I absolutely love discovering new hotels, and was recently invited to a corporate breakfast seminar at L’oscar hotel near Holborn tube in London. Now I admit it wasn’t a hotel which had passed across my radar, and hotel conference rooms in the past have not really blown me away, but as soon as I walked into the lavish reception area at l’oscar I was impressed.
Our seminar was set in the splendid Library, and afterwards I was kindly given a tour by the Head Concierge and was fascinated to hear the story of how a previously dilapidated English heritage building had been lovingly restored in all its Baroque glory into this gorgeous 39 bedroom boutique hotel with exquisite and unique spaces for private dining as well as business meetings and seminars.
Built more than a hundred years ago, the building was the former London headquarters of the Baptist Church. Architect Arthur Keen mixed ‘Wrenaissance’ style with Arts & Crafts influences, working with some of the best artists and craftsmen of the time to create much of the exterior and interior design: ornately plastered ceilings, carved fireplaces, oak panelling, and finely worked plaques.
Sadly, the building’s fifth floor was damaged by a bomb in World War II and over the years the church’s congregation dwindled. It closed in the 1960s as a place of worship and was taken over by London Transport until 2012 when it was bought by the Triangle Hotel Group and under the creative direction of L’oscar CEO Duncan Shakeshaft its revival began with many of its features beautifully restored by master craftsman from across the world.
With lavish interiors created by French designer Jacques Garcia, of Hotel Costes in Paris and La Mamounia in Marrakech fame, there is a real sense of decadence and luxury, but also heritage and culture. Respecting the Grade II historical building, partitions in bedrooms cannot touch the ceilings and many of the original features have been lovingly restored.
All rooms and suites are decorated with commissioned arts & crafts period artwork, but of course provide access to modern technology such as flat screen TV and complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar and daily newspaper.
Attention to detail is breathtaking with Lalique style birds used as light fittings, Roja Dove perfume providing a L’oscar signature smell and stunning hollow stem crystal champagne coups made in Poland. However I was also impressed to learn that there were many elements which had been recycled including the doors leading into the bar which CEO Mr Shakeshaft had found in a metal scrapyard in France, the restaurant napkins rings which were bought at Kempton Park antiques market and former church collection trays refurbished to be used to present clients with their bills.
Dining options are just as beautiful with the main restaurant, sparkling L’oscar, an all-day brasserie next to the main lobby, inspired by the famous Venetian Café Florian, lined with with mirrors and gilded panels. There is also a private events space for sit down and standing receptions set under the resplendent original church dome with an intimate bar, The Baptist Bar, open to the public and with live entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays, set on the level below.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I can’t think of a more romantic setting to have dinner or escape for a mini-break. And for those of us who are still dealing with the sadness, that we are no longer part of Europe, L’oscar provides a little bit of Parisian chic in the capital.
For the second interview in my Inspiring Individuals series, I am delighted to feature Royal Artist Darren Baker. Rising to fame in 2011, following a wonderful portrait he was commissioned to paint of Her Majesty The Queen to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, Darren has become incredibly sought for his photo-realism style. His talent is unmistakable, however as with Atila who I featured for my first interview in the series, my respect for Darren as an artist lies not just due to his skill, but also the humility in which he practises his craft and how he tirelessly gives back to mental health causes following a personal tragedy. I was therefore delighted he took time out of his incredibly busy schedule to talk to The White Diaries.
“WD : How did you discover your talent as anartist?
When I was 3 or 4 year old and family and friends started noticing my drawing. I recall quite vividly drawing a cityscape of London and Big Ben, and the school teacher at primary school and class all gathered round and stuck the drawing on the wall….my first exhibition!!
WD : During your journey were there times when you thought you would have to do something else, and what would that have been?
I never thought about being anything but an artist.
WD : How would you best describe your style of painting? And how has that evolved over the years?
I am inspired by the Italian renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age of painting. I would study the old masters endlessly at The National Gallery. I wanted my art to be more real than real. My work has evolved tremendously over the last 20 years, a constant quest to perfect and refine my style.
WD : What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Getting verified on Instagram!!…..No, it was meeting and painting HM The Queen obviously. I had 2 sittings with Her Majesty in 2011, one in May, one in June. I was given access to the room beforehand and a month prior. All her staff are very down to earth and friendly. It was momentous actually meeting The Queen, nothing quite prepares you for it. I distinctly remember her coming down The Queen’s Gallery, I could hear her famous distinct voice, and then there she was in front of me! I was bricking it but she is impeccable at putting people at ease. The conversation was very relaxed after the formalities and I remember thinking I’m hardly getting any drawing done here! I remember talking about my pet pug with HM and she mentioned her great great grandmother (Queen Victoria) and her love of pugs. Thats when the history and magnitude of it all hits you. I thought about going down the Tommy Cooper route and asking for her cup final tickets, but thought better of it. I think my portrait was well received, well I am not in the Tower, and I had nice feedback from the secretaries and press in general. When I was leaving after the 2nd sitting I remember unplugging my spotlight from a socket. I turned the switch off then read a label underneath that said ‘ under no circumstances do not switch this socket off ever’….too late!…I still don’t know what havoc I caused!
