My latest book, Independent Shops London, launched at the end of last month and I’ve been busy signing them in shops around London. You can find freshly signed copies in London Review Bookshop, Tate Modern, Waterstones Covent Garden, Know & Love in Stoke Newington, Townhouse Spitalfields and the Sir John Soane Museum shop. I’m working my way round town… If you know of any shops or stockist that would like signed copies just leave a comment and I’ll get in touch.
One of things I love about April is the sudden burst of spring blossom and seasonal flowers. I visited Dalston Curve Garden, in Hackney, last weekend and spoke to Marie who kindly showed me round the gardens with a tour of their new event space – a Victorian warehouse which they’ve lovingly renovated, and which is due to open very soon. The gardens are currently alive with colour and their Species tulips (botanical tulips) – small, hardy perennials, with star-like flowers – are currently in full bloom. These wild ancestors of garden tulips are gorgeously delicate, and look perfect in pots and rock gardens.
The garden is an independent social enterprise with a year-round programme of free educational workshops, children’s activities and a diverse range of community events. It was created and planted in 2010 on the site of the old Eastern Curve railway line, a disused train line which closed in the 1940s.
The gardens have an amazing café and bar with outdoor seating nestled amongst birch trees and flower beds, as well as a covered seating-area and pizza oven. Free to visit, seven days a week, opening times and details here Dalston Curve Garden.
I’ve had lots of requests to visit my London studio so I’m having an Open Day this Saturday, 18th April. Please do call in if you’re in London this weekend. It starts at 11am, and the nearest stations are Hackney Central or London Fields. Comment below with your email address and I’ll send you the details.
I love this weird and wonderful vintage oil painting. It reminds of the otherworldly kind of storytelling that Paula Rego captured so beautifully in her paintings. This unsigned, ‘outsider art’ landscape depicts two girls hiding amongst the summer harvest, a rustic mediterranean cottage within a flower meadow, and an out of proportion ‘westie’ dog, running along the path. Eccentric, yet charming!
I would love to hear from you. Whether you can make it to the Open Studio or not – send me a message in the comments. Say hello, tell me what you’d like to see more of in these editions… mention your favourite kind of article, exhibition, book, interior style… Whatever. The funniest, most interesting, loveliest, cheekiest, etc. comment will receive a copy of my new book and a year’s free subscription to Love Vintage Etc. Good luck! 🍀
Until next time, and the bumper May edition. Thank you for reading – please click on the little heart symbol if you’ve enjoyed this post. Lots of love,
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