mayfair
Resident’s Journal
The Notebook Our latest dispatch of local news from around Mayfair
photo credit: james tye
Words in the square This month marks the 175th year since the beloved London Library opened: the setting of as many wonderful stories as the bookshelves hold. Iris Murdoch is said to have had a first date there, while Kazuo Ishiguro was allegedly inspired to write The Remains of the Day by an encounter with one of the library’s many precious tomes. To celebrate this monumental occasion, the library will host a three-day festival where there will be a plethora of talks and discussions by over 50 literary figures including Nick Hornby, Tom Stoppard and Sebastian Faulks – all set with the enchanting St James’s Square as a backdrop. Words in the Square, 6-8 May, St James’s Square, SW1Y (londonlibrary.co.uk)
London loves Craft week The New Craftsmen is taking part in London Craft Week, which will see 130 events happening across London. The showroom will hold talks from the likes of glass artist Edmond Byrne and there will be a host of other exhibitions and events throughout the week including a tour around painter Pedro da Costa Felgueiras’ home in Whitehall, followed by an afternoon tea. The New Craftsmen is committed to helping artists and those in the creative industry to grow and promote their business. The New Craftsmen, 78 Duke Street, W1J (020 7148 3190; thenewcraftsmen.com)