Melissa Blease chats to Midge Ure ahead of his new and immersive UK concert tour
Wonderwalls
The brave, bold and highly‐desired designs by Divine Savages
Needles and pins
The curative power of knitting – it’s a yarn story
Austen in the Abbey
A unique setting for a performance of Pride and Prejudice Spring in your step
Andrew Swift takes us to Minchinhampton for a Cotswolds walk
guitar that was once a piano
The Bath
to recycle pianos into beautiful things
An
Artistic Director
Looking
42 COVER STORY – PLAYED AND REMADE
Once upon a time a knackered piano would have been scrapped. We meet the people giving them a new and wonderful life
48 GETTING HITCHED
From Bridgerton-inspired weddings to all the best venues and services you need to make the big day bigger and better! 56 PORTRAIT OF BATH
Everyone loves the fish and chips served at The Scallop Shell. Meet hospitality power-couple – Garry and Lisa Rosser
70 A GOOD WALK
This month Andrew Swift expertly guides us around the historic lanes and hidden paths of Minchinhampton
74 INTERIORS – SIMPLY DIVINE
Enter the theatrical colour-filled world of Bath-based designers, Jamie Watkins and Tom Kennedy (AKA Divine Savages)
86 HOMES AND GARDENS
From great garden reading to inviting wildlife into your garden, and all the best property for sale. It’s all there
Our carefully curated guide to art and visual delights to be found at the city’s galleries On our cover this month
The Guitar that was once a Piano. Page 42 Image courtesy of Gary Leddington Follow us @thebathmagazine or enjoy our website: thebathmag.co.uk
things to do in April
Celebrate Springtime with Tulip Mania at Dyrham Park
13 April – 4 May. 10am-5pm. As well as a magnificent display along the long Avenue which leads to the house’s entrance, tulips will be out in the borders and dotted jewellike throughout the estate. In addition to the spectacular floral display, the house will be highlighting its historic links to the Netherlands, [the infamous 17th-century ‘Tulip Mania’ phenomena] and celebrating the tulip through its collection of blue and white Delftware. Inspired by Dyrham’s floral displays, there’s an exhibition of work from local artists on show and volunteers will be giving talks on the significance of tulips at Dyrham. With regular tours around the garden and a plant fayre at the Visitor Reception this promises to be a great day out. Free (normal admissions apply). Find more details at: nationaltrust.org.uk
Bath Phil & Sir Stephen Hough
Prepare for an evening of dazzling energy and extraordinary virtuosity with Bath Philharmonia at The Forum, Tuesday 14 April. The concert will burst into life with Mikhail Glinka’s exhilarating Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila before soaring into the radiant optimism of Brittany J Green’s Testify! Moments of reflection follow with the beautiful horn solo in the second movement of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. The thrilling climax will be Sergei Rachmaninov’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 3: a towering masterpiece of passion, intensity, and technical brilliance, performed by the incomparable Sir Stephen Hough. Led by guest conductor George Jackson, this concert promises a compelling journey through sparkling innovation and profound emotional depth. For tickets and details visit: bathboxoffice.org.uk
Open day fun at Bath Tennis Club
Saturday, 25 April, From 12–7pm. Something for all tennis enthusiasts and open to all ages and abilities, visit Bath Tennis Club, on Park Lane (by Victoria Park) as an individual, with a friend, as a couple or as a family and sample this superb community sports hub for some active health and social fun. Enjoy tennis drills, coaching tips, cardio and a fun doubles tournament along with junior and family zones, plus a chance to try pickle ball tennis. The club’s recent investment programme has inspired many past and new members of all ages and abilities to return to, or try, tennis for all its renowned benefits. Rackets and balls are provided, and there’s a rolling BBQ (£7 on the day) from 2 pm, with cake and refreshments from the bar and raffle prizes galore. This ace day out promises to be a smash! Entry and sessions are free but should be booked. Visit: bathtc.co.uk
A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Managing Directors of the Athenian and Amazonian factories look to mark their marriage and the merger of their two companies with a night of celebration. A group of factory workers (rude mechanicals) rehearse their play for this very night. Four lovers steal away to escape the judgement of their overbearing elders. All the while, the King and Queen of fairyland fight for control in the surrounding streets. Bath Drama presents this fun reimagining of Shakespeare’s most fantastical works, full of fairies, romance, magic, comedy and mayhem. transposed from the medieval Athens and the surrounding forest to a 1980s factory and the dark, winding streets. 29 April to 2 May at The Rondo Theatre. For further details and to purchase tickets visit: rondotheatre.co.uk
Bath Contemporary Artist Fair (BCAF) returns
The award-winning monthly art fair, held every second Sunday of the month, returns on 12 April. Held under the historic vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station, BCAF is committed to bringing the best of contemporary art to the heart of Bath. Over the years the event has created a regular space where a multitude of artists can set out their stalls, display and sell their art, as well as connecting with the public. Visitors can see the works of local artists and admire fine pieces of art, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and much more. Make a day of it and enjoy the foodie treats found at the station too. Admission is free. For updates and exhibiting artists see: bcaf.co.uk
Artwork by Christopher Perry
City Updates
Celebrating Jilly Cooper
Bath Festivals 2026 season is coming
Over four weeks in May and June Bath Festivals will welcome a host of authors, poets, historians, comedians and world-class musicians to the city in its annual celebration of music and books
Bath’s festival season launches with Party in the City, a big, free citywide night of bands, choirs and musicians playing in dozens of venues, on Friday 15 May. Then, from 16-24 May Bath Literature Festival hosts some of the UK’s most celebrated writers, including Hamnet author Maggie O’Farrell, Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson, historian Tom Holland and thriller writer Anthony Horowitz.
From 30 May – Sunday 7 June, Bath International Music Festival brings a glorious programme of music to this World Heritage City. Visiting artists include three of the world’s finest pianists, Richard Goode, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and Steven Osborne and Bath Abbey is the venue for an immersive performance of Secret Byrd by the awardwinning vocal group The Gesualdo Six.
Some literature festival highlights:
• The line-up includes: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Mary Portas, Marcus Brigstocke, ex-Chancellor Sajid Javid, historian Katy Hessel, poet William Sieghart and Bath Novel Award winner Abi Daré.
• Join the experts to talk about some of the biggest concerns of our time; the climate crisis, migration, our place in Europe and Russia’s ambitions.
• Celebrate the worlds of Jane Austen, Jilly Cooper and James Bond with like-minded fans.
• Explore the life and times of influential figures with talks on Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth II, George Sand and Gwen and Augustus John.
• Sign up for a festival workshop and flex your creative muscles.
• Put on your walking shoes to discover more about Bath’s people and places, with ten themed, guided walks to choose from.
Some music festival highlights:
• Jazz is back! Head for the Pump Room, where fresh from Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson and his trio offer a whistle-stop tour through 125 years of jazz piano greats, celebrating the music of Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, Art Tatum, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson and more.
• Catch a musician who is in demand globally. Virtuoso clarinettist
Mark Simpson, winner of both BBC Young Musician and BBC Young Composer and one of the foremost composers of today, will be playing in an afternoon performance at St Swithin’s Church.
• Be stirred by a rousing mix of classical and folk at Komedia, inspired by nights at The Red Hedgehog, a 19th century Viennese tavern.
• Enjoy a series of delightful morning coffee and cake concerts at St Swithin’s Church, featuring performances from Ethan Loch, piano, Irene Duval, violin, and Ryan Wang, piano.
• Immerse yourself in the hypnotic music of Argentine tango composer Piazzola in the company of the Bath Festival Tango Ensemble at Komedia.
• Join I Fagiolini, singing a capella, who will be bringing Renaissance masterpieces from Spain and England to life at St Mary’s Church, Bathwick. n
Festival offers, book more, save more!
This year, for the first time, Bath Festivals is offering multibuy ticket packages. You can save on tickets at Bath International Music Festival and Bath Literature Festival when you book multiple events. Get more out of your festival and enjoy discounts on tickets – (Terms and conditions apply).
• Bronze offer. Buy tickets for three or more events for a 5% discount on all your tickets.
• Silver offer. Buy tickets for five or more events for a 10% discount on all your tickets.
• Gold offer. Buy tickets for eight or more events for a 15% discount on all your tickets.
How to book
Book tickets online: bathboxoffice.org.uk
Or by phone, 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday: 01225 463362. Or in person during those hours at Bath Box Office counter, 1a Forum Buildings, St James’ Parade, Bath BA1 1UG.
Concession tickets are available, see the website for full details.
Huxinting Teahouse, dubbed the ‘Willow Pattern Tea House’. by foreigners. c1850s
St James railway bridge and Dolemeads, Bath, Francis Lockey, 1853
Worlds Apart:
Rare early photographs of China and Bath at BRLSI
Although separated by thousands of miles, early photographers in Bath and China found inspiration in many of the same subject matter – capturing bridges, gateways, architecture and daily life. A new BRLSI exhibition now brings these fascinating and rare images together, side by side for the first time.
Anew exhibition opening at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution invites visitors to step back into the earliest days of photography while exploring surprising connections between two distant cities.
Worlds Apart: Rare Early Photographs of China & Bath opened on Saturday 28 March and will run until 26 September, presenting a fascinating selection of historic images from the BRLSI collection. The free exhibition brings together rare early photographs captured in both Bath and China during the mid-nineteenth century, a period when photography was transforming how people recorded and shared the world around them.
The exhibition begins by exploring the birth of photography itself. Following the pioneering work of inventors such as William Henry Fox Talbot and Louis Daguerre, cameras quickly became tools for travellers, merchants and diplomats who carried them across continents in an effort to document landscapes, architecture and everyday life.
Among the highlights are the remarkable calotypes of Francis Lockey, which reveal scenes of Bath as it appeared around 170 years ago. These printable paper negatives capture familiar locations in unfamiliar ways –some streetscapes have changed dramatically, while others remain surprisingly recognisable, albeit without the presence of modern traffic. The historic images have been carefully enlarged and reprinted especially for the exhibition, allowing visitors to appreciate their intricate detail while preserving the distinctive character of the originals.
Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to view original photographic negatives in a specially designed low-light display. Despite
their age and fragility, the negatives remain impressively sharp, offering a vivid glimpse into the experimental early years of photography.
Although Bath and Shanghai might have seemed worlds apart in the nineteenth century, the exhibition reveals striking similarities in the subjects that early photographers chose to capture. Bridges, gateways, temples, historic buildings and rural landscapes appear throughout both collections, highlighting common visual interests despite the vast geographical distance between the photographers.
The photographs taken in China provide particularly compelling insight into a turbulent historical period. Created during the time of the Second Opium War, the images include portraits of bankers, traders, schoolchildren and diplomats alongside scenes of rivers, pagodas and temples.
To complement the photographs, the exhibition also features historic objects from the BRLSI collections. Items such as hats, fans, toys and shoes – similar to those seen in the Chinese photographs – help bring the scenes of everyday life vividly into focus while adding further context to the displays.
Families are also catered for, with activities designed to spark the curiosity of younger visitors. Budding photographers can look forward to hands-on experiences and the possibility of photography-themed workshops during the summer holidays. n
Worlds Apart is a free exhibition running until 26 September. For all further information and access to the wider BRLSI programme visit: brlsi.org n
The Bath Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Tel: 01225 424499 www.thebathmag.co.uk
Editorial team and contributors: Melissa Blease, India Farnham, Kate Authers, Hannah Poon, Simon Horsford, Andrew Swift, Katherine Raderecht, Rosanna Spence, Ellie West, Dara Foley, Joe Short, Steve Miklos. editor@thebathmagazine
Financial Director Jane Miklos jane@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Editorial & Digital Assistant India Farnham india@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Production Manager Jeff Osborne production@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Publisher Steve Miklos steve@thebathmagazine.co.uk
Contact us at thebathmag.co.uk Follow us on Instagram @thebathmagazine
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Concours des Légendes 2026
Wilton House
Entries are now being accepted for this prestigious auction taking place as part of Concours des Légendes which brings together exceptional cars, modern and classic, at the Earl of Pembroke’s historic estate.
Satin Bow Slingback. Heel, £70
Chubby Block Hoop Earring, £55
Mini Shell Beaded Tay, £130.
Mini Geo Rose. Bias Dress £175.
Croc Leather Belt, £70
Sheer Cape Dress. £219.
Adjustable. Lariat Necklace, £65
Cap Sleeve Satin Dress £229.
Corinne Tailored Blazer £199.
Shimmer Curved. Seam Dress. £179.
Mason Tailored Trousers. £149.
Carmen Schmidt
The stories we stitch
Walk past and you might miss it, but inside A Yarn Story, threads connect continents. Owner Carmen Schmidt tells Hannah Poon how loops and stitches wove her into a global community – just when she needed it most.
Some hobbies pass the time. Others can change your life. For Carmen Schmidt, owner of A Yarn Story, knitting did exactly that – pulling her out of isolation and into a career she never could have predicted. But while she now owns a successful shop on Walcot Street and hosts knitting retreats at The Royal Crescent Hotel, Carmen started her career as an athlete in her home state of Oregon. It was only when she found herself living in rural Ireland in her early 30s that she picked up a pair of needles again.
“I’d moved to Ireland with my boyfriend at the time. I had no friends, no job, no life,” Carmen says. “My mum was visiting from the States when we popped into a yarn shop in Dublin. I was just perusing the shelves when I spotted a scarf pattern I quite liked. I hadn’t knit in seven or eight years at this point, but I figured it was better than watching television at home.”
It was here, Carmen admits, that her obsession began. “I’d hang out at the shop for hours,”she muses – a distinct tone in her voice that suggests she’s been transported back in time. Carmen had been living in Ireland for a year, and says she felt “rejected” from the community. She’d moved across the globe, but instead of adventure, she found herself secluded and alone. That was, until she walked into that shop.
“I’m a super social person – a real extrovert. I found myself in a position where I didn’t know anyone, but knitting changed everything. Even back then, there was a big online community.”
The move to Bath
In 2013, Carmen moved to the city – a move that changed the trajectory of her life in many ways.
“One day, after getting another job rejection, I decided I’d had enough.
I was 33 and needed a way to make money. I decided there and then I was going to open my own yarn shop. I wanted to create a hub where knitters could go to browse and connect. I wanted people to feel a part of something.”
And in November 2014, A Yarn Story was born. While the name may roll off the tongue, it was carefully chosen to reflect Carmen’s own relationship with the craft.
“Knitting is there through the most important chapters of life. A grandmother knitting a blanket for her new grandchild, a jumper for a friend going through chemo or a beautiful shawl for a wedding day. We stitch stories and we tell them through the things we make,” she says, proudly. “Knitting has been there throughout the happiest moments of my life, and the hardest.”
Unaware of how quickly her business would grow, Carmen found herself relocating to Walcot Street just six months later. She didn’t just want to create a shop – she wanted to create a community. A word, she admits, that is littered all over her original business plan. She wanted a space where everyone was welcome to share their passion for knitting and yarn.
“I started running classes when the shop was quiet. I’d bring in designers and soon began attracting more knitters. Now, I run Knit Nights and Sip and Stitch where we enjoy a glass of wine. It’s an opportunity for us to come together for conversation and company. That’s all I ever wanted.”
Stitch by stitch
Knitting has regularly been praised for its mental health benefits as it promotes mindfulness and a sense of accomplishment. And in 2026, it seems everyone is looking for ways to disconnect.
Photograph of Carmen Schmidt by Nina Mucalov. All other images by Alex Lloyd Jenkins
“Knitting is the ultimate analogue hobby. There’s no doomscrolling, it’s quietly nourishing. If nothing else, it’s stitch by stitch. You can’t rush it; there’s no hack to making it go faster. It’s about as zen and mindful as you can be. ”
Carmen Schmidt
Analogue hobbies are – rather ironically – taking the internet by storm, and knitting seems, on the surface at least, to be attracting a younger demographic. But Carmen doesn’t quite agree. “Young people have always knit; they just grow into old people who knit. It’s not so much that young people are suddenly interested in knitting, it’s just more public. Young people are now sharing their love of ‘granny hobbies’ with the world.”
From social media knitathons to Olympic podiums, knitting’s visibility is hard to ignore. At this year’s Winter Games, US gold medallist Breezy Johnson made headlines not just for her skiing, but for knitting a new headband before every race – a ritual she credits with keeping her calm under pressure.
“Knitting is the ultimate analogue hobby. There’s no doomscrolling, it’s quietly nourishing. If nothing else, it’s stitch by stitch. You can’t rush it; there’s no hack to making it go faster. It’s about as zen and mindful as you can be. Making something tangible with your hands is ➲
incredibly powerful. There’s nothing better than getting a compliment and knowing you made it. That feeling doesn’t get old,” she says. However, Carmen knows all too well that it’s more than just a relaxing hobby; it’s an outlet to pour creativity, grief and joy.
In 2024, research from the University of Gothenburg found that knitting has significant benefits on mental health and wellbeing. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of knitting has been shown to reduce cortisol levels while boosting serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemicals.“It calms the mind, steadies me on harder days and gives me space to work through the bigger things life throws,” Carmen admits.
Whether it’s a striking green jumper or a bright blue scarf, Carmen says she finds pure joy in unleashing her creativity. At 6ft 1in, her wardrobe benefits from the handmade garments, too.
A real treat
As well as workshops, Carmen hosts knitting retreats in Bath and beyond. Once a year, knitters from all over the globe take over The Royal Crescent hotel for a week of relaxation and connection; no packed itineraries, no agenda. Just people who love yarn, in the same room.
“It’s a place to be with other knitters and nerd out about our craft. It’s beautiful. Knitters come from all over the world and forge friendships,” she says. “I’m currently planning a summer camp in Massachusetts and I’m super excited to bring everyone together.”
It’s a long way from the loneliness she felt in rural Ireland and a scarf pattern picked up on a whim. But that’s the thing about knitting. You start with a simple stitch and don’t always know where it is going to take you. “The world would be a better place if everyone knit just one jumper a year,” Carmen smiles.
