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AUTUMN 2020 ART & CULTURE FOOD TRAVEL News and views from Some of 's top female Discover London's best family- Our writer reminisces about a and beyond, featuring the best creatives celebrate the run restaurants, and enjoy a transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary 2 openings and upcoming events friendships that inspire them recipe for bread ice cream

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Welcome

STUDIO, ONE, TWO, AND THREE-BEDROOM APARTMENTS Located in Pimlico, central London, Our autumn issue is centred around the theme of family in its broadest sense – Zone 1, Dolphin Square is an all-rental while blood is a unique bond, we believe friends and community are the family development with 24/7 security and an you choose. Our central London community has risen like a phoenix from the on-site management team. Rental ashes of lockdown: stay abreast of the latest openings, support a family-owned apartments available, furnished restaurant such as Hunan and gather your brood for a half term day out to or unfurnished, to suit all budgets. From £295 per week. remember. One of the things we're most proud of is our city's thriving creative scene, which is why we've interviewed five local talents about where they go to LETTINGS OPENING HOURS find inspiration. Learn to make delicious autumnal desserts, stroll around some Monday to Thursday 8am-7pm of London's most storied schools and get your groove on at family-friendly Friday 9am-6pm discos. After months of being physically removed from our loved ones, this Saturday 9am-5.30pm issue is bursting with ideas for catching up on quality time. The weather may be getting chilly, but we hope it leaves you feeling a little warmer inside. Outside these hours by appointment only

CALL US Nicky – 07935 754526 Alberto – 07710 713348

Neil Miller-Chalk Editorial Director

Contributors:

Imogen Lepere Olivia Squire Julie Alpine Ian Belcher Editor Contributor Contributor Contributor After four years as senior Previously editor-in-chief Julie Alpine is a word-loving Award-winning writer Ian writer at Food and Travel, at SUITCASE, Olivia vintage enthusiast with a Belcher has spent the last 25 Imogen Lepere is making Squire now explores the weakness for mojitos. She years reporting from various the most of freelance life modern meaning of the has worked as a sub-editor points on the map, while by travelling everywhere word 'community'. She at Conde Nast Traveller also working as a Guardian from Melbourne to is fascinated by the link and Monocle and has also columnist and magazine Mongolia. This issue, she between female friendship written several books. This editor. For our family issue he praises London's best and art and this month issue, she introduces us to DJ and his mother climb aboard family-run restaurants introduces us to some of Theo Burrow (p.8) who helps the Queen Mary 2 (p.34) for (p.16), including her her own muses (p.26) from families of all ages bond over a transatlantic crossing, more favourite Pimlico Road London's creative scene their shared love of music than 60 years after she first haunt, Hunan. past and present. and dancing. made the iconic journey. Dolphin Square Chichester Street, London SW1V 3LX 2 2 [email protected] Design & Art Direction: Hutton Farquhar huttonfarquhar.com 3 THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

Contents

Inside this issue: 26

MY BRILLIANT FRIEND Reflect on the role of Sonnets Are Full of Love female friendship in London's creative scene with a thoughtful essay by Christina Rossetti 16 from Olivia Squire. KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY Sonnets are full of love, and this my tome Imogen Lepere praises Has many sonnets: so here now shall be the warmth and authenticity of family- One sonnet more, a love sonnet, from me run restaurants, as well as hand-picking some of 40 8 her favourites in central To her whose heart is my heart’s quiet home. London. LONDON'S BEST S O U N D P L U S FAMILY DAYS OUT VISION From the Serpentine To my first Love, my Mother, on whose knee Julie Alpine meets DJ Gallery to Kensington Theo Burrow who runs Gardens' Peter Pan I learnt love-lore that is not troublesome; family-friendly discos playground, Thomas where kids and their Colson recommends Whose service is my special dignity, parents can get their seven outings sure to groove on. delight your brood. And she my loadstar while I go and come. 34

RETURN TO THE MOTHERSHIP 22 More than 60 years after a turbulent transatlantic crossing aboard the PUT YOUR BEST Queen Mary, Ian Belcher FOOT FORWARD books his mum a cabin THIS AUTUMN on the Queen Mary 2 Personal trainer Owen so she can retrace the Harradine suggests four journey in style. of his favourite autumnal walks.

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LOCAL NEWS, OUT & ABOUT LOCAL NEWS, OUT & ABOUT PIMLICO PIMLICO

GO WITH THE FLOW Flavour of the month Thames Festival Trust - Totally Thames 2020

The Romans developed the port of Londinium in 50AD and since then the river has continued to shape the city we see today. Learn more about its fascinating history while celebrating its unique heritage at Totally Thames, a month-long festival Image by Nic Crilly-Hargrave of arts and culture. Throughout September there are a host of London's restaurant scene are sourced from the Sabadasz, the restaurant takeaway sharing platters activities taking place on, beneath is rising from the ashes of Yorkshire Dales National boasts a standalone bar for four include Ben Tish's and along the river. Keep your lockdown with a focus on Park and arrive swimming with an excellent selection signature aubergine eyes peeled for outdoor sculptures, soul food in casual settings. in rich game gravy. of whiskeys, as well as 80 parmigiana, velvety folds guided walks with historians and Start at local favourite On to Kibou, the latest covers. Don't miss their of vegetables and cheese even choral performances with water La Poule au Pot, which opening on Battersea's signature ramen, made that will see your family themes from riverside communities. recently reintroduced its buzzing Northcote Road. with addictively chewy scraping their plates clean. legendary roast grouse Both contemporary and hand-rolled noodles. On pouleaupot.co.uk thamesfestivaltrust.org dish to celebrate the start kitsch with colourful wall to Norma, Fitzrovia's sunny kibou.co.uk of shooting season. Birds murals by artist Martyna slice of Sicily. Their new normalondon.com

DESIGN OF THE TIMES IT'S ELECTRIC For its 18th year, the London Design Festival is on a mission to provide a platform for freelancers and new Design Museum - Electronic: from voices in recognition of how hard they have been hit by Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers the COVID-19 crisis. 12-20 September. Various prices. Lasers, loud music and booming bass are not londondesignfestival.com attributes one usually expects from an exhibition, but the Design Museum has never been one to play by the rules. Electronic: from Kraftwerk to The Chemical Brothers is a club-like environment that explores 'how electronic music rewired the world.' Anyone who has ever lost themselves on a dancefloor will adore DJ Laurent Garnier's bespoke soundtrack. Until 14 Febuary 2021. From £14.50. designmuseum.org CITY OF GHOSTS With the COVID-19 pandemic still looming large, death has felt rather too prominent for comfort in 2020. Explore it further at one of London's quirkier festivals, the Month of the Dead. There are 22 events running throughout October, ranging from classical concerts in London's historic cemetaries to online talks on subjects such as medieval literature written in response to the Black Death. For such a sombering subject it promises to be thoroughly entertaining – and far more educational than trick-or-treating.

