Issue 2 of the newspaper for Victoria that celebrates the people,
places and spaces breathing new life into this vibrant neighbourhood
Victoria Jimmy Choo A-Z of gifts TheatrelandInside the Victoria Street
headquarters of one of the UK’s most respected fashion labels
(despite being a mere 16 years old)
The best clothes, accessories, fragrances, homewares, gadgets
and foodie treats – plus that winning present for a special him or her
Lady Lucy French on the St James Theatre – the first to open in
central London for 30 years – plus all the best seasonal performances
The Shopping Issue / December 2012
If the shoe fits…
New ideas, brilliantly and quickly realised, creating a stylish buzz…
no wonder iconic footwear company Jimmy Choo decided to move
its headquarters to 123 Victoria Streetw o r d s E m m a O ’ K E l ly
The first step was calling in the hawk man. He came with his birds and chased away the pigeons that had colonised the square in front of Westminster Cathedral. Then came new shops under a floating Corian walkway on Victoria Street, and finally, this autumn, number 123, an iconic Seventies building, swished open its doors, announcing Jimmy Choo had moved in.
The shoe empire’s arrival follows in the footsteps of Tom Ford, Burberry and LVMH, all of whom have established HQs in the neighbourhood recently, and it’s further proof that Victoria is becoming London’s fashion business hub. For Pierre Denis, Jimmy Choo’s CEO, the move was a no-brainer. ‘With the new re-development of Victoria, 123 was the logical choice for an office relocation, in terms of square footage and positioning,’ he says. ‘We are all looking forward to becoming a part of Victoria’s new diverse community.’ Like others, he is ‘proud’ to be supporting Land Securities’ 10-year plan to transform the area.
The £150m refurbishment of 123 Victoria Street from grimy concrete box into a 227,000 sq ft symbol of modernity marks the first of many architectural transformations that will improve the area’s skyline dramatically. Architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson revamped the core of the building and Morey Smith masterminded the sleek reception areas
and public spaces. ‘Our brief was to lift the aspirations of the building and widen its appeal to everyone from bankers to media companies,’ says practice architect Nicola Osborn. Glass elevators, a triple-height atrium and regular sightlines through from one side of the building to the other are headline features.
Osborn adds: ‘The main reception was depressing and dark, and – unbelievably – didn’t even open on to the cathedral square.’ With its boxy glass façade, concrete pilotis and impressive length (it is one of London’s longest buildings), it now stands as a complementary yet futuristic neighbour to the decorative 19th century cathedral next door.
Above r ight An image from Jimmy Choo’s
A/ W12 campaign Opposite left The
fashion company’s new base: 123 Victor ia Street
v i c t o r i aWelcome to the victoria newspaper, your regular update on the transformation of Victoria. a vibrant district is emerging that’s
fast becoming one of london’s most desirable to live and work in. The victoria will keep you informed of the progress of Victoria’s exciting new buildings, as well as events in the area. It will also introduce you to some of the people who live and work here; point
you to hidden gems dotted around the local streets; and let you in on some of Victoria’s secret history. The victoria newspaper is brought to you by land Securities, the largest commercial property company in the UK. as part of our long-term commitment to
Victoria, we are working closely with Westminster City Council helping local charities, community and employment initiatives.
To find out more visit www.createvictoria.com
For Jimmy Choo, the timing was perfect. Since 2007, its 200 staff had been working from a nondescript office in Kensington. For five years, growth had been so rapid that it could hardly keep up with itself. Plus, it had evolved organically rather than following a typical corporate trajectory.
In 1996, couture shoemaker Jimmy Choo, who was making bespoke footwear for a small, jet-set group of royals and celebrities from a humble studio in the East End, founded the Jimmy Choo brand. With his niece Sandra Choi overseeing creative direction, the brand evolved into a global phenomenon. Choo himself quit in 2001, but the brand
th
e s
ho
pp
ing
iss
ue
reached new heights, and created the notion that every woman covets a pair of towering five-inch heels. Soon, Jimmy Choos were spotted on catwalks and red carpets everywhere.
