New England Shutter Company Blog

Wood & Faulk

Vicky Thompson — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:38:31 +0000

“Documents of experiments, style and craft.”

The Wood & Faulk website champions the use of the finest materials for handcrafted product design. The latest project, for example, explains how to make your own customised leather watch strap, with full instructions on Design Sponge. The website is illustrated with delightful photography.

Wood&Faulk

Collect at the Saatchi Gallery

Vicky Thompson — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:55:25 +0000

If you are in London today I can highly recommend a visit to Collect at the Saatchi gallery There is a wealth of beautifully crafted objects on display including jewellery, ceramics, furniture and art. Galleries from the UK and abroad have been selected by the Crafts Council. The jewellery from the Netherlands particularly stood out for it’s creative, contemporary and energetic designs. Project Space on the third floor slightly lacked the buzz of the lower galleries due to it’s sparse layout, however the series of canvas embroideries by Louise Gardiner had a lively, zesty colour palette. The show finishes today, May 14th 2012.

Louise Gardiner embroidery

Louise Gardiner at Collect

Louise Gardiner tumbleweed embroideries

The Lionheart project

Vicky Thompson — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:45:26 +0000

The Lionheart project is an amazing undertaking in crochet! Three giant lions have been hand crocheted by artist Shauna Richardson for the East Midlands ‘Artists taking the lead’ project. Limiting herself to six hours a day of crocheting, it has taken Richardson two years to complete the three sculptures. These magnificent sculptures are touring the UK in a specially commissioned glass exhibition lorry, currently on display in Chatsworth House, Derbyshire.

The Lionheart project

Hand crochet over a polystyrene and steel frame

The Boat Project

Vicky Thompson — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:18:27 +0000

We are fascinated by this project. A 30ft seafaring yacht has been built in Emsworth whose hull contains 1000’s of wooden objects. In 2011 the public donated wooden items that held a special significance to be included in the boat, which has ultimately become a floating vessel of memories. Created by a performing arts company called Lone Twin, the Boat Project is one of 12 Artist taking the lead projects, (funded by the Arts Council for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.)
The boat will be launched on bank holiday Monday 7th May 2012, for more information view the website: www.theboatproject.com

The Boat Project, to launch on May 7th 2012

Wooden surface detail

Limed Oak Shutters at Roch Castle, Wales

Vicky Thompson — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:28:26 +0000

The New England Shutter Company recently fitted these beautiful limed oak shutters throughout Roch Castle in Wales. The restored Norman Castle overlooks the Irish Sea, creating the ultimate wedding venue or holiday location. The interior has been skillfully fitted out to the highest quality creating a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere.

Roch Castle, WalesRoch Castle Views

Roch Castle Views

Jeanne d’Arc Living Blog

Vicky Thompson — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:41:17 +0000

Here’s a lovely blog to browse over the weekend… Jeanne d’Arc Living features beautiful photographs of inspiring interior ideas, often depicted in a muted colour palette with maximum texture. It’s also available as a magazine.

Jeanne d'Arc Living blog and magazine

Forthcoming exhibition at the Design Museum

Vicky Thompson — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:20:37 +0000

The Design Museum is celebrating the 20 year career of Christian Louboutin, legendary French shoe designer. There will be insights into the creative design and manufacturing process. All manor of footwear will be on display including the iconic spike heels, studded pumps and lace up boots.
The exhibition runs from 1st May – 9th July 2012

Christian Louboutin at the Design Museum

Underground toilets converted to home!

Vicky Thompson — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:50:38 +0000

The Crystal Palace Underground toilets have been converted into a stylish one bedroom dwelling. Laura Jane Clarke has blogged the process of this fascinating project, which completed in March 2012. Read more about it here…

Crystal Palace Underground toilets converted to a modern home

Garden Inspiration in Surrey

Vicky Thompson — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:05:30 +0000

The National Garden Scheme, ngs, encourages people to open their gardens to raise money for charity. I visited Vann, near Godalming in Surrey last weekend and was enthralled by the naturalistic planting. The abundant Fritillaria meleagris and Anenome nemorosa looked beautiful. The grade 2 listed garden features a water garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll in 1911 which is simply stunning. For more information and opening times visit the Vann website.

Fritillaria meadow

White Anemone nemorosa

Vann house and Garden, near Godalming Surrey

Butterfly windows at the Tate

Vicky Thompson — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:14:00 +0000

The Tate Modern is currently showing the first major UK retrospective of the artwork of Damien Hurst.

Our favourite pieces are the large butterfly wing encrusted surfaces. Inspired by gothic stained glass windows, the artworks use thousands of actual butterfly wings arranged in intricate patterns. The light reflects in a beautiful glow and has a similar aura to a cathedral window. It is unnerving to see so many trapped butterfly wings but the overall effect is stunning; at least it has a beauty to compliment the obligatory shocking element.

It is advisable to book in advance, show runs until 9th September 2012.

Damien Hirst Butterflies