londonmonthofthedead.com LizWest IriDescent @studiostagg.jpg

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SOUND A man in a Superman t-shirt VISION drops to his knees, breaking out his Banish the stresses of life after best air-guitar lockdown: DJ Theo Burrow and her superhero family are here riffs to save the day with the life- affirming – and now online – We Can Be Heroes disco. Julie Alpine brushes off her catsuit and gets in on the action

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A woman with the biggest hair you’ve seen this ‘Music and style are inseparable,’ says Theo. ‘For side of Tennessee throws back her head and jumps me, basically, it’s all about the 1980s. Because I to the beat. A man in a Superman t-shirt drops to was a child then, it will always have wonderful his knees, breaking out his best air-guitar riffs. A associations. Going shopping with my mum and toddler bolts across the room, gold cape billowing seeing her fabulous outfits from Hamells and behind her. This is not your average club but a Jacques Vert… Plus, it was the heyday of the music live-streamed We Can Be Heroes disco, and its video; everything had to look as good as it sounded. co-founder, Theo Burrow, is something of a hero The hours spent getting hair, makeup and outfits herself. absolutely perfect were almost as long as the time bands spent in the recording studio.’

‘I love the sight of a dance- With the 90s came the emergence of grunge and floor full of parents dancing Britpop, which, allows Theo, ‘wasn’t so bad’. along to the Time Warp ‘I was into the feminist punk movement known as Riot grrrl. My friends and I were part of the Camden while their children look on, music scene too. We got to know a few bands and journos, which is also kind of how I met Rob, my bemused,’ laughs Theo. ‘Or husband, who was a music writer at the time.’

kids with inflatable guitars It was at a New Year’s Eve party with Rob in 2000 doing long knee-slides to Skid that Theo first got behind the decks, albeit tape A toddler bolts decks. ‘We’d brought along a couple of mixtapes Row’s Youth Gone Wild.’ that we’d made. There was a minor electronic disaster and the host was left with no sound system, across the room, Now in its third year – and having temporarily just a tape deck. We played our stuff and it was a moved online while social distancing is still in big hit. We thought, “we should totally put on a club gold cape billowing place – the always-sold-out disco ‘for grown-up night ourselves”, despite not even owning any kit.’ geeks and kid sidekicks’ provides a place where whole families can have a good time together, to a behind her soundtrack of rock, pop and Eighties hits. But how did a DJ once more used to playing The Scala – indeed, there are few central London venues where Theo hasn’t DJed – find herself turning up armed not only with box of records but face-painter in tow?

Family – and big hair – has always been a guiding force. Born and raised in North London, Theo’s Irish mother and Greek-Cypriot father met in the glamorous world of Sixties London hairdressing, working together in a salon patronised by the likes of The Rolling Stones and David Bowie, titled ladies and minor royals. After marrying, the couple opened their own place, Shampoo, in Primrose Hill, where Theo ‘eventually’ learned to do manicures and pedicures, while her younger brother graduated to wielding the scissors himself.

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And, so, Prom Night was born – an homage to the music and films of the 1980s, and in particular the ‘Brat Pack’ movies, including Pretty in Pink. ‘We called ourselves Heather and Duckie,’ smiles Theo. ‘Back then, DJing was still seen as a “guy” thing. A woman DJing in glamorous, OTT Eighties fashion was a novelty. We’d been getting disillusioned with the “alternative” club scene. It seemed a bit too blokey – an excuse for guys to leer at women. We wanted Prom Night to be the opposite of that; a safe place for women to get all glammed up and not have to deal with sleazy guys.’ And it worked. Prom Night ran for more than 10 years, garnering rave reviews in the press, from Kerrang! to The Guardian. On the back of its success, Theo and Rob branched out into different genres, from mixing vintage 78s on adapted gramophones to blasting ‘proper guitar rock’ on Friday Lates at the V&A. and DJ DADRock – to encourage the same feeling of inclusivity we’d had at Prom Night. We’re big fans of ‘After our first child was born,’ says Theo, ‘we sci-fi and comics, so the idea of a superhero disco managed to carry on DJing. It was great to be able seemed perfect. The main image on our website, of to do something that was just for us.’ But when the a young girl dressed as Wonder Woman, is our own couple’s second child came along, the 4am finishes daughter, taken on her fifth birthday, outside our just became too much to take. ‘Parenthood is local cinema. That look of defiant pride in her eyes exhausting enough on a normal schedule…’ is exactly what we’re trying to encourage.’

As soon as the baby years were behind them, Future plans include taking We Can Be Heroes though, the idea for We Can Be Heroes came about, to festivals, but Theo and Rob’s real dream is to as Theo puts it, ‘out of necessity’. put on the disco at a big comic fan convention – ‘something like Comicon’. In the meantime, family ‘We’d taken our children to a few kids’ discos but life continues, with sunny trips to Epping Forest and they weren’t for us. They were either babyish or they Walthamstow Wetlands, and visits to some of the AND BREATHE appealed to parents who’d been into rave or dance couple’s haunts from their lives before parenthood. music. We wanted somewhere where we could take ‘It’s fun to see Camden or Spitalfields through their our kids to dance to the music that we loved, but eyes,’ says Theo. also – with the new identities of Theodora Goes Wild Somehow, one can’t help thinking that, by creating a space where parents and kids can dress up, dance to classic rock and pop and ‘get their WE’RE OPEN geek on’, Theo, Rob and their NEVER BEFORE HAS YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING two kid sidekicks are making BEEN SO IMPORTANT, TO YOU AND US. WE'VE CREATED SAFE ENVIRONMENTS FOR YOU TO GET the world a safer, happier place BACK IN SHAPE, PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. for everyone. Spandex optional. dsq_fitness wecanbeheroes.co.uk

For more information please go to gym.dolphinsquare.co.uk or call one of the DSQ Gym team on 020 7798 8686

12 Dolphin Square 13 Chichester Street, London SW1V 3LX [email protected] THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

LASSCO Brunswick House

Why not try...

