Stylish shops & services in Barnes, Kew, Sheen & Richmond

Olympic Cinema Update

For more information or questions about membership, email: Mairead Murray

Website: Olympic Cinema

 

 

New collection at The Riverside Gallery in Barnes

A new collection of sea, river and landscapes is coming to the Riverside Gallery in Barnes, at the end of the High Street opposite Strada. The quality and range of art on offer is steadily improving and there are some real hidden gems. Don't miss the new exhibition which opens with a private view on Wednesday 22nd May, with colourful and striking paintings by Daniel Holmes-Adams, John Anderson and Colin Merrin. Visit www.riversidegallery.co.uk for more information.

 

 

Olympic Cinema in Barnes, SW13 Spring Update

Above: The sound studio at Olympic Cinemas in Barnes, using solid and Veneered Cherry furnishings with inlaid panels by Aka Design

Anticipation is almost at fever-pitch. After many challenges over the last two years, the reality of having our own boutique cinema that we can walk to of an evening, be entertained, enjoy a glass or two of something delicious with friends and wander home again - is that much closer. And now the experience is going to be even better.

The latest update from the Olympic Cinema Team describes a state-of-the-art, bespoke music system that they are currently installing. "We are really excited about its potential as it will help keep Olympic at the forefront of sound technology - a place where it has always been. During the music industry's 'golden period' Olympic Studios was the go-to studio. A temple of sound, renowned the world over for its sonic achievements, it drew the finest musicians in the world. Innovative and high quality sound recording equipment coupled with expert technical support was at the heart of creating its recording legacy. So, with this in mind, we knew that we had to create something special" says Mairead Murray, Events & Marketing Manager for Olympic.

Above: Read the story of the old Olympic Studios by Keith Grant. "In 1971, blues guitarist BB King travelled to the UK to record his In London album with a selection of British rock royalty, and photographer Keith Morris was invited to Olympic Studios in Barnes to document the sessions. This previously unpublished photo shows the Studio One live room in full. As well as King himself (centre right), the musicians visible include Ringo Starr (far left) plus bassist Klaus Voormann, Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green on guitar and Steve Marriott on harmonica (all centre left)." Photo courtesy: Estate of Keith Morris (www.keithmorrisphoto.co.uk)

 

"In music producer Chris Kimsey, we have found the perfect guide." Chris started his career as an assistant at Olympic in 1967 (back in the day) under the tutelage of the studios' spiritual father and recording genius Keith Grant. He engineered a number of classic rock albums and fostered a relationship with the Rolling Stones, for whom he would engineer and co-produce several of their most successful albums.

As a long time friend and supporter of Olympic Cinema "We are delighted to have Chris on board" Mairead continues "his wisdom and knowledge of sound are inextricably tied with Olympic. With his guidance (in conjunction with cinema specialists Sound Associates) we are excited to say we have found a British audio company that will build a system for us that we believe will produce a clarity and quality of sound in the main auditorium befitting and complementing a space that once played host to an incredible recording history - and in doing so create our very own temple of sound... and vision."

Above: Work in progress. The above internal building work photographed earlier this year is well on track for completion

 

Apparently there is still a fair bit to complete within the building itself but its all on track. "The contractors are doing a great job. Their experience is second to none and we are in safe hands. We look forward to welcoming you to what we are sure will be, a building you can enjoy for many years to come." And of course preserving a real part of the heritage of Barnes Village.

What kinds of films will they be showing?
Initially in Screen One, the 120 seat cinema, will aim to show the best of the latest releases on offer (excellent - no more trekking into Richmond or the West End). There may also be a kid’s club screenings on Saturday mornings, mid-week mum and baby screenings, and Senior Cinema - films with a mature audience in mind. Screen Two will open later in the year, offering a broader programme, including world cinema, retrospectives of directors old and new and frequently "something more arty".

Read previous post on Olympic Cinema in Barnes >

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CONTACT DETAILS

Olympic Cinema
117-123 Church Road
Barnes, London SW13 9HL

Website: www.olympiccinema.co.uk

Email Mairerad Murray for further information.

 

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THE HISTORY
http://www.olympiccinema.co.uk/history.php

Update your garden this Spring with local landscape garden design team

Above: Mick and Claudia on the site of the show garden 'Romantic Charm' at the Hampton Court Flower Show

 

GLORIOUS SUNSHINE TODAY HAS TURNED EVERYONE'S MIND TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS. OR AT LEAST, IF you're in London, to our parks, gardens, back yards, balconies, roof gardens, ponds and lakes, not to mention the long expanse of the river Thames. It seemed this afternoon as if there had been a mass exodus from the sitting room, to anywhere we could feel the warmth of the sun on our skin and shed a few of the many layers we seem to have been wearing for months on end. Today the river was buzzing and the park was full of (rather hardy) picnickers. As a nation we may be a little weather obsessed - with good reason - but we also love our gardens and 'outdoor spaces'.

It finally felt today as if Spring had made more than a fleeting appearance and perhaps summer is no longer a fantasy. Thoughts are turning to the outside and the possibility of once more spending time in the garden. However, perhaps you've recently glanced outside and realised that your garden could do with more than a little tender-loving-care? A professionally designed and landscaped garden can add £'sss to the value of a property and in the current climate that's a wise investment. Not to mention getting the opportunity to enjoy every square inch of your property. Just think what you could do with an outside kitchen; or a natural swimming pool (a wildlife pond to you and me); or a natural extension of your living area with a hard landscaped patio. Imagine the south of France and a long rustic table under vine-covered arches, surrounded by friends, soaking up the last of the day's summer sun. All possible, even in England. With the right design and build team to bring your dreams to life, you can make the most of your garden space and maximise property value at the same time.

