Absolutely South East London October 2024

SOUTH EAST

South East

OCTOBER 2024 / £3.95

PLU S SP ECIA L Over 55 pages of inspiration and insight

FASHION OUTLAWS

1980s club style at the Fashion & Textile Museum

• LIFE IN COLOUR

OCTOBER 2024

At home with Lucinda Chambers

• PILLOW TALK

Is your bedroom a sactuary?

Straight

ZEST.LONDON

TALK

COVER WITH SPINE.indd All Pages

THE LOWDOWN ON AUTUMN STYLE

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 20/09/2024 12:56

SLIP_SE_ST DUNSTANS.indd 2

20/09/2024 14:35

SLIP_SE_ST DUNSTANS.indd 3

20/09/2024 14:35

SLIP_SE_MPW.indd 4

20/09/2024 14:40

SLIP_SE_MPW.indd 5

20/09/2024 14:40

Flagship Store London 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP london@carlhansen.com

AD_CARL HANSEN.indd 6

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454

20/09/2024 14:40

Rikke Frost

2024

CONTEMPORARY SHAPES

As an extension to the RF1903 Sideways Sofa, designed by Danish designer Rikke Frost, the RF1904 Sideways Lounge Chair exhibits a soft design language and subtle details. The new round Sideways Coffee Table has a wooden frame and a reversible tabletop with two different surfaces in either oak or walnut on one side and laminate on the other. The tabletop is also available in Italian marble.

RF1904 Sideways Lounge Chair, from £3285 RF1905 Sideways Coffee Table, from £1786

Retail prices incl. VAT.

AD_CARL HANSEN.indd 7

CARLHANSEN.COM

20/09/2024 14:40

Professional | Approachable | Bespoke

FOCUS ON

Skin lesions What are skin lesions?

A skin lesion is an abnormal area of skin which differs in appearance to surrounding skin, including moles, cysts, lipomas, birthmarks, blemishes, sun or age-related skin changes and skin tags.

In the same way you visit the optician or dentist, regular skin checks are recommended. In this appointment skin lesions will be checked with a dermatoscope (a light source with a magnifying lens).

What are the surgical/non surgical options for skin lesions?

• Freeze treatment with cryotherapy and shave removal can be used for benign skin lesions • Scars can occasionally be treated with steroid injections • Surgical excision and biopsy is sometimes necessary for moles that have changed in appearance, lumps, bumps and skin cancers

Chris Abela is an experienced cosmetic surgeon with a professional, bespoke and compassionate approach and a gentle bedside manner.

He has clinics at 84 Harley Street, 102 Sydney Street, Chelsea and at Wimbledon Parkside.

AD_CHRIS ABELA.indd 8 CHRIS ABELA_DPS_ABS_OCT2024 .indd All Pages

20/09/2024 17:24

More information is available at www.chrisabela.co.uk If you have any questions, please contact Chris at info@chrisabela.co.uk or on 0203 545 2990

AD_CHRIS ABELA.indd 9

20/09/2024 04/09/2024 17:24 10:59

N EW

K O LLE K T I O N

SEE HOME IN A NEW LIGHT

L O C AT E D AT B AT T E R S E A R E A C H , F E N W I C K B R E N T C R O S S , F E N W I C K K I N G S T O N , F I N C H L E Y R O A D , G U I L D F O R D , HARRODS, NOTTING HILL, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, WESTFIELD LONDON, FENWICK BRACKNELL AND ST ALBANS

AD_BO CONCEPT.indd 10 boconcept_new-kollektion_various_ads_08-24.indd 14-15

20/09/2024 14:45

B O C O N C E P T. C O M

AD_BO CONCEPT.indd 11

20/09/20243:24 14:45 02/09/2024 PM

Magical Maldives Escapes If you’re seeking a quintessential Maldivian experience, look no further than Sun Siyam Iru Fushi or Sun Siyam Olhuveli for your next getaway. Spend days strolling barefoot, feeling the sand between your toes, unwinding in the serene spa, snorkelling in the technicolour house reef and dining at the huge selection of exceptional restaurants.

Trailfinders is the expert at tailormade travel to the Indian Ocean, piecing together flights with hotels and transfers to create your perfect holiday. Take advantage of super savings and escape to the Maldives for an unforgettable island holiday...

“Truly excellent: patient, friendly, helpful & a mine of knowledge, tips and advice.”

AD_TRAILFINDERS.indd 12 TRAIL_Sun Siyam_Absolutely Mag_420x297.indd 1

20/09/2024 14:41

5H SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI MALDIVES

4H SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI MALDIVES

A resort for all ages, find your slice of luxury at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, with a variety of à la carte dining options, a dazzling house reef and a tranquil adults only infinity pool.

Where traditional Maldives meets modern influence, Sun Siyam Olhuveli offers pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters brimming with exotic marine life across this fantastic multi-island resort.

7 NIGHTS FROM £1,999 #

7 NIGHTS FROM £1,799 ◊

Flights, 5H island resort, breakfast and seaplane transfers

Flights, 4H island resort, full board and speedboat transfers

• Beautiful white sand • Colourful house reef • Two pools (one adults only) • Non-motorised & motorised watersports (payable locally) • Dive centre • 15 restaurants & bars • Award-winning spa • Badminton & tennis courts • Kids’ club • Gym

• Pristine beach with shallow lagoon • Three pools (one adults only) • Non-motorised & motorised watersports (payable locally) • Watersports centre including kite surfing school • Two spas • Tennis court • Kids’ club • Gym Saving over £250 per couple

Saving over £700 per couple

Call TRAILFINDERS on 020 7368 1506, or visit your local Travel Centre Prices are per person based on a twin/double share & valid for selected ◊May #Jun departures.

Offers are subject to availability & restrictions may apply. Prices correct at time of going to print 15 Sep 24.

AD_TRAILFINDERS.indd 13

20/09/2024 14:41 10/09/2024 08:42

ATKIN THYME.indd 14

20/09/2024 17:30

ATKIN THYME.indd 15

20/09/2024 17:30

Autumn Sale Now On

A WORLD OF DESIGN ON YOUR DOORSTEP 180+ TOP BRANDS UNDER ONE ROOF | INTERIOR PLANNING SERVICE | FITTED FURNITURE SOLUTIONS

AD_CHAPLINS.indd 16 DPS - absolutely magazine - june2024.indd 1

20/09/2024 14:41

30 E S T. 1 9 9 3

WWW.CHAPLINS.CO.UK 477-507 UXBRIDGE ROAD | HATCH END MIDDLESEX HA5 4JS | 020 8421 1779

AD_CHAPLINS.indd 17

20/09/2024 14:41 13/09/2024 10:46

@doctornyla | 0162 552 3307 | 0800 009 6661 | www.doctornyla.com Follow us on UK CLINIC OF THE YEAR 2019 TO 2020 SAFETY IN BEAUTY AWARDS

DR NYLA.indd 18

20/09/2024 14:41

EXPERTS IN THE NATURAL LOOK Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa Cheshire is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT TM

The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

Please scan QR code to book complimentary consultation Medispa Mayfair : 32 Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4NE UK CLINIC OF THE YEAR 2019 TO 2020 SAFETY IN BEAUTY AWARDS

DR NYLA.indd 19

20/09/2024 14:41

98%

‘Very Satisfied’ or ‘Satisfied’ See website for July 2024 parent survey results

—Kindergarten parent

Unrivalled. So very impressed.

—Year 2 parent

The early years focus has been invaluable in allowing our daughter to flourish at her pace, in a happy, fun and secure environment.

The perfect setting for your child’s early schooling } Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous five-year curriculum } Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life

WINNER 2022

PRE-PREP OF THE YEAR

Award for Excellence and Innovation in Art and Design

} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ with that special Herne Hill School spark } Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm } Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 6pm

June ‘24 ISI Inspection Report just released - see website

Herne Hill School The Old Vicarage 127 Herne Hill London, SE24 9LY

SLIP_SE_HERN.indd 20

hernehillschool.co.uk enquiries@hernehillschool.co.uk 020 7274 6336

20/09/2024 14:41

ABSOLUTELY

Contents OCTOBER 2024

68

150 C U LT U R E 24 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 83 BEAUTY NOTES

28 WHAT'S ON

85 FITNESS UPDATE

10 things we’re coveting this month

Your diary for August

32 CLUB CULTURE A new exhibition at the Fashion & Textile Museum

FOOD & DRINK 56 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

60 RECIPES

Romi Gill's India

FA S H I O N 68 THE SHOOT

Nostalgia from Pink City Prints

76

ELEGANT JEWELS

Meeting the sisters behind Otiumberg

News and views

The lowdown Pelaton Tread

94

HOME TOP TEN

60

All our favourite tableware

102 HOUSE TOUR

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

115 SPACE SAVER

The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

At home with Lucinda Chambers

Sofa solutions

T R AV E L 150 REAL GREEK All about Athens

E D U C AT I O N 161 TALKING HEAD

O N T H E C OV E R pinkcityprints.com

A fresh start at Wetherby

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

CONTENTS.indd 21

21

20/09/2024 14:41

Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM DESIGNER MARIANA SUZUKI PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE PORTFOLIO MANAGER GEMMA GRAY SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT STELLA ADAMS FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

Window shopping

MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

Social icon

Circle

www.ayrtonbespoke.com 020 8877 8920 enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com

Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

a b s o l u t e l y m a ga z i n e s . c o m

Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

FLANNEL.indd 22

20/09/2024 14:42

Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

1

S 5 pring might be the traditional time for refreshing our homes, but I think that really it's autumn when a rethink is needed. As soon as we lose the summer sunlight, our rooms lose their seasonal lustre and the drabness is in danger of setting in. So now's the time to take action, and that's why this issue is dedicated to homes. Whether it's a fresh coat of paint, a new kitchen or an entire rebuild, our 55 page section has ideasand contacts for all of it. We are taking inspiration from Lucinda Chambers' beautiful west London house, which is filled with colour, decorative objects and creative touches, and swooning over Kate Watson-Smyth's house in Italy, with its new paint colours and considered design. Also, we're shopping for everything from lamps to earrings via sofas, plates and even a treadmill. Enjoy October.

Paint job

Italian-inspired wall colours from Kate Watson-Smyth

4 Light work

Rounding up all the best lamps

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

On the hoop

We're loving Otiumberg's simple yet bold earrings.

2

Tiny minds

Everyone loves a dolls house –and this one's up for auction at Museum of the Home.

ED LETTER.indd 23

3

Spanish flavour

How Bermondsey's Lolo became our new favourite eaterie

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

23

20/09/2024 14:42

Wish LIST

MIX SHAPES Contemporary brand ILA has reimagined the classic silhouette, creating versatile styles perfect for any occasion with a variety of shapes, lengths, and materials, offering effortless transitions from day to night. ilaofficial.com

SMALL THINGS Loquet offers a wide selection of the cutest charms. To complete the look, there are beaded chains, precious rows of cut lapis lazuli, garnet, rose quartz and chrysoprase with a double clasp design to attach your favourite locket. loquetlondon.com

BERRY HUES

10 things we Absolutely love

Dyson has always experimented with colour and the newest colourway is strawberry bronze and blush pink, inspired by the natural hues found at Dyson’s farming sites. The Airwrap, Supersonic dryer and straighteners all come in the striking new shade. dyson.com

W I L D AT H E A R T 2 This crew neck is made from superfine lambswool in vibrant red and a classic fairisle pattern. It's an understated jumper in a recognisable print with a Really Wild take. reallywildclothing.com

COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

24

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

WISHLIST.indd 24

20/09/2024 14:42

ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

WO R D U P Bella Freud's new collection is full of slogans, ranging from simply 'Martin' to 'Slave to Love', to our favourite, 'Star Man'. bellafreud.com

GET THE GLOSS The Pretty Ballerinas AW24 collection has arrived, featuring modern designs and a new glossy material. These pieces combine bold fabrics, distinctive styles, and vibrant colours. prettyballerinas.co.uk

HOME OF STYLE Labeca's sophisticated and versatile looks are suitable for every place and every season. labecalondon.com

FIT CHECK For a year-round selection of swimwear in all shapes and sizes, it's hard to beat Battersea's Amelie's Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

BRIGHT IDEA Birkenstock's 1774 collection brings back the iconic Arizona and Milano in bright new shades and textures. birkenstock.com

I N A T E AC U P Mud Australia has opened a new store in Islington. The brand is loved by Yotam Ottolenghi and Nigella Lawson for its bright and breezy Aussieinspired colour palette and sustainable practices. mudaustralia.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

WISHLIST.indd 25

25

20/09/2024 14:43

Special Kindergarten

Discover & Play Open Mornings

MONDAY 18 TO THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER · 9.30AM

PRE-PREP OF THE YEAR

LI M fo IT ra E fr ge D

WINNER 2022 Award for Excellence and Innovation in Art and Design

om 2+ P L Ja av A a n ila CE ‘2 b S 5 le

Join us with your two-year-old for a playful peek into our unique Kindergarten life - BOOK NOW!

2-7 Years Early Childhood Education · Founded 1976 · Co-Educational · hernehillschool.co.uk

Herne Hill School Love • Care • Excellence SLIP_SE_HERN HILL.indd 26

20/09/2024 14:46

C U LT U R E

JU STIN DINGWAL L STA RT A RT FA I R

Justin Dingwall is a boundarypushing photographer and artist from South Africa. This month he unveils a new, textile-based mural envisioned especially for the StART exhibition. startkx.com

What's on 28 • Outlaws at the Fashion & Textile Museum 32 • Start Art Fair 44 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

CULTURE OPENER.indd 27

27

20/09/2024 14:47

The Agenda

EV E N TS N OT TO M I S S I N LO N D O N ART

In the Eye of the Storm: MODERNISM IN UKRAINE, 1900-1930S

to 13 October R OYA L AC A D E M Y Marvel at the groundbreaking modernist art made in Ukraine between 1900 and the 1930s.

The modernist movement in Ukraine unfolded against a backdrop of collapsing empires, the First World War, the fight for independence, and the eventual establishment of Soviet Ukraine. Despite such profound upheaval, this became a period of bold artistic experimentation. royalacademy.org.uk

D I S P L AY

Stage and screen

T H E AT R E

Moulin Rouge

Until JANUARY 2025, V& A S O U T H K E N S I N G T O N Marking 100 years since Gabrielle Enthoven founded the theatre and performance collection at the V&A, this display explores an A–Z of themes to show how performance continues to entertain, provoke and inspire. Pictured: Costume for a Maiden in scene 1 in Nijinsky's ballet Le Sacre du printemps designed by Nicholas Roerich, Diaghilev Ballet, 1913. vam.ac.uk

O NGO I NG, P I CA D I L LY THEATRE

A new cast of bohemians and aristocrats joins the hit show as it enters its fourth year. Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. . moulinrougemusical.co.uk

28

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AGENDA.indd 28

20/09/2024 14:47

CULTURE • DIARY

ART

TO WATCH ART

Mike Kelly: Ghost and Spirit From 3 October TAT E M O D E R N The first major UK survey exhibition of American artist Mike Kelley (1954–2012).

Kelley’s influential and experimental practice ranged from drawings and collages to videos, performances and multimedia installations to create a kind of “dark pop art”. tate.org.uk

N AT U R E

Rare and Extinct From 19 October KEW GARDENS A new exhibition in the Temperate House Kew’s unique collection of rare and threatened plants. Not usually on display to the public, these plants represent some of Kew’s most valuable species, showcased in a Room of Rarity and a Room of Extinction.

The exhibition will shine a light on the efforts of Kew’s expert horticulturists to conserve the world’s most precious species and halt biodiversity loss. kew.org

This Month’s Must See

FLORENCE GIVEN

Women Living Deliciously 27 O C TO BE R , Q U E E N E L I ZA B E TH H A L L

A

s prt of London Literature Festival, international bestselling author Florence Given talks about her new book, an illustrated guide helping women to tap into joy, discover a sense of agency and live life to the full.’ The book seeks to give you the courage and permission to inch closer to the wildly expansive life that you deserve – not in the future, not when you’re perfect, not when you’re prettier – but right now. southbankcentre.co.uk

Recommended

by Lisa Baker

G

reek contemporary artist Manolis Anastasakos presents Mythos: Mnemosyne, named after the Greek goddess of memory. This exquisite exhibition offers a sacred space for contemplation of the various mythologies and deeply embedded archetypes that continue to shape our individual identities and collective consciousness.

Exhibited by Varvara Roza Galleries in collaboration with The Blender Gallery, Mythos: Mnemosyne invites us to see far beyond the walls of Plato’s cave and experience a deeper reality. Here, classical deities and mystical cities slowly reveal themselves from the veiled depths of huge Rothko-esque canvases, in which the minimalist classicism at the core of Anastasakos’s artistic practice reminds us of the personal resonance of mythologies – each work casting epic tales across our own inner landscapes.

This series is the culmination of a philosophical and artistic quest that delves into the core of human existence, reflecting the artist’s own inner dialogue between antiquity and modernity, offering an intricate interplay of abstraction, minimalism, and the baroque. The works transcend traditional interpretations of myth, with each piece acting as a mirror, allowing the viewer uncover personal layers of meaning among timeless stories of humanity – weaving through different civilisations and iconography.

Set among the works from this incredible series of paintings are also two thought-provoking sculptural installations exploring themes of life, death, and memory.

2 – 22 October, Varvara Roza Galleries, 8 Duke Street. SW1Y 6BN

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AGENDA.indd 29

29

20/09/2024 14:47

CULTURE • ART

ART WORLD London’s newest art destination is Moco Museum, just opened in Marble Arch

CHAIR FOR HUMAN USE WITH CHAIR FOR SPIRIT USE, 2015

BY MARINA ABRAMOVIC (IMAGE CREDIT/ JOE KRAMM)

M

ocoMuseum has opened its third and largest location in Marble Arch.

Spanning three floors across 25,000 sq ft, the museum presents a rich collection of modern and contemporary art by genre-defining artists from Andy Warhol to Yayoi Kusama, alongside a temporary exhibition programme and new retail store, Moco Store.

With locations in Amsterdam and Barcelona attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually, Moco’s London outpost becomes the museum’s flagship location and will explore art through the lens of impact, platforming artists whose work transcends disciplines and mediums to

30

MOCO MUSUEM; PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED REEVE

influence contemporary culture, traversing art, fashion, design, music and beyond.

Moco Museum presents a permanent collection that unites works by leading artists who have shaped modern and contemporary art, including Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Daniel Arsham, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, Jeff Koons, KAWS, Keith Haring, Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama and many more. Standing alongside these are works by new and emerging talents from around the world, including Argentinian digital artists Pilar Zeta, Andres Reisinger, and Ezequiel Pini, and iconic London artists Jake Chapman, Hayden Kays and Tracey Emin.

“We’re excited to bring the world of Moco to London, following many successful years at our museums in Amsterdam and Barcelona.

London is a truly global city, which can be felt in the energy of its community of artists and creatives. London’s artistic scene sets it apart from anywhere else and we’re delighted Moco can be part of this movement. We hope visitors leave Moco Museum enriched by the artists and artworks they encounter here, no matter how much or little they know about art. ” says Kim and Lionel Logchies, Founders of Moco Museum.

Moco’s first temporary exhibition is Healing Frequency by Marina Abramovi.

Bringing together 12 works from Abramovi’s series Transitory Objects for Human Use, visitors will be invited to come together and participate in a state of unified healing. mocomuseum.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

MOCA MUSEUM.indd 30

20/09/2024 14:48

SLIP_SE_ROSEMEAD.indd 31

20/09/2024 14:48

THIS PAGE: © Derek Ridgers, c/o Unravel Productions Leigh Bowery at home, 1980s RIGHT: Pam Hogg 'Lust for Life’ gold leather coat, 1989; Mark & Syrie shoes made from Ulster Linens' London tea towels from the Tourist Chic collection, 1985

32

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

OUTLAWS FnT MUSE.indd 32

20/09/2024 14:48

CULTURE • EXHIBITION

TA B O O S U B J E C T A new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum focuses on the radical fashions of 1980s London

By EVE HERBERT

P

erformance artist Leigh Bowery opened Taboo in 1985 – and although the tiny club in the corner of Leicester Square lasted barely a year, it provoked an extraordinary explosion of fashion designers, artists, writers, performers and filmmakers. This outrageous, alternative arena where the anarchic energy of the night spilt over into the experimental creativity of the day is the focus of a new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Enter 1980s London with its squat life, markets and the dance floor at Taboo and discover the style media, boutique owners and popstars who were instrumental in giving the designers an international platform.

This is the first exhibition to explore the range of designers and creatives associated with Taboo, many of whom have been forgotten or died tragically young. Although Taboo was short-lived, the exhibition will bring to light a creative community of people who together influenced and changed the landscape of British popular culture in the mid-1980s. With items A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

OUTLAWS FnT MUSE.indd 33

33

20/09/2024 14:48

BECKENHAM PARK CARE HOME

s e ti i l i b i s s o P f o Enjoy a Life Beckenham Park is renowned for its vibrant and welcoming community.

Their dedicated well-being teams produce an exciting and varied programme of activities and events every day. Residents are supported with personal interests not already covered in the calendar and memory, physical and sensory-based activities are designed with therapeutic outcomes in mind.

Day trips • Creative writing classes • Art classes • Gardening club Live entertainment • Exercise classes

Start your care journey by 31 December 2024 and receive your 12th week for free*

020 3018 8281 2 Roman Way | Beckenham | Kent | BR3 3FH *T&Cs apply. Please visit averyhealthcare.co.uk/ouroffers for more details

SLIP_SE_AVERY.indd 34

20/09/2024 14:49

CULTURE • EXHIBITION

on display ranging from a graphic jacket worn by Boy George and designed by Dean Bright to a carpet coat by Mark and Syrie, a yellow shower curtain cape worn by Nicola Bowery and a gold suit designed by Stephen Linard, the exhibition showcases radical designs by fearlessly alternative designers.

The exhibition starts with a recreation of the squat where Leigh Bowery lived with Trojan, complete with Star Trek wallpaper and mirrored walls. Also recreated are the markets where many of the designers had stalls, a secret world of makeshift stalls where subcultures from Goth to Rockabilly mixed, and were remixed and reinvented by the renegades of alternative fashion.

Designers like Pam Hogg, Red or Dead, Rachel Aubyn, Leigh Bowery and BodyMap all started their careers with market stalls.

Emboldened by the rebellious attitude of the earlier punk movement and influenced by the excesses of glam rock, the designers featured were predominantly young and working class. They gravitated towards London aided by the availability of squats, hard-to-let council flats, student grants and signing on, and here they embraced their freedom, creating a family of outsiders, misfits and rebels.

Revolutionary and provocative in tone, they wanted to tear down the establishment and create subversion by dressing up.

Economic freedom meant the designers were not constrained by the demands of business and were able to be incredibly experimental, pushing the boundaries of creativity, gender and artistic vision.

As we go into the night, the club section features a recreation of the legendary dance floor at Taboo, styled by performance artist and club kid David Cabaret and using original Adel Roostein mannequins from his collection. The Taboo dancefloor showcases real characters from the Taboo scene and clothes designed and worn by Leigh Bowery alongside outfits worn by

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1 English Eccentrics Caption: Sheer striped dress, 1988 2 Leigh Bowery and Boy George. ‘Blitz’ Designer Collection Fashion Show at the Albery Theatre, London, 1986, © Brendan Beirne/Shutterstock 3 Boys Wonder Blue PVC suit with Korova milk bar writing from A Clockwork Orange, worn by Ben Addison, 1987 4 Rachel Auburn drop-neck knit sweater, 1989

B SL O E LY. A B SAO UL TU E TLY m aLgOaNzDi nOeNs

OUTLAWS FnT MUSE.indd 35

35

20/09/2024 14:49

CULTURE • EXHIBITION LEFT: Kensington Market, early 1980s,© Sheila Rock BELOW: Mark & Syrie trousers made from Ulster Linens’ London tea towels from the ‘Tourist Chic’ collection, 1985 RIGHT: Elmaz Hüseyin hand-painted shirt, design as worn by Martin Fry of ABC, 1983 OUTLAWS: Fashion Renegades of Leigh Bowery’s 1980s London

by Martin Green and NJ Stevenson, Scala Books

“An alternative aesthetic far removed from the mainstream glossy materialism of the 1980s” Dave Cabaret, Nicola Bowery, Trojan and Sue Tilley. Highlights include a red and green spotted coat with a giant collar made for Michael Clark by Leigh Bowery and David Cabaret’s infamous Bumps Outfit, a fusion of sci-fi and op art, it features a black and white catsuit panelled and stuffed with foam.

In 1983 New York club queen Susanne Bartsch was so enamored with the London scene and Taboo designers that she brought their work to New York, creating a sensation in her Roxy Roller Rink fashion show. The exhibition features 10 outfits that Suzanne brought to New York by designers Elmaz Huseyin, BodyMap, Richard Torry and Annie La Paz. Highlights include Elmaz Huseyin’s 1970s inspired bright red pleather coat with giant fake fur collar seen alongside a hand-painted swimsuit with a crepe 1970s inspired coat.

