Architecture – AB Design and Interiors

May 1, 2019 In Architecture, Art, Design, Fashion, Interior Design, London, News, Photography By Anna Blakey

In conversation with Kevin Dutton…

How we met?
Annie: Kevin lives locally to me in Dulwich and we met through friends. I have always admired his work so being able to show his stunning photographs at our Open House has been such an honour. As well as his unique, style of photography we particularly love the fact that his subjects are the very plants that he grows in his garden.

April 26, 2019 In Architecture, Art, Design, Interior Design, Lighting, Photography, Travel By Anna Blakey

We are dying to introduce you to Diane Chaudouet…

How we met?
Annie: We found Diane through a very dear friend who is a highly regarded and knowledgeable art collector. It has been a very exciting journey connecting with Diane and we feel especially lucky to have the opportunity to show her work and our open house is the first opportunity of seeing her work in the UK. Her beautiful images are printed onto aluminium which gives each piece another dimension as the light bounces off and the colours are reflected.

What was the trigger that got you into art?
Diane: I didn’t really get into art officially until I decided lately to show some works and share them with an audience. I didn’t describe myself as an artist. I always used material of my everyday/periods of life to make something with. It was not a premeditated production, it was more a way to be in the world.READ MORE

May 15, 2017 In Architecture, Art, Design, Interior Design, Textiles, Travel By Anna Blakey

Twenty four hours in Budapest

Chapter 2.

At the back of last week I ended up going on a fleeting visit to Budapest with a lovely client, sourcing tiles… Budapest hadn’t been on my radar particularly and least of all for tiles but much to my surprise I fell in love with both the city and the 80kilos of tiles we brought home with us!!

May 8, 2017 In Architecture, Art, Design, Fashion, Interior Design, Lighting, London, Textiles By Anna Blakey

Bermondsey to Pimlico, a trail of London Craft Week.

Chapter 1.

Last week was a busy one particularly as we were trying to catch a couple of exhibitions before they close and while also making a whistle stop tour of London Craft Week, all in one day!READ MORE

April 24, 2017 In Architecture, Art, Design, Fashion, Interior Design, London, Textiles By Anna Blakey

The moment we have been waiting for…

The Intro.

Finally after many months of no posts, hours of laughter, lots of cups of coffee, several bottles of wine and some sleepless nights, this is the moment I have been waiting for….. a formal introduction to Annie, my new business partner. It is an understatement to say just how excited we are for what lies ahead.READ MORE

November 21, 2016 In Architecture, Art, Design, Interior Design, London, Photography, Travel By Anna Blakey

astonishing. ravishing. a must see show

Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother 1936

The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from The Sir Elton John Collection

Man Ray, Glass Tears, 1932

Herbert Bayer, Humanly Impossible (Self Portrait) 1932

October 21, 2016 In Architecture, Art, Design, Interior Design, London By Anna Blakey

Art and Interiors

Following on from my fleeting visit to the Affordable Art Fair Preview Wednesday evening, it made me think seriously about the strong and growing relationship between art and interiors.

For me, a house becomes a home only once you add your own personality to the walls.

October 6, 2016 In Architecture, Art, Design, London By Anna Blakey

Picasso Portraits.

‘Picasso’s portraits epitomise the astonishing variety and innovation of his art. This major exhibition of over eighty works focuses on the artist’s portrayal of family, friends and lovers and reveals his creative processes as he moved freely between drawing from life, humorous caricature and expressive painting from memory.READ MORE

September 25, 2016 In Architecture, Art, Design, Interior Design, Lighting, London, Photography, Textiles By Anna Blakey

London is Open

London Design Festival 2016

This week I had my work cut out enjoying everything that is happening throughout this year’s London Design Festival. It is a military operation, making sure I don’t miss out. London at its best. London is open.READ MORE

March 9, 2016 In Architecture, Art, Design, Interior Design, Travel By Anna Blakey

“Ghastly good taste”

On Sunday morning I read a wonderful article by India Hicks and it very much appealed to me and below I have stolen some of her words as the perfect introduction to this blog…

‘John Betjeman wrote of “ghastly good taste” in the context of architecture, but the phrase has many useful applications.

The desire to ape French women (thin, unhappy and wondering who their husband’s shagging) falls into this category. So do those terrifying barren interiors – kitchen, notably – that we’re meant to admire: half hospital, half morgue, with zero evidence of any kind of living happening in them. This is the kind of taste that doesn’t trust itself, which means it’s no taste at all. Give me fridge magnets any day. And a battered sofa on which to drink fantastically vulgar, homemade cocktails’. India Knight in the Sunday Times Magazine.READ MORE