Potterton Books London

End of sales drawing close...

2012-01-28T14:06:00.000Z

Boy, what a magnificent sale we have had in the last couple of weeks..some great titles leaving the store with happy & contended faces!! But like all good things in life you knew this offer came with an expiry date! Our sale period ends on the 5th of February so you know what to do. Meanwhile, staying on the same page with all the David HockneyRA: A Bigger Picture show-goers http://

Winter Sale!

2012-01-07T13:48:00.000Z

Not too late a New Year's greetings, we hope. Wishing you all a very Happy 2012! To keep up with the festive mood, we thought that the news of a sale might cheer you up! The month of January is going to be our extensive sales period with a host of great titles going for anything between £10 and £35.We are effectively re-stocking the sales section everyday so drop in for a browse and you just

Best of 2011

2011-12-29T12:33:00.001Z

Here's our definitive list of 2011's top sellers at Potterton Books London. Five points for each guessed correctly... 15. The Gentleman's Slipper A fitting favourite that we think went into a lot of Christmas stockings this year! 14. Andrew Martin: Interior Design Review 15 Otherwise known as the 'Bible' of interior design 13. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty The king of fashion's holographic

Twas the night before Christmas...

2011-12-24T12:28:00.001Z

The temperature has dropped a little and the skies have cleared, a few last minute shoppers are apprehensively browsing but on the whole Chelsea seems just a little bit less fraught - Christmas Eve has finally arrived! All that's left to do here is wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and hope to see you in 2012... (or on 28th December, when we will re-open for a few days in case anyone is

Christmas at Pottertons!!

2011-12-03T16:53:00.001Z

The decorations have gone up, the books have arrived and the mood within the store is simply superb!The prime reason: Our Christmas Extravaganza is nearly here!! 8th of December is afterall, just a few days away and that very fact has us immsensely excited. We are very much looking forward to your visit so do make sure to reserve Thursday the 8th of December between 6 and 9 p.m on your calendar!

'A Christmas Extravaganza'.

2011-11-20T16:52:00.001Z

With November drawing to a close, we are steadily preparing for the much awaited event of the year - 'The Christmas Extravaganza', our annual Christmas Exhibition! And it would be extravaganza indeed as the event will feature a vast collection of artwork from artists such as Rob Ryan, Emily Sutton,Ed Kluz,Gait Brodholt,Paul Catherall,Angela Harding,Mark Herald and Michael Kirkman to only name a

Our favourite new titles.

2011-11-04T14:52:00.000Z

We've selected six of our favourite titles for Autumn. From the British Museum to the House of Ladurée, there is plenty to choose from! Full details here

Collector's Choice!

2011-10-29T16:56:00.000+01:00

Three very important decades presented through the ever-glamorous lens of Vogue, these books find elegance, shock, and humour in some of the most unexpected places! From early tourist board posters, to stark documentary photography, to portraits of the likes of Bob Hope and the ever-provocative Francis Bacon (complete with livestock), these books are about much more than just fashion...

New titles that we love...

2011-10-21T11:35:00.000+01:00

We are very excited about Marc Rosen's Glamour Icons: Perfume Bottle Design this month. There are still a few signed copies available too... It seems we can't get enough of the 'high priestess of fashion' at the moment either - Diana Vreeland's new book The Eye Has to Travel, so it has been claimed, describes fashion 'as it is being invented'. Also of note is the magnificent Bals, a beautiful

Wine & Nibbles!

2011-09-04T14:37:00.001+01:00

Helena Garrish, author of Edwardian Country Life: The Story of H. Avray Tipping will be joining us for an exclusive book signing here at Potterton Books. Join us on Thursday, September 22 from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm for some wine and nibbles as we celebrate the publication of Helena's new book. H. Avray Tipping was appointed as the Architectural Editor for Country Life,

Introducing... Rozanne Bell

2011-08-26T15:44:00.000+01:00

We are lucky to have some beautifully quirky paintings by Rozanne Bell in the shop this month. For your delectation are two extremes - the bright, glossy daylight harbour scenes, filled with kites, quaint beach houses and small sailing boats, and the dark, moody, elegant night views that are more than a little Tim Burton-esque with their bold, shining moons and piercing spires...

Twenty Exciting Forthcoming Titles!

