Inspiration
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Dreaming of Italy
I’ve only been back a week, but Italy already feels like a dream. Summer is shifting now; here for a week or two longer perhaps, but that moment of new...
Dreaming of Italy
I’ve only been back a week, but Italy already feels like a dream. Summer is shifting now; here for a week or two longer perhaps, but that moment of new...
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Pootling about
PART I I followed Charlie back from Stockholm a day late, and had a beautiful day heading to Richmond Park for our friend Monica’s birthday. London steamed in sultry heat,...
Pootling about
PART I I followed Charlie back from Stockholm a day late, and had a beautiful day heading to Richmond Park for our friend Monica’s birthday. London steamed in sultry heat,...
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Swedish Classical
I’m just back from a wonderful few days in Stockholm. Yesterday, I was giving a talk to the Engelsberg Summer School students – and that prompted the thought that Charlie...
Swedish Classical
I’m just back from a wonderful few days in Stockholm. Yesterday, I was giving a talk to the Engelsberg Summer School students – and that prompted the thought that Charlie...
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In suspension
Wednesday evening was not good. Here is our friend Ruth Guilding (author of the incredible Bible of British Taste) and Charlie, at the Pineapple, Leverton Street, which was the perfect...
In suspension
Wednesday evening was not good. Here is our friend Ruth Guilding (author of the incredible Bible of British Taste) and Charlie, at the Pineapple, Leverton Street, which was the perfect...
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The endless weeks of summer
I can’t quite remember anything like it, and I’m not talking about our mad politics. In the ten years since I’ve lived at the Parsonage, there have been some wonderful...
The endless weeks of summer
I can’t quite remember anything like it, and I’m not talking about our mad politics. In the ten years since I’ve lived at the Parsonage, there have been some wonderful...
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Two weekends in High Summer
The heat has been amazing. The earth is dry. It feels as if we are hurtling into late summer already. Walking this morning felt like being in Italy in the...
Two weekends in High Summer
The heat has been amazing. The earth is dry. It feels as if we are hurtling into late summer already. Walking this morning felt like being in Italy in the...
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In a New York State of Mind…
It’s a strange thing about time, isn’t it? Ask me what I was doing last Thursday week and frankly I’ve got no idea. Ask me what I was doing 19...
In a New York State of Mind…
It’s a strange thing about time, isn’t it? Ask me what I was doing last Thursday week and frankly I’ve got no idea. Ask me what I was doing 19...
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Summer passing
The late spring and freezing winter is forgotten. Summer has burst upon the valley and, blinking in the early, early mornings, we realise that we are only a few weeks...
Summer passing
The late spring and freezing winter is forgotten. Summer has burst upon the valley and, blinking in the early, early mornings, we realise that we are only a few weeks...
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Wedding Weekend
It seemed as if England basked in sunshine and happiness. I got down to Dorset on Friday evening to find the Parsonage glowing. Suddenly summer is upon us.
Wedding Weekend
It seemed as if England basked in sunshine and happiness. I got down to Dorset on Friday evening to find the Parsonage glowing. Suddenly summer is upon us.
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Monumental landscapes
We have had our friends Spencer and Austin staying over from New York. Always an opportunity for a monumental tour – which started with a visit to Chettle House, our...
Monumental landscapes
We have had our friends Spencer and Austin staying over from New York. Always an opportunity for a monumental tour – which started with a visit to Chettle House, our...
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Spring into Summer
I remember one of the things I found strangest of all living in New York was the absence of a proper spring. Well into April, ice cold winds could blow...
Spring into Summer
I remember one of the things I found strangest of all living in New York was the absence of a proper spring. Well into April, ice cold winds could blow...
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Where have the weeks flown?
One minute, it was winter. The next minute, it was high summer. And I’m writing this evening, at the Parsonage, next to a fire, with cold grey clouds scudding across...
Where have the weeks flown?
One minute, it was winter. The next minute, it was high summer. And I’m writing this evening, at the Parsonage, next to a fire, with cold grey clouds scudding across...
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Thanksgiving
No – not the time of year – but our amazing response, in the village, to the appeal that I made at the end of the blog last week. Everyone...
Thanksgiving
No – not the time of year – but our amazing response, in the village, to the appeal that I made at the end of the blog last week. Everyone...
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Glimmers of hope
Regular readers of the blog will again be aware that a post hasn’t popped into their email address boxes for a week or two. I am sorry…. it’s been a...
Glimmers of hope
Regular readers of the blog will again be aware that a post hasn’t popped into their email address boxes for a week or two. I am sorry…. it’s been a...
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Snow expected & snow unexpected
Charlie and I went skiing last week for a few days, to France. It was the first time I’d been in years, and it’s always reassuring to realise I’m not...
Snow expected & snow unexpected
Charlie and I went skiing last week for a few days, to France. It was the first time I’d been in years, and it’s always reassuring to realise I’m not...
