OBJECT OF DREAMS Culture Art Fashion
ISSUE FOUR
[ O B J E C T O F D R E A M S M AG A Z I N E ]
‘O U T O F T H E PAG E S ’ A RT E X H I B I T I O N 1 6 - 1 9 F E B RUA RY
The View 2 Art Gallery, Mathew Street, (facing The Cavern Walks) Wednesday, 16 February Private Viewing with music. Artwork & prints for sale Object of Dreams will be exhibiting all the artists and photographers from past issues For tickets and more information on the artists visit www.objectofdreams.co.uk Featuring (L-R): Emma Whitehurst, Mark McNulty, Matthew Thomas, Gabrielle de la Puente, Katie Craven, Tom Donohue, Tom Newell, Jo Hicks, Stephen Chan, Rob McGrory, Ricky Adam, Andrew Abrahamson, Francesco Mellina and Will Charlton
OBJECT OF DREAMS
Editor’s note One year on and we are still here, still going strong and with so many amazing things just around the corner. As we celebrate our 1st birthday party, with friends, music and wine at Mello Mello, the best thing I can say is, it’s been a blast and thank you so much to all our friends who have helped Object of Dreams grow. And, it’s nowhere near the end - we’ve got numerous art exhibitions planned for this year, we are working with the amazing LOOK11 in May, we’ve got some cool gigs coming up and of course we’re bursting with ideas for making the magazine bigger and brighter. x
Contents
Cover//Maggie Matic wears Hat & Dress by Raiders Vintage Note: The use of images in Issue 3, page 10, entitled Make Art Studios: Howard Be Thy Name were courtesy of Nicola Leigh, Reven Photography & Design. Apologies to 3345 & Studio 2, in Issue 3 Page 38, entitled 3345 Parr Street, the chef’s name is Carl; Studio 2’s chef is named Ian Cook.
Editor Dina Karim (dina@objectofdreams.co.uk)
Creative Director Louise Dalrymple (louise@objectofdreams.co.uk)
04 08 12 18 20 23 28 29 30 32 34 36 38
WE LIKE/WE LOVE THE WILD SWANS POP UP FASHION__fashion MATTHEW THOMAS__photographer STEPHEN CHAN__illustrator HENDRIX SOUL__fashion NEW YORK DIARY THE PINK WORLD OF ZANDRA__interview EROTIC EXHIBITION STREET FIGHTIN’ STUDENT PLEASE THE EARS & PLEASE DON’T__review GENTLEMANS PISTOLS__interview BEM BRAZIL__review
Contributors
Thanks to
Words//Dina Karim, Monique Agar, Alexander Court, Linda Dalrymple, Sebastian Gahan, Marc Glaysher, Chris Hogg, Peter Mears Illustration//Jo Hicks, Stephen Chan Photography//Monique Agar, Will Charlton, Gary Lornie, Mark McNulty, Adrien Sauvage, Matthew Thomas Fashion//Louise Dalrymple (shoot coordinator & stylist), Samantha Gardner (MUA & hair), Danielle Timperley (stylist ass), Christina Cullen (photographer’s ass), Pulse Modelling Agency Layout//Louise Dalrymple, Dina Karim, Helen Baker, Heather McGill
Heather McGill, Andrew Abrahamson, Shaun HoldomEyles, Tom Donohue, Mitch Poole, Gemma Parry, Francesca Black, Pulse Modelling Agency, Parr Street Studios: Studio 2, Mello Mello, Jacobi, The Sixteen Tonnes, Mike Murphy of The Wicked Whispers, The Bluecoat, Fiona & Billy at The Gallery, Nickala at Blackburne House, Little Red Vintage, Topshop, Raiders Vintage, John lewis, Boudoir Boutique, Weavers Door, Resurrection, Yesterday Once More, American Apparel, BLAC, View 2 Art Gallery, LOOK11
Reach a new audience by advertising in Object of Dreams magazine. We have the lowest advert prices in Liverpool and distribute in Merseyside and London. enquiries@objectofdreams.co.uk Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the publication. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or resold without prior written consent of the publisher. All opinions expressed are those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily those of Object of Dreams magazine. Object of Dreams does NOT advocate the killing of animals solely for fashion. Object of Dreams recognises all copyrights contained in this issue.
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We LIKE/
We LOVE BLAC www.blacdesign.com
Across the city 14 Feb - 20 Mar www.liverpooldiscovers.co.uk What do the original red telephone box, a Wimbledon champion, a goal net and an X-ray machine have in common? With a wealth of triumphs, discoveries and innovations, Liverpool Discovers, commissioned by Liverpool City Council, will see the city reveal its greatest stories never told. This February, A Winter’s Trail of 10 fun and informative art installations is set to be created by exceptional artists along with a brand new Liverpool map linking together the city’s points of international interest.
Photography/Adrien Sauvage
LIVERPOOL DISCOVERS: A WINTER’S TRAIL
BLAC (By Lindholm And Clark) are a duo of contemporary jewellery designers who work closely together to create their pieces, combining their skills and experience. Their influences come from contrasting areas; the bold shapes of art deco and Bauhaus mixed with the urban landscape of the city around them. It’s these sorts of juxtapositions that define their jewellery and set it apart. BLAC use a combination of techniques and practices traditional casting, etching and more contemporary resin and laser cutting.
LIVERPOOL SOUNDCITY LAUNCH WITH MILES KANE EMMA BURTON www.emmaburton.co.uk The Emma Burton collection consists of a daywear range of digitally printed handbags, shoppers and purses; an eveningwear range and a homewear range of cushions. Each product within this collection features at least one of Emma’s own textile prints that she designs exclusively for the collection. 4
The Kazimier 25 Feb Liverpool Sound City returns for the 4th installment, 19 - 21 May, taking the streets and venues of our beloved city hostage and filling them with all the talent they can muster from home and abroad. To kick off its big line up, special guest Miles Kane, following from the success of The Little Flames and Rascals, will be playing his new solo work. £7.50 from Ticketweb and Seetickets.
FROM PAST TO PRESENT Walker Art Gallery 05 Feb - 27 Apr
LEAF ON BOLD STREET THE CANARY CAGE Baby Blue, Albert Dock First Tuesday of the month www.thecanarycage.co.uk Evenings of cheeky glamour, naughty corsetry & vintage tease. The Canary presents cabaret, sideshow and pin-up fun with retro boutique stalls, gorgeous girlies and darling dancers. £8 advance/£10 door from website.
