Fashion Museum Announces New Co-Chairs and Trustees

Fashion Museum Bath has today announced the appointment of two new co-chairs and eight trustees to its foundation board. This marks an exciting new chapter in Bath & North East Somerset Council’s vision to create a new Fashion Museum in the centre of Bath

The Fashion Museum Foundation, established in 2024, is an independent charity dedicated to supporting the establishment and long-term sustainability of the new Museum.

Renowned international broadcaster Sharanjit Leyl and Philippa Simpson, Director of Buildings and Renewal at the Barbican Centre, will co-chair the foundation board.

Sharanjit Leyl (left) is a leading broadcaster and journalist with a 25-year career in news reporting. She spent eighteen years with the BBC’s global television news channel, presenting from its Asia bureau and from London's Broadcasting House. In May 2024, Sharanjit made history as the first Singaporean Chancellor of a British University at Bath Spa University.

Philippa Simpson (right) is Director of Buildings and Renewal at the Barbican Centre where she is leading on the restoration and revitalisation of the iconic, Brutalist Grade II listed buildings through the Barbican Renewal Programme. Prior to joining the Barbican, Philippa was Director of Design, Estate, and Public Programme at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and she has extensive experience of managing transformative projects.

The eight new trustees are Sophie Broadfield, Fiona Gourley, Martin Haigh, Louise McCabe, Rosa Park, Simon Randall CBE, Professor Andy Salmon, and Robert Yentob. 

Find out more about Fashion Museum Bath at fashionmuseum.co.uk and keep up to date by following them on Instagram: @fashion_museum_bath

Discover Australia with Miles Morgan Travel

Ever considered taking a trip to the Land Down Under? 

With its stunning natural wonders, vibrant cities and unique wildlife, a holiday in Australia guarantees unforgettable experiences.

With Miles Morgan Travel, you can discover everything you'll need to know about a trip to 'Stralia. From the architectural marvels and sandy beaches of Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the sacred wonder of Uluru to the arty city of Melbourne, there's a vast array of Aussie life to discover. 

Visit our website at thebathmagazine.co.uk for Miles Morgan's fail-safe guide to holidaying in Australia. 

milesmorgantravel.co.uk

Our February issue is here!

Sun's out! Well, maybe not quite yet, but our February cover star Luke Jerram is certainly bringing the heat with his new installation Helios.

The huge seven-metre-wide model of the Sun can be seen in Bath Assembly Rooms from 30 January to 23 February. In this issue, we've provided a run-down of everything you need to know about the breathtaking installation ahead of your visit.

We also chat to horologist Steve Fletcher, star of The Repair Shop, about how the TV show has been captivating audiences and warming hearts since its first series in 2017. Steve and other members of The Repair Shop team will appear at the Forum on 25 February.

Elsewhere, we speak to Sarah Williment, Director at Bath Bridge and Programme Director for The Bath Future Talent Programme, about the work being done by Digital Divide Collective initiative to tackle digital poverty in the region.

And for all the art lovers among us, we've got not one, not two, but three features on exhibitions taking place in the city this month! Firstly there is Iconic: Portraiture from Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol at the Holburne; secondly one of the finest collections of Renaissance maps in the world at The American Museum & Gardens; and finally Mirror of Mirth at Victoria Art Gallery welcomes the scandalous world of Georgian Bath with satirical works by Thomas Rowlandson and John Nixon. There's even more artful activity with local photographer Paul J Gooch who gives us a preview of his innovative shots of the city of Bath. 

There's so much more to get stuck into this month, so keep an eye out around the city for the new issue!

Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a magazine at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury's [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum. 

Click here to enjoy the digital version of our current issue! 

And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £35 for 12 issues, £20 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.95. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Recipes by Melissa Blease

Valentine's Day Truffles

Valentine’s Day is one week away! Skip the high street queues and surprise the love of your life, your family and friends or your palentine with a box of handmade truffles made with indulgent ingredients and a whole lotta lurve. All the chocolates will keep in a (well hidden?) airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Prosecco Truffles (makes approx. 25)

Break 100g dark chocolate and 50g milk chocolate into a bowl. Gently heat 150ml double cream with 25g unsalted butter in a small saucepan (stirring continuously) until the butter has melted and the mixture just starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream mixture on top of the broken chocolate and stir until all the chocolate has melted. Add 50ml prosecco, stir to combine and chill the mixture for a minimum of 4 hours (or overnight). Line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper. Shape the chilled chocolate mixture into 25 small balls and freeze for a minimum of 1 hour. Melt 150g dark chocolate in a bowl over (but not touching!) a pan of simmering water or in short blasts in the microwave. Drop each frozen truffle into the melted chocolate and quickly roll around with a spoon to coat before placing back on the lined tray to set for around 10-15 minutes. Serve dusted with sieved icing sugar… and a glass of fizz, of course!

