26 Jun, 2012

Notes from Stockholm and the archipelago

We recently returned from Sweden, a trip of many cultural highlights – I now understand the true meaning of smorgasbord – which combined urbane and engaging Stockholm and the wild and beautiful archipelago. Time in the city was shared between Langholmen – we slept soundly in the original cells of this former prison located on … Continue reading

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14 Jun, 2012

Cherchbi June Newsletter : Jubilee | British Design at the V & A | Competition winner | Davide Taub

The recurring opening theme of recent Newsletters has been the British weather, whilst this trend continues into June we promise we’ll be leaving it all behind very soon. Roll on those balmy July days. Some rain on the Jubilee didn’t really seem to matter in the end. The Buckingham Palace fireworks, viewed from the rooftop … Continue reading

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14 Jun, 2012

British Design 1948 – 2012 Innovation in a modern age.

This impressive and interesting V & A exhibition covers all aspects of British creative practice over the past six decades. Beginning with the work of Abram Games (who we featured in a mid-April Journal post) for the 1948 Olympic Games and Festival of Britain, and moving through eras and disciplines examining the evolution and impact … Continue reading

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30 May, 2012

James, Jack and the Jubilee

Whether your celebrations include a screening of Derek Jarmans 1978 cult classic, a good old-fashioned street party or simply a long bank holiday, the Union Flag will be the inescapable emblem of your weekend. Next Wednesday as bunting is stowed and flags are furled the unpatriotic will appreciate a short respite, but it will all … Continue reading

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11 May, 2012

Newsletter Archive May : The Tweed Run | Scott’s Last Expedition | John Smedley Visit

The draft of this Newsletter optimistically included Spring in the title, we settled on the less controversial May Newsletter. We will say no more about the British weather until it changes. The Tweed Run May Day Bank Holiday weekend saw us wheeling out the vintage Pashley two-seater for our second London Tweed Run. The efforts of participants in … Continue reading

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11 May, 2012

John Smedley factory visit – one and a half million stitches

I recently had the privilege of spending the day at John Smedley Ltd in Derbyshire. I’ve long had an affinity with this revered English brand, the first piece of quality clothing I purchased, aged 14, was made by John Smedley. Cream Sea Island Cotton, long sleeves, three buttons on a woven placket and no collar. It was, … Continue reading

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09 May, 2012

The Tweed Run 2012

A selection of our photographs from last Sundays London Tweed Run, beginning in 21st century colour and fading appropriately into grainy monochrome. Up early and fuelled by boiled eggs, strong coffee and a little later our 2011 vintage sloe gin we headed west to the start of this two wheeled parade. The Tweed Run is about bicycles, … Continue reading

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12 Apr, 2012

Festival of Britain Southbank Exhibition Guide

A Festival of Britain Southbank Exhibition Guide landed on my desk this week, I’m happy to say it is holding its own alongside Monocle, Port, Intelligent Life and the rest and will be finding a place in the reference archive soon. This is an interesting physical document of the exhibition and a reflection of the era. The central exhibition guide … Continue reading

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