‘From Past to Present’ is a collaborative display produced by the Walker Art Gallery and Hope University’s design students. Students will use objects from the ceramic, metalwork and textile collections to inspire them to produce an object of their own. Their final pieces will centre around three themes: commemoration, status and form/function. A small selection of the best pieces will be displayed in the Craft and Design gallery at the Walker, while all of the other pieces produced by the students will be displayed at The Cornerstone Gallery.
www.thisisleaf.co.uk Leaf on Bold Street is one of the most unique and buzzing venues to launch in Liverpool in recent years. Opening exactly two years after the original Leaf Tea Shop and Bar, this expansion is a real success story. The Leaf on Bold Street space will host art, music, club nights, hundreds of varieties of tea, delicious restaurant meals and a great atmosphere. A favourite haunt for the Object of Dreams team, try the delicious, healthy sandwiches and the mouthwatering cakes.
CITY OF RADICALS NAM JUNE PAIK Tate Liverpool & FACT ‘til 13 Mar Nam June Paik is widely considered to be the first video artist, paving the way for the ‘MTV generation’. Paik explored how television could influence the modern world. Thought provoking works like TV Buddha explore the clashing cultures of east and west, old and new, while Video Fish features both television sets and live fish in aquariums. With artworks ranging from the scores of early music performances and TV works, to impressive robot sculptures, this exhibition will both entertain and inspire.
QUIET CITY FACT, Wood Street 09 Feb, 6.30pm Escape the winter blues, and come revel in this series of ‘mumblecore’ movies. Defined by low-key naturalism, the buzz of hushed chatter, and imbued with the mundane uncertainty of postcollege life, these loose bedhead experiments of DIY filmmaking have become renowned as gems of American independent cinema. All screenings will be followed with a special DJ set by Pepperminta in the FACT bar, who will be celebrating all things introspective and lo-fi. £5/£4.
Across the city 2011 Rebellions, controversy and forward-thinking will all be celebrated this year in Liverpool. Organisations across the city will host events to mark a century of cultural, social and political radicalism in Liverpool. Artist David Jacques will produce artwork which will mark the 100th anniversary of the death of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists’ author Robert Tressell. As part of the anniversary, the banner showcasing the work will be erected on the side of a prominent terrace of listed buildings on Dale Street. A full list of events available at www.objectofdreams.co.uk 5
We LIKE/
We LOVE
THE HEALTH PLACE Blackburne House
DOMINGO RODRIGUEZ www.domingorodriguez.co.uk London based menswear designer, Domingo graduated from Liverpool John Moore’s University in 2008 and won the Menswear Award at Graduate Fashion Week. He then went on to secure the Harold Tillman Scholarship for his MA at London College of Fashion. His S/S11 collection was presented during Paris Fashion week 2010 as one of Esquire magazine’s 7 Brilliant Brits.
Pamper yourself in the new year with the fantastic new facilities at The Health Place, in Blackburne House. Having a bad week? Book a 30-minute treatment for £10, from Shiatsu to Aromatherapy Massage. The Unique Spa Experience includes a luxurious 1 hour massage, relaxation in our chill out lounge and a natural looking skin session where you will have fun learning how everyday natural products can be made into pamper treatments to give you fantastic skin at little cost. Available on Saturdays throughout January, February and March it’s the start to a perfect weekend. 10.30 am to 2.30pm. Price: £65 (normally £75). To book call 0151 708 3912.
WHAT WE DID NEXT: SPRING AWAKENING Unity Theatre 02 Feb - 05 Feb
WWDN sprang up from the need of a central Liverpool community to gather around to put on great musicals. Spring Awakening is a new production of the acclaimed Tony and Olivier award-winning rock musical bursting with energy and passion. Teenage friends discover sexuality against a background of confused emotional maturity and emerging adult responsibilities. One of the most controversial musicals ever written, based on Frank Wedekind’s censored and at times banned play, Spring Awakening contrasts the strict society of 19th century Germany with witty dialogue and a punchy, upbeat contemporary soundtrack. Tickets are £10/8 and available from the Unity Theatre’s box office on 0844 873 2888 or www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk. 6
THE MAKING OF LIVERPOOL: PORTRAITS OF A CITY BY THE SINGH TWINS
This spectacular new coffee table book profiling artwork by acclaimed local artists, The Singh Twins, highlights their artistic connection with Liverpool – giving special focus to two paintings (Liverpool 800 and Arts Matters) commissioned for its 800th birthday and 08 celebrations. Including many previously unpublished work, the book offers a unique artistic vision of a city that has continued to inspire the Singh Twins’ work Available from Waterstones and FACT bookshop.
BEAT CITY IMAGES
www.beat-city-images.co.uk The partnership of Emma Gilmour and Amanda Jones, Beat City Images provide limited edition prints and original artwork to businesses and individuals who want to create an impact in their home or workplace. They specialise in everything from cool urban cityscape photography to creatively quirky illustrations and pretty much everything in between.
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE This is a brand new handmade collection Venus in Furs have currently been producing with the fabulous Josarli Crafts. Yesterday Once More makes and creates stunning vintage inspired clothing using one off fabrics & trimmings....Bringing the best of yesterday through to today. All their creations are available to buy via Paypal or you can visit the workshop. Facebook: Yesterday Once More yesterdayoncemore@live.co.uk
UNDERWATER/REMOVED & DESTROYED WITHOUT WARNING The Bluecoat ‘Til 13 Feb The Bluecoat has commissioned the installation of a 12-metre submarine to complement their new Underwater exhibition which sees painting, sculpture, photography and video by ten international artists. Mark Anstee’s Removed and Destroyed Without Warning (RADWW) is a drawing made from wood, cloth, paper and metallic wax. Using the full height of the Bluecoat’s Vide space, this archetypal submarine is positioned diagonally ‘nose-up’ as if trying to surface for air.
STUDIO LIVERPOOL
Parliament Street www.studioliverpool.co.uk Studio Liverpool is a hub for all things creative in the heart of the Baltic Triangle housed in the beautiful attic space of Elevator Studios. Embracing theatre, film, music, poetry, comedy, new writing, live music, training workshops, rehearsal and performance space, development, corporate and private hire, gallery space and so much more.
LOOK11
www.look2011.co.uk 12 February Object of Dreams magazine will be working with Look11 in the run up to city-wide photography festival in May. As a taster, Object of Dreams will be showcasing some of their artist and photographers at Look11 taster exhibition at Threshold festival, CUC on Saturday, 12 February. Photography as a ‘call to action’ will be the central theme of LOOK 11, the first photography festival to be staged in Liverpool in May. As we approach the second decade of the 21st century, photography continues to be deployed to bear witness and to make the case for change. In various guises, from ‘concerned’ reportage and social documentary to activist networks and citizen journalism, photographers, artists and campaigners give photography a central place in their calls to action. Pick up a camera and you too can ‘have something to say’ and be a part of Look11’s progressive drive for photography. In the run-up to the big festival in May, every month, Look11 will be hosting a ‘Seven11’ event, where you are invited to party with photographers, designers, the festival team and friends for nights of music, live bands, photo-slamming, competitions, showcase and networking. The nights will usually be in the middle of the month from 7pm to 11pm. 7
THE WILD SWANS “THE WILD SWANS IS UNFINISHED BUSINESS.” Paul Simpson was always on my radar as one of Liverpool’s original post-punk musicians whose genius was obvious but whose cult status had never quite reached the giddy heights of his peers. Described as ‘the gold thread running through Liverpool’s music tapestry,’ his work has spanned four decades and is to be revived. We meet at The Munro to talk about the latest incarnation of The Wild Swans. From founding member of post-punk/neo-psychadelic The Teardrop Explodes, to fashion pioneer, to the band of his dreams The Wild Swans (the first time, the second and the third), Paul weaves this story of a musician caught up in the superfluous era of post-punk Liverpool whose passion never really went away.
