LONDON BOUTIQUE29 LOWNDES STREET KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1X 9HXT: +44 20 7201 2590 E: store@herveleger.co.uk

P L E A S E E N J O Y O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B L YD R I N K AW A R E . C O . U K

PJ - A4 master:Perrier Jouet UK.qxd 4/4/08 15:38 Page 1

12 Playing the Dame

In the midst of hype surrounding the release of Skyfall,

Dame Judi M Dench is showing no signs of slowing down

16 Lingo in London

Adam Jacot de Boinod explores Londons unique dialect and

how some of our most unusual turns of phrase came about

20Built to Last

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea boasts some of

Londons finest architecture, with fascinating historical legacies

52Romancing the Stone

Olivia Sharpe examines the role of fine jewellery in Hollywood;

precious pieces have become much more than embellishments

60Ethical Passion

Annabel Harrison meets Lady Natasha Rufus-Isaacs and

Lavinia Brennan, founders of ethical label Beulah London

102Young at Heart

Finding a destination that suits the whole family is no mean feat;

we explore the best child-friendly options for a family holiday

110The Picasso of Pastry

Kathryn Gordons visit to Pierre Herms flagship store in

Paris reveals a breathtaking array of elegant, enticing cakes

and chocolates, truly the stuff of Roald Dahls imagination

CONTENTS

Right / Keira Knightley wearing Chanel Fine Jewellery in Anna Karenina (2012) Focus Features 2012 Universal Pictures International All Rights Reserved

CONTENTSRegulars

7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4JB

020 7987 4320 www.rwmg.co.uk

Editor Annabel Harrison

Contributing Editors Richard Brown, Gemma Taylor

Editorial Assistants Olivia Sharpe, Matilda Long

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

Designer Sophie Blain

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts

Client Relationship DirectorFelicity Morgan-Harvey

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

NOVEMBER 2012 s i ssuE 009

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

DISTRIBUTION:The Kensington & Chelsea Magazine is distributed in Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Holland Park, as well as selected streets in

Belgravia, Mayfair and Fulham.

bond on bondbond on bond

the citym a g a z i n e

Sir roger Moore KBe talks girls, gadgets and style as 007 turns 50 this year

BelgraviaResidents Journal

October 2012

Local ProfilePhotography: Justin Barton

Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZwww.leightonhouse.co.uk

See p. 38

10Editors Letter

27Borough News

35Antiques & Art

45Collection

59Fashion

77Interiors

87Health & Beauty

92Motoring

97Travel

109Drinking & Dining

120London Living

129Property

P r i n t e d i n G r e at B r i ta i n

Proudly published by

RUNWILDM e d i a G r O U P

Over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries

tmSmall Luxury Hotels of the WorldExperience another World

Join The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World for free to receive complimentary room upgrades, breakfasts, exclusive rates and more.

As a bonus, all readers of this magazine will be automatically upgraded to Loved Membership, simply by visiting slh.com/kensington or scanning the code here with your smartphone.

CLUBTHE slh.com/kensington

beach...sailing...golf...book... kids...night...dive...

your favourite club just got even better

Kensington Magazine Runwild FPSeptember.indd 1 03/08/2012 11:19:14

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e010

From theEDITOR

Located on the edge of Holland Park in Kensington, Leighton House is one of the most remarkable buildings of the 19th century. The former home and studio of Lord Leighton

(1830-1896), it was built to designs by George Aitchison, then extended and embellished over a period of 30 years to create a private palace of art. Rebecca Wallersteiner speaks to current Artist-in-Residence Charlie Cobb (p. 38) about his work and in a similar vein, house historian Melanie Backe-Hansen explains why five other iconic buildings and structures in Kensington and Chelsea have left the area with an extraordinary architectural and historic legacy (p. 20).

Expert craftsmanship, as we also discover in this issue, can be found just as easily on a much smaller scale. Olivia Sharpe explores the history of jewellery in film, via a daisy chain of exquisite, iconic pieces (p. 52) and Kathryn Gordon travels to Paris to meet the Picasso of Pastry Pierre

Herm, famed for his delectable macaroons (p. 110). Adam Jacot de Boinod explains the origin of some of the more unusual words born in our capital city (p. 16); Dame Judi Dench, legendary for her work in both Bond films and British theatre, tells us about her decades-long acting career (p. 14); and I met Liza Klaussmann to find out about the process of crafting a first novel (p. 24).

I would like to end with the Ode of Remembrance by Laurence Binyon in honour of Remembrance Day on Sunday 11 November.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

EditorAnnabel Harrison

Follow us on Twitter @KandCMagazine or email KCeditor@runwildgroup.co.uk with any comments

To visit Lord Leightons house is to step into the world of a successful Victorian artist. His house is an anthology of his interests, from the

Hellenistic and Byzantine, through the Ottoman and Renaissance, up until Eugne Delacroix. It is also a perfect statement about who he was: a bachelor who was the leading figure of the art establishment.

Quotation taken from Great Houses of London by James Stourton

KC&

indomitabilis duo fratres current

es

KC&

indomitabilis duo fratres current

es

www.bachet.fr

FEATURE

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 013

Judi dench wryly smirks at the behest of a rather delicate question, fortunately taking it in good

humour. i shout a lot at the radio; i know thats being

old, she smiles. my family goes, Oh for goodness

sake, ma. shut up! And then the strange things my

grandson says, like, its well good. i could just fly

across the room and throttle him. i know thats a sign of

being old. i know it is. so i try to stop doing it. And im

really bad at that.

The dame is

in cheery humour,

playfully poking

fun at herself, her

appearance, her

advancing age. if the

truth be told, theres

something remarkably

ageless about this

empress of British performance, most likely because she

only came into the wider public prominence, reversing

gender as Bond boss m in Goldeneye, 17 years ago.

But dench has been a doyenne of the British stage for

nearly four decades, a stalwart of the Old Vic company,

brandishing praise for portrayals of Ophelia, Juliet and

lady macbeth. The national Theatre company, the Old

shakespearean company she was, and remains, a

key part of them all, while sporadically punctuating her

career with BAFTA-winning performances in A Room

with a View and 84 Charing Cross Road.

her recruitment as the head of mi6 changed all that.

suddenly dench was a movie star, a hollywood newcomer

in her late 50s. surely a status envied by a universe of

peers? movie star is certainly not a way i would describe

myself, she laughs heartily. someone who got lucky,

maybe? Bond has given me so many opportunities; im

incredibly grateful and enjoying the doors it has opened.

its been a lovely journey. rumours suggest Bond 23,

or Skyfall to give the

film its official title,

will be the end of the

road for m, following

leaked reports from

heavily guarded sony

set locations within

their number several

spots across the capital

including whitehall and

southwark, cadogan square, st Bartholomews hospital

and the Old royal naval college at Greenwich.

There are rumours and, at the moment, just that

that ms kidnapping and subsequent murder provides

the impetus for Bonds latest mission. Predictably, the

lady herself is giving nothing away. And we really mean

nothing. youll just have to watch the film. it will be in

cinemas shortly; cant you wait until then? regardless

of her fate, m will always remain a shining beacon in the

dench legacy. it feels like an honour, really, she says

of the role that was made famous by the late Bernard

ThE

A national treasure, a stalwart of British theatre, a movie star and, of course, a dame. despite this mass of acolades, as Dan Bowman discovers,

dame Judi dench is as gloriously humble as shes always been

PlAying

Dame

Dench has been a doyenne of the British stage for nearly four decades, a stalwart of the Old Vic Company

Lee. You can sense that some people just feel very,

very precious about Bond and all those around him so

you want to keep those diehard fans happy. But you also

want to bring something of your own to the table, and the

simple fact that Im a woman has helped, I think, to move

the Bond franchise forward a little.

Its nothing short of a miracle that Dame Judi,

appointed as an Order of the British Empire in the late

1980s, can afford the time to grant an interview, such is

the behemoth scale of her shoot schedule. After a frantic

global criss-cross for Skyfall, taking in Shanghai, Istanbul

and the Scottish Highlands, the 77-year-old Oscar

winner, famously awarded for a 12-minute appearance

as Queen Elizabeth in John Maddens Shakespeare in

Love, will jet out to the Swedish fjords for Italian Shoes

with close confidante Sir Anthony Hopkins. She follows

this with a three-month shoot in Louisiana for Geoff

Moore and David Posamentiers debut feature Better

Living Through Chemistry alongside spritely newcomers

Olivia Wilde and Michelle Monaghan.