Hearing her say it, it’s difficult not to believe her. n
To find out more about Carmen’s upcoming summer camp, visit: eventsunwound.com or ayarnstory.co.uk
You can also listen to the A Yarn Story podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Midge Ure: A man of many worlds
From New Romantic pioneer to fearless solo artist, Midge Ure reflects on five decades in music, creative freedom, and the cinematic journey behind his bold new album A Man Of Two Worlds. Interview by Melissa Blease
Few artists are gifted with the propensity to turn their innovative creative dreams into the inspired works of art that Midge Ure has produced over the past five decades. But listen to the man himself sharing his thoughts on his forthcoming A Man Of Two Worlds tour – which launches a brand new album of the same name and opens at the Bath Forum on Friday 8 May before travelling across the UK and into Europe – and you’d be forgiven for thinking that he’s a relative newbie to the live show scene.
“Standing on a stage with a guitar: it’s kind of what I’ve always done, and I still love doing it,” he says.
Many of us remember Midge (who had his real name Jim reversed by fellow early band member Jim McGinlay to avoid confusion between the two musicians) popping up on Top of the Pops in 1976 when his band Slik knocked Abba’s Mamma Mia off their number one slot with their glam/pop rock hit Forever and Ever. There he was, fresh-faced and slickquiffed in his American baseball shirt, doing that cool pop star ‘stare’ thing into the camera – and into many a young girl’s heart.
Slik disbanded not long afterwards. But five years later the same but somehow very different boy was back on TOTP with a very different band: Ultravox, who Midge joined as frontman and guitarist after John Foxx’s departure in 1979. This time around, Midge was sombre and broodingly intense, the very epitome of “a man in the dark in a picture frame so mystic and soulful” in the band’s iconic New Romantic-era single and video Vienna. And after that – well, Midge never went away again.
Solo albums, cool collaborations and retrospective adaptations. Band Aid, Live8 and multiple national and international fundraising events. A frank, fascinating autobiography (If I was…, published in 2004). A clutch of illustrious awards to his name, a long-term legacy of gold and platinum selling records: Midge has come a long way from his roots in a one-bedroom council estate flat in Cambuslang on the outskirts of Glasgow (he has, by the way, lived in Bath for almost three decades which is why, if you think you’ve just spotted him the new in M&S, you probably have).
But while most of the few artists who have earned Midge’s status might allow themselves to enjoy some well-earned laurel-resting, he’s chosen to gift his fans with something completely new.
Showcasing his first new material in 12 years, A Man Of Two Worlds features eight instrumental compositions and eight vocal songs across an overall exhilarating double album. The accompanying live show, meanwhile, promises to be one of the most distinctive performances of his career, described as “a seamless and immersive concert experience creating a continuous cinematic musical narrative.”
So why A Man Of Two Worlds – and why now?
“It’s kind of just this moment in time for me, and probably about growing up; I don’t think I could have done this album and any earlier than I have done,” says Midge.
Ah! Is he pondering that illusive philosophy around the getting of wisdom?
“I don’t think it’s wisdom!” he laughs. “But the world has changed, and with it the music industry has changed a huge amount too. As an artist, you’re very much out there on your own now, you’re not part of a team with the backing of a major record label. But on the other hand, the constraints are no longer there either. Now we’re all sailing our own ships, you can do whatever you want with what you do; it’s up to you.”
“We were very lucky with Ultravox, way back in the day… when we signed to Chrysalis Records, they realised very early on that we knew what we were doing. ”
Midge readily admits that there are benefits and drawbacks within this brave new world of creative independence. But right from the start, he had an innate modus operandi that, in a way, prepared him for new tomorrows.
“We were very lucky with Ultravox, way back in the day,” he recalls. “When we signed to Chrysalis Records, they realised very early on that we knew what we were doing. They allowed us to present them with a finished video, finished artwork, and no artists did that at the time; most of that stuff would have been created by someone else who wrote the script for you. We were lucky because we didn’t have too many constraints. In a way, there are far fewer constraints today; technology has allowed more people to be creative. But we were one of the very few who got signed to a label but were still allowed to do what we wanted to do.”
And throughout his career, Midge has continued to allow himself to do what he does. It’s interesting, though, that in a fascinating full circle move, he’s been reunited with Chrysalis Records, who will release A Man Of Two Worlds under an exclusive licence – and it’s clear that the bonds of trust forged in their previous relationship are as strong as they ever were. ➲
“It’s as though we have school dunces in charge of the world – it’s a scary, scary, scary place.”
The new album is perhaps as close to the ‘authentic’ Midge Ure as any of his previous albums have ever got. Some moments are peacefully meditative, others invigoratingly bracing, much of it reflective but still strikingly fresh, all of it richly atmospheric; it’s the sound of a lifetime of experience – both personal and commercial – against a uniquely prepossessing aural soundwave.
Could it be described as the soundtrack to Midge Ure: The Movie? “Well Ultravox were always cinematic!”, Midge concurs. “All those soaring melodies, all that grandness – it’s all totally filmic. I’ve always been a fan of cinema and ’soundtracks, and if I go way back to when I was kid, listening to some of the music that was being played on the radio in the 50s and 60s, a lot of that was cinematic and instrumental –just think of The Shadows, for example. Cinematic is a theme that’s always stuck with me, all the way through. I can’t lose it, it’s always there!”
But also always there, for all of us, is a political script that’s being produced and directed by conductors way out of our control – a theme that’s also reflected on in A Man Of Two Worlds
“The state of the world is dominating our lives right now,” says Midge. “We have more and more madness going on, because we have people who are incapable of finishing a sentence in positions of immense power. As a writer, you write about what affects you, your family and
your daily life, and everything that’s happened in the last 6, 7, 8 years has just been just ludicrous, on either side of the Atlantic. It’s as though we have school dunces in charge of the world – it’s a scary, scary, scary place. The current political climate is, to me, like a jumping jack built inside a hot cross bun; it’s lovely on the outside, but inside...” His sentence trails off, leaving us to fill in the gap. Chaos? Havoc? Decay?
Park the troubles at the kerb for a moment! Midge is preparing to take us on a stress-diverting trip.
“In the Man Of Two Worlds live shows, I’m planning to take the audience on a little journey,” he says. “In the first half, we’re going to move seamlessly from an instrumental piece to an album track to a familiar single with no stops along the way, taking people along for the ride with us. You might want to close your eyes and drift off with the atmosphere in the first half and get up and boogie in the second half, and that’s all absolutely fine. But the point throughout it all is that we’re trying to make the best sound and visuals we can and bring it all together.” It’s a valiant promise, for sure – but one that I know Midge Ure will go beyond fully living up to.
Before we say goodbye, our conversation turns back to the past and to London’s tiny, iconic Blitz Club of the very early 1980s in particular, where the careers for many of the cultural icons of today were kickstarted on a wave of defiantly attention-grabbing outfits, egos… and music. “The Blitz crowd created a world that could have been the past or the future; in fact, it had a foot in both,” says Midge – and he should know; he was right there at the epicentre of proceedings.
Decades later, and what sets Midge apart from many of his original contemporaries is that he’s still at that cultural epicentre: a man of many worlds, still playing a big part in ours. ’n
For details on Midge’s new album, tour dates and ticket information visit: midgeure.co.uk
Images:
Austen’s Abbey
India Farnham chats to Bath Abbey Missioner Rev. Betsy Blatchley and Matt Emeny, co-founder of The Production Garden, about their upcoming prodution of Pride and Prejudice, the unlikely parallels between theatre and church, and why all you need is love...
What comes to mind when I ask you to imagine the theatre? If you’re anything like me, it’s a particular building. A building with a box office, a stage, a sweeping red curtain and tiered seating. A building where you can buy an ice cream from a tiny cool box in the interval. A building with four walls which a ticket grants you entry to.
But what if it didn’t have to be? And what if opening up those four walls could allow more members of our community to delight in live entertainment?
Enter (stage right) The Production Garden.
The Production Garden is an award-winning live theatre company, based in Bath, which is behind some of the South West’s most exciting theatrical experiences.
From an immersive ‘Meet Santa’ event at The Holburne; to a full-scale Garden Theatre Festival; to a candle-lit Mumford and Sons tribute-cumtheatre show at the iconic Bath Abbey, The Production Garden has been pushing the boundaries of what theatre can do since its inception.
So... what is theatre?
For Matt Emeny, co-founder of The Production Garden (and one of its three core team members), it was those four, rigid theatre walls, and their difficulty to pass through, which inspired him to think differently about theatre as a young, ambitious producer.
“I remember when I was first starting out, a producer once said to me that a theatre is just a rope on the floor, with one person performing on one side, and another person watching on the other. It was that that made me realise
‘Oh my goodness, I don't have to be knocking on the door with 10,000 other young producers to try and get into this theatre building. I can create theatre anywhere.’”
“The Production Garden began with a tweet to my co-founder Josh Beaumont. I was like, ‘Are you still producing? Great, then let’s put on ‘Wind of the Willows’ and do an outdoor tour.’
“So that's how we started, and then from there we just expanded and expanded, and now The Production Garden has grown into this incredible company that produces large-scale commercial theatre.”
And whilst The Production Garden have put on a plethora of traditional, touring theatre productions, including their successful, tonguein-cheek series of Shoddy plays (their words, not mine) from A Shoddy Christmas Carol to A Shoddy Detective, the company continues to have a focus on creating theatre in unconventional spaces.
Why is it so important to Matt to lay his figurative theatre rope in such uncharted territory?
“I think theatre can sometimes feel like something serious. Like something that’s only for a particular sort of person, someone who understands it. But I don’t think that’s true. I think if a production is really good, then everyone will enjoy it.”
Coming together
It was this desire to utilise unconventional spaces that brought The Production Garden to Bath Abbey.
“We [The Production Garden team] saw that people were doing candlelit shows, so we called up Fay, the Events Manager at Bath Abbey, and pitched to her a candle-lit Mumford and Sons show. We had 600 people
come and watch that production, so we knew we were onto something special with this venue.”
Something special indeed. But whilst using the space was beneficial to The Production Garden in elevating their production, the team at Bath Abbey had their reasons for opening their doors to theatre too.
“It’s important to us here to find ways to appeal to people who might not otherwise come in,” Rev. Betsy Blatchley tells me. “I think people can have similar anxieties about entering a church as they do with entering a theatre. People perhaps find it a bit intimidating, or they’re not sure about what to do within a religious space.”
“So having theatre here is about changing people’s perceptions, about allowing people to find another space that they feel comfortable in. It’s about belonging.”
Rev. Betsy, who joined Bath Abbey in 2025 after seven years as Pioneer Minister in the Arts in Nine Elms, also has a background in theatre.
“I trained as a performer, and, similarly to Matt, set up my own touring company with my husband in order to have more control over where we could work,” she explains.
“From there, I morphed into a producer, and worked for various different organisations before eventually ending up at The National Theatre for five years. That’s when I got the call to ordination, which was a bit of a shock, because I had never wanted to do anything other than theatre since I was about three!”
“My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you...”
Jane Austen, 1813
Does Rev. Betsy see the theatre and the church, her two places of work, as similar in any way?
“I do think the two things come together when you think about that sense of awe, of breathlessness, that you get from being truly wowed by something,” she enthuses. “The church and the theatre have always had a really interesting relationship. Throughout history the church has used theatre to communicate the Biblical story through mystery plays, miracle plays, and nativities. In fact, many people’s first experience with theatre is through the nativity plays.
“And yet,” she continues, “If you go back to the Civil War era, the theatre has also been looked at by the church as something a bit frivolous, something that good Christian people shouldn’t have anything to do with.
“So, I’m passionate about reclaiming theatre in the church. Jesus was a storyteller, you know, and his stories were for people who maybe couldn’t read, or couldn’t access those stories themselves. The arts have always been about inclusion.”
All aboard to theatre-land
It’s certainly not hard to imagine why The Abbey works as a place of performance; as Matt points out to me, the space is literally designed to lift singing voices, to make music sound wonderful.
What do the team at the Abbey look for when deciding what theatre works in their surroundings?
“I think what’s really important to us is that a production has a level of site-specifity built into the show,” Betsy shares. “We’re not interested in just putting on a show and pretending we’re somewhere else entirely. For us, a production really needs to feel at home here.”
How will The Production Garden’s new take on Pride and Prejudice utilise this epic space?
“Our musical director, Sam Freeman, is tweaking the songs so we can work with the Abbey’s natural choral acoustics,” Matt explains. “Of course, we want to play with the grandeur of the space, so we’ve also got some really beautiful costumes and lighting, as well.”
Meet the Bennets
To state the (glaringly) obvious, many of us here in Bath are already familiar with Pride and Prejudice, either because we’re already fans of Jane Austen (do we have any Janeites present?) or simply because seeing a regency-clad gentlemen wandering around Royal Crescent is just your average Tuesday in Bath.
What do Matt and Rev. Betsy see as the reason behind this enduring appeal?
“I think Pride and Prejudice gets to the heart of human nature. It’s about love, and fundamentally, we all crave to be loved,” Betsy shares, warmly.
“It’s why we love a wedding!” Matt agrees. “It's universally heartwarming watching two people commit their love to each other. We’re all rooting for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy to be together.”
This familiarity with the source text is important to the show’s appeal, Matt tells me. “People know and love Pride and Prejudice, so there’s no risk involved with choosing to go and see it. Our job, though, is to take that classic piece of literature and excite it up.”
Ooo, that sounds... exciting. What does a shaken-up Pride and Prejudice look like?
“It’s a very funny production,” Matt shares, cracking a smile. “We always say that our actors are just confidently silly people. It’s also about drawing out the humour in the text. “The Bennets are made out to be really poor. When really, they own a manor house and servants, so they’re not exactly destitute!” he laughs.
“And I do think it’s fun for all the family,” Matt continues. “If you brought your ten-year-old to this show, they might not understand the social complexities of Jane Austen's Britain, but they will find Darcy jumping into the lake absolutely hilarious.”
Divine destiny
At this point in our conversation, there seemed to be so much synergy between The Production Garden and Bath Abbey’s mission, it really did feel like fate that Pride and Prejudice would be performed, here in Bath, in this epic place of love.
I simply had to ask Matt if he ever expected, back when he sent his friend Josh a tweet in lockdown, that The Production Garden would make it to Bath Abbey?
“No, absolutely not! We’ve never had a plan. Everything has just grown so organically. We’re so grateful for anyone who spends their hard-earned money on one of our productions; we just hope to leave people with a smile on their face.”
And what about Bath Abbey, will it continue to evolve as a venue for theatre, I ask Rev. Betsy?
“Definitely. A big part of our mission is to connect with the city. I’d love to get to a point where we’re more of a co-creating space, a space where people feel they can collaborate freely. “I just know that when you put a few creatives in the room, exciting things happen. And that’s exactly what we want to do going forwards.”
Well then, how about a few dozen creatives, hundreds of audience members, and a handful of well-loved Austen characters? That will surely be something special... n
Catch Pride and Prejudice at Bath Abbey from 7 – 17 April. Book tickets online via bathabbey.org | theproductiongarden.co.uk
What’s on
LIVE MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE
Throughout April
n Green Park Brasserie, BA1 1JB
Soak up live music alongside world-class pizza, cocktails, and craft beer every night, Wednesday through Saturday. Bookings and walk-ups available. greenparkbrasserie.com
WORLDS APART: RARE EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHINA AND BATH
Throughout April, 10am-4pm (Closed Sundays)
n BRLSI, BA1 2HN
This facsinating new exhibition from the BRLSI Collection, explores early photography through rare images of Bath and China. Francis Lockey’s delicate calotypes show Bath nearly 170 years ago, while photographs from the Second Opium War capture everyday life in China. Despite the distance, photographers focused on similar subjects: gateways, landscapes, and daily life. Historic objects from the BRLSI collection reveal the early challenges of photography and bring these scenes into focus.Free admission. brlsi.org
KITH & KIN: THE QUILTS OF GEE'S BEND
Throughout April, 10am-5pm
n The American Museum and Gardens, Claverton Manor, BA2 7BD
This exhibition celebrates the extraordinary work of a group of African American women from a remote river island community in Alabama, which embodies a 200-year tradition of making quilts that hold both profound artistic and political significance. For tickets and more information visit: americanmuseum.org
BEST KEPT SECRETS TRAIL
Throughout April, 9am-4.30pm n Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, GL8 8QS
Spring has arrived at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. Nature is quietly revealing its best kept secrets as new life and beautiful colours emerge in the arboretum throughout the season. Take a closer look as you explore new and exciting spring trails. Learn more about nature’s hidden ways as you admire flowers bloom, green leaves unfurling on the trees, and pause to witness a kaleidoscope of colourful flowers as you turn every corner. Visit: forestryengland.uk/westonbirt
SHERBORNE TRAVEL
WRITING FESTIVAL
Friday 10–Sunday 12 April
n Powell Theatre, Sherborne, DT9 3AP
A dozen remarkable writers, journalists and publishers will transport audiences with stories of their travels to the four corners of the globe. Renowned travel writer and biographer Sara Wheeler, in conversation with Colin Thubron, will celebrate the publication of her extraordinary Jan Morris: A life; and Adam Weymouth, winner of the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, who will follow the paw prints of a young wolf named Slavc who travelled thousands of miles to the Italian Alps, where no wolves have lived for a century. Weekend tickets, individual session tickets and free partking are available.
sherbornetravelwritingfestival.com
THE NATION’S MANTELPIECE
Monday 13 April, 11:30am
n The Arts Society Bath, Widcombe Social Club, BA2 6AA
Jon Conlin presents a history of the National Gallery in 10 paintings. Highlighting works by artists such as Constable and Van Gogh, which demonstrate how the vision of the ‘ideal’ art collection has evolved over time. Non-members £10 (£7 on Zoom).