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Thaw
The snow was wonderful. I love the sense of disruption: a bit like the flu, when you have to cancel carefully laid plans left right and centre; but this time,...
Thaw
The snow was wonderful. I love the sense of disruption: a bit like the flu, when you have to cancel carefully laid plans left right and centre; but this time,...
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Hello Sibyl…
Oh golly, this has been one of those incredibly happy weekends that come once in a blue moon. You know what I mean? Sibyl our new corgi was arriving. Charlie...
Hello Sibyl…
Oh golly, this has been one of those incredibly happy weekends that come once in a blue moon. You know what I mean? Sibyl our new corgi was arriving. Charlie...
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Small moments
If you are driving along the lanes not too far from us, just to the west of the village of Long Bredy, you will see a beautiful display of snowdrops...
Small moments
If you are driving along the lanes not too far from us, just to the west of the village of Long Bredy, you will see a beautiful display of snowdrops...
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Staying put
I suppose when you’ve been a very long way, the best thing of all is not to go very far at all. I’ve had a fortnight to get used to being...
Staying put
I suppose when you’ve been a very long way, the best thing of all is not to go very far at all. I’ve had a fortnight to get used to being...
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The wide open spaces of Summer
So January has nearly disappeared and we didn’t even blink! What happened? I’m afraid it’s taken me a week to get back to the blog – as I’m sure you’ll...
The wide open spaces of Summer
So January has nearly disappeared and we didn’t even blink! What happened? I’m afraid it’s taken me a week to get back to the blog – as I’m sure you’ll...
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Renewal
I hope you’ve had a really peaceful Christmas and New Year. Charlie and I headed down to Dorset on the Thursday before Christmas, leaving behind a deserted London. The countryside...
Renewal
I hope you’ve had a really peaceful Christmas and New Year. Charlie and I headed down to Dorset on the Thursday before Christmas, leaving behind a deserted London. The countryside...
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Scotland calling
Charlie and I are just back from a beautiful few days in Scotland. While the rest of the country was blanketed in snow, we had freezing, clear, sparkling days. We...
Scotland calling
Charlie and I are just back from a beautiful few days in Scotland. While the rest of the country was blanketed in snow, we had freezing, clear, sparkling days. We...
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Into Winter
Nothing’s really been happening – which is nice: a moment of peace before we tip headlong into Christmas. I got sick momentarily, cancelled meetings and went to bed for a day...
Into Winter
Nothing’s really been happening – which is nice: a moment of peace before we tip headlong into Christmas. I got sick momentarily, cancelled meetings and went to bed for a day...
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The Yeovil and District Chrysanthemum and Dahli...
If you’d spotted Charlie and me at a little after two o’ clock on Saturday afternoon, you might have been a bit surprised. This is where we were, in Yeovil....
The Yeovil and District Chrysanthemum and Dahli...
If you’d spotted Charlie and me at a little after two o’ clock on Saturday afternoon, you might have been a bit surprised. This is where we were, in Yeovil....
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Autumn in Venice
We arrived in Venice to sparkling blue skies and sunshine. The moment when you first catch sight of the spires of Venice across the lagoon is always breathtaking.
Autumn in Venice
We arrived in Venice to sparkling blue skies and sunshine. The moment when you first catch sight of the spires of Venice across the lagoon is always breathtaking.
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Temples of delight
Yet again you will be wondering where the blog has gone. If you are, by any chance, a new and budding ‘blogger’, you will know that the first rule of...
Temples of delight
Yet again you will be wondering where the blog has gone. If you are, by any chance, a new and budding ‘blogger’, you will know that the first rule of...
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Out of Season
We’ve been trying to find a weekend to visit our friend Ruth Guilding down in Cornwall for months. Regular blog readers will recall Ruth not only as author of the brilliant...
Out of Season
We’ve been trying to find a weekend to visit our friend Ruth Guilding down in Cornwall for months. Regular blog readers will recall Ruth not only as author of the brilliant...
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Harvest song
It’s been a village weekend. Autumn is settling over the valley. On Friday, Charlie was teaching a flower course at the Parsonage, with our friends Bridget and Henrietta, of the...
Harvest song
It’s been a village weekend. Autumn is settling over the valley. On Friday, Charlie was teaching a flower course at the Parsonage, with our friends Bridget and Henrietta, of the...
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One month
It’s been the craziest month. You might have been wondering where I’d gone. Was I ever going to blog again? The truth is we’ve had a wonderful but manic month,...
One month
It’s been the craziest month. You might have been wondering where I’d gone. Was I ever going to blog again? The truth is we’ve had a wonderful but manic month,...
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You cannot get too much of a good thing
I’m on the train back up to London – a dark evening, pouring rain – never good on a Sunday night at the best of times – and the weekend...
You cannot get too much of a good thing
I’m on the train back up to London – a dark evening, pouring rain – never good on a Sunday night at the best of times – and the weekend...