// THE TEARDROP EXPLODES “We met at Erics.” As all good stories start. At school in Maghull Paul Simpson befriended Les Pattinson and Will Sergeant, and the three became regulars at Liverpool’s Erics club. It is the friendship of schoolchildren and chance encounters at Erics that created a post-punk dynasty still going strong today. Meeting Julian Cope at Erics, the two went about creating the early vision of The Teardrop Explodes, A Shallow Madness in 1978. “We were inspired by early Fall, you know kind of noisy strange but slightly arty so what I brought to the table was a Brian Eno/David Bowie kind of thing. Ian McCulloch ended up being the singer although he never sang, turned up late to rehearsals and didn’t know the words. Julian took over as singer after Ian left. I was living on Rodney Street at the time and one day when me and Julian were nosing about we saw this Daredevil Marvel Comic called ‘The Teardrop Explodes over Central Park’ - that’s where the name came from.” Ian left to form Echo and the Bunnymen with Les and Will and A Shallow Madness became The Teardrop Explodes. After releasing two singles Paul left the band to form The Wild Swans, recruiting friends Ged Quinn and Jerry Kelly. “In the end I left the band because it wasn’t what I 8
had set to do, it had turned into a very pop-centric thing and I thought I had already done one record I wasn’t proud of and I didn’t want to do two.”
// THE WILD SWANS MK I & II In 1982 the Wild Swans set the discerning music world alight with their debut single The Revolutionary Spirit/God Forbid on Liverpool’s Zoo label run by future KLF man Bill Drummond, who described it as ‘...by far the best single we put out...’ The recording of the single was funded by Paul’s friend Pete DeFrietas (of Echo and the Bunnymen) who also produced the record and played drums. Two BBC radio sessions stoked the feverish excitement and, with their unique, haunting sound, the band was widely tipped as the next big thing. Alas, the promise remained unfulfilled as they split later that year before a record deal could be signed. “The original band never made an album and I always regretted that because that was the most exciting, vibrant Wild Swans, but we were young, and impetuous and we fell out. When we reformed in 1986 we did a Janice Long session and immediately offers came flooding in. All of a sudden there was money, there were no fences around - the first time
was exciting because we were poor. We made a record that now I’m not particularly proud of and so, yeah, it’s unfinished business. “This unhappy band has been unfinished business for me for over 20 years, haunting my days and nights, obsessing my thoughts at the expense of my health and sanity. I never got over the sudden implosion of the first incarnation and was devastated by the crash and burn of the second. In returning from the ambient wilderness I am not trying to recreate the unique sound of any of the former members, how could I? It is the original spirit of the group I am after, the original blueprint for an English electric brotherhood. This shouldn’t be viewed as a reformation or even an exorcism, it is a continuum; different but the same.” John Peel chose The Wild Swans classic session recorded for his programme as one of the first batch of EPs released on Strange Fruit in 1985, sparking renewed interest in the band who decided to reform, signing to Sire Records and releasing an album, Bringing Home The Ashes, again to great critical acclaim. However by the time the psychedelic Space Flower album came out in the USA in 1989, Paul was the only original member, describing it as ‘...more of a solo album featuring a load of mates’, although the list of ‘mates’ reads like a who’s-who of the Liverpool music scene, including Ian Broudie (Big In Japan/Original Mirrors/Lightning Seeds), Ian McNabb (Icicle Works) and Chris Sharrock (Icicle Works/La’s). The album didn’t appear in the UK until 2007 and Paul was so disillusioned that he left the music business, only returning with his instrumental Skyray project in 1996.
// BEST DRESSED MAN, NME 1984 Declared ‘Best Dressed Man’ by the NME in 1984 it was Paul who set the style trends in the city. Indeed, Paul kitted out Echo and the Bunnymen for their first promo photo shoot giving Ian McCulloch the overcoat that became his trademark. “Kids now are really lucky that they can do and wear whatever they want, back in the late 70s I literally used to have to fight. I would leave the bedsit to buy a pint of milk and I would get into a fight. Someone would see me dressed as a Hitler youth or something and shout queer and I couldn’t let that go. 9
It was a big part of the early Wild Swans, not the Hitler Youth but the fight to wear what you want. It wasn’t like Punk had cleared the decks to go round dressed like you like, people really conformed. It was an era thing, it was a Post-Punk thing - a Liverpool thing.”
// COURTNEY LOVE A little known fact is that Courtney Love once lived in Liverpool. With dirt blonde hair, brash and young just out of juvenile detention Liverpool was the school that made her a rock star. And, arrived at the door of Paul’s flat. “Julian was in the middle of a divorce at the time, and he had this really nice flat in Devonshire Road but he needed someone to flat-sit it. So me and Pete de Freitas moved in. Then one morning Pete and I were having breakfast and this taxi pulls up with these two Cure fans, gothy-looking girls fell out of the cab shouting that Julian had said they could stay there. We were horrified because at the time we were culty and cool and they were these loud, American girls who shared the flat with us for 11 months.” The story goes, Love was never really any different than now, you either loved or hated her and soon enough the flatmates kicked her out.
// LORD BYRO All these stories, the craziness habits of living with Courtney Love, the fight for fashion, the music and the breakups are all about to be released in full in Paul’s memoir. Entitled ‘The Wickedest Man in the World’ it is due out early in 2012.
“In returning from the ambient wilderness I am not trying to recreate the unique sound of any of the former members, how could I? It is the original spirit of the group I am after, the original blueprint for an English electric brotherhood...” 10
Alongside his Skyray project (1996 – 2006) Paul recorded a spoken word album ‘The Dream Diaries’ as part of a fellowship at Liverpool University in 2006. Paul is currently working on another spoken word project ‘The Life and Adventures of Lord Biro,’ to be recorded by BBC Radio Merseyside. “Lord Byro is a fiction based on real character based in Liverpool in the mid-80s and he was a tragic character, he was a poet who used to dress in a tatty old Victorian frock coat, kind of Byron and he used to write poetry in the Everyman Bistro with a pen with a seagull’s feather taped to it. It was pitiful but I really liked him. Legend has it he walked into Probe, and someone said ‘fucking hell, it’s Lord Byro’. This fiction is about him.”
