The April Edit
Spring things + where to buy vintage art in the Cotswolds.
We all felt that the start of the year was grey and looong. Well, I did at least. And now it’s April (how?) and the sun is shining and everything is looking that much greener. Life is also speeding up, too fast really – I’m off to Puglia soon for a snoop around a pretty new palazzo from one of the jewellery world’s shiniest designers, and then I’m heading up to Scotland for a whisky trip on wheels (train wheels, not car). And in between the travelling, it’s the usual Cotswold haunts that are calling: weekend stomping around the fields, pub lunching at the locals and antique sourcing for the cottage. I thank
and her brilliant interiors newsletter Second Best which covers all things, well seconds, and where to hunt down vintage bits and lovely things for the home. It helps she’s a Cotswold local! As per usual, this month I look at the regular happenings for the diary but I’m also chatting with Gretchen Shoring and Tess Gomm, two friends who had worked together for many years – and now spend their time between London and the Cotswolds – before launching ARTI, a new online space for vintage and contemporary decorative art. It’s safe to say it’s swoon-worthy. Read on!
If you ask Gretchen Shoring, one half of the duo behind online art platform ARTI, what’s so special about vintage art, she would say this: “Characterful and cultural; emotive and eco-friendly; unique and timeless – what’s not to love about original vintage art?” The same goes for her creative partner and friend Tess Gomm, she says “One of the special things about an antique or vintage painting is the story it tells – it’s already lived a life somewhere. There are often clues to that story – marks, patination, old repairs, writing on the reverse. Someone cared – these are stories rooted in humanity.” To the female founders, art should be accessible, affordable and exciting – so they set out to place works mainly from the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century into an online marketplace for those looking to fill their walls too. I asked Grethen for her top tips in sourcing art…and for a few of her favourite spots in the Cotswolds.
TIPS FOR BUDDING COLLECTORS:
Collecting art is such a fun thing to do and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Buy one painting you like and build from there.
Think about groupings that are complimentary. Mix old and new, mix medias. There are no rules.
If you don’t have much wall space don’t panic. Think about other places you can display your art – on a kitchen shelf or simply leaning against a wall.
Go with your heart – if something grabs you, or you can’t get it out of your head, buy it or you will regret it!
Don’t stress over a scuff or a shabby frame – it adds to the charm. It’s been handled, treasured, used – and that’s all part of the appeal.
FAVOURITE SPOTS IN THE COTSWOLDS:
Victoria Inn, Eastleach – This wonderful pub has great food and a real atmosphere. From my cottage in Southrop, it’s an easy walk – by the pretty River Leach, then along a quiet country road, climbing up through Eastleach to an always friendly welcome.
Kelmscott Manor – William Morris’ former home is just a short drive away. Described as a ‘Heaven on Earth’ by Morris, he loved the Manor house and adjoining farm buildings as a work of true craftmanship, totally unspoilt and unaltered, and in harmony with the surrounding countryside.
The PIG-in-the-Cotswolds, Barnsley – Great food, cocktails and a spa, in the setting of a Cotswolds manor with listed gardens. The food at the hotel restaurant is better than the pub. We supplied a lot of the hotel’s vintage art too.
New Wave Brasserie, Lechlade – Remarkably good, award-winning seafood.
Pete and Tom are moving to the city. Well, not entirely moving, instead they’re opening up another sister spot called The Hawthorn. They’re calling it a country pub in Shepherds Bush. West Londoners will be happy to know they can get their hands on pie and mash and Thursday night chicken and chips.
The Masons Arms is now open seven days a week – hip hip hooray for lamb chops and tins of ale all day long.
There’s a new locals lunch deal at The Sherborne Arms in Northleach. £20 for two courses, £25 for three. Win.
Acclaimed chef Sally Abé is officially joining The Bull Charlbury as Head of Food – you can still expect exceptional British pub grub at its best.
This month will see the return of the Country Creatures Chef Series, a series of supper clubs hosted at The Double Red Duke. Kicking off on 30th April will be Richard Foster, Executive Chef of London’s Ibai, the city steak restaurant specialising in French Basque cooking. Make note – Rose Chalalai Singh and Margot Henderson will also make an appearance in the kitchen later this year.
2nd April – Kiftsgate Court Gardens, the rose-filled landscape near Chipping Camden, will open again for the summer season. They’re hosting a pottery-making workshop on the 30th of the month. Get spinning and shaping here.
3rd April – the second Bash Bites book club night at Chloe’s in Charlbury. This time, it’s Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. Oysters and bone marrow will be on the menu.
5th April – fellow local
is celebrating the launch of her latest book, Rough Patch, with a cooking demonstration and signing at Daylesford. One to watch – secure a space here. Also this day, there is a lambing tour at 10am…it really is the best time of year.9th April – The Bull in Charlbury are putting on their Charlbury Chinwag, a chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy good company. Book here.
11th April – it’s been 100 years since the death of painter John Singer Sargent. To mark the milestone, from the 11th of April until July, Broadway Museum and Art Gallery will put on a personal exhibition – a collection of Sargent's most personal works, including portraits of friends and associates, many of which were created during his time in Broadway – titled "John Singer Sargent and his Circle”. Why Broadway? Post his Madame X scandal in Paris, he sought refuge in the English countryside, and it was here that Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose was completed.
18th + 19th April – Wood-fired pros Pit Kitchen are reopening their grills for a big weekend party. Grab tickets while they’re still hot (literally).
Also this weekend (it’s a big one) – Good Gathers (the outdoor feasts at the former Pitt Kitchen site) will open for the season with three days of good food and good times. Check it out here.
20th April - It’s Easter Sunday at all the Pete and Tom pubs (Lamb Inn Shipton-under-Wychwood, The Fox in Broadwell, Bell in Langford etc.). Book in now.
22nd April – It’s Thai night, also back at the pubs above. At £16pp for two courses, it’s a steal for fiery far-out flavours.
24th April – Spring floristry class with Chippy Flower Farm. £90 for two hours packed with tips and tricks for making early spring arrangements from flowers, foliage, and blossom. See more here.
27th April – back at Chloe’s, they’ll be hosting the Charlbury Flea Market, a mix of second-hand and hand-crafted curios. Delicious coffee and treats, from Forge House Bakery, will also be on offer (very good seasonal pastries, Viennoiserie and sourdough bread using regenerative flour from Bruern). More info here.
Cover image by Boz Gagovski.
