Coming Up For Air: Stephen Gill – A Retrospective, 16 October to 16 January

Stephen Gill has built his photographic career upon an ethos of conceptual experimentation. Eschewing a signature style, his creative processes have included photographic burials, floral collage, in-camera photograms and the submerging of work within a watery world, and this weekend over 30 years of extraordinary, intense practice will be celebrated at the Arnolfini, drawing together new and previously unexhibited work. ‘Coming Up For Air’ includes works from Gill’s latest series ‘Please Notify the Sun’, alongside images taken from others such as ‘Hackney Flowers’, ‘Buried’, ‘Talking to Ants’, ‘Night Procession’, ‘Pigeons’, ‘Coexistence’ and ‘The Pillar’.

A solid two years in the making, the show will be accompanied by a 600-page catalogue that Gill has edited, produced and just printed in Denmark, using colourful recycled book cloth and featuring plenty of work that won’t feature in the exhibition.

From his bright, airy studio in the Swedish countryside – all whitewashed walls and rustic wooden beams – Stephen Gill smiles over Skype as we talk of his retrospective and his return home. It’s a dream come true for the Bristol-born photographer who worked the one-hour photo lab in Asda Bedminster in the late 1980s. His 16-year-old self would never believe it.

Enjoy the full feature in our current issue or online: thebristolmag.co.uk

OCTOBER ISSUE – OUT NOW!

As always, our new issue has a collection of great features by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bristol's best businesses. We hope you'll enjoy the read!

15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town – including our stands at Waitrose, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.

You can also read the digital version of our current issue here!

And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £30 for 12 issues, £15 for six issues or buy a copy for just £3.95. UK mainland prices. 
For Euro and World zone subscription prices - see our website. 

Partners in time

Watches for couples are not only an a elegant statement of a partnership but also a hotly followed luxury trend. 

Tudor watches - an associated brand of Rolex have all it’s Black Bay Steel watches available in both 32mm and 36mm case sizes. Elegant, superbly built and with a number of dial finishes there’s a perfect combination to be paired.

All models in the range feature Tudor’s self-winding mechanical movement, screw down crown, luminous markers and are waterproof to 150. They have steel polished bezels and brushed steel bracelets - although the option of a sporty fabric Nato strap offers further customisation potential.

The 32mm cases are priced from £2,130 and the 36mm cases are priced from £2,210

Shown here ( left to right) are: Tudor’s Black Bay Steel with silver luminous marker dial (32mm)

Black Bay Steel with navy blue luminous marker dial (36mm)

And Tudor’s Black Bay Steel with black luminous marker dial watch (32mm)

N°5 holiday calendar 2021

Launching today ( 15 October) - this spectacular advent- style treasure is packed with N°5 pleasures. Containing some of the CHANEL House’s most iconic products. Among its many surprises are a limited-edition ROUGE ALLURE lipstick inspired by N°5, LE VERNIS in a new shade of red, and a bottle of N°5 Eau de Parfum, as well as a bracelet bearing the number 5, a one-of-a-kind snow globe, and a host of other accessories dedicated to the fragrance and designed just for the occasion.

Shaped like an enormous bottle of N°5, this holiday calendar was designed as a work of art and is available in limited quantities. Far from conventional, the calendar includes 27 boxes numbered from 5 to 31. 5 for the perfume, 31 for the mythical address. Everything makes sense. Be quick this is a limited edition. £610

The holiday make up collection by N°5

Also, launching today (15 October) – this special collection of make up by CHANEL's creation Studio has drawn inspiration from N°5 and celebrates a 100 years of N°5 beauty. The golden hues of the fragrance have been transformed into makeup for the eyes and face, while lips and nails are draped in red, one of the signature house colours. These new exclusive creations are available for a limited time and have been created with the festive season in mind.

The grandsphere concept: first class towards the future

The grandsphere is the second of three “sphere” concept cars by Audi, unveiled at the 2021 IAA motor show in Munich. Described by Audi as a private jet for the road, we previewed the skysphere here last month...

Like a first class flight experience, the 5.35 m (17.6 ft.) long grandsphere sedan combines the luxury of private travel in absolute comfort with a full feature onboard offering.

Audi’s focus is on next stage, Level 4 automated driving which offers new dimensions when it comes to freeing up the driver. In this mode, the steering wheel and pedals disappear and the front area of the cabin becomes a serene and uncluttered free space with perfect views through the large front and side windows, as well as maximum possibilities for infotainment as well as movement.

In manual mode the steering wheel, controls and pedals will be reactivated and appear from their consoles to allow the driver to enjoy a traditional driving experience. 

The third concept car in the series is the urbansphere (a smaller concept design for everyday city driving) and will debut at Beijing Mortor Show late April 2022. But in the meantime watch this space for more innovation and updates from Audi.

Audi's continued investment in future innovations can already be seen in the new line up of all-electric cars such as the Q4 e-tron we recently reviewed. 

You can read the full article on our website here: thebristolmag.co.uk

Netflix: The Forgotten Battle

A British glider pilot, a Dutch boy fighting on the German side and a Dutch female resistance member all end up involved in the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944. Their choices differ, but their goal is the same: freedom.