2011-08-07T15:21:00.001+01:00

For any pre-orders on or before August 14, we offer a 5% discount on all of the titles below. Take a look at our selection: AugustRussian Elegance – Country and City Fashion HB £19.95 Mr. Color – The Greenbrier and Other Decorating Adventures £60.00 September The Secret Archives of Boucheron HB £49.95 Glamour Icons – Perfume Bottle Design HB £45.00 Richard Manion Architecture HB £55.00 Salento

Two arrivals at Potterton Books London.

2011-07-19T14:01:00.000+01:00

A quick update on this blog as we haven't added much recently having been busy with Olympia Antiques Fair, Art Antiques and also Masterpiece. Congratulations to our manager Clare who just had a beautiful baby boy and a warm welcome to Katherine who has recently taken over Clare's duties in the shop!

Chelsea Flower Show

2011-05-21T15:20:00.003+01:00

Starts next week! In preparation the shop has been transformed into a haven of green and lavender. Come by on the 25th of May, between 4.30 and 6.00, to get a signed copy of Randle Siddeley's beautiful new book Garden. Showcasing the best of his recent projects, it brings together a great combination of plans and photographs, with gardens for city and country.

Angie Lewin exhibition

2011-05-14T17:02:00.000+01:00

Our new Angie Lewin exhibition opened on Thursday night with a fantastic private view. Angie has done a series of watercolours and prints for the show; the shop is now full of colour, light and deliciously textured line. Larch (screenprint, edition of 85) Grain Field (linocut, edition of 75) Lots of work has already sold, so come in quickly if you're interested! Or you can see all

Weddings and Frocks!

2011-04-30T17:47:00.000+01:00

Still reeling from the prosecco at the street party? Carry the celebrations on with these wedding and Sarah Burton-inspired books. Oleg Cassini and Liz Smith, The Wedding Dress, £32.50 Kristin Knox, Alexander McQueen. Genius of a Generation, £19.99 Foreword by Tommy Hilfiger, Grace Kelly. A Life in Pictures, £25 Vincent Meyland, Queens' Jewels, £39.95

Vintage Books

2011-04-16T17:21:00.000+01:00

We had our cafe society evening and book signing on Wednesday - the champagne flowed, the pen ink ran, it was generally pretty heavenly. Luckily, for those of you who couldn't make it, there are still a few great vintage titles in stock. Come in quickly, once they're gone they're gone! Michael Arlen, A Young Man Comes to London, 1931 (£85) Diana Vreeland, Allure, 1980 (£250)

Patina

2011-04-02T17:49:00.000+01:00

Hmm. Surely The King's Speech should be making me think great things about the joys of a quiet film, or the revival of British cinema, or the incredible craft of Colin Firth. Instead, I remember it mainly for the patina. If I knew where it was (and had better skills as a squatter) I would already have packed a small bag and headed straight to the room that is used as the set for Geoffrey

Oldies but Goodies

2011-03-26T18:29:00.001Z

We've spent the week finding books for our Cafe Society evening with Hugo Vickers. The plan is to fill the shop with vintage gems, bringing out all of the 1930s and 1940s favourites to accompany the Duchess of Windsor and Behind Closed Doors. Looking through our catalogues to fuel my failing memory, I've been reminded of the joys of the backlist: those fantastic books that sometimes drop to the

Vive la France!

2011-03-12T15:36:00.000Z

Is it because I watched Jules et Jim earlier in the week? Possibly. All I can say is that the weekend has been marked by a LOVE of all things French. So, clad entirely in Breton stripes and with a cafe au lait at my elbow, I have put together this modest tribute to our friends across the Chanel. (Best read while humming the Marseillaise). Gerard-Julien Salvy, Balmain (Editions du Regard, 1995).

A Wealth of Colour and Pattern

2011-03-05T13:50:00.014Z

The woman next to me on the tube this morning was reading Vogue. Hurray! A perfect if slightly awkward opportunity for a sneaky look at fashion week collections. Now, after some more reading on the internet, I've found my favourite trend for Spring/Summer 2011. Colour! In giant blocks of tangerine and rose pink goodness! Have visions of myself dancing the summer away in one of Gianfranco Ferre's

A List of Good Things

2011-02-26T15:28:00.018Z

Looking out at a grey and drizzled Lower Sloane Street, it's hard not to feel that maybe spring has decided to give this year a miss. Despite the daffodils, we seem so stuck in the rain that even my duck-headed umbrella isn't managing to cheer things up. So, rallying in the interests of happiness and feeling more than a little Julie Andrews-esque, I have put together a list of good things.