Must be booked by email by Friday 10 April latest : bath@theartssociety.org theartssocietybath.com
UNIVERSITY OF BATH GARDENING CLUB: GARDENING IN SAND FOR THE PLANT LIBRARY WITH MILLIE SOUTER
Thursday 16 April, 7:30pm-9pm n University of Bath, Room 1, Level 1, East Building, BA2 7AY
Millie is Head Gardener at the Plant Library, Serge Hill. She will be talking about growing in sand and the story of this special library of plants that are grown in a grid system and includes more than 2000 varieties of herbaceous plants and low shrubs, plus 500 different bulbs.
Open to all, Annual membership £25, Visitors £8. ubgc.org
SAMBROSO ALL STARS: THE BUENA VISTA
Thursday 16 April, doors 7pm, show starts 8pm n Komedia, BA1 1EP
A fantastic evening of incredible Cuban music. Sambroso Noda with his bonafide 7-piece all-star band of Cuban musicians pay tribute to the golden age of Cuban and traditional Latin music. Expect a high-octane performance celebrating the country’s finest musical exports. Tickets are priced from £23.50 For all the details and to book, visit: komediabath.co.uk
A night of Cuban dance music. Sambroso All Stars perform at Komedia
Springtime at Westonbirt
BATH & COUNTY CLUB
Join the The Bath & County Club as a member and you and your guests will enjoy a relaxed, friendly ambiance and the opportunity to meet, eat and drink in the centre of Bath. bathandcountyclub.com
Thursday, 2nd April
Founders Dinner, 3 courses, black tie. Speaker Jacqueline Burrows. 6.30 for 7 pm.
Tuesday, 7th April
Quiz night with Audrey Archer
“Who Wants to be a Millionaire” format. 6 for 6.30pm start, and 2 course supper to follow. £29.
Friday, 10th April
Talk with Patrick Horton. Coffee and Pastries. 10.30 for 11 am. £10.
Sunday, 12th April
Sunday Carvery. Two choices of meats and 4 vegetables. 12.30 for 1 pm.
Adult families welcome. £32.
Friday, 17th April
Evening Talk & 2 course supper
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” By Rory Shaw. £29.
Thursday 16 April, doors open 7.30pm n Chapel Arts Centre, BA1 1QR Peter Howarth, lead singer with The Hollies and West End star of Only the Lonely – The Roy Orbison Story, invites you to join him for an acoustic solo show as he performs some of the all-time favourite hits such as He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, You Got It, and Pretty Woman. Advance tickets are £20 and are also available on the door. chapelarts.org
LEGEND: THE MUSIC OF BOB MARLEY
Wednesday 22 April, doors open 6.30pm, show starts 7.30pm n The Forum, Bath BA1 1UG
Get reggae for an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic
stage show. Combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a supremely talented cast recreate the timeless hits Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, Get Up Stand Up, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Satisfy My Soul, Iron Lion Zion, I Shot the Sheriff and many more reggae classics. Tickets: from £34.10 (inc. fees). bathforum.co.uk
TRIBUTE: THE MAGIC OF THE BEE
GEES
Thursday 30 April, doors open 6.30pm, show starts 7.30pm n The Forum, Bath BA1 1UG
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes, and celebrate the songs of music royalty – the Bee Gees. Complete with a stunning light and video show, this spectacular concert will take you on a musical journey through all your favourite Bee Gees’ songs: Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than a Woman, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep is Your Love as well as many more fab hits the brothers have penned for other artists. Tickets from £34.10 (inc. fees). bathforum.co.uk
MANAGING PAIN, RESTORING
LIFE: Thursday 30 April, 6.30–8pm n Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath BA2 7HS.
Those living with chronic pain are invited to an informative evening, led by pain specialist Dr Steven Morgan of Sulis Hospital, alongside a Combe Grove practitioner. The session offers expert insight into evidencebased pain management and the role of metabolic health in recovery. Attendees can explore practical strategies, understand key risk factors and take part in a Q&A with the panel. Designed to inform and reassure, the event provides valuable guidance for anyone seeking to better manage persistent pain and improve overall wellbeing. Book for free. Find out more at: sulishospital.com
THERMOFLOW
LIFE: Wednesday 29 April, 8am–12pm n Thermae Bath Spa
Explore your mind, body and soul, with expert teacher Bex Bridgford for a unique wellness session, starting with an exclusive ThermoFlow class in the iconic Rooftop Pool before the spa opens to other guests. Drawing on classic yoga postures, the gentle flow of tai chi, and the energy of karate, Thermoflow moves through sequences designed to stretch, tone and revitalise – all within the healing,
PERFUME MAKING WORKSHOPS
Perfume Making
Half Day Workshop
17, 25 April, 8 May 2.30pm - 5pm Why not try your hand at making your own personal fragrance this spring, and join Parterre for a creative, hands-on session. Informative and engaging, these half day workshops cover a bit of theory about the olfactive families and perfume fundamentals. Then, working with high quality oils, you will be expertly guided through the process of designing and blending, and by the end of the afternoon you will have a 50ml bottle of perfume to take home and enjoy. £120pp
Mini Perfume Making Workshop
15 April, 7 May 11.15am - 12.30pm
These fun, hands-on mini workshops are a great way to enjoy some creative time with friends. You will learn the basics of perfume creation and by lunchtime each of you will have a simple perfume (10ml bottle) that you have made yourself. £38pp.
All workshops are held in central Bath and run by niche, luxury perfume house, Parterre Fragrances. Private workshops can also be arranged and Gift Cards are available.
To find out more and to book go to. parterrefragrances.com
mineral-enriched waters that have drawn visitors to Bath for centuries. Following your class, unwind with a two-hour Thermae Welcome spa session, complete with use of a towel and robe, the perfect close to a restorative morning. Limited places, £50 per person. Find the event on: eventbrite.co.uk
HAY FEVER RELIEF: YOUR GUIDE TO CLARIFIX CRYOTHERAPY:
Tuesday 5 May, 6.30–7.10pm n Online Webinar
A free, online interactive session led by expert speaker, Miss Louise Melia, Consultant ENT surgeon at Sulis Hospital is designed to help hay fever sufferers understand how ClariFix Cryotherapy – a quick and minimallyinvasive treatment – may benefit them so they’ll feel more comfortable and in control of their everyday hay fever symptoms. Book for free. Find out more at: sulishospital.com
Five minutes with Oliver Gooch
If Opera is celebrating its 30th anniversary – this year returning to the bucolic idyll of Church Farm in Wingfield, Artistic Director Oliver Gooch chooses his favourite moments from the productions that have graced the company’s journey – from its first home-grown opera in 2005 to recent, critically-acclaimed performances.
Oliver Gooch joined If Opera as Music Director in 2005 before becoming Artistic Director in 2017, helping to shape the company into one of the UK’s most quintessentially-English summer opera festivals. A conductor, pianist and artistic leader, he trained at Cambridge, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and National Opera Studio before becoming Associate Conductor (Vilar) at the Royal Opera House in a position created for him by Sir Antonio Pappano. He has since worked across opera houses, festivals and touring companies in the UK and internationally.
Through his work with If Opera, Gooch has collaborated with leading singers, directors and ensembles to bring imaginative productions of the highest musical standard to audiences in the intimate cloisters of Iford Manor, Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon, and more recently Church Farm in Wingfield, just outside of Bath. In the following selection, he reflects on some of the most memorable production highlights from his two decades with the company.
Rusalka (2005) – following years of receiving guest opera companies, Iford Arts produced their first ‘home grown’ production of Dvorak’s Rusalka, receiving high critical praise from the national press. This was my first opera with Iford Arts and I can’t believe I am still here more than 20 years later!
The Rake’s Progress (2007) – in a co-production with my then-touring opera company Opera East, The Rake’s Progress stays in the memory for many reasons – not only the ‘roaring boys’ of Hogarth’s London and the extraordinary Bearded Lady, but it was also where my wife-to-be took the role of Anne Trulove – very apt!
Rodelinda (2011) – Baroque-supremo Christian Curnyn and his Early Opera Company produced a magical production of Rodelinda with stunning vocal artistry from Gillian Ramm and James Laing in the principal roles. The show was vibrantly alive to the nuance of the score and an immediacy to the action in the intimate cloister that was wholly involving.
Daughter of the Regiment (2014) – Jeff Clarke brought the Opera della Luna magic with an hilarious ‘hairy biker’ production of this great Donizetti comedy. Harley Davidsons and a Hells Angel chorus in the idyllic Wiltshire countryside was a sight to behold!
Candide (2018) – with over 200 costume changes and a cast of over 20, this was a Herculean effort to bring Bernstein’s score to life. With a mixture of actors, classically trained opera singers and music theatre singers, alongside an extraordinary production, this production got 5* in the national press and was acclaimed as the best opera title to be received by the Cheltenham International Festival later in the year.
Fedora (2023) – ‘you wait ages for a bus and then three come along at once’ – Fedora is similar! Three powerhouses of opera, the Metropolitan,
La Scala and… If Opera… mounted Fedora in the same year. Verismo at its finest with intoxicating performances from Sky Ingram and Charne Rochford, our performances garnered high praise (including Opera Magazine), all set in the stunning surrounding of the idyll that is Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon.
Following the success of If Opera’s 2025 season, this year, the company returns to the rural idyll of Church Farm, the home of long-standing Patrons, David and Fiona Robinson, for its 2026 season. Set against the backdrop of the Westbury White Horse, the picturesque, bucolic gardens will host the Saddlespan auditorium, pop-up bar and plenty of picnic spots as well as the restaurant, The Cowshed by Homewood, following its hugely successful debut last year, and the Taittinger Bar.
6, 8, 12 & 15 August: Carmen. The story of opera’s archetypal femme fatale reimagined for the turn of the twentieth century.
11, 13, 14 August: The Chocolate Soldier presented by Opera Della Luna. Sparkling Viennese comedy full of comic capers and romantic entanglements.
7 August: Baroque Drinking Songs with Vache Baroque. A soulwarming tipple of alehouse songs, jigs and shanties.
9 August: An immersive Carmen Family Fiesta Day - learn the Toreador Chorus in our singing workshop, make a Carmen inspired prop, and perform alongside professional singers at Church Farm.
13 August: The Art of Baroque: Masterclass and Concert. Baroque maestro Christian Curnyn leads an open masterclass.
16 August: Picnic Prom with the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Marvin Muoneké.
If Opera, 6 –16 August. Church Farm, Wingfield, BA14 9LE
To find out more about the 2026 season visit: ifopera.com
In celebration of If Opera’s 30th anniversary, a series of exciting fundraising events will also be taking place throughout 2026:
31 May: Music, Celebration and Magical Gardens at Belcombe Court.
9 June: If Opera Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner at Homewood.
Support If Opera - Become a member, make a difference.
If Opera is a registered charity, made possible by the support of its members, patrons and partners. Guided by three core principles, supporting emerging artists, working within a repertory ensemble model, and investing in meaningful schools and community work, the company is committed to nurturing talent, building creative continuity and widening access to opera. With just 30% of costs covered by ticket sales, every contribution directly fuels productions, supports artists and sustains this work.
By becoming a Friend or Patron, you will enjoy priority booking and a range of thoughtful benefits designed to deepen your experience and offer a closer connection to the creative process.
A 2005 performance of Rusalka in the Iford Cloisters
The Fedora stage at Belcombe Court in 2023
Banners for this years’ Season at Church Farm
The Fiesta Family Fun day
Candide, performed at Iford Manor in 2018
Charne Rochford and Sky Ingram in Umberto Giordano’s Fedora
Family Diary
School’s out for the Easter holidays - and keeping the kids entertained for two weeks can feel like a challenge. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our boredom-busting guide to family things to do in and around Bath. From outdoor adventures to creative activities, we’ve rounded up 14 fun-filled ideas - one for every day of the break.
Easter Activities at The Roman Baths
Until Monday 20 April, 9am – 5pm
You’ll find a variety of activities on offer here over the holidays, including an Easter egg trail for younger ones, a drop-in craft activity to make a seed paper flower (7-10 April), a dig for replica Roman artefacts (from 7-10 April, £6) and the opportunity to experience the Great Bath by torchlight with a drink in hand during the late night opening over Easter weekend (3-6 April). Find more information and book tickets at: romanbaths.co.uk
The Great Garden Hunt at the American Museum & Gardens
Friday 3 April – Sunday 19 April, 10am – 5pm
There’s plenty of Easter excitement to be had in this family trail set among the tulips and springtime blossom. Children and adults alike will enjoy searching the gardens for the decorated bird tables, each hiding a numbered egg. Complete your trail sheet (£3.50) to win a prize. On Easter Sunday, a special morning egg hunt will take place, with eggs hidden across the grounds from 10am until they’re all found. There will also be craft activities in the Coach House every day and a family trail in the Manor House too. Book tickets at: americanmuseum.org
Bonnets and Bicorns at No.1 Royal Crescent
Friday 3 – Sunday 19 April, 10am – 5.30pm
A drop-in craft activity for the Easter holidays where children can get creative with making and decorating their own Georgian-style hat to take home. Free with museum admission (children enter free with a paying adult). More information at: no1royalcrescent.org.uk
Easter Trail at Prior Park
Friday 3 – Tuesday 7 April, 10am – 5pm
Set off on a family adventure in the garden to find 10 activity stations where you can test your skills in an egg and spoon race, decorate an egg, try a wheelbarrow race and more. Even better, each child will receive a chocolate egg for participating in the tail (£3.50). Find more information at: nationaltrust.org.uk
Easter Egg Hunt and Tea Party at the Bath Spa Hotel
Saturday 4 April, 11am – 3pm
A lovely Easter event where children can hunt for colourful eggs in the grounds, then swap their finds for real chocolate at the end. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny’s golden eggs - lucky finders will win a special extra-large chocolate egg. After the egg hunt, there will be a cosy tea party with sandwiches and sweet treats, along with tea and coffee for parents and guardians. Tickets £22.38 per child, booked via Eventbrite
Easter Holidays at Bath Abbey
Saturday 4 – Sunday 19 April
Make a visit to Bath Abbey with your children over the Easter holidays. To help explore the Abbey they can borrow a free Sensory Explorer backpack filled with fun and helpful resources to discover trails and drawing activities.Meanwhile, at the Discovery Museum there’s interactive exhibitions, dressing up and family-friendly illustrations and stories to enjoy. For details and to book tickets: bathabbey.org
The Dinosaur That Pooped: A Rock Show! at The Forum
Tuesday 7 April, 12.30pm & 3.30pm
If you’re looking for laughs, head to The Forum for this rocking show, adapted from the bestselling children’s books by McFly members Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. Bringing a new story to life for audiences of all ages, expect brilliant music and plenty of humour. Book tickets at: bathforum.co.uk
Arts and Crafts at Victoria Art Gallery
Tuesday 7 – Friday 9 April, 2pm - 3pm
Drop-in for a free family craft session to create an A4 picture using watercolour pencils and paints featuring animals from some of the posters on display in the current exhibition, Poster Power! For a more hands-on art experience, you can book budding young artists (aged 511) into the Mini Makers workshops (£5 per child, booked in advance) being held on these days from 10.30am – 12.30pm. These sessions are
The Aquarium of Impossible Things at the egg
Egg hunting at the American Museum
Room on the Broom trail at Westonbirt
designed to spark creativity as children make a poster of their favourite animal using a mix of arty supplies, including letter stamps and ink pads, templates and acrylic paints. victoriagal.org.uk
Holiday Art Camps at The Holburne Museum
Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April, 9am – 4pm
Perfect for keeping young artists engaged and inspired, these popular art camps are designed to nurture artistic skills while working with a mix of art materials in this creative setting. Suitable for ages 6-11, each day has a different theme – Geometric Wonders, Treasure Trove, Print Power and Time Capsule. Each camp costs £49 per day and can be booked at: holburne.org
Rock the Tots: Legends at the Rondo Theatre
Friday 10 April, 11am
Get ready to turn up the volume for your tiniest rockstars! A gig for little ones aged 0-6 years and their grownups, Rock the Tots: Legends celebrates iconic musical legends whose songs still get us moving. From Prince to Kurt Cobain and Whitney Houston to Amy Winehouse, enjoy rocking tunes alongside puppets, comical characters, bubbles and more. Book tickets at: rondotheatre.co.uk
Family Theatre at the egg: The Aquarium of Impossible Things, Friday 10 & Saturday 11 April, 12 noon & 4pm
Set in a mysterious underwater world, The Aquarium of Impossible Things invites families to encounter extraordinary creatures with amazing stories to share. As shimmering landscapes and impossible wonders unfold, the show encourages children to look closer and let their imaginations swim free. Visually captivating and playfully imaginative, this aquatic adventure celebrates curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery. Suitable for ages 6+. Book tickets through the website: theatreroyal.org.uk
Easter at Dyrham Park
Until Sunday 19 April, 10am – 5pm
Get the whole family together for an adventure through the parkland as you don your bunny ears to search for the activity stations which include games and challenges. Complete the trail sheet (£3.50) to win a chocolate egg. And when it’s time for a coffee, head to the Old Lodge café where you can sit outside while the children explore the play area. There’s plenty of space for picnics here too, come rain or shine. Find more information at: nationaltrust.org.uk
World Heritage Day at the Guildhall
Saturday 18 April, 11am – 3pm
Head to the Guildhall for a day of free family-friendly activities to celebrate Bath’s cultural and natural heritage as part of World Heritage Day. Find out more at: bathworldheritage.org.uk
Forest Adventures at Westonbirt Arboretum
Running daily until November
Step into Julia Donaldson’s beloved story, Room on the Broom in an interactive family-friendly walking trail around the forest, taking in the wonder of spring as you enjoy plenty of fun. Explore the arboretum to help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect the special ingredients she needs to complete her spell. But watch out for the dragon along the way! Young adventurers will love the trail pack (£4) which includes stickers, spell cards, colouring and a lanyard. Children under 7 can take their bikes and scooters around the arboretum too –a great way to tire them out for the day! Book tickets at: forestryengland.uk
Arts & exhibitions
Spring Exhibition, 11 April – 31 May, Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath
Artists
Artist and printmaker Karen Keogh explores landscapes and cityscapes using three plate colour etching using a combination of warm and cool colours. Roger Harris' mezzotints are created on copper plates that he hand-rocks with a tool called a mezzotint rocker. In some lights, his drawn images ‘appear and disappear’, giving a mystery to his work.