So, how does a war-torn vet feel about working

with Hollywood rookies? Is it a good way to keep the work

interesting? Oh, absolutely, says Dench. As much as

its a wonderful treat working with old friends, making

new friends is just as important. You have to keep putting

yourself in new environments and challenging yourself

and one of the best ways to do that is to work with people

who are just finding their way.

Theres a freshness, an excitement that you can

only get with a first-time filmmaker. And I guess you do feel

an obligation to make them feel comfortable in this strange

world if you think they need a hand, that is. Some of them

are so clued into what they want and how theyre going

to get it, you only have to do your job but, either way, its

always exciting. Otherwise, I wouldnt still be doing this.

Living with daughter Finty and teenage grandson

Sam in the Surrey countryside since her husband died

renowned actor Michael Williams who passed away from

lung cancer in 2001 Dench has arrived at a different

stage in life. Coping with loss, while riding a wave of

surging success, the actress found herself identifying

more than ever with her character for this years sleeper

hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, who struggles to deal

with the death of her partner and the fight to go on, in

this case on to retirement in the Indian province of Jaipur.

The fact that she is a widow and shes missing her

husband, I can sympathise with. And I can understand. I

mean, the only way I think you can function as an actor,

is everything that happens to you is in a kind of storage

place. And youre not aware of it.

With age sometimes comes regret. Is this a notion

ever played in the back of her mind? Children, she

says, I thought I would have more. Ive said this before;

I thought I would have six children. But, you know, life

isnt like that. It doesnt work out like that. And so all

you have to do is to learn to somehow accept it. We had

the most wonderful friend who was a judge in Germany.

And he said to us it became a maxim in our family

Always look for the plusses.

And somehow, its a very, very good piece of

advice. Because even if its a very small plus, you get

something out of it. Instead of an erosion of always

You have to keep putting yourself in new environments

and challenging yourself

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

FEATURE

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 015

thinking your cup is half empty. Duly frank and

honest, Denchs open nature was burned by a rather

sensationalised account of an ocular disorder she

currently suffers from, macular degeneration, where she

admitted failing sight was resulting in scripts being read

to her. Oh yes, that was rather overblown. This condition

is something that thousands of people all over the world

are having to contend with and its something I have

learned to cope with and adapt to and it will not lead

to blindness. The press had me with dark glasses and a

white cane by the end of the week!

But with newspaper intrusion, the hectic

scheduling and the constant globe-trotting, doesnt

retirement ever look like an attractive prospect? As long

as there is a possibility of working, Im not going to retire.

Im very conscious that Im in the minority in that I love

what I do. How big is the number of people who are

running to work to do a job that they like? And how lucky

to be employed at it how incredibly lucky.

Skyfall is released in UK cinemas on 26 October

FEATURE

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 017

LondonHave you ever wondered what tosher, bilker, reefing or rifling means? AdAm JAcot de Boinod, a former researcher for the BBC series QI and author of The Meaning of Tingo, has the answers as he explores

some of the more unusual words born in our capital city

Lingoin

THe Meaning of Tingo was born from a fortuitous discovery, when i noticed that an

albanian dictionary contained 27 different

words each for eyebrows and moustache. This

developed into an obsessive 18-month journey

through hundreds of foreign dictionaries and

resulted in an amusing and informative guide to

the worlds strangest, and most useful, words.

What The Meaning of Tingo shows is that, like

natural cures waiting to be found in the plants of

the rainforest, many of the words already exist, in

the languages of the worlds other cultures. Who

couldnt find a use for neko-neko, an indonesian

word for one who

has a creative idea

which only makes

things worse?

Some are bizarre

koro is the

hysterical belief

that ones penis

is shrinking into ones body in Japanese while

others are surprisingly affecting, like the inuit

word iktsuarpok, which means to go outside

often to see if someone is coming. and then

theres tingo itself, from the Pascuense language

of easter island, meaning to take all the objects

one desires from the house of a friend, one at a

time, by borrowing them.

for a city as diverse and historic as

London its no surprise that it has coined its

own fair share of vocabulary, some of which

describes strictly local concepts such as

pannier (1823), a robed waiter at table in the

inner Temple; tosher (b.1859), one who steals

copper from the bottoms of ships moored in

the Thames; and bilker, a person who gives a

cabman less than his fare and, when

remonstrated with, gives a false name and

address. Place names even conjure up

specific references with Kilburn being police

jargon for the official police notebook that is

produced in court (the rhyming slang Kilburn

Priory denotes diary) and Paddington

spectacles (early 19th century) the cap

drawn over a criminals eyes at his

hanging before the final act.

The world of English painter, engraver and

satirist Hogarth is well depicted, with stand pad

(Cockney dialect) meaning to beg in crowded streets

with a written statement round ones neck (such as

Wife and five kids to support), rifling (underworld

slang, 1885) for plundering dead bodies in the Thames

and turning them adrift again, and shore-man (Cockney

dialect) for one who searches sewers for rats.

Dickensian life is also recalled with a highly

specialised vocabulary for the following Artful Dodgers:

maltooling (b.1861) is the picking of pockets in

omnibuses; reefing (c.1860)

is drawing up a dress-pocket

until a purse is within reach

of the fingers; the bulk

and file (1698) alludes to

two pickpockets operating

together (the bulk jostles the

party that is to be robbed and

the file steals the treasure);

an autem-diver (1725) is a pickpocket specialising

in the robbery of church congregations; and a pappy

(underworld slang, 1910) is an elderly man whose

clothes are baggy and whose pockets have become

sagged (the ideal victim for a pickpocket).

Much of the well-known Cockney rhyming slang,

quite simply, rhymes but some expressions take it a step

further, with the meaning itself carried across. Examples

include Borrow and Beg for an egg (as the term enjoyed

a fresh lease of life during the Second World War food-

rationing period); Army and Navy for gravy (which was

plentiful at meal times in both services) and Didnt Ought

for port (based on the simpering of ladies who, when

asked to have another, replied that they didnt ought).

In good times and bad, the highly-paid

practitioners of the City of London have couched

their dubious activities in their own specialised jargon

with poop and scoop (to drive down a share price by

spreading malicious rumours) and barefoot pilgrim,

someone who has lost everything on the stock market,

but might still be persuaded to invest again and to catch

a falling knife, buying a stock as its price is going down,

in hopes that it will go back up, only to have it continue

to fall. In these days of the credit crunch a whole host

of new words, much more comprehensible than the

famed quantitative easing, have sprung up to describe

its consequences such as Mancession the male-

domination of the industries hardest hit by the crunch,

such as the financial sector and the media

and the Lipstick Indicator the use of lipstick sales as

an economic indicator (when times are tough, women

buy more low-cost comfort items such as lipstick).

Alongside them are our new ways of coping

with tough economic times: abs-tinence denotes the

dropping of costly and rarely used gym memberships

to save money (daily workouts now often take place

on living room rugs or jogging around local parks);

slashflow is the brutal pruning of household budgets

to bring outgoings into closer alignment with reduced

incomes and al desko is the practice of eating lunch

(typically home-made) at ones desk rather than on the

terrace of a local restaurant.

Londons renowned cultural life at least can be

sought in libraries by the grille-peerer (1940s), one of

a group of clergymen who

used to haunt the stacks

of the London Library to

look up the skirts of women

browsing above or those

with a face-ticket (British

Museum Reading Room,

1909), so well known to

the janitors that one is not

asked to present ones ticket. More famously, the theatre

has developed a fine range to describe the reactions of

the audience, with ventilator (a play so appallingly bad

that the audience leaves well before the final curtain,

their seats are filled only with fresh air); exsibilation

(1640), the collective hisses of a disapproving audience;

handcuffed, an actors description of

an audience who will not applaud; stiff

(1930s), a terrible joke, rewarded

only by silence; soso (1930s), a

joke rewarded by a smile, but not

a laugh; gravy, easy laughs from

a friendly audience and more

happy to crack the monica

(music hall jargon c.1860),

to ring the bell to summon a

performer to reappear. London

has indeed played its part in the

development of our gloriously

rich, ever-evolving language.

Adam is the author of The Meaning

of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words

From Around the World, published by

Penguin Books, and of iPhone app Tingo

Dickensian life is recalled with a highly specialised

vocabulary for Artful Dodgers

FEATURE

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e018

www.theritzlondon.comenquire@theritzlondon.com Telephone: 020 7493 8181

Make it a Ritz Christmas!

ToLastBuilt

The iconic buildings and structures of Kensington and Chelsea have, in the past, been threatened with demolition, lambasted for their appearance or, at

the very least, highly criticised for their expense. However, in overcoming these obstacles, past monarchs, visionary architects

and pioneers have left the area with an extraordinary architectural and historic legacy, as house historian Melanie Backe-Hansen explains

Photography: Issy CrokerIllustrations: Mai Osawa

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 021

FEATURE

Kensington Palace

The history of Kensington Palace begins in the early

1600s when it was first built for Sir George Coppin.