Nutty Vegan Chocolate Truffles (makes approx. 40)

Break 300g dairy-free dark chocolate into a bowl with 3 tbsp coconut oil. Gently heat 240ml coconut milk in a small pan and pour over the chocolate and coconut oil, stirring gently to combine. Add 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, stir again, cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Lightly toast 2 tbsp desiccated coconut in a dry frying pan and tip out onto a large plate. Return the pan to the heat and lightly toast 2 tbsp mixed chopped nuts (eg. hazelnuts, pecans, macadamias) and tip out onto a second large plate. Using a teaspoon, scoop out little balls of the truffle mixture and roll in the palms of your hands before rolling alternately in the toasted coconut or chopped nuts (or, for a simple finish, simply roll them all in cocoa powder). Return the decorated truffles to the fridge for around 10 minutes to firm up before serving.

Sweet’n’salty Peanut Butter Truffles (makes approx. 40; use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan alternative)

Beat 340g smooth peanut butter in a bowl until softened. Melt 150g white chocolate in a bowl over (but not touching!) a pan of simmering water or in short blasts in the microwave. Gradually combine the melted chocolate, 100g sieved icing sugar and a pinch of salt with the beaten peanut butter and put the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Using slightly damp or lightly oiled hands, roll the chilled mixture into around 40 balls, placing each one onto greaseproof paper-lined baking sheets as you go. Freeze for at least 20 minutes (or overnight). Tip 200g pretzels into a sturdy plastic bag, bash with a rolling pin to create crumbs and tip the crumbs onto a plate. Melt 300g chocolate in a bowl over (but not touching!) a pan of simmering water or in short blasts in the microwave. Using two teaspoons, drop and roll each frozen truffle into the melted dark chocolate followed by the pretzel crumbs, placing each truffle back onto a lined baking sheet when done. Allow the truffles to thoroughly defrost and the coating to set before serving.

Celebratory (or commiseratory) Six Nation tipples

The Six Nations has officially begun! While our Rugby all-stars may not be drinking too much over the next five weeks, we can certainly revel in the festivities with drink picks from the six participant countries. So if you can, put your loyalties aside and try bottles from across the six nations. 

Starting at the geographic top, Scotland is undeniably famed for a certain alcoholic beverage. Scotch Whisky is some of the finest on the market, and we've chosen this 16yo Single Malt Whisky by Lagavulin as our celebratory Six Nations pick. The barley used to distil Lagavulin is malted at nearby Port Ellen and has a super-strong peat aroma. £77.50.

Crossing the border down into England, we're back to the grapes for some English wine. With southern England now possessing the perfect climate for making Champagne, the wine industry here is rapidly growing. For England, we're going for Devonshire's Shoreline, made by Lyme Bay Winery.This white is crisp and refreshing, made to match the seafood caught along the Lyme Bay coast. £28.50.

Moving westward, we're back on the hard stuff with this Welsh Botanicals Gin from Brecon Botanicals. Wales may not be renowned for its distilleries, but this gin is definitely worth a try. With a herbal palate, earthy juniper and Eastern spices, and a touch of bergamot, clove oil and cinnamon, it's truly unique in flavour. £25.

Hopping over the Irish sea, we're trying the Redbreast 12yo Irish Whiskey, by Jameson Irish Whiskies. The nose is nutty and rich, rye like with dried peels and spice, an oily resiny honey note too. Classic pure pot still - silky, full bodied with nuts, citrus fruits and peel with firm grain, oily liquorice and sweet wood. £55.45.

The celebrations are really kicking off in France, and as the home of celebration royalty – Champagne – there's no better place for it. Let the fizz flow with this award-winning Champagne Blanc de Blancs by Champagne Jacquart. With green apple, lemon zest, rising bread dough and Brie rind, this eight year old bottle is a must-try. £66.50.

In Italy, we've decided to take a trip town to Lazio, the home of Italian Rugby. After all that Whisk(e)y and gin, we're looking for something a bit lighter,  and we've found it in this Anima Umbra Grechetto by Arnaldo Caprai. It's fragrant and fruity, with elements of yellow peach and light freesia, and mineral notes with a lovely almond finish.

Discover all of these and more wines from the Six Nations at greatwine.co.uk

Cubitus by Patek Philippe

In the biggest horology launch since the Twenty~4 in 1999, and to mark the birth of its new Cubitus collection - a range of time pieces embodying a unique blend of boldness and elegance, Patek Philippe unveils an all-new model featuring novel displays combining instantaneous grand date, day and moon-phase and small seconds indications.

The distinctive design of the square platinum case, with its 45mm diameter and elegantly slender profile, is accentuated by the contrast between polished and vertical satin-brushed finishes. Like all platinum Patek Philippe models, this timepiece is adorned with a diamond – for the first time baguette-cut – set on the bezel at 6 o'clock. The horizontally embossed sunburst blue dial features white gold applied baton-style hour markers with white luminescent coating.

The modern style is enhanced by a strap in navy blue composite material with fabric pattern, contrasting cream stitching and platinum Cubitus fold-over clasp.

Water-resistant to 30m, the Calibre 240 PS CI J LU movement is an all-new self-winding mechanism and can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back.

For prices, information and to register your interest visit Mallory, or click here to view the website.

Ballinger Jewellery Pop-Up begins today!
Friday 7 – Sunday 9 February

TODAY: Ballinger is opening the doors of their very own pop-up store in the heart of Bath with a treasure trove of jewellery!