Paul also paints and some of his works will be available for sale in 2011. //
// WILD SWANS MK III The Wild Swans have garnered growing cult status and fans across the world since their first performance in 1980 and demand for their work led to two double CDs: Incandescent (Renascent, 2004), compiling the Zoo single, BBC sessions, demos and live material, and Magnitude (Korova, 2007) featuring everything recorded for Sire. The rave reviews for these collections and increasing interest in the band stirred Paul to embark upon the third stage of the Wild Swans adventure, with ‘English Electric Lightning’ and ‘Liquid Mercury’ released in 2009 to widespread critical acclaim. “I’m not going to make this record and then disappear forever. In the entire history, there has only been five singles out, two of them recently. This record, The Coldest Winter for a Hundred Years, is about 1981 and that Post-Punk thing and about being hungry and hallucinating. Every split of The Wild Swans has been down to the same thing.” The bands highly acclaimed return gigs held in 2009 in Liverpool were all sold out with fans travelling from across Europe, Japan, the USA and Dubai to be there. “We went through much effort with those gigs last year at Static Gallery, it’s become a thing with our very loyal fan base. The nautical gig Les Pattinson brought a ship anchor and lights and lobster nets which had all the barnacles still. We were doing rum rations on stage.” At this point the interview takes a bit of an off the record moment, as things are said on the exact details of the split but with lawsuits always a problem Paul couldn’t let the exact details be printed. All he could say of each duplicitous departure was: “That betrayal was huge to me. I don’t think I will ever get over it, it’s like your first heartbreak but it’s less important now because we’ve done better without those guys than with them.”
2010 saw the release of a limited edition EP featuring five live tracks from the December 2009 Wild Swans gigs and two albums featuring hitherto unreleased Paul Simpson demo’s and recordings entitled Man in a Burning Anorak Vols 1 and 2. The Wild Swans album ‘The Coldest Winter for a Hundred Years’ will be released in Spring 2011 along with a nationwide tour, dates in The Phillipines, the USA and Australia along with European festival slots.
The forthcoming Wild Swans album features original band members Paul Simpson and Ged Quinn along with Les Pattinson (Echo & the Bunnymen), Ricky Rene Maymi (Brian Jonestown Massacre), Mike Mooney (Julian Cope/Spiritualized), Will Sergeant (Echo & the Bunnymen), Henry Priestman (Its Immaterial/The Christians), Steve Beswick, Richard Turvey and Candie Payne. 11
A TWIST ON STREETSTYLE. PHOTOGRAPHER MARK MCNULTY TEAMED UP WITH OBJECT OF DREAMS’ CREATIVE DIRECTOR LOUISE DALRYMPLE TO BRING TOGETHER PEOPLE OFF THE STREET FOR A FASHION SHOOT. A MIX OF PEOPLE, FRIENDS AND FASHIONISTAS WHERE EITHER FULLY STYLED, OR HAD A HAT THROWN ON - AND A FEW WHERE PHOTOGRAPHED AS THEY WERE. THE RESULT WAS A POP UP BOUTIQUE AT THE BLUECOAT. 12
Amy/Black embel lished Jacket & Headband - Boudoir Boutique
POP UP FASHION
Elizabeth/ Jacket & Shorts - ASOS
Alicia/ Hat - Hayley Marsden @ Boudoir Boutique, Dress Raiders Vintage
Peter/ Jacket - Resurrection
13 Charlotte/ Shirt - Venus in Furs, Cape - Raiders Vintage
Katie/ Dress - Whistles @ John Lewis
Will/ Jacket & Shirt - Weavers Door, T-shirt - American Apparel
Chris/ Cardigan - Fred Perry @ John Lewis, Shirt - Resurrection
Sophie/ Jacket - Raiders Vintage, T-shirt - Topshop, Necklace H&M, Headband - Topshop, Trousers - Arc
Heather/ Dress - Whistles @ John Lewis
14 Jon/ Cardigan & Shirt - American Apparel
Francesca/ Hat - Boudoir Boutique, Dress - Bland Clothing
Louise - Yesterday Once More
Raph/ Trousers - Topman, Jumper - Fred Perry @ John Lewis, Denim Shirt - Lee @ Weavers Door, Jacket - Resurrection
Aidan/ Jacket - Hugo Boss, Shirt - Ralph Lauren
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Victoria/ Dress - Yesterday Once More, Hat - Raiders Vintage
Jamie/ Jacket - Drome, Hoodie, American Apparel, Shirt Resurrection, T-shirt - Adidas originals, Hats - Lost Art
Matthew/ Jacket - Weavers Door, Shirt - Resurrection
Vicky/ Jacket - Zara, Top - Topshop, Shorts - Miss Selfridge
Lauren/ Coat - Raiders Vintage, Top - Whistles
Katy/ Top - Amercan Apparel
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PHOTOGRAPHY/MARK MCNULTY
SHOOT COORDINATOR & STYLIST/ LOUISE DALRYMPLE
PHOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT/ CHRISTINA CULLEN
STYLIST’S ASSISTANT/ DANIELLE TIMPERLEY
LOCATION/ THE BLUECOAT
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MATTHEW THOMAS //Photographer
http://mattomica.viewbook.com matthewthomas@mattomica.com Matthew Thomas is a portrait, fashion, fine art photographer with over ten years experience. He uses photography and digital imaging technologies to create visceral layers that question historical and cultural concepts of time and space, namely, the construction of each piece is timed, so all have the consideration as is the space (the size and placement in series). Each project often consists of multiple works, grouped around specific themes and meanings. During research and production new areas of interest arise and lead to the next body of work. This year he will be opening a DancePhoto studio in the Bluecoat, Liverpool, primarily, but not exclusively, for dancers.
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STEPHEN CHAN //Il lustrator
http://www.stephen-chan.co.uk http://www.behance.net/StephenChan stephen.chan.1818@gmail.com
“The illustration scene is booming right now. Artists like James Jean, Nathan Jurevicius, Vault 49, Autumn Whitehurst, Aya Kato, influenced me a lot when I first got interested in illustration, and I guess they kind of inspire me now, indirectly, creatively. Everything is inspiration to me. I will be in an illustration book, released early 2011, full of the freshest and most talented illustrators. Some of my illustrations have been produced on some limited edition beer bottles in Asia. I’ve also organized a special project, a series of typographic posters for the Haiti Unicef charity, which will be for sale early January. Locally I’ve done some branding - Tote bags + Tees + Badges + Labels for a local Liverpool jewelery store.”
