As the long hot summer progresses visiting gardens for inspiration are a definite attraction. It has been a year since I last visited Charleston and with new landscapes needed to refresh my eye, it was time for a few more outings. Alongside Sussex rugged grounds, Kentish Leeds Castle and Sissinghurst were very worthwhile. Leeds provided good shaped grounds and strong…
For the past 6 years or so, the landscape around Ashdown Forest, not so far from Coleman’s Hatch, has fascinated me. So I thought it appropriate that in the season of rich burnt browns and now in spring of vibrant yellows, I ought to say something about it. It certainly isn’t an ideal landscape to draw and paint. It is…
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. It was time for a return visit to Chartwell to see if there had been any updates or alterations. One often sees things with a fresh eye with repeat visits. This time round I’ve added a few fresh views of interior elements that one might have skipped…
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 in deepest Sussex. Partly on a slope, it is has not evolved 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…