THE LINEN DRAPER ISSUE 03

Issue 03 Spring 2016

THE ARTS AND CRAFTS ISSUE The world of Pure Evil

Hackney printmakers – Craft classes – Highbury books

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Issue 03 Spring 2016

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ART RULES

CONTENTS

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OUT AND ABOUT

For our cover story in this issue, we meet street artist turned gallery owner Pure Evil to discuss his journey into the art world and his thoughts on street art hitting the mainstream (p8–13). His bold, colourful prints adorn our front cover, and, we hope you agree, look fantastic.

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ondon is overflowing with creativity. It is visible everywhere you look, from backstreet graffiti to fabulous handmade products in shops and galleries.

We are a city full of makers, artists and craftsmen and we thought it only right to celebrate them.

We go in search of local arts and crafts producers who promote the joy of craft, such as the London Centre for Book Arts (p32) and Pressed & Folded (p38). We also try our hand at making jewellery in Shoreditch (p36–37) and meet the owners of a new bookshop, INK@84, in Highbury (p34–35).

We haven’t forgotten about food lovers either and have a distinctly fishy feel to our food section this issue with Islington’s newest restaurant, Galley (p28–29), and a crab-focused street food brand, Claw (p30–31).

There is also the usual round up of the best events in north and east London, with a special craft focus (p4–7), wonderful local theatre productions (p14–15) and some quirky interiors ideas from some of east London’s best design shops (p22–23).

We always welcome your feedback at The Linen Draper, so please get in touch at thelinendraper@currell.com.

Our top picks of events in and around north and east London

COVER STORY

How Pure Evil made the journey from graffiti artist to gallery owner

14-15 ARTs AND CULTURE

Two local theatres present outstanding productions this spring

20-23 property and interiors

A thoughtful conversion and some whimsical wall designs

28-31

Gina Wasikowski, Head of Marketing, Currell

FOOD AND DRINK

EDITED AND WRITTEN BY: Simon Manuel and Gina Wasikowski DESIGNED BY: Sally Grondowski CONTRIBUTORS: Imogen Williams and Kira Holecza

Seafood rules for a top end restaurant and a street food start up

32-38 LIFESTYLE

Getting crafty with books, binding, printmaking and jewellery Cover image:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Charles Gervais, bothhemispheres.com

(With thanks to Pure Evil Gallery)

Printed in the UK by Mortons, mortons.co.uk Published by Currell, currell.com

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out and about

SPRING in LONDON SPIN CITY

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ycling festival, Spin, offers far more than the chance to drool over shiny new bikes and the latest gadgets.

Although with legendary marques such as Cinelli, Condor and Bianchi alongside newer tech brands like Blaze, Sherlock and Lumo there is plenty of opportunity for open-mouthed dribbling. What makes Spin different is its celebration of everything and anything two wheeled. The Art Hub will be showcasing the best in cycling art and the Frame Lab will be offering workshops for those who prefer to build their bikes rather than buy them.

Other attractions include music, the latest in cycling fashion and clothing, a cinema and an authors’ area, plus craft beer and street food.

Spin London, Old Truman Brewery, 20–22 May Linen Draper readers can quote code LDA for 2-for-1 tickets spinldn.com

Knitting Needles at the ready

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ucked away on Camden Passage is Loop, a beautiful mecca for people who love textiles and haberdashery. The shop not only stocks beautiful yarns of wool, books dedicated to knitting and stitching, and unique pieces of haberdashery, it also hosts an incredible variety of classes dedicated to teaching textile arts. Classes take place on evenings or weekends and range from Beginner’s Knitting to Advanced Lace and Improver’s Crochet. There are also special workshops led by visiting teachers from across the world, who lead their own individual workshops. Whether you’re a master knitter or a shaky first timer, Loop has the class for you.

Loop, Camden Passage N1, classes from £45 loopknittingshop.com

Issue 03 Spring 2016

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PLUCKY NEWCOMER

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new restaurant opening later this spring in Shoreditch is out to show that turkey isn’t just for Christmas. After a successful four-day stint as a pop up in Shoreditch House in November, Strut & Cluck will put chicken’s bigger cousin in the spotlight all year round. There’s a twist too as the menu will have a strong Middle Eastern flavour. Owners Amir and Limor Chen, left, say turkey’s low fat, high protein meat responds brilliantly to herbs and spices so we can forget the dry, rubbery bird we are used to. Dishes will include a marinated, slow-roasted and then grilled drumstick, served with pomegranate molasses and schrug – a hot sauce that originated in Yemen. Vegetarians don’t despair, several colourful veggie options will be on offer.

Strut & Cluck, opening in Commercial Street, E1 in late spring strutandcluck.com

SMALL FILMS, BIG MEMORIES

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f childhood memories of the Clangers and Bagpuss bring you out in dewy-eyed nostalgia you will love the new exhibition coming to the V&A Museum of Childhood. It examines the work of much-loved production company Smallfilms, whose quirky, inventive work enchanted millions of little ones long before the days of CGI. The show includes original puppets, archive footage, storyboards, scripts, sets and filming equipment in a recreation of the studio where the imaginary worlds lived. It also goes behind the scenes of Smallfilms’ other cult creations: Pogles’ Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine.

