lapada

Art and antiques. Two things I am very fond of- perhaps that's an obvious one but I'd just like to reinforce this fact with a mid week blog post. My housemate Ollie works in Mayfair and asked me to joined him at The LAPADA Art and Antiques Fair at Berkeley Square and I was more than happy to jump at the opportunity. 

   

Having had my bag thoroughly searched and picked up our copies of Harpers Bazaar we started exploring this maze of stands, each one making us 'ooo' and 'ahhhh' louder than before. 

                 

Ollie particularly liked the above. I'd imagine if you had a serious bachelor pad the pieces of furniture would fit right in. From an ejector seat to a coffee table made out of a car engine, this was a serious boys' corner. 

                 

                 

We decided our flat needs a coffee table for all those coffee table books I keep buying for no reason. And whilst the other two housemates are away, we perused... Perhaps a little out of our budget, but lovely nonetheless. 

                 

   

                 

                 

What's really lovely is that because the marquee is on the square, the event still encompasses the huge trees. So whilst you meander the lanes you'll come across a tree or two. One dealer saw an opportunity here and displayed his series of woodland prints up the trunk. This was my favourite little fella. 

   

   

From old to contemporary, the fair is bursting with accessible art and antiques. It is the most incredible place for people watching too. Hang around the jewellery stands in particular- you may just watch someone buy a huge diamond ring. 

                 

This was my favourite piece. Stand in front of it and you see a beautiful oil scene of a lady sitting naked under a tree. Walk to you right and she is gone, walk back towards your left and she is now dressed as above. Do you remember those hologram bookmarks you had as a child, that moved every time you angled it? Well this is essentially a large version of that. It's beautiful and somewhat poignant. 

   

   

   

The fair is open til Saturday, I really do recommend you pop in and have a look round. If you're not interested in art and antiques, go for the people watching and Mr. Fogg Bar for a refreshing G&T. There's something for everyone.

A perfect evening in Mayfair. 

Happy Friday! 

L. 

westminster

Having woken up with a head cold and a touch of man flu, the thought of going to evensong at Westminster Abbey was somewhat appealing- perhaps it would cleanse our souls and clear the sniffly boy of cold? Whatever it was, I'm so pleased we went. Having attended a cathedral school for my entire education, I am quite akin to candle lit services, spine tingling choirs and that ethereal quality only cathedrals can offer. 

Both of us have never been to evensong at the abbey so it was all a little exciting. I didn't take any photographs as it isn't allowed, so you'll just have to go and see the awe inspiring beauty for yourself. I couldn't stop gasping as we walked over prime ministers, heroic figures and the unknown solider; a hall of fame of considerable significance. Seated, we sat in silence and took in the architecture and carvings. Then from afar the choir started singing. I'm not sure I hid my grin very well. It reminded me of school and home and they were just wonderful. 

Feeling better about ourselves we took a wander and soaked up the late Sunday sun. 

                   

    

    

    

Clearly one of the MPs needed to drop into work quickly... In his Aston Martin. Lovely. 

                  

           

                 

Britain really is rather great, isn't it? 

L. 

magpie

The weeks are racing by and I found myself at another weekend. Having gone for a run in the morning and feeling energised, myself and my little friend went in search of antiques along the Portobello Road. As you are all too well aware, I love Notting Hill and I love a good dose of interior fashion, so when asked if we could go antiquing I leapt at the opportunity. I am a magpie after all. 

The sun was beaming down and the white houses looked glorious in their finery. We battled the crowds and pawed over the flowers before rummaging the treasure. 

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

                   

   

   

If you put me in a field of flowers I'd be a very happy girl. I have always fancied the idea of having a florist shop so once I've made my millions (or there about) I'm setting up shop and living the Englishman's dream. He's a fan of flowers too so that's always nice. He's even learnt which are my favourite; peonies in case there are any secret admirers out there... Wink wink. 

Back on the road we dived in and out of the stalls and shops. I'm after some old prints of maps and flowers for my new pad so I spent a happy time flicking through maps from the 18th Century. They're beautiful and I can't wait to get some up on the walls. I also found some particularly sweet prints of eggs and mushrooms that I thought mum would like in our new kitchen- I'll bring them back for you soon! 

                   

    

We rummaged through old books and hordes of silver cutlery.

   

   

   

   

I spy with my little eye, something ever so shiny. 

   

Row upon row of beautiful paintings. I found plenty of quick oil paintings that I just love. I really can't wait to have a house to furnish. An unlimited budget is required though. If anyone requires an interior consultant then I'm your gal. 

We finished the day off walking the quiet roads of Notting Hill and chatting until the sun went down. 

I don't think I could love weekends anymore. It really is wonderful to have them back again. Hope you had happy ones too. 

L.