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We’ve just discovered the gorgeous website This is Your Kingdom, and it’s fair to say we’re all smitten. Designed with the curious and adventurous in mind, this beautifully curated site is a trusted place to share and discover lovely things to see across the UK – from grand adventures to simple pleasures and all the curious nooks and special spots in-between.

We asked founders Hannah and Rebecca to handpick just a few of their favourite things to see and do up and down our glorious coastline this summer.

Hannah and Rebecca from TiYK. Photo by Rosie Bray.

Partake in an alfresco banquet in Cornwall

Image courtesy of JustNicePhotos on flickr

“Make a pit stop at the fantastic Hidden Hut overlooking Porthcurnick Beach. This relatively unknown gem on the Roseland Peninsula offers a truly unique al fresco dining experience and the fact that you can only get there by walking makes it all the more special. During the summer months they host special feast nights that require booking in advance. The formula is simple. Bring your own bowl, cutlery and drinks and they’ll lay on delicious food in a beautiful setting. You couldn’t ask for more!” Shared by Rhianna Morton

Land your pick of the local catch in Dorset

Image courtesy of treehouse1977 on flickr

“Davy’s Locker is a fantastic fish ‘lock-up’ where the fish and shellfish arrive just minutes after being landed. It’s hidden behind the pretty market town of Bridport and supplies all the best local restaurants… The secret is that we can all buy there too, and buying at Davy’s Locker is an absolute pleasure. The men and boys will regale you with jokes, stories and recipes and you’ll probably see a van arrive straight from Lyme Regis filled with the freshest crabs and lobsters. Fantastic prices mean you can buy and eat what is truly local and seasonal – the rich meat of fresh hen crabs, the juiciest, sweetest lobsters, mackerel, sardines, wild sea bass…the list goes on.” Shared by Emma Drew

Find a private picnic nook in the sand dunes in Norfolk

Image courtesy of Tim Caynes on flickr

“My favourite place for afternoon tea is up in the sand dunes on beautiful Holkham Beach, looking out over the vast stretch of unspoilt white-gold sand. I like finding my own private sheltered spot between the grassy hills. I’ll pack my picnic basket with teeny, tiny egg sandwiches, homemade scones, a few squidgy chocolate brownies and a juicy bowl of strawberries. The best strawberries are of course those picked locally – try Wiveton Hall between Blakeney and Cley. If the weather’s on the chilly side, bring a big flask of hot chocolate and extra blankets to snuggle in. I can sit for hours enjoying the endless horizon and huge sky.…” Shared by Vicky Gorry.

Indulge in some seaside nostalgia in West Sussex

Image courtesy of ~KimUK~ on flickr

“My friend Ali’s traditional painted beach hut on West Wittering beach near Chichester is one of my favourite places to spend time. The beach is in an unspoilt stretch of golden sand, the car park is simply a field and there’s no real development save an old-fashioned beach café and shop. It’s like going back in time to the days when the seaside was simply that. To escape the traffic jams during the height of the summer season, either get there early or arrive after lunch and stay into the evening as the sun goes down. Then head to The Boulevard in East Wittering for some freshly cooked local fish and chips. It’s not a fancy place but the food is always great and the portions are enormous.”  Shared by Laura Dunkley

Find a beach all to yourself in Scotland

Image courtesy of aballant on flickr

“As you make your way along the East Lothian coast you come to the little village of Gullane – just half an hour from Edinburgh, yet you could be a million miles away. The beach here is my favourite place in the world…Wild dunes, wind so cold it makes your eyes water, vast stretches of sand and that solemn greeny-grey of the North Sea. As you emerge onto the golden sand turn left and keep walking over the rocks to a quiet stretch where birds swoop and call. After your walk, head down to the main street and snuggle up with a steaming pot of coffee and a delicious scone or decadent sachertorte at Falko Konditormeister. ” Shared by Rebecca Gibb

Embark on a treasure hunt at hidden coves and caves in Cornwall

Image courtesy of Lou Archell 

“Kynance Cove is the stuff of childhood dreams; rocky, wild and raw. Scrambling over large boulders, we finally landed on the most spectacular beach with white sands and soaring cliffs covered in barnacles. At very low tide the sea allowed us to skip round to the other bays, to search for buried treasure in the many caves. In recent years gold coins have been found washed up on the beach, sadly we didn’t find one, maybe next time.” Shared by Lou Archell

