Flying back in time, Aesthetic style

Last year’s Chelsea Flower Show brought out the bees and the bugs, though I didn’t see any dragonflies – apart from our Art Nouveau style brooch. This year, we’ve another dragonfly brooch at ShopCurious, with more of an arts and craftsy feel…Curiously appropriate in view of the Cult of Beauty exhibition, currently showing at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.









A whole host of Aesthetic themed events around town are cashing in on the popularity of the show. Last night, I popped down to a preview of Liberty’s annual Arts and Crafts exhibition at their Regent Street Store, held in association with specialist dealer, Patch Rogers.

The pieces on offer include Aesthetic furniture, books and objets d’art – all the sorts of things that would have been available at Liberty & Co when they were originally produced.




Some of the items were a little out of my price bracket, like this edition of Salome by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley. Apparently, Wilde dedicated his play to Sarah Bernhardt, who appeared in private performances of the banned production, in London and Paris.






Slightly more reasonable was this stylish Aesthetic movement panel in its original oak frame, dating from around 1895.

And, talking of dragonflies, some motifs appear more widely than others on the items – like the peacock, an ancient icon of beauty that’s often seen on antique Persian ceramics. The totemic symbols of the V&A exhibition, sunflowers and lilies, are also very much in evidence.







As for social butterflies, there was another rather more happening event at the store last night, where designer Richard Nicoll (right) held court over a fashionable crowd of shoppers etc, including the likes of Henry Holland.

Thinking of the dragonfly, symbol of enlightenment and freedom, reminded me that the Aesthetic movement was based upon a feeling that the world was becoming increasingly ugly and commercial. Artists of the time were looking for something fresh and more naturally beautiful…

Are you?

Period elegance and Valentine vanity in Paris

I was wandering around the backstreets of Paris doing a spot of window shopping, when I accidentally stumbled upon the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais. This charming and romantic little treasure of a hotel looks absolutely perfect for a Valentine weekend in the city of love.

‘A rare piano forte from 1792, a card table, a fireplace, candles and chandeliers recreate the charm of a private town house in the Marais at the time of Beaumarchais and Mozart.’









The building is steeped in history, and named after the boisterous 18th century playwright, Beaumarchais, who lived nearby, and wrote The Marriage of Figaro in 1778 (adapted into the opera by Mozart in 1786).

Apparently, this is also where, in 1776, he founded the trading house from which George Washington was supplied with ships and gundpowder during the American Revolution until Independence in 1782.


The rooms are decorated in ‘fine fabrics in the style of the 18th century,’ and decked out with ‘antiques and period documents.’

What's more, the Marais is close to Notre-Dame and is a great area for quirky little shops, as well as some amazing museums. There’s a Louis Vuitton exhibition on until 27th February at the Musee Carnavalet, where some exceptionally luxurious luggage from the past two and a half centuries is on show. Included in this are some fabulous vanity cases with individually monogrammed pieces of dressing table ware.

Vintage dressing table sets have become very collectable and would make a lovely gift for Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter).










Take a look at the selection available at ShopCurious. In fact, you could take this set (right) along to the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais and it wouldn’t look at all out of place. Though you may prefer to simply powder your wig.

Do you?

Holy Romans, ruins, romance... and rain

Regardless of your religion, or desire to hear the Pope’s Easter message, there’s no place quite like Rome for a weekend break. I doubt that anyone can fail to be filled with awe and wonder on visiting a city so stunningly laden with artistic and architectural treasures: the legacy of ancient history and a rich cultural heritage.





Top of your list of places to see will be the Vatican Museums, encompassing the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and so much more… If you’re a lover of art and sculpture, you’ll probably want to spend a few weeks camping out here (if only that were permissible). Other amazing monuments include the Colosseum, the Forum and surrounding Roman remains, the Pantheon and lots more besides.




If you like shopping for antiques, Rome’s quaint patchwork of narrow streets, alleyways and courtyards is home to plenty of high end emporia, where you’ll find fine quality pieces, mixed in with quirky curiosities – though all at a price. There are also vintage flea markets, especially on Sunday morning, where you’re more likely to find a bargain – though best to dress down and leave your fancy handbag at home.



Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems too, as tucked away in side streets, on corners, or atop buildings, you’ll find secret places - including theatres, pizzerias, shrines, sculptures and curiously enticing ice cream parlours.

Rome is also the perfect place for a romantic retreat, as featured in Raymond Peynet’s curiously charming book, The Lovers’ Travelogue (see right) – an original 1955 copy of which is currently available at ShopCurious.

One thing you’re also almost always guaranteed when you travel to Rome is sunshine.



















Typically, when I last visited, the heavens opened and it poured down.

The fact that it rained for just one day had taxi drivers constantly moaning about how miserable this made them feel – thank goodness they don’t live in London!







Anyway, in my opinion, the best thing about Rome is that the city actually seems to reflect all the celestial inspiration that’s gone into creating its glorious buildings and artworks, making everything just as beautiful come rain or shine.







Rome will be eternally loved, whatever the weather...

And I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

Are you?



Wishing you a happy and holy Easter!

Memorable staycation?

One of the things that 2009 will be remembered for is the Great British staycation. I wouldn't say that I’m already looking forward to next year’s - but, hey ho, my Bank Holiday staycation in Cornwall was fun at the time... And I discovered that you don’t have to spend a fortune to appreciate nature’s treasures, good food and simple local pastimes. The far South of Cornwall is quite a fair distance though – by car, it’s at least a five hour journey from London and can be up to seven on a Bank Holiday weekend - so, is it worth the drive?



