Category: visits
At the Palace..
Last week I went to Buckingham Palace no less…sadly Queenie was otherwise engaged, but it did mean I could see the ‘In Fine Style’ exhibition exploring the fashion of the Court during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
I have a pavlovian response to this sort of treat…just the thought of finding secrets, and secrets about secrets and the little ideas that will then play in the mind and link up with other ideas already dancing is enough to make me drool.
I love the collar just poking over the top of his doublet. Tres chic.
A later picture, but another lovely, charming collar line with exquisite detail.
The detail on this slashed cuff with the shirt underneath pillowing through?
How much did Nether Stocks wrinkle? And why did Aglets go out of fashion?
There was no impressing discreetly. This was a time when fashion was a huge vehicle for displaying social status and wealth, but as a consequence the quality of the craftsmanship is awe-inspiring. As was the glimpse of the shell pink pink satin in this pocket.
The work on this collar..literally done by the fingers of angels the stitches were so small. The tassels on the end were like a collection of snowflakes hanging impossibly together.
Monochrome has never been out of fashion.
A fine way to tie a cravat..
As was this.
It was sleeve and cuff heaven.
Hows that for a trendy man-bracelet?
So unusual..made of scarlet feathers..and holding?
And all the rooms were in strong, royal colours. The perfect backdrop.
We thought this was for a child. But no. I could literally fit my leg calf ankle in the waist. The cut of the neck..so elegant.
More exquisitly unbelievable detail.
I can also confirm..the royal toilets pass muster..
Laters, Kate x
Oasis in the noise..
This post is dedicated to Laura Lynn as an extra pair of eyes for her to see the more hidden parts of London, until she can come and visit again x
There is a nearly secret garden literally buried deep in the heart of the City, almost under the far reaching shadows of St. Pauls Cathedral.
It’a called the Postman’s Park and was once the graveyards of St. Leonards Foster Lane St Botolph Aldersgate and Christ Church Newgate. Which sounds huge, but it’s only a little place with a rich atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Ordinary yet quietly extraordinary.
Through the gates and past the pond is a memorial created by George Fredrick Watts, a painter and social radical. In 1887 he had the idea to commemorate ‘heroic men and women’ for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee year. No-one else felt it was a particularly good idea so he financed it himself.
Set into the wall are over fifty plaques catching frozen moments in time, each bringing a spotlight to the pendulum swings of fate and lifes’ vulnerabilities. Every plaque commemorates a selfless act of bravery and with simple words to make you bleed they open up a theatre in the mind as you picture the stories and comprehend the consequences.
It is a small place, a poignant place where history lives on.
Laters, Kate x
London Street Style..
The weather over the weekend was just sublime…blue, blue skies with a hint of cotton wool. Shame The Husband wasn’t here to see it – he’s in China for a week (woke up to the earthquake headline on Sunday – had to double check to make sure he was far away – big country, thank God) but having him away certainly makes it tougher holding the fort and everything together….but not as tough as running the London Marathon..we headed to the South Bank to see the runners and meet up with family who were in London for the day..I couldn’t resist taking some pictures..
Commented on the smallest hotel in London before here – but I’ve now found a picture of the inside thanks to Gyneth Paltrow’s website Goop..and thankfully the end isn’t a bedroom..
Underneath, in utter contrast, the building it sits on looks like this..
Two minutes walk away is a regular Book Fair..
And buskers..
Lots of buskers doing their thang..
This guy – Flame Proof Moth (you can just about make him out) was literally lying on a lounger in the Thames, strumming away..
We watched in awe and respect at the mad people runners. 
Spotted this guy was wearing the most amazing William Morris style sweatshirt..never seen anything like it…have William Morris on the brain at the moment..but that is ridiculous!
Turned around and it was like the Queens jubilee all over again..without the rain.
Charlie with his Auntie Sue.
