Country Life UK

Left: Oak-cased Below: The Hanover travelling time- Tompion. Turtle- piece, by shell and gilt-brass William Dutton, three-train grande about 1775 sonnerie striking spring clock, about‘Thomas Tompion seems to be 1704–8. This went from Prince Georgemarked as head of his profession and Queen Anne toby the mere music of his nameIn some cases, as with the Mostyn, it was George I and the descendants of his’a matter of the Lord Chamberlain’s right to German mistresstake the furnishings of the room in which Country Life, May 13, 2015 99the reigning sovereign died. Others, as theScott-Cumberland shows, were diplomaticgifts; still others went to royal mistresses. The Hanover Tompion, for instance, startedin about 1704 and altered or completed after1708, surfaced in 2003 in an auction of con-tents from Schloss Wolfsburg near Hanover,seat of the Grafen von der Schulenburg.Their forebear Melusine von der Schulen-burg was George I’s mistress, whom hecreated Duchess of Munster and Kendal. The inscription on the mezzotint afterTompion’s portrait describes him as ‘Auto-matopœus’, maker of instruments (Grahamhas the more prosaic ‘clockmaker’), and thebook discusses his innovations and providesan informative catalogue. There is also con-siderable information on his apprenticesand ‘grand-apprentices’, and rivals, such asDaniel Quare (1647/48–1724), the Knibbsand such later followers as William Dutton. Sitwell’s scholarship may have long beenovertaken, but his way with words endures.He concluded his remarks: ‘Tompion is buried,worthily, in Westminster Abbey, from whichshrine many more famous, but not greaterartists, have been excluded.’ Beside him liesGeorge Graham.For information on the sale of the ScottCollection, contact Carter Marsh, 32AThe Square, Winchester SO23 9EX (www.marshclocks.co.uk; 01962 844443)www.countrylife.co.uk

Simon’s Kitchen Simon Hopkinson FOR one of the first times A taste of spring in my life as a cookery writer, this glorious month The freshest of ingredients can add something unexpected of May shall be bereft of a single to a simple seasonal lunch, advises Simon Hopkinson recipe for asparagus, for I have been shamed by my fellow About 3 handfuls of small, young Englishmen and women. spinach leaves This time last year, in the Freshly ground white pepper glorious Surrey countryside, I witnessed, over and over again, Tender and delicious: this poached lamb is a welcome change Method the antics of previous visitors Put the ingredients for the broth kindly invited to pick their own Poached neck fillet of simply ask him to chop them into a roomy pot and add about farm asparagus (after a modest lamb with spinach and into pieces, bones and all, but one litre of cold water. Slowly fee) who, it seems, had turned egg and lemon sauce kindly request that he also bring up to a simmer and skim off primitive when it came to one of removes most of the excess fat. all resultant scum that appears the most joyous tasks of the Serves 4 on the surface. Allow to quietly culinary field. cook for about one hour. Now,Jason Lowe The simple soup known as avgo- Ingredients immerse the lamb fillets and ‘I have been lemono is made when a flavour- For the lamb cooking broth poach for no more than 20 min- shamed by some chicken broth, lemon juice 300g boned lamb breast (or utes or so. Lift them out, place my fellow and rice are lightly emulsified upon a warmed dish and secure Englishmen and by the quick addition of beaten another cheap cut), chopped with foil. Strain the broth through eggs (or sometimes just yolks) into small pieces a fine sieve into a clean pan (dis- women’What so horrified me as whisked into it, both thickening 200ml dry white wine card all solids), allow to settle for and enriching the assembly. The 3 celery stalks, chopped a few minutes and then remove I meandered up and down the following preparation using 3 cloves garlic, bruised the fat from the surface using raised beds, quietly harvesting lamb employs a similar method, 2 small onions, chopped a few sheets of kitchen paper. my bounty, was that at least producing a delicate, yet deeply 2 carrots, chopped a quarter of these beautiful savoury dish. A little salt Reduce the broth by about green spears, standing so proud Note: boned and rolled lamb half (once more, removing any and just begging to be sliced out breast is now a regular feature 4 small lamb neck fillets scum generated) until strong of the ground with a long, sharp in supermarkets, but if your Juice of 2 small lemons in flavour. Immerse the lamb knife, had then simply been dis- butcher has whole lamb breasts, 4 egg yolks, beaten fillets, bring up to a very gentle carded upon the soil. The per- 100ml double cream simmer and poach for 10–15 versity of such sacrilege left me minutes; they should feel bouncy more depressed than I can when tweaked between the fin- recently recall, as I motored gers, once cooked. Remove the back to west London. lamb fillets to a plate, cover tightly with foil and put to one side. Naturally, I suggest that readers of COUNTRY LIFE will Stir the lemon juice into the wholeheartedly agree with my broth and keep hot. Now, put the distress over such behaviour egg yolks in a bowl and whisk and understand my reluctance in the cream. Slowly add this to to, once again, display enthusi- the broth while whisking ener- asm for this seasonal delight. getically over a low heat until Let us hope that my outrage the mixture is clearly beginning conveyed to the growers, last to thicken up; this will not take year, may now have corrected very long. Once the consistency the situation and allow me to is beginning to resemble that of wax lyrical once more next year. double cream (watch out that the sauce doesn’t scramble and split), In the meantime, I hope that adjust seasoning and add the the following two offerings will spinach. Allow to wilt into the sauce appease; at least the lamb is as and then put the pan to one side. seasonal as can be and, together with the vibrantly flavoured squid Slice the lamb onto hot plates salad, will hopefully provide a first and spoon the sauce over it and main course that could not allowing the spinach to settle to be more fresh tasting for, say, one side, almost as a garnish. a late-spring weekend lunch. Eat with buttered new potatoes. 100 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

Light fantastic: the key to this pretty, fresh, Asian-inspired spring salad is cooking the squid for a few minutes onlySquid salad Ingredients Coriander leaves the clutch of tentacles into For the dressing 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely single lengths. Plunge into theServes 4 200ml mirin (sweet rice wine) water, just bring back to the boil 50ml light soy sauce chopped and then drain at once.Try to find squid as fresh as Half a tablespoon Thai fish saucepossible—and, furthermore, not Juice of 1 lime Method Take four plates and dividetoo large. I have always found it 1 small knob fresh ginger, peeled To make the dressing, pour the the cucumber, chillies, corian-unnecessary to remove the pur- mirin into a small saucepan, der and spring onions betweenplish skin that covers the body and finely grated bring up to the boil, then simmer them. Arrange them prettilyof the squid and think it rather 1 clove garlic, finely chopped until reduced to about two- before carefully placing piecesattractive, once cooked, as well 1tbspn sesame oil thirds of its original volume. of the squid on top, making sureas preserving flavour, I believe. 2 red chillies, de-seeded and finely Decant into a bowl and allow to that each has both rings and cool completely. Add the remain- tentacles. Whisk the dressing, Do please be attentive to the chopped ing seven ingredients and stir spoon some over each salad andinstructions below for cooking together. Put to one side. serve forthwith.the squid: truly, the timing 350g–400g cleaned squid Simon Hopkinson is the found-should almost be seconds and Half a large cucumber, peeled and Bring a pot of lightly salted ing chef and co-proprietor ofcertainly not more than a couple water to the boil. Cut the squid Bibendum restaurant, Londonof minutes. sliced bodies into thin rings and cut 2 hot green chillies, thinly slicedwww.countrylife.co.uk Country Life, May 13, 2015 101

