Absolutely Kensington & Chelsea Magazine June 2024

Kensington & Chelsea

JUNE 2024 / £3.95 PLUS

BEYOND FASHION

Photography at the Saatchi Gallery

• GARDEN PARTY

The return of outdoor living

• RAISE THE BAR Tilly Sveaas and the T-Bar necklace

40 pages of inspiration and insight SPECIAL

DRESS TO IMPRESS THIS SUMMER

ELEGANT SIMPLICITY

Embrace Sofa by EOOS

A streamlined wooden frame and unparalleled upholstered comfort strike the perfect balance on the exible, modular Embrace Sofa. Contact for pricing.

MG501 Cuba Chair Paper Cord by Morten Gøttler

The chair has all the elegance of a sculpture with its natural materials, clean cotton webbing and evident craftsmanship. In short, it beautifully embodies the concept of complex simplicity.

From: £972

OW449 Colonial Co ee Table by Ole Wanscher

The understated, carefully thought-through shape of the co ee table enhances contemporary settings with an elegant simplicity.

From £827

AN EXPERT 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

This is a key element for the plumpness of the skin. Another level of hydration reduces during menopause. The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible antiageing 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

Deirdre Dyson

Beautiful timber windows & doors

B r i n g t h e o u t s i d e i n

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

MEDIA CONSULTANT

JACOB HAYES

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID

DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

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 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility

Follow Us On Facebook @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES Twitter & Instagram @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Website absolutely.london

LETTER Editor’s

Mentally, at least, June is summer. After the May half term, we're definitely into bare legs and al fresco suppers territory, even if the weather's not entirely on board. So in this issue we are looking at our gardens, and thinking about how to make them into inviting spaces for lounging, cooking, entertaining and dining. We've found decorative pieces of furniture, textiles and accessories that can transform even the most unlikely urban patch into an oasis of relaxation, ready for absorbing Vitamin D in style. Also in this issue we look at London's best outdoor dining options, shop for a new wardrobe and swimwear, rediscover Delft tiles, travel to Kenya and sample some coffee-laced cocktails. Enjoy June.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

We're loving colourful textiles this month

Gold bars Tilly Sveaas and the pendant of the moment

Table talk All we want right now is for our plates to be pretty

Flamenco fever

The annual dance

extravaganza returns to Sadler's Wells

Wish LIST

DOUBLE DENIM

The fusion of STAUD's contemporary Americana aesthetic and Wrangler's iconic Western heritage results in a fresh take on denim classics, offering a blend of modern sophistication and timeless style. wrangler.com

BIG BLUE

Villa Neroli is summer in a bottle – transport yourself instantly to the island of Capri with this enchanting vanillabased neroli fragrance. £167 bdkparfums.com

HATS OFF

Part of the Dioriviera capsule, the D-Ocean visor is a new hybrid design, inspired by a sun hat. Cra ed in straw, it's perfect for a season in St Tropez. dior.com

SUITS YOU

For swimwear that actually fits, book a personal appointment at Battersea's Amelie's Follies. Choose from a vast selection to fl atter all shapes and sizes. ameliesfollies.co.uk

TWO PIECE

There are comfortable pyjamas from Eberjey for all seasons – this relaxed cami has a v-front and back, plus adjustable straps. The low-rise short has an elastic waistband, so you can feel comfortable and stylish all at the same time. eberjey.com

FLAT OUT

Penelope Chilvers' fl at Chelsea fl oral espadrilles will bring a pop of colour to any outfit. With a sustainably certifi ed cotton upper and a relaxed jute sole, this vintage inspired print looks great with trousers or shorts. penelopechilvers.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NOT FADE AWAY

This button-down corduroy varsity jacket from the Rolling Stones' lifestyle brand features embroidered logo on the chest and RS No. 9 Carnaby St label on the sleeve, plus an embroidered Stones bubble letter tongue logo on the back. £180 rsno9.co.uk

GRACE AND FAVOUR

The Gracie dress, in a Liberty Print Cotton Poplin with the most stunning mix of blues and teals, wnspired by the elegance and glamour of Hollywood stars such as Grace Kelly. Opioneers' dresses are made in the smallest of batches, so once they're gone, they really are gone forever. £430 opioneers.co.uk

MOMMIE DEAREST

Mother Denim's The Masked Rider is a denim vest with a V-neck, front seams, slit pockets, an angled hem and a narrow fit, made from 100% cotton denim, £371. motherdenim.com

WEAR THE SHORTS

Sweaty Betty's new campaign is designed to get us all wearing shorts. And when they're this comfortable, who needs persuading? sweatybetty.com

CULTURE

PETER LINDBERGH, MILAGROS SCHMOLL, PARIS, 2006, BEYOND FASHION AT THE SAATCHI GALLERY

The Agenda

The Glass Menagerie

UNTIL 1 JUNE, ALEXANDRA PALACE

Tom escapes a su ocating home life through cigarettes and long visits to the movies while his sister, Laura, withdraws into her records and collection of glass animals. But their mother, Amanda, harbours dreams for them far beyond their shabby apartment.

alexandrapalace.com

9 June

MARYLEBONE VILLAGE

The annual Marylebone Summer Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Marylebone Village will be fully pedestrianised to showcase the best of the area’s shopping and dining, plus lots of events for families, a focus on dogs and exclusive discounts in local shops marylebonevillage.com

To 20 October LEIGHTON HOUSE

An exhibition of dresses belonging to Marion and Maud Sambourne, showcasing unique pieces, some of them rare examples by leading designers of the era. The exhibition will span across three spaces – the two exhibition galleries at Leighton House with an additional display and a documentary film at nearby Sambourne House. rbkc.gov.uk/museums

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY

Double Exposure: David Bailey & Mary McCartney

To 19 July

CLARIDGES ART SPACE

A new photography exhibition brings together the works of these two major British photographers for the first time in a unique John Pawson designed space. Curated by Brandei Estes, theexhibition spans photographs from the 1960s to the present day – showcasing a mutual interest in reinventing portraiture alongside interconnected aesthetic concerns and a shared sensibility. claridges.co.uk

ART TO WATCH

Recommended by Lisa Baker

TERNEST COLE

14 June - 22 September

PHOTOGRAPHERS' GALLERY

South African photographer Ernest Cole (1940–1990) is considered one of the most important chroniclers of the brutal reality of apartheid in South Africa. Through his work, Cole revealed the violence and injustice of apartheid to the world. This substantial exhibition revisits Cole’s ground-breaking project House of Bondage. tpg.org.uk

Month’s Must See

NOW YOU SEE US

TO 13 OCTOBER, TATE BRITAIN

This major group show of women artists in Britain, 1520-1920, will chart women’s road to being recognised as professional artists, a 400-year journey which paved the way for future generations and established what it meant to be a woman in the British art world. The exhibition covers the period in which women were visibly working as professional artists, but went against societal expectations to do so. Featuring over 100 artists, the exhibition will celebrate well-known names such as Julia Margaret Cameron and Gwen John, alongside many others. tate.org.uk

he sun is shining and all eyes are on Margate thanks to digital art platform gowithYamo who will be presenting an afternoon of vibrant art and culture by the sea in the form of Yamo Lates on Saturday 15 June. Yamo Lates is designed to encourage art lovers to break away from their traditional gallery routines and explore new territories. Through a programme of artist talks and guided tours, visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage with the makers and doers in an intimate setting. This afternoon of specially curated exhibition viewings and talks will take place across some of Margate’s most exciting galleries and is completely free and open to all. Featuring a diverse range of art spaces, from established galleries to emerging venues, Yamo Lates o ers a comprehensive and eclectic snapshot of Margate's thriving art scene. Galleries participating include Turner Contemporary who will o er a tour of their current exhibition by Ed Clark, Well Projects who present Jesse Pollock, Louise Melchior at Kavel Ra erty Gallery, Thomas Langley on show at Liminal Gallery with curator Louise Fitzjohn o ering tours, and group show Shelter at Lido Stores featuring Dylan Williams, Enzo Marra, Gareth Gri th and Jenny Wiggins.

Built for the curious and the creative, gowithYamo is a digital art platform and free app, founded with a desire to make art more accessible and dedicated to spotlighting the most exciting artists working today. From hidden gems to the latest blockbuster retrospectives, gowithYamo’s curated guide to thousands of exhibitions across the UK and Ireland lets you navigate e ortlessly through your local artistic landscape. gowithyamo.com

DAVID BAILEY: 'MARIE HELVIN LEGS'

FASHION BEYOND

A new exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery reveals fashion photography to be an art form of its own

By EVE HERBERT

Peter Lindbergh, Kristen McMenamy, Le Touguet, France, 2009

© Peter Lindbergh Foundation (Courtesy Peter Lindbergh Foundation, Paris)

Saatchi Gallery’s Beyond Fashion showcases the work of acclaimed fashion photographers from around the world. The works demonstrate how fashion photography has moved past the simple presentation of product lines to reflect on the reality of our lives, to explore our aspirations and to push at the boundaries of creativity.

Curated by Nathalie Herschdorfer, Director of Photo Elysée in Lausanne, Switzerland, and produced by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, the exhibition will feature more than 100 photographs from 48 photographers. Including works by Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Viviane Sassen, Paolo Roversi, Miles Aldridge, and Ellen von Unwerth –as well as an exciting new generation of fashion photographers – Beyond Fashion celebrates the vision and creativity of these artists and image-makers, and documents

how fashion photography has become a new and exciting visual language. It is presented during the milestone 40th anniversary year of London Fashion Week, an occasion to honour the entire community that drives innovation in the industry and beyond.

This major exhibition is organised into four main sections: Allure, which brings together celebrations of timeless beauty; Fantasy, which pays homage to the creativity and inventiveness of photographers working in fashion; Realism, showcasing artists working mostly in the street, playing at fashion’s intersection with the real world; and finally Surrealism, which features the work of a new generation for whom fashion photography is about transformation, imagination, and magic. Viewers will travel from the glossy setting of the photography studio to the grassroots of street photography and discover the vast and diverse forms which fashion photography can take. They will see some of the most iconic images, famous faces and dynamic brands

MANSCULPT CLINIC LONDON

69 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1AF mansculptclinic.co.uk

USE CODE: GIVEME10 FOR 10% OFF ALL TREATMENTS

A new make exclusive clinic opens its doors in central london. Specialising in male laser hair removal, body sculpting procedures and men’s facials. Mansculpt Clinic has successfully performed numerous laser hair removal treatments on men, with a growing number of men visiting the clinic weekly.

in contemporary culture. From classic Vogue covers to Victoria Beckham’s legs in Marc Jacobs’ shopping bag – this collection of works features supermodels and stars like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Christy Turlington; designers such as Christian Dior, Commes des Garçons, Alexander McQueen and Valentino, and street style legend The Sartorialist.A section dedicated to moving images highlights the importance of film in today’s fashion imagery. This will present the works of SHOWstudio, the website founded and directed by Nick Knight, one of the first and most high-profile image-makers to adopt digital film as a medium for showcasing fashion. Established in November 2000 as ‘the home of fashion film’, SHOWstudio’s innovative and groundbreaking projects have defined how fashion is presented via the internet. Having pioneered fashion film, it is now recognised as the leading force behind this medium, o ering a unique platform to nurture and encourage fashion to engage with moving image in the digital age. Nathalie Herschdorfer, Exhibition Curator said: “With the explosion of the internet and social media, the way photography is documented, consumed and shared has undergone a transformation. The emergence of a broader visual language has enabled a blurring of boundaries between editorial work, advertising and artistic expression within fashion photography. Nowadays, it is no longer regarded as a frivolous medium; it is elevated to the status of an art form, capturing the sustained attention of museums and galleries, auction houses and publishers alike. It is the art world's rising star.”

saatchigallery.com

FROM TOP

1. Ayoto Ataraxia, PJW508 Nº3946, 2015 © Paul Jung

2. Miles Aldridge, Home Works #3, 2008

© Miles Aldridge

3. Coco Capitan, Boy in Socks, 2017

© Coco Capitan

4. Yelena Yemchuk, Tokyo, 2017 © Yelena Yemchuk

“Fashion photography is no longer regarded as a frivolous medium”

“Fusing jazz, folk and South American rhythms without losing the essence of flamenco”

FANDANGO 315 ©JEAN LOUIS DUZERT

DANCE CLASS

The Flamenco Festival returns to Sadler’s Wells this summer for its 19th edition

This year’s festival features seven UK premieres and thrilling performances from flamenco luminaries, with a varied programme of dance performances and concerts.

Rocío Molina is set to open the Flamenco Festival 2024 with her trademark subversion of flamenco traditions in Al Fondo Riela. Using the original flamenco trio of dance, song and guitar, Al Fondo Riela is a piece about reflection and the loss of reality. On stage, she is accompanied by two contrasting guitarists, Oscar Lago with his traditional, technical skill, and Yerai Cortés with his innovative flair.

Molina returns after her appearance at the Flamenco Festival in 2019, when she won the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for outstanding female performance in Caída del Cielo. In 2022, she became the first flamenco dancer to win the Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale.

Premier flamenco guitarist and Latin Grammy Award-winner Vicente Amigo has been dubbed one of the most accomplished flamenco guitarists of his generation. He presents a concert that bridges classical and nuevo flamenco, fusing jazz, folk and South American rhythms without losing the essence of flamenco.

Virtuoso performers Patricia Guerrero and Alfonso Losa strip flamenco bare and

ISRAEL FERNANDEZ DIEGO DEL MORAO © CARLOS REVERTE

explore personal connection in Alter Ego. Developed from a series of improvisations in the studio, Alter Ego is an intense duet that combines conventional flamenco with unbridled movement. Guerrero draws geometric figures with her dance, dismantling her movements and recreating them anew.

Eva Yerbabuena reflects on her 20-year career in Yerbagüena (bright dark), as she takes to the stage with her musical director, guitarist and husband, Paco Jarana, as well as two singers and two percussionists.

Yerbabuena is known for exploring the tension between traditional and nuevo flamenco, and most famously for her interpretations of the soleá - the dance of solitude. Her career has included an invitation from Pina Bausch to perform at the Tanztheater Wuppertal 25th anniversary festival, choreographing Mi Niña Manuela for the Ballet Nacional de España, and working with film director Mike Figgis, for the documentary Flamenco Women.

Celebrated flamenco musician Israel Fernández presents his latest album Pura Sangre with renowned Jerez guitarist Diego del Morao. Pura Sangre is an intimate look at Fernández’s surroundings and his way of interacting with the outside world. Fernández’s album Amor won the Premio Odeón and he has also been nominated for Best Flamenco Album in the Latin Grammy Awards.

Choreographer David Coria and singer David Lagos will converge in a contemporary interpretation of the fandango, a popular and festive musical style from Andalusia with more than 500 years of history. From flamenco to contemporary movement, traditional song to electronic music, ¡Fandango! draws on Iberian folk culture to celebrate Spanish history and tradition. Coria has collaborated with numerous Spanish dance companies including Compañía Andaluza de Danza, Ballet Nacional de España, Rafaela Carrasco and Rocío Molina. Lagos won four awards at the Biennal of Flamenco in Seville in 2020 including the award for the best performance. Ballet Nacional de España will close the festival in an extravaganza of music, movement and

colour with Invocación. Artistic Director Rubén Olmo curates this all-encompassing evening featuring 38 dancers and four works that cover the cornerstones of Spanish dance, from vibrant flamenco and traditional bolero to contemporary dance and classical ballet. Olmo choreographs two works: Jauleña, performed by a di erent soloist from the company each night, and the colourful, ensemble piece, Invocación Bolera. Finally, Antonio Najarro’s Eterna Iberia features the signature elements of Spanish dance – castanets, the Spanish Cape, and the Cordobes Hat.

As one of the main cultural ambassadors of Spain to the world, Ballet Nacional de España highlights Spain’s rich choreographic heritage. The National Ballet, founded by the Ministry of Culture in 1978, continues to set the standard for Spanish dance.

4-15 June, sadlerswells.com

“From vibrant flamenco and traditional bolero to contemporary dance and classical ballet”

BNE © JAVIER FERGO

ROCIO MOLINA AL FONDO RIELA ©PILARLOZANOIGLESIAS

VICENTE AMIGO

TECHNICAL SURVEILLANCE AND COUNTER MEASURES, AKA BUG SWEEPING

CYBER SECURITY

INVESTIGATIONS

COVERT SURVEILLANCE

PHYSICAL AND PERSONAL SECURITY

CRISIS RESPONSE

SECURITY TRAINING

PHYSICAL PENETRATION TESTING

POWER CORRUPTS

A revival of Gogol's The Government Inspector at the Marylebone Theatre

By PENDLE HARTE

There have been other productions of Gogol's The Government Inspector, but the one that put this early 19th century Russian comedy on the map –for me at least – was The National Theatre's mid-1980s version. It starred Rik Mayall at the height of hs genius, and created a significant stir. My teenage self waited at the stage door for an autograph after the show, Mayall's manic stage posturing in Cossack trousers having made a lasting impression. The role of Ivan Khlestakov seemed to have been made for him. And now, decades later, a new production revives the play in the small Marylebone Theatre and it's a hoot.