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Morning and Evening; Summer’s end.
The main event was the Melplash show, and don’t miss reading about that here. But it’s been the most amazing long weekend in Dorset – well, everywhere, I think –...
Morning and Evening; Summer’s end.
The main event was the Melplash show, and don’t miss reading about that here. But it’s been the most amazing long weekend in Dorset – well, everywhere, I think –...
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Melplash Revisited
We arrived at the show after a quick pub lunch to be greeted by a wonderful clown on a hobby horse. It was going to be that kind of a...
Melplash Revisited
We arrived at the show after a quick pub lunch to be greeted by a wonderful clown on a hobby horse. It was going to be that kind of a...
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Facendo nulla
(is Italian for ‘doing nothing’). I’m home from Italy. Back here, Charlie’s been manically getting ready for the Melplash show. As I write, he’s still over in the Horticultural Tent...
Facendo nulla
(is Italian for ‘doing nothing’). I’m home from Italy. Back here, Charlie’s been manically getting ready for the Melplash show. As I write, he’s still over in the Horticultural Tent...
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Scottish sojourn
I’ve just come back from a few days in Scotland. Heaven. It’s about that time of year when Charlie starts getting itchy feet to travel north, like a homing pigeon...
Scottish sojourn
I’ve just come back from a few days in Scotland. Heaven. It’s about that time of year when Charlie starts getting itchy feet to travel north, like a homing pigeon...
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Life cycles
In amongst the torrential rain, it was a lovely weekend at the end of a busy old week. On Friday, I popped over to see Mum & Dad, on the Isle...
Life cycles
In amongst the torrential rain, it was a lovely weekend at the end of a busy old week. On Friday, I popped over to see Mum & Dad, on the Isle...
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Weeks of endless Summer
Where has the time gone? I’m afraid you must have been wondering if I was ever going to blog again, but at the same time, I also know that you...
Weeks of endless Summer
Where has the time gone? I’m afraid you must have been wondering if I was ever going to blog again, but at the same time, I also know that you...
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Dedication…
The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that my first book, English Decoration, was dedicated ‘to Anthony Sykes, who understands more about English Decoration than anyone I know’.Later, we’ll see more of...
Dedication…
The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that my first book, English Decoration, was dedicated ‘to Anthony Sykes, who understands more about English Decoration than anyone I know’.Later, we’ll see more of...
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The View from Here
Apologies for those who use this blog as a way to ease themselves into the week ahead on a Monday morning. Last week, for some reason, I couldn’t quite think...
The View from Here
Apologies for those who use this blog as a way to ease themselves into the week ahead on a Monday morning. Last week, for some reason, I couldn’t quite think...
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Mexico is the….
Well, I couldn’t have said it better than this jacket in the bar of the restaurant we went to one night! Too right. We’re back! We had the best time...
Mexico is the….
Well, I couldn’t have said it better than this jacket in the bar of the restaurant we went to one night! Too right. We’re back! We had the best time...
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Two weeks go by
I realise a couple of weeks have passed since I last wrote; it’s Monday evening, at the end of a quiet Bank Holiday, and I’m on the late train back...
Two weeks go by
I realise a couple of weeks have passed since I last wrote; it’s Monday evening, at the end of a quiet Bank Holiday, and I’m on the late train back...
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By pastures green
One of the strange things about renting two houses is that you spend a lot of time travelling between the two. I suppose that my weeks, in the main, are in...
By pastures green
One of the strange things about renting two houses is that you spend a lot of time travelling between the two. I suppose that my weeks, in the main, are in...
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Happy times, in two parts
P A R T O N E The blog was on a bank holiday last weekend. Did you notice? It’s not that I’d stopped keeping my eyes open, but...
Happy times, in two parts
P A R T O N E The blog was on a bank holiday last weekend. Did you notice? It’s not that I’d stopped keeping my eyes open, but...
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Tangier, revisited
PART I – Tangier It’s been a mad old week. More than once this weekend, Charlie and I were pinching ourselves thinking “this time last week we were….” to which...
Tangier, revisited
PART I – Tangier It’s been a mad old week. More than once this weekend, Charlie and I were pinching ourselves thinking “this time last week we were….” to which...
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Time standing still
It’s been a strange experience, this weekend, to have an almost intense summer heat before the leaves on the trees are beginning to unfurl. But the garden is exploding.
Time standing still
It’s been a strange experience, this weekend, to have an almost intense summer heat before the leaves on the trees are beginning to unfurl. But the garden is exploding.
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Staying put
Spring is springing. We were sitting in the garden this evening, in warm sunshine, at half past six, thinking how strange it is that only a month ago it would...
Staying put
Spring is springing. We were sitting in the garden this evening, in warm sunshine, at half past six, thinking how strange it is that only a month ago it would...
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Spring calling
It’s been a perfect weekend in Dorset. The end of a pretty hectic week – a weekend of peace and quiet had never been more welcome. On Friday evening I...