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Dress: Little Red Vintage Necklace: Blac
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(Top) Dress: Little Red Vintage Shoes: Topshop
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(Bottom) Shirt : Little Red Vintage Top: Topshop Necklace: Blac Skirt: Little Red Vintage
(Opposite) Waistcoat: Little Red Vintage Top: Topshop Shorts: Little Red Vintage Earrings: Blac Bag: Little Red Vintage
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Jacket: Little Red Vintage T-shirt: Stylist’s Own Necklace: Blac
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Photography: Will Charlton Shoot Coordinator & Styling: Louise Dalrymple Make Up & Hair Styling: Samantha Gardner Model: Evie Webb @ Pulse Agency Location :Studio 2, Parr Street Studios
TOM DONOHUE//ARTIST tel: 07950 994 194 // email: tdtommy.donohue@gmail.com // facebook: Tom Donohue
Tom Donohue’s art pieces combine a unique style of graphic pen and indian ink. His creations combine fine pencilwork and colour images full of movement and expression leaving a legacy of realism tinged with fantasy. Critically acclaimed, Tom Donohue is fast becoming a renowned contemporary artist in Liverpool and internationally. He offers bespoke, affordable, commissioned work. Tom Donohue has a permanent fixture of his widely popular Beatles series at Penny Lane Development Trust. He will be showcasing his work, for sale, at Object of Dreams ‘Out of the Pages’ exhibition at View 2 Art Gallery, from 16 19 February. If you would like a specially commissioned artwork of your loved one or favourite celebrity contact Tom Donohue by email. 27
NEW TOU RIST NEW YORK - A diary by Monique Agar Yes, the noise was always loud, and yes, there were sirens all around, but what more do you expect from the city that never sleeps... Object of Dreams’ very own fashion insider Monique Agar took a whirlwind trip to New York, and looks at whether it really is the city dreams are made of! This is undoubtedly the ‘Fashion City’ of the world. Not only does New York thrive with economical power, it has the vital role and responsibility of all the world’s entertainment, fashion trends and cultural scenes. In my interpretation, this city has remained the object of inspiration for all young professionals, and has had the power to adopt a complete style of its own. As you begin to walk the loud mean streets of New York City, you realise just how unique this place really is. As hard as it is to believe, even the homeless resting against dumpsters, or hovering over McDonald’s bins, still maintain a sense of style amongst the streets, closely resembling somewhat an All Saints photo shoot. I set out to discover where their true inspiration comes from and why this is one of the most talked about cities in the world.
there really is just simplicity to all the style I was surrounded by. The working women showed a consistent trend of shirts, jackets and boots, as they managed to effortlessly adopt the layered look. This is great, because many of us love to hide behind three layers of clothing during the winter time, so why not try four or five! This look is then balanced by extremely large bags, and holding their strut was always a comfortable but stylish type of boot. Nevertheless, the women of New York must have the body of a cold blooded animal, as they are magically able to walk round showing the very best of all their boots, by having their bare legs on display. It must be stated that...women who are able to walk around New York in 6-inch heels are... fabulous. This city was so culturally different and diverse to any place I had ever been before; class was not an issue, and during my time in New York I had seen plenty of wealthy men give half their lunch to the next homeless man seated only four chairs away. New York is a cultural firework, which has exploded in all the various parts of the city, and you
New York is all about Street Style and Street Culture. It is their strong identity within the fashion realm, that has made this city so famous, and as my week went on, and after much desperation, walking the tough streets and taking the blows of all passers shopping bags, it does start to take its toile. However behind all the chaos and the hustle and bustle,
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Image/ Mark McNulty
//Warm is Cool
begin to discover this is what makes it so unique.
//New York Essentials Say goodbye to your boring lip colour and Hello Red, RED has swarmed the Runway at New York fashion week, from Versace, Pucci, Emporio, Armani, Chloe and Valentino, they all presented clean red lines on the catwalk, so show your support in their current trend, by adopting this ballsy but bold statement, and stand out amongst the crowd. Blazers are now the way forward, they are no longer just an item to be worn for your next job interview; they are now my no.1 New York essential.
//Get the Look New York can only be two very simple words... Snow and Queen. The snow queen style adopts everything about New York’s fashion, culture and more. You are more or less draped in Faux Fur and will have managed to squeeze on as many knits as you could possibly imagine. Then the trick is to make the look more NYC, by adding tarnished chain accessories. Add that pinch of glam into athe mix and just double the dose of bracelets. Remember ‘Jewellery is the armour of our time’. All this combined with your natural rosy chicks will finish off the whole Snow Queen ensemble.
THE PIN K WORLD OF ZANDRA Zandra Rhodes & owner Louise Kavanagh
Zandra Rhodes, with shocking pink hair, explosion of colour and a personality to match, was always going to love Liverpool. And when our Creative Director Louise Dalrymple caught up with her (over rose tea!) at the launch of her handbag range at Boudoir Boutique, in Cavern Walks, it was easy to see why she had chosen the boutique to stock her beautiful collection of totes, clutches and shoulder bags. Zandra, who is famous for her distinctive textile designs worn by the likes of Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury, Jackie Onassis and Kylie Minogue, branched out into accessories design with her A/W 2010 handbag collection. Why did you choose Boudoir Boutique to exclusively stock your handbag collection? Boudoir Boutique was chosen by Jason who owns the company but he’s very keen that it should be where people will appreciate it. This is such a lovely and bright shop, it feels vibrant and young - I love all the drapes. I think it’s so essential not to think everything happens in London and when you come outside London I think you get a great shock because you find that it really is happening everywhere else and that’s really great. Liverpool really has this amazing vibrancy.
are your highlights so far? I’m so proud to still be going, that I haven’t turned into being part of the woodwork, you know. I made Princess Anne’s fairy tale engagement dress that was ages ago and I did a lot of romantic things. When I got back yesterday I had a lovely email from my California office because Nicole Richie, which I had seen her in my historical pieces, said she really wanted to meet me. I think my style has developed over the years, I came from a medium sized town, but then I went to London and I think it has this electricity, what I do get upset about is when the rest of the world doesn’t see it.
The handbag collection is your latest project in a career spanning nearly five decades, what can you tell us about the collection?
You split your time between the UK and America, what do they think of your fashion?
We tried to make them as me as we could have, with the rose gold which is slightly pinkish and then tried to bring colour in. We tried very hard to make it all reasonably priced. The most important thing is that when you see me with it you don’t go oh that can’t be hers, sometimes you see people and all they’ve done is add their name to things and it doesn’t look anything they wear, that’s not where it’s at. This is the latest project but I also do a range of sheets and duvets, I do my own clothes and I’ve done ranges for Topshop and M&S and I try to adapt my patterns to go on things.
America is a very conservative country. The world at the moment has gotten very conservative, luckily the UK has got a lot more going for us but I do get concerned. I got off a plane recently and a girl was just checking the passport and asked if I had just come from a Halloween party and not as a joke. In England it’s accepted for everyone to dye their hair, that’s why things start here because people have the courage to do it. In America I’ve been doing opera, Aida, and I love it because you can take everything you normally do and make it over the top and with the singing and music it’s amazing.