We want to say a huge congratulations to all that completed the race – in our eyes you are Gods – Our thoughts were also with Boston – being there really brought it all home xxx..and finally the crowds of supporters whom nothing could have put off..it was incredible to be a part of and breathe it all in.
Laters, Kate x
The Honey Pot of Spitalfields..
Phew! Slowly some sanity can come back to my life. I hope. The kids are both finally back to school – Bella on Tuesday and Charlie today which means at last I have some breathing space..it’s been fun having them around whilst I’ve been trying to work (my office is at home surprise surprise) but there are times when you need head space to focus..and ‘Mummy I’ve done a Poo’ isn’t the greatest thing to have on an ever crescendoing repetition when you’re on the phone to your financial business manager, particularly when it then escalates to ‘Wipe my bottom NOW’..it got to the point where I was being pestered every five minutes…I need a drink…I’m hungry…I want an orange pen..I want a blue one..no…I want the red pen that Bella has just broken..she’s broken MY pen..that I had to down tools and head out into the big smoke..but we did manage to have some adventures…
Yesterday Charlie and I went to Spitalfields in search of a vintage shop I’d heard about – I know, very child centric – But I work on the basis he’s learning that entertainment is an attitude (you can just see him quoting that back at me in years to come – i.e. when he’s choosing my old folks home..shoot.self.foot. ) But we went on the tube..there were red buses..there was the odd digger…
Anyways, we were navigating the back streets when we spotted a huddle of tourists and it dawned on me where we were..which was was genuinely unplanned..it was a place I had read about and had made a mental note to discover..but I had never thought we would just stumble across…
Folgate Street – though this is a picture of the street rather than the actual building because No. 18 is Dennis Severs’ House…not a museum or monument to our heritage or anything like that but more a living, breathing art exhibition exploring a house caught in a bubble of time in 1724..except there is more. The house is lit only by candle light and no talking is allowed – all so you can experience the subtle sounds and smells which are an interwoven part of the magic: Footsteps, a bell tolling, a bumble bee trapped in a chamber pot…perfume, a freshly opened bottle of wine, pomander oranges stuck with cloves..we had to go in..
The kitchen complete with real roaring fire.
And a very low ceiling.
A meal in midst of preparation.
Charlie pointing out a mouse.
The heaving dresser.
Windows onto the street.
Carefully making our way around in the candlelight.
The drawing room. A broken cup on the ground..
The remains of a drinking party complete with tipped up chairs and thrown coats and wigs.
A stunning bedroom, this above the fireplace.
It wasn’t pristine. Plaster was falling off the walls in some places, in other rooms there was dust and cobwebs..but it all just added to the genuine authentic atmosphere and sepia mood…we were convinced we caught the tailcoats of ghosts round every corner whispering to each other and were utterly captivated and enthralled. The house can be hired out for photographic sessions…could be an amazing back drop for an fashion shoot for a UK luxury label..
We did make it to the Vintage Shop – Absolute Vintage – where I managed to persuade Charlie to give me enough time to buy the dress in the first pic at the top…a beautiful smokey pink with cream polka dots and pockets.. perfect for early summer with a little cardigan and a pair of brogues..But I will return to Spitalfields again..we didn’t get to go round the famous market this time..and the shopping! – Woah! Has this area changed as regards shopping since I last strode these streets…from the little glimpse I got it looks out of this world!..bit of a theme for the day really..
Laters, Kate x
We went on a Treasure Hunt x
(Photo courtesy of Daily Mail/Getty Images)
As we are away, a few trips coming up from memory lane..
I am a bone-fide Londoner, in truth I was born within the sound of Bow Bells inside the City mile, which officially makes me a Cockney, and once-upon-a-time this bestowed the privilege of being buried within the City Walls..if you visit City churchyards you’ll find them banked high either side of the path as they had to stack the bodies due to lack of space..but I digress: So I am a true City chick..but it wasn’t until a few years ago I learnt there are gas lights still in use in London. 1,600 to be precise, covering 200 miles…
To find them we went on a Treasure Hunt..for four lions, a nose, some lights…and a few knights..