Spring calling
It’s been a perfect weekend in Dorset. The end of a pretty hectic week – a weekend of peace and quiet had never been more welcome. On Friday evening I...
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Chatsworth
M I D W E E K E X C U R S I O N Charlie and I have been at Chatsworth today. Neither of us had been, and believe...
Chatsworth
M I D W E E K E X C U R S I O N Charlie and I have been at Chatsworth today. Neither of us had been, and believe...
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From a vision, to the start of a reality
It’s Monday evening and I’ve just come back from two brief, glorious days in Scotland. Charlie stayed in Dorset with Henry and Mavis, to which end, time and again, I...
From a vision, to the start of a reality
It’s Monday evening and I’ve just come back from two brief, glorious days in Scotland. Charlie stayed in Dorset with Henry and Mavis, to which end, time and again, I...
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In the high places of Dorset
If you want to write a blog on a Sunday evening, don’t bump into your friends Jasper and Oisin on the train home that afternoon to London from Yeovil Junction....
In the high places of Dorset
If you want to write a blog on a Sunday evening, don’t bump into your friends Jasper and Oisin on the train home that afternoon to London from Yeovil Junction....
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Playing with Castles
We’ve been in Wales for the weekend, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, in a little dreamworld. With our friends Brandon and Will (and their dog Lewis) we’d rented the...
Playing with Castles
We’ve been in Wales for the weekend, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, in a little dreamworld. With our friends Brandon and Will (and their dog Lewis) we’d rented the...
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The Echo Chamber
It’s a stormy, windy night in Dorset. A gale is tearing through the valley, and Charlie, Mavis, Henry and I are sitting by the fire hearing the rain dash against the...
The Echo Chamber
It’s a stormy, windy night in Dorset. A gale is tearing through the valley, and Charlie, Mavis, Henry and I are sitting by the fire hearing the rain dash against the...
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Dream world
Apologies for not posting last weekend. I hope you didn’t miss it. I arrived in London early on Monday morning to find I’d left my camera in Dorset. So the...
Dream world
Apologies for not posting last weekend. I hope you didn’t miss it. I arrived in London early on Monday morning to find I’d left my camera in Dorset. So the...
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Dreaming of Italy
BenI’ve only been back a week, but Italy already feels like a dream. Summer is shifting now; here for a week or two longer perhaps, but that moment of new...
Dreaming of Italy
by Ben PentreathI’ve only been back a week, but Italy already feels like a dream. Summer is shifting now; here for a week or two longer perhaps, but that moment of new...
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Pootling about
BenPART I I followed Charlie back from Stockholm a day late, and had a beautiful day heading to Richmond Park for our friend Monica’s birthday. London steamed in sultry heat,...
Pootling about
by Ben PentreathPART I I followed Charlie back from Stockholm a day late, and had a beautiful day heading to Richmond Park for our friend Monica’s birthday. London steamed in sultry heat,...
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Swedish Classical
BenI’m just back from a wonderful few days in Stockholm. Yesterday, I was giving a talk to the Engelsberg Summer School students – and that prompted the thought that Charlie...
Swedish Classical
by Ben PentreathI’m just back from a wonderful few days in Stockholm. Yesterday, I was giving a talk to the Engelsberg Summer School students – and that prompted the thought that Charlie...
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In suspension
BenWednesday evening was not good. Here is our friend Ruth Guilding (author of the incredible Bible of British Taste) and Charlie, at the Pineapple, Leverton Street, which was the perfect...
In suspension
by Ben PentreathWednesday evening was not good. Here is our friend Ruth Guilding (author of the incredible Bible of British Taste) and Charlie, at the Pineapple, Leverton Street, which was the perfect...
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The endless weeks of summer
BenI can’t quite remember anything like it, and I’m not talking about our mad politics. In the ten years since I’ve lived at the Parsonage, there have been some wonderful...
The endless weeks of summer
by Ben PentreathI can’t quite remember anything like it, and I’m not talking about our mad politics. In the ten years since I’ve lived at the Parsonage, there have been some wonderful...
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Regency Caning Needlepoint Cushions
shopPentreath & Hall are delighted to be collaborating with Fine Cell Work, a social enterprise close to our hearts. We are huge fans of their work and are thrilled to...
Regency Caning Needlepoint Cushions
Shop NewsPentreath & Hall are delighted to be collaborating with Fine Cell Work, a social enterprise close to our hearts. We are huge fans of their work and are thrilled to...
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Two weekends in High Summer
BenThe heat has been amazing. The earth is dry. It feels as if we are hurtling into late summer already. Walking this morning felt like being in Italy in the...
Two weekends in High Summer
by Ben PentreathThe heat has been amazing. The earth is dry. It feels as if we are hurtling into late summer already. Walking this morning felt like being in Italy in the...
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In a New York State of Mind…
BenIt’s a strange thing about time, isn’t it? Ask me what I was doing last Thursday week and frankly I’ve got no idea. Ask me what I was doing 19...
