A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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THEATRE REVIEW | UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL LIVE THEATRE
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Review by Melissa Blease |
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Four Quartets |
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Burnt Norton, 1935: “Humankind cannot bear very much reality.” When TS Eliot wrote those words, the world around him was on the cusp of dramatic change. World War II was looming and he feared for his health; if ever there was a time for a writer who is arguably one of the 20th century's most prominent poets to get jiggy with the quest for the meaning of life, it was now.
Few of us can say that the challenges thrown at us during these past 15 months or so inspired us to write a beautifully-written philosophical treatise worthy of publication. But we can at least, perhaps, empathise with the conditions that influenced a book (originally published independently over a six-year period from 1936-1942 before being produced in its entirety in 1943) that many attest to be Eliot's greatest work.
The Four Quartets could not be described as an easy read. Each quartet is named after a location that had specific personal meaning to Eliot: Burnt Norton, a house in the Cotswolds; the Somerset village of East Coker; a group of rocks in Massachusetts called the Dry Salvages; and Little Gidding, a historic church in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and each is loosely categorised by the four elemental forces. The interlinked sections work in harmony to raise some Very Big Themes that explore how we interpret the past, the present and the future according to (or disparate from, or subconsciously of, etc) science, spirituality, time, nature, tradition, environment, experience, love... and our own, personal interpretation of, I suppose, God.
References to the Bhagavad-Gita, Dante, Julian of Norwich and St. John of the Cross support and, in turn, challenge Eliot's personal stance as he carries us along on the soliloquy – see what I mean about it not being an easy read? However...
This brand-new stage adaptation of Eliot's magnum opus – a Theatre Royal Bath and Royal & Derngate co-production, directed by and starring, in a solo performance, stage and screen superstar Ralph Fiennes – offers a subtle shockwave to the senses. Having only ever 'experienced' The Four Quartets on the page, watching and listening to Fiennes make so much sense of words that, for me at least, often left me shivering in a cold, perplexed wilderness was a fascinating, exciting, uplifting experience.
Two huge, imposing monoliths, one table, two chairs... and one actor, rocking the smart-casual/barefoot vibe. The monoliths shift occasionally, spinning easily on their axis (occasionally with a little help from Fiennes) to allow clever lighting to suggest the passing of time, either day-to-day or realm-to-realm. Fiennes himself, however, doesn't shift much – and he doesn't need to; Eliot's words do the shifting for him, and us. But were it not for Fiennes' compelling, elegant intensity, it's unlikely that those words would hold us rapt in some kind of spellbound netherworld as we watch and listen, and listen, and watch.
Euphoric or jaded; pessimistic or uplifted; from sonorous Anglican vicar in the pulpit to farmhand walking down a country lane, pressing himself against the hedge to avoid a passing car; from a whisper to a roar; from comfortable peace to discomfiting anger; all hand in hand, in turn, in pace. We feel as though it is Fiennes who is thinking aloud, not Eliot. We are drawn into his world, far removed from the world of the lofty academic. He engages us, the often house-lit audience, rather than ostracising us by taking the stance of elevated actor. To stay on track with him for over 80 minutes of seamless text (even the artful silences require contemplative attention) is a joy, not a challenge; Fiennes has created an outstanding, uniquely beautiful live theatre experience that resonates deeply long after he leaves the stage.
“For last year's words belong to last year's language, and next year's words await another voice,” Eliot wrote, in Little Gidding. At the start of last year, we had no idea how our words, our language and our lives, would be changed inalterably, forever. If I'd have had Fiennes interpretation of Eliot's philosophy to draw on for inspiration, even those difficult, traumatic times might have seemed beautiful.
The Four Quartets, Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 5 June, then touring to Oxford, Southampton and Malvern
Photo credit: Matt Humphrey ©
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OUR JUNE ISSUE | IS OUT AND ABOUT
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... and currently being enjoyed |
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As always, there's a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses. We hope you'll enjoy this month's magazine.
Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a copy at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum.
Alternatively, click here to read the digital version
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Or if you would like to have a copy sent in the post then we offer a postal subscription for a single copy it's £3.95, or £15 for a 6 issue subscription, or £30 for 12 issues.
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WEEKEND WINE | SOMETHING SPECIAL
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XF Rosé: just arrived and a real treat |
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Just arrived in the UK and 'utterly fabulous' according to Tom at the Great Wine Co this is XF Rosé an irresistable and delicious limited-production wine made by the Eguren brothers of Sierra Cantabria, in collaboration with Xandra Falcó, the Marchioness of Mirabel.
XF is the result of a meticulous selection by Marcos and Miguel Eguren of the most suitable vineyard sites: those that produce the freshest and most refined fruit. These are located on the left bank of the Ebro River, and are cultivated with minimal intervention and the upmost respect for the environment.
XF Rosé is a special wine that is every bit as good as the most prestigious rosés from Provence. At £25 per bottle, it isn't cheap, but it is seriously high quality. Order as part of a dozen, and it comes down to £22.50 after case discount. Very, very, highly recommended.
Click the button to find out more at The Great Wine Co.
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WEEKEND RECIPE | CULINARY DELIGHTS
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Recipe by Melissa Blease |
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White Bean Fritters with Anchovy Mayonnaise |
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There are certain occasions – in the garden towards the end of a sunny day, perhaps, or during an impromptu get-together with friends – when all that's called for to turn the moment into a perfect memory is a glass ofroséor a chilled beer accompanied by a little something to take the edge off your appetite... and these fritters, made from store cupboard ingredients and served with a deeply umami mayonnaise, are that perfect little something. Both the mayonnaise and the fritters can be made on a whim or in advance (see notes below).
Ingredients (makes 15-20 fritters)
For the anchovy mayonnaise:
6-8 plump anchovy fillets, drained of oil 200ml good quality mayonnaise Juice of half a lemon Cayenne pepper, to taste
For the fritters:
2 x 400g cannellini or butter beans, drained 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 large onion or shallot, peeled and finely chopped 100g mature Cheddar cheese or Parmesan, grated 2 large eggs Fine dry breadcrumbs for coating (panko breadcrumbs work well) Vegetable oil for frying
Method
- To make the Anchovy Mayonnaise, mash the anchovy fillets into a paste and stir into the mayonnaise with the lemon juice and cayenne pepper (to taste.) Put to one side.
- Mash the beans to a pulp by hand, using a stick blender or in a food processor. Add the garlic, chopped onion or shallot, grated cheese and one of the eggs. Season well and combine thoroughly until you have a stiff-ish paste.
- Take the mixture out of the bowl a tablespoonful at a time, roll into balls between your flour-dusted palms and flatten into little patties (you should end up with around 15-20 patties, depending on the size of your palms.) If you have the time, allow the patties to chill on a greaseproof paper-lined plate or oven tray in the fridge for 20 minutes; if making straight away, expect your fritters to have slightly ragged edges that in no way detract from the taste.
- Beat the remaining egg and sprinkle the breadcrumbs onto a plate. Heat a generous slick of oil in a large frying pan until medium-hot. Dip each patty into the beaten egg followed by the breadcrumbs and shallow fry for around 3 minutes on each side (you will probably have to do this in batches).
- Serve immediately, blobbed with (or accompanied by) the Anchovy Mayonnaise and wedges of lemon. Or, make both the fritters and the mayonnaise up to 24 hours in advance and reheat the fritters on a baking tray in a medium-hot oven for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through. Any leftover mayonnaise will keep well in a screw-topped jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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BEER GENIUS | THE QWERTY BEER BOX
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A South West craft beer hamper for Father's Day |
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QWERTY Beer Box started in lockdown last year with two students; Quinn Leatherbarrow-Stokes, Nikolaus Porsch, a bike and an aim to help struggling local breweries. One year on and they’re championing independent breweries through their regional craft beer selections and helping Britain’s beer lovers find their next favourite pint.
