Christmas Wish List 2023
Whilst working in my studio, sometimes I have a daydream or two (some might call it a healthy dose of procrastination!) but often it includes places I want to visit, things I’d love in my home, or simply, what I’d love to buy right now.
I will always have a space in my heart for stationery, and it’s something I’d like to make more of myself at Studio Le Cocq. But two places stand out for me, which I would never say no to visiting if I were in town.
Image Credit: Choosing Keeping
In London, I love popping into Choosing Keeping, (there is also the amazing art shop round the corner L Cornelissen & Son with all their beautiful pigments in glass jars) they have such a lovely mix of artisanal products from beautifully pattern-bound notebooks and archival boxes, to stunning Japanese watercolour paint sets and quirky paper decorations. I want everything in there!
Photo Credit: Marin Montagut
The other place on the list, is Marin Montagut in Paris, this is a delectable shop full to brim with illustrated, souvenir-like trinkets. From hand-blown glassware, and scented candles in marbled boxes to pretty poetic foulards. It has such a whimsical quality and makes you think of old-school Paris. You’ll probably find me in there one day wearing a beret and croissant crumbs (from Grand Cafe Tortoni), just living my best life.
Photo Credit: Rag of Colts
Another thing on my wish list is from a local maker in Somerset, Rag of Colts has just opened up their stunning studio and shop in Bruton and the Vivien bag is calling out to me. They use old saddle leather and turn them into these stunning leather goods. I love the worn, but structured quality of them, and some of them even convert into belt bags, which is a great idea!
Photo Credit: Flora Jamieson
And for the home, Matt and I always discuss how one day we’d love to have our own stained glass window at home. There is something so stunning about the translucent quality and colour vibrancy that stained glass has, and together with the decorative detail, it is magical. Maybe it’s from all our visits to churches or my love for the arts and crafts movement; one day I want to commission Flora Jamieson, who makes stunning examples of this.
Photo Credit: Andelli Art
I also have to recommend Andelli Art, situated just outside of Wells, in the stunning home of Ellie and Andy, whose home features a gallery and a collection that makes you wish you started your art collection! They have a wonderful rotation of shows during the year featuring different artists and makers. And this winter, they have their ‘Wish List’ show, which is an amalgamation of ‘objects of desire’. From vintage finds, like an Egyptian textile hanging to a piece of contemporary art by Phillipa Robbins, the way Ellie curates is so satisfying to the eye, as she has an incredible way with colour and styling. I highly recommend a visit to their beautiful space. I also have a few original drawings for sale here, so you’ll get to see my drawings up close!
Photo Credit: Pip’s Carriage
In all honesty though, if you want to woo me, you can win me over with a date at Pip’s Carriage. This has to be one of the most special places in Somerset; converted rail carriages, overlooking lovely countryside, they make in my opinion, some of the best food in the UK. It’s a little bit naughty but it’s also really flavoursome and everything on the menu is tempting. Plus they have a bakery attached to the restaurant so you can have a most welcome ‘Mr Creosote’ moment!