In a New York State of Mind…
by Ben PentreathIt’s a strange thing about time, isn’t it? Ask me what I was doing last Thursday week and frankly I’ve got no idea. Ask me what I was doing 19...
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Pick a Colour. Any Colour!
shop‘People, like old furniture, look best by candlelight’ says ben. we have a lot of candles to help.
Pick a Colour. Any Colour!
Shop News‘People, like old furniture, look best by candlelight’ says ben. we have a lot of candles to help.
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Summer passing
BenThe late spring and freezing winter is forgotten. Summer has burst upon the valley and, blinking in the early, early mornings, we realise that we are only a few weeks...
Summer passing
by Ben PentreathThe late spring and freezing winter is forgotten. Summer has burst upon the valley and, blinking in the early, early mornings, we realise that we are only a few weeks...
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Wedding Weekend
BenIt seemed as if England basked in sunshine and happiness. I got down to Dorset on Friday evening to find the Parsonage glowing. Suddenly summer is upon us.
Wedding Weekend
by Ben PentreathIt seemed as if England basked in sunshine and happiness. I got down to Dorset on Friday evening to find the Parsonage glowing. Suddenly summer is upon us.
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Monumental landscapes
BenWe have had our friends Spencer and Austin staying over from New York. Always an opportunity for a monumental tour – which started with a visit to Chettle House, our...
Monumental landscapes
by Ben PentreathWe have had our friends Spencer and Austin staying over from New York. Always an opportunity for a monumental tour – which started with a visit to Chettle House, our...
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Spring into Summer
BenI remember one of the things I found strangest of all living in New York was the absence of a proper spring. Well into April, ice cold winds could blow...
Spring into Summer
by Ben PentreathI remember one of the things I found strangest of all living in New York was the absence of a proper spring. Well into April, ice cold winds could blow...
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Hand-painted Lamps. Now in the shop.
shopColour is at the very heart of everything Bridie produces.
Hand-painted Lamps. Now in the shop.
Shop NewsColour is at the very heart of everything Bridie produces.
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Where have the weeks flown?
BenOne minute, it was winter. The next minute, it was high summer. And I’m writing this evening, at the Parsonage, next to a fire, with cold grey clouds scudding across...
Where have the weeks flown?
by Ben PentreathOne minute, it was winter. The next minute, it was high summer. And I’m writing this evening, at the Parsonage, next to a fire, with cold grey clouds scudding across...
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Thanksgiving
BenNo – not the time of year – but our amazing response, in the village, to the appeal that I made at the end of the blog last week. Everyone...
Thanksgiving
by Ben PentreathNo – not the time of year – but our amazing response, in the village, to the appeal that I made at the end of the blog last week. Everyone...
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Glimmers of hope
BenRegular readers of the blog will again be aware that a post hasn’t popped into their email address boxes for a week or two. I am sorry…. it’s been a...
Glimmers of hope
by Ben PentreathRegular readers of the blog will again be aware that a post hasn’t popped into their email address boxes for a week or two. I am sorry…. it’s been a...
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Snow expected & snow unexpected
BenCharlie and I went skiing last week for a few days, to France. It was the first time I’d been in years, and it’s always reassuring to realise I’m not...
Snow expected & snow unexpected
by Ben PentreathCharlie and I went skiing last week for a few days, to France. It was the first time I’d been in years, and it’s always reassuring to realise I’m not...
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Thaw
BenThe snow was wonderful. I love the sense of disruption: a bit like the flu, when you have to cancel carefully laid plans left right and centre; but this time,...
Thaw
by Ben PentreathThe snow was wonderful. I love the sense of disruption: a bit like the flu, when you have to cancel carefully laid plans left right and centre; but this time,...
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Hello Sibyl…
BenOh golly, this has been one of those incredibly happy weekends that come once in a blue moon. You know what I mean? Sibyl our new corgi was arriving. Charlie...
Hello Sibyl…
by Ben PentreathOh golly, this has been one of those incredibly happy weekends that come once in a blue moon. You know what I mean? Sibyl our new corgi was arriving. Charlie...
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Small moments
BenIf you are driving along the lanes not too far from us, just to the west of the village of Long Bredy, you will see a beautiful display of snowdrops...
Small moments
by Ben PentreathIf you are driving along the lanes not too far from us, just to the west of the village of Long Bredy, you will see a beautiful display of snowdrops...
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Staying put
BenI suppose when you’ve been a very long way, the best thing of all is not to go very far at all. I’ve had a fortnight to get used to being...
Staying put
by Ben PentreathI suppose when you’ve been a very long way, the best thing of all is not to go very far at all. I’ve had a fortnight to get used to being...
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The wide open spaces of Summer
BenSo January has nearly disappeared and we didn’t even blink! What happened? I’m afraid it’s taken me a week to get back to the blog – as I’m sure you’ll...
