Archive for July, 2009

Well, the exhibition is over and I was looking forward to a quiet week in the studio; a few bits and bobs to clear up, a bit of engraving on the luverley necklace we made for Ulrikke’s wedding pressie, a cute little 18carat bell to make….. but because I’ve been off with the exhibition I had loads of catching up to do! I’ve been flat out and am looking forward to my first proper week-end for ages!

Anyone not fixed for a holiday should check out the brilliant retro caravan web-site called Love lane caravans. www.lovelanecaravans.com

Love lane caravans

My old mate Viviana sent me the link and I thought it looked lovely. Not much good for three kids and the dog though…….. anyway, we have a week in my native Suffolk booked up so I’m all right. (Plenty of excellent food to be cooked in Suffolk, will keep you posted, Samphire and bacon pasta etc., can’t wait!)

What with all the rush I missed my weekly lunches with my brother, so he came over on Sunday for a barbie and we finally swapped birthday gifts. For me a bottle of 16 year old Orkney whiskey, for him a bottle of Gin. (what does that say about us?). My friend Simon told me about these friends who had started the first proper still in London for 189 years, called Prudence. The Gin is superb proper London Gin. Perfect for a summer’s eve. If you like a tipple check them out, http://www.sipsmith.com

Sipsmith Gin

It was Ulrikke’s last day today before she goes off to get married. Good luck Ulrikke!

Alex

Phew!

We had a great Press Day yesterday, and our exhibition at Penhaligon’s Covent Garden is now on!

Yesterday (Friday 10th July) was press day for us in Covent Garden, so I got up at 6, loaded the car and met Richard from Penhaligon’s at about 7-30. Emma and Susie came along to help set up and everything was ready by 10. And we actually thought it looked great! Press day was a great success, lots of our lovely friends in the press turned up and we’d prepared fab goody bags for them all. By 7pm I was flagging a bit but all the girls came up from our studios, and we polished off all the Pimms, and retired to Sofra for a few bottles of bubbly and mezes. I soon perked up and we had a great night, but must admit I felt a bit ropey back at the exhibition at 9-30 this morning!

Anyway, we’re really pleased with it all. Here’s a few photos. Do come along if you can. The new pieces are available to buy from the exhibition only, and won’t be available anywhere else until Spring 2010!

Inside Penhaligon

Some of the display

Pea, Aubergine, Key

Charm bracelet

citrine necklace

Tags necklace

Watering Can with blue sapphire briolette

The pieces on display are going to make our Spring Summer 2010 collection for the London and Paris shows in September. So it’s a great chance to have a sneaky preview of what’s going to be in the shops next year. And get ahead of the rest by getting your pieces early!

Exhibition closes Sunday 19th July.

See you there!

Hi All,

I’m really excited to announce my Exhibition at Penhaligon’s! I’m showing a BRAND NEW collection of Jewellery, and launching a little book I’ve written!

Here’s the info….

THE GARDENER

An exhibition of Jewellery based on the story “The Gardener” by Alex Monroe and illustrated by Katharine Nicholls
At PENHALIGON’S Covent Garden, 41 Wellington Street Covent Garden London WC2E 7BN
From 11th to 18th July 2009

Alex has written an enchanting story of a young girl, who one summer happens across and an allotment and an elderly gardener. The encounter would shape her life. The story is beautifully illustrated by Katherine Nicholls, and the book will be available at Penhaligon’s during the exhibition.
Inside Penhaligon’s, Alex creates a magical natural world, and displays a special exhibition of jewellery based on the story.
Come and join Alex on the allotment, for stories, jewellery and gardening!

Alex has long been a keen gardener, and keeps an allotment in Dulwich, to where he retreats with his daughters to potter away, sit and eat strawberries and escape the chaos of everyday life. The idea for his book came after chatting to friends at Paris Fashion Week, and swapping allotment tips, as you do. The book imagines a solitary, thoughtful little girl who discovers the delights and secrets of city gardening.
Ants scurry about their business. Bees buzz and the breeze gently sways the apple branches. But the high garden fences cannot keep tragedy away and she soon discovers a sadness coupled with the new future opening before her.

Alex has created a delightful and surprising collection of jewellery, displayed in it’s own secret garden. In a reflection of the dreaminess of the story, ants and bees and dragonflies nestle amongst the plants and flowers. A large, smooth apple locket opens to reveal it own special secret……

“……if little Emmy had been able to look up (impossible if you’re careering down a narrow path, of course), but if she had looked up, she would have seen an apple.
The very apple that is really the start of this story……….. ”

Alex Monroe exhibition invitation

It would be lovely to see you there, and hear your comments.

Do come along if you can make it.

Thanks!

Alex