Step off Vauxhall’s busiest roundabout into one of London’s most intriguing independent shops. Cocooned in a George II Palladian mansion, this architectural salvage business feels like a National Trust house but all the treasures inside are actually for sale. Many have been magpied from some of London’s most interesting buildings: iron railings from St. Paul’s Cathedral, a winged fireplace from Alexander McQueen’s flagship store, gaudy Versace columns created for the Sultan of Brunei’s Chelsea mansion. Every object has a story to tell. Feast on seasonal British dishes at the adjoining restaurant which doubles up as a cafe during the day – perfect for taking a laptop and finding a little inspiration if you’re still working from home. lassco.co.uk

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Keep it in the family

From Italian trattorias to historic coaching inns, the hospitality industry has its roots in weary travellers joining families in their front room for steaming bowls of home cooking. And although they’re rather more formal these days, there’s still something special about family- run restaurants. Imogen Lepere rounds up her favourites from Pimlico and beyond

My favourite restaurant in the world lies in the fact that it’s still run by the is on the Greek island of Antiparos. A founding family. Captain Pipino, a short moped meander along its only beaming septuagenarian with a shock road reveals glassy inlets, sweet- of snowy hair, still gets up at sunrise to scented cyprus groves and, eventually, catch the fish himself before bringing Captain Pipinos, an idyllic taverna it back to his son to sear to perfection beside the stretch of blue that leads on an olive-wood grill. The waiting to Despotiko. Wax tablecloths and staff are a jovial squad of cousins who strings of octopus make a meal here banter with guests in a way that makes feel like a throwback to the Greece you feel as if you’ve been eating here of the 1960s; and much of its appeal all your years.

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There’s so much about family-run restaurants to leave Where to find diners with a warm, fuzzy feeling: recipes that have been our family favourites handed down through generations, knowing just how much your support matters to the people working there. Typically low turnover of staff allows customers to form genuine relationships with the front of house team too – who doesn’t get a thrill when they walk into a restaurant to be greeted like an old friend and asked if they want their ‘usual’?

Of course, Italy is famed for its family-run Interestingly, the new generation of family-run restaurants, but there are plenty in London restaurants in London tend to be overseen by too. My local favourite has to be Hunan, a siblings rather than parents and their offspring. Pimlico Road stalwart since 1982. Today Chef Zoe and Layo Paskin have worked together Peng’s son Michael oversees the running of since 1998, originally running a nightclub and Hunan the restaurant and remains loyal to his father’s more recently The Palomar, a modern-Israeli philosophy of asking diners a few questions in Soho. Service is sleek, interiors stylish and hunanlondon.com 51 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, SW1W 8NE. about their preferences before surprising the food reliably excellent. I can only assume them with a selection of dishes. It's both more they took a very different approach to sharing intimate and impressive than standard menus. than my sister and I when we were children.

Another of London’s most lauded family While it’s true that you can’t choose your restaurants is Le Gavroche. Brothers Albert family, you can choose whether you work with and Michel Roux opened Mayfair’s temple them every day. Perhaps it’s how invested the to classical French cuisine in 1967, and it was owners are that makes the atmosphere of the first restaurant in the UK to be awarded family restaurants so warm. Or maybe there’s three Michelin stars (these days diners 'make a subconscious desire to outshine a sibling or do' with two). Michel Roux Jr has been at the earn that morsel of praise from an idolised helm since 1991 and continues to prioritise his parent that makes those who work in family father’s approach to customer service. Let’s businesses so darn committed. Either way, just say this is not the kind of place where one it's a foolproof recipe for a restaurant worth is expected to take off one’s own coat. savouring in my books. La Gavroche le-gavroche.co.uk 43 Upper Brook St, Mayfair, W1K 7QR.

The Palomar Thepalomar.co.uk 34 Rupert St, West End, W1D 6DN.

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Make your own: brown bread ice cream with raspberry puree and whisky jelly Dolphin House Laced with nostalgia and celebrating classic Serviced flavour profiles, these boozy bites are typical of Sally Abe, head chef of Fulham’s Michelin- Apartments starred pub The Harwood Arms Located adjacent to the and the Thames Path National Trail, Dolphin House Serviced Apartments is ideally situated for your For the parfait, bloom 1.5 leaves of with a knife and store in a piping “This recipe is inspired London staycation. With beautifully landscaped gelatine and dissolve them in 50ml bag until ready to use. gardens, onsite, secure car parking and close of cream. Semi-whip the 200ml of by my childhood and uses proximity to the numerous shops found in leftover cream and reserve. Heat To make the raspberry gel, my parents' favourite Pimlico, we have everything you 150g of Muscovado sugar with combine 200g of raspberry puree need for a safe and comfortable stay. 50ml of water to 118 degrees, whisk in a saucepan with 3g Agar and 5g ingredients. Whisky will the egg white and pour in the sugar of whisky. Bring to the boil, whisk always remind me of my Dolphin House is a member of the Association mixture, before whisking again until well, then leave to set in a tray. of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) and is cold. Add the gelatin and cream Once cold, blitz in a blender until it dad, while mum adores proud to be accredited with the ASAP Stay mix, fold through the bread puree has a smooth consistency. raspberries. This recipe With Confidence Promise. and gently whip in the cream. Set in round moulds lined with clingfilm For the crumb, preheat the oven can be enjoyed all year For more information and rates, and freeze. to 190°c, mix 75g of oats with 50g call now on: 020 7798 5690 / 6890 of honey and bake in the oven for round as none of the For the whisky jelly, bloom 2 leaves 15 minutes or until crisp. Leave to ingredients are seasonal.” of gelatin. Warm 100g of caster cool, then stir through 15g of freeze sugar and water until the sugar dried raspberries. Top the parfait dissolves, before adding the with the oat crumb and serve the gelatine. Mix in 100ml of whisky, whisky jelly alongside. Transfer the Ingredients (serves 8) pass through a chinois and set in a raspberry gel to a squeezy bottle container. Once set, chop the jelly and drizzle. Parfait 4 egg whites 150g muscovado sugar RATES CURRENTLY FROM 1.5 leaves gelatine 250ml double cream 300g brown bread puree (200g malted brown bread soaked in £89 PER NIGHT 100g water until softened, then blitzed to a puree)