It became known as Nottingham House when it was

the home of the 1st Earl of Nottingham, but in 1689,

William III and Mary II chose it as their new home and

commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to transform it into

a royal palace. They moved in during December 1689,

but after a fire in 1691 it was altered further, including

the addition of the familiar southern faade in 1695 by

Nicholas Hawksmoor. It then became the home of Queen

Anne and when George I came to the throne in 1714

he instigated improvements, including the grand state

rooms and the great staircase, decorated with the famous

painted gallery by William Kent.

George III chose to live in Buckingham House so

from that time it became home to members of the royal

family, including Edward, Duke of Kent, and the father

of Queen Victoria. Victoria was born at the palace in

1819 and it was here on 20 June 1837 she was told that

William IV had died and she was now Queen. Later royals

to live in Kensington Palace included Queen Victorias

daughters, Princesses Louise, Beatrice and Alice, as well

as Mary of Teck, later Queen Mary, wife of George V.

The Palace was first opened to the public for Queen

Victorias 80th birthday in 1899. In 1911 to 1914 and 1950

to 1975 rooms were used for the London Museum. More

recently it has been home to Princess Margaret, Prince and

Princess Michael of Kent and is often remembered as the

former home of the Princess of Wales.

Royal Hospital CHelsea

For many walking the streets of Chelsea, the red-coated

Chelsea pensioners are a familiar sight, instilling pride

and admiration, and their home, the Royal Hospital, is

arguably Chelseas greatest and most iconic building.

It was founded in 1682 by Charles II, with the help of

Sir Stephen Fox, and completed in 1692 when 476

retired soldiers moved in. It was designed by celebrated

architect Sir Christopher Wren and much of his work

remains today, including the central section with the

Great Hall and Chapel separated by the octagon vestibule

with cupola, which looks out to Figure Court (named

for the central statue of Charles II by Grinling Gibbons).

Light Horse and College Courts were added to the east

and west, and additional buildings were added by other

renowned architects; Robert Adam in the late 18th

century and Sir John Soane in the early 19th century.

NatuRal HistoRy MuseuM

Henry Cole was involved with the development of the

Natural History Museum, which had first been proposed

by Sir Richard Owen in 1858. It was built to house

the natural sciences collection of the British Museum,

which had originally been created by Sir Hans Sloane

in the 18th century. Francis Fowke won the competition

to design the new museum, but after he died the job

passed to Alfred Waterhouse, who designed the now

iconic blue and beige building in a Romanesque style.

Construction began in 1873 and was officially opened

in 1881. It is built with the striking patterned terracotta

and has many architectural features, including carved

depictions of animals and plants, as well as the

grand cathedral-like main hall. References to

the purpose of the building appear around

every corner, with details of plants and

animals on pillars, ceilings, and staircases.

Today, the Natural History Museum holds

more than 70 million specimens, including

55 million animals and nine million

fossils, and is the largest natural

history collection in the world.

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 023

FEATURE

Peter Jones

Lastly, a completely different kind of iconic building

is the Peter Jones department store. Peter Jones first

came to Chelsea during the 1860s when he opened

a drapery store in Draycott Avenue. He moved to the

Kings Road in 1877 and by the 1880s had taken over

a number of shops and had 200 employees. He built a

new store in 1884 which allowed him to display goods

in a grand fashion. When Peter Jones died the store

was purchased by John Lewis in 1906 and by the 1930s

the decision was taken to rebuild the old-fashioned

Victorian store.

The design by architects Slater and Moberly, with

William Crabtree and consulting architect C.H. Reilly

was a dramatic departure for Chelsea. It was built in

1932-6 and provoked many comments, including being

called a glass cage by the Chelsea Society. However,

it was largely accepted, with the new architectural style

giving the impression of an ocean liner with a continuous

curtain wall. In 1939 it was voted the most popular

modern building in a poll for The Architects Journal.

www.house-historian.co.uk

royal albert Hall

After the Great Exhibition of 1851 the area between Hyde

Park and Cromwell Road was chosen as the site for a

centre for culture and learning for the arts and sciences.

The grand vision succeeded due to a handful of pioneers,

one of whom was Prince Albert, Queen Victorias consort,

who first proposed a hall for arts and sciences in 1853.

However, it did not eventuate before he died in 1861 and

the project passed to Henry Cole, who played a key role

in the development of the area, nicknamed Albertopolis.

The foundation stone for the Royal Albert Hall of Arts

and Sciences was laid by Queen Victoria in 1867. It was

designed by Francis Fowke, but he died before it was

finished so it was completed by Henry Darracott Scott. It

is constructed with red brick and terracotta and opened

by the Queen on 29 March 1871 and since that time has

been host to an array of events and performances. It is

most often associated with the BBC Proms but has also

hosted Wagner, Elgar and Rachmaninov, as well as The

Beatles, ABBA, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix and Adele.

I have always been fascInated by how authors decide upon a name for their novels. to

me, choosing just a handful of words with which to

ensnare in a split-second the passing customer, who

has (hopefully) been attracted to the book cover like a

bee to a bright flower, seems a much more impossible

task than the writing of the novel, which allows for

hundreds of thousands of carefully constructed, and

sometimes painstakingly deconstructed, sentences.

liza Klaussmann decided to bestow the final line of

Disillusionment of Ten OClock by wallace stevens

upon her first novel, set in Marthas vineyard in the two

decades after the end of world war two and told from

the perspectives of five family members over the course

of five sections. having read the book (and thus able to

recommend it highly from personal experience), the title

certainly seems to suit the story, given the characters

oppressively hot environment and predatory natures.

we meet in a london pub of lizas choosing and

she is dressed casually, relaxed, open and eloquent as

she ponders my first question over a glass of red. Im a

huge fan of wallace stevens, so the title came first. but it

was part and parcel of the kind of the story that I wanted

to write. the poem talks about the claustrophobia of

homogeneity; everyones the same and everythings the

same. In the poem the one little tiny spark of imagination

comes from a drunken sailor, not from people who live

in the houses. so for me, it was that concept of this one

group of people who, in the midst of everyone wanting

everything to be the same, wanted it all to be different.

having spent more than a decade working for the

New York Times, liza secured her first book deal after

writing Tigers In Red Weather as part of her creative

writing Masters, undertaken in london. why this move

into fiction? I woke up one morning thinking, if I really

want to do this, then I have to give it a serious try and

london seemed like an obvious choice. liza has spent

long periods of her life living in new york, Paris and

now london, which she finds a green, cosmopolitan

and beautiful city: I think of new york as the city of my

youth, Paris as where I became an adult and london

is now the place that I live. Its my favourite city of the

three it has the best of both worlds. whereas new

york and Paris can be very parochial, london has this

great mix of people and cultures.

CATCHING TIGERs IN Red weather

ANNABEL HARRISON meets former New York Times journalist liza Klaussmann to find out more about her first novel, the forensic level of research involved and

why she thinks london is better than new york and Paris

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 025

INTERVIEW

The houses are hauntedBy white night-gowns.

None are green,Or purple with green rings,Or green with yellow rings,Or yellow with blue rings.None of them are strange,

With socks of laceAnd beaded ceintures.People are not going

To dream of baboons and periwinkles.Only, here and there, an old sailor,

Drunk and asleep in his boots,Catches tigers

In red weather.

I am sure that, as an author, being surrounded

by a mix of people and cultures provides an essential

wealth of inspiration, if not at least protection from an

overwhelming monotony as one sets off on the rather

isolated path of an author. Inspiration also came from

Lizas own grandparents who grew up in the same era

as her characters, and although the waspy East Coast

enclave of the book is fictional, it was personal in the

sense that I had memories from spending summers in

our house there, but for me it was more like working from

imagination than from reality.

From this imagination sprang Nick, Daisy, Helena,

Hughes and Ed, all part of a family struggling to maintain

the composed faade expected by their contemporaries.

Research is critical; you end up doing tons and only using

one little bit but you have to control the material before

you begin. Particularly troublesome details to nail down

included the logistics of a trans-Atlantic phone call, the

sleeper train Nick takes to visit Helena, exactly what drugs

Helena could have been taking and if a doctor would have

paid her a house visit.

