> ART AND HORTICULTURE CATCH UP

London and South East
4 - 6 August 2019

We make the most of a few days off to hit a selection of art hot-spots and destination Gardens. Installations, undiscovered new art and inspirational planting await - we just can't get enough!

Sunday 4th - We drive up to Greenwich and park up just outside our first rented property, we are staying with Carl and Annette. A quick freshen up and we are soon off to catch the train into central London. First up, The Royal Academy. Here we enjoy 3 shows.

Helene Schjerfbeck self portrait, black background 1915

Félix Vallotton sunset Villerville 1917

RA Summer Exhibition 2019

Helene Schjerfbeck: this is the first major exhibition of one of Finland's best kept secrets. Over 60 portraits, landscapes and still life studies help to give us a career wide overview of this wonderful artists' creative output. Next up, Félix Vallotton - Painter of disquiet: the prolific Swiss painter and print maker. Through more than 80 paintings and exquisite prints, this exhibition reveals Vallotton’s extraordinary body of work, including compelling portraits, dreamlike landscapes and satirical prints distilled into pure blocks of black and white. We have just enough energy left to enjoy the 2019 Summer Exhibition: the annual freeform art explosion that covers every single surface in the major gallery space. Always fun, always surprising and always a complete riot! This year, acclaimed British painter Jock McFadyen RA takes the mantle from Grayson Perry to co-ordinate the 251st Summer Exhibition. Over 1,500 works are on display, most of them for the first time. Highlights include an animal-themed ‘menagerie’ in the Central Hall, with works by artists including Polly Morgan, Charles Avery, Banksy and Mat Collishaw. Artist sisters Jane and Louise Wilson RA have curated two galleries, one of which showcases work exploring light and time. Further artists exhibiting include Jeremy Deller, Marcus Harvey, Tracey Emin RA, Frank Bowling RA, Antony Gormley RA and Honorary Academicians Anselm Kiefer, James Turrell and Wim Wenders. We head home to Greenwich and enjoy an eve of fab food and great company.

Olafur Eliasson Beauty 1993

Takis radar 1960

Natalia Goncharova The Phoenix 1911

Monday 5th - We are up early to cram as much into this day as humanly possible. First, we head to Tate Modern to enjoy another 3 shows. Olafur Eliasson in real life: Some artworks introduce natural phenomena such as rainbows to the gallery space. Others use reflections and shadows to play with the way we perceive and interact with the world. Many works result from the artist’s research into complex geometry, motion patterns, and his interest in colour theory. All but one of the works have never been seen in the UK before. Next, Takis: This the largest exhibition of Takis's work ever held in the UK, bringing together over 70 works. Throughout his career he produced antennae-like sculptures called Signals, and musical devices using magnets, electricity and viewer participation to generate resonant and random sounds. Lastly, Natalia Goncharova: This multi-talented artist found acclaim early in her career. Aged just 32 she established herself as the leader of the Russian avant-garde with a major exhibition in Moscow in 1913. She then moved to France where she designed costumes and backdrops for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes. She lived in Paris for the rest of her life, becoming a key figure in the city’s cutting-edge art scene. Her bold and innovative body of work influenced and transcended the art movements of the 20th century. We explore her diverse sources and inspirations, from Russian folk art and textiles to the latest trends in modernism and beyond.

The day is not done yet! We are now off to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to enjoy a sunny afternoon relaxing in the beautiful grounds. We are also here to take a look at the beautiful glass art of Dale Chihuly. A selection of his dazzling sculptures transform the Gardens and glasshouses into a contemporary outdoor gallery space. A spectacular and very memorable creative partnership. Early eve we head to north London to meet baby Alba, and to catch up with Amy and Robert.

Dale Chihuly at Kew

Tuesday 6th - We breakfast early in Greenwich, say our goodbyes to Carl & Annette and head south. We are off to RHS Wisley. This 240 ache site is one of five Gardens run by the RHS. We LOVE visiting Wisley and spend a very happy few hours exploring before heading home to our Isle later in the afternoon.

The beauty of Wisley

10 out of 10

> A WEEKEND UP NORTH

The North, UK
15 - 18 Feb 2019

Up North - It's time to get in the car, sit on the ferry to the Mainland and drive up North!

Friday 15th - We start our journey North. The weather is kind to us as we eat up the miles. First stop, The Trentham Estate. On the outskirts of Stoke on Trent, these beautiful Gardens and lake are the perfect place to take a break. A quick walk around, then back in the car to continue our journey to our next destination. We arrive in Manchester around 5pm... we catch up with Mark, Chris and Mary, then head off out to the Hope Mill Theatre. This great little performance space is hidden away in a wonderful old redbrick building, just a 10 min walk from Piccadilly Station. Tonight's show, MYDIDAE - is a challenging, raw piece that took us on a dark, sometimes difficult journey. Very glad we went along, thank you Mark and Chris for the tix.