With the business in full flow, Quinn and Niki are looking forward to launching a new ‘Best of Cornwall’ hamper and running tasting sessions of their best of the South West selection with curious fellow beer fans and breweries
For our readers they’ve also made an exclusive discount code ‘SUPPORTLOCAL10’ for 10% off any regional collection and free national delivery. Order now for the perfect Father's Day gift!
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BEAUTY MUST-HAVES | LAUNCHED TODAY
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Chanel: Les Beiges Bronzing Cream |
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A cream-gel bronzer with a velvety, delicate finish and adjustable coverage, Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream provides just the right amount of pigment where the sun naturally hits. Now available in a Soleil Tan Deep Bronze shade for darker complexions. Easy to access in its wide jar, it glides on smoothly with the help of a kabuki brush. Highly malleable and easy to blend, it can be used all over the face, with emphasis on the forehead, temples, nose and chin. The skin takes on a radiant, naturally sun-kissed glow.
Two shades available; £43
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M&S launch third collaboration with Ghost |
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Following the successful winter and spring collections, M&S has lauched the next M&S X GHOST collaboration, with a third limited edition collection available for Summer 21.
The range includes a 19-piece edit, designed exclusively for M&S and launched online and in-stores yesterday (3 June).
Left: Printed V-Neck Angel Sleeve Midi Tea Dress; £69; marksandspencer.com
Right: Floral V-Neck Mini Tea Dress; £59; marksandspencer.com
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | HOLIDAY WATCHES
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Sporty, all action, casual classics |
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All action, sea-faring, exploring or just the coolest dude in the beach bar - we love the dressed down casual strap when coupled with a superb timepiece. Here's four great classics to grace the wrist.
Above: Omega Seamaster 300 M. 007 No Time To Die Edition - Titanium 42mm case featuring a brown face and dial with luminous markers and rotating ceramic bezel on a Grey Nato Strap. Water resistance to 300 Metres. Superb Co-Axial Master chronometer movement. Sport the look ahead of the movie release. £6,950.
Breitling Superocean Héritage II - Housed in a 46mm steel case the blue dial watch with silver batons and date marker at the 6 o'clock positoin. Striking blue ceramic bezel on a blue Aero Classic rubber strap. Water resistant to 200 metres. Breitling automatic self-winding movement. High tech precision. £3,660.
Below: Longines HydroConquest - An all action, tough looking watch with a 41mm steel case with green face featuring Arabic numbers and batons, with date marker the 3 O'clock position. Green ceramic bezel on a green rubber strap. Automatic movement. Water-resistant to 30 bar [300 metres]. £1,300.
IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic Spitfire Steel. A steel 39mm case with black Arabic dial with luminous markers and steel bezel on a green fabric strap. Automatic self-winding movement by IWC made in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Water resistance to 6 bar. Cool, casual and elegant. £4,290.
To see these and so many more great makes on display visit Mallory
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ON THE BOX | FROM DC COMICS TO NETFLIX SERIES
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Sweet Tooth (2021) |
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On a perilous adventure across a post-apocalyptic world, a lovable boy who's half-human and half-deer searches for a new beginning with a gruff protector.
From executive producers Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr., starring Christian Convery, Nonso Anozie, Adeel Akhtar, James Brolin and Will Forte, this dystopian series is a gentle take on the DC Comic and an unmissable watch.
Catch it on Netflix today
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ON THE BIG SCREEN | THE LITTLE THEATRE CINEMA
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Dream Horse (2020) |
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The film tells the true story of Jan Vokes, (Academy Award-nominee Toni Collette) a Welsh cashier and bartender, who decides to breed and rear a race horse. She persuades her neighbours and friends to contribute financially to the project. The group’s unlikely investment plan pays off as the horse rises through the ranks and puts them in a race for the national championship.