Play castaway on an island with wild ponies in Wales

Image courtesy of Rock Catch on flickr

“Llandwyn Island isn’t technically an island… It becomes cut off from the main beach at high tide, and then for a short time, it is an island. Either way, it truly is a magical place with a feeling of timeless antiquity. At every turn you’ll find small sheltered sandy coves, perfect for just sitting down and taking it all in. At this time of the year, the grass is full of wild flowers of every hue, wild ponies graze and the sight and sound of seabirds fill the air as they look for mates.” Shared by Tracey Lester

Looking to bring a touch of Coastal into your home? We’ve cherry picked our favourite Laura Ashley Coastal accessories…

Alena White Round Mirror.

Love this. Like looking through a porthole. Just to be able to have a little giggle to myself over my bonkers windswept hair as I step in off the beach.

Shaldon Stripe Throw

Amazing! A throw named after the seaside village I grew up in. Me and this throw were meant to be – snuggled up together after a long day on the beach.

Colinton Upholstered 2 Seater Sofa

Looks like the perfect seat to cosy up in, read a book and look out at the sea on a stormy day. Accompanied by my Shaldon Stripe throw of course.

Wicklow Ceiling Shade

These have to be the shades I would deck my perfect beach house out in.

Set of 2 Striped Seagrass Baskets

Very pretty and most practical. These would be filled with logs, to fuel the little woodburning stove in my dream beachside shack.

Coastal Cream Enamel Hurricane Lamp

To set the scene on my little beachhut veranda – sundowner in hand of course!

Do you have somewhere special in the UK you’d like to share? TiYK would love to hear from any curious adventurous types out there who’d like to join their team of writers!

Sign up to receive weekly inspiration from TiYK on lovely things to see and do across our glorious little island!

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Always on the hunt for our next exciting craft project, we decided to set our sights upon some of the many amazing craft fairs happening up and down the country this year. Jam-packed with top of the art crafting supplies, fresh innovative ideas and inspiration, with both beginner and pro workshops – there is something for everyone! Whether you’re a knitter, stitcher, quilter, card making extraordinaire or if you fancy jumping on the crafty (and ever so addictive) bandwagon, now is the time to pop a date in the diary and get in on the action…

Festival of Quilts

Showcasing the largest celebration of patchwork and quilting in Europe, the Festival of Quilts is back this year with a unique blend of inspirational displays and workshops alike. Curated galleries that include an impressive array of quilts from around the world, there are over 140 quick and easy workshops for quilting newbies or master classes at the Quilt Academy for the more experienced. With experts Christine Chester and Maggie Grey on hand to give expert advice, we love the sound of the decorative phone case workshop detailing how to create your own personalised mobile case. For evening entertainment, make sure to book your seat to the Fashion Show celebrating wearable art (oooh!).

If you fancy reading more about the Festival of Quilts, then be sure to read our round-up from last year. Having a soft spot for The Festival of Quilts, we have a twinge of nostalgia knowing that back in the day Laura Ashley printed her own fabric, which has been lovingly used in quilts across the world!

August 8-11^th 2013, Nec Birmingham

http://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk

Knitting & Stitching Show

Crowned the textile event of the year, The Knitting and Stitching Show is a must-visit if you’re passionate about textiles. As the name suggests, the show covers all things knitting and stitching – but so much more! With crochet, embroidery, patchwork and quilting, card making, embossing… the list is endless. The show offers a chance to peruse unique crafting supplies (perfect time to browse a new sewing machine), professional curated galleries by leading artists Dorothy Caldwell and Jan Beaney with hundreds of workshops including the Learning Curve for beginners. Not to be missed is the Upcycling academy, where you’ll be able to make something new from something old.  If you fancy entering the world of crafting, The Knitting and Stitching Show is the perfect place to explore what tickles your crafty fancy!

October 10-13^th 2013, Alexandra Palace, London

October 31^st- 3^rd November, RDS, Dublin

November 21-24^th November, HIC, Harrogate

http://www.twistedthread.com

The Contemporary Craft Festival

Marking its 10^th anniversary this year, The Contemporary Craft Festival brings together a wide range of craft enthusiasts and designers to celebrate all things make-do. With a number of workshops on offer for both adults and children alike, leave little ones in the Children’s craft tent and make your way over to The Talk Tipi where you can listen in on inspirational expert talks about the future of crafts and the importance of hand-made. Brimming with live action, catch live demonstrations from the likes of winning weaver Laura Thomas and wire sculpture by Celia Smith.