Last year, Swiss luxury group Labelux bought Jimmy Choo for £500 million.Simon Holloway, who had worked for the likes of Narciso Rodriguez and Michael Kors, joined Sandra Choi as joint Creative Director. Under the new regime, it has been going from strength to strength. There are now more than 150 Jimmy Choo stores in 32 countries and, this year, it posted a 19.2 per cent leap in profits to £26.9m and a jump in turnover to 34 per cent.
Its ‘stylemaker’ website choo247.com, in which dedicated Choo wearers post pictures of themselves from around the world and are rated by other visitors, is their first foray into social media, and next May, a store dedicated to men’s shoes will open in London’s Mayfair. The move into futuristic new offices in the beating heart of Victoria is a potent symbol of its new direction.
Staff occupy the top six floors of 123 and have views across central London to the east and immediately over Phillips de Pury auction house to the west. Being right next door to one of London’s major art establishments was a huge draw. In recent years, Jimmy Choo has collaborated with many contemporary artists, from Richard Phillips to Marilyn Minter.
Last year, contemporary artist Nan Goldin photographed the ad campaign for Icons, a limited collection of classic heels inspired by iconic styles from the
Jimmy Choo archive, but the current collaboration with US pop artist Rob Pruitt is its largest yet. Launched in November, Pruitt’s capsule collection comprises 19 designs of shoes, bags and accessories, adorned with his signature motifs: pink pandas, glittery leopard and zebra prints and brightly-coloured lace. This is bound to appeal to the newly booming markets in the Middle East, China and Russia, which the shoe empire is openly targeting. The highlight of Pruitt’s collection is a limited edition pair of angel and devil panda minaudières, featuring more than 11,000 hand-applied crystals, each numbered and signed by the artist.
It’s not only 123’s new residents who are bringing a dash of glamour to the area. In the not-too-distant future, Victoria’s streets will be lined with bistro dining and shops to match. ‘We aim to get away from the usual high street fare; the same old, same old,’ says David Atcherley-Symes, Retail Leasing Director at Land Securities. ‘But it doesn’t happen overnight. Many of the people who work in the area are London-savvy folks who expect more than a regular high street.’
Anchors such as M&S and House of Fraser will be complemented by London’s latest aspirational fashion and food brands. Atcherley-Symes is also cutting back on the mobile phone shops (too many), replacing the predictable coffee chains with the next generation of independents and working with Westminster Council to breathe new life into Victoria’s markets.
A rT i n V i C T o r i A
c o N r a d s H awc ro s sW O r d S e m m a o ’ k e l ly
Some passers-by think they are
rotating snowflakes, to others they
look l ike tiny flowers, but for their
creator Conrad Shawcross, the three
‘Canopy’ sculptures in the reception
areas of 123 Victoria Street are
simply minimal abstract patterns,
inspired by the rose windows in
Westminster Cathedral next door.
‘ I have always been interested in
the way l ight passes through
stained glass, and how it divides
when it hits rose windows,’ says
Shawcross, ‘so the cathedral was an
obvious starting point.’ It was built
between 1895 and 1903 in a
Byzantine style and, despite being
the largest Catholic church in
England and Wales, is somewhat
forgotten, overshadowed by
neighbouring Westminster abbey.
Thirty-five-year-old Shawcross
is known for making mysterious
machines and sculptures inspired by
geometry, philosophy and physics.
They often util ise unusual or
hi-tech materials, but also have
a playful element. as one of the
leaders of the artistic generation
after Emin and Hirst, his works have
appeared in the Saatchi Gallery,
Turner Contemporary in margate and
art exhibitions across the world.
It was his ‘Slow arc in a Cube’,
a piece on show in the Victoria miro
gallery in 2008, which led to the
commission at 123. The work
featured a naked bulb rotating in
a wire cage that cast spidery
shadows on the walls. ‘ I didn’t
approach anyone else. Conrad was
the obvious choice,’ says Patrick
Burrows at art Source, which
commissions many of land
Securities’ artworks, among them
the giant ‘Nail ’ by Gavin Turk
outside One New Change in the City.