Property market Penny Churchill LORES Estates with a differenceModern fantasy or romantic idyll? These two properties have a lot to offerT HE challenges of life in the of the lots by separate negotiation. Felix Dennis’s room main house, listed Grade II, English countryside are high- Dennis had a passion for trees and The Old Manor dates from the early 16th century and lighted by the sale of two very estate at Dors- was originally five workers’ cottages.different estates—one the fantasy the proceeds of the sale will go to the ington in War- Priced at £1.75m, it stands in aboutcreation of a restless 20th-century Heart of England Forest, a charitable wickshire nine acres of gardens, grounds andgenius, the other a diverse, 290-acre trust set up to re-create Shakespeare’s (above) is paddocks, with glorious unfetteredestate dating back more than 1,000 Forest of Arden on 5,750 acres of being offered views over the Warwickshire coun-years and centred on the partly res- land acquired around The Old Manor in up to 11 lots tryside towards Meon Hill and thetored ruin of a Grade I-listed mansion over the years. The former ‘wild man’ at £9.515 Ilmington Downs.that was once the grandest house on of publishing, for whom extreme living million for thethe Isle of Wight. was the norm, was totally committed to entire estate. It Dennis’s pièce de résistance was the project and planted the millionth inc-ludes the Highfield, a bungalow that he trans- Joint selling agents Smiths Gore tree there in September 2013. thatched main formed into the ultimate party barn(01451 832832) and Knight Frank house (above at a cost of almost £5m and which, at(01789 297735) have been inundated He originally bought The Old Manor right, £1.75m) the time of its construction, was thewith calls from potential purchasers as a retreat from his manic life in and Highfield biggest barn to be built of green oakfollowing the announcement of the London, but came to love it so much (above left, in England for 300 years. Themed onsale of an intriguing portfolio of that it became his permanent home. £2.45m), the the storyline of Treasure Island, hisproperties amassed by the late Felix Dennis loved to entertain, but didn’t ultimate party childhood favourite, the 12,000sq ftDennis in and around the village of really want guests staying in his barn complex boasts a vast aquarium fullDorsington, Warwickshire, between house, so he gradually bought up neigh- of tropical fish, a swimming pool1987, when he moved to The Old Manor, bouring houses and developed them with an island planted with full-sizeand his death there in June last year. into Caribbean-style guest cottages. palm trees and pirates climbing the The thatched, Elizabethan, four-bed- The properties—including the manoritself, a spectacular leisure complex,a Georgian farmhouse, various villageand estate houses and a number ofsites for development or conversion—are being offered in up to 11 lots,at prices ranging from £300,000 fora semi-detached, two-bedroom cottageto £9.515 million for the entire estate.Additional land is available with some102 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

Find the best properties at countrylife.co.ukrigging as well as other eccentricities, The 290-acre or in four lots, the diverse working ability Brown landscape, was rebuiltincluding a working red telephone Appuldur- estate, which dates from before the in 1701 on the site of an earlier Tudorbox, an outdoor Caribbean bar and combe estate norman Conquest, currently com- house by Sir Robert Worsley, whosea full-size chessboard in the garden. on the Isle of prises two farmhouses, seven holiday family owned the estate for 300It comes with planning consent for Wight includes cottages, a working aviary, a cafe, years. The house was substantiallyconversion to residential use and is the romantic a children’s indoor soft play area altered and extended some 70 yearson offer at a realistic £2.45m. ruins of Appul- and the romantic ruins of Appuldur- later by Sir Robert’s profligate great- durcombe combe House. nephew, Sir Richard Worsley, whose A substantial building of interest House (above). disastrous marriage to, and subse-to lovers of Georgian architecture is Its East Wing The magnificent Baroque mansion, quent divorce from his wife, Seymourhandsome Manor House Farmhouse, has been listed Grade I, designed by the archi- Fleming (whom he reputedly marriedlisted Grade II, which stands in 1.2 re-roofed and tect John James and set within a Cap- ‘for love and £80,000’), are set toacres of gardens on the edge of the partially res- feature in a BBC2 drama, The Ladyvillage and has three reception rooms, tored (right) in Red, later this year.a kitchen/breakfast room, five first- and is a popu-floor bedrooms, four attic bedrooms lar wedding Their scandalous divorce caseand two bath/shower rooms. It has venue cost Sir Richard his reputation, andbeen used as a holiday let and needs the Worsleys their family fortune,refurbishing, but has the potential to and when Sir Richard died in 1805,create a ‘truly lovely house’, says Appuldurcombe passed to hisRobert Pritchard of Smiths Gore, who niece’s husband, Charles Anderson-quotes a guide price of £875,000. Pelham, 1st earl of Yarborough, the founder of the Royal Yacht Squadron‘The barn boasts at Cowes.an island with full- The estate was eventually sold in size palm treesPotential abounds within the his- 1855 and Appuldurcombe House was run, first as a hotel, then a boys’’toric confines of the 290-acre Appul- school, and later a temporary refuge for exiled French Benedictine monks.durcombe estate between the villages used as a billet for troops duringof Wroxall and Godshill, near Vent- both World Wars, the house wasnor, Isle of Wight, much of it already badly damaged in the Second Worldrealised by the current owners, who War, when a German dornierhave lived at Appuldurcombe for 30 dropped its last mine close to theyears and are now retiring. house before crashing into the nearby hillside. For sale through the Winchesteroffice of Savills (01962 841842) at Although still mainly a shell, thea guide price of £6m for the whole, east Wing has been partly restored and re-roofed, and now serves asQuintessential Arts-and-Crafts a substantial seven-bedroom country house a popular wedding venue throughout with a notable garden laid out by Sir Geoffrey the year. Other estate buildings haveL AunCHed on the market in this week’s Jellicoe and Russell Page. Both house and gar- been converted or restored as holiday Country Life, charming, Grade II-listed den have been meticulously restored to their lets, including The Gatehouse, TheKingcombe at Chipping Campden, Gloucester- original splendour during the 17-year tenure of Retreat (a one-bedroom cottage),shire, one of the loveliest market towns in the present owner, who has already embarked Stable Cottage (the former stables)the Cotswolds, was built in 1925 in the Arts- on the construction of a major neo-Georgian and The Coach House, all listedand-Crafts style for the furniture designer country house, hence the sale of Kingcombe Grade II.Sir Gordon Russell. Kingcombe became through Smiths Gore (01451 832832) at a guideSir Gordon’s passion and gradually evolved into price of £4.25m.www.countrylife.co.uk Country Life, May 13, 2015 103

Property news Edited by ArabellaYouensBoys and girls come out to playBuilding a playhouse in the garden will both captivate children’s imaginations and get them outdoors. Arabella Youens finds out what’s on the marketW HEN we celebrated The From little table in the dining room, we can do it,’ designs to choose from, but, as every- Queen’s Diamond Jubilee acorns: a couple says Mr Rosella. The company, which thing is made to order, they can be in 2012, the BBC produced in Hereford- makes everything by hand in its adapted to accommodate awkwarda documentary of Princess Beatrice shire’s vision Northamptonshire workshop, will take spaces or existing trees.showing journalist Andrew Marr around for this care of every element, starting withY Bwthyn Bach—or The Little House— spectacular architectural drawings through to gain- Mr Watkins recommends people havethe miniature cottage in the grounds playhouse and ing planning permission where required an eye on the future. ‘Younger childrenof Windsor’s Royal Lodge that was equipment for and installing the finished product. will love a simple playhouse, but, by thepresented to Princess Elizabeth for their grand- time a child is four, they might wanther sixth birthday on behalf of the children, built ‘Generally, a customer will come something more adventurous, withpeople of Wales. At the time, Princess around to us and we’ll think together about a slide or a swing.’ Later still, it’s worthBeatrice had been charged with a 200-year-old what their children or grandchildren thinking about installing a platformredecorating the house so it was ready oak tree, was are interested in and then we’ll have or raising the playhouse. ‘I think it’sfor the next generation—The Queen’s brought to life fun creating some ideas,’ explains Mr a fundamental part of being a childever-increasing number of great- by The Play- Rosella. So far, these have included to want a place that’s yours higher up.grandchildren—to enjoy. house Company an American-style drive-through diner When you’re a kid, everywhere belongs and an aircraft-hanger bedroom. ‘We to grown-ups, but a treehouse or platform Judging by business at three leading have to imagine ourselves as children can be a sanctuary solely for children.’playhouse companies, the appetite for again, which isn’t tricky as we’re all quitebuilding wendy or treehouse structures playful in the office,’ he adds. Prices for playhouses, not unlike thein gardens is voracious—particularly, grown-up version, range widely. You canaccording to the directors of The Sally Stone and Alex Watkins operate buy something on a smaller scale off thePlayhouse Company (01544 387100; Stone & Watkins Playhouses (01363 shelf from John Lewis for about £250www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk), 772879; www.play-houses.com) in mid and the sky is seemingly limitless forfrom grandparents seeking to entertain Devon. The company’s replica Queen something conjured up by The Master(or establish a strong enough draw for) Anne manor house drew the crowds Wishmakers. Stone & Watkins Play-visiting grandchildren. (as well as commentary in COUNTRY houses quotes £3,765 as a starting price LIFE) when it was first unveiled at the for one of its cottages, but the Queen The Herefordshire-based outfit was Chelsea Flower Show in 1999. There Anne replica will set you back £24,495.commissioned by one couple last year is a range of playhouse and treehouseto create a playhouse with a difference Last weekend, at Badminton Horsefor their three grandchildren, with the Michael Hanson, who was the COUNTRY LIFE property Trials, The Playhouse Companyproviso that it had to fit around a 200- correspondent for 27 years, died last month at the age launched the latest model in its col-year-old oak tree. The result is a series of 78. He was awarded Property Journalist of the Year lection, which is more modest in bothof platforms, covered stages, a tunnelled five times between 1976 and 1995. An admirer of structure and price. The Gypsy Caravanwalkway and a rope bridge that runs Lutyens, he was writing a book on the architect at the has a stable door to the front, twoalong the existing border of the garden. time of his death. single windows on one side plus another window at the back and costs ‘It’s about enticing children away from £1,750 (including delivery).their televisions and computer consolesand getting them into the great outdoors,using their imaginations and creativity,’explains director Richard Frost. The concept of the playhouse hasevolved from the miniature cottage viamore extravagant princess castlesto even an entire ‘pirate island’ builton a lake in Cambridgeshire, completewith a ‘raider’s raft’ or pirate boatfeaturing a Yamaha outboard motor.According to Sege Rosella of TheMaster Wishmakers (01536 525552;www.masterwishmakers.com), the onlylimit to what his company will buildis science (and, of course, funds). ‘Our service is completely bespoke—if you want a miniature version of your300-year-old Georgian mansion, com-plete with a replica of Great-Aunt Joyce’s104 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

