Dreaming of summer...

Summer seems to be taking its time to arrive this year, so in the meantime we're simply imagining the picnics, sunshine and warm evenings. Here are some things we've been daydreaming about...

This perfect summer scene includes a cotton parasol and cushions by Clarissa Hulse at Heals

These wonderful woven seats from Outer Eden add the wow factor to any outdoor space

Languish in this idyllic Cocoon hammock from Henry Hall Designs

New challenges

Our latest project sees the conversion of a large barn in deepest Gloucestershire. The brief brings about familiar challenges; designing around irregular ceiling pitches, planning layouts around supporting beams and of course retaining the authenticity of the original building whilst introducing a contemporary feel. Here are some of our inspiration images....

Garden Design

Inspired by a recent visit to the Chelsea Flower show we have been looking at garden design and wanted to share with you this garden belonging to one of our clients.

Designed by Character Landscapes there are some great designer pieces such as the glass tree featured at the end of the lower level. Designed by Wilkin and Wilkin and known as 'The Raindrop Tree' it catches the light beautifully.

The plant pots are by Sven Bayer and Felicity Ayeliff.

The wooden benches are by Alison Crowther. Below is a close up image of the benches featured in this particular garden.

Getting ready for Ascot

The arrival of Ascot week got us thinking about hats to die for. We love these creations by Philip Treacy. His couture is the expression of his skill and vivid imagination and proves that he brings something uniquely beautiful to the world.

Michael Wisner - New Ceramics

Michael Wisner

Beaux Arts Bath
22 June to 29 August 2009
New Ceramics

Since 1989 Michael has studied extensively with potters of the American Indian Pueblos and Mata Ortiz Mexico. Juan Quezada has been his most influential mentor. Michael's genius and concern for craftsmanship have influenced all aspects of his work. After years of study under Juan's tutelage, Michael decided to use these old techniques to create something new. These textured pieces are the results.

Bath Society of Artists

104th Annual Exhibition from

Saturday 20th June to Saturday 25th July 2009

This should prove to be an interesting exhibition. It showcases work from local artists and entry is open to anyone 18 yrs or over.

Gilles Nouailhac

We have just received the new Gilles Nouailhac brochure and picked a few of our favourite pieces to share with you. Above is the Valliere sofa and below the Bergère Vallière armchair.

New Ceramics

To create these vessels Andrea Walsh uses bone china clay combined with paper. Cast inside is glass, emulating liquid. Andrea will be displaying her work in a solo exhibition at Beaux Arts Bath 18th May to 13th June.

The Affordable Art Fair

We will be visiting this popular art fair over the weekend, it is being held in Bristol 15th - 17th May...for more information and tickets visit their website

An invitation...

Thursday 14th May 2009, from 7pm until 9pm.

Claire Collins will be giving a presentation at The Royal Crescent Hotel, speaking about her experience and skills in the design world and offering advice on how to achieve stunning results.

She will discuss where to find inspiration, which important factors to consider when renovating your home, and top tips for sourcing furnishings and fabrics.

Non-residents welcome. Entry £15, Royal Crescent Club Members £10, to include wine and nibbles.

Collect 2009

The Satchi Gallery, London is hosting the 2009 Collect International Art Fair featuring contemporary objects. It is running between 15th & 17th May, tickets are available on the Crafts Council website.

'White Pot' by Christian Burchard as represented by Sarah Myerscough Fine Art.

Deluge centrepiece by Miriam Hanid as represented by Bishopsland Education Trust.

Collection of glass vessels by the artist Steffen Dam as represented at Collect by Joanna Bird Pottery.

Silversmith Yuki Ferdinandsen's work as represented by Galleri Montan.

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

We are heading over to Battersea Park for the Spring Fair. One of the exhibitors there will be Sean Berg Ltd, having visited their website we are looking forward to seeing the collection they are bringing with them. Below are a selection of our favourite seating pieces found on their website.

Pink upholstered armchair with metal frame by Schirolli Mantova circa 1970's

Oak bench with black laminate table surface, attributed to Marcel Gascoin circa 1950's

Angular armchair veneered in dyed blue parchment with cream alcatara upholstery circa 1930's

Patinated Wrought Iron Uplighter with a Hand Finished Metal Shade by designer Majorelle circa 1930's

Patinated and gilded standing lamps with later card shades by designer Stilnovo circa 1958

Iconic Jean Prouve piece with oak veneered top and black painted base

Stella McCartney

This crystal horse chandelier named Lucky Spot was created by Stella McCartney and exhibited at Belsay Castle in Northumberland in 2004. It has now returned to stay and we hope to have the opportunity to visit the chandelier in the Castle's Great Hall.

Summer's approaching...

With all the good weather we have been enjoying this week it's got Concept thinking about the summer ahead. We came across this Krug Pinel & Pinel picnic trunk.....Pinel and Pinel's website has many fascinating trunk designs, but this one is perfect for those picnic days, it holds everything you can think of, it even comes complete with a bottle of Krug champagne!

Light drifts in....

These lighting ideas from Karen Miller at Devon Driftwood Designs caught our eye this week.

A sphere floor lamp sculpted from driftwood casts shards of light and emits a wonderful glow.

This bleached driftwood candlestick displays innovative use of natural materials, and wouldn't be out of place in a gothic setting.

Beaux Arts Bath

We have been invited to a private viewing of the new exhibition at Beaux Arts Bath featuring Nicola Bealing, her 'Owl With Stolen Rose' oil painting will be on display, along with 'Bubbles'. Jane Muir will be exhibiting her ceramics.

Tate Modern

Details of the Tate Modern extension designed by Herzog and de Meuron have appeared on the Tate Modern website recently. Whilst what's inside the building often causes debate, this new extension, radically different from the existing building, will probably also cause a stir.

The Bath Comedy Festival

The Bath Comedy Festival begins today! Being based in Bath, we are proud to be on the doorstep of this new event and wish everyone participating the best of luck!

Bookbindings

Beautiful book of book bindings by Pierre Legrain and Rose Adler.
Who needs content when the covers look this good.........

Pavillon des arts et du design

The 13th Pavillon des arts et du design starts on the 1st April. Some of our favourite exhibitors include:

Carpenters Workshop Gallery. Bronze Commode by Ingrid Donat

Nicholas Aubagnac. Low table by Nicholas himself

Gallery Olivier Watelet. Nickel and glass lamp by Dominique

The Selection: The colour of Spring

A selection of our favourite interiors, products and fabrics in the colour of Spring;

Kelly Hoppen Velvet chair

Barber Osgerby Pantone Stool

Yellow silk cushions adorn a Christain Liaigre interior

Leather Bench, also by Christian Liagre

Tods Mocassin in Suede........mind the rain

Linen / Silk mix by Manuel Canovas