If you love fashion, accessories and style, visit this exciting pop-up for the very best vintage-inspired, affordable luxury jewellery with Valentine's Day discounts.

You’ll be able to find all of their hero pieces, new-season hits (such as their new bracelets!) and some special one-off pieces too! The first 20 customers on Friday will receive special free treats, so don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to discover your new Ballinger faves – from earrings to rings, and bracelets to necklaces – in person. 

7 – 9 February, 10am – 6pm
22c New Bond Street (opposite Mint Velvet)
ballingerjewellery.com

Visit eventbrite.com to find out more and reserve a spot

Whistles' new SS25 Collection is out now

Whistles Limited Edition Spring Summer ‘25 represents an exploration into classic Americana, where timeless designs are modernised through distinctive shapes, colours, and details.

The silhouette is distinct and contemporary, with lacing and corseting used to give sculptural shapes to classic pieces. Western-inspired shirts and dresses are cinched at the waist to create an hourglass shape, while knitwear features pronounced shoulders and curved sleeves to further the contemporary look.

Fringe is used sparingly and in unexpected forms, worked into suede and knitwear to create pieces which are distinctively modern, yet offer a refined nod to the enduring aesthetic of Americana. The suede Western Jacket perfectly represents this: it’s cut from navy suede, detailed with fringing across the front and back, and accented with contrasting seams.

Deep indigo denim is used as a further nod to the Americana influences, with a jacket, skirt, and jeans all cut to modern shapes. The result offers versatile styling options, creating elevated double denim looks and pairing beautifully with the collection’s red, white, green, and navy colour palette.

Shop now at whistles.com | 1 New Bond St, Buildings, Bath BA1 1BL

Cowboy boots from DuoBoots

Cowboy boots are bigger than ever after Beyoncé's Grammy win on Monday for her latest album, Cowboy Carter!

By seamlessly blending Western style with modern flair, she has transformed the cowboy boot into a statement piece, elevating it from a momentary trend to the start of a boot renaissance.

Once confined to country-core fashion, these boots have now emerged as symbols of versatility, merging timeless design with chic accents that effortlessly combine rustic charm and urban luxe.

Dynamic and stylish, DuoBoots Saffron design is the perfect cowboy boot for anyone seeking to embrace the Western aesthetic. With a variety of colours and materials, it offers something for every personal style...

Browse the selection at duoboots.com, or click the images to view the individual designs online 

Dahlia Lampshade from Homefront Interiors | £55

The Dahlia Lampshade from Homefront Interiors is the perfect way to vamp up any room, and with its cheerful and fresh design, it will make Spring feel like it's here all year round. 

The linen fabric has been printed in the UK with designer Alison Bick's Dahlia illustration, and all her lampshades are made by hand in Cornwall. 

Shop now at homefrontinteriors.com.uk
Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret's Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Forgotten Worlds is an Australian magazine about old video game magazines. It’s published by Mikolai Napieralski who recalls growing up in the late 80s/early 90s and having to make do with a handful of video game releases every year. 'Maybe you got a game for Christmas, another for your birthday, and scraped together some pocket money in-between. Magazines helped fill the long gaps in-between. They allowed us to access a world of games and systems far beyond our modest suburban lives. Which meant the monthly release of your favourite magazines was a big deal.’ Forgotten Worlds looks back at that era with the benefit of hindsight to put the games, the reviews, and the people behind it all in proper context. |  £25

magalleria.co.uk

Freshford, Ba2

Offered for sale by Cobb Farr Estate Agents

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 1 Reception 

Offers in excess of £1,000,000

A stunning barn-style house, recently built to a high standard of finish with quality fitments. Offering 4 generous bedrooms, 2 suited bedrooms, a beautiful open plan kitchen, spacious living room with a level, private garden and double garage.

Entering the property, you are met with double height, barn style hallway and staircase through to the first-floor gallery landing. Stylish but warm wooden double doors lead to the sitting room and kitchen/dining area, and the cloakroom comprises a low flush WC, and a wall mounted wash hand basin.

In the sitting room, dual aspect, double glazed opening window and bi-fold doors lead out onto the garden, flooding the room with natural light for an airy and modern living area. 

The Kitchen/Dining room has polished tiled flooring throughout, a matching range of floor and wall mounted shaker style units, matching central island unit, granite worksurface and upstand, built-in 11⁄2 bowl stainless steel Blanco sink, alongside other built-in, state-of-the-art amenities.

Upstairs, the house features four bedrooms and a family bathroom, and from the landing there are stunning far-reaching views towards Salisbury Plain. 

The first two bedrooms both have double built in wardrobes and en-suite shower rooms, and all bedrooms feature double-glazed windows.

The main enclosed garden lies to the south side of the property therefore enjoying a good degree of sunshine and boasting well stocked borders, a private terrace which can be accessed via the bi-folding doors from the sitting room. There is a front/side garden beside the garage and driveway, and the setting of the garden lends itself to family entertaining and outside dining.

To see more images and read through the details, click here to view the property on the Cobb Farr website.