Scotland the best

2011-01-30T15:59:00.002Z

Still reeling from the Haggis on Burn's night? Raise a toast to the bard with some of our Scottish themed titles....... Prices from £18.99. Come and visit us at 93 Lower Sloane Street or shop online.

January Sale

2011-01-16T14:39:00.001Z

Pop in to pick up a bargain. Titles from £5.00....

Happy New Year!

2011-01-09T15:02:00.001Z

Have you set any resolutions for 2011? Perhaps it's the year to enhance your cooking skills, redecorate the living room or sharpen your eye for architecture? Why not start the year with Claudia Roden's beautiful Arabesque to inspire some new flavours in the kitchen or by falling in love with Allegra Hicks' stylish patterns? Or read up on architectural styles and become an ardent Modernist or

Haven't started your Christmas shopping yet?!

2010-11-28T15:21:00.001Z

Why not join us for some seasonal good cheer on Sunday 5th December. It's the annual Belgravia Christmas Sunday. Pimlico Rd and Elizabeth Street will be bustling with craft stalls, seasonal food and drink and a brass band. There'll even be a guest appearance from Father Christmas! Sounds like a great way to start the festive season.

Royal Wedding.

2010-11-21T16:55:00.001Z

If a certain bride-to-be seeks some dress inspiration, could we suggest....... Something old- Historic ideas in Wedded Perfection. Two Centuries of Wedding Gowns Something new- from British milliner Stephen Jones' Accent of Fashion Something borrowed from the the timeless classics of Dior or Chanel and a little something blue from the elegant pieces in Queens' Jewels All books are

Looking good....

2010-11-14T16:00:00.003Z

Check out our wonderful revamped website complete with online shop! You're just one click away.....

Remembrance Sunday

2010-11-14T15:05:00.002Z

Eric Ravilious served as an official war artist from 1939 until his death in 1942 when the RAF plane he was travelling in went down off the coast of Iceland. After studying at the Royal College of Art under Paul Nash, whose own paintings of the Western Front were an important influence, Ravilious had a successful career before the war as a commercial artist. His pictures offer an unusual and

St Jude's in the City

2010-11-07T16:45:00.001Z

Our friends at St Jude's have an exhibition at the Bankside Gallery (near Tate Modern). Its sure to be lovely- Potterton Favourites Mark Hearld, Ed Kluz and Angie Lewin will be exhibiting. The exhibition is on from 10th- 21st November. Dont miss it!

Handcrafted Modern.

2010-10-31T16:45:00.001Z

Leslie Williamson's new book 'Handcrafted Modern' illustrates an unfamiliar kind of Modernism- a domestic one. Photographing the homes of pioneers such as Walter Gropius, Ray Eames and Wharton Esherick, Williamson reveals their own interior spaces were adorned with exotic objects, patterned textiles and tactile ceramics rather than stark, clean interiors indicative of a 'machine for living in'

Boutique London

2010-10-24T13:21:00.002+01:00

Shopping in Swinging London was all about the innovative boutiques of Carnaby Street and the King's Road. Catering for a hip, young audience these provocative and theatrical shops with their psychedlic painted fronts and stylish interiors revolutionized the shopping experience. Fashion historian Richard Lester's expertly researched book provides a comprehensive look at the celebrated and

The all white room.

2010-09-26T16:22:00.001+01:00

Syrie Maugham's elegant 'party room' at number 213 the King's Road, popularized all white interior decoration and defined 1930s glamour. Combining mirrored screens with traditional furniture and the occasional surrealist flourish, Syrie's unique style won her clients such as Elsa Schiaperelli, Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales. Pauline Metcalf's new book celebrates Syrie's interiors taking

LAPADA fair

2010-09-19T16:22:00.001+01:00

Come and visit us at the LAPADA Art and Antiques Fair in Berkeley Square from 22nd- 26th September. If last year's anything to go by, it promises to be a great success.........

Book launch

2010-09-05T16:44:00.002+01:00

We are delighted to be launching Malene Birger's new book 'Life and Work. Malene Birger's Life in Pictures' on Thursday 30th September. This beautiful book marks an expansion of Birger's design empire from fashion to living spaces. Sophisticated, inspirational and striking this new book will appeal to lovers of interior design and Birger's distinctive style. Join us from 11 to 12.30 am on

September means that back to school feeling;

2010-08-29T17:02:00.001+01:00

a time of new projects, new plans and new pencils. It's also an exciting time of year for new books. There are so many great titles to look forward to in the next few months............... Fashion fanatics will be delighted to hear about Manolo's New Shoes or 100 Dresses from the Costume Institute at the Met. Modernists will be interested to learn a bit about how the styles evolved

We're beginning to get excited.....

