Decorative French books

It seems we cannot get enough of these ‘livres de poche’ paperback books published by Flammarion. The series was developed in 1876 with the aim of making knowledge in all fields accessible to all …

The charm of blue and white

Many years ago I stood for a long time in front of Mantegna’s painting The Adoration of the Magi, transfixed by the delicate blue and white porcelain vessel in which one of the Magi was presenting his gift of gold coins. The cup is Ming porcelain, and in 1490, when Mantegna painted this picture, it was incredibly rare and precious, and so its inclusion in the painting is symbolic …

Collecting white china

If you have decided to confine your tableware to the colour white, the Decorative Living Fair offers many opportunities to stock up on practical additions to your cupboards. There is something unfailingly satisfying about the way the light falls on the glaze of white china. Even the humblest little pot or kitchen storage jar glows, like well worn pearls …