Whisky jelly 100ml whisky 100ml water 100g caster sugar 2 leaves gelatine

Raspberry gel 200g raspberry puree 3g agar 5ml whisky

Oatmeal crumb 50g honey 75g oats 15g freeze dried raspberries Dolphin Square Chichester Street, London SW1V 3LX [email protected] 20 21 21 THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

damaging your neck and giving yourself tension With COVID-19 still dominating headaches. Cooling down is important to avoid headlines, many seasonal events stiffness. Try dynamic stretches such as leg swings have been struck from our and bodyweight squats, or static stretches, where you hold the position for 15-30 seconds. calendars: bonfires, sports matches, harvest festivals and family Another thing to love about walking is that you don’t need any equipment except for shoes that give you gatherings. Luckily, walking is still plenty of base support. Personally, I am a big fan firmly on the agenda and I always of the Nike Flex Experience Run 9 trainers. If like me you enjoy having a goal, download an app such find it extra soothing in autumn. as MyMapWalk GPS, which tracks your step count It may be gentler than many gym activities but through your phone. walking has countless benefits for your health. On Here are four of my favourite places to explore the physical side of things, it improves circulation on foot, all within easy striking distance of Dolphin (key for warding off heart disease), protects your Square. Bonfires may be off the agenda, but a joints and can help control weight. A 30-minute bracing stroll with the family is sure to leave you ramble will typically burn around 200 calories. Put your best feeling just as warm... It also does wonders for your mental health. In older people, staying active can improve cognitive foot forward function, memory, attention and processing speed, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Whatever your age, walking reduces this autumn stress and helps you live more mindfully, not least because fresh air and exercise is a winning formula for a good night’s sleep.

Revel in autumn’s golden foliage while upping Walking well requires technique. You want to strike the ground with your heel first before rolling your step count – DSQ Gym fitness instructor, through to your toe and keep your spine as straight Owen Harradine, shares his favourite walks as possible to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your back muscles. Your hips should stay as level as possible and you should look ahead rather than down at your feet, or over time you could end up

1 Battersea Park 2 Richmond Park 3 St. James’s Park 4 Primrose Hill

Battersea Park is a massive 200-acres of land This Royal Park is a whopping 955 ha, three times Situated right in the beating heart of our city, St Set in the middle of London’s most urban towns that sits just across the river from Pimlico. The the size of New York’s Central Park. When I want James’s looks onto and Horse and boroughs, Primrose Hill links into Camden park has a catalogue of views and scenery to to really challenge myself on my step count, this is Guards Parade. Popular for its luscious scenery Town, Regent's Park and London Zoo. The hill enjoy for hours by foot, including a Victorian my go-to. A big part of its appeal are the herds of and nature, the lakes at the centre of the park are has become renowned for its high-profile bandstand and the wonderful Peace Pagoda. deer which crop its lush lawns and spotting these home to some rather unusual residents: black swans visitors (yes Kate Moss and Alexa Chung, we’re If you’re at the start of your fitness journey noble animals can be motivation enough to keep and a colony of around 40 pelicans. Although most looking at you) as well as its sweeping view of and find 10,000 steps challenging, having you pushing on, even when you’re tired. A trip to have their wings clipped, one is rumoured to make central London's skyline. It’s one of my favourite this many things to look at can be the perfect Richmond Park is an easy way to avoid boredom, regular flights to London Zoo in search of extra food. places to watch the sun go down and see the way to distract yourself while those steps add get into a routine of being out and get your step Offering the chance to combine many of London’s city come alive at night. up. I love going for a sunset stroll here to cool count up to the thousands without putting any strain most fascinating historic sights while keeping that down after a day’s training clients and leading on your joints. daily step count ticking over, St. James’s Park is a classes in the DSQ Gym. must. Extra points if you walk from Pimlico, which takes around 30-minutes. 22 23 THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

Why not discover…

The New Forest...

Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, this glorious swathe of Hampshire is particularly appealing come autumn when its ancient woodlands are bathed in gold. Wild horses still roam freely and they look particularly mysterious when early morning mists roll in from the English Channel. Follow in Keats’ footsteps on the easy two-mile walk that was the inspiration behind his unforgettable 'Ode to Autumn'. The route starts from King Alfred’s statue in Winchester and takes in the Hospital of St Cross almshouse. visit-hampshire.co.uk

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The National Gallery Emily Garthwaite Women Translate

Molly Goddard Desmond & Dempsey

Image by MY Sarah Malcolm Brilliant Friend

As we emerge from an extended period of isolation, Olivia Squire reflects on the role of female friendship in inspiring the creative output of Londoners past, present and future Melissa Hemsley Eat Green When it comes to female friendship, I In the years since, while I’ve been managed, consider myself something of an expert. mentored and vice versa by several Brockwell Park Having gone to an all-girls’ school, I’m wonderful men, there’s something about the well-versed in the peculiarly potent charge freedom, intimacy and vulnerability inherent that jumps between women unobserved. in female friendship that has driven both my My teenage years were a Bechdel test personal life and creativity. To use the term passed with flying colours. I remember coined by Julia Cameron, author of the cult them as a montage of huddled meetings classic The Artist’s Way, my friends and I are in toilet cubicles, the unwavering support each other’s ‘believing mirrors’. We subvert of what I now see were some decidedly the often damning internal monologues bad style choices, and a novel’s worth of around our potential and reflect back secrets scrawled on the backs of hands and the most positive versions of each other, textbooks, love notes to each other in a time bolstering our belief in our creativity at times Phlox when we were the centre of our universes. when it might otherwise fail. Books Hatchards Emily Ames & Kate Hamilton Sonder & Tell 26 27 THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

This shared support has always run through This is not to say that female friendship is Perhaps it’s the ease with which women the arteries of my existence: absolutely vital, the saccharine, uncomplicated light to the dissolve into each other that makes yet not something I necessarily reflected poetic darkness of the artist and his muse. friendship such a catalyst for their creativity upon. However, in recent months, as the What strikes me when I think of some of my and explains the rise of London’s female- In the aftermath of the city locked down and we were all physically favourite female creative pairings of the only networking spaces, both real and pandemic, as we rebuild not separated from our trusted ride or dies, I’ve 20th century is the relentless flux, the push virtual. The sheer number of productive realised just how much of my identity and and pull of hidden rivalries and reveries that female partnerships that have emerged just how we work but also how inspiration stems from these ties. Ironically, renders each a twin to the other. There’s from Mayfair’s AllBright Club, Fitzrovia’s we make time and space for the isolated I became, the more I Virginia Woolf and Katherine Mansfield, The Wing and online community Found and people that inspire us, perhaps understood how much I define myself by the only writer whom Woolf would ever Flourish all refute the common cliché that those around me – and in particular, my admit she was jealous of, caught in a dance women see each other as competition. As the specific power of female female friends. between envy and admiration that drove Zara Bryson, founder of the Who’s Next friendship – intense, dynamic, each to ever greater heights; the Mitford podcast, which shines a light on the ways vulnerable and subversive – Even for those of us lucky sisters, sparking off each other’s edges in which women enable each other to and searing society with their contradictory enough not to have our health reach their potential, explains, 'Instead of could provide a blueprint for politics; or the surrealist artists Leonora benchmarking your individual achievements how we construct a new world. or means compromised, Carrington and Leonor Fini, circumventing with your peers and thinking that there is a lockdown has been a process the male-dominated art world with their scarcity of success that you’re competing reflections of each other in their paintings. for, if you invest in and support those of reassembling. Following an around you, you can actually create more unexpected redundancy, it’s Interestingly, this powerful dynamic is the space for more success'. focus of several contemporary novels. my friends that have done this Consider the stellar success of Elena for me, slotting the parts of my Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend books in which the protagonists, Lila and Lénu, reflect and identity back in place through repel each other in equal measure across a patchwork of WhatsApp voice decades of friendship, each functioning notes, patchy Zoom calls and as a mirror to the other that is sometimes believing, sometimes distorting. Regardless, socially distanced walks. When their dynamic propels each woman forward, I forgot who I was, these women a driving force that gains particular potency when mapped against the hard edges of the were here to remind me. modern city.

