Over the last few years, a family wedding was in the planning and my presence was required! Contrary to tradition, the couple were set on having their wedding near the parish of the husband, rather than the bride. Perhaps the reason being that the village in question was rather pretty in the remote area of the lake district, not far…
As the days become lighter, winter recedes and spring is just within reach. With a need to keep warm, refresh one’s surroundings, how about spot of redecoration? Perhaps nothing major, but something like a few walls to refresh, a new ceiling can do wonders. For myself past visits to less intimidating interiors come to mind. Chartwell is one of those…
The autumn season can often produce a number of gems in the world of bookselling and vintage design. This year had a promising sale of rarely seen ‘golden age’ crime classics. Unsurprisingly Agatha Christie lead the way in the collection of musician Charlie Watts, at Christie’s. However Agatha wasn’t the only author of note. ‘Father Brown’ by Chesterton and ‘Sherlock…
As something of a footnote to my work with Agatha Christie matters, it occured to me it might be worth giving some thought to the humble paperback editions. In recent years much attention has been given to the attractive original hardback designs, both British and American. However for many of us, it is the long history of the paperback editions…
For those who are less familiar with gardens in the south east, Perch Hill is something of a trailblazer. Created by Sarah Raven and Adam Nicolson, it symbolises bold colours, new ideas, all whilst grappling with the difficult sticky clay soil on deepest Sussex. Partly on a slope, it is has not envolved overnight, or even in a few years.…
Here is an artist’s home I revisit year after year. For those who are less familiar with the inspiration of this important place, it is quite simply one of refuge, past and present. Charleston house was found by the artist Vanessa Bell and her family, as a retreat where she could paint and live her unusual and progressive personal life.…
Chawton Cottage Jane Austen readers, fans the world over, will know that Chawton village was where Jane spent her final years; revising and publishing her classic books we know and love today. It had been quite some years since I had visited, and being in need need of a day out, this seemed like a more distinctive destination. The cottage…