With a long list of celebrity-dressing and collections you’ve done, what
www.boudoir-boutique.com 29
EROTIC ART EXHIBITION //THE GALLERY
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No taboo is left unexplored as The Gallery Liverpool launches its first ever exhibition of erotic art. From Bondage sculpture by Sexcetera’s Len Gifford to vaginal art (!), when Michelangelo said that “In art immorality cannot exist”, he hadn’t seen this work! Boundaries WILL be crossed and – if you dare – much of the work in the show is for sale. The Gallery is working together with The Association of Erotic Artists and IOISIS Pole Dancers. Also featuring fantastic work from the well known photographer to the stars – John Stoddart. The Gallery Liverpool is an independent art gallery launched in October 2009 and is situated in the Baltic Triangle District of the city, in close proximity to other newly developed and much acclaimed art centres. This exciting new venue promotes a range of creative approaches be it contemporary or traditional and seeks to showcase and actively promote ‘homegrown’ artists of all disciplines. Every month The Gallery Liverpool hosts an exhibition, displaying a wide, diverse collection of works and always opens with a private view night which are well attended. All works are for sale, free admission and parking available. For listings of future monthly events and details on our venue visit; www.the galleryliverpool.co.uk
Erotic Art
Exhibition
THE GALLERY LIVERPOOL
Annie Gesbert
Fine art, sculpture & photography January 28 - February 11
PV 28 January 7.00 - 11.00pm
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THE GALLERY LIVERPOOL
Opening time:
E:. arts@thegalleryliverpool.co.uk W:. www.thegalleryliverpool.co.uk
Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.30pm Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm
T:. 0151 709 2442
The Courtyard, 41 Stanhope Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L8 5RE
STREET FIGHTIN' STUDENT The recent student demonstrations have attracted a lot of Media attention, the majority of which has focused on the violence seen outside the Conservative Party Headquarters. It goes without saying that such violence is not only unnecessary and completely worthy of condemnation, but also hugely detrimental to those who were there to raise their concerns in a serious and legitimate manner. However, condemning the violence, though essential, is only the beginning step in the process of understanding why such events happened. To do this, and to ensure the events are not repeated, the questions of ‘why’ have to be asked. Why did several studentsand though they were in the minority they still formed a notable group- resort to such drastic violence? And even ignoring the violence, why did so many students feel the need to protest anyway? Sadly, due to the mindless violence it was all too easy for critics, the type that like to believe that there’s nothing more to being a student than happy hours, hangovers and countdown, to make sweeping criticisms of the student populace. Cuts are happening elsewhere in the economy they argued. Times are hard, as Messieurs Cameron, Clegg and Osbourne keep reminding us. Everyone has to share the economic burden so why should students be complaining about having to pay more for an education that will benefit them? After all it’s fair to say that you don’t see public sector workers or families facing the loss of child support benefits
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smashing glass windows. Students are surely just being selfish, and unreasonable... The issue of whether the new plans for raised tuition fees is correct or not is a debate for another time, particularly as I watch my word count rising. But it is also irrelevant to the point I’m about to make: It’s not selfishness that drives students to such drastic demonstrations but the fact that they’re continuously disrespected and flippantly disregarded by those in power. Politicians from the coalition government were quick to try and appeal to the student population during the last election campaign with reassurances over drastic rises in tuition fees. The Liberal Democrats even made a pledge to oppose any further rises, but now such promises and appeals have been forgotten. And it’s not just a party political point. Tony Blair’s Labour government did a similar thing when they raised the tuition fees rate several years ago. This lack of consistency when dealing with the student population
Illustration/Jo Hicks
IN THE WORDS OF... PETER MEARS
is nothing new. Maybe it is true that no other section of society would demonstrate on such a scale but it is equally true that no other section of society would be so flippantly treated by those in power. A promise is a promise, but when it comes to students it seems, some promises are more flexible than others. But why is this? Unfortunately I fear we are, as students, at least partly to blame ourselves. The old generation are often good at ignoring the younger one but the truth is that while the London protests did see thousands of students turn out, there is still an alarming trend to apathy in the younger generation when it comes to politics and matters of current affairs. High profile demonstrations are great for grabbing the media attention but the real way to hold those in power to account is to transform the student populace into a more informed and participatory section of society. I’m not saying everyone needs or would even want to religiously follow current affairs and political issues. But the occasional interest and willingness to express an opinion, which is, after all, only natural, will make those in power less inclined to see the student body as a group that can be easily ignored or betrayed. Words by Chris Hogg
The morgan shuddered into life as a gear was dropped, the owner burying his brogues into the throttle, accelerating through a sweeping right hander. Briefly he dabbed the brakes as the car leapt through a chicane. At double the speed limit he slammed on for a sharp right hander and into his driveway, there an old house stood waiting his return. Turning off the blaring stereo, he opened the little door and stepped out, reaching back in to pick up his velvet green jacket which he scruffely clambered into. Leaving the roof down rather carelessly given the impending clouds, he walked up the georgian steps towards the front door which was ajar. He pushed the door and stepped in, the building looked the same but felt perculiar. Walking into the reception, the sound of his brogues echoed through the silent room, against the tick of the great clock. He had left the house with his third wife and hadn’t been back since her discovery of the one soon to be his fourth. The chanderliers still draped in cloth to repel the dust and the wallpaper curling up in a corner due to damp. He made his way to the study where the brandy was stored. Deserving a drink due to the long winding drive through the country, despite the sun, he headed straight for the drinks cabinet. Catching a glimpse of someone on the sofa, he knew it was Maggie. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I plan to be in and out in a day or two, I’ve come for the old guns...and to finalise the paper work.” He waited for a reply. Realising she was either asleep or indifferent, he continued in his often arrogant - I will talk despite the situation - way, a safety barrier against any awkwardness. Eventually turning about, finally bothering to face his wife. He sensed something wasn’t right. Her mobile phone lay on the floor, its cover open and the battery and sim card thrown free. An empty tablet bottle had rolled beneath the sofa, stopping against the leg. She was pale and still. Hastily putting down the heavy tumbler of brandy with a clatter, spilling the drink onto the desk. “Maggie!” he whispered in disbelief...knowing full well she had actually done it. He darted accross the room, putting his hand against her cold cheek before picking up the tablet bottle and reaching into his pocket for his phone. Whilst ringing the ambulence it dawned on him, what had he done, how had it come to this? Stupified he poured another drink and gulped it down. Incapable of waiting in the room in a state of shock he went outside and stood by the car. The medics arrived and he hurridly directed them in. Opening the little morgan door he sat back into the car, wiping his face with his palm, he exhaled, started up the engine and raced off down the drive...