First o , the space. This is a performance space inside the Rudolf Steiner House near Regent's Park, an Art Nouveau building

unlike anything else in London, looking like it belongs in Vienna with its curvaceous forms and striking details. The theatre opened in 2022 with an aim to deliver a high quality programme with an international feel.

Patrick Myles' new version of The Government Inspector dispenses with its Russian setting, placing it instead in an unspecified British past. Names are changed too, so we have Governor Swashprattle in a state of alarm at notice of an impending visit from a Governement Inspector, sent from London to report on his small town governing. In comic tradition, a case of mistaken identity ensues and impoverished traveller Percy Fopdoodle (Ivan Khlestakov in the original) is falsely identified as the inspector. Cue two acts of hilarity as we see members of the town council collectively and individually fawn on the imposter, showering him with gifts, cash and wine.

“A farcical tale of universal truth, taking in hypocricy, vanity, corruption and dishonesty”

It's a farcical tale of universal truth, taking in hypocricy, vanity, corruption and dishonesty. To drum the points home, and to explain transposing the action from Russia to the UK, there are references to contemporary events that raise laughs every time. "You have no authority here" a councillor is told, reminding us of the famed Zoom spat, while mentions of public school boys and gold wallpaper drum the points home. Energetic performances from the entire cast create an almost frenzied, cartoonish feel; Martha Howe-Douglas is excellent as the governor's wife, as is Chaya Gupta as his daughter, while Kiell Smith-Bynoe of TV's Ghosts plays the lead as an insu erably vain, deluded and selfish character to great comic e ect. Rik Mayall is a hard act to follow, but he's certainly too young to remember. "You are laughing at yourselves," the audience is told. Until 15 June; marylebonetheatre.com

DAN STARKEY

KIELL SMITH-BYNOE AND MARTHA HOWE-DOUGLAS

Memory & REMEDY

Carey Bennett’s striking screen prints are part of an ambitious memory project at the Museum of Brands

By PEARL BOYD

London-based multidisciplinary artist Carey Bennett depicts vivid recollections of everyday brands through the method of screen-printing. Starting her career as an illustrator, Bennett’s work is recognised for its bold colour palette and integrated typography. Drawing clients from TV, publishing, advertising, and design, she has been commissioned by companies such as MTV, Absolut Vodka, National Lotto and Volvo. Her new exhibition of screenprints goes on display at Ladbroke Grove’s Museum of Brands this month. The museum provides an evocative insight into how everyday lives have changed over the past 200 years through the development of consumer brands. With Cadbury’s and Colman’s Mustard rubbing shoulders since the mid-Victorian era, many histories can be followed through their permanent ‘Time Tunnel’ exhibition. Several of the heritage brands which Bennett has selected for her prints, such as Lucozade, Guinness and Rose’s Lime Cordial, are represented in the Brand Histories exhibition running concurrently in the Museum’s Branding Hall space.

Carey Bennett’s work closely relates to the Museum of Brands’ ‘Living Brands’

CAREY BENNETT'S LUCOZADE

“A snapshot, commemorating the mundane and celebrating the small moments of life”

programme, which uses everyday heritage products as memory aids for those who are living with dementia. The project reached over 86,000 people in the first two years through creative reminiscence and at-home resources, establishing nostalgia as an emotional prompt for improved wellbeing.

Bennett’s relationship with nostalgia is both visual and intergenerational. The printed objects are inspired by her personal associations with childhood sickness and at home remedies given by her parents. Each product represented illustrates a snapshot, commemorating the mundane and celebrating the small moments of life. Now, as both her parents have dementia, the caregiving roles are reversed but the objects continue to be remedial to their relationship, even as the brands evolve. The exploration of memory manifests through the screen-printing process, echoing the glitches and degeneration of thoughts, evolving with each iteration. However, their medium still celebrates the importance of both consistency and change in relationships – through vibrant shades of cyan and meticulous texture they are representative of both loss and revival. She says: “Memory and Remedy o ers an exploration of the impact of

dementia by visualising the concept of how it might feel to lose grasp on lucidity. Using the subject matter of consumer brands in our daily lives, the exhibition seeks to celebrate the mundane while inviting viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of memory, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.”

7 June 2024 – 19 October; museumofbrands.com

CAREY BENNETT'S FAIRY LIQUID

THE MUSEUM OF BRANDS

ZONESOF INTEREST

On the art trail with Kensington and Chelsea Art Week

Located across nine zones, the Art Trail takes up residence at some of West London’s most beautiful and iconic sites, including Duke of York Square, Sloane Street, Royal Avenue on the King’s Road, Earl’s Court, North Kensington, Holland Park, High Street Kensington, and Knightsbridge.

This year's edition will introduce locally curated, collaborative projects within each Art Trail zone, celebrating their unique identities. These projects complement events hosted by local galleries and cultural organisations. The program will feature two Open Studio weekends at Empress Place and ACAVA (Association for Cultural Advancement through Visual Art), along with local trails, such as the Portobello Food and Art Trail led by artist Saira Jaimeson and the Frestonia Trail guided by Piers Thomson from Portobello Radio, exploring the area's heritage as an independent state. In addition to this, local CIC, Kamitan Arts have been reviewing the Poetry Corner submissions and will be

adding poetry events to the programming.

The 2024 Public Art Trail will be the largest to date, comprising of twentyfive sculptures from a host of esteemed artists with collaborations from The Serpentine Gallery, Grow2Know and awardwinning public artists Gillie and Marc.

The final line-up for 2024, includes Yoni Alter, Gillie & Marc, Charlotte Colbert, Julian Wild, Matthias Neumann, Grow2Know, Simone Brewster, Annie Trevorah, Amy Jackson, Gus Farnes and Egor Zigura with further programme highlights including a festival in collaboration with charity partners Youth Action Alliance. Set to become an Instagram highlight this summer, ‘Love Continuum’ by Yoni Alter is an interactive exclamation of the most important human emotion, Love. Yoni Alter has designed for Hermes and created installations in Shoreditch for 100 years of Graphic Design Exhibition, a twenty-five meters tall LED tree in Wembley, as well as the design of the Tate's best-selling merchandise range amongst other highly successful

branding campaigns. Yoni’s ‘Love Continuum’ will be located in Duke of York Square.

Award-winning filmmaker and multimedia artist Charlotte Colbert presents her alluring aluminium sculpture ‘Tutti Frutti’. The artwork draws inspiration from mushrooms and psychedelics, exploring their role in the pivotal evolutionary transition between the “animal state” and “human state”. Colbert has exhibited extensively including V&A, Frieze and Art Basel.

Public sculpture artists and wildlife activists Gillie and Marc have created a ten-piece collection ‘Kids Go Wild’ – a sculpture trail especially for children, exhibited throughout Knightsbridge and Chelsea. Visitors can witness a hippo, Masai gira e, African elephant, chimpanzee, Grevy’s zebra, Northern white rhino, lion, and mountain gorilla riding a tandem bike, among many more endearing and fantastical scenes. With the world experiencing its 6th mass extinction Gillie and Marc hope to educate and remind us of the wonders of the natural world.

kcaw.co.uk

‘LOVE CONTINUUM’ BY YONI ALTER

Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

7 NIGHTS FROM £2,599

Direct flights, all inclusive beach resort and transfers

• Stunning white sand beach • Four pools

• Non-motorised watersports

• Diving (two per day for certified divers)

• Fabulous Red Lane® Spa

Escape with Trailfinders to Sandals' new luxury all inclusive resort in Saint Vincent, nestled on a secluded cove with white sands and crystalline waters. Indulge in relaxation with spa treatments and refreshing dips in glistening pools. Enjoy sumptuous cuisine at 11 restaurants and upgrade to overwater villas for spectacular Caribbean views. Ask Trailfinders about extending any of our holidays – tailormade travel your way.

COVER

A

girl

new exhibition at the V&A looks at the life – and clothes – of iconic Londoner Naomi Campbell

Born in 1970, south Londoner Campbell aspired to a career on stage and performed in 1980s music videos for artists including Bob Marley and Culture Club. Her life changed when, aged 15, she was approached by model agent Beth Boldt while out shopping with schoolfriends; two years later she would be on the front cover of Vogue and walking for acclaimed designers in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Foundational to her meteoric rise was hard work, training and a love of dance. By the early 1990s, the term ‘Supermodel’, or model turned international celebrity, was widely used directly in reference to Naomi and a small group of peers. Fashion had become mass entertainment. Campbell, though still in her teens, was at the centre of this excitement, and leading designers championed her talents.

She became known for her superlative ‘walk’ while her work with leading photographers created some of the era’s most memorable images. Simultaneously, she moved beyond the world of fashion, performing in music videos, launching her own perfume and becoming a champion of diversity. A new exhibition at the V&A celebrates her life and its countless iconic looks. Highlights include an Andy Warhol-print dress from Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1991 show and a dramatic 1989 Thierry Mugler car-inspired corset made from plastic, metal and acrylic. Campbell unwittingly created fashion history in 1993 when, smiling, she fell to the runway floor while wearing Westwood’s staggeringly high blue platforms. The original pair, with the model’s name written inside, were quickly acquired by the V&A. The full ensemble is reunited here for the first time since this mishap, a fashion moment which elevated Campbell’s profile,

and the designer’s, to even greater heights. A trailblazer in the field, her celebrated ability to ‘walk’ the catwalk, along with the special alchemy she creates through collaborations with every major fashion house, fashion publication and leading fashion photographers, ensure that after four decades in the fashion industry, Campbell continues to star in catwalk shows, advertising campaigns and editorial fashion shoots around the world. In parallel, Campbell’s cultural leadership, activism and championing of emerging creatives transcend the traditional parameters of the fashion model role.

Produced in collaboration with Campbell and foregrounding her voice and perspective, NAOMI: In Fashion is the first exhibition of its kind. The exhibition draws upon Campbell’s own extensive wardrobe of haute couture and ready-to-wear ensembles from key moments in her career along with loans from designer archives and objects from the

(C)

STEVEN MEISEL

“Her work created some of the era’s most memorable images"

V&A’s collections. The exhibition includes around 100 looks and accessories from the best of global high fashion chronicling her 40 years in the industry. Visitors will encounter designs by Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaïa, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Ize, Torishéju Dumi, Valentino, Virgil Abloh, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent and many others.

In addition to stunning garments and fashion accessories, fashion photography features prominently. Striking imagery by leading photographers such as Campbell Addy, Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel, will form a selection of photography curated by Edward Enninful OBE.

The exhibition will also recognise Campbell’s mentors including prominent public figures such as Nelson Mandela, who inspired her to use her platform for social change. Campbell has advocated for equity from an early age, joining the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and fronting the 2007 ‘black issue’ of Vogue Italia. Along with Bethann Hardison and Iman, she has also campaigned for The Diversity Coalition since 2013 to champion diversity on the catwalk. The exhibition will also spotlight her ongoing active support of emerging creatives, through events such as Arise Fashion Week and her global initiative EMERGE, founded in 2022.

NAOMI: In Fashion Gallery 40 V&A South Kensington 22 June 2024 – 6 April 2025 vam.ac.uk

TOP: Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for the Victoria & Albert Museum

ABOVE: Young Naomi in New Orleans

RIGHT: Courtesy Mugler Archives. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

BELOW: Courtesy Off-White. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

BELOW RIGHT: Courtesy Vivienne Westwood. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

SHARP DRAMA

Richmond Theatre's upcoming production of Accolade is a must-see

Adeliciously thrilling play about scandals, exposés and the value of personal reputation will come to Richmond Theatre this July starring Ayden Callaghan (Hollyoaks) and Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle’s War).

When Welsh playwright Emlyn Williams conceived Accolade in the 1950s, he selected a theme that still resonates in today’s social media obsessed world –the fragility of personal reputation.

Williams’ protagonist is Will Trenting, a writer famous for his scandalous novels. As Trenting is honoured with a knighthood, and acceptance amongst the establishment, his own double life lies in wait of exposure.

As glasses are raised and eyebrows arched, the spotlight focuses on the

award-winner himself – on the eve of his knighthood, Will’s own ‘Accolade’ becomes a double-edged sword as a schoolgirl’s father (himself an unsuccessful novelist) accuses Trenting of a shocking crime and threatens him with blackmail. The play explores the intricate web of secrets that surround Will’s private life – his hidden relationships and unconventional choices.

Whilst set in post-war Britain, it seems little has changed – instead of tabloid revelations, today’s generation will recognise how easily peoples’ lives can be exposed in minutes on social media platforms and ‘shaming’ sites. Accolade unravels the consequences of societal judgment and the media’s insatiable appetite for sensationalism, making it a timeless commentary on how intrusion can threaten private lives – a theme that will resonate profoundly with today’s relentless celebrity culture.

While Accolade highlights the enduring fascination with the personal a airs of those in the public eye, it prompts big questions on the impact any of us may face, living in a world dominated by misinformation, manipulation, and the authenticity of public perception.

At the time it was written the play was shocking for its sharpness as it exposes the hypocrisy of the fifties and the fragility of reputations. Now in its eighth decade, Accolade is a testament to the timeless nature of its themes, o ering a mirror up to society and challenging us to re-evaluate our relationship with the truth. In an age where the spotlight never dims, it seems we are still delighted to condemn.

Accolade is at Richmond Theatre from 9-13 July. ATGTickets.com/Richmond

RICHMOND THEATRE

TIME PLEASE

Patek Philippe to host the inaugural London edition of the Rare Handcrafts Exhibition 2024

Patek Philippe is delighted to present from Friday 7th to Sunday 16th June 2024 the Rare Handcrafts Exhibition London 2024, an event which o ers the public a rare insider’s perspective into the art of Rare Handcrafts within the family-owned watchmaking company. The exhibition will take place on the first floor of Bond Street House, 14 Cli ord Street in London. Open to the public with free admission, the exhibition celebrates Patek Philippe’s dedication to preserving rare handcrafts which have been used to decorate timepieces for more than four centuries. Visitors will be able to explore 83 exhibits over 250 sqm. The themed spaces, which include artisans practising their savoir-faire, will take guests on a journey of discovery; techniques including enamelling, wood marquetry, guilloche and

“ The collection shines the spotlight on a vast range of artistic skills ”

gemsetting. This is the Manufacture’s largest showcase of rare handcraft timepieces outside of Geneva. The exhibition is open to the public via pre booked ticket reservations.

The Rare Handcrafts 2024 collection (a total of 83 pieces, comprising dome clocks and small dome clocks, table clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches) once again shines the spotlight on a vast range of artistic skills, whether centuries-old techniques (Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, grisaille enamel, flinqué enamel, paillonné enamel, champlevé enamel, hand engraving, hand-executed guilloché work, or gemsetting) or techniques that are innovating in horology, such as micro wood marquetry and Longwy enamel on faience. And not forgetting the growing number of pieces adorned with what are known as “mixed techniques,”uniting, for example, cloisonné enamel and hand-executed guilloché, or handengraving and wood marquetry. As regards themes, the Rare Handcrafts 2024 collection is

also extraordinarily rich in creativity, drawing on multiple sources of inspiration, with motifs ranging from traditional art forms to modern leisure activities, and with subjects inspired by the cultures and landscapes of every continent. These 82 pieces, with their evermore original and astonishing decorations are presented to great e ect in an elegant, specially devised decor divided into three areas.

PATEK PHILIPPE

The Rare Handcra s Exhibition London 2024 will be open to the public with free admission Friday 7th to Sunday 16th June 2024. Opening times: 10 am until 6 pm, Monday – Saturday. 12 pm until 5 pm on Sunday. Address: 1st floor, Bond Street House, 14 Clifford Street, London, W1S 4JU.

To register for free admission to the exhibition, please visit www.patek.com/rhc-london

& DRINK

MAYFAIR STYLE

PARK CORNER BRASSERIE

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

The Society's Greek White 2023

 £8.95

2023 was a fabulous year for roditis, providing opulent stone-fruit while moschofilero provides rose-hip backing vocals. The result is a more fruit-forward wine filled with peach and grapefruit notes on the refreshing palate.

Rosé d'Anjou GrolleauGamay, Famille Bougrier 2023

 £8.25

This is a delicate, odry Loire rosé that is pale in colour and light as a feather and works with or without food, including the light heat and spice of Asian cuisine.

Zephyr 6 Marlborough Pinot Noir 2022

 £14.50

Marlborough pinot noir is crisper, lighter and more red-fruit driven than pinot from many other regions of New Zealand, and this is a very good example. Bright red-cherry and raspberry on the nose, backed up by a delicate hint of soy and even a touch of fresh ginger.

