Friday Forage | Superior Interiors...

This week The Interiors Almanac surveys the market for the most "Superior Interior" shops in town and online…

1. Azook! Cushion, Cameron Short. Limited edition at The New Craftsmen. Hand block printed onto cotton, £140.

Every item in The New Craftsmen of Mayfair tells a tale, not least with this weeks Friday Forage. The ‘Azook!’ Cushion was named after a Cornish expression for ‘All Together’,  a phrase coined by Orsemen when they wanted their crew to pull hard on their Ors and row faster.

2. Bean Sofa, Bokja Artelier at L’arco Baleno.  Embroidered vintage patch works which include, Russian Chintz, Kyryyn Suzani and French Aubusson, from £6,500

L’arco Baleno was founded by Ambra Medda, the online store hosts an eclectic range of contemporary pieces and design classics.  L’arco Baleno are responsible for sourcing some of the most interesting and relevant designers of our zeitgeist.

3. Mahout Lifestyle Jali Star Multi Coloured Dhurrie rug at Heal’s. 100% cotton flat weave, £335.

Heal’s have a heritage of over 205 years of services to design. Founded as a Mattress Maker in 1810, Heal’s has evolved into a serious Design devotee destination!

4. Libertad Pouf, Missoni Home at Amara, Stripe Viscose pouf, £328.

The Online store Amara house an umbrella of Luxury Home Fashion Designers and provide exemplary service.  

Studio Visit | Sue Lowday

Sue Lowday puts the 'Art' into Artisan, Lowday’s background is in Silversmithing, many of her pieces are displayed at the Sheffield Museum. She has since ventured into Leatherwork and marries the two media magically, working from her studio on the Isle of Wight.

I like the tactility of your Table Mat designs, can you describe the making process?

I make a printing block in wood and metal, and the process is similar to printing on paper involving using a very heavy fly-press to indent the leather. I use top grain vegetable dyed hide that is the same style of leather used in saddles. It is extremely good quality and hard wearing.

What inspired you to make the transition from Silversmithing to Leatherwork? How do you combine the two facets? 

I still work in both media. However, I originally trained as a silversmith and use many silversmithing techniques to work the leather. The transition at that time was pragmatic at a time when my two children were very young and I was invited to produce a range of belts for Jonathan Silver at Saltaire. David Hockney has one of my belts with a silver buckle by Keith Tyssen.

Have you collaborated on any other projects?

Apart from working with Keith to develop the belt to fit his buckle, I worked with a fashion designer to produce a range of umbrella handles and belts a few years ago for a catwalk event. Small projects like that.


I notice the screen has silver panels?
I always wanted to make a screen after seeing screens designed by my heroine Eileen Grey.

I decided to combine silver and leather together. The process of applying silver leaf to leather was used as early as the 16^th century on embossed wall coverings mainly on the continent. You can imagine grand rooms lit by candelight with the walls lacquered to look golden shimmering in the light. I learned the technique with a master conservator, Theo Sturge. My silver screen panels catch the light nicely. All the items I have illustrated on the screen are from my kitchen, or are pieces that I have made in silver or gold. The screen has been exhibited at the Crafts Council show Origin, and Fortnum and Mason.

Where are your designs sold?

I sell online on my website, notonthehighstreet and at excellent quality craft events such as Art in Action at Waterperry Gardens. See you there in July!

Eclectic Curios from Penreath & Hall | Bloomsbury, London

Lambs Conduit Street is a particularly lovely part of London somewhere any devotee of Interiors could spend effortless hours. Penreath & Hall’s little shop, just off Lambs Conduit street is brimming with eclectic curios. Last week The Interiors Almanac called in to ask Ben & Bridie all about it…

How would you describe Penreath & Hall and what services do you offer? A small shop in Bloomsbury, and online shop, crammed with good things for your home. 

Do you have a design ethos? 

We think the famous William Morris quote says it all:

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful".

How do you select the pieces for the Rugby Street shop? We simply buy things that we both like and that we would want to own ourselves. We share a very similar design aesthetic.

Are you both collectors? Yes. Ben has recently been collecting Mochaware mugs.

What is your most treasured possession?  Bridie: I treasure my possessions equally, they all give me pleasure in their own particular way

Can you recommend a favourite Interiors haunt? The Townhouse on Fournier Street, Spitalfields 

What is your price range? From £1 - £2500. Something for everyone.

Psst… If you happen to be in the area, with the many Interiors shops and clothing emporiums on offer, it’s really worth stopping by The Persephone Book shop.