June 7-9^th 2013, Bovey Tracey, Devon.

http://craftsatboveytracey.co.uk/

Renegade Craft Fair 

Flying in from over the pond, the trendy Renegade craft fair hails from the US with whistle-stop dates in Chicago and Los Angeles, before hitting up the Truman Brewery tucked away in vibrant Shoreditch, London. With an indie focus, the hip Renegade has a fun festive atmosphere with a hand’s on approach; an assortment of workshops, live DJ’s, photo booths with tasty local artisanal food and drink. Introducing never seen before innovative ideas, this crafty affair is free to attend and a must for sussing out hot off the radar international crafts – sign us up!

November 9-10^th 2013, Truman Brewery, London.

http://www.renegadecraft.com/

Folksy Summer School

Folksy, the masterminds behind the online crafting market place are excited to announce their very first Summer School. Back to class we go! The two-day event takes place in the woodland area of Woodland Discovery Park in Sheffield, jam-packed with an array of talks, demonstrations and workshops – what’s not to love? Print screening demonstrations, photography workshops and impressive talks by Tilly Walnes from The Great British Sewing Bee and crafting author Victoria Woodcock are all included in the line-up. Taking crafting to another level, turn your crafty passion into a start-up business with the one-to-one mentoring they have on offer. With a picnic lunch thrown in to the mix and hands on crafty workshops, we predict a very exciting weekend to be had!

August 10-11^th 2013, Woodland Discovery Centre, Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield.

http://summerschool.folksy.com/

Go Go Margo

Hot of the press, new website GoGo Margo details all the smaller, local crafting events happening in your area. Simply pop in your location, scroll through all the exciting events happening and choose your pick. On our hotlist for June is the Dress Making Masterclass in Bath, Getthrifty’s UK Craft Fair in Bexley and Free Machine Embroidery for Beginners in Sheffield  - see you there!

Thinking about getting crafty? Did you know we sell beautiful Laura Ashley fabric by the metre? Take a look here to look at our fabric ranges.

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This year is flying by, we can’t believe it’s already June! We’ve already been rearranging our closets; floaty frocks at the forefront whilst our knits are still on standby in our under bed storage (you never know when you might need them). June is all about getting outside and hands on; open gardens, street food, fabulous florals and crafts aplenty. Here are the happenings topping our radar chart this month…

Trevoole Farm charity garden open day: Cornwall. June 16^th 2013

Every year over 3,000 gardens open for charity through the National Gardens Scheme and topping our must-visit list this year is the beautiful Trevoole Farm in Cornwall. The farm is owned by the lovely Beth who has worked in our Truro store for the last 20 years, during which she has decked out the farm with decades of Laura Ashley treasures.  For the last few years Beth has recruited the ladies of our Laura Ashley Truro branch to help bake and serve teas for her famous charity open garden. The summerhouse is full to bursting with archive prints and homemade cakes are served with tea in vintage cups. The kind ladies of Truro are among thousands who give up their time every summer to prepare scrumptious refreshments, which are a highlight of any garden visit. The opportunity to raise money for a good cause by eating cake and mooching around a gorgeous garden? We’re in! Can’t make it down to Cornwall? Check out the NGS website for other open gardens near you.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Old Drury Lane Theatre: From 25^th June.

According to an article we read in the Evening Standard director Sam Mendes (A-list Hollywood Director of Skyfall) has been busy rearranging dates to start work on his latest Bond film venture around the launch of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory in the West End this month. Judging by the popularity of other childhood classics in London’s West End (Matilda and Wicked!) and the hype we predict a scrum to get tickets for this epic theatrical adventure!

Pop Up ‘When Mac Met Cheese’: Central London

Mac and cheese is a favourite of ours up in the Laura Ashley HQ café (comfort food) but admittedly Camden’s ‘When Mac Met Cheese’ at The Stables gives Dave (our resident chef) a run for his money (we still love you Dave). This month they’re popping up in Central London at The Endurance on Berwick Street so now it won’t be such a trek for us down in South West London. We hear the deep fried oreos are pretty exceptional too!