Upstairs the exhibition looks at the dissemination of Taboo’s creativity, from the new style magazines like The Face and I-D to the pop stars who were scouted at clubs and went on to bring the clothes to a wider audience. The Pop Stars section

36

features outfits worn by Boy George, a bra top designed by Judy Blame for Neneh Cherry, a jacket worn by Martin Fry of ABC and designed by Elmaz Huseyin and an outfit designed by Leigh Bowery and worn by Frankie goes to Hollywood.

With its focus on flamboyant dressing up, Taboo pushed the boundaries of fashion and gender and can be seen as a vibrant and influential marker in LGBT history at the time of Clause 28 and before AIDS. Many of the clothes are non-conforming, provocative or gender neutral - from a girl in a tailored jacket styled with a pair of men’s Y fronts to a man in skin-tight patterned leggings styled with a bomber jacket and Doctor Martens. The exhibition demonstrates an early focus on the radical mixing up of gender stereotypes.

The Remake and Remodel section focuses on the work of designers who were creating clothes out of found fabric and found objects and fusing them into something new. Squat life elicited an ingenious use and reuse of salvaged materials and resulted in an alternative aesthetic far removed from the

mainstream glossy materialism of the 1980’s yuppie. Items on display include clothing and accessories by Christopher Nemeth and Judy Blame and a pair of trousers made from commemorative t-towels by Mark and Syrie.

The exhibition will also feature items from the 1986 The House of Beauty and Culture that opened in East London and featured art and fashion made from recycled materials.

Derek Jarman, Boy George and Cerith WynEvans were just some of the shop’s customers.

While some of the designers were catapulted straight from college to stardom as boutiques like Browns famously bought up the graduate collections of John Galliano and Dean Bright, many designers from the Taboo scene never reached wider audiences.

Hugely influential today, the Taboo aesthetic was a progressive, gender queer, nightclub look that continues to influence contemporary style from streetwear to the work of contemporary designers such as Charles Jeffrey, Matty Bovan and Gareth Pugh.

4 October 2024 – 9 March 2025 ftm.org

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

OUTLAWS FnT MUSE.indd 36

20/09/2024 14:49

5★ LUXURY MALDIVES ESCAPE

7 NIGHTS FROM £3,999 Flights, 5★ island resort incl half board and seaplane transfers • Stunning Beach Villa with Private Pool • Excellent house reef • Non-motorised watersports • Gorgeous treetop spa • Four restaurants and two bars

Saving over £1,800 per couple Located in the scenic Raa Atoll, this stylish resort offers understated luxury in a paradise island setting of white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters and a fantastic house reef. The sleek sophistication is designed in harmony with the idyllic natural environment, providing the ultimate in contemporary comfort and peaceful seclusion.

ALL YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TAKEN CARE OF IN ONE PLACE Call TRAILFINDERS on 020 7368 1506, or visit your local Travel Centre Prices are per person based on a twin/double share & valid for selected June departures.

Offers are subject to availability & restrictions may apply.

Prices correct at time of going to print 12 Sep 24

AD_TRAILFINDERS.indd 37 TRAIL_Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Solus_Absolutely Mag_297x210.indd 1

“Truly excellent: patient, friendly, helpful & a mine of knowledge, tips and advice.”

20/09/2024 15:26 09/09/2024 17:12

RAY GUBBY KEW.indd 38

20/09/2024 15:26

CULTURE • PROMOTION

Fair

CAROL MUTHIGA-OYEKUNLE, CERES, 80 X80, 1049, PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT, LUMAS

ENOUGH Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park, celebrating 25 years of making art accessible

G MARIA FLETCHER 'SPIRIT OF TULIPS' 122X90CM £1750 ACRYLIC ON CANVAS - AIR CONTEMPORARY

et ready to dive into a vibrant world of contemporary art as the Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park, bigger and bolder than ever, to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

From 16 to 20 October, this milestone edition promises a dazzling showcase of cuttingedge art, with over 100 leading galleries from around the globe bringing original works priced between £50 and £7,500.

Soak up the energy as thousands of artworks fill the space, from renowned names to fresh emerging talent. The adultsonly Art After Dark Lates are back with an anniversary twist. Stroll through the fair after hours on the Thursday or Friday evening and sip on a bespoke cocktail created especially for the fair, with a live DJ, food trucks and Ink & Drink workshops to add a splash of artistic fun to your evening.

Families can bring the whole gang to Family Morning and dive into face painting, creative activity packs, and drop-in art workshops

in the Kids Creative Corner. It’s the perfect place for kids to explore their artistic side in a playful and supportive environment. Plus, every child attending Family Morning will receive a goodie bag filled with surprises. You can even give your little ones a taste of art history with The Little Grand Tour, led by art history wizards, where children can journey through popular art movements and artist techniques.

Among many other highlights is artist Helen Brough’s show-stopping new installation, a striking laser-cut, layered Dahlia with powerful symbolism, representing gratitude and appreciation. She is represented by Art Movement, a founding gallery which has been exhibiting at the fair for 25 years.

Plus, grab your chance to own a piece of history with Nadia Attura’s specially commissioned 25th-anniversary print, capturing the beauty of Battersea Park.

Nadia’s landscapes capture both the real and the surreal, and this unique print features a range of plant species that can be found in Battersea Park’s botanical gardens, alongside the Scottish thistle, a nod to Affordable Art Fair’s founder and CEO, Will Ramsay.

From awe-inspiring installations to the thrill of discovering the next big name in art, there’s something here to inspire your collection. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, this anniversary edition of Affordable Art Fair is your unique opportunity to explore and enjoy a diverse range of modern art, immersing yourself in creativity and community.

16 – 20 October 2024, Battersea Park affordableartfair.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_AFFORDABLE ART F.indd 39

39

20/09/2024 15:26

g n i v Mo

S E G A IM rnational e t in l a u n ella, the an r b m with a full U s n e r c u t e r Dan l, a ance festiv ondon and online d y r a r o p contem e across L c la p g in k e ta programm

Main: Lea Anderson, The Featherstonehaughs Draw on the Sketchbooks of Egon Schiele, credit Pau Ros Right: Mamela Nyamza, Hatched Ensemble, credit Mark Wessels

Umbrella Dance.indd 40

20/09/2024 15:26

CULTURE • DANCE

L

ondon’s annual international contemporary dance festival Dance Umbrella has announced an exciting programme taking place across London, and online, from 9 - 31 October. The festival launches at the Barbican this year, as South African choreographer Mamela Nyamza presents Hatched Ensemble, running in the Theatre and UK based performer and choreographer Hetain Patel presents Mathroo Basha playing in The Pit. Internationally renowned choreographer Mamela Nyamza makes her Barbican debut, assembling 10 dancers, an opera singer and an African traditional multi-instrumentalist to perform the UK premiere of Hatched Ensemble, her urgent and subtly spectacular work. Clad in costumes covered in clothes

pegs and balanced timidly en pointe while Camille Saint-Saens’ the Swan plays, the dancers challenge gender norms while juxtaposing references to Western classical dance and music, with South African vocals.

Mamela Nyamza has won many accolades for her activism-focused creations. Hatched Ensemble continues her work which unapologetically demystifies and deconstructs the history of dance, interrogating the accepted norms of the classics.

In his first appearance at the Barbican, acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Hetain Patel returns to the stage with a preview performance of his latest solo Mathroo Basha (Mother Tongue in Gujarati). Following the passing of a number of first-generation immigrants in his family, British born Hetain reflects on what is lost and what is

transformed, revisiting rituals rooted in his family’s working-class Brit-Gujarati experience.

Responding physically to the audio interviews of women from his family speaking in Gujarati about inheritance, loss and the future, Hetain delves into the emotional realities of generational change through personal movement explorations where his body becomes the conduit. London-based artist Hetain has shown films, paintings, sculptures, photographs and performance work in galleries, theatre and iconic public screens around the world. Mathroo Basha is presented by Dance Umbrella and Barbican, and supported by Cockayne Foundation and Fabric International.

Dancer, choreographer and acrobat Diana Niepce explores her recovery from a spinal cord injury, seeking new ways to integrate the A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

Umbrella Dance.indd 41

41

20/09/2024 15:26

CULTURE • DANCE

Above left: Abby Z and the New Utility, Radioactive Practice. Photo by Maria Baranova.

Above: Rosemary Lee & Hugo Glendinning, Sentence 3 Left: Hetain Patel, Mathroo Basha, credit Camilla Greenwell Below: Diana Niepce, The Other Side of Dance, credit Paulo Pimenta

“Dancers challenge gender norms while juxtaposing references to Western classical dance” disabled body into mainstream dance. In her solo piece The Other Side of Dance, which will be at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on 16 and 17 October, Diana examines dance’s past and the principles driving movement, rigorously testing her body with minimal staging to present the non-normative body as revolutionary rather than victimised. Diana is joined on stage by three 'performer assistants' who support her through an intense journey of an alternative dance history. The performances will be followed by an extended post-show discussion with BSL on the 16th October.

Contemporary dance and physical theatre collective Pocketart’s latest work Fairy Tales, featuring eight female dancers and

42

two musicians, comes to the UK for the first time. Exploring the intersection of femininity, identity and self-discovery, Fairy Tales aims to connect us to our past by revisiting childhood experiences. By taking on different roles from fairy tales or every day real-life figures, the dancers envision new fantasies that reimagine how we see our happy endings. Pocketart’s work is characterised by tackling topics that go beyond the personal experience if the individual, touching on global societal issues. With striking visuals, melodic sound and virtuosic dance performance, Fairy Tales invites us to playfully reconsider our own identities.

Change Tempo returns to Brixton House to introduce London to two international

artists whose transformational works blur the line between dance and visual art.

Sweden-based Adam Seid Tahir and Amina Seid Tahir draw inspiration from literature on Black feminism and marine mammals for their latest production, a show born out of longing for a space that celebrates and holds their multiplicities as queer Afro-Nordic siblings.

Solo performer Adam begins the show by removing their braids and attaching them to a sculpture of a weave that is suspended at the back of the stage. Like real hair, the weave grows with each performance, storing memories and emotions, creating a timeline that carries the history of the piece. danceumbrella.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

Umbrella Dance.indd 42

20/09/2024 15:26

16 – 2 0 O C T O B E R Battersea Park London Contemporary art from over 100 galleries I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

Scan the QR code to book tickets and find out more

Silver Botanical

by Nadia Attura Will’s Art Warehouse, £150

Book your tickets at affordableartfair.com AD_AFFORDABLE ART FAIR.indd 43 AAF_2024_BATTAU_04_Print_04_Absolutely magazine ad_210mmx297mm_v1.indd 1

20/09/2024 15:27 09/09/2024 15:45

FRESH S TA R T 1 StART art fair is back, with a new home in Kings Cross

0 years ago, StART was the first ever art fair at the Saatchi Gallery. A decade on, the founders are excited to announce its relocation to the Town Hall in King’s Cross for its 11th edition.

The move heralds a bold new era of expansion for StART and which will present leading and emerging artists, curated spaces and galleries, showcased in this atmospheric and versatile new Central London location during October’s Frieze Week.

The dynamic and expansive programme includes artist presentations, gallery booths, sculpture and installation works, an area dedicated to digital art, plus guest exhibitions and StART Solo curated booths with diverse works spanning painting, photography, specially commissioned murals and more.

Pop artist Philip Colbert and artist and filmmaker Charlotte Colbert will each present their large scale iconic symbols in the Town

START ART FAIR.indd 44

Hall’s grand ballroom. Charlotte, described as the lovechild between Emily Dickinson and Salvador Dali and Philip, dubbed the Godson of Andy Warhol, will have their respective Eye and Lobster symbols filling the stage.

In addition they will present a selection of derivative and affordable editions and artworks.

The annual Ciclitira Prize is awarded to artists from the School of Traditional Arts annual Degree Show, which showcases individuals whose practice is focused on traditional art forms. As commercial partner for the King’s Foundation, StART enables the winning artists chosen from the MA course to present their work within the commercial setting of the Fair. This year, The King’s Foundation will present an Alumni exhibition inspired by the great art traditions of the world. This year’s graduating students have exhibited an ambitious range of work including Etruscan Bucchero tiles, Ukrainian folk painting, Orthodox iconography, intricate wood inlay, Western illumination and calligraphy, Persian and Indian miniatures, exploratory polyhedral structures of varying scales and Islamic geometry.

Piers Secunda, who is best known for his work examining the destruction of culture, has been working for several months on a series of ink paintings, which portray sunlight shining through smoke in the jungle. The ink he is using for these paintings has been produced from charcoal gathered by UK charity Migrate Art, from illegal fires set by farmers and loggers in the Amazon rainforest.

The works are being sold to raise money for the tribal leaders of the Xingu Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon, who need fire- fighting equipment to put out the fires the reserve.

In a world exclusive, photographer Rick Guest will unveil his collection Holy Relics.

20/09/2024 15:27

CULTURE • ART

CHARLOTTE AND PHILIP COLBERT

SAM SHENDI

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

START ART FAIR.indd 45

45

20/09/2024 15:27

AD_FELTON FLEET.indd 46

20/09/2024 15:27

CULTURE • ART

PIERS SECUNDA SMOKE IN THE FOREST. 2024. 56 X 76.5CM AMAZON RAINFOREST CHARCOAL INK ON PAPE

“ THE PROJECT CONTEMPLATES THE ENIGMATIC NATURE OF OUR EXISTENCE AND CONSCIOUSNESS” Shot with exceptional technique, these highresolution large format fine art prints showcase objects that have profoundly shaped our collective cultural history. From Lord Byron’s dip pen to Ernest Hemingway’s first typewriter, Charles Darwin’s walking cane to Sir Peter Blake’s iconic hand-painted bass drumskin used on the front cover of the Beatles’ groundbreaking 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Guest’s portfolio presents these storied objects with the reverence they deserve. The collection features the gun used to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the last microphone Amy Winehouse ever recorded on, moon dust from Apollo 11, Sir Paul McCartney’s Hofner bass, Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here mastertape, and the pens and quills of Charles Dickens and TS Elliot.

Artist Alex Mayhew debuts his Bowie Bots, a series of original artworks inviting the viewer to imagine the new personas David Bowie would have embraced in his immortal existence through a series of cybernetic resurrections. Renowned for transcending conventional identities through his innate ability for fluid change, David Bowie defied the confines of the mortal realm, transcending time and space. Infused with Bowie’s diverse interests, passions, and experiences, his spirit serves as the guarding force in the exploration of the ever-evolving nature of self.

Simultaneously, the project contemplates the enigmatic nature of our existence and consciousness, exploring the implications of

emergent technologies on human identity.

It confronts the timeless question: are we merely intricate biological machines shaped by genetic programming and life experiences?

American photographer David Aimone transcends traditional techniques, using alternative methods to craft his meticulously composed images. Each of his photographs holds a subtle, silent power, inviting viewers to see beyond the surface. Aimone’s artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in his musical background. Drawing parallels between music and photography, he strives to make artistic images that unfold like beautifully crafted symphonies. Aimone often works with natural light to find beauty in subjects ranging from people to landscapes. Using old lenses, various types of film, and exploring image production through digital manipulation to handcrafted prints are all part of his creative repertoire.

This will be Aimone’s UK art fair debut.

Justin Dingwall is a boundary-pushing photographer and artist from South Africa. His imagery resonates with human perspective; the pieces come alive with subtle symbolism and metaphors that evoke what it means to be human. More recently, Dingwall has integrated textiles into his practice and in October the artist will unveil a new, textile-based mural envisioned especially for the StART exhibition, as well as presenting a wider series of works.

RICK GUEST’S HOLY RELICS INCLUDE SIR PETER BLAKE’S SGT PEPPER’S DRUM WELLS TEMPEST, BINARY SYSTEM

startkx.com O TL E U LY T E LY. A B SAOB LS U m aLgOaNzD i nOeNs

START ART FAIR.indd 47

47

20/09/2024 15:27

RAY GUBBY BARBICAN.indd 48

20/09/2024 15:27

CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

“THIS DYSTOPIAN STORY IS THE NOVEL WHICH HAS MOST INFLUENCED THE 21ST CENTURY ”

75 years of

1984 A brand new production of George Orwell's classic novel comes to the Richmond Theatre

I

n 1949, the simply titled Nineteen Eighty Four was published. Written

by English author and critic George Orwell, this dystopian story set in an imagined future has gone on to become a cautionary tale, and is hailed as being the novel which has most influenced the 21st Century. Many of the phrases and names in the novel, such as “Big Brother” and “Room 101” have become embedded in the world’s vocabulary, and the story has been adapted

numerous times across various mediums.

Now, a brand new production will come to Richmond Theatre this November.

Produced by Theatre Royal Bath, the show promises to be as thrilling and shocking as Orwell’s original ground-breaking novel.

Starring Keith Allen, pictured, (Marcella, The Pembrokeshire Murders) as O’Brien, this production has been adapted for the stage by Ryan Craig (Charlotte and Theodore) and is directed by Lindsay Posner (Noises Off, The Deep Blue Sea).

George Orwell’s masterpiece creates a world where every action is painstakingly monitored and controlled by a powerful regime, where independent thought and choice are relics of an almost-forgotten past.

On 4th April 1984, Winston Smith, comrade number 6079, starts a diary, a simple act which puts Winston’s life in jeopardy. A clandestine love affair with coworker Julia further enrages the authorities, but can they truly trust each other? And what of the mysterious O’Brien? Will he help them overthrow the regime, confront them with their most terrifying fears, or worse…?

1984 is at Richmond Theatre from 12 – 16 November. Atgtickets.com/Richmond A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

RICHMOND THEATRE.indd 49

49

20/09/2024 15:27

£118 © 2024 RDSC / QB

TS I W T

& TR !C KS OCTOBER HALF-TERM ial

Don’t miss our Halloween late-night spec on Wednesday 30 October!

Great Missenden, Bucks, HP16 0AL

45 minutes by train from London Marylebone

roalddahlmuseum.org

ASCOT FIREWORKS Absolutely Buckinghamshire 190x134 v1.indd 1

AD – ROALD - WLAC - ASCOT.indd 50

03/09/2024 09:37

20/09/2024 16:34

CULTURE • PROMOTION

Screen time

Visit Woking's go-to cinematic experience, Nova Cinema

L

ooking for the complete cinema experience? Nova Cinema in Woking delivers a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences, ensuring that every visit becomes a treasured memory for audiences of all ages.

From the latest blockbusters that keep you on the edge of your seat to timeless classics that transport you back in time, Nova Cinema is where the enchantment of film truly come to life.

Nova boasts seven stylish screens and an elegant full-service bar where you can unwind with a drink before or after your movie, plus a kiosk that features all the usual cinema treats. For those looking to host events, the cutting-edge media suite is available for community and business hire.

Each screen is equipped with a host of features designed to enhance your moviegoing experience, from Screen One with its state-of-the-art 4K laser projection that delivers crystal-clear images, paired with top-of-the-range Dolby ATMOS surround sound for an immersive auditory experience, to Screen Seven offering reclining leather armchairs, each equipped with a moveable table tray for your convenience. Across all screens, you'll find spacious, comfortable seats with ample legroom. For those who choose a premium ticket, the experience is further elevated with luxurious leather upholstery.

When it comes to food and beverages, Nova Cinema has something to satisfy every craving. Offerings range from classic staples including popcorn, Pepsi, and the ever-popular Ice Blast, to more substantial options like the new Chicago Town pizza. For a more refined experience, there’s a selection of bottled beers and wines, and for those extra special moments, why not indulge in a glass of Prosecco or Champagne? The spacious foyer provides ample room to relax, socialise, and enjoy a bite to eat before or after your film.

At Nova Cinema, loyal customers are rewarded with a range of special perks for members. Nova Now, provides members with personalized movie recommendations delivered straight to their inbox, as well as speedy online checkout for a hassle-free experience. For those who want even more, the Super Nova membership offers incredible value at just £60 per year. Benefits include five free tickets, exclusive members-only pricing, 10% off food and drinks, 10% off hire fees, and access to members-only events and screenings.

Conveniently situated in the heart of Woking, on Level One of the Peacocks Shopping Centre, Nova Cinema is easily accessible by a variety of transport options. Whether you prefer to travel by bus, car, or train, you'll find it easy to reach thanks to multiple bus routes, five nearby car parks, or just a short walk from the mainline railway station. novacinema.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_AMBASSADORS THEA.indd 51

51

20/09/2024 15:36

for the

LOVE of DOGS Absolutely meets Barbara Hanly, the founder of Soopa, to discover how the pet treat brand was born out of undying affection

BARBARA WITH HAMMIE

52

T

hey say that some people come into your life for a reason, but for former dog groomer Barbara Hanly, it was a tiny 1.7kg Chihuahua X Jack Russell called Lily who was to become the catalyst to transforming a kitchen table idea into a successful business.

Barbara is the founder of Soopa, an awardwinning pet treat brand, celebrating canine health and well-being through a growing range of delicious plant-based recipes inspired by her beloved dog Lily coupled with her experience as a dog groomer.

“While working as a dog groomer, I was shocked at the amount of obesity, skin and health issues I saw in dogs,” she explains. “I started looking into typical ingredients added to dog food and treats. I realised then that I did not want Lily to consume all these nasty additives and fillers and that I could do better, so I set about researching and baking.”

With Lily and her friends as eager chief taste-testers, word soon spread through friends, then friends of friends, and soon Barabra was inundated by pet parents wanting to buy her range of delicious superfood treats for their fur babies. “It was then I began to realise that maybe I was onto something special, and if Lily and her friends, old and

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

SOOPA.indd 52

20/09/2024 15:36

CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

young, big and small, approved, then this could become a successful business.”

In 2013, Barbara officially launched Soopa, and the company has already won multiple awards. It is regularly featured in the media and currently sells across the UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, and, more recently, the USA. However, Barbara has never strayed far from her original vision despite their commercial success. “I’ve always stayed true to my original quest to create delicious treats which combine human-grade superfoods that taste good and are good for your dog’s health,” she says.

“For example, we include cranberries in a couple of our recipes. Did you know that cranberries are an excellent source WORKING UP A NEW RECIPE

of vitamin C, known for its positive impact on digestive health and boosting immunity?

Every recipe we create is designed to benefit your dog’s health and well-being.”

With a growing range of tasty offerings, the Soopa range allows pet parents to shop by age and suitability with a focus on offering pets with restrictive health conditions, including obesity and low immunity, flavourful treats that all dogs can enjoy without compromise.

“I am always thinking about new recipes and product ideas – it’s absolutely my favourite part of my role,” Barbara smiles. “Initially, I’ll present my ideas to my team and then decide which one to develop further. Once samples are ready, we do the all-important taste test phase with our in-house canine team. After packaging is designed and printed and production is complete, you are looking at six months from start to finish.

We have just released our latest range, the 'Cosy Collection', embracing traditional seasonal flavours, including Pumpkin and Cranberry, with an autumnal flavour twist, especially for this winter season.”

As an ethical pet brand, Soopa ensures that all their treats are made to human-grade standard “because we wouldn’t feed our dogs something that we couldn’t eat ourselves” – a statement that was taken quite literally when former ITV’s This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby tasted their papaya dog

chews live on the show and approved! The brand’s range of dental sticks and healthy bites are also now packaged in their 100% paper-recyclable flow-wrap packaging.

But their moral standing doesn’t finish there. “We support Dogs Trust Ireland by sharing their weekly dog spotlight on our social media to help find them homes,” Barbara explains. “We have 'Soopa Heroes of the Month', where we ask people to nominate their chosen charity via our website and Instagram posts, and we pick one at random and donate £100 to that charity.”

This love of dogs is intrinsic in Barbara’s approach to business philosophy and their success, but dogs have always played a big personal part in her life. “I’ve always been a huge animal lover,” she smiles. “My first dog was a Yorkshire terrier, Beauty, whom I absolutely adored. Beauty gave me a lot of stability during a difficult childhood when I was bullied at school. My dog Lily came into my life when a friend rescued her as a stray and was trying to find her a new loving home.

The first time I met her, she jumped straight into my lap, and in that instant, I knew she was coming home with me! Lily is a huge part of the Soopa story. Lily sadly passed at the end of 2022, and I still miss her every day.”

Barbara was, however, to find another sweet soul to help ease the pain of losing Lily in the form of Hammie. “My heart was broken after losing Lily, so I wasn’t even thinking about another dog when I met a lovely lady in France who rescues dogs from China and re-homes them in Europe. She showed me a photo of Hammie the night he was found, all alone on the side of the road, and a part of me knew I had found a new soulmate. I have a feeling Lily may have even sent Hammie my way! Hammie has definitely helped heal my heart. He loves his new life on the road in the west of Ireland.” soopapets.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

SOOPA.indd 53

53

20/09/2024 15:37

ALL-DAY BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR EVENING BITES.