Released today (4 June) and starring Toni Collette, Damian Lewis, Owen Teale, Peter Davison, Siân Phillips and Joanna Page, this is the perfect piece of weekend escapism.
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ON THE BOOKSHELF | ENCHANTING READS
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Review by Saskia Hayward |
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The Rock From The Sky by John Klassen |
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The Rock from the Sky is the latest from author and illustrator Jon Klassen, whose brilliant Hat series has built him something of a cult following amongst adults and children alike.
Fans of his previous books will recognise the sparse landscapes rendered beautifully in gradient watercolours and simple shapes. And, as always, the book is a masterclass in building suspence, humour, and character through rhythmic sentences and concise, direct dialogue.
Here we learn the story of Turtle who loves standing in his favourite spot - so much so that he invites his friend Armadillo to join him. Armadillo, however, has a bad feeling about this spot...
Once more, Klassen nails that mix of profundity, emotional depth, and silliness that has made him so well-loved.
Published by Walker Books; £12.99; toppingbooks.co.uk
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Review by Saskia Hayward |
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Freedom, We Sing by Amyra León |
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I wonder, then, what freedom is. Is it a place? Is it a thought? Can it be stolen? Can it be bought?
Freedom, We Sing is an enchanting, lyrical story that guides the reader to explore questions of freedom and recognise their own agency. Enriched by gorgeous, colourful illustrations from Molly Mendoza, it's a story that pulls you in, and guides young readers to breathe and ground themselves as they read.
León is a musician and activist as well as an author - and the engaging rhymthic nature of the story embodies this musical understanding. A perfect book to centre themes of empathy, freedom, agency, and cooperation.
Published by Flying Eye; £11.99; toppingbooks.co.uk
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THE KIOSK | MAGAZINE MOMENTS
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Curated by Daniel McCabe – Magalleria |
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Apartamento describes itself as an ‘honest’ interiors magazine. It’s built around interviews with interesting, creative personalities at home and/or in their studios and I would have to say that the majority of these spaces are, let’s face it, a bit messy. It’s not the stuff of Homes & Gardens. Rather than plush homes or minimal, cool or environments that have been curated to death, these habitats feel private and they us a lot more about their owners. Apartamento is based in Barcelona but has an international outlook and has been published since 2008 which is an aeon in the world of indie magazines and has been called ‘the world’s best interiors magazine’ by The Guardian. Yes, it’s truly inspiring and its devotees never miss a copy. With issue #15 out this week, why not check in if you haven’t already? Priced at £15
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AXE RELIEF | IT'S A BIT LIKE DARTS...
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Ditch the virtual and celebrate the return of in-person fun, by throwing axes at Whistle Punks in Bristol!
You can chop 15% off your booking using BRSMAG15.
All sessions are designed for first-timers and include a safety brief, individual training, a tournament on each lane and some trick shots at the end – ever fancied throwing two axes at once? Once your session is done, you can take advantage of the well-stocked bar and tasty pizza provided by Pizzarova.
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BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL | THIS WEEKEND
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Club Supreme |
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Dates: 5 & 6 June (times vary)
Location: 17 – 18 Milsom Street (the old Baby Gap store)
Ramshacklicious have teamed up with the Natural Theatre Company and Bath Spa University to bring you the ultimate roadshow: a joyful and anarchic interactive theatre experience inside the old BABY GAP store on Milsom Street.
Tickets: £3 each
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ART EXHIBITION | FOSTERING INTERACTION
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Inch by IN:CH, The Garage at Bath Artists Studios, 29 May – 13 June |
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The Inch by IN:CH travelling exhibition gets underway in Bath before spiralling across the south west, ending at the West Somerset Railway in Bishops Lydeyard in October. The 11 artists involved have each packed their artwork safely in a case from which the piece emerge to be displayed. Being an integral part, the cases contribute to how the work looks, and also the story behind: why it was chosen, for instance, and where it was sourced.