The wide open spaces of Summer
by Ben PentreathSo January has nearly disappeared and we didn’t even blink! What happened? I’m afraid it’s taken me a week to get back to the blog – as I’m sure you’ll...
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We are recruiting.
shopPART TIME SHOP ASSISTANT WANTED Job Description: To support management in ensuring the efficient day-to-day running of both Pentreath & Hall shop & online store and staffing the shop independently on...
We are recruiting.
Shop NewsPART TIME SHOP ASSISTANT WANTED Job Description: To support management in ensuring the efficient day-to-day running of both Pentreath & Hall shop & online store and staffing the shop independently on...
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Renewal
BenI hope you’ve had a really peaceful Christmas and New Year. Charlie and I headed down to Dorset on the Thursday before Christmas, leaving behind a deserted London. The countryside...
Renewal
by Ben PentreathI hope you’ve had a really peaceful Christmas and New Year. Charlie and I headed down to Dorset on the Thursday before Christmas, leaving behind a deserted London. The countryside...
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Scotland calling
BenCharlie and I are just back from a beautiful few days in Scotland. While the rest of the country was blanketed in snow, we had freezing, clear, sparkling days. We...
Scotland calling
by Ben PentreathCharlie and I are just back from a beautiful few days in Scotland. While the rest of the country was blanketed in snow, we had freezing, clear, sparkling days. We...
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Into Winter
BenNothing’s really been happening – which is nice: a moment of peace before we tip headlong into Christmas. I got sick momentarily, cancelled meetings and went to bed for a day...
Into Winter
by Ben PentreathNothing’s really been happening – which is nice: a moment of peace before we tip headlong into Christmas. I got sick momentarily, cancelled meetings and went to bed for a day...
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The Yeovil and District Chrysanthemum and Dahli...
BenIf you’d spotted Charlie and me at a little after two o’ clock on Saturday afternoon, you might have been a bit surprised. This is where we were, in Yeovil....
The Yeovil and District Chrysanthemum and Dahli...
by Ben PentreathIf you’d spotted Charlie and me at a little after two o’ clock on Saturday afternoon, you might have been a bit surprised. This is where we were, in Yeovil....
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NEW! Pentreath & Hall Creamware Column Candlest...
shopThe most recent addition to the Pentreath & Hall collection. The Creamware Column Candlestick. Replicated from a Victorian pottery candlestick and available in two sizes. Proudly made in Stoke-on-Trent. Exclusively...
NEW! Pentreath & Hall Creamware Column Candlest...
Shop NewsThe most recent addition to the Pentreath & Hall collection. The Creamware Column Candlestick. Replicated from a Victorian pottery candlestick and available in two sizes. Proudly made in Stoke-on-Trent. Exclusively...
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Autumn in Venice
BenWe arrived in Venice to sparkling blue skies and sunshine. The moment when you first catch sight of the spires of Venice across the lagoon is always breathtaking.
Autumn in Venice
by Ben PentreathWe arrived in Venice to sparkling blue skies and sunshine. The moment when you first catch sight of the spires of Venice across the lagoon is always breathtaking.
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Temples of delight
BenYet again you will be wondering where the blog has gone. If you are, by any chance, a new and budding ‘blogger’, you will know that the first rule of...
Temples of delight
by Ben PentreathYet again you will be wondering where the blog has gone. If you are, by any chance, a new and budding ‘blogger’, you will know that the first rule of...
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Let’s do the twist!
shopWe’ve fallen head over heels for these superbly named Amber Twist Tumblers.
Let’s do the twist!
Shop NewsWe’ve fallen head over heels for these superbly named Amber Twist Tumblers.
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Out of Season
BenWe’ve been trying to find a weekend to visit our friend Ruth Guilding down in Cornwall for months. Regular blog readers will recall Ruth not only as author of the brilliant...
Out of Season
by Ben PentreathWe’ve been trying to find a weekend to visit our friend Ruth Guilding down in Cornwall for months. Regular blog readers will recall Ruth not only as author of the brilliant...
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Harvest song
BenIt’s been a village weekend. Autumn is settling over the valley. On Friday, Charlie was teaching a flower course at the Parsonage, with our friends Bridget and Henrietta, of the...
Harvest song
by Ben PentreathIt’s been a village weekend. Autumn is settling over the valley. On Friday, Charlie was teaching a flower course at the Parsonage, with our friends Bridget and Henrietta, of the...
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One month
BenIt’s been the craziest month. You might have been wondering where I’d gone. Was I ever going to blog again? The truth is we’ve had a wonderful but manic month,...
One month
by Ben PentreathIt’s been the craziest month. You might have been wondering where I’d gone. Was I ever going to blog again? The truth is we’ve had a wonderful but manic month,...
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You cannot get too much of a good thing
BenI’m on the train back up to London – a dark evening, pouring rain – never good on a Sunday night at the best of times – and the weekend...
