Show time
St James’s Piccadilly will become the first place of worship to have a show garden at next year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The historic church will unveil a unique garden under the theme ‘Imagine the World to be Different’, sponsored by grant-making charity Project Giving Back and designed by award-winning landscape architect Robert Myers.
The design will be the basis of a restored, accessible garden at St James’s and will highlight the story of visionaries at St James’s, including the 18th century abolitionist Ottobah Cugoano and artists such as William Blake. It’s part of the £20 million Wren Project to restore and rejuvenate the historic, Wren-designed church and grounds.
Well heeled
Crockett & Jones, makers of fine handmade shoes, has opened a second store in St James’s.
In celebration of its new location at 77 Jermyn Street – near to its flagship at 92 Jermyn Street – the brand has created a new Shell Cordovan Loafer, Yale.
“We are delighted with our new shop and especially delighted to see customers from our previous shop at 69 Jermyn Street [the original shop location, opened in 1997] returning once again,” says managing director, Jonathan Jones. “With its modern-classic interior design and wide frontage with large glass window it makes a strong impact on the street.”
Puppy love
A new exhibition at The Kennel Club Art Gallery is bound to give paws for thought as it shines the light on one of the UK’s vulnerable native breeds – the Clumber Spaniel. Yorkshire-based artist and dog photographer Daisy May showcases 12 images at the gallery at 10 Clarges Street, capturing the history of the breed from traditional working activities to the dogs’ role as a family member in the home. The breed was once popular among His Majesty King George V, who kept many on the Sandringham Estate, but has fallen out of favour.
The public exhibition at The Kennel Club – the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training – runs until May 24.
New era for Tramp
Legendary Jermyn Street members’ club Tramp has closed temporarily as a new owner promises to “bring it roaring back to former glories.” Luca Maggiora, the founder of Bardo restaurant in St James’s, bought the iconic club – a home to rock stars and royalty since 1969 – in late October.
One of his first acts was to close all existing memberships immediately (apart from “exceptional long-standing members”) as part of a refresh that will also see the club closed for refurbishment work. “I bought Tramp because I love it, there is nowhere quite like it on Earth,” he said. “Where else brings together businessmen and baronesses, film stars and flaneurs? But to be frank, I feel it has lost its way somewhat in recent years… I am determined to bring it roaring back.”
Guitar hero
Dire Straits’ fans’ money won’t be for nothing at a special sale of guitars from the personal collection of the band’s frontman, Mark Knopfler. Christie’s will auction more than 120 guitars and amps from the celebrated singer-songwriter and guitarist at their King Street HQ on January 31. The collection spans his 50-year career and includes custom-built models by Rudy Pensa and John Suhr and bespoke examples crafted by luthiers from across the globe. A quarter of the hammer price will be divided and donated equally to three charities that Knopfler has supported for many years.
Estimates range from £300 to £500,000 with the full collection on display as part of a pre-sale exhibition at King Street from January 19 to 30.
Opera expands
Opera Gallery has opened a new gallery space in the heart of Mayfair at 65-66 New Bond Street. Spanning three floors – as well as an adjoining Medici Courtyard for large-scale sculptural works – it’s double the size of its previous gallery at 134 New Bond Street.
Its opening group exhibition, Untitled Rencontres, features a collection of modern masters including Piccaso and Warhol, as well as new artwork by the likes of Swiss painter Andy Denzler and British-Israeli designer, artist and architect, Ron Arad. It runs until January 7.
Anya's arrival
Anya Hindmarch has opened a new store in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade dedicated to the art of organisation. The space stock pieces from her eponymous brand’s best-selling Labelled Collection, “perfect for seamless travel, to help elegantly systemise your home or to restore a sense of order to an office space.”
Key pieces include the Commuter tote, spacious 24-Hour Bag and In-Flight Case with each piece made from regenerated ECONYL, one of the most durable recycled nylons. “I’m thrilled to be opening a standalone Labelled store in Burlington Arcade,” said Hindmarch. “A place that celebrates craftsmanship and holds very special childhood memories for me.”
Regeneration begins
Work has begun on the South Molton Triangle, a £500 million development in the heart of Mayfair. At the centre of the project, which is located next to Oxford Street and the new Bond Street Elizabeth Line station, is a 267,000 ft joint venture between Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK to deliver two “best-in-class” office buildings; a 96,000 sq ft office on Brook Street and a 86,000 sq ft counterpart on Davies Street. Other elements of the development will be led by Grosvenor, including the restoration of Georgian era buildings on South Molton Street to provide new retail and affordable homes with a 31-bedroom five-star boutique hotel on Brook Street. There will also be a new space created for social and community use in Mayfair and the refurbishment of The Running Horse pub on Davies Street. Completion of the development is expected by 2027.
Tailor made
Hackett London and David Gandy Wellwear have partnered to create a new collection of luxury lounge and sleepwear.
Merging Hackett’s modern take on classic, traditional menswear with David Gandy Wellwear’s fabric innovation, the 12-piece collection includes two navy Luxury Lounge Sets, a textured Waffle Lounge Set and the Ultimate Lounge Tee. There is also a Premium Pyjama Set, Ultimate Pyjama Set and Waffle Robe.