Eds section ends the novel and is the only one

that is written in first person, for reasons pragmatic and

emotional: Ed is the most violent and vile character its

sad but hes also the weirdest so I wanted the reader

to be able to relate to him; when you use the first person

its the easiest way to get close to the character. Also he

doesnt talk a lot so you need to get into his head to let the

narrative move forward. Indeed, after hundreds of pages

in the third person, writing in Eds voice came as a relief to

Liza: Hes quite psychotic so hes really fun to write!

I would wager that you are bound to identify

with at least one characteristic of one of Tigers players

and, uncomfortably, these are often negative as the

characters desires are thwarted and the paths that

their lives are taking veer further and further from their

anticipated routes. Liza explains that desire is indeed the

motivating theme, twinned with ambition: All of them

want something and they might figure out, in the end,

that its not what they wanted at all. These people have

these intense, carnivorous desires and as they move

forward they dont have empathy for the other people;

they just run them over as they go along but there are

repercussions to living like that.

So I must ask. Is there another top-secret novel in

the pipeline? Im working on the second novel now; its

not top secret at all, Liza laughs. Its a fictional re-telling

of the lives of Sara and Gerald Murphy, these Americans

at the centre of literary and artistic expatriate group in

Paris and Antibes in the 20s and who had a tragic life.

I just felt very drawn to them and its fascinating to

explore the mystique surrounding them.

Its out in 2014 and I, for one, cant wait.

Disillusionment of ten oCloCk

by Wallace stevens

Our boutique is located 20 Motcomb Street London SWIX 8LB

tel. 020 7823 2176

www.annickgoutal.com

pub UK soliflores.indd 1 24/05/12 15:58

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 027

Covering the whole Royal Borough: Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Holland Park

NEWSRoyal Borough

Illustration: Mai Osawa

The latest news, best events and areas of interest for residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

Royal Borough News

We Will Remember ThemAlthough War Horse is undoubtedly his most celebrated work, Michael Morpurgo has made many other

noteworthy contributions to WW1 literature, including the classic childrens book Private Peaceful, which

tells the tale of Private Tommo Peaceful, a character based upon Thomas Samuel Henry Peacefull

who served with 4th Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers until his death on 4 June 1915. The National Army

Museum has uncovered the wartime documents which record his death and last effects and, although

Morpugo was in many ways faithful to true events in his book, visitors to the exhibition will learn how,

unlike the fictional character, Private Peacefull died of wounds sustained in action, and not from a firing

squad, during WW1. Visit the museum for a fascinating, instructive afternoon with the family.

On Sunday 11 November, a Remembrance Service

will be held at the Cenotaph to commemorate British and

Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the

two World Wars and later conflicts. The day before, the

Commando 999 Speedmarch is taking place, aiming to raise

1 million for the Royal Marines Association, so that it can

look after any member of the Royal Marines family that needs

help at the point of greatest need. Starting in Downing Street

the run will take in many London sights and on completion the

Royal Marines Band will accompany the marchers along The

Mall to the Royal Marines National Memorial where they will

be able to pay their respects.

National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road

020 7730 0717; www.nam.ac.uk

Moving MountainsRoyal Borough residents are being

encouraged to dig deep and support local

girl Sinead Nammock as she climbs Mount

Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise money for

research into one of the rarest and most

disabling genetic conditions known to

modern medicine; Fibrodysplasia Ossificans

Progressiva (FOP). The disease affects

700 people worldwide and just 40 in the

UK. The 21-year-old from Ladbroke Grove

is pulling together a team of climbers to

tackle the ascent, her first ever expedition,

in a laudable attempt to raise as much as

possible towards the 120,000 needed for

another years research by Oxford University.

Due to its rarity, FOP research is not

funded by the Government and, as such,

the universitys current funding is due to

run out this December, a major setback to

finding a cure.

If you wish to donate, please visit

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/

climbingforacure or find out more about FOP

at www.fopaction.co.uk

Photography: Pawel Kowalczyk / Shutterstock.com

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 029

THE ROYAL BOROUGH

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 029

Chelsea Academy TheatreDrink, dancing and devilry was how the Cremorne

Pleasure Gardens (1846-1877) was described in its final

years. But hundreds of thousands of Londoners flocked

to the beautifully landscaped grounds for innocent fun

from music hall entertainment, ballet, fortune telling, floral

exhibitions, dinner, dancing, fireworks and audacious acts

of derring-do to tightrope walking across the Thames and

spectacular hot air ballooning.

An hour-long DVD, to mark our Queens Diamond

Jubilee and the founding of the Cremorne Residents

Association (Lots Village), traces much of this colourful

history including Cremornes sad demise. It has been

produced by the CRA and is a genuine community

production involving the Council, Mayor, local Councillors

and residents who all actively contributed to the project.

The premiere will be held in the Chelsea Academy Theatre,

Lots Road, SW10 0AB on Monday 12 November at 7pm

for 7.30pm. All are welcome.

For more information: www.cremornera.co.uk/what-is-happening

Collars and CoatsIn a star-studded event, the home of the most glamorous

of pets will play host to an evening of entertainment and

decadence as the annual Collars and Coats Gala Ball

returns for its fourth year at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

TV personalities Amanda Holden and Paul OGrady MBE

(the evenings official hosts) will be joined by attendees

David Gandy, Joanna Page and James Thornton.

The ball is a celebration of the organisations work in

the field of animal welfare and of the fact that it is one of

the UKs most loved charities. As such, it is unsurprising

that the event is also supported by the fashion world

elite, including Stella McCartney, Philip Treacy and Hilary

Alexander. The evenings line-up includes a memorable

welcome by the Homes legendary Guard of Honour,

formed by a parade of blue-coated Battersea dogs and

their handlers, followed by an exclusive champagne

reception and banquet interspersed with top billing

entertainment. Finally, guests will be able to bid in the

exclusive auction with luxury prizes donated by supporters.

Collars and Coats Gala Ball,Thursday 8 November

Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge Entrance

Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ

www.collarsandcoats.org.uk

Waving the FlagFollowing this years Green Flag awards, it was unearthed that the Royal Borough

currently boasts nine parks that are recognised as among the best green spaces in

England and Wales. Avondale Park and Tavistock Gardens gained their first Green Flags

this July, joining Little Wormwood Scrubs and Westfield Park, which both received flags

for the second year. Successful for a third year were Cremorne Gardens and Gunnersbury

Cemetery, St. Lukes Gardens reached four years, and Kensington Memorial Park

celebrated an impressive six years. However, Holland Park (pictured below) remains

streaks ahead of its local competitors, having flown the flag now for an incredible 12 years.

The Green Flag Awards, launched in 1996, have become recognised as the

benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK.

www.rbkc.gov.uk

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e030

Covering the whole Royal Borough: Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Holland Park

THE ROYAL BOROUGH

The Age of EnlightenmentAs brilliantly depicted in British comedy

series, Blackadder the Third, the Regency

period was a time of great excess.

Although the aristocracys lavish lifestyle

(represented by Hugh Laurie as the Prince

Regent) is seen as one of the direct causes

of the periods social, economic and

political turbulence, it is often forgotten

that we have them largely to thank for

the eras achievements in the fine arts

and the architecture which emerged

from it. George IV was one of the greatest

patrons of both of these fields and, as a

result of this (and the wealth generated

by the Industrial Revolution), upper class

society experienced a revival of culture

and refinement. At a free talk given by the

Victoria and Albert Museum at the end of

October, you may discover the architecture

of the early 19th century, and see material

by major London architects such as Sir

John Soane and Charles Barry, as well

as the lesser-known, regionally-based

architects including George Wightwick,

Charles Fowler and John Dobson.

30 October

Closer Look Architecture Talk

V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

020 7942 2000; www.vam.ac.uk

The Trojan WomenA radical, intense interpretation of Euripides Greek tragedy

The Trojan Women will arrive at the Gate Theatre in Notting Hill

this November, running until the middle of December. In

this gripping new version by talented UK poet Caroline Bird and

directed by the Gates own artistic director Christopher Haydon,

the play explores what happens when the world collapses

through the tale of Troy, following the end of the epic war, and

through the eyes of the fallen Trojan queen Hecuba. Euripides

is widely praised as one of the greatest three tragedians of

classical Athens, together with Aeschylus and Sophocles.

8 November 15 December

Gate Theatre, 11 Pembridge Road, W11 3HQ

020 7229 0706; www.gatetheatre.co.uk

Martin Stranka (www.martinstranka.com)

Royal Borough News

Floris is delighted to announce the opening of a new Bespoke Perfumery Boutique at 147 Ebury Street, Belgravia,

282 years since Mr and Mrs Floris opened the doors to their first Perfumery at 89 Jermyn Street.