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

TASTING

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Nice rice

ALL'ONDA

Meaning ‘on the wave’, all’onda refers to the risotto-making technique which sees rice gently tossed in the pan to create a smooth, flowing texture reminiscent of waves. All'Onda's menu features variations on the classic risotto including a spring green risotto primavera, lobster and tarragon risotto and a Venetian risotto al nero di seppia with cuttlefish ink and ‘nduja. allonda.co.uk

Fit for a queen

THE ORANGERY

The Orangery, in the picturesque grounds of Kensington Palace, has had a refurb. Inspired by the opulence of Queen Anne's greenhouse, the menus o er a journey through history, with signature dishes paying homage to Queen Victoria and contemporary creations like 'The Orange' with orange sorbet, citrus salad, and chocolate soil. hrp.org.uk

High life

THE STANDARD

TAKE THREE... Co ee creations

ARTISAN COFFEE CO

Sample a selection of delicious and intriguing beans and blends with Artisan Coffee Co's gi packs and subscription offers. artisancoffeeco.com

CAFE SOLO

Cafe Solo Original is a full-bodied super premium cold brew coffee liqueurs meticulously cra ed in the UK. It's just been awarded United Kingdom Coffee Liqueur Country Winner with a Gold Medal from the World Liqueur Awards 2024. cafesolo.co.uk

NIO

Be quick or you'll miss white asparagus season. The German Gymnasium has an exclusive limited-edition menu in celebration of the vegetable whose fleeting harvest season (mid-April to late June), makes it the star of the culinary show.

germangymnasium.com

Stretching over the 11th floor of the Standard hotel, The Rooftop turns unparalleled views of the skyline into the perfect backdrop for outdoor cocktails and bubbles on tap. Expect exclamation-inspiring views, stunning sunsets, delicious bites, and the best Spicy Tommy’s Margarita you’ve ever had. standardhotels.com

Nio's Revolver is a luxuriously rich mocha cocktail featuring caramel notes of Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, coffee notes from the aromatic Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur and creamy Bols Creme de Cacao. niococktails.co.uk

A spacious new Wahaca in spanking new Paddington Square is a great addition. Enjoy a well-considered set menu of favourites and a couple of picante margaritas before catching your train – or visit with a group and experience the special Palaoma Grove feast o ering.

wahaca.co.uk

GERMAN GYMNASIUM

WAHACA

TACO

TOP FIVE RESTAURANTS WITH SUMMER TERRACES

Soho's newest destination for dining and drinking, Yasmin takes guests from al fresco a ernoons with Istanbul-inspired sharing plates through to late night cocktails at the stylish indoor bar. yasminsoho.com 1 3 4 5 1 2 3 2 4 5

ISTANBUL VIBES YASMIN

MARKET DAY 65A

Brasserie-style restaurant 65a sits on the edge of Spitalfi elds Market, offering an elegant yet uncomplicated menu of classic dishes, peppered with French infl ections. 65arestaurant.com

RIVER SIDE SOMERSET HOUSE

Featuring chilled beers and vibrant new San Miguel cocktails, festoonlit lounge areas and an iconic spot with river views, Somerset House's new terrace bar also offers a Spanish-inspired tapas menu. somersethouse.org.uk

STREET FOOD ROKA

Roka's Charlotte Street terrace is perfect for enjoying the robatagrilled meats, sushi and sashimi, and well-executed desserts that Roka is known for, alongside wines, sakes and well-made cocktails. rokarestaurant.com

HOLIDAY STYLE LUCA

From Luca’s renowned, foliage-fi lled terrace, guests can experience a contemporary take on Italian cuisine with British twists in a menu of modern classics. luca.restaurant

Grill game

Tom Aikens o ers some seasonal techniques designed for the Big Green Egg

Baked sea bass with lemon and fennel

Serves 4-6

EGG set up: Direct

Recommended charcoal: Oak & Hickory

EGG target temperature: 200°C

Cooking time: 25 minutes, or until you have reached an internal temperature of 63°C

INGREDIENTS

For the sea bass

• 2kg sea bass, kept whole

• 3 lemons

• 1 fennel bulb

• A bunch of dill

• A bunch of rosemary

• A bunch of thyme

• Sea salt

• Extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

Set up your egg

1 Set up your EGG for direct cooking with the Stainless Steel Grid on top of the ConvEGGtor basket. Your target temperature is 200°C.

2 Remove the zest from one of the lemons and set aside. Slice all three lemons into circles, around 1-2cm thick. Slice the fennel bulb lengthways into strips. Once the target temperature has been reached, lay the fennel, herbs and most of the lemon circles around the Stainless Steel Grid to act as a bed for the fish. Cook your fish

3 Drizzle olive oil and sea salt all over and inside the cavity of the sea bass. Place the fish onto its bed of aromatics, then top with the remaining lemon rounds. Drizzle with more olive oil and a little more salt.

4 Close the Dome and cook for around 20 minutes until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 60°C. Remove from the EGG and leave to rest for at least 5 minutes.

5 De-bone and skin the fish and place onto a platter along with any jammy pieces of roasted fennel and herbs that haven’t been scorched. Drizzle with olive oil, fresh lemon zest and sea salt before serving.

Glazed rotisserie picanha with chilli salt

Serves 6

EGG set up: Direct, rotisserie

Recommended charcoal: Oak & Hickory EGG target temperature: 240°C Cooking time: 10-20 minutes, or until you reach an internal temperature of 48°C (rare), 53°C (medium rare), 57°C (medium), 65°C (medium well) or 70°C (well done)

INGREDIENTS

For the beef

• 1 beef picanha, approximately 1.5kg

• Sea salt

For the glaze

• 500ml olive oil

• A handful of rosemary, leaves picked and chopped

• A handful of thyme, leaves picked and chopped

• 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• Sea salt

• Crushed black pepper

• 2 tsp chilli flakes

For the chilli salt

• 100g sea salt

• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1tsp cayenne pepper

METHOD

1 Set up your EGG for direct rotisserie cooking, with the Rotisserie ring in place and the motor unit plugged in. Your target temperature is 240°C.

2 Cut the picanha into three or four thick steaks of roughly equal thickness, making sure you’re cutting along the grain of the meat, not against it. (They’ll never be completely even, as the starting shape is roughly triangular).

3 Remove the top fork from the spit. One by one, push each steak onto the spit by piercing through the fat-covered side then folding the meat slightly so you can push back out through the fat on the other side. The steaks will end up curving over the top of the spit, fat-side up. Return the top fork to the spit and push it into the end steak. Tighten both wing screws.

4 Once the target temperature has been reached, open the Dome, insert the spit into the motor and switch on the Rotisserie. As the spit turns, season the meat. Close the Dome and cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 40°C.

5 Meanwhile, mix all the glaze ingredients together in a bowl. When the picanha hits 40°C, open the Dome and begin brushing the glaze onto the meat as it turns. Continue regularly basting the steak until the internal temperature reaches 48°C.

6 Remove the steaks from the spit and leave to rest for a good 10 minutes. Mix the chilli salt ingredients together. Once the meat is rested, slice against the grain, season with chilli salt and serve with grilled cabbage and flatbreads.

Scallops with lemon and thyme

Serves4

EGG set up: Direct

Recommended charcoal: Oak & Hickory

EGG target temperature: 200°C-250°C Cooking time: 6 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 8 hand-dived scallops, in their shells

• 4 small cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

• 4 tsp picked thyme leaves

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 8 tsp butter

• Sea salt

• Black pepper

METHOD

Set up your egg

1 Set up your EGG for direct cooking with the Stainless Steel Grid in place. Your target temperature is 200°C.

2 Clean the scallops and shells well, making sure that they’re dry. Alongside the scallops, place into each shell 1 tsp butter, ½ tsp thyme, ½ clove of chopped garlic, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a seasoning of salt and pepper.

Bake your scallops

3 Place the scallop shells directly onto the Stainless Steel Grid, close the Dome and cook for 6-7 minutes. Increase the temperature to 250°C if the butter doesn’t quickly start to bubble.

4 Serve the scallops in their shells in pools of flavoursome butter.

Tom Aikens has crafted a series of dishes that showcase what can be achieved with these iconic outdoor ovens

JOIN THIS ESTABLISHED AND SOPHISTICATED THAMESIDE COMMUNITY CLOSE TO CHELSEA AND FULHAM. BRIGHT, LIGHT APARTMENTS SET WITHIN EXTENSIVE MATURE GARDENS, WITH SWIMMING POOL AND GYMS. THE UBER BOAT BY THAMES CLIPPERS IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE FROM THE WANDSWORTH RIVERSIDE QUARTER PIER.

EMBANKMENT BY BOAT IN 40 MINUTES FROM THE ON-SITE PIER MOVE IN THIS SUMMER PRICES FROM £650,000 – £1,275,000

RIVERSIDE QUARTER, THE SALES GALLERY, BUILDING 9, EASTFIELDS AVENUE, LONDON, SW18 1LP OPEN FOR VIEWING TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10AM–6PM

THERE’S YOU YOU , THEN THERE’S THE

Flower girls

OPIONEERS

Opioneers uses heritage Liberty fabrics for limited edition and one-off 'forever pieces' to make playful, feminine yet practical garments. All their dresses have large pockets and are designed to be worn every day. The brand is very conscious of keeping carbon footprint to a bare minimum. opioneers.co.uk

LIFE WILD, WILD

By PENDLE HARTE

Absolutely traces the rise of a British fashion brand that maintains roots in the country while crafting a new urban identity

“Clothes that take the people of Chelsea from city to country”

Really Wild Clothing is a distinctive British fashion brand that fuses classic countryside style with a contemporary aesthetic and has been quietly on the rise for more than two decades. Established in 2002 by Natalie Lake, the brand was born out of a desire to create timeless pieces that transcend the boundaries of urban and rural attire, appealing to a sophisticated clientele who value quality and craftsmanship. And with the opening of its first London shop in Sloane Square last year, what was a

country brand has gone distinctly urban.

The brand has carved a niche for itself by reinterpreting classic countryside attire— think tweed jackets, tailored vests, and leather boots—with a modern twist that makes each piece suitable for both rural escapades and city living. This seamless blend of function and fashion makes it a destination for summer partywear and clothes that take the people of Chelsea from city to country.

The brand employs luxurious fabrics such as Scottish tweed, fine silk, and soft cashmere, ensuring that each garment is not only visually appealing but also enduring and comfortable. For the new SS24 collection, there’s a new collection of original prints as well as the usual Liberty designs for summer dresses and occasion wear.

The brand partners with expert weavers, printers, and craftspeople across the UK, showcasing traditional techniques through its collections and focusing on authenticity and heritage. Tweed coats jackets were at the fore of the brand’s roots and they remain at the core of every collection, along with the leather midi skirt that’s a favourite of Kate Middleton.

The aesthetic appeal of Really Wild Clothing is undoubtedly sophisticated, yet it does not shy away from bold designs and vibrant patterns. The brand's signature pieces often feature striking color palettes and intricate prints inspired by nature, such as floral and animal motifs, which add a touch of whimsy and flair to traditional silhouettes.

Really Wild Clothing also pays great attention to fit and finish, which are tailored to flatter. Meticulous attention to detail is evident in the precise cuts, refined button placements and thoughtful color matching, ensuring that each piece is both functional and fashionable. There’s a sense of British luxury in every piece.

reallywildclothing.com

TO A

TEE

Tilly Sveaas is the woman behind the necklace of the moment. Absolutely meets her

Suddenly, everyone’s wearing a gold T-Bar around their neck. Whether fine or chunky, short or long, the gold chain necklace with a T-Bar is everywhere – and the woman who started it all is Tilly Sveaas, a Londonbased designed who was born in Hong Kong to Norwegian parents. She’s no newcomer – she has been designing jewellery for 25 years – but she’s shot to fame recently with the T-Bar collection that includes earrings and bracelets as well as lots of variations on the chain. And don’t think it’s a fad – according to Harrods, “Jewellery trends may come and go, but Tilly Sveaas' pieces are here to stay.”

That’s no small statement from one of the world’s most famous stores. We caught up with her to find out what makes her tick.

Q Your designs have become very popular recently. Did that happen suddenly?

A It was undoubtedly the introduction of a T-Bar necklace, inspired by my great-greatuncle Fred’s pocket watch and chain, that got me noticed. The T-Bar is visually so iconic and identifiable, and it really stood out from the crowd. It quickly became my signature piece, around which other bestselling iterations

TILLY SVEAAS

have since been created. Modernising classic elements - eg. chain links - by playing with scale and dimension, is key in all my designs.

Q There’s simplicity and elegance to your jewellery – how would you describe your style?

A Bold, clean, timeless, simple and versatile. The perfect balance between contemporary design and ageless staple. I really like the idea that the wearer styles the jewellery rather than the jewellery dictating the style. Jewellery inspired by the past, created for the now, to be worn forever.

Q How did you come to be a jewellery designer?

A As a child I used to play with my grandmother’s jewellery box – a treasure trove of chains, brooches, watches and pendants. We also had a family connection to the antique trade, which furthered my interest in vintage jewellery. However, it was a chance encounter with a silversmith, during a prolonged gap year in Bali, over 25 years ago, that fuelled my passion to create my own collection and I still produce with him today…

“Jewellery inspired by the past, created for the now, to be worn forever”

Q What is your best-selling piece and why do you think that is?

A The Small Gold T-Bar on Belcher Chain. It’s an easy-to-wear necklace that’s perfect for every day. It’s distinctive but discreet and aspirational but a ordable - the perfect entry point to our collection. It’s also a great layering necklace that works well with both antique and modern pieces. Fashions change, they’re transient. Pieces with style and integrity are timeless.

Q Where do you work and do you have a team?

A Like many start-up businesses, I spent many years running the company from my home – a tiny flat in Fulham - and my bedroom was always filled with boxes. 25 years on and I now have a studio o the King’s Road and a small but amazing team of people that I couldn’t be without.

Q What’s next for you?

A It would be great to expand over the pond and introduce the T-Bar designs to America.

Ride the wave

Crash into summer with these sea-inspired pieces

By CARLY GLENDINNING

SHAHLA KARIMI

14K White Gold and Lab Diamond Zaha Brilliant Wrap Ring, £2,700 shahlakarimi.com

AKAILA REID

18K Yellow Gold Slim Wavy Bangle, £12,610 akailareid.com

JEMMA WYNNE

Anniversary Medium Diamond Wave Hoops in Yellow Gold, £4,180 jemmawynne.com

18K Yellow Gold, Titanium, and Diamonds Wave Spiral Ring, £788 ritique.com

KAVANT & SHARART

18K White Gold and Blue Sapphire Talay Wave Earrings, £15,350 kavantandsharart.com

REZA

Spirale I Earrings in White Gold and Diamond, £42,595 worldofreza.com

KATKIM

18K Yellow Gold, Diamonds Grande Trace Pave Ring, £5,425 katkimfinejewelry.com

YVONNE LÉON

18K Yellow Gold, Grey Diamonds Surf Wave Ring, £1,430 yvonneleon.com

TEJEN

18k Fairmined Yellow Gold and Diamond Dipped Huggies, £4,800 tejen-collection.com

RITIQUE

you can say yes to dinner with friends old and new, because you don’t have to arrange the plumber, the gardener, or anything actually.

FROM 24-HOUR CONCIERGE TO DAILY HOUSEKEEPING. This is The Art of Knowing.

EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENCES AND AMENITIES FOR THE OVER 65s FROM £2.75M*. CALL 020 3747 7705.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

CHANEL

Chanel has launched 'Les Beiges Sun-Kissed Powder', a trio designed to give you a healthy summer glow. The highlighter, bronzer, and blush can be worn individually or blended, helping to illuminate your face, warm up your complexion, and give you a pop of rosy colour (as if you've spent the day in the great outdoors). £75. chanel.com

A NEW HOME FOR HEALING

Our commitment to patient- rst care & self-pay service is setting a whole new standard for personalised, private healthcare. With same-day access to London’s leading health experts, we’re here to help you heal. Learn more about our world class

FOR EVERY CARE IN THE WORLD

BEAUTY

NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ

Clé de Peau Beauté’s Solo Colour Eyeshadow is formulated with Japanese brand’s patented Hydro-Wrap Complex Ex and premium argan oil to nourish the skin and prevent creasing. £25. cultbeauty.co.uk

IT ALL EYES

SHAVATA SINGH REVIEW

Threading in collaboration with Lighinderm

BENGLISH GARDEN

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES X MORRIS & CO

Two British heritage brands, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Morris & Co have collaborated on a certified organic English Lavender and Calendula hand care collection. From £15. nealsyardremedies.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NAIL

GLAMRDIP

Eco friendly, vegan, 18-free, and formulated with keratin, vitamins and botanicals, the ‘Salon Perfect Kit’ from GLAMRDiP contains everything you need to create a professional-looking manicure at home. With a tiny bit of practice, I was able to achieve impressive results and the best bit? No harmful UV rays. £89. glamrdip.co.uk

eauty admin (as I like to call it) seems to take up more of my time than ever. So I appreciate speedy appointments, like threading, that can be slotted in between dashing to my next meeting. If you have sensitive skin (like me) though, you might be put o by the possibility that you might turn up looking like a tomato. This is why the new collaboration between Shavata Singh and Lightinderm is so genius. I visited Shavata at her Harvey Nichols’ beauty bar in Knightsbridge. One of London’s leading lash and brow experts, Shavata first threaded and reshaped my brows, doing a beautiful job of framing my face. Whilst she worked, she explained why she was so excited about teaming up with Géraldine Decaux, the brains behind the French tech brand. The handheld Lightinderm LED device uses light and photo-active ingredients in combination to repair the skin. After my threading treatment, Shavata used Lightinderm’s ‘REPAIR Programme’ on the skin beneath my brows. And just like magic, any redness had completely disappeared. This is a gamechanger if you want to book in for threading before you head out to an event, drinks with the girls, or even a date. I had a press dinner straight afterwards and no one suspected I’d come straight from a threading appointment, but I did get several compliments on my brow shape. It’s safe to say I’m hooked.