Ceramicists
Gilly Whittington’s work is in several UK galleries, and she exhibits widely at ceramic shows. She has also had work shown in French pottery markets and exhibitions. Katie Sargent is a UK-based ceramic artist working with hand-built stoneware forms. Based in Wiltshire, her practice sits comfortably between rural studio making and the quiet, material-led gallery contexts of Bath.
Featured Jewellers
Rachel Eardley meticulously hand cuts designs from obsolete coins from around the world and sets them in silver. Each item of jewellery comes in its own unique box, illustrated by Rachel with the coin’s design, date & origin. Helen Noakes is widely recognised in the jewellery community for her beautifully executed work in resin and silver. Integral to each piece is an element of surprise and humour.
‘Meet the Artist’ Days
Katie Sargent Ceramics 11 April, 1pm - 5pm
Gilly Whittington Ceramics 18 April, 1pm - 5pm
Roger Harris Mezzotint, Karen Keogh Artist & Printmaker, 2 May, 12.30pm - 4.30pm gallerynine.com
In Focus: Gallery Artists, 2 - 26 April, Sandra Higgins Art Gallery, 41 Milsom Street Shires Yard Units 12 & 13, Bath
In Focus: Gallery Artists brings together a selection of works by the artists Sandra Higgins Art Gallery are proud to work with, offering a glimpse into the range of practices that define the gallery. From material and colour to form and concept, each work reflects a distinct way of seeing and engaging with the world. This exhibition highlights the richness and diversity of voices within the gallery, bringing them together in a shared space. An opportunity to acquire works by key artists from the gallery programme.
sandrahiggins.art
Image: Brian Baxter, Breakwater, mixed media collage
Bathampton Art Group Spring Exhibition, Saturday April 18 10am – 5pm, Bathampton Village Hall, Holcombe Lane Bathampton
Bathampton Art Groups’ famous Annual Spring Exhibition will feature up to 100 works from local artists to admire, delight, or even buy! Visitors can enjoy a tea or coffee and a homemade cake or snack, have a shot at the tombola or watch a painting demonstration. Doors open at 10am with professional judging taking place in Landscape, Still Life and Portrait categories. Visitors can vote for their favourite painting too. Free entry. bathamptonart.com
Karen Keogh Artist and Printmaker - The Shadow of the Cypress Tree
Image: Brent King, The Peak District
Spring Exhibition
11th April - 31st May 2026
Gilly Whittingtons Ceramics
Roger Harris ‘Lady Godiva’ Mezzotint
Exhibiting at The Holburne, Great Pulteney Street, Bath
Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print, until 10 May
This dazzling exhibition brings together a spectacular selection of Dame Zandra Rhodes’ screen-printed garments.
Don McCullin: Broken Beauty, until 4 May
The Holburne is proud to present the first UK exhibition of Sir Don McCullin’s most recent body of work: intimate studies of Roman sculpture captured in museums across the world.
The Shape of Care: Making Care Visible, until 4 May
The Shape of Care presents a remarkable body of work created through Pathways to Wellbeing, the community engagement programme that places art and creativity at its core. holburne.org
Modern ArtBuyer Pop-Up Gallery, 9 - 10 May, 10am – 4.30pm, Sylvan Lodge, 1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke
Art gallery and consultancy Modern ArtBuyer will be hosting their spring open house pop-up gallery over the weekend of 9th - 10th May in Limpley Stoke. The gallery, run by Jessica Lloyd-Smith, will show a fresh new selection of original paintings, prints and ceramics, in a relaxed home setting helping visitors to appreciate how artworks might transform their own space.Throughout the weekend, the team will be on hand to offer advice around artwork selection, framing and hanging. Pop in and browse the show over a coffee or a glass of bubbles. modernartbuyer.com
Judith Brenner is a contemporary artist living and working in London. Brenner’s abstract paintings use the notion of alchemy to respond to her environment and life experiences. On a search for strength and freedom, Brenner channels the immediacy of mark-making from life-drawing, sketches, and collages into abstraction. She strives to convert the energy, emotion and movement that the human body generates into art. Roseberry Road Studios plan a varied and vibrant programme of exhibitions throughout the year showing thought provoking artwork, giving artists from both the local area and abroad an opportunity to showcase their work without the expense of a commercial gallery. roseberryroadstudios.com
BodyScapes by Judith Brenner, 9 – 26 April Roseberry Road Studios, 25 – 28 Roseberry Road, Bath Private View: 9 April, 6pm - 8.30pm
Paul Bennett, Day Glow, Oil on canvas,70x70cm
Jeffs: Everything in my Garden, until 17 May, Victoria
An exhibition of unique monotype prints with a painterly quality. Created by local artist Jeffs, they are inspired by garden plants that he has recreated in unusual colour combinations.
All works for sale. This exhibition is hosted in the small gallery and is free to enter. victoriagal.org.uk
Betwixt Land and Sea, From 11 April, Beaux Arts, 12-13 York Street, Bath
Opening on 11 April is a show entitled Betwixt Land and Sea, featuring diverse land and seascapes- from the rough waters of Sheltand (Ruth Brownlee), the hills of Skye (Rebecca Collins and Sarah Bold), down to Stewart Edmondson’s beloved river Dart.
The show also includes work by Andrew Crocker, Celia de Serra, Melissa Franklin-Sanchez, Mark Johnson and Kate Sherman. Ceramics are by Sara Moorhouse. beauxarts.co.uk
Howard Jeffs, End of Season Sunflower Field, monotype print
Andrew Crocker, On the World, Oil on Panel, 29 x 29 cm
The Piano Shop owner, Jon Kelly, [left] with Gary Leddington and his hand-crafted guitar built from recycled piano parts. Image by TBM
The art of reinventing old pianos
At the Piano Shop Bath, redundant pianos are being dismantled and reborn as striking artworks and a finely crafted instrument. Through Jon Kelly’s Played & Remade initiative, century-old wood, brass and iron are finding new voices – including a remarkable acoustic guitar built from the heart of a once-loved piano. Words by Simon Horsford
It’s an unusual concept: take one beautifully crafted – and redundant – piano, dismantle it and use the components to fashion something completely different and yet equally captivating. The most recent result of this enticing fusion of music and art is a finely crafted acoustic guitar, while previous transformations have seen artists create a variety of arresting sculptures.
Played & Remade, the brainchild of Jon Kelly of the Piano Shop Bath, who refers to his initiative as “being playful with waste”, and kicked it all off in May 2024. Two years down the line, it remains an offshoot of his shop on the London Road, as aside from selling pianos, his main role, Kelly explains, the outlet “disposes of old upright pianos and we recycle up to six a week. There’s a lot that date back over 100 years old that were produced for the British market when the statistic is supposed to be that one in three houses had a piano. That was the entertainment, not TVs, PlayStation, the internet and then rest of it. So there is a glut of these pianos.
“Recycling is a constant in the industry with 95 per cent [of pianos] being surplus to requirements as they are problematic to restore,” says Kelly. As it isn’t always cost effective to bring them back to life, Kelly started his scheme looking at how to use the material that goes into building pianos, so making the most of the craftsmanship, rather than just seeing it literally go to waste.
“We’ve always been very creative in design,” adds Kelly, “we were one of the first retailers to supply painted pianos in the UK.” I spot a funky red piano and a white one covered in illustrations, while everything from green to blue as well as dark grey is available. They also designed the pianos for the last two Coldplay albums.
An example of their creativity can also be seen in their eye-catching piano-key window display, “the keys are from at least 10 pianos,” says Kelly. “People know that display and we keep working with artists to reimagine it, the challenge for any artist that works with us on that display is to work around the keys.”
Kelly says the initial plan back in 2024 was to “put the call out to artists because it was a bit of a random idea, but the engagement was great and everyone loved the challenge of working with the material [from the old pianos] and saw it [rare woods, cast iron, brass, felt and copper] in a different way and it was interesting hearing how they would go about interpreting the materials.” The materials were free too.
Some of the resultant artworks were extraordinary, one sculptor, unusually, rebuilt a whole piano but pitched on its side, while local artist Victoria Topping used various parts of a piano to make a mask-like sculpture entitled Spirit of Professor Longhair. A stag’s head and an owl’s head were some of the creations of Mark Hackworthy, a technician at the Piano Shop, while Clare Burnett refashioned old piano legs to make the colourful Chromatic Variations
“It’s definitely one of the most resonant instruments I’ve made... it sounds both new and old and it’s got an aged, vintage vibe to it acoustically.”
Gary Leddington
“So the pianos may no longer by viable in their original form but the materials used to make them are being used to give them a second life”.
Jon Kelly
An even more intriguing angle came when Kelly was approached by Bath-based Gary Leddington, who specialises in custom hand-built guitars, with an idea to make a guitar from old piano parts. “When Gary first came in to the shop [after hearing about Played & Remade], he asked to see the waste material and came to us with the idea of a guitar.” Taking up the story, Leddington adds his vision “was to make an instrument that was a guitar but at the same time, I wanted to have elements that hark back to that fact that it used to be a piano. Some of the details like the end wedge and the head stock, I’ve incorporated directly from the piano using the brass inlays, which are the traditional maker’s mark on a piano.” Look too in the sound hole and Leddington has put a strip which visually represents a piano’s white and black keys, using an actual ebony black key and piano hammer.
As Kelly points out, when he showed what was available from an old piano to an artist, “they’ve never seen this as ‘waste’ before, as when you look at a piano, you see the exterior, and only have a perception of what’s on the inside, but that’s where the value and the craftsmanship lies. So when someone like Gary sees the internal workings and all the mechanisms and what he could potentially be working with, he sifted through it and gave us a shopping list and said that’s what I need to make my item.”
And in this instance, the resultant acoustic guitar, which Leddington hands to me, is truly remarkable – a work of musical art, if you will. It took about six months on and off to make and as Leddington says “in building a guitar, there are certain things you need – a certain size of wood for the neck and back and sides [the parts came from several pianos]. I took some soundboard material – from the back of the piano
where most of the resonance comes from – and used it as the top; it’s made from spruce. Then I made the back and the sides, which came from a grand [piano] lid, which I believe was circa 200 years old and is walnut. Everything on the guitar is recycled from the piano, except for the tuner mechanisms, the strings, the saddle and the bridge pins, even the tuner buttons are recycled from old piano brass.
“It’s definitely one of the most resonant instruments I’ve made,” he adds, “it sounds both new and old and it’s got an aged, vintage vibe to it acoustically.”
The reason for that, says Leddington, who is also the art department technician and gallery coordinator at Bath Spa University, is that “if you take something like a Stradivari violin, one of the theories as to why they are so good is that you have 300 years of it being played as an instrument and that does something to the wood and makes it what it is over time. And the idea that you take the wood from an instrument [such as a piano] that has been played for years, having those vibrations going through it and [then] use that to make a new guitar was really attractive. And dismantling it doesn’t affect that."
The guitar was bought by Kelly at the Piano Shop, “I am a modest guitarist and I just appreciated Gary’s effort and investment in the whole thing and the delivery is incredible but we are happy to sell it”, The storytelling aspect of the guitar – its previous history as being made from parts of old pianos, should add to its appeal – adds Kelly. All the artworks on display in the London Road shop are for sale.
“This is refined instrument making,” suggests Kelly, “and we have this guitar as a kind of a pilot. Other people could approach The Piano Shop and ask for an instrument to be made.” So the pianos may no longer be viable in their original form but the materials used to make them are being used “to give them a second life”.
Having said that, Kelly adds, occasionally they do come across a gem: “We bought a Steinway recently that had been family owned from new so that will be over 100 years old. It will be fully restored and then the journey starts again, but that happens only around 10 per cent of the time.” Another story comes via an old and battered piano donated by King Edward’s School. “It had unusual concave keyboard,” says Kelly, “so Mark [Hackworthy] said ‘can I do something with it’”. He completely rebuilt it and it can be seen in all its glory in the shop window; King Edward’s are even thinking of now buying it back.
Such out-of-the-box thinking is all well and good, but Kelly, who is
Victoria Topping’s artwork, the Spirit of Professor Longhair on display at the Piano Shop
In the workshop old pianos are being refurbished or re-imagined as artworks
Images by TBM
originally from Liverpool, says selling and restoring pianos remains his prime focus. The shop has been in Bath for 40 odd years and was started by Kelly’s father in Widcombe before the business moved to its current location. “People are still buying pianos, but it’s a tough industry”, although he says a while back someone came in and bought a grand piano and several pieces of art “because she loves music and art.” Digital pianos start around £500 and can go up to £8,000; an acoustic costs from £1,700 to “the sky’s the limit – a Bechstein might go for £200,000 through a dealer.”
The shift in the popularity of buying pianos in the UK is also reflected in where they are now manufactured. Ninety per cent now come from Asia – Japan, China, Indonesia – with Yamaha the biggest producers worldwide. In the heyday of production there were some 100 manufacturers around London now there are none; one of the last major ones, until the early 2000s, was the British Piano Manufacturing Company in Stroud. Elsewhere, adds Kelly, “there are some European ones such as Steinway, Büchner and Bechstein and few smaller brands.”
As to the future, Kelly says, “the beauty of Played and Remade is that it’s got more scope than we can do with it. In a way somebody needs to take it to the next step. It needs to evolve. It needs focus and investment. I’m a retailer but I’d like to protect it and let it live and [for it] to be a legacy, but in marketing and commercial terms, it needs to scale up.”
And ultimately, the proof that this initiative works is in Leddington’s lovingly crafted acoustic guitar, the various artworks and the occasional refashioned piano, all of which are a testament to the creativity, craftsmanship and sustainability involved in giving a once cherished instrument a new life. n
For further information visit: thepianoshopbath.co.uk or for more details about Gary’s handmade guitars, visit: leddingtonguitars.com
In fine detail: the headstock of Leddington’s Guitar
Image by Gary Leddington
FSilver Care
BY RON PRINGLE, Beau Nash Antiques
or many, silver is more than just tableware — it symbolizes history, craftsmanship, and tradition. Yet, despite its beauty, silver is often tucked away and reserved for special occasions. The truth is that silver is meant to be used daily, and maintaining it is simpler than most people think.
A common misconception is that silver is delicate and hard to care for. In reality, sterling silver is highly durable. Regular use actually helps prevent tarnishing, as the natural oils from your hands and frequent washing slow down the oxidation process. When left unused, silver is more exposed to air and moisture, which speeds up tarnishing. People who use their silver regularly often find it requires less polishing over time. Whether it’s stirring your coffee with a silver spoon or setting the table with candlesticks, incorporating silver into everyday life makes even the simplest moments feel special.
Reserving silver only for holidays or formal dinners can unintentionally create a negative association for children. Instead of associating silver with joyful meals, they may remember it as the tedious task of polishing before special events. Silver should represent warmth and daily enjoyment — not a dreaded chore. By using silver regularly, it becomes something to be appreciated and cherished, rather than something to avoid.
It’s also important to understand the difference between sterling silver and silver plate. Sterling silver, made from 92.5% pure silver, is solid and resilient, able to withstand repeated polishing. Silver plate, on the other hand, is a thin layer of silver over a base metal, requiring gentler care to avoid wearing through the surface. For everyday use, sterling silver is the better option.
When polishing is needed, simplicity is key. Brasso wadding is an effective way to remove tarnish — just rub gently and buff with a soft cloth. After polishing, wash the piece in warm water with mild soap using a soft sponge to avoid scratching. While silver dips promise quick results, they can dull the finish over time and should be avoided.
Ultimately, silver is meant to be enjoyed. It develops character, tells a story, and enhances everyday life. Use it often — the true joy of silver lies in daily enjoyment.
If you have questions, visit the shop and ask Ron. We also offer a sterling silver polishing service.
Few signatures in British furniture are as instantly recognisable as the tiny carved mouse that scurries across the work of Robert “Mouseman” Thompson. For collectors and enthusiasts, spotting that small creature is a moment of delight and a sign of craft rooted in one of the most influential design movements of the 20th century.
The Robert Thompson workshop was established in the North Yorkshire village of Kilburn in the 1920s. Thompson was part of the great revival of skill and workmanship that swept Britain at the time, inspired by the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement championed by William Morris, John Ruskin and Thomas Carlyle. Rejecting industrial mass production, the movement celebrated skilled handwork. Working primarily in solid English oak and using traditional techniques, Thompson and his craftsmen produced furniture of remarkable character and quality.
Each piece was finished with the workshop’s now-famous carved mouse. What began with commissions for churches and schools soon expanded to private homes, and the workshop quickly built a loyal following that continues today among collectors across the world.
At Lawrences Auctioneers, “Mouseman” pieces have generated considerable interest in the saleroom. In 2019, a world-record price for a pair of 1930s Mouseman ‘Elephant’ bookends, which sold for £10,000.
Our April 20th Century Art & Design Sale now offers another opportunity for collectors, featuring a small private collection of Mouseman furniture. Highlights include a handsome oak sideboard (estimate £2,000-£3,000), a bureau (£1,500-£2,000), a charming pair of ‘triple mice’ bookends (£1,500£2,000), and two stools (each estimated at £200-£300)
We look forward to welcoming online bidding. The online sale will end on the 17th April.
