One Chinese opinion of Britain

'I do not forget the lonely remoteness of your island, cut off from the world

by intervening wastes of sea'.

A quote from the Qianlong Emperor of China on meeting a delegation of British Envoys in 1793. They had spared no expense in making the best possible impression on the court, in order to open the doors to trade in the East.

The answer to trade with the tiny country situated on the edge of the globe was of course a definite no.

(from 'The High Road to China')

A day in London

One day last week the worlds of teaching and silversmithing overlapped and I ended up with a blast of different cultures: going from Stockwell to the East End, then to the Neasden Mandir, Dalston Mosque, Hatton Garden and finally Camberwell. Felt like I'd travelled around a bit of the world - and mostly in a double decker!

Starting in the East End, we 'trekked' north west to the Neasden Mandir. Incredibly ornate marble carvings all shipped over from India, heated marble floor, a ceremony with priests and worshippers chanting: we read about Hindusim's immense history in the museum.  

The Turkish Mosque in Dalston is also beautifully patterned and has the most enormous chandelier, suspended from the centre, high above the worshippers. Lots of light blues and greens, flowers and leaves.

 Then to Hatton Garden http://www.hatton-garden.net/, London's diamond centre to pick up hallmarked work at the Assay Office http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/assay-office/   (not working with diamonds yet!)

Finally made it to SE London, to my studio in Vanguard Court, Camberwell to squeeze in three hours of making time in preparation for next week's Open Studios.

..........Phew! 

The Oval Lounge

This is close to the house and I've walked past it so many times. Finally went inside for coffee with a friend and I love it. Friendly service, good food, cosy atmosphere:
this could get me through the cold winter I hear we're going to have!

http://www.ovallounge.co.uk/

Robin

....he stopped for a few seconds and I got the picture!

Silence in the City

silence




Difficult to find in London.

Decided to check this out  http://www.silenceinthecity.org.uk/  for myself the other evening and I wasn't disappointed.

Imagine 300 people, listening to an inspiring speaker, hearing about prayer, wholeness, having two ten minute periods of sitting in complete silence.

rare in our culture

possibly very powerful

Vivaldi and Stop the Traffik

Sublime music last weekend at Holy Trinity Brompton - Bach and Vivaldi's Four Seasons - in aid of a cause close to my heart, helping to free people who have been sold into modern-day slavery.

Sailing, Living Water, Bath and Ting Kau Bridge

Finally I have let go of my favourite silver spoon - which is now with little Chloe, who behaved perfectly at her Christening in Bath on Sunday. I loved the simplicity of the white bowl on gathered blue fabrics to symbolise the Water of Life. A simple and beautifully meaningful ceremony.

Chloe's parents met when they were skippers in Greece and have travelled a lot together. I'm sure they will pass on their love of sailing and their love of God to Chloe.

It was followed by a magnificent lunch in the family home in a pretty little village nearby. I sat next to a civil engineer who had been a project manager on the stunning Ting Kau Bridge in Hong Kong: one of the most majestic bridges in the world, built to resemble the masts of ships. This was his last project before training to become a vicar, then chaplain.

Enjoying all the water links today :)

Dulwich Picture Gallery and David Gentleman

Flux Studios was at Dulwich Picture Gallery last night along with other makers, while David Gentleman signed copies of his book. I had a chat with him. I remembered selling his book 'Britain' in the Art Department of Hatchards, Piccadilly http://www.hatchards.co.uk/  a long time ago. Just turned 80, he is a prolific painter and is already planning his next project  - a visual diary of London, which he will carry out over course of a year. Looking forward to seeing that when it is published.

We had fun chatting to lots of people last night and eating phenomenal food from Luca's bakery http://www.lucasbakery.com/ , Lordship Lane. I had the best sausage roll I've ever tasted. I brought huge cheese straws and giant prezels home with me. I chatted to the ceramicist next to us and she is still making, although she must be around David Gentleman's age. Producing beautiful pottery and selling, she has been making a living from her ceramics for many years. She told me that the key to earning a living from your art is to be determined and keep going even though there are setbacks. She has never used a computer and of course is not online. She said she just doesn't have time for it!

Wonderful to meet two inspiring older creative people, who are still working, all in one evening.

Chloe's Silver Spoon

Finished and lovely, don't you think? 

Letters engraved at http://www.rhwilkins.co.uk/ in Leather Lane, near Hatton Gardens.

Aung San Suu Kyi

I saw her supporters outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square today with the placards spelling out 'We stand with Aung San Suu Kyi'.

A few hours later I hear she has finally been released.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11573066

Powerful and dignified peaceful protest in the face of oppression.
Big celebrations in Rangoon tonight, at long last.

Boho Mexica

'Real Mexican food in London' Bohomexica

Last night we enjoyed tapas and enchilladas, plus quite a few cocktails, in the quirky surroundings of Boho Mexica just off Spitalfields on Commercial Road. Has a 1950's feel to it, complete with posters of films from that era.
Packed restaurant. Lively music - especially liked  salsa version of a Coldplay song (plus Margarita Pracatan sound-alikes!)

Friendly and helpful service, especially in explaining all the range of dishes on offer: they even turned down the music for us while we sang Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boy. Plus he got a free tequila shot.

Fun and relaxed place to go to for a celebration, or just to drop in after work with friends.  

A Gem in Nunhead

http://www.ivyhouselondon.com/

An old pub with its own converted music hall, not one but two roaring fires, tables with candles and flowers, a huge pool room, a live jazz band playing. Perfect winter warmer!

Regular events include films, live music, salsa, comedy. And all this in Nunhead, not far from Peckham Rye.

The 1920's silent movie, 'Piccadilly', is showing in early December.
Hoping to return for that.

The Refinery

http://www.londongroove.co.uk/

Celebrated a friend's birthday in The Refinery, behind the Tate Modern, last night. Danced, but mostly hung out in the booth that had been booked. Cool space, though not much recognisable music for 'Soul Saturday'.  DJ could have got a whole lot more people up on the dance floor with music we like. Still, a fun night out in great venue.

Dali mountains

As I have now spent one whole hour studying Mandarin, I feel I deserve a break (!), and what could be better than remembering the horse trek up the hill outside Dali Old Town and the views we saw at the top? Ahhhhhh......Will I be there next year? I'm hoping so. I hear there are silversmiths in Dali and I really want to visit them and learn some forging techniques from SW China.