The Clangers, Bagpuss & Co, V&A Museum of Childhood, 19 March–9 October, free entry vam.ac.uk.

out and about

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The art of ink

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or an exhibition guaranteed to get under your skin look no further than Tattoo London. The Museum of London has teamed up with four of the capital’s top tattoo artists to display some of their new artwork and give you a behind-the-scenes look at their fascinating lives. The exhibition also examines the long and rich history of tattooing in London, which, contrary to popular belief, pre-dates Captain Cook’s adventures in Polynesia.

There’s even a chance to sketch painted ladies and inked gents at a life drawing session led by Art Macabre. This will explore the tales behind the models’ designs and let you experiment by drawing your own designs directly onto their skin.

Tattoo London, Museum of London, until 8 May, free entry Art Macabre, Museum of London, 4 May, £28 museumoflondon.org.uk

walk, eat... repeat

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alk Eat Talk Eat adds one special ingredient that sets it apart from other London guided walking tours – food. Its Urban Carnivore walk is an opportunity to eat your way through the East End, tucking into delights such as Yorkshire pudding and pâté, pork crackling, sausage rolls made by an award-winning pastry chef and ten-hour slow-roast pork from a street food caboose.

In between meaty mouthfuls you’ll also find out quirky facts about the area, such as why many of the pubs have green roof tiles. It turns out that the colour of its tiles showed the large number of illiterate Londoners in the 1800s which brewery a pub was tied to and therefore if it served their favourite beer. The walk starts from Old Street and takes three and a bit hours, finishing at Spitalfields market – by the sound of it, not nearly long enough to walk off all that food.

Urban Carnivore walk, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, £70 (includes food) walkeattalkeat.com

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CRAFTERNOON DELIGHT

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or sheer originality, the Crafternoon Cabaret Club takes some beating. Craft-loving blogger Hannah Cox has managed to combine her love of crafts, creativity and performance by hosting events where you make things against a backdrop of cabaret. Her Inspired Wall Hangings workshop

at Shoreditch’s Book Club gives you a chance to embroider a wall hanging with your favourite word or phrase while tapping your feet or singing along as you sew. Performers include exciting new and established acts on the cabaret and comedy scene.

Inspired Wall Hangings, The Book Club, 30 April, £15 crafternooncabaretclub.com

CERAMICS TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN STOKEY

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tokey’s very own village hall, Abney Hall, is hosting a two-day fair showcasing original works by 50 independent ceramicists and potters. Ceramics on sale will include a rich mix of tableware, lamps, sculptures and original works of art, many by local artists. Both days will be different as the exhibitors will change each day.

Artist Amy Worrall (whose Springbreak piece is shown left) says of the event: “It’s a fun way to meet us ceramicists face to face and to discover some beautiful ceramics and pots.

It’s a great showcase of new wave ceramics. A perfect weekend jaunt.”

Independent Ceramics Market, Abney Hall, 2–3 April, free entry hackneyfleamarket.com

Photo: Amy Worrall

WORDS: SIMON MANUEL, GINA WASIKOWSKI

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COVER STORY

Issue 03 Spring 2016

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FROM THE UNDERWORLD TO THE ART WORLD Shoreditch has long been the spiritual home of London street art, with Banksy’s pieces in Rivington Street being two of many that adorn the area. The Linen Draper spoke to street artist Pure Evil, who, when he’s not out spraying paint onto walls, runs his own Leonard Street gallery WORDS: SIMON MANUEL PHOTOS: CHARLES GERVAIS

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Pure Evil was attracted to Shoreditch by its “edge”

COVER STORY

Issue 03 Spring 2016

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Uzzell-Edwards is better known as graffiti artist and Shoreditch gallery Charles owner Pure Evil, the name coming as a result of the guilt he felt over killing a rabbit with a shotgun when he was a child.

Since then he has tagged street art with his rabbit logo on the walls of cities all over the world and exhibited in some of its leading galleries.

The Linen Draper spoke to the man behind the moniker about why he would now rather shoot curators than rabbits, the impact of his artistic statement about the 2012 Olympics and what the future holds for street art.

Describe the response on social media when you put up the New Logo for the Hackney Looting Team in Broadway Market in 2012.

I hesitated before I released the image because it was pretty strong.

I painted it on the side of a chip shop on Broadway Market and got some free chips for doing it, which was a bonus. Then somebody photographed it and put it up on Imgur and it went mental.

It had about two million views in about two days.

Obviously, because it was a stencil, people thought Banksy had done it. The main thing is, I got my message out there and only had one angry letter. At the time there was a lot of discussion about the effects of the Olympics on the East End, so it was good that artists took up their spray cans and said things.

to stay up on the street because they have got their Twitter pic up and it’s getting lots of likes. I think more people were doing square pieces because they were thinking about how it was going to look on Instagram. Images that work as visual gags are popular because people are more likely to retweet funny stuff that gets a chuckle.

Is social media one of the main reasons for the rise in popularity of street art?

Street art and social media coming along at the same time was a perfect storm. If street artist ROA paints a piece in Panama, we all know about it through social media. It’s mental.

People now are less worried about how long their painting is going

Your gallery is more than just a gallery in the ordinary sense.

Why did you choose Shoreditch Can you describe its role? as your base in 2000 and how The ethos of the Pure Evil Gallery has the area changed since then? includes being opposed to seeing I was drawn back to it because it artists as a commodity. Also, no had an edge. It was and is a dirty conceptual artists or poseurs, no place but you need dirt to help things curators allowed in the building – grow. You couldn’t throw a rock they will be shot on sight, principles without hitting an artist, a DJ, a club before profit and the gallery should

“

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on a set of paintings of famous Welsh people for a hotel in Wales and then I have to do lots of paintings for solo exhibitions I’m doing in New York, Norway, Hong Kong and Paris. I can’t wait. I’m also mad busy hand-finishing prints.