Laura Ashley Memories competition! On Now – June & July

We are feeling really rather nostalgic this month as we celebrate our 60^th anniversary. Not only will we be hosting a pop up archive exhibition at London’s Il Bottaccio for our die hard fans but we are already inviting our facebook fans to share their memories and old photos of Laura Ashley from days gone by. The most endearing memory we receive will win a £1,000 gift card and a tour of our precious London archive (a rare chance to explore all the vintage wonders). Got a memory to share or simply want to help us decide on the best one? Head over to the galleries on our facebook page here…

Just one of the entries we have already received! Nina Seaton aged 9 in her Laura Ashley pink frock (1990)

Pop Up Print Shop at Ink & Thread: Derby: 13^th June

When we have a spare min to grab a cuppa and browse our favourite blogs, one of our first stops is Abigail Warner’s Pretty Lovely Paper blog for beautiful inspiration in design and print.

On the 13^th June Abby will be hosting drop in workshops between 11.00 – 5.30 at Ink & Thread in Derby. You can book a spot or swing by and learn more about lino printing, paper cutting or stencils {or try all three!} perfect for crafty creative types, brides to be or if you just love print and paper.

13^th June. Drop in between 11.00 – 5.30pm (stay at long as you want!). £15 per person.

Palm Beach Collection- NOW online

We are feeling totally tropical this month with the launch of our new fashion collection Palm Beach. These balmy turquiose, magenta and navy prints have got holiday packing written all over them!

Nipa Restaurant’s Thai Afternoon Tea: From 1^st June

Since the launch of our Kyoto range we’ve been looking East for inspiration. How timely that Nipa Restaurant have just launched their Thai Afternoon Tea. We’ll always be devotees to our beloved British High Tea (any excuse for a cheese and pickle sarni) but it’s nice to mix things up too. Staking its claim as the first Thai Afternoon Tea to grace London, expect Mango sushi, bang-bang chicken and scones served with a Thai twist (orange & jasmine marmalade + clotted cream) along with some pleasant views of leafy Hyde Park.

Served 2pm – 4pm from Friday – Sunday. Priced at £22 per person or £31 with a glass of champagne.

What’s on your radar this month? Love to hear what you are up to below!

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Strolling along the South Bank in London, we paid a visit to one of London’s most treasured theatres, The National. Nestled in the heart of London, the National Theatre is the home of outstanding British theatre with award-winning productions performed daily. Just outside however, the National Theatre plays host to the river side Prop Store pop-up café…

A stones throw away on the riverfront sits the popular summer-time Prop Store. The National’s very own pop-up café bar especially built and decorated with props and set taken from their famed productions. A must-visit for theatre lovers, take part in a game of Spot the Prop. Cast your eyes over the artistically built bar area, rammed full of eye catching props and interesting set design, look out for the motor bike from Alan Bennet’s famed ‘History Boys’ or the iconic eerie lighting taken straight from Danny Boyle’s ‘Frankenstein.’

If you fancy a bite to eat, their seriously cool theatrical menu offers an array of tasty street food with a funky British twist. Choose between a number of tasty delights on offer, with even a classic scotch egg taking top spot on the menu!

With DJ’s and exciting live bands taking over the bar on weekend nights, head on down for a dance – or simply pull up a chair (straight from the scenery department of course) and relax with a cold drink watching the sun set over the river! Drinks with a view eh?

The Prop Store

Open from noon daily. 

Will you be heading on down to sample Prop Store’s tasty menu  this weekend?

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Housed at the elegant Pizhanger Manor, country retreat of British architect Sir John Soane, sits newly opened style exhibition Second Nature. Curated by Gemma Williams, a previous archivist at Laura Ashley, Gemma has unraveled the unique relationship between fashion design and the natural environment.

With the natural world being a constant source for fashion design, even still in this modern day, nature holds a strong influence over changing fashion trends. Its presence can be found through prints, patterns, fabrics and even silhouette design.

Bringing together over 40 designers and artists from all around the world, the exhibition displays an array of awe-inspiring pieces, featuring our very own floral printed Laura Ashley dress from the 70’s!

Welcoming you as you walk in, this Laura Ashley dress on display was handpicked by our dedicated archivist Angela. A devotee of country living style, this 70’s style floral became a notion of British style, redefining nature in printed pattern form.  Nature influences are still very present at Laura Ashley today (only with a modern twist). You can see this in our Royal Bloom collection which plays true to our floral inspired roots.

Around the corner lays two wonderful greenhouse structures, playing host to a collection of fashion pieces from other contemporary designers.

Alex Mullin, Giles, Roland Mouret and Roksanda Ilioncic. 