Shawcross is glad passers-by are
stil l intrigued by his ‘Canopy’
sculptures. ‘People find them hard
to define, which is good. I was
trying to recreate the dappled l ight
that you get when you l ie under
trees on a summer’s day. But they
also feel almost celestial, l ike a
supernova, or a solar system, or
a huge milky Way.’
w w w.conradshawcross.com
Determined not to panic-buy on 24th December this year? Cosmopolitan’s SophIe GoddArd makes it easy by choosing
her ultimate gifts for Christmas
c h r i s t m A s s h O p p i n gt H e b e s t t H i N g s
eve lom luxury collectioN gift pack
£85 at Space NK
This pampering pack from Eve lom includes the cult cleanser (one of the best eye make-up
removers there is), muslin cloth, TlC radiance cream and
a rescue mask (perfect for post-partying fatigue).
steve maddeN ‘studlyy’ pumps
£75 at House of Fraser
Every Christmas needs a splash of sparkle and they
won’t come any more fabulous than these silver-studded
pumps by US shoe designer Steve madden. Perfect for the
magpie in your life.
lulu guiNNess ‘lips’ sHoulder bag
£375 at House of Fraser
The classic lulu Guinness ‘lips’ bag has had a makeover
and, boy, do we want a piece of the action. Perfect
paired with a slick of lipstick (naturally!) this is the bag to
make her knees wobble.
daisy kNigHts studded riNg
£252 at Goldsmiths
daisy Knights is the jeweller of the moment, with stars including alexa Chung and
rihanna spotted rocking her trinkets. This statement
gold-plated ring is my favourite bit of bling.
Liberty’s menswear buyer Ben Andrew reveals his Christmas gift shortlist, ideal for those difficult-to-buy-for
men in your life
barbour bag£165 at House of Fraser
Barbour is best known for its iconic jackets, but the
company also produces great accessories. This striped wool
satchel is perfect for the office and the weekend.
ski tuke iii beaNie£24 from The North Face
Fashion meets functionality with this beanie from The North Face. The technical
fabric keeps the head warm; the snowflake print keeps the
wearer looking good.
aNdersoN brogue£200 at Jones the Bootmaker
For any discerning man, shoes are one of the most important aspects of the wardrobe - you can’t go wrong with a wing-tip
brogue, and particularly this great interpretation.
Nike elemeNt sHield top£74 at Runners Needs
Neon is big trend in sportswear and this Nike zip-
through jacket will ensure high visibility and suitable warmth
when running off those Christmas indulgencies.
th
e s
ho
pp
ing
iss
ue accessorize
96 Victoria Streetlondon SW1E 6SH
boots5 Cathedral Walklondon SW1E 5JH
browNs2 Cardinal Walklondon SW1E 5aG
clariNs studio101 Victoria Streetlondon SW1E 6QX
clarks149 - 151 Victoria Streetlondon SW1E 5NH
cyclesurgery26 Palace Street london SW1E 5Jd
edward goodyear6 Cathedral Walk london SW1E 5JH
goldsmitHs90 Victoria Street london SW1E 5Jl
Hawes & curtis94 Victoria Street london SW1E 5Jl
Hobbs3 Cathedral Walk london SW1E 5JH
House of fraser101 Victoria Streetlondon SW1E 6QX
JoNes tHe bootmaker84 Victoria Street london SW1E 5Jl
st James tHeatre brasserie 12 Palace Streetlondon SW1E 5Ja
l’occitaNe2 Cathedral Walk london SW1E 5JH
marks & speNcer10 Cardinal Walklondon SW1E 5JE
moltoN browN92 Victoria Street london SW1E 5Jl
moNsooN88 Victoria Street london SW1E 5JE
pHillips de puryHowick Placelondon SW1P 1BB
ruNNers Need24 Palace Street london SW1E 5Jd
space Nk4 Cathedral Walklondon SW1E 5Jd
specsavers1 Cathedral Walklondon SW1E 5JH
tHe NortH face28 Palace Street london SW1E 5Jd
tHe pHoeNix14 Palace Streetlondon SW1E 5Ja
topsHop86 Victoria Streetlondon SW1E 5Jl
wagamamaCardinal Place london SW1E 5JE
zara82 Victoria Streetlondon SW1E 5Jl
stayiNg: ViCToriA’S neW CrASh pAd
With great shops, restaurants and
theatres, Victoria is fast becoming
a destination you won’t want to
leave. The good news is you won’t
have to, as Intercontinental launch
a brand new luxury hotel in the
heart of St James’. minutes from
Victoria Street and within sight of
Westminster abbey, this wil l be the
first new hotel from the group in 36
years. and it’s certainly been worth
the wait, with a design that reflects
its location at the heart of British
government, with many nods
towards political history with
specially commissioned artwork.