Covering the whole Royal Borough: Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Holland Park

Ideal Home Show at ChristmasPanicking about the imminent arrival of Christmas and the

accompanying present shopping? If so, never fear as help is close

at hand. Back for 2012, the annual shopping event extravaganza

at Earls Court promises to prepare you for the festive season,

from how to trim your turkey to the best stocking fillers. With more

than 600 expert exhibitors across six sections including interiors

and furnishings, fashion and beauty, food and drink, gifts and

decorations, home improvements and outdoor living, and technology

and gadgets, you can be sure that questions you had never even

considered will be answered. Also present at the Christmas Ideal

Home Show this year is the first ever pop-up Dancing on Ice rink.

The rink will feature daily performances by Dancing on Ices

pro-skaters and their celebrity partners from previous series, enabling

fans of the TV show and visitors to experience world class skating live.

14-18 November

www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk

By Accident or DesignSeptember saw the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Design Museum at the former Commonwealth

Institute. Founder of Londons leading international contemporary design museums, Sir Terence Conran,

plus Director Deyan Sudjic OBE and Chairman of the Trustees Luqman Arnold, were joined by leaders in the

fields of architecture and design at the buildings foundations to celebrate the occasion.

To signify this historic moment in the museums development, a time capsule was buried in the

grounds after the elected designers and architects had each nominated an object to be included inside it.

The Design Museum is set to open in 2015 and the move will provide the museum with three times more

space and free access to its unique collection, as well as bringing it into Kensingtons cultural quarter, joining

the V&A, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Royal College of Art.

Design Museum, Kensington High Street, W8 6NW

www.designmuseum.orgPhotography: Dominic French

Photography: Theo Cohen

Royal Borough News

Remember, RememberThere is an almost unlimited option of fireworks displays

in parks and public spaces across the Capital, from

the spectacular Alexandra Palace fireworks to

the astonishing display at Crystal Palace, but our

personal favourite would have to be Battersea Parks

contribution to Bonfire Night, just a stones throw away

from the Royal Borough. The date has been confirmed

by Wandsworth Council as Saturday 3 November;

with sprinklers, hot food, drink stands and, not forgetting

the main attraction of the evening, the outstanding fireworks

spectacle for the finale, this years event is sure not to disappoint.

Saturday 3 November

Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ

Dance OffIn true British spirit, people did not let the dismal rain spoil their

afternoon as a crowd of more than 200 turned out to watch the

Big Dance bus parade (part of The Royal Borough of Kensington

and Chelseas inTRANSIT Festival) as it descended upon the

streets of Chelsea this July. Swing dancers from the Big Dance

resident dance company entertained the audience, and there was

a varied mix of performances from American pom-poms through

to belly dancers, Irish and Scottish dances, and fun workshops in

Flamenco, Swing and Roma for participants of all ages, making it

a spectacular day for residents and non-residents alike.

www.rbkc.gov.uk/bigdance

THE ROYAL BOROUGH

033

Carnival Clear-UpAlthough perhaps not the view of local

residents, it is surely a tribute to its success

that almost 200 tonnes of rubbish was

cleared from Notting Hill following this years

Carnival, as more than a million revellers

descended on the streets this August. The

overnight operation altogether took 164 staff

from contractors, SITA, 19 refuse trucks and

nine mechanical sweepers, together with a

large motorway vehicle which washed down

the roads. The Councils Deputy Leader

and Cabinet Member for the Environment,

Cllr Nick Paget- Brown, commented: Our

contractor, SITA, and the Council officers

deserve a gold medal. They ensured the

streets were cleaned and returned to normal

before anyone got up for work. Our priority

is always to clear the streets as swiftly as

possible to ensure minimum disruption for

residents. In 2011, it was recorded that the

Council collected 180 tonnes of waste after

Carnival, evidence to suggest that the festival

only continues to grow in popularity each year.

www.rbkc.gov.uk

Leader of the PackDescribed by Maestro Leonid Grin as a sensitive and dynamic conductor,

Rachel Young has certainly made the transition from cellist to conductor swiftly

and successfully. A talented musician, working for several years as a cellist in

the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, it was always Youngs dream to lead

the orchestra rather than just play in one. Since 2007, Young has pursued

numerous conducting masterclasses with the likes of Neeme Jrvi, Paavo Jrvi

and Leonid Grin, and this November, Young will make her Cadogan Hall debut

conducting the Russian Virtuosi of Europe, featuring music by Shostakovich,

Tchaikovsky and Schnittke. Having already proven her worth in London last

season at St. Johns Smith Square, Young hopes her forthcoming debut at

Cadogan Hall will be an inspirational and memorable performance for all.

23 November

Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ

020 7730 4500; www.cadoganhall.com

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e

Photography: Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock.com

Walk on the Wild SideEvery year, Walkabout Foundation, the US and UK based charity that focuses on funding paralysis research, makes

a journey of support, walking for those who cannot walk, and this year is no different. This October, the charity is

taking to Regents Park for a Halloween-themed five kilometre walk. Thanks to headline sponsor, local Chelsea

KX Life, all the money raised will go to donating wheelchairs (the majority directed towards the charitys most recent

commitment to donate 10,000 wheelchairs to Haiti over the next five years). The walk is free to join and, if you dress

your kids up for the occasion in Halloween costumes, you will automatically be entered into the competition to win a

weekend stay at Hotel Cipriani in Venice. The first 600 participants will also receive a complimentary goody bag with

gifts from the likes of Net-A-Porter, Lolas Cupcakes and Jax Coco.

Saturday 27 October. Email info@walkaboutfoundation.org to register

578 KINGS ROAD LONDON SW6 2DY

WWW.GUINEVERE.CO.UK +44 (0)20 7736 2917

Q: Your origins are Scottish but you have had successful exhibitions in New York, Hong Kong and Holland; do you attribute that to the universal appeal of your enigmatic subjects?

A: I must admit to not feeling particularly Scottish while Im painting, though I guess that a Scottish

art education did tend to focus on the European

tradition. As to my enigmatic subjects, to me

they seem obvious and clear and Im just glad

they appeal to so many people.

Q: The powerful gazes and haunting shadows in

your compositions convey a sense of solitude and unfolding drama, reminiscent of the late and great

Edward Hopper. Has he influenced your work?A: I would gladly say that Hopper has been a

direct influence and I love his work more as

time goes on but I cant say that my work is

consciously because of Hopper. If anything, I

would feel flattered if my work came anywhere

near to conveying what he managed to convey.

Q: Your highly accomplished oil painting technique results in refined, sleek surfaces; does each painting take weeks to complete?

A: Yes and they all take longer than I would want! I have always loved the craft within art. I

think that for me there is a direct relationship

between the craft and how much you believe in

the reality of the world youre creating in paint.

Q: Will there be a particular theme to these new London paintings?

A: I think any kind of theme comes down to what I feel preoccupied with at any given time when

Im painting. I do look for the show to have

cohesion and there does seem to be a number

of racecourse paintings in this exhibition.

Stephen Mangan

1-23 November

www.flyingcoloursgallery.com

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 035

with Stephen Mangan about his Chelsea exhibition at Flying Colours Gallery Q&A

Carol Cordrey finds works of art both old and new to inspire and enrich our lives

AR TAntiques &

South Kensington Goes WildAs the temperature drops, our minds prepare us for

frosty, snowy landscapes peppered with wild animals

such as foxes, rabbits, squirrels, the fantastical

unicorn and the noble deer. Walt Disney brought such

scenes to life through his films and, before him,

Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-73) painted the most

famous deer of them all, Monarch of the Glen (and

he sculpted the lions in Trafalgar Square too). Two

Parisian artists, Frdrique Morrel and Aaron Levin,

have teamed up under Morrels name to lend a new

twist to our love of wild animals, the latest of which

are about to take us by surprise as they sneak, hop,

charge and leap into South Kensington.

These creatures are furnished with the most

naturalistic poses and expressions; some are

free-standing whilst others are wall-mounted but,

surprisingly, they are all sculpted from lightweight

fiberglass. This ensures that anybody can have an

animal in their home even if they work 24/7 and

suffer from a floorplan of modest square footage and

vulnerable MDF walls. Even more surprising is the

fact that these animals have colourful skins of vintage

tapestry or other textiles, often reflecting the flora and

fauna of the animals natural habitats. In some cases,

the skins make reference to hunting which makes the

sculptures even stronger conversation pieces.

