Pickett's January Diary
How is 2022 going so far? If you’re looking for ways to put a spring in your step for the remainder of what surely feels like the longest month of the year, Trevor has some suggestions (spoiler alert: walking is out, and culture is IN)…
“One thing you won’t find me doing is heading out on endless winter walks. I hate walking, I think it’s tedious. I much prefer being on a bike, or on a horse. It takes a long time to walk from pub to pub, after all…
That said, I may review my walking after a whimsical glide through Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the V&A, which promises to be a great follow-on from Pooh a few years back. If you do the same, I’d suggest popping in to see Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution while you’re there too (Fabergé was almost ruined for me by Brut in the 1970s, but it’s been saved by the V&A). For those of you too far a field you can read more here...
Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art from the 1950s to Now at Tate Britain is a must-visit for anyone who hasn’t already been. I was there as it opened and it was unbelievable - it has a spirit I can’t put my finger on and is full of vibrancy. For a small taste take a look at this Denzil Forrester piece: Jah Shaka 1983 from the Exhibition guide © Denzil Forrester, courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery
Featuring statement-making fabric, reimagined as a large or small cushion, casual lace-up shoe and iconic bestselling slippers. Our Kilim Collection reflects the energetic colours of this fabulous exhibition.
Put Dürer’s Journeys: Travels of a Renaissance Artist at the National Gallery on your to-do list as well. Aside from the fact I’ve always adored his beautiful watercolour study of a hare (‘Young Hare’), I find much to admire about Dürer and am looking forward to the 13th February when this exhibition opens. It’s great that museums and galleries are remerging and allowing us to see the stars and richness of their collections once more.
If you haven’t seen Late Constable at the RA, I strongly recommend that you do (well I would wouldn't I - he and I share a home county after all). His depictions of Suffolk, my second home, are spectacular. Give me a Suffolk sky and I drown.
Indeed, I often feel I prefer Constable’s skies to the subject matter…
During your time spent out and about you will of course need to prepare for whatever the delightful British weather decides to spoil us with. With traditional umbrellas, to classic cashmere gloves and sumptuous scarves we have you covered!
And finally, in this year of celebrating anniversaries, why not put some colour into the dreary winter months with a visit to the Royal Albert Hall to see Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia, which marks 25 years since the company first performed at the venue. It’s always great to reflect on institutions that have stood the test of time, and Cirque du Soleil is a spectacle that very much keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Away from the city, you’ll find me pottering around the antique shops of Suffolk (such as Goodbrey, Dix Sept, In da Cottage, and Marlesford Mill) looking for unique pieces to display in Pickett’s Mayfair store. I’ve always felt that the shop needs to be seen as a theatre and, as such, the set needs to be changed, so I’m constantly looking for items for the mise en scène. Inspired by my friend Tim Gosling, I recently bought four klismos chairs that will look very elegant indeed - I can’t wait to see them in situ.”
