Bath Life – Issue 483

ISSUE 483 / 18 NOVEMBER – 2 DECEMBER 2022 / £3

ISSUE 483 / 18 NOVEMBER – 2 DECEMBER 2022 / DIAMONDS AND PEARLS

THE LAUNCH OF THE BATH LIFE AWARDS 2023

HOME GAME

MEET THE DIVERSE FANS OF BATH CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

SOFTLY DOES IT

ACCESSORISE YOUR PAD THE GENTLE WAY

SUNNY SIDE UP

EXPLORE A HANDSOME LYNCOMBE VALE COACH HOUSE

MORE THAN A FEELING

THE BEAUTY OF TEXTURES IN FASHION

+

KITE RUNNER

THE HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL ART OF RICHARD SMITH

D I CKI E B E AU JON COAT E S H I ROKO SH E RW I N

THE ACE OF DIAMONDS HOW THE CITY’S JEWELLERS MAINTAIN THEIR GOLD STANDARDS

EDITOR’S LETTER

Vale home (page 92); BELOW: Jewellers talk eco (page19)

A

certain tournament is about to start, and it’s not for me this time round. Instead I’d like to pay homage to our own grassroots football club – Bath ity . kay it s not super league stuff – the glamour and glitz might be somewhat lacking at Twerton Park, the terraces are circa early 80s, and the bar is decidedly old school but it’s a club with a community heart and right now that means a huge amount. I have to own up to being a fairweather fan – like literally, even though I do own a BCFC scarf to keep me warm – but our photo feature over on page 50 has inspired me to attend more often. It’s a real celebration of the diversity of the club’s fans, and reveals its ongoing commitment to kicking out racism and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. A home win for sure.

I did go along to the ground on 11 November as part of the audience for Radio 4’s Any Questions session held in Charlie’s Bar, which admittedly isn’t quite the same as freezing in the stands, but it did help highlight that the Bath collective are a positive bunch. The questions were smart, the vibe was good, and a big up to the Bath Spa Uni students who’d come along to help.

And as always we have more lovely Bath-ness nestled within these pages – from the city jewellers on how their industry is becoming more eco led (page 14); through to our gorgeous city Instagram round-up (page 9); local arts and what’s on (page 39); and the latest lip-smacking foodie news including a visit to the just opened Socialize restaurant in the Gainsborough Hotel (page 54), so good we forgive the American spelling.

Enjoy, and let’s do it all again in a fortnight.

© LOUIS SMITH; W W W.STUDIOWHISK.CO.UK

ABOVE: Explore a beautiful Lyncombe

SARAH MOOLLA

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 3

Issue 483 / 18 November – 1 December 2022 COVER Jeweller Tina Engell in her Bartlett Street studio photographed by Derryn Vranch; www.vranchvisuals.co.uk Turn to page 14 for our cover story.

JEWELLERY

14 MASTERS OF THE CRAFT on sustainable sparkle

THE ARTS

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39 40 47 48 50

ARTS INTRO A Richard Smith retrospective at The Edge WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, art and more BOOKS Perennial favourites for bookish people FILMS Must see Little Theatre movies BATH CITY FC Celebrating the diverse fans of Bath City FC

FOOD & DRINK

54 RESTAURANT REVIEW Socialize at The Gainsborough Hotel 58 FOOD & DRINK Updates from the tastiest newsfeed in town

SHOPPING

63 SHOP LEAD Trainers so cool they’re out of this world 64 EDITOR’S CHOICE Get inspired to run with these accessories 66 FASHION Stylish looks using texture

INTERIORS

70 COSY SEASON Six ways to hunker down for winter at home

BUSINESS

77 BATHWORKS Local business news, views, and interviews 80 BIZ Q&A Interior designer Walter Ruggiero is a man of style 82 AWARDS Q&A New Old Friends on the win a long time coming

PROPERTY

87 PROPERTY INTRO Beckford’s Tower restoration 88 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 92 PROPERTY SHOWCASE Explore the Sunnybank home

DEPARTMENTS

40

6 9 29 31 68 98

SPOTLIGHT What’s coming up at the Theatre Royal Bath INSTAS Details, details FLATLINE Flats is all charged up SOCIETY Hiroko Sherwin private view at 44AD and more EDUCATION Ofsted isn’t everything, according to School Guide BATH LIVES Portrait painter Harriet Dahan-Brouchard

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash. co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Victoria Bond, Nic Bottomley, Marianne Cantelo, David Flatman, Rachel Ifans, Emma Ingledew, Derryn Vranch and Matilda Walton Group commercial manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@ mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash.co.uk / Gemma Bourne gemma. bourne@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved.

May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 5

SPOTLIGHT

TREADING THE BOARDS

Theatre Royal has announced a slate of new shows for 2023. The new year will bring big names to the city, kicking off with comedian Alan Carr, who will appear for his new stand-up show, Regional Trinket on 19 February for one night only. These days Alan is all about nding joy in the little things, and in this new show he asks the simple question: why be a national treasure when you can be a Regional Trinket?

Next, following two smash-hit West End seasons and a recordbreaking run at The Other Palace, Heathers The Musical wings its way to Bath (21 – 25 March). Winner of WhatsOnStage’s Best New Musical in 2019, it tells the blood-spattered tale of Veronica Sawyer, the teen nobody who’d kill to be popular – quite literally.

From 27 March – 1 April, the acclaimed stage adaptation of Oscar-winning film The Shawshank Redemption sees Joe Absolom (Doc Martin) and Ben Onwukwe (London’s Burning, Professor T) take the stage for the tale of desperation, injustice, friendship, and hope in a

6 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

maximum-security facility.

Following its sold-out Edinburgh Festival Run, Mind Mangler is touring to Bath (18-22 April).

From the original cast of fan-favourite farce The Play That Goes Wrong, Mind Mangler follows the titular main character’s new solo spectacular – predicted to descend into chaos as he attempts to read minds…

One for families, Dinosaur World Live (20 – 23 April) is a mind-bending Jurassic adventure into uncharted territory. For this interactive performance, join intrepid e plorers to discover a pre-historic world of (astonishingly life-like) dinosaurs.

From 2 – 6 May, Of Mice and Men tours to the city. The classic John Steinbeck adaptation takes on a 2023 lens in director Iqbal Khan’s re-imagining of George and Lennie’s migrant dreams of a better life. icking off summer is a Mark Gatiss-directed (Sherlock, Doctor Who) production of The Way Old Friends Do (30 May – 3 June). The new comedy by playwright Ian Hallard set in the 1980s is a tender and funny story of two school friends reconnecting by chance – and forming the world s rst drag ABBA tribute band.

General booking is open now.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

PHOTO BY ANNA CL ARE PHOTOGR APHY

Theatre Royal

PHOTO BY PAMEL A R AITH

PHOTO BY ROBERT DAY

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Alan Carr brings his Regional Trinket Tour in February; turning pre-historic for Dinosaur World Live; high school’s a killer in Heathers; Mind Mangler from the team behind The Play That Went Wrong

SPOTLIGHT

ALL IN THE DETAILS There are quirks, curiosities and beauties surrounding us if you only stop for a moment to pay attention…

@danielsvalente

@instajack_b17

@therollinson

@sleeper_cottage_tales

@onceuponaplace

@anamika_wl

@_thewildmountainthyme_

@thatcuriousphotographer

@fil_pro

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 9

JEWELLERS

“I source material from dealers whom I trust and who can assure me the goods are ethically sourced”

14 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

GOLD STANDARD All that glitters can be good as the experts behind Bath’s illustrious jewellery scene explain

By Sarah Moolla Pictures by Derryn Vranch

W

e all know Bath is a diamond of a city and helping nesse that reputation are some of the best jewellery makers and goldsmiths in the country. But whether the consumer is looking for high-end luxe, bespoke pieces, or mid-point creativity, it is widely accepted the jewellery industry also has a responsibility to educate and evolve around issues such as sustainability and conflict diamonds. ere we talk to nine local jewellers about their training, trade, and the developing world of gemstones.

Tina Engell crafts each piece of jewellery herself at the bench

TINA ENGELL is the eponymous founder of the jeweller’s store and studio, 3 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.tinaengell.com “At the age of 21, I saw a jewellery bench in my friend’s workshop and knew that was my future. I trained via a valuable good oldfashioned apprenticeship, working closely with my master at the bench for four years.

I established my business in 1988 after completing a four-year apprenticeship in Copenhagen, Denmark. Then moved to London in 1992 and set up, following completion of my Masters in Jewellery Design at the Royal College of Art. In 2000 I relocated to Bath with my family and continued making and trading here.

There are currently two of us in the combined shop and workshop. I also work closely with a local setter, Chris who sets the diamonds.

Each piece of jewellery is designed and carefully crafted at the bench by me.

One of the changes I’ve seen over the years is people are buying more one-off pieces and want something bespoke made. They seem willing to Ball ring, prices start invest in something that is individual and personal. at from £2,900, from My clients are looking for something that sets them Tina Engell apart and identi es them.

I am very aware of environmental issues and our impact. I source respectfully. Gold is generally recycled, and is constantly reused. Sadly there are also political issues around the jewellery trade. I’m trying to do my bit, including sourcing material from dealers whom I trust and who can assure me the goods are ethically sourced.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 15

JEWELLERS

Michael Parsons of Gold & Platinum Studio uses recycled gold and silver in pieces

Michael Parsons director of GOLD & PLATINUM STUDIO, 19 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk “I trained in jewellery design at art college in Yorkshire after which established a workshop specialising in one-off pieces. old Platinum Studio was established in Northumberland Place in 2006, having previously been old ilver tudio on ueen treet since 19 . have now been running the business for years, and have ve members of staff including two goldsmiths, three of us making.

I kept the business in Bath because it is renowned for its independent businesses. eing in ath does guarantee a high level of visitors as it s a magnet for tourists. t is a very desirable place to live and work due to its setting and architecture. ecent aesthetic trends ve noticed has been a return to yellow gold and coloured gemstones as well as a desire to have something individual as opposed to a brand. uthenticity is key. eople are eager to have something bespoke and that s what we specialise in. ot massproducing pieces guarantees quality. lso, as the e traction and re ning of materials in the industry is often associated with pollution and poor working conditions, as a smaller business we are better placed to look for the checks and balances and in particular the availability of recycled metals, which we use in our work.

People coming to an actual shop I see as being able to help them buy the right piece. t s not about hard sell but about guidance. lso browsing in person instead of online is recommended as it means not only can it be tried Dragonfly necklace from on, but this way the client can Gold & Platinum assess the weight, quality, and Studio £2,495 craftsmanship of the piece.”

Honey Willow uses conflict-free diamonds only

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Rhiannon Hamilton founder of HONEY WILLOW, 8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.honeywillow.com “Honey Willow is family-run Bath jewellery business named after our daughters. fter 1 years of selling online, we recently opened a shop on Pulteney Bridge, which has a team of 20 and showcases a small portion of the products we sell via our website. e chose ath after one stormy night we pulled into the city off the , and immediately fell in love with the place. ath is also full of creative people and is an inspiring place to make jewellery.

Since starting in 2010 we have sold our jewellery all around the world. ften our customers have previously visited ath or plan to visit it in future. nd now the location on ulteney ridge is instantly recognisable and helps with our online presence too. aving been an online business only for our rst decade, we are now learning so much about the in-person consumer e perience. t s great to see how much people love coming into the shop, touching the jewellery, and meeting members of the team. e often have customers from merica who come into the shop wearing their Honey Willow jewellery – that feels amazing!

Since the pandemic in particular, we have seen meaningful jewellery really take off. ur customers love giving and wearing a piece that represents their loved ones, especially at times when people have had to be apart.

We also try and keep our carbon footprint low, Personalised phrase bangle, £90, from Honey Willow from employing local people who can walk to work, to using local ath suppliers where possible. e work with recycled precious metal and only use conflict-free diamonds.”

10% Discount Code:

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Christmas Gift for Loved One - Double Link Necklace 9kt Gold Love Knot Necklace Regular price £240.00 GBP

Honey Willow handcrafts meaningful jewellery for loved ones and life’s milestones.

We love making personalised gifts, perfect for Christmas, that are a joy to give and receive.

All jewellery is handmade to order in central Bath. Visit the website to see the full range, or visit the shop on Pulteney Bridge where some of the Christmas range is on display.

8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX

Opening Hours: Tues–Sat, 10am–4pm, Sun, 11am–4pm.

Personalised 9kt Gold 3 Link Family Name Necklace with Birthstones Regular price £390.00 GBP

Moonstone Rose Gold Statement Earrings - Agnes Regular price £88.00 GBP

Contact Us: jewellery@honeywillow.com 01225 422 339 www.honeywillow.com @honeywillowjewellery

JEWELLERS Coming from Istanbul, Dilek Koroglu felt Bath was an equally inspiring place to establish her business Icarus Jewellery

Dilek Koroglu, owner of ICARUS JEWELLERY JEWELLERY, 3 Pulteney Bridge, Bath; www.icarusjewellery.com “I had a quite unorthodox start to my jewellery life. I was studying my undergraduate degree in journalism, and to make ends meet, I also handmade and sold pieces on street stalls. I taught myself with the help of books, and sought guidance from people I knew in the industry. I then spent a few years as an apprentice with some very reputable jewellers in Istanbul, specialising in silversmithing and expanding my knowledge on how to construct various styles of jewellery. Following this, I opened my own shop in Istanbul which I ran for 20 years, before making the move to Bath in 2015.

Coming from Istanbul, another city of rich, intricate history and a treasured heritage, Bath seemed like an obvious location to continue my journey in jewellery. This fusion between the attractive antiquity of Bath and the equally abundant one of Istanbul has been a source of great creative inspiration, and is reflected in many of our unique pieces in the shop.

We are now an intimate team of 10 people, consisting mostly of friends and family who make up the artists, silversmiths, and sales staff. eing a smaller jewellers has the edge over the giants

who sell cheap. They often forgo the quality and originality that independent jewellers like us provide. Not only do we ensure that every item is of the highest grade of sterling silver, our customers have the assurance that the unique, characterful handmade pieces they wear will rarely be seen on others. Also despite practicing the trade for decades, I frequently undertake training on specialist courses to learn new and innovative ways of moulding this beautiful metal into eye-catching and original pieces.