Lions first. Good ol’Trafalgar Square.
Sitting on a Lion’s bottom.
The building you can just see with the clock? Is where the first telegraph from the Titanic arrived to say she was sinking..
Then the search for the elusive ‘Nose’..apparently to be found in Admiralty Arch, a stones throw away..
Can you see it? in the middle of the plain stone under the first dimpled stone..
A side view..Made of pink granite and 7 ft up, rumour has it that it was once the spare for Nelson’s Column in case his was broken on the way up…
Others think it’s here in honour of the Duke of Wellington – it’s at waist height for anyone on a horse and they say the soldiers rub it for luck as they ride through..
The truth? It was put up by the artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as part of a campaign against ‘Big Brother’ society…stop being nosey..
Through Admiralty Arch to The Mall. Lined with gas lights (the majority are around the Palace, Mayfair and Covent Garden).
With appropriate ‘Admiralty’ ships on the top!
Central London..and it’s like being in the countryside.
All the way down to the Palace.
The beautiful lock on the gate…must have a story..
To look at the knights..
And more gas lights – six Gas Lighters work the stretch around Buckingham Palace.
Then Charlie spotted a badger (as you do) and wanted to ask him if the Queen was in and if he was invited for tea..The badger turned out to be an soldier who had done sentry duty himself at the Palace and was a trove of knowledge. Not enough guards he said. She was away and unfortunately unavailable.
This is the better picture of said Badger. But I did debate about whether to post it or not – the anatomically correct part of said Badger was purely unintentional…although his girlfriend seems perfectly happy..
So Charlie then asked a Policeman! He explained that her standard – looking like one of his badges – had to be flying if she was home..
Charlie was a bit disappointed. But we promised to come back another day..maybe next weekend for the rehearsal of Trooping of the Colour..just as good as the real thing, but much less crowded. We then got the train home from Victoria.
A simple day in London. But a lovely one.
Laters, Kate x
Idylic Islington..
Another foray..if you ever want a posh place to trawl vintage then head to Islington. Ever want a delicious place to shop?…to eat?…to be? then Islington is your place…
Super cool idea for vintage jelly molds..
Seriously good vintage shops – and not just clothes.
Not quite so sure about stuffed fido..sometimes I think we love our pets toooo much.
The vintage clothes shops aren’t bad either.
Beautiful lace inside this shop – it was so cold, my camera seized otherwise there would be shots..
It is a really pretty part of London with lots of Georgian houses..it’s actually where my parents live..hello!
A shopper/browsers heaven.
Lovely boutiquey coffee shops
And this ones awesome door handle..
Scrummy food..
And on the way home I spotted this violet…surely a sign spring IS on the way??..pretty please with a violet on top???!
Laters, Kate x
Beachy Head
A few more momentos from our sojourn to the South Coast. You can’t tell from the photos, but the weather was killing us slowly – strong winds from the arctic – I have never experienced frozen left nostril before. And never hope to again…
Comb-over trees!
We read that in one year 10 people got blown off the edge in gusts of winds. We almost added to the total…taking this picture..
The husband grew.
Trying to stand upright after only a cup of tea..
Thumbs up for WW2 Swedish tank commanders coat.
Laters, Kate x
Eastbourne
The Husband and I have been away for a few days, living it up large without the children. A real treat. We headed to Eastbourne because I love being by the sea and blown along beaches. And we had a gift voucher to stay at The Grand there..
The weather was perfect; blue skies and a crisp wind.
The husband is always getting dragged to the nearest antiques warehouse (he would say ‘tat shop’) To keep him cheerful there has to be coffee and cake on tap. We struck lucky with ‘Eras of Style’ at Bexhill on Sea.
A fabulous selection of lights.
Loved the unusual square shape of this one with the glass on both sides. Seen this style as a wall light, but never as a pendant before.