The Italian Gardens at Trentham Estate

 MYDIDAE at Hope Mill Theatre

Victoria wood at the Bury Art Gallery

Saturday 16th - A pleasant day to explore a little more. First stop... we are off to Bury, we want to find out a bit more about comedy legend, Victoria Wood. Working in collaboration with her Literary Estate this exhibition features some well-loved and recognisable scripts for shows such as, As seen on TV (including the soap Acorn Antiques), An Audience With......1988, Pat and Margaret, Dinner ladies, the first draft of Acorn Antiques - The Musical, Housewife 49 and Wood and Walters. The Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre did a very good job of bringing this show together... really glad we managed to fit this one in... Next up, a trip on a vintage locomotive to Ramsbottom and a quick drink before heading back to central Manchester for dinner followed by slice of cabaret at the Birdcage. 

Sunday 17th - We take a leisurely drive over the moors to Rotherham and catch up with family.

The fabulous Hardwick Hall

Monday 18th - Today we go and visit the fabulously over the top Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. We enjoy an hour walking around the gardens and taking in the spectacular views... it's a freezing cold day, so we are soon on our way back to the warmth of a local pub for a spot of lunch.

10 out of 10

> WINTER GARDENS +

The South, United Kingdom
15-16th February 2018

Winter Gardens - A magical hit of colour and textural interest to lighten even the darkest, coldest days... We take take a look at two great examples and discover which plants offer the most spectacular winter interest.

> First up, Mottisfont House and gardens near Romsey. This historical priory and country estate is well worth a visit... but it's the winter interest garden that has brought us here today. Since 2010, this 1 acre garden has been pulling in the visitors. The specially curated collection of plants and trees glow brilliantly on the darkest days. Coloured winter bark from dogwood and ornamental bramble pop, while berries and early-flowering perennials provide contrast and detail. Unfortunately, we could not get into the galleries of the house due to overcrowding... we could have enjoyed the ingenious works of Heath Robinson.

 Dave takes shelter at Mottisfont - more views above.

  

After a night in Winchester staying at the Winchester Royal Hotel, we were ready for phase 2 of our adventures! On Friday the 16th we visited the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Formerly known as the Hillier Arboretum, this 72 hector site houses a wondrous collection of over 42,000 trees and shrubs. The jewel in the crown has to be the spectacular winter garden. With over 650 specimens, this garden has a variety of plants and trees that exhibit particular winter beauty. The colour, texture and impact are quite overwhelming. Hot fluorescents pop against delicate monotone papery barks and cool green/black grasses... beautiful!

Show-stopping Hellebores at the Hillier Gardens - more views above

On Friday eve we caught up with our chums Dave and Becky in Southampton. We were lucky enough to stumble upon the opening ceremony for the Cities brand new cultural hub. The £30m arts and theatre complex houses the Nuffield Southampton and John Hansard Gallery. We are looking forward to exploring this exciting new hot spot soon!

Lights, Camera. ACTION! - The Nuffield and John Hansard Gallery lift-off

9 out of 10

> SUMMER IN BERLIN

Berlin, Germany
14th - 17th August 2017

Berlin - we just can't stay away! This time, we discover a floral paradise in the outskirts of east Berlin and culture galore in the beating heart of the City!

Friday 11th August - Red-jet to Southampton then train up to Southampton Airport. Fly to Manchester and hire a car, drive to Rotherham. Fish and chips in evening with John and Jean.

Saturday 12th August - early family breakfast to celebrate Dave's Birthday. Then drive to Brodsworth Hall and enjoy the wonderful gardens, next up a short drive to Wakefield to visit the Hepworth Gallery. We are blown away by the works on show in: Howard Hodgkin: Painting India. We round off the day by driving over to Huddersfield to visit Mark and Chris. In the Eve we taxi out to restaurant, eat delicious Italian nosh then walk home.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens 

Dave enjoys the Romantic Garden at Brodsworth

Bombay Blues - Howard Hodgkin 

Letters from Bombay - Howard Hodgkin

Sunday 13th August - relatively lazy morning as we breakfast late and get ready to enjoy Gin-fest with Chris's parents. Lovely way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Monday 14th August - an early start as we drive back to Manchester to return hire car before boarding flight to Berlin. A pleasant hour and 45m mins in the air and we arrive in good time to catch train to Neuköln. Unpack, freshen up and head off out to explore. We end up in central Berlin and enjoy a sunset drink while relaxing in deck chairs.