Our commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing and construction of our products is an essential part of our brand. We uphold a rigorous standard of sustainability across our entire supply chain, ensuring that every interaction from the source to the shop floor is conducted ethically and equitably. We also ensure that every piece is constructed domestically, with all items of jewellery being made either in our atelier in London, or our in-house workshop in Bath, therefore dramatically reducing the road miles and carbon footprint of our products. As well as this attentiveness to local production, more day-to-day care such as the aversion Hand made of toxins in our extraction processes and sustainable Octopus ring, packaging, are just a few of the other ways we make sure we £235, from Icarus operate as environmentally friendly as possible.”

Jewellery

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 19

Nicholas Wylde founder of WYLDE JEWELLERS, 12 Northumberland Place, Bath; www.nicholaswylde.com “My father was a newsagent and had a stationery shop at the heart of the jewellery quarter. As a young teenager, I was always making models, drawing and painting, and at the age of 14, I started work in the jewellery trade. It was here I made many contacts and I fell in love with the industry.

The move to Bath came about following a visit for a party here at the age of 19 in 1987. I loved the place instantly and just knew that one day I would return to live and work here. That happened three years after attending at the Birmingham School of Jewellery. I came out with a couple of awards believing that I was an incredible jeweller but I soon realised I still had so much to learn in this world of jewellery.

There was a job going at Goldsmiths in Bath, and nine of my colleagues were also interviewed. I was the lucky one who got the job, and was here within two weeks, not knowing a single person.

I sat next to and trained with an amazing goldsmith for three years and eventually opened my own shop at the age of 25. This was in 1997 and I opened the store with 12 rings, no computer, and a Casio till. We now have a team of 24 between both stores, including four designers and ten Wylde Flower Diamond® sales consultants. ring, prices start at £1,665, One of the biggest changes of course has from Wylde Jewellers been the internet but I decided not to compete online, but to instead keep bettering the brand. Fortunately that has proven to be a successful route. For example, we invest in industry technology, and recently acquired a diamond tester that allows us to differentiate natural diamonds from lab-grown diamonds. believe issues like conflict diamonds and sustainability are very important subjects in our business. Over the last ten years, the industry has been working very hard to address all sources and to be as transparent as possible. ur mission is to supply ethically-sourced material. We’re constantly looking to improve this. Quality, customer service and my experience and contacts in the trade allow me to guarantee the best goods for my clients.”

Nicholas Wylde’s mission is to supply ethically sourced material

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PHOTO © W YLDE JEWELLERS

JEWELLERS

Melissa Holt, founder of HOLTS JEWELLERY, based at 10 Laura Place, Bath and is by appointment only; www.holtsjewellery.co.uk “After always being interested in antiques and history, I wanted to work in a way that would incorporate the two. Then along came my fascination with gemstones and jewellery and I knew I wanted to make a career out of it. I went on to study gemmology and set up the business in my early twenties, beginning with selling online and from there the business grew organically.

I now lead a small but very passionate and creative team at Holts Jewellery, which was founded in 2013. There are two of us located at the o ce and showroom where we host appointments with clients and manage our online platform; we have our team of goldsmiths who create our stunning bespoke and vintage-inspired pieces; and we also work with amazing creatives who help us with photography and marketing.

The prestige and grandeur associated with Bath really goes perfectly with our style of jewellery and service. Our Laura

Place showroom is located within a traditional Georgian townhouse surrounded by amazing landmarks, and we have tried to match this style with the interior of our showroom, also adding a little art deco twist for good measure.

I think the most important change of late has been more people’s awareness of the impact to the environment from modern jewellery making. Sustainability is a duty for everyone, and I am passionate about the positive impact we can have by using and reworking antique and vintage jewellery and gemstones.

Despite its impact on the environment, modern day diamond mining by some of the bigger companies can have positive impacts on local communities including the building of hospitals and schools, as well as many well paid jobs being offered. ith modern natural diamonds the Kimberley process was introduced to prevent conflict diamonds entering the market, however even to this day, there are discrepancies associated with it, which is why sticking to vintage is always the best option, not only for sustainability but ethically too.”

0.82 carat vintage brilliant cut diamond, £4,250, from Holts Jewellery

PHOTO © HOLTS JEWELLERY

“Sticking to vintage is always the best option, not only for sustainability but ethically too”

Melissa Holt leads a small but passionate and creative team at Holts Jewellery

GIFT IDEAS THIS CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS | BESPOKE JEWELLERY DESIGNER COLLECTIONS | REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY 01225 460072 | jody@jodycory.co.uk | www.jodycory.co.uk

CHRISTINA OSWIN, whose shop and workshop can be found at 20A Cheap Street, Frome; www.christinaoswin.co.uk “The business was established in 2005 in a small studio in the Black Swan Arts centre in Frome, moving to a shop in 2010, and then into our current shop and workshop on Cheap Street in 2019.

Frome is a great place to have a business, we are surrounded by other independent businesses, and there is an amazing creative community. I have a fantastic team – my assistant Jess makes stock and keeps the shop in order and Heather is a brilliant goldsmith making lots of the commissions and repairing customer’s items.

I started on my jewellery journey by doing my school work experience week with silversmith Pippa Berthon in Langport. I instantly fell in love with silversmithing and that led me to do metal work at Plymouth College of Art & Design, before setting up on my own. When I started making my jewellery in 2005 I was determined to use sustainable materials, and at the time there was only one company selling recycled silver. However, slowly over the years as demand grew, recycled silver and gold became more easily available. was one of the rst airtrade licensees in the UK and still use Fairtrade gold as much as possible.

Gemstones also have political and environmental issues so I am always conscious of the source of the stones. I use Fairtrade gemstones from Nineteen48 and Fairtrade Gemstones. Both companies source their fully traceable gemstones directly from artisanal mines. I also use alluvial ocean diamonds that are found on the ocean floor, as these don t cause any environmental damage from mining.”

© CHRISTINA OSWIN

JEWELLERS

“I was one of the first Fairtrade licensees in the UK and still use Fairtrade gold as much as possible”

Hammered cuff bangle, £275, from Christina Oswin

Christina Oswin has always been determined to use sustainable materials in her jewellery making

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 23

Lee Orton worries about the loss of traditional jewellery making skills

Jody Cory doesn’t like the idea of manmade replacements getting confused with natural gemstones

24 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTO © JODY CORY GOLDSMITHS

JODY CORY GOLDSMITHS based at 9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.jodycory.co.uk I was born in Bath and at the age of 15 I started evening classes at Bath technical college. I did my work experience at a local watchmaker.

At 17 I moved to Manchester to study goldsmithing, gemmology and design full time. At 20 I moved back to the city and learned my trade at Goldsmiths. My mentor, Terry Davies, showed me many traditional skills including repairing antique jewellery.

I started my own business in 2001 to be able to offer people good quality at good prices. I wanted to help educate people on what they are buying. Help them gain the understanding of the difference between 9ct and 18ct, and Stacking rings, why it is better to buy solid chains rather than prices start at £485, hollow.

For example, quite often mass-produced from Jody Cory jewellery will have hollow shoulders on rings to keep the weight down.

I have seen some changes over the years – some useful and progressive, like CAD design. However, the development of diamond replacements I’m not keen on. For example, Mossonites are manmade but look and test as diamond. I’m not against natural replacements like enhanced stones to get the best out of them. I personally don’t like the idea of manmade replacements getting confused with natural gemstones. I do love the fact that precious metal, diamonds, and gemstones are recyclable. And we buy Fair Trade gold, and all our diamonds are conflict free.”

Lee Orton founder of ORTON JEWELLERY, 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; www.ortonjewellery.co.uk “I trained the old fashioned way – through years working as an apprentice and by attending the School of Jewellery in Birmingham.

I have now been in the trade for 40 years, and set up my business almost 20 years ago.

The industry has simultaneously remained rooted in the past and undergone a digital revolution. We have wonderful new digital tools, 3D printing and CAD technology, but these technologies can be over rated and often the best approach is simply to actually sit at a bench and make a piece by hand using traditional skill. You can’t beat the human touch. Unfortunately these traditional skills are disappearing and soon there will be very few real goldsmiths left. Perhaps this is why we are always so busy.

The value of the materials in our line of work is such that recycling is a given. Precious metals are carefully managed and reused, we literally collect every particle we can. And we are now registered Fair Trade gold suppliers for customers wishing to support this initiative.

In general we encourage clients to reuse and reset their existing jewellery using our in-house bespoke jewellery service – as well as offer beautiful new items which have been created in our workshops.

We operate in an entirely different market to the big giant type of Commissioned bespoke suppliers. And the public sapphire necklace, from is certainly becoming more Orton Jewellery educated about the impact of overconsumption and many have deliberately moved away from that type of consuming. What independent jewellers like us offer is a bespoke personal service, plus highly skilled expertise and advice. n

PHOTO ©ORTON JEWELLERY

JEWELLERS

Bespoke engagement and wedding rings using recycled, remodelled or Fairtrade gold and platinum, ethical gemstones and Alluvial Ocean Diamonds.

C H R I ST I N A O S W I N J E W E LL E RY 2 0 A CH E A P ST R E E T F R O M E S O M E R S E T B A1 1 1 B N 0 13 73 4 7 2 5 0 5 w w w.c h r i s ti n a o s w i n .c o. u k

Interiors & Homewares | Prints, Cards & Gifts Work from local artists and makers 10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP T: 01225 571711 E: info@homefrontinteriors.co.uk www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk Ethical, Sustainable & Handmade Homewares and Gifts

@ch r is tin ao s win

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

“Twitter is stupid.

Good luck, Elon”

Are friends electric?

After a social media mob took umbrage at his car preference, Flats fires back

I

made the mistake recently of asking the people of Twitter for some advice on what new car I should get. It was a gentle tweet, and it mentioned very clearly that an all-electric car wasn’t an option for me. Perhaps predictably, this didn’t stop a handful of folks indeed telling me to go electric and, once I’d replied – or others had replied on my behalf – reminding them that, as originally stated, plugging in wasn’t an option, telling me to stop using this or that as an excuse for not doing so. Lesson learned: witter is stupid. ood luck, lon.

One bloke – actually I think he was (and presumably still is) a teenager – sent me a screenshot of all the charging points within a few miles of central Bath and basically told me to stop being lazy. I’m (generally) not an

aggressive man and, had he been in my sitting room and said that to me I wouldn’t have been angry, but I would likely have asked him if he fancied a good old fashioned game of Mercy.

To the death.

I don’t particularly want to write a column about electric vehicles as it’s so boring I’m almost falling asleep as I type, but it’s kind of a thing. And the thing is that I’d love one, but I can’t have one and even if I could, I probably wouldn’t. There are three reasons for this.

1. I can’t charge an electric car at home.

Were I selling my home I’d describe it as a Georgian townhouse in the heart of Bath, a World Heritage Site. As I’m not, I’ll call it what it is: a terraced house with no parking.

It’s pretty and I love it, but it is what it is. “You can use domestic plugs, you know”. Yes, I know. But what about the single yellow line outside my house? Shall I leave it on there

daily for the next decade, hoping energy prices don’t rise so far that the power it takes to charge the car plus the daily £30 parking ticket I have to pay send me into the red?

2. Also they don’t go far enough. “Plan your trips and it s ne ” o. regularly drive hundreds of miles in a day for my job (I drive a mild hybrid – best I can do – so chill out), and stopping at Heston services at 1am to charge up for an hour on my way home is not sustainable in any way. It’s nightmareish.

Queueing for a charging spot when on a strict work-arrival deadline sounds like anxiety in a jar. o thanks.

Arriving home from the shops with three kids, unloading everything with the hazard lights on, then trekking back off into town to nd a charger hope someone s looking after the kids so can get to work the ne t day o thank you.

3.This is very dull, but it’s also going to be the case for literally tons and tons of people across the . ill bang a couple of chargers into our street and ask us to share, popping out at am to swap umber 1 s plug for mine so I can get to work the next morning? And what if someone from another street plugs in? Hmm, it’s a conundrum.

I want to save the planet. I want to feel superior in the school car park. I want to embrace new technologies. But nobody seems ever to mention the horri c damage done to our planet in producing these batteries, and nobody seems to have a plan for disposing of the things, either.

If you’re as boring as me, try Googling ‘JCB chooses hydrogen’. You’re hopefully not as dull as me, but it’s worth questioning this electrical vehicular nirvana towards which we are all being propelled.

Sorry, I’ll try to be less charged up, and more fun, next time.

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on witter da id atman and Insta d atman

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 29

CHRISTMAS BEGINS AT ROSSITERS

38-41 Broad Street, Bath. BA1 5LP Tel. 01225 462227 www.rossitersofbath.com

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H

Francis Pike and Deborah Brown

Kathryn Ludlow Joanna May and Andrea van Poeteren

Zoe Elstone, Emily Elstone and Sally Elstone Rob and Mako Sabal

NATURAL TALENT

44AD Art Gallery recently hosted a private view for Songs of Nature, an exhibition of painting and collage works by Hiroko Sherwin. Hiroko’s latest collection embraces the joy of fun and is comprised of images that took her fancy. She uses rice paper as a base on which to paint and also dyes it to create her collages, with unique and engaging results. Hiroko was also available during the private view to answer questions about her work.

Photos by 44AD Art Gallery; www.44ad.net

Saied Dai, Hiroko Sherwin and Charlotte Sorapure

Wendy Bederman, David Veitch and Trevor Bederman

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Dave Way, Andrew Bull and Marcus Pennington

Iona Gorrie, Alexandra Hanna and Jason Dorley Brown Lee Coombs and Adrienne Horswell

Debbie Harniman and Robert Brinkworth

Mina White, Anni Marjoram and Derek White

WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN

Pavel Douglas and Jo Nye

Widcombe Social Club recently held a private view for the Tin City art exhibition, the mixed media brainchild of Bath artist Jo Nye. and- nished recycled tin shrines, diorama, found object decorative items and prints are produced under the Tin City banner. Inspired by Jo’s love of folk art, religious icons and reliquaries, music and lm, pulp ction and pin-up art, each tin shrine or diorama piece is either unique or part of a limited edition set and can comprise of recycled tin, carefully resourced and hand prepared acetate imagery, upcycled broken vintage and modern costume jewellery, found objects, and scrap store materials.