Access the quintessential companion to countryside living wherever you want, whenever you want, however you want Love it? Rate and review it The latest issue of COUNTRY LIFE magazine is availablein print, online, on the iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook and Google Play /DIGITALEDITION

Property news Gorgeous gardens Northamptonshire, £995,000 The Old Rectory, Woodford Carter Jonas (01604 608200) Overlooking the Nene valley and river, this Grade II-listed house stands in magnificent landscaped gardens. There are three recept- ion rooms, a good-sized kitchen and a cellar.Ipswich commute Gloucestershire, £895,000 3 The Manor, MickletonSuffolk, £1.45 million Smiths Gore (01451 832832)Chattisham Hall, Chattisham This farmhouse forms part of6 bedrooms, annexe studio, 8 acres Mickleton Manor, which was con-Jackson-Stops & Staff (01473 218218) verted into four properties in theThis pretty Georgian house stands on the edge of the village with far-reaching views. It’s been in the 1980s. It has five bedrooms, twosame family for a number of years, so the incoming buyer would most likely want to update the interiors, reception rooms, a private terracebut it has lots of potential, with a series of handsome reception rooms and good-sized bedrooms. and communal gardens.On the edge of Savernake Forest Essex, £1.795 million The Old Vicarage, BroxtedWiltshire, £1.85 million Cheffins (01799 523656)Durley Gate, Savernake Standing in 10.6 acres and enjoy-5 bedrooms, stable block, 5.9 acres ing a beautiful garden, which alsoKnight Frank (01488 682726) has an outdoor swimming pool,Originally a pair of cottages, the house was sold out of the Savernake estate in the 1970s. It has a large this five-bedroom house comeskitchen/breakfast room (with an Aga) and stands in an AONB, just two miles from the shop and mainline with a large reception hall, twostation at Great Bedwyn. Marlborough College and St John’s academy are within an easy distance. reception rooms, a kitchen with an Aga and a separate breakfast106 Country Life, May 13, 2015 room. www.countrylife.co.uk

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Exhibition ‘Painting Paradise’ at The Queen’s Gallery, London A royalcornucopia George Plumptre marvels at thebreadth of artworks in the Royal Collection that celebrate gardens and gardeningT HE last major exhibition celebrating gardens in art was ‘The Glory of theGarden’ at Sotheby’s in 1987.The Queen generously lent tothat show, but, as is confirmedby this beautifully crafted newexhibition, she clearly kept thebest at home. Landseer’s Windsor Castle in modern times showing George IV’s parterres on the East Terrace ‘Painting Paradise’ again cele- ‘A kaleidoscope a kaleidoscope of riches to dazz- modern times: Queen Victoria,brates the vibrant relationship of riches is ling effect, from early Persian Prince Albert and Victoria,between gardens and art, but does presented to miniatures, sweeping through the Princess Royal, which shows theso drawing only on the Royal Italian Renaissance into wider Royal Family in a scene of dom-Collection. Early notices have Europe and the Baroque, on to estic bliss. It, too, has a view outfocused on the light the exhibitiondazzling effect,sheds on the history of gardens the Landscape Movement and to Windsor Castle’s garden beyond then to the collecting delights as a key feature.and their representation in art,but the most fascinating light from Persian of the Victorian age and Research for the exhibitionit sheds is on the Royal Collection, miniatures Edwardian grandeur. threw up some major discoveries,as a repository of superlative to Edwardian the most thrilling of which forquality and diversity. It reveals as much about con- the curator, Vanessa Remington, noisseurship, and about the parti- was confirmation that the 1523 The exhibition doesn’t just cular loves of different memberstell the story of gardens through ’grandeur of the Royal Family, as it does Portrait of Jacopo Cennini, byhistory. Instead, it presents about art. It reminds us that they the Florentine painter called Fran- have commissioned both as mon- ciabigio, is the earliest known archs, to reflect and enhance their portrait of a professional gar- Royal Collection Trust/Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014 status and power, and as private dener. This mesmerising work, individuals, to indulge their per- for me the star of the show, has sonal loves. You discover that all the humanity of other great William IV may not have been early Italian portraits and theA gift from Prince Albert: Queen Victoria’s a great art collector, but he was sitter’s profession is confirmedOrange blossom parure in gold, porcelain, a bibliophile and a number of the by the gardening implementsenamel and velvet, consisting of a head pre-eminent books on show were hanging behind him.wreath, brooches and earrings acquired by him. There is only space here to men- No single item resonates with tion a few highlights. The first the projection of royal authority room is a treasure trove—where and succession more than the else would you find two drawings majestic The Family of Henry by Leonardo da Vinci and another VIII (about 1545), with its views exquisite unnamed 16th-century to the gardens of Whitehall Italian work, etchings by Dürer, Palace. Quite different in empha- two early Dutch masterpieces and sis and style is Sir Edwin a breathtaking depiction of Christ Landseer’s Windsor Castle in as a gardener by Rembrandt? www.countrylife.co.uk