The cable car at IGA Berlin

The Chinese Garden

The Korean Garden

The Mediterranean Garden

Tuesday 15th August - a fabulously sunny morning as breakfast in the flat. Today we are heading east, an hour out of Berlin, to visit the International Gardens of the World show. An amazing day full of beautiful planting, fabulous gardens and fun times in the sunshine. We round off the day with a couple of beers by the lake before heading back to Neuköln.

Wednesday 16th August - today is a little wetter than yesterday... It's actually pouring with rain. Luckily, today is all about indoor activities. A culture fix is required! First up, the Academy of Art. We enjoy the Käthe Kollwitz award. This year, the prize is scooped by Katherina Sieverding. Her photographic montages, large scale prints and video installation are interesting and memorable, a worthy winner!... Next up, the Hamburger Bahnhof Art Gallery. This contemporary collection, in the renovated train station of the same name, is certainly worth the €14 entry. We enjoy a good three hours exploring and getting to grips with the permanent collection and temporary shows. The Rudolph Belling exhibition gives a fascinating glimpse into this German designers stylish world. In addition, Moving is in every direction, Environments - installation - Narrative Spaces gives a fascinating insight into the world of installation art. We round off the day with a walk through the North Neuköln district before sitting in the sun and relaxing with a beer.

Thursday 17th August - A pleasant day as we rise early to clean the flat and prepare to depart to the Airport. We fly back to London Gatwick near enough on time. Train back to Southampton and catch red-jet to our dear little Isle. Phew!

10 out of 10

> MALAGA

Malaga, Spain
10th - 17th July 2017

Malaga - the maritime City in southern Spain is evolving, it's becoming a fantastic and vibrant holiday destination. New cultural hot spots, plenty of wonderful experiences and guaranteed sunshine... what more could you ask for?

This is our second visit to Malaga, our last stay was in October 2009. It's amazing to see how much the City has changed since our last visit... our experience went a little like this: 

Sunday the 9th July - Up to London and staying in Deptford. Had a drink in sunshine by the river at the Trafalgar pub before meal at Bianco43 in Greenwich.

Monday 10th July - Up early to enjoy a walk in Greenwich Park before heading to Gatwick for our noon flight to Malaga. It would be foolish not to take advantage of a couple of hours to look around and purchase two Swatch watches before our slightly delayed Easy Jet departure. A leisurely 2 hour 20 flight. We are soon on our way into Malaga Central on the train from the airport. A quick walk up through the City and we arrive at our apartment, Calle Ollerías 16 Cuarta planta. We are met by a friend of our Airbnb host and instantly feel very welcome. A swift unpack and we are soon exploring the streets, and grabbing a few essentials to see us through. Our sunny terrace is the perfect place to watch the sunset, enjoy snacks, and to ease ourselves into the relaxed holiday state of mind.

 The beautiful Playa de la Caleta

 Invader does Carmen

 Invader does Picasso 

Tuesday 11th July - A sunny day unfolds as we take it easy and find our bearings. A trip to El Corte Ingles is essential and we pick up a few treats, including the all important Ibiza Mix 2017! We can’t delay a dip in the Med and longer, the beach is our next stop… and very relaxing it is too. In the eve we cook up sword fish and veg, washed down with a couple of glasses of Rioja! Perfect. 

 Pejac spotted in Soho district

Wednesday 12th July - Another warm and sunny day as we breakfast outside. Today we take a stroll down through the cool ‘Soho’ district of Malaga, the streets are full of very creative street art, cool bars and interesting restaurants. Great to spot the work of Invader, the French artist has produced a fab collection of ceramic mosaic works that are dotted around the City, this is his 71st invasion! We hang a right and walk further southwards until we reach our first culture stop, the Collection del Museo Ruso. This interesting collection of art is from the St. Petersburg State Museum in Russia. The show is divided into nine thematic areas: the old Russian art, the XVIII century, Romanticism in Russia, Realism, Realism with Russian topics, the movement of “World of Art” and Neoprimitivism, the Avant-garde, Socialist Realism and art in the Melting Era that was experienced after the death of Stalin… A fascinating temporary collection of works by Kandinsky tells the intriguing story of his creative development and never-ending love for his mother land. A short bus ride brings us back into the City, we return to our apartment and prepare for a much needed trip to the beach. We eat out in the eve and enjoy delicious tapas from La Bocacalle. 