So as I flaneused around empty streets, This energy is also present in Bernardine swapping strategies and refining ideas, Evaristo’s Booker-winning Girl, Woman, I wondered why we have traditionally Other, in which the contemporary tale of considered platonic creative partnerships Britain and its capital is told through the between women to be less compelling than experiences of 12 women and in particular the idea of the artist and their muse? This through the friendship of Amma and much documented relationship is more Dominique. It’s in both Zadie Smith’s NW readily characterised as driven by sex and and Swing Time, where the divergent power between a man and woman, and paths of childhood friends dovetail across often sees the latter as more puppet than the city, and in Candice Carty-Williams’ person. As Germaine Greer memorably Queenie, in which the central character described it, 'the muse in her purest aspect finds solace and heartbreak in her girl gang is the feminine part of the male artist, with (the appropriately named Corgis) while which he must have intercourse to bring into navigating her early 20s. being a new work.'

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London creatives 5 on the women and places that inspire them

EMILY AMES & EMILY MELISSA MOLLY KATE HAMILTON GARTHWAITE HEMSLEY GODDARD Emily and Kate are best friends and the co- Emily is a photojournalist who lives Melissa is a chef, cookbook author and Molly is one half of the founding duo behind founders of Sonder & Tell, a content and between London and Iraq. She is also the sustainability champion, passionate about Desmond & Dempsey, a London-based communications agency they set up after founder of the all-women run translation spreading the power of feel-good food, most luxury pyjama brand inspired by menswear, working together at a travel magazine. company WomenTranslate. recently in her book Eat Green. that she launched with her partner Joel.

Are there any women whose Who is your female friendship muse? Who is your female friendship muse? How important have your female work you would like to shout about? Yagazie Emezi, a brilliant photojournalist I met Roxanne Houshmand–Howell, who runs The Right friends been in shaping your work? Modern Lit is a book club set up by four friends during a photography festival in France. She’s always Project. We met when we both worked in ethical It’s interesting because D&D started from stealing one that host talks and workshops and have great reminded me of my inner strength and supported me fashion and she continues to uplift me and most of my partner Joel’s shirts, so when I think of who’s recommendations on their Instagram. Emily's sister from afar. Mabel Evans, a documentary film producer importantly challenge me to be more sustainable, been most influential he immediately comes to mind. Kirsty and her best friend Heidi have set up the most and director of The Vavengers, an anti-FGM charity ethical and inclusive. Also the journalist and writer However, when I think about who’s shaping and aiding beautiful swimwear brand called Ayla Swim. And Duzi based in the UK, who I met near the Calais Jungle in Brigid Moss. As well as always offering to read my D&D now, it’s mainly women – we have nine women Studio is one of our favourite branding agencies set Northern France. And Caroline Michel, the CEO of work, she also encourages me to make time for my and two men on the team. Especially when starting up by two women and friends, Charlotte Carnegie- Peters Fraser and Dunlop, has championed me since I mental health – she helped me find a “grief retreat” (a our business, our female staff's flexibility and team Brown and Ella Donald. first met her and does the same for so many women. week-long therapy course called The Bridge). spirit has been so important.

Do you have a favourite Are there any women whose work Are there any women whose work Who is your female friendship muse? fictional female friendship? you would like to shout out? you would like to shout out? My friend Keira is a make-up artist, so we’re in the It has to be Arabella and Terry from the recent BBC Anti-FGM activist Leyla Hussein, documentary producer I’m a huge fan of Helena Lee. She writes so beautifully same sort of industry – we go for a walk three times series I May Destroy You for that ride or die energy. Joya Berrow and photojournalist Solmaz Daryani. for and is the founder of Eastside Voices, an online a week and I always sense-check my ideas with her. They are there for each other through everything platform, live event series and soon to be collection She does the same and we bounce things off each from sexual assault to career failures, hangovers and Which places in London are your of essays. I also love the chefs and writers Romy other. Also our first angel investor, Angelica, is a everything in between. favourite for a creative brainstorm? Gill and Ravinder Bhogal – they often pair up to run woman – she got the idea so much more quickly than The National Gallery when I feel introverted and in fundraising supper clubs and community events – male investors and she’s also been day-to-day in the Which places in London are your need of a quiet space for journaling. Lisboa Patisserie and I’m a big fan of Candice Brathwaite and Remi thick of the business. She’s the only investor we would favourite for a creative brainstorm? on Golborne Road, where my partner and I spend Sade, who run the community and platform Make show as much vulnerability to. Quo Vadis, a restaurant and private member's club Sunday mornings brainstorming and dreaming – Motherhood Diverse. in Soho, which is always filled with eccentric London whenever I’m abroad I always miss a Portuguese Which places in London are your characters; Hatchards Bookshop in Piccadilly Circus pastel de nata with my morning coffee. And my Which places in London are your favourite for a creative brainstorm? and Kate's living room right after she's had one of her friend’s mother’s home in Pimlico, where I invariably favourite for a creative brainstorm? Brockwell Park has definitely become my regular frequent power naps. end up leaving charged up, inspired and, more often I love the evening art classes at MasterPeace Studios spot, especially in the last few months. Keira and I than not, a little tipsy. and a stroll around Epping Forest. Also my local often go for a walk here and plenty of great ideas bookshop, the female-owned Phlox Books in Leyton, have been sparked among the trees. and Stoney Street café in Borough Market.