Photos by Widcombe Social Club; www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk

Dave Mason, Clyve Aguarde and Julia Mason

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Steve Irwin Porter, Niki Facey and Dan Nichols

Lorraine Jarvie, Greg Ingham and Richard Pearce Daniel O’Connor and Finn Miles

Hannah Skalleberg, Karen Weston and Jemma Botten Stephanie Massie and Steph Dodd

BUILDING BRIDGES

Richard Pearce of TCN joined us for the Bath Life Business Club in October.

The lunch and live interview at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a chance to network with other local business people and stakeholders over a delicious lunch. In the interview, Richard shared his experience working on the Nework Works development, and the company’s plans for the exciting new o ce space, set to open this autumn.

Photos by Betty Bhandari; www.bettybhandaribrandphotography.com

Clive Milner, Alex Chambers and Peter Blake

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Pat White and Jamie Williams

Debbie Boulton and Hannah Whiting

Mel Paddon, Michele Phillips, Patricia Coulter, Laura Kimberley, Jo Gotley and Tara Baldwin

Professor Raj Persad and Vicky Botsford

Ellen Hinge and Maria Brodrick

Amanda Legge-Hillier and Mandy Rawlings

A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIP

Sulis Hospital recently hosted an event commemorating the unique partnership is has with the Royal United Hospital NHS Trust. It was also in celebration of the year since Royal United Hospitals Bath Foundation Trust became the rst hospital in the where 1 per cent of shares are owned by an NHS Trust. Sulis Hospital hosted 84 guests for the party, held on the hospital’s lawns where many enjoyed drinks and canapés, speeches and the cutting of the fabulous birthday cake made by ate s itchen ath.

Photos by Suzy Slemen Photography; www.suzyslemen.com

Gavin Jennings and Jenny Dando

KICKING IT

The Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club (BRSC) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. They celebrated the landmark in style at their Annual Awards with a celebratory dinner at DoubleTree by ilton, ath, where 1 members, players and guests including the president of Bath Rugby and BRSC John Hall, the new head coach of Bath Rugby, Johann van Graan, his coaching team and Tarquin McDonald CEO of Bath Rugby. Lots of awards were given out on the night, with a special moment given to the tone ing ward, presented to the ath ugby support staff for outstanding services to the and ath ugby. he Player of the Year was awarded to Ben Spencer, for the second year running and other award winners were Orlando Bailey, Tom Dunn, Max Ojomoh and Semesa Rokoduguni.

Alix Titcombe and Max Ojomoh

Photos by Mike Phillips; www.allez-Bath.co.uk

John Hall, Ben Spencer, Charlie Dalton-Bell and Mylene Williamson

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James Hughes and Ben Spencer Johan van Graan, Orlando Bailey, Karen Willetts and Jim Kelly

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

KING OF POP

During his time Richard Smith (1931–2016) was celebrated as one of the founders of British Pop Art and yet these days his name isn’t widely recognised. However the current exhibition at the University of Bath’s dge gallery by the olburne useum is reminding us of his signi cance. he show, which coincides with the release of a new book Richard Smith: Artworks 1954 – 2013, features many of his major works including the famous kites pieces.

Kites were Smith’s most innovative paintings and were made in the 1970s at his studio in the village of East ytherton, near hippenham. e released the canvas from its stretcher to make loose, unframed works. ome of these were then removed from the wall, and instead became pieces to hang from the ceiling above viewers heads. ne work, The Shuttle, hangs seven metres high and nine metres long, and is considered to be one of the largest paintings ever made in the UK. Richard Smith: Artworks 1954 – 2013, RRP £60, is published by The Estate of Francis Bacon and Richard Smith: Kites which has been organised by the Holburne Museum can be seen at the University of Bath’s Edge gallery; www.holburne.org

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The Bath artist and illustrator Jessica Palmer is holding an open studio the weekend of 19 – 20 November

© AEMEN SUKK AR @ JIKSAW

WHAT’S ON 19 November – 15 December

EXHIBITIONS Until 17 December

RICHARD SMITH: KITES The Holburne Museum have taken over the University of Bath’s Edge Gallery to celebrate the work of the late artist Richard Smith. Seen as the father of Pop Art, and a mentor to many artists including David Hockney, his most innovative and ambitious paintings were initially made near Chippenham. For more turn to 39. www.holburne.org

Until 24 December

WINTER EXHIBITION Winner of the British Wildlife Artist of the Year prize in 2015, Nick Mackman’s ceramic animals are a big favourite at Beaux Arts. Her work, applauded for its striking intensity and personality, includes wild dogs, anteaters, wolves and walruses. Also on exhibit at the gallery are Chris Keenan, Beth Carter, Nathan Ford, Anna Gillespie, Helen Simmonds. www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Until 31 December

HATCHING THE PAST: AMERICAN DINOSAUR EXPLORERS This remarkable hands-on

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exhibition at the American Museum offers an astounding array of dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe, with focus on the importance of American fossil sites in our understanding of dinosaurs. Suitable for all ages, there are also interactive dig pits and animated video presentations. www.americanmuseum.org

Until 31 December

HERSCHEL 200 EXHIBITION To commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Bath-based astronomer William Herschel (1738-1822), this major exhibition at his former home on New King Street highlights the hugely important contributions both he and his sister Caroline made to the world’s understanding of space, including the discovery of Uranus. www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

Until 8 January 2023

MY REALITY IS DIFFERENT

BY NALINI MALANI n this the rst-ever ational Gallery Contemporary Fellowship exhibition, Indian artist Nalini Malani has created an extraordinary deep black exhibition space in the Holburne Museum with one monumental, beautiful

artwork. It encompasses more than 40 metres of wall, and the animations, hand-drawn using an iPad, include works by Caravaggio and Bronzino. www.holburne.org

Until 8 January 2023

ELISABETH FRINK: STRENGTH & SENSUALITY Featuring themes such as storytelling, animals, humour and violence, this Holburne exhibition displays a selection of Dame Elisabeth Frink’s bronzes and works on paper. The 11 works included depict her unique take on some of the most loved and well-known tales from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, as well as classical Greek mythology in her Children of the Gods series of etchings. www.holburne.org

Until 8 January 2023

RODIN – DEGAS: IMPRESSIONIST SCULPTURE Bringing together two towering and influential gures of modern European art, Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) and Edgar Degas (1834–1917), the Holburne Museum’s exhibition focuses on the artists’ equally radical representations of the human body. www.holburne.org

Until 15 January

PETER BROWN: BATH, BRISTOL AND BEYOND This new exhibition from Bathbased artist Peter Brown, aka Pete the Street, features more than 100 beautiful new oil paintings of Bath, Bristol, Glastonbury and beyond. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 30 March

MAISIE WALKER Society Café in Kingsmead Square is currently hosting a beautiful exhibition depicting the Pendine Sands Hot Races in Wales by Bath photographer and Instagram fave Maisie Walker. www.maisiewalker. co.uk | www.society-cafe.com

11 December

BATH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS FAIR Since its creation in 2020, BCAF has showcased more than 600 artists across 13 fairs, bringing the best of contemporary art, including ne art, photography, sculpture, textiles and much more.

Artists who regularly exhibit at the Green Park Station event include Georgia Robinson, Kate Marshall, Adam Clutterbuck, Josie Sherabayani, Isabel Rossiter, and Emma Wharton. www.bcaf.co.uk

© JOHAN PERSSON

WHAT’S ON origins and orientations of performance. For Dickie’s Culture Club see page 44.

Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

28 November – 3 December

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL An eclectic group of British retirees embark on a new life in India. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised but their lives soon become enriched in other ways. An uplifting, donot-miss, comedy starring Rula Lenska, Paul Nicholas and Hayley Mills. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

29 November

CÉZANNE – PORTRAITS OF A LIFE Filmed at the National Portrait Gallery in London, with additional interviews from experts and curators from MoMA in New York, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, and Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and correspondence from the artist himself, the lm sheds light on an artist who is perhaps one of the least known and yet most important of all the Impressionists. The Little Theatre; www.picturehouses.com

MUSIC

22 November

TOP: Hayley Mills and Rula Lenska star in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel coming to Theatre Royal Bath; MIDDLE: Ceramics by Chris Keenan, like this Celadon and tenmoku tea set with green markings, can be seen at Beaux Arts until 24 December; BOTTOM: Sam Brown, aka the ‘Eric Clapton of the lute’, peforms at the Holburne on 26 November

19 – 20 November

JESSICA PALMER The Bath artist and illustrator whose work includes collage and paper sculpture is holding an Xmas open studio weekend at 7 St Marks Road. www.jessicapalmerart.com

25 November – 20 December

BARBARA RAE Adam Gallery’s new exhibition is the Arctic Series by Barbara Rae. The Scottish artist has made several voyages to the Arctic in the last few years recording the landscape and ice flows. www.adamgallery.com

THEATRE / CINEMA Until 10 December

¡SHOWMANISM! Dickie Beau goes on a journey of a thousand years embracing the politics and puzzles of performing personhood in and out of the spotlight in a love letter to the

SQUEEZE Continuing their fundraising relationship with the anti-poverty charity The Trussell Trust, Squeeze are coming to Bath Forum, along with very special guest the poet Dr John Cooper Clarke, to help raise money for the charity that provides foodbanks, emergency food and support to people in poverty. www.bathforum.co.uk

26 November

A WINTER’S TALE CONCERT A Winter’s Tales is a concert with a Shakespearian twist at the Holburne, where Sam Brown, aka the ‘Eric Clapton of the lute’, and the Dowland Youth Works conducted by Laurence Brown, perform music from the Tudor period, alongside Shakespearian skits and scenes. www.holburne.org

29 November

BATH PHIL & LEIA ZHU Joining Bath Philharmonia at Bath Forum for this epic journey is 16-year-old British violinist Leia Zhu performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Lauded for her musical

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 41

WHAT’S ON

maturity, expressive interpretations and impressive technical ability, Leia is recognised as a star of the future. www.bathforum.co.uk

3 December

FUNKY DIVAS The Vocal Works Gospel Choir perform at the Bath Pavilion and pay tribute to the funky divas of the soul and pop world with a set that includes Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey. www bathbo o ce org u

5 December

GUN The Glaswegian rockers are back at the Komedia with a brand new album alton ongs, which takes its name from the area of Glasgow where the band grew up, and where they still write their award winning music. www omedia co u

9 December

COURTNEY PINE The groundbreaking British jazz icon reunites with collaborator Zoe Rahman at the Wiltshire Music Centre to debut material from his new album piritualit www wiltshiremusic org u

COMEDY 27 November

CHILDREN 24 – 26 November

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN The Rondo Theatre Company is staging E. Nesbit’s classic and much loved children’s tale. After the disappearance of their father, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis move from their comfortable London home to a cottage in the Yorkshire countryside and nd a world of adventure and steam trains. www rondotheatre co u

9 December – 15 January

FIVE CHILDREN AND IT Written by Marietta Kirkbride, based on the novel by E Nesbit. Five children discover a secret that’s been hidden away for centuries: a magical, mischievous and extremely grumpy sand fairy called It with the power to grant spectacular wishes. But they soon learn, be careful what you wish for. he gg www theatrero al org u

ALL THINGS CHRISTMASSY Until 2 January

ICE RINK AT CLARKS VILLAGE rst-of-its kind ice rink at larks Village as part of the outlet’s hristmas celebrations, offering guests a truly magical skating and shopping experience. www clar s illage co u

MILTON JONES Comedian Milton Jones, in his ilton Impossible tour, will reveal the startling truth behind having once been an international spy, and then being given a somewhat disappointing new identity, which forced him to appear on many BBC panel shows. www omedia co u

BATH ON ICE It’s dreamy winter wonderland at Victoria Park. Bath on Ice is back for its 10th year with wintery music, the cosy Moguls Alpine Bar serving seasonal drinks, and Glow Golf just next door. www bathonice co u

2 December

Until 8 January

3 December

Until 8 January

LADY MARGARET’S GRAND BINGO AND RAFFLE NITE Her ladyship, the doyenne of Bath’s cultural scene, along with her eclectic and eccentric entourage, is holding a fundraising night of fun, frolics, bad spelling and fabulous prizes at Widcombe Social Club. www bathcomed com THE BEAN SPILLERS Beth Kerridge, and Bath fave Jon Monie, join the hilarious Bean Spillers, Sam Cochrane and Alex Prescot, for some musical improv comedy based on gossip provided by the Rondo Theatre audience. www rondotheatre co u

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ABOVE: The Rondo Theatre Company is staging a production of the classic tale The Railway Children featuring Antoine White, Sophie Turner, and Verity Neeves; BELOW: It’s Milton Impossible with comedian Milton Jones at the Komedia on 27 November

Until 3 January

WRAPPINGS A perfect opportunity to visit the ArtBar in Abbey Hotel, grab a cocktail and peruse the affordable art, prints and cards by six local artists, including Charlotte Farmer, Sue Porter and a collaboration between ason orley- rown and Emma Taylor. www abbe hotelbath co u FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Along with the enchanted Christmas Tree show, and the Santa Train, the wondrous world of Roald Dahl is being celebrated at Longleat this winter including a Willy Wonka style chocolate river, and a huge and very friendly giant. www longleat co u

19 – 20 November

WIDCOMBE CHRISTMAS MARKET More than 40 local artists and artisans are coming together at Widcombe Social Club to exhibit and sell their work in time for unique Christmas gifting. www widcombechristmasmar et com

24 November – 11 December

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET Back to its full glory and celebrating its 20th anniversary, Bath’s biggest Christmas market sees artisan traders pack the streets with crafts, clothes, food and drink. Festive smells of cinnamon, orange and cloves waft

马生拍卖

Ma San Auction in Bath

S P E C I A L I S I N G I N C H I N E S E A N D A S I A N WO R K S O F A R T

A single owner collection of Chinese snuff bottles from a Bath estate.