102 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB AD_JOSE PIZARRO.indd 54

www.josepizarro.com

20/09/2024 15:37

FOOD & DRINK

FALL SPECIAL RAFFLES LONDON

Raffles London at The OWO is exploring Britain’s autumnal landscape with a new, limitededition Forest Menu. Available until 12 October, the menu - from chef Mauro Colagreco, whose three Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur was ranked No.1 at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards in 2019 – has been inspired by ingredients found in and among the abundant forests of the British Isles during the autumn. raffles.com

Food notes 56 • Eating out: Lolo 59 • Recipes from Romi Gill 60 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

FOOD OPENER.indd 55

55

20/09/2024 15:37

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

The Society's Falanghina 2023,  £9.75 Falanghina is one of Italy's many native grape varieties that we feel shouldn't be left under the radar. With tangy nectarine and tangerine flavours, this is a lovely crisp, dry and expressive wine to add to your selection.

Cirò Rosato Gaglioppo, Santa Venere 2023,  £11.50 Organically grown in a stunning southern Italian vineyard overlooking the sea, this is a fullflavoured dry rosé of great charm and red-berry focus and bright pink colour.

Martinborough Vineyards Te Tera Martinborough Pinot Noir 2022,  £17.00 This is a really wellmanaged and balanced pinot noir. The nose shows black cherry, plum and charred wood with a delicate hint of smouldering embers. The palate is bright but brooding, with bramble fruit, redcurrant, sour cherry and a twist of cracked black pepper.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers.

Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

56

Tell the tale STO RY C E L L A R

Tom Sellers restuaurant in Neal's Yard, Story Cellar, is inspired by the restaurants of Paris, combined with Tom’s signature flair and a distinct London identity, serving classic dishes with a focus on premium rotisserie chicken, accompanied by a list of exceptional, rare wines. Don't miss the famed snail bolognaise on toast with parsley butter. storycellar.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

FOOD NOTES.indd 56

20/09/2024 15:37

FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

TAKE THREE Chilli kicks in jars

W O O D

FIRE GOLDIES

Festive fare C O PA S T R A D I T I O N A L T U R K E Y S

Copas Traditional Turkeys started receiving Christmas orders in January, so it definitely isn’t too early now to think about the star of your holiday table. Turkeys, geese, ham, smoked salmon and a selection of sauces are available from the Cookham-based farm for home delivery, Farm Gate collection or via a network of Click & Collect partners. copasfarmshop.co.uk

PAY S T Create authentic Thai street food at home with Payst's fresh, preservativefree pastes and sauces. With great flavours and simple recipe cards, they'll up your kitchen game instantly. payst.co.uk

Goldies brings a distinctive smoky flavor to the heart of London’s West End. Inspired by global adventures and decades of culinary experience, the Goldies menu offers a mix of small and large plates, perfect for sharing. goldieslondon.com

T O N KO T S U The Great Taste Awards recognised Tonkotsu's excellent chilli oils and once you've tried them – on eggs, stir-fries or pasta, say – you'll struggle to enjoy food without them. tonkotsu.co.uk

U S E

Y O U R

NOODLE TONKOTSU

Go west T H E B A R B A RY

PHOMO

Following the success of The Barbary Covent Garden, Zoë and Layo Paskin have opened a new incarnation of the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Notting Hill. Food is inspired by the vast landscape of the Barbary Coast, from Southern Europe to Northern Africa, including house-made merguez, seasonal flatbreads, crispy pork belly skewers. thebarbary.co.uk

Fly by Jing's lineup of hot and tingly sauces Sichuan are highly addictive and super versatile. They'll instantly transform anything you drizzle them on. flybyjing.com

This month, Tonkotsu is joining forces with Farang, for a brand new special, the Red Curried Fishcake Ramen. Featuring Thai fishcakes, bean sprouts, curry leaf and Thai basil the dish will be available at all Tonkotsu Ramen Bars until the end of October. tonkotsu.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

FOOD NOTES.indd 57

57

20/09/2024 15:37

The Lighthouse Show Home now available to view.

Be one of first to book an estate tour and a private viewing of our bespoke lakeside show home.

Cotswolds Waters by YOO resides within a newly developed rural luxury estate featuring designer lakeside homes.

Set within a 110-acre estate that is complemented by YOOs’ private members’ destination spa. This spa includes a health and wellness centre offering treatments aimed at promoting longevity and overall well-being.

Live a dream lifestyle on the lakes and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. Appearing to float on the water, this five-bedroom bespoke lake house offers contemporary luxury and every creature comfort within its generous living spaces.

Scan the QR code to book a tour:

Or contact our team on:

+44 (0)1367 358 313 info@cotswoldswaters.com Discover more: cotswoldswatersbyyoo.co.uk

AD_COTSWORLD WATERS.indd 58

20/09/2024 15:37

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Courgette carpaccio adds up to much more than the sum of its parts”

LOLO

José Pizarro’s newest launch in Bermondsey Street

I

FOOD All-day dishes, with lots of egs and tinned fish

B y PENDLE HARTE

s José Pizarro the king of Bermondsey Street? His eponymous tapas bar is buzzing and the restaurant further down the road is too. But not satisfied with two sites, the Spanish chef has opened a third, Lolo, (the name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to his middle name, Manuel) right next door to the tapas bar. The idea is for all-day dining that reflects Pizarro’s personal favourite dishes –and part of this involves eating eggs at all times of day. Inside, it’s all terracotta hues and bare plaster

walls creating a warm and stylish feel, with friendly and informal staff who are full of enthusiasm for the place and the menu.

We try a selection of dishes; there’s a breakfast menu that focuses strongly on eggs, and the all-day menu retains many of them, so to start we have classic devilled eggs with salt-cured anchovy, which are excellent, followed by baked eggs with girolles and chorizo, which is a simple yet genius combination of flavours, the girolles dramatically yellow, their flavour at the fore. Lolo de ternera is a beef sandwich made

DECOR Stylish shades of terracota and peach

PRICE Dishes of varying sizes £5- £50

VERDICT Already a favourite

of lovely rare beef with slightly sharp green peppers, and courgette carpaccio – a signature dish – is a simple and prettily displayed plate of thinly sliced raw courgette with olive oil, pine nuts and tomatoes that adds up to much more than the sum of its parts. Home-made fresh curd cheese with tomatoes and preserved lemon is another winner: a cheese of burrata-like creaminess with sweet tomatoes and just a hint of lemon. And then there’s a chicken liver parfait with sweet potato buns and red onion salad, which is a lovely mix of sweet flavours, fluffy textures and pickled salad. This one’s a best-seller, and it’s not hard to understand why.

We’re drinking a Spanish white wine that blends Sauvignon with Gewurztraminer for an unusual, floral flavour – it’s called Gessami, which means jasmine, we’re told (Pizarro sells it in his online shop, so we’ll be placing an order). For pudding, it’s grandmother’s recipe for custard and biscuit, which is sweet, dreamy and comforting. Next time we’ll be trying the selection of tinned fish options, served simply with crisps. José Pizarro is clearly winning in Bermondsey Street.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_JOSE PIZARRO.indd 59

59

20/09/2024 15:38

Authentic

INDIA

Recipes from family kitchens in the Bengal and Punjab regions Wo r d s R O M Y G I L L

60

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

RECIPES.indd 60

20/09/2024 15:38

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Baingan & Aloo Sabzi / Aubergine & Potato Curry Serves 4 This delightful pairing showcases the contrasting tastes and textures of aubergines and potatoes in a medley that is comforting and full of depth. With its earthy and slightly bitter undertones, aubergine sits well next to potato and each one complements rather than overshadows the other. This combination creates a hearty wholesome dish, which is prepared with different spices in homes across India.

INGREDIENTS • 2 small aubergines (eggplants), diced into 3 cm (1 in) cubes • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) sunflower oil • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 200 g (7 oz) red onions, thinly sliced • 10 g (½oz) ginger root, thinly sliced • 4–5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 2–3 green chillies, cut in half lengthwise • 1 large tomato, chopped large handful of fresh coriander, chopped • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp garam masala • 200 g (7 oz) potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 cm (¾ in) half-moons • 30 ml (1 fl oz/2 tbsp) water To serve • roti

METHOD 1 Place the aubergines in a large bowl with half the salt and half the turmeric.

Mix together and set aside for 10 minutes.

2 Heat 35 ml (1 fl oz/2 tablespoons) of the oil in a frying pan (skillet) over a high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated aubergines and cook for 5–6 minutes. Once cooked, place the aubergines back in the bowl. Using the same pan, heat the remaining oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and, as soon as they start to sizzle, add the onions and cook on a high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic and chillies and cook for a further 2–3 minutes. Add the chopped tomato, and the remaining turmeric, chopped fresh coriander (cilantro), ground coriander and garam masala. Mix to combine, cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat to medium and cook for 2 minutes.

3 Next, stir in the potatoes then add 2 tablespoons water. Cover the pan and cook over a low heat for 5–6 minutes until the potatoes are almost cooked. Add the aubergines, mix again and cook for a further 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the heat and serve hot with warm roti.

Murg Makhani Butter Chicken Serves 4-5 There are so many different recipes for butter chicken. This is my take, because there is a lot of spark and dispute going on in India about butter chicken. We served so much butter chicken in our restaurant, so I went in search of the very best butter chicken recipe and researched how it all started. I found this gave me a better understanding of this best-loved dish. With its silky smooth, gently spiced tomato, cashew and cream gravy, it’s a comforting, warming dish that feels decadent. In 2013, when I started to take a closer look at butter chicken and its history, My mentor, chef Manjit Gill, took me to the first ever Moti Mahal restaurant in Daryagang in Delhi.

A restaurant co-founded by Kundan Lal Jaggi, Kundal Lal Gwujral and Maggu (also known as Thakur Das) and it was where they created both butter chicken and dal makhani.

INGREDIENTS • 750 g (1 lb 10 oz) skinless, boneless chicken (thighs and breast), cut into bite-size pieces

For the marinade • 10 g (1/2 oz) ginger root, peeled and grated (shredded) • 3 large garlic cloves, peeled and grated (shredded) • 2 tsp tandoori masala • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp salt • 2 tbsp yoghurt • juice of 1/2 lemon • 30 ml (1 fl oz/2 tbsp) sunflower oil For the sauce • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) tomatoes 50 g (2 oz) butter • 20 g (3/4 oz) ginger root, peeled and grated (shredded) • 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and grated (shredded) • 1 tsp tomato purée (paste) • 1 tsp tandoori masala • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp chilli powder • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp sugar • 30 g (11/2 oz) ground cashew nuts • 30 ml (1 fl oz/2 tbsp) double (heavy) cream • 6–8 green cardamom seeds, crushed • 2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) To serve • your choice of Indian flatbreads or rice A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

RECIPES.indd 61

61

20/09/2024 15:38

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

“There is a lot of spark and dispute going on in India about butter chicken”

METHOD 1 To make the marinade, mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. Prick the chicken pieces with a fork to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat. Add the chicken to the bowl and stir well to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and set aside in the fridge to marinate for at least a couple of hours.

2 When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 180°C fan/400°F/gas 6.

3 Spread the marinated chicken out on a baking tray and cook in the hot oven for 15 minutes.

4 While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce. If the chicken finishes cooking before you have finished making the sauce, switch the oven off after the 15 minutes and leave the meat to rest in the oven.

Blanch the tomatoes in a bowl of boiling water for a few minutes, then remove their skins. Cut into quarters and remove the seeds, then roughly chop and place in a food processor. Blitz to a smooth purée.

5 Heat the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the puréed fresh tomatoes as well as the tomato purée and cook for 8–10 minutes until the tomatoes are cooked through, stirring regularly to avoid them sticking and burning. Add all the spices, chilli powder, salt and sugar, mix well and cook for a further 2 minutes until emulsified.

6 Lower the heat, then add the ground cashew nuts and cream, and stir well. Add 500–600 ml (20–24 fl oz/21/2 cups–scant 3 cups) water – the quantity you choose to add depends on how runny you want the sauce to be. Bring the mixture to a boil, and when it starts bubbling, add the chicken, lower the heat and cook for a further 8–10 minutes. Sprinkle over the cardamom seeds and dried fenugreek leaves. Stir and leave to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving with rice or any Indian flatbreads.

62

Masala Omelette Spicy Omelette Makes 2

• ½ tsp ground turmeric • ½ tsp salt • 20 ml (1½ tbsp) whole (full-fat) milk To serve • slices of bread, toasted • tomato ketchup

METHOD Omelettes were a huge part of my diet when I was growing up. They were something quick and easy for my dad to make for us when our mum was in hospital in Kolkata for her radiotherapy treatments.

We would roll these omelettes up inside flatbreads or place them between two slices of bread toasted in a pan to make a sandwich, then eat them – always with tomato ketchup.

1 Place half the butter in a large bowl along with the remaining ingredients and whisk until combined.

2 Heat the remaining butter in a frying pan (skillet) over a medium heat. As soon as it melts, add the omelette mixture and cook for 2 minutes. Using a spatula, turn the omelette over and cook for a further two minutes.

4 Serve hot with ketchup and toast.

INGREDIENTS • 20 g ¾oz) butter, at room temperature • 3 large organic eggs, beaten • 1 small red or white onion, peeled and finely chopped • 2 green chillies, chopped • 10 g (½ oz) ginger root, peeled and finely chopped • small handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped • 1 tsp cumin seeds • ½ tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ground cumin

Recipes taken from Romy Gill’s India

by Romy Gill (Hardie Grant, £28), Photography © Sam A. Harris

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

RECIPES.indd 62

20/09/2024 15:38

DUKES LONDON

AFTERNOON CURIOSITY

A SEQUENCE OF UNEXPECTED TREATS

IN THE DRAWING ROOM A unique intervention of afternoon tea to indulge in our elegant drawing room overlooking a quaint courtyard garden.

35 ST JAMES’S PLACE, LONDON SW1A 1NY tel: +44 (0)20 7318 6574

AD_DUKES HOTEL.indd 63

dukeshotel.com

20/09/2024 15:38

AD_COPAS.indd 64

20/09/2024 15:38

FOOD & DRINK • PROMOTION

Time F O R

TEA Afternoon tea at its finest at Dukes London

D

UKES London has long been celebrated for its British charm and elegance, but its latest Afternoon Tea offering is setting new standards in the world of luxury dining.

The iconic hotel, nestled in the heart of St. James’s, is reimagining the quintessential British tea experience with an innovative four-course adventure that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Held in the refined setting of the hotel’s British heritage-style Drawing Room, that overlooks the quaint courtyard garden, DUKES' Afternoon Tea takes a well-known tradition and elevates it to a culinary journey that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Unlike the traditional tiered-stand tea service, where dainty sandwiches and pastries are stacked in succession, DUKES London’s Afternoon Tea is served in four distinctive courses. Each course has been thoughtfully crafted to offer guests a more personalised and immersive experience, elevating the ritual of afternoon tea to new heights. From the very first bite to the final sweet treat, the experience is as much about the art of presentation as it is about the flavours on the plate.

The journey begins with an amuse-bouche that nods to DUKES’ rich heritage. Guests are served Eggs Drumkilbo, a dish famously adored by the Queen Mother. From there, the Afternoon Tea takes a contemporary turn with a savoury course that defies expectations. Instead of the usual assortment of finger sandwiches, the menu showcases a creative array of dishes, designed to surprise and delight with innovative flavour combinations. The culinary team at DUKES, led by Executive Chef Nigel Mendham, has skilfully pushed the boundaries of traditional tea offerings, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

No Afternoon Tea would be complete without scones, and the third course is dedicated to these quintessential British

treats, presented with an assortment of condiments. Whether it’s the classic clotted cream and jam or a more unconventional pairing, guests are invited to indulge in this beloved tradition with a modern twist.

The final course offers a selection of sweet treats that go beyond mere indulgence, encouraging guests to interact with their food in playful and unexpected ways. This element of entertainment adds a delightful layer of engagement to the experience, transforming DUKES’ Afternoon Tea into a memorable event.

In launching this new Afternoon Tea, DUKES London honours British heritage while introducing a fresh perspective to a time-honoured tradition. This four-course experience is an elevation on the traditional tea and finger food; it’s a celebration of culinary creativity and refinement.

35 St James's Place, SW1A 1 NY; 020 7318 6574 dukeshotel.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_DUKES HOTEL.indd 65

65

20/09/2024 15:38

Owned by husband and wife Victor and Ines, Ivy Jewellers offers exquisite engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewellery from their Hatton Garden atelier. With over five decades of experience, they use traditional methods and handmade techniques to create pieces as unique as you.

YOUR HANDMADE FOREVER www.ivyjewellers.com

AD_IVY JEWELLERS.indd 66

20/09/2024 16:51

FA S H I O N

MISS DIOR

DIOR

For Dior's autumnwinter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri's shapes and vivid colors suggest a (re)found freedom sparked by Miss Dior – the ready-to-wear line dreamed up in 1967

by Marc Bohan and Philippe Guibourgé. dior.com

Prints and nostalgia 68 • Charm school 75 • Otiumberg and its founding sisters 76 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

FASHION OPENER.indd 67

67

20/09/2024 15:39

SHOOT DPS.indd 68

23/09/2024 09:55

NEW T R A D I T I O N Vintage details such as cotton lace, piped edges and statement collars characterise the new collection from Pink City Prints P I N KC I T Y P R I N T S .C O M

SHOOT DPS.indd 69

23/09/2024 09:55

Ryan O’Connell, Technician at Prestons Wilmslow

The Art of Watchmaking; Prestons’ Authorised Rolex Service Centre Here, we talk with Prestons’ After Sales team about their experience as Rolex-trained Watchmakers at each of Prestons’ Rolex Authorised Service Centres. We hear about the relationships they build with their clients, supporting the Prestons showrooms in Wilmslow, Guildford, Norwich and Leeds. pened in e ruar , the first o ex uthorised ervice entre is ocated on the first oor o restons Wilmslow whilst the second, opened in 2023, located in Prestons Norwich. Here, we explore with the team what led them to become watchmakers, the importance of servicing your wristwatch and what makes Prestons showrooms so special.

ROLEX_25-Sep-2024_ABSOLUTELY LONDON.indd 70

Did you always know you wanted to work with watches?

Steve: “I think I knew very early on; I could have only been 16 years old. I remember vividly my mother seeing an advert in the local newspaper and saying to me “you like taking things apart, why don’t you have a go at this?”

I read the advert and have been a watchmaker ever since.

I suppose I have my mother to thank for where I am today.”

Ryan: “I started out selling watches rather than servicing them, but quickly discovered a passion for watchmaking.

I am now a Rolex Technician, and it is my dream to become a Rolex watchmaker in future.”

Nick: “I initially began my career in a creative role, but have always been intrigued by watches. I fell in love with the engineering that goes into these timepieces, and seized an opportunity to enroll on a WOSTEP polishing course. The WOSTEP Foundation is an internationally recognised watchmaking institution based in Switzerland, founded in 1966 it is an incredible place for those aspiring to work in an Authorised Service Centre like ours, or e sewhere in the watch industr I find that po ishing combines my creative and technical interests, as there is true beauty in restoring a watch to its original condition whi e preserving its uni ue character I have now ua ified as a o ex ccredited efinisher, and I a so p eased to be working in Prestons’ Rolex Authorised Service Centre in Norwich supporting each of our clients.”

23/09/2024 09:15

What does it mean to be a Rolex-trained watchmaker?

Ryan: “Each watchmaker working within a Rolex Authorised Service Centre is specially trained by Rolex to ensure consistent quality across all their operations worldwide. Here at Prestons, we are always on hand when a client brings their watch into the showroom. s the first to ake a technica exa ination o a client’s timepiece, we see the memories in every mark on the case.”

“The team and I know these wristwatches have been worn and loved, often for decades, and we are honoured to be trusted with their servicing” Saul Biddulph, Watchmaker at Prestons Wilmslow

Laura New, Saul Biddulph, Steve Tillston, Abbas Ikleriya & Ryan O’Connell

Saul: “I started my journey to becoming a Rolex-trained watchmaker at the British School of Watchmaking in Manchester, it was a fascinating experience and only reinforced passion or horo og ow I a ua ified and based at Prestons Wilmslow, it brings me so much joy to work amongst my passion each day.

The team and I know these wristwatches have been worn and loved, often for decades, and we are honoured to be trusted with their servicing.”

Out of all the watches you’ve serviced, which is your favourite?

Joseph: “Personally, I love working on watches from clients who visit us regularly.

The team and I recently received a watch from a returning client who had been gifted the ti epiece or his twent -first irthda here at Prestons Norwich. It is always a pleasure to see these watches come back in for servicing, and to see them develop with their wearer over time.

These timepieces become an integral part of a person’s day-to-day, and a physical reminder of the special moments in their life.”

What advice would you give on the care of a Rolex watch? teve: “ he fitting o the watch onto a wrist is so important. Each of our dedicated sales team members are Rolex trained and therefore able to advise on the size of the bracelet to suit the size of your wrist.”

Nick: “Rolex watches are designed to be worn and loved every day. Over the years, it is natural for scratches and marks to appear. We would advise keeping to the servicing schedule rather than bringing the timepiece in for polishing whenever it sustains a scratch, and only ever entrusting the watch to a Rolex-trained polisher.

This will help to ensure the longevity of the watch and keep it looking its best for decades to come.”

Wilmslow | Guildford | Norwich | Leeds prestonsdiamonds.co.uk

ROLEX_25-Sep-2024_ABSOLUTELY LONDON.indd 71

23/09/2024 09:16

Neil Body, Andrew Reynolds, Joseph Bentley, Jake Peasgood & Nick Clayton

What makes the Rolex Servicing process so special?

Joseph: “Rolex watches are designed and built to last. The service process begins from the moment a client brings their wristwatch to one of our showrooms and ends when it leaves us with its two-year international guarantee.

The servicing of a Rolex watch comprises several detai ed steps re uiring the use o specific too s and instruments that are tested and sometimes even developed by the brand – I love how meticulous every step is. The team and I begin the service process by separating the bracelet from the case and delicately removing the movement. From that point on, the movement, case and bracelet follow separate servicing paths.

Each component is carefully examined to determine whether it still meets Rolex requirements, cleaned, dried, lubricated and carefully reassembled piece by piece. The case, bracelet and parts are individually re-polished or satin-finished hand se or one o the other watchmakers in our team.

ROLEX_25-Sep-2024_ABSOLUTELY LONDON.indd 72

“The servicing of a Rolex watch comprises several detailed steps requiring the use of specific tools and instruments that are tested and sometimes even developed by the brand – I love how meticulous every step is” Joseph Bentley, Head Watchmaker at Prestons Norwich

The watch is tested for accuracy, precision and waterproofness as well as pressure-tested to ensure it meets the expected chronometric performance set by Rolex. At the end of the process, the timepiece is placed in a specialist pouch and is presented back to the client by one of our dedicated sales consultants. It is an incredibly detailed process.”

23/09/2024 09:16

What do you think having an in-house Rolex Authorised Service Centre brings to Prestons and their clients?

Jake: “It offers in-house expertise to each of our clients, as often we are client-facing in the showroom or the Service Centre. The teams at each of our Rolex Authorised Service Centres loves to show our clients the servicing process and guide them through the work that will be undertaken on their timepiece.”

Ryan: “When a client brings a watch to us, it can be a great act of trust. I remember we were once visited by a lady who had received her watch as a bequest from her mother. The timepiece was unfortunately in need of significant repairs, and she was nervous about any changes we might make to it. I was so glad to be able to speak with her in person, so that she could be reassured that the character and sentiment of the watch would remain intact after the servicing process.”

What makes the Prestons Experience so special?

Steve: “Here at Prestons, we operate to traditional values of service and quality.

The Rolex Authorised Service Centres in Wilmslow and Norwich ensure the highest standards are maintained across all our watchmaking services, while our showrooms allow us to meet with and understand our clients’ needs.”

Laura: “Whether a client brings their watch into Prestons Wilmslow, Prestons Guildford, Prestons Norwich or Rolex

by Prestons, Leeds, each of our Rolex Authorised Service Centres ensures they can trust that it receives our personal care at every step of the process.”

Joseph Bentley, Head Watchmaker at Prestons Norwich

“The Rolex Authorised Service Centres in Wilmslow and Norwich ensure the highest standards are maintained across all our watchmaking services” Steve Tillston, Head Watchmaker at Prestons Wilmslow

Steve, Joseph and their teams look forward to supporting and advising Prestons’ clients for years to come.

For further information please visit: prestonsdiamonds.co.uk

Wilmslow | Guildford | Norwich | Leeds prestonsdiamonds.co.uk

ROLEX_25-Sep-2024_ABSOLUTELY LONDON.indd 73

23/09/2024 09:16

PRE-LOVED, PRISTINE AND READY TO BE LOVEDAGAIN. WIN

this Chanel Handbag

Tickets available at dresscheshire.com

Luxury preloved designer brands at prices you’ll love. Discover rare finds, classic handbags and designer wonders in our flagship boutique in

YO U ’L L P RE FE R U S FO R PRE-LOVE D.

