January Updates
Vintage finds, pop-ups & book news
Welcome new subscribers and regulars. Apologies for the radio silence last week. I’ve been working on a new project and getting ready for my latest book launch in early March (more of that below). But before I make a start on February’s newsletter here’s a look at some fresh vintage finds and news of a my next pop-up shop.
Imagine sitting at a table in this French street, below. I’d like to think it’s in Paris but I don’t know for sure. What I do know is that this fantastic oil on canvas was painted by British artist St John Child who studied at Hornsey College of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. He exhibited at various London galleries and at Sussex University, Brighton College and had a solo show at Hove Museum & Art Gallery. He was mostly active in the 1960s. The vintage French Street Scene, measures 56cm x 53.5cm. Available at Mason & painter online.
A stroll around historic Clerkenwell
The streets between Clerkenwell and Mount Pleasant in east-central London have long been a haven for food lovers, lunchtime wanderers, and anyone seeking a drink after work.
The area is easy to reach yet tucked just off the beaten track, nestled in a pocket of streets by Farringdon tube and not far from Kings Cross station.
In my design days, I had a studio opposite Farringdon station and have fond memories of meeting friends in the pubs on Clerkenwell Green with the odd cocktail at the Zetter, on special occasions.
But let’s start with a proper old London pub in the historic centre of Clerkenwell, The Betsy Trotwood. Named after David Copperfield’s great-aunt in the Charles Dickens book, I could almost imagine Mr Dickens sipping a pint of ale in the Victorian interior. The pub has a great atmosphere and hosts live music in the cellar, just a matter of feet above the world’s first underground railway – The Metropolitan Line serving Farringdon station. The Betsey Trotwood, 56 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3BL.
A short hop across Farringdon Road is The Eagle – another old favourite. The Eagle was the first gastropub in London, known for serving Mediterranean food in a Victorian pub during the early 1990s. Located across the street from the old Guardian newspaper offices, it was (and still is, 35 years later) lively and buzzing with energy. Choose from their daily-changing menu, chalked up by the chef each day. 159 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3AL.
I strolled past the Quality Chop House, on Thursday, on my way to a meeting and it looked as lovely as ever. It’s one of the longest running eateries, open since 1869, with a dark, cosy canteen style interior – even the high back benches are Grade II listed. There were businessmen in suits, casually dressed creatives from nearby studios, and a group having what looked like a celebration lunch. I’ve only had dinner at the Chop House, but lunch looked fun, and the food is always top notch. Choose from their menu serving modern British cuisine and, despite the name, they do offer vegetarian options. Quality Chop House, 88-94 Farringdon Rd. London, EC1R 3EA.
Vintage Pop-Up
At The Dairy is a beautiful new shop on Amwell street, a short stroll from Farringdon station, and housed in an original Edwardian dairy. With an emphasis on collaboration and local makers At the Dairy stocks vintage clothes, womenswear from London designer Justine Tabak, cards, gifts and books. And I’m delighted to say that I’ll be popping up with vintage homewares, paintings and antiques on 27, 28 and 29th March. It would be great to see you – if you can make those dates. If you’re not around that weekend do call in any other time, you won’t be disappointed. At The Dairy, 42 Amwell St, London EC1R.
My NEW Book - highlighting London’s independent businesses & retailers
Just six weeks to publication day! My new book Independent Shops London is now available to pre-order. Discover over fifty new shops, old London favourites, markets and shops off the beaten track. Available to pre-order online at Bookshop.org
“Independent Shops London” by Michelle Mason is a captivating guide that reveals the diverse and vibrant retail landscape of London. Helpfully arranged by area - north, east, south, west, and central - each section offers a curated selection of shop types, from specialist fashion boutiques to charming family-run delis. Michelle’s impeccable eye for design and style makes you feel as if you have a personal shopper by your side. Her passion for London’s independent retail scene is evident as she introduces unique shops and quaint spots tucked away on side streets that might otherwise be overlooked. Michelle’s insights encourage you to see familiar parts of London with fresh eyes. This guide is more than just a shopping book; it’s an invitation to explore and appreciate more than fifty entrepreneurial and creative London shopkeepers. Louise Gorrod, The Simple Things Magazine.
Fresh finds this week include “A Lighthouse at Sunset” above, a charming oil on canvas. Dating to around 1950, the early mid-century painting measures 35cm x 26cm and is signed, bottom right Louis Jaye. Full of vibrant colour and impasto texture, a lovely painting for any room. Available here.
The French antique shelf, above, measures 77cm wide x 20 cm deep x 35cm tall. With four hooks and its original aged blue patina the shelf would look great in any bathroom or kitchen. The scratch-built ship, above the shelf, has all the details with its little anchor, smoke stack and funnels. Painted in reds and greens on white the ship is mounted on a black plinth. A delightful decorative piece it measures 54.5cm x 18cm tall and dates to around 1950. Available at Mason & Painter online.
“A Jug of Roses” French oil on canvas, is signed and dated 1947. A romantic floral for any room, it measures 47cm x 38cm and is beautifully painted against a dark palette of pinks, browns and burgundy. Available online.
What I’m watching instead of doomscrolling
Instead of loathing winter this year – and constantly looking at my phone – I’ve actually embraced the cold season by booking cinema tickets, watching good TV dramas and buying books as if they were coming out of fashion. I’ve also watched three really good art documentaries – I Am Martin Parr, David Hockney: A Life in Art and Turner’s Sketchbooks (all on BBC iplayer). Do check them out – David Hockney interviewed at 83, an insightful glimpse into Turner’s private sketchbooks to reveal the man behind the art, and a wonderful look back at photographer Martin Parr’s work and some of his most iconic images.
At my local cinema I went to see Peter Hujar’s Day starring Ben Withshaw and Rebecca Hall. Set in 1974, the film is a biographical drama based on a true event when writer and filmmaker Linda Rosenkrantz (played by Hall) records her photographer friend Peter Hujar (played by Withshaw). The retelling of Peter Hujar’s day is a tender insight into “what it is to be an artist among artists in a city where no one was making any money” and the lives of significant figures from New York’s art scene, in the early ‘70s.
I also saw Hamnet and can thoroughly recommend that too, if you’ve not already seen it. I’ve yet to read the Maggie O’Farrell book, though I recently enjoyed her latest novel, The Marriage Portrait, and loved the sinister story set amongst grand palazzos of 16th-century Italy.
Thank you for reading Love Vintage Etc. To celebrate my birthday, on the 27th January, I’m offering a year’s membership for just £27 - that’s just £2.25 per month. You’ll receive a welcome gift, exclusive posts, invitations to pop-ups, vintage stock updates and the monthly newsletter. Thank you for your support, until next time…
Wondering if I may utilize the photos in your blog (the Betsy T pub) to draw art from?
Hello , is the mid century boat available?