BP Portrait award 2016

Usually get to see this every year and it never disappoints. I loved the seeming simplicity of the winning portrait by Clara Drummond. It's subtle colours and arresting gaze standing out amongst the photorealism that is so prevalent.

Also good to see another portrait by Mark Shields, from Northern Ireland, whose work I've often seen in this exhibition.

By chance, I saw one of his self-portraits last weekend, a tiny pencil drawing, in Gainsborough's house, in Sudbury, Suffolk - in an exhibition of portraits from the Andrew Lambirth Collection.

New Tate Modern

Had a quick look at new extension at Tate and I love the curved staircase and the texture of the raw concrete.

New bookshops- huge mesmerizing choice of art books.

 And Ai Weiwei's tree 

London Original Print Fair 2016 at the RA

We enjoyed seeing the incredible variety of world class art at the RA print fair last night. Stunning and humorous contemporary art amongst some older twentieth century artists' work.

If I could, I would have bought my absolute favourite, a tiny detailed print by Rembrandt of a seated beggar with the familiar self portrait looking directly out. I hadn't expected to come across something so sublime and moving on a crowded Friday night in the West End.

                                                 

RHS Gardens Wisley 2016

It's the last day of a wonderful return show at Wisley Gardens, Surrey, with the makers at Festival of Silver. We are in the Glasshouse and had perfect spring weather yesterday, and lots of visitors. Great to see familiar faces amongst silversmiths and customers and to meet new ones too. 

Butterfly Bowl sold at auction

I am so proud to see that my newest gold-plated Butterfly Bowl sold at a silent auction this week. 

It contributed £1000 to the Mental Health Foundation, aimed at a specific programme for teenagers - the auction raised an incredible £200,000 in total. 

 I am delighted that my silverware has contributed to such a great cause, and that it links my two worlds together  - my silversmithing and my work with teenagers in an East End secondary school. 

Brides Magazine Jan/Feb 2016

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2016!

My rose gold ring is in 'All that Glitters...Time to shine!' in the new year edition of Brides Magazine.

Rare Beauty

I'm showing with the wonderful designers from Flux Studios next week in Clerkenwell 17-22 Nov. Really excited about this one!  We're open late on Thursday 19th - hope to see you there!

Maison Assouline

I made a new discovery on Piccadilly the other day - Maison Assouline, the luxury book brand featuring Swan's Bar where we had afternoon tea.

 It was like sitting in someone's own private library with books on fashion, travel, jewellery and other luxury items, alongside antiques and beautifully crafted objects. A peaceful oasis in the west end. Originally designed by Edward Lutyens in 1922, its high windows let in plenty of light; on the mezzanine a traditional Italian bookbinder, Paolo Taddeo, has a studio.
Sophisticated craft meets high end luxury.

Ai Wei Wei at the RA

Looking forward to going in to see this exhibition, but in the meantime I really enjoyed walking through the striking installation of sections of trees in the courtyard: collected from the mountains of southern China. 

Floating

The latest addition to my series of drawings of camellia, the national flower of Yunnan. This charcoal drawing is 29x42cm

Tuscany

Still sunny here in London, but remembering much warmer days and stunning colours in Italy at the end of August, where we spent some time painting outdoors. 

Butterfly Cloud Bowl

My Butterfly Cloud Bowl has sold. 

I'm adding more to this collection, so will keep you posted on their progress, as I start work in a studio in Hatton Garden.