Frdrique Morrel

14 November 17 December

www.stephaniehoppen.com

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e036

AR TAuctions &

Carol Cordrey recommends local exhibitions worth attending and auctions with prize lots on offer

Arts Most Wanted

An exhibition at the gallery Piano Nobile

sees the welcome return to prominence

of work by the late Mark Gertler (1891-

1939) who was described in 1922 as

one of three or four best young painters

in England. Gertler was born to Polish

parents in Londons East End and

his highly individual style of portraits,

still lifes and nudes were painted in

strong colours with clear influences of Post-Impressionism and

Expressionism. He is best known for his vibrant, infamous painting

Merry-Go-Round that satirized WWI (currently displayed at Tate

Britain) and two drawings of this iconic work will be included in

the exhibition. A lavishly illustrated catalogue will be for sale at the

gallery at the pre-publication price of 25 (P&P extra).

Mark Gertler: Works 1912-28

12 October 16 November

www.piano-nobile.com

The Joys of TravelItem: 1930s lithograph travel poster

promoting visits to the Cote DAzur

Artist: Jean-Gabriel Domergue (1889-1962)

Estimated Value: 4,000 6,000

Date: 1 November

Location: Christies, 85 Old Brompton Road

South Kensington, SW7 3LD

www.christies.com

Magnificent MiniatureItem: Miniature of a Lady, possibly

Frances Abington (1737-1815) as

the comic muse holding a pipe and

the mask of Comedy, wearing white

classical robes adorned with pearls

Artist: Richard Cosway RA

(1742-1821)

Estimated Value: 6,000 8,000

Date: 21 November

Location: Bonhams, Montpelier Street

Knightsbridge, SW7 1HH

www.bonhams.com

Lot 61: Jean-Gabriel Domergue, Cote DAzur lithograph in colours, c.1930 Christies Images Limited 2012

Above from top / Garden at Thame, 1925

The Artists Brother Harry Holding an Apple, 1913

The Boroughs New Art WallNecessity being the mother of invention, the owner of restaurant and bar

Kensington Place decided that the essential, temporary removal of its iconic

mural called for something new and so The Art Wall was created. This large

space forms part of the landmark 25 year celebrations of Kensington Place and

it will be devoted to an exciting exhibition of artworks that will change every two

months. The art is being sourced from both local galleries and artists and it is

guaranteed to provide customers with stimulating delights beyond those usually

enjoyed from the china and glassware of this very popular venue.

First in line for this great opportunity is young artist Jelly Green whose

richly textured and very sensitive oil paintings of animals reveal great talent

for a mere 18 year old. Even more impressive is the fact that in 2009, at the

age of just 15, Jelly was chosen to be a Royal Society of British Artists (RBA)

Scholar, resulting in an exhibition of her work at the prestigious Mall Galleries

RBA Annual Show in 2010. For anybody wanting to snap up art by emerging

talent, I recommend a speedy visit.

Jelly Green, The Art Wall

Until the end of November

www.kensingtonplace-restaurant.co.uk

Revival of a Great British Artist

The mayfair magazine | Interiors

2

In an exciting new initiative, we have teamed up with original designer furniture specialist, Sketch Living, to offer one of our lucky readers the chance to win a set of 4 Vitra iconic chairs

timeCompetition

WIN!

TermS and CondiTionS: win a SeT of four iConiC ChairS. The CompeTiTion prize iS eiTher The ViTra eameS Side Chair or The ViTra panTon Chair from SkeTCh LiVing. ThiS prize iS non-TranSferabLe and no CaSh aLTernaTiVe wiLL be offered. The CompeTiTion iS open To uk reSidenTS aged 18 or oVer, and CLoSeS aT midnighT on 15 noVember 2012. enTrieS reCeiVed ThereafTer wiLL be diSCarded. The promoTer reSerVeS The righT To wiThdraw or amend ThiS promoTion. empLoyeeS and direCTorS of runwiLd media group, SkeTCh LiVing and Their SubSidiarieS and affiLiaTeS, agenTS, deaLerS and Their immediaTe famiLy or houSehoLd memberS are noT eLigibLe To enTer.

The fortunate winner of this competition will receive from

Sketch Living four of each of either the Vitra Eames Side Chair or the Vitra Panton Chair. With its sleek chrome wire base and stylish but practical plastic shell base, which comes in a range of colours, the Vitra Eames chair is the perfect accompaniment to a contemporary household. Or, for those of you who are looking for something bold and eye-catching, you cannot go wrong with the Vitra Panton chair with its quirky, unique shape.Sketch Living supplies its

valued customers with high end, top quality furniture. Since 2007, the company has delivered more than a staggering 27 million worth

of orders to its clients. Devoted to providing iconic furniture for the residential market, Sketch Living has always made sure that its products are carefully selected in order to provide an exclusive range of designer furniture and accessories at competitive prices. For this reason, we are very proud to be in partnership with Sketch Living for this fantastic, one-off opportunity.To enter the competition,

simply email sketchliving@runwildgroup.co.uk and tell us which of the two chair styles you would choose if you won, including your name and contact details, by midnight on 15 November 2012. Sister company Sketch Studios also provides office furniture.(www.sketchliving.co.uk)

When I arrIve at Leighton house, one of the most remarkable historic buildings in Kensington, to interview Charlie Cobb, artist-In-residence,

I dont need any introduction, as he is the embodiment of any casting

directors dream of how an artist should look. Charlie is tall and dark with

brooding eyes, which would have done Byron credit. however handsome

he is, it has done nothing to dent his charm as he is friendly, natural and

immediately offers to make us tea.

In early December, Leighton house, built in the 1860s, by leading

victorian classical painter Lord Leighton, will be holding an exhibition of

Charlies work in post, funded by the heritage Lottery Fund. This also made

possible the purchase of Clytie, Leightons painting of a sea nymph, with arms

outstretched, bidding farewell to the sun god apollo. Charlie takes me up to

Leightons studio and we sit in front of large glass windows that flood the room

with light; a vital element for an artist. This is definitely my favourite room, as

it was designed for painting and its light changes subtly throughout the day.

This studio provides peace and a sanctuary for me to paint as my two small,

playful children make it difficult to concentrate at home. Ive spent the last

couple of months moving my easel around the house and garden seeking

inspiration from the collection and reinterpreting Clytie and other works in

my own art. Unfortunately Leighton died before he could finish this picture

but even in its unfinished state Clytie had an important role in his last public

appearance, as it was placed above his coffin at his funeral.

Whats it like working here at night? I wonder. You become conscious

of the emptiness of the building and can hear echoes of how it was, Charlie

replies. Leighton loved this house and cocooned himself against the criticism

of the art world within these walls. In its heyday, Leighton house was a

gathering place for artists, writers and politicians who formed the holland

Park Circle. The painter George Frederic Watts, a friend of Leightons, lived

in the studio at the bottom of the garden and they would meet for breakfast

before embarking on their days work. Wattss excellent portrait of Leighton

now hangs beside the staircase and hand-painted, colourful tiles and India

wallpaper by William Morris, another friend, decorate the walls.

I admire Lord Leightons doggedness and generosity, even though I

find some of his work academic and theatrical, says Charlie. President of

the royal academy in 1878, Leighton is the only artist ever to have been

ennobled. Charlies drawing of the opulent arab hall, with its collection of more

than 1,000 Islamic and William de Morgan tiles and delicate egyptian lattice

windows, will be included in his exhibition. his favourite picture in Leightons

collection is venetian painter Tintorettos exquisite Portrait of an Elderly

Gentleman, who smiles sardonically at us. Charlie also admires Leightons

landscapes of the Middle east, painted during his extensive travels. however it

seems incongruous that his bedroom is monastic in simplicity, when compared

to the rest of the house. Leighton is the only person to have lived in the house;

it was turned into a museum in 1900, soon after his death, and remains his

private palace of art, but open for all to enjoy its magic.

a bomb narrowly missed the house in 1944 but demolished the front

gates and left a gaping hole where the front steps into the house had been.

Leighton house is now seeking to raise 25,000 to restore the front porch and

gates to how they were 100 years ago using photographs of that time.

Embrace the change of season by enjoying seasonal food, holding a concert or

throwing a cocktail party; the sumptuous spaces of the Leighton House Museum

are all available to hire. Contact the Museums letting manager, Sally Dobinson, on

020 7603 1123 or email sally.dobinson@rbkc.gov.uk for more information

ProfileRebecca WalleRsteineR speaks

to Charlie Cobb, the charming, talented artist-in-residence at Leighton house

in holland Park

Local

Photography: Justin Barton

Photography: Laili Kwok

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 039

PROFILE

Photography: Justin Barton

WonderlandThe days will darken but there is nothing dull about the month of November.