SOLD £15,000+

Offering free valuations and home visits • Over 30 years experience • Competitive commission rates Direct contacts in Hong Kong and China • Sales every two months 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED

www.masanauction.com

Tel. 01225 318587

WHAT’S ON

Adam Gallery’s new exhibition opens 25 November and features works by Barbara Rae; RIGHT: iShowmanism! starring Dickie Beau

through the air while mulled wine carts occupy seemingly every other corner. Simply festive bliss. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

24 November – 20 December

THE SWAPSHOP AND FATHER CHRISTMAS The Bath BID Elf-o-Matic machine is taking over the Swapshop in Abbeygate Street which allows children to exchange old toys in return for a gold token that can be exchanged for a new, upcycled toy.

Hot desking from the Swapshop throughout is Father Christmas himself. www.bathbid.co.uk

25 November – 21 December ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS AT WESTONBIRT Father Christmas’s elves have decorated the arboretum with beautiful sparkling lights. www.forestryengland.uk

25 November – 1 January

CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD Immersive and spectacular artworks will transform the National Trust’s world famous landscape garden and Palladian mansion this winter, with the return of the enchanting music and light trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

1 – 31 December

THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT The American Museum and Gardens puts on its annual and utterly magical outdoor light display once again. www.americanmuseum.org

3 December

BEAR FLAT ARTISTS CHRISTMAS ART FAIR & MARKET Bear Flat Artists showcase local creativity at the Methodist Church

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Hall, Bear Flat, featuring the best of art and craft. www bear atartists co u

4 December

CHRISTMAS EDITION OF THE FROME INDEPENDENT Magical at any time of the year, the nationally renowned Frome independent takes it up a notch for a special kind of Christmas shopping. www.thefromeindependent.org.uk

7 December

CAROLS AT THE REC Call in at Bath Recreation Ground for a lovely celebratory evening of carols, family fun and Christmas cheer in the heart of Bath. All tickets are free but must be booked in advance. www.carolsattherec.com

16 December

BATH INDEPENDENT CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET Taking over Green Park Station for the evening is an eclectic and electric bunch of creatives offering their unique arty and foodie wares.

Instagram @thebathindependent

OTHER 6 December

DAME MARY BERRY Former Bath resident, and the Queen of baking, visits Toppings to talk about her new 100-plus recipe book Cook and Share, which ties in with her new BBC1 show. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

12 December

BATH LIFE BUSINESS CLUB Fascinating business insights from Richard Cherry of the award-winning family-run construction company Stonewood Group. Along with an interview, a Q&A session, and networking opportunities, the event includes a two-course Royal Crescent Hotel lunch. www.mediaclash.co.uk n

CULTURE CLUB …with Dickie Beau Dickie Beau is currently starring in iShowmanism! at Bath’s Ustinov Studio until 10 December, in which he delivers a live audio-visual treat about art, about the world, and about being human.

The first single I bought Karma Chameleon by Culture Club. Boy George was an exciting gender non-confirming presence on the landscape of culture to a queer kid like me.

The book that changed my life The Naked Civil Servant by Quentin Crisp. I borrowed it from the local library when I was about 11 years old, and it helped give me hope that, in the outer world, I would find others like me.

Best TV show ever…

Eurotrash. I could be misremembering but it felt like anything could happen – it was chaotic and messy, but great fun, and had a bold authenticity that is rare nowadays.

My desert island disc Ain’t Got No, I Got Life by Nina Simone. I used to listen to this song endlessly as a lonely child and it gave me hope. Seeing her perform at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester when I was a student was the best live music experience I’ve ever had.

My lockdown boxset I binge-watched The Good Place and was bereft when I got to the end. I loved it because it was wacky and silly but at times very philosophically sophisticated and spiritual.

Last live music gig I went to Keeley Forsyth at the Barbican.

She was somewhere between Diamanda Gallas and the ghost of a hyena howling into the ground, which I mean as a compliment – it makes for a compelling combo.

A film I could watch over and over again is Big Business with Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler playing twins.

Possibly my favourite two comedy actresses – they have such funny bones I’m always tickled by them. This film is pure fun and silliness, with a simple sweetness at its heart, and it returns me to my innocence.

A painting that means something to me Keith Haring’s Once Upon a Time bathroom mural at the LGBT Community Center in New York. It was his last major mural before he died of AIDS at the age of 31, created in 1989 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and you don’t have to pay to see it.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Hardy perennials Nic goes in search of those books that are all-year round favourites

“Barnes explores the cultural and historical impact of plants”

O

ne fun bookselling skills test every festive season is to identify those books that are going to appeal to book browsers and book gifters en masse, because they represent a new take on perennial subjects that bookish people often enjoy. And books on plants is always right up there.

Experienced nature and sports writer Simon Barnes has just published a stunning look at world history told through 100 remarkable plants. In the highly illustrated History of the World in 100 Plants (Simon & Schuster, £30) Barnes explores the cultural and historical impact of plants from the ubiquitous (wheat and grass) to many less obvious but equally vital species of greenery. To begin, he reveals the oppressive survival methods of the colossal shade-providing strangler gs of the frican savannah. Soon after he’s introducing us to the epic contributions of the Cinchona, which is responsible for providing malaria-tackling quinine and which, as an accidental side-hustle emerging from reactions to the overly bitter medicine, led to the invention of gin and tonic!

Aside from the fascinating individual stories of epic plants from algae to cocoa, the book is a timely reminder of just how crucial plants are to our ailing planet – not least by creating the air that we breathe, moderating our climate and providing sustenance (and sustenance for our other forms of sustenance).

Books about books are often popular with book people. Unsurprisingly. But there are many of them and some can drift into innocuous list territory – the kinds of books that are bought but not read. Pandora Sykes’ What Writers Read (Bloomsbury, £12.99) consists of original and compelling content and features a very broad range of books that will keep you reading to the end. Sykes has pulled together original essays by 35 authors from some of our sharpest contemporary voices (Caleb Azumah Nelson, Dolly Alderton and Nikesh Shukla) to our most

established prize-winning novelists (Elizabeth Strout, William Boyd and Elif Shafak).

Each contributor has been tasked with revealing their most treasured book and unpicking what it means to them and, often, how it has helped shape their own career. The books selected range from classics to a few hidden gems and there are some intriguing combinations along the way – Marian Keyes on Cold Comfort Farm, Ali Smith on Tove Jansson’s The Summer Book, and Nick Hornby on the children’s classic Emil and the Detectives, to name a few. Fatima Bhutto’s decision to choose her entire bookshelf rather than one book has a slight whiff of cop-out, however well she defends her position, but otherwise Sykes’ book is an excellent collection of responses to that most often asked author-event question – “What do you read when you’re not writing?”

Earlier this year I wrote about Nadia Wassef ’s Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller (Little Brown, £10.99) documenting the creation of one of Egypt’s great independent bookshops.

For your winter reading, I’d encourage you to travel from your armchair to an enticing Italian bookshop via Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop by Alba Donati (Orion, £14.99).

Any bookseller will tell you it’s tricky to run a sustainable book business, so Alba Donati’s friends understandably had a few reservations when she announced her intention to step back from her publishing career and open a bookshop in her childhood home of Lucignana, population 180. This diarised memoir tells the story of Alba’s creation of the ‘bookshop on the hill’ which somehow becomes a beacon for her community and starts to draw visitors from afar, despite facing re and pandemic in its early days.

An inspiring piece of entrepreneurial wanderlust that will suit anyone who enjoys spending time in bookshops, works in a bookshop, or dreams of doing so!

Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; tel: 01225 331155; www.mrbsemporium.com

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THE REEL THING EMMA INGLEDEW

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

Emma Thompson plays the terrifying Miss Trunchball in the new screen adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda; Warren Miller returns with a 73rd annual film, Daymaker; Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan star in She Said; The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect film to bridge the gap between holidays

Tis the time just after Hallowe’en and just before the big Christmas movie magic happens, and luckily there are lots of amazing new films to tide us over and bridge the gap The Nightmare Before Christmas Screening 27 November

The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect lm to bridge the gap between holidays. he 199 lm follows ack kellington, the umpkin ing, as he grows bored of his spooky e istence, and seeks to bring hristmas to the residents of alloween own. he animation on this hristmas classic is truly gorgeous, taking a group of around one hundred people three years to complete this movie. any believe incorrectly that the lm was directed by im urton, but instead he was the person who came up with the original ideas and characters, and the actual lm was directed by enry elick. he two visions work together to create a truly classic lm, also helped by the fantastic soundtrack written by anny lfman.

She Said

Release date 25 November

n 1 two journalists from The New York Times published a report e posing se ual abuse allegations against ollywood producer arvey einstein. he shocking story e posed the pattern of abusive behaviour e isting within ollywood, launching the e oo movement as we know it. She Said tells the story behind the story, following journalists egan wohey and odi antor played by

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arey ulligan and oe a an respectively in their unrelenting search for the truth. he e oo movement may have become known for the large ollywood names backing it, but enkiewic s screenplay takes as much care with the lesser known victims of abuse and assault, rather than relying on big name drops. lm lled with sensitivity and empathy, it follows the inspiring story of the two women who brought down one of the giants of the industry.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical Release date 9 December

his is not the Matilda you may already know. nstead, this is an adaptation of the ony and livier award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by im inchin, packed with great songs. atilda is played by newcomer lisha eir, with her neglectful parents played by ndrea iseborough and tephen raham. t s at her new school, runchem all, where she nds a new friend in the gentle iss oney, played by former ashana ynch, as well as a new enemy in the form of the terrifying iss runchbull. he hideous headmistress is played by the incomparable mma hompson, in a performance that will deservedly become legendary. his new adaptation more than proves why Matilda deserves another outing to the big screen.

Warren Miller film tour: Daymaker Screening 30 November

n 19 , former soldier arren iller began recording himself and his friends skiing in the un alley. he original purpose was so that they could watch them back, and critique each other s techniques. fter receiving many invitations to screen and narrate these lms at events, arren iller launched arren iller ntertainment . nce a year he would release a feature length documentary on the best ski and surfboard events of the year.

Daybreak is the rd annual arren iller lm, taking audiences through urope s most legendary mountain guides, through to nowmass for the biggest party of the winter, following the lives of the most e citing young skiers and snowboarders on the planet. n accompanying from the arren iller team follows the screening.

Emma Ingledew is manager at The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; www.picturehouses.co.uk

The Nick Cudworth Gallery

Come visit us in Bath’s wonderful, creative community of Walcot.

Landscapes, Still Life and Portraits.

Best known for our paintings & giclee prints that celebrate the stunning Bath architecture.

Showcasing the true beauty of Bath for visitors and locals alike.

We also offer framing services.

Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays or by appointment by calling Matthew on 07980852417 5 London Street, BA1 5BU | nickcudworth.co.uk

ART SEB

“I love the smaller pitch – you can see everything! We come here a lot as a family.”

ALEX LO

“I saw my first ever live football match here at Bath City. I’m a student at the university and from the get-go I was welcomed here. I volunteer on match days and feel a real part of the club – I didn’t feel like an outsider – it’s so inclusive.”

ROB MITCHELL

MATCH TALK My City My Shirt is an exhibition celebrating the diverse fans of Bath City Football Club Pictures and words by Nick Smith

W

hile there may be a certain ‘other’ footballing event about to kick off, we turn our attentions to nearer home and focus on an e hibition celebrating the fans of ath ity ootball lub. arlier this year local photographer ick mith, in a partnership between the werton ark based club and anti-discrimination organisations ans for iversity and ick t ut, with support from ath and orth ast omerset ouncil, created a series of 9 portraits called My City, My Shirt e ploring the diversity of the club s fan base. he collection is a cross section of fans – both new and old to the club – and their responses to ick s question hat does coming to ath ity mean to you . ince its launch last summer at the werton ark ground, the e hibition has gone on a tour around the city and been displayed at the orld eritage entre in ork treet, appeared on the back of a ark and ide bus, appeared at ictoria rt allery, and from 18 ovember until ecember will be available to view at the uildhall ath. lans are to create a long term home at werton ark for the e hibition, the artwork for which was designed by amie llul.

For more: www.bathcityfc.com 50 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“Football gives us all something to shout about – win or lose, you’re part of the tribe.“

SAM FINCH

“Bath City has always been part of my life – it’s a huge part of my history. It is a place for everybody and I’ve made so many friends here. The club is totally inclusive – from rainbow laces to refugees – it’s the beating heart of the community. It won’t tolerate any kind of discrimination and it’s great that our grassroots football club is leading the way.”

IDA

“I like going with my family and friends and I like watching Joe Raynes play because he’s good and I want to play football like him one day.”

“Win or lose, you’re part of the tribe”

STEVE BRUNT

DONNA SWABY

“Football unites the world and football definitely unites Twerton.

We bring everybody together.”

“I’ve followed them for 50 years – and supporting them has given me so much confidence to meet people and make friends. Supporting Bath City is so much more than football – it is just the best community. As a visually impaired person the club has always www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATHlooked LIFE I after xx me – nothing is too much trouble.”

ART TRISTAN WESTLAKE

“What does going to Bath City mean to me?

Family and friends!”

ARJ & TRASS

“We’ve known each other since we were three. We just love football and how it brings people together.

At Bath City it’s great to stand on a terrace and see games up close in such a friendly environment.”

CHRISTINE CONLAN

“It’s great to see football live – it’s my first game and I’ve been made to feel very welcome.”

52 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

MIKE YORK

“It’s the best part of my week!”

TRACI LEWIS

“I went on International Women’s Day – it was so friendly and great to celebrate with my local community in this way.”

SHERHAT

“It’s fantastic to join in at Bath City!”

THE GAINSBOROUGH HOTEL Rachel Ifans nds love all over again at the newly opened ociali e restaurant

I

fell in love for the rst time in he ainsborough otel. ranted, it wasn t a hotel at the time – merely a wing of ath ech, as it was called then – and the love was very much unrequited – but it s still a special place for me. very aturday morning in the 8 s, d stagger up the front steps to what is now a gleaming white hotel reception, and walk the musty corridors to ath ociety of oung usicians rehearsals, weighed down not only by my clarinet, stand and music folder, but also my not-insubstantial shaggy perm, armfuls of day-glo bangles, and, of course, my aforementioned massive crush. was rincipal larinettist and he was irst ello swoon we would have been a match made in heaven were it not for that pesky irst iolin with her pretty face and perfect pitch .

