in Northgate Street once inhabitated by Duck, Son and Pinker has been revamped and recharged to a state of calm, stylish, open-plan interior deliciousness. That’s because The Cotswold Company has opened a new branch in Bath. We talk to Lisa Coppin about the Cotswold philosophy...

“

W

e love beautiful things well-made and built to last, things that really make a home; wherever and whatever that means to you.” cxxcxxcxxc I ask Cotswold Company Chief Creative Officer Lisa Coppin why this company statement is so important to the Cotswold Company brand. “It’s everything we stand for when we design and develop all our products,” she says. “We are passionate about homewares and furniture that last and stand the test of time – both from a quality and a style perspective. We want our customers to love our products and cherish them for a lifetime. We put a lot of effort into the details – like our paint finishes, the quality of our handles and the raw materials that go into all our products.

The Cotswold Company style The company offers a large range of furniture across the bedroom, living room, dining room, nursery and kitchen. But is there a ‘Cotswold Company’ common denominator underlying them all?

“All of our products are designed by our in-house team, explains Lisa.

“We are passionate about our products and our designs blend classic English influences with updated shapes for modern living; consistently well-made and designed to last. We source our products from around the world including the UK, Europe and Asia. For example our upholstery 70 TheBATHMagazine | March 2024 | iSSUe 253

is made by master craftsmen in Long Eaton and our bed linen is handmade in Portugal from the finest yarns.”

Sustainability “As the majority of our product range is made from wood, sustainability is high on our agenda – we really care about our people and the planet and want to tread as lightly as possible. We’ve removed 90% of polystyrene from our packaging and have nearly achieved our goal of sending zero waste to landfill. The cardboard we take away during furniture delivery is recycled into new packaging which we use to send out accessories deliveries. Our biggest commitment is to plant a tree for every one we use – we have planted over 50,000 trees so far, and we use only responsibly sourced timbers to make our cabinet furniture.”

Cotswold Company’s new Bath shop Lisa tells us about the company’s new Bath store, and what makes the space unique. “We’ve been wanting to open a shop in Bath for some time and it’s taken a couple of years to find the right building and location.

It’s a little smaller than most of our stores, but we fell in love with the space when we first saw it. The shop was an old music store (Duck, Son and Pinker) and it has a wonderful ceiling, railings and other period features which give it a unique feel and help create the most beautiful

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backdrop for our furniture and home accessory collections. I particularly love the two small rooms on the upper floor which we’ve transformed into cosy bedrooms – these really help customers visualise how our products might look in their own home.

“We’ve managed to squeeze a lot into a small space with five bedrooms and three living and dining room sets for customers to browse. At the heart of the store is our Chester (Shaker) range with its distinctive pale oak tops and premium painted finish. It comes in five colours and works well in many homes – it’s our most extensive collection with a wide range of products covering all rooms of the house. For a more contemporary product we have our midcentury inspired Berkeley oak range with its hoop back chairs.

Another favourite is our Winchcombe bedroom range – inspired by Georgian bow-fronted chests, it has a wonderful sleigh bed.”

On storage and organisation “Storage and organisation are a big part of creating a practical home and we have plenty of this to choose from at The Cotswold Company! This ranges from free-standing larders and islands to organise your kitchen, to numerous shoe storage solutions for tidy hallways. We are constantly looking for new product ideas to help with decluttering and have recently launched a series of tall cloakroom storage and the ‘bootility’ cupboard in our Chester range.

We also have some great new products to help young families – I particularly love our Chester Play Away Coffee Table – it has a clever lift-off top so children can play during the day and then their toys can be cleverly covered over in the evening, creating a toy-free adult space.”

New launches to watch out for “We are excited to be launching two new colours this spring in our Chester collection – cream and green. We are seeing our customers really enjoying using green and I particularly love how this colour looks in our larders and kitchen tables. Green is such a versatile colour and really does bring a feeling of nature into your home. Our new Bibury bedroom collection launches in April – with a wonderful smoked oak finish, the pieces are larger in scale and timeless in design.”

Inglesham Oak Kitchen Island and (right) Inglesham double larder

Chester White Oak Cot Bed and (left of frame) Wittingham Chair

Garden projects too!

“Investing in comfortable garden furniture creates an additional room in your home for the summer months – I am a big fan of outdoor wicker furniture like the Cerney, Chedworth and Aldsworth ranges. These are really simple to look after, don’t need any maintenance and are light and easy to move around. I invested in a corner unit last year and my family all love it – from relaxing in the daytime sunshine to candlelit social evenings. Adding a firepit just adds to the experience – we have a wonderful one from the English Firepit company that you can also cook over!”

The Cotswold Company, 12 Northgate Street, Bath; cotswoldco.com Aldsworth Sun Lounger

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HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS | S/S 2024 GUIDE

Rooms for improvement

Our S/S guide features all our favourite trades and services to help spruce up your home and garden.