They’re great because they are fast and loose, some of them end up being happy accidents, where two colours work in a strange new way, or two inks fight against each other and create a cool effect. It’s really inspiring. I work well on a deadline.

I like the pressure I get from knowing I have an impending show.

Street art and social media coming along at the same time was a perfect storm”

New Logo for the Hackney Looting Team on the wall of a chippy in Broadway Market

promoter, a musician or a fashion designer. Throwing stones at them was actually a bit of a pastime back then.

It’s constantly in a state of change, it’s quite refreshing. Fifteen years ago people were moaning about people from Notting Hill coming here but I think this feeling is constant because it’s always in a state of flux, shadowed by huge cranes and mechanical diggers.

COVER STORY

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be a mecca for independent artists.

I want the gallery to be an example of how other galleries should be run.

People come in, and we actually talk to them, not ignore them and act snobby. I’ve been to galleries where the assistant is perched behind a laptop at the desk of power, and I can’t get them to talk to me. I get treated like a leper when I am interested in buying something.

We actually pay artists. You would think that is standard for galleries but it’s not.

The bit about shooting curators is a bit of a joke, but I really don’t like them, I don’t see any point in their existence. Artists can decide with the galleries what and where to hang stuff. Aaron Rose used to run The Alleged Gallery in New York City and he nailed it. He said all you need to do is paint the walls white, pay the electricity bill, and hey presto, you have a gallery.

It’s all about keeping it simple.

Good art helps obviously but seriously, keep the curators out.

“

You recently exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery. Do you think street art has become mainstream and, if so, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

It’s fine, I have no problem with street art being popular. It’s becoming a legitimate art movement, and people enjoy it. Seeing it have its own section in the Pompidou Centre bookshop makes me very happy.

I have noticed a brood of ‘Banksy’s Children’ who want to be noticed for a few street art pieces done in Photoshop. Sorry guys, Who are the up-andit’s not going to happen” coming young street

Curators found at the Pure Evil Gallery are likely to suffer the same fate as the rabbit

artists to look out for and what do you like about them?

There’s a guy called Banksy, he is going to be BIG. Trust me. I like his humour, something I like to try myself, but fail miserably at.

How has street art changed over the past few years?

It’s become more about making money and getting hits on social media. That’s normal though. If it drops off the map again it will just go underground and emerge stronger. I have noticed a new brood of ‘Banksy’s Children’ who want to be noticed for a few street art

pieces done in Photoshop, who then migrate to doing prints and canvases so they can get famous and rich just like Banksy. Sorry guys, it’s not going to happen.

Where do you see yourself and your gallery in 10 years time?

Having our 20th anniversary. Still doing awesome shows, maybe with a few more Pure Evil galleries around the world, taking a leaf out of Subway’s book. Franchises!

Tell us a little bit more about the dead rabbit.

I shot a rabbit with a shotgun when I was a kid and it re-emerged in my sketchbook in about 2001 with the words PURE EVIL next to it. I’ve been tagging it ever since because when I do I get into a ‘flow state’ or ‘the zone’. It’s that unconscious state that free climbers get when they are climbing up a mountain with no ropes. They don’t know what they’re really doing, it’s just an automatic thing. When I’m tagging it around a new city it feels like I’m totally in the Pure Evil zone.

What does the future hold for street art?

More painting on walls. pureevilgallery.com

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Issue 03 Spring 2016

ARTISTS OF THE FUTURE Pure Evil Gallery has upcoming shows of two artists Pure Evil describes as “awesome” and “epic” – Michal Mráz from Bratislava (whose work is shown left) and Deedee Cheriel from Los Angeles whose art includes Goddess of Wealth – To Desire is to Suffer, shown above.

Deedee Cheriel is exhibiting at Pure Evil Gallery between 2–26 June.

The dates of the Michal Mráz exhibition have yet to be confirmed.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

UN...bear...ABLY GOOD FAMILY FUN! We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, one of the best-loved productions by Islington’s acclaimed Little Angel Theatre, returns to the stage this spring for a limited run of 10 weeks

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fter a two year tour around the UK, the Little Angel Theatre’s production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns to its home stage. The show, adapted by Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr, has been the renowned puppet theatre’s most successful ever.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has been touring around the UK since 2013

The original book, by Michael Rosen, has sold more than eight million copies since its release in 1989 and continues to captivate young readers worldwide with its delightful story of a family embarking on a great adventure.

Islington’s Little Angel Theatre is renowned for celebrating the art of puppetry as well as producing shows that are at once entertaining and educational for children. This beautiful adaptation uses stunning puppetry to bring the story to life in a way that audiences won’t have seen before.

Samantha Lane, Artistic Director at the theatre says: “We’re thrilled to be bringing We’re Going on a Bear Hunt back to our stage at Little Angel Theatre.

The popularity of the production has kept it consistently on tour around the UK since it opened in 2013. It’s such a special story and really highlights the wonder and magic of puppetry.”

The show is suitable for ages 2 to 7 and on Sundays a special ‘relaxed’ performance takes place that is suitable for children with learning disabilities or those with an autistic spectrum condition.