SHAVATA SINGH

Knightsbridge and Chiswick, Lightinderm add on from £25 shavata.co.uk

JO MALONE

LONDON

Rose Blush cologne, 50ml, £86 jomalone.co.uk

TOM FORD

Cafe Rose eau de parfum, 100ml, £150 tomford.co.uk

ISSEY MIYAKE

GRANADO

Flora Magnifi ca eau de parfum 75ml, £10 granado.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

LE LABO

Rose 31, 100ml, £230 lalabofragrances.com

CHANDRIKA THOMAS

Rose Orange Blossom & Cardamom, 100ml, £178 chandrikathomas.co.uk

DIPTYQUE

Eau Rose eau de toilette, 100ml, £129 diptyqueparis.com

By PENDLE HARTE

L'Eau d'Issey Solar Violet, 100ml, £107 theperfumeshop.com

BASTILLE

Un Deux Trois Soleil eau de parfum, 50ml, £98 jovoyparis.uk

THAMEEN Bravi Cologne Elixir, 100ml, £250 selfridges.com

VAN CLEEF & ARPLES

Moonlight Rose Eau de Parfum, 100ml, £145 vancleefarples.com

TOP PICKS

THREE RECOVERY SUPPLEMENTS

NUTRI BURST

A delicious apple-flavoured vegan gummy, GreenVita's superfoodrich blend includes Vitamin B6 and B12, supporting a normal energy-yielding metabolism to combat fatigue and help you recover a er training. £7.99. asda.com

FABÜ™

Formulated by Laura Dowling, 'R&R Relax' contains eight active ingredients to help you recover a er training including Ashwagandha to boost energy, and Magnesium citrate to combat fatigue. £24.99. fabuwellness.com

TOGETHER HEALTH™

A plant-based capsule, together health®'s Organic Mushroom 5 supplement contains a blend of functional mushrooms which are beneficial for boosting energy and reducing inflammation. £27.99. togetherhealth.co.uk

FITNESS NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

MOVE IT

Carly Glendinning tries a MVMT LDN Dancehall class at The Manor LDN, a dance studio in Finsbury Park

I’m not a dancer, so I’m feeling a bit nervous when I arrive at North London dance studio The Manor LDN. It’s a Monday evening and I’m here for MVMT LDN’s Dancehall class which is being taught tonight by Demss Dakotaa. Just a stone’s throw from Finsbury Park station, The Manor's timetable is jam packed with classes – from Heels, to RnB, and DanceFit. The vibe is low-key and buzzy, with sleek interiors and ambient lighting. Demss arrives and I needn’t have worried as she’s really welcoming. “You’re in the right place,” she says “this is a beginners class, and I’ll go really slow.” Also teaching Legwork,

Commercial, Hip Hop, Azonto, and her 'Dance with Demss Beginners Afro class' at 8pm every Wednesday, Demss trained at Homefam and has performed all over the world with the likes of Ste on Don, Ms Banks, Craig David, and Mr Eazi. I choose a spot at the back, and we start with a slow warm up. “We’ll learn some grooves, and then I’ll teach you a routine” says Demss. We begin learning the steps with an upbeat soundtrack of Tek Weh Yuhself by Mr. Vegas. “These are social dances that you do with your friends.” The atmosphere is very chilled, so it does feel like a friend is teaching me. “It’s all about the swag” says Demss – reminding us it’s

all about having fun. We go through each step several times, before putting it all together. Demss then splits us up and we perform to each other. The class is small, so this is a lot less scary than it sounds. I surprise myself with how much I've picked up, and by the end I feel confident enough to put my own personality into popular Dancehall moves including the Bogel, Pon di River, and the Butterfly. With my nerves banished, I’ll definitely be back to try another dance class at The Manor LDN very soon.

Dance classes at The Manor LDN start at £15 . themanorldn.com

A LUXURIOUS SPA BREAK IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Breathe, refresh, relax and take a Spa Break with us. Enjoy luxurious accommodation as well as a 3 hour Thermal Journey, bed and breakfast included.

World class diagnostics, specialty consultations and complex surgeries

A NEW STANDARD OF CARE

Renowned as one of London's top private hospitals, Cleveland Clinic's facilities are meticulously designed to help their patients heal

For more than 100 years, Cleveland Clinic has been a global leader in healthcare. While their name is synonymous with compassion and innovation, their mission is driven by three main goals: caring for life, researching for health and educating health professionals of the future. Backed by a century of breakthroughs, Cleveland Clinic is now providing that same level of care in the UK – one of the many reasons Cleveland Clinic London was awarded LaingBuisson’s ‘Hospital of the Year’ in 2023. Their commitment to patient-first care and quick access to self-pay services are setting a whole new standard of personalised healthcare. With the goal

of providing exceptional care when and where you need it, they o er same- and next-day appointments with extended hours during the week, as well as weekend scheduling for surgical procedures.

From everyday needs to emergency care, they provide rapid access to London’s leading consultants and specialists, leveraging the latest technologies and treatments to enhance patient outcomes and experiences. As innovators in cardiology, Cleveland Clinic London o ers advanced heart care, along with additional specialisations in digestive disease, general practice, orthopaedics, neurology and more.

Since opening their state-of-the-art 184-bed hospital in London in spring of 2022,as well asPortland Place and Moorgate Outpatient Centres,Cleveland

Clinic’s London footprintcovers three locations. Each of which provides a variety of world classoutpatient services, such as advanced diagnostics, specialty consultations, andGP services with swift onward referral to a specialist when needed. Cleveland Clinic London is also the first private hospital in the UK to have a fully integrated digital health records system. This gives you and your care team instant access to the most up-to-date and accurate information about your health, allowing for faster and more e ective decisions to ensure every patient’s journey is entirely seamless from start to finish.

CLEVELAND CLINIC LONDON

33 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HY 020 3423 7500, clevelandcliniclondon.uk

GARDEN PARTY

COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

NATURAL MATERIAL

Pelican House’s woven art collection celebrates the artists behind each handcra ed piece. All handmade in India. Prices from £1000. pelican-house.com

GIMME SHELTER

Caribbean Blinds’ louvered pergolas in robust aluminium provide a flexible, adaptable, all-weather outdoor living space. Plus, with the ability to continually add to and extend, infill bespoke or awkward shapes no area is too large or complex. cbsolarshading.co.uk

TABLE TALK

H&M Home’s new outdoor tableware is a great buy this season – think tropical motifs and colourful pieces at great prices. hm.com

NEW WEAVE

The Casey Lounge Chair has a strong steel frame wrapped with outdoor weave rope for a durable and comfortable seat. The footstool slots neatly underneath. cultfurniture.com

METAL WORK

This bright green shapely lounge furniture will bring an invigorating pop of colour to your garden. And in an ultra-durable textilene fi nish and metal frame, it’s built to last. habitat.couk

HUNG UP

Every garden needs a hammock. Choose from a range of styles at Ella James –and if you don’t have the right trees, a stand is the solution. ellajames.co.uk

SPA DAY

The Riverstone Hot Tub is hewn from a volcanic Basalt Rock boulder originating from the active Marapi volcano in Central Java. Inside, the tub has a silky-smooth finish that contrasts with its rugged exterior. An electric thermostaticallycontrolled heating system and water filtration systemprovides the bubbles. indigenous.co.uk

FLOOR SHOW

Woven from recycled plastic that looks remarkably like jute or hessian, this hard-wearing rug adds a modern rustic feel to the great outdoors. rockettstgeorge.co.uk

IN THE FRAME

Cra ed with meticulous attention to detail, the Desert Lounge chair embodies Ferm Living’s dedication to quality cra smanship

HIGH TECH

Nisse Strinning meets Grythyttan steel furniture in this design classic. The High Tech series includes

SAME ICONIC DESIGN, JUST SMALLER

In celebration of Hans J. Wegner’s 110th birthday, his iconic CH24 Wishbone Chair has been reimagined for children. Faithfully redesigned for balanced proportions on a smaller scale, the chair mirrors the original, handcrafted by skilled craftsmen from FSC™-certi ed solid oak and handwoven paper cord. Same iconic design, same careful craftsmanship, just smaller. Price: £525

CHECK MATE

CA'PIETRA

Mix and match tiles are a major trend this season. Ca'Pietra have used mini Maroc tiles in Khaki and Bianco to tile this trend-led kitchen’s walls, along with larger format Stucco in Blue tiles above. And we think it's a great look. capietra.com

NATURAL SHADES

ATELIER ELLIS

Atelier Ellis has launched 12 new colours, including a new neutral family of fi ve. The Garden Party collection is rich with useful and liveable colours that relate to the natural world. With Katherine Mansfi eld as its muse, these new colours harness feminine energy, fl ora and the beauty of still life. atelierellis.com

Compiled by PENDLE HARTE

SKYE MCALPINE'S TAVOLA

Skye McAlpine's Tavola is an edit of essential pieces for the table that brings to life the pages of her cookbooks. She hopes that it will inspire people to cook for friends more o en, and more stylishly. skyemcalpinetavola.com

WIND THE BOBBIN

ADDISON ROSS

Addison Ross' signature salt and pepper mills come in a wide range of bright and shiny shades. New to the fold is the Mini Bob, a smaller version of the populr Bobbin grinder. addisonross.com

SUPER BOWL TOAST

A new season of stylish artisan-led homewares has come to Toast and alongside lots of lovely textiles is this fabulous splatter enamel bowl in olive. £35 toa.st

OUTSIDE LIVING

A new garden collection from Carl Hansen & Søn

Carl Hansen & Søn has collaborated with EOOS, a Viennese design collaborative, since 2015 and the resulting Embrace Series consists of tables, chairs, lounge furniture, and sofas. The collaboration is now being expanded to include the Embrace Outdoor Series, which clearly references the existing Embrace Series and its focus on perfect imperfection - where meticulous joinery meets casual upholstery.

Carl Hansen & Søn's CEO and third-generation owner-manager Knud Erik Hansen says: "The Embrace Series holds a strong position in our collection, where its generous upholstery complements solid wood, while its organic shapes create a welcoming environment in both private and public settings. It therefore makes sense to offer an outdoor version of this popular series as well."

With the Embrace Outdoor Chair, EOOS has created a highly finished wooden frame upholstered with an informal, soft cushion that creates an elegant contrast against the sleek wood. The designers have strived to create a new typology for outdoor furniture, as the chair is almost fully upholstered and ultimately resembles a piece of indoor furniture. The chair can also be used without a cushion, giving the untreated teak a more prominent role. The wooden frame, which is sanded and assembled by hand, is made to precise standards of craftsmanship and boasts several functional details, such as finger

joints on the armrests and a truss assembly under the seat, which increases the stability of the chair while looking beautiful from every angle. The chair is also stackable.

The dining table has a light look as if it is floating. Inspired by the poetic dance of the kites across the sky, the playful wire construction of the frame draws parallels to the kite's tether, with the crossed wooden base functioning as an anchor. The round tabletop comprises 50 pieces of solid teak assembled in a classic daisy pattern to the highest degree of precision.

Knud Erik Hansen says: "In recent years, we have strengthened our outdoor collection by launching iconic series by Børge Mogensen, Bodil Kjær and a brand-new design by Alfred Homann. With the Embrace Outdoor Series, we present something new yet familiar." EOOS says: "Carl Hansen & Søn works beyond any trend and fashion, instead the brand makes furniture that is circular as it does not have an end date - you can pass it on to the next generation, send it back to have it repaired or sell it on. We share this sustainable design philosophy as we believe that it is the only right approach to furniture design."

Explore the new garden collection in the Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store London, 48A Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP 020 77308454 @carlhansenandson_london carlhansen.com

“The designers have strived to create a new typology for outdoor furniture”

ABOVE: Embrace Outdoor Series.

The round tabletop comprises 50 pieces of solid teak

COLOUR

SPLASH

Milan-based designer Lisa Corti’s home textiles are beautifully crafted, colourful and designed for longevity

Words EVE HERBERT

Lisa Corti designs a world where color reigns supreme with an impressive array of home textiles that celebrate the joyous fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Her brand, centered around home decor, particularly textiles, stands out for its vibrant patterns, eclectic designs, and profound respect for artisanal techniques. Born in Asmara, Eritrea, and based in Milan, Lisa Corti has carved a unique niche in the world of interior design, turning her love for travel, art, and culture into a distinctive stylistic language.

At the core of the design philosophy is a deepseated belief in the beauty of handmade products. Her collections are often crafted through traditional methods such as woodblock printing, a technique with roots deep in history, particularly within Indian craftsmanship. This process involves hand-carving designs into wooden blocks and manually pressing them onto fabric, a method that allows for minor imperfections that imbue each piece with unique character and charm. The choice of technique underscores a broader commitment to sustainability and support for artisan communities, ensuring skills are preserved and passed down through generations. The aesthetic of these creations is unmistakably vibrant and often features a bold palette. Inspired by her travels across India, Africa, and beyond, her designs reflect a global sensibility that incorporates

Colourful textiles and outdoor accessories characterise Lisa Corti’s distinctive style

4.9/5 CUSTOMERINDEPENDENTREVIEWS

“Each pattern and color scheme recalls the places she’s visited and the artisans she’s worked with”

motifs from various cultures. This eclectic blend of influences results in interiors that are not just spaces but narratives woven from the fabrics she designs. Her products, which range from bed linens and tablecloths to cushions and curtains, often carry patterns that are floral or geometric, rendered in colors that are at once vivid and harmoniously blended.

What makes Corti’s work particularly appealing is how it transcends the boundaries of home decoration to evoke a sense of worldliness and wanderlust. Decorating with her textiles means inviting a story into your home – each pattern and color scheme recalls the places she’s visited and the artisans she’s worked with. It’s this storytelling through textiles that encourages consumers to not only see her products as part of their home but as a part of their own life stories.

In addition to her commitment to craftsmanship and design, Lisa Corti also emphasises the importance of quality and durability. The textiles are made using high-quality materials that ensure longevity, meaning that her designs can adorn homes for years without losing their visual appeal. This durability is central to her approach of creating sustainable and timeless pieces that resist the fast-paced cycles of trends in the home decor industry.

Lisa Corti is more than just a home textile designer; she is a supporter of traditional craftsmanship, and a visionary in the world of contemporary design. Her work not only decorates spaces but also enriches them with stories and connections to a wider world, making every Lisa Corti designed space a testament to beauty and history.

The textiles are made using highquality materials that ensure longevity

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms. Priced at £420 each (inc. UK sales tax). Private commissions are also welcome.

@pullmaneditionsposters

All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions 2024 Our central London gallery

+44 (0)20 7730 0547 info@pullmaneditions.com

COLOURS OF ARLEY Bespoke stripe fabric, £POA cultfurniture.com

ILIV Octavia Sapphire fabric, £20 per m britanniarose.com

PURE FABRICS

Charles Voyseys Alice in Wonderland Cushion, £42 purefabrics.co.uk

MOLLY MAHON Greencombe collection, £POA mollymahon.com

SIBYL COLEFAX & JOHN FOWLER Bees Aqua print fabric, £154 per m shop.sibylcolefax.com

ABIGAIL BORG Kappar fabrics, £135 per m abigailborg.com

BETHIE TRICKS Fabrics, £125 per m bethietricks.com

MINDTHEGAP La Brasseria Fern Velvet, £199 per m mindtheg.com

By PENDLE HARTE

MOON

Vibrance Interiors Collection AquaFlamingo, £72 moons.co.uk

Striped Linen Fabrics, £59 thestripescompany.com

FRUITS of the

FOREST

Kit Kemp’s new fabrics take inspiration from the New Forest National Park with colours and patterns drawn from nature

Continuning with Kit Kemp’s tradition of finding inspiration in her favourite places (past collections have namechecked London, New York and the Caribbean), the designer’s newest collection of fabrics is inspired by the New Forest. The National Park in the south of England is a magical place, says Kemp and one that’s very close to her heart. ”It’s the most beautiful and historic place, full of walking and riding trails, ancient trees and heathland - it was the perfect atmosphere to bring up my children,” says Kit. All that rich natural beauty translated easily to the new designs, which she describes as “sophisticated, with a crafted, country feel.”