Lawrences are welcoming consignments for their forthcoming Fine Art sales to include:
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
The Bride-gerton effect
Loved up couples-to-be can’t get enough of elegant, Regency era-inspired wedding celebrations
Netflix’s smash-hit, romantically riotous series Bridgerton may be in its fourth series, but its enduring popularity and ripple effect impact on the wedding industry doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, according to wedding specialist Hitched, Bridgerton-style weddings are up more than 190% year-on-year. The quintessentially British aesthetic leans into opulence – from corsets to classic cakes and crystal chandeliers – and pairs neutral, traditional tones with pastel palettes that lend themselves to year-round celebrations. And, just like the characters we’ve come to know and love in the series, a Bridgertoninspired bash can become as playful as you like, whether that’s employing a string quartet to reimagine your favourite club hits to walk down the aisle to, or creating intricate sculptures out of food and ice. Of course, as with the meticulously-designed TV sets, the setting of any Bridgerton-inspired wedding is essential for creating a convincingly immersive Regency world on your special day. Heritage venues, country houses and grand estates complete with manicured gardens are obvious go-to options (and thankfully, Bath and the South West has an abundance of properties perfect for this – with some even used as actual filming locations for the series), but most elegant wedding venues can be transformed into a Bridgerton set with enough tasteful draping and seasonal blooms adorning the walls and tables.
This iconic period elegance doesn’t need to stop there, though. The wedding party can be dressed top-to-toe in the finest Regency regalia. For brides, there’s delicate corsetry, lace, capped sleeves, long lines and intricate hair styling. For grooms – embroidered waistcoats, cravats, tailored tailcoats and luxurious fabrics, such as velvet in rich tones. But the ease and adaptability of the aesthetic means that all these elements can be incorporated into wedding getup that sits anywhere on the gender spectrum, from corseted feminine longtail tuxedos to dresses with top hats and pocket-watches. Indian regal fusion outfits with sherwanis and velvet Nehru jackets also blend formalwear with Regency elegance beautifully. Plus – the more guests you can entice to embrace the theme, the better!
With dating apps and reality TV shows highlighting the fleeting nature of love in 2026 it’s no wonder so many people are turning to Bridgerton, which centres old school romance (with a modern twinkle in its eye, of course), for inspiration for their big day. But no matter how you choose to theme your upcoming celebration, we’re here to help. Keep reading to discover our 2026 Weddings Guide...
Main image: The Pump Room makes an idyllic setting for a Georgian inspired wedding venue. Visit: bathvenues.co.uk
Photography by Rich Howman
Time to get hitched
If you are making plans to tie the knot? Our little guide to local wedding-based businesses is full of great ideas and all the folk who can help make your big day something very special.
Thomas Fortin
Everyone is looking to add personalized touches to their wedding to make their special day unique and Bath-based menswear company Thomas Fortin offers couples the chance to create their own printed bespoke wedding accessories. Perfect as groomsman gifts, these unique-to-you pieces will add something special to your wedding day! We can even print women’s silk scarves and twillies. Use the online store as a starting point for designs or create your own printed pattern from scratch. Thomas Fortin is a British company that pride themselves on quality products made and produced in England.
Celebrate your wedding in unforgettable surroundings at Beckford’s Tower. Perched high above the city of Bath, this striking historic landmark offers a truly unique setting for intimate ceremonies and romantic celebrations. Exchange vows in the elegant Museum Room, or at the Belvedere at the top of the tower, where breathtaking panoramic views create a magical backdrop. Built for William Beckford, whose wealth came from transatlantic slavery, the tower now openly interprets this complex history. Choosing to marry here supports vital conservation and educational work, helping ensure this remarkable place remains one of reflection, learning, and meaningful new beginnings.
Jody Cory is an independent jeweller and member of the National Association of Jewellers with 40 years’ experience. From her shop and workshop in Abbey Churchyard, Jody and her team create beautiful, unique pieces which are the perfect way to mark any special occasion. Friendly advice is available seven days a week from a team of highly skilled goldsmiths working in extremely covetable silver, gold and platinum and using personally selected rare gemstones. Old or broken treasures can be repaired or remodelled to become exciting new pieces to be enjoyed all over again and a free design service is available. Jody also offers restringing, rhodium plating and valuations. Her shop in the Abbey Churchyard offers skilfully crafted handmade jewellery from inexpensive silver pieces to diamond-set engagement rings and wedding rings in traditional and contemporary styles to suit all tastes as well as a variety of highly interesting work from other UK designers.
A City of Romance: discover Bath’s most enchanting wedding venues
There are few cities that lend themselves to romance quite like Bath. Its honey coloured stone, sweeping Georgian architecture and pockets of tranquil green space create a sense of timeless beauty, a feeling that becomes even more magical when experienced on a wedding day.
For couples seeking a setting that is both steeped in history and rich in atmosphere, Bath’s Historic Venues offer an irresistible collection of spaces, each with its own story to tell.
What unites them is a rare blend of flexibility and character. Whether you imagine an intimate ceremony or a lively celebration, indoors or outdoors, relaxed or formal, these venues adapt effortlessly. Couples can choose everything from Champagne breakfasts to bowl food receptions or elegant seated dinners, supported throughout by an award winning team who make the planning feel wonderfully simple.
Roman Baths & Pump Room: A ceremony like no other Few wedding moments are as unforgettable as exchanging vows beside the steaming waters of the Roman Baths. Surrounded by torchlight and over two millennia of history, it’s a setting that feels both intimate and monumental.
Couples can choose from elopements, ceremony only, reception only or full day celebrations, with sunrise and sunset ceremonies offering an especially atmospheric experience. After the vows, the grandeur of the Pump Room or the enclosed Terrace provides a beautiful backdrop for drinks and dinner.
Temple of Minerva & Botanical Gardens: Nature, charm and complete flexibility
Hidden within the Botanical Gardens, the Temple of Minerva is a gem for couples who love the idea of a wedding immersed in nature. The venue offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, a cosy inside space for up to 35 guests with underfloor heating, and all day hire for ceremonies, drinks and marquee receptions.
It’s wonderfully personal too, couples can choose their own caterer and suppliers, bring their dog along, and make full use of
the lawns for games, drinks or a marquee celebration. From festival inspired gatherings to candlelit winter weddings, it’s a space that transforms beautifully with the seasons.
Guildhall: Georgian grandeur in the heart of the city
The Guildhall houses one of Bath’s most striking interiors, with sweeping staircases and elegant rooms that lend themselves perfectly to both ceremonies and receptions. Couples enjoy the unusual freedom to choose their own caterer, and the convenience of the Register Office being located within the building.
Just steps from the river and manicured gardens, it’s a venue that combines grandeur with practicality, ideal for couples who want a central, stylish setting.
Victoria Art Gallery: A creative, intimate alternative
For art lovers, the Victoria Art Gallery offers a charming and competitively priced option. Overlooking Pulteney Bridge and moments from the River Avon, this Grade II listed space is perfect for smaller ceremonies followed by drinks and photographs in the nearby gardens. Many couples choose to continue their celebrations at one of the other venues or a favourite local restaurant.
The romance of Bath’s landmark venues
What makes these venues so special is not just their beauty, but the sense of place they offer. Each one allows couples to weave their own celebration into the fabric of Bath’s history, creating a day that feels personal, atmospheric and entirely unforgettable.
For more details, visit: bathvenues.co.uk enquiries@bathvenues.co.uk or tel: 01225 477786
Photography by Rich Howman
Wylde Jewellers
The South West’s leading designer jeweller, award-winning Nicholas Wylde has been designing original, high-quality jewellery since first opening his Bath store in 1987. Now proudly recognised as Bridal Brand of the Year at the Professional Jeweller Awards 2025, Wylde Jewellers has built a reputation for creating outstanding pieces; from one-off commissions to large corporate orders - all handmade with great passion in the on-site workshop. Nicholas Wylde also offers his own patented diamond cut, the exceptional Wylde Flower Diamond®, featuring more facets than a traditional brilliant cut for enhanced brilliance and sparkle. This exclusive gemstone is unavailable anywhere else in the world. With one of the largest collections of wedding rings in the South West, Wylde Jewellers is the perfect destination for those seeking exceptional wedding jewellery.
12 Northumberland Place, Bath BA1 5AR
Tel: 01225 462826; Web: nicholaswylde.com
Pitch Up and Play
Ensure a stress-free wedding day with Pitch Up and Play, the ultimate childcare solution! With more than seven years of experience in weddings and events with children, a team of 30+ DBS-checked, qualified Pitch Nannies will provide exceptional care that keeps your little guests entertained with exciting packages like bell tents and cosy movie rooms. The craft table and woodwork activities are a massive hit with children, keeping them creative and engaged throughout your celebration. Boasting more than 200 five-star reviews, you can trust Pitch Up and Play to handle all childcare logistics while you focus on creating lasting memories. Picture yourself enjoying a glass of fizz, knowing your Mini VIPs are having a blast. Let parents relax, confident their children are in great hands. Contact Pitch Up and Play today and allow them to be part of your special day!
Mallory is renowned as Bath’s destination jeweller. Now in its fifth generation, it is one of the country’s oldest family-owned and run jewellers since 1898 in its original Bridge Street premises. Today it boasts one of the largest in-house workshops in the UK, employing goldsmiths trained to the highest calibre, who create the most exquisite bespoke jewellery, as well as fully accredited watchmakers, who are qualified to maintain the finest of timepieces. Inside the showroom you will find a majestic emporium of fine and contemporary jewellery, watches, and beautiful, luxury gifts and accessories from the world’s most exclusive brands. Something for every bride, groom and the perfect wedding gift list.
1 – 5 Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AP
Tel: 01225 788800 Web: mallory-jewellers.com
Photo by Laura Power
We The Curious
Fancy getting married beneath the stars? A wedding at We The Curious is an experience like no other. You can tie the knot under a thousand glittering stars in the spectacular 3D Planetarium or choose to say ‘I do’ in the bright, contemporary spaces on the top floor of the Grade II-listed building. You and your guests can enjoy drinks on the roof top terrace and the chance to play, solve puzzles and marvel at the world across the science centre’s lower floors of fun, interactive exhibits.We The Curious is a truly unique venue, centrally located on Bristol’s beautiful harbourside, that offers a range of options for guest lists large and small.
Goldsmith and gemmologist Michael Parsons and his team run a delightful independent studio on Northumberland Place. The highly skilled team specialise in hand making bespoke engagement rings and wedding rings, as well as offering a wide range of individual pieces to buy. The studio welcomes all types of commissions, including remodelling. The studio has been in Bath for over 50 years and has a reputation for quality service and craftsmanship. A visit is a must for jewellery lovers and anyone looking for a special gift or thinking of having a piece of jewellery made.
Foodie notes and delicious ideas to whet your appetite
Six of the best: Perfect Sunday roasts.
From laid-back and relaxed chow-downs with the kids, family or friends to something a little more celebratory, here’s our highly-recommended, six of the best restaurants to enjoy super Sunday lunches this Springtime.
Brasserie Beau, Hotel Indigo
As well as the Beau’s regular menu featuring leisurely brunches and really great steaks, the traditional Sunday roasts set a benchmark in simply cooked, exceptional food. A choice of slow-roasted sirloin of beef, freerange chicken or a terrific nut roast – all served with seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes plus a delicious dessert menu that follows, is one of pure culinary heaven all served in this chic and elegant brasserie. brasseriebeau.co.uk
Green Park Brasserie
Enjoy quality local topside beef, free range chicken or the must-have veggie option of apricot and almond nut roast with generous sides of roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, maple-glazed parsnips and carrots, plus cauliflower cheese and so much more to choose from on the regular burger, steak or fish menu. Always popular and booking is advised. greenparkbrasserie.com
Sydney’s, Monmouth Place
Stylish yet relaxed and unpretentious, Sydney’s focuses on sharing dishes and serves up one of the best the sharing Sunday roasts to be found. A menu that comprises of Herefordshire beef sirloin, Pocock ’s Farm chicken, Somerset pork belly, all served with traditional trimmings, cauliflower cheese and Sydney’s gravy, it’s a simple joy and done very well. Priced at just £22 per person. sydneysbath.co.uk
Clayton’s Kitchen, George Street
The calm, welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent food make Clayton’s Kitchen a safe bet for an impressive sunday lunch. A beautifully-balanced mains menu featuring delights such as roast cannon of lamb, pan-roasted fillet of beef, honey-roasted, free-range duck breast are only complemented by the delicious pudding line-up. The lemon meringue comes highly recommended claytonskitchen.com
Emberwood, The Francis Hotel
The sharing roast at Emberwood is a real feast. Think generous cuts of meat served in the middle of the table, surrounded by bowls of seasonal greens, red cabbage and charred carrots, lardo-roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic, and homemade Yorkshire puddings. And, if sharing isn’t for you, order your own rare roast sirloin, corn-fed chicken, rolled pork belly or a meat-free tart. All come with the same delicious sides. Round it all off by diving into the excellent dessert menu. emberwoodbath.com
Beckford Canteen, Bartlett Street
A new Austen-inspired Afternoon Tea experience at The Pump Room
The Pump Room has just launched a Jane Austeninspired afternoon tea alongside an immersive Pride and Prejudice experience. Set in its historic Georgian salon, where Austen herself once observed Bath society – the new offering blends traditional afternoon tea with the best of literary storytelling and seasonal British produce. Priced from £44.50, the menu features classic sandwiches, savouries, scones and pastries, complemented by bespoke teas (created with Gillards of Bath) and literary-themed cocktails. A £70 enhanced experience adds aperitifs and additional courses. With live music from the Pump Room Trio, the launch aims to impress both Bath residents and visitors alike with a modern format to this most enjoyable ritual of Regency, high-society life.
Set in a former Georgian greenhouse, with a pretty garden, Beckford Canteen regularly receives top reviews and accolades from food writers and critics from all over the globe. The Sunday roasts served are sublime. Choose from delicious roast chicken breast, pork belly or roast beef sirloin – served with all the trimmings, including the Canteen’s highly popular confit potatoes. Well-cooked, fresh and tasty food – it’s modern British dining at it’s best. beckfordcanteen.com
Chocolate Bunnies
We are loving these handmade, chocolate Easter bunnies from Lacock based Cocochemistry. Available in white, milk or dark chocolate and priced at just £3.75 each (45gm) - they make a wonderful treat. Find these and many more at: cocochemistry.co.uk
Brasserie Beau
Portrait of Bath
Garry & Lisa Rosser
Hospitality power couple Garry & Lisa Rosser on long hours, lucky breaks, and the highs and lows of opening new venture, Sydney’s, 10 years after The Scallop Shell.
If you’ve spent any time in Bath, chances are you’ve come across Garry and Lisa Rosser’s much-loved Monmouth Place restaurant, The Scallop Shell. Always buzzy and fun, it’s a go-to for fantastic fish and chips and much more, from shucked-to-order oysters to fruits de mer and whole Dorset crab or lobster.
“We always dreamed of opening our own business,” says Garry. Growing up on a council estate, he and Lisa lived next door as children before he moved away. By 16 he was working as a fishmonger at Gateway when Lisa came in one day with her mum – they’ve been inseparable ever since.
“I wanted to do fish and chips because of the childhood memories,” Garry explains. “It was a very working-class meal. We never went to restaurants. Friday night was the luxury – the van would come round, or we’d go to the Bear Flat chippy, The Merry Fryer. It was the highlight of the week.”
Garry earned his chef stripes at some of Bath’s best-known restaurants, including The Queensberry, Moon & Sixpence and FishWorks, before a lucky break in 2008: opening a fishmongers and seafood deli at a local farm shop, followed by a takeaway. “It was long hours and really hard work, making everything from scratch,” says Lisa, who left her job to join the business full-time. “We made mistakes at the beginning,” Garry adds, “but I knew I could use my chef skills to do it well.” The venture proved a great success, allowing them to save enough to open The Scallop Shell in 2015.
The years since have seen highest highs and lowest lows. Winning Fish & Chip Restaurant of the Year at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2016 led to a “phenomenal increase in business,” says Garry. But by 2017 they were doing too much and made the difficult decision to close The Scallop Shell takeaway. “It was a really tough time, but the only way to move forward. That fear of failure keeps you level-headed, and actually it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.”
They could have stopped there, with a thriving restaurant that counts Marco Pierre White among its regulars. Instead, in 2025 they launched Sydney’s, a Mediterranean-inspired bar and kitchen next door, with rooftop dining. Guests can drop in for drinks, enjoy the likes of crab thermidor on a sunny terrace overlooking Bath’s rooftops, or tuck into a sharing Sunday roast.
“It hasn’t been a bed of roses,” Garry admits. “Our initial vision wasn’t quite right – you shouldn’t just do something for the business. In hospitality, you have to find the passion.” Nearly a year on, and plenty of tweaks later, they’ve found it. “Now we’re cooking from the heart, inspired by our travels and by Lisa’s dad, Sydney, who always supported us,” he says. “He was a big family man,” Lisa adds, “and inspired who we are today.”
That family ethos runs deep. Their son Dan started in the fishmongers at 15, helped build The Scallop Shell and now runs his own award-winning seafood restaurant. Daughter Becky heads up HR and admin, and granddaughter Lexie charms guests front of house. Lisa may say she “goes with the flow,” but her role across every part of the business – and their 40strong team – is vital.
“The most important thing is honesty,” says Garry. “Using the best produce and pricing honestly. You can’t cut corners when you’re trying to inspire everyone to do their best every day. It’s harder now, but I enjoy it more than ever. It’s long hours and never stops, but Sydney’s is turning; growing and getting busier – which makes it all worthwhile.”
Photography by Joe Short, an award-winning photographer based in Bath. joeshort.com
Award winning Bespoke handmade kitchens 01225 312 003 bathkitchencompany.co.uk
Wealthtime
Growing Talent and Shaping the Future of Finance in Bath
For more than 15 years, Wealthtime has been building something special in the heart of Bath. A people centred, future focused financial services company that believes success starts with investing in talent. Now, with the opening of their brand-new office in Royal Mead, they’re proudly deepening their roots in the city they call home.