Described by Time Out as “charming”, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is definitely a show not to be missed.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 14 April–26 June, tickets start at £5 littleangeltheatre.com The puppetry on display will enchant young audiences WORDS: GINA WASIKOWSKI

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Issue 03 Spring 2016

visibile just beneath the surface WORDS: SIMON MANUEL

New play by award-winning artist and writer Deborah Pearson tackles issues of white accountability

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o say that Hackney Wick’s The Yard punches above its weight is a bit of an understatement. Last year, Time Out readers voted the 110seat venue the second best theatre in London. Not bad given that it is housed in a former warehouse and made from recycled materials.

This season’s new plays include Made Visible, written by award-winning artist and writer Deborah Pearson. Based on a ‘real encounter’ between two strangers in Victoria Park, Deborah, played by Haley McGee, wonders why she has no idea how to talk about the fact that she is white. The play is not about guilt or confession but instead deals with issues of white privilege and accountability.

Made Visible is based on a ‘real’ meeting in Victoria Park

It promises to be a fascinating show. Like its theatre, The Yard presents examination of life on London’s streets an ever-changing menu, with resident today and the tensions that exist beneath chefs taking short stints in the kitchen. the surface.

Made Visible The Yard also boasts an inviting bar and 15 March–9 April, tickets start at £10 eating space, to enjoy before or after the theyardtheatre.co.uk

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20 The Linen Draper

PROPERTY AND INTERIORS

Back To School

Make yourself at home in this beautiful Victorian school conversion in Victoria Park

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s London sees a rise in new build homes and large-scale gentrification marches onwards, period properties are becoming ever more cherished and harder to find in this historic city. This three bedroom property, sitting in a converted Victorian school building, is a real period gem.

Originally designed and built in 1892 by architect TJ Bailey, the school and outer buildings underwent many changes and additions in the first half of the 20th century, before coming back into full use in the 90s when they were converted into houses and flats.

The current owners have carried out substantial works of modernisation to the property in order to make the best use of its space. The kitchen has been brought into the heart of the home, moving from the basement to the ground floor and making it the central hub of family life. Bespoke kitchen makers Humphrey Munson were brought in to create a shaker-style kitchen complete with a distinct country-style island, providing ample space for the whole family to relax in.

A sunken patio area in the basement, now home to a bright and spacious living room, provides light and

Derby Road is on the market for ÂŁ1,750,000.

All enquiries 020 3222 5555 currell.com

fresh air all year round. One exceptional feature is a light well that runs through all three floors, from the lounge up to the bedrooms, allowing the old school’s huge double height arched windows to flood the house with natural light.

Joa Studholme of Farrow & Ball designed the colour scheme to get brighter at every level of the house as you ascend from basement to roof terrace, going from cosy in the basement to airy in the study on the top floor.

Sitting alongside the simple wall colours is original exposed brickwork and tiling that adds stunning texture to the design.

Issue 03 Spring 2016

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The kitchen was moved from the basement to the ground floor

The double height arched windows are a stunning feature in the master bedroom

“One exceptional

feature is a light well that runs through three floors from lounge to bedrooms�

The cosy basement is perfect for relaxing

As London sees a rise in new build homes and large scale gentrification marches onwards, period properties are becoming ever more cherished and harder to find in this historic city. This three bedroom property, sitting in a converted Victorian school building is a WORDS: GINA WASIKOWSKI

22 The Linen Draper

style watch Off the Wall

PROPERTY AND INTERIORS

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Hang up your magnolia paintbrush this season and embrace these colourful animal inspired prints from east London designers and artists to inject some fun onto your walls

1. Uphill Elephant, Claudia Borfiga, £50 Print Club London, printclublondon.com 2. Hackney Empire Wallpaper Midnight Stripe, £148 per roll House of Hackney, houseofhackney.com 3. Gentleman 2, Guy Gatier, £65 Print Club London, printclublondon.com 4. Golden Cat Two, Chris Keegan, £50 Print Club London, printclublondon.com 5. Birds N Bees Wallpaper in charcoal by Timorous Beasties, £300 per roll SCP, scp.co.uk 6. Neon Pink Stag, Aida, £30 Fee Fee La Fou, feefeelafouenterprises.com 7. Bear, Susie Wright, £100 Print Club London, printclublondon.com 8. Baleana Wallpaper Aegean Blue/Off Black, £128 per roll House of Hackney, houseofhackney.com

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WORDS: GINA WASIKOWSKI

currell.com

Mountfort Crescent, N1 ÂŁ8,500,000 Freehold A beautiful Grade II listed detached property set on Mountfort Crescent within the heart of Barnsbury, London. This substantial property offers approximately 5200sqft of fabulous entertaining and social space, with accommodation set over four storeys.

Built in circa 1845, this fine home currently offers a formal reception area, three further reception rooms, study/library, a country kitchen and six bedrooms. The building is set on its own sizeable grounds with a detached garage. A rare opportunity to purchase in a prime Islington location. Permission to extend is in place.

Islington Sales: 020 7226 4200 Lettings: 020 7288 9109 islington@currell.com

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Sebastian Street, EC1V ÂŁ2,850,000 Freehold A large four bedroom Grade II listed Regency Georgian house located on the corner of Sebastian Street and Northampton Square in Clerkenwell. This beautiful home has an abundance of period features and measures in excess of 3000sqft. Northampton Square offers easy access to the local amenities of St John Street, and Angel, Barbican and Farringdon Stations.

Wynyatt Street, EC1V ÂŁ1,300,000 Freehold A charming four storey, Grade II listed Georgian property in the heart of Clerkenwell. Positioned on a quiet residential street, accommodation measures approximately 1128sqft. A garden is accessible to the rear of the property. Wynyatt Street is conveniently located south of Islington and is just a short walk from Exmouth Market and Angel.