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Exhibition ‘Painting Paradise’ at The Queen’s Gallery, London There is plenty of bravura, not A sumptuous scene: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (1615) by Jan Bruegel the Elder least in the Baroque period, and most gloriously in the oak-and- silver table made for William III to designs by his gardener William Marot, with a pineapple as the centrepiece of its stretcher. William III was competing with the French king, Louis XIV, whose gardens at Marly and Versailles are depicted in two sumptuous views by Jean-Baptiste Martin, dated about 1700. Other paintings are import- ant records because they show views that no longer exist, such as Danckerts’ view of the old Elizabethan façade at Hampton Court that was swept away by Sir Christopher Wren and, one of my favourites, the early-18th- century view of the working kitchen garden beneath the north wall of Windsor Castle. I was intrigued by the Fabergé creation of a convolvulus that once belonged to Vita Sackville-Royal Collection Trust/Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014 West, and who could resist the The exhibition has clearly been miniature wheelbarrow and put together by someone with Seven Couples in a Garden (about 1510) by Mir ’Ali Sir Nava’i rake that belonged to one of a great affection for gardens Queen Victoria’s children (they and gardeners. In her convers- each had their own sets of tools, ation with me, Mrs Remington specially labelled, to prevent gave a delightfully personal squabbles)? insight: ‘My first childhood memory was of selling tickets With a personal interest in with my grandparents when Edward VII, I enjoyed the Cyril they opened their garden in Ward view of the gardens at Highgate in aid of the National Sandringham, in which the King Gardens Scheme [NGS].’ took such pride. He poured the earnings of his great Derby- I left feeling replete and happy winning racehorse Persimmon that the NGS might have sown into their creation and, when an early seed in the conception showing off the majestic range of this truly royal show, whose of teak glasshouses that appeal will reach far beyond stretched for 300 yards along gallery buffs and gardening one garden wall, he would aficionados. proudly announce to visitors: George Plumptre is Chief Exec- ‘All Persimmon, All Persimmon!’ utive of the National Gardens Scheme. ‘Painting Paradise: The The different rooms of the Art of the Garden’ is at The exhibition are themed through Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham well-known periods of garden Palace, London SW1 until Oct- history, but ‘Painting Paradise’ ober 11 (020–7766 7300; www. doesn’t really need these sign- royalcollection.org.uk). The acc- posts—you will find yourself ompanying book by Vanessa wandering at will and returning Remington, with a foreword to favourites. If I have a criticism, by Sir Roy Strong, is pub- it’s the quantity of etchings and lished by the Royal Collection engravings that are included: Trust (£29.95) historically important, but not visually dazzling, a quality for Next week: which ‘Painting Paradise’ sets ‘What is Luxury?’ at the V&A high standards. 110 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

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Performing Arts Edited by Jane Watkins CanÕt get you out of my head: Kasper HoltenÕs astonishing set for the Royal OperaÕs Kr—l Roger really brings this rarity to life Season of love And there is more pianistic International Violin Festival and orchestral quality, on May with Christian Tetzlaff in Beet- The excitements of spring have whetted 20, when Maria Jo‹o Pires joins hoven and Dorothea Ršschmann our appetite for the musical riches the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Matthias Goerne are the of summer, says Geoffrey Smith (BFO) and Iv‡n Fisher in MozartÕs vocal soloists in BrahmsÕs Ger- Piano Concerto No 9. Known for man Requiem. Mr Goerne andBill Cooper A BOMBSHELL election, forget Martha ArgerichÕs super- their supple elegance, Maestro his distinguished accompanist a blissful addition to the nal performance of BeethovenÕs Fisher and the BFO conclude the Piotr Anderszewski perform Schu- Royal FamilyÑthis has First Piano Concerto, with evening with BrahmsÕs Symph- mann lieder on the 28th. been a spring like no other, Daniel Barenboim conducting ony No 1. On June 5Ð6, devotees a torrent of incident and expec- the Staatskapelle Berlin. It made of symphonic sonority will rel- On June 5, Murray Perahia, tation. But amid all the excite- an electrifying opening to this ish the legendary opulence of one of the worldÕs best-loved ment, music has held its own, yearÕs ÔBarenboim ProjectÕ, which the Philadelphia Orchestra, as pianists, plays Haydn, Beet- a counterpoint of emotion and continues from May 27 to June Yannick NŽzet-SŽguin conducts hoven, Franck and Chopin and, pleasure, providing a respite 2 with the maestro exchanging programmes of Shostakovich, on the 6th, the Britten Sinfonia from the media surge and experi- the podium for the keyboard, Rachmaninov, Beethoven and presents a remarkable world ence of particular distinction. performing all of SchubertÕs Tchaikovsky, featuring violinist premiere: Sentences, a dramatic piano sonatas over four con- Lisa Batiashvili and pianist monologue based on the trou- For instance, those of us lucky certs (0844 875 0073; www. Emmanuel Ax. bled life of computer pioneer enough to be part of a packed southbankcentre.co.uk). Alan Turing, composed and con- Royal Festival Hall will never Across the Thames, the ducted by Nico Muhly, starring Barbican offers similar plenty counter-tenor Iestyn Davies, who (020Ð7638 8891; www.barbican. also sings Dowland and Vivaldi. org.uk). On May 24, the London Symphony Orchestra, under Covent Garden is blazing Daniel Harding, continues its a new operatic trail as well, with its first-ever production of ➢ 112 Country Life, May 13, 2014 www.countrylife.co.uk

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COUNTRY LIFE® The COUNTRY LIFE box office can offer discounted tickets for theatre, ballet and opera productions as well as exhibitions and attractions—for more details,Box office visit http://boxoffice.countrylife.co.uk. This week, save up to 54% on Monday to Friday evening and Saturday matinee performances until October 31 of the The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre (book before May 31) at http://countrylife.entstix.com/tickets/the-39-steps)Stéphanie d’Oustrac will take the title role in Glyndebourne’s What’s newrevival of David McVicar’s 2002 production of Carmen At this year’s Aldeburgh Festival, music’s three Bs are Harrison Birtwistle, Pierre Boulez and George Benjamin. Opening on June 12 with a pair of Birtwistle one-act operas, The Corridor and The Cure (in its world premiere), the two- week programme showcases a retrospective portrait of Mr Boulez for his 90th birthday, combining theatre, film and live performance, and Mr Benjamin appears as conductor and pianist in several concerts, including his own works. Historic Bs are honoured as well, with John Eliot Gardiner and pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard performing Bach and ample repre- sentation of Aldeburgh’s founder, Benjamin Britten. Indeed, the festival concludes with excerpts from Britten’s ballet The Prince of the Pagodas, conducted by Oliver Knussen on June 28 (01728 687110; www.aldeburgh.co.uk)Szymanowski’s mesmerising cheva and Marina Rebeka, and Robbie Jack/Corbis Images; Chris Christodoulou/Lebrecht Music and Arts/Corbis Images; Marco Borggreve Book nowKról Roger (020–7304 4000; Plácido Domingo appearing aswww.roh.org.uk). Evoking the Giorgio Germont on May 28 and Harry Christophers’ elite ensemble The Sixteen has set offsound worlds of Wagner and June 3. And another classic on its latest Choral Pilgrimage, bringing Spain’s Golden AgeDebussy, its voluptuous score staging has its swan song from to Greenwich, Exeter, Truro and Llandaff from May 20 tobrings out the best in Sir Ant- May 23 to July 16, with the fare- 23 and across Britain until October 24 (01904 658338;onio Pappano, the Royal Opera well revival of John Copley’s www.ncem.co.uk/thesixteen)orchestra and its star cast. evergreen version of Puccini’s La bohème. Going out in appro- Opera North revives its hit production of Rodgers and Mariusz Kwiecien is the epony- priate style, its double cast Hammerstein’s Broadway classic Carousel, in Leeds frommous king, torn between trad- includes diva Anna Netrebko May 13 to 23, then visiting Norwich from May 28 to 30 anditional control and the seductive and star tenors Joseph Calleja Edinburgh from June 2 to 6 (0113Ð243 9999; www.oper-allure of Saimir Pirgu’s mysteri- and Piotr Beczala, with a live anorth.co.uk)ous Shepherd, who preaches screen relay on June 10.sensual abandon and threatens In the heart of East Sussex, Wardsbrook Concerts presentsto undermine Roger’s authority, But, despite Covent Garden’s star British singers in a magnificent Tudor barn, with lunchas he has already enticed Geor- stardust and grandeur, I’m drawn and wine. Alice Coote appears on June 14 and Christophergia Jarman’s Queen Roxana. at the moment to its cheeky Maltman on June 27, with all proceeds to St Michael’s cousin in St Martin’s Lane (020– Hospice in Hastings (www.wardsbrookeconcerts.org.uk) Kasper Holten’s striking pro- 7845 9300; www.eno.org). As Iduction features a massive write, ENO is preparing to Last chance to seeskull, dominating the stage and launch Mike Leigh’s much-antici-becoming a three-tiered set in pated staging of Gilbert & Sulli- Based at St John’s Smith Square, from Mayitself, symbolising the king’s van’s The Pirates of Penzance. 15 to 19, the London Festival of Baroquemental turmoil. Intense and Music presents such eminent artists as thepowerful, this intriguing rarity Although Mr Leigh insists he Bach Collegium Japan, with Masaaki Suzukiruns until May 19. just wants to ‘produce the goods (right), as well as soprano Carolyn Sampson and go back to the day job’ of (020Ð7222 1061; www.sjss.org.uk) From May 18 to July 4, the film, his qualifications as a G&SRoyal Opera revives Richard Eyre’s devotee and top-notch director Give this a missclassic production of Verdi’s promise something special,La traviata, with a double cast especially with the likes of I’m not a fan of ENO’s nasty, sleazy update of Bizet’s Carmen,headed by sopranos Sonya Yon- Andrew Shore as Major-General in which a clapped-out car stands in for a gypsy tavern. But Stanley and Jonathan Lemalu, some approve and the singing may be fine. May 20ÐJuly 3 Yannick Nézet- the Sergeant of Police. The show (020Ð7845 9300; www.eno.org) Séguin will lead runs until July 4, with a live the Philadelphia screening on May 19. Music Director. As always, he production of Donizetti’s Poliuto, Orchestra at will be terrific, conducting until July 15, and a revival of the Royal Festi- And, subsequently, although a cast including Felicity Palmer Carmen, May 23–July 11 (01273 val Hall I’m less keen on ENO’s revival as The Countess. 815000; www.glyndebourne.com). of Bizet’s Carmen (see Give This a Miss), I’m very much However, as spring’s green But the full Glyndebourne looking forward to its new pro- deepens into summer, operatic schedule, plus the riches of the duction of Tchaikovsky’s The attention inevitably turns from country-house opera season as Queen of Spades, from June 6 town to country. On May 21, a whole, will receive specific until July 2. Directed by David Glyndebourne bursts into glori- consideration in these pages Alden, it marks Edward Gard- ous life with its inaugural on May 27. ner’s final performance as ENO’s www.countrylife.co.uk