I'd say yes, but only if you’re staying somewhere really cosy and inviting, so at least you can escape from those pesky torrential downpours and dry off properly before venturing out again. If you’re curious, like me, you’ll be familiar with the unpredictable weather patterns of our ‘temperate’ climate: It's probably best to take an eclectic mix of clothing to cover yourself for all eventualities, (for the average weekend, around a dozen different pairs of shoes, flip-flops, sandals, boots and trainers should be sufficient!)




In my opinion, it’s worth spending a little bit more on a nice hotel, a luxury holiday cottage, and/or some fancy meals out - just think of all those savings you’ll be making on the fare, new beachwear and the numerous spray tanning sessions you'd have needed to prepare for maximum exposure on distant shores.






I can strongly recommend the Driftwood as being one of the most warm, comfortable and friendly hotels in Cornwall. The cliff-top location is breathtakingly beautiful, with pretty gardens leading directly down to the sea.




The adjacent beach is scattered with rocky granite outcrops and quirky little smugglers coves to snuggle up in out of the wind






What I really like about this hotel is that the décor is so authentic: taking full advantage of natural, locally sourced materials like shells, stones, fir cones and, you’ve guessed it… driftwood. Plus the food is great too.






It’s also a useful base, with lots of interesting things to see and do nearby.






If you want to avoid the queues at the Eden Project, why not spend a day crabbing at Place Manor instead? You can take the ferry from St Mawes – though be prepared for a choppy crossing at any time of the year.


















As well as visiting tourist attractions such as stately homes, I’m always curious to check out local events - like sailing regattas, art gallery exhibitions, antiques fairs and treasure hunts. Traditional British Bank Holidays can be interminably dull, especially if the weather’s bad, but there’s usually something interesting – possibly even entertaining – going on somewhere.








I stumbled upon the bunting festooned streets of Portscatho, where crowds of people had gathered to watch the regatta and participate in a grand sand castle making competition. All proceeds raised from the event were donated to charities like the RNLI.






As well as the dinghy racing, there were some amusing games to occupy the kids and this group of groovy rockers (left) were playing in a makeshift concert dome, conveniently erected outside the local pub.





Alternatively, you might like to go for a windswept walk along the coastal path, or do a spot of rock-pooling. Another practical pastime is collecting stones and shells as memorabilia of your adventures by the sea - and, if you're feeling really creative, you could even use them to make your own piece of design art.

Buying small souvenirs of your trips, or as gifts to take back to your friends and loved ones, is also a way of remembering happy times. Rather than splashing out on something trashy, why not look for a collectable curiosity to remind you of your travels - like a vintage shell box, or, if you’ve been on holiday to Spain, how about this quirky ceramic jug (left) from ShopCurious.




Your chosen keepsake may cost a bob or two, but the memories come totally free of charge. Now that’s what I call a real bargain.










Do you?

Memories of Mumbai

One of the things we’d all like to see the back of this year is terrorism, along with other mindless acts of violence against our fellow human beings. It’s with this in mind that I’m dedicating this blog to the city of Mumbai and its residents, who have inspired us to have strength in the face of adversity – and to continue working towards a peaceful, successful and fulfilled life for our families, friends and neighbours.




I spent a week in Mumbai at the end of October. My enduring memories of my visit are of positive and happy people, working incredibly hard in a city that is the vibrant heart of the Indian economy. Everyone I met was kind, courteous and considerate – qualities that you can’t take for granted these days – and none more so than the exemplary staff at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, where I was staying.






The Palace wing of the hotel is a truly magnificent building, steeped in history and beautiful decorative details – not to mention the breath-taking array of Indian antiquities on display, some of which have hopefully survived the attack in November.








If you visit Mumbai, you'll experience a feast for the senses. The eclectic and exotic mix of sights, sounds and smells is quite unique. Yes, there are shanty towns – but I can honestly say that I didn’t directly encounter any more beggars than I've sometimes seen outside the Gare du Nord in Paris.







Like London, Mumbai is a true mélange of races, cultures and religions. This is reflected in the city’s rich architectural heritage – from the Haji Ali Mosque (left) to the Jain Temple (right).








Occasionally, you'll still see the odd cow wandering about in a busy street, amongst the myriad of motorized rickshaws.

If you’re planning a trip, it’s definitely worth visiting the museum that was once Mahatma Gandhi’s home.




If you like to shop or want to find unusual gifts for your friends, there's plenty to buy - from modern fashion clothing to jewellery, unique accessories, antiques and curiosities for the home. There are also some fabulous stores to see - like the huge emporia selling saris and traditional Indian fabrics (right). In fact, from next week, we’ll be offering a small selection of stylish Indian cruise and loungewear at ShopCurious.



The now notorious Victoria Terminus is another iconic building that I explored during my trip. The impressive gothic railway station is featured in Slumdog Millionaire, a new film to be released on Friday. In the light of the massacre that took place at the station, the film’s screenwriter, Simon Beaufoy (writer of the Full Monty) told the Times Online of his initial concerns about making a rather naïve film about the wonders of the city -“But then I started getting emails from the Indian film crew in Mumbai and they were fervent and full of spirit,” he said, “It’s absolutely right to feel the city is a place of hope and generosity.”


Love and romance, the hallmarks of Bollywood blockbusters, are central to this overriding sense of hope and optimism. Slumdog Millionaire is ultimately a love story and its Director, Danny Boyle, is “glad that there was irredeemable romance in that station.”

A popular feature of station concourses throughout India are ‘wheel of fortune’ style weighing machines – I photographed this one in Victoria Terminus. Perhaps you’ll join me in wishing that 2009 brings plenty of good fortune, health, happiness and prosperity to everyone in Mumbai – and to all hard working, kind hearted and caring people around the world.

Will you?

Happy New Year!