Would have bought this one if it had been a pair – look at those fronds and the shadows…
Fabulous light! would brighten up any corner..
I Want this one on my desk. Now!
Loved this psycho deer – gutted it was sold. And not to me.
Spotted these 1940’s style painted scenery trees and bushes..imagine in a children’s room…
I’m a sucker for a good sign..on my laundry room door – or toilet?
Saw this for the MasonBentley office. Perfect hey.
Along with this amazing 1950s double desk..and the parquet floor please…
This would be the island unit for my kitchen, complete with shelving behind. And light.
And these shelves. Lovely.
The clown for Charlie’s room? – or the dining room? hmmmmmm….
This bath had the most enormous, lush taps I have ever seen.
Love the masculine quality to these bedside tables/side tables. Clean lines, great details and beautifully made. Gorg.
Eras of Style has been converted from the original Bexhill West Station. Isn’t their food counter the best ever?
A truly great place to stop for a coffee and a cake. And a browse. I’ll be back.
xxx
The Power of Light
Installation Art has never been my bag. I view it as a cop out – if you can’t draw – which doesn’t seem to be a prerequisite of an artist these days – then install. And then write high fluting words about your creation with the greater the number of words corresponding to a sliding scale downwards of the final visual experience. A 3D philosophy where the words come first, it costs loads of money and ultimately can’t fit in my house.
But every now and then I am proved wrong.
I was very fortunate to spend nearly three years living in Northern Italy, up in the lakes above Milan but below the Alps in the town of Varese: A truly magical part of the world. The Husband and I lived on the top floor of a beautiful old villa where changing the light bulbs was always a challenge because the ceilings were so high. In walking distance, close enough for a regular coffee stop, was one of my most favourite places ever, ever, ever: Villa Panza.
On the outside it was a typical villa of the region, built by a wealthy Milanese family as an escape from the heat of the summer. The style, the terracotta roof, the pale yellow and the dark green shutters matched our villa.
And the interior, at first glance, fitted the traditional stereotype: Timeless elegance with grand baroque swirls.
Except it wasn’t. Can you see the canvas on the left? Big, bold and modern?
The last owner, Guiseppe Panza was a true admirer of modern art and believed it worked in any setting. In every room antiques sit side by side with the unexpected, all in perfect harmony. I loved it.
The interior is a testament to the power of colour, but Guiseppe went further, he celebrated the power of light, he converted the stables to hold his amazing collection of light installations. I first went there with a fair amount of trepidation.
It blew my mind away.
It was not just about what you were seeing, but how you reacted to it – how your brain and senses reacted. Stand in this room and do you know where the ceiling is? Is there is a ceiling? Where is the floor? Where is it now?
There was one room that was red. You stayed in it till your eyes tuned it down to a pinky white (did you know your eyes could do this? I didn’t) The next room you went to was green. Except it wasn’t. It was white – it was just your eyes were sending different messages to your brain based on their red experience and it took them time to catch up. Wild. Every room was off a corridor. And every time you walked further down the corridor, it changed.
Was it because of the new colours you were seeing? or was it because of what your brain was experiencing? Bonkers. There were simpler installations..
Capturing the movement of shadows or simply showing that if framed, the sky is a continually changing canvas.
Villa Panza and her light installations still ranks as one of my top ‘wow’ moments. It taught me that it is possible to use art to transform ones perceptions and expectations, to drag life outside the box and breathe fresh air.
At the moment, the Hayward Gallery on the Southbank is holding the ‘Light Show’. I had to go – but my camera wouldn’t work so I only have this photo…
But if you possibly can, go see things that you know you can touch, except you can’t. Walk into a space where colour replaces shadow or another where shadows stir your mind and make you feel drunk. Go find diamonds suspended in air and staircases with no-where to go. Go and enjoy a thoroughly enjoyable art experience and walk the wild side of reality. It’s not a beautiful villa in Italy – but it’s pretty damn good. Promise.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 