Antonio Berardi, Cong Tri, Donna Karen and Fyodor Golan. 

Curator Gemma documents how fashion and the seasons reflect each other, with spring/summer and autumn/winter being the foundations in both the fashion industry and the nature cycle.

Temperley London, Yiqing Yin, Peter Pilotto and Wali Barrech.

Hamish Morrow, Zandra Rhodes, Michael Kampe and Felicity Brown. 

Not only influencing print and pattern, but also the silhouette of nature can be interpreted in many ways.

Get interactive with the sound track from Stephen Paul Basford

Swash, Heligan Gardens. 

Tucked away, follow the exhibition into the Cabinet of Curiosities. Inspired by Sir John Soane’s collection of objects from the natural world, the exhibition displays an array of quirky fashion accessories…

Moth Face Mask by Piers Atkinson.

Adjacent to the gallery is the Pitzhanger Manor House, designed by architect Sir John Soane, the exhibition draws on his fascination for nature. Set in the beautiful gardens that surround the manor house, be sure to bring along a picnic and enjoy the scenery before taking a tour of the listed manor house, which is open to the public to enjoy.

Will you popping on down to the Second Nature gallery?

 Second Nature Exhibition,

17^th May – 7^th July,

Free to Attend,

PM Gallery & House, London.  

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This year marks the centenary of RHS Chelsea Flower Show and having spent Monday exploring the grounds, boy are you flower and horticultural enthusiasts in for a treat! In true Chelsea fashion, the opening day was a glamorous affair, attracting the Brit glitterati with it’s awe-inspiring creations. Jerry Hall, Kirsty Allsop, Joanna Lumley, Mary Berry and chef Daniel Clifford were just some of the stars we spotted along the way. Judging by the level of creativity it’s not hard to see why their 100th year is creating such a stir.

Jerry Hall in the M&G Great Pavillion

Kirsty Allsop admiring the M&G Centenary Garden

Aside from the media buzz, Chelsea has gone all out this year in terms of pioneering floral and garden design. Starting our journey in the M&G Great Pavilion, creations included a London underground carriage overgrown with plants (The Roots of London by The Woodland Trust), the Thailand Garden made up of over 500,000 orchids and the perfectly preserved skeleton of an entire apple tree complete with all it’s spindly roots (a rare opportunity to see the science of an orchard).

The Roots of London by The Woodland Trust

The fruit of the tree

Thailand Garden

Outside the pavilion, the gardens were pulling in the crowds. From the Laurent-Perrier Garden complete it’s modern pergola arches and rectangular water feature / pool to the less conventional ‘After the Fire’ garden (inspired by the regeneration of forest fires that can devastate acres of woodland) that presents the surprising beauty of burnt out landscapes…

The Laurent Perrier Garden

East Village Garden. Designed by Balston Agius Ltd (Michael Balston & Marie-Louise Agius)

After the Fire Garden

M&G Centenary Garden by Roger Platts

The big crowd pleaser and our personal favourite was the M&G Centenary Gardens ‘Windows through Time’ by Roger Platts, which draws on old and new garden features. A walk through the garden is like a journey through time, starting with a contemporary bronze sculpture through to shrubs popular in the 1900s. A rare chance to see how British garden design has evolved over the decades! Adding to the whole theatre of the garden we also stole a glimpse of a model gliding through the M&G garden in floral designer Zita Elze’s ‘living’ embroidered dress. A true thing of ethereal beauty!

Zita Elze‘s ‘living’ gown

We leave you with some of the other stunning spectacles we spotted along the way, including a scene of cascading flowers by Rebecca Louise Law…

Rebel Rebel Flowers

Have you been to Chelsea Flower Show this year? What were your highlights?

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For Art & Craft devotees Charleston House is the Mecca of one of the most influential British art sets of the 20th century. Once the hub and home of the legendary Bloomsbury Group, a set of free spirited English artists, writers, intellectuals and philosophers. Most namely artist Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Giles Bell as well as regular dwellers and on‑going guests Virginia Woolf (Vanessa’s sister) and E.M. Forster. The collective of creatives worked or studied together in and around Bloomsbury, London during the early 20th century but Charleston House soon came the melting pot of their bohemian lifestyle (which was somewhat unconventional of the time) and a place where they could excercise their mutual adoration for the arts. Charleston House today has been returned back to its original glory, bursting with decorative arts, ceramics, painted furniture and murals. The artists of the Charleston House (predominantly Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant) painted everything from the walls to the doors in their stunning Post Impressionism style.