The bustling lobby is sure to be
a popular place for meetings or a
leisurely afternoon tea, with the
relaxed Emmeline’s lounge the perfect
spot for a cocktail. But, for many, the
hotel’s crowning glory wil l be the
Blue Boar Smokehouse, a restaurant
and bar that takes inspiration from
the great american pit masters, but
delivers dishes with a distinctly
British twist. Head Chef Jon Ingram
uses his secret recipe glazes and
rubs on the best cuts of meat and
freshest fish, with signature dishes
including treacle-marinated 12-hour
roasted beef brisket and honey-
glazed rare-breed pork belly –
served with Coleman’s English
mustard, of course.
With 256 guest rooms and 44
suites over six floors, the hotel is
wonderfully spacious and can cater
for a quick post-theatre stopover,
or a luxurious long break from
which you can enjoy everything that
Victoria has to offer.
ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental
The new intercontinental in Victor ia
M A p
s H o p p i N g & d i N i N g i N v i c t o r i a
V i C T o r i A i S e M e r g i n g A S o n e o f T h e C A p i TA l’ S M o S T V i b r A n T A n d S T y l i S h d e S T i n AT i o n S , W i T h A n e V e r - e x pA n d i n g r A n g e o f
r e TA i l e r S A n d e AT e r i e S i n A n d A r o u n d C A r d i n A l p l A C e
tH
e s
Ho
pp
iNg
iss
ue
accessories a versatile gift choice, whether it’s classic
cuffl inks at Hawes & Curtis, pretty purses at
accessorize or sophisticated scarves at Hobbs.
bicycleGive a helping hand to someone determined to
get fit with a bicycle from CycleSurgery.
casHmereNothing says Christmas quite l ike cashmere, and
marks & Spencer has a range of quality pieces at
reasonable prices for hard-to-buy-for mums.
diamoNdsIf you’re looking to impress someone special,
head to Goldsmiths for sparklers to smile about.
eyewearStylish frames can transform your look and
Specsavers has a range of designer brands.
flowers Flowers never fail and Edward Goodyear will design
a bouquet guaranteed to deliver brownie points.
gloves Good-quality gloves make great gifts. Find classics
at marks & Spencer or quirkier styles at Topshop.
Heels New shoes never disappoint. Try Jones the
Bootmaker for the perfect pair for New year parties.
ice-cream makeran unusual gift for cookery lovers that is bound
to delight. Pick one up at House of Fraser and
look forward to sampling home-made flavours.
JewelleryBuying jewellery for Christmas is an affordable
option with high-street stores such as Topshop,
accessorize and Zara all stocking fun designs.
kitOutdoorsy types wil l love a gift from The North
Face, where you’l l f ind all you need for skiing,
snowboarding, hiking and mountain-climbing.
liNgeriea chic and sexy gift. marks & Spencer has styles
in all sizes to suit the most discerning tastes.
military coat a key trend for winter, Hobbs’ military coats
come in a range of styles and colours.
s h O p p i n g A - z
v i c t o r i a h A s c h r i s t m A s s h O p p i n g c O v e r e d
W O r d S t a m s i N c r i m m e N s
clockwise from top left: Aztec Gem clutch, Accessor ize; Felton Tr iCl imate
jacket , The Nor th Face; tr inket box, Monsoon; t ies, Hawes & Cur tis; Kyl ie Minogue Iona throw,
House of Fraser; headlamp, Runners Need; Myrrh Muske candela , Molton Brown; men’s leather
g loves, Marks & Spencer; black stone earr ings, Zara; designer frames, Specsavers; mil itar y coat , Hobbs; pure cashmere cat-pr int jumper, Marks & Spencer
Neck tieSometimes the oldest ideas are the best.
a classic tie from Hawes & Curtis wil l be
appreciated by stylish professionals.
origiNal artmore than just a gift, buying contemporary art
can be a clever investment. look to Phil l ips de
Pury & Company for exclusive collections.
perfume a scent makes a romantic and thoughtful gift.
