The loos at the Engine Room

The Engine Room is just over the road from Belvoir Castle in Lincolnshire, where we visited on our short break back in the summer. The castle is fabulous, the gardens more impressive than you might imagine as they’re set on a steep slope - you don’t get many castles that aren’t at the top of the hill do you, so that’s to be expected.

The Engine Room is a new development and mixes retail, entertainment and from what we saw is looking to build community. There’s a mix of food, garden and restaurants, and plenty going on. And some loos, of course - and more than your standard loos at that. That much was clear as soon as I saw the tiles.

Apart from the colours, it would have been easy to believe you were in Portugal - the weather the day we visited though, was far from warm and sunny!

I know a loo is a loo, these were pleasantly stylish - and I’m sure that was on purpose and reflected the ethos of the whole development. As well as the retail options during the day, there were also social spaces with entertainment planned. It looks like it would be a really good place to meet friends throughout the year - I’m sure we’ll be back there at some point.

But yes, those tiles. More muted than the blues and yellows I’ve seen in Portugal, but definitely no less beautiful/

Housecoats and memories

For today’s post I’m sharing one of the exhibitions at this year’s Knitting & Stitching Show which took place at Alexandra Palace in October. This month my credit card bill is in and thankfully it’s not too bad. I know I left with some absolute gems and I’m looking forward to using them. Though there’s only so much you need, or rather desire and can use, no really there is.

One of my favourite parts of the whole show was the exhibitions which were dotted around the space. These housecoats by Maria Thomas were enthralling, and each has so much detail. Every time I look at these photos, I see something new, though for me these are way more glamorous housecoats than in my mind’s eye.

HYACINTHS

The accompanying information by the housecoats explained that these motherhood jackets:

Preserving her glamour after returning home from work, my mother often wore

a housecoat to do her chores. Not only a comfortable ‘round the house’ garment

it gave her a sense of empowerment and calm in knowing her outfit wouldn’t fail to flatter

as she juggled the tea time routine.

NO 1 CRUMPET

2 FOR £8

ALL INCLUSIVE

FREE RANGE EGG CUSTARD TART

MEALS ON WHEELS

FORREST BATHING

I will continue to be enthralled by these and pore over the work within each. If like me you want to know more about them and how they’re made the information alongside the display gives a bit more detail:

Paper ephemera, reclaimed cloth and haberdashery

Hand and machine applique and quilted patchwork

Just imagine the memories that just one of these would evoke, it makes me wonder what mine would include.

Black and white geometric patterns

When I walked into this room at the Argentine Ambassador’s Residence my breath was almost taken away. It was the modern geometric patterns against the traditional greys of the room - there couldn’t have been a better setting. But would you believe it, the tablecloths and ceramics aren’t by the same artist - but how well do they go together?

The main event here for me really is the ceramic sculptures. They’re by Björk Haraldsdóttir and it’s not only the strong patterns but the shapes of the pieces which fascinate me. I’m not sure I could choose a favourite piece, though the pair on the left of the photo below would be high up on my list.

Yes, these two.

It’s a pipe dream though as they’re out of my price range, but a girl can dream right?

And those tablecloths? They’re by Colour Squatters, which if I’m honest look great with these but are also pricey for tablecloths. But such a great match, and an expensive dream!