Whether it’s a small decorating touch or an ambitious major project, this directory has a treasured range of expert services to make all those home, interior and garden ideas become reality

WOODHOUSE & LAW 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath BA2 4EN Tel: 01225 428072 Web: woodhouseandlaw.co.uk Woodhouse and Law are a full-service interior and garden design company, working from their showroom and studio on Bathwick Hill. Founded in 2009 by Nick Woodhouse and John Law, the team take pride in developing stylish, individual and creative schemes across the residential and commercial sectors. Alongside their current collaboration with the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, the Woodhouse and Law studio is currently working on a number of projects across the city of Bath, and further afield, including London, Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

AVONVALE CARPETS 37 Kingsmead Street, Bath BA1 2AA Tel: 01225 427057 Web: avonvalecarpets.co.uk Your choice of flooring is vital in transforming any room and the range of options can sometimes overwhelm; fortunately, Avonvale Carpets is on hand to assist. It has served homeowners and businesses throughout the city of Bath and Wiltshire for over 50 years, providing an excellent choice of flooring, in-depth expertise and perfect fitting. An independent, second-generation family-run business, Avonvale Carpets uses professionallytrained fitters and deals directly with major manufacturers, offering customers a great selection of quality flooring solutions that’s second to none – LVT, natural, stain resistant, vinyl, wood, wool and tailor-made options too. You’ll be amazed at the variety on offer in the shop, located just off Kingsmead Square. Pop in and see.

72 TheBATHMagazine | MaRCh 2024 | issue 253

BONITI Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, Wiltshire SN14 8JA Tel: 01225 892200 Web: boniti.com Run by Giles and Simon Lunt, Boniti is a high-quality interiors (and exteriors) business. The showroom is a destination for all types of natural stone, porcelain and timber flooring as well as decorative tiles, stoneware, Kadai firebowls, and the highly desirable Everhot range cookers and stoves. For large and small projects, the Boniti team are masters of their profession and it shows in every detail. The showroom is easily reached from J18 of the M4.

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HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS | S/S 2024 GUIDE

HOUSE OF RADIATORS 22 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 2ªA Tel: 01225 424199 Web: houseofradiators.co.uk House of Radiators sells traditional and designer radiators that can be off-the-shelf sizes/finishes or bespoke sizes and colours. This popular, family-run business opened its Bear Flat showroom in 2011 and not only sells to Bath areas but throughout the UK and overseas. Following a major re-fit, there are over 100 radiators on display and due to increasing popularity the traditional cast iron and column radiator range has expanded. With over 50 years experience in the heating and radiator industry they offer a friendly and high level of customer service. This is key in helping customers choose the right radiator for their home that will not only look amazing but will heat their room and do its job. Because the team work with leading manufacturers and distributors in the radiator industry, there’s always something to suit all budgets and styles. Locally the company are able to offer an at-home consultation where they’ll measure up and work out the correct heat requirements and size up radiators accordingly.

KUTCHENHAUS BATH 5 Saracen Street, Bath BA1 5BR. Tel: 01225 634025 Web: uk.kutchenhaus.com Kutchenhaus Bath are part of the Kutchenhaus German Kitchen family.

Located on Saracen Street in the heart of Bath, Kutchenhaus supply, design and fit German kitchens which with it bring innovation and the latest technology. Whether you are looking for a modern kitchen or a traditional kitchen, the friendly team at Kutchenhaus Bath has over 60 years of combined experience, so can guarantee a professional and five-star service.

All Kutchenhaus kitchens are manufactured and put together in Verle, Germany and get shipped directly to customers fully assembled which means no flat-pack! The kitchens are also manufactured by intelligent machines which completely eliminates the risk of human error – guaranteeing your kitchen will be right first time! The team in Bath also design spaces for bathrooms, bedroom and living areas too. So whatever your query may be, pop into the showroom today and get your dream project plans into motion.

SELBY LANDSCAPES Tel: 01225 571350 Web: selbylandscapes.com Selby Landscapes is the leading landscape gardening company based in Bath with an excellent reputation for crafting beautiful and enduring outdoor spaces. Selby Landscapes offer a turn-key solution to your landscape requirements including landscape design and construction, garden design, planting and garden maintenance. Frequently working alongside other garden designers in the Somerset region, as well as offering an in-house garden design service, every garden project Selby Landscapes create, from city courtyards to large country gardens, is crafted to give a lifetime of pleasure.

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HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS | S/S 2024 GUIDE

BLAKE & BULL Hartley Farm, Winsley, BA15 2JB Tel: 01225 434500 Web: blakeandbull.co.uk Blake & Bull started life 20 years ago with a simple cleaning service of Aga range cookers, this soon developed into complete Aga refurbishment business, bringing a beautiful new life to classic, old and fatigued Agas with re-enamelling [now available in a choice of 65 colours], electric conversions and also re-imagined Agas - brilliantly recreated and made to order from recovered parts. The company now employs over 40 people and has cleaned, refurbished and remade thousands of Aga cookers in its workshop and showroom at Hartley Farm near Bath. In the showroom you’ll not only find a display of pristine restorations but also a range of thoughtful high quality cookware and kitchen accessories. For expert advice or just to browse all the wonderful products a visit to the showroom is a must.

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY 7–9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS Tel: 01225 312003 Web: bathkitchencompany.co.uk Established in 1990, Bath Kitchen Company is an award-winning, well-regarded family business based in Bath. With vast experience, the company takes pride in its close attention to detail and its understanding of what each client requires. Whatever an individual client’s tastes, the team will find a bespoke kitchen that strikes a perfect balance between aesthetic and practical requirements.

