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 →

08Feb/16

Red Fire Monkeys and Other Ideas

February 8, 2016Art, DesignChinese New Year, monkey, red, Valentine's DayArmadillo Central

We’re welcoming in the Chinese Year of the Monkey with an endearing little sketch by Jennifer Copley-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 →

11Dec/15

Ai Weiwei at The RA

December 11, 2015Art, Design, PhotographyAi Weiwei, Chinese culture, Coco-Cola Vase, Grapes, Royal Academy of ArtsArmadillo Central

I am still deeply immersed in the experience that was Ai Weiwei’s monumental show at The Royal Academy. Continue reading →

06Nov/15

Be Jewelled, Be Dazzled

November 6, 2015Art, Design, Precious Metalsbiennial symposium, holographic, kinetic, Malcolm Appleby's workshop, master engraverArmadillo Central

Be jewelled, be dazzled, be cultivated. If you’re near Perthshire in Scotland during November or December, don’t miss a chance to drop into Malcolm Appleby’s workshop near Aberfeldy. Continue reading →

18Oct/15

The Inflatable Buddha Books

October 18, 2015Books & WritingAndrás Kepes, Bernard Adams, Ken Drury, Mátyás Sárközi, Nick Thorpe, Sharif HorthyArmadillo Central

András Kepes’ bestselling novel, originally entitled Tövispuszta, was translated from the Hungarian by Bernard Adams in 2013 and renamed The Inflatable Buddha for the English speaking market. Continue reading →