Try Boots for much-loved perfumes or Space NK
and molton Brown for something more unusual.
quilted tHrow House of Fraser has throws by Kylie minogue and
Kirstie allsop, ideal for cuddling up in the cold.
ruNNiNg gadgeta runners Need gift will go the distance, whether
it’s for a serious sprinter or a just-for-fun jogger.
sceNted caNdleSplash out on a rose candle from l’Occitane or
the festive myrrh muske candela by molton Brown.
triNket box Tiny trinket boxes wil l delight lovers of eclectic
interiors – monsoon has some little beauties.
umbrella a prettily patterned umbrella from accessorize is
ideal for friends who love stylish rain protection.
varNisH It’s hard to go wrong with a gift of nail varnish.
Space NK has gorgeous colours to choose from.
watcHGoldsmiths has a selection of digital and
traditional timepieces to suit all styles, from
vintage elegance to cutting-edge modernity.
xmas decoratioNsa gorgeous monsoon tree decoration is perfect
for those challenging Secret Santa presents.
ysl gift setSpoil someone special. Give an indulgent treat
with an yves Saint laurent gift set from Boots.
zara beltZara’s peplum belt paired with a pencil skirt
and plain tee gives an instant update to any
fashion follower’s wardrobe.
th
e s
ho
pp
ing
iss
ue
BY GREG LYNN
ATELIER SWAROVSKI PRESENTS CUTTING-EDGE ACCESSORIES CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE DESIGN FROM THE WORLD OF FASHION, JEWELRY AND ARCHITECTURE
BUY ONLINE AT ATELIERSWAROVSKI.COM +44 (0)20 7255 8400
Atelier_Victoris_ADS.indd 1 09/11/2012 14:28
Con
ceiv
ed b
y arc
hite
cts P
elli
Cla
rke P
elli,
this
mul
ti-fa
cete
d, 11
-sto
rey m
oder
nist
bui
ldin
g on
Vict
oria
Str
eet w
ill p
rovi
de el
egan
t offi
ce sp
ace,
bran
d-ne
w sh
ops
at st
reet
leve
l and
invi
ting o
utdo
or p
ublic
spac
es. T
he d
evel
opm
ent i
s a sp
ecta
cula
r new
addi
tion
to V
icto
ria’s
tran
sfor
min
g sky
scap
e.62
bg.co
m
Th
e b
ig p
iCT
ur
e
62
bu
ck
iNg
Ha
m g
at
eP
HO
TO
Gr
aP
Hy
gu
y s
te
pH
eN
s
th
e s
ho
pp
ing
iss
ue
where do you work?I work at 62 Buckingham Gate. I’m a Ganger Man, which means I look after all the labour on site and deal with waste management.
what do you like about Victoria?The area is being transformed into a new, modern Victoria; the buildings being constructed are really improving the environment.
do you think it has changed much? Since I started working on the project nearly two years ago, I’ve witnessed a lot of changes going on around me, such as the Howick Place development and 123 Victoria Street. I’ve been watching 62 Buckingham Gate since it was just a hole in the ground – once it is complete I’m sure it will be great for the area. It should give Victoria a few more stars!
what is it like to work in the area?It’s really good to work round here, Victoria is nice and local for me and it’s easy to get to – if the train is on time.
Can you recommend any hidden gems in Victoria? There are some brilliant cafés in the area – the Regency is great for a quick
and simple lunch. I’d recommend The Albert pub for after-work drinks.
how did you get involved in 62 Buckingham Gate?The Jobcentre suggested a course at Lambeth College, as a way of getting into construction. Then a work placement with Alandale led to a two-week trial with building and engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine, where the project manager offered me a permanent job. I’ve been working for them ever since.
what role has the Land Securities employment Scheme played in your career?It has worked really well for me. During my first year as a labourer at 62 Buckingham Gate, the scheme helped me earn my NVQ Level 1 in Logistics. Then I was promoted to Ganger Man and am now working on my Level 2. I learn a lot from the subcontractors on site about the different trades and how everything runs. I was also nominated for an employment award and made the final shortlist – I didn’t win but it was great to make the final cut. I’d like to thank Sir Robert McAlpine and Land Securities for keeping me on and giving me the chance to improve my prospects.