Consequently every kitchen is unique, beautifully designed and perfectly functional. Handmade using premium materials and to the highest standards, a beautiful kitchen can be carefully crafted to make the most of available space, existing features and the latest technology. Whether designing for Bath’s oldest private homes or cutting-edge city apartments, the principle is the same – Bath Kitchen Company will create a place that enhances your lifestyle.

GARDEN AFFAIRS Trowbridge Garden Centre, 288 Frome Road, Trowbridge BA14 ODT Tel: 01225 774566 Web: gardenaffairs.co.uk Create space for home working, hobbies, a growing family or even a new business venture with a cost-effective, versatile, fully-insulated garden room. Garden Affairs offer a huge range of high quality, sustainable garden buildings and will help you get the design, the installation, the quality and the price spot on. Visit their extensive display centre at Trowbridge Garden Centre in Wiltshire to see garden offices, art and craft studios, teenage dens, granny annexes as well as a range of ‘posh sheds’ and summerhouses.

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SOFAS & STUFF Woodchester Mill, North Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5NN Tel: 01453 700812 Web: sofasandstuff.com/stroud Blending contemporary creativity with three generations of furniture-making expertise, Sofas & Stuff make timeless sofas, chairs, and beds by hand in their Lancashire factory. Offering design advice, unmatched choice and customisation from their 23 showrooms, Sofas & Stuff lets you create furniture that truly fits your home and individual style. Choose from their inspiring range of fabrics, which include exclusive designs created in collaboration with the V&A and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Shown here: Sofas & Stuff ’s Hampton 3 seater sofa in Super Soft Velvet Highland Green.

MANDARIN STONE 15–16 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ Tel: 01225 460033 Web: mandarinstone.com Renowned for its comprehensive natural stone collection, Mandarin Stone has gained quite a reputation for its on-trend and beautifully designed porcelain. Ranging from tiles that cleverly mimic materials such as wood, concrete and marble to striking glazed and patterned tiles, the collection has endless surface design possibilities. This year Mandarin is celebrating 35 years in business and with 15 inspirational UK showrooms, it offers dependable specialist knowledge as well as technical expertise. Almost the entire natural stone and porcelain collection is held in stock in the UK, so lead times are short.

BEN ARGENT KITCHENS Dunsdon Barn, West Littleton, Wiltshire SN14 8JA Tel: 01225 892270 Web: benargentkitchens.co.uk Award-winning creators of bespoke contemporary kitchens that successfully combine functional design with elegant simplicity. Ben has a background as a designer/maker and has extensive experience in the specialist furniture industry.

He launched the company in 2007 with a clear understanding of the subtleties and technicalities required to achieve sophisticated and highly individual contemporary kitchens. Their beautiful showroom is conveniently located near M4 J18 with plenty of free parking. Please contact them to arrange a viewing.

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HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS | S/S 2024 GUIDE

CLAIR STRONG

HOPE NEON

INTERIOR DESIGN

enquiries@hopeneon.com Web: hopeneon.com

ORIGINAL NEON ARTWORK

2 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD Meetings by appointment.

Studio: 01225 426905 Mob: 07855 797311 info@clairstrong.co.uk Web: clairstrong.co.uk Clair and her experienced team at Clair Strong Interior Design Ltd provide a full range of interior design services for both residential and Photography by nicksmithphotography.com commercial projects.

Established over 16 years ago, Clair works with a trusted network of professionals and trades to offer a complete interior design service for projects of all types. From city centre apartments and shops to large family homes and hotels, her portfolio includes contemporary projects through to listed Georgian properties. The company ethos is to take a collaborative approach with clients, working with them to create spaces that meet their needs, improve their lives, and exceed their expectations. Call or email Clair to discuss your project.

Original neon artwork for cool homes and businesses.

HopeNeon artworks are designed and handmade in Bristol. After discussing your preferences, artist and founder Wendy will create a unique neon sculpture to bring a wow! factor to your hallway, staircase, office building or restaurant interior.

Wendy uses glass sourced from Murano and genuine neon - not inferior LEDs or acrylic.

The neon does not get hot, uses very little energy and is safe. Your HopeNeon artwork will be original, valuable and a good investment, as well as being a stunning piece of art that is much admired. Request a brochure to see current artworks for sale or make an appointment to visit Wendy’s gallery at Abbots Leigh and see the fabulous lights!

COOPERS HOME APPLIANCES 13–15 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BN Tel: 01225 311811 Web: coopershomeappliances.com Located on the famous Walcot Street of Bath, Coopers Home Appliances is a store not to miss. For many years running, Coopers has been a popular entry in our ‘Best of Bath’ list and it’s easy to see why. With over 70 years’ experience, Coopers is a highly acclaimed and award-winning kitchen appliance retailer with an eye for the unusual. Their large showroom has undergone an exciting transformation and displays an extensive array of range cookers, refrigeration, laundry, dishwashing, built-in appliances, small appliances, and much more. The showroom provides customers with a unique live experience where you can physically interact with the appliances before you buy them. The store frequently holds demonstrations and events, and often collaborates with other local specialist traders. The expert team at Coopers is always on hand and is competitive when it comes to purchase, delivery, and installation. With so much choice, the team will help you choose the right product to complement your taste and home environment. With superb customer service, Coopers aim to make buying home appliances a personal and pleasurable experience – independent retailing at its very best.

