When on holiday, I'm always on the look-out for quirky or one-off interiors buys. I'll pick through markets or tiny shops, trying to avoid classic 'tourist' purchases, and focussing instead on whether a particular item will look really good in my home. I was fortunate enough to pick up these two hand-stitched cotton quilts in a market in Cruzy, South West France. And the bottom one? An alpaca blanket, a gift from my equally eagle-eyed daughter, just back from Bolivia.
In-house Seminar
This week I gave an in-house seminar on Styling to the talented team at Hayes Davidson. They had invited me to talk as part of their programme of ongoing education for staff, and I was honoured to be asked! Hayes Davidson are specialists in 'the visualisation of architecture and the built environment' and collaborate with many of 'the world's top architects, designers and developers.'
My powerpoint talk all ready to go, featuring the cover of my book Think Home (Ryland Peters & Small, photography Polly Wreford).
Styling Lecture at KLC School of Design
I've given many lectures to students at the KLC School of Design, but today's was particularly enjoyable! The Part-time Certificate students were lively and well-informed, so it was a pleasurable event. I'll be back at KLC next week for another talk.
Styling Powerpoint presentation ready to go for the students!
Wexford Literary Festival 2016
This weekend I attended the awards ceremony at Wexford Literary Festival, Enniscorthy, Ireland and was delighted to be given 2nd prize for the inaugural Colm Toibin International Short Story Award 2016. It was a wonderful event, held at the newly renovated The Athenaeum.
The Athenaeum in Enniscorthy..
As well as meeting writers and the judges, I also had time to explore the Wexford coastline, including a visit to the very beautiful Curracloe Beach:
Curracloe Beach, Wexford
It was a particular pleasure to visit Enniscorthy (and to receive the prize!) as I'm a huge fan of Colm Toibin, to whom the Award is dedicated. Parts of his book, Brooklyn, are set in Enniscorthy and its environs. Thank you, Wexford Literary Festival, for welcoming me!
Zoe Glencross Fabrics
I'm always thrilled to discover homegrown fabric designers and The Meadowlands Collection from Zoe Glencross feels very 'right' for now. Her hand-sketched block and screen prints are realised in smudgy, soft colours, from off-pinks to slate-blue, and printed on linen.
With colour names that include Pebble Grey, Inky Sky and Ocean Silver - how can I (or anyone else) resist? All the fabrics are designed and printed in the UK.
Visit to Haeckels shop
I've long been a fan of Haeckels, who proudly proclaim 'Salt Water Heals All Wounds.' Their cool shop in Margate is a visual and sensual delight. The products, from body, hair and skin care to perfume and scented candles, smell divine. Everything is hand crafted and formulated in their cliff top lab, using locally grown botanicals.
The store interior is beautifully designed, mixing urban vintage with apothecary overtones:
The best bit? Once cocooned inside, you can view the workshop, or turn your gaze to the sea.