where do you live?I live on Warwick Square. It was my grandfather’s place and has been in our family for decades. In fact, my family has been in and around this area for about 30 years.
what do you like about Victoria?I love the location, being so central. You’re right in the middle of London yet it has a village feel; there’s a real sense of community. It’s really bustling but still local, with lots of independent shops. There’s the famous Rippon Cheese Stores and Chocodeli, an amazing chocolate shop, and so many great places to eat. I think my neighbourhood is the best-kept secret in London. I don’t want anyone else to know about it!
do you think it has changed much?Victoria has definitely changed. It’s a lot smarter and there’s more art and culture in the area, which there wasn’t before. All the good things haven’t changed; away from Victoria Street you’ve still got lovely shops. It was just a station before, but now it’s more of a destination.
what is it like to live in the area? It’s really family-orientated, what with all the residential squares; it’s quietly
chic, but not overtly trendy. Because of the transport links, it’s a very easy place to live. There’s also the river close by and you can walk across the bridge to Battersea Park. You’re slap bang at the centre of everything, yet you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of it.
where would you recommend to first-time visitors? I would definitely tell them to visit Winston Churchill’s house on Eccleston Square, just to see where he lived. There are so many blue plaques round here commemorating a real mix of people, from politicians to artists. I’d tell them to go to the farmers’ market on Orange Square at the weekend.
Can you recommend any hidden gems in Victoria?You’re spoilt for choice in terms of restaurants. On Wilton Road alone there are two Lebanese (Kazan is incredible), a Mexican, an amazing Indian and a Thai, while on Churton Street there’s Grumbles – completely delicious. Pimlico Fresh and Uno are fantastic for brunches. For the most beautiful vintage designer clothing, such as Chanel jackets, there’s the brilliant charity shop FARA, on Tachbrook Street.
work / LifeI N T E r V I E W S r o s i e s t e e r P H O T O G r a P H y J o s s m c k i N l e y
A c t r e s sg a n g e r M a n
l I V I N G I N V I C T O r I aW O r K I N G I N V I C T O r I a
d A i s y L e w i sw i L L i A m J O r d A n
th
e s
ho
pp
ing
iss
ue
ophelia
In 1851, before he had completed ‘Ophelia’, Sir John Everett Millais sold the painting to Henry Farrer for 300 guineas. Now one of the most famous and popular pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world, it is said to be worth around £30m.
Born in Southampton in 1829, Millais was barely into his twenties when he painted ‘Ophelia’. But then he was precociously talented: he joined the Royal Academy of Arts at 11 and remains their youngest-ever student. He first exhibited there aged 16 and won his first RA gold medal the following year.
In 1848, along with Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Holman Hunt, Millais was a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. They radically rejected Renaissance artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo and found inspiration in literature and nature. Millais was taken by the plight of Ophelia, who falls into the stream and
drowns in Shakespeare’s Hamlet; in the play, her death is only alluded to by Queen Gertrude, allowing the artist to create his own visual interpretation of a women broken by love.
Millais painted her floating body in a stream (recently revealed to be the Hogsmill River at Old Malden in Surrey) surrounded by dozens of different plants and flowers painted with painstaking accuracy. In Hamlet, the Queen, who informs Laertes that his sister Ophelia has drowned, describes the setting thus: ‘There is a willow grows aslant the brook… crowflowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples/That liberal shepherds give a grosser name.’ The willow, a traditional symbol of forsaken love, reaches out over Ophelia’s dead body in Millais’ painting, as if nature is protecting her in death.
Art historians have examined the significance of flower symbolism in ‘Ophelia’, questioning how much
inspiration Millais took from Hamlet itself (the field rose on the bank may refer to Laertes calling her ‘rose of May’) and how much he has embellished (the poppy is a symbol of death not mentioned by Shakespeare). The attention to detail is astonishing, the colours lush, the pain in Ophelia’s floating body apparent. It remains a potent image of tragic love.
Millais’ iconic painting was executed in two parts. He painted the landscape out by the Hogsmill River and then, back in London, 19-year-old Elizabeth Siddall posed for the figure of Ophelia lying in a bath filled with water. Siddall, who would become Rossetti’s wife, was a typical Pre-Raphaelite beauty with unruly, thick, reddish hair and sensual lips. When Siddall caught a chill from excessive hours in the tub and the model’s father threatened to sue Millais, the artist agreed to pay her doctor’s bills. After all, he had sold his painting for 300 guineas.
lady lucy freNcH WriTeS for The ViCToriA neWSpAper
‘Well , december is here and the St
James Theatre is three months old!