Prestbury village or online at dresscheshire.com You can buy and sell with us.

New Road, Prestbury SK10 4HP 01625 820000 @dresscheshire_ dresscheshire.com

AD_DRESS CHESHIRE.indd 74 13681_DRESS Absolutely_Cheshire_Oct_24_A4 Full_Page_AW.indd 1

20/09/2024 20/09/2024 15:39 14:18

FASHION • JEWELLERY

Magic Charms It's all treats with these spellbinding pieces B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

MARA HOTUNG

LÖF

MARIA KOTSONI

Bespoke starfish bracelet, moonstones and diamonds mounted in 18k white gold, Price upon request gemvoyager.com

18K yellow gold and diamond The Erté Earrings, £4,818 lofjewellery.com

Triple Star Diamond Earrings £11,790 mariakotsoni.com

MARLO LAZ

İTÄ

LIONHEART

Stella Sunburst Earrings in 14K yellow gold, aquamarine, and diamond, £12,683 marlolaz.com

14K yellow Gold and diamond ¡Buenos Días!

Cigar Band, £3,785 itajewelry.com

14K yellow gold, gray mother of pearl, and diamond Starry Night Medallion, £1,824 lionheartjewelry.com

LA MUSE BY NATALIYA

LE VIAN®

KARMA EL KHALIL

Diamond, emerald, and black onyx ring, £3829 lamusebynataliya.com

Pendant featuring Nude Diamonds™ and Chocolate Diamonds® set in 14K Honey Gold™, £2,291 levian.com

18K black gold and diamond Sunburst Drop Earrings, Price upon request karmaelkhalil.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

JEWELLERY.indd 75

75

20/09/2024 15:40

Let it

SHINE As Otiumberg opens a new store in Holland Park this month, Absolutely meets sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg to discuss their brand's winning formula Q How did Otiumberg come about?

A Otiumberg began from sisterhood; as a

personal project we started whilst living together in London working in full-time jobs in the creative industries. At the time, I (Rosanna) was working in branding whilst Christie was in luxury fashion at Burberry.

We always sought out jewellery as a means of self-expression and when living together, we shared pieces between one another to style our outfits day to day.

Christie had made some diamond huggies and name necklaces in the Middle East when she was working with Louis Vuitton in her early 20s and had gifted them to our family on her return. They were so beautiful and precious that our friends began to ask about them. So we began with a collection of small solid gold huggies to adorn our multiple piercings that we sold to our friends. From there we began to envisage a collection of jewellery that could go with us everywhere, that felt part of us and represented something larger. The collection really grew organically from there, with retail partners approaching us on DM and word spreading amongst friends.

76

Q Do you both have backgrounds in jewellery?

A Christie spent her earlier career working in luxury fashion across the communications, buying and VIP departments of Burberry and Louis Vuitton both in London and the UAE, whilst I (Rosanna) worked in positions across the art and branding industries in London and New York. Whilst not direct experience in the industry, we learnt so much from these roles that have helped us create what Otiumberg stands for today, from the importance of craftsmanship to our nonseasonal approach and design aesthetic.

Q How would you describe

the Otiumberg style?

A Our collection is grounded in beautifully

understated forms and refined minimalism— reflecting a simplicity that isn’t about absence, but rather the presence of fine craftsmanship and the distinction of differentiating detail. The pieces are meant to be effortlessly layered into the life of its wearer—personalised, collected, and worn as an instinctual extension of self. It's a quiet confidence and ease that we love.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

QnA OTIUMBERG.indd 76

20/09/2024 15:40

FASHION • Q&A

CHRISTIE AND ROSANNA WOLLENBERG

Q What made you want to open your first shop?

A We had a very small showroom in our previous space and the demand for appointments grew so much that the decision to open a store was a natural next step. We noticed how much customers enjoyed discovering the pieces in person and how that experience allowed them to see the unique form and considered finishes of the collection. It's simply impossible to truly convey these elements online.

Not only will customers be able to discover and try on the full collection but it will also be a way for us to build deeper relationships with them through unique experiences such as trunk shows and styling appointments.

It’s always so joyful and insightful to meet our community in person and hear what they like, need and desire. We're very excited!

Q And why did you choose Holland Park as the location?

A Growing up we spent a lot of time in and around west London, always with a special love of leafy Holland Park. We stumbled across a store on Portland Road which we immediately knew was the right location for us. It’s

residential and off-beat in the heart of a beautiful community. The road is lined with flowers and both the residents and other businesses are so supportive and friendly with each other. We wanted our store to be somewhere you would love coming, somewhere unexpected and joyful.

It might be that you come to Otiumberg to shop and pop next door for a glass of Wine at 6 Portland and have a wander around the Michael Hoppen gallery. For us, it wasn’t about being somewhere expected but rather somewhere special that stood for more than just a shop.

Q What's it like working together as sisters?

A Running a growing business is tough,

especially when you add young families into the equation. That’s why you need to have a close co-founder who you can rely on throughout, and our sisterhood has been just that. Our deep connection and understanding of each other allows us to be truly honest with one other and support each other to evolve and mature. I really couldn’t have grown a business with anyone else.

Q What are your best-selling pieces?

A Our brand is built on connection and as such

our personalisation is one of the bestselling

“Our collection is grounded in beautifully understated forms and refined minimalism”

categories, especially the Tiny Diamond Initial Necklace. This dainty diamond pendant was designed after Christie's children were born and is intended to be worn intimately everyday. Our customers love layering the initials on a chain or gifting them to friends who have become new mothers.

Other than that we have seen Ear Cuffs do incredibly well. It’s a category that allows customers to create an impactful stacked look with no piercings, in particular we love the Chaos Cuff and Wave Cuff which we launched this season. We are also known for gold hoops and a bestselling design are the Roscida which are finer gold drops offering an elegant everyday classic. We rarely take ours off.

2 Portland Road, W11 otiumberg.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

QnA OTIUMBERG.indd 77

77

20/09/2024 15:40

AD_COWORTH PARK.indd 78

20/09/2024 15:40

HEALTH & BEAUTY

EYE EYE

BY TERRY

Blending skincare with make up, By Terry's Hyaluronic Serum Concealer hides imperfections and hydrates the delicate under-eye area. The wonder formulation is infused with eight hyaluronic acid types to plump and smooth skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. £39. spacenk.com

Beauty notes 83 • Fitness news: the Peloton Tread reviewed 85 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

HnB OPENER.indd 79

79

20/09/2024 15:40

AVTL_DR NYLA.indd 80

20/09/2024 15:40

AVTL_DR NYLA.indd 81

20/09/2024 15:40

anthonylabanhome.com

Photograph by Oladimeji Odunsi

Your experience at Home will always be incredible.

3 Bennet Court, 1 Bellevue Road, London, SW17 7EG

You can book an appointment using the QR code, online or by calling us on 020 3475 6644 or emailing us at info@anthonylabanhome.com

AD_ANTHONY LABAN.indd 82

20/09/2024 15:40

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

REVIEW

HAIR BOOST

HARE & BONE

EDITOR’S PICK

A Sam Burnett hair salon in Fitzrovia

I

R A H UA

Rahua has launched a new Aloe Vera Hair Mousse. The alcoholfree, nutrient-enriched, and antioxidant-rich blend is packed full of rainforest-grown ingredients for healthy, shiny hair. £38. rahua.uk

LATHER UP AKT

Known for their natural deodorant formulations, premium skincare brand AKT has just launched The Body Wash Concentrate. It smells incredible, nourishes the skin’s microbiome, balances with prebiotics, and moisturises with olive squalane and Vitamin E. Plus, you only need a tiny amount. £26.

aktlondon.com

P L A NT POW E R LUXURIANT

Luxuriant provide high-quality natural solutions for hair loss, hair growth, and improved skincare, catering to all genders. The brand’s products use the finest natural ingredients to ensure safe and effective results.

t’s a sunny afternoon in central London’s Fitzrovia and I’m on Great Titchfield Street to visit Hare & Bone.

Founded by award-winning hair stylist Sam Burnett, the salon is buzzing and I settle down at one of the mirrors to wait for my hair stylist Amelia. Spread over two floors, the gleaming black interior has a modern feel with exposed pipework. It’s small enough to feel cosy and I feel at home sipping on my peppermint tea. Amelia is lovely, really warm and friendly, and we chat about what I want to do to my hair. I’m toying with the idea of going a more platinum shade, but Amelia explains that it would likely wash out my skin tone. We decide to go with iridescent shades of blonde, mixing in some warmer tones closer to my natural shade, with icier tones scattered through the ends. My hair is quite dry and I’m impressed with how much knowledge Amelia has about how hormonal imbalances could be causing this. She suggests a K18Peptide treatment to help repair breakages. Amelia takes a tailored approach to my colour – combining balayage and foliage.

The results look so natural that a friend questions if I colour my hair at all following the appointment.

I’ve been growing out my fringe and I’m not sure what to do with my parted bangs. Amelia suggests taking them up a bit, to frame my face. I’m really happy with the results and my hair looks really healthy and glossy. I’ll definitely be back.

HARE & BONE Great Tichfield Street, Fitzrovia

hareandbone.co.uk

luxuriant168.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

BEAUTY NOTES.indd 83

83

20/09/2024 16:03

Create Your Perfect Gym

Let us be your expert designer to help make YOUR GY and feel so good that you WANT to go back to all the

Let us be your expert designer to help make YOUR GYM look Gym Design & Supply and feel so good that you WANT to go back to all thegives time! you 20 years’ of experience with an exclusive personal service, offering a wide range of options as well as an online price match guarantee

Contact us now for a FREE CONSULTATION if you quote “Surrey Homes” in your enquiry!

07976 237907 @GymDesignSupply #GymDesignSupply hello@gymdesignsupply.com

www.gymdesignsupply.com

GymDesignSupplyWT241.indd 1

Gym Design & Supply offers 20 years’ of experience with an exclusive personal service and a wide range of options helping you create your dream gym space.

We will come and meet you to discuss your options as well as measure up the space you have to make sure it all fits all the equipment you need and looks great!

•

Health and fitness goals discussed

•

Private Homes

•

Best equipment chosen for your needs and budget

•

Property Developments

•

Gym tailored to the look and feel you want

•

Hotels

•

Installed over 100 gyms and spas including:

•

Schools, Colleges and Universities.

01483 904073 | @GymDesignSupply | #GymDesignSupply hello@gymdesignsupply.com | www.gymdesignsupply.com AD_GYM DESIGN.indd 84 GYM_DESIGN_SUPPLY_FP_ABS_APR2024_V2.indd 1

20/09/2024 22/03/2024 16:03 11:26

We will co your optio space yo the equip

• Health a • Best eq your nee • Gym tai • Installed Private H Property Hotels Schools

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE RUNNING MUST-HAVES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

TRACK ST YLE Made from recycled materials and with UPF protection, this top from Fabletics' new collection has a built in bra for extra support when you hit the treadmill. I love the pretty twist detail at the back too. £64. fabletics.co.uk

WALKING ON AIR I don't think I've ever tried a pair of running shoes that feel as comfortable as Lululemon's Beyondfeel trainers. Lightweight and super supportive, the upper mesh provides plenty of air circulation too. £148. lululemon.co.uk

ECO KIT I love that these leggings are made using dope dyeing technology that uses less water, energy and chemicals.

The fit is like a second skin, and figure-contouring shading is super flattering. £45. gymshark.com

G R E AT S T R I D E S Keen runner Carly Glendinning tries the high-tech Peloton Tread

R

eaching peak popularity during the pandemic, Peloton is known for bringing spinning classes into the home with its Bike+. But I'm at the premium fitness brand’s swish HQ in London’s Covent Garden to try the 'Tread'. The Tread is a dream machine for serious runners like me. With a 23.8" HD touchscreen (that tilts so that you can do classes on and off the treadmill), it also has front and rear-facing studio-quality speakers. I've used the Peloton Bike+ before, so I already have an account and am able to login and see all of my training metrics

to-date. Peloton is constantly pushing the boundaries when it comes to innovative content, so I’m excited to start with a ‘Lanebreak’ class – which aims to gamify running. I follow a spinning wheel around a running track on the screen, adjusting the incline and speed dials in order to hit the targets. I'm not a gamer myself, but I can definitely see how it could get additive (in the best possible way). Next up, is a 20 minute HIIT Run with the upbeat Jess Sims. This is similar to the interval training that I usually do in the gym, and I really enjoy this class.

As I pick up the pace, I notice how quiet the running belt is compared to other treadmills.

I finish with a cool down run with Jermaine Johnson. The soundtrack features lots of feel-good tracks, and I'm able to save my favourites to the playlist on my profile for later.

Most impressive though is the ‘Pace Targets’ feature, which allows you to personalise your running training by selecting from 10 levels at the start of the class. It suggests speed and incline ranges for you as you run, which makes me want to push myself. I might have only scratched the surface of what the Tread is capable of, but I leave definitely wanting more.

The Peloton Tread starts at £3,345. onepeloton.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

FITNESS NOTES.indd 85

85

20/09/2024 16:03

HAIR TODAY A look at hair trends for the new season with Anthony Laban

86

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ANTONY LABAN.indd 86

20/09/2024 16:03

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

A

s we transition from the sun-soaked days of summer into the crisp embrace of autumn and winter 2024, Anthony Laban Home and their sister salon on Northcote Road, Mint Hair London, are setting the stage for the season’s hottest hair trends.

Regularly featured among London’s best places to go for top-tier hair services, these salons are led by visionary owner Anthony Laban, whose reputation for excellence continues to grow. This year, they proudly claimed the national industry award for Best Local Salon.

Anthony Laban Home and Mint Hair London are known for curating trends that blend timeless elegance with contemporary flair. This season, they predict a revival of textured cuts that embrace natural movement—think soft layers that enhance your hair's innate beauty. Alongside these styles, expect a surge in rich, warm hues.

Deep chestnut browns, warm honey blondes, and vibrant coppers will dominate, providing the perfect contrast to winter’s muted tones.

Post-summer, beachy waves will evolve into more structured styles with a modern twist. Glossy finishes and healthy shine will be at the forefront, reflecting the season's emphasis on luxurious, well-nourished hair.

For overstressed and sun-damaged hair, they offer an incredible "Back from the Brink" treatment to return your locks to silky glory.

With Anthony Laban and his talented teams of stylists, clients can expect not just a haircut but an experience that leaves them feeling confident, stylish, and ready to take on the colder months with flair.

Here’s a breakdown of the trending hairstyles and colors for 2024:

“THIS SEASON, EXPECT A REVIVAL OF TEXTURED CUTS THAT EMBRACE NATURAL MOVEMENT” 1. DRAPED FRINGES

Autumn is the prime season for fringes, and draped fringes are making waves this year. This style not only frames the face by hugging the cheekbone and jawline but also offers a great way to refresh hair damaged by the summer sun. Expect to see fringes of all kinds, but draped fringes, in particular, are perfect for adding softness and texture to the hair.

2. THE BESPOKE BOB

Bobs continue to be a timeless favorite, but 2024 has brought forward a more personalized take on this classic cut. Moving away from rigid, uniform styles, the current trend focuses on effortlessly chopped bobs that make a statement. Jaw-length bobs that are tailored to fit individual face shapes are especially in vogue, offering a fresh, edgy look that is still easy to manage.

3. SUNFLOWER BLONDES

Sunflower blonde is the new "it" color for blondes this year. This shade represents the warmest blonde before it transitions into copper, featuring intense golden tones that exude warmth and vibrancy. Sunflower blonde not only aligns with the trend for warmer, more natural-looking hair but also enhances the appearance of healthier, shinier locks. It's a perfect choice for those looking to add a sun-kissed glow to their hair. anthonylabanhome.com

Taelor’s top tip The slick back style is THE ONE at the moment. Why not use a hair mask or treatment to help slick back your locks? It will still keep your style in all day but will also make it feel amazing when washed out.

Emma’s essential product Style masters Iron Guard - protects your hair from any heated tools, and has UV filters to protect against any sun rays and environmental stressors! Also helps to smooth and keep hair frizz free.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ANTONY LABAN.indd 87

87

20/09/2024 16:03

Wish a GP could come to you?

You can now get expert care from a Doctor Now GP from the comfort of your own home.

Doctor Now’s new cost effective remote GP service includes GP consultations, e-prescription to your mobile or medication to your door, onward referral to a specialist if required, a range of convenient postal self-collect blood sample kits and the facility to provide in surgery physical examinations if deemed necessary by your Doctor Now GP. For more information or to book an appointment, contact the Doctor Now team today.

Telephone: 01494 410 888 Email: info@doctornow.org www.doctornow.org

Little Hall Barn, Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2JW

AD_DR NOW.indd 88

20/09/2024 16:03

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

“THE INJECTABLE HYDROGEL OFFERS A REAL ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY”

PARAG JAISWAL

R E D E F I N I N G

TREATMENT We look at the cutting-edge injectable hydrogel that delivers long lasting, proven pain relief for knee osteoarthritis without surgery (1-4)

F

or many of the 8.5 million people in the UK living with knee osteoarthritis (OA) (5), life is hampered by constant pain, limited mobility, and difficulty with simple, everyday tasks. But there’s hope with Arthrosamid® – the first and only permanent injectable treatment that is proven to maintain a significant, long-lasting reduction in knee OA pain – even three years post treatment (1-4). Experts are calling it a ‘game-changer’.

Sufferers delay seeking help for knee pain, assuming it’s an unavoidable part of ageing. But Arthrosamid® offers patients a new pathway. Unlike traditional treatments, it’s proven to offer respite from knee osteoarthritis with a single treatment, and without the need for surgery (1-4).

KNEE OA: COMMON CAUSES AND TREATMENTS Knee OA is a long-term condition where shock-absorbing cartilage is worn away, causing bones to rub together and the joint to become stiff, swollen, and painful. Despite

OA being the most common type of arthritis and the fastest cause of disability worldwide (6), the treatment area has seen minimal progression in the last 20 years. With so little known about the exact causes of knee OA, a permanent cure has yet to be discovered.

Many sufferers find themselves in an ongoing cycle of treatments, such as painkillers, physiotherapy appointments and various knee joint injectables (e.g. steroids or hyaluronic acid). Despite providing some relief, the effects can often be relatively short-lived, leaving many fearing that knee replacement surgery is the only long-term answer.

The emergence of Arthrosamid®, however, has been hailed by leading clinicians as an exciting, first and only injectable hydrogel that has been proven (7) to help patients with knee osteoarthritis and offers a real alternative to surgery.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Mr Parag K Jaiswal, an orthopaedic surgeon from St John and St Elizabeth Hospital, one of a number of clinics in London offering the Arthrosamid® treatment, says: “I’ve

treated many patients with Arthrosamid® and have seen them experience significant reductions in pain, as well as improvements in their mobility, and overall quality of life.

“In contrast to other treatments, Arthrosamid® appears to be offering patients long-lasting respite from the pain and immobility of knee osteoarthritis and, in many cases, avoiding or delaying the need for surgery. I believe it’s setting a real benchmark in the area of orthopaedics, offering hope and optimism to many of those living with this condition.”

HOW DOES ARTHROSAMID® WORK? Arthrosamid® is a hydrogel made up of 2.5 per cent cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5 per cent water. Arthrosamid® combines with the synovial tissue in the knee to form a permanent scaffold (8), and it’s this unique characteristic that provides a significant reduction in OA pain over a longer period (1-4) – with one single treatment (7).

To find your nearest clinic offering the Arthrosamid® treatment, please visit arthrosamid.com/find-aclinic or email enquiries@arthrosamid.com

REFERENCES • 1. Bliddal, H., et al. (2021) Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: A 6 Months Prospective Study. J Orthop Res Ther. Vol 6 (2). 1188. ISSN 2575-8241 • 2. Bliddal, H., et al. (2022). One-year performance of polyacrylamide hydrogel vs. hyaluronic acid: A randomised controlled study.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Vol 30, S1, S371.

• 3. Bliddal, H., et al. (2023) A Prospective Study of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: Results From 3 Years After Treatment.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Vol 31(5): 682-683.

• 4. Bliddal, H., et al. (2024) 3-year follow-up from a randomized controlled trial of intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel injection in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Poster LB-31, OARSI 2024 World Congress on Osteoarthritis.

• 5. nice.org.uk/guidance/cg177/documents/ osteoarthritis-update-final-scope2 • 6. Neogi, T. (2013) The epidemiology and impact of pain in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.

Vol 21 (9): 1145-53. DOI:10.1016/j.joca.2013.03.018.

• 7. Arthrosamid®, Instructions For Use. Release Date March 2022 10082-003 • 8. Christensen, L., et al. (2016). Histological Appearance of the Synovial Membrane after Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with Polyacrylamide Gel Injections: A Case Report. Journal of Arthritis. Vol 5: 217.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

TRINITY.indd 89

89

20/09/2024 16:04

PRIVATKLINIK BETHANIEN IN ZURICH

Personalised

CARE Swiss Medical Network Hospitals offer comprehensive care for breast cancer survivors

A

s Pink October rolls around, it’s a great time to highlight not just breast cancer awareness but also the ongoing support survivors need long after treatment. While we often focus on early detection and treatment, it’s important to remember that post-cancer care plays a huge role in helping survivors lead full, healthy lives.

Every year, more than 55,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most common type of cancer for women.

Thanks to advances in treatment, nearly 76% of these women will survive for 10 years or more. But even with these positive outcomes, the journey doesn’t end when cancer goes into remission. Many women experience lingering side effects, some of which can affect their quality of life for years to come.

One of the common issues is lymphoedema—a chronic and often painful condition that causes swelling in the limbs

90

due to lymph fluid build-up. It’s especially common in women who have had lymph nodes removed or damaged during breast cancer surgery. Over 200,000 people in the UK are affected by lymphoedema, but it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

In fact, support for lymphoedema can be pretty limited, with many women struggling to find the treatment they need. Sometimes, NHS coverage falls short, prompting patients to explore care options abroad.

That's where Swiss Medical Network comes in. Swiss Medical Network is part of one of the largest hospital groups in Switzerland with over 60 medical centres, 21 hospitals and eight premium clinics that offer top-ofthe-line health services to patients from all over the world. With specialties ranging from oncology to reconstructive surgery, the network provides everything from preventive care to rehabilitation, ensuring patients are supported at every step of their health journey.

One of the cutting-edge treatments offered is lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), a

type of “microsurgery” led by Prof. Dr. med.

Mario Scaglioni at the Privatklinik Bethanien in Zurich, one of the network's specialised clinics. This procedure is designed to relieve the discomfort of lymphoedema by rerouting lymphatic fluid directly into nearby veins, letting it drain naturally. This approach tackles the root cause, unlike more traditional treatments like compression garments or physiotherapy, which only manage symptoms.

Dr. Scaglioni explains, "Lymphoedema can drastically affect a patient's day-today life, but it often goes unnoticed in the broader conversation about breast cancer recovery. Our aim with LVA is to help women reclaim their lives without being held back by discomfort or mobility issues."

Many patients who have undergone LVA have seen life-changing results, including Dr. Dorothée Rhein Straub, an emergency doctor who experienced severe swelling in her arm following breast cancer treatment. "The surgery with Dr. Scaglioni changed my life," she shares. "Before, I struggled to perform my

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CANCER.indd 90

20/09/2024 16:04

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

THE LYMPH SYSTEM

“Post-cancer care plays a huge role in helping survivors lead full, healthy lives ”

PROF. DR. MED. MARIO SCAGLIONI

job due to the swelling, but now, five years later, I’m back to work in the emergency room with no limitations. I couldn’t be more grateful."

But Swiss Medical Network's commitment to women's health goes far beyond breast cancer care. The clinics within the network offer an array of services designed to support women at every stage of life. In Zurich, Privatklinik Bethanien provides personalised medical assessments in a state-of-the-art setting. In Lugano, Clinica Sant'Anna offers specialised care for women. In Geneva, Clinique Nescens is focused entirely on preventive medicine, conducting thorough health assessments in addition to lifestyle optimisation and detox programmes aimed at enhancing overall well-being. This includes the Nescens checkup programme which is designed to catch any potential health issues early, even before symptoms appear, helping women stay ahead of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.

In addition to routine screenings, the Nescens program also emphasises overall well-being, offering lifestyle guidance on nutrition, exercise,

and aging. Specialists in anti-aging medicine work with patients to slow down the effects of aging, preserving both physical health and quality of life. Whether it’s a regular mammogram or a comprehensive health assessment, these services ensure that women can enjoy long, healthy, and active lives.

This Pink October, as we focus on awareness, let’s not forget the survivors who are still on their recovery journey.

Providing access to advanced procedures like LVA and addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of healing is key to supporting them. Whether it’s supporting breast cancer survivors or empowering women to take charge of their health through preventive care, Swiss Medical Network offers holistic, high-quality healthcare that puts women first.