Back in the early 1980′s Laura Ashley bought the rights to some of the Charleston House archived prints (Queen Mary and Charleston Grapes), which exploded on to the interiors scene in the form of our famous Bloomsbury home collection. Marking Laura Ashley’s 60th anniversary this year, we have once again re‑launched the Bloomsbury room set to it’s former glory.

Laura Ashley Bloomsbury Collection

This week Charleston House hosts their annual Charleston Festival so we invite you to enjoy some beautiful pictures from our bygone era trip to Sussex on Friday to enjoy the house, grounds and kick start their series of guest literary speakers…

The stunning Charleston House gardens

If you are planning a trip to the Charleston Festival make a day of it and enjoy a guided tour of the house itself before relishing in a talk by a rare line up of visionaries including Julian Fellowes (creator and writer of Downton Abbey) who kick started the week on Friday. The tour of the house takes you through each of the rooms, whereby ever inch of the house is covered floor to ceiling in awe‑inspiring art. The house itself was treated as one big canvas for their creations, explaining the pull it had over the art world of its time. We especially enjoyed listening to the stories about the relationships between the Bloomsbury Group, which blurred the conventional lines between married partners, friends and lovers. Vanessa Bell for example was married to Charles Bell but had a long standing relationship with lothario, and kindred spirit, Duncan Grant (whom she spent most of her time at Charleston House with). A tour of the house is also a great chance to spot the original Charleston Grapes print (now updated for Laura Ashley SS13 today) which can be seen on upholstered chairs and on curtains in some of the wildly inspiring rooms.

The Charleston Festival is running until Sunday 26th May. Take a look here for the full festival line up. Leave plenty of time before a talk to meander through the preened gardens, enjoy the views, chill out in their temporary wooden yurt and devour some delightful quiches or cake in the tea tent, complete with summer friendly outdoor picnic benches and fresh flowers. Perfection!

The temporary tea tent cafe – open for the duration of the Charleston Festival

Doorway to the pretty Charleston House gardens

Spot our Bloomsbury fabric Queen Mary adorning the tables in the festival’s marquee

Visit the Charleston House website and full Festival programme here.

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When we were kindly invited to a preview of the new exhibition ‘In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion’ at Buckingham Place, one simply couldn’t refuse such an occasion! Naturally, we decided to bring you along for the ride – so make yourself comfy and get ready to brush up on your 16^th-17^th century fashion trends…

The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion exhibition explores the fine style of the British monarchy and famed elite of that period. Delving into the style and fashions displayed through the Tudor and Stuart portraiture, luxury costumes were central to court life. With personal appearance being highest importance, the way the Tudors and Stuarts dressed deemed how they were perceived.

With garments being spun from luxury fabrics, intricately embroidered with golden thread and embellished with dainty bobbin lace, the attention to detail was crucial in conveying a number of messages. From declaring your Royal position to displaying your social standing, the Tudor elite were dedicated fashion followers, for one simply had to have the finest sought-after garments!

Following the various style changes throughout this period, the exhibition brings together over sixty portraits with an array of rare surviving items on display such as beautiful items of clothing, eye-catching jewellery, dainty accessories and impressive war armor.

Curator Anna Reynolds explains that the portraiture on display takes extraordinary care in recording the precise details of the clothing and textures of the fabric. Whether that be telling a story or communicating a message, the importance of clothing and accessories reveals the attitudes and social values of that time.

Breakfast fit for a King, catching up on Tudor Fashion glossy magazine Robe.

Having lost her dear mother Anne Boleyn, thirteen year old Princess Elizabeth ups the style stakes to quash any hushed talk of illegitimacy. Sporting a crimson gown made from the costly dye of crushed insects (exotic!) with a golden tissue forefront, Elizabeth made sure to reclaim her hold on the throne.

With an eye for delicate lace detailing, Anne of Denmark had a penchant for expensive jewels. Resting on her rather exposed bust lays a large pearl pendent, not forgetting the diamond studded ‘S’ hanging from her collar in remembrance of her mother, Sophia.

Keeping up to date with the latest Tudor fashions was no easy feat, but Mary Queen of Orange was onto a winner, writing her very own fashion journal. This particular entry details her purchase of hair powder and goes on to list her next silk glove purchases – we need to take a note out of Mary’s book!