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CATRIONA ARCHER INTERIORS

Tel: 07823 884945 Web: catrionaarcher.com Catriona provides half-day Interior Design Consultations to full Endto-End Renovations for homeowners, holiday lets and boutique commercial projects. Working with the homeowner's existing items helps quickly identify where further investment is required: Because interior design should be accessible to all and needn’t cost the earth.

JOEL BUGG FURNITURE & SPACES Tel: 01225 583520 / 07779 236242 Web: joelbugg.co.uk Joel Bugg Furniture & Spaces designs and creates elegant, bespoke fitted furniture and interiors, which are architecturally thought through to seamlessly fit and suit your property. Joel and his team offer a fully managed service from initial space planning and concept designs, using teams of skilled cabinet makers in their manufacture through to final installation. They will also recommend, source and provide lighting, flooring and other finishing touches as required. Their expertise spans all interiors from kitchens and bathrooms to libraries and boot rooms, and as well as working directly with clients they work collaboratively with architects and interior designers to deliver a truly tailored solution.

KELLY MARIE KITCHEN INTERIORS 8 Pulteney Terrace, Bath BA2 4HJ Tel: 01225 481881 (Mobile: 07796 554466) Web: kellymariekitchens.com Kelly Marie has more than 15 years experience in the kitchen design industry. She has had the pleasure of working on many luxury kitchen projects in the Bath area and now owns her own unique and creative business based on a constant list of word-of-mouth recommendations.

Her technical designs with intrinsic creativity allow spaces that are functional yet beautiful. With a vast portfolio of luxury German kitchen projects, Kelly works with each client’s budget, providing personalised attention throughout the design process. Kelly believes that it is all about the little details and her approach combines purposeful variations of colour, textures and finishes. The careful selection of these elements endow the home with a sense of harmony, while reflecting the individual style of the client.

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HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS | S/S 2024 GUIDE

LOLA SWIFT INTERIORS

CREAM CORNWALL

Tel: 07971 106546; Email: lola@lolaswift.co.uk Web: lolaswift.co.uk

29, Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DG Web: creamcornwall.co.uk

Interior designer and colour consultant based in Bath, Lola Swift offers a creative and comprehensive design service, seamlessly combining style with practicality whilst integrating personality, colour and texture in your home or workspace. Whether you have moved house, are looking to restyle a room or office space, let Lola remove the stress by creating a beautiful design scheme that reflects your style and budget.

Services include residential and commercial spaces, from concept and space planning to room styling and implementation.

THE BATH FRAMER 14–15 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD Tel: 01225 920210 Web: thebathpictureframer.co.uk The Bath Framer, owned

by Kelly, is a friendly boutique picture framers that has a beautifully quirky front of house and an amazing naturally lit workshop. Both are a joy to work in and to visit for customers wanting to see how frames are created.

Since opening, the business has gone from strength to strength, building a client list of local residents and businesses based in Bath, Bristol and beyond. A bespoke framing service, tailored to suit all individuals’ needs runs alongside a gorgeous selection of cards, gift wrap and stationery.

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Inspired by the Cornish coast, Cream Cornwall makes luxury and exclusive homewares for people who love to be surrounded by beautiful things.

Featured on homewares and fabric, their unique designs transform ordinary objects into statement pieces. Cream Cornwall’s overarching motto is ‘Beautiful things, beautifully made’ and Rebecca and Allison, the co-founders of Cream Cornwall, are committed to producing quality and unique homewares that inspire. The two women are passionate keeping production as local as possible, with their candles, diffusers, lampshades and cushions all made locally in Cornwall. Both Rebecca and Allison maintain the importance of having physical stores, and their shops in Falmouth, St Ives and Bath beautifully showcase the wide range of products.

ROLLS INTERIORS LIMITED DOMESTIC HEAT PUMPS Tel: 07963 242943 / 01225 340684 Web: rollsinteriors.com/heat Air source heat pumps are the low-carbon alternative to gas boilers.

They work a bit like a fridge-freezer, but in reverse. The clever technology uses electricity to take warmth from the air outside – even when temperatures get as low as -15C! Heat pumps are the greener way to supply your home heating and hot water, but with fewer CO2 emissions. And, thanks to a government grant of £7,500, domestic heat pumps are now more affordable than ever.

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BATH CARPETS AND FLOORING 4 Kingsmead Street, Bath BA1 2AA Tel: 01225 471888 Web: carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk Supplying and fitting flooring throughout the South West since 2004. Bath Carpets and Flooring (BCF) offers a wide selection of carpets, all made from a variety of different materials including wool, polypropylene, nylon and sisals. With the combined experience of more than 100 years, the team’s extensive knowledge and expertise puts you at ease as they match your needs with the perfect flooring solution. BCF pride themselves on only giving impartial advice and hassle-free measuring and estimating, so there will never be any sales pressure or confusion.

As the city’s largest Karndean flooring specialist, BCF’s luxury vinyl tile showroom will give you the freedom to create impressive floors, where the only limit is imagination. With showrooms over two floors offering an even greater selection of homely carpets, vinyl’s, LVT’s and modern rugs. Commercial flooring from all leading manufacturers is available through Bath Contract Flooring Ltd. So if it’s flooring for your home or your business BCF have got it covered.