WD : What are the goals you have set yourself for the next five years?
The sky is not the limit!! I have never had a plan, just wing it and keep trying to do the best with my art and life in general. I have been fortunate to be commissioned to paint The Queen, Popes, Prime Ministers and various leading sports personalities. So who knows what other future historical portraits I may paint. I am very keen to give back and love supporting The Princes Trust, such an immense organisation and I have seen first hand the transformation affected on young people, giving confidence and belief. I am enjoying setting up the online art platform www.artlondondubai.com and giving emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. Promoting quality art and better access to it in a friendly and un-intimidating way is the principle. Treating artists fairly and ethically and giving them more control and greater slice of the sale is paramount too. We have over 600 artworks now and growing and the gallery is slowly getting established. In the future I may well open another London or even a New York gallery one day.
WD : How important is it that people follow their bliss and have you seen people who haven’t and what has that meant for them?
Do what makes yourself happy and believe in yourself always, never shake from that, and nothing or no-one can stop you. I really believe its important not to live a life of regrets…you get one life…go for it!!! I think it is so important, if you can, to DO what makes you content and happy, this bounces off on those around you and the goodwill and positivity is then contagious. I understand people following a safe and secure path but if this is not your true love or passion you will always feel some emptiness, of what life could be. And embrace your passion with those around you family and friends and give back where you have been helped, remember how you started and stay humble. Your happiness in your work can affect so many lives and most importantly loved ones and those who you are working for…and remember balance and perspective and to enjoy the success and moments always.
WD : Your work with mental health and the Leanne Baker Trust is very important to you, can you tell us more about this and do you think following your bliss helps people with these type of challenges?
I lost my sister Leanne to depression and her mental health issues and there is a huge hole that can never be filled. But channelling the grief into helping others in my sisters name is my ultimate driving force. We all miss Leanne so much and we set up the Leanne Baker Trust to try and help others hopefully not go through the pain we have suffered. Leanne took her own life and hung herself a week before she was due to get married and was setting up her first home with her fiancé. She had struggled with depression for many years but seemed to have turned a corner in the eyes of our family and friends. But the condition resurfaced in 2013 and she sunk further into a dark place. Despite 24/7 supervision from family and friends, counselling and support and medication…she sadly ended it all on 2 June 2013. It was the most horrifying and traumatic phone call I ever received and the pain was and still is unbearable.
The shock and pain of suicide is heartbreaking and so hard to cope with and absorb, ever We wanted to do something positive in Leanne’s name as she was such a outwardly positive person….kind and generous to the extreme and so loved by so many.We work hand in hand with mental health charity Support 2 Recovery, who offer art and creativity as a form of helping people with mental health issues express their feelings and socialising. As an artist myself, I am convinced of the positive power of art as an expression and to help people talk about their feelings. This year I am engaging with NHS Mental health to look at art programmes in mental health hospitals, providing courses and resources. As well as raising funds towards this one of our key aims is to raise awareness of mental health in general, end the stigma and create environments and a culture where it is properly discussed, without fear of recrimination. In the 21st century we are finally talking about the one thing that affects all all and is of the greatest importance to our behaviour and well-being, our minds and mental health.
I am passionate about widening the conversation and ending stigmatisation about this condition. This issue is so important and is about saving and recovering lives, and overall well being, the way we act and behave as a society, opening up instead of closing down. Bringing people and society together and realising what is really important in life.
Follow your dreams and passions always, what makes you happy and also giving back and making others happy. Live for today, in the moment right now, life is precious and beautiful. “
It was an absolute honour to interview Darren and appreciated his candour in sharing both the highs and lows he has experienced. You can read more about Darren and see his beautiful work : http://www.darrenbakerfineart.co.uk/
And visit https://artminddinner.com/ for more information about a fabulous mental health charity fundraiser being held on 3 October in Kensington Palace in London to support The Leanne Baker Trust as well as Movember.
For art lovers, make sure you get to your nearest Whitewall Art Gallery this November and meet sensational contemporary figurative artist Fabian Perez as he showcases his latest collection Contemplación.
Having been a fan and collector of his work for nearly a decade, its always fabulous to meet the man and see his new work, so was a little disappointed he won’t be appearing at any London galleries this time.
Born in Argentina, Fabian’s compositions reflect his upbringing, love of humanity and his numerous travels, and he has been a large part of the movement bringing figurative artwork to the forefront of the contemporary art scene.
As one of the world’s most collected artists, with celebrity admirers ranging from sporting superstars to Hollywood actors and he was recently a guest at the Vatican where he presented Pope Francis with his portrait which now hangs in the Pontiff’s personal private collection.
Over the years he has explored many different paths in his search for greater self expression and artistic truth and his work brings together a broad range of life stories drawn from many sources close to his heart. From the geisha of Japan’s flower towns to the couples who haunt the night clubs of Buenos Aires, all these characters have a story to tell of their disparate and intriguing lives. In his new collection, Fabian explores one single moment in time across four intriguing portrayals of ‘contemplación’.