It wasn’t just the ladies who were hot on the style stakes, Charles the First definitely had expensive taste in bobbin lace. Daintily hand-crafted and constructed entirely by needle and thread, could the real lace collar Charles is wearing be housed in the cabinet next to the portrait?

A closer look at a delicate lace embellishment.

Princess Henrietta Maria rocking a statement necklace, the first time around.

Getting a feel for the luxury fabrics used to create the garments.

Pop along to The Millar Learning room with little ones to get into the true Tudor style, try your hand at the fun board games from that era or strike a pose with the costumes on display to create your very own portrait!

Who knew the Tudors were so stylish? Make a date in your diary to visit the In Fine Style exhibition and get stylishly up to date with 16^th &17^th century fashion – you may find one or two style tips yourself!

Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion

Queens’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

10^th May – 6^th October 2013

Will you be planning a visit to this special exhibition?

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Our mood has positively lifted this month along with the longer lighter evenings, sunnier spells and the promise of picnics in the park now almost within our grasp. We also have heaps of fun events in the pipe line for May so get ready for a plethora of hot happenings…

THE GREAT GATSBY- National

Thursday 16^th May

This has to be the longest prelude to a film release ever! We’ve been teased with decadent images of Leonardo Di Caprio and Carey Mulligan in their 1920’s finest for months now but this May The Great Gatsby hits the big screens and we’ll be first in the queue.  If Director Baz Luhrmann’s repertoire of Romeo & Juliet and Australia is anything to go by this is going to be the must see film of the year.

NEWCASTLE DOES VINTAGE

Monday 6th May

We couldn’t think of a better way to spend our bank holiday weekend than rooting through the rails of retro frocks and vintage inspired kitchenalia. Newcastle Does Vintage returns to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle Monday 6^th May. We wonder if they’ll be any vintage Laura Ashley! Feeling all shopped out? Then soak up some nostalgia at the vintage beauty bar, get snappy in the photo booth or look sharp in the ‘Gent’s Corner’.

FABRICE HYBER- Raw Materials. BALTIC CENTRE- Newcastle

Until 30th June

We now have a good reason to spend a whole weekend up in Newcastle! Catch the Fabrice Hyber exhibition at the Baltic Centre for contemporary art before the end of June. Originating from the ultra hip Palais de Tokyo exhibition in Paris, Hyber’s inventive creations include paintings, drawings and installations made from a vast array of unexpected materials, including a giant man made of fruit and metal! Wacky yes but we’re intrigued!

WORLD BAKING DAY

Sunday 19th May

Whoever came up with the idea for World Baking Day gets a big thumbs up from us! This year the folk behind World Baking Day are encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and bake something you have never baked before. Spatulas at the ready head over to their website with over 100 different cake recipes for you to choose from depending on your level from ‘I bake with my fingers crossed’ to ‘I bake therefore I am’. We have our eye on this Blueberry, lime and white chocolate mousse tart recipe by blogger Zosia Cudny of ‘Make Cooking Easier’. Bake brave people! #BAKEBRAVE

KENSINGTON DOLLSHOUSE FESTIVAL

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th May

We have such fond memories of playing with our dollshouse as children. There is something so utterly dreamy about a miniature sized home and all the teeny weeny furniture and decor to match. Boasting over 170 of the top dollshouse and miniature makers from around the globe, the Kensington Dollshouse Festival is the place to seek out all things mini for your dollshouse, model or project. Check out this short documentary about the charming world of dollhouse makers for a pre teaser of the artisan makers you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet.

Whilst your there make sure to take a look at our graphic designer Kendra Grey’s adorable Dollshouse illustrations which will also be on display…

LAURA ASHLEY SWIMWEAR

Health chat is topping office natter these past few weeks. Easy Living’s salad recipe section has become our new go-to for leafy lunch inspiration in order to get bikini ready for our summer hols. The arrival of our gorgeous new swimwear collection is now spurring us on even more!

JAZZ AND AFTERNOON TEA AT THE CADOGAN HOTEL- London

Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th May

Show us your jazz hands! Jazz musicians will be taking centre stage in The Cadogan Hotel’s Drawing Room on Thursday 23 May and Friday 24 May for a special Afternoon Tea. Performers include: The Blues Engineers; Georgia Mancio; Gabrielle Ducomble; and Gordon Mark Webber.