54 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

only tell you this so you ll understand my e citement at walking those floors again to try out ociali e at he ainsborough, the hotel s brand new restaurant. ut let s cut to the chase, this is Bath Life, after all, not an issue of Seventeen. he restaurant in he ainsborough has been closed for two years before re-opening as ociali e this summer, a sister restaurant to one in hreadneedles otel, ondon. he ground floor has three nice rooms, none of which are very visible from the street and offer a respite from town, especially when hristmas season gets in full swing. he rst is the anvas oom, with squashy sofas and perfect for afternoon tea there s a small but atmospheric bar and thirdly, ociali e, a classy and comfortable dining area with swish surroundings and a smart ritish menu which focuses on high quality ingredients. nce d bored my friend with a tour of where the tuck shop used to be and where the irst rchestra rehearsed

RESTAURANT

(it wasn’t possible to visit the Wind Band room due to the fact it’s now a guest bedroom – fair enough, Do Not Disturb signs must be obeyed), we sat down to order, and choosing wasn’t at all hard. Firstly, the menu isn’t huge (a big plus for me who is prone to decision paralysis when faced with too many options) and secondly, it’s full of the kind of food we all want to eat.

My starter was a light option – the heritage beetroot, ricotta, black olive, pearl barley – the paper-thin slices of different coloured beetroot were fresh and tasty with a slight crunch which went perfectly with the thick creamy ricotta, but my favourite bits were the sweet pops of pearl barley, an ingenious sprinkle that elevated the taste combination. While my friend’s mushroom and potato risotto hummed with umami flavours, brought to tingling life by the tang of aged parmesan all topped with an absolutely perfect wobbly slow-cooked hen’s egg.

There were some serious skills going on in the kitchen – enough to make me forgive the American Z in the word ‘socialise’. I was seriously impressed with the way the chef cooked my main-course steak. I’m a fussy Francophile who likes to describe exactly how rare and bloody I like my steak while informing everyone there are SEVEN levels of cookedness in French, compared to the measly four we get in English. Fortunately my spiel on this occasion wasn’t required and the steak was perfectly bloody all the way through. I also appreciated the double dip of bearnaise and peppercorn sauces; well done, Socialize, life really is too short to choose between sauces. My friend was just as impressed with her main course, meaty roasted cod loin, fresh broccoli, strands of salty samphire and buttery mussel velouté piled on to a dollop of creamy mash.

When it comes to desserts, even the most convivial evening can get competitive. Everyone wants to choose the best pud, but this time, I’m happy to concede an English-strawberry-and-vanilla-cheesecake defeat to my friend’s all-conquering chocolate bombe Alaska with a showstopping maretto flamb . t was absolutely beautiful, delicious and boo y, and they set it on re at the table. What more can your heart desire?

It’s love all over again for me at the Gainsborough but this time it felt requited. n

“My favourite bits were the sweet pops of pearl barley” DINING DETAILS Socialize at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, Bath. tel: 01225 355336; www.socializerestaurants.co.uk Opening hours Breakfast: 7:30am - 10:30am (Mon - Sun) Lounge menu: 12pm - 8pm.

Dinner: 6pm - 9pm (Tue - Sat). Afternoon tea: Every day 12pm- 5pm Owned by Seasoned Restaurants Established Summer of 2022 Type of food The best of contemporary British cuisine with a rigorous focus on quality British ingredients Covers 50 Recommendations Starters: Lamb shoulder raviolo, tomato fondue, pecorino foam and

Citrus cured chalk stream trout, king oyster leaves, burrata, and roe dressing Mains: Braised ox cheek, pomme purée, mushroom and red wine sauce and roasted cod loin, broccoli, samphire, mussel velouté Pudding: Has to be the chocolate bombe Alaska, Amaretto flambé Prices Starters cost between: £12 - £16 Mains £16 - £48 Desserts £7.50 - £10 Drinks Champagnes, artisan gins, Martinis, fine wines and local ales Vegetarian and vegan options Yes lots Disability access Yes Atmosphere Enthusiastic and welcoming service in a swooshy art deco setting. Head to the bar for a post-work cocktail if you don’t have time to eat.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 55

NOW TAKING PARTY BOOKINGS

Bringing you the very best of Colombia!

6 Abbeygate St, Bath BA1 1NP 01225 316774 Info@thecolombiancompany.com www.thecolombiancompany.com

Discover a haven of Christmas gifts, pop-ups and eateries and explore a magical winter woodland scene brought to life especially for the festive season...

Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath BA1 1BZ 01225 789040 milsomplace.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S F O O D S C E N E

Chef George Barson is heading up the kitchen in a new venture

by The Beckford Group

THE SECOND ACT

Condé Nast Traveller readers have chosen Homewood as a favourite

© JAKE EASTHAM

The Beckford Bottle Shop is opening a new restaurant in Bath this month. The Beckford Canteen will be the Beckford Group’s second restaurant, which is run by co-founders Dan Brod, Charlie Luxton and Matt Greenlees and also has four country inns in Somerset and Wiltshire.

Set in a former Georgian greenhouse on Bartlett Street, the Beckford Canteen will seat 40 inside with space for another 40 in the restaurant’s hidden back garden.

Chef George Barson will head up the kitchen, who after starting his career at Devon’s renowned River Cottage where he rose up the ranks to sous chef, then moved to London where he worked with Nuno Mendes at Viajante, the team at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and later as development chef for Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in North London. In early 2017 he joined Kitty Fisher’s in Mayfair as head chef and was promoted to chef director in 2018, working with the team to launch their second outpost, Cora Pearl, in Covent Garden in 2018. George most recently went on to join Wild by Tart in 2021 before being lured back to the West Country by the Beckford Group.

For more: www.beckford.group

CHAMPAGNE TASTES

Comptoir+Cuisine is hosting a new series of fun and interactive semi-blind champagne tastings. During the events, guests will have the chance to discover premium award-winning Gower champagnes with the expert hand of Comptoir+Cuisine’s co-founder and resident expert, Maud Fierobe. The exclusive events are open to groups of up to 1 , and each come with two flights of aud s favourite champagnes – and the chance to purchase your favourite. The next tasting is coming up on 6 December.

For more: www.comptoirpluscuisine.com

READERS’ CHOICE

Condé Nast Traveller has named Homewood Bath among is top UK hotels. Homewood emerged as a top pick in the magazine’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards, where more than 240,000 Condé Nast Traveller readers from across the UK and US submit responses rating their travel experiences around the globe.

“Being recognised as one of the best hotels in the UK by a title as prestigious as Condé Nast Traveller is an honour and an amazing achievement,” says Ed Fitzpatrick, Homewood’s general manager. e see this as a nal seal of approval and something to be placed front and centre, alongside our many other awards we have won in the past 12 months. I must thank our fantastic team who look after the hotel on a day-to-day basis; these great people are the pillar of our successes and we could not have done this without them.”

For more: www.homewoodbath.co.uk

58 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Discover a new favourite champagne at Comptoir+Cuisine

FOOD & DRINK Sally Jenkin and Carol Myott of Taste of the West Gold Award-winning Flapjackery

THE CHERRY ON TOP

© JOHNNY STEPHENS PHOTOGR APHY

Flapjackery has won a coveted Taste of the West Gold Award just three months after opening in Bath. The shop on New Bond Place launched in July, and specialises in hand-made, gluten-free flapjacks in an array of flavours including cherry bakewell, salted caramel and award-winning clotted cream in addition to other sweet treats like fudge, clusters and chocolate.

“It’s the cherry on the cake for an incredible year,” says Carol Myott, who founded Flapjackery with business partner Sally Jenkin back in 2015 in Tavistock, Devon. “To win gold with all six shops is a brilliant achievement and it s hats off to all our wonderful staff who run our shops and take great pride in providing the best customer service they can. It was very exciting to launch our new shop in Bath earlier this year, and it’s been wonderful to have so many people coming in to say hello, and buy flapjacks of course.”

For more www ap ac er co u

The Ivy’s festive menu is live

THE ELDER STATESMAN The Elder has a new head chef. Jon Coates is taking the helm of the restaurant at Hotel Indigo, a return to the Castlebridge Hospitality group following his role in the launch of The Woodsman in 2018. Jon will keep long-standing restaurant favourites along with his own distinctive new options that reflect the skills he honed during his time at the renowned The Greenhouse in London under Bjorn Van de Horst.

New dishes on the menu include the sumptuous slow cooked Berkshire hare ragout with soft polenta, green sauce, and 36-month aged parmesan; roast Gressingham duck with swede, chicory and pickled blackberries; and Vadouvan spiced muntjac deer tartare and roast pave with faggot of Bathurst estate fallow deer and beetroot tatin, dirty mash, and peppercorn sauce.

For more www theelder co u Jon Coates is the new head chef of The Elder

FESTIVE FEAST

The Ivy Bath Brasserie has launched its festive offering with a tasty Christmas set menu, a la carte and afternoon tea menus. Some of the dishes available include twists on popular favourites like The Ivy’s iconic shepherd’s pie with confit goose and turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce alongside must-have limited edition desserts like Santa’s On His Way, featuring a red velvet sponge, cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate. The festive afternoon tea has been Christmas-ified with beautiful golden gilded trays adorned with festive themed cakes, scones and classic sandwiches.

For more: www.theivybathbrasserie.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

THE FINEST IN LINGER I E, B E ACH & NIGHTWEAR

7 Quiet Street Bath BA1 2JU | T: 01225 330563 E: info@dressingroombath.com

www.dressingroombath.com |

Superb Quality Clothes Care Excellent Value Special Offer 2 Suits Dry Cleaned for £25 Van service available

6 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AU Tel 01225 311595 Parent Company established in 1975

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

COOL RUNNINGS

Made in celebration of those 24 humans who have walked on the moon, the off oon trainer is soft but durable with side pieces in suede leather and textile and a memory foam removable insole. ith one small step, let s begin our journey to the stars. o

oon trainers were eorge treet

now from race ath www graceandmabel co u

abel

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

ED’S CHOICE SUNWISE PIONEER SUNGLASSES, £25 Wraparounds that are both light and comfortable, as well as being durable and secure.

From John Moore Sports, 2 Argyle Street, Bath; www.johnmooresports.co.uk

CLOSE RUN THING Been inspired by the recent Bath Half to get a move on?

These accessories will help put a spring in your step

BELSTAFF WATCH RIBBED WOOL BEANIE, £60 A versatile, warm option for those cold days made from soft virgin lambswool and featuring a classic rib-knit design with a turned up trim and is nished off with the elstaff hoeni logo patch embroidered to the front.

From John Anthony, 26-28 High Street, Bath; www.john-anthony.com

64 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ATHLETE SEAMLESS GYM T-SHIRT, £45 A versatile, lightweight, seamless and high-stretch workout top made for every activity.

From Sweatybetty, 13 Northgate Street, Bath; www.sweatybetty.com

WILLY’S BEETROOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHOT, £2.50 A beety boost of goodness packed with probiotics, offering a natural antiinflammatory and antio idant that helps maintain a healthy immune system.

From Harvest, 37 Walcot Street, Bath; www.harvest-bath.coop

LAST RESORT AB BREAK FREE SOCKS, £11.95 Hard wearing and comfortable with a motivational message.

From Route One, 8, 10 The Corridor, Bath; www.routeone.co.uk

STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE, £22 how your love for beautiful ath with a limited edition matte red stainless steel ath bottle with art deco design.

From Bullfrog, 10 Kingsmead Square, Bath; www.bullfrogbottles.com

GARMIN FORERUNNER 245, £199.99 his running smartwatch evaluates performance stats such as aerobic and anaerobic training effect, training status, and even tracks advanced running dynamics such as ground contact time balance and stride length.

From Running Bath, 18 High Street, Bath; www.runningbath.co.uk

ATHLEISURE WOMEN’S FULL ZIP HOODY £70 long with practical hidden ips on the hip pockets and chest, the wa ed inner design helps fabric breathability.

From The Bath Rugby Shop, 1 Argyle Street, Bath; www.bathrugbyshop.com HOKA WOMENS CLIFTON 8 SHOES, £125 rafted with a light, responsive midsole, with the upper made from engineered mesh.

From Runners Need, 2 Abbey Gate Street, Bath; www.runnersneed.com

ADAPTED STATE HIGH-RISE CROPPED JOGGER, £118 classic below-calf t that floats away from your body for guaranteed comfort. lso has secures ippered pockets with internal phone and coin sleeves.

From Lululemon, Unit SU7, 15 Lawrence St, Bath www.lululemon.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65

FASHION

MATERIAL GIRL

i up te tures and fabrics to feel ne, and look fab Words by Marianne Cantelo

F

orm- tting satin dresses, whisper-light silk blouses, the caress of cashmere scarves, the gentle weight of soft suede jackets – in the cooler months, who doesn t want their clothes to feel like a warm embrace t s the time of year for making a collage of colour, te ture and fabric but leave the crunchiness to the leaves, ice and snow. f you love clothes, wearing clothes that love you back by literally feeling good against your skin, might just be the best type of commitment you can nd. arrying together tactile te tures and fabrics to create looks that are comforting but never boring and matchmaking items which understand each other perfectly is endlessly rewarding.

VELVET UNDERGROUND ake velvet for e ample, its monarchical material, worthy of ings and ueens. t s gorgeous, tender, opulent and warm but can be too much on its own. ut it together with a more homey, chunky polo neck jumper and it s brought down to earth. hat dress you reserved for special occasions, layer it over or under knitwear and it s royal, but practical. elvet jumpsuits, which can be veering a little close to lonely loungewear and pyjamas, or look a tad too stagey , are elevated with soft wool coats and platform shoes in metallics into sophisticated romance. reamy dresses, ethereal and fragile, may be too flighty for fall, even in bold prints. aired with butter soft leather, and a thigh high or knee boot and suddenly you are perfectly grounded. ilky pastel slip dresses that go outside into the elements with squashy, marshmallow padded jackets and chunky bright trainers are complete and cosy. ake dresses with balloon sleeves and many tiers, they might take off without you – anchor with an embroidered wool waistcoat or fau fur gilet and you are back in control, even on windy days.

JUST ADD FUR hen there s denim – tough, loveable, over time, the more you wear it, the softer it becomes. ut why wait to grow old with your denim by itself, when you can move your dungarees, flares or dare we say it hipsters in with softly draped airy blouses and tops now. ake your mum-wear and turn it into a se y, con dent, don t care date night special. huck on an oversi ed fau fur coat and you are a walking, huggable, hottie.