Clerkenwell 020 7253 2533 clerkenwell@currell.com

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Hoxton Wharf, N1 £725,000 Leasehold A stunning two bedroom, third floor apartment set within this modern development along the Regent’s Canal.

Accommodation comprises a bright dual aspect open plan reception and kitchen, with access to a balcony and two double bedrooms. Positioned between Islington and Shoreditch, Hoxton Wharf offers excellent transport links into the City and West End. EPC: B

Lavender Grove, E8 £1,200,000 Freehold A rare opportunity to buy within one of London Fields’ top locations. This well-proportioned end of terrace Victorian house offers just over 1060sqft of accommodation comprising double reception, kitchen/ dining room leading to an enclosed rear garden and two double bedrooms. Subject to planning, there is the opportunity to extend. EPC: D

Hackney 020 7241 4111 hackney@currell.com

currell.com

Sharon Gardens, E9 ÂŁ1,675,000 Freehold A substantial five bedroom semi-detached home situated on a quiet street set off Victoria Park Road, offering over 2000sqft of accommodation. The interiors include original features such as parquet flooring and an art deco fireplace. With oversized rooms throughout, there is a large bay fronted reception to the front, a bright open plan kitchen and dining room to the rear, creating a perfect family and entertaining space with doors opening out to the well-kept, south-facing garden. The current owner has extended into the loft, creating a stunning, light and airy master suite. The amenities of Victoria Park village are within walking distance. EPC: C

Victoria Park 020 3222 5555 victoriapark@currell.com

FOOD AND DRINK

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Sophisticated seasonal suppers sail onto Upper Street The latest addition to Islington’s expanding culinary landscape is Galley, a stylish, contemporary restaurant focusing on fresh fish and seasonal ingredients.

Gina Wasikowski talks to owners Marcel Grzyb and Oriona Robb about their new venture

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pper Street in Islington, with its plethora of restaurants and cafés vying for business, may not be the obvious location to set up a new highend restaurant, but co-owners Marcel Grzyb and Oriona Robb disagree.

“When Marcel and I were thinking about opening a restaurant we wanted to create something that would add to Islington’s restaurant scene but also change it,” says Oriona. “I have lived in Canonbury for 15 years. Knowing the area and understanding the audience here, I believe we are offering them something that they don’t have at the moment and something which they perhaps wouldn’t expect.

other restaurants like Bellanger and Oldroyd, so hopefully people looking for exceptional, seasonal food will now look to Islington as the place to go.”

With its bold interiors and distinctive name – so called after the narrow layout of the restaurant brought a ship’s galley to mind – the restaurant certainly stands out. It has an atmosphere of almost luxurious cosiness, more associated with Mayfair than Islington. The interiors have been designed like this to create somewhere to relax and unwind with friends, from brunch through to late evening.

“What ties

the menu together is that everything is seasonal”

“Also, the restaurant scene here is gradually changing with the arrival of

Brother and sister team Marcel and Oriona have both had a passion for food since childhood. “From an early age growing up in Poland, our family was always surrounded by really good food; our

mother is an excellent cook. Every social event was filled with freshly cooked food, full of seasonal ingredients. It is this passion for fresh and seasonal dishes that Marcel and I wanted to share with people,” says Oriona.

“The ideas for the dishes on the menu are products of travelling across the world and working to put new twists on traditional flavours,” says Marcel, the head chef at Galley. “At the moment there is no Polish influence but we might bring that in at a later date. The dishes are a mixture of traditional French, Italian and English dishes. We didn’t want to tie the menu to a specific cuisine but what ties it all together is that everything is seasonal.”

Marcel worked as head chef at Randall and Aubin, the seafood restaurant in Soho, for 12 years. His experience with fish is reflected in the menu, with choices including octopus, oysters and lobster.

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Marcel is keen to point out though that Galley is not just a seafood restaurant.

offer on a quarterly basis to reflect the changing British produce available.

Marcel gives me an insider tip that “We didn’t want it to be limited to as spring arrives, the Scottish venison seafood. While we do lean on fish as our currently on the menu will be replaced speciality the menu also includes great by delicious spring lamb. seasonal meats. We want to create dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The focus on fresh seasonal ingredients has also informed the layout of the The seasonal element to the menu kitchen, with customers able to sit means that new dishes will be on at the bar overlooking the chefs. It is

really special to be able to see chefs at work and to get an understanding of the complex processes involved. Our customers can see that there are no gimmicks, just every dish being made fresh with top quality ingredients.”

Galley, 105–106 Upper Street, N1 Monday–Friday, 12–12 Saturday–Sunday, 11–12 galleylondon.co.uk

The open plan kitchen allows diners to see their food being made

WHAT WE ATE

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1. Lemonade, Mint and Grape Mocktails 2. Hand Dived In-Shell Scottish Scallops 3. Wookey Hole Cheddar & Ham Hock Croquettes 4. Octopus & Chorizo a la plancha 5. Crispy Cornish Squid “The mocktails were especially made for us and were utterly delicious. Each dish was packed with flavour and we didn’t want it to end. A thoroughly enjoyable visit from start to finish!”

Gina

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FOOD AND DRINK

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Absolutely crabulous As our passion for street food continues, the London scene is going from strength to strength. One of its latest additions focuses on bringing crab back to British plates.