Kit Kemp is a prominent figure in the design world, best known for her innovative and eclectic approach to interior design. She has made a significant impact on the hospitality industry through her role as co-owner and design director of Firmdale Hotels, the boutique hotel group that she founded with her husband Tim Kemp.

Kemp’s style is distinguished by its vibrant use of color,

Words PEARL BOYD

“A fabulous, brightly coloured wool rug brings a room to life”

pattern, and texture, seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements. Her designs often feature a mix of her own textile designs with unique artworks, making each space distinctly personal and characterful.

In addition to her hotel projects, Kit Kemp has authored several books on interior design, sharing her insights and approach to creating inviting and dynamic spaces. She has also collaborated on collections with international fabric and wallpaper designers, bringing her unique aesthetic to a wider range of home decors. Kit Kemp’s work has earned her numerous accolades in the design community, confirming her status as a visionary in contemporary interior design.

Highlights of the new collection for Annie Selke feature natural motifs and names like ’Rufus’, ‘Deer Leap’, ‘Dawn Chorus’, and ‘Miss Muffet’ drawn from the historic references, personal memories (and ponies) that inspired them, include bold and colourful handmade wool and cotton rugs, and an array of decorative pillows featuring hand appliqué, embroidery and cutwork. All the pieces showcase the vibrant personality, energetic patterns and heirloom- quality durability that both Kit Kemp and Annie Selke are known for. “A fabulous, brightly coloured wool rug brings a room to life,” says Kemp – and this collection is colourful, captivating, and really fun. Its sophisticated country aesthetic will certainly bring your rooms to life.

kitkemp.com

Streaming Made Beautiful

For a deeper connection with your favourite sounds

The new Ruark R410 has been designed for streaming. With Spotify, TIDAL, Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, you have access to virtually all the best streaming services, easily and instantly. The high-fidelity loudspeakers concealed inside bring new life, depth and power to your favourite music, podcasts and other digital media. The perfect source of effortless listening pleasure, created for the way we live now.

ruarkaudio.com

SHADE SEEKER CATHY NORDSTROM

Cra ed from Cathy Nordstrom’s signature textiles and produced in small batches locally in Stockholm, these patterned lampshades are colourful and stylish, particularly this Marianne model in red. cathynordstrom.com

BISTRO BRIGHTS HABITAT

This take on the wooden table design that's graced European cafes for over 100 years is part of Habitat's 60th anniversary collection. The birch wood table comes in a bright limited-edition red with matching bistro chairs. habitat.co.uk

WIRE FREE ORIGINAL BTC

Blossom is a portable, cordless light, uniting traditional cra smanship with LED technology. The petite design is inspired by the plum blossom, with its fl uted bone china shade echoing the outlines of the delicate petals. originalbtc.com

LINE UP COLOURS OF ARLEY

Colours of Arley's bespoke fabric service makes all colour combinations possible. Red and pink, red and orange: break the rules in style. coloursofarley.com

RED VELVET JONATHAN ADLER

Jonathan Adler's collections are always colourful, and he loves a pop of red. The Ripple Slipper chair looks great as a pair in this warm red velevet. jonathanadler.com

HERITAGE at HOME

Living in a listed building can have lots of benefits

– but beware of the regulations

If you love old houses, you might be thrilled at the idea that your home is special enough to be deemed worthy of protection by Historic England. After all, only about 2% of the UK’s buildings are considered to be of enough architectural or historical interest to appear on the famous list – that’s about 450,000 buildings, and the majority of them are private homes. The National Heritage List for England is a comprehensive and searchable record of all significant buildings in the country: living in one of them is a privilege that comes with a series of significant responsibilities. In practical terms, this means that you’ll need Listed Building Consent (potentially in addition to planning permission) for any changes that you might want to make, however minor. Doing anything without it is a criminal offence, so this is not something to be taken lightly.

Don’t let this put you off, however. Living in a home of historical interest can be a huge source of pride and

a fascinating insight into the past. There are three different categories for listing, and 92% of listed properties are Grade II, the lowest group, while 5.5% are Grade II* and 2.5% are Grade I, for buildings of the highest significance. Age is key: anything pre1700 is certain to be listed, and anything pre-1840 is highly likely to have been added as well. Any building with a thatched roof is usually listed. More modern buildings can be on the list if they’re believed to have particular significance or are under threat.

The problem is that old buildings are often impractical by modern standards. They can be expensive to heat, leaky, damp and cold. You might want to add a kitchen extension or convert the loft, but any plans will be scrutinised by the local council’s conservation officers who on the whole take a dim view of architectural additions. It’s not that you’re not allowed to make any changes, but all changes will need to be approved for their suitability. One obvious point is windows: maintaining traditional windows is a

LEIGHTON HOUSE IN KENSINGTON IS A GRADE II* LISTED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING, NOW A MUSEUM. DRAWING ROOM, LEIGHTON HOUSE © RBKC, LEIGHTON HOUSE. IMAGE COURTESY DIRK LINDNER

All sorts of things will get approved if they’re handled sensitively

priority, and conservation officers will always want to repair rather than replace them, however dilapidated they may be. New UPVC windows will almost never be suitable and it’s unlikely that applications to install double glazing will be approved. Changes to the interior are also restricted: you will usually be expected to keep old walls, all the roof timbers, old floors and plaster ceilings. You cannot remove or alter doors, fireplaces, panelling, stonework or floorboards. This doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to, say, embark on a loft conversion – but you’ll probably need to use a structural engineer as well as an architect or surveyor who will understand any repair issues as well as the historic importance of the house.

Listing covers a whole building, including the interior, unless parts of it are specifically excluded in the list description. Because all listed buildings are different, what is actually covered by a listing can vary quite widely. Anyone buying a listed building should be aware that the cost of repairs and general

maintenance is likely to be greater than with a nonlisted property, and that some changes might just not be possible. However, it’s still your house, after all, and all sorts of things will get approved if they’re handled sensitively. Historic England claims that: “The emphasis is squarely on balancing the needs of the homeowner with the historic significance of the building so any changes are sympathetic to both parties” and they will offer advice and information for keepers of historic houses. But remember: a planning authority can insist that all work carried out without consent is reversed.

Ultimately, the best approach is to find out as much as you can about your house, why it is significant and what materials were used in its construction. Understanding the building and its character will give you insight into how best to live in it, and how to make sensitive and appropriate changes. Living in a historic building can be an enormous source of joy and pride, as long as you stick to the rules.

THE NARCISSUS HALL © LEIGHTON HOUSE,RBKC. IMAGE COURTESY OF WILL PRYCE

Brooks Dining Table, £1450 sweetpeaandwillow.co.uk

Unity Dining Table in varnished Oak, £1879 architronic.com SWEETPEA &

By PENDLE HARTE

TILE COUNSEL

Why Delft tiles are found in all the most stylish kitchens right now

This blue shaker kitchen is saturated with handmade, classic Delft tiles, on an artisan tile body, painted by hand in Rosalind Blue –the original Delft pigment.

Delft tiles are a type of glazed earthenware tile that originated in the city of Delft in the Netherlands around the 16th century. These tiles are renowned for their distinctive blue and white designs, which have become synonymous with Dutch ceramic art. The characteristic Delft blue color is achieved through a unique process of applying a tin glaze that is painted with cobalt oxide before firing. This process results in the vivid blue designs on a stark white background, a style that is both eyecatching and elegantly simple. Historically, Delft tiles were first created as an affordable alternative to the more expensive Chinese porcelain that was highly

popular among the wealthy in Europe during the 17th century. The Dutch potters adapted and refined techniques from nearby Antwerp, which had a flourishing tile industry, and combined them with the styles and motifs they encountered in imported Chinese ceramics. Over time, these potters developed a local style that became known as Delftware.

The themes depicted on Delft tiles varied widely, including scenes from daily life, landscapes, floral motifs, animals, biblical stories, and even maritime scenes reflecting the Netherlands' seafaring prowess. These tiles were used extensively for interior decoration, especially in kitchens, fireplaces, and as ornamental wall accents in more affluent homes.

The production of Delft tiles reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries when several factories in Delft were producing these tiles. However, by the end of the 18th century, the popularity of Delft tiles began to

Handmade, classic Del tiles, on an artisan tile body, painted by hand in Rosalind Blue

SUPPLYING AND DESIGNING LUXURY BATHROOMS SINCE 1978

The UK has its own delftware industry that dates back to the 16th century

wane as fashion shifted towards neoclassical styles and other types of decorative tiles. Despite this decline, some Dutch factories continued to produce Delft tiles, preserving the traditional methods and patterns. The UK has its own delftware industry that dates back to the 16th century when a number of Flemish potters settled in England.

Delft is blooming in popularity this year, as a new generation of interior designers and discerning homemakers falls for its delicate designs and that characteristic blue and white palette. The Delft look has been beloved for centuries, but today’s fresh new take sees every available surface drenched in delicate, hand painted, vintage designs. In a world of fast fashion and mass production,

the provenance of the objects we surround ourselves with has become as important as their aesthetic and functional qualities.

Founded in 1936, Marlborough Tiles is the UK’s oldest surviving maker of traditional handmade, hand painted Delft tiles. To this day, their artists use the same batch of Delft blue pigment procured by the female founders nearly 90 years ago and they are the only makers in the country still painting Delft using the traditional technique, whereby each stroke is painted by hand, ‘wet on wet’ into the tile’s raw glaze, before it is fired. This way, the fluidity of brushstroke that makes authentic Delft so instantly recognisable is preserved. marlboroughtiles.com

This worktop and sink are cra ed with Del tiles by Marlborough Tiles

C L A S S I C

C O N T E M P O R A R Y

‘Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication’ Leonardo da Vinci.

decorumtiles.co.uk

£88.15 artisansofdevizes.com

oors.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

REAL KITCHENS FOR REAL FAMILIES

We supply high quality German, Italian and traditional handmade English bespoke kitchens at family-friendly prices.

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.

OUTDOOR COOKING

GREEN PARTY BIG GREEN EGG

FLAME GRILL MORSØ

Morsø Forno is much more than a grill – by using the Forno, you will be able to cook everything from juicy Steaks to smoked salmon, homemade crispy pizzas or delicious lamb steaks. morsoe.com

WOOD FIRE GOZNEY

The iconic Big Green Egg is celebrating 50 years. Available in lots of sizes and specs, this is an all-rounder with fully controllable temperature settings. It's a grill, a BBQ, a smoker and more. biggreenegg.co.uk 1 3 4 5 1 2 3 2 4 5

Wood-fi red cooking is easy with the Dome, the world’s most versatile outdoor oven. Roast, smoke, steam or bake. Super fast or low and slow – and you can choose dual fuel too. gozney.com

TRIPLE THREAT JOHN LEWIS

The Grillstream 3-burner hybrid barbecue has a hybrid system, so you can cook with charcoal alone for authentic, classic smoky-fl avour barbecuing or with gas for better temperature control and instant, more convenient cooking. johnlewis.com

HIGH TECH FLAMMKRAFT

The Flammkra Block D is a gas barbecue with a charcoal soul, fast becoming the choice of Michelin star chefs and ambitious grill afi cionados throughout Europe. fl ammkra .com

DESIGN BEHIND THE

Natasha Wegrzyn of Poggenpohl’s Chelsea Studio talks us through this impressive Kensington kitchen project

Q What was your vision for this kitchen design?

A Creating kitchens within small spaces can often be a challenge as there are certain restraints in place that a larger space might not have. First of all, the client will have specific requirements which need to be met, the inclusion of particular appliances, for example. But there will also be structural issues that need to be overcome, and in this case, as the property was a 1st floor apartment in a Georgian townhouse, the position of waste dictated where certain elements of the kitchen could be placed, meaning that the design had to work within these limitations.

This kitchen is in a London Georgian townhouse, and so from the outset I wanted to embrace the period features of the building. By using the architecture to make it part of the space, drawing on the features, like the original sash windows, rather than working against it. It was ultimately a reconfiguration of the space, but in a period building there are constraints as to what you can do. It was obviously really interesting architecturally as it features within a period property in Kensington, and the client wanted the architectural details to be complemented rather than hidden. It was very clear from the outset that the most important thing for them was the fluidity of the design from

“The client wanted the architectural details to be complemented rather than hidden”

HOME

kitchen through to living space, and that while it would be a separate area for cooking, it must also be one entire space for living and dining.

The addition of the Crittall framework to create a glass wall between the kitchen and living area was a suggestion from the architect, and a fabulous one that we think looks so striking in the overall look of the space. Once we knew that the Crittall separation would be there, we incorporated it into the design by utilising the top of the arch as a focal point and designed the wall units to reach the same height.

The ceilings in the apartment were incredibly high, and so even though we added additional storage by utilising the height, there was still more space above, ensuring that the kitchen didn’t over-power the space, but instead extended the elegance that aligned with the door height.

Q How easy/difficult was the planning of this renovation?

A Structural constraints did add a level of complexity to this project. There were 2 columns that initially were going to be removed, but actually it became so problematic that we suggested we build around them to conceal them rather than the homeowners having to undergo significant structural work. Afterall, given that it’s a first

Surrey’s Premier Builder

Upfold Construction Ltd has been established for over 15 years and is a domestic builder providing services throughout Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire.

Located in Cranleigh we are perfectly placed to offer a total building service to those clients seeking a local, professional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects of building from extensions, renovations to a complete home refurbishment. Our expertise allows us to provide you with a

We are aware this is your home and will work closely with you throughout the entire project enabling you to achieve your dream home.

Both James Upfold, our Managing Director, and thecompany are members of theChartered Institute of Building guaranteeing we are committed to giving quality of product, services and integrity of conduct. Concern for your needs as our client is paramount.

600335

email info@upfoldconstruction.co.uk or visit www.upfoldconstruction.co.uk

“The client was mindful not to overcomplicate the kitchen as it was quite a small space”

place for plants and herbs and decorative items to have pride of place, while keeping the wall open, allowing light to be able to bounce around the room and stop the space feeling too enclosed.

Q How did you decide on the use of colour and materials in the kitchen ?

floor apartment, it could have caused problems for the residents below.

We therefore changed the kitchen design to incorporate the columns, creating broom cupboards for utility type storage to include an ironing board. Low shelving was also included for cleaning products. So although this area was initially going to be more open, we ended up helping by providing a solution to an otherwise expensive and messy problem.

Q It’s a small kitchen – what clever spacesaving ideas have you included in the design?

A Simply put, by adding height. We created elegance by drawing the eye up. We also added interest with fluted glass doors which complemented the ceiling height while adding a traditional element to the design. We incorporated a breakfast station within pocket doors, in order that all the smaller breakfast style appliances could be hidden from view, to reduce clutter, keep the worktop clean and tidy but also, due to the size of the space, it was important not to have the kitchen too busy with coffee machines, kettles and waffle makers.

The client was mindful not to overcomplicate the kitchen and have too many units, as it was quite a small space. Therefore agreed with me on the design to include the open shelving on one wall. This allowed a

A The client was very keen on the use of natural colours and textures, and using organic tones to create a soft and welcoming feel to the kitchen. This desire from very early on in the process led us to the warmer tones and textures that we ended up with, like the beautiful natural Walnut doors with the brass accents and highlights. The dark wood wall cladding was original, but had to be removed and re-instated after the kitchen installation to ensure it wasn’t damaged. It was very much part of the design process and therefore we had to incorporate the wooden tones into the design selection from day 1. The customer liked the idea of a real marble worktop, but due to practicality and heavy use in a busy family kitchen, we recommended Porcelain. It gives the desired look, but is supremely more practical as it has heat and scratch resistant properties, while also coming in such a wide range of colours and tones – this one has a beautiful gold vein running through it. Overall, the chosen worktop helped to achieve the organic look that the customer was after – a soft, warm, homely feel, while also being luxurious. When they first came to see us, the desire for a shaker, traditional door or even a framed kitchen was high up on their list of requirements. But we knew that by ensuring the colours and style were classy and organic, and within the right environment and planned properly, there was no need for classically ‘traditional’ doors. poggenpohl.com

Just PERFECT

Tom Howley’s insights into making a space that blends style and functionality

Creating spaces that blend style and functionality and complement homeowners’ lifestyles is a skill demonstrated by a select few. Among those few is luxury kitchen company Tom Howley, renowned for its bespoke designs and quality craftsmanship. Over the years, as the kitchen has continued to evolve and expand, Tom Howley has been at the forefront of reimagining the entire home, including spaces that are often overlooked but hold immense potential for both practicality and aesthetic appeal. From kitchens with walk-in pantries, boot rooms and utility rooms, to home bars, media rooms and the newest addition to the brand’s offering, bedrooms, the design team at Tom Howley share their top tips to get the most out of these spaces.