2010-08-22T16:53:00.000+01:00

...about our next exhibition. Entitled Town and Country, it will showcase the work of local artist Martin Millard and will include a range of original works in pen and ink as well as watercolour. Specialising in depictions of London's architecture many of the pictures will depict familiar Chelsea landmarks as well as buildings Millard has discovered on his travels. The exhibition will run

Need some inspiration for your holiday snaps?

2010-08-11T17:10:00.002+01:00

Check out some of Potterton's photography titles. Heading to the seaside? Perhaps Hiroshi Sugimoto's serene seascapes are for you. Lounging by the pool? Let Slim Aarons be your guide. Spending time with the inlaws? Enjoy Thomas Struth's Family Life Series. Hiroshi Sugimoto, Slim Aarons: Poolside and Thomas Struth 1978-2010 are all available at Potterton Books London, prices £80.00, £40.00 and

Various Illuminations of a Crazy World

2010-08-01T16:19:00.002+01:00

New York based artist Maira Kalman's quirky illustrations and picture essays celebrate life's small absurdities. Whether highlighting George Washington's love of cherry pie or delighting in a particularly large lace bow glimpsed on a passer-by, Kalman's witty and colourful pictures are a visual treat. This exhibition catalogue from the ICA in Philadelphia is the first monograph of Kalman's work

Sunshine in the kitchen.

2010-07-11T15:34:00.001+01:00

Responsible for introducing olive oil, aubergines and courgettes to a British audience depressed by wartime austerity, Elizabeth David remains one of the most important food writers of all time. Celebrating regional variety and honest, fresh food David's evocative prose continues to delight conjuring up all the colour and flavour of a good French market or Italian deli. Filled with delicious

Anyone for tennis?

2010-07-04T15:35:00.001+01:00

'There is not another sport that develops and brings out a more healthy respect for an honourable opponent than lawn tennis. One is in such close relation with the adversary all the time during match play, that he is certain to learn a great deal of the character of the man he is opposing during the course of a few games.' 'Methods and Players of Modern Lawn Tennis', 1914, £200

Treasure trove

2010-06-20T14:45:00.001+01:00

Preparations for next week's eagerly awaited fair bring the theme of 'Masterpieces' to our attention. Despite our modest size and limited floor space, there's always plenty of room for fine things at Potterton Books. A browse along our shelves reveals exceptional jewels, breathtaking art, distinctive fashion, luxurious cars and beautiful buildings. Why not drop in for some inspiration?

Eccentric and playful, peculiar and colourful...........

2010-06-13T16:49:00.001+01:00

................and that was just the opening night! Potterton Books proudly launched Follies, a new exhibition of works by Ed Kluz, last Thursday evening. The shop looked fabulous filled with Kluz's beautiful works in print, collage and mixed media. The exhibition is on display until 3rd July.

Follies at Potterton

2010-06-06T16:45:00.000+01:00

The launch of Ed Kluz' exhibition Follies from 6-8.30 pm on Thursday 10th June promises to bring a touch of the whimsical to Chelsea. Drawing inspiration from Britain's architectural heritage, Kluz' work focuses on eccentric structures ranging from grottos and towers to pagodas and teahouses. Celebrating the secret, the forgotten and the bizarre, Kluz's prints, collages, paintings and mixed

Attention all Mark Hearld fans......!

2010-06-06T16:25:00.000+01:00

Mark has a fabulous new exhibition of unique collages and limited edition prints at St Jude's Gallery in Norfolk. Hearld's distinctive work inspired by British flora and fauna was the subject of our Christmas Exhibition. Can't wait to sneak a peek at his new work..........

Surprising Spry

2010-05-30T16:53:00.000+01:00

Constance Spry pioneered a new approach to flower arranging. Rejecting a formal, static style Spry introduced kale and cabbage leaves into her bouquets and placed mixed wild flowers rather than hot house blooms in unusual containers. Her innovative style is illustrated in a display Spry created in 1939 outside Coolings Gallery. Improvising in times of austerity, her arrangement transformed

Potterton in bloom!