FRINGE BENEFITS t s not just putting te ture with other te ture that cements your wardrobe together, une pected fabrics with bright colour is mood

boosting and can bring out the best in what you already own. ake a fringed suede jacket that s borderline hippyish but choose neon instead of tan and you have something that will never feel past its sell by date. ven better, contrast it with a tted skirt and socks and heels and keep the interest flowing through the look. ress in head to toe black but wear a patent trouser, heavily embroidered blouse and loopy knitted long cardigan and you have the ingredients of a look that is future proof, not funereal, each piece capable of adding interest to another look, another day.

“Tweed is perfectly partnered with softening silk and creamy cashmere ” TWEED CREED nd how do you feel about tweed ou ll nd so many heritage pieces in second hand stores and in charity shops. t s the hardest working, most committed fabric you ll nd – warm, weatherproof and ready to be yours for life. f you nd it a bit grumpy and scratchy, it s perfectly partnered with softening silk and creamy cashmere, or billowing blouson lace. f you choose bright pops of turquoise, coral and mustard yellow to go with your tweed, accessorising with patterned tights and blocky ary anes, you re making amore in ilan, instead of millstone marriage in atlock.

Marianne Cantelo is the business development project manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care.

The charity has 25 high street shops across the region selling fantastic pre-loved items which provides a large part of their income, plus it also has an online shop.

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Photography Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com MUA Chantelle Moody; Instagram @chantellemoody.makeup Model Tash Kings; www.bigmustard.co.uk Venue The Curfew; www.thecurfewbath.co.uk Styling Marianne Cantelo and Eleanor Tasker

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SHOPPING LIST 8

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1. Temperley London x Anthropologie faux-fur coat, £198, from Anthropologie, 1 – 4 New Bond Street, Bath; www.anthropologie.com 2. Danesfield cashmere lined leather gloves, was £145 now £108.75, from Dents Factory Shop, Furnax Lane, Warminster; www.dentsgloves.com 3. Velvet Mabel dress in red, £295, from Pearl Lowe; www.pearllowe.co.uk 4. Pullover Atogyra, £219, from Bath Oska, 30 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.oska.com 5. Ganni crinkled satin maxi dress, £255, from Found, 17 Argyle Street, Bath; www.foundbath.co.uk 6. Stripe grey velvet scarf £95, from Carole Waller; www.carolewaller.co.uk 7. Patrizia Bonfanti glossy red boots were £229 now £160.30, from Blue Women & Home at The Loft, 1-2 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.bluewomensclothing.co.uk 8. River Island fringed jacket, size 10, £16.99 from Dorothy House online shop; www.dorothyhouse.shop 9. Veja Campo chrome free leather trainers in bronze white, £130, from Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 10. Cowhide purse in green, £18.50 from Sassy & Boo, 9 Bartlett Street, Bath; www.luellafashion.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Can school inspections really measure how happy your child is at school?

An inspector calls How much do Ofsted reports and ratings really matter?

I

recently visited a primary school where the last full Ofsted inspection had been over a decade ago. t made me question just how much store parents should put in a verdict of ‘outstanding’ that had been awarded before the oldest child in Year 6 had started at the school.

All state-funded schools in England are meant to be inspected by fsted, the independent government agency for school standards, every four years. But if the school converts to an academy, the inspection clock resets – and it can make relying on a snapshot verdict to choose a school a lot less reliable.

Inspections were also suspended during the pandemic so even the classroom catch up monitors

need to catch up. hat s more, a major study by the University of York – which tracked pupils across England from age 11 to 16 in schools with a range of ratings – found that Ofsted grades accounted for just four per cent of the variance in students’ educational achievements. Even an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rating was a weak predictor of students’ academic results and well-being.

Zoopla recently reported that buying near an ‘outstanding’ school can add a whopping 8 , to a home s price tag.

But are we seeing the beginning of the end of the scrabble to live near a top-rated Ofsted school? t chool uide, we ve noticed a real a shift away from parents focusing on Ofsted grades – or

HOW DOES OFSTED INSPECT AND GRADE SCHOOLS? The Ofsted inspection framework looks at four main areas of school life: quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership and management.

In each area, schools are graded on a 4-point scale: grade 1 (outstanding); grade 2 (good); grade 3 (requires improvement); and grade 4 (inadequate).

They also receive an overall effectiveness grade using the same scale, and this is the snapshot that will be less helpful to parents than the full report’s commendations and recommendations.

68 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

at least only on Ofsted grades. n our recent survey of 1, parents of school-age children, ‘Ofsted inspection rating’ dropped out of the top ve reasons to choose a school for the rst time. Only 31 per cent of secondary school parents said it was important compared to 75 per cent who said they looked for an ‘inclusive ethos where all pupils were valued.’ hat parents do care about, however, are the results of fsted arent iew, an online survey sent at the time of each inspection which invites real parents to give their views on their child’s school.

Understanding what percentage of mums and dads recommend the school or say their child is happy at the school, for e ample, is much more useful than knowing whether or not an inspector ticked boxes on curriculum provision.

None of this means that Ofsted inspections don’t add value to

your child’s education. While ‘Ofsted is coming’ are three little words than can strike terror into the heart of any school staffroom, the main aim of inspections is to check the quality of education and provide an index of quality across key areas of school life.

One YouGov poll revealed seven out of 10 parents felt Ofsted was a force for improvement. s parents, it is reassuring to know there is someone with a clipboard further up the ‘must try harder’ educational food chain. o, when the inspector ne t calls at your child s school, don t focus too much on the black and white headline. nstead, do take a deep dive into the report where you will nd helpful light and shade beyond the dazzling – or dreadful – one-word verdict.

“An ‘outstanding’ rating is a weak predictor of students’ academic results and well-being”

Victoria Bond is the founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools.

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

SERVICES GUIDE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

airready Property Management

GUIDE to SERVICES in the CITY

• Established, local, fully managed holiday let company • Skilled team managing cleaning, linen, guests comms, crisis management and more • Key guardianship and care for houses that are sitting empty • Full renovation and refurbishment service • Investment property search and revenue forecasts for buyers

Call us on 07906 507228 to find out more www.airready.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL THE BATH LIFE TEAM ON 01225 475800 JEWELLERY

HOME CARE

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

Nigel Dando

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

HOLIDAY RENTALS

PET MINDING

PET MINDING IN BATH 75+ luxury properties for lets 2 nights to 5 months Holidays – For business – Friends & family – Temporary accommodation during renovation/relocation Contact: 01225 482 225 | bhr.office@bathholidayrentals.com www.bathholidayrentals.com Offering 4 & 5 star holiday rentals since 2006

Cats, Birds, Rabbits, Fish, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters etc Telephone: 01225 830749 eneale.abing@gmail.com Open on all Bank Holidays NO DOGS

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Tel: 01761 232906 Mobile: 07901 712232

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

Repairs, Restoration • Alteration of Stone Buildings New Build • Stone Cleaning • Stone Carving • Fireplaces

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

COSY UP The six secrets to creating a cosy haven this winter

By Lydia Tewkesbury

Every corner of your home has potential for nook transformation, Cox & Cox style

SOFT FURNISHINGS

E

ven the most committed minimalist develops a cosy fetish around the time the clocks go back. We all want a Pinterest perfect, hygge-approved winter retreat to hunker down until the spring, but there is an art to creating the ultimate cosy cave – there’s more to it than tossing a blanket over the arm of the sofa. Here, we cover the six top tips you need to nest.

1BUILD A NOOK

In the winter months, every unloved corner of your home has nook potential. Nook requirements are simple – it might be a chair or a sofa, or simply a pile of artfully arranged cushions and blankets. Nooks aren’t so much a collection of items as they are curated atmosphere.

You can use your Nook for whatever relaxing activity appeals to you – perhaps meditation, perhaps journalling. For Dani Taylor, product and creative director at Cox & Cox, the nook is for one thing only: reading.

“To enjoy the best in home-cocooning, why not create a comfy reading nook ” she says. ake some plump lounge cushions, pouffes or throws and you can put a reading nook anywhere in your home. dd task lighting effortlessly with plug-in wall lights or drape some fairy lights above a beanbag to zone the space and make it feel special.

Position your armchair under a window so that you can add in a bit of daydreaming. Add lots of layers, varying the textures for extra depth, from velvet quilts and knitted to soft wool blankets. Plump up your cushions and dig out your comfy clothes – you won’t want to leave.”

2LAYERING IS EVERYTHING

ayering isn t just advice for your out t. he quickest way to turn up the cosy thermostat is by combining home accessories to upgrade your living room from ‘where the TV is’ to winter sanctuary.

“During the colder months, layering up on soft furnishings of similar natural tones creates a warm and comforting feeling space, particularly in living rooms and bedrooms,” according to Jasmine Langcaster-James, interiors writer for Woolf Interior Design. “Using blankets, cushions and curtains of varying textures and colours add interest, while keeping them in the same tone and reflecting the colours in other elements like lamp shades or artwork ensures the space still feels put together.”

“Plump up your cushions and dig out your comfy clothes”

3DON’T FORGET THE FLOOR TOP: Woolf Interiors advise using blankets and cushions of varying textures to add interest; CUSHIONS FROM LEFT: Christmas is Coming cushion by Emma Rose, £28; Safi cushion cover from Cox & Cox, £35; sheepskin cushion

by Owen Barry from Homefront Interiors, £95

Cosy is a full body experience, including what’s going on under your feet. Curling your toes in a soft, thick rug is the sort of small luxury that keeps us going in the chilly dark of winter.

“It’s easy to overlook rugs,” says Georgia Metcalfe of French Bedroom. “I love them because they increase a sense of warmth and homeliness. Rugs also absorb sound, especially the high-pitched tones, making a room feel calmer and more peaceful. atural bres such as coir, seagrass and jute are better for the environment as they are biodegradable and use less polymers in production, but man-made rugs will last longer. Whatever material you choose, get the best underlay possible — at least 8mm with an anti-slip backing. The extra thickness is not only a delight to walk on but extends the life of your rug.”

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SOFT FURNISHINGS

ABOVE: Use similar tones to create a put together look, as in this spot by Axford Interiors;

BELOW LEFT: luxurious upholstery like in this space designed by Woolf Interiors is the ultimate cosy indulgence

4CREATE CONTRAST

One of the simplest shortcuts to cosy chic is to use a mix of contrasting materials in a space.

“The quickest and easiest way to make a start is with cushions,” says Kathryn Bristow at Homefront Interiors. “Not just for your sofa, but your bed or armchair too. Varying texture, shape and pattern will add instant warmth and interest. hop around and you re bound to nd a bargain that could pass for a break-the-bank version.”

If budget allows, turn to the upholstery – interior designer Rebecca Morgan recommends on-trend bouclé and velvet, or perennial classics like faux fur and sheepskins to provide that vital cosy contrast with the feel of a warm embrace after a day out battling with the elements.

“I love sheepskin and goatskin,” says Rebecca. “The deep thick pile gives so much warmth and adds to a cosy inviting atmosphere – who doesn’t want to fall into a chair or sofa covered in sheepskin?”

Marielle bedside rug, £85 from Cox & Cox

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SOFT FURNISHINGS

5ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING

Nothing kills a vibe like bad lighting. Banish white lighting; in winter you want to create a warm, almost yellowish glow – as close as you can get to candlelight and still be able to see. Ditch cold task lights for softer lamp lighting, or lighting integrated into richly coloured joinery for a sumptuous feel.

“One great tip to make a room cosy and interesting is to use metallics to reflect electric light off the wallpaper and enrich your walls,” says Kirsty Lake, creative director of Etons of Bath.

6DRESS YOUR WINDOWS

When it comes to creating a cosy home, attention to detail is crucial.

With that in mind, don’t neglect your window dressings. Soft, billowing drapes are sumptuous and tactile, and in rich, dark tones help build those curl-up-with-cuppa-and-a-boxset feels. stylish pair of shutters, meanwhile, offer that material contrast vital for creating an atmosphere of cosy sanctuary – they’re the perfect tool to screen out the cold and wet in the dark days of winter.

Window dressings are practical too, and play a key role in keeping things toasty and warm.

“Heat loss is an important consideration, with around 20 per cent of household heat lost through windows,” says ara illmore at Axford Interiors. “Thermal linings for curtains and blinds are key, they help with insulation, assist in blocking drafts and give weight to a curtain, or provide body to a oman blind.” hutters come with all the bene ts of insulation as well – according to the team at Just Shutters, interior shutters act as an extra layer of insulation, and improve the e ciency of windows by up to per cent. side from the obvious snuggly bene ts, they present a stylish way to mitigate the rising bills, too. n

“Nothing kills a vibe like bad lighting”

ABOVE: Etons of Bath suggest using

metallics to create a cosy glow;

LEFT: Shutters like these from Just

Shutters are stylish and they help keep the heat in

FOR MORE

Axford Interiors, The Studio, 389 Gaston, Holt, Trowbridge; www.axfordinteriors.co.uk Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk Etons of Bath, 108 Walcot Street, Bath; www.etonsofbath.com French Bedroom; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Buildings, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk Just Shutters Bath; www.justshutters.co.uk Rebecca Morgan; www.rebeccamorgandesigns.com Woolf Interior Design and Interior Architecture; www.woolfinterior.com

74 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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

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

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

For further details, including rates of payment, please contact our Accommodation Manager: Sarah Wringer, Kaplan International Languages Bath, 5 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HB Direct Line (01225) 473502, Email: sarah.wringer@kaplan.com

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THIS ISSUE >>>>BUSINESS SURGERY BATH COLLEGE (79) BIZ Q&A WALTER RUGGIERO (80) >>AWARDS NEW OLD FRIENDS (82)

Full charge

Designability has come up with a nationally adopted standard for accessibility

A Bath charity has created a new national accessibility standard for electric vehicle charging points

B

ath-based charity and mobility aid provider Designability has played a pivotal role in creating a new accessibility standard for public electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

With the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles to end in the UK by 2030, it is estimated that by 2035, 1.35 million disabled drivers will be partially or wholly reliant on public EV charging, but key research has shown a lack of accessibility for disabled people across existing EV charge points. As part of the response to these challenges, Designability were awarded grant funding to explore electric vehicle charging solutions for the bene t of disabled drivers.