The Linen Draper talks to Fabian Clark, founder of Claw, to discuss all things crab

Fabian ready to convert customers into diehard crab fans at his Old Street pop up

How did Claw get started?

I’ve always had a passion for, and interest in, food. With the growth of street food in recent years I thought why not give it a go? So I quit my job and got going in February last year.

Why did you choose crab as the focus?

A few years back I had an amazing crab sandwich on the Isle of Wight, so good that I still remember it! I thought a lot about the kind of street food that is currently on offer and noticed most of it focused on meat. I wanted to do something that I hadn’t seen done before and which I knew could taste really great.

“

Claw has really become about making British crab and other shellfish accessible to the British public”

Is there a reason crab is less common on our plates than other foods?

I read an article that said 80% of British crab is exported to Europe because we don’t have a taste for it in this country like they do

on the continent. This is such a shame, especially as we have amazing access to it on our coastline. I want to change that, so Claw has really become about making British crab and other shellfish accessible to the British public and showing them how good it is.

Do you get customers who have never tried crab?

Surprisingly, yes! It’s great to be able to give them their first experience of it, which is hopefully a positive one.

Where do you get your crab from?

We only use Devonshire crab, which is fished off the coast of Salcombe. I’m very lucky to have formed a great relationship with a local fisherman called Paul, who supplies us with all our crabs directly.

Where do you get your recipe inspiration from?

I do a lot of googling, particularly on current trends around the world to find different flavour combinations that might work. American restaurant menus are great to look at for ideas because they love crab in the US.

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CLAW MAC ‘N’ CHEESE “Our macaroni and cheese is a blend of various recipes we’ve discovered along the way. We’ve tweaked and twisted it, but reckon it’s now the best crab ‘n‘ mac in London” Fabian Clark Claw’s seafood platter at Fish Market in Liverpool Street

“

How often do you change your menu?

Our menu changes depending on what the pop up space we are using lends itself to, as well as what we think suits the occasion. We’ve done events in kitchens where there are very few cooking facilities so we’ll keep the menu options cold. Or, if we are doing a stint at a pub we may focus on crab burgers and fries. We’re currently at Fish Market in Liverpool Street where we have designed a special brunch menu. It’s the biggest offering we’ve done and has been so well received our residency has been extended until the end of March.

Fingers crossed, in 12 months’ time we’ll be opening the doors to our own place”

Claw recently won ‘Best Street Food Brand’ at the Virgin Start Up Foodpreneur Awards. Did Richard Branson have any advice for you?

Not really but he did tell me that he liked my crab! It was a great thing to enter as the prize was a week’s residency at Old Street roundabout. It’s always good to get exposure in new venues.

Where would you like Claw to be in a year’s time?

I’m spending the year focusing on finding a permanent home, so fingers crossed in 12 months’ time we’ll be opening the doors to our own place.

Claw is at Fish Market in Liverpool Street until the end of March, and will take up residency at the Hat & Tun, Clerkenwell in June eatclaw.com

Ingredients (Serves 6) 500g macaroni 100g fresh white crab meat 100g fresh brown crab meat 100g grated cheddar For the cheese sauce 1 pint full fat milk 70g butter 70g plain flour 2 red onions Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Fabian receives his award for ‘Best Street Food Brand’ from Richard Branson

2 cloves of garlic 1 bunch tarragon leaves 1 tbsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 120g mature cheddar grated 120g Comté grated 120g Emmental grated 120g Parmesan grated

8.

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. When cooked, run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Preheat oven to 180C. Melt the butter in a pot and at the same time start warming the milk in a separate pan.

Once the butter is melted add the red onion, garlic and tarragon.

Whisk in the flour until a roux has formed and then start adding the milk one ladle at a time. Continue to whisk until the milk has blended with the roux. Add all the cheese.

Once the cheese has melted, add the brown crab meat, salt, pepper and Old Bay Seasoning.

Put the pasta into an oven proof dish and slowly mix it with most of the cheese sauce.

Spread the remainder of the cheese sauce on top of the pasta along with the grated cheddar and smoked paprika, then bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the white crab meat on top before serving.

WORDS: GINA WASIKOWSKI

LIFESTYLE

32 The Linen Draper

DOING IT BY THE BOOK

S

Binding and printing books the traditional way is not a completely lost art, even in our digital-obsessed world. The Linen Draper meet Simon Goode, a man on a mission to teach the public about this fascinating craft from his Fish Island base

“Hmm, that’s a bit of a hotly contested issue in the book arts world,” says Simon Goode, one of the centre’s co-founders.

“But basically, it is the craft involved in the making of a book using traditional techniques such as bookbinding and letterpress making.”

et on a quiet street on Hackney’s Fish Island in what was once part of Percy Dalton’s Peanut Factory is London’s only centre for book arts. If you wander into it from the street you would be forgiven for thinking that this was simply a rather old fashioned printers complete with historic letterpress printing machines. So what exactly are book arts?

The London Centre for Book Arts (LCBA) is no monument to lost skills though. It is an open-access space for people who want to make their own books with their own hands. Many of these are artists who use the centre to publish limited editions books showcasing their work.

As Goode explains, “The LCBA is less about the fetishising of the craft than it is about people being beholden to a bookbinder or a printer and having to pay loads of money for something they can do themselves.”

Many users of the LCBA are local artists publishing books that display their work

Goode set up the centre in 2013 with equipment he had been collecting for eight years with the intention of opening his own book-making studio. But, after spending three months visiting book arts centres across the US, he decided to set up somewhere for people like himself keen to produce their own books.