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This co-ed secondary is the alma mater of the likes of Phillip Back to school Pullman, Laurence Olivier and former prime minister Harold Macmillan. Their new secondary school in Mayfair is housed in a Neoclassical building that once belonged to Lord Coventry, while Although children may have mixed games are held in Green Park, in the feelings about schools reopening, we shadow of Buckingham Palace. suspect parents will be only too pleased 106 Piccadilly, W1J 7NL to hand the responsibility of teaching SCHOOL back to the professionals. Whether you have children or not, central London is home to a fascinating array of private schools. Take an erudite stroll among the institutions that have educated some of WESTMINSTER EATON SQUARE the brightest minds in British history. SCHOOL, FRANCIS HOLLAND WESTMINSTER

SCHOOL, CHELSEA A school run by the monks of Westminster Abbey has been on this site since the 14th This exclusive girls school is a little like a Tardis century, although Elizabeth I is recognised GARDEN – behind a small townhouse facade is a whole as its official founder. Naturally the school’s block of excellent facilities including a striking choral tradition is superb, as are its HOUSE, CHELSEA contemporary theatre. Perhaps it’s unsurprising academic results. Andrew Lloyd-Webber then that actress Sienna Miller is a former pupil, and writer AA Milne are among an alumni If you’ve ever wandered down the Kings Road, FRANCIS HOLLAND alongside literary names such as Nancy Mitford list that reads like a rollcall of the great chances are you’ve spotted little ones wearing SCHOOL and Rose Tremain. 39 Graham Terrace, SW1W 8JA and the good of modern British history. 17A the teal velvet berets that define this school’s Deans Yard, SW1P 3PB uniform. The name comes from the lush patch of green the school owns within the manicured grounds of the Royal Hospital, while pupils perform plays on the hallowed stage of the Royal Court Theatre. Turks Row, SW3 4TW GARDEN HOUSE Square

PUPILS FROM THE PAST

Nancy Mitford A A Milne Laurence Olivier Sienna Miller Andrew Lloyd-Webber Harold Macmillan Attended Francis Holland School Attended Westminster School Attended Eaton Square Attended Francis Holland Attended Westminster School Attended Eaton Square

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Forty-five degrees: the angle of anxiety. As the gale screamed across the North Atlantic and the Queen Mary pitched and rolled on the tumultuous waves, my mother, Joan, lay in her bunk, staring at the curtains. If they hung at more than 45 degrees to the porthole the old adage decreed the liner would no longer roll back, instead turning turtle in the white-tipped brine.

She lay there for three days, nauseous, head When we arrive at Southampton, Mum cranes her spinning, eyes fixed on those fateful curtains. neck. QM2 is six stories higher than her elder sister. Outside her cabin, crockery slid and smashed, limbs When she launched in 2004, she was the world’s were broken, stomachs emptied. ‘It was relentless largest, longest and tallest liner. creaking, groaning and crashing,’ she recalls. ‘I really feared we weren’t going to make it.’ Hours later we slip away from port, serenaded by a reggae band beside the Pavilion Pool. ‘It didn’t It had all started so promisingly. In 1954, having happen in my day,’ says mother primly, ‘we didn’t left the United Nations in Geneva, Joan acted on a know what reggae was.’ Her previous departure surreal dream in which she wore a navy uniform, by had been spent processing passenger paperwork. applying to join Cunard Cruises. A short time later But make no mistake, in post-war, austerity Britain, she found herself standing on Southampton docks in she had embarked on a truly glamorous adventure. her naval Wren’s outfit, a raised brim on her hat and gold braid on her arm; all bought from Taylors of When it launched in 1934, the QM was the most Newcastle for £22. Above her loomed the graceful, elegant craft on earth. Cunard enjoyed its most three-funnelled ship whose previous voyage had profitable decade between 1947 and 1957, a transported the Queen Mother back from New York. golden age for liners with transatlantic flights yet to provide serious competition. Anybody heading Mum’s hideously unstable trip to America is the to the States from Blighty, from tourist (third) class stuff of family legend. Stabilisers would soon make to the Windsors, statesmen and Hollywood royalty, the crossing a less bilious affair but, after a return boarded a liner. They might not mingle but the elite Return to passage, she quit her role as QM’s new assistant and the ordinary embraced (and endured) the purser first class with immediate effect. She vowed rolling waves together. she’d never board a liner again. Certainly not on the the mother ship Atlantic. And never in November. So, six decades or so later, for a gentle surprise, I’ve booked her a ticket on the Queen Mary 2. It’s More than 60 years after she endured a turbulent transatlantic a transatlantic crossing. In November. I know, she’s crossing aboard the Queen Mary in a single bunk, Ian Belcher lucky to have a son like me. I’ve even offered to carry her seasickness tablets. surprises his mother with a voyage to New York aboard the Queen Mary 2. The champagne-drenched journey Joan enjoys is rather more glamorous this time around but when a gale hits the question remains, will she find her sea legs?

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This time, instead of her small, two-person crew cabin with porthole, bunk bed, basin and shower, mum luxuriates in a light, bright en suite with nautical hues, a choice of movies and floor-to- ceiling windows leading to a private balcony. I have the same. It’s a base from which we’re offered a Our black tie dizzying array of activities: wine tasting, fashion shows and, look away Noel Coward, pub quizzes. She eschews the bridge sessions, fencing lessons entrance to a and art auction for an IMAX movie in the world’s first floating planetarium and a lecture on Sidney formal supper is a Bechet, a favourite artist whom she’d watched live in 1950s Brussels. step back to a more ‘But we were primarily bringing passengers to and from America as quickly as possible. Today it’s more stylish age about enjoying the journey itself.’

