As some of you may have seen during lockdown, I tried to recreate Gavin Houghton's iconic Tangier sitting room. I'll be honest with you, it didn't look great. Thankfully I thought Gavin would at least find it funny rather than thinking me a bunny boiler, although those two feelings are not mutually exclusive. I have luckily come across Gavin's humour a few times, first of which he will not remember. I was in my first job out of University working at Luke Irwin on the Pimlico Road. As anyone who has worked in retail will know, not every customer is a delight. This could not be said for Gavin; I showed him around the collections and still to this day remember giggling the whole time. Since then I have been captivated by his work: the red stripe, the use of Pierre Frey's Espalier or his utterly fantastic ceramic collection - as you can tell I'm hook line and sinker. So I thought, as I have creepily done with every other Tete-a-Tat interviewee, I would slide into his DM's. I must work out a more formal way of doing this, but if it ain't broke... Anyway here are Gavin's fantastic answers to my mediocre questions.
Favourite Day?
 I’d say Thursday as it’s become Thirsty Thursday in my garden which is a kind of speakeasy during lockdown time.
Best Restaurant?
I’m not a big fan of restaurants generally, I much rather have friends over to us and cook. But in Brixton village the covered market I love to sit and watch the world go round eating beef noodle soup from Mamalan.
Girl Crush? Jill my Jack RusselÂ
Boy Crush? Jack my other Jack Russel. We adopted them together and they have turned out to be the nicest pair of dogs. Jill’s discovered getting on tables when no ones looking and helping herself! It good to see her feeling more confident.
What do you consider to be the most disagreeable human habit?
Narcissism. People who don’t keep it in check! It’s not easy, we all think we’re the most interesting person. But we’re not. I get uncomfortable around people who talk about themselves too much.
What is often your last thought before going to sleep?
I love mulling over my new love ceramics. So maybe a new shape or glaze design I’ll make. I’ve painted most my life but never been satisfied, with the ceramics I’m on a total buzz with discovering new techniques and glazes plus I can sell them at my online shop! The kiln is my new master.
What would your autobiography be called?
Too Old To Stop.
Any good advice? Who gave it to you?
Treat every day as it’s your last! A great Scottish lady called Maggie who lives in Tangier has a fantastic outlook on life, I try and channel what she would do when one needs guidance.
What movie can you watch over and over without ever getting tired of?
Do you want the stylish answer or the truth? I love 'Raise the Red Lantern' with the beautiful Gong Li its about concubines, and also 'Holiday' with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. You decide which way round they go.
A song that can always make your foot tap?
Sylvester, You Make Me Feel Mighty Real. You try and sit still. Also the new I Feel Love by Sam Smith
Gavin Houghton's website - www.gavinhoughton.co.uk & Instagram - @gavin1966