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Art market Huon Mallalieu Oh! What a lovely Wartski From war-torn Poland to London’s Mayfair, a new book charts the success of one of the world’s greatest jewellers in its 150th year Fig 1 left: Morris Wartski out- side his first shop in Bangor (about 1895). Fig 2 above: British actress Jessie Matthews was a regular and extravagant Wartski customerWartski Archives; Wartski; Sasha/Getty Images; The Fine Art Society T his week, I am taking westwards to Britain. What was Fig 3: The Winter Egg included the eccentric Lord a temporary diversion less to be expected was that by Fabergé, in rock Anglesey—not a reliable payer from the usual pattern they established themselves crystal, platinum, dia- —and the family lawyer was of these pages, in order to look in North Wales. monds, white quartz David Lloyd George. at a sumptuous book that whirls and nephrite, was given us through the 150-year history Morris began as a travelling by Tsar Nicholas II Morris was a man of great of one of the world’s great jewel- salesman, but soon, seemingly to his mother in 1913 ability as well as charm and, as lery businesses. as a result of a chance meeting he spoke Russian, Polish, Yiddish, with the Marquess of Anglesey, was able to open a shop in Bangor German and Welsh as well as According to family tradition, (Fig 1). On his naturalisation Polish-accented English, he was the business that grew to be papers in 1893, he is described able to aid the authorities in deal- Wartski, the Mayfair jeweller by as a jeweller and furniture dealer ing with further waves of immig- appointment to The Queen and The and, by 1907, he had extended the rants. He died at 91 after a long Prince of Wales, had its beginnings business to the more prosperous and full life, which he attributed in 1865, in Turek in Poland, then and fashionable watering-place to ‘plenty of whisky, good cigars close to the border between Russia of Llandudno. His customers and no exercise’. and Prussia. It was not a good time for anyone, let alone a Jew, to set It was his son-in-law, Emanuel up business offering jewellery Snowman—son of just such and haberdashery in Poland, immigrants—who, in 1911, opened as a nationalist uprising against a branch of Wartski in London, the Russian occupiers had just and it was he who made many been bloodily crushed and, of the acquisitions from imperial throughout the Tsarist Empire, and aristocratic collections that anti-semitism was on the rise. were sold by the Soviets between 1927 and 1933, thus making the It is not surprising that in, or enduring reputation of the firm a little before, 1876, Shemaya (Fig 3 and Fig 6). During the and Rosa Wartski, despite dec- 1920s and after the Second World laring themselves ‘natural-born War, all money, old and new, subjects of the Russian Empire’, royalty by families, Hollywood should send three of their sons, by the galaxy, came to Wartski among them the 21-year-old Morris, to marvel and to buy. Even the 2nd Viscount Stansgate, later Tony Benn, was there; he con- sulted Kenneth Snowman on the disposal of his peer’s coronet. 116 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

Fig 5: One of Emily Young’s colossal stone heads on display in VeniceFig 4: A cliff’s disintegration is shown in Julian Perry’s Benacre Birch III This will make Wartski: The Long departed from the subter- Fig 6: Russian agateFirst One Hundred and Fifty ranean premises in Regent Fabergé boxYears by the present managing Street visited by James Bonddirector, Geoffrey Munn (Antique in Octopussy, and settled com- continue onwards and upwards! formed Slaves, or Venice itself, theyCollectors’ Club, £65), a painful fortably yards from Bond Street The Venice Biennale has never link human creativity to the earthpleasure for the name-dropper— in Grafton Street, Wartski con- from which they and we come.not even the most practised could tinues to attract such people, before featured in one of my Artcompete with the array so adeptly as well as putting on the most Market surveys, not only because More surprising to me is to hearand justifiably paraded here. wonderful exhibitions. I have never visited it, but more of some good, traditional painting generally because I am not a whole- at the Biennale. Furthermore, it is Beautiful photographs of beau- Furthermore, under Kenneth hearted Contemporary and really British painting, although in thetiful people (I am quite in love with Snowman and now Mr Munn, qualified to assess video art and Azerbaijan Pavilion, which is actu-Jessie Matthews, Fig 2) comple- it has an important role in com- installations. However, among the ally not a marquee, but in thement the jewels, the bibelots and, missioning new work and fos- numerous e-press releases that Palazzo Garzoni on the Grandof course, the fancies of Fabergé, tering a new generation of master have come through this year, two Canal. The exhibition, made upincluding a whole clutch of eggs. craftsmen. May the next 150 years have piqued my curiosity—is it of work by international artists only curiosity, interest and per- in a number of media, is calledPicks of the week haps lechery that can be piqued? ‘Vita Vitale’ and ‘reflects on the delicate balance of our planet’sMy schoolboy efforts to Firstly, the contemporary dep- ecosystem and man’s destructivelearn the trumpet were artment of the Fine Art Society footprint within it’.painful, but I feel justified is staging an exhibition of newin blowing COUNTRY LIFE’s work by Emily Young, whom they British artists include Juliantrumpet here: at least two rightly say is ‘widely acclaimed Perry, about whom I have writtenitems illustrated in my as Britain’s greatest living stone before in COUNTRY LIFE. Recently,Blenheim Palace CADA sculptor’, in the cloister of the his theme has been coastalFair preview (April 8)— Madonna dell’Orto church in erosion, often showing buildingsDelomosne’s tumbler and Venice until November 22, to or trees as the ground crumblesLegge’s suzani—sold off the coincide with the 56th Biennale. beneath them. His series of largepage. Most exhibitors were happy and other satisfying sales canvases at Venice capturesincluded two Regency tortoiseshell tea caddies with Hampton A few years ago, I was greatly Suffolk birches at the moment ofAntiques at £6,500 and £4,000 (above), and a 16th-century impressed by a visit to her the Benacre cliffs’ disintegration,Brussels tapestry with Joanna Booth at £14,000. London studio overhung by the sometimes appearing to hover over Westway. That has disappeared the place where they had stood The 30th London Original Print Fair was the strongest for some in a Crossrail development and, a moment earlier (Fig 4).years and the preview evening saw great business done. Jennings now, she works in the EtruscanFine Art sold the complete Ravilious ‘Submarine’ series at an asking hills using wonderful local blocks Next weekprice of £145,000, the Fine Art Society three more by Ravilious of stone for her monumental heads Napoleon as seldom seenand Abbott and Holder its seven First World War etchings by (Fig 5). Like Michelangelo’s half-Percy Delf Smith.www.countrylife.co.uk Country Life, May 13, 2015 117

