Surrealism and Stone Fruit
I’ve just returned from a weekend in West Sussex, where I was teaching a short course in quilt making at West Dean College.
West Dean was founded in 1971 by an eccentric, aristocratic poet called Edward James, who was a fervent collector of surrealist art, built this sculpture garden in Mexico, and loved traditional crafts.
The campus includes the grand old manor house, where Salvador Dali’s lobster telephone sits alongside enormous 17th-century tapestries depicting faded scenes of chivalric gore.
West Dean’s own weaving studio makes contemporary tapestries of their own (and on behalf of artists like Henry Moore and Tracey Emin). They offer courses in everything from clockmaking to classical guitar, the gardens are good, and the cafe serves brownies so tasty they’re locally famous.
If you’re in the area, it’s worth it for a visit.
It’s August.
So my favourite things this week are mostly stone-fruit related.
How to paint a still life with peaches.
These weirdly realistic needle felted fruit.
Peach, honey, and thyme flat breads.
These Mexican hand carved onyx fruits.
How to repair a drag icon’s dress.
Finally, spread the word. If you enjoy this newsletter, forward it along to someone else who might.
x
Lauren
The photo: My best friend Alice swimming in Suffolk in June. I splashed around in the chilly water for thirty seconds, she lasted much longer.