Near the English village of Witley, a sprawling, 9,000-acre estate plays host to one of Britain’s most unique structures. Hidden beneath one of the property’s three artificial lakes, lies an ornate underwater smoking room and parlor with an elaborate “ballroom” dome as its focal point. The only indication that something may rest below the surface is an ornate statue of Neptune that stands guard above the hidden structure.
Memories are powerful healers. They help soothe the loss of a loved one and offer a glimmer of joy in the midst of heartache. One young British seamstress has found a sweet way to bring potent memories to grieving people all around the world.
Nestled in the Torridge district of Devon, England, lies one of the most picturesque communities in all of the United Kingdom. Clovelly is a tiny fishing village built into the side of a 400-foot cliff. With soaring views of the Bristol Channel and quaint cobblestone streets, it draws visitors from all over the world – despite its small population of just under 450 residents.
It is easy to dismiss an artist whose predominant medium is felt as childish or just another crafter. Nevertheless, British artist Lucy Sparrow has shown that the soft and fuzzy textile can easily transform into both serious and fun art.
Long before there was a modern trend of minimalistic living, the British Romani, or gypsies knew how to live simply. As a nomadic culture, they traveled only with what they could carry or fit into a cart or wagon.
In the 1930s, London city apartments were decorated with protruding cages that stuck out like air conditioning units. Babies were placed in these baskets as parents enjoyed the idea of actively “airing” their toddlers out to promote health, a fad that emerged in many popular parenting books at the time.
For anyone who thinks one person cannot make a difference, just look at the example of Antonio La Cava. The retired Italian schoolteacher has decided to spend his golden years bringing the joy of reading to his local region in southern Italy.
“The Favourite,” a strangely touching and outrageous period dramedy filmed at Hertfordshire, England, starring Emma Stone, Olivia Colman, and Rachel Weisz, is the latest project of Greek artist Yorgos Lanthimos that will serve as the opening night film during the New York Film Festival (NYFF) on September 28, 2018.
Surviving twenty-first century beauty-spots in the English countryside don’t have to be hidden away, or difficult to reach, to be genuinely appealing and intriguing. There are surprising gems to be enjoyed not far off the beaten track… The Staffordshire Moorlands is just such a jewel; a prime example of a rolling English rural landscape, bursting with charm and history, yet minutes from the city of Stoke and a major highway.
Pottery and ceramics are enjoying a revival in England. It’s early days, and it’s patchy, but there are some gloriously green shoots of renewal, investment, and public support. A visit to the Staffordshire Potteries opens up the history of this important industry and demonstrates why it thoroughly deserves a resurgence. And this year is the ideal time to visit, as they are marking 40 years since the last giant bottle oven was fired…
