Salvaged lamp stand make-over

I recently found an old lamp stand dumped on the side of a road. I rewired and painted it.

As there was no shade, I decided to make one using 1950's style fabric

Before and after

    

 

 

Johnsons Island

Johnsons Island is one of London's hidden secrets! It opens it's doors to the public only twice a year. I visited over the summer and felt as if I'd stepped into a magical world!

Accessed by a footbridge off Catherine Bridge Rd, it is located on the Grand Union Canal in Brentford.

It is home to a small community of talented artists working in an eclectic collection of cosy....

...and creative huts!

This regal "Grey heron" wire drawing by sculptor Dianne Preston flew back home with me....and..

...if there was enough room in my lily pad, this handsome chap would have also come home with me! 

Although I loved all the huts and the different art works, I had a soft spot for Dianne Prestons birds. She actually lives on a narrow boat on the canal, where the birds inspire her work. For a list of all artists and details of future open days, please visit the website 

Attendant Café (Formerly victorian loos!)

This is the most unusual place I have ever had a hot chocolate!
Attendant was built in the late 1800's and for almost 100 years was an underground men's toilet!
Vacant for over 50 years, it was recently lovingly restored to become a café! 



The entrance/exit is still via the original staircase at 27 Foley street, Central London

One of the original cubicle doors has been left for customers to "graffiti"!

The old Attendant’s office has been turned into a little kitchen

The original porcelain urinals remain surrounded by the original Victorian floor tiles.

...the rich hot chocolate was delicious...
but ironically the only facility Attendant seemed to be lacking was a customer toilet!

 

Endless Stair - London Design Festival 2013

This years London Design Festivals Landmark project is "Endless Stair" in front of Tate Modern. 

Translating Eschers 2D drawing into a 3D structure of 15 interlocking staircases proved challenging for the team of architects, engineers and designers headed by Alex de Rijke. For more details watch this clip

 

In order to be able to easily transport the installation and to make it weather proof, tulipwood, rather than traditional soft wood was used.



I visited on a rainy day and the effect of the sheet of raindrops gave the impression that the stairs had been highly polished which further showed off and highlighted the beautiful wood blocking and detail! 

Jason Hackenworth: "Dance of the honey bees" balloon sculpture

New York artist, Jason Hackenworth, known for his organic and biological forms made from latex balloons, unveiled his latest sculptures last week at the Manchester "Dig the city festival 2013".

Suspended over Exchange Street, near Harvey Nicholls and Selfridges, I just love the bright colours, texture and shape of these beautiful "Honey bees!"

 

 

 

 

"Stayin' Alive!" Chris Bracey and Christian Furr seductive neon exhibition!

Stayin' Alive!

On until the end of August 2013. First floor bar, 45 Park Lane Hotel, London

Kitsch, Happy, Over flowing with attitude, Gorgeous!

Good to be here - A nod to Keith Richards - Laser cut black metal, Swarovski crystal words, Murano crystal neon glass

 

Essex Girls - Wayne Hemingway drinks coasters,  Murano crystal neon glass, black metal background 

All you need is love! A colour changing homage to The Beatles

 

American Pie!

Enjoy a cocktail and be seduced by beautiful artworks! 

Soho Flea Market 2013

This was the second annual Soho Flea Market, held on Dean Street, London. A delightful collection of about 30 stalls selling crafts, upcycled paraphernalia, jewellery, stationery, ceramics (Melody Rose) and fashion. Home made treats served by Meringue Girls and their pink flamingos, eco friendly lampshades (The Baobab Tree), lush chairs (Velvet Eccentrics) and sassy shoes (Valentini Argyropoulou) 

One of my favourite stalls selling quirky china - Jimbobart!

Passionate plates and ceramics! by Melody Rose

Eco-friendly home furnishings by The Baobab Tree - really liked these simple and pretty shades!

The market supported the work of Kids Company charity. For more details about future events please see www. Cityshowcase.co.uk
 

   

"Gods Own Junkyard"; a slice of neon salvage heaven!

I've always found coloured neon very seductive! Inspired by artists such as Tracey Emin and Chris Bracey, I've harboured a desire to have a light installation in my lily pad!

Hidden behind an old door in Walthamstow, in what was once a used car sales room, is the most magical grotto, stacked to the rafters with neon artworks, created by Chris Bracey; Gods Own Junkyard!

The pieces have either been made from old objects, are salvaged signs or vintage neons and props rescued from films and photo shoots that Chris has created during his career as a light artist. 

  

Salvaged fairground & circus lighting.

Outside is the "Yard", piled high with more old movie and advertising props...

..including giant champagne bottles used in an Agent Provocateur campaign...

"Byzantium" film neon sign has just been returned to the yard after the UK premiere

Not the usual barmaid....

More architectural signage - repaired and resurrected

Chris Bracey has been making signs for 37 years and was taught by his father how to make them. They started their careers supplying most of the signage to Soho sex shops!

I love the neon on salvaged wood and the huge retro bulbs.

A slice of salvage heaven! Now time for me to plan what neon I'd like .... 

Gods Own Junkyard is open on Fridays and Saturdays 10.30-16.00.
96 Vallentins Road, Walthamstow, London E17