To learn more about all medical services, contact the international department, Genolier Patient Services, gps@swissmedical.net or +41 22 366 88 18 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CANCER.indd 91

91

20/09/2024 16:04

Indulge in Elegance: Peter Reed Luxury Linens for the Perfect Night's Sleep. peterreed.com

AD_PETER REED.indd 92

20/09/2024 16:04

C L AS S I C D ES I G N CARL HANSEN & SØN

Through the years, Carl Hansen & Søn has maintained a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics while continuing to expand their collection to represent influential new designers. Their goal: to gather the best, most iconic modern furniture designs under one roof. carlhansen.com

inside this section T O P T E N : TA B L E WA R E p 9 4 AT H O M E W I T H L U C I N DA C H A M B E R S p 1 0 2

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

S P OT LI G H T O N H A R DWA R E p1 0 9 K AT E WAT S O N - S M Y T H ’ S N E W PA I N T S p 1 1 0 TH E LOWDOWN O N SO FA S p1 1 5

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_HOMES OPENER.indd 93

93

20/09/2024 16:04

SET & M AT C H

FULL HOUSE

This hand-crafted and handpainted porcelain 66 piece dinner set was designed by Brazilian designers Brunno Jahara for the Portuguese manufacturer Vista Alegre. Motifs are Inspired by a selection of banknotes and stamps from all over the world. £1,995 micucci.store

10 of the best...

Plates and tableware COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

BORDER GUARD

The Eleanor range is individually hand painted in a historical ceramics region in Portugal. Ideal for everyday dining, the subtle gren pattern adds interest to mealtimes. £34 rebeccaudall.com

SIMPLE STYLE

Monoware’s elegantly curated tabletop essentials are designed in London and crafted by makers in Portugal and the UK. Durable and high-quality, they’re perfect for everyday use. monoware.com

BLUE WARE

These Toile de Jouy napkins recreate traditional French style with a blend of modern playfulness and British heritage. Woodland creatures frolic in an ancient forest, dotted with hidden huts and bridges. £17.60 per pair. avalonhome.co.uk

94

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

TOP TEN.indd 94

20/09/2024 16:05

H O M E | TOP TEN

FLORAL STYLE

EInspired by the beautiful Morning Glory plant, with its romantic tendrils and trumpet-shaped flowers, this collection of hand block-printed tableware includes two tablecloths, napkins, tea towels and gorgeous quilted placemats. shadesofcoollondon.com

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

KNOW YOUR PLACE

Bring a splash of colour to the table with the Basket Room’s colourful handwoven sisal placemats and coasters. thebasketroom.com

Created exclusively for Daylesford

by Italian Artisans, the Solstice Splatter collection in lilac ceramic is a cheerful addition to any table. daylesford.com

GREEN LIGHT DINNER TIME

Show off your culinary masterpieces aganist a stylish backdrop with John Lewis’ new tablescaping collections. johnlewis.com

MOROCCAN VIBE

Robust enough for everyday use, Oka’s Kintaro china collection – painted and stamped by hand with a simple design of irregular indigo and crimson stripes – establishes a playful-yet-refined tablescape. oka.com

The Marrakesh collection’s elegant floral shapes come in a range of neutral and vibrant colours for a beautifully curated and luxurious feel. roseandgrey.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

TOP TEN.indd 95

95

20/09/2024 16:05

AD_MANDARIN STONE.indd 96

20/09/2024 16:05

H O M E | TREND

LIGHTS & LAMPS Viotti bronze and linen table lamp, £269, lightsandlamps.com

CULT FURNITURE Chilton Floor Lamp, £259 cultfurniture.com

COLOURS OF ARLEY Colours Of Arley X Mattina Moderna La Petite Boite Lamp, £215 coloursofarley.com

COX & COX Hetty Table Lamp, £150 coxandcox.co.uk

DAR LIGHTING Ignatio Table Lamp, £178 darlighting.co.uk

HOUSEOF.

SEE THE LIGHT

Cone Floor Lamp, £229 houseof.com

Stylish lamps for every space HUMBLE

By P E N D L E H A R T E

Bug Table Lamp, £269 limelace.co.uk

LIGHTS & LAMPS Rattan and marble floor lamp, £359 lightsandlamps.com

HOUSEOF. Tube Rechargeable Table Lamp Family, £109, houseof.com

JOHN LEWIS VISTA ALEGRE HRYB porcelain table lamp, £2,580 micucci.store

Baily Rechargable Table Lamp, £65 johnlewis.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

PRODUCTS_LAMPS.indd 97

97

20/09/2024 16:05

S E AT

O F

POWER Celebrating 110 years of the Faaborg chair

98

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CARL HANSEN.indd 98

20/09/2024 16:06

H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

It takes more than 12 hours for a skilled craftsman to weave one chair by hand

I

n 1914, Kaare Klint designed the Faaborg chair for faaborg museum, and since then, the chair has proved to be the first modern danish design classic. this year, the iconic faaborg chair marks 110 years.

The Faaborg Chair ushered in a new era for Danish design, creating a foundation for its development and for what we now associate with the Danish Modern phenomenon. The extremely simple design and unity between structure, materials and function set the Faaborg Chair apart from its predecessors and is today considered as an icon of Danish Design.

The Faaborg Chair is, to this day, an integral part of the gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art) Faaborg Museum, which was inaugurated in 1915. At just 26 years of age, Kaare Klint carefully considered every aspect of the Faaborg Chair to ensure it fulfilled its intended function, arriving at a light and portable solution that allowed museum visitors to position the chair before artworks they wished to study in greater detail.

The Faaborg Chair is characterised by its relatively thin legs, tapering to a point at the base, and its curved back, which lend the chair a particularly light, elegant and refined expression. At the same time, the semicircular back

extends forward to create an armrest that almost encircles the occupant, providing a sense of privacy while seated. The chair was originally produced with a French rattan seat, sides and back. For greater comfort, the chair has been produced with a seat upholstered with leather or fabric since 1964. The back and sides still feature hand-woven French rattan, and it takes more than 12 hours for a skilled craftsman to weave one chair by hand.

Each Faaborg Chair consists of 13 pieces made of either oak, walnut or mahogany.

All wood used for the Faaborg Chair is certified and/or from sustainable forestry. To achieve a rich deep glow on the wooden surface, all parts are either treated with oil or soap, a process which is entirely carried out by hand.

The classic French weaving found in the backrest of the chair is a process entirely carried out by hand. A skilled craftsman needs more than 12 hours to finish the weaving Each Faaborg Chair is unique - as each weaver has a personal signature style of weaving. Most people would not recognize it, but the weavers do. 500g of Indonesian wicker is used for each Faaborg Chair.

The extremely simple design and unity between structure, materials and function set the chair apart from its predecessors. Today, the Faaborg Chair is regarded as a landmark design with a key place in Danish design history as the first modern design classic – handmade in Denmark

by Carl Hansen & Søn on the island of Funen. Upholstering the Faaborg Chair is a production step that can only be mastered by our most skilled craftsmen. Each seat is made with the greatest precision and attention to detail.

Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store London, 48A Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP, 020 77308454 @carlhansenandson_london; carlhansen.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CARL HANSEN.indd 99

99

20/09/2024 16:06

N E W CO L L EC TIO N Inspired by our heritage, designed for the modern bedroom. The Iconic Collection features floating beds with unparalleled comfort and exclusive fabrics. Handmade in Sweden

NEW ARRIVAL Bed: Kungsö I Fabric: Designers Guild’s Skye Chalk I Rug: Hemsedal 2300 I Bed Linen: Vindstilla I Bedside table: Holme Chrome I Dog Bed: Hunnebo M A D E B ES P OK E W I T H FABRICS F ROM DESIGNERS GUILD ,KVADRAT AND T HE ROM O GROUP

AD_CARPE DIEM.indd 100

20/09/2024 16:06

15 WI G MO RE ST R EET I LON D ON W 1 U 1 P I M A RYLEBONE@CARP ED IEMBED S.CO.UK I + 44 (0) 20 3982 3252 I CARP ED IE MBE D S . C O . U K C OP EN HAGEN GOT HEN B U R G LOND ON SEOUL STOCKH OLM ZURICH AND OTH ER F INE LOCATIONS

AD_CARPE DIEM.indd 101

20/09/2024 16:06

T H E

J OY C O L O U R O F

At home with stylist and designer Lucinda Chambers in west London

By ELIZABETH METCALFE Photography ELIZABETH METCALFE

I

find the process of styling a room is very similar to decorating a body,’ says Lucinda Chambers, the fashion stylist known for her playful approach to colour, print and texture. ‘It’s all about putting colours together that have some sort of conversation and provoke a reaction,’ she explains.

‘I think clothes and interiors should both be about creating the most joyous experience.’

Joyous, certainly, is the word that springs to mind at Lucinda’s house in Shepherd’s Bush, where a kaleidoscope of colour unfolds behind an otherwise ordinary Victorian facade. There are walls crammed full of ceramics and art, and cheerful yellow and red rooms so resplendent that they cannot help but raise spirits. ‘I see every surface as a colour opportunity, whether it’s a skirting board, the inside of a cupboard or a ceiling,’ says Lucinda. ‘I get restless and I’d honestly paint the back of the door if I hadn’t got anything else to do.’ She, of course, has plenty to do – she spent 25 years as the fashion director at British Vogue, until 2017, before co-founding fashion brand Colville and e-commerce platform Collagerie – but this says a lot about her hands-on approach to decorating. She is a woman of projects – everything from painting to making a mosaic table out of ceramic casualties – and her house,

102 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

LUCINDA CHAMBERS.indd 102

20/09/2024 16:08

HH OO MM EE| HOUSE TOUR | XXXXXXXXX

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

LUCINDA CHAMBERS.indd 103

20/09/2024 16:08

“It’s a bit like when I’m dressing and I might wear green eyeliner to pick up the green of my socks.” which has evolved slowly but hugely over 30 years, is testament to that.

Lucinda and her husband, Simon Crow, bought the Victorian terrace in the early 1990s and have raised their three boys there. Other than tripling the size of the kitchen to create a charming space that runs the width of the house, they kept the bones as they were. ‘I’m actually quite afraid of spatial transformation,’ admits Lucinda, who, by an ironic twist, grew up watching her mother pull down the walls of the houses they lived in.

‘We’d moved 18 times before I was 17,’ Lucinda recalls.

‘She’d buy these poky old houses and start knocking the walls down to create totally different spaces. She was brilliant at it.’

On the contrary, the changes at Lucinda’s house have been wrought through paint and what she modestly refers to as ‘layers of love and clutter’. Some rooms, such as the electric-yellow dining room and the Pompeiianred drawing room, have been the same colour for 20 or so years. ‘I get asked so often what the yellow is, but I can’t even remember now,’ she says, laughing. ‘I don’t redecorate for the sake of it, but always when things are getting beyond shabby.’ Similarly, she never uses colour for colour’s sake: ‘I spend a lot of time thinking about how we’ll use the room and whether the colour needs to be soft and calm or lively and energising.’ Sometimes it is completely enveloping, such as in the television sitting-room, where Lucinda painted the walls in a warm red to amp up the space’s cosy appeal. ‘It almost feels like it’s on fire,’ she enthuses. ‘It used to be our boys’ playroom, but since we’ve claimed it back, it’s become a bit of a TV supper den for us.’

While the house hangs together brilliantly, Lucinda

104 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

LUCINDA CHAMBERS.indd 104

20/09/2024 16:10

H O M E | HOUSE TOUR

confesses that she rarely thinks about the colour relationships between the rooms. ‘I don’t give much thought to how one room leads to the next, but there are threads of colour that hold it all together,’ she explains.

‘It’s a bit like when I’m dressing and I might wear green eyeliner to pick up the green of my socks.’ Reds crop up not just on walls, but also in the candy-cane stripe of the dining-room sofa, the punchy red Aga in the kitchen (a fortuitous relic from the previous owners) and the rugs layered on the drawing-room floor. Yellow is another colour that weaves throughout the house, not just on the dining-room walls, but as a border above the dado rail in the television sitting-room and on the bathtub in Lucinda’s bathroom. ‘I painted that 30 years ago,’ she says of the bath, which sits beneath a wall, painted in a shade of gardener’s twine. ‘I actually painted this room

turquoise once and it was just so horribly unrestful that I ended up painting it back the next day,’ she says. ‘I’ve made a lot of colour fails over the years, but that is how you work out what is right.’

While the world of fashion is one of trends, Lucinda is not a fervent follower. ‘There are trends I watch with interest, but I’m much more interested in working out my own relationship with style and getting my inspiration from nature or exhibitions,’ she explains. ‘It was the same when I was at Vogue. I’d never really look at the catwalk and was much more interested in creating my own narrative for a story.’ Like the shoots she’s masterminded, she is particularly good at introducing discordant elements into an interior. ‘I can’t bear anything too blended,’ she explains. A case in point is one of her spare bedrooms – a recent project that she A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

LUCINDA CHAMBERS.indd 105

105

20/09/2024 16:11

AD NEATSMITH.indd 106

20/09/2024 16:12

H O M E | HOUSE TOUR

has been painting in snatched hours over a few weeks – where she has replaced the graffitied walls from her son’s days with a palette of chiffon greys and blues for the walls, and tobacco for the ceiling, which she colourmatched to a candle. ‘It was all getting a bit ghastly good taste and I decided it needed a modern orange chair to knock things off,’ she says. ‘I was explaining my dilemma to some friends we were visiting one weekend and they happened to have this electric-orange chair in their attic that they were trying to get rid of. It’s bonkers, but perfect.’

As much as the house is shaped by colour, it is also defined by the collections it plays host to. Many of these have also arisen from an urge to venture out of her comfort zone. ‘I started collecting studio pottery about 10 years ago because I found it quite ugly and challenging, but I’ve grown to love it,’ she says. ‘I like it when something sharpens the mind.’ Ceramics more broadly play a huge part in Lucinda’s life and there is not a room where a vase or plate does not adorn a surface, including in her bathroom, with its wall of colourful plates. For many years, the dining room has been less a place for eating and more a holding pen for ceramics, before they find their way to a surface elsewhere – and she has recently made use of a blank wall in the kitchen

“ She is a woman of projects – everything from painting to making a mosaic table out of ceramic casualties” by having a dresser of turquoise shelves built in to hold yet more ceramics. ‘I had to find a way to get them off the kitchen floor and onto the wall,’ she says, grinning.

‘I’m a total magpie, and my strength and weakness is that I see the point of many things,’ says Lucinda, who spends weekends and holidays rummaging through car boot sales and markets. ‘I love pushing myself and buying things that I don’t necessarily see in my house,’ she says, citing a 1970s poster that she recently bought as an example. A gatherer she may be, but she is not at all precious about having a clear-out when the house starts reaching a tipping point. ‘I can recognise when I need to have a declutter.’

For a house that feels so relevant to today, it is remarkable that many parts have been that way for a couple of decades or more. Equally, it is a house where parts, no matter how small they may be, are always changing. Pieces come and go, and layers evolve – and that, of course, is integral to its charm.

Extract taken from New English Interiors: At Home with Today’s Creatives

by Elizabeth Metcalfe, Photography

by Dean Hearne Frances Lincoln, £28.00 Published October 10 2024

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

LUCINDA CHAMBERS.indd 107

107

20/09/2024 16:12

Hans J. Wegner

SAVE 46%

CARLHANSEN.COM

FSC® C135991

LIMITED OFFER

CH24 Wishbone Chair

Coveted by generations for its distinctive shape, simplicity, and comfort, the CH24 Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner has gained universal appeal for its ability to become part of any home, anywhere. The chair is now available with 46% off the recommended retail price in oiled, FSC™-certified mahogany with natural paper cord until January 31st, 2025.

Flagship Store London 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP london@carlhansen.com

AD_CARL HANSEN.indd 108

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454

20/09/2024 16:12

H O M E • SPOTLIGHT

A handle O N

I T

Never neglect your hardware, says Matilda Goad

“

“HARDWARE HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM A ROOM”

T

he door handle is the handshake of the building,” said Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa. And it’s true: consider the difference between a limp, lifeless gesture and a solid, confident welcome, and apply that to your front door. Hardware is often neglected, but it’s undeniable that ugly or flimsy door handles can significantly cramp the style of even the most beautifully decorated home.

Nobody knows this better than designer Matilda Goad, who is a leader in a small market for stylish hardware pieces. “Hardware has the power to transform a room; whether updating an existing piece of furniture or it being integral to the design of a space, it’s a small product with big impact, she says. Her MG&Co collections take on a signature playful form with colourful lacquered knobs, handles and hooks in varying styles and sizes, complemented with brass and nickel backplates available in a multitude of shapes.

Whether investing in hardware at the beginning of a project, or looking for a finishing touch,

hardware plays a pivotal role in bringing a space together to create a home.

Built on ‘timeless homewares for modern living’, Matilda Goad & Co. started with a signature Scallop Lampshade and expanded to indorporate a thoughtful collection of unique homeware, offering a contemporary spin on interior classics. With an emphasis on pieces that offer both personality and purpose, Matilda pulls inspiration from daily rituals, designing homewares to spark joy. From rainbow coloured cutlery and lacquered trays to tole planters, beeswax candles and ceramic jugs, Matilda Goad & Co. products fill the homes of fashion insiders and interiors aficionados alike. A particular hit has been the brand’s giant ceramic clam shells, which regularly rack up waiting lists in the hundreds - a fitting testament to Goad’s ability to tap into the Zeitgeist.

In 2020 Goad launched The Dispatch, a monthly letter landing in subscribers’ inboxes offering the designer’s take on building a happy home.

Crafted through the same idiosyncratic lens as Goad’s products, the letter comprises practical advice from how to care for your linen, to life hacks and sourcing tips. The Dispatch opens the door into Goad’s world, with the hope of helping to fill the spaces that objects can’t. matildagoad.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s 109

MATILDA GOAD HAR.indd 109

20/09/2024 16:21

LIVING ROOM CEILING IN GIARDINO

Shades of

I TA LY How interiors writer Kate Watson-Smyth came to design her own collection of paint colours

KATE WATSON-SMYTH

K

ate Watson Smyth of Mad About the House used to focus mostly on her north London home, and her large Edwardian terrace has been a source of inspiration for interiors lovers all over the UK and beyond. When she could think of nothing else to do to her house, she shifted her focus and bought an Italian villa, which she set about restoring and decorating. And finding that her London palette didn’t suit northern Italy, she embarked on another project:

110

By P E A R L B OY D

designing some new paint colours.

So now she has launched a new collection of paints with Graphenstone Purifying Paints. The collection of 12 colours combines the deeply romantic shades of Northern Italy with the softer palette of the British countryside, a palette that has been carefully designed to be combined in endless ways to suit every interior regardless of location.

Kate says: “It has long been a dream in the making – my husband and I have been looking for our own slice of Italian dolce vita for over 30 years, since we met but they say

houses find you and when we first saw the villa in the pouring rain we both had tears rolling down our cheeks – and it wasn’t the rain, it was perfect.”

The evocative palette of colours has been used throughout the six-bedroom villa in the hills just outside Turin, which will shortly open for design retreats. “To create a bespoke palette of colours inspired by my very own Italian home and in a paint that is kind to both people and the planet is a dream come true. Each colour is inspired by our love of Italy, a celebration of the passion, style, and joy it has brought to

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

KATE WATSON SMYT.indd 110

20/09/2024 16:21

H O M E | COLOUR

“Each colour is inspired by Italy, a celebration of the passion, style and joy it has brought to our lives” BATHROOM WITH TILES

BY MAITLAND & POETE

THE HOUSE

our lives. The colours work alone or equally well together in Britain where the light is a little cooler – bringing a softer, romantic and sensual palette to the interior.

Each colour is inspired by Italy. Barolo is the deep red of the famous Piemonte wine, Gelato is a soft plaster pink which tells of summer ice cream. Ortensia and Giardino reflect the vibrant hydrangeas and dense shrubs in the garden of the noble villa Kate now calls home. Verde Torinese references the darker, forest shades of the surrounding hills. Sole, Lavanda and Oliva bring a softer, effortless Italian style. Kate said: “In my role as an interiors writer and commentator for the past 20 years I have studied every colour palette and my Italian Collection really does combine everything you will ever need alongside being a natural mineral based paint, better for the planet and healthier to live with.”

Patrick Folkesof Graphenstone said: “Using Kate’s unique interiors knowhow and trained eye, the palette is exquisite and works beautifully with Graphenstone’s sustainable ingredients and raw materials – one of the most certified 'harm-free' mineral paints in the world.”

BEDROOM WALLS IN GELATO

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

KATE WATSON SMYT.indd 111

111

20/09/2024 16:21

Small

WO R L D

Vinterior and The Kensington Dollshouse Company have collaborated on a one-off dolls house that’s up for auction at Museum of the Home

112

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

VINTERIORS DOLLS.indd 112

20/09/2024 16:21

H O M E | DESIGN

E

verybody loves a dollshouse.

And when Vinterior, the online marketplace for pre-loved furniture and homeware, partnered with The Kensington Dollshouse Company to create a oneof-a-kind Vinterior replica, its appeal was huge. The creation was donated to the Museum of the Home, where it is currently on display, offering visitors a chance to look at mid-century modern design on a miniature scale in real life.

Inspired by mid-century modern design, this vintage, pre-loved house has been carefully restored to its former glory embodying Vinterior’s commitment to sustainability by only working with pre-loved pieces. The house includes a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, each decorated in Edward Bulmer Natural Paint and meticulously furnished with periodappropriate pieces, including an Eames rocking chair and industrial pendant lamps.

In a unique collaborative twist, Vinterior’s social community have been asked to vote for the finishing touches for each room, making the completion of the dollshouse a truly collaborative creation championing sustainability and design. Following this, the dollshouse will be auctioned at the end of October, with proceeds supporting the Museum’s Campaign for Change, supporting social justice causes close to their heart including Hidden Homelessness, Food Equality, Period Poverty and Climate Action.

Founder of The Kensington Dollshouse Company Lucy Clayton is a lover of all

“Decor includes an Eames rocking chair and industrial pendant lamps” things vintage and she said: “I’ve been a Vinterior customer for a long time and my love of vintage and antiques is lifelong, so it was very special to source this tired old dollshouse and give it a sparkling makeover.

The house features vintage papers and decoration, alongside exquisite pieces we’ve made especially for each room. We have included pieces commissioned from some of the finest miniature makers, and all the elements combine to create this charming, eclectic, jewel box of a house.

We are delighted to collaborate with the Museum of the Home too, because it feels like the perfect ending to a wonderful project and the auction will be the first time a Kensington Dollshouse Company vintage house will be available to buy, ever.” museumofthehome.org.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

VINTERIORS DOLLS.indd 113

113

20/09/2024 16:22

AD_ASTON MATTHEWS.indd 114

20/09/2024 16:22

H O M E • SPOTLIGHT

BOX

SWYFT MODEL 02 SOFA

F R E S H

You need a new sofa. But how will you fit it through your door? Absolutely investigates

By PENDLE HARTE

I

t was a friendly neighbour who suggested pushing the sofa through the window. When we first moved into our house, getting the sofa into the living room was proving a challenge due to the bulkiness of the sofa and the smallness of our hallway. Three adults were struggling with the situation when a passing neighbour casually noted that if we took the legs off, the thing would probably fit through the window. It did, and the rest is history.

Or at least it was until several years later, when we noticed that the sofa had become worn out and tatty. We knew that we could get it out of the house, but how could we guarantee entry for a replacement? We’re not alone with this problem. Everyone wants a big, comfortable sofa, but not everyone has a grand entrance hall. And it’s lucky that we weren’t even considering taking the sofa upstairs, because there would

be no chance of that in our house.

Or would there? Now we know that there is a solution for all of these problems, and it comes in a box. The sofa in a box is an ingenious invention that is revolutionising the world of sofa shopping, and Swyft is a pioneer in the field. Ordering a sofa from them is easier than ordering a new pair of trainers, because the measurements are so clearly described that even someone with a relaxed approach to millimetres should be able to work out whether it’s suitable. And there’s no need to be measuring door frames because you won’t be negotiating a massive object through them. Brilliantly, these sofas come in parts, separately packaged. So we take delivery of several manageably large boxes.

And because the house that is too small to facilitate entrance for the vast squishy threeseater is also likely to struggle with storing huge slabs of cardboard for the inevitable two weeks until recycling day, the two-man

“The sofa in a box is an ingenious invention” delivery service includes removal of packaging. They kindly wait until we have unwrapped everything and then put it all back in the van, every last bit of cardboard and plastic, leaving us with a project that is easy enough for me to complete with my teenage daughter.

Screw the legs on, slot the seat into the base, fit the arms into place and arrange the cushions, and voila! It’s a full-size three-seater that’s comfortable and stylish, in a shade of green velvet that looks just like the picture.

