Category Archives: Profiles
Culture: The New Review Magazine – January 1, 2023
The New Review Magazine – January 1, 2023 issue:
Director Sam Mendes answers questions from readers and famous fans including @Aiannucci, @DMiliband, olivia colman, judi dench…..
+ Classical music diet – By @FionaMaddocks + Arts & books for 2023 + Q&S Actor Siobhan Finneran @michaelhogan
Architecture: The House At Lizard Island, The Great Barrier Reef In Australia
Lizard Island is an island on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, 1,624-kilometre northwest of Brisbane and part of the Lizard Island Group that also includes Palfrey Island. It is part of the Lizard Island National Park. Lizard Island is within the locality of Lizard in the Cook Shire.
Historic English Homes: Writer Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Piers Court’, Gloucester
Piers Court, the house where Evelyn Waugh wrote his nostalgic masterpiece Brideshead Revisited, was used as a safe house for Royalists during the Civil War. He lived there from 1937 to 1956 – apart from during the war years when it was taken over by nuns.
It seems a sad state of affairs for a famed house whose previous owners — who bought Piers Court in 2010 — had done much to enhance a place described by Pevsner as ‘dignified and elegant’, which, behind its classical 18th-century façade, caters for both formal entertaining and informal family living. The standard of fixtures and fittings is really something – as this picture of one of the bathrooms demonstrates.
Christmas 2022 Views: A Design Tour Of A 17th Century Palazzo In Venice
Video timeline: 00:00 – Inspiration: “It’s imperfect perfection” 02:00 – Living Room: “It’s where the real Christmas moment happens!” 05:20 – Kitchen: “I love the way that food brings people together” 07:50 – Breakfast Room: “It feels like a chocolate box…” 08:53 – Dining Room: “It feels very ramshackle”
Skye McAlpine’s Venetian sanctuary maintains plenty of the palazzo’s original details, such as the 18th-century fresco in the living room and the decorative flowering of rocaille in the breakfast room. As we’re guided into the light and airy kitchen that is set apart by its high-beamed ceilings, Skye McAlpine reveals a staple festive treat… a snowy panettone cake from her cookbook ‘A Table For Friends’. In the grand dining room, Skye’s dinner table is layered with a mixture of small plates over larger plates from her ‘Tavola’ tableware collection, which is inspired by ‘la dolce vita’ or ‘the sweet life’. The snowy panettone takes centre stage as it is served on a cake stand which towers above the rest of the festive treats, to complete her “over-the-top” Christmas table.
“Life is slower here. It’s unchanged, it’s like a time capsule,” McAlpine explains as she contrasts between her life in London and the Venetian way of living. “I think that’s part of the charm, it really is like stepping back into a different era”. Watch the full episode of Design Notes with Skye McAlpine, as we tour her slice of an Italian palace that is expertly decorated for the Christmas holidays.
Culture: The New Review Magazine – Dec 11, 2022
@ObsNewReview December 11, 2022 – Those we lost in 2022:
- Robbie Coltrane remembered by Miriam Margolyes
- Norma Waterson by @RichardHawley
- André Leon Talley by @NaomiCampbell
- Jamal Edwards by @professorgreen
- Cherry Valentine by @biminibabes
- Pharoah Sanders by @KamasiW
- & more @misskatiepeters
Hilma af Klint: A Biography by Julia Voss review – portrait of the painter as a mystic
The Swedish abstract artist who conversed with the dead is described as a woman years ahead of her time in this scholarly, sympathetic study
My Life in Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler review – the joys of jellyfish, sturgeon and whales
The gifted science writer’s lyrical collection doesn’t always flow smoothly between reverie and fact, but remains intriguing
World’s Best Classic Cars: 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A
1959 Mid-Century Modern: Tour Of ‘Tracey Residence’ In San Pedro, California
After stepping in the home they both looked at each other and instantly knew they wanted the home, picturesque views that span from the Hollywood sign all the way past Laguna Beach, this is truly a home that was perfectly positioned to enjoy it all. Fast forward a few years, some restoration and remodeling and they share the story of what it’s like to live in such a home.
The indoor/outdoor flow alongside the walls of glass throughout the entirety of the home is something that needs to be enjoyed in person to truly understand. The Architect Rolly wasn’t particularly a well known architect and after doing some research Arienne came to find out this was Rollys first Residential project after obtaining his license. Aside from Green Hills Memorial park there isn’t much more about Rolly that David and Arienne were able to find out.
Could this be the only residential project from an architect that seemingly blended the home perfectly into the hillside or are there others out there? Driving up the coast in their restored Porsche’s to pull into the driveway of their beautifully restored home with endless views doesn’t sound like a bad day.
Top New Books: ‘The Story Of Architecture’ – Witold Rybczynski (Nov 29, 2022)
An inviting exploration of architecture across cultures and centuries by one of the field’s eminent authors
In this sweeping history, from the Stone Age to the present day, Witold Rybczynski shows how architectural ideals have been affected by technological, economic, and social changes—and by changes in taste. The host of examples ranges from places of worship such as Hagia Sophia and Brunelleschi’s Duomo to living spaces such as the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Alhambra, national icons such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Sydney Opera House, and skyscrapers such as the Seagram Building and Beijing’s CCTV headquarters. Rybczynski’s narrative emphasizes the ways that buildings across time and space are united by the human desire for order, meaning, and beauty.
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK
This is the story of architecture’s physical manifestation of the universal aspiration to celebrate, honor, and commemorate, and an exploration of the ways that each building is a unique product of patrons, architects, and builders. Firm in opinion, even-handed, and rooted in scholarship, this book will delight anyone interested in understanding the buildings they use, visit, and pass by each day.
READ A REVIEW
Scotland Films: ‘The Spirit Of 1926’ – Macallan (2022)
Paying homage to her quiet heroism, the film centres on the real-life story of Janet Harbinson, known as Nettie. Following her husband’s sudden death in 1918, Nettie assumed control of his whisky distillery and, through her sheer passion, unwavering commitment, and dedication to craftsmanship, she kept the business afloat and helped to rebuild the local area.
Without setting out to do so, she also crafted The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which achieved legendary status after it fetched £1.5m at Sotheby’s 2019. Several years on, it continues to be the world’s most valuable bottle of spirit ever sold at auction. Its very existence is a direct legacy of Janet Harbinson’s commitment to doing the right thing for her family, her community and The Macallan.
The beautiful wardrobe worn by the characters in the film is the work of Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane, who created a series of 1920s outfits using historic, luxury fabrics from artisan suppliers, including hand-crafted lace and bespoke The Macallan tweed.
Boomers Daily 