THE URBAN GARDEN Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LZ Tel: 07877 846488 Web: theurbangarden.org.uk The Urban Garden is ‘the smallest garden centre with the biggest heart’.

Located in Royal Victoria Park just below the Royal Crescent, it sells locally sourced plants and houseplants (50% grown by the team), a range of beautiful garden-ware and gifts. Plants can be packaged in recyclable posipots and you can purchase peat free compost sold in re-fillable bags. On site there is a café kiosk where customers can enjoy a coffee whilst enjoying the tranquil space. The Urban Garden also offers a range of botanical courses throughout the year in the back of its beautiful glasshouse. Loved by Bath residents as a calm oasis, its reputation is growing and last year it was featured in the Telegraph as one of their top 10 garden centres to visit. As a social enterprise, a purchase made there helps support people to improve their lives in a number of ways. Open Thursdays-Sundays.

BESPOKE ROOFING SERVICES Tel: 01225 4805661, or Freephone: 0800 696 5760 Web: bespokeroofingservices.co.uk Bespoke Roofing Services are an independent family company specialising in professional building and roofing and repairs to meet any residential or commercial need. Typical jobs taken on include rendering, repointing, garage roofs, tiling, slating, felt roofing, ridge tile repairs, roof and guttering de-mossing, chimney repairs, EPDM rubber roofing and UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering requirements. The company offers a friendly, efficient and thorough service by experienced trained professionals at competitive rates, and also provides free quotes and advice. Bespoke Roofing takes pride in its professionalism, high standards and quality finishes. From a single tile to a new roof, no job too big or small.

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MARMALADE HOUSE Tel: 07733 263844 Web: themarmaladehouse.co.uk Marmalade House is an award-winning, professional furniture painting and design company, based in Bath. It specialises in French and Gustavian finishes that include the layering of colours, distressed paintwork and lime-washing as well as gilding, colour-washing for ageing and waxing services.

The focus is all about colour and style and how that fits into a customer’s home.

The team of trained interior designers also offer a design and styling service that brings together the client’s style and aspirations for change. For those who prefer to do everything themselves, the company also offers popular training courses on how to paint furniture to professional standards, and the use of colour within your home. Run

by Vanessa Sayce, Marmalade House is an established, friendly company that has its clients’ interests at heart, whatever changes they would like to make, and at whatever scale.

BEAU NASH BATH 28 and 31 Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN Tel: 01225 259 646 and 01225 334 234 Web: beaunashbath.com Antique lovers, over the last year, Beau Nash has expanded their collection to include an Antique Mirror Gallery, the only one of its kind in the city of Bath. With over 50 mirrors displayed in 4 floors and an updated online shop, they strive to make it easier for home owners to find stylish pieces for their homes. They ship internationally and deliver to London on Tuesdays. Situated between the Circus and the Royal Crescent, both of their shops now offer antique silverware, quality porcelain, and fashionable period furniture backed with personalised service. One of the loveliest shops in Bath, this is a must-see on your visit. instagram: beaunashbath

FRANCIS DIY 39 Moorland Road, Bath BA2 3PN Tel: 01225 427885, Web: francisdiy.com Francis DIY, Bath’s original hardware store since 1966 can be found in the bustling area of Oldfield Park where the store supplies the widest range of DIY and hardware products imaginable. It is a family run business, and the team there have a wealth of experience and are reknowned for their friendly service, great advice or simply helping new and existing loyal customers find DIY solutions. The range is vast with hundreds of stock items immediately available including: domestic hardware, key cutting services, locks and security products, lightbulbs and electrical accessories, small electrical appliances, heaters, fans, DIY and decorating products, paints and varnishes, kitchenware and cooking accessories, hand and power tools, fireworks and fairy lights... and so much more. The store is open Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 6.00pm and Sunday 9am to 4.00pm and also offers a local delivery service. It’s the best!

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SKY INTERIORS Bluesky House, Western Way, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8BZ. Tel: 01225 707372 Web: skyinteriors.co.uk The team at Sky Interiors (Bath) Limited have been designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke cabinetry and joinery for over 40 years. Based at its showroom and joinery workshop on the outskirts of Bath, experienced designers work closely with clients to guide them through the design process. The company takes great pride in building a relationship with its clients through listening to their practical requirements and their tastes for colours, textures and finishes and Sky Interiors will always delight in incorporating the sought after ‘fine detail’. With total flexibility to produce all aspects of interiors to exceptional standards, from kitchens to bathrooms, bedrooms to boot rooms, as well as one off pieces, the company also collaborates with interior designers across Bath, the home counties and London.

BROWELL INTERIORS Tel: 07510 843232 Web: browellinteriors.com Bath-based interior decorator, Isabell Browell uses light and colour to help transform rooms. The right lampshade has a vital role to play in the feel of a room. Isabell produces one-off and limited edition handstitched lampshades that complement the colours and design in a room. She also works with clients to research the right materials. Her fabrics are handwoven silk and cotton Ikats from Uzbekistan and Turkey, cotton block prints and recycled vintage silk Saris from India.

As well as lampshades, Isabell offers a selection of Ikat and Suzani cushions from Uzbekistan and Turkey. View Isabell’s collection on her website or get in touch for a personalised service.