The presentation of the opened cases may vary from place to place responding to the nature and function of the different settings. This is not just an exhibition of works; it is part of a project wanting to foster interaction and involvement with the audience.
The exhibition runs from 29 May in Bath to 3 October in Bishop Lydeford.
inchbyinch.uk
Image: Shirley Sharp, work in progress for Inch by IN:CH
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THEATRE | THEATRE ROYAL BATH
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Acclaimed staging of David Mamet’s OLEANNA returns to Bath for three-week run at the Ustinov Studio prior to West End transfer |
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David Mamet’s Oleanna is set to return to Bath this summer giving a not-to-be-missed opportunity to catch one of the great modern dramas of our time, immediately prior to its West End transfer to London’s Arts Theatre. Starring Jonathan Slinger and Rosie Sheehy, this superlative production directed by Lucy Bailey will appear at the Ustinov Studio from 14 June to 3 July.
When David Mamet’s 1992 play Oleanna first opened nearly thirty years ago, it caused uproar amongst audiences from New York to London. Writing in The Guardian, Michael Billington stated that it “enflamed passions and divided partners”.
When Lucy Bailey’s 2020 staging of Oleanna opened in the Ustinov Studio last December it was greeted with five-star reviews from the national critics who praised the sensational performances of Jonathan Slinger and Rosie Sheehy. The public acclaimed it as a masterpiece which continues to provoke the passionate response for which this extraordinary drama is famous.
Set on an American campus, a seemingly innocuous conversation between a college professor and his female student warps into a nightmare which threatens to destroy them both, when she files a claim of sexual harassment against him. With its take on the corrosive excesses of political correctness and exploration of the use and abuse of language, this is the ultimate drama of pupil power and student revenge.
Addressing issues which are strikingly current, this is a fascinating opportunity to see this landmark play from the perspective of our #MeToo era.
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RICHARD WYATT TALKS | NO 1 ROYAL CRESCENT
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Open House
A civic reopening for No 1 Royal Crescent yesterday when the new Mayor of Bath, Cllr June Player, was on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon – assisted by the Chair of Bath Preservation Trust, Tom Sheppard.
No.1 now features a remarkable new immersive experience, which will allow visitors to see life as it was lived in Georgian Bath during the late 1700s.
Using an exciting and innovative mix of actors, digital projections and sound, the house literally comes to life as you wander through the dining room, parlour and gentleman’s retreat before climbing the grand staircase to explore the withdrawing room and lady’s chamber and on the top floor, the Gentleman’s Bedroom with its exquisite views across the Royal Crescent.
Life below stairs is also revealed, with new displays to be enjoyed in the servants’ hall, housekeeper’s room, kitchen and scullery.
bathnewseum.com
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BRITISH VOGUE | ALEXANDRA SHULMAN
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Stories with style |
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Editor in Chief of British Vogue for a quarter of a century, Alexandra Shulman has a few stories to tell. In our latest issue, Melissa Blease talks to Alexandra about her new book, a collection of cameos about aspects of clothing and their personal value, ahead of her appearance at Toppings & Co.
Enjoy a seven minute read here
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LOOKING BACK | AN IMPORTANT CHAPTER
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Warminster Road MOD site |
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One of the most dramatic changes in Bath over the last decade has been the closure of the three Ministry of Defence sites in the city and the development of the land for housing. Their history stretched back over 80 years, after the Admiralty were evacuated westward at the start of World War Two. At one time, it occupied over 25 buildings, including the Empire Hotel and Kingswood School, but it was the sites on the edge of the city – at Ensleigh, Foxhill and Warminster Road – that were the most visible reminder of its presence in the city. The Admiralty was merged into the Ministry of Defence in 1964, but work at the three sites continued, and only ten years ago over 2,500 people still worked there. On 7 July 2011, however, the government announced that they would be relocated to Abbey Wood in Filton and the sites disposed of. Today, although work is still ongoing, hundreds of new homes have been built and new communities established. The development on Lansdown still bears the name Ensleigh, while the development at Foxhill has been called Mulberry Park, in recognition of the work done there in designing Mulberry Harbours for the D Day landings. The former MOD site on the Warminster Road, meanwhile, has been named Holburne Park, in recognition of Sir William Holburne, the 19th century art collector who saw action at the Battle of Trafalgar. This photograph shows the Warminster Road site in the 1950s, but it was a view which changed little over the decades and was familiar to generations of Bathonians. Today, however, as the memory of an important chapter in Bath’s history fades, it is a view that has been transformed beyond recognition.