Wealthtime is an investment platform, but in everyday terms that means they provide the secure, modern technology that financial advisers use to look after clients’ savings and investments. Financial advisers use Wealthtime’s platform to manage pensions, ISAs and other investments to help people grow and protect their money. And it’s no ordinary investment platform. Wealthtime is one of the UK’s highest rated financial adviser platforms, has been rated Gold by Defaqto for its platform and pension services, and has achieved the highest possible 5-star rating for its ISA (Individual Savings Account) and SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pensions).
But Wealthtime’s ethos extends far beyond providing an innovative platform that helps financial advisers provide the best results for their clients. Their philosophy in building a culture that thrives on collaboration and pursuing potential is what really makes them a powerhouse in the Bath business community. Their 147 strong team, led by Managing Director Toby Larkman, has been built with an emphasis on nurturing local talent. With over 60 new starters joining the company in the past 18-months alone, Wealthtime advocates for encouraging people from all walks of life to explore careers in finance. Their Platform Associate program for example, see’s team members starting out in their careers, spending 6 months at a time rotating across different departments of the business. Providing a rich depth of experience to help build confidence, discover strengths and understand which areas of finance resonate with them most, Wealthtime advocates for showcasing
younger generations that successful careers in finance are achievable right here in Bath. Plus, with a leadership team that’s 50% women, Wealthtime refreshingly walks the walk when it comes to supporting gender equality in an often highly male dominated industry. As a recognised member of the Good Business Charter, Wealthtime sets a precedent for being a responsible business in not only the way they treat their employees, but their customers, community and the planet.
Their move to their new office in Royal Mead marks an exciting new chapter for the company. The modern, central location provides space to innovate and connect as a team, but also signals they’re here to stay in the city for the long run. Not to mention, their newly announced partnership with Bath Rugby firmly cements their commitment to support the local Bath community.
Looking ahead, their mission is simple. Continue pursuing potential together. All in terms of providing the best platform experience for advisers, growing the business by nurturing local talent, and supporting the local community their clearly proud to be part of.
To find out more about Wealthtime, visit wealthtime.com
Toby Larkman, Wealthtime Managing Director
Bath business
CITY BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES
Bath Rugby’s Annual Fundraising Dinner
Johann van Graan, Head of Bath Rugby, will headline the club’s Annual Fundraising Dinner on Thursday 30th April 2026 at DoubleTree by Hilton Bath. Fresh from leading Bath Rugby to three major trophies, this promises to be an unforgettable evening as Johann will share exclusive insights into how he has built a winning culture rooted in family and belonging - the very same values that drives the work of the Bath Rugby Foundation. This special evening will combine inspiration, impact and generositylast year the foundation helped over 5,500 children and young people – changing young lives across Bath and beyond. Ticket prices range from £175 for an individual to £2100 for a table of 12 and include: a three-course meal and welcome drink by The Ivy. Seats are strictly limited and demand is always high for this very popular evening. Tickets and details can be found at: bathrugbyfoundation.com
First phase of Bath River Line works completed
Bath & North East Somerset Council has completed the first phase of the Bath River Line project, delivering new improvements along the city’s riverside route between Norfolk Crescent and Bath Quays. The 10km linear park scheme is designed to improve biodiversity, support active travel and better connect Bath’s riverside spaces. Works include a resurfaced shared-use path at Green Park, a widened entrance and new riverside seating and viewing area. Path improvements have also been completed outside Norfolk Buildings, alongside plans for a future rain garden with climateresilient planting.
Bath Digital Festival returns to ask us the question – What if?
From 19th to 21st May – Bath Digital Festival returns for three days of ideas, knowledge sharing and conversation, bringing together founders, creatives, technologists and curious minds from across the South West. Curated by techSPARK, the festival has built a reputation for doing things a little differently. Rather than following the traditional conference formula of keynote speeches and a packed agenda, Bath Digital Festival is designed as a platform where ideas collide and conversations unfold naturally.
The 2026 edition centres on a single prompt: What If?
What if we challenged the assumptions that shape our industries? What if new collaborations unlocked ideas no one had thought of yet? And what if the most interesting innovations come from the unexpected connections between people who rarely meet? Those questions will play out across the rest of the day’s programme, with keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and fringe events exploring emerging technologies, creative applications and the real experiences of people building new businesses and ideas.
Each day begins with a breakfast, where morning tech talks, networking and coffee set the tone for the day ahead. These sessions bring innovators and industry leaders together to share practical insights and spark new conversations. The breakfast is followed by the daily interactive showcase, where companies demonstrate new products, test ideas and gather real feedback from the community. It is a chance to see emerging technology up close and meet the people building it.
New wayfinding and interpretation signage has also been installed, featuring 21 panels on Bath’s riverside history, nature and culture, developed with 17 partner organisations. Further works will continue throughout the year, including upgrades at Green Park, with funding of £600,000 from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority supporting the next phase. For more news and developments on the Bath River Line keep an eye on the Council’s website: bathnes.gov.uk
Part of the magic of Bath Digital Festival lies in the mix of people it attracts. Startup founders share space with corporate innovators. Students exchange ideas with experienced industry leaders. Creative technologists and engineers find common ground in new experiments and prototypes. The result is an atmosphere that feels less like a formal event and more like an open exchange of ideas.
Search techspark.co/bdf to get involved.
Tilly Lockey delivers an inspirational moment at last year’s Festival
The end of the Tax yearDo you need to take action?
As the end of the 2025/26 tax year approaches on 5 April, it is a good time to review your affairs, making the most of opportunities to maximise your income and minimise your tax, some of which are detailed below.
Gift Aid Payments
Don’t forget that, in respect of the 2025/26 tax year, higher rate taxpayers can claim an extra 20% of the ‘grossed up’ donation from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC). For example, if a donation of £80 is made to charity under gift aid during the year, the higher rate tax relief that HMRC will give you will be 20% of £100 i.e. an additional £20. For additional rate taxpayers (those with taxable income above £125,140 for the year), the extra relief would be £25.
Pension Contributions
You may wish to consider making an additional payment into your pension scheme before 5 April 2026, particularly if your total income for the current year may take you into the 40% (or even higher) income tax rates. For most individuals, the 40% rate starts to apply once income reaches £50,270. The tax relief for personal pension contributions works in a similar manner to gift aid payments and as a result, tax relief is available at your marginal rate of tax (subject to various criteria – including restrictions regarding the annual and lifetime allowances – which are beyond the scope of this article).
High Earners
High earners also need to bear in mind that they may be at risk of losing their personal allowance. Those with “net adjusted income” in excess of £100,000 for 2025/26 will lose the whole or part of their personal allowance of £12,570. For every £2 of income in excess of £100,000 the allowance is reduced by £1, leading to an effective marginal rate of income tax of 60% on income between £100,000 and £125,140. Once net adjusted income reaches £125,140, the allowance is completely eliminated.
With both gift aid donations and pension contributions, it is certainly worth considering making a one-off payment before 5 April 2026 if you are in danger of losing all or part of your personal allowance or being subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (which applies when “net adjusted income” exceeds £60,000).
For example, if you are expecting your total income for 2025/26 to be £110,000 (and assume for these purposes that you haven’t yet made any pension contributions in the tax year), by making a net pension payment of £8,000 on or before 5 April 2026 (equivalent to a gross contribution of £10,000), could save you additional income tax of £4,000, meaning the effective cost (after tax relief) of the pension payment is actually only £4,000. In other words you obtain the benefit of £10,000 being contributed to your pension scheme at a cost of only £4,000 - a massive 60% relief.
The above are only a small selection of some of the tax planning points included in our annual publication - End of Tax Year Guide Spring 2026 which is available on our website or to anyone who would like to telephone our offices or e-mail us at mail@pearsonmay.co.uk. Copies of this will be provided free of charge.
The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice. Such advice in relation to pension schemes and investments should be obtained from your pension adviser or an independent financial adviser.
Helen Draper MMath(Hons) FCA
Education matters
NEWS FROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS
Paragon pupils shine with top marks in drama exams
Pupils at The Paragon School are celebrating outstanding success in their recent LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) Drama Exams, with an impressive 31 children from Years 3–6 awarded Distinction certifiates. The achievements span a range of disciplines, including Verse & Prose, as well as Solo, Duo and Group Acting. The pupils’ success refects not only their talent, but also their commitment to weekly lessons, dedication, and additional practice beyond the classroom. Head of School, Mr Malcolm Bond, praised the pupils’ “I am so proud of every single pupil – what an achievement this is! We are so lucky to have so many budding actors at The Paragon. Huge thanks to their brilliant teacher for her work with the children and for preparing them so well.”
The school community now looks ahead to its upcoming Arts Showcase on 24th March, where many of these pupils will take to
St Gregory's Catholic College earns prestigious Gold Artsmark Award
Students and staff at St Gregory’s Catholic College are celebrating after receiving the prestigious Gold Artsmark Award, recognising its commitment to arts, culture and creativity in education.
Artsmark, accredited by Arts Council England, is the UK’s only creative quality standard for schools, supporting improved outcomes and wellbeing through arts-led learning.
Assessors praised the school as a “vibrant, fun and exciting place,” highlighting its strong creative ethos, use of drama in PSHE, and student leadership through initiatives such as the KS5 ambassadors programme and major productions.
The school was also commended for its commitment to inclusion and staff development within the Performing Arts team.
Headteacher Melissa George said the arts help students find their voice, with staff praised for bringing creativity to life in classrooms and on stage. st-gregorys.org.uk
the stage once again to demonstrate their talents.
The Paragon continues to place a strong emphasis on nurturing confience, creativity, and curiosity in all its pupils.
Peter Crouch surprises Larkhall Athletic Youth Football Club with nutrition campaign
Former England striker Peter Crouch surprised players at Larkhall Athletic Youth Football Club as part of a nationwide campaign promoting better nutrition in grassroots football.
The initiative, in partnership with M&S Food, encourages young players to “Eat Well and Play Well” while addressing a knowledge gap among coaches. Research shows 31% would welcome nutrition training, but only 15% feel confident giving advice.
Crouch joined a training session and hosted a Q&A before demonstrating a high-protein recovery smoothie at the club’s snack shack, alongside long-serving volunteer Doreen Gilbert.
With grassroots football worth £15.9bn annually, according to The Football Association, the campaign will continue rolling out across the UK with practical advice for clubs and families.
Visit: marksandspencer.com
Visit: paragonschool.co.uk
Students performing Making Moves Dance at Saddlers Wells
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All of these blemishes can be successfully reduced or removed by Advanced Electrolysis (doctors note may be required)
WNew Horizons in Glaucoma Care
An interview with Miss Rachel Healy, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, The Eye Unit (Private Clinic) and Bristol Eye Hospital
e sat down with regional and UK expert - Miss Rachel Healy, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at The Eye Unit (Private Clinic) and Glaucoma Lead at Bristol Eye Hospital, to discuss the future of glaucoma treatment and how private patients can now access world-leading care.
Glaucoma has often been referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” Can you tell us why early diagnosis and treatment are so important?
Miss Healy: That phrase is very true – glaucoma can progress without obvious symptoms until significant vision is lost. Once that sight is gone, we cannot restore it, which is why early detection and timely intervention are essential. With modern imaging and diagnostic tools, we can now identify glaucoma earlier than ever before and tailor treatment to each patient.
What have been the most exciting advances in glaucoma treatment in recent years?
Over the past decade, glaucoma management has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the past, treatment primarily relied on daily eye drops, with more invasive surgery reserved for advanced cases or when medications failed. Today, we have a broader and more refined set of tools.
Laser treatments, for instance, have advanced significantly. Procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) are now quick, virtually painless, and highly effective—making them a strong option even as a first-line treatment for many patients.
Beyond lasers, we’ve seen the rise of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), which offer a safer, less invasive way to reduce eye pressure. These techniques often come with faster recovery times and can reduce or even eliminate the need for long-term medications.
Emerging innovations such as sustained-release drug delivery systems are an exciting area of ongoing research. These innovations aim to provide long-term pressure control without the daily burden of eye drops, potentially reshaping how we treat glaucoma in the future.
How does The Eye Unit support patients in accessing these treatments?
At The Eye Unit, patients benefit from consultant-led care in a calm, private setting, with access to the very latest technologies. We can offer cutting-edge diagnostic imaging, same-day laser treatments, and personalised surgical planning — without the waiting times often experienced elsewhere.
We also focus on the patient journey. Glaucoma management is lifelong, so continuity of care, regular monitoring, and clear communication are at the heart of what we do.
Some patients worry about surgery. How do you reassure them?
Understandably, surgery around the eyes feels daunting. But with modern minimally invasive techniques, most procedures are quick, performed under local anaesthetic, and recovery is far smoother than patients expect. Whether it’s a microshunt, a tube implant, or laser, my role is to guide patients through the options, explain risks and benefits clearly, and help them feel confident in their treatment plan.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of glaucoma care?
I think the shift towards personalised, precision medicine is very exciting. We’re moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Soon, genetic testing, advanced imaging, and new drug delivery systems will allow us to treat glaucoma even more effectively and with fewer side effects.
Finally, what would you say to someone considering private glaucoma care at The Eye Unit?
I would say: don’t wait until your vision is at risk. Glaucoma can be managed successfully if caught early. At The Eye Unit, you’ll see an experienced consultant at every appointment, have rapid access to the latest treatments, and receive care tailored specifically to you. Our aim is simple — to preserve your sight, protect your independence, and give you peace of mind. ■
The Eye Unit offers private, consultant-led ophthalmology services offering bespoke and personalised eye care including glaucoma, cataract and lens surgery, general ophthalmology, retina and oculoplastics.
Longstanding Arthritic Back and Knee pain: John is a lovely chap referred to me for treatment in July 25 by a previous patient. In great shape for an 88 year old, he was however suffering from long term low back pain related to spinal degeneration and spondylolesthesis. He’d also had a half knee replacement 17 years previously and was now suffering with pain on the outside of his joint. His walking , sitting and general activity were painful and getting more and more restrictive.
He chose to do a combination of programmes of MBST to address several areas of tissue damage. On our most recent follow up in Feb 26 both spine and knee are much improved. Activity/walking and travelling is much less painful and no high levels of pain reported for some time. All this 7 months post MBST. I look forward to seeing where he is at 12 months and beyond.
Degenerative Discs/Disc Bulges: Tom is a great example of how MBST can improve the quality and integrity of damaged discs and steer patients away from persistent back pain and more severe disc injury.
Tom is a fit chap but after years of recurrent back pain that hands on treatment and core strength couldn’t stabilise he came to see me. We got an MRI scan that showed degenerative disc bulges at the bottom of his spine which was both the cause of his pain as well as a stress on his spinal joints.
He then did a course of MBST for his discs. Since this intervention 7 months ago his clinical picture is dramatically different, largely pain free with only occasional reminders of his prior state, and things will continue to improve as the quality of his fibrocartilage improves.
MBST UK is the official regenerative Partner for Bath Rugby and Wrexham FC. Not only is this leading to dramatic increases in the speed of player rehabilitation and return to play, but it’s allowing us to gather data and explore the full ability of this technology
A safe and simple way to Screen your bone health
At CURA we have the have the latest technology in assessing bone density and fragility. Unlike DEXA that uses X-Ray, REMS Scans use ultrasound to precisely assess the thickness of bone and the bone strength/architecture.
It’s an amazing tool to have, especially to safely monitor the progress our patients are making after using MBST to address the deconditioning of bone in Osteoporosis:
We’re seeing remarkable results when applying MBST to bone, both after trauma and in Osteoporosis patients.
Our observations include;
Significantly faster fracture healing times
• Significant reduction in fracture pain.
• Improved Bone mineral density
Improved T scores and reduced fragility
Scans take 45 minutes and results are immediate
An award-winning innovative treatment for: Osteoarthritis | Back & disc problems | Bone conditions & fractures | Cartilage damage | Ligament, tendon & muscle damage | Sports & accident injuries.
The hidden paths around Minchinhampton
Minchinhampton is an ancient hilltop town of narrow streets and sweeping common land. This month Andrew Swift guides us through historic lanes and quiet valleys in the wider landscape of the Cotswolds, especially beautiful in late spring.
Minchinhampton is a small and ancient town of narrow streets, high on a Cotswold hilltop and surrounded by a vast common. Originally it was simply called Hampton, but after Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, granted it to the nuns of Caen Abbey in Normandy, ‘minchen’ – the Old English word for nun – was added to its name. It grew rich, like so much of the Cotswolds, from wool and weaving, but the trade collapsed in the early 19th century, when water and steam-powered woollen mills were built beside fast-flowing streams in the valleys below. Stagnation brought its own rewards, however, for Minchinhampton escaped the ravages of Victorian development, making it ripe for rediscovery when the charm and value of older ways and older buildings came to be appreciated once again.
Even so, it lies well off the tourist track, amid a network of narrow lanes, leaving it for the more discerning visitor to discover its delights, and to explore the sublime countryside in which it is set. And there is no better time than late spring to visit, when purple orchids, buttercups and cowslips dot Minchinhampton Common, skylarks trill high above, and bluebells and wild garlic cloak the woodland floor.
To whet your appetite, here is a choice of two short walks – the first (3.25 miles long) is relatively straightforward; the second (4.5 miles long) starts by following the same route before venturing into the valley below, and is more challenging, with tricky stiles, lack of waymarks and a difficult stream crossing.
Both start at the High Street, in the centre of Minchinhampton. Free parking is available (on the edge of Minchinhampton Common) by following signs along Bell Lane, at the north-west end of the High Street. Bell Lane also leads past Holy Trinity Church, one of the glories of Minchinhampton, which is well worth a visit before or after the walk.
The High Street is where you will find a pub (the 17th-century Crown Inn) and a café, along with the Market House, built in 1698 and supported on stone columns. Arden House and Old Hall, to the left of the Crown, are even older, as the Tudor roses in the stops of the dripmould over their shared entrance suggest. There was once another pub in this street of splendid buildings – the White Hart, on the east side, which closed over a century ago, and is now the post office.