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Monday 21st – Saturday 25th May

Year upon year we are wowed by Chelsea Flower Show’s latest flower and garden innovation so we’re dying to see how they’ll be pulling out the stops for this year’s 100th anniversary. From browsing the Centenary line-up there is plenty  to feed the imagination including ‘The Evolving Garden’ (looking at how environmental issues have affected our gardens past, present and future), Revisit ‘London 2012’ (a garden modelled on London’s Olympic park), 100 years in pictures (historical snaps of Chelsea’s exuberant past) plus live Opera on the Friday evening! We wonder what else is in store?!

JEAN HAINES- THE FRAME IN ODIHAM, HAMPSHIRE

Friday 10th May – Friday 7th June

We’re huge animal and wildlife lovers here at Laura Ashley, so our hearts melted when we saw these pretty waterolours by renowned artist Jean Haines, mainly influenced by the natural beauty of the Hampshire countryside. Catch her solo exhibition at The Frame Gallery in Odiham from the 10^th May, featuring her charming new series of Kingfishers, wildlife wonders and vibrant florals aplenty.

What’s on your radar for May? Love to hear your plans below!

You might also like:

• GLAMPING AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
• RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
• ON OUR RADAR: APRIL

This weekend plays host to the innovative ‘Pick Me Up’ Graphic Design Festival, housed in the spectacular grand setting of Somerset House. This contemporary, eclectic mix of emerging artists, expressive galleries and quirky workshops is a design fanatics dream.

Returning to the heart of the city this year, this eleven day festival is a true celebration of the Graphic Arts at its finest. Showcasing a number of well-respected artists as well as fresh emerging talents from all over the world.

Delving in to the fascinating field of graphic design, Pick Me Up certainly highlights the wonder of creativity. Showcasing galleries that inspire and engage, each artist conveys their ideas and stories behind their work. We popped on down to see first-hand just what exciting events and collectives Pick Me Up has in store…

Weaving our way around the maze of galleries, we were captivated by the different art works on display. Each so unique in its process of concept and design, the imagination behind each piece was hugely inspiring…

Have your portrait done by Damien Florebert Cuypers in one minute!

With a host of quirky and unusual workshops taking place daily, we excitedly headed on over to an introduction to Type Tasting.

Speaking to Sarah Hyndman leading the workshop, we were invited to try our hand at experimenting with type design. With typefaces predominantly designed on computers our modern day, we were encouraged to get crafty, customise our own design and let our imaginations run wild! With a craft box full to the brim of different materials of all textures and colours, alongside a blank letter template to customise, our creative juices certainly started flowing….

In true Laura Ashley style, we naturally went for a floral inspired print – with an added twist of a show-popping dash of pink! Whilst our masterpiece may not contend with any of the other top artists on show, we were delighted to be let loose with an array of crafting materials (mainly prit stick and giant colouring in pens!)

Stepping into the world of sewing, we also joined artist Evelin Kasikov in her big quest to complete her supersized sewing challenge. With the idea behind her work focusing on the print colours of CMYK, each piece of thread is made up of the four key shades: cyan, magenta, yellow or black. Creating show-stopping pieces, Evelin’s sewing art pieces took graphic design to a new level.

We dropped on by to give Evelin a helping hand, and a few proud cross stitches of our own later the foundations of her challenge were off to a great start!

Yummy treats!

Whilst exploring the festival, don’t miss the chance to see a behind the scenes look at the artists in action. We made a beeline for the Print Club London room space. Using iconic designs legendary graphic designer Bob Gill invites you to pick a print and simply add your own personal touch to the design, who said colouring in was just for children?

If you fancy a peak at what the Graphic Design festival Pick Me Up has to offer, it runs from the 18^th -28^th of April taking place in the Embankment Galleries, Somerset House. With an exciting number of events happening this weekend we noted down our not-to-be-missed events…

Sharpen your pencils today and prepare to embrace the doodle, Jon Burgman hosts a doodling contest against the clock with Game, Sketch and Match.

Legendary model maker Jim Parkyn from Aardman, will be leading a Shaun the Sheep model making workshop on Saturday – not to be missed!

On Sunday, join leading illustrator Axel Scheffler for a reading of his prolific work on The Gruffulo, with a workshop and signing. One for the family!

Will you be heading on down to the Pick Me Up Graphic Design Festival? Or have you already been? Love to hear your thoughts below!

You might also like:

• ON OUR RADAR: APRIL
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• BOO FACE WORKSHOP