Chihuly's enormous glass Chandelier under the dome of the main rotunda entrance at the
Victoria and Albert Museum. Internationally celebrated Seattle artist
Dale Chihuly is a by-word for all that is spectacular and exciting in contemporary glass. Much is owed to the grand and historic tradition of Venetian glass, with rich colors and extravagant shapes prevalent in his work.
Dinner at the
Running Horse in Mayfair (Monika Biegler Eyers, now the London Contributing Editor for Domino; me; Michael Devine; and my hubby). The gastropub has a great atmosphere, which can be summed up as equal part neighbourhood restaurant and traditional English pub. Excellent food, a cosy atmosphere with an open fire and reasonable prices make it a great little find in Mayfair. According to my husband, the squid is particularly good.
Drinks at the
Savile Club in the heart of Mayfair. The club was established in 1868, occupying a beautiful 18th Century house. Champagne is always a great way to start the evening. Michael made the drop and I now own the beautiful Gramercy fabric!
My visit to
The Rug Company was one of the highlights of my trip. I have long been a fan of their beautiful rugs, but photos do not do justice to the gorgeous colors and textures. Everyone I met was gracious and very knowledgeable, truly a great group of people.
Fun, fanciful and colorful wall hangings. What sets The Rug Company apart is their Designer Collection by well known designers such as Paul Smith, Diane Von Furstenberg and Allegra Hicks among talented others.
Stunning is the only word to describe the work of artist
Ewan Gibbs. Ok, it's not the
only word, but it's an apt one nonetheless. My husband and I are both absolutely smitten with his work and the best part is the artist himself. On Monday we meet with Ewan and Joanna Thornberry, Associate Director of
The Timothy Taylor Gallery. Afterward we had drinks with Ewan at a local pub. Not only is he hugely talented, but he is a super nice guy.
The Timothy Taylor Gallery opened in 1996. Since opening, the gallery has presented an ambitious programme of exhibitions by internationally recognized contemporary artists from Britain and abroad. The gallery supports and showcases younger less-established artists and is one of the leading venues in London for contemporary art.
Kelly Hoppen's designer emporium on Fulham Road. A great shop with a little bit of everything, including her own medley of ceramics, furniture, and original accessories.
Out and about in South Kensington, sandwiched between the Knightsbridge and Chelsea. Beautiful architecture and fabulous shopping!
Case in point...
Rupert Sanderson started making shoes under his own name in 2002, and now produces two full and two pre season collections a year. Rupert spends four months of the year in Italy refining each shoe with the artisans in and around Bologna, where he designed for Sergio Rossi and Bruno Magli after learning his craft at the Cordwainers College in East London.
We a fantastic dinner our first night in London—a glass of Pol Roger, a bowl of steaming mussels with fennel and spinach in a saffron laced broth and a plate of delicious smoked fishcakes were the main attraction. Tucked away between Fulham Road and Kings Road,
The Builders Arms is an attractive Georgian building. The quaint pub features a spacious interior with comfy leather sofas, velvet flock wallpaper, a fireplace and bookshelves.
If you are a regular reader of All the Best then you know that I have a soft spot for the creative duo Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, owners of The Rug Company. When I was last in London I got a personal tour of the store from the lovely Susanna Joicey-Cecil, complete with a cup of tea. And it seems that I am not alone in my admiration; Sex And The City set designer Lydia Marks turned to the most fashionable brand in British home accessories to create a few amazing interiors.