Model 2 was our choice, but Swyft offers a variety of shapes and an even bigger variety of fabrics and colours, and we’re sold. Now we’re thinking: what about another one upstairs? swyfthome.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

SOFA SHOPPING.indd 115

115

20/09/2024 16:22

Character study 116

How Laura Stephens set about designing actress Anna Maxwell Martin’s north London kitchen

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ANNA MAXWELL MAR.indd 116

20/09/2024 16:22

H O M E | FOCUS

L

some new carcasses, and creating a lighting scheme for the space with new fixtures to work with the scheme as well as new soft furnishings. The walls were painted in Little Greene’s ‘clay’ which instantly transformed the feel of the whole room, curtains made in Romo fabric with a pretty trim (also in terracotta/peach from Colefax and Fowler) added a luxe feel to the space, and a bespoke window seat cushion was made using a Flora Soames check topped with a selection of Fermoie and Cathy Nordstrom scatter cushions added to create a cosy nook for sitting and chatting to whoever is cooking.

Under the dining table (vintage sourced from Vinterior) Laura added a Pearl Jute Rug from her own Laura Stephens x Bombay Sprout collaboration and a comfortable bespoke bench using a lovely floral fabric from GP&J Baker to encourage people to linger at the dinner table. The client’s previous dining table didn't fit in the space, so Laura has it chopped lengthways to create a lovely console and sourced a large vintage gilt edged mirror complete with

gloss red lamps to welcome you into the space from the drawing room. Finally she painted an antique side table, in between the windows, in a cherry gloss paint to tie the lamps in and to add something a little unexpected to the scheme.

Laura said: “We wanted to keep a contemporary feel to the space to work with the concrete floor yet sought to add character and interest by introducing colour, vintage pieces and pattern.”

Wooden handles were used to complement the client’s own wooden table and console table. Softness and pattern was introduced via an upholstered bench seat for the dining table, curtains and window seat cushions.

The lighting scheme was revised to add a sense of warmth and cosiness. Low level table lights with fabric shades were introduced as well as new fixtures The team further renovated two bathrooms, transforming beige, bland spaces into bright, practical and joyful family rooms. laurastephens.co.uk

aura's brief for this kitchen was to rescue it from becoming a bland white box. An extension of her current home, Anna had already laid the concrete floors which meant that the kitchen island couldn't be moved, so everything in this project was designed around it. With Laura's main aim to bring warmth and colour to this space, she chose an archive Farrow & Ball colour called Menagerie which the client adored and chose this as the primary colour for the room, painting the full island and matching the worktops (a lovely textured Dekton surface in this colour) creating a contemporary and streamline look. Working hand-in-hand with a joiner, Laura designed a brand new kitchen for Anna, reusing old units and replacing some existing door fronts as well as making A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ANNA MAXWELL MAR.indd 117

117

20/09/2024 16:22

Are you ready to fall in L O V E ?

P E R F E C T LY P A R T N E R E D Elderton - Paint Opulence Cocoa Noir - Velvet Curtain

Create your L O V I N G H O M E at grahambrown.com

AD_GRAHAM AND BROWN.indd 118

20/09/2024 16:22

H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

S L E E P

TALK T

hey take sleep very seriously at Carpe Diem Beds. In fact, these Swedish sleep experts have devised a whole philosophy centered around the bedroom environment, based on the principle that the space should be designed as a holistic concept dedicated to the art of sleep. This philosophy comes to life at their Wigmore Street showroom, where they offer a Sleep Consultation to help you create a personalised sleep environment.

It’s much more than just choosing a mattress. The store is dedicated to optimising the bedroom environment to create an oasis of calm, and visitors can experience the company’s ethos first hand under the guidance of manger Rui Franca. And while choosing the perfect mattress for you is at the heart of the experience, there’s a strong focus on bedroom design and streamlining, so that the bed you choose can be enclosed in an environment that’s conducive to optimum sleep health.

It’s a very calming place and people are encouraged to take their time. The consulta-

A personal consultation at Carpe Diem Beds

tion involves trying every bed until you find the one you like best. “We like people to come and spend an hour or two trying the beds. We can provide sleep masks, lower the lights and let people sleep,” says Rui. In the basement are various beds that are ready to lie in, all of them softer than you're probably used to. There’s a widespread misconception that a firm mattress is better for you, says Rui. “But we believe that you should sleep in the bed, not on the bed, and our contour pocket system is meant to contour your body so that you feel you’re sleeping on a cloud.” Another way in which Carpe Diem Beds are different to what we’re mostly used to in the UK is that they don’t use the traditional mattress on a bed frame system.

A Carpe Diem bed is a single unit, made of several layers of pressure-relieving springs and natural materials, supported on an integral base. Many of the beds are adjustable with a remote control, while some have massage functionality, and clever details include subtle under-bed lighting.

A curated range of 44 fabrics for bed upholstery from Designers Guild, The Romo Group and Kvadrat can be colour matched with carpets, cushions and bedroom furniture. Rui explains: “In selecting the fabrics we look at colours that are neutral and subtle. Bright colours are energising and we need to be relaxed in a bedroom, so it’s all about neutral tones. Scandinavian design usually keeps tones neutral to create a sense of calm in the mind.” The look is luxurious but minimalist and the neutral tones are designed to be mixed and matched, alongside lifestyle products such as kimonos, slippers, sleep masks and

scented candles, plus soft cotton sheets and Scandinavian quality duvets.

Carpe Diem Beds was founded 30 years ago by chiropractor Börje Thuleskär in partnership with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. The company’s patented Contour Pocket System has a unique cushioning ability, which gently yields and supports at the same time, instantly moulding to your body’s contours. A Carpe Diem bed is a long-term investment, with a superking model priced between £4,500 and £30,000. If that sounds expensive, Rui reminds us that we spend a third of our lives asleep, and sleep quality determines much of our happiness. So if happiness is what you’re after, a trip to Wigmore Street is in order. Or visit the site to find a dealer near you.

15 Wigmore Street, W1; 020 3982 3252 carpediembeds.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CARPE DIEM.indd 119

119

20/09/2024 16:23

BEDROOM ISSUES SLEEP WELL WITH THESE BEDROOM ESSENTIALS Words P E N D L E H A R T E

THE MATTRESS Choosing a mattress is a minefield.

Springs or foam? Natural materials or hypoallergenic ones? Or a hybrid? We are sold on Simba's Hybrid Luxe mattress, which is impressively thick and offers the magical balance of support and cosiness.

You can jump on it and sink into it because it’s both soft and sturdy in an improbable combination. Its secret? It comprises nine layers in total, including a soft and breatheable wool and bamboo top layer along with three layers of springs (that's 5,700 in total) and a high tech foam that supports airflow. So you'll never be too hot, nor too cold. Simba's service is fantastic too: they'll bring the box upstairs to your bedroom and leave clear instructions on how to open it up from its clever compressed state. The soft cover is removable for washing and there’s a 200 night trial period No wonder it has won an impressive 13 industry awards. Plus, Simba is the UK's first B-Corp sleep brand. What's not to like?

From £1,199 simbasleep.com

THE LINEN Not sure what kind of bedding you like best? Choose between Joro's Sateen and Percale ranges, both in 100% organic cotton, but fundamentally different in the weave. Choose Percale if you like sheets that are crisp and cool, bobble-proof and stable, or Sateen if a slight sheen appeals, with a smooth feel and an elegant wrinkle-free drape.

All bedding comes in stylish pastel shades, and in simple bundles. Whichever one you opt for, expect that five star hotel quality feel. jorohome.com

120 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

BEDROOM FOCUS.indd 120

20/09/2024 16:46

H O M E | BEDROOMS T A K E T H R E E

Sleep Aids

THE STYLE Bored of calming shades and want some colour and pattern in your bedroom?

Try Piglet's new gingham linen bedding. Dubbed the ‘new neutral’, gingham goes with everything and this nostalgia-infused print is loved by all. pigletinbed.com

AND RELAX BLOOM & BLOSSOM

The new night range includes a calming pillow spray and a shower oil to promote rest. bloomandblossom.com

THE BEDDING This is the ultimate Hungarian goose down duvet. Sleep under a cloud all year round thanks to the clever four season approach: a 9 tog duvet and a 4.5 one can be used together or separately to ensure the right temperature at all times. Dreamy. They're hand made in Hungary from ethically sourced goose down. From £345 scooms.com

MUSHROOM MOOD SIXWAYS

This functional mushroom blend Unwind and Recover hot chocolate creates a drowsy feel at bedtime. sixways.co

THE BED Swedish experts Carpe Diem Beds have devised the floating bed, which is the ultimate high tech option.

Adjust your position for maximum comfort using the hand-held remote or your smartphone and use an app to adjust and save your favourite positions. There’s even a soft nightlight under the bed. carpediembeds.co.uk

SWEET DREAMS TEN PM

These delicious and healthy Oat & Cherry Bars containAshwagandha, Magnesium and Chamomile to relax & unwind. tenpm.co

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

BEDROOM FOCUS.indd 121

121

20/09/2024 16:46

AD_MY FURNITURE.indd 122

20/09/2024 16:25

H O M E • PARTNERSHIP

M O D E R N

RETRO Cult’s "new era, new essentials" campaign is set to redefine home interiors with bold, iconic, affordable design

C

ult is a trend-focused furniture brand committed to providing affordable styles that last.

With almost 15 years of experience within the furniture industry and making moves to be a more environmentally conscious company, Cult is quickly cementing itself as a leader for trend-conscious, price savvy consumers.

Providing design-led furniture straight to customers doors, with only 24 hour delivery on all in stock items you can renovate your home or commercial space in the click of a button. Beautiful furniture for the interior design-obsessed is what they do.

Cult’s "New era, new essentials" campaign is set to redefine home interiors with bold, iconic, affordable design. Their new collection features an eye-catching, retro 70s luxe aesthetic, bringing a blend of nostalgia and modern flair to any living space. It's time to

say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the bold with statement design. Cult believes everyone's home deserves to stand out from the crowd, no matter what your budget; so whether you're a minimalist at heart or love a pop of colour, their new collections are all about choice, style, and a little bit of sass.

Get ready to discover designs that don't just sit in a room—they make the room.

With a key focus on eco-friendly fabrics, their new ranges feature lots of conscious styles made from sustainable velvet and boucle. These fabrics are created from recycled plastic collected from the sea and woven into beautiful, luxuriously plush fabrics, as well as eco-friendly bamboo, rattan, and sustainable wood options, so customers can shop with the environment in mind.

Visit their London showroom for a beautifully curated design hub, where creativity flows. Their friendly, knowledgeable team can

help to guide you to create a space that not only suits your needs but becomes a stylish focal point in your home / commercial premises.

Cult’s Trade membership offers a wide range of benefits; offering exclusive discounts, fast shipping and high stock quantities on all best selling products. Clients are provided with a dedicated personal trade manager who will have extensive knowledge within the industry to guide all bespoke projects through to completion.

Cult is a destination for design that’s innovative, eco friendly and affordable, plus with 24 hour delivery on all in stock products you can transform your home in just a few clicks. cultfurniture.com Showroom 811-813 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 3JH +44 (0)20 8185 6962

FREE SHIPPING CODE: CULTABS Offer valid until 30/11/24

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CULT FURNITURE.indd 123

123

20/09/2024 16:26

R E D E F I N E

W

hen it comes to modern living, BoConcept’s latest collection doesn’t just set the bar; it redefines it. This new collection offers more than simply furniture - it’s an invitation to create a home that speaks to your own style by fusing customisable design with Scandinavian sophistication. From sculptural coffee tables to iconic dining chairs and luxe sofas, BoConcept’s new products can transform your space. And it’s now easier than ever to put together a cohesive style with their free interior design service.

SHOWCASING ELEGANCE: The Bellagio Sofa The Bellagio sofa, designed by Anders Nørgaard, exudes elegance and cosiness. Channel stitching is becoming more and more popular, and the Bellagio uses it as inspiration to create something genuinely unique out of a classic silhouette.

The Bellagio is anything but ordinary thanks to the depth and intricacy that the stitching adds, creating a visual rhythm that captivates you.

SCULPTURAL SOPHISTICATION: Introducing the Tivoli Coffee Table BoConcept has introduced Tivoli, a stunning line of sculpture-inspired coffee tables that draw inspiration from the classic elegance of travertine. Tivoli’s travertineeffect surface oozes elegance, and its Roman architectural character lends a hint of old sophistication to modern homes.

Designer Morten Georgsen approached Tivoli with a creative playfulness reminiscent of his early Playdough modelling days. According to Georgsen, “It was a very creative process because we were sculpting from 3D designs in a very free way.” Coffee tables made with this technique are not only useful but also artistic creations. Any room is elevated by Tivoli’s striking design, which turns it into an elegant and stylish gallery.

DINING REDEFINED: The Santiago Table Another standout piece from the collection is the Santiago dining table, with its enticing curves and exquisite craftsmanship. The round table, which can accommodate up to eight people comfortably, is very small in size and was designed with practicality in mind. Obstacles are removed by the base, which is a column instead of legs, and an amazing touch is added by the ceramic top, which comes in Ash Grey, Brown, and White. This innovative circular configuration for the Santiago table expands from 135 cm to 181 cm in diameter with covertly hidden expansion leaves. Santiago is the epitome of understated elegance.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_BO CONCEPT.indd 124

20/09/2024 16:28

H O M E | PROMOTION

your S P A C E

BoConcept’s new collection invites you to create your dream home

TIMELESS HERITAGE: The Seoul Dining Chair The Seoul chair created by Henrik Pedersen is the epitome of Danish design excellence. High-quality materials, simple lines and subtle elegance combine to produce a classic piece with a contemporary twist. The minimalist appearance and comfort are enhanced by the short armrests and contribute to the chair’s streamlined silhouette. Available in three wood finishes: Natural Oak, Dark Oak, and Black.

Expert Guidance for a Cohesive Look BoConcept’s free interior design service makes sure you’re never alone during the process. Their in-store design specialists are available to help you at every stage, providing guidance and suggestions to help you achieve a well-coordinated style. Their experience guarantees that every element fits your concept, whether you’re remodelling a single room or your complete house.

The design service goes beyond basic recommendations.

The designers at BoConcept collaborate with you to choose

the ideal arrangements of furnishings, coverings, and accent pieces so that everything blends together.

Bringing Your Vision to Life With BoConcept’s latest collection, you can design a home that truly reflects your taste in addition to a lovely selection of furnishings. Creating your dream house should be as much fun as actually living in it. BoConcept’s approach makes it simple to get a unified look that improves your way of life. BoConcept facilitates the process of designing a home that is exclusively yours by offering a variety of complimentary accessories, expert coaching, and customisable alternatives. So why hold off ?

Experience the collection at BoConcept stores located at Battersea Reach, Fenwick Brent Cross, Fenwick Kingston, Finchley Road, Guildford, Harrods, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Westfield London, Fenwick Bracknell and St Albans. Book a free interior design consultation with BoConcept’s interior designers today.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_BO CONCEPT.indd 125

125

20/09/2024 16:28

AD_ENVISION DESIGN.indd 126

20/09/2024 16:28

H O M E • PROMOTION

XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX

XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX

we lcom e to

Soroka

Introducing a new boutique in South Kensington full of homeware, fashion and unusual objects

A

t Soroka, we are more than just a store – we're a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Our journey began with a simple passion: the love for collecting unique and captivating objects.

What started as a personal endeavor has evolved into a curated collection that embodies luxury, style, and emotion.

Our founder, Jamila Asgarova, has always had an eye for the extraordinary.

Inspired by the beauty of unusual shapes, vibrant colours, and the stories behind each piece, Jamila embarked on a mission to share her passion with the world. The name 'Soroka' pays homage to this vision,

inspired by the Magpie – a creature known for its knack for discovering treasures and bringing them home.

Here at Soroka we are committed to supporting modern and independent brands and curating collections in Homeware, Textiles, Fashion, Jewellery, Wellbeing and Kids. Our boutique in the heart of South Kensington’s Walton Street - is a treasure trove for everything unique, bold and colourful. Browse the home section on the ground floor to shop vintage finds, tableware, one-of-a-kind artist creations and other fun and unusual objects to adorn your everyday. At the back you will find our jewellery gallery, alongside a selection of limited-edition fashion accessories. And downstairs is a world for

kids, fun gifting and stationery as well as a curation of books and products in wellbeing and spirituality.

We believe in the power of positivity and light energy, which is why you'll only find pieces that uplift and inspire. Every piece is handpicked with meticulous care and attention to detail. We take pride in not only showcasing these objects but also sharing the narratives that make them truly special.

SOROKA Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm 174 Walton Street, London, SW3 2JL sorokalondon.co.uk/ Instagram: @sorokalondon

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_SOROKA.indd 127

127

20/09/2024 16:28

BEN RIDLEY'S LOW ENERGY HOUSE, PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTIAN BRAILEY

H E A LT H Y H O M E Absolutely meets Architecture for London founder Ben Ridley to discuss sustainable design 128 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ARCHITECTUR.indd 128

20/09/2024 16:28

H O M E | PROMOTION

A

rchitecture for London is an awardwinning studio made up of a collaborative team of architects, engineers, landscape and interior designers. Environmental impact is a key consideration in their work: they take a research-based, fabric first approach to sustainability that carefully considers the embodied energy of materials and the performance of buildings in use.

As a main contractor via sister company, AFL Build, they aim to close the construction gap, with specialist experience in constructing airtight and highly insulated buildings.

Q How do you describe your approach to design

services?

A At our core we are an architect-led studio, but we

uniquely offer a full range of complementary services. We take pride in an inclusive and open design process that involves the client at each stage. We strive for a poetic response to design questions and proposals are developed with an iterative approach to sketching, model making and visualisation. Our work draws inspiration from the existing built fabric of our cities and, crucially, is informed by the immediate site context. This considered approach creates beautiful and contextual buildings that provide value for money in both construction and use.

Q Your studio emphasises sustainable design and the creation of healthy homes. Can you describe your ethos further?

BEN RIDLEY

A I have always had a keen interest in sustainability in relation to the built environment. This is really important as up to 25% of CO2 emissions come from our buildings. I qualified as a Certified Passivhaus Designer in 2016 and these principles have become a guiding force for my practice’s work.

Q You recently renovated your own low energy house, can you tell us more about the project?

A I bought the house with the goal of refurbishing it, so I was looking for an unloved home and was open to a challenging project. I found the perfect one - an Edwardian house in Muswell Hill that hadn’t been refurbished since the 1970s. The project offered the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our practice’s values. The design process had to carefully balance sustainability and budget, whilst trying to avoid a compromise between low-energy improvements and aesthetics.

Q How long have you lived there and who do you share the property with?

A The renovation was completed in 2021, and I’ve lived there since. I live with my cat Astrid and also regularly welcome Airbnb guests. Visitors are always very complimentary of the house!

Q What was it like before you moved in?

A It was a very dark and damp house, which hadn’t been

refurbished in over 40 years. It’s been transformed to a calming, low-energy home. Originally, it had lots of red floral carpets and pink flock wallpaper.

The final result has been extremely rewarding, the low-energy standards come with comfort standards and the home is really easy to be in as a result. The home is draught-free with a consistent temperature, making features such as the window seat in the kitchen very inviting even on the coldest of days.

Q How have you extended the house and what impact has this had in terms of flow and functionality?

A The renovation added around 500sqft. The wall between the living room and the hallway was removed and rebuilt to half-height, letting in light from the front door to brighten the kitchen in the middle part of the ground floor. The new ‘broken plan’ arrangement has A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ARCHITECTUR.indd 129

129

20/09/2024 16:29

Finding Stillness in the Inner Chaos Carolin Rechberg To commission or purchase artwork visit: carolinrechberg.com To Carolin Rechberg directly: carolins.studio@gmail.com

AD_CAROLIN RECH.indd 130

20/09/2024 16:29

H O M E | PROMOTION

“We strive for a poetic response to design questions”

THIS PAGE: BEN RIDLEY'S HOUSE, PHOTOGRAPHED BY LORENZO ZANDRI

enabled the entire ground floor to flow together and to be used as one space. At the back of the house the dining area takes pride of place in the new extension. This rear addition provides a bright space with a large triple-glazed circular rooflight. A full-height, oak-framed triple-glazed window and door at the rear provide lovely views over the garden. The grey rendered finish to the extension is the same as that used over much of the rest of the house’s exterior, where it has been externally insulated.

Q Which materials did you work with?

A Natural materials including stone, timber and lime

plaster were used throughout rather than cement-based products. I enjoy clean and minimal spaces because they help calm the mind after a busy day. Lime plaster has a beautiful, natural finish, meaning that no paint was required. A minimal approach also highlights the textures of the natural materials.

Q How have you successfully reduced energy requirements in the house?

A The project has achieved an impressive 80% saving in the space heating costs compared to usage before the renovation works. Design features include timber structure, triple glazing, a continuous airtight layer and insulation to the entire building envelope. Insulating internally at the front has allowed the original Edwardian facade to be preserved. Walls were insulated externally at the side and rear, and internally at the front with wood fibre. Masonry nib walls were retained at ground floor to avoid energy-intensive steel box frames. An MVHR system provides pre-heated fresh air, creating a warm and comfortable home. The system also filters the incoming air, removing pollen, diesel particulates and NOx to create a healthy indoor environment.

Q Can you tell us more about the interior design?

A The aim was to create a calm space with natural

colours, rich material textures, and contemporary design pieces. The living space houses an eclectic collection of contemporary furniture including sofas from Really Well Made, armchair and footstool by Carl Hansen and chairs

by Muuto. The stone coffee table is the Knoll Krusin from Aram Store, customised with a bespoke top supplied

by Grassi Pietre. The open-plan kitchen area features a generous island fully clad in Grassi Pietre limestone and

appliances by Fisher & Paykel. The master bedroom has been transformed into a warm and modest sanctuary, cocooned by an S-fold Kvadrat curtain.

Q What’s your favourite room in the house?

A The open plan area downstairs, which includes a

kitchen island and window seat. The limestone island is in the centre of the ground floor, so it really works well as the social heart of the home. We designed it without cupboards to appear as a ‘solid block’ of stone. The slight polish means that it gently reflects light, and the way that light reveals the fossils in the stone is beautiful.

Q What do you see as the future for low energy housing in general? And what needs to be done to achieve this?

A Low Energy House is a test case for what can be achieved with a retrofit of an ordinary terrace house on a small budget. I believe small budgets are key to scaling sustainable homes nationally. architectureforlondon.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ARCHITECTUR.indd 131

131

20/09/2024 16:29

FREE SHIPPING with code

CULTABS

New era, new essentials Discover affordable iconic design SHOP ONLINE + IN-STORE London Showroom: 811 - 813 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 3JH +44 (0)20 8185 6960

www.cultfurniture.com

info@cultfurniture.com

*Offer valid until 30th November 2024

AD_CULT.indd 132

20/09/2024 16:29

H O M E • PARTNERSHIP

1 0 y e a r s o f

Atkin & Thyme Quality materials, unique designs and timeless pieces at Atkin & Thyme

T

he Atkin and Thyme team is driven by a passion for helping you turn your house into a home. Its statement furniture collections are hand crafted out of quality materials and designed to be timeless pieces that will sit in pride of place in your home for many years to come.

All of the furniture pieces are unique to Atkin and Thyme so you can be sure to get a gorgeous sideboard, bedside table or coffee table that can’t be found anywhere else.

Over the past 10 years the brand has introduced timeless collections which include the versatile Calvin Armchair with its classic appeal; the Flute Marble Col-

lection which marries tactile fluted wood with brass details and a stunning marble top; and the Reeves parquet wood dining table which has a stunning cross frame brass base.

For Spring Summer, they launched the Umi Collection, inspired by serene Japandi style, a pared-back design signature. With the statement marble-effect concrete Mason Collection that can be used indoor and outdoor and showcases the Atkin and Thyme knack for finding new materials and designs for that statement look.

Their new Autumn Winter Collection focuses on textured materials like fluted warm wood, characterful marbles and tactile fabrics. This season touches on growing trends of retro revival and soft minimalism,

as well as popular trends of multi-purpose furniture and compact storage. Showing their flair for keeping up with the newest trends, colours have developed from SS24 to include colours of the season - deeper warmer tones including rich nut brown, berry, forest green and apricot.

Atkin and Thyme has expanded its offering throughout the years by introducing a comprehensive collection of garden furniture and accessories, along with a range of made to order and in-stock sofas and loveseats, and a gorgeous collection of handmade rugs.

View the range for yourself at atkinandthyme.co.uk.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ATKIN n THYME.indd 133

133

20/09/2024 16:30

The 160-yearold brand is quietly championing British heritage

134 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

PETER REED.indd 134

20/09/2024 16:30

H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

Luxurious touch Peter Reed has long been championed for its linen and a new launch means you can bring this high quality into your home

L

ocated at the foothills of Pendle Hill in Lancashire, a 160-yearold luxury brand is quietly championing British heritage. Known for its fine white linen which adorns the beds of luxury hotels, super yachts, and grand estates worldwide. A reputation that was formalised in 2008 when it was awarded the Royal Warrant.