At the end of the High Street, cross to head straight on along Well Hill, which is lined with more grand buildings. After it starts dropping downhill, you pass another of Minchinhampton’s lost pubs – Rowleys at No 19 was the Royal Oak, which closed in 1907. Just below it, look out for some intriguing carvings on the wall of Wishing Cottage, before turning right along King Street, which, after leading through a kissing gate (KG), dwindles to a narrow path climbing past former weavers’ cottages. The views southward over the Avening Valley from here are magnificent.
At the top, another surprise awaits, as you turn right under a bridge to follow a sunken footpath through two tunnels, constructed to screen the view of the landscaped gardens of a mansion called the Lammas from prying eyes.
At the end, go through a KG, cross and turn left along Windmill Road (SO869007). Take the first right along Dr Brown’s Road, and after 400m, just past Hunter’s Lodge, turn left to follow a path beside a wall. Here you are on the edge of Minchinhampton Common, and the rampart running parallel to the wall is part of a massive Iron Age bank which almost encircles the town.
Continue alongside the wall, but, after passing a house called Westfield, where the wall turns left, carry straight on, heading to the right of the group of buildings ahead. At the road, cross and carry on with a wall on
The path alongside the stream
Minchinhampton
The sunken footpath
your left (SO860011). After 200m, follow the wall as it curves south, and after another 500m, when you come to a bench between two trees, cross the road and head for the pale stone double-gabled building straight ahead (SO860003). Follow the wall to the left of it, go through a squeeze stile in the corner and head down a walled path.
At the bottom, turn left along a lane through the village of Box. The church of St Barnabas, on the right, with stained-glass windows by Edward Payne, who lived nearby, dates from 1952.
After another 200m, follow the lane as it turns left for a short distance, before turning right to follow a footpath sign for Longfords (SO863000).
After 100m, you come to a wooden KG on the left. If you want to opt for the short walk, go through it and carry on along a path for 500m. When you come to a road, turn right, take the first left and, after passing Gardener’s Cottage (SO869000), turn left again to follow a lane back up to Minchinhampton.
For the longer walk, carry on past the wooden KG, go through a metal KG on the left a few metres further on and head along a walled path. When you come to a drive, continue down it. At the bottom, turn right along a lane for 75m, before turning left to follow a sign for Longford’s Mill.
After 300m, as the lane widens to reveal a group of large buildings ahead, you will see a drive on the left with a footpath sign (SO867992). Before turning along it, carry on to see Longford’s Mill, one of the largest and most attractive former mill complexes in the Cotswolds.
There has been a mill here for over 700 years, but, although several of the buildings you see today date from the 18th century or even earlier, most were part of a massive expansion following the creation of a large dam in 1806. Production of cloth ceased here in 1990 and since then many of the buildings have been converted to housing, although some still lie empty.
Head back to the footpath sign, set off along the drive, and, after crossing two stiles beside farm gates, bear right to follow a footpath sign alongside a stream. This hidden valley is a delight, especially in spring, even though some of the stiles you encounter may be somewhat tricky.
After 600m the path leads into a meadow, with the stream snaking across it (ST870998). Stepping stones across the stream seem to have been dislodged by winter rains and, when I visited a few weeks ago, I had to take advantage of a handily wedged log to get across. Although I managed it without getting my feet wet, you have been warned!
Once across it, a stile leads into another meadow where you cross the stream again – this time by a bridge. Here, where the stream branches, bear left to follow a track past a footpath signpost (which, when I visited, was lying on the ground) and over another stile (ST871999).
The path now leads up a steep combe, where the stream tumbles down past banks of wild garlic. The setting is glorious, but the path is narrow, rough and slippery, with several more stiles. After a while, it branches away from the stream and starts climbing in earnest.
When you emerge in a meadow, bear left. After crossing the stream, you will see a pond below you on the left. Carry on up the field in the same direction, heading for a stile in the wall at the top (SO869001).
After crossing the stile, turn right along the lane to head back up to Minchinhampton. n
Length of walk: Four miles
Accessibility: Extreme care is needed on rough and slippery tracks, especially those heading downhill.
Map: OS Explorer 142
Andrew Swift’s books on walking in around Bath can be found at www.akemanpress.com
Georgina Saunders Dentist
Georgina takes a holistic approach to dentistry and has a particular nterest in Periodontal disease.
notebook Interiors
Ceramic centrepieces ‐ our selection of eye‐catching designs to add an interesting touch of gloss, glaze and glamour to your home
OLIVER BONAS
Glazed Ceramic Gluggle Jugs
The traditional design of these statement jugs, shaped in the style of a koi fish with a mouth-shaped pourer makes a 'glug glug' sound when liquid is poured out, giving the jug its name.
Two sizes: £45.00 for the 1300ml or £36 for the 700 ml. Various colours.
St Lawrence Street, Southgate. oliverbonas.com
HEALS
Terracotta Vase with Handles
Perfect for your Ikebana arrangement. This double-handled terracotta vase in glossy jet-black is handmade by Maria Portugal. Bringing rustic style to any space, it’s inspired by the rich history of the company’s ceramics. £35. Visit the store at 20 Milsom Street, or online at: heals.com
OKA
Oliveto Cruet
Hand crafted in Italy from robust Tuscan stoneware and finished in a hand-applied green glaze, the cruet is embossed with Olivo (olive in Italian) and features delicate borders of olive branches. Produced in a village outside Florence by artisans, each piece will have individual characteristics that add to their charm, £45. 26-27 Milsom Street, or shop online at: oka.com
CREAM CORNWALL Ceramic Flowers
These ceramic flowers make a striking statement on their own or grouped as wall art. With a keyhole for easy hanging, they’re perfect for creating a personalised display that adds texture and style to any room. Prices range from £20 for the smaller yellow Poppy to £32 for the pink Gardenia or blue-grey Poppy to £50 for the larger pale-pink Camellia. 29 Milsom Street. creamcornwall.com
M&S Ceramic Pillar Candle Holder
Crafted from ceramic to a softly sculptural silhouette, this pillar candle holder makes an elegant statement. £7.50. Visit the new flagship store in Southgate or shop online at: marksandspencer.com
GRAHAM & GREEN Blue Dot Ceramic Lamp
Crafted from ceramic with a blue glaze finish and unique dot texture, this round statement lamp is complete with a natural linen shade that will perfectly suit any neutral interior style. 64cm high. £215 Visit the store on 92 Walcot Street, or take a look online at: grahamandgreen.co.uk
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Maya Eline Leroy Striped Ceramic Vases
Showcasing imperfections, a range of hand-painted stoneware vases by Maya Eline Leroy, crafted to resemble natural clay. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Yellow, £24. Red-Coral, £34. Blue-Green, £48. Visit the Bath store at 1-4 New Bond Street, or shop online at: anthropologie.com
Jamie and Tom with Newt.
Divine intervention: The bold world of Jamie Watkins and Tom Kennedy
Interiors shouldn’t feel polite. They should feel alive!’ say the founders of Bath-based wallpaper brand Divine Savages. Katherine Raderecht steps into the design duo’s playful, theatrical and colour-filled world to find out more.
From a south London flat to a maximalist showroom in Bath, Jamie Watkins and Tom Kennedy have built a design brand rooted in storytelling, humour and playful pattern. As Divine Savages approaches its tenth year, the couple reflect on creativity, collaboration and why bold interiors are about far more than wallpaper.
On Margaret’s Buildings, tucked between the honeyed buildings of the Royal Crescent and the elegant symmetry of The Circus, the windows of Divine Savages are anything but restrained. Inside the showroom, cranes wander through tropical palms, velvet lampshades bloom in jewel tones, and patterned wallpaper climbs the walls with unapologetic theatricality. The space feels less like a shop and more like stepping into the world of Divine Savages.
For founders Jamie Watkins and Tom Kennedy, that sense of drama is entirely intentional. “Playful pattern with a story - it’s what we do best,” Tom says, gesturing around the room. “We want to celebrate both the divine and the savage in us all.” Their motto neatly captures a philosophy that has propelled Divine Savages from a personal decorating experiment into one of Britain’s most distinctive design studios.
Nearly a decade after launching the brand, the couple’s designs now appear in homes, bars and hotels around the world, and have even lined the walls of a historic London institution. Yet the origins of Divine Savages are surprisingly domestic: a modest Victorian flat in south London and two people who simply wanted more character on their walls.
A creative partnership
Before Divine Savages existed, Tom and Jamie were building entirely different careers. Tom’s world revolved around fashion graphics. After studying illustration and graphic design at the University of Westminster, he worked with brands including Firetrap, Dr Martens and Fred Perry, designing prints for clothing.
“Pattern on clothing becomes part of someone’s identity. With wallpaper, it shapes the atmosphere of an entire space.”
Tom Kennedy
“Designing for fashion taught me to think about scale and narrative,” he says. “Pattern on clothing becomes part of someone’s identity. With wallpaper, it’s different - you live with it rather than wear it. It shapes the atmosphere of an entire space.”
Jamie’s route was very different. Having studied film and television at the University of Surrey in Roehampton, he built a career in broadcasting at National Geographic and Discovery Networks. There he learned something that would later prove invaluable: the power of storytelling.
“In factual television you’re constantly thinking about how to make real stories emotionally engaging,” he explains. “You have to understand the audience and present ideas in a way that feels authentic and memorable. That approach is very much how we think about the brand.”
The couple met in a London bar in 2006. The attraction was immediate: Tom’s infectious energy balanced by Jamie’s calm, quietly mischievous charm. What neither realised at the time was that their professional backgrounds - graphic design and branding on one side, marketing and strategy on the other - would eventually combine to form a remarkably balanced creative partnership.
The flat that started it all
The idea for Divine Savages emerged when the couple bought their first property together in south London.The flat, part of a Victorian terrace, had plenty of character but needed redecorating. As they began planning the interiors, Tom and Jamie found themselves frustrated by what the wallpaper market offered.
Traditional wallpaper offered heritage and craft but little humour. Contemporary prints often lacked character. “We were finding plenty of humour and plenty of heritage,” Tom explains, “but nothing that did both.” So, he began designing his own. Inspired by the glamour of the Great Gatsby era and the couple’s shared love of cocktails, he created ➲
In production: Deco Martini wallpaper on the roller
a geometric pattern featuring martini glasses. What began as a personal project gradually grew into something more.
Friends and family began asking where they could buy it. That design – later named Deco Martini – became the first Divine Savages wallpaper.
The brand officially launched in 2017 with a small collection of wallpaper and fabric designs. The look that emerged - flamboyant, eccentric and slightly mischievous – has remained the DNA of Divine Savages ever since.
Building the brand
Building the brand required a leap of faith. Tom left freelance work to focus fully on design, while Jamie continued working in television, juggling two careers at once. Days were spent at the office; nights packing orders, answering emails and managing logistics.
It was an intense period. Wallpaper production requires significant upfront investment, and orders in the early stages were unpredictable.
Gradually, however, the signs of success appeared.
“We realised it wasn’t just redecorating when we got our first order from someone we didn’t know,” Tom says. Interior designers began contacting them and repeat customers soon followed.
By the time Jamie eventually left television to join the company fulltime, the brand had found its footing.
Today their roles remain clearly defined. Tom leads the creative direction, designing new patterns and overseeing photography, while Jamie manages the day-to-day operations - a role he jokingly describes as “Director of Everything Else”.
Love and work
Running a business as a married couple might sound complicated, but for Jamie and Tom it has proved remarkably harmonious. “We share a very clear creative vision,” Jamie says. “Life is essentially one long brainstorm.” Inspiration often emerges in everyday moments - browsing flea markets, walking their miniature schnauzer Newt through the
“Bringing the business to Bath felt like a real full-circle moment for me”
Jamie Watkins
countryside, or spotting a detail in a vintage magazine.
They rarely disagree about design direction, but when they do, they sometimes turn to trusted friends in the creative industry for advice.
Relocating to Bath has also helped bring balance. In London the business operated from their small flat, with wallpaper boxes stacked everywhere and makeshift workspaces squeezed into corners. Now their Margaret’s Buildings showroom doubles as a studio, providing a dedicated workspace away from home.
Pattern with personality
Divine Savages’ distinctive aesthetic blends history, humour and storytelling. Many of their designs feel almost like characters in a theatrical cast. Take Zsa Zsa, inspired by 1920s Hollywood glamour –“our party girl”, Tom says, “sophisticated but a little bit wild”. Or Crane Fonda, a grey crowned crane wandering elegantly through palm trees.
Naming the designs is part of the fun, and customers sometimes help. The patterns themselves draw inspiration from everywhere: vintage illustrations, ceramics, nature, fashion and film.
Their latest design, Ophelia’s Tide, explores underwater imagery, combining botanical flourishes with shells and oceanic motifs.
Humour remains essential. As Tom puts it, the last thing they want their work to feel is pretentious.
From museums to Ibiza
As the brand grew, so did the scale of its projects. One of the most
Production roller for the Crane Fonda wallpaper
The divine loo at the showroom
Four Divine Savages designs to know
Bold, playful and full of personality, Divine Savages wallpapers are designed to be the “main character” in a room. Here are four designs that capture the spirit of the brand.
Deco Martini
An elegant Art Deco–inspired pattern of martini glasses arranged in geometric symmetry. In rich green tones, this playful design brings a touch of vintage glamour and mischief to a room.
Safari Soiree
A lush jungle scene alive with leopards, palms and exotic birds. In Heron Blue, the design feels both dramatic and sophisticated - a modern take on classic safari style.
The Brambles ‘Mulberry’ Trailing thorny branches and delicate leaves weave across the surface in this romantic botanical design. The deep Mulberry colourway adds richness and warmth.
Wild Wild Woods
Inspired by woodland landscapes, this design layers intricate trees and foliage to create a calm, atmospheric pattern that feels both immersive and quietly dramatic.
“We wanted wallpaper with heritage — but with a raised eyebrow.”
Jamie
Watkins
Wild Wild Woods
The Brambles ‘Mulberry’
Detail of Safari Soiree in Heron Blue
Deco Martini
significant moments came in 2019 when Divine Savages created the first wallpaper collection in the history of the Natural History Museum.
“We emailed them assuming we’d never hear back,” Jamie recalls. Instead, the project gave the designers access to the museum’s extraordinary archive of scientific illustrations and specimens. The collaboration proved so successful that a second collection followed in 2022.
Other projects have taken their designs to unexpected places. At the legendary Pikes Ibiza - famous as the location of Wham’s Club Tropicana video - Divine Savages wallpapers now feature throughout the hotel’s interiors.
More recently, a partnership with British tile company Ca’ Pietra has translated their patterns into ceramic tiles, opening up new possibilities for kitchens and bathrooms.
A return to Bath
In 2023 the couple made another significant decision: leaving London and relocating both their home and business to Bath. “We left London mainly for lifestyle reasons,” Jamie explains. “Space, balance – and somewhere our dog Newt could enjoy proper walks.”
The move also carried personal meaning. Jamie grew up in Bath, and returning with the business felt like a full-circle moment.
Their showroom on Margaret’s Buildings now serves as both retail space and creative hub. Antique furniture upholstered in bold velvets sits alongside sweeping fabric curtains and bespoke wallpaper displays crafted by local carpenter Jaiden Savery.
One local resident even brought them a large 1970s disco ball she thought they might appreciate. She was right - it now sits proudly among the showroom’s eclectic objects.
“We wanted it to feel like a maximalist’s dream,” Tom says. Beyond retail, the couple have embraced Bath’s creative community, hosting informal networking evenings for local designers, architects and photographers.
A house of their own
Alongside the showroom project, Tom and Jamie are also renovating a Georgian villa in Bath.
Like their first London flat, the house appealed because of its character and potential. Working with architect Katy Morrison and local craftspeople, they are restoring it sympathetically while gradually introducing the Divine Savages aesthetic.
Their boldest decision so far? Rejecting open-plan living.
“Instead we created a bigger dining room and kept the kitchen separate,” Tom says. “It makes hosting dinners and drinks much more sociable.”
Living with their own wallpapers has also revealed new details. In their bedroom, Wild Wild Woods grasscloth mirrors the trees outside, creating a warm, cocooning atmosphere.
Looking
ahead
As Divine Savages approaches its tenth anniversary, Jamie and Tom remain thoughtful about growth. “Growth doesn’t mean saying yes to everything,” Jamie says. “It’s about choosing collaborations and projects that truly align with our values.”
Their ambition is simple but bold: to create designs that endurepatterns people recognise instantly and live with for decades, quietly weaving themselves into the stories of the homes they inhabit.
More than anything, they hope their work encourages people to be braver in their interiors.
Because ultimately Divine Savages has never really been about wallpaper. It is about creativity, imagination and the confidence to express personality through design.
And in Bath - a city where elegance and eccentricity have long lived side by side - their joyful sense of theatre feels entirely at home. n
Marmalade House Design celebrates its 15th birthday with not only a fresh re-brand and a new website, but a goodly amount of marmalade cake and bubbles. It feels very apt now to change our name slightly to Marmalade House Design, from The Marmalade House, says founder and CEO Vanessa Sayce, because of the direction the company is moving in. We feel the name is synonymous with style, home, comfort, reliability and welcome; all of which we embody in our work.
Over the years, Marmalade House Design has evolved from painting furniture with Annie Sloan Chalk paint, to becoming a highly successful award-winning design and styling business, with clients in Europe, London, the Cotswolds, and the Southwest. We do still paint specialist pieces of furniture, says Vanessa, but we are evolving into more design-led work in interiors, locations and our own bespoke pieces. Last year we were lucky enough to work with Disney + Studios on the filming of the second series of Jilly Cooper’s ‘Rivals’, and this year sees projects well ahead to the summer.
We are developing our training programme too, and now offer full day courses in professional furniture painting, and design. They are hands-on fully informative days set in our beautiful farmhouse studios in Bath, with a home-cooked farmhouse lunch. We have trained well over 2,000 people now, says Vanessa, and part of our plan going forwards is to take our courses online to a wider audience.
