27Jun/17

The Hand Engravers Association Symposium 2017

June 27, 2017Art, Design, Precious MetalsHand Engravers Association, Malcolm Appleby, Miriam Hanid, Silversmith's Symposium, traditional craftsArmadillo Central

I was privileged to be invited to the Hand Engravers Association’s Symposium, a 5 day event at master engraver Malcolm Appleby’s workshops in Scotland earlier in June. Continue reading →

05Feb/17

‘Collect 2017’ Snapshot

February 5, 2017Art, Books & Writing, Design, Furniture, Precious MetalsCollect 2017, The Crafts Council, The Life of Julie CopeArmadillo Central

I was blown away by the breadth of talent, textures, colours and concepts at the Crafts Council’s ‘Collect’ show, which runs until the 6th February at London’s Saatchi Gallery. Continue reading →

19Jan/17

Chanced Upon: Jean-Marc Calvet

January 19, 2017Art, Charity, Film, The Fine Line ProjectCalvet The Movie, creativity and mental health, insider art, Jean-Marc CalvetArmadillo Central

A film screening presented by Alison Poltock at the Royal Academy, during the East End Film Festival last October, opened my eyes to the life and work of Jean-Marc Calvet. Calvet The Movie, directed by Dominic Allan, was released in 2011. Continue reading →

17Oct/16

George Israel Exhibition at The Petal Pusher

October 17, 2016ArtGeorge Israel, oil painting, Royal Academy Schools, still life, The Petal Pusher, unframed original oilsArmadillo Central

We’re delighted to announce our latest show featuring a rare selection of original oil paintings by the late George Israel. Continue reading →

29Sep/16

London’s Heart of Gold

September 29, 2016Art, Design, Precious MetalsGoldsmiths' Fair, Goldsmiths' Hall, one-off jewellery, oxidised silver, Silver SpeaksArmadillo Central

Goldsmiths’ Fair started out as Loot in 1976, when all pieces sold had to be under £50, while Superloot, launched in 1979, showcased items over £500 – see the first private view invitation below. Continue reading →

31May/16

Art Review: Pine Feroda

May 31, 2016Art, IllustrationDevon Guild of Craftsmen, group artistry, Merlyn Chesterman, Pine Feroda, Rebecca Hossack, woodcutsArmadillo Central

Pine Feroda’s recent private view at Rebecca Hossack’s beautiful and quirky art gallery in Conway Street, London was well worth attending. Continue reading →

30Apr/16

Film Review: ‘Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse’

April 30, 2016Art, Film, GardensClaude Monet, David Bickerstaff, Lachlan Goudie, Marcel Proust, Phil GrabskyArmadillo Central

All is not lost if you were unable to see The Royal Academy’s recent ‘Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse‘ as a film of the same name has just been released.  Continue reading →

22Mar/16

Book Review: Malcolm Appleby at 70

March 22, 2016Art, Books & Writing, Design, Precious Metalsinterpolated palimpsest, Jane Short, Malcolm Appleby, The Scottish GalleryArmadillo Central

The Scottish Gallery published a paperback Malcolm Appleby at 70 to coincide with their January 2016 exhibition celebrating the artist, silversmith and engraver’s 50 year + “creative tour de force”, a slim volume well worth adding to your library. Continue reading →

17Feb/16

Tales of Hidden Treasure

February 17, 2016Coins and Medals, Design, Precious MetalsEleanor Ghey, iron age model weapons, real buried treasure, Roman piggy bank, Westerham hoardArmadillo Central

Hoards, The Hidden History of Ancient Britain is a little treasure to be found at The British Museum until late May. Continue reading →

07Jan/16

Juliet Kepes Fine Art Prints

January 7, 2016Art, Illustrationanimals, birds, Giclée print, illustration, Juliet KepesArmadillo Central

We’re delighted to present a small collection of Juliet Kepes’ enchanting bird and animal illustrations, all of which are now available from Armadillo Central, reproduced as fine art quality prints. Continue reading →