Period Living

editor’s letter

People often ask me how old a house should be to be considered ‘period’. As far as I am aware, there is no legal or dictionary definition, but the era that’s often bandied about as being the last true historic architectural period is Edwardian. However, as time moves on, so too does our perception of what is period, vintage and antique. Over the last few years, I have noticed a shift in the terms to encompass the interwar era, and beyond to good examples of mid-century design – and these boundaries will keep on moving in the years to come. I often wonder what future generations will think of our modern estate houses; it’s hard to imagine they will be considered historic gems – more likely blank canvases in need…

period living

EDITORIAL Editor Melanie Griffiths Content Editor Rachel Crow Homes Content Editor Karen Darlow Style Editor Pippa Blenkinsop Features Writer/Subeditor Holly Reaney Email periodliving@futurenet.com ART Head of Art Billy Peel Senior Art Editor Emily Smith Art Editor Karen Lawson Contributions by Cliff Newman ADVERTISING Commercial Director Clare Dove clare.dove@futurenet.com Group Media Director Mark Wright mark.wright@futurenet.com Strategic Partnership Director Jackie Sanders 01527 834426 jackie.sanders@futurenet.com Print and Digital Sales Manager Rebecca Vincze 01527 834415 rebecca.vincze@futurenet.com Print and Digital Sales Manager Kelly James 01527 834471 kelly.james@futurenet.com CIRCULATION Head of Newstrade Tim Mathers PRODUCTION Head of Production Mark Constance Production Manager Frances Twentyman Advertising Production Manager Jo Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson ONLINE Technical Project Manager Tom Burbridge Realhomes.com Editor in Chief Lucy Searle Realhomes.com Associate Editor Lindsey Davis Video Producer Matt Gibbs MANAGEMENT Chief Content Officer Aaron Asadi Brand Director Paul Newman Editorial Director Jason Orme Commercial & Events Director Nick Noble Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham…

your journal

TABLES TURNED I love upcycling furniture. I’ve painted many pieces of furniture for my home, including a lamp table, two kitchen chairs and some small shelves in my kitchen. I don’t really remember when I came into possession of this Edwardian table, but I know it used to belong to my granddad. It was in quite a battered state for many years until I finally decided to give it a new lease of life by upcycling it for my new summerhouse, which has a beach theme. I love it – it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. Erica Gaize, Bromsgrove This month’s star letter prize is a gift set from Nordés Gin, with a bottle of its delicious Atlantic Galician gin and a luxury recycled cotton Cornish…

journal

New on the block In homage to its rich heritage, Cole & Son has drawn inspiration from its extensive archive of block-printed designs to create a range of timeless wallpapers. Taking its name from the fruit wood originally used to create the 19th-century printing blocks, The Pearwood Collection sees seven designs from the archive – one of the largest block print collections in Europe – reinvigorated for the 21st century. From the fruit-laden branches of Vines of Pomona to Boscobel Oak, which depicts monarchal symbols of England, the colourful, ornate papers are perfect for those with a passion for pattern. Looking for a modern chintz? Try Midsummer Bloom in Purple and Teal on Ink, £120 per roll. Plush prints Introducing Morris & Co’s heavenly new collection: Rouen velvets, comprising six vibrant prints inspired…

best of british

What’s the story behind Gainsborough? It was founded in Sudbury, Suffolk in 1903 by Reginald Warner. Apprenticed as a silk weaver at the age of just 13, he travelled widely in Europe during his lifetime, collecting fabrics as he went and laying the foundation of Gainsborough’s archive, which today is one of the UK’s leading textile libraries. Warner quickly became known as an expert in damask, brocade and velvet, producing important commissions for companies such as Liberty, Morris & Co and for the Royal Household, with whom Gainsborough works to this day, gaining a Royal Warrant in 1981. Another long association was with Cunard and the White Star Line; in 1911 Gainsborough produced bespoke silk for RMS Titanic. Today sees Gainsborough fabrics starring in many movies and TV productions, including Downton…

talent spot

‘I’m reinterpreting a past product with my own twist,’ says designer Petra Palumbo of her beautiful hand-painted glassware. ‘I remember as a child being mesmerised by my parents’ lovely collection; I particularly remember a ruby crystal carafe.’ Indeed Petra’s appreciation for the handmade was sparked at an early age and has inspired her to go on to create high-quality, handcrafted products to pass down the generations. Beautifully handpainted with an array of floral designs, from roses to thistles, her carafes and tumblers brighten up the bedside table. ‘I’m inspired by nature and what it has to offer,’ says Petra.‘Living in the Highlands, where the seasons are so drastic and wild, brings me so much inspiration in terms of colours and mood.’ While it’s easy to be deceived by the effortless,…