You cannot get too much of a good thing
by Ben PentreathI’m on the train back up to London – a dark evening, pouring rain – never good on a Sunday night at the best of times – and the weekend...
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Morning and Evening; Summer’s end.
BenThe main event was the Melplash show, and don’t miss reading about that here. But it’s been the most amazing long weekend in Dorset – well, everywhere, I think –...
Morning and Evening; Summer’s end.
by Ben PentreathThe main event was the Melplash show, and don’t miss reading about that here. But it’s been the most amazing long weekend in Dorset – well, everywhere, I think –...
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Melplash Revisited
BenWe arrived at the show after a quick pub lunch to be greeted by a wonderful clown on a hobby horse. It was going to be that kind of a...
Melplash Revisited
by Ben PentreathWe arrived at the show after a quick pub lunch to be greeted by a wonderful clown on a hobby horse. It was going to be that kind of a...
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Facendo nulla
Ben(is Italian for ‘doing nothing’). I’m home from Italy. Back here, Charlie’s been manically getting ready for the Melplash show. As I write, he’s still over in the Horticultural Tent...
Facendo nulla
by Ben Pentreath(is Italian for ‘doing nothing’). I’m home from Italy. Back here, Charlie’s been manically getting ready for the Melplash show. As I write, he’s still over in the Horticultural Tent...
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Scottish sojourn
BenI’ve just come back from a few days in Scotland. Heaven. It’s about that time of year when Charlie starts getting itchy feet to travel north, like a homing pigeon...
Scottish sojourn
by Ben PentreathI’ve just come back from a few days in Scotland. Heaven. It’s about that time of year when Charlie starts getting itchy feet to travel north, like a homing pigeon...
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We are recruiting!
shopPart Time Production Assistant Wanted for Bridie Hall Ltd. Bridie is currently looking for a part time studio assistant for four days a week. They will be required to help...
We are recruiting!
Shop NewsPart Time Production Assistant Wanted for Bridie Hall Ltd. Bridie is currently looking for a part time studio assistant for four days a week. They will be required to help...
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Life cycles
BenIn amongst the torrential rain, it was a lovely weekend at the end of a busy old week. On Friday, I popped over to see Mum & Dad, on the Isle...
Life cycles
by Ben PentreathIn amongst the torrential rain, it was a lovely weekend at the end of a busy old week. On Friday, I popped over to see Mum & Dad, on the Isle...
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Weeks of endless Summer
BenWhere has the time gone? I’m afraid you must have been wondering if I was ever going to blog again, but at the same time, I also know that you...
Weeks of endless Summer
by Ben PentreathWhere has the time gone? I’m afraid you must have been wondering if I was ever going to blog again, but at the same time, I also know that you...
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Summer Sale Now On!
Shop NewsThe post Summer Sale Now On! appeared first on Ben Pentreath Inspiration.
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Dedication…
BenThe sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that my first book, English Decoration, was dedicated ‘to Anthony Sykes, who understands more about English Decoration than anyone I know’.Later, we’ll see more of...
Dedication…
by Ben PentreathThe sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that my first book, English Decoration, was dedicated ‘to Anthony Sykes, who understands more about English Decoration than anyone I know’.Later, we’ll see more of...
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The View from Here
BenApologies for those who use this blog as a way to ease themselves into the week ahead on a Monday morning. Last week, for some reason, I couldn’t quite think...
The View from Here
by Ben PentreathApologies for those who use this blog as a way to ease themselves into the week ahead on a Monday morning. Last week, for some reason, I couldn’t quite think...
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Mexico is the….
BenWell, I couldn’t have said it better than this jacket in the bar of the restaurant we went to one night! Too right. We’re back! We had the best time...
Mexico is the….
by Ben PentreathWell, I couldn’t have said it better than this jacket in the bar of the restaurant we went to one night! Too right. We’re back! We had the best time...
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Two weeks go by
BenI realise a couple of weeks have passed since I last wrote; it’s Monday evening, at the end of a quiet Bank Holiday, and I’m on the late train back...
Two weeks go by
by Ben PentreathI realise a couple of weeks have passed since I last wrote; it’s Monday evening, at the end of a quiet Bank Holiday, and I’m on the late train back...
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By pastures green
BenOne of the strange things about renting two houses is that you spend a lot of time travelling between the two. I suppose that my weeks, in the main, are in...
By pastures green
by Ben PentreathOne of the strange things about renting two houses is that you spend a lot of time travelling between the two. I suppose that my weeks, in the main, are in...
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Our selection of perfect vases.
shopFlowers, pencils, or just being there: our selection of perfect vases. The post Our selection of perfect vases. appeared first on Ben Pentreath Inspiration.
Our selection of perfect vases.
Shop NewsFlowers, pencils, or just being there: our selection of perfect vases. The post Our selection of perfect vases. appeared first on Ben Pentreath Inspiration.