2010-05-23T16:55:00.000+01:00

The shop floor is looking like our very own corner of the Chelsea Flower Show. From the backdrop of leather bound vintage gardening titles and botanical dictionaries, to the latest gardening titles blossoming in the window, the shop has a decidedly verdant atmosphere. The shelves have been freshly planted with the latest books from Dan Pearson and Ulf Nordfjell with Paula Pryke adding touches of

2010-05-23T16:26:00.000+01:00

The shop was buzzing last Thursday evening for the launch of Sue Snell’s beautiful photography book, The Garden at Charleston. Guests listened to Henrietta Garnett’s (the granddaughter of Vanessa Bell) childhood memories of the garden and sipped delicious iced tea supplied by Bellocq the tea atelier on the King’s Rd. Thanks to all who joined us for a great evening. Sue’s hand-printed colour

2010-05-15T17:25:00.000+01:00

Tired of trailing round vintage shops and never finding what you want? Let Anne Tyrell’s Classic Fashion Patterns of the 20th Century satisfy even your most obscure sartorial demand. So whether you’re in the market for a pale green 1902 style walking-skirt and bolero jacket or lusting after a 40s cherry red day dress to wear with court shoes, suede gloves and pearl earrings, this book might

The Garden at Charleston

2010-05-09T16:46:00.000+01:00

Writing about her sister’s new house Charleston, Virginia Woolf described the ‘charming garden, with a pond and fruit trees and vegetables, all now rather run wild’. As well as redecorating the house in their unique style, Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant transformed the garden into an inspiring backdrop for their artistic lives. A riot of colour, the garden as much as the house provided a setting

dream gardens

2010-05-02T16:48:00.000+01:00

Whether the garden of your dreams is a landscaped estate, a paved tulip filled courtyard or just the neighbour’s lawn glimpsed over the privet hedge, Barbara Baker’s Dream Gardens of England is sure to inspire. Beautifully photographed throughout, the gardens range from spaces ordered with topiary and box hedging to wilder meadows and picturesque orchards. Gardens are at once real places and

Grounded!

2010-04-18T14:38:00.001+01:00

Volcanic ash over Europe means no jet-setting to Paris to see the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective, Chicago to admire the Matisse show or New York to see the Picassos at the Met. Forget the delays and invest in the lavish publications instead. Enjoy the sunshine and the silent London skies and spend the day travelling vicariously from haute couture to the experimental, abstracted works that

A fond farewell - and some great photography books..!

2010-04-11T16:18:00.000+01:00

This is my last Sunday which is sad, but I was cheered up by the fact there are lots of lovely new books in at the moment! I'm a paticular fan of the new photography books we have in - a great one on the great unknown German photographer, Arno Fischer has some great portraiture in, especially one of Marlene Dietrich (also captured by Irving Penn in the new National Gallery exhibition book, Irving

Beautiful new cushion covers by Mark Hearld in store now

2010-03-28T12:55:00.000+01:00

With British Summer Time creeping up on us, now is the perfect time to introduce a little brightness into the home too. Mark Hearld, being his usual brilliant self, has created these beautiful new cushion covers, which of course we love! The fabric, entitled Bird Garden, is a single colour design, screenprinted onto a heavyweight oyster linen union for two colourways - with a third colourway on

Patmos Windows!

2010-03-20T16:43:00.003Z

Our windows have just had a Stefanidis make-over, and they're looking fantastic! We're very excited about the signing that we're holding for An Island Sanctuary on Thursday night, and have filled the windows with copies of the book, Patmos fabric and a stunning Patmos tray. Bringing a little island colour to some gray spring weather, John Stefanidis' new book provides the perfect opportunity for

Lovely new books in store that are simply must-haves!

2010-03-14T13:33:00.001Z

We really do have some brilliant books in the shop at the moment - a paticular favourite of ours is The Great Lady Decorators - Great being the operative word! This fabulous book mixes gorgeous interiors with sparkling social history and it is the first book that focuses wholeheartedly on these exceptional women who really make interior design what they are today. This book has a wealth of names

A remedy for this wet weather - Stefanidis' new book, An Island Sanctuary...

2010-02-28T13:43:00.003Z

We're very excited about our forthcoming book signing, with legendary designer John Stefanidis, and of course you're invited! His long-awaited book, An Island Sanctuary, is finally gracing our shelves and you will be able to get your own signed copy - a little indulgence for yourself, or a great gift for a friend. An Island Sanctuary offers a unique view of Stefanidis' island home, in Patmos,

Jeremiah and Kenneth Paul Block illustrations at Potterton...

2010-02-21T13:20:00.001Z