KITCHENS WITH A WALK-IN PANTRY: A CHEF’S BEST FRIEND

For those who love to cook, a kitchen with a walk-in pantry is a treasure trove. Tom Howley’s bespoke kitchen pantries are designed with handcrafted floor-to-ceiling cabinets, shelving, and racks that not only store but also display ingredients, making it easy to see what’s in stock.

Tom Howley, Creative Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company, notes: “A well-organised kitchen pantry can inspire and elevate the cooking experience. As soon as you step foot into your walk-in pantry, you should be able to grab what you need with ease. This is why pull-out storage is a must, giving you easy

access to everyday essentials. You can allocate space for deep drawers, or even baskets, perfect for storing fresh produce such as onions and potatoes, loaves of bread and baking goods that need to be kept cool and dry.”

BAR AREAS: THE ULTIMATE LUXURY FOR HOME ENTERTAINERS

Entertaining at home can be a stylish affair with a dedicated bar area. These spaces are designed to be the focal point of social gatherings, blending seamlessly with the home’s overall design. Tom emphasises, “A bar area should be both inviting and functional, providing everything you need to host memorable evenings with friends and family. Integrated lighting, a sleek worktop for mixing drinks, a wine cooler and a custombuilt cabinet to store your collection of glasses and your favourite spirits are key to creating a sophisticated atmosphere.”

MEDIA ROOMS: A HUB FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND CONNECTION

Media rooms or media walls have become an essential feature in many modern homes, serving as a multipurpose space for entertainment and relaxation. A media room is equipped with a TV and surrounded by comfortable seating, and incorporates extra storage for all your entertaining needs. Tom notes, “A media room is a place where you can indulge in movie nights, enjoy music, host game nights or simply relax, all within a setting that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle.”

tomhowley.co.uk

TOMAS KITCHEN LIVING

LONDON | ST ALBANS | CAMBRIDGE

2 4

TABLE TALK

CARL HANSEN & SØN

ALL CHANGE

OLIVER FURNITURE

This beautifully designed dresser grows with your little one. The changing station is available in two sizes (for changing one baby or two) and can be removed when you no longer need it. £1,139. scandiborn.co.uk

GROW UP MOKEE

Peter's Table and Peter's Chair were designed by Hans J. Wegner several decades ago. Still a design classic today, they make the perfect space for drawing, creating, studying, and playing. carlhansen.com 1 3 4 5 1 2

The Grandeur cotbed is packed with features. It's a beautiful solid piece in a neutral two-toned colourway, made in Europe from 100% solid pinewood, sustainably sourced from forests in Europe. £299. mokee.co.uk

HANG ON CUDDLECO

The rattan trend continues to be huge for nurseries. Adding a bohochic feel to your little one's space, the Aria clothes rail from CuddleCo comes with matching hangers for Insta-perfect styling. £194. cuddleco.co.uk

CUPBOARD LOVE SNÜZ

With plenty of storage and soclose drawers (to protect little fingers) the SnüzKot Wardrobe Scandi makes a practical addition to your little one's space. We love the minimal design too. £600. snuz.co.uk

LIFE WORK

Co-working meets interior design at Elmtree by Spacemade

Marylebone, a picturesque and architecturally rich area away from the urban chaos, is witnessing a renaissance, as businesses look for more from their work environment than square foot office space. It’s now fast becoming a hub for financial services, wealth management and real estate firms.

Property management group The Howard De Walden Estate established its roots centuries ago and now manages a large portfolio of commercial properties in the area. Its latest partnership is with Spacemade, the B-Corp design-led flexible workspace operator that recently opened its doors to Elmtree, a Georgian townhouse workspace offering based in the heart of highly desirable Marylebone

Village. Elmtree is a unique townhouse style workspace located at 34 Queen Anne Street. It's aimed at small to medium sized businesses and those looking to elevate their office and coworking experience, or simply a stylish meeting room for the day.

Spacemade's aim is to revive the workspace as a hub for meaningful connections and new opportunities. Whether you’re in need of a private space to create a collaborative environment for your growing team, or a flexible hotdesk, they offer bespoke memberships for every need.

Spacemade's hospitality-led approach to workspace experiences sets them apart from other operators This is evident at Elmtree which puts the member experience at the core of everything, offering members a place to work, socialise and

network, just like a private members club. Elmtree's exclusive events and partnerships programme has been carefully curated to help its members flourish, while the dedicated on-site community team are on hand to support and deliver on all member requests.

Elmtree is situated within a Grade II listed Georgian building with a rich heritage. Inside, you can find bold colours, bespoke furniture and original artworks, mixing timeless design with an eclectic twist. There is even an app-controlled coffee tap with barista-style premium coffee at your fingertips.

Private office space at Elmtree starts from £800 per desk, per month and coworking spaces start at £129 per month. Meeting rooms start from £30 per hour. spacemade.co/locations/london/elmtree/

ONTHE

MOVE

10 tips on moving house from removals expert Anthony Ward Thomas

Draw up a plan and timeline

Give yourself enough time to write a move plan. Include all tasks – big and small – on it and assign them to people and/or companies helping you. Note deadines for getting the tasks done.

Clear the clutter

Now’s the time to go through your attic or basement and let go of all that stuff you’ve kept for years. Give yourself five categories: keep, sell, bin, store or give away.

Hire professionals

Don’t cut costs and do a DIY move. Set your budget and get three quotes – it pays to have the peace of mind that the job will be done well.

Do your research

Find out more about your new area – from schools to sports facilities, shops and

restaurants – so you get to know the place before you arrive.

Think about utilities

Look at all your contracts and the process for disconnecting and reconnecting all your utilities. Don’t forget to take meter readings on the day you leave.

Tell everyone

Organise post forwarding and let everyone from the bank to your local GP know that you’ve changed address.

Organise insurance

A good quality removals company will be able to offer different levels of insurance cover – take time to discuss this with them to ensure you are fully covered.

Buy good packing materials

Your boxes should be at least two ply in

thickness to ensure they don’t collapse during transportation. Remember to pack heavy items in small boxes.

Pack

from the top down

The most efficient way to pack for a household move is to start at the top of the house and work downwards. Label the boxes with what’s in them, where they’ve come from and where they’re going to.

Put together a box of useful items for the big day

It’s worth keeping a box of essentials aside – from a kettle and coffee and bedding for the first night to cleaning products and the kids’ ipads.

ward-thomas.co.uk

To book a move call 020 7038 0449 or email info@ward-thomas.co.uk

Upholstery Design Services

sarahlouisedix.co.uk | enquiries@sarahlouisedix.co.uk | 01483 801108

WIN A SUMMER GARDEN MAKEOVER

We are offering two lucky winners the chance to create their dream oasis by winning a garden makeover

Homebase is a onestop-shop for all your home needs, from windowsill herb gardens to acres of greenery, and a host of experts at your fingertips to help you make the most of your home and garden. Since 1979, Homebase has been the go-to-place for home enthusiasts, helping them fi x, improve or transform their homes and gardens. With 146 stores and over 3,300 experts across the UK and Ireland, their experienced teams are always ready to provide friendly expert advice that will inspire

WORTH £250 EACH

your home and garden makeovers.

Step into Homebase and discover Bathstore, now available in over 100 locations, alongside their extensive range of garden essentials, décor, home furnishings, kitchens, bathrooms, and fi tted bedrooms. Their inspirational store layouts will help you combine extensive on-trend collections with the ideas, advice, partners, and tools to create a home you will love. Their partnerships with top brands like Country Living, House Beautiful, Laura Ashley, Farrow & Ball, Dulux, ELLE Decoration, Duravit, Bosch, and NEFF ensure you have everything you need under one roof.

homebase.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER

Two readers of Absolutely can enter to win their garden makeover from Homebase, worth £250 each. To enter head to absolutelymagazines.com/win

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• The winner must be 18 and older and live in the UK.

• There will be no cash or other alternative to the prize offered and prizes are not transferable.

• Competition closes on the 9th of July 2024. Entries a er this date will not be counted.

• The winner will be picked at random and notified by email within 7 days of closing.

• Should the winner not respond within 3 days, we reserve the right to pick another winner.

• Prize cannot be exchanged for anything else and is not in conjunction with any other offer.

• Those linked to any of the companies involved with the promotion cannot take part.

TRAVEL

CARIBBEAN DREAM

Travelling to the Caribbean with a toddler might not be everyone's idea of a holiday, but we visit two resorts that make travelling with small children a breeze.

LUCIA

THE WONDERS OF

WATAMU

A stay at Hemingways Watamu warms the heart and feeds both body and soul

By SANDY CADIZ-SMITH

We’ve found a beach in Africa. A stunning beach, where the sparkle of azure sea and the powdery white sands promise days of splendid views and the ultimate in peace and relaxation. Where dolphins play and the sun rises and sets take your breath away. It’s in a heavenly place called Hemingways Watamu in the beautiful African country of Kenya, just 300 km south of the equator. And of course, it’s more than just a beach and also just a short

plane hop from the country’s capital. Feeling a bit like Margot Robbie in Barbie (I wish) we jump on a little pink-propellored plane (Jambo Jet) from Nairobi to Malindi. A brief and somewhat bumpy ride to the cutest of rustic airport terminals. From there it’s a short drive through rural villages with colourful shops and market stalls, smiling children, and lush tropical vegetation to our destinationHemingway’s Watamu, our hotel on the sea. Watamu means “home of the sweet people” in Swahili (a beautifully melodic language that captivates us and inspires us to learn as much as we can). Never has a meaning been so apt. It’s impossible to imagine a warmer

welcome or better service. Beaming faces greet us and lead us down the thatched pathway towards the sea which draws us like a magnet.

Hemingways Watamu sits proudly overlooking the dazzling Indian Ocean in its shades of blue. It’s surrounded by the lushest of tropical gardens and palm trees line the pristine beach. It’s breathtaking. But nothing can prepare us for our magnificent, luxurious room, all decorated beach-house style with a vast verandah. It’s the verandah of dreams where we spend many relaxing hours taking in the vistas, even waking at dawn to watch the sunrise and the day awaken over the sparkle of the ocean.

Watamu days begin with breakfast alfresco overlooking the beach - a spread to get any day o to a good start and plenty of that superb Kenyan co ee. And then it’s time to explore. We take a boat excursion for some swimming and snorkeling in the balmy waters of the National Marine Park and encounter pods of dolphins serenely passing by. Always an enchanting experience. We board a majestic dhow for a magical sunset cruise on nearby Mida Creek, complete with all the cocktails, wine, and tasty snacks we could possibly desire. We visit the lively Papa Remo restaurant nearby for a foot-in-the-sand Italian dinner.

There’s also plenty of history and natural beauty to absorb. We discover the fascinating Gede ruins just a 10-minute drive away - once an ancient Arab town dating back to the late 13th century. We visit the nearby Watamu village and the Arabuko Sokoke Swamp home to over 300 elephants and myriad birdlife.

“We encounter pods of dolphins serenely passing by”

It’s charming and fascinating and we fall in love with the people and their stories. And the country they so clearly adore. With full hearts, we return to the embrace of our haven by the sea. We complete our days by sampling exotic cocktails in the colonial-style bar lined with giant trophy fish Hemingway-style. Before enjoying plates piled high with delectable local rock lobster and giant prawns under starry skies. Seafood heaven. A stay at Hemingways Watamu warms the heart and feeds both body and soul. And as the great writer Ernest Hemingway (appropriately) said: “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.” Well, except the morning you leave, of course.

hemingways

There are three Hemingways properties in Kenya, in Watamu, Nairobi and the Masai Mara. hemingways-collection.com/watamu/ hemingways-collection.com/nairobi/ hemingways-collection.com/mara/

Island LIFE

Hayley Barclay travels to St Lucia with a toddler to try two family-friendly resorts

St Lucia is typically associated with romance, remote hotels and rum. So not the first choice perhaps for your first long-haul holiday with a rambunctious toddler. However, it is such a warm, joyous place with so many fond memories for me, we decided to be adventurous and take our son. His age was also a factor: up to the age of two children can fly without their own seat, so this saves a considerable amount of money. Of course, having a restless toddler on your lap for nearly nine hours is not for the faint of heart so in hindsight, perhaps splashing out a bit extra for comfort might have been sensible. While the flight was challenging (snacks and more snacks), once we landed the blue skies and balmy breeze instantly perked me up.

St Lucia is five hours ahead, so expect a few very early mornings but the Caribbean way of “all will be well” resets everything nicely.

COCONUT

BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

THE ROOM - Our first stop was a five-minute drive from the airport in Vieux Fort, on the island’s Atlantic side. It’s a sprawling, activitypacked all-inclusive resort with 250 rooms,

a mile-long beach and its own water park.

Coconut Bay is divided into two sectionsadults-only Serenity and the family-friendly Splash. We stayed in a Splash King Concierge room with a huge bed, wooden cot and a balcony overlooking the resort and ocean. Newly renovated, the rooms are decked out in fun, tropical colours and the hotel had left a lovely gift bag of treats for our son.

The balcony was particularly enjoyable once our son was asleep as we could watch the entertainment and have a drink while he slumbered on.

Though the resort is big, our room was within easy walking distance to the pools, restaurants and kids’ club so we didn’t use our buggy once.

FACILITIES - Coconut Bay’s children’s facilities are exceptional. Dotted around the resort’s 85 acres is a huge family-friendly pool, a lazy river, water slides and Cocoland Kidz Klub, the biggest on the island.

We left our son there for a few hours each day and he loved it – a testament to the sta , who were all so jolly, warm and professional. The club has its own mini water park, a donkey sanctuary, zip line, pirate ship, stacks of toys and even little beds for naps. For older children there are also excursions such as turtle watching.

Most evenings there is entertainment or

live music – we enjoyed a surprisingly decent Michael Jackon tribute and a themed barbeque. Activities during the day include fitness classes, a spa, painting lessons and water sports - and of course the beautiful beach complete with its rum and burger shack. If you run out of essentials, there is also an onsite shop. Don’t forget swim nappies like I did though as they cost an eye-wateringly $20 (£15.50) a pack.

THE FOOD - Coconut Bay has nine restaurants including the main bu et-style eatery open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bu et is plentiful, varied and fresh, ranging from traditional Creole saltfish to pizza and it's informal and fun, great for eating out with a toddler. For something smarter, Coconut Bay also has six fine-dining restaurants and another must-try is the Jerk Treehouse Coconut Bay is a big and bold four-star resort, brimful of Caribbean charm. It’s not quiet or private but has the friendliest, most helpful sta who are well used to the unpredictability of children.

THE LANDINGS RESORT & SPA

“The buffet is plentiful, varied and fresh, ranging from traditional Creole saltfish to pizza”

THE ROOM - Our second stop was a twohour drive to the north of the island, near Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island National Park. The lobby at The Landings is palatial - soothing and elegant and it felt more like a grand residence than a hotel. The suites and apartments are all spread out between a marina and the beach and zippy little golf buggies are available to ferry you from place to place. We stayed in a two-bedroom beachfront apartment with a huge kitchen, living area and a sun-drenched terrace. The decor was chic and simple and there was even a laundry room (with washing powder), plus a rotation of butlers who were available from 6am until midnight if needed and helped with tasks such as organising a babysitter, room service or o ering to fetch things our son had left on the beach. Having such a large, well-equipped space meant our son was a bit calmer and had somewhere to play out of the sun.

CUISING AT THE LANDINGS

THE LANDINGS BEACH

FACILITIES - The Landings has a kids' club for ages four and up so we did not use it - however there is a babysitting service, which we used one evening so we could have dinner on the beach and watch some dancing and fire-eaters. There are two pools – one overlooking the marina – that were spotless and never crowded but we spent most of our time on the beach. Children are most welcome at The Landings but the vibe was more luxury and sedate, a lovely contrast to the first part of our holiday.

FOOD - The Landings has a few eating options. The Beach Club, with tables that seem to float on the water, o ers upmarket Caribbean cuisine like tuna and watermelon tartar, house brined triggerfish and sangria chicken. More child-friendly options are also available like pasta and pizza. The fabulous breakfast spread is served there, too. A short walk away is the Callaloo Beach Club, where you can dine on the sand. This

place was great for letting our toddler splash in the sea while we had a rest with a drink. The menu is a bit more casual but still tasty with options such as green papaya and chayote salad or blackened fish wrap. For adults-only fine dining there is The Palms, located in the main part of the hotel. The ‘east meets west’ menu changes seasonally and with its dramatic marina views and fresh seafood cooked on a lava stone grill, it’s a real date-night treat.

THINGS TO DO IN ST LUCIA

St Lucia has such a rich heritage and magnificent scenery it seems a shame to stay resort-bound. The island’s iconic backdrop is the Piton mountains and a brilliant way to see them is on the Tet Paul Nature Trail. It’s a 40-minute hike near Soufriere that isn’t too arduous for kids but definitely too demanding for a toddler. Market day in Soufriere is also worth a visit. It’s a great way to experience a Caribbean

port town and while it’s noisy and chaotic, it’s loads of fun. St Lucia is a once-in-a lifetime experience that the whole family can enjoy. The weather, the welcoming people and the incredible range of sea and land activities on o er means not a toddler tantrum in sight.