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PLEASE THE EARS & PLEASE DON’T Review//STEALING SHEEP This Beach House meets Kate Bush style female trio began with a clap acapella overture intro which really set the scene for their set. Probably the best song they played was a wonderfully catchy one called ‘The Telephone Song’, very infectious and certainly a lot better than its more famous (sort-of) namesake. It was also a nice sight to hear the inclusion of a cow bell which, cliches aside, did indeed just seem to fit the song perfectly. A major stand out point of the band was their very deceptively simple set up; a keyboard, a guitar and a drum kit that just barely qualified as being one consisting of just a snare drum, a floor tom and a single cymbal. Despite this apparent simplicity the sound they produced was incredibly rich with the vocals to match. Single launch, 05 Feb at The Kazimier www.myspace.com/stealingsheep - Alexander Court
Review//THE WICKED WHISPERS
REVIEW//OPEN MIC NIGHT
The Butterflies Ball & The Grasshoppers Feast @ The Static Gallery
Egg Cafe
The Object of Dreams team were pleasantly dumbfounded when we finally caught up with The Wicked Whispers, I mean you rarely see so many people squezed in a venue to see a band’s first proper gig. Maybe, it was the hotly anticipated performance by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, legendary psychadelic band from the late 60s. Maybe it was the appearence of former Whiskey Headshot’s man Michael Murphy, now singer and guitarist for The Wicked Whispers. Either way, what followed was an explosive set of psychadelic 60s influences, with a dark undertone of catchy yet soul wrenching tunes. The sold-out show was a night of 60s abandon with Echo and The Bunnymen’s Will Sergeant on the decks keeping the pace hungry between sets. After years of watching etcetera amount of music, it’s hard to get excited about new bands for too long, but with this mix of fresh talent and established musicians, 2011 is definitely set to be big for The Wicked Whispers.
In a full house in the main hub of the art gallery cum place of great food, when Strut Your Stuff came a struttin’ into the atmosphere, it was the start of an entertaining night filled with entertainment, stories, the occasional hilarious but downright dirty poem, music and much more. Highlights included a charming little poem about the truth and it’s often untimely occurrence from performer Adele that really was short and sweet, and excellent story entitled ‘Suddenly One Summer’ that couldn’t have been performed in a better location than Egg concerning a cow who turns against the farmer who bred him after hearing a copy of The Smith’s Meat is Murder and ends up killing the people involved in his existence who have disillusioned him. One could see some faces looking slightly frown ridden during the piece, but I enjoyed the piece immensely and art is designed to get reactions, after all. It was most certainly a pleasure to see creativity being encouraged so outright in this increasingly stifled world.
www.myspace.com/ thewicked whispers
You now know what you must do on the first Monday of next month! - Sebastian Gahan
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Review//JACOBI at the O2 Academy A crashing opening began the show without any warning with the band launching straight into their set. The lead singer, Kenny, finally took a breather after the first song to introduce the band before continuing at breakneck speed through timeless heavy funk rock, really energising a damp and cold Thursday night. They’re a band that you can’t possibly help but move your head to, and looking around at the sizeable audience this was true for almost everybody in the room. They have everything from fantastically rip-roaring duelling guitar solos to vocals that if you close your eyes and listen to, you could swear you were listening to Robert Plant at his peak. The only negative would be that they didn’t get to play for long enough. www.myspace.com/jacobimusic - Alexander Court
5 minutes with JACOBI Q. What is Jacobi? A. Jacobi are a five piece up and coming rock and roll band from Liverpool. Q. What do you sound like? A. It’s cliché saying we sound like ourselves but we actually do, we’re heavy, progressive, classic and very loud. Q. Favorite band? A. A variation amongst our group from Rock n Roll to Rhythm and Blues to Psychadelic ... Many great legends, naming one would not be fair. Q. Favorite song? A. There’s too many to name, next question...
PREVIEW//DOM NEWTON 25 Feb, View Two Art Gallery, £5 Heaven and hell, death and the Devil, salvation, damnation and the undead provide dark inspiration for this Liverpool blues man’s songs. A veteran of innumerable gigs and blues festivals this is ‘hellhound on your tail’ blues inspired by the legend of Robert Johnson, the intensity of Son House and the showmanship of Dr. John and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. An intense vocalist and powerful guitar, slide-guitar and harmonica player book this man to add some hellfire and damnation to your live programme. He released his first album on the now defunct Glasgow Indie label Start a Riot Records in 2004. Songs from his two albums have been BBC radio playlisted as well gaining airplay in Australia, Germany, Poland and on the National Blues Deluxe show in the USA.
Q. Best place in Liverpool? A. Liverpool is a fantastic place for music, bars, restaurants, shopping and culture. The best nights out we have are gig nights when we play, and then party. Various places tend to serve the best nights out, it’s not the places you go it’s the people you’re with and meet. Liverpool is full of them. Q. Where do you shop? A. We mainly shop at vintage stores around the city, however new shops that have recently opened like Weavers Door in Cavern Walks have some excellent brands in store. www.myspace.com/jacobimusic
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GENTLEMANS PISTOLS Gentlemans Pistols totally rip, I’ve seen them a bunch of times and I always come out of the gig saying “f*ck that was the best gig I’ve ever been too.” The band consists of lead singer/guitarist James Atkinson,Douglas McLaughlan on bass, lead guitarist Bill Steer and Stuart Dobbins behind the drum kit offering their own unique brand of riff laden heavy rock music, taking influence from late 60/early 70’s bands such as Sir Lord Baltimore and May Blitz. I recently caught up with James.
How would you describe your sound? We’ve been called all kinds of things but in essence, we are just a straight up rock band. We don’t really like getting bogged down in the world of sub genres, we leave that to music journalists. What influences does the band share? When we first started the band, the focus was very much on taking influence from bands like The Sweet, Cream and Deep Purple and these influences have stayed with us. We also take inspiration from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands and a lot of Soul, Blues and Folk too. Your first self-titled LP was released on the label Rise Above Records in 2007 which is the creation of ex-Napalm Death/current Cathedral front man Lee Dorrian. How did the relationship with Rise Above come together? Rise Above was definitely the label we wanted to work with. A friend of mine got us onto a gig at the Borderline in London supporting Leafhound and he said that the Rise Above guys would be there. So we took down some demos and handed them over to the label. They liked what we were doing and we agreed to do a 7” for the label and then later on they asked us if we would like to do an LP for them. Most of the band comes from various backgrounds in music,(James has played in hardcore punk bands such as Voorhees and currently The Horror and Rot in Hell). Why is the sound of Gentlemans Pistols so different from your previous bands? 36
You can look at hardcore, thrash, grind, death metal or any kind of guitar music and it all harks back to straight up rock music so I don’t really see it as some huge jump for any of us.But, I think that with many of these genres they have a set formula and at some point you are going to hit a wall where you can’t really progress any further without diluting the music you are making. With rock music, you can incorporate many different elements and ideas without necessarily having to dilute what you do. You guys play a lot of different gigs from punk and hardcore to metal shows, do you feel that you are branching out to an audience who would not necessarily listen to heavy rock music? In a way, yes but I think we also need to look at the reality of the situation in that there aren’t really many bands doing straight up rock music playing their own songs, and there aren’t really any bands in this country doing it. So because of that, it’s hard for us to play many gigs with bands doing similar stuff to us. After tours in Europe and a festival appearance at the legendary Roadburn festival in Holland, I guess it must be cool to be able to take your music and play to new audiences. Do they differ from audiences in the UK? Listen to anyone in a band who has been to Europe and they will tell you the same thing. People from the mainland have it sewn up gig wise and they make the Brits look like a bunch of amateurs. The organisation of the gigs and the energy of the audiences is like nowhere else. I think that certain parts of the UK have great audiences, and there are definitely some people out there who really
L-R: Bill Steer, Stuart Dobbins, Douglas McLaughlan, James Atkinson
make the effort when putting on and/or attending gigs and I’ve played some stinkers on the mainland too. European audiences seem to lack a lot of that “is this cool?” mindset that most English audiences seem to suffer from.