Creating a brand-new theatre in the
heart of Victoria has been an
extraordinary, exhilarating
experience. The overwhelming thing
I have discovered about SW1 is the
amount of change the locality is
undergoing – buildings are going up,
people are moving in, retail is
booming, things are happening and
it feels l ike the place to be.
The creation of the St James
Theatre has, I hope, added to the
frenzy of activity and provided a
cultural hub, a gem in the emerging,
glittering display.
Now, if you are thinking, “What’s
the big deal – just another theatre”,
I urge you to think again. The first
newly built theatre complex in the
heart of central london for 30 years
is a 21st-century dream. In the main
house, Cinderella: a Fairytale opens
on 12 december (until 26 January).
It’s most unlike the average
pantomime – think pink dr martens
boot rather than glass slipper! The
classic play Our Country’s Good
follows in a 25th-anniversary
revival. did you see it first time
round? I was just a wee thing then,
of course. I cannot wait to see it…
So what else? a 100-seat studio
where Thursday offers comedy,
Friday, jazz, and Saturday, cabaret.
and all this fuelled by dinner in the
excellent restaurant, or tapas and
drinks in the St James Bar. Get
ready to be fed, watered and
entertained…’
L ady Lucy French is director of
development at the st James theatre;
stjamestheatre.co.uk
The theatre entrance on palace Street
tAt e b r i tA i n A r t i c O n s , n O . 2
Sir John Everett Millais (completed between 1851-1852)
W O r d S a m y r a p H a e l
th
e s
ho
pp
ing
iss
ue
marissa arrowsOffice Worker
vas kalawidasDesigner
alisoN wHeleCopywriter
Victoria is a hub of creative talent, with style to match. We hit the streets to scout the area’s best dressed locals
P H O T O G r a P H y p H i l l t ay l o r
Street style
beN wykesDesigner
eveNts iN victoria: deCeMber
a cHristmas celebratioN Westminster Cathedral19–20 DecemberTickets sel l out fast for this annual
event featur ing the Westminster
Cathedral Choir and Orchestra ,
conducted by mart in Baker.
westminstercathedral .org.uk
last exit
Plus One Gallery5 December to 5 Januaryandrew Holmes exhibits his
hyperreal ist penci l drawings in the
last show of the year at this Pimlico
road contemporary-art gal lery.
plusonegal lery.com
a cHristmas carol
St James Theatre11–16 DecemberClive Francis stars as Ebenezer
Scrooge in this remarkable
one-man production celebrat ing
the bicentenary of Charles dickens.
st jamestheatre.co.uk
Jack frost’s cHristmas adveNture
St John’s Smith Square 27 December – 6 JanuaryThis histor ic venue in Victor ia has
commissioned a brand new musical
that is guaranteed to get the whole
family in the fest ive spir it .
s jss .org.uk
savvy sHoppiNgShopping and social is ing in Victor ia
just got even easier, with the launch
of the Victoria Privilege card, which
gives users exclusive offers on dining,
shopping and leisure activities in the
area. Go online to see the latest offers
from Hotel Chocolat, The Perfume Shop,
House of Fraser and many more.
victor iapr ivi legecard.co.uk
A r c h i v e
Rob Shepherd’s links with Victoria go back a long way. As a boy, he used to play in St George’s Square, where his uncle lived, never imagining that one day he would start his own business just around the corner.
It was evening classes that gave him the bookbinding bug, and Shepherd followed his course with a career as a restorer, eventually – in 1988 – opening his own bindery on Rochester Row. Ten years later, he realised a dream by taking over two prestigious binderies – Sangorski & Sutcliffe and Zaehnsdorf: the most important hand-bookbinders of the 19th and 20th centuries. Sangorski & Sutcliffe alone came with an archive of 15,000 items.