COUNTRY LIFE® To order any of the books reviewed or any other book in print, at discount prices* and with free p&p to UK addresses, tele- Bookshop phone the Country Life Bookshop on 0843 060 0023 or visit www.countrylife.co.uk/bookshop. Or send a cheque/postalBooks order to the Country Life Bookshop, PO Box 60, Helston TR13 0TP. For overseas readers, telephone 01326 569444 or email [email protected] * See individual reviews for CL Bookshop price The gardening naturalists Memoir/literary criticism The Nearest Thing to Life Charles Quest-Ritson enjoys a new approach to garden history James Wood that considers the scientific preoccupations of leading early amateurs (Jonathan Cape, £12.99 *£10.99) For Many, fiction is a form of escapism. For the literary critic James Wood, it’s the very Gardening opposite; fiction is a way of get- A Natural History of English Gardening: 1650–1800 ting to the heart of existence— Mark Laird (Yale University Press, £45 *£40) in fact, as the title of his new book tells us, it’s The Nearest Thing to Life. In four extraordi- nary essays blending memoir G arDEn history is usually and criticism, he argues that the told in terms of chang- ing styles and fashions. finest fiction serves to intensify In the 18th century, for example, the Baroque layouts of London and experience, creating life anew Wise gave way to William Kent, Capability Brown, William Emes and even keeping death at bay. and Humphry repton. Mark Laird has a completely different approach This might all sound a bit and emphasises the introduction and study of plants by scientists, lofty. you wouldn’t expect less collectors, patrons and nurserymen. from a man dubbed ‘the best For him, the principal players are John Evelyn, Mary Duchess of literary critic of his generation’, Beaufort, Peter Collinson, Gilbert White, Princess augusta of Wales, whose reviews for The New the 2nd Duke of richmond, Mar- garet Duchess of Portland and Yorker, The Guardian and The Mary Delany. It is around these individuals, their friends and New Republic have shaped the correspondents that this book is structured. all were amateurs; literary landscape. Then again, most were rich. Mr Wood is far from the owlish, Most of the dramatis personae will be known to readers of Mr tweedy type who sternly dictates Laird’s earlier title The Flower- ing of the Landscape Garden Heaven scent: a 1769 watercolour by Thomas Robins the Elder the rules of good taste. (1999). This time, however, it’s the natural world, both inside and The books become part of his beyond the garden, that intrigues these garden owners. all made of 1739–40. Gardeners noted the he’s an all-round scholar of nat- own biography as he describes substantial contributions to the effect of mild winters or summer ural History. A Natural History development of natural History, droughts, late frosts and unex- of English Gardening is not for his austere, religious upbringing not confined to plants, but extend- pected inundations. Evelyn, who the casual dipper-in, but a learned ing to insects, birds, mammals, saw divine judgement in meteoro- examination and celebration of in Durham, his departure for shells, fossils and minerals and logical prodigies, wrote about these early students of the natural butterflies, as traders and colo- the consequences of the bitter order that exists within gardens, america and the sense of self- nists began to send back the fauna winter of 1684—what survived a serious contribution to the history and flora of north america, India, and what he lost. Collinson and of parks and gardens in England. imposed exile he calls ‘home- the Cape and Indonesia. The White noted that a hot summer learned amateurs studied them is bad for lawns but good for wheat. Such is its detail that he shows looseness’. Vibrant with feeling in search of system and order. how the weather affected people The naturalists pondered the in different ways on a particular and ripe with an enthusiasm for They also studied the weather, causes and consequences of such day. He brings together references always of great interest to gar- phenomena as locusts invading to things that, by themselves, might language, the essays teach us how deners. Mr Laird pays attention London in 1748 and an earthquake pass unnoticed, but, by being throughout to the effect of extreme shaking the city in 1750. They experienced by several gardeners to be creative readers, how to read weather—the Thames freezing in sought to explain the cold winter in different places, become more the 1680s, the Great Storm of 1703, and ‘red’ summer of 1783, caused significant than we had supposed: meaning into our own lives. the exceptionally cold winter by the eruption of the Icelandic ‘garnishing’ trees with honeysuckle, volcano Lakagígar. The author for example. We are, he explains, the ‘sum emphasises the importance of women in advancing scientific The extent of Mr Laird’s research of our details’, and the best writ- knowledge—horticultural science and memory for learning is remark- in particular. He also examines able. For social historians of the ing plucks out those details from the paradox that gardeners are period, there are rich rewards in selective in their attitudes to this detailed exposition. The refer- the hours, days and years that nature, welcoming birds, but not ences listed in more than 1,500 those that attack ripening fruit. footnotes alone provide a rich make up a life, awakening us to mine for future writers. The book Mr Laird is a good horticulturist, is too large and heavy to read an awareness of the present with a wide knowledge of plants, comfortably, but the publishers both as a historian and as a gar- have made an inspired choice of moment. yet his praise of writers dener, unfazed by scientific studies; illustrations and combined them as suggested by the title of his book, with long and helpful captions. as diverse as Tolstoy and Teju Cole is pervaded by a sense of melancholy. Can the critic ever achieve the same creative auto-The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge nomy as the writer? or are they doomed to ‘homelooseness’, hosted by whichever book will provide a reason for writing? Presenting complex ideas with an elegant lightness of touch, this slim, appealingly modest collection suggests otherwise. It’s not simply about books worth reading. It’s about a life worth living. Matilda Bathurst ➢ 118 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