Like I said before, there are always exceptions to the rule and Liverpool is one of those places. We have always been treated well in Liverpool and there have been a few promotors there who have really gone the extra mile when it comes to organisation and looking after the bands. The crowds there are possibly the best in country, no where else could the P.A break and the crowd sing the rest of the songs. We will always come back to Liverpool, as long as someone is willing to put us on. So, what’s the future of Gentlemans Pistols? Our plans are just to keep on keeping on. We understand that the current climate of rock music isn’t one of stadium gigs and limousines so we will be getting into the van and visiting various cities in a bid to ply our wares, drink white russians and kip on people’s floors.
James Atkinson
Every time you play Liverpool you always get a great reaction, when can we expect a return from the Gents to Liverpool in the near future?
Sherman Tank 7’inch out now! LP At Her Majesty’s Pleasure is set for release in March. For More Information Check out www.myspace.com/gentlemanspistols Interview by Marc Glaysher 37
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
BEM BRAZIL, Hanover Street Churrascarias are traditional Brazilian steakhouses offering the most succulents cuts of meat prepared by skilled artisans. And, Bem Brazil didn’t dissapoint with meat after meat on skewers on our tabel, mouthwateringly delicious, each morsel cooked to perfection - although the lamb was an absolute treat above the rest. The restaurant has a contemporary but Latin atmosphere with a delightfully warm reception from the staff even on a cold winter’s night. Within one all inclusive price of £24.50 the meal includes the buffet, and as many cuts of meat as you can possibly fit in one sitting. Our charming Passadore, meat expert waiters, Eder, brought over a fantastic selection including sausage, chilly chicken succulent in their crispy skin, tender roast lamb and Top Rump (the house special). The star of the show is meat, there’s no other way about it, the rump that melts in your mouth or the chicken wrapped in bacon. We also had a barbecued pineapple dusted with cinammon, which delightfully cleaned the palette. The house wine was full bodied and a good complement to the meal. The desserts sounded lovely although I admire the person who can muster the energy for anything after a meal like that. The one thing to remember though are the little discs on the table, if you are too full turn them over to red otherwise you will get your plate constantly filled. A wonderful meal, and at weekends you can drop in just for a drink and enjoy the live Latin music. T: 0151 7090044 www.bembrasilrestaurants.com
MCGU FFIES, Castle Street The smallest of bars it’s perfect for a catch-up with friends over a delicious rose wine and healthy, spanish tapas. Relaxing in the dimly lit bar you can’t help but admire the architecture and its nod to the past by keeping the former chemist’s name. The cheese stuffed red peppers, sundried tomatoes and olives were delicious, a good selection finished off with homemade crusty bread. Owner Paul Vernon also runs the popular first-floor Rococo coffee shop on Lord Street, and that warm, stylish atmosphere has been kept at McGuffies with the added glamour reminiscent of Edwardian tea. The ideal bar for a quiet mid-afternoon lunch or pre-party cocktails. 10 Castle Street T: 0151-236 4719 38
Events in Black Your Events, with Style
Events in Black is here to make your Event come true. With style. From Private Parties and Weddings, Gala Dinners and Bridal Teas to large scale Events, such as Fashion Collections, Presentations, Company Annual Conferences, we have everything you need to match your expectations. And go beyond them.
Object of Dreams exhibiting photographer’s work at taster LOOK11 exhibition 12 February Novas Contemporary Urban Centre
Francesca Black, brings with her the experience of over 10 years as an Events Planner and Manager in Milano, Italy. With clients including Diesel, Virgin, Vodafone, Fiat, Sergio Tachinni, Barilla, Samsung, and many more, we are ready to take care of your events of all kind. Just sit, relax, and watch your stylish Event come to life. www.eventsinblack.com francesca@eventsinblack.com tel: 078 582 865 75
New Year, New you!
New Year, New you!
Unique Spa Experience Offer
You are invited to our Health Place shopping and taster evenings:
At The Health Place
Come and pamper yourself or a friend in our fantastic new facilities and start a brand new healthy lifestyle for 2011... Unique Spa Experience Includes: Luxurious 1 hour massage Relaxation in our chill out lounge • A Natural Looking Skin session where you will have fun learning how everyday natural products can be made into pamper treatments to give you fantastic skin at little cost. • A delicious lunch and refreshments 10.30 am to 2.30pm Price: £65 (normally £75) Available on Saturdays in January, February and March 2011. Places limited to 6 people per day - so book early to avoid disappointment. • •
Mid Week Massage Offer
These mini treatment sessions are 30 minutes long and cost just £10. The sessions we have available in this offer are; Wednesday Shiatsu 1pm-5pm, last appt 4.30pm Wednesday Aromatherapy massage 5.30- 8pm, last appt 7.30pm Thursday Aromatherapy massage / Reflexology / Indian Head Massage 1pm-5pm, last appt 4.30pm Thursday Reiki 10am-5pm, last appt 4.30pm
Booking is essential, please phone The Health Place on 0151 708 3912. Book early to avoid disappointment as these sessions are being snapped up very quickly! The Health Place Blackburne House, Blackburne Place Liverpool, L8 7PE T: 0151 708 3912 www.blackburnehouse.co.uk
At The Health Place
Available on the last Thursdays of January (27th), February (24th), March (31st) & April (28th) 2011. Experience a range of mini taster treatments including: Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Indian Head Massage and mini manicures for £5 Come and find out about the benefits of holistic and complementary health with therapists on hand to answer questions and give demonstrations. Take part in our prize draw for a chance to win a 30 minute massage, a mini manicure or a goodie bag. Find out about and purchase a range of chemical free, natural products we stock including: Holistix, Alvin Connor, VonnyBee and Young Living Nibbles and refreshments will be available Please RSVP or book a mini taster treatment by calling 0151 708 3912 or e-mailing nickalatsnape@blackburnehouse.co.uk The Health Place Blackburne House, Blackburne Place Liverpool, L8 7PE T: 0151 708 3912 www.blackburnehouse.co.uk