Members - Oh The Things I've Seen

Nov 7, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Lessons I’ve learned this week: hoping for the best while preparing for the worst is simply the only sensible way forward in this day and age.

Posting political opinions on Instagram is a fool’s errand, bound to leave you feeling both stupid and angry. I’m sure I’ll be back doing it again, feeling exactly the same – as Rita Mae Brown wisely said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

In my constant hunt for properties, and my eternal longing to runaway to Scotland, I stumbled upon the delightful Kilfinan Hotel. One of my toxic traits is the belief that I could somehow master one of the hardest professions around by becoming a hotelier or restaurateur, convinced I could make it work. Realistically, I know it would likely be a disaster; I’ve yet to see Tat go a month without incessant worry. But perhaps one of you fine people could make it work, and I’d be there as a feverish patron.

In lighter news here are a few things I have seen and felt needed a little documentation -

I came across this lighting brand, which I thought was simply excellent. Their website hasn’t been updated in years, which I always think is rather chic. Admittedly, it can sometimes be a bit unhelpful, but there’s a quiet allure to a brand that isn’t constantly ramming its goods down your throat. You may already know them and scoff at my amazement, but perhaps one or two of you will also be happily introduced to Woolpit Interiors.

You have to email them to retrieve the price, I feel in love with the pompeii shade which is £190.

I am currently getting together our Christmas gift guide, if you have any brands that you think should be included do send them my way, independent is usually the name of the game - charlie@tat-london.co.uk

Another brand which you may well know but I just always find heavenly to look at, Douglas Watson studio. They just break my heart at their beauty. These are £15 + vat each.

Carrier Company, so as ever I am a little slow on the uptake here as Flora Soames did a collaboration with these fine fellas a few months ago. But I came across them via the old instagram only the other day- they fall very firmly into my idea of luxury as most of their sophisticated pieces are all made in Norfolk and those that aren't are made still made in the UK, just a little futher afield. I think they have a wealth of excellent designs and although not cheap, I think reasonable.

I tell you, I snope around the instagram of designers so you don't have to (hardly a chore). But here we have another great recommendation from Joanna Plant - Tobias Newbigin -a master at traditional sign writing. One for the back pocket!

www.newbiginsigns.co.uk

I’ve been rather plagued by these boots online by Fracap and I must admit, I’m quite taken with them. My husband and I walk everywhere, which inevitably means turning up to functions or events in trainers. As a more mature lady, I’d like to arrive looking a touch more respectable, and these could be quite the natty addition to my wardrobe. Handmade in Italy and still owned by the same family since 1908, they have all the markings of quality and style.

Fermoie - A glistening addition to the Pimlico Road. Walking down that stretch last night, I found myself admiring how magnificent it all looks. Starting with Bennison Fabrics, each shop along the way is a delight. Whether or not you can afford the pieces, it’s well worth some window shopping. Each premises puts such a glorious amount of effort into its four walls that it’s inspiring no matter your budget.

Then I arrived at my destination: Fermoie, a veritable sweet shop of fabrics. Walking in, you’re greeted by a glorious rainbow of pattern and colour. They’ve created a space that’s both user-friendly and beautiful. It’s no surprise that Tom Helme and Martin Ephson, the minds behind Farrow & Ball, have translated their talents into the fabric market, creating a brand that’s distinctive, useful, and wholly unique—a testament to their creativity and savvy eye on the market.

While I was at Fermoie, I had a chat with a great journalist. I mentioned that I loved a recent piece of theirs but, sadly, couldn’t afford any of the products – they replied, saying, “Nice things cost a lot of money.” This slightly feeds into my current bugbear. It’s a great worry of mine that this narrative makes it such a hard space for people to enter, a sort of elitism that can only be achieved if we’re able to spend vast amounts to join the club. I obviously went through this in my recent article about luxury (already mentioned)

I can’t say that I always feel proud about Tat’s price point; sometimes I miss the days when I just had to worry about storing everything in a cupboard, selling it for a few pounds more and minimal overheads. But one thing I will try to do on Tat is find those makers and sellers who I think are reasonably priced, even if it’s just for a mug. We’ll of course shine a light on the big, beautiful, and expensive pieces, we love a bit of that, but I think it’s important to search for the independent makers who represent great value for money and beauty.

Old Tat alumna Matilda Sturley has gone from strength to strength—well, it’s only up from Tat! Not only did she win Best Wall Light from Homes & Gardens, but she’s also produced some darling Christmas decorations. I’ve been so blown away by her progress, and I’m not even a little jealous that Tat seems to be resting on its laurels when it comes to getting anything so professional done! I would snap these up quick as they are sure to sell out.

Œuvres Sensibles by Sarah Espeute created these magical curtains for the exhibition A Well-Dressed Apartment in Paris. She designed a “shirt curtain” made of vintage fabrics, and it’s just heavenly. It strikes the perfect balance between great design, humor, beauty, and utility. It’s simply joyful. She made only this one for the exhibition, but I believe in 2025 you’ll be able to commission her to create one of your very own.

Sussex Lustreware- If this company doesn’t lighten your heart, I’m not sure we can be friends. Seeing their site filled with pink and yellow glories is simply too exciting for words. Every Christmas list needs one of these pieces on it—their candlestick will cheer up even the dingiest of corners and their messages of hope, love and happiness will cheer the dingiest of hearts.

Eloise Scoltand Lampshades - Pendant lights—they’re a tricky beast. I find there are only a few I truly love: Pinch, Jamb, Palefire, and Alex Robinson come to mind (though I’m sure I’ve missed some). Aside from those, I usually rely on antiques. But when I saw the fruits of Eloise’s labor, they certainly turned my head. She makes each one by hand and is entirely self-taught. She also works on commissions, but I found her own designs possess a unique, unassuming charm.

Last minute addition - This morning, I visited the Lyndsey Ingram gallery to see the launch of a new collection of fabrics and wallpapers by artist Georgie Hopton. Her wallpapers have a exuberant, childlike aesthetic, which is entirely intentional—one of the techniques she used was potato printing. This forgotten pastime may bring a nostalgic pang to anyone who’s left their childhood crafts behind. But Hopton pairs this with her own exquisitely sharp eye for colour, creating wallpapers and fabrics that are both playful and refined. These vibrant yet elegant designs are a delightful and uplifting addition to the market.