Latest pattern purchases

My Orla obsession never ends. I finally got my hands on a piece from her latest House collection. It was a difficult decision, but I ended up with this navy blue lidded cookie jar. I think it blends in OK with all the other jars and things.

The other house item I brought home from London this time was this cushion, bought at The London Transport Museum. I remember the days when that fabric adorned the seats of British Rail. It now adorns my lounge.

Inspiration in London SE21

Last Sunday noon I headed south-east from central London

to the English countryside.

Well, to Dulwich College, at least. What for, you ask?

For this: Midcentury Modern. Furniture and collectables for the home from 50 top dealers and designers. I read about this last year and I've been wanting to go and see it for myself. I was thrilled to be able to go and enjoy all this mid-century goodness.

At the entrance point there was live music (a lady on ukulele) to welcome us visitors.

The show was quite full-on from the word go.

I just loved the juxtaposition of this shelf of mid-century fabric and the classical portrait painting.


Tulip table with Eames chairs in a rather unusual colour - bright yellow with dark green seat cushions. The Krenit bowl on the table was incredibly expensive, I remember.

Now for my favorite discovery at the show: fellow Norwegienne Maria Hatling. (Amongst all the vintage stuff at the show, there were some exciting young designers selling their products too.) I was drawn to this shelf full of beautiful printed cushions and framed prints. Maria has studied fashion design in Wales and I was delighted to find out she had worked as a creative for Orla Kiely for six years. I have even blogged about Maria's work earlier, without knowing it was she who was behind the designs. I am sure we will see a lot of Maria's work in the future.

An overview of Christon Hall.

I wouldn't mind this little chair. It was way out of my budget, though.

I wouldn't mind this Morris Minor either. 7200 pounds was the asking price.

This illustrated coffee table caught my eye. I really like the line drawing with the colour blocks behind it. (Petrol blue and mustard yellow being my favourite combo at the moment.)


I came to the show with hardly any cash in my wallet. It didn't occur to me that the sellers might not take plastic. In hindsight, this might be just as well, as I could easily have invested in something too big and heavy to carry on the plane home. The one souvernir I did purchase was this:

a London moneybox. To help me save up for the next trip, perhaps...

This cushion above is one of the things I had to pass on. It was by Lucy Bates Vintage Fabric. There was a lot of vintage fabric at the show, but I think Lucy had some of the best.

With a head full of mid-century impressions, I left Dulwich and walked in the lovely spring weather (cherry blossoms and all) across to West Norwood for Sunday dinner.

I hope to be back for this show again. And next time I will remember to bring cash.

London calling

Image: Courtesy Peter Visontay, Earth Photography.

Belgravia, Bloomsbury, Marylebone, Fitzrovia... these are some of my favorite names of London areas. Bloomsbury being my favorite place to stay. I will be there again soon, and I have to say I'm pleased to be leaving the snow and winter boots behind and hopefully soak up some London spring.

When there, I am planning to see these exhibitions:

Bridget Riley at The National Gallery (click here for more info on the show).

Image: Courtesy Karsten Schubert, London.

Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A. (Click here for more info.)
Image: © Courtesy of Gael Amzalag

More on all of this later (amongst other things). Meanwhile, I feel it's time to get in the right London spirit by watching an episode or two of Jeeves and Wooster. Rather.

PS. I wish I could have been there for this as well:

It looks fantastic. Next year, perhaps?
See more here.

Conran cups and London tray

I have posted these cups and saucers before, but they deserve another post. I never tire of this pattern and I was just thinking I should try harder to collect more pieces... (As if I have the space for it). It's Nature Study, Stylecraft by Midwinter, Staffordshire and the designer is Terence Conran. I think it's dating back to 1955.

The London tray in the background is designed by Maria Holmer Dahlgren for Metagram Art. I purchased it from the museum shop at Tate Modern. (I wanted to buy the Stockholm tray when I was there last summer, but I think this one is more for me, as I have a connection to London.) It is a wonderful and clever design, managing to look timeless.