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BooksFiction Rule Ruritania: James Dunford Wood continues the tale first Roderick fraser. All the while,Continental with Juice started by Anthony Hope in The Prisoner of Zenda 120 years ago the authorities press on withJames Dunford Wood plans for the royal wedding and(Magic Oxygen, £9.99) the plutocrats have installed to the cocaine-addicted son of the coronation, even commission- in the capital’s new business president’s arch enemy. ing a new state coach andThis funny little semi-slap- district stand eerily empty. All the a special wedding gown for thestick novel fast-forwards the new president can do is grasp At this point, our real hero increasingly cold-footed bridestory of Ruritania, first launched at the straws. emerges. Disaffected telesales and future queen. The storyin The Prisoner of Zenda some rep Christopher Wainwright ends at the start of the royal120 years ago, right up to the The discovery of a bunker arrives from London escorting nuptials, with the world’s presspresent day. in modern times, of old nuclear weapons that his a coachload of American tour- in full attendance.a clique of Russian oligarchs cabinet colleagues think they ists. Within minutes, he’s fallenhas apparently taken charge can sell to the uK for a handy in love with the royal heiress and in telling this frenzied, trulyand poured billions of dollars few million quid is followed a gang of famous footballers modern tale, the author liftsinto the poor little country, by a much better idea. Why not on his bus has been mistaken the lid off mad bureaucracy,but now there’s been a revolu- boost tourism by reviving the for armed terrorists. invents events that one charactertion and a world-famous painter long-extinct Ruritanian royal calls ‘goddamn ironical’, throwsand tobacco addict has been family? But the heir apparent, Rose Constructed out of short, in a reference to a Maitre d’ ‘flit-elected president. Elphberg—‘an ambiguous mix juicy, cliffhanger-rich chapters, ting around like a demented of innocence and mischievous- the narrative gets increasingly dragonfly’ and even manages The story begins with this ness’—is not only extremely tangled: more mistaken identities, to coin new slang expressions,Churchill-like figure being reluctant to become queen, but kidnappings and the emergence such as ‘diddlyshit’.driven through his new demo- also just happens to be engaged of another potential royal heircratic domain in his pre- in the shape of Englishman What is James Dunford Wooddecessor’s bulletproof stretch playing at? you certainly don’tMercedes-Benz, complete with need to have read Anthonycocktail bar, vodka icer and hope’s classic work to enjoy thissatellite smartphone. Wherever crazy sequel, but i did feelhe goes, grey-suited function- a little frustrated that Con-aries fan out around him ‘like tinental breakfast, with ora school of pilot fish’. without juice, never gets served and that the much-mentioned sounds good—but, alas, Roderick fraser never actuallyRuritania is in a financial and surfaces in person. is the authorpolitical pickle. Dodgy internet keeping him up his voluminouscompanies now rule the day sleeve for another book?and the flashing glass pyramids Andrew BarrowGardening Fiction to Worry About, a classic taleGertrude Jekyll Sidney Chambers and of wife-beating. Elizabeth dis-at Munstead Wood the Forgiveness of Sins guises her bruises and burnsJudith Tankard & Martin Wood James Runcie as accidents until she ends up(Pimpernel Press, £25 *£22.50) (Bloomsbury Publishing, in hospital after a brutal assault. £14.99 *£12.99) in A Following, the authorThE RELATivELy recently formed charts the damage that poison-Pimpernel Press is making available This is ThE fourth of Canon pen letters can do.once again a collection of gardening sidney Chambers’s tales ofclassics, among which is this delicious detecting that have been Child abuse and suicide arelittle volume (first published in 1996) adapted to make the Tv series the subjects of Prize Day andby two leading Gertrude Jekyll Grantchester. As James Runcie Florence is set in the city(right) experts. Drawing on material is a film-maker, novelist and during the disastrous floodsfrom varied sources, including Miss son of a former Archbishop of 1966. The author knows theJekyll’s numerous books and her of Canterbury, his background location well and has caught itsfrequent contributions to the pages of Country Life in its early decades, for both stories and series is dour charm and great art treasuresit explores her life and work through the prism of her surrey home. impeccable. There are six tales to perfection. The story is a littleProfusely illustrated throughout, it includes dozens of photographs here which, spanning two years, art lesson in itself.taken by Miss Jekyll herself, including touching subjects such as the take sidney Chambers fromworking people of the village and, notably, her beloved tabby cats. Church of England priest in Throughout all six stories, his parish in Grantchester to there are doubts about the hefted to her corner of west surrey and, in particular, Munstead Archdeacon of Ely. Canon’s marriage to hildegard,Wood—the house built for her by Lutyens—Miss Jekyll used her caused by his tendency to gowoodland and garden for continuous experiment and refinement. As always, each story is full detecting when he should,This book explains the processes and the very human side of a garden of humour. however, these in fact, be baby-minding. Thisdesigner whose legacy endures. short sleuths are also surpris- ongoing story, at least, hasKathryn Bradley-Hole ingly dark, especially Nothing a happy ending. Leslie Geddes-Brown120 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

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Crossword Bridge Andrew RobsonA prize of £15 in book tokens will be awarded for the first correct solution opened. I N our series on Testing Chances a third Heart and led a Diamond Solutions must reach Crossword No 4380, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark in the Right Order, consider these to the Queen. Phew—the finesse Street, London SE1 0SU by Tuesday, May 19. UK entrants only. pair of suits in which you need succeeded. He could now cash the a third trick without losing two: Ace of Diamonds, discarding dummy’s ACROSS DOW N Knave of Spades. He ruffed a third 7. Unpleasant bodily sensation 1. H ospital built on shoal by Dummy Spade with dummy’s last Heart, ruffed a Club and enjoyed the two had by seamstress… (4, 3, 7) Arabic family (6) ♠ A Q promoted long Spades. Thirteen 9. …as is this (6) 2. T ie cluster (4) ♥ Q 3 2 tricks and grand slam made.10. C ountry initially unclassified 3. Watched animal go into West East Our second deal saw West lead partner in normal circum- frame (8) Declarer a Spade to the Queen and King. stances (7) 4. M oney about European Plan the play.11. One who arranges mineral ♠ 3 2 deposit (6) Community is bountiful (6) ♥ A 5 4 Dealer South13. Fashionably I’m old shy 5. F uss when the French smell Both vulnerable changeling (8) With a choice of Major-suit 14. Dress for set of Raj deck youngster (10) finesses, you should lead to the 7 4 tennis (6, 7) 6. U ses again sly recce man- Queen of Hearts first. If the 16. In an excited state for a bet Queen loses to East’s King, you K 9 (8) oeuvres (8) have the Spade finesse in reserve. 18. A nimal is sure tip for a short 8. B and leader has key to lock Conversely, if you take the Spade Q J 6 sleep (6) finesse first and the Queen loses 20. S tarting to grow but no rise up drink on first evidence to East’s King, you are sunk, a J 9 8 7 2 (7) that tips end (4, 9) because the Heart finesse neces-21. S mall journal with bag is 12. C arol to study early vulcan- sarily involves losing a trick (your a J 8 5 2 Q 9 3 attractive item (6) isation when shaking second), even if West has the King Q 8 4 323. A dvantages of living In violently (10) and the finesse succeeds. 7 4 2 N 10 7 6 2 Edinburgh, say? (6, 8) 14. T hose who determine how 6 W✢E 10 9 3 fire ends (8) Our first deal is a Grand Slam K 5 4 15. Leave Cuba without degree from the Schapiro Spring Four- S about reddish brown vege- somes in Stratford-upon-Avon, table (8) Britain’s premier annual event. K 10 6 17. Topics delivered by the a J 5 messenger (6) a K 8 5 19. A spirit is discriminatory by Q 10 3 time (6) 22. R eported opening walk (4) Dealer S outh South West North East Both vulnerable 1♦ 1♠ 2♣ 2♠(1)4380 tait J 6 2 3Nt End K J 9 5 1 45 6 5 (1) Bidding to the level of the fit a 10 9 8 7 despite the meagre point-count. 2 3 Q 9 7 10 8 Many declarers led and passed the 10 4 N 7 2 Queen of Clubs at trick two. East 78 J 10 3 W✢ E K 9 8 7 6 2 won the King, promptly returned K Q J 6 4 S 5 3 2 the nine of Spades and declarer lost the next four Spades —down one.9 10 a K 5 4 3 a Q 8 6 3 Leading the Queen of Clubs at 11 12 13 a Q 4 trick two is fine—good even, as — West might cover with the King (an understandable mistake). But 14 15 South West North East rise with dummy’s Ace when West plays low. You have eight top tricks 16 17 18 19 1♠ Pass(1) 2♣ Pass and, ostensibly, your second chance for a ninth is the Heart finesse. 20 21 22 3♥ Pass 6♥(2) Pass However, it costs you nothing to delay Hearts and to play out your 23 7♥( 3 ) End four top Diamonds. (1) Vulnerable, two Clubs is too Diamonds split three-three. On much with this aceless balanced the fourth Diamond, West throws mediocrity. a Heart and East a Club. You cross ( 2 ) Great holdings in all four to the King of Hearts and find suits—even the Knave of Spades yourself at the crossroads. If you in partner’s first suit. think West began with Ace-Knave- ( 3 ) if par t ner can bid Six, Seven small-small-small of Spades, three must surely have a decent play. small Hearts, three small Diamonds and King-small of Clubs, you need NAME (please print in capitals) Declarer won West’s King of to lead a Heart to the Knave. How- Clubs lead with dummy’s Ace and ever, might not West have covered ADDRESS correctly discarded a Diamond the Queen of Clubs with King- from hand. The issue was how to small? And might not East have Tel No combine the chances of avoiding discarded a Heart from Queen- a Spade loser and the Diamond small-small-small-small?country life, published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd will collect your personal information to process your entry. finesse. Declarer drew trumps, Would you like to receive emails from country life and Time Inc. (UK) Ltd containing news, special offers pleasingly two-two: now what? Rejecting the Heart finesse, you and product and service information anda take part in our magazine research via email? If yes, please tick exit with a Spade (key play), Declarer cashed the Ace-King of covering East’s card. West takes ❑here. country life and Time Inc. (UK) Ltd would like to contact you by post or telephone to promote and Spades. If the Queen had dropped his four Spade winners, but, at ask your opinion on our magazines and services. Please tick here if you prefer not to hear from us. ❑ Time Inc. doubleton, he’d be home without trick 12, must lead from Queen-small needing the Diamond finesse (he of Hearts round to your Ace-Knave. (UK) Ltd may occasionally pass your details to carefully selected organisations so they can contact you by tele- could ruff the Queen of Diamonds). Nine tricks and game made.phone or post with regards to promoting and researching their products and services. Please tick here if you In fact, both opponents followed with small Spades. He now needed prefer not to be contacted. ❑ the Diamond finesse.SOLUTION TO 4379 (Winner will be announced in two weeks’ time) Declarer crossed to dummy with ACrOSS: 1, Habit-forming; 8, Union; 9, Medicinal; 11, Thermostat; 12, Asps; 14, resist; 15 Scenario;17, Apple pie; 19, Edible; 22, Etch; 23, Altar cloth; 25, Neuralgia; 26 Theta; 27, Get the wind up.DOWN: 1, Heifers; 2, Bandmaster; 3, Tamest; 4, Ordnance; 5, Mace; 6, Non-user; 7, Subterranean;10, Lose one’s head; 13, Uneducated; 16, Dialogue; 18, Picture; 20, Booze-up; 21, Safari; 24, Last.Winner of 4377 is Rex Agustin, London SW10.122 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk