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Bridie talks at Pulse London
shopJoin Bridie as she talks about her experience of being both a retailer and a maker and what she has learned along the way at Pulse London, 11am Sunday 14th...
Bridie talks at Pulse London
Shop NewsJoin Bridie as she talks about her experience of being both a retailer and a maker and what she has learned along the way at Pulse London, 11am Sunday 14th...
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Happy times, in two parts
BenP A R T O N E The blog was on a bank holiday last weekend. Did you notice? It’s not that I’d stopped keeping my eyes open, but...
Happy times, in two parts
by Ben PentreathP A R T O N E The blog was on a bank holiday last weekend. Did you notice? It’s not that I’d stopped keeping my eyes open, but...
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Tangier, revisited
BenPART I – Tangier It’s been a mad old week. More than once this weekend, Charlie and I were pinching ourselves thinking “this time last week we were….” to which...
Tangier, revisited
by Ben PentreathPART I – Tangier It’s been a mad old week. More than once this weekend, Charlie and I were pinching ourselves thinking “this time last week we were….” to which...
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John Derian Decoupage Handmade in NYC
shopwitty, soulful, happy, decorative: decoupage unlocks a happy life. The post John Derian Decoupage Handmade in NYC appeared first on Ben Pentreath Inspiration.
John Derian Decoupage Handmade in NYC
Shop Newswitty, soulful, happy, decorative: decoupage unlocks a happy life. The post John Derian Decoupage Handmade in NYC appeared first on Ben Pentreath Inspiration.
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Time standing still
BenIt’s been a strange experience, this weekend, to have an almost intense summer heat before the leaves on the trees are beginning to unfurl. But the garden is exploding.
Time standing still
by Ben PentreathIt’s been a strange experience, this weekend, to have an almost intense summer heat before the leaves on the trees are beginning to unfurl. But the garden is exploding.
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Staying put
BenSpring is springing. We were sitting in the garden this evening, in warm sunshine, at half past six, thinking how strange it is that only a month ago it would...
Staying put
by Ben PentreathSpring is springing. We were sitting in the garden this evening, in warm sunshine, at half past six, thinking how strange it is that only a month ago it would...
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Spring calling
BenIt’s been a perfect weekend in Dorset. The end of a pretty hectic week – a weekend of peace and quiet had never been more welcome. On Friday evening I...
Spring calling
by Ben PentreathIt’s been a perfect weekend in Dorset. The end of a pretty hectic week – a weekend of peace and quiet had never been more welcome. On Friday evening I...
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Bright And Beautiful
shopBehind them in the boot room, the hunters have left the green smells of the forest, of pine branches and mossy banks.
Bright And Beautiful
Shop NewsBehind them in the boot room, the hunters have left the green smells of the forest, of pine branches and mossy banks.
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Chatsworth
BenM I D W E E K E X C U R S I O N Charlie and I have been at Chatsworth today. Neither of us had been, and believe...
Chatsworth
by Ben PentreathM I D W E E K E X C U R S I O N Charlie and I have been at Chatsworth today. Neither of us had been, and believe...
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From a vision, to the start of a reality
BenIt’s Monday evening and I’ve just come back from two brief, glorious days in Scotland. Charlie stayed in Dorset with Henry and Mavis, to which end, time and again, I...
From a vision, to the start of a reality
by Ben PentreathIt’s Monday evening and I’ve just come back from two brief, glorious days in Scotland. Charlie stayed in Dorset with Henry and Mavis, to which end, time and again, I...
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In the high places of Dorset
BenIf you want to write a blog on a Sunday evening, don’t bump into your friends Jasper and Oisin on the train home that afternoon to London from Yeovil Junction....
In the high places of Dorset
by Ben PentreathIf you want to write a blog on a Sunday evening, don’t bump into your friends Jasper and Oisin on the train home that afternoon to London from Yeovil Junction....
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Playing with Castles
BenWe’ve been in Wales for the weekend, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, in a little dreamworld. With our friends Brandon and Will (and their dog Lewis) we’d rented the...
Playing with Castles
by Ben PentreathWe’ve been in Wales for the weekend, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, in a little dreamworld. With our friends Brandon and Will (and their dog Lewis) we’d rented the...
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The Echo Chamber
BenIt’s a stormy, windy night in Dorset. A gale is tearing through the valley, and Charlie, Mavis, Henry and I are sitting by the fire hearing the rain dash against the...
The Echo Chamber
by Ben PentreathIt’s a stormy, windy night in Dorset. A gale is tearing through the valley, and Charlie, Mavis, Henry and I are sitting by the fire hearing the rain dash against the...
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Dream world
BenApologies for not posting last weekend. I hope you didn’t miss it. I arrived in London early on Monday morning to find I’d left my camera in Dorset. So the...
Dream world
by Ben PentreathApologies for not posting last weekend. I hope you didn’t miss it. I arrived in London early on Monday morning to find I’d left my camera in Dorset. So the...