Peter Reed's mission is to capture and create each person's unique style through meticulous in-house craftsmanship, ensuring that every item exudes unparalleled elegance. Certified by GOTS and Planet Mark, the brand is also leading the way in luxury sustainability.

They are now embarking on a new addition to their home textiles range with their debut collection of cushions

and throws. With a fantastic selection of contemporary colourways, textures and prints, the collection will immediately revitalise any space.

Available exclusively at Harrods, these premium furnishings are crafted from luxurious Italian fabrics and manufactured in Britain. They feature a variety of elegant finishes and are filled with 100% British wool, ensuring unmatched softness and comfort.

Discover the collection in the luxury linens department in Harrods or at harrods.com peterreed.com / @peterreed1861

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

PETER REED.indd 135

135

20/09/2024 16:30

extensions

AD_GREG PHILIPS.indd 136

|

refurbishments

|

new houses

20/09/2024 16:30

If you’re looking to transform your home, Gregory Phillips Architects is the perfect choice. Renowned for strengthening the connection between indoor spaces and the garden, their team specialises in contemporary extensions that elevate both the look and feel of your home. They create spaces that are as comfortable as they are stylish.

By treating architecture, interior design, and landscaping as equally important, Gregory’s team ensures that every project reflects your lifestyle.

Their tailored approach guarantees that your aesthetic, practical, and living needs are seamlessly met. Choose Gregory Phillips Architects and experience a home designed just for you.

tel: +44 20 7724 3040 | email: gp@gregoryphillips.com | gregoryphillips.com |

AD_GREG PHILIPS.indd 137

@gregoryphillipsarchitects

20/09/2024 16:30

Olive & Barr Handmade Kitchens

131 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QJ 0345 154 0151 www.oliveandbarr.com AD_OLIVE AND BAR.indd 138

20/09/2024 16:30

H O M E • PARTNERSHIP

“Free-standing baths tend to be larger than conventional baths, perfect for a long soak”

S T A T E M E N T

BATHS

I

Jamie Bebbington of bathroom specialist Aston Matthews offers advice on choosing a free-standing bath

f you have the space, a free-standing (rather than built-in) bath will add wow factor to your bathroom. They tend to be larger than conventional baths, making them perfect for a long relaxing soak and, because they are so desirable, they will also add value to your property.

Copper baths are particularly striking and, as copper is a great conductor of heat, once the bath is filled the water retains an even temperature throughout and stays hotter for longer. Our copper baths have an unlacquered finish which will develop an attractive natural patina with age, or they can be waxed to maintain the shine.

From a sustainable point of view, copper baths are made from recycled copper and are themselves fully recyclable.

As a more contemporary option, stone resin (sometimes called composite) baths are crafted from natural stone combined with a high-performance resin. This material lends itself to soft, curved shapes that sit well in a modern bathroom.

However, the most popular freestanding baths are still cast iron. This material was originally used by the Victorians, it is extremely durable and, like copper baths, cast iron baths are made from recycled metal.

One of the joys of a cast iron bath is that

you can paint the exterior to match your décor allowing you to change and update your tub whenever you want.

We have found that some customers are wary of choosing a cast iron bath because they are heavy. However, a bath full of water and a bather is only the equivalent weight to four people. If you are happy for four people to stand in your bathroom without worrying that they might crash through the floor then you can have a cast iron bath.

When it comes to positioning your bath, freestanding baths tend to have larger dimensions than standard inset models so it is important to map out the area of the bathroom carefully to make sure the bath will fit with plenty of space to move around it. Laying down sheets of newspaper to depict the bath's footprint is helpful in assessing how much space it will eventually occupy.

If the bath is to stand in the middle of the room, plumbing is also a consideration as you will need water and waste pipes to run under the floor and then floor-mounted taps. This is a straightforward job, just discuss the logistics with your plumber before you start your bathroom renovation and you can ask us for advice on the best tap options. And remember, you will need to manoeuvre the bath into the space, so take time to measure doorways and stair width before you buy – unlike a wardrobe or a bed, baths don’t come in sections to be constructed on site. astonmatthews.co.uk @astonmatthewsbathrooms

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ASTON MATTHEWS.indd 139

139

20/09/2024 16:30

Don’t just dream it...

Live it at Mill View

W

elcome to Mill View, an exclusive development of eight luxury 4 and 5-bedroom homes, designed by renowned local architects, Stanley Bragg. Situated in the semirural village of Ardleigh, Colchester, Mill View is just a short drive from the charming towns of Manningtree and the iconic Flatford, famously captured in the works of John Constable. This sought-after development offers a rare opportunity to own one of the final two properties available, following the success of Phase 1.

These thoughtfully designed homes are truly oneof-a-kind, offering a unique split-level layout that includes a versatile basement level and a mezzanine floor with stunning views. Each space is filled with natural light thanks to expansive glass windows, while elegant Nicholas Anthony kitchens provide the perfect setting for hosting. Sustainable features such as solar panels, electric car charging, underfloor heating, and an impressive EPC A rating ensure these homes are built with the future in mind—without compromising on luxury.

Step outside and you’ll find a spacious sun terrace, ideal for entertaining, complete with an outdoor firepit for cozy evenings. Each home also features a private driveway with a double carport and ample storage, all set within a gated development for added privacy.

Whether you’re a professional looking for an escape from the city, a family searching for more space, or someone who simply values highquality living, Mill View offers it all. Situated less than 5 miles from Colchester train station, with a convenient 45-minute commute to London Liverpool Street, it remains close to picturesque heritage villages, perfect for weekend strolls and leisurely days out. Well-known attractions such as Colchester Zoo, Colchester Castle, and Mersea Island are all nearby.

At Mill View, it’s not just about owning a home— it’s about a better way of living. Explore the last available properties today.

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

Want to arrange a viewing? Enquire today

sevendevelopments.co.uk

AD_SEVEN DEVELOPMEN.indd 140

01206 656111 | 01206 656222

20/09/2024 16:30

‘THE DYING AND ASCENDING SELF_SHEDDINGS SKINS TO RISE TO LIFE'

H O M E | PROMOTION

“Art making facilitates a means to digest, to reflect and to transform”

THE GIFT O F

WEPOSQUE, MARTHA'S VINEYARD

C R E A T I N G

Investigating artworks by multi-talented Carolin Rechberg

C

MARGINAL MEN

arolin Rechberg is an interdisciplinary Fine Artist She works in the mediums of ceramics, drawing, installation, illustration, painting, performance, printmaking, photography, poetry, sculpture, sound art, textile design and voice work. She places most value in the multi-sensory experience involved in the process of creating, the insights they generate and how these transfer to a way of life.

Rechberg says:“Alerting the senses through creating is an opportunity to ground in the present moment. Observing with the senses provides a place to simply be, to breathe, to feel, to find rest in the now. It is a means to communicate with the is-ness of being, with being in presence. The art process, and the artwork, is a vehicle to harness instinct, stimulate creativity and gather awareness, information, and insight, emanating through heightened sense perception, in the communion with art and nature.”

Rechberg attained an Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Fine from the California College of the Arts, a Master of Fine Art in Draw-

ing and Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, and a Master in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught Drawing and Painting as a Teaching Assistant in her 1st Master at the San Francisco Art Institute, and Etching, Lithography, Silkscreen and Woodcut during her 2nd Master at Teachers College.

Her work has been exhibited internationally in Solo and Group Exhibitions, in North America, Asia, and Europe. Her artwork has been published internationally in printed and online literature, received awards, interviews and residencies.

Currently she is situated close to Murnau am Staffelsee in Germany, offering unique artworks for sale and individual commissions for commercial, private, or public space.

“Whether in art or in life, it is about the process of experiencing, being in the moment, being present. As an artist one consciously communes with the very act of creation, with making ‘a knowing’, an understanding brought forth through the work itself.

Art making facilitates a means to digest, to reflect and to transform information.

She says: "For me, art harnesses a state of alert awareness. I see the art process as the art. The artworks signify a continued exploration of curiosity, an addition to the iterated vocabulary of my being’s aesthetic language relating to existence, art, culture, and nature.”

To commission or purchase artwork visit carolinrechberg.com

or contact Carolin Rechberg directly carolins.studio@gmail.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CAROLIN RECHBERG.indd 141

141

20/09/2024 16:31

AD_TREEHOUSE.indd 142

20/09/2024 16:31

H O M E | PROMOTION

INSIDE

OUT How fusing interiors and outdoor spaces is a priority for Gregory Phillips Architects

S

ome homes are beautifully built but may feature traditional small windows, tricky access points, or outdoor spaces that feel disconnected from the property. Today, homeowners increasingly seek to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a seamless flow that enhances both areas.

Gregory Phillips Architects excels in addressing these challenges, designing properties where interior and exterior spaces are equally important. Known for their expertise in contemporary extensions, they transform homes into functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.

These improvements not only enhance comfort but also boost energy efficiency and practicality.

A significant part of Gregory Phillips

Architects’ work involves designing extensions that seamlessly connect the existing home to outdoor areas. They achieve this by incorporating features like sliding glazed doors or floor-toceiling glass panels, which remove visible boundaries and create a stronger connection to the outside world.

Extensions not only add space but also reimagine a home’s layout. In their Cobham project, a single-storey addition transformed a family home into a modern, spacious living space seamlessly connected to newly landscaped gardens.

Floor-to-ceiling glass facades create airy interiors and enhance garden views.

Modernising period properties can be challenging due to regulations and building sensitivities. Gregory Phillips Architects excels in these cases, as shown in a recent project. They infused modern luxury into a Grade 2 listed farmhouse by

creating an open-plan structure linking the main Georgian property to a historic barn, forming a light-filled kitchen-diner with extensive glass walls that open to the surrounding gardens.

With a distinguished legacy spanning over 30 years, Gregory Phillips Architects has garnered a host of prestigious accolades, including RIBA Awards and International Design & Architecture honours, showing their unwavering commitment to exceptional design and meticulous craftsmanship. If you’re contemplating a home extension, property refurbishment or build project, discover how Gregory Phillips Architects can transform your space into a masterpiece.

Gregory Phillips Architects 020 7724 3040 gregoryphillips.com @gregoryphillipsarchitects A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_GREG PHILLIPS.indd 143

143

20/09/2024 16:31

Est 1997

BLIND AND CURTAIN SHOWROOM Our newly redesigned luxaflex showroom, showcases the latest innovations in custom made blinds including automation, sustainability, and smart home integration. Sitting alongside our bespoke luxury curtain and roman blind service containing an inspiring collection of designer fabrics and trimmings.

With over 25 years experience in window styling we offer a full bespoke service with every aspect of your project overseen by our team of experts.

Curtains and Blinds by Appointment Only Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • info@curtain-call.co.uk www.curtain-call.co.uk CURTAIN _CALL_HP_ABS_APR2024_v2.indd 1

19/03/2024 12:23

SBI Ltd has been providing all of your shelter and shading requirements, since 1998

0800 0742 721 | sbiproducts.co.uk

Verandas • Glass Rooms • Awnings • Pergolas Carports • Solar Garage Doors & Shutters • Parasols • Conservatory Sail Blinds Glass Wind Screens for patios, awnings, verandas and parasols !

We provide comprehensive awning services, f rom cleaning and repairs to seasonal maintenance.

Get in touch today for the highest quality awning servicing!

SBI_HP_ABS_NOV2023.indd 1

AD_CURTAIN CALL.indd 144

16/10/2023 10:01

20/09/2024 16:31

H O M E | PROMOTION

BESPOKE S E C U R I T Y

Safeguarding your property with Valkyrie Insight

L

ondon is one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, a cultural and economic hub home to leading firms in finance, tech, law, and media. Naturally, it attracts wealthy individuals and families from the UK and abroad, but also malicious criminal groups intent on exploiting this wealth. Property crime in London surged in 2024, with theft up by 18% and robberies increasing by 21%, making robust home security more crucial than ever. Today’s criminals are resourceful, adaptive, and armed with sophisticated techniques that go beyond traditional break-ins. Protecting your home requires more than standard measures; it means anticipating their tactics and, in many cases, thinking like a criminal.

Criminals now target not only physical vulnerabilities but also exploit digital footprints. Social media often reveals valuable information: holiday plans, expensive purchases, routines, and even property layouts. Valkyrie, a boutique security firm specialising in physical, cyber, and technical protection, emphasises that managing your online presence is as crucial as locking your front door. Setting strict privacy controls on social media, limiting posts about personal life, and practising discretion adds an essential layer of

protection. With digital-first burglars on the rise, guarding your online information is vital to safeguarding your home.

When evaluating properties, criminals behave like professionals, conducting reconnaissance to identify weaknesses— outdated locks, poorly lit surroundings, easy access points, and visible signs of wealth, such as luxury vehicles. High-end homes in London’s most sought-after areas often become prime targets due to these cues. At Valkyrie, we recommend thorough property audits to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities. Upgrading locks, installing discreet yet strategically placed security cameras, and ensuring well-lit exteriors can deter opportunistic criminals. A layered security approach that combines physical barriers with innovative technology provides a comprehensive defence, making your property more resilient.

London’s luxury properties also face increasingly tech-savvy criminals who

bypass traditional security. Homes that rely solely on standard locks and alarms may no longer be enough. To stay ahead of these threats, Valkyrie advocates integrating advanced digital security into your overall protection plan. From encrypted alarm systems to sophisticated network monitoring and even anti-drone technology for large estates, layered security ensures protection on all fronts.

Our expertise lies in creating bespoke solutions that address both physical and digital vulnerabilities, tailored to your unique needs.

Staying informed is critical. Valkyrie’s experience across London’s high-end properties gives us unique insights into how criminals operate and evolve. As their methods become more sophisticated, so must your security measures. Regularly updating systems, staying vigilant, and partnering with a trusted security provider who understands the nuances of protecting luxury homes are essential steps towards ensuring long-term safety.

Securing your home in a city like London is an ever-evolving challenge, but by thinking ahead, understanding how criminals operate, and adopting a layered approach to security, you can stay ahead.

With Valkyrie’s bespoke security solutions, your home becomes a sanctuary where both your physical and digital worlds are protected—offering peace of mind in an unpredictable landscape.

“With digital-first burglars on the rise, guarding your online information is vital” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_VALKYRIE.indd 145

145

20/09/2024 16:31

Upholstery Design Services

RUG STORE specialise in a wide selection of new, old and Antique Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen Carpets. Various antique, old and new Kilims are available. We offer a professional hand-cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique carpets even damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations.

Passionate about fabric & creating unique furniture sarahlouisedix.co.uk | enquiries@sarahlouisedix.co.uk | 01483 801108

SARAH_DIX_QP_ABS_JUNE2023_v5.indd 1

312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, RICHMOND, LONDON, SW14 7JN Tel: 020 8876 0070 • wwww.rugstoreonline.co.uk

15/05/2023 RUG_STORE_QP_ 09:05 ABS_JUNE2023.indd 1

28/04/2023 11:43

Beautiful Traditional Timber Windows and Doors Energy efficient timber windows and external doors, designed to complement your home.

- Bespoke, high quality craftsmanship, made in the UK. - 50 year anti-rot guarantee.

- Sustainably sourced timber.

- Conservation Area specialists.

01344 868 668

AD - SARAH - CD - SASH.indd 146

www.sashwindow.com

20/09/2024 16:31

H O M E | PROMOTION

G I M M E

S H E LT E R How to extend your outdoor living space this autumn

S

aying goodbye to longer and warmer days does not have to mean abandoning the garden.

Caribbean Blinds is encouraging homeowners to explore a range of external shading solutions that allow them to maximise their garden and spend as much time as possible outdoors, no matter the weather.

This advice follows the results of a recent study conducted by the Suffolk-based firm, which explored the main reasons Brits spend time outdoors and the impact this is likely to have on their wellbeing. The investigation found that almost half (47%) admitted it makes them feel more relaxed, whereas 42% confessed to feeling happier outside in the fresh air.

Stuart Dantzic, MD at Caribbean Blinds, said: “Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a big increase in outdoor living trends, as more homeowners search for a solution that effortlessly transforms their garden into a functional and aesthetically pleasing outside space. Although we’re entering the autumn, which means cooler temperatures and longer evenings, this shouldn’t mean people should stay indoors. In fact, we’ve got a range of external shading solutions that can offer protection from the wind and rain.”

Further research into the activities homeowners are likelier to do when enjoying the outdoors discovered that relaxing with a good book (43%) was the most popular pastime. Al fresco dining was another common activity, with 29% enjoying barbecues with friends and family and 28% highlighting they eat outside most evenings. Although most people admitted to mainly dining outdoors in the summer, there’s no reason this can’t continue as we move into the autumn, as Stuart explains.

“We all know that British weather can be unpredictable, and outdoor activities can be cut short because of an unexpected downpour or high winds. But with the right external shading solution, this doesn’t have to be the

case. A louvered roof pergola, for instance, is an incredibly versatile outdoor solution which can create the perfect shelter for any external seating or dining area.”

When manufactured to the highest standard, a modern pergola system featuring a specialist louvered roof design, windproof side screens, infra-red heating and lighting systems means homeowners have more control over outdoor conditions, as Stuart explains. “At Caribbean Blinds, we manufacture a range of premium pergolas that allow homeowners to create the ideal outdoor environment that meets their needs. Plus, with the option to install lighting, heating or side screens, they’ll confidently maintain a comfortable temperature come rain or shine.”

Caribbean Blinds has almost 40 years experience manufacturing external shading solutions and supplying quality pergolas to homes across the country. From the Classic Lite to the Prestige Pod, Caribbean Blinds has a fantastic selection of louvered pergolas to choose from.

Each one can be completely customised to suit a range of needs and gardens of all shapes and sizes. cbsolarshading.co.uk/louvered-roofs/ A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_CARIBBEAN BLINDS.indd 147

147

20/09/2024 16:31

JOHN BRAY.indd 148

20/09/2024 16:31

TRAVEL

REAL GREEKS ATHENS

Athens is a wonderful destination with a huge variety of things to. Apart from the Acropolis there are countless fascinating museums, lots of wonderful places to eat – and you can even go to the beach. Sandy Cadiz-Smith explores the Greek capital. p150

Past and present in Athens 150 • Tokyo and traditional crafts 154 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

TRAVEL OPENER.indd 149

149

20/09/2024 16:32

AT H E N I A N

Odyssey Legends of gods and heroes come alive in Athens – and you can go to the beach, too

By SA N DY CA D I Z- S M I T H

150 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ATHENS.indd 150

20/09/2024 16:38

TRAVEL • EUROPE

A

s the oldest capital city in Europe, Athens is steeped in ancient history and mythology. It’s where Socrates philosophised in bustling agoras, where the Parthenon gleams under the golden sun, and where legends of gods and heroes come alive. As you wander through Athens, you're not just exploring a modern metropolis; you're stepping into a time machine that whisks you back to the age of democracy, epic battles, and timeless art.

The streets are paved with the rich tapestry of history from the remnants of Roman markets to Ottoman relics and Byzantine buildings and they’re also teeming with bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Our luxurious, five-star hotel the xenodocheio Milos is right in the heart of all this glory, the perfect base for exploration. We check into our Executive City View room overlooking the Old Parliament House. It’s spacious and contemporary with a fabulous marble bathroom and it’s surprisingly quiet, considering we’re in the middle of all the action.

We’ve discovered a little oasis.

Athens is the perfect walking city. We stroll through the buzzing area of Monastiraki, with its flea markets and street vendors, and plenty of fabulous shopping opportunities to enjoy. We meander around the narrow, sloping streets of Plaka, just below the Acropolis with its tumbling bougainvilleas and vertiginous restaurants and bars. We revel in plenty of al fresco dining at traditional tavernas abuzz with conversation and take endless pictures of the beautiful streets before stopping for drinks at one of the many roof-top bars. You really can’t beat those Acropolis views with the constantly changing light from sunrise to sunset.

The highlight of any trip here has to be a visit to the Acropolis which dominates the Athens skyline, guarding the city from on high.

We ascend the rocky path absorbing stories of myth and legend until we reach the plateau,

THE PARTHENON, ATHENS

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ATHENS.indd 151

151

20/09/2024 16:38

AD_JOHN BRAY.indd 152

20/09/2024 16:38

TRAVEL • EUROPE • XXXXX XXXXXXXX

dominated by the Parthenon - its marble columns gleaming in the Mediterranean sun.

We can almost hear the whispers of ancient processions and rituals and somehow feel a profound connection with the past. It’s breathtaking.

Just when we don’t think we can’t fall more in love with Athens, we discover we can go to the beach. Yes, Athens has several beaches, with beautiful beach clubs offering comfortable beds and restaurants serving delicious Greek fare. Like Dot Beach Vibes, a short drive from our hotel. We while away hours swimming in the crystal clear, sparkling sea and sip cocktails with our feet in the sand.

Until it’s time for a sumptuous lunch on the shaded terrace taking in the bluest of Greek vistas. Quite simply heavenly.

Back at the sanctuary that is xenodocheio Milos, we enjoy revitalising massages before heading down to estiatorio Milos for dinner.

Known as one of the best fish restaurants in Athens, it also has branches around the world, including in London, Dubai, and New York. We enjoy a feast of the freshest fish around served in stylish surroundings with impeccable service. Greek hospitality, cooking, and wine are hard to beat.

It all makes for the perfect conclusion to our exploration of this magnificent city. While every corner turned seems like a step back in history, the city’s lively spirit means it’s not only a reflection of the past but a celebration of the present. And it’s a lot of fun, too.

XENODOCHEIO MILOS

The Athens Fact Box The concierge can organise a range of activities and excursions and has a wealth of knowledge he’s waiting to share. From tour guides (we used the knowledgeable and entertaining @kassandraporioti (Instagram handle)) to restaurant, shopping and sightseeing recommendations, he’ll be able to help. xenodocheio Milos Hotel xenodocheiomilos.com/

•

We discovered two exceptional local restaurants a short walk from the hotel.

Dopios dopiosrestaurant.gr/ Barbounakibarbounaki.gr/en/

•

Make sure you visit the beach Dot Beach Vibes Beach Clubdot-voula.com/

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ATHENS.indd 153

153

20/09/2024 16:38

IMAGE © TCVB

EDO LANTERNS

TOKYO

uncovered Enjoy a range of traditional craft experiences in the Japanese capital

154 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_TOKYO TOURISM.indd 154

20/09/2024 16:39

TRAVEL • PROMOTION

T

okyo, often celebrated for its modernity and bustling urban life, is also home to a wealth of traditional craftsmanship that has been honed over centuries.

This blend of historical artistry and contemporary innovation makes the Japanese capital a city where past and present coexist. With 42 distinct traditional crafts officially recognised within the city, Tokyo offers a deep dive into its rich cultural heritage through its artisanal traditions.

Among Tokyo's treasured crafts are the Edo hand-painted lanterns. In the mid-Edo period (1603-1868), the Asakusa area became a hub for lantern artists, many of whom specialised in painting inscriptions on lanterns. The practice has continued, with artisans today still painting family crests and inscriptions in the traditional Edo style. The Namidabashi Oshimaya lantern shop in Minami-Senju, in the northeastern part of Tokyo, is one of several places offering an experience painting Edo characters on mini lanterns, a hands-on activity that allows them to take home a personalised souvenir.

The Asakusa area is home to many other craft activities, such as candy crafting and Kiriko glass cutting as well as Edo Shikki, a type of lacquerware created with a layering and wiping processes that creates a special texture and a woody flavour that won't overpower food and drinks. Tokyo Tebori Insho, (hand-carved seals) have been produced since the Edo period, and only a handful of craftsmen in Tokyo are able to carve with the necessary precision for this craft.

For a more relaxed cultural experience away from the bustle of Asakusa, the Shiba Park Hotel is surrounded by greenery overlooking Tokyo Tower in the culturally rich Shiba area, a region steeped in the grandeur of the Edo era. The hotel offers a Sustainable Japanese Traditional Culture

SHIBORI INDIGO DYING

“Visitors can observe traditional papermaking techniques and craft their own Washi paper” Experience, an initiative that highlights the significance of traditional crafts, particularly Kintsugi, a Japanese technique of repairing ceramics with lacquer and gold powder.

Kintsugi transforms damaged items into pieces of new beauty by emphasising their history rather than disguising their flaws. At the Shiba Park Hotel, guests can engage in a modern adaptation of Kintsugi using synthetic materials and substitute gold powder, under the guidance of experts. This experience is designed to be accessible, with synthetic lacquer and substitute powders ensuring a safer, modern approach to this age-old art.

Another notable traditional craft is the art of indigo dyeing, known as Ai-zome, practiced at Wanariya, not far from Asakusa. The technique called Shibori involves binding and folding fabric before dyeing it, resulting in unique and unpredictable patterns. Shibori's charm lies in its spontaneity—the final design is only revealed once the fabric is unfolded. Wanariya offers regular workshops where visitors can try their hand at this dyeing technique, with all necessary protective gear provided. The process is open to people

of all ages, making it a family-friendly activity where children can participate alongside their parents. Completed items can be taken home on the same day, and the staff is available to assist with photography, ensuring that families can enjoy the experience together.