akemanpress.com
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BONITI | SUBTLE SIGNATURES
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Atlas Soft Grey Encaustic Tile |
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Encaustic tiles are a brilliant way to add some creativity to your home. These beautiful patterned and coloured tiled can be used for subtle signatures or for big statements. They are fully compatible with underfloor heating, and can endure anything that modern life can throw at it.
With encaustic tiles, the colour and pattern last as long as the tiles – pretty much forever – unlike ceramic tiles where the pattern is printed only on the surface. Each tile is made with a three-layer process that has been used since the 1800s, meaning that the pattern will remain intact despite ageing. They are handcrafted, and each tile is made with 100% natural materials. They are also lead-free, non-flammable and completely recyclable.
They have endured slip tests to ensure safety in the bathroom, and can be used outside if treated with a proper UV sealant.
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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK | A SIX STORY, CIRCUS GEM
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A rare Grade I listed six story townhouse brought to the market in Bath.
A historic townhouse on Bath’s world-famous The Circus has been brought to the market by Savills.
This 7,000 sq. ft. property has been restored to an exceptional standard by the current owners, who have converted it back into a complete house from apartments.
Designed by John Wood the Elder in the 1750’s, The Circus was inspired by the Roman Coliseum. It consists of three curved segments, together forming a circle around an enclosed garden. It is one of the finest examples of Bath’s Georgian architecture and is Grade I listed, the rarest of England’s historic building designations.
Numerous historical figures have lived at The Circus including William Pitt the elder, Thomas Gainsborough and the novelist William Makepeace-Thackeray.
Situated on the south-east side of The Circus, the property has one of the largest gardens at the address, and particularly impressive views of Bath Abbey – as well as the city and countryside beyond.
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A grand entrance hall gives way to a striking staircase leading to the upper and lower floors. The kitchen/breakfast room is to the rear on the ground floor and has a curved window, known as a bow window, which is also mirrored on the first and second floors. To the front is a formal dining room. This floor also comprises a cloakroom and the butler's kitchen with access to the rear garden.
The first floor is home to both a drawing and withdrawing room. The withdrawing room features a wet bar, with a built-in sink, and three sash windows frame views through the famous central trees of The Circus. The rear views from the drawing room are very special and extend south east and west across the rooftops of the city and up to Bath's southern slopes.
The entire second floor is occupied by the principal bedroom suite, including a very spacious bedroom, bathroom and a dressing room with built-in joinery. The third floor comprises three large bedrooms and the family bathroom.
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The lower ground floor and the under lower ground floor are very versatile spaces. There is independent access from street level into the front courtyard. There is a commercial heating system housed in the plant room. The original kitchen of the house with exposed fireplaces could be a fantastic office or further living space with a kitchenette. There is a bedroom and a bathroom to the rear which means the area could be used for a multitude of different purposes. A utility/garden kitchen has direct access to the garden.
On the under lower ground floor, the original room housing the bread ovens has been restored to provide an excellent space for hosting drinks from the adjacent wine cellar. To the rear is a shower room, a gym/studio and access to the rear terrace.
Jack King is marketing the property for Savills Bath. He comments: “26 The Circus is a truly exceptional property. Many of the original features have been retained, affording it a real sense of history, including details such as castles from the coat of arms of the first owner within one of the fireplaces, and the bath stone and brick bread ovens. £ Price on application.
Click here to see more images on the Savills website
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