When the Bonfire Night fireworks have fizzled out, yet another sparkling event Kensingtons Winter Fine Art & Antiques Fair bursts into action with beautiful

items that will leave you gasping with excitement, says Carol Cordrey

This Will Be the 22nd of these high calibre fairs, which always lift spirits at the onset of winter by presenting

fine art, furniture, glassware, jewellery, silver, clocks and

a host of other collectable pieces that have been carefully

vetted by a panel of experts. such is the overall quality of

the event that it attracts around

24,000 visitors, among them

prestigious collectors, dealers,

interior designers such as Nicky

haslam, fashion designers

(sir Paul smith), celebrities

(such as Jemima Khan and

Jools holland), artists

(sir Peter Blake RA) and global

entrepreneurs (sir David Tang KBe).

it is the perfect destination for novices or those who

simply want to revel in exposure to the best of fine and

applied arts, a selection of which are shown here. There

will be excellent furniture, shining examples being an early

18th century english walnut bureau presented by Wakelin

and linfield, and an early 19th century burr elm card table

by the distinguished furniture designer, William Trotter

(1772-1833) which can be found

on the Millington

Adams stand.

lovers of fine

art will be delighted

by the range of

artists, medium and

subject matter that

will include two sets

of prints produced

by Marc Chagall and

Joan Miro being sold by

specialists Dinan and Chigne. Georges Braque, along with

Picasso, revolutionised art by inventing Cubism which

overturned conventional methods of representing space on

a two-dimensional surface. One of Braques first fish bowl

series LAquarium au Verre is in characteristically muted

oils painted on card and laid on

canvas, brought to the Fair by

Court Gallery. A striking portrait

of Major henry Frederick elliott

lewin by the internationally

acclaimed society portraitist,

Philip Alexius de lszl (1869-

1937) will take pride of place

with Nicholas Bagshawe.

Oriental art will be represented too, particularly

through the selection of Japanese ivories, bronzes and

other items on the laura Bordignon Antiques stand. Clocks

and barometers have timeless appeal (couldnt resist the

pun!), possibly because of their functionality, and a star

piece is likely to be the louis XVi white marble, bronze

and ormolu mantel clock being exhibited by Richard Price

& Associates. equally exciting for those passionate about

barometers and maritime memorabilia is the aneroid,

1915 barometer by Negretti & Zambra on the Alan Walker

Barometers stand; its mahogany case was created from the

timber of the WWi seaplane, hMs empress, during her refit.

Visitors will be taken by surprise by Paul Bennetts

very distinctive, silver-mounted, carved coconut cup (circa

1680), together with his William and Mary flagon (dated

1694) created by the renowned Frances Garthorne whose

work is in collections such as the V&A. Ceramics and glass

may be more vulnerable than silver but they have equal

appeal, especially if the name Wedgwood is attached to

them. expert sue Norman will be displaying a stunning

Winter

The events 24,000 visitors include collectors, dealers

and interior designers

Above / Gall aquatics coupe bowl, decorated with pond plants, signed. French, c.1900 (Solo Antiques)

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 041

ART

series of 8 tiles by Wedgwood (circa 1870) depicting

the characters of Oberon, Bottom, Demetrius and Puck

from Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream. From

Alexandra Alfandary there will be a 36cm high Meissen

vase (circa 1880) of unusual shape with a pte-sur-pte

decoration showing a mythological centaur and a female

on horseback, whilst captivating realism will be seen in the

beautifully modelled Staffordshire creamware squirrel for

sale through ceramics expert John Howard.

Although generally considered simple objects,

walking canes offered by Geoffrey Breeze Antique Canes

are anything but, exemplified by the one inspired by

Darwins historic Origin of Species. It consists of a palm

wood shaft, silver collar and handle appropriately carved

in the shape of an ape holding a human skull. The

fascination with this item continues if you press its small

button to make the ape turn its head and open its mouth.

For motoring buffs Hampton Antiques is the place to see

a highly desirable Bugatti glass spirit decanter encased in

chrome in the shape of the marques famous grill, complete

with requisite red enamelled Bugatti badge.

Surely these last two make perfect gifts for the man

who claims to have everything. Best of all, they will be on

display just in time for essential Christmas shopping that

can be done in the extremely comfortable surroundings

of this Fair, needing no tinsel, men in red suits or flashing

lights to make it a truly exciting winter wonderland.

Winter Fine Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia

12-18 November

Entry and lectures by purchased tickets

Visit www.olympia-antiques.com for more information

Clockwise from top / Georges Braque (1882-1963), Laquarium au verre. Signed, 1944 (The Court Gallery)Exceptional Martin Brothers jardinire, decorated with lizards against foliage. Incised marks, c.1880 (Philip Carrol)

Early 18th century marble lion (Hansford)Diamond, ruby and 18-karat gold snake bracelet, 1950s (Anthea A G Antiques Ltd)

A Staffordshire creamware model of a seated squirrel eating a nut (John Howard) The Winter Fine Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia

Exhibition Spotlight JONATHAN MILLER

Discovering Jonathan Miller in a very quiet enclave off the Kings road was the first of many pleasant surprises that emerged from our interview. in fact, he lives with his wife in two, two-storey studios that he knocked into

one lovely home and studio some 13 years ago. his very accomplished oil paintings and drawings pepper every wall and

span a wide range of scales, styles and subject matter so i was not expecting to hear that he is entirely self-taught. even

more surprising was the news that he has only ever painted in his spare time during a long career as an accountant.

What made you turn to painting?When i was in my mid-30s, my wife decided to include a box of oil paints in my christmas stocking and it more or less

began from there. i found i loved the actual art of making art the alchemy of creating realism through paint and the

opportunity to express my deep feelings about something, so i painted whenever i could find the time. now that i am

retired, i like, ideally, to devote a day to it, sometimes painting for six or more hours, for as long as the concentration

can keep going, or until its time to eat.

What subjects interest you?i tend to like variety and to use complementary colours but my interest in painting different subjects has evolved over

many years. ive done numerous flower paintings but they take a long time, especially the one which has 120 varieties

of flower on a five foot square canvas! i often give my paintings different formats and borders and i also paint nudes

and portraits. the first portrait i did was of my daughter; then i asked local people, who knew that i painted, if i could

photograph them and get them to do one or two quick sittings for me. the environmental health officer came to the

house several times to catch mice for us and as he was very complimentary about my paintings, i did two portraits

of him, one for him to keep and one for me. i did the same with the window cleaner, the butcher, the nurse who was

caring for my wife and Bucci at the excellent, local italian restaurant.

Which artists have influenced your work?i particularly like surrealism and symbolism so Dali and Magritte have influenced me but i love experimenting. My

work is often very precise and sometimes naturalistic but other times i like to use the Pointillist technique associated

with seurat. i have lots of painting ideas and subjects in my head; i just need more time to create them!

chelsea resident Jonathan Miller finds that inspiration for his paintings often emerges from his local butcher, nurse and restaurateur, reports CAROL CORDREY

Above from left / Colin the window cleaner, Gurnetta the nurse, Jose the Butcher, Bather, Rose & Owl, Lillies. All Jonathan Miller

ART

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 043

Why have you decided to hold your exhibition as a silent auction? Although I have had work in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition

this will be my second exhibition in my whole life and it will be shared

with Sandra Treagus who is showing her figurative, stone sculpture.

I thought I would let people decide what price they want to pay for my

paintings so there will be bidding sheets for visitors to the exhibition

and telephone and email bids will be accepted during and after

the exhibition, up to midnight on Wednesday 7 November.

Oil & Stone

29 October 3 November

The Gallery in Cork Street

www.galleryincorkstreet.com

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 045

Honouring a Master:

Tradition of Time

His deatH last OctOber triggered widespread mourning within the watch world. this month, as sothebys auctions the

George daniels Horological collection, the same industry braces

itself for the sale of one of the most important watch collections

ever assembled. considered by many to be the greatest

watchmaker since abraham-louis breguet, daniels was one of the

few modern watchmakers who could create a complete watch by

hand. Famous for creating the co-axial escapement, a mechanism

described as the most important horological development for 250

years, daniels is the only watchmaker ever to have received a cbe

and a Mbe for his services to horology.

the 130-something-piece lot will comprise daniels entire

personal collection, in addition to clocks and watches by some of

the 17th, 18th and 19th centurys most famous makers. Featuring

a benjamin Hill 1650 astronomical watch, a Joseph Knibb 1677

silver-mounted table clock and both daniels Grand complication

and space travellers watches, the auction is expected to realise in

excess of 5 million. all proceeds from the sale of the collection will

go to the George daniels educational trust.