HEIDI REIKI FENG SHUI AND REIKI FOR YOUR HOME Tel: 07776 255875 Email: heidi@heidireiki.com Web: heidireiki.com “My family’s experience of Heidi’s professionalism and expertise and knowledge is beyond compare. Combined with her kind and caring personality, it made the whole process of Feng Shui, reiki and space clearing for our home a very positive experience, I only wish we did it sooner!” - Melissa. Heidi offers bespoke packages for your home. Each living space is unique. Using her expertise in Reiki, Feng Shui and The ThetaHealing® Technique Heidi transforms your home and office to a calm, tranquil and harmonious place to live and work. Contact Heidi Lerner Rearden for more details about her work.

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NEWMAN’S JOINERY 6 Locksbrook Court, 88-89 Locksbrook Rd, BA1 3EN Tel: 01225 318378, Web: newmansjoinery.co.uk In April 2015, Roland Newman took over the thriving Hulin & Hudson joinery firm following the retirement of Mike Hulin.

Based in Widcombe, the joinery shop was a well-established local business providing high-quality joinery for houses in Bath and the surrounding areas. Chris, the foreman, worked with Mike for almost 20 years and continues to run the workshop, so the wealth of experience and local knowledge has been retained. The company deals with everything from timber windows, staircases, doors and frames to alcove cupboards, panelling, timber conservatories and shop façades and they have a specialist knowledge in listed buildings. Contact Newmans for a free, no-obligation initial visit to discuss your requirements.

RIGHTIO HOME REPAIRS & HOME SERVICES Tel: 01225 458844 Web: rightio.co.uk Founded in 2010, Rightio Subcontractor Limited has become a leading home repair company in the UK. Rightio specialise in providing expert repairs including emergency appointments for heating and plumbing, drainage, electrics and locks. As a customer-centric company, the team are on-hand seven days a week to assist with your problems, restoring your home back to normality. All their 5-star engineers are accredited, trained and have at least five years’ experience, and can normally attend your property within 1-2 hours. Call today for a visit from one of Rightio’s experts!

RETROFIT WEST ENERGY-SAVING HOME IMPROVEMENTS Free advice line: 0800 038 6733 Web: retrofitwest.co.uk

ROLLS INTERIORS LIMITED Tel: 07963 242943 / 01225 340684 Web: rollsinteriors.com If you are looking for bespoke kitchen and bathroom fittings, contact Rolls Interiors Ltd. Rolls works closely with its customers to encapsulate their vision and design something that not only meets the requirements but surpasses their expectations. Projects range from a bathroom or kitchen re-fit, to altering walls to create kitchen/family rooms & even converting a couple of rooms into a self-contained annexe with separate entrance. Vist the website for more information and to see some recent projects.

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Retrofit West is a Community Interest Company offering independent advice and support for retrofit projects, otherwise known as energysaving home improvements, in the West of England. Their expertise helps homeowners plan, design, and deliver energy-efficient and sustainable home improvements. Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Retrofit West aim to help more householders, upgrade their properties to reduce energy usage and costs, create a healthier and more comfortable home environment and help fight climate change. Retrofit West is also offering up to £250 discount on energy efficiency assessments from heat loss surveys to full retrofit plans to kickstart your journey to a cosier, greener home.

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We specialise in design, manufacture and installation of bespoke kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, home studies and media cabinetry.

Sky Interiors

Melksham SN12 8BZ www.skyinteriors.co.uk E: enquiries@skyinteriors.co.uk T: 01225 707372 Showroom viewing Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Saturday via appointment only

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Retrofitting homes for the future

As we strive to achieve our net-zero targets by 2030, it becomes imperative to explore innovative solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also enhance our daily lives.

A

Retrofitting your home is also about improving comfort and wellbeing.

Comfort isn’t just about improving warmth and reducing draughts, it’s about the air we breathe. Old buildings often play host to unwelcome guests like dampness and mould, causing respiratory issues and a general feeling of discomfort. Retrofitting combats these issues with improved ventilation systems and insulation.

At its core, retrofitting is about making our homes more energy-efficient, a crucial aspect of our journey towards sustainability. The simple yet impactful act of upgrading insulation, windows, and heating systems can significantly slash energy consumption. This not only translates to lower energy bills for homeowners but also plays a vital role in curbing the overall environmental impact of our structures.

While the upfront costs may seem daunting, the long-term savings are proven. Homeowners stand to benefit from reduced energy bills, and the increased energy efficiency adds value to the property. Additionally, the retrofit industry itself can become a source of job creation and economic growth, supporting the development of a sustainable green economy.

recent report commissioned by the National Trust, Historic England highlights the impact of our homes, which currently contribute a staggering 40% to the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. The key to tackling this is retrofitting our homes.

“We’ve set ambitious targets for a net-zero future, so addressing the carbon footprint of our homes is non-negotiable. Retrofitting provides a practical and effective solution that allows us to preserve the historical charm of our buildings while aligning them with the demands of the 21st century.” Says Simon Andrews at Retrofit West.

The benefits of retrofitting extend far beyond reducing carbon emissions.

One of the primary advantages is the improvement of energy efficiency, a key component in our journey towards a sustainable future. By upgrading the insulation, windows, and heating systems of our homes, we can significantly reduce their energy consumption. This not only contributes to lower energy bills but also helps in mitigating the overall environmental impact of these structures.