This Dutch World War II film is directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. and stars Tom Felton (Harry Potter series), Gijs Blom, Jamie Flatters and Susan Radder. 

With a budget of around €14 million, The Forgotten Battle is the second most expensive Dutch film made after Black Book in 2006, making it one to watch this weekend.

Out on Netflix today – enjoy it here!

Watershed: The Velvet Underground

Acclaimed director Todd Haynes explores how The Velvet Underground created a new sound that changed the world of music, cementing their place as one of the most influential bands in rock and roll.

This new documentary explores the group’s origins in 1960s New York, their connections with Andy Warhol, the success (or lack of it) of their storied debut – and their afterlife as one of rock’s most important and iconic groups. It shows just how the group became a cultural touchstone representing a range of contradictions: the band is both of their time, yet timeless; literary yet realistic; rooted in high art and street culture.

The film features in-depth interviews with the key players of that time combined with a treasure trove of never-before-seen performances and a rich collection of recordings, Warhol films, and other experimental art that creates an immersive experience into what founding member John Cale describes as the band's creative ethos: “how to be elegant and how to be brutal.”

Showing until 21 October: watershed.co.uk

Enjoying the quiet life with a meaningful book

Ian Fleming created the James Bond character while enjoying a semi-retired life in Jamaica, so it’s more than a fitting salute that James Bond (Daniel Craig ) in his last outing as 007 in No Time to Die has given up his MI6 duties and retired to Jamaica to sail, fish, cook and catch up on his reading.... Well, (spoiler alert) that was the plan.

Early in the film, at his idyllic beach cabin, filmed in Cocoa Walk Bay in Port Antonio, we see his coffee table and sideboard stacked with books. On the sideboard, and in clear view are three great reads:

Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis. The compelling, reverse chronology of doctor Tod T. Friendly who dies only to discover that tradegy makes him feel so much better and therefore sets about deliberately jilting lovers before seducing them, and delights in torturing patients before curing them. His life races backward toward the one terrible moment in modern history when these reversals make sense.

A Brilliant Darkness by Joao Magueijo. The true story of the extraordinary life of Ettore Majorana, a tormented genius who discovered a key element of atomic fission but mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again.

Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945, written by British historian and scholar Tony Judt. The book examines six decades of European history from the end of World War II in 1945 up to 2005.

Main Photo © Danjaq, Universal, MGM, United Artists.

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Sirene Journal is magazine for people who love the sea, wherever they are. Published in Italy a couple of times a year, it offers an intoxicating blend of ocean life, literature, lore and photography (both vintage and contemporary). It’s a slim volume yet an imposing one, very thoughtfully composed and elegantly designed – it just sings on the coffee table. It’s also printed on pages manufactured from algae, so there’s a conversation starter! If you can smell the sea already, issue 13 takes in everything from yacht design to diving, from surfing to Sinbad the Sailor, to volcanic islands to the Balearics and beyond. £12

Magalleria is a Bath-based shop and online retailer, selling fine and interesting magazines from independent and selected publishers from all over the globe. Visit the website to find out more: magalleria.co.uk

Circus City: Kerfuffle by Scottee & Friends LTD

15 & 16 October, The Mount Without

A jukebox circus cabaret of camp classics for the queer community and their friends. When your family is chosen and you each own a similar shaped experience, sometimes you've just got to come together and share a deep breath out.

Kerfuffle is a new variety confessional that invites you to sit more comfortably, take up space and let your hair down surrounded by pals. Kerfuffle will be one of the first shows at The Mount Without – Impermanence's brand new venue, and a home for dance in the city.

Mellow, Lime Tree Gallery, 16 October – 16 November

An exciting exhibition of beautifully subtle and tonal paintings by Scottish artist Michael Clark is appearing at Lime Tree Gallery this month. Speaking about the exhibition, Clark says: “The paintings are autobiographical, a response to my surroundings and if in my daydreams I find our garden in spring, I also find France in summer and autumn. Out of the chaos of recent times this collection of calm new work has emerged.”

limetreegallery.com

Image: The Salon, Rue Royale, by Michael G Clark PAI RSW

Thornbury Castle named Best Romantic Hotel in the UK

With more of us than ever taking breaks in Britain, where we stay has become increasingly important.

This week, The Sunday Times reveals its definitive list of the 100 best places to stay spread throughout the country. The guide was made available via the online interactive guide yesterday and will appear as a supplement with the newspaper this Sunday (17 October 2021).

Thornbury Castle, Bristol wins Best Romantic Hotel in the national awards. The guide says; “Curtain walls, crenellations, Tudor chimneys — this historic pile is full of atmosphere and the restaurant is great. A heady rush of history awaits at Thornbury Castle...Apparently Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn were overnight guests. By the time you check out, you’ll be feeling pretty regal too.”

The guide focuses on the things that really matter; hotels with the essentials of comfort, great service and value, as well as personality and warmth.