The George Daniels Horological Collection

6 November, Sothebys; www.sothebys.com

all eyes are on sothebys this month as the auction house sells the late, and greatest, watchmaker George daniels personal watch and clock collection

Image courtesy of Sothebys

ML Bespoke Tailoring Ltd.

MARK LORDBESPOKE

Menswear: Casual, Work, Occasion Wear.

www.marklordlondon.co.ukmark@marklordlondon.co.uk | 020 7205 2171 | 07866 581 230

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 047

For treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces, watch this space...

watchesWorld of

One tO watch

while possessing the characteristic Luminor features,

this aged-looking watch has a new, rounded case and cusp-shaped caseband: as apt in the

bar as it is in the boardroom

372, 6,300 RRP, PaneraiAvailable at Harrods, Selfridges and Watches of Switzerland

Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch worlds most exciting pieces

exquisite artisanshipThree years ago, A. Lange & Shne presented the Lange Zeitwerk, the first mechanical

watch that featured a constant-force escapement. Inspired by the success of the timepiece,

which has been the winner of multiple industry awards, the company last month unveiled a

special edition Handwerkskunst Lange Zeitwerk. Featuring a lever and escape wheel made

of hardened 18-karat gold, and decorated with elaborate tremblage engraving, the 30 limited

edition watches cast a traditional glance at A. Lange & Shnes most advanced creation.

www.alange-soehne.com

Going Global Anyone sceptical of the flourishing state of the

mechanical watch industry need only look to IWC for

proof of the industrys recession-proof nature. Within

the last three months alone, the company has opened

boutiques everywhere from Paris to New York and from

Miami to the Middle East. Of the IWC watches released

this year, the Portofino Chronograph Edition Laureus

Sport for Good Foundation remains our favourite.

www.iwc.com

Montblanc Online The company may have 450 boutiques around

the world but you no longer have to visit one to

purchase one of its products. Having recently

launched its UK online shop, Montblancs historic

chronographs and iconic writing instruments are

just a click away dangerous perhaps for lovers

of the companys Meisterstck pens and Rieussec

timepieces. The online shop comes complete

with bespoke services, complementary engraving,

gift wrapping and a last minute shopping section.

www.montblanc.com/shop

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e048

COLLECTION

1 GW4000-1A, 215, Casio G-Shock, www.gshock.com 2 Ribbed cashmere-blend socks, 65, J. Crew, www.mrporter.com 3 Cotton-canvas belt, 65, Jean Shop, www.mrporter.com 4 Movember leather bracelet, 65, Links of London, 16 Sloane Square 5 C11 Makaira Pro 500, 499, Christopher Ward, www.christopherward.co.uk 6 X-Mach Chronograph, POA, Hamilton, www.hamiltonwatch.com 7 Challenge gym bag, 110, Lacoste, www.shop-uk.lacoste.com 8 Fire opal soft cashmere hat, 87.50,

Bottega Veneta, 33 Sloane Street 9 Swarovski CL Companion Binoculars 10 x 30, 830, Swarovski Optik, www.swarovskioptik.com 10 Steamer trolley case, 545, Paul Smith, 84-86 Sloane Avenue 11 Murdoch square-frame acetate sunglasses, 175, Illesteva, www.mrporter.com

EmbraCEPit yourself against natures elements with

high performance precision accessories

Outdoor

1

2

3

5

6

78

10

11

4

9

33 Albemarle Street - Mayfair, London WIS 4BP - Tel. 020 7629 5616

MILANO, VENEZIA, FIRENZE, CALA DI VOLPE, CAPRI, PARIS, M ONTE CARLO, LONDON, MOSCOW, NEW YORK, CHICAGO,ASPEN, BEVERLY HILLS, TOKYO, OSAKA, HONG KONG, SIDNEY

WWW.BUCCELLATI.COM

From the Honeycomb Eternelle Ring Collection

RUN WILDbracelet london_UK 13/04/12 09.37 Pagina 2

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e

With the summer came the

arrival of new kid on the

London jewellery scene,

Joubi. Its unusual name,

a reworking of the French

word bijou, typifies the one-

of-a-kind pieces which the

brand creates; from quirky gold

lacquer cat-ear rings to red carpet classics, it

is a collection that has catered for all. Joubis

first season collection was inspired by Creative

Director Joanna Bournes travels to Africa

and Asia, where she was drawn to the vibrant

colour, form and geometric patterns of the

exotic plants and animals. Joanna comments:

From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, there is

no end to the variations you can derive from

animals: from their fabulous colourings and

markings to the way that they move and take

different forms.

www.joubi.co.uk

051

Jewels, gems, pearls and diamonds; the essential components of any ladys jewellery collection

BOXJewellery

Forget Me Knot embodies the spirit of dangerous beauty that is ubiquitous with Stephen Webster designs. It has been created with the alluring

perception of danger in mind, punctuated by ne barbed diamonds and rened

cascades of diamond razor ribbons

CuttIng EdgEMan of the moment Stephen Webster has struck (white) gold once again with his latest fine jewellery

collection, quirkily entitled Forget Me Knot

COLLECTION

Mighty Aphrodite Susan Caplan was responsible for

providing an added wow factor at Issa

Londons S/S13 London Fashion Week

show with her well-chosen selection of

timeless and luxurious vintage jewellery.

Daniella Helayels exotic prints, hot

colours and billowing fabrics were

complemented by Grecian-inspired,

chunky, gold embellishments and

touches of turquoise.

Caplan comments: Issa

approached me to help its looks come

to life. The designs this season had a

beautifully glamorous goddess feel so we

looked to Elizabeth Taylor holidaying in

the early 70s for inspiration. It was soon

easy to find the right pieces and once we

did, they really completed the look. Issa

designs are timeless and worn by all types

of women. These values are ones that I

also try to uphold at Susan Caplan

Vintage Collection so it felt like a great fit.

www.susancaplan.co.uk

Around the WorldCartier certainly caused

breaths to be drawn at

this years Biennale des

Antiquaires with its newly-

launched Dpaysement

collection. The 150 awe-

inspiring jewels making up the

globe-spanning collection have been

interpreted into different landscapes: Temporal,

Luxiariant, Solar, Boreal and Urban. Although

slightly more diverse than previous years, it was

still unmistakeably Cartier, with the much-

loved panther showing its face in the form of

a stunning sapphire and diamond ring and a

striking colour palette of emeralds, sapphires

and briolette aquamarines.

143-144 Sloane Street Knightsbridge, SW1X 9AY

020 7312 6930, www.cartier.com

Out of Africa

Clockwise from above / Mini Shield Pendant set in 18-carat white gold with

white diamonds and hematite, 3,950 Ceramic Bracelet set in 18-carat white gold

with white diamonds and black ceramic, 6,000 Large Bow Ring set in 18-carat white gold with white diamonds and blue sapphires, 9,300 All from the Forget Me Knot Collection by Stephen Webster; www.stephenwebster.com

Keira Knightley wearing Chanel Fine Jewellery in Anna Karenina (2012) Focus Features 2012 Universal Pictures International All Rights Reserved

t h e K E N S I N G T O N & C H E L S E A m a g a z i n e 053

COLLECTION

ThroughouT film hisTory, costume has always been considered a vital component in character building and storytelling. following the arrival

of hollywood, production companies started to create visionary masterpieces

through their actors apparel, igniting worldwide fashion trends and influencing

global culture so much so that the Victoria & Albert museum recently

gathered together some of the most iconic costumes from more than 100 years

of cinematic history in a groundbreaking exhibition. But what of jewellery?

Although playing a small role in the grand scheme of costume design, jewellery

has always performed a substantial part in character development and setting

the scene, as well as being pivotal in the creation of lasting icons.

in 1938, during the golden Age of hollywood, director george Cukor

contacted jewellery designer to the stars Paul flato to ask him to design the jewels

for his upcoming movie Holiday. starring Katharine hepburn and Cary grant, the

romantic comedy tells the story of a man who has risen from lowly beginnings, only

to be torn between his free-thinking lifestyle and the conventions of his fiancs

family. The character of linda (hepburn) is loosely based on American socialite

gertrude sanford legendre who, during her lifetime, doubled up as a WWii spy,

explorer, big-game hunter and environmentalist. it was necessary to portray the

characters inward independence and individuality but also her outward persona

as a member of an elite American family. This was illustrated not just through

the storyline but through the use of jewellery; the flato diamond necklace and

matching brooch worn by hepburn in the scene where she sings Camptown Races

portrays the characters wealth but at the same time underlines her free-spirited

nature through its flamboyant design. During the years 1939-1942, flatos pieces

would be credited in no less than six hollywood films