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Retrofitting is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a tailored solution for each property, considering its unique charm and structural nuances. It is especially important in a city like Bath which is built primarily of historic Georgian buildings full of period features which impact the character of a home. Commissioning an architect or retrofit designer will be best placed to advise on preserving these features.

If you’re considering retrofitting your home and don’t know where to start you can contact Retrofit West. Retrofit West are a community interest company funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to help householders plan, design, and deliver energyefficient and sustainable home improvements. You can contact their free advice service or use their free home plan builder at retrofitwest.co.uk.

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Flower and Land Thoughtful, curated and seasonal wedding flowers

www.flowerandland.com flowerandland@gmail.com 07850 518858

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the directory

to advertise in this section call 01225 424 499 Holiday Rental

Electricians

60+ luxury properties for lets 2 nights to 5 months Holidays – For business – Friends & family Temporary accommodation during renovation/relocation Contact: 01225 482 225 wendy@bathholidayrentals.com www.bathholidayrentals.com Providing 4 & 5 star self-catering properties since 2006

House & Home

Chauffeur/Private Hire

A IRP ORT TRA NSF ER S A ND TOU RS

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

GCS WINDOW CLEANING

IN BATH AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Graham’s Cleaning Services Ltd

Specialist in commercial & retail and large domestic properties Traditional and Reach & Wash window cleaning services Trusted, professional and fully insured.

Tel: Office: 01761 433123 or Mobile: 07989 302299 grahams.wcsltd@gmail.com grahamscleaningser vices.co.uk

Jewellery

Nigel Dando WE BUY Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition.

Nigel Dando 11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

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GARDENING

Creating a spring window box

There is no better way to herald in the season than to create a spring window box, says Jessica Stokes – it’s a chance to invite colour to your window sills and into your gardens at this otherwise slightly dull time of year.

Primula (below); Heuchera (coral bells) and Dryopteris lepidopoda fern (bottom); and Hellebores (bottom right) found their way into Jessica’s spring window box

I

­t ’s­March­and­the­garden­is­starting­to­emerge­– so­maybe­it’s­now time­to­introduce­some­brilliant­and­uplifting­colours­into­the mix?­ Experienced­ gardeners­ may­ have­ cultivated­ bulbs­ for flowering­in­the­spring­themselves,­planting­them­in­early­autumn to­flower­in­March­and­April.­We’re­skipping­that­stage­here, using­ready-grown­specimens­to­create­a­window­box­that­brings­some floral­soul­to­proceedings.­ The­first­priority­when­creating­a­window­box­is­to­find­a­suitable container.­You­can­use­anything,­as­long­as­it­has­drainage­holes.­If­there is­no­drainage,­then­drill­holes­into­the­base,­just­enough­to­let­water out,­preventing­the­plants­from­becoming­waterlogged­and­then­dying.

My­method­is­then­to­add­horticultural­grit­or­stones,­whatever­you have­to­hand,­so­that­you­can­no­longer­visibly­see­the­drainage­holes.

Next­use­a­peat-free­potting­compost­– I­add­two-thirds­compost and­one­third­grit,­with­the­grit­allowing­a­more­free-draining­mixture that­will­allow­your­plants­to­thrive.­Fill­the­container­right­up­to­the top,­remembering­that­the­compost­will­sink­slightly­once­it­has­settled.

Sourcing your plants The­next­stage­is­the­fun­part­when­you­visit­your­local­nursery­or­garden centre.­I­always­take­a­trolley,­allowing­me­to­place­the­plants­together, as­I­would­when­planting­in­a­container,­giving­me­an­idea­of­what­looks good­together.­It­helps­me­understand­which­colours­work­well­together and­which­textures­and­heights­I­like.­I­would­recommend­packing­your container­with­plants,­in­order­to­achieve­impact­– I­always­buy­more than­I­think­I­need,­and­inevitably­end­up­using­them­all!

I­love­mixing­potted­spring­bulbs­such­as­Narcissus­(daffodils),­with Heuchera­ (coral­ bells),­ seasonal­ plants­ such­ as­ Primula,­ ferns,­ and grasses.­In­this­instance­I­chose­Stipa tenuissima grasses­for­their­texture, Athyrium filix-femina ferns­ for­ their­ vivid­ green­ leaves­ and­ Primula ‘Victoriana­Gold­Lace’­ in­reds,­yellows­and­cream­for­their­delicate flowers.­I­have­also­planted­Helleborus ‘Rosado’­into­the­window­boxes, as­ they­ have­ long­ stems­ with­ rosy­ pink­ flowers;­ Euphorbia ‘Miner’s Merlot’­ (spurge);­ and­ Heuchera ‘Marmalade’,­ ‘Boysenberry’­ and

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GARDENING ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ (coral bells) for their foliage in caramel tones, which contrast beautifully with the lively green ferns. I have used Narcissus ‘Têteà-tête’ for its yellow punctuation and snake’s head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) for its nodding plumb and white heads.

Planting and structure When it comes to planting. I prefer to avoid symmetry, and I like to use odd groupings of plants rather than even ones. I find that taller plants look better in the middle of the planter, and smaller, more delicate plants near the edges or front so that you can see and appreciate them. Don’t place them somewhere behind a fern where you cannot enjoy them. Mix colours and textures. Create a pattern with your planting, but allow contrast.