Kicking off in Whitewall Guildford tonight, Fabian has eight exclusive appearances in the UK, ending in Whitewall Kingston on 18 November. Check out his tour dates here.
I am delighted to feature the stunning Diamond Dust Collection: an incredible collaboration between esteemed contemporary artist Simon Claridge and legendary English photographer Terry O’Neill whose work features at the National Portrait Gallery in London and is considered one of the great British photographers of our time. He gained renown documenting the fashions, styles, and celebrities of the 1960s, and for over six decades he has photographed the frontline of fame, from the greats of screen and stage, to presidents, prime ministers and rock stars.
I first came across Simon Claridge’s work in 2008 when the art gallery near my offices in Canary Wharf invited me to attend a preview of his debut collection and was wowed by his work. My favourite piece was ‘For your eyes only’ a limited edition print, which was so seductive, powerful and simply stunning. It was also first piece of art I had ever bought.
Over the years, Simon and I have remained friends and I have watched as his work has become even more impressive, featuring well known iconic figures and his now signature use of diamond dust in his paintings. I also love the story of how after graduating with a degree in fine art, Simon began working at an art gallery in Windsor but each night he painted, consumed by the dream of one day having his own work hanging on the walls. One morning, he decided to replace the window display with his own pieces. By lunchtime, he’d sold all of them and never had to work in the gallery again.
In this latest collection, Simon has taken iconic images from Terry’s hallowed archives and applied his signature diamond dust style which he has applied thoughtfully, to retain the essence of the original exposures and showcase the style of both artists.
I was delighted to catch up with Simon at the launch of the new collection at the gorgeous Castle Gallery in South Molton Street in London over the summer.
My favourite piece in the collection is the one featuring Frank Sinatra on the Boardwalk in Miami, taken in 1968, on the first day of filming ‘The Lady in Cement’, as Frank was walking from his hotel to the film set. Terry has commented that “This was the first time I ever saw Frank and I was astonished by the mere power of his presence, mesmerizing the crowd as he walked casually past.” The story of how the picture was taken is even more intriguing. Terry had been given a letter from Ava Gardner who he had met in London, which he delivered to Frank. The letter ensured that Terry could take pictures of Frank without being pushed away by the bouncer entourage!
The collection also features icons such as Mohammed Ali, Raquel Welch and Brigitte Bardot.
I absolutely loved the Diamond Dust collection and can’t wait to see what exciting new work Simon has in store for us in the future!
With love
Sangeeta x
Note the pieces are available on paper and canvas : Framed Silkscreen on Paper with Diamond Dust | Edition of 150 (from £995) or Framed Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust (from £2,995) – contact Castle Galleries or Simon Claridge for more information.
In our first of a series of posts about alternative ideas for wedding presents, we want to suggest the gift of art. Nowadays, many couples will have been living together for several years before they get married (and may already have all the dinner sets, wine glasses and cutlery that they will need) and are looking for different ways in which their wedding guests can offer a gift as they start off on married life.
Many art galleries offer a wedding list service which makes it possible for your friends and family to contribute towards a gift of real emotional value whether it is a commissioned portrait, a piece of artwork that means something special to you both or even just the means to start building an art collection together. One of my favourite galleries which offer a wedding gift service together with great customer service within a stylish relaxed environment are the Whitewall galleries with a network of venues across the UK.
Offering a diverse portfolio of contemporary artists covering both figurative, landscape and abstract art; both originals and limited edition canvas collectables are available allowing art lovers to find pieces that suit their individual tastes and budgets. With prices starting at £175 for paper editions, canvas copies from £495 and originals ranging between £495 to £35,000.
One of my personal favourites is the internationally renowned artist Fabian Perez who was the official artist to the 2010 Latin Grammy Awards, as well as the London 2012 Olympics. Born in Argentina, Fabian’s powerful and inspirational compositions reflect his upbringing, Latin soul, love of humanity and his numerous travels, and he has been a large part of the movement bringing figurative artwork to the forefront of the contemporary art scene.
Balcony in Buenos Aires II by Fabian Perez
Fabian will be personally unveiling a powerful new collection of hand embellished canvas editions, bronze sculptures and original oil paintings, and sign copies of his magnificent new commemorative book ‘Neo-Emotionalism this November, kicking his UK tour off tonight at Clarendon Fine Art in Mayfair. Invites to all the events are by RSVP – see http://www.fabianperez.co.uk/events/ for a list of your nearest exhibition and contact relevant gallery for availability at event and exhibition schedules.
And even more exciting, any purchases made during this UK tour will be entered into an exclusive competition where one lucky winner will be given the unique opportunity to have their complimentary portrait created and personally presented to them by Fabian when he returns to the UK in May 2014. The portrait will have an estimated value of £10,000, but to the individual fortunate enough to own it, it will of course be priceless…
Having been a fan of his for over 5 years, I always look forward with eager anticipation to see his latest collections and will never tire of looking at his art. One day perhaps I will be fortunate enough to own an original piece of his work! A girl can dream ….
The White Diaries