In the years since, Shepherd has done all he can to revive the art of bookbinding, working hard to maintain the exceptionally high standards set by these companies. His replica of The Great Omar – a bejewelled biography of Persian poet Omar Khyyam that took Sangorski & Sutcliffe two years to finish, only for it to sink on the Titanic – sold at Sotheby’s for a five-figure sum.
That bookbinding is burgeoning comes as something of a surprise in this world of e-readers and tablets. ‘I think it’s a reaction to the digital age,’ says Shepherd, who also runs training workshops in the art. ‘I find people are more interested than ever in fine papers, books and centuries-old craft. They keep us busy at Rochester Row, dropping in with a repair or for a bespoke design.’
Indeed, behind the scenes, there’s a team of master craftsmen and women, using techniques that have changed little in centuries.
‘We make everything ourselves with materials imported from all over the world,’ Shepherd explains. ‘The best goatskin, for example, is from northern Nigeria – it’s the Rolls-Royce of leather – while sumac bark is the most environmentally sound tanning agent.’ The craftsmanship is 100-per-cent British, though, and that chimes well
Shepherds Bookbinders & Paper Merchants brings the finer things of life to Victoria, with a traditional bindery
and now a brand-new paper emporium
Cover story
W O r d S c a t e l a N g m u i r
clockwise from top: the bookbinding team with rob Shepherd (back row, in shir t and t ie) at rochester row; the gold tool ing process; leather par ing at the binder y; racks of decorat ive paper at the gi l l ingham Street store
with the current trend for all things artisanal. But bookbinding is a small, rarified world and Shepherd wisely expanded and diversified in 2003, with the purchase of Falkiners Fine Papers.
Fine-art paper and materials are the focus at the new Gillingham Street store – a temple to colour and pattern. The sumptuous designs and intense hues on display, including richly patterned Japanese varieties, are just a selection of the 3,000 types in stock – which is useful for the bookbinders too.
‘We have everything we need in Victoria now,’ concludes Shepherd. ‘We will also run tutorials at Gillingham Street in general-interest techniques, such as creating handmade invitations.’
It’s a new chapter for the bookbinders and one that is sure to be a page-turner.shepherds is at 76 rochester row and 30 gillingham street, sw1, and online at bookbinding.co.uk.
th
e s
ho
pp
ing
iss
ue
ExpEriEncE thE GoldEn AGE of trAvEl
Step aboard the luxurious British pullman, sister train to the legendary venice Simplon-orient-Express and enjoy sumptuous cuisine and the finest champagne as the glorious British landscape sweeps past.
Departure Station Destination Price
11th January 2013 London Victoria The Golden Age of Travel £310pp
12th January 2013 London Victoria Bath £395pp
18th January 2013 London Victoria The Golden Age of Travel by Steam £395pp
26th January 2013 London Victoria The Dinner £395pp
9th February 2013 London Victoria The Golden Age of Travel by Steam £395pp
14th February 2013 London Victoria Valentines Day Dinner £370pp
22nd February 2013 London Victoria The Golden Age of Travel £310pp
24th February 20133 London Victoria Brunch £205pp
1st March 2013 London Victoria The Golden Age of Travel by Steam £395pp
2nd March 2013 London Victoria Historic York £395pp
7th March 2013 London Victoria The Dinner £395pp
10th March 2013 London Victoria Mothers Day Afternoon Tea £205pp
10th March 2013 London Victoria Mothers Day Lunch £265pp
13th March 2013 London Victoria Bristol & Brunels ss Great Britain by Steam £495pp
13th March 2013 London Victoria Historic Bath by Steam £495pp
22nd March 2013 London Victoria The Golden Age of Travel by Steam £395pp
28th March 2013 London Victoria Discover Folkestone £275pp
26th April 2013 London Victoria Cornish Weekend featuring St Mawes & Tregothnan £1,015pp
26th April 2013 London Victoria South Devon Weekend £1,025pp
26th April 2013 London Victoria Cornish Weekend featuring Padstow £1,050pp
To book call 0845 077 2222 or visit orient-express.com/uktrains
operated by venice Simplon-orient-Express ltd. Subject to availability. All bookings are made subject to our terms and conditions which are available on request and can be viewed online at www.orient-express.com.
“in victoria you have eaton square at one end,
westminster cathedral at the other – so life here
is a wonderful cocktail”
alessandra greco philip treacy press & marketing manager