Take the plants out of their pots and pull apart their root system. This won’t damage the plant, but will allow the roots to spread out and grow.

This is especially true for those that are pot bound. These are usually very difficult to extract from a pot, because they are dense with roots, which have grown round in a circular direction inside the pot. By splitting the root system, you are helping the plant by giving it space, and allowing the roots to better take up water, creating healthier and stronger plants.

The depth of your planting hole should be the same depth as the pot they came from. If you are unsure, place the plant into your planting hole and check that the soil level of your plant, is in line with the surface level of the soil in your planter.

dry to the touch, dead head flowers, and cut away any leaves which go over. Otherwise you can expect to enjoy your spring window box until early summer, when you will be ready to update your container with summer bedding and planting combinations.

You can always save your spring flowers afterwards by saving the bulbs for planting in the autumn, or by planting everything in your garden beds once the spring box has gone over. n Jessica Stokes, gardener and sustainable floral designs.

Instagram: #_flowerandland; flowerandland.com

Watering and aftercare Always water your container once everything is planted. This is particularly true for plants that sit on windy balconies, which will dry out faster than those on the ground. Water your container when the soil feels

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

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PROPERTY | HOMEPAGE

A

superbly appointed newly built 6 bedroom detached property, set within this exclusive village development overlooking open fields. Cleverly designed landscaped gardens, a double garage and a stunning open plan kitchen, all enhance this very special property.

Number 8 Longmeadow is the last property to be completed and sits comfortably within this superb development. It is built using conservation stone roof slates and sits behind a stone wall with gated entrance. It backs onto open fields with a westerly aspect and with far-reaching views visible from the hall as you enter. The house is laid out over three floors with an oak staircase rising to the first floor galleried landing and a superb specification with the involvement of interior designers providing a bespoke finish throughout.

Designed to provide maximum light, the kitchen has two walls of floor to ceiling glazed doors meeting at a corner apex. This floods the large, open plan space with light and brings the outside in. It also has a separate living room and spacious sitting room for easy entertaining together with a study/TV room and 6 bedrooms. The elegantly and cleverly designed landscaped garden is laid out in three separate areas and extends towards the neighbouring field for an expansive, open feel but at the same time with a degree of privacy.

A viewing is strongly recommended by the sole agents Cobb Farr.

Beckington, Nr Bath • Six bedrooms (two ensuites) • Open plan kitchen & family room • Large sitting room with wood burner • Separate living room • Generous study/tv room • 3928 sq ft • Double garage with sedum roof • Paved driveway with electric gates

£1,795,000 Cobb Farr, 35 Brock Street, The Circus, Bath; Tel: 01225 333332

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Bennett Street, Bath £250,000

A stylish ground floor one bedroom south facing apartment, located beautifully in the heart of Georgian Bath.

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Ground floor, 1 bedroom apartment

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Georgian sash windows with working shutters

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Newly refurbished

South facing, sunny open plan living space

Well-appointed kitchen with fashionable parquet flooring Fine views towards the Abbey

Crescent Lane, Bath £495,000

A beautifully appointed 2 bedroom 2nd floor apartment with a pretty wrap around SW facing balcony and private gated parking, located in a prime residential area, to the rear of the Royal Crescent.

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2 bedroom second floor apartment

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Southwest facing balcony wraps around the property to

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High specification, well fitted kitchen Wellappointed ensuite shower room the rear

Private gated parking

01225 333332 | 01225 866111

Cobb Farr March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2024 16:26 Page 2

High Street Weston £675,000

An unusually versatile house set in the heart of Weston village close to all the amenities. It is offered either as a 4 bedroom single property or a 3 bedroom house with wonderful garden a separate studio flat (currently rented at £1050+ pcm through 2024)

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3/4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms

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No onward chain

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Separate rented studio flat below Super garden on two levels

Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire 01225 333332 | 01225 866111

Leigh Road, Bradford on Avon

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Church Farm, Hilperton, Wiltshire

12 beautiful homes in an eclectic mix of designs ranging from three to five bedrooms.

Show home open

Award winning developer with current developments across Somerset and Wiltshire

01225 791155 | ashford-homes.co.uk |

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Camella March.qxp_Layout 1 23/02/2024 15:44 Page 1

Bath’s boutique estate agents

camella.co.uk

LD O S

LD O S

North Road, Combe Down, O.I.E.O £650,000

LD SO

Cork Street, Lower Weston, O.I.E.O £500,000

LD SO

Box Road, Bathford O.I.E.O £475,000

LD SO

St Martins Court, Odd Down £230,000

Coming to market this spring: Southdown : Immaculate 3 bedroom semi-detached house O.I.E.O £450,000 Northend : Grade II, 3 bedroom period town house Guide price £600,000 Newbridge : 4 Bedroom Victorian terraced house with Airbnb opportunity - Guide price £600,000 Colerne : 4 Bedroom detached country house with 1/3 of an acre grounds - Guide price £950,000

Limpley Stoke : Stunning 4/5 bedroom house contemporary designed living with panoramic views - £1,195,000 St Marks Road, Widcombe £875,000

www.camella.co.uk

We offer viewings 7 days a week 8am – 8pm

Contact us to find out more.

01225 255321 hello@camella.co.uk

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