This, together with plans for a new podcast, and a transition of painting to oils on canvas, are just some of the reasons why the next 15 years will be just as developmental and enjoyable as the last. Bring on the bubbly! We are celebrating!
www.marmaladehousedesign.com
Enchanted House Beds
Spring has Sprung & with it a new era of Luxury Sleep
Spring has sprung & with it a new era of luxury sleep
Enchanted House Beds is welcoming spring with renewed energy, fresh inspiration, and a very special milestone; following a landmark year of innovation and growth, they launch a new luxury bed collection at the iconic TR Hayes furniture store in Bath, a partnership that celebrates craftsmanship, family values, and exceptional customer care.
Beyond a bed – A lifestyle of deep, restorative sleep
One of this country’s best-kept secrets, Enchanted House Beds are based in Devon, where they handcraft beautiful beds, from mattresses to headboards, pillows and more. They pride themselves on using only the finest natural materials and in particular wool from their very own Dartmoor sheep, reinforced with the belief that true craftsmanship can transform the way you sleep.
A beautiful new home in Bath
Thoughtfully curated within the extensive TR Hayes showrooms, the new display offers customers the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the complete Enchanted House Beds experience. Here, visitors can explore the handcrafted mattresses in a variety of tensions, finishes, and styles, all presented in an environment that invites touch, discovery, and inspiration. It’s a space designed not just to showcase these beds, but also to help customers envision a bedroom retreat that feels personal, harmonious, and beautifully made.
A collection already capturing attention
The early response has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers are particularly drawn to the mattresses, created using some of the world’s most exquisite natural fillings including Vicuna, Royal Baby Alpaca, exclusive British Horsetail, and of course Enchanted House’s own Dartmoor wool.
Design that elevates every bedroom
The new designs reflect refined British living at its best. From the timeless elegance of the Cadeleigh Bed, featuring beautifully crafted timber drawers and a statement panelled headboard, to the contemporary architectural appeal of the Floating Bed. The new Buckfast Oak Bedframe features lovely details including Cornish granite inserts. Each piece blends comfort, craftsmanship, and character in equal measure, and new upholstery fabric collections further expand the creative possibilities, allowing customers to tailor their bed to the tone and textures of their home.
A partnership built on shared values
As a young, agile family business, Enchanted House are proud to partner with TR Hayes, a heritage retailer whose own family ethos, dedication to quality and exemplary customer service mirror our own. Together, we share a commitment to listening closely to our customers, responding quickly, and creating bespoke solutions that turn bedrooms into sanctuaries.
Our teams are united by a passion for helping people sleep better, live better, and invest in craftsmanship that lasts. With this new chapter in Bath, we look forward to welcoming more customers into the Enchanted House Beds family. Welcome to the new season of Enchanted Sleep. Now at TR Hayes, Bath
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Nathan mid century sideboard, sanded, primed and then professionally spray painted with 5 coats of gorgeous Little Greene hoppy paint. This piece brings a confident pop of colour that instantly lifts a space.
This classic sideboard has been given an up to date modern look with silver legs and handles.
Inside, the warm wood interior has been retained offering practical and generous storage with drawers and cupboards.
Stylish, functional and full of personality, this piece works beautifully as a sideboard, media unit or drinks cabinet.
Dimensions; H 75cm, W 129cm, D 46cm. FREE DELIVERY
Welcoming visitors
There are few people who don’t love the sight of birds, bees, butterflies and ladybirds, writes Elly West
This month, she considers the smaller visitors frequenting our patch year after year – including one particularly spiky critter known to be a gardener’s best friend
One of the nicest things about a garden, in my opinion, is watching the wildlife that it draws in. There are few people who don’t love the sight of birds, bees, butterflies and ladybirds. Worms, frogs and toads may have a more mixed reception but are undoubtedly gardeners’ friends and should be welcomed and encouraged. And then there are the nocturnal animals we may rarely see in person, such as the hedgehog, beloved by gardeners for its docile nature and unique charm, as well as its pest controlling abilities, chomping through slugs and snails as it waddles around in a whimsical manner.
Hedgehogs are generally portrayed in literature and folklore as magical and friendly creatures. The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle was one of my favourite Beatrix Potter stories and I loved the final picture in the book of her scurrying away no longer in her washerwoman clothes, but instead small, brown and covered in prickles, and the discovery that she was actually “nothing but a hedgehog”.
In ancient Egypt, hedgehogs were sacred and their hibernation was likened to rebirth and reincarnation. Not quite as benign was the belief in medieval times that hedgehogs were witches in disguise, stealing milk from cows by attaching themselves to udders.
Growing up in the 1980s, I also remember hedgehog flavour crisps being a thing. The packets were clearly labelled to make it known that they were made ‘without harming a single spike of a real hedgehog’. Despite this, the company did run into trouble with the Trades Description Act 1968, leading them to being rebranded as ‘hedgehog flavour’ rather than ‘hedgehog flavoured’. A percentage of the profits were donated to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Given how we
love hedgehogs and the fact that their numbers are in severe decline, it’s perhaps not surprising that the crisps fell out of favour in the 1990s.
The reasons for the declining numbers of hedgehogs are familiar –disappearance of habitats such as hedgerows, overuse of pesticides reducing food supply, and road deaths. Up to 330,000 hedgehogs are estimated to die on Britain’s roads each year, with numbers spiking in summer. Hedgehogs are protected in the UK under several laws, and in 2020 they were added to the Red List for British mammals as “vulnerable to extinction”. It’s generally illegal to kill, capture or disturb wild hedgehogs in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and cruelty and mistreatment of hedgehogs is also a crime. Campaigners are pushing to extend the laws further to protect habitats and nesting sites from disturbance.
Hedgehogs are found in both rural and urban areas, and it’s around April that they emerge from hibernation and may need our help. There are lots of things we can do to encourage them to our gardens and support them generally. Hedgehogs roam up to 3km a night to forage for food, so including hedgehog holes in fencing allows them to move freely between gardens.
Some fence suppliers stock fence options with gaps in the gravel boards to create “hedgehog highways”, or you can cut your own holes in existing fencing – the recommended size is 13cm x 13cm. Closed-off gardens isolate hedgehogs so they can’t find places to forage for food, breed and hibernate, so it’s really important to make sure these creatures can get in and out easily. Many housing developers are also getting on board and making sure they include hedgehog holes in the fencing of their new developments.
Other hedgehog-friendly gardening practices include leaving areas of the garden messy and wild. Areas of dry leaves will attract insects to provide a food supply for hedgehogs, and a log pile can create a safe place to breed and hibernate. Alternatively, a hedgehog house can be bought or made, then positioned in a sheltered and quiet spot in the garden. Fill it with dry leaves and hopefully a hedgehog will take up residence. Consider putting out food and a shallow dish of water, but avoid the traditional offerings of bread and milk as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and milk can make them ill. Go for cat food or specialist hedgehog food instead. A pond is great for all kinds of wildlife, including hedgehogs, which will benefit from having a year-round water supply. Although they are excellent swimmers, make sure there is a gently sloping edge so they can escape if they do fall in.
For more information about helping hedgehogs in your garden, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website is a good place to start, britishhedgehogs.org.uk. If you find a sick, injured or orphaned hedgehog, you can contact Hedgehog Rescue, a local organisation run by volunteers that cares for hedgehogs in around Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Visit hedgehogrescue.info to find out more. n
Elly West is a professional garden designer, working in and around the Bristol and Bath areas ellyswellies.co.uk
Plant of the month: Alliums
Spring bulbs are popping up everywhere right now, and alliums are among my favourites with their eye-catching globe flowers held on stiff stems, bringing style and form to the border. These ornamental onions are ideal for adding height and structure, and are easy to grow from bulbs planted in the autumn. There are lots of different varieties available in shades of purple, pink and white. ‘Millennium’ has clumps of numerous small pompom flowers and appears later than other varieties, from June onwards, while ‘Globemaster’ is one of the largest, with late-spring flowers reaching up to 25cm diameter. Allium giganteum is one of the tallest varieties, at around 1.5m. ‘Purple Sensation’ is a reliable favourite, with neat round flowers on stems around 60cm tall, while Allium christophii has beautiful starry flowers with an almost metallic sheen, and also has stunning seedheads that look beautiful when dried. The leaves of many alliums can start to look tatty and turn yellow before the flowers fade, so grow them in-between leafy mound-forming perennials such as hardy geraniums or Alchemilla mollis to hide their foliage. Leave them to die back after flowering, as the nutrients from the foliage goes back into the bulb to feed it for next year. Alliums prefer a sunny spot, are drought tolerant, and prefer well-drained soil. Bury them deeply (at least twice their own depth in the soil) and they should come back year after year.
Book shelf
For the Gardener’s Tool Belt: Embracing Asymmetry. Rewilding and sustainability via books recommended by Caroline at Topping & Company
A Wildflower Year
by
Frances Tophill
Throughout the year, Gardeners' World presenter, Frances Tophill, has documented sixty wildflowers. She explains their features, habitat, when they can be found, other species you might happen upon nearby, whether they are edible, and their medicinal uses. Wildflowers have a crucial role to play in the fight to preserve our biodiversity, combat climate change, and support pollinators. This ode to wildflowers comes in handy, not only for spotting expeditions, but also when starting a new project outside your own house. Published by Octopus, £18.99.
RHS The Garden Almanac 2026 by Zia Allaway and Guy Barter
In The Garden Almanac 2026, the Royal Horticultural Society brings readers yet another collection of expert advice, artwork, and photography. Packed with everything necessary for a successful year, find month-bymonth guidance on what to grow, wildlife to watch out for, and how to make the most of your garden.
Discover how to grow crops sustainably, how to solve various issues, how to benefit from wildlife, and how to design a beautiful garden. Published by Quarto, £14.99.
To
Stand and Stare by Andrew
Timothy O'Brien
Look out for...
A Wilder Way: How A Garden Grew Me by
Poppy Okotcha
A Wilder Way is a memoir of a relationship with an ever-changing garden, of setting down roots and becoming embedded in nature, and of how tending to a patch of land will not only grow us as people, but will also help grow a better world. From her wild garden in Devon, Poppy Okotcha shares both the mundane and the magical of the seasons, and what our gardens can teach us about living more sustainably. Pre-order now, publication date: 7 May 2026. Published by Bloomsbury, £9.99
Is there a low-intervention way to gardening, a reciprocal arrangement through which you and your soil can both be sustained–no fuss, effort, or guilt–with the maximum measure of healthy growth? Andrew Timothy O'Brien weaves together strands of botany and philosophy, forming an ecological narrative with botanical know-how. From his deep understanding of nature’s processes, he encourages readers to think from the ground up, to follow the plant's growth through the season, and to be more aware of the environment. Published by DK, £10.99.
RHS
Resilient Garden by Tom Massey
As the planet fights summer droughts, winter waterlogging, high winds, erratic frosts, and pests, gardeners face great challenges. From RHS research, Tom Massey shows you how to adapt your outdoor space to give it what it truly needs, while extending a helping hand to wildlife. The award-winning garden designer shares it all, from soil type to sun exposure. Discover how a hedge can reduce noise and trap pollution, how a patio affects waterlogging, and how to harvest your rainwater. Published by DK, £27.
In Nature's Slipstream by Carol Bruce
Self-taught gardener, Carol Bruce, designed her awardwinning garden from scratch over twenty years, harnessing self-sowing and encouraging natural selection for resilience. Having faced many trials and errors, she passes on her ways, free from irrigation, pesticides, and fertilisers. She proves anyone can achieve a beautiful, manageable garden in harmony with the natural world.
Welcome to a new approach that gives equal weight to beauty and sustainability. Published by DK, £25.
This pretty end of terrace Grade II listed artisan cottage, located in a highly prized residential area within easy walking distance of Bath city centre and on top of beautiful countryside and the nearby National Trust Prior Park Gardens.
This charming and stylish home, which has occasionally been used as a quality five star Airbnb, has been comprehensively refurbished throughout and significantly includes new hardwood double glazed windows throughout, handsome wood parquet flooring, and period style radiators.
The property is entered into an impressive formal hallway with feature wood flooring and an attractive open outlook with views towards the decked sun terrace. To the rear there is a generous formal drawing room which has been used as a third bedroom.
On the first floor there is a pretty bedroom to the rear, enjoying the beautiful views. The master bedroom is on the top floor and has an attractive open double aspect to both the front and rear. From the formal entrance hall stairs lead down to garden level where there is well appointed utility room and a well-equipped contemporary open plan Shaker style kitchen. Steps lead down to a stylish dining area and sitting room which overlooks the gardens and enjoys access, via wall-towall bi fold doors, onto the paved sun terrace and ornamental garden.
• 10 minutes-walk Bath Spa railway station and city centre
• On the edge of stunning National Trust land
OIEO £850,000
The Old Church House, Beckington
£1,850,000
A handsome, fully renovated detached house with a contemporary twist, offering well proportioned rooms a wealth of period features including working fireplaces and sash windows, a professionally landscaped garden and ample parking.
• Substantial period property
• Contemporary burr elm kitchen with Aga
• Principle bedroom suite with luxury shower room and walk-in wardrobe
• 5 further bedrooms
• Contemporary marble finish shower rooms
Warleigh Manor, Nr. Bath
£1,200,000
A magnificent and beautifully designed 3 bedroom penthouse apartment within an exclusive manor house set across 2 floors. Warleigh Manor is set within manicured communal grounds that enjoys far reaching rural views yet just a short drive from the centre of Bath.
• Grand master bedroom with en suite
• 2 Further spacious bedrooms with en suites
• Contemporary bespoke kitchen and open plan dining room
• Separate utility room
• Impressive triple aspect drawing room located in the turret of Warleigh Manor
•
01225 333332 | 01225 866111
Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire
Leigh Road, Bradford on Avon
More choice in how you move
By Peter Greatorex
Despite wider economic and global uncertainty, the property market does not stand still. People will always need and want to move, whether that is driven by family, work or lifestyle, and as a result, the way we support buyers and sellers has to continue evolving.
Over the past few years, we have seen a shift in expectations. Clients are more informed, more considered and often looking for different routes to achieve the right result, particularly where timescales and certainty are important. In response, we have been expanding our offering to reflect those changing needs.
One area where this is becoming increasingly relevant is the use of auction as a method of sale. Traditionally, auction has been associated with distressed or dilapidated property, but that perception is changing. It is now being used more widely as a straightforward and transparent route for a broader range of homes.
What is driving interest in auction at the moment is the need for greater certainty and speed. With traditional transactions often taking longer and, at times, becoming uncertain, some sellers are looking for a more structured process with clear timelines and committed buyers.
Auction provides that structure. Once terms are agreed, there is a clear path to exchange, which removes much of the uncertainty that can come with a traditional sale. While there are fees associated with the process, these are transparent and agreed upfront, with some costs typically covered by the buyer. The entire process is handled online, making it both accessible and efficient. For motivated sellers, it can be a very effective route.
In many ways, this builds on an approach we have used for years. For over 20 years, I have adopted an “offers in excess of” strategy to encourage competitive bidding and achieve the best price. What has changed is the technology. Buyers can now place bids online in a structured environment, creating transparency and momentum, with the ability to move quickly to exchange once terms are agreed.
It is important to recognise that there is no single route that suits every client. Each property and each seller requires an individual approach. Both routes are supported by a carefully managed marketing campaign; however, some clients will benefit from a more traditional approach, while others may place greater value on the speed and certainty that auction can provide. Our role is to guide that decision, not to prescribe it.
People will always need and want to move, whether that is driven by family, work or lifestyle, , and as a result, the way we support buyers and sellers has to continue evolving
More broadly, while there continues to be discussion around economic conditions, the focus for most buyers and sellers is on making decisions that are right for their own circumstances. The key is being well informed, understanding the market, securing a mortgage that works for you and planning with a longer-term view in mind.
For us, introducing auction adds another layer to the service we offer, reflecting how the market continues to evolve. It gives clients more flexibility and, in some cases, a more efficient way to achieve a result.
• A stunning 4 bedroom country house in rural location within easy reach of Bath
• Large contemporary styled open plan living space
• Fabulous views over surrounding countryside
• 88 sq separate business space with full planning
• EPC rating tbc, Council tax band C
OIEO £1,600,000
Woolverton, Near Bath
Lansdown Crescent, Bath
OIEO
£500,000
• Situated on the top floor of the prestigious Georgian terrace at Lansdown Crescent
• Immaculately presented two double bedroom apartment
• Enjoys breathtaking far-reaching views across the city
• EPC rating E, Council tax band F
Royal Crescent, Bath
OIEO £475,000
• Lower ground floor apartment in the iconic Royal Crescent
• Bright reception room, fitted kitchen, and two bedrooms
• Period charm combined with practical, light-filled layout
• EPC rating E, Council tax band E
Combe Down, Bath
Rivers Street, Bath
Coronation Avenue, Bath
Properties for sale
A stunning example of a four storey Victorian town house situated within a few minutes walk of Bath Spa train station. Two reception rooms, kitchen/diner, four bedrooms one with an ensuite shower room, family bathroom, cloakroom/utility. Level garden. Freehold. EPC rating D. Council tax band E.
A stunning contemporary detached family home offering four to five bedrooms, set in the highly sought-after village of Monkton Combe. This beautifully presented property provides flexible living space, complemented by landscaped gardens, views. Garage and Bath • 2 Bed, 2 Bath £2,250p/m
Elegant apartment in the iconic Royal Crescent, full of charm and character, an immaculate, true diamond in the heart of the city. Lambridge • 1 Bed, 1 Bath £1,400p/m
A stunning first-floor apartment within a charming period building, beautifully presented throughout, offering generous rooms, striking period features and modern comfort throughout. Bath • 3 Bed, 1 Bath, £1,750p/m
Offering an abundance of natural light, spacious accommodation and wonderful views, this delightful home provides comfortable living within a popular setting.