 The cooling green of Jardin Botanico Historico

Thursday 13th July - Slightly foggy this morning, a mist is rolling in from the Med, we breakfast early and catch a local bus up to the Jardin Botanico Historico. This beautiful garden is top of our must do list, it does not disappoint. Set on a hillside, this spectacular site is home to a fabulous collection of native and world plants and trees… it’s a must for any visitor who wants to experience lush and arid planting in a pleasing location. The lunch stop was also beautiful, gorgeous food made from fresh local ingredients. We stay for a few hours then head back into town and down to the beach to cool off. In the eve, our neighbours, a couple from Austria share their leftover food with us. Such a kind gesture, they said it was a ‘peace offering’ after Brexit. We enjoy an eve on our terrace as the sun sets and the stars start to shine. 

 Atardecer sobre la costa de Malaga, 1918 Guillermo Gómez Gil

Center Pompidou Malaga 

Muelle Uno at sunset 

Friday 14th July - The fog is back as we slowly come back to life after last night. It seems we had quite a bit of local vino! Poached eggs on toast certainly help. Today we do more culture. First up, the Museo Carmen Thyssen, this fine museum houses a wonderful collection of traditional Spanish art, Romantic Landscapes and hot headed brawls. Three seascapes stop us in our tracks… the work of Guillermo Gómez Gil is stunning. A temporary exhibition, The appearance of the real. Fifty years of realist art in Spain (1960-2010), is excellent and contains some beautiful works. A quick snack break in the museum cafe and we are ready for our next culture stop… The Centre Pompidou, Malaga. This is ‘the’ big new MUST SEE attraction in the City. Set in the spectacular new port-side redevelopment, this culture hot spot is sure to ruffle feathers. An interesting, and in places challenging collection of works from the Paris based Mother ship that manages to excite and baffle in equal measure. The Muelle Uno development has brought a vibrant and elegant air to this once run down quarter. In the eve we chill on our terrace and take a sunset walk to enjoy the local crowds promenading in the cooler climes. 

 Rando 2011

Santiago Ydanez at Centro de Arte Contemporaneous de Malaga

Triptych August 1972 Francis Bacon

Saturday 15th July - more fog as we breakfast. Today we are up early to make the most of our last few days in this great City. Firstly, a short walk up the road to the Museum Jorge Rando, a haven of expressionist masterpieces by this charismatic living Spanish artist. Next, a stroll through the ‘Soho’ quarter to take in the Street art... then over to the Centro de Arte Contemporaneous de Malaga. This excellent Gallery houses a body of work that comprises a journey through the different artistic movements and trends that characterise the 20th century, with a particular focus on the final decades. Regularly-changing exhibitions illustrate the eclectic landscape of contemporary art today. This visit we enjoy the striking paintings, sculptures and drawings of Santiago Ydanez. We also enjoy the fantastic video piece called ‘the way things go’ by Swiss artists Fischli & Weiss. Created in 1987, this work always makes us chuckle! later we chill back at the apartment and wait for the sun to break through the cloud… eventually it does and we simply must get to the beach for a dip! After a very refreshing splash around we head back to the apartment, this time to freshen up and prepare for a visit to The Picasso Museum. We did visit this gallery back in 2009,  now we are curious to see how it has developed. The temporary show on 'Bacon, Freud and the school of London' also grabs our attention! Our turbo visit to the gallery does not disappoint… the guy on the ticket desk suggested that perhaps we should reconsider doing the two shows with such a short amount of time left before closing… We whizzed around the Picasso to allow more time for the temporary show… Wow! we are both blown away! Iconic pieces from Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon leave us speechless (Triptych August 1972 by Francis Bacon knocks me sideways). We end our day watching the sunset on the quay with a beer before heading back to the apartment for snacks.

The Alcazaba

Dave waits for the sunset at the port

Alex also waits for the sunset

Sunday 16th July - A muggy morning as we breakfast early to maximise our final full day in Malaga. Today we off to the Museum of Glass and Crystal which is located just a few streets away from the apartment. We spend 2 hours enjoying the superb collection. The owner of the museum was our guide. Entertaining and passionate, Don Gonzalo fernández-Prieto has so much love for the collection, he was a complete joy! Simply can’t recommend this attraction enough. It’s getting hot and we enjoy the shade back at the apartment, we also take a moment to start the cleaning in readiness for our departure tomorrow. A swim later in the pm helps to cool us before we pay a return visit to the Alcazaba. Love this beautiful attraction and it’s a great place to enjoy the cooling sea breeze and take in the views out over the harbour and City. Later, snacks and vino on the terrace of our apartment help to bring a perfect ending to another wonderful day.

Monday 17th July - Up early today as we fly back home at 10:20am. A quick tidy up, breakfast and check out with our host and we are off on train to the Airport. We fly on time and arrive in Gatwick ahead of schedule. Then a train to Clapham before boarding train to Southampton where we get our Red Jet to the Island. Home again and 110% relaxed and refreshed.

10 out of 10