That may be, but the QM2 has clearly taken design leads from its classy predecessor. Today’s passengers are enveloped by sinuous Art Deco lines and ascend sweeping staircases beneath murals depicting period themes. The arabesque swirls of its Royal Court Theatre, ornately patterned floor of the Queen’s Room – the largest ballroom on the seven seas – and the carpet of the Chart Room, which suggests a topographical map of the ocean floor, hark back to an age of cocktails and Cole Porter. ‘The old Queen Mary was a distinguished lady,’ agrees mum, ‘but this is also beautiful. It captures While the original QM’s only consent to pampering the mood of the Thirties in a contemporary way.’ was a hairdresser among its gaggle of shops, its latest incarnation has a well-polished outlet of As with the QM, today’s ship is a floating art gallery. America’s renowned Canyon Ranch Spa. Her choice Its collection is valued at a cool £3.5 million. The of therapy? An anti-ageing facial. ‘I asked them to biggest jolt to mum’s memory, however, comes take off 60 years.’ in the Britannia Restaurant where torchiere lights and columns sit below a backlit glass ceiling. The While she enjoys the odd blustery circuit of the 1,300 diners are dwarfed by an enormous hanging Promenade Deck, I jog, cycle and cross-country ski tapestry of QM2 departing the Big Apple. Our black in the state-of-the-art health centre. It’s an ocean tie entrance to a formal supper is a step back to a away from the old ship’s gym, where gentlemen more stylish age. in three-piece suits and homburgs satisfied their cravings for a country gallop on headless electric If we’re not tucking into Britannia’s modern horses and even camels. Perhaps they hoped T.E. fusion cuisine, we’re trying Japanese and Italian Lawrence might book a crossing. delicacies. The Verandah, where Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo savoured an It’s little surprise to find the 21st century incarnation ambience akin to a private club in London, is now a of the QM has more entertainment options. ‘There steakhouse. Times change, of course, and I’m sure used to be dancing, deck games and lots of fun in our most iconic leader would have relished today’s the Fifties,’ recalls mum over a chilled sundowner. prime strip steak and British salt marsh lamb rack.

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It’s a far cry from the experience of today’s staff. When Mum swaps notes with the charming assistant purser, she discovers that not only is the latter’s salary far more generous, she’s also actively As well as the encouraged to fraternise with guests at official functions – wildly illegal in the 1950s. ‘Only the male captain’s cocktail assistant pursers, who could dance with little old ladies, were allowed to go. Cunard considered us party there are daily unfair competition for the other guests.’ Mum can make up for it now. As well as the Breakfast in a Box available, delivered tea dances, after captain’s cocktail party there are daily tea dances, to your apartment daily. Vegan and gluten after dinner cabaret and late-night jazz. Joan free options available. dinner cabaret and draws the line at the G32 nightclub, where, at 2am, I watched a leggy revue dancer in impossibly tight late-night jazz shorts and stilettos dance the Macarena alongside We are working hard on developing new recipes a wobbly septuagenarian. He could use some which we can’t wait to share with you. stabilisers, but is, unsurprisingly, in a buoyant mood. Hold tight, we’ll be back as soon as possible. Despite the late finish, I rise before sunrise for our arrival into New York, slipping beneath the While its aesthetics cast a knowing eye to the past, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. On her last voyage, QM2, built by 3,000 workers over 8 million hours, mum was below deck processing guest visas. Today follows modern health and safety regulations. she joins me in the freezing dawn air, watching Its thickened hull, long bow and four 70-tonne in excited silence as we approach Manhattan’s stabilisers allow it to ride out the roughest of bejewelled finger, before mooring alongside Call: 020 7798 8699 or visit seas. They guarantee there’s no repeat of mum’s Concorde – another relic of a bygone era. barandgrill.dolphinsquare.co.uk grueling nausea – although one might question how someone who’d been sick on a Thames boat trip With almost indecent speed we’re ashore and and several Channel crossings had ever expected to cocooned in the splendid Lowell Hotel. In 1954 Joan cope with a muscular North Atlantic storm. only escaped the Queen Mary briefly, catching up with friends at the UN, phoning my father, and On our crossing the ocean contains its fury until being robbed of her Christmas shopping at Macy’s day three, before unleashing a force 9 gale hat counter, another story etched into family that generates seas classed one notch below folklore. phenomenal. Our coolly understated captain declares conditions ‘a little frisky’. I watch a This time we enjoy a less fraught few days, catching gentleman in the Laurent Perrier champagne bar a show at Radio City and strolling through sun- splutter into his bubbles as a 30-foot wave lashes a licked Central Park. Warm memories of 1954 hang nearby window, but drama is in short supply. in the air but the dark ghosts of that traumatic crossing are well and truly banished. The past, as There’s the occasional lurch, but Joan won’t have to they say, is a foreign country. face the same sardonic purser who, when she finally entered the office after three days confined to her QM2 to New York cost from £899pp including bunk, remarked, ‘Sailor Wilson, I thought you’d gone return flights. cunard.com overboard. How nice to see you.’

Dolphin Square Chichester Street, London SW1V 3LX 38 [email protected] THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN 2. KENSINGTON GARDENS

Follow in the footsteps of Peter Pan, the park’s most famous resident, who London’s best is commemorated with a whimsical bronze statue tucked away in a quiet corner. This sprawling 265-acre family days out landscape is an oasis of clipped lawns, silver birches and mature oaks which take on a copper-red beauty come In search of some half term inspiration? London is a playground just autumn. There is much for families to do — climb aboard the pirate ship in waiting to be discovered, says Thomas Colson. Caper through the the Peter Pan-themed playground, capital’s most eccentric museum, stray into Hampstead’s hidden hire a pedalo and float around the Serpentine lake, or saunter through the gardens and saunter through the airy halls of the Serpentine Gallery allotment garden, which is home to some very friendly chickens.

• Travel time is 30-minutes by public transport from Dolphin Square. Admission is free. royalparks.org.uk/ parks/kensington-gardens

3. DESIGN MUSEUM, HIGH STREET KENSINGTON

Founded by Terence Conran, the Design Museum celebrates all forms of contemporary visual culture, with exhibits celebrating everything from the Swiss Army knife to the stiletto. The space is a work of art in itself, a huge minimalist atrium of oak and glass which ushers visitors up a square staircase towards 1. SERPENTINE GALLERY its collections. Each month and during school holidays, the museum hosts drop-in arts and Nestled in among the grounds of Kensington Gardens is the Serpentine Gallery, crafts workshops for families. Children might a red-and-white 1930s tea pavilion that houses a colourful riot of contemporary find themselves building giant paper towers, exhibitions. The gallery hosts regular family days, where artists lead arts and crafts making marbled plates, or designing their own workshops for children and parents — expect costume designing, flag-making and 3D building in miniature. Currently, the museum sculpture classes. Established in 1970, the space has featured works from some of the is hosting an immersive exhibition celebrating world’s most celebrated contemporary artists, including Paula Rego and Grayson the history of electronic music which is suitable Perry. This year, it’s hosting exhibitions from the likes of Beijing-based multimedia for ages above 12 (more on p.6). artist Cao Fei and US painter-of-the-moment Jennifer Packer. • Travel time is 35-minutes by public transport • Travel time is 30-minutes by public transport from Dolphin Square. from Dolphin Square. £41 per family. Admission is free but advance booking is required. serpentinegalleries.org designmuseum.org 40 41 THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