“We conducted practical research and design activities directly with disabled drivers

and passengers, to understand how the public charge points are failing disabled people. We then explored, with them, what accessible design solutions might look like,” says Keir Haines, senior product designer at Designability.

“Designers, manufacturers, installers, local authorities, landowners such as supermarkets, and anyone that might have an EV charge point on their premises are key in terms of ensuring that the charging solutions are accessible to all. If these types of people and organisations are demanding good accessible design for all, it’s the perfect starting point to ensuring that everybody, including disabled people, have a great experience of charging in public.”

The new national standard was launched in October by BSI (British Standards Institution) in its role as the national standards body via

a webinar attended by hundreds of industry professionals from organisations directly involved in making, installing and using public EV charge points.

“This new standard will help ensure that charging point providers and procurers can anticipate and remove any obstacles that could prevent a user from making full and independent use of the charging point,” says Scott Steedman, director general for Standards at BSI. “No one should be left behind as we transition towards a net-zero economy, and by ensuring that as many people as possible can make use of electric vehicles, we increase the UK’s chances of reaching ambitious net-zero goals as well as ensuring that the transition is one that is just and inclusive.”

For more: www.accessibleevcharging.designability.org.uk

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THE RESISTANCE Researchers from the University of Bath are collaborating on a new multimillion-pound research project into anti-microbial resistance. The £4.6 million, ve-year programme, funded by the s iotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) strategic Longer and Larger (sLoLa) Grants programme aims to uncover how bacterial defence systems shape the evolution of ‘mobile genetic elements’ (MGEs), which play a key role in spreading anti-microbial resistance. The research is multi-institutional, and r iffany aylor from the ilner entre for volution based at the niversity of Bath’s Department for Life Sciences takes the lead here. nti-microbial resistance is a growing problem, and has been identi ed by the World Health Organisation as a top-10 threat facing humanity. This research will help determine how to limit its spread, and improve alternatives to antibiotic treatment such as phage-based therapies.

For more: www.bath.ac.uk Uni of Bath’s Dr Tiffany Taylor is part of a multi-million-pound research project into tackling anti-microbial resistance

A new wellness festival is coming in February 2023

A FINE BALANCE Re:Balance Bath is a brand-new wellness festival taking place

– ebruary . t ll bring together venues, hotels, therapists, restaurants and wellness advocates for a diverse programme of events that touch on the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental and occupational aspects of wellness. s the s no.1 spa city and with the recent second UNESCO accreditation as part of the Great Spas of Europe project, Bath should be delivering an event that celebrates the city’s unique thermal origins to bring new visitors, encourage local residents to try out wellness experiences and give citycentre workers new lunch time and after work activities to enjoy,” says llison erbert, chief e ecutive of the ath .

“Listening to our levy payers, we wanted to bring an event to the city in February when footfall needs boosting, and the time of year works well for well-being.

“We look forward to working with them over the next few months on Re:Balance Bath to create a festival with a dynamic and broad range of events and activities to suit all ages, increase awareness for businesses and further promote Bath as a key spa and wellness destination.”

For more: www.welcometobath.co.uk

The Bath Life Awards has a new venue.

Following the closure of The Assembly Rooms, the Bath Life Awards will now take place at the Bath Pavilion. The night will see the building decked out in full fabulous nery including the legendary Hollywood-style glowing ‘Bath Life’ letters, glamorous lighting and tables dressed to the nines.

There are just over six months left until the next Bath Life Awards, with nominations o cially opening on November. To make an early start, head to the Awards website, where you can nd our guide to crafting a nomination that’ll show you in your best, most winning light.

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

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Neil Edwards and Fang-Yu Lin, owners of Bath Life Awardwinning Sugarcane Studio

© SOUL MEDIA

WINNING WAYS

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Stacey Pearson and Lindsay Furness of Bradford on Avon Massage

In response to the cost-of-living crisis, Bradford on Avon Massage has started offering low-cost clinics. uring the low-cost clinics, two therapists will be offering holistic massage, deep tissue massage, pregnancy and postnatal massage, and refle ology.

“We believe passionately that massage should be accessible for all,” says Lindsay Furness, owner of Bradford on Avon Massage. “That’s why we aren’t raising our prices right now. Yes, our costs are going up, but as long as people keep booking in and enjoying what we have to offer then m con dent we can ride out the storm together. In fact, we’d like to buck the trend a little and start offering a low-cost clinic every few weeks, so that the cost-of-living crisis doesn’t stop people getting the help they need.”

The low-cost sessions are open to all, and cost £35. There are eight slots per clinic, and the next one takes place 8 December.

For more: www.bradfordonavonmassage.co.uk

Natasha David with dad Saul David

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC GIVING AID

Royal High School Bath student Natasha David has raised more than £1,680 for Afghanaid. Moved by the atrocities in Afghanistan, Natasha organised a fundraiser in which her father, bestselling author and historian Saul David gave a talk about his latest book, SBS: Silent Warriors, with all proceeds donated to Afghanaid. “It was wonderful to see so many people turn up to support the event,” says Natasha. www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

LEAD THE WAY

Chris May, founding director of Mayden, a health tech company based in Bath, has been named as one of the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2022.

“I’m honoured to have been recognised alongside such esteemed company,” says Chris. “If you had asked me before I was nominated, I wouldn’t have considered myself ambitious personally, but on reflection the ambitions I have for Mayden – and for our healthcare clients – have been enduring since rst started ayden over years ago.” www.mayden.co.uk

MAKING AIRWAVES

In October, the Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (BIRD) celebrated over 10,000 listens to its patient information podcasts, which provide patients, families and carers updates on advances in treatments, therapies, and how to live with different rheumatic diseases. he milestone represents a 500 per cent increase in BIRD’s reach.

“We are thrilled that our podcasts are so popular with patients,” says Mel Brooke, BIRD’s patient and public engagement programme director. “It is wonderful to be able to share this expert resource on rheumatic diseases with a far wider audience through the use of online channels.” www.birdbath.org.uk

BORN TO SOOTHE

Chris George, assistant principal for Business and Technical Skills at Bath College

LIFE-LONG LEARNERS Greg Ingham hosted a virtual Bath Life Business Surgery with Bath College on the subject of adult education in October.

Chris George, Kelly Vaughn-Williams, Mike Wood and Paul Blenkinsopp of the College joined the webinar to detail the College’s adult provision, which includes a range of courses for retraining and upskilling created in collaboration with the local business community to meet current employment needs.

Many of the courses, including introduction to bricklaying, and administration, are free or part-funded, depending on employment status, with s only e pected to pay ve per cent of the overall cost of training for an employee.

Bath College’s next open day is coming up on 3 December at the city centre campus, with opportunities to learn more about adult education courses and ask questions on the day.

The whole webinar is available to watch again on our YouTube channel – just search for Bath Life. To keep up to date with our Business Clubs and Surgeries follow us on Twitter and Instagram @bathlifemag.

For more: www.bathcollege.ac.uk

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“I TAKE AIM TO DESIGN INTERIORS THAT ARE NEVER OSTENTATIOUS” all the parts are constructed by the shipyard, they get sent to site and put together with extreme precision… try to do this for a property and you have a big challenge to face. However, despite the intricacy of the project we worked incredibly hard so that every detail was designed accurately. Five years from concept we were able to deliver to the client his dream home.

BIZ Q&A

Walter Ruggiero The founder of Walter Ruggiero design on his inspirations, trends and his most challenging project to date

W

alter Ruggiero is a Bath-based interior designer who comes to Bath by way of Rome, the US, and London, where he has worked side by side with some of the most creative interior designers in the industry.

Tell us a little about what has brought you to Bath, Walter After 15 years of working and living in London, my wife and I decided to move to Bath in 2018. We were looking for a beautiful, inspiring city which could offer the commodities of the big city but also an amazing countryside and Bath ticked all the boxes for us. Once we moved, I felt it was the right moment for me to start my own business and design interiors to further develop my style.

What is one of your greatest interior design inspirations? t was love at rst sight with this 80 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

profession when I saw the ‘Fallingwater’ house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

From there, I took on his organic architecture approach, which seeks to integrate humans, architecture, and nature together, so that exteriors and interiors are fully connected. My other greatest interior design inspiration is Remi Tessier. From him, I take aim to design interiors that are never ostentatious, but are based on simplicity, where function determines form.

In a nutshell, how would you describe your style?

Very good question... If I described my style in three words I would say: thoughtful, memorable, and unique.

Thoughtful, because I thoroughly study each room of the house and use the space to its best; memorable because my interiors always deliver something special to be remembered; and unique because all my interiors are designed around my client’s individual taste and life requirements, which makes each project one of a kind.

What’s your favourite part of the interior design process?

I do love the full design process from start to nish. owever, if I had to choose, I would say that my favourite part is the concept stage. This is when I can use all my creativity and audacity to explore and present unique design solutions to my clients.

Can you tell us about a project you’re really proud of?

A London penthouse that I worked on few years ago. It was a very exciting but challenging project, as the client wanted to build the interiors of his vestorey property with 360-degree windows overlooking London, with construction techniques that are usually used in yachting.

How did that work?!

For those who are not familiar with this type of design work, a yacht is fully built off site and then once

What’s your favourite space in your own home?

Being Italian, my favourite space in my house could not be anything but the dining room. I love to cook with my daughter and sit at the table, not just to eat, but to talk about our day and our plans.

What are the trends coming up with your clients at the moment?

There is a return to bold and bright colours, and more and more of my clients love adding a bit of ‘noir’ through furniture, artwork or stonework. Curves are coming back too. The introduction of round corners in joinery and soft shape sofas is now a very popular request. Finally, is the will to introduce more natural nishes into the design scheme. eople are feeling more in contact with the outdoors, and want to bring it inside.

Whose house – living or dead, real or fictional – would you most like to look around? teve obs our house reflects how your brain works, so looking around his house it would give me an insight into one of the cleverest minds our society has ever encountered. Also, I do love gadgets and I am really into the integration of technology into my interiors as these make our daily life easier and flawless and am sure that in Steve Jobs’s house I would have found the most amazing high tech inspiration ideas.

For more: www.walterruggiero.com

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SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES WHATLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA is the UK’s first luxury country manor house hotel to achieve Earthcheck’s silver accreditation

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n an important milestone, Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, the five-star luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, has achieved Silver certification through EarthCheck, the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry.

Sue Williams, MI FIH general manager of Whatley Manor, welcomed the accreditation: “We are delighted to be the UK’s first Luxury Manor House Hotel to have achieved Earthcheck’s Silver Accreditation. This serves as a solid testament to the sustainability initiatives we have deployed at Whatley Manor since 2019.

“We are committed to continue this challenging yet meaningful and exciting journey, and we hope to achieve our goal of net zero carbon emission for Scope 1&2 by 2028, and Scope 3 by 2035.”

To avoid catastrophic climate change, the world needs to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

Today, we are already at 1.1 °C and feeling the effects, meaning that the window for achieving

“THE HOTEL IS A VALUED MEMBER OF A GLOBAL GROUP OF TOURISM OPERATORS WHO DARE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

our target and avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change is rapidly closing.

The very environmental values and cultural assets that attract visitors to destinations need to be protected and responsibly managed. The tourism industry and its operators are key to creating this change.

Stewart Moore, CEO and founder of EarthCheck, says that Whatley Manor Hotel has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.

Mr. Moore says, “I would like to congratulate whole team at Whatley Manor on their achievement. The hotel is a valued member of a global group of tourism operators who dare to make a difference.”

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa has been leading the way in sustainability in the hospitality sector and as a proud member of the Pride of Britain Hotels (PoB) and as the chairman of PoB, Sue Williams is keen to share knowledge and encourage other hoteliers on their journey.

By working with EarthCheck, Whatley Manor has joined other industry leaders who are taking meaningful steps towards resolving some of the very real issues that face the planet. n

FESTIVE DINING AT WHATLEY MANOR GREY’S FESTIVE LUNCH MENU Two-courses - £34.50pp Three-courses - £42.50pp Seasonal a la carte menu is served Wednesday through Sunday.

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DINNER 2022 Reception drinks, Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine and canapés, before enjoying a sensational five-course menu with wines matched to each course to celebrate this special night. After dinner there is time for dancing, a live band will take you through to a toast at midnight. £305pp Book online, call 01666 822888 or email: reservations@whatleymanor.com Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB www.whatleymanor.com

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Feargus flying solo at the 2022 Awards

Feargus and Heather celebrated together at home

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2022 Behind the scenes with Feargus Woods Dunlop and Heather Westwell, founders of award-winning NEW OLD FRIENDS theatre company

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ART WINNER ew ld riends is a nationally touring theatre production company which specialises in productions featuring four e cellent comic actors playing countless characters with quick re changes, inventive set pieces, and witty wordplay. ounders eargus and eather are a married couple producing work together, with eather as artistic producer and eargus the playwright and director.

How did it feel to win a Bath Life Award?

t was brilliant. e ve been a proud inalist the previous ve wards nights and to nally hear our name called was really lovely. t was also slightly bittersweet because this was the rst wards that we weren t able to attend together. eather was at home with the newest ew ld riend, our ve-month-old daughter.

How was the ceremony?

ecause eather wasn t there, had to collect the ward on my own, so was a bit sheepish to be honest. ut when made it back to my table, my mum was there with tears of pride in her eyes which was an ama ing moment to share with her. lso huge thanks to my table lanty ate f he hoe its t the ore and ill eeling, for being super supportive too.

82 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Where do you keep the Award?

ight now it s on our coffee table so as to draw admiring comments from guests but it will eventually make its way to our rehearsal barn where it will nestle proudly in between our two reative ath wards.

Why do you think 2022 was your winning year?

e took a huge risk by deciding we would continue doing what we love doing creating live theatre at a time when the nancial outlook was and still is very precarious. e just thought that if the company wasn t going to survive a genuine risk we might as well go out putting our faith in our ability to make people laugh.

How did you move forward?

e started off with a ovid-proof narrative podcast series which proved hugely popular and then we were one of the rst companies to get back to touring live theatre. e will be hugely proud of our response to the pandemic no matter what the future holds.