Ozu Washi in Nihonbashi is another cultural gem in Tokyo, dedicated to preserving the art of traditional Japanese papermaking. The Ozu Washi center encompasses a range of facilities, including a history museum, gallery, cultural classes, and a hands-on Washi experience studio. Visitors can observe traditional papermaking techniques and even craft their own Washi paper, which they can take home.

Finally, for those in London this winter, Tokyo's traditional crafts are making an international appearance. An Edo hand-painted lanterns craftsman will be hosting workshops in London, offering a rare chance to engage with Tokyo's artisanal heritage outside of Japan. The workshops are scheduled for 3 and 4 December at Japan House London.

Please find the event details at Japan House London website in due course.

Please register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/Jf726EetGp C O N TAC T S Ozu Washi ozuwashi.net

Wanariya wanariya.co.jp Shiba Park Hotel shibaparkhotel.com The Official Tokyo Travel Guide: Go Tokyo gotokyo.org The Official brand website: Tokyo Tokyo tokyotokyo.jp The travel guide for luxurious holidays: Timeless Tokyo timelesstokyo.com

IMAGE © TCVB

IMAGE © TCVB

ABOVE: KINTSUGI BOWL BELOW: MODERN TOKYO

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_TOKYO TOURISM.indd 155

155

20/09/2024 16:39

Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family.

3,750 2 , 4,720 3 5,180 4 7

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.

Watch ambers and golds fight for the limelight.

THE G R E AT E ST S H OW IN EARTH L I V E AT W I S L E Y

AD_GLENEAGLES.indd 156

20/09/2024 16:39

TRAVEL • PROMOTION

Ocean dreaming B E AC H S I D E

L I V I N G

With the beach and its buzzing surf scene on your doorstep, you can’t beat the Polzeath Beach House in Cornwall

A

haven of golden sand set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and crystalclear water; Polzeath beach offers the perfect conditions for surfing and lazing the day away as the tide fills the bay. You could be forgiven for thinking you were in the South of France when soaking up the sunshine at this popular surfing beach. It’s the ideal spot for making sandcastles with your family or enjoying the unspoilt scenery along Cornwall’s Southwest Coast Path. With wetsuits and boards for hire by the hour, you can enjoy the exhilarating waves or book in with one of the many surf schools for an hour of expert tuition. Nothing beats that post-surf feel.

After a day well spent at the beach, the sunsets out over the west-facing bay are breathtaking, and worth lingering for. There is no better place to sink a sundowner as the golden hour approaches than The Polzeath Beach House, a beachside luxury hotel with 12 rooms and 10 self-catering apartments situated slap bang on Atlantic Terrace directly overlooking Polzeath beach and sea. The ground floor is given over to the Atlantic Bar & Kitchen run by Harbour Brewing, a popular restaurant & bar serving Italian inspired dishes, fresh pizzas and home-made pasta.

Soak up the sun and the iconic views of the Atlantic Ocean on the large outdoor terraces.

If you dream of unlimited coastal adventures and unbeatable sea views, then owning an apartment at Polzeath Beach House should

be high on your list. As luck would have it, there are two sea-facing apartments currently for sale. Penhale, a spacious ground floor two-bedroom apartment, has open plan living spaces that flow out to a large private sea view terrace and huge bi-fold doors to let that fresh sea air flood in. JB Estates are asking £965,000.

Daymer, set on the first floor, is a threebedroom contemporary apartment with elevated and far-reaching coast and sea views and two balconies to make the most of the position. JB Estates are asking £795,000.

Apartment owners at Polzeath Beach House have use of the Surf Shack offering useful storage for surfboards, a drying area for wet suits and shower facilities when owners are in residence. During your stay the reception team will also be on hand to help you book anything you need including, activities, local restaurants, taxis and even a water taxi from Rock to Polzeath.

For more details visit johnbrayestates.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_JOH BRAY.indd 157

157

20/09/2024 16:39

AD_DULWICH PREP.indd 158

20/09/2024 16:39

E D U C AT I O N

GIRL POWER FRANCIS HOLLAND PREP

Francis Holland Preparatory School provides a warm and inspiring environment in which girls can learn and thrive. Girls are encouraged to be fearless, brave and to be prepared to have a go, no matter how great the challenges before them.. francishollandprep.org.uk

A new head for Wetherby 161 • Sixth form success at King Alfred's 163 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

EDUCATION OPENER.indd 159

159

20/09/2024 16:40

Aspirational Girls’ Boarding and Day School 11-18, Godalming, Surrey

Full, weekly and half-weekly boarding options: 11+, 13+, 16+ entry Nestled in 42 acres of rural Surrey countryside Meet our new Head, Ms Zoe Ireland Arrange an individual tour or visit us at one of our Open Events admissions@priorsfieldschool.com I 01483 810551 www.priorsfieldschool.com AD_PRIORS FIELD.indd 160

20/09/2024 16:40

EDUCATION • PROMOTION

TA L K I N G

HEAD

Meeting the new Head of Wetherby Prep, Nina Kingsmill Moore Q Where has your career taken you so far?

A I am so fortunate to have had a wide and

varied career and I have taught in a number of different settings and in different countries.

I have taught in state and independent schools, as well as in all-girls, all-boys and co-ed schools, so I really have seen it all. I am hugely passionate about education and still marvel at the transformational effect it has on lives. Studying for a Masters in Educational Leadership was fascinating and I realised the importance of effective leadership in schools. This led to me taking a keen interest in developing future leaders and I have been fortunate to run the Preparation for Headship course, run by IAPS over the last three years. In my senior leadership career, I have been Head of Upper Years and Deputy Head Wetherby Notting Hill, Head of Pre Prep and Deputy Head at Lambrook School, and Head of Glendower Preparatory School.

Q What was the attraction to taking

over the Headship at Wetherby Prep?

A My professional life has always been

intertwined with Wetherby. It all started when I took up a teaching role at Wetherby Notting Hill, where I went on to become Deputy Head, my first Senior Leadership role. Over the

years, I kept a keen ear and eye on the school and visited it a few times in my professional capacity. It was therefore inevitable that I would find my way back to this very special school and take on the headship.

Q Can you sum up your teaching approach?

A I believe teaching has (thankfully) moved

on enormously since I first started. For me, walking around the school, I want to hear dynamic lessons, where children are given their voice in the learning. I worry when I hear silent lessons, because it suggests that the children are being ‘taught to’ rather than ‘involved in’ the thinking behind a concept. So, dynamic engagement, respectful challenging of opinion, careful listening and informed debate are a must in all classrooms as this is where subject mastery happens. I also believe each child should be continuously nudged just beyond their comfort zone in their lessons so that they are always striving to achieve the answer or next step. Coasting should not be an option!

Q How key are the prep school years?

A These are the vital years where talents are

uncovered, and new interests are developed.

If the focus is too firmly on one specific area,

whether that be academics or co-curricular, the whole child is developed. Children are fascinating and if we over or under develop one area at the expense of another, we will end up with a less than happy child. I believe the perfect Prep School offers each child a vast array of opportunities to explore covering many different areas, from sport, to the arts, to academics, which balance the needs of each child. There is nothing more satisfying than watching a child master a new activity or skill and this still gets me out of bed with a spring in my step each morning!

Q What do you see as the benefits

of being all-boys at this age?

A Boys and girls definitely learn differently

and there are huge advantages to single sex education. Boys need to have the time and space to develop their thinking, and the opportunity to discuss this in a dynamic and respectful way. If a boy feels inspired, respected and heard, and understands the ‘why’ of what he is doing, you have him eating out of your educational hand. Boys need to be physical and expend energy, but they also need pockets of deep focus, calm and attention. If the balance is struck correctly, you have a winning formula.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_WETHERBY.indd 161

161

20/09/2024 16:40

queen ethelburga’s collegiate, york

students 3 months to 19 years boarders from year 3

excellent facilities

bus service across yorkshire

open mornings:

over 100 enrichment clubs

18th november 2024

25th january, 9th march & 7th june 2025

book your place at www.qe.org admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330

qe college: current times top 20 school for academic results senior schools rank 1st & 7th in the north for academic performance qe college placed 2nd in the uk & 1st in the north for a level results

Senior Schools Combined 2024 Results: 78% A*/A and 73% BTEC Distinction AD_QE.indd 162

20/09/2024 16:40

ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

XXX IMAG

Grow your OWN WAY

Sixth Formers at The King Alfred School in North London are empowered to find the right path for them – next stop, success

A

t The King Alfred School, academic achievement meets personal growth to provide Sixth Formers with everything they need to not only achieve their educational ambitions, but also build happy, fulfilled lives.

The School prides itself on creating an environment where pupils can thrive through critical thinking, independent study, experimentation and exploration without undue pressure.

Situated on the edge of Hampstead Heath, the modern Sixth Form Centre features a dedicated study space, sociable common room and outside terrace, and Sixth Formers can also make use of the well-equipped Upper School Library.

With an average class size of just seven, students reap the benefits of focused support from the passionate team of teachers. An informal approach (no ‘Sir’ or ‘Miss’ here) that promotes mutual respect creates an environment where students feel empowered

to achieve. As Louis, a recent KAS Sixth Former, says: “You genuinely have a personal relationship with [the teachers]. It’s not about pressure, it’s about encouragement.”

The School’s outstanding results prove that its unique approach works. In 2024, over half (56.3%) of A level grades were an A or A* – more than double the national average (24%), and comfortably above the independent school average of 49%, too. Meanwhile, the School’s value-added score (which quantifies how much performance improves over the course of students’ studies) was in the top 7% both nationally and in the independent sector.

A recent ISI inspection also rated both academic attainment and personal development at the School as Excellent.

The King Alfred approach also recognises that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Regular camps and trips allow students to expand their horizons, whilst the School’s varied enrichment programme is designed to develop key skills such as leadership, teamwork and adaptability.

Examples include the chance to host a TEDx

Talk, as well as weekly student-led PSHE sessions covering topics such as coping with stress and anxiety, building healthy relationships and issues in modern society.

A variety of clubs also offer space to develop for the pure joy of it, ranging from sports and science clubs to drama and music groups.

As Upper Sixth approaches, students are actively encouraged to plan their next step. Students participate in ‘Life After KAS’ sessions which feature external experts advising on university admissions, gap years, apprenticeships and paths into employment. Students also benefit from regular contact with their Personal Tutor, a UCAS and Higher Education Advisor, PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) support and counselling services.

With the School’s emphasis on the individual, it’s no surprise that post-KAS paths are impressively varied. Routes for recent leavers range from reading Chemistry at Imperial College London and Natural Sciences at Durham to Economics at Exeter and Fine Arts at Leeds. Other degrees include Nursing, Fashion and Music Technology, whilst non-university paths include Art College and Drama School.

As King Alfred alums make their way into the world, they can be confident that the creative thinking skills and keen sense of self gained from the KAS Sixth Form has set them on a path towards both personal and professional success.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_KING ALFREDS.indd 163

163

20/09/2024 16:40

A SUTURING WORKSHOP IN ACTION

T o

m

o

r

r

o w ’ s

World How Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) supports aspiring medics, vets, and dentists

Q

E’s ‘medics provision’ starts in Year 10, and there are plenty of STEM awards, science responsibilities and competitions offered to younger students.

Every year, QE sees a cohort of successful students head off onto exciting medicine, veterinary and dentistry courses, with six September starters this year.

Georgia M, who is going to study Medicine at the University of Oxford after receiving A*A*AA in her A-levels, says: “I received offers from Cardiff, Leicester and Oxford for Medicine and Manchester for Neuroscience with Spanish. One of the main ways that school helped me was with the mock interviews.

We had MMI interviews with teachers and this really prepared me and made me feel more comfortable in my real interviews.”

Science and Medics Programme Teacher, Dr Mia Robinson, says: “We tailor our support to individual needs to ensure every student has the best application possible. A large focus of our work with the medics is to understand the careers and the working environment in the NHS, since qualification in the UK comes with an expectation that the individual will work in the NHS for a given time. For dentists and vets, we explore their pathways too. All

these courses are extremely oversubscribed, and competition is fierce, so it is important that we work with each student to build the necessary skill set and academic success required for their university place.”

As part of the curriculum, students can choose to study both GCSEs and A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Psychology.

In addition, QE offers an optional ‘supercurricular’ Medicine and Veterinary lesson, which is timetabled into the week for Sixth Form students and is run by the science department. These sessions include guest speakers from medical, veterinary and dental careers and provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about university applications, university study, and careers from those that have gone through the process and are currently working in these fields. Guest speakers in 2023-24 included a current GP, a Consultant, a Medicine Lecturer, a Cancer Researcher, a Sports Medicine Business Owner, and a current alumni studying medicine at Newcastle University.

Outside of normal lessons, QE offers a selection of nationally recognised and relevant courses onsite including the Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Anaphylaxis, Level 2 Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 Citizen Aid, Youth Mental Health Aware, National Pool

GEORGIA IS OFF TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Lifeguard Qualification and the ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership and Management. In addition, there is a weekly Psychology Club where students learn, debate and share ideas.

Every year, QE hosts a Suturing Workshop led by a GP for aspiring medics. The school also hosts their own Medical Conference where students can research and present

164 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_QUEEN ETHELBURGA.indd 164

20/09/2024 16:41

EDUCATION XXXXXXXX • FOCUS XXXXX

A-LEVEL STUDENTS CELEBRATE THEIR RESULTS

their ideas to a panel of experts, with prizes for first, second and third place. In addition, students can become Science Ambassadors to both input on science activities and offer support to other students.

As part of their careers programme, students go on educational visits, university tours, and, new for 2024-25, will be visiting the cancer research facility of alumni, Dr Ethan Perkins, who will also be hosting a work experience programme. Students can also partake in other work experience such as getting hands-on experience with dementia patients at Heath Lodge Community Haven and volunteering at a second care home who are partnered with the school. The QE careers team is also linked to Harrogate Hospital’s 60-hour work experience scheme, but are also available to assist and supply information on hospital placements at York and Leeds General Infirmary, with many students doing multiple placements.

To help set themselves apart in a crowded field of applicants, pupils can compete in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, British Physics Olympiad Challenge, British Biology Olympiad Challenge, UK Biology Intermediate

“WE TAILOR OUR SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS” Challenge, University of Warwick National Scientific Challenge, and the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad. QE students perform brilliantly in national competitions, and in 2023-24, achieved 1 Roentgenium, 54 Gold, 92 Silver, 9 Copper, 104 Bronze and 10 Commendation awards in these competitions.

All pupils applying to medicine, veterinary or dentistry courses are automatically enrolled onto QE’s Early Applicant Programme, which offers four application support workshops hosted by a current doctor and up to two meetings per week with a personal UCAS tutor, who is always from a science background. QE’s careers team provide in-depth information on the UCAT and BMAT exams required for medicine and how to strategically apply to universities based on each candidate’s UCAT score.

They host an MMI interview day, which fully mimics a typical university interview for these fields. They are also on-hand to carry out further mock interviews on request.

As part of QE’s senior school provision, all

students can access the QE careers team for support on university choices, extracurriculars, and the application process.

QE College currently ranks second nationally for A-level results according to the Sunday Times Parent Power 2024. Entrance into QE College requires Level 7s in the subjects the student wishes to undertake, with QE’s other school, QE Faculty, being open to those not achieving Level 7s. QE College offers a small number of academic scholarships and means-tested bursaries to Year 12 starters.

UK applicants are required to tour the campus, do an interview, present on a topic, undertake a CAT4 ability test, share recent school reports, and submit proof of predicted GCSE or equivalent grades. Academic scholars are usually required to be predicted Levels 8s and 9s at GCSE. To learn more about QE’s ambitious ‘medics programme’, visit qe.org, email admissions@qe.org or attend their 16 November Open Morning.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_QUEEN ETHELBURGA.indd 165

165

20/09/2024 16:41

AD_CORAM.indd 166

20/09/2024 16:41

EDUCATION • PROMOTION

B E S T

I N

CLASS St Dunstan's College is celebrating a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate

S

t Dunstan’s College in Catford is delighted with the findings of its latest inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, carried out in April 2024.

St Dunstan’s is believed to be one of the first schools in the country to receive two significant strengths as part of its inspection.

This is an outstanding achievement.

Speaking about the report, St Dunstan’s Head, Nick Hewlett, said: ‘We are one of the first schools in the whole country to receive two significant strengths, and I am delighted they recognise both our broad, forward-thinking, renaissance education and how diversity is embedded and celebrated in everything we do at St Dunstan’s.

‘The report is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of the whole community and I pay tribute to staff, students and our families who make St Dunstan’s such a special and unique place to be. We are truly an independent school like no other.’

The report praised the broad and varied curriculums on offer, explaining: ‘Leaders

have put in place an ambitious, timetabled curriculum which provides extensive opportunities for pupils to acquire the broadest of learning experiences. Leaders have taken great care in the design of this multi-faceted programme which is included as part of the school day.

‘There are four separate strands; together these provide the full range of curriculum subjects, an extensive offering of broader learning experiences, a programme of teaching skills for the future and one that focuses on building pupils’ wellbeing and self-awareness.

The breadth and relevance of this curriculum and leaders’ decision that all pupils participate in these opportunities, is a significant strength.’

The second ‘significant strength’ applauded the school’s dedication to celebrating diversity within the school.

‘The school’s ethos supports leaders in creating a strong community where diversity is celebrated,’ the report found. ‘This works through many facets of school life: through

the curriculum, through the varied groups in school and through producing events such as the annual St Dunstan’s festival. All these promote respect and understanding among the pupils for everyone in their own school and in the wider local community.’

This summer, the College celebrated its best A Level and GCSE results in its 136-year history. 88% of all A Level grades achieved were A*- B with an outstanding 61% being A - A* and 27% being A*. Following the historic results, 97% of the cohort will be heading to their chosen destination, which includes 100% success for students holding an offer for Oxbridge, medicine, music conservatoires, art foundation or drama school. Meanwhile, Year 11 students also achieved record-breaking results in their summer examinations. 90% of all GCSE grades were 9-6, equivalent to A*-B, with an exceptional 78% being 9-7, which is A*- A, and 53% 9-8, which is the former A*.

Find out more at an upcoming open event. stdunstans.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

AVTL_ROSEMEAD.indd 167

167

20/09/2024 16:41

AD_ARCHITECTURE FOR.indd 168

20/09/2024 16:41

PROPERTY

POPLAR GROVE, NEW MALDEN KT3 3DA PRICE GUIDE

£1,150,000

stunning Edwardian home with a

‘Japandi’ look and feel. With A distinct four bedrooms, light and airy

entertaining space and a beautifully designed garden, this offers fabulous family living. Poplar Grove is in a great location for New Malden High Street and station (Waterloo in 25mins), a good selection of schools, Kingston and Wimbledon town centres and various recreation activities.

Robert Holmes & Company, 360 Coombe Lane, Wimbledon , London SW20 0RJ 020 8947 1100

robertholmes.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

PROPERTY OPENER.indd 169

169

20/09/2024 16:41

Kew Foot Road, TW9 £2,301 per week Situated moments from the magnificent Royal Richmond Park, an impressive family home providing four bedrooms. Set in an exclusive gated development, the immaculately presented mews house offers both underfloor heating and air-conditioning. In a desirable location, there are superb transport connections making it an excellent base for travelling around the capital be it for work or pleasure, energy rating c.

Dexters Richmond. 1 Sheen Road, London, TW9 1AD T: 020 8288 0828 E: richmondlettings@dexters.co.uk

AD_DEXTERS.indd 170

dexters.co.uk

20/09/2024 16:41

Airedale Avenue, W4 £3,000,000 Perfectly placed on a sought after street, a beautifully designed Edwardian house. Offering six bedrooms, the imposing period property comes with generously sized entertaining rooms and a charming rear garden, ideal for hosting friends. Close to the town centre and several tube stations, there is a wide range of independent retailers, restaurants and boutiques nearby, energy rating e.

Dexters Chiswick. 388 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5FT T: 020 8995 4321 E: chiswicksales@dexters.co.uk

AD_DEXTERS.indd 171

@dexterslondon

20/09/2024 16:41

AD_FLET_DEXTERS.indd 172

20/09/2024 16:41

AD_FLET_DEXTERS.indd 173

20/09/2024 16:41

Discover the epitome of modern living Alexandra Road is a select development of beautiful apartments, with a fabulous standard of specification, parking included and private outside space. Prices from £322,500

*Ask about incentives and how we can help you make the move before Christmas!

Discover the Epitome of modern living at this exclusive new development, 27 Alexandra Road. A selection of 1 bedroom apartments and a 3 bedroom penthouse, all with allocated parking and private balconies or terrace. Located in a sought after area of Epsom, stunning parkland views and within a short walk of Epsom town centre and Epsom train station, with trains direct to Waterloo Station within 36 minutes.

Barnard Marcus Surbiton 2 Kings Shade Walk, The Ashley Centre, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8EB T: 01372 740911 E: epsom@barnardmarcus.co.uk W: www.barnardmarcus.co.uk

* Subject to developers T&Cs, please ask for details.

AD_BARNARD MARCUS.indd 174 BARNARD MARCUS_DPS_ABS_October24_FINAL_PRINT.indd All Pages

20/09/2024 16:41

E S H E R

Apartments Start From £650,000; Houses Start From £999,995 Move Into your New Home For Christmas You can make Merrywood your new dream home, whether you’re a first time buyer or existing homeowner please ask for further details to help make your move.

This outstanding exclusive eco-efficient development of apartments and houses is nestled in a prime location off Weston Green.

Don’t miss out on your chance to view the beautiful Show home, open Thursday to Monday 10am to 5pm - Call to book your appointment.

AD_BARNARD MARCUS.indd 175

KEY FEATURES: Ready to Move Into Now • Highly desirable location off Weston Green • Luxury standard of specification • Off-street parking

Barnard Marcus Surbiton 5A Surbiton Crescent, St Marks Hill, Surbiton KT64RB T: 020 8390 8181 E: surbiton@barnardmarcus.co.uk W: www.barnardmarcus.co.uk

20/09/2024 16:41 13:43

Lauriston Road, Wimbledon Village

£6,950,000

The Grange, Wimbledon Village

£5,900,000

A handsome detached Grade II listed period house designed by Sir Ernest George situated in Wimbledon Village near the Common with a very generous south west facing garden Reception hall, 5 reception rooms, 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, cellar rooms, garage & driveway parking, 112’ garden

An elegant period house of immense character in a favoured road in the heart of the Village and just 100 metres from the Common Entrance hall, 3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2nd floor kitchenette, cellar rooms, gardens, garage and OSP ER/E

Vineyard Hill Road, Wimbledon

Bathgate Road, Wimbledon

£5,250,000

Comprehensively refurbished and smartly appointed detached home of over 4,700 sq ft set on high ground with views of the London skyline located close to Wimbledon Park 5 reception rooms, 6/7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, garden with terrace, driveway parking for 2 cars ER/C

£4,950,000

In a prestigious, sought after secure gated development of 6 houses, a beautifully presented home located within easy reach of Wimbledon Common, the Village, Wimbledon Park and excellent amenities Reception hall, 3 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, garden, garage and driveway parking for several cars ER/C

Wimbledon Village Office Sales: 020 8947 9833 Lettings: 020 8879 9669 AD_ROBERT HOLMES.indd 176

20/09/2024 16:41

www.robertholmes.co.uk

Ground Floor flat, Coombe House, Devey Close, Coombe Hill KT2 £899,950 A light and spacious three bed, ground floor flat in the historic Coombe House, tucked away on Coombe Hill.

With superb communal gardens, this property is well located for New Malden, Wimbledon and Kingston upon Thames.

Ballard Close, Coombe Hill KT2 £2,550,000 A beautifully presented and thoughtfully renovated six bed family home, situated on the Coombe Estate.

With a peaceful, landscaped garden, it is in a great location for schools and transport, recreation and shopping.

Coombe Office Sales: 020 8947 1100 AD_ROBERT HOLMES.indd 177

20/09/2024 16:41

AD_King Alfred school.indd 178

20/09/2024 16:42

West London

Kitchens

REAL KITCHENS FOR REAL FAMILIES

Our 2024 range offers all the modern developments in kitchen design, including reduced plinth heights and the TIP-ON touch opening system, together with specialised utility room furniture providing a myriad of clever storage solutions.

Much of our business comes via word-of-mouth recommendations from happy clients. We' re proud of our reputation and our customer service is second to none, for which we were awarded the Best of Houzz Client Satisfaction Award.

020 8741 1981 I KEITH@WESTLONDONKITCHENS.COM I WWW.WESTLONDONKITCHENS.COM

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an experienced purchaser, or simply want some expert advice on what the property market is doing, get in touch today and try our award-winning service.

Visit acorngroup.co.uk or scan the QR code to find your nearest branch.

OBC- SE_ACORN.indd 183

20/09/2024 15:04