The centre is open to anyone who wants to use its equipment to work on their own book-related projects. And Goode has no issue with people combining traditional and modern techniques. “It’s more than possible to do a whole book or just bits and bobs like use the foil blocking press, for example,” he says.

The LCBA runs workshops every weekend from its Fish Island studio

“We’re open-minded. If people are printing stuff digitally and binding by hand that’s fine by us. It’s interesting what you can do if you mix it up a bit.”

For those interested in finding out more about book arts and getting their skills up to scratch, the LCBA runs workshops every weekend covering topics such as letterpress printing, foil blocking and bookbinding. Goode says that the courses have been attended by “thousands of people” of all ages over the past three years. “Last week we were in V&A Museum of Childhood with children as young as three. And we’ve had 80 year olds on courses, so we span the generations.”

Goode is currently writing a book about making books, which, ironically, LCBA will not be printing. “There will be thousands of copies, far more than we could do,” says Goode.

It took Simon eight years to acquire all the machinery used at the centre

London Centre for Book Arts, 56 Dace Road, E3 Tuesday–Friday, 10–6 Saturday–Sunday, 11–5 londonbookarts.org

WORDS: SIMON MANUEL

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Issue 03 Spring 2016

LIFESTYLE

34 The Linen Draper

BOOK LOVERS REJOICE

As well as selling books, INK@84 is also a cafĂŠ and bar

Betsy, left, and Tessa in their new Highbury Hill bookshop

Bookshop INK@84 is seeking to attract Highbury locals with a new kind of literary offering.

Jointly owned by author Betsy Tobin and artist Tessa Shaw, INK@84 promises a different approach to the art of selling books. The Linen Draper speak to co-founder Tessa Shaw about the new venture

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“

We opened on 5 December last year. It was always our plan to do that as it’s a really important time of the year for book retailers, but it was manic. We were still learning the tills on the day we opened. When Christmas Eve arrived we were frazzled. We knew it would be busy but we were surprised at just how tiring the whole thing was,” says Tessa.

Tessa is one half of the team behind INK@84, with Betsy Tobin, an author, the other. For both of them, it is their first foray onto the high street.

“Betsy came to me with the idea for the bookshop and asked if I wanted to help.

At first I thought she was mad. But after some thought, I thought why not,” says Tessa. “There seems to be a mood swing at the moment as to how independent bookshops can work. I thought that if we could do it a different way, so it wasn’t just about books and we could incorporate events and a café or bar, then we could make it into something new. That’s when I got really excited.

“Children’s literature is surprisingly difficult to choose because reading ability differs so much between ages.

Nicolette is fantastic at knowing what is suitable; picking out recognisable titles, Setting up shop in a less established part as well as exciting new releases.” of town does carry risks however, so what is it about INK@84 that has been Other than the books, INK@84 is also hoping its coffee and newly up designed to draw in local custom? and running bar will give customers something a little bit different. outside in the summer and as we are next door to Franks with its amazing food we get a lot of footfall at the weekend.”

“

I’d love to think people might stop by after work, have a glass of wine and read a book. How great would that be!”

“We have chosen to go with a highly curated selection of books. We certainly don’t stock everything. People aren’t coming here to find the classics or Fifty Shades of Grey, they are looking for brilliant new modern publications. We are very keen to support local authors and new writers, too. We had a gentleman who popped in with his book, so we stocked it, sold it and now we have restocked it. We hope that this personal, handpicked approach will appeal to people, particularly the creative community in the area.”

“Neither of us knew the business side of books before we opened but both of us have related industry experience, Betsy as an author and me as a journalist, so we both understand the publicity side of bookselling and the importance of keeping up with fashions. What we The large children’s section should didn’t know was the basics, like ordering also prove a big draw for local families. and how to go about choosing stock.”

Nicolette Jones, reviewer of children’s literature for The Sunday Times, has overseen their selection.

The shop, perched on Highbury Hill, took Tessa and Betsy about six months to find. After a lengthy search for the right place, the conversion into the bright and airy space it is today was relatively fast. But why choose this part of town, as opposed to a more established high street?

“We have tried to create a space that isn’t solely reliant on books. The shop space is so we can cater for various events, like film screenings or book launches. I also want to get craft groups in, as being an artist I love that kind of thing. I’d love to think people might stop by after work, have a glass of wine and read a book. How great would that be!”

The bar and café is stocked primarily with local produce, with coffee from Nude in Shoreditch, gin from the Hammerton Brewery in Caledonian Road and wine from Highbury Vintners, making it a beacon for the promotion of local craft and people.

“The best thing about this business is that it’s ours, so we can try lots of different things and see what works.

There are so many possibilities and that is really exciting.”

INK@84, 84 Highbury Park, N5 Tuesday–Wednesday, 10–6 Thursday–Saturday, 10–8 Sunday, 12–5 ink84bookshop.co.uk.

The bookshop sells a highly curated selection of modern literature

“I’ve always been interested in this area as I have lived locally for 20 years, as has Betsy. A lot of people tend not to go further than Highbury Barn but there are some fantastic independent shops on this road. Louis Farouk is fabulous for gifts, there’s a deli, a café, Franks, and a bread shop.