What is it, do you think, that you love about creating theatre?

aking people laugh is magic. e are incredibly lucky to have built up a community of wonderfully talented people and we get to spend our time with them and their e pertise thinking of ways to make large numbers of people laugh. t s an incredible way to make a living.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

eargus is a huge fan of olonius advice to aertes in Hamlet o thine own self be true” – but that s pretty pretentious right ess pretentious would be the wonderful producer ark akin instilling in us the bene ts of treating the crew at our tour venues as well as we can afford to, like arrive with donuts, because that impression lters all through the building. t s also just nice to be nice.

What was one moment at work that made you realise you were on the right track?

t was when we met with nthony orowit and he was as e cited as we were about our plans to adapt his great novel The Falcon’s Malteser we rst produced it in 1 , again in 1 and then a ondon run in 19 . eather had been chasing the rights for about si months so when we nally sat down opposite him and he told us he thought what we planned to do sounded really funny, it was ama ing. ne of eargus s most cherished possessions is a hand-written note from nthony in the margins of an early draft of the script which says, reat joke, wish d written it.”

For more: www.newoldfriends.co.uk

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PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS How effective are Asset Protection Trusts in protecting the value of a person’s home against depletion through payment of care fees? HELEN STARKIE explains…

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n a previous article I have explained the potential pitfalls of gifting or selling your home to your children during your lifetime. An arrangement of this sort is rarely advisable. In most cases it will neither save inheritance tax nor protect the value of the home against means testing for care funding purposes. In many instances it will cause expensive problems.

However, many people believe that a ‘safe’ alternative is to set up an Asset Protection Trust (APT) and transfer ownership of their home into that. In certain and very limited cases this can work, but, again, there are risks.

I am not going to consider the inheritance tax issues here; I have not room – but let us have a look at the possibility of protecting the value of one’s home against means testing for care funding purposes by using an APT. If it decides that a home placement is needed for an individual, the local authority must carry out an assessment of that person’s ability to pay for that care. If the individual has assets worth more than £23,250 they will have to pay for their care in full.

For a permanent care placement, the value of the person’s share in their home will be taken into account in calculating their worth, unless it is occupied by their partner, spouse, older or incapacitated relative or a dependent child.

First, the good news. If your will is properly drafted, it is absolutely possible and acceptable for you to ring-fence the value of your share in your home against means testing and depletion should your partner or spouse need to be in residential care after your death using either an outright gift to individuals other than that partner or spouse or a trust (the latter usually being the more attractive option to retain some flexibility in the arrangement of their affairs for the surviving partner or spouse).

The bad news is that if you dispose of an asset during your lifetime with the intention of taking it out of the equation for means testing by the local authority, should you yourself need care then the local authority is entitled to regard that disposal as a ‘deliberate deprivation’ of capital and assess you as if the asset was still yours.

“ALL IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS IT MAY AT FIRST APPEAR!”

The term Asset Protection is in itself a bit of a give-away here. The phrase is used not to describe one particular type of trust (it can apply to a variety of different sorts) but the purpose of the trust is to protect the assets in it against means testing and use for care funding and/or tax liability.

The problem is the same whether you give or sell the asset to the trust. In the latter case you may well incur a liability to stamp duty land tax as well as the expense of a formal valuation of the property and a land registry fee. If you gift the property or sell it at an undervalue you may also find yourself having made a ‘gift with reservation of benefit’ for inheritance tax purposes – or alternatively incurring an annual charge to income tax under the ‘previously owned asset’ taxation rules.

Once the home is disposed of to someone other than the occupier, the capital gains tax ‘principal private residence’ relief on it is lost, and in addition there will be no tax-free uplift to the market value of the property when the person who disposed of the property dies.

And of course, once disposed of, you lose your control of your own home.

So, tread carefully and seek proper advice should you be tempted to part with the ownership of your property. All is not as simple as it may at first appear! n

Helen Starkie Solicitor 38 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT; 01225 442353; www.helenstarkie.co.uk

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PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

Beckford’s Tower has the funding required to secure its future

Preservation

SAVE THE DAY

© INSTAGR AM @JAMES.OSHAUGHNESSSY

Beckford’s Tower Trust has reached its £3.9m fundraising target Beckford’s Tower Trust has secured £3,087,000 from the National Lottery Heritage fund for restoration works. The iconic Grade I listed monument (built 1826-1827) was added to the National ‘At Risk’ Register in 2019, an event that sparked a major fundraising drive for the necessary funds to repair and restore the Tower and also transform the museum, open up the landscape and create education, community engagement and volunteering opportunities.

The grant from the Lottery along with previously secured £480,000 of partnership funding with support from istoric ngland, ar eld eston oundation, he edlock haritable rust, istoric ouses oundation, Pilgrim Trust and several other organisations, and £50,000 of public donations has allowed the Trust to reach its £3.9m funding target. e are enormously grateful to the ational ottery eritage und for helping us achieve our fundraising target,” says Alex Sherman, CEO of Bath Preservation Trust. “In addition to addressing the immediate conservation needs, we will now be able to restore the Grotto Tunnel, improve access to the cemetery, create new footpaths and trails for the previously lost Tower landscape, and introduce new renewable energy systems.”

The Trust has ambitious plans to create a new museum experience at the Tower to reveal more about its builder, illiam eckford 1 -18 , including the wealth he gained from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, his sexuality and isolation, as well as his creative life as a writer, composer and collector. le says, e are delighted we can now widen access to Beckford’s complex, creative life story by reconnecting the Tower and lost landscape he created to a wider, contemporary audience. This unique legacy is for all to share and enjoy – it’s not just Beckford’s Tower, it’s Our Tower.”

For more: www.beckfordstower.org.uk

sbsdesignandbuild.com 01225 874676 info@sbsdesignandbuild.com

PROPERTY NEWS

Bath Property Awards

HOUSE PARTY ath property professionals came together on riday ovember at the pe otel in ath to celebrate the ath roperty wards. osted by usannah treeter and reg ngham, the event saw wards handed out to e ceptional companies and individuals across the sector. urn to page 9 for the winners, and for a full run down of the ceremony and photos of the event pick up our ne t issue, out ecember.

For more www bathpropert awards co u

We celebrated the Bath Property Awards on 4 November

Pauline Swaby Wallace, Princess Esther Selassie Antohin, Professor Shawn Naphtali Sobers and Councillor Kevin Guy

New faces

ALL ABOARD amptons ales ce in ath has welcomed a new recruit, om larke. om joined amptons in the ettings team in 1 and following a brief break, has returned, this time with the sales team. graduate of ath pa niversity and a sports organiser in his spare time, om s knowledge of the local area and community is e cellent.

For more www hamptons co u Tom Clarke has joined Hamptons Bath

Community interest

FAIR AND SQUARE air eld ouse has been awarded a two-year lease by ath and orth ast omerset ouncil. he historic site is the former home of is mperial ajesty aile elassie of thiopia and a lively community hub, day centre for the elderly and heritage attraction for visitors from around the world. he lease means the can continue to deliver its business plan on a sound legal basis and also work to secure further grants. he intention is then to apply for community asset transfer or a new longer lease in two years time. e can nally put s legacy and the vibrant life of air eld ouse on a rm legal footing,” says rofessor hawn obers, director of air eld ouse. e now look forward to working closely with ath and orth ast omerset ouncil to secure the long-term future of s legacy. e invite people to visit air eld ouse where we now offer guided tours every unday. ome and learn about this remarkable piece of ath s history.”

For more www fairfieldhousebath co u

88 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

SUNNYBANK Matilda Walton explores a warm hug of a property

A

fter all we’ve been through in the last couple years, and the pervasive uncertainty that continues to mar our days, all many of us want is a safe haven to call our own. The idyllic Sunnybank in Lyncombe ale offers just such a place.

It’s all in the name really, ‘Sunnybank’, named for its southerly position immediately facing the Lyn brook.

Despite its closeness to central Bath, there is a rural feel to yncombe ale, which offers views out across rolling elds where deer are often said to emerge from the hedgerows beyond for an early evening sweet grass snack.

There’s comfort in the history of the house too – built in the 1800s, it’s withstood so much already, and will continue to withstand in the future. The neo-Palladian design of the honey-coloured limestone ashlar walls encase a multitude of beautifully restored features that reflect its long lifespan an ornate stone staircase, restored box sash windows, ionic pilasters supporting a leaded transom light and entablature with a split pediment above, characterful cast iron radiators and ornate decorative Victorian plasterwork and ceiling roses.

“It’s a warming haven built for gatherings” It’s a warming haven built for gatherings. The kitchen-dining room offers one of the spaces of particular note. he open-plan design lled with chunky dark woods and carefully mismatched furniture give an effortless feel to what any design a cionado can see is a meticulously curated space. The end result is an atmosphere you can soak up, one that whispers, ‘come, lounge, relax’. On entering, even the most reluctant cook will struggle not to be drawn to the kitchen, which makes inventive use of antique science laboratory workbenches to form part of the copper-clad worktops. he tures and ttings are seamless – a deep inset sink with stylish brass bibcock taps and vast Falcon range stove set snugly in the hearth nish the space with aplomb. And best of all, during the summer months, French doors fold back for access to the terrace.

The library is a warm embrace of a room, with a working re set in the original chimneypiece and views across the front garden through large bay windows. On the other side of the house a two-storey contemporary

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PROPERTY

glass addition houses the living room, where multiple panes of full-height glass windows and French doors open on two aspects, offering frictionless flow between inside and out. pstairs there are ve bedrooms, including one set into the pitch of the roof. ll are beautiful, but the principal bedroom is e quisite. icture this vast windows looking out across the elds opposite – where, it is reported, you may spot the occasional owl swoop past – a lu urious brass bateau bath tub set into the bay window, and, the ultimate cosy indulgence, a warming re set in its original chimneypiece. he plasterwork in this room is unrivalled, with an intricate patterned cornice of acanthus leaves, and an ornate ceiling rose.

Outside, in addition to the thoughtfully landscaped gardens you ll nd the detached coach house.

Constructed of the same limestone ashlar as the main, climbing roses cling to the walls, ascending to two pitched dormers on either side of the pantile roof. It’s an immaculately furnished outhouse, converted into a fashionable one-bedroom studio with quadripartite full-height folding glass doors that open into the main living area. his is clad in pale matt-varnished wood with a kitchen area along the rear wall, and a double-height seating area set within a dramatic roof pitch and e pansive elu windows, which make the room as bright and sunny as the property s title would imply. he me anine bedroom is set above the little haven – and how this space is used, well, that’s the owner’s choice.

94 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price

£2.5m

Square foot

3,222

Bedrooms

5

Bathrooms For more: INIGO, www.inigo.com

4

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Visit their showroom to see the latest ranges and more of what they can offer. 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE; Tel: 01225 337276; www.schmidt-bath.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 97

BATH LIVES

“I’m proud of my lockdown side hustle into the world of illustration” learn a lot of people skills, which I think was brilliant training for learning how to deal with Italian landladies.

I volunteered at the Holburne Museum on Friday mornings

when I came back to Bath after Italy, which I loved and found it was a great way to meet people.

My very first portrait commission was ten years ago of a young girl. I was so nervous

that my hands were shaking when put the rst brush marks down.

HARRIET DAHANBOUCHARD

The classically trained portrait painter on side hustles, astronauts, and the best pizza in Bath Harriet Dahan-Bouchard is a former St Gregory’s School and Bath College student, who later studied portraiture at the prestigious Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence.

She trained there for three years, returning to Bath in 2012 and has been practising as a portrait painter ever since. In summer of this year her portrait of Bath’s longest serving MP, the Baron Foster of Bath Don Foster, was unveiled in the Guildhall.

My parents are both artists, so I grew up in a very creative environment. When

I was a baby, I would stay in a cot next to my father as he painted, occasionally escaping and attacking the lower parts of his canvas with whatever paintbrush could nd when he left the room.

98 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Everyone thought I was very shy when I was little until it

was discovered I had terrible eyesight and trouble hearing.

Having my adenoids removed and wearing glasses sorted me out, and it turned out I was actually a massive chatterbox.

When I was seven my father bought me a book on the French portrait painter, Ingres, and I fell in love with his

work and that was it, I decided I wanted to be a portrait painter, and I’ve never swayed from the idea since.

I worked as a waitress in Sally Lunn’s during my art foundation course in Bath

when I was about 19 and then for a couple of years at Marks & Spencer in the centre of town to save up for going out to study in Florence. Both jobs helped me

The only vaguely stressful side to this job is sometimes I’ll get snowed under with work and

it’s not like I can reallocate the tasks to anyone else. But that’s not really a complaint.

I am engaged to a wonderful man called Seb. We’d been at

school together, and then met up again three years ago. He is brilliant, he’s as eccentric as me, and is always supportive and enthusiastic about anything I create.

I have recently embarked on a slightly unconventional artistic journey with my family and Seb. We are all sharing a

house in Bradford on Avon which we’re converting back from o ces into a home. y parents have the two lower floors, and eb and are converting the top floor.

It means that we all have a studio space and can see each other’s projects. Eventually we want to turn the property into a home as well as a creative hub.

I painted the author Anthony Horowitz and his family a couple of years ago, which was

a fascinating project. He showed me the hand-written manuscript for Forever and a Day, one of the

James Bond books he wrote, which felt like a real honour.

I’m proud of my lockdown side hustle into the world of illustration which started

as a result of not being able to get people into the studio for sittings. It started when every week I would illustrate a funny memory or date, and send them to Seb, who I couldn’t see, in the post. I made them public and started getting commissions, which in turn led me to working with Osprey London as illustrator for their Christmas window and cards this year.

I’m currently painting an astronaut, a really fascinating

man who has expanded my knowledge of being in space drastically. I’ve recently had con rmation from ambridge of a very cool commission coming up. Many of my sitters prefer not to be named so I can’t always reveal who I’m painting or have painted in the past.

My most prized possession is a book I ask my clients to write in when I’ve finished their portrait. It’s the most

fantastic document going back to the start of my career with everyone’s various memories of their sittings, conversations, and reactions to their portraits. It’s just a little piece of each project that I get to keep for myself.

I love the The Real Italian Pizza Co in Bath to eat out.

They did ask me to do the pizza logo for the waiters’ t-shirts so I do feel a deep loyalty to them of course, but also their pizza is genuinely incredible. n For more: www.harrietdahanbouchard.co.uk