4. ST JAMES'S PARK 6. HAMPSTEAD

It's difficult to believe you're in the very HILL GARDEN & centre of London when walking under the PERGOLA wise old plane trees of St James’s Park. Set between Buckingham Palace and the Set within the grounds of Hampstead Houses of Parliament, the space is a quiet Heath are the less well-known and serene maze of ponds, flowers and Hampstead Hill Gardens and Pergola. an array of exotic birds. There is no better The pergola itself is a grand Edwardian place in London to spot wildlife — bring passageway of shabby splendour, replete nuts to feed London’s friendliest squirrels, with giant columns and trellises which and make sure you visit the lake at Duck are trailing with vines and wild flowers. It Island, where a flock of over 40 giant offers beautiful views over the manicured pelicans live. The park is also positioned gardens, which are a striking contrast next to the near-perfect Rochelle Canteen to the gnarly beauty of Hampstead at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, so Heath. Go for a long walk through the you don't need to compromise on lunch. gardens and heath, and afterwards pick Although menus are scrawled fresh something to eat from La Crêperie de every day there is generally at least one Hampstead, a hole in the wall that has child-friendly option; think chicken and become a local institution. mushroom pie followed by apricot jelly. • Travel time is 40-minutes by public • Travel time is 30-minutes by foot from transport from Dolphin Square. Dolphin Square. Admission is free. Admission is free. cityoflondon.gov.uk royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park

5. BATTERSEA 7. SIR JOHN SOANE'S PARK MUSEUM

CHILDREN’S ZOO Sir John Soane was an eccentric 18th century architect who disliked his son so much that This charming family-run zoo is he disinherited him by turning his house and designed with children in mind, all his worldly possessions into a museum. but adults will find themselves His son’s loss is our gain: the rickety corridors having just as much fun. Situated of this unassuming Holborn townhouse are at the Chelsea Bridge entrance of stuffed with a wildly eccentric collection of Battersea Park, the zoo is home to 30,000 paintings, sculptures, and trinkets that goats, otters and a pot-bellied pig, is quite unlike anything else in London. The as well as more exotic creatures space hosts drop-in workshops for families such as bearded dragons and every second Saturday of the month where lemurs. Highlights include a meerkat children can get their hands dirty. Previous enclosure with a tunnel and a events have included clay-making, ceramic perspex dome that allows children painting and a giant Lego City building to pop their heads among the project. The museum reopens on 1 October. animals. There’s also an adventure play park, picnic areas and a cafe. • Travel time is 25-minutes by public It's a must for anyone who is partial transport from Dolphin Square. Admission to a cute critter. is free. soane.org • Travel time is 25-minutes by public transport from Dolphin Square. £36 per family. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk 42 43 THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

THE URBAN GARDENER Autumn Diary

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Soil Lawns Containers Early autumn is the perfect time to Take care of your lawn by Lift containers and pots onto pot improve your garden's soil quality. collecting fallen leaves, bagging feet to stop them becoming water Add a 7cm layer of manure or them up to make leaf mold. logged over autumn. compost to flower bed borders. Hedges Pigeons Clean up Trim hedges one last time so they Cover brassicas with netting if Remove all rotting fruit, diseased have a little growth before the pigeons are a problem. foliage and dead wood. This early frosts arrive. will help prevent insects from Birds breeding and spreading disease Bulbs Start to put out bird feeders next year. Plant colourful spring bulbs. to help your feathered friends Clumps of 5 or 6 of the same through the early frosts. Dry flowers variety work well in borders. Keep the colours of your Bonfires September garden all winter by Pumpkins Use the seasonal bonfire where creating dried bouquets; simply Harvest pumpkins for eating you are allowed to burn off tie your cut stems with twine and and carving for Halloween. garden debris not suitable for the hang upside down for two weeks composter. to dry out.

September tip October tip November tip Foster a love of gardening in your Cover ponds with netting to Clean your gardening tools, kids by building a terrarium. All stop leaves falling in. When remove dirt and sap and use you need is basic equipment and cleaning out pond weed, a tiny bit of oil on a rag to stop a simple YouTube video to help you leave by the side of the pond them rusting up through create a miniature world. for a day or so to let wildlife the winter. escape back to the water.

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COUNTY CO LISH HERITA ON U NG GE ND NC E O IL Blue Plaque L OSCAR JANE FRANCESCA, WILDE LADY WILDE 1954 - 1900 “SPERANZA” Focus wit and Poet and Essayist dramatist lived here lived here 1887-1896 The Wilde family LUXURY SPA INSPIRED BY THE With his outrageous suits and equally sharp wit, it’s no surprise Oscar takes most of the limelight in the ESSENCE OF MOROCCO Wilde family. Of his five siblings (a sister, brother, a half-brother and two half-sisters), only the three boys survived to adulthood. Henry Wilson went on to assist his father in his medical practice in Dublin, while William Wilde became a successful journalist. However, the most overlooked Wilde is arguably Jane who was also known by her pen name, Speranza.

Oscar ruffled plenty of feathers in 19th-century Mother and son kept up a close bond throughout London and his mother was no less revolutionary. their lives. In fact, legend has it that when Jane was She was an early advocate of women's rights and dying in 1896 her ghost appeared in Oscar’s cell at a fervent believer in Irish independence. In fact, her Pentonville Prison, where he was serving a two year political essays against the British in The Nation were sentence for ‘gross indecency’. It would seem there so radical, the paper was eventually closed down. are some family ties so strong even death can’t break them. Despite the glamorous associations with the name Wilde, life was tough for both Jane and Oscar. In 1867, Jane’s daughter, Isola, died of fever at the tender age of nine and in 1876, her husband Sir William, also died, leaving her bankrupt. She moved to London to join her sons and scratched out a meagre living writing for fashion magazines and producing books about Irish folklore.

In 1887, she moved to 87 Oakley Street in Chelsea and you can still see the blue plaque today. Oscar’s 34 Tite Street address, where he wrote all his major works and OPENING TIMES hosted lavish salons, is just around the corner. Monday to Tuesday Closed Wednesday to Sunday 11am-7pm

Call us on: 020 7798 6767 Email: [email protected] Oscar Wilde, 34 Tite Street, Chelsea London SW3 4JA / Jane Wilde, 87 Oackley Street, London SW3 5NP Dolphin Square Chichester Street, London SW1V 3LX 46 [email protected] 47 THE SQUARE - ISSUE 11 AUTUMN

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