“We had a very strong idea of what we wanted from a premises. The wide pavement is perfect for putting benches

WORDS: GINA WASIKOWSKI

LIFESTYLE

36 The Linen Draper Sally, right, with jeweller and trainer Sharla Donovan

Sally’s textured silver ring, top, and planished copper ring

SALLY PUTS A RING ON IT Making jewellery takes patience, creativity and skill. We sent The Linen Draper’s designer Sally Grondowski to The London Jewellery Workshop to find out if she has what it takes

I

spend most Sunday mornings running 10K across a cold and windy Clapham Common, so the chance to make jewellery in a warm workshop instead was one I wasn’t going to turn down. The workshop in question is in Hackney’s Sunbury Studios and I’m here to try my hand at ring making.

After a welcome cup of tea to get me going, course leader Sharla Donovan tells us what to expect during the day.

“The three things to keep in mind are practice makes perfect, patience is key and cutting the join is the hardest thing to master in jewellery making,” she says. How right she is, as I was to discover later.

“

hands. And she couldn’t be more friendly and encouraging as I stumble through the steps.

As we head towards lunch, I have miraculously managed to produce something that looks like a ring, even if it is a bit plain. Now comes the exciting bit though: deciding which finish to put on my ring. Sharla explains the different options and techniques and I choose planishing – smoothing the metal using a hammer.

I use a stamp to engrave my initials on the back, to prove my prowess to any doubters”

The class consists of five other budding jewellery designers all, like me, women in their mid-20s, two of whom have been given the day as Christmas gifts. We start off by making an unsoldered copper ring. This involves an incredible amount of detail and I get the impression I’m not the only one struggling to get to grips with the intricate steps.

After measuring my finger and marking out how much metal I need, I heat up the metal to make it malleable and then use a mallet to bash it into the shape of a ring.

Sharla has been making jewellery since 2005 and runs her own jewellery shop in Hackney so I feel like I am in expert

The end result may not win any awards but it is unique and I’m proud of my first jewellery creation. I use a stamp to engrave my initials on the back to prove my prowess to any doubters.

It’s been a jam-packed morning and after a short hop to Brick Lane for a much needed lunch break we’re back in the studio for the afternoon session. This is to create a silver soldered ring, a far more difficult process than what we have learnt so far.

With Sharla’s opening words ringing in my ears I get increasingly impatient as I spend about an hour trying to cut a join in the ring and prepare it for soldering. This feels like an impossible task, as it requires a super steady hand on the saw and good hand-eye coordination to cut the join in the

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Cutting the join is harder than it looks

Sally adds the finishing touches with the polishing machine

right place. I seem to have neither, but thankfully Sharla comes to my rescue and completes it for me.

The next step is to solder the join together with the blowtorch. This is by far the most rewarding part of the day as, once completed, my handiwork finally looks like a normal ring.

The class ends up running about half an hour later than the intended 4.30pm finish as we each wait our turn to use the shared equipment, in particular the polishing machine. After a hard day in the workshop, we all want to make our rings look as fabulous as possible.

The day was full on but incredibly rewarding as I got to take home two rings, each handmade by me. Next time I look at a ring in a jewellery store, I’ll be under no illusion about how much skill and hard work has gone into making it.

Sharla was a patient and dedicated teacher and the day was a lot of fun. It would make a great present for a friend or joint activity for a hen day.

Sally took the Make A Silver Ring workshop at London Jewellery Workshop in Hackney. The course costs ÂŁ95 londonjewelleryworkshop.co.uk.

LIFESTYLE

38 The Linen Draper

Play your cards right Husband and wife team James and Malissa Brown have pooled their artistic talents to create Pressed & Folded, making stationery from their collection of original prints.

The Hackney Wick based duo speak to The Linen Draper about what they are up to Husband and wife James and Malissa make a perfect design duo

“

Our range of cards is completely design led and is produced with all occasions in mind”

Pressed & Folded cards are made for every occasion

An original print from James and Malissa’s collection

How did Pressed and Folded start?

Malissa: As we are both self-employed artists and married, it seemed inevitable we would work together at some point.

James suggested the idea of designing a range of greetings cards and I jumped at the chance to do something new after working in textile design for so many years. Our range of cards is completely design led and is produced with all occasions in mind.

Both of you have backgrounds in textile design. How much does this influence your designs?

Malissa: I love textiles but designing cards allows me to be much freer with colour and pattern. Saying that, I could actually see myself wearing a lot of my card designs!

James: Understanding fashion helps because it’s useful to know how to identify and predict trends when producing a commercial product.

Do you collaborate on any designs?

Malissa: We design separately but we like the fact that there are two distinct styles to create diversity in the range.

How did you come to be based in Hackney Wick?

James: I’ve had a studio here since 2002. It’s a great place to work and I don’t think there’s anywhere like it in How long on average does a card London; there is a really good, friendly take to design? community. During the Olympics it was James: Some of our cards are taken interesting to see people from out of from archive screen and lino prints, so town come here, as they all seemed a bit we already have those ready to go. New bemused by the unique micro climate in designs can take days and some can take the middle of London. a couple of hours. Generally the ones that come easily seem to be the most What are the plans for the future? successful.

Malissa: We have a few ideas in the pipeline including gift wrap, notebooks What influences your colour and some textile products. selections?

James: I like to work in two colours Where can we find your cards? and limit my colour palette. If I could, We’re in shops in Clerkenwell, Islington, I would work solely in red and black.

Hackney and Victoria Park. All our Malissa: I’m much more relaxed when stockists can be found on our website. picking palettes. I can be inspired by anything from an exhibition to an old pressedandfolded.com piece of fabric.

WORDS: GINA WASIKOWSKI

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