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Motoring Web Sources Country Life’s digital marketplace is the best place to fnd products and services for the country home. CLASSIC CARS Security We host a vast collection of high- & PARTS WANTED quality brands in the following areas: 019322225500455004; www.wotsecurity.com UNLOVED & UNWANTED Monitored, integrated, advanced • Arts & Antiques • Gardening ALSO DECEASED ESTATES. security and fre alarm systems • Interiors • Domestic ServicesANY CONDITION/ANYWHERE Visit www.countrylife.co.uk/ CASH WAITING directory/marketplace WAYNE 07768393630 To advertise in the Country Life Marketplace call 0203 148 2539Schools SCHOOL LIFE Autumn 2015 The Guide to Good SchoolsSCHOOL LIFE A supplement to celebrate the very best independent schools across the UK. THE COUNTRY LIFE GUIDE TO GOOD SCHOOLS Also visit AUTUMN 2014 www.countrylife.co.uk/directory/schools to discover independent nursery, pre-preparatory, preparatory, and senior schools in your area. The schools that make horse sense To advertise your school in the SCHOOL LIFE supplement130 Country Life, May 13, 2015 or the online Schools’ Guide, please contact: Kate McArdle 020 3148 2557 Daniel Cash 020 3148 2539 www.countrylife.co.uk

Schools Miscellaneous Food & DrinkPets London Publisher will arrange publication of your book. Letter only in the frst instance. Send to: New Millennium 34 South Molton Street London W1K 5RG Www.newmillenniumpublishers.comTRUSTED & ENDORSED BY VETS & PET OWNERS WORLDWIDE Heavenly Wine Cellars Which Won’t Cost You the Earth ®STOP pet urine burn marks...naturally Dog Rocks placed in Most wine drinkers want to spend on their wines rather Wild Grapes your dog’s water bowl than their wine storage. At Wild Grapes we subscribe to help stop pet urine that view as well, which is why we’re dedicated to creating lawn burn patches. the most beautiful and affordable wine rooms in the world. Over 1 million Rocks No change to pH Tel: 01252 712265 sold WORLDWIDE balance of pet’s urine Email: [email protected] 100% Natural, proven & trusted Website: www.wild-grapes.co.uk www.dogrocks.co.uk T: 01628 822243 CoursesPets Short painting courses this July in beautiful Pembrokeshirewww.countrylife.co.uk Visiting tutors include Nicky Philipps, Nick Bashall, Rosalie Watkins, and Minna Stevens All abilities welcome Picton Castle Studios www.pictoncastlestudios.com tel 01239 891899 Country Life, May 13, 2015 131

Spectator Lucy BaringIf you go down to the woods today...I DIDN’T think I’d ever met and stared out at the water restored at being proved right. else sounds lovely and liquid to me. anyone who disliked spring, meadows, he saw an otter. As He’s positively jolly. I come home and add nightin- until my daughter Anna said did our host. Given that Grahamit reminds her that summer is was responsible, more than 30 I stand still on the wrong path gales to the list of other non-on the way and then it will all be years ago, for the reintroduction and try to download the night- sightings. I discover twoover. She’s not the gloomy type, of the otter to a stretch of water ingale song on my mobile, for chickens have been killed, theirbut I think this is an unhealthy about a mile downstream from carcasses stripped bare, butapproach from which I need to where we were standing, one ‘When it their heads left intact. I assumedissuade her. Spring, I argue, is could not have hoped for a finer, this to be the work of a badgerwhen there is so much going on. more magical farewell. My back comes to the or fox, but am told that thisShe looks at me with amused was to the window. wonders of shows the hallmarks of murderscepticism, because she knows wildlife, I tend by mink. A mink has indeedas well as I do that, when it Determined to overcome my been spotted in the neigh-comes to the wonders of wild- lack of success when it comes to miss them’identification purposes. A dog- bourhood. But not by me.life, I tend to miss them. to observing the natural world (it’s a family joke that I never walking couple approach—they And then I go for a walk Zam, for instance, has just heard see shooting stars), I collect look disapproving (why use with a friend, who shows mehis first cuckoo. I have not. He’s Alfie from school and tell him a phone when on a lovely walk?), a glorious carpet of primrosesseen a hobby circling the tree we’re taking a short detour to but when I explain the quest, and cowslips on a scale I’veopposite. I have not. I was woken an ancient woodland a few miles they forgive me. We’re a fort- never seen before. I ask her toby such frenzied birdsong yes- away. I’ve been told, by someone night too early they explain, but identify a strange white flowerterday that I mentioned it to who knows this sort of thing, we shouldn’t worry about recog- I’m pleased to have spotted. Shea neighbour, who told me she’d that if we want to hear nightin- nising the song because, once tells me it’s the half-chewedseen a sparrowhawk take a baby gales sing, this is the spot. ‘We heard, it’s never forgotten. remains of the common wildblackbird very early that morn- won’t hear nightingales and garlic flower—and we’re sur-ing, which would explain the we’ll get lost,’ Alfie sighs as he Liquid seems to be the word rounded by it. She crouchesdistress I was woken by. I didn’t slumps in the back seat. most commonly used to describe down and points at the emerg-see this drama. its beauty. I nod with under- ing leaves of a stubby-looking An hour later, as we try another standing, because I don’t want thing. We went to supper with path that doesn’t lead back to to say that my recognition offriends, partly to say goodbye the car, but which has a bench birdsong is pretty much limited ‘I’ve seen masses of tway-to Graham, who would be retir- exactly like the path that does to woodpigeons and everything blade orchids,’ I show off to Zaming from the Hampshire and Isle (‘they all have those benches,’ that evening. ‘Really? Where?of Wight Wildlife Trust the Alf explains), my only relief is Can you show me?’ he replies.following day. As we sipped wine that his spirits have been entirely I don’t reply because, truthfully, I very much doubt it.TOTTERING-BY-GENTLY By Annie Tempest Visit Tottering-By-Gently on our website: www.countrylife.co.uk/totteringMember of the Conditions of Sale and Supply: This periodical is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, re-sold,Audit Bureau of Circulation hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at a price in excess of the recommended maximum price shown on the cover (selling price in Eire subject to VAT); and that it shall not be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade; or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. COUNTRY LIFE (incorporating LONDON PORTRAIT) is published weekly (51 issues) by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd, Blue Fin Building, 110, Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU (020–314 8 5000). Website: www.timeincuk.com © Time Inc. (UK) Ltd. Printed by Polestar Chantry, Wakefield ISSN 0045 8856. Distributed by Marketforce UK Ltd, Blue Fin Building, 110, Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU (020–314 8 3300). COUNTRY LIFE ® is a registered Time Inc. (UK) Ltd trademark. ©Time Inc. (UK) Ltd 2011.132 Country Life, May 13, 2015 www.countrylife.co.uk



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