FACT BOX

THE LANDINGS

Blue Bay Travel Package: A 7-night stay is from £1,849pp, departing London Gatwick on 30th May 2024 with British Airways, staying at The Landings Resort and Spa on a bed & breakfast basis in a One Bedroom Villa Suite Marina View Plunge Pool (based on two sharing), with return transfers & luggage included.

COCONUT BAY

British Airways Holidays offers rates from £4198 per family of 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years travelling for seven nights in June which includes a saving of 53% on the hotel nightly rate and First Child stays, eats, drinks and plays FREE when sharing with adult/s. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick, airport transfers and 7-nights Premium All-Inclusive. Price correct at time of issue and subject to change. Percentage savings reflect discount on full rate for single night stays.

THE LANDINGS

COCONUT BAY WATER PARK

THE LANDINGS BEACH

2

SWEET SPOT

SUGAR BEACH ST LUCIA

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is an iconic destination located on the shores of St Lucia, nestled between the picturesque UNESCO Pitons. It offers luxurious accommodations, amenities and services. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

STYLISH STAY

CAP MAISON

Cap Maison villa resort is a haven of peace and privacy, nestled in tropical gardens on the northernmost tip of St Lucia. Guests are treated to dramatic cli op scenery overlooking the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea. capmaison.com

ISLAND LIFE

BRANSON

BEACH ESTATE

The Branson Beach Estate at the northeast tip of Moskito Island offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the most secluded unspoiled setting in the British Virgin Islands. The Estate's three villas can be booked individually or all together on an exclusive basis , all year round. virginlimitededition.com

BOUTIQUE STYLE

HOTEL MANAPANY

Situated in the French Caribbean on the palm-fringed private beach of Anse des Cayes, this ecofriendly boutique hotel is a tranquil luxury destination escape with 43 elegant villas, rooms and suites nestled between a tropical forest and the sea. preferredhotels.com

MEN ONLY

FINCA VICTORIA

Boutique hotel and retreat centre

Finca Victoria is offering a new men's wellness retreat in March. The programme aims to empower men through ayurvedic rituals, guided by three inspiring wellness experts.

fi nca-victoria.com

EDUCATION

FOR LIFE Education

In a world of many challenges, Eltham College focuses on educating young people for life today and tomorrow, says Deputy Head Pastoral Ann Massey

Eltham College has delivered excellent education since its foundation over 180 years ago, but today our thriving co-ed school for students aged 7 to 18 focuses on delivering teaching and learning to prepare young people for a fast-changing world.

Academically selective and delivering results that make us a leading academic school nationally, we are known for breadth of opportunities in sport, music, drama and art. Student and parent perspectives are vital, so we are delighted to be named a Top 20 London day school in the Sunday Times Parent Power Good Schools Survey, and also Independent Secondary School of the Year 2024 London.

Our aim is to foster a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere to make this a welcoming place where people can develop their interests, skills and passions. Our beautiful campus, set in some 70 acres in south-east London, is embedded within the broad and diverse community it serves.

This means an inclusive educational experience, multiple partnerships to enrich school and community, and an environment balancing stimulating academic and co-curricular provision with strong pastoral support. We call our approach ‘Education for Living Life’.

We were established just over 180 years ago in 1842, and the College has retained a

distinct character borne out of its Christian roots. Pastoral and wellbeing programmes are multifaceted, with student wellbeing at the heart of our ethos. Our Wellbeing curriculum is taught through the ‘5Rs Framework’: Respect, Relationships, Responsibility, Resilience and Readiness. Delivered weekly, it is tailored to each age group from Years 7 to 13 and overseen by our Head of Wellbeing. Our multi-award-winning initiative, the ‘Every Name Matters’ project, centres on the importance of respecting individual identities and cultural backgrounds by ensuring accurate pronunciation of students’ names. A dedicated group of teachers and support sta has compiled a comprehensive

database of names and phonetic spellings, integrating it into the College’s management information system. Students also have the opportunity to record their names, giving teachers a resource to familiarise themselves with accurate pronunciations. The initiative has had a profound impact on sta -student relationships, helping to build stronger connections. This simple but vital act of calling people by the right name creates an environment where every student feels seen, respected and valued. Other significant pastoral initiatives have included ‘Life Story’, designed to address concerns raised by the ‘Everyone’s Invited’ campaign. Our programme takes a holistic approach in specific classes, equipping students with the skills they need to develop healthy relationships and to navigate life. Extensive research and student input contributed to the development of ageappropriate educational ‘games’ that help to embed respect, empathy, and resilience. There are multiple student-led a nity groups plus school-wide activities for events such as Black History Month. As part of our commitment to the wider community, we are working to diversify teaching with a Teaching Insight Programme that provides opportunities for aspiring teachers from under-represented backgrounds. Many students are involved in local volunteering and the school has rich and mutually rewarding partnerships with schools and community groups in a network that spans

ELTHAM COLLEGE CAMPUS

an area stretching from Docklands, across south-east London and down into Kent.

While Eltham College remains true to its roots – and was proud to celebrate the 180th anniversary of its foundation by Christian missionaries – today we welcome students of all faiths and none. This year, with the Olympic Games taking place in Paris, we are taking the opportunity to remember the example set by

“Students are involved in local volunteering and the school has rich and mutually rewarding partnerships with schools and community groups”

one of our most famous alumni, Eric Liddell.

Part of his life story was told in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, which centred on his sporting prowess. A devoutly religious man, he honed his sporting skills on the playing fields of Eltham. At the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, he won a gold medal in the 400 metres but refused to compete in the 100 metres finals because it took place on a Sunday. He also competed for Scotland in rugby and is recognised in the Scottish RFU’s ‘Hall of Fame’.

He had incredible sporting prowess, but Liddell had a deeper calling to serve. He travelled to China as a missionary in the 1920s and died, tragically young, in a Japanese civilian internment camp in 1945. We are

honouring his life this year with a series of events, including a concert at the Royal Albert Hall and another at the school, a sports tour to Edinburgh and St Andrew’s schools, and a charity run of nearly 700 miles from Paris to Edinburgh – via Eltham College. Eric Liddell’s memory lives on here at the College. We remember him daily in the name of our well-used sports centre, but we also believe he is an embodiment of our Eltham College Aims, most notably as a school that ‘enables students to consider Christian beliefs and values, whilst warmly including those of other faiths and none, so that all might live a life for the benefit of others’.

eltham-college.org.uk

EDUCATION TRANSFORMED

The Deputy Head of Kew House School reflects on a profound shift of perspective that comes with moving from state to independent sector

Moving from the state to independent sector is not just a change in educational institutions, it’s a transformative journey that reshapes perspectives. As someone who recently navigated this transition, and now contributes to the academic leadership of Kew House School, it is something I’ve experienced for myself. This has led me to reflect on the profound opportunities presented, not just for me but for all the students who embark on their educational journey here at Kew House.

Many of us recognise and have experienced, a siloed approach in education settings –where the focus on examinations becomes relentless. We also know that making space for a more interconnected and less prescriptive approach pays dividends. Here at Kew House, the recently introduced Gardener Award is already doing just that. It is more than a framework, encapsulating a commitment to

wider and deeper learning. Here, subjects are not isolated entities, but threads woven into a rich tapestry of knowledge, skills and experiences. Our students encounter themes such as enterprise, perspectives, wellbeing, community, and creativity across disciplines. It is a philosophy that emerged within the Gardener Schools Group from the recognition that true education needs to provide students with a preparation for the complexities – and opportunities – of life.

In many educational settings creative subjects get sidelined. Again, a di erent perspective exists, and here I have seen firsthand the transformative power of embracing arts, music, drama and design as integral components of the curriculum. This is not at the expense of STEM subjects (and I speak as a maths teacher by training). Our students experience a balanced education that values the sciences and humanities in equal measure and seeks to furnish them with a diverse skillset.

Education is not just about exam results – even though we know their importance – but is a complex process of guiding

“Our students experience a balanced education that values the sciences and humanities in equal measure”

students through growing up and navigating some of their most challenging years. This recognition is embedded in our ethos, with individualised attention delivered pastorally as well as academically. Building confidence and self-esteem is critical – and this also supports better academic achievement.

As I reflect on my own educational journey and my new role helping to shape the academic landscape at Kew House School, one takeaway is clear. Education is ultimately about guiding and supporting young people in becoming individuals able to see the interconnectedness of the subjects they study, find their own academic strengths, and achieve in whatever pathways they choose.

The move from state to independent education was not just a change in scenery for me; it was a catalyst for a profound shift in perspective. I am privileged to contribute to an educational setting that reflects my personal ethos – one that goes beyond textbooks and exams to focus on developing confident and creative individuals ready to shape their future.

LOUISA HOPKINSON

Deputy Head (Academic) Kew House School

PUPILS AT KEW HOUSE SCHOOL

STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

Wetherby Preparatory School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 13, providing exceptional education, a comprehensive co-curricular programme, and a focus on character development.

www.wetherbyprep.co.uk

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

T he Director of Partnership

& Outreach

at

King’s College School Wimbledon

on the value of working together with the local community

At King’s, we are proud of the dedicated community partnerships we have developed over the past 30 years. Working closely with colleagues at 33 local maintained secondary, primary, special and sixth forms schools, we were able to support over 2,370 young people in the last year alone. In addition, through our work with local charities and community groups, we run inter-generational initiatives to benefit both young and old.

Spearheaded by the late Heather McKissack, a much-loved teacher here who was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to education, our school partnerships aim not just to educate but to empower. To enable this, we have built our partnerships programme into the very core of our curriculum, with Friday afternoons dedicated to these activities. The 50+ projects we run involve over 400 of our pupils each week.

For example, our pupils commit their time to leading science and Latin sessions for primary school children and to sharing biscuits and tea with elderly residents during ‘Friendship Hour’. They also help to maintain local parks and churchyards, give GCSE revision classes, run a blues orchestra and teach children how to swim.

For schools like ours, sharing resources and facilities is both a responsibility and a privilege. I regularly host reflection afternoons at which pupils share their experiences and advice with each other. Recently, I asked what our pupils had learnt

“When pupils participate in community projects, they learn, build relationships and broaden their perspective”

from their involvement in partnerships projects and responses included: ‘fostering a sense of unity and empowerment within the community’ and ‘helping young children gain knowledge and confidence’. It’s great to get this type of feedback from the pupils themselves. When pupils participate in community projects, they learn, build relationships and broaden their perspective. These kinds of partnership links also forge genuine and meaningful connections between partner schools.

Recently, our relationship with Harris Academy (HAWI) extended to include its new sixth form. Our pupils work together, benefiting from joint academic extension, university preparation and community projects. HAWI sixth formers even join King’s lessons in specialist subjects, enriching their learning journey and our classrooms.

Last June we launched a new initiative, King’s Arts, a five-day celebration of culture and the arts. We opened our doors to our local community so we could celebrate the uplifting and transformative power of the arts together. Our partnership schools were at the heart of this celebration,

and the concert featuring the choirs of pupils from our partner schools alongside alumni and King’s pupils was, for me and many others, the highlight of the week. Our second King’s Arts event this June will include lots more involvement from our partners – watch this space!

Community engagement empowers our young people to go out into the world ready to make a purposeful contribution. We look to go beyond academic excellence to o er a true education of ‘Mind, Spirit and Heart’ – one that encourages positive values, humanity and regard for others.

PETER HATCH Director of Partnerships & Outreach King’s College School Wimbledon

ART OPENING

With bases in three great cities, Kings School of Art + Design o ers an inspiring and flexible foundation for students keen to pursue creative pathways

For any student looking for a grounding in art and design, finding the right place to develop technique and confidence is critical. So too, finding a setting where you get the opportunities to test and develop your skills and prepare for onward destination – be it university or further specialist training. Kings School of Art + Design has centres in London, Oxford and Brighton (Oxford is its flagship), giving students the added bonus of being based in culturally exciting cities with high student populations. All the sta are practising and exhibiting artists. For instance, the Head of Art in Oxford Maria Marinho has exhibited extensively across Europe and Hong Kong and another member of the Oxford team is an artist in residence at University of Oxford. This means students have direct support and mentorship from working artists – invaluable in helping them

develop their own practice and direction. Application to Kings is flexible, with no set deadlines as it welcomes applications from international and UK students. You are asked to send grades to date (for UK students that’s GCSE grades) plus school reports. You are also asked to send a portfolio – usually five to eight pieces of work – which can be sent digitally. This is to check students’ general ability and ensure they will be able to manage the rigours of the course. There are two main options for study. The first is that students take two art A levels in one year, choosing from four options, and then move on to the UAL Diploma Foundation (Fast Track Art Pathway). Alternatively, they complete the Level 3 course (the Foundation). Completion of Level 3 via either route means students can then move on to Year 1 of a degree course. Kings’ close associations with both UAL – awarding body for its Foundation Diploma – and UWE Bristol gives students added benefits and potential university

“Students have direct support and mentorship from working artists – invaluable in helping them develop their own practice and find their direction”

pathways to either institution for a great range of creative degree courses. Students also attend a UWE Bristol residential each year, giving an immersive taster of university life and facilities before they embark on their degree journey. While young people attending Kings’ three centres already know they want a creative foundation, they are not expected to know their future art direction on arrival (although many have a fair idea). In the first term, they explore di erent mediums and skillsets. Students who

“Kings’ close associations with both UAL and UWE Bristol gives students added benefits and potential university pathways to either institution”

including Fashion, Architecture, Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Design and Film. Students are tasked to work to di erent set themes through the year, interpreting them through their preferred medium. The year culminates in a final major project. Another bonus for Kings students is that all three city-centre locations are arts hubs, giving students the opportunity to explore galleries and museums, attend shows and live events and gain further inspiration. As one student at the London branch of Kings put it: “It’s not like school,

Students are paired to a teacher who specialises in their chosen discipline, so they get ‘insider knowledge’ and support for both the applications process and choosing the best university / course for them.

A final draw for many of the cohort is that this feels closer to university than school. It’s a very international setting, with a cohort drawn from some 60 di erent countries (some 80% come from beyond UK shores). This brings plenty of fresh perspectives, as UK students mix with peers from across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Many overseas students have been drawn to the UK because of the high-quality training and clear onward pathways available here. For UK students, this feels like a ‘grown up’ step beyond school and enables them to focus solely on art and design – possibly saving a year – before heading on to their university (or further training if they are admitted to the Level 3 course).

Overseas students at Kings say they relish the small class sizes and high level of support – there is an average of ten students in each class. They also like the fact that they have their own personal workspace, kept throughout the study period, and are working and living among a group of people who share similar interests.

For all students, there’s the sense of this being a bridge between teenage and adult world, plenty of one-to-one support but with a distinctly cosmopolitan and artistic vibe and far more independence. As Kings London student Olivia put it: “All these di erent cultures, it just brings a whole di erent atmosphere I’ve never experienced before. It just opens you up to a whole new world”.

Creative COUNTING

Top teacher and proud ‘maths geek’ Chris Smith MBE is on a one-man campaign to promote the excitement and creativity of this universal subject

You can’t help but be carried along by Chris Smith’s passion for maths. He fi zzes with ideas to inspire young and old alike. So much so that he’s garnered fans across the world, an MBE (2023), a Scottish Teacher of the Year Award (2018) and o cial ‘Brainiest Family’ (co-earned with equally brainy family in 2019) on BBC Two’s The Family Brain Games

Then there are those delightfully wacky YouTube celebrations of Pi Day produced with his school, Grange Academy, Kilmarnock. From an epic whole-class reworking of “Y.M.C.A.” (PiMCA) to Pi in the Sky, filmed by drones and featuring 432 pupils and the first 314 digits of the magical number. Basically, whatever he’s up to mathematically, Grange Academy’s Mr Smith makes numbers look pretty cool.

His book That’s Mathematics, published in hardback last year and just out in paperback – timed precisely for Pi Day on 14th March – is based on the song of the same name by Harvard professor, songwriter and entertainer Tom Lehrer. The idea for the book came after Chris Smith and a gang of mathematically minded buddies (including Rachel Riley, Bobby Seagull, Hannah Fry and Eddie Woo) brought the song to YouTube in May 2020 in celebration of Lehrer’s 92nd birthday. It was a Lockdown smash hit – everybody loved it. That included publisher Mama Makes Books, whose MD thought a book inspired by the song would be perfect for early years readers.