 

Above: I love these photos of a natural 'swimming pool' or wildlife pond created by Claudia in West Sussex. If only I had the space I'd commission one in an instant. Just imagine reading a good book and paddling your feet in the cool water as the afternoon sun warms your face. Bliss

 

Claudia de Yong Designs can help you do just that. They are specialists at bringing water into the garden, making the most of the space you have and adding an extra dimension, with low maintenance and attention to detail a priority.

Claudia is the owner and managing partner of the business and when in London can often be found in Orange Pekoe and White Hart Lane. When not in town, Claudia and business partner Mick Toon are hard at work in their West Sussex office near Petworth. That is of course, unless they are busy bringing their latest ideas to life in the great outdoors. Claudia is an award-winning designer, writer and stylist with over thirteen years as a professional garden designer. She hand-selects all the plants and will source every item from the stone used in the paving to the garden furniture, fixtures and fittings to ensure a co-ordinated look. Sourcing in-house often means a significant cost-saving to the client without loss of quality or style.

Mick is a specialist landscaper and brings over thirty years experience to the table. Together they are a pretty invincible team and both have an equally wicked sense of humour. They let very little get them down and have a long list of happy clients. Their award-winning Koi carp fish pond project in the large garden of a Grade II house in North London involved digging the area by hand with their inhouse 'crew', plus a long trek to the street and back. The judges described the finished garden as a "very technical piece of work, of immaculate quality". Inspired design, a great build and cost-effective to boot – what more could you want? The business is often booked well in advance so if you're thinking of updating or changing your garden this Spring or summer, don't hesitate to contact Claudia or Mick.

 

In March this year the company won a coveted hard landscaping award from the Association of Professional Landscapers and Claudia (above) has won over 8 design awards including the Tudor Rose from the Hampton Court Flower Show. Claudia and Mick have recently launched a new gardening 'blog' to supplement the company's website and pass-on gardening tips, review gardening products, highlight planting trends, report on shows and discuss gardening news in general. To read more visit The Garden Spot or check out their website at Claudia de Yong Designs.com

 

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CONTACT DETAILS

Claudia: claudia@claudiadeyongdesigns.com

Mick: michael@claudiadeyongdesigns.com

Website: claudiadeyongdesigns.com

Blog: thegardenspot.co.uk

Telephone: 07881 622 825

 

Vintage Barnes & Mortlake: White Hart Lane & a slice of history

Above: White Hart Lane, Barnes SW13, in approximately the late 1930s. Photo: Courtesy 'Old Photos UK'

 

EVER WONDERED WHAT THE LOCAL AREA LOOKED LIKE OVER HALF A CENTURY AGO? These fascinating photos can be found on a website archive of vintage photos of the UK that are all pre 1960s, with many dating to the late 19th century. Long before the advent of the 'supermarket' and shopping centres, local residents would have bought the majority of their food and basic needs at shops which were literally around the corner. Think of all the carbon credits they saved without ever knowing.

While the high street in Barnes is sadly still subject to the vagaries of commercial landlords, White Hart Lane is thriving and carrying on the tradition of the 'corner shop'. It may no longer sport a garage, as shown in these images, but it has maintained a strong sense of community. The goods on sale may have changed since post-war Britain but local shops will always have a place when they meet the needs of local residents, and at the same time attract a wider audience from further afield. The eclectic mix along White Hart Lane does just that. The Dining Room Shop and Tobias & The Angel have a powerful reputation amongs stylists and are often represented in home decor and style magazines, drawing-in fashionistas from across London to the area. While Gusto & Relish, Orange Pekoe and even the Chinese take-away offer goods and food not found in the local Sainsburys. Marylin Moore is truely home-grown (the workshop is to the back of White Hart Lane) and the newsagent B & N News on the corner (diagonally opposite Orange Pekoe) has successfully reinvented itself as an off-licence – they stock the most extraordinary selection of specialist beers and lager. Don't be fooled by the exterior and stay longer than it takes to buy a newspaper – a quick wander will show you not only the beers but a surprisingly affordable selection of fine wine. Who knew?

 

Above: Barnes High Street, approximately late 1930s. This writer's great aunt used to be Mayoress of Barnes and my father still talks of the days when he would bicycle along leafy roads, virtually free of cars, to visit her. Photo: Courtesy 'Old Photos UK'

Above: Castelnau, Barnes. Amazing to think that the building on the right – apparently destined to become another part of Nicola Horlick's empire (there is already Geogina's eatery on the high street, although this one though appears to still be waiting for planning permission) was once a hotel. When this writer first came to live in Barnes I remember the building as a rather large bar, with an even larger garden, that served awesome Long Island Iced Teas – sadly those days are long gone. Photo: Courtesy 'Old Photos UK'

 

Above: Church Road, Barnes, SW13 c. 1910. Photo: Courtesty the 'Postcards Then & Now' Blogspot

For more photos, go to: www.oldukphotos.com The black & white images in this post are courtesy of 'Old UK Photos', with thanks. If you have any old photos of the area, they would welcome you uploading them. If you do, let us know and we'll reproduce them here too with your permission. Or to buy copies of vintage postcards of the area, visit: www.yourlocalweb.co.uk or FrancisFrith.com

Want to learn more about the history of Barnes & Mortlake and surrounding areas? Then visit a fascinating website managed by the 'Barnes and Mortlake History Society'.

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CONTACT DETAILS

Websites:

Old Photos UK >

Barnes and Mortlake History Society >

Old postcards and photos: FrancisFrith.com

Email for further information: webmaster@oldukphotos.com