Thornbury Castle’s General Manager Simone Arcucci comments: “Thornbury Castle really is a truly unique place to stay and is the only Royal Tudor castle in the UK which has been transformed in to a luxury hotel following our recent multi-million pound refurbishment.

“We are truly delighted to be named ‘Best Romantic Hotel’ in the UK by The Sunday Times. It’s wonderful to be recognised as a ‘Best Place to Stay’ in this prestigious annual guide that is based on comfort, great service and value, personality and warmth.

"We look forward to welcoming more guests as they experience Tudor opulence like Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn did in 1535 when they visited the Castle as part of their Royal Progress Tour."

Read the full guide at: thetimes.co.uk

Credit: The Sunday Times, Best Places to Stay

Bristol Museum to return hunting coat to Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee

A hand-painted caribou hide hunting coat from the Cree First Nation of Northern Canada will be returned to what is now known as Quebec, after being part of Bristol’s world cultures collection since the 1830-40s.

Bristol City Council took the decision to return the coat in January 2020 after receiving a letter from ACCI officially requesting the transfer of the coat into their guardianship as the cultural custodians for the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee. Initial plans to return the coat in April 2020 were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Alexander Moses, President of the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute, said: “We are extremely pleased to have the transfer of this Painted Caribou Jacket to Aanischaaukamikw. It represents an important part of our cultural history and will enable our people to rediscover aspects of our traditions that may have fallen out of widespread practice. Having the jacket at Aanischaaukamikw will allow our community members the ability to learn more without having to travel out of our own region. The relationship that has been built with Bristol Museum & Art Gallery through this transfer has been a wonderful experience and we look forward to future collaboration.”

Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor of Bristol with the responsibility for Culture, said: “It has been fantastic to work with Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute on the return of the hunting coat to Canada. The coat holds special significance for indigenous communities who are trying to rebuild their connections with their ancestors and their traditional ways of life. Returning the coat will give them the opportunity to see and engage with material that they consider of profound spiritual and emotional value. The staff at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery are committed to building relationships and collaborating with originating communities so it’s wonderful to see this hard work come to fruition.”

Such coats were made by Naskapi, Cree, Innu, and Montagnais peoples between 1700 and 1930. During this time European fashions influenced the makers, and they adapted their traditional style and cut to reflect this. Hunting was a spiritual and vital occupation. Motifs and designs that decorated the coats would aid the hunter in their quest. The coats were often traded with or taken by outsiders.

Although records from the time are incomplete, the coat is believed to have been gifted to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery by the widow of a man called Henry Goldwyer in the 1830-40s.

Images (top): Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute

(Right): Councillor Craig Cheney and Lisa Graves, curator of World Cultures and Archaeology at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery pictured with the coat inside the museum’s conservation studios.

Newcastle Falcons vs Bristol Bears

16 October, 3pm, Kingston Park

Newcastle Falcons record in Gallagher Premiership Rugby this season is an even won two, lost two. The Falcons have lost just one of their last five home games at Kingston Park: 20-26 to Harlequins in Round One.

Bristol Bears only victory in their last five Gallagher Premiership Rugby was 25-20 at home to Bath on 1 October. The Bears have lost their last two away games in Premiership Rugby and have not lost three in succession on their travels since 2018/19.

Bristol have won their last four encounters with Newcastle since the Falcons 39-27 victory at Ashton Gate in May 2017. The Bears have been victorious on their last two visits to Kingston Park and have never won three in a row at the venue.

You can get news updates and follow the action at the Bristol Bears' social feed or watch the match live on BT Sport.

Heat & cook on a Kadai fire bowl

A Kadai is a traditional Indian cooking bowl that combines as a fire pit and BBQ. You can get an original Kadai that's up to 100 years old – each one is completely unique with a rich heritage from years of use as a cooking bowl for weddings and festivals across India.

Hand-picked in Rajasthan and available in sizes from 60cm – 170cm diameter, the Kadai can be raised to the perfect cooking height with a handmade iron stand or can be used as an impressive fire bowl to enjoy evenings under the stars throughout the year.

Whether you just want a magnificent centrepiece for the garden or to experiment with traditional Indian outdoor cooking, a Kadai is perfect for the job.

The Boniti showroom on the A46 (off Junction 18 M4) has an impressive selection of Kadais and accessories.

Bellevue, Clifton Wood, Bristol, BS8

This beautiful and spacious 67 square metre first floor double bedroom apartment with additional mezzanine room is located within a traditional Georgian townhouse with high ceilings and access to communal gardens. The terrace's position grants views across the rooftops towards the striking Queen Elizabeth's Hospital building and is ideally situated for the many amenities of Clifton Village.



Surrounded by lush greenery, the property sits on the slopes of Clifton and within walking distance of Clifton Village in one direction and the Harbourside in the other. The city centre is also very accessible on foot making the location very convenient and sought after.

 Tastefully presented and brimming with charm, this is an ideal home for first time buyers who want to live in a safe and quiet area with fantastic amenities on the doorstep.

A grandiose mezzanine living area, offering spectacular views and bathed in light from two large sash windows. Just off the living room is the separate Kitchen. The kitchen provides a great cooking space, offering plenty of storage.