Using the song was easy after Tom Lehrer’s generosity in putting his entire songbook into the public domain in autumn 2020 via a website (tomlehrersongs.com). Lehrer is in full retirement now, but he had watched that smash hit YouTube video and sent a brief acknowledgment. “That made our day,” says

Smith. “Tom Lehrer is happy for people to still be making the most of this lovely song.” In That’s Mathematics, Smith takes the original lyrics and weaves fun puzzles and challenges that show maths in action, all highlighted by Elina Braslina’s lovely illustrations. It is a fun way to engage children in maths’ ubiquity. Smith is a compelling salesman for maths. Indeed, he’s a one-man advertisement for having fun with numbers – even managing to get a local billboard company to let him take over their property for Pi Day a couple of years ago. The billboard then showed all Kilmarnock the amazing qualities of Pi (adverPising, of course). Grange Academy pupils provided the creative zing, producing everything from stop-motion animation to slick presentations.

He’s more than happy to have maths writ large across the Ayrshire community – it increases student engagement – and he’s delighted that the local newspaper refers to him as ‘resident geek of the Maths

“Maths is set in that sweetspot. There’s a bit of science in there, it’s got art, it’s got language –it spans those di erent things”

department’. Grange Academy children ask him about the school’s Pi Day plans months in advance. Some want to know why they aren’t yet eligible to go on the annual maths revision camp introduced in 2015. This combines fun with “working their socks o ”.

Most of all, Chris Smith is passionate about showing young people that maths is creative. “Maths is set in that sweetspot. There’s a bit of science in there, it’s got art, it’s got language,” he says. He demonstrates the language in class from time to time by pulling up a Gaelic maths paper (students here can sit exams in English or Scottish Gaelic). Children go from ‘I can’t read that’ to recognising that they can still answer the questions. “That is one of the things that we try to communicate to kids, this sense in which this is a language. You can use maths to articulate things, to explain things – it’s universal.”

There’s certainly a universal pleasure

in talking maths with fellow educators and aficionados, as Smith has discovered. His free weekly maths newsletter, started in 2007 for an internal school audience of 12, has now garnered a giant subscriber base “4,900 and something” in 100 countries. It still contains the milk rota that was part of the original – to the ba ement of new subscribers. “First question is: ‘what is the milk rota?’,” he says. Some subscribers then ask to be added to the rota. This has led on to a guest slot. “We’ve had lovely people from Australia and California and all over the place send us cookies and lovely things.”

Co ee and biscuit supplies aside, there’s inspiration. “There’s a puzzle, there are lesson ideas, there’s weekly trivia. Every week we try to help teachers with a whole bunch of stu in the classroom. We have primary teachers who read it, university lecturers who read it – not everything is going to work for every

person, but they can usually pick out wee bits here and there,” says Smith. “It’s kept me looking for ideas, trying to keep my teaching fresh, and not stagnate.” There seems little danger of that. And when he goes to pick up his MBE for ‘services to mathematics education and to the community in East Ayrshire’, the maths geek is rather hoping he can win over yet another high-profile subscriber. Numbers are there to be celebrated and Chris Smith is showing us how. And for any parent looking to introduce their child to this universal language, counting sheep and folding sheets seems an excellent place to start. This, after all, is mathematics.

Mathematics © 2023

Makes Books Ltd. Lyrics written by

with additional text by Chris Smith. Artwork © 2023 Elīna Brasliņa. Now available in paperback, £7.99. To subscribe to Chris Smith’s weekly maths newsletter, email aap03102@gmail.com

CHRIS SMITH MBE – GRANGE ACADEMY, KILMARNOCK’S RESIDENT ‘MATHS GEEK’

That’s

Mama

Tom Lehrer

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, south London, is celebrating after a brilliant report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and Good Schools Guide review, which commends the school as the ‘one to watch’.

The ISI inspection praised Rosemead’s academic approach to learning, pastoral care and support and the positive influence of the school’s values, vision, and leadership.

‘A highly customised approach to every pupil’s academic progress is a significant strength of the school,’ the report explained. ‘A customised learning programme in mathematics, English and reasoning caters for pupils in Year 4 and above. This, supported by an extensive enrichment programme and much support for individuals, impacts on all groups of pupils, enabling them to make good and often rapid progress over time.’

Head of Rosemead, Graeme McCa erty said: ‘‘One standout strength that truly shines through is our highly customised approach to every child's academic progress. The report

HIGH ACHIEVERS

Rosemead Preparatory School celebrates a glowing inspection and Good Schools Guide visit

highlighted our dedication to tailoring personal learning programs for each child, particularly in subjects like Maths, English, VR, and NVR."

Rosemead’s early years’ provision was also praised in the summary findings. ‘Leaders in the early years e ectively ensure sta have high expectations of the behaviour and achievement of children,’ the report found.

‘The positive relationships between adults and children in the early years help children settle in quickly and feel safe and happy.’

It added: ‘Children in the early years achieve well from their varied starting points. Adults engage with the children e ectively and use appropriate questioning to develop children’s vocabulary and understanding. Children from an early age become confident speakers and develop their reading skills well.

The report comes at an exciting time for Rosemead. Last year, the school announced a merger with St Dunstan’s College joining St Dunstan’s Community of Schools.

St Dunstan’s Group Head, Nick Hewlett, said: ‘The whole community is delighted with the ISI inspection. The report rightly recognises the outstanding education Rosemead is o ering. Bringing our schools together has been a

wonderful opportunity, allowing our sta and students to work closer together and enhancing our students’ educational journeys.’

Noting the recent merger, the report highlighted: ‘Governors and senior leaders work well together to promote the e ectiveness of the school. Governors’ vision has a positive influence on every area of the school and drives continual improvement, for example, the recent decision to merge with another school.’

Rosemead is also celebrating after a visit from the Good Schools Guide which praised the school’s leadership and its future direction.

‘With a head and sta who are emotionally engaged with, and academically ambitious for, their pupils, there is no doubt that children here are happy and make excellent progress,’ the review explained. ‘They (pupils) are attentive, polite and delightfully entertaining. We think Rosemead is definitely ‘one to watch’ as it carves out a specific niche in this corner of London.’

The full ISI inspection report and Good Schools Guide review can be found on Rosemead’s website, and the school will be hosting their next open morning on Tuesday 18 June, 9.30am – 11.00am. Book at www.rosemeadprep.org.uk

£5,250,000

A beautiful house with breathtaking views across Wimbledon Common and the Golf Course, and close to Wimbledon Village. Boasting particularly high ceilings and beautifully proportioned rooms, it o ers excellent family living in a fantastic location with six bedrooms, three bathrooms and lots of living and entertaining space.

Where Property Meets Purpose

Robbin and Celine, two local moms with over 40+ years of combined property experience, offering a real A to Z customer service. They will provide bespoke services to achieve a top price or find you the best property that fits your family’s needs.

For each house sold, a donation is made to a local charity partner.

Outdoor LIVING

Auriens’ pristine oasis provides the perfect space for a summer of elegant garden parties

Created by acclaimed garden designer Andy Sturgeon, the evergreen oasis at the heart of Auriens Chelsea provides an elegant space for a plethora of community events.

Like everything at Auriens Chelsea, the garden has been meticulously created with the sophisticated needs of its residents in mind, o ering an escape from the bustling city life and a tranquil oasis that resonates with the elegance of Chelsea.

Andy Sturgeon is a multiple gold medal winner and twice Best in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show and his space has been meticulously planned to ensure spaciousness and accessibility, while blending beauty with practical, soothing elements that cater to both physical and mental wellbeing.

Taking inspiration from a formal countryhouse garden, the space is divided into a series of di erent “rooms”, each with its own character and atmosphere. These are linked by paved areas in pale biscuit-coloured Yorkstone. Architectural hedging in yew and beech is used to add definition and structure but kept low enough to allow longer views. A team of expert horticulturists meticulously curates a diverse selection of plants, ensuring that there's always something in bloom, no matter the season.

The garden is not merely about beautiful landscapes but also about enhancing the life of its residents. It includes comfortable, stylish seating areas under shaded pergolas, perfect for social gatherings or quiet reflection. A central water feature adds a serene ambiance with the gentle sound of flowing water, creating a calming environment where residents can relax and unwind. Moreover, the garden features a variety of pieces of British-made garden furniture, designed by Gaze Burvill, becoming focal points that encourage contemplation and discussion among residents and visitors.

No garden party is complete without a delectable selection of culinary delights and Auriens Chelsea o ers residents and guests a beautifully curated menu created by renowned

Head Chef Matt Tsistrakis. Most recently the Master Cook at iconic Simpson’s in the Strand, Matt works tirelessly to create a menu that showcases the finest ingredients, often sourced from local suppliers.

The garden at Auriens Chelsea is much more than an addition to the luxurious facilities o ered by the development, it is a cornerstone of the community's lifestyle. For residents, the garden is not just a place to visit, but a significant part of their home, blending the natural world with the comforts of luxury living.

To speak to the Resident Advisory team or arrange a time to visit Auriens, contact 020 4549 8048 or email enquiries@auriens.com

Warren Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2

£2,475,000

An immaculately maintained family home in the heart of the prestigious Coombe Estate with a beautiful, south westerly facing garden, filled with mature trees and shrubs. This detached, 5 bedroom home has been thoughtfully extended over the years to create superb lateral entertaining and living accommodation across 2 floors.

Coombe Hill Road, Coombe KT2

£4,000,000

An impressive modern residence with lateral accommodation of almost 6,000 sq ft. The spacious, airy and well-planned accommodation is arranged over two floors With four reception rooms, five bedrooms (all en-suite), a gymnasium and a swimming pool. It’s in a great location and is a house well thought-out for family life.

Wimbledon Bathgate Road

£6,150,000

Beautifully designed and crafted home in a prime road near the All England Lawn Tennis Club and within easy reach of Wimbledon Village.

5 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, 6 bedrooms, 7 bath/shower rooms, wine room, garden, driveway parking ER/B.

Wimbledon Village Parkside Gardens

£5,950,000

An impressive detached Edwardian house located in a tree lined road minutes from Wimbledon Common 4 reception rooms,

Wimbledon Village Lingfield Road

£4,500,000

A very attractive period house in the heart of the Village with a delightful 117’ garden and heated swimming pool 2 inter-connecting reception rooms, study, kitchen/dining/family room, 4 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, garage & OSP ER/D.

An impressive, recently built detached house located close to Wimbledon Common and within easy reach of the Village 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, 7 bedrooms, 5 bath/shower rooms, garden, driveway parking ER/B. Wimbledon Seymour Road

£4,600,000

Empathy.

Expertise.

MILLION POUND HOUSE DRAW

omaze.co.uk/pages/ enter-surrey

*The Surrey House Draw closes for online entries on Sunday 30th June 2024

IN TO WIN

Your dream house is just around the corner with Omaze

Ready to embrace luxury living, just moments away?

Well, this £3,000,000 idyllic house near Farnham—complete with five bedrooms, a heated pool, sauna and gym— o ers precisely that. Set amidst the outstanding natural beauty of Surrey, just an hour by train from London, this contemporary house could soon be yours for less than the price of a cinema ticket.

For your chance to win this incredible house, along with £100,000, enter the Omaze

Million Pound House Draw, Surrey. And the best part? You’ll be helping Prostate Cancer UK fund the most ambitious prostate cancer screening trial ever.

THE OMAZE MILLION POUND HOUSE DRAW, SURREY

If you love living locally and dreaming big, you could soon be embracing the high life in the area you already call home. This stunning house is set in nearly an acre and a half of landscaped gardens, with a detached pool house o ering a full spa experience: a sunken pool, tiled in Italian mosaic; woodlined sauna; shower room and gym space. Its immaculate kitchen/diner and spacious living areas boast sunlit serenity, opening out onto a porcelain-paved terrace overlooking mature trees. Complete with an alfresco dining table, patio lounge and Purbeck stone fireplace, the outdoor kitchen and gas barbeque area are perfect for entertaining friends and family under the summer sun. The Surrey House is surrounded by woodland walks, just a short drive from the cooling water of Frensham Pond and a gentle stroll away from the exclusive village of The Sands. Picturesque Farnham, overflowing with independent shops and creative spirit, is ten minutes away by car, while the select boutiques, upmarket eateries and riverside walks of historic

Guildford are within a 20 minute drive. There’s no stamp duty, mortgage or conveyancing fees to pay and with furnishings included, plus £100,000 in cash to help you settle in, one guaranteed winner will be free to move in, rent out or sell-up and walk away a multimillionaire. And don’t forget, every entry will raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK, helping to save even more lives through early diagnosis.

HOW TO ENTER

So, for your chance to win a dream home, just around the corner, and help save lives, enter the Omaze Surrey House Draw now at /omaze.co.uk/pages/enter-surrey.

*The Surrey House Draw closes for online entries on Sunday 30th June 2024.

Omaze guarantees to make a minimum charitable donation of £1,000,000 to Prostate Cancer UK. Omaze UK Limited is the promoter of the Surrey House Draw with Prostate Cancer UK (registered charity no. 1005541 in England and Wales and SC039332 in Scotland) being the charitable beneficiary. Over one third of sales goes to charity and VAT. Omaze guarantees 17% of sales from the Surrey House Draw will go to the charity. Irrespective of sales, Omaze has guaranteed a minimum total payment of £1,000,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. No purchase necessary. The Surrey House Draw closes on 30th June 2024.

Rylett Crescent, W14

£2,076 per week

oments from avenscourt Park, a spacious family home with six bedrooms. inished to an impeccable standard throughout, this house was made for hosting friends and family, energy rating c.

020 8742 4100

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Esmond Road, W4

£2,541 per week

Set in the heart of west ondon, a beautifully designed property with five bedrooms. The contemporary kitchen has direct access to a landscaped garden, perfect for entertaining, energy rating d.

020 8742 4100

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Burlington Road, W4

£1,847 per week

n a charming tree lined street, this elegant property provides stylish interiors and period features. The home comes with six bedrooms and an immaculate kitchen, energy rating e.

020 8742 4100

chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Beadon Road, W6

£807 per week

ocated close to yrics Square, an attractive apartment offering two bedrooms. ithin the prestigious Sovereign Court development, the home is complete with a concierge and private gym, energy rating e.

020 7603 0603

brookgreenlettings@fletcherestates.com

Lochaline Street, W6

In the popular Crabtree Conservation Area, this three bedroom home has plenty of natural light. Spanning over 1,700 sq. ft, the house has been refurbished and extended to an high standard and is close to a number of great amenities, energy rating c.

Chatsworth Road, W4

Perfectly placed in Grove Park, a luxurious home offering substantial living with lots of natural light. This magnificent property has four bedrooms and two reception rooms as well as a garden with the added luxury of an outdoor swimming pool, energy rating c.

Show HOME

Kensington mansion building Allen House launches its first show apartment

A“Allen House is perfectly positioned for residents to enjoy all that London has to o er”

overlooking the green space and city’s skyline.

llen House, a handsome Edwardian mansion building that is being sensitively restored just o Kensington High Street by JV partners Topland, O&D London and Residence One, has launched an impressive two-bedroom show apartment. Designed by Residence One, the apartment gives potential purchasers a sense of what is to come at this highly anticipated development.

Allen House has partnered with Harrods to o er a priority line concierge service for future residents. Future homeowners will be able to make reservations at any of the 23 restaurants within Harrods via a private concierge service. Due to complete in summer, Allen House will comprise 45 studio, one, two and three-bed luxury residences, and two penthouses o ering unparalleled views across the city’s skyline. Several apartments will have direct access to the residents’ private landscaped garden by Kinland Design, with a selection on the upper floors benefiting from their own balconies,

Originally designed in 1908 by Paul Ho man, Allen House is being given an internal makeover to reflect its charming exterior, including comprehensive reconfiguration of rooms, the addition of a new penthouse level, amenity spaces and air-conditioning in all residences. The show apartment, which gives prospective buyers a first glimpse of the residential aesthetic and quality of fixtures and fittings, is situated on the ground floor complete with custom-made kitchen, bedroom and bathroom joinery by Concept Bespoke. A cosy banquette dining space upholstered in rich olive green is located in the kitchen, with a further two-bedrooms, large family bathroom and stone-clad en-suite elsewhere in the home. Each room is dressed with bespoke furniture and art work, designed by Residence One.

Buyers at Allen House will also benefit from a 24-hour concierge, a coveted RBKC residents’ parking permit (available to 45 apartments) and a one-of-a-kind Peloton gym, as well as a meeting room and one of the largest private gardens in the area.

A hub for culture, arts and design and moments from two of London’s Royal Parks; Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, the charming borough of Kensington is perfectly positioned for residents to enjoy all that London has to o er. Prices for a one-bed residence at Allen House start from £1.24m, and two-bed residences start from £2.6m.

allenhouse.co.uk @allenhousew8

…that she left it too late to apply for Hurtwood House, because it’s simply the best for acting, dancing, singing, film-making – “A utopia for creative minds” –as the Good Schools Guide says.

And crucially, this exciting school is equally successful academically. In fact, it’s statistically one of the top co-ed boarding schools in the UK.

So, if you’re looking for a really exciting and rewarding change of school at 16 – don’t leave it too late.

Contact Cosmo Jackson or visit our website for more information.

FOLLOWING DOESN’T GET YOU THERE FIRST. ERLING HAALAND WEARS THE NAVITIMER.