London Life Events

Dulwich Festival and Artists’ Open House 2014

May 19, 2014

The Dulwich Festival and The Artist’s Open House celebrate everything that’s great about Dulwich. Recently voted as one of the Sunday Times’ best places to live in Britain, it’s known for its vibrant arts scene. You might have missed it this year, but make sure to mark it in your calendar for 2015.

Last Sunday I managed to go and support some friends who were part of the festival but who exhibit and sell throughout the year!

My first stop was at the stunning Belair House, where talented Cavaliero Finn were exhibiting their affordable contemporary art and design as one of two shows this year. They regularly hold an Open House at the home-cum-gallery in Herne Hill, SE London. See my post here.

I’m always amazed at their expert curator’s eyes and how affordable a lot of such exquisite art is. Browse their online gallery, you won’t be disappointed! I picked some of my favourites.

Belair House - Cavaliero Finn - Janet Stahelin Edmonson Jugs/ Vases - Colourliving
Janet Stahelin Edmonson | Jugs/Vases priced between £100 and £200

Belair House - Cavaliero Finn - Pia Wustenberg | India Stacking Vessels - colourliving
Pia Wustenberg | India Stacking Vessels | small £350, large £920

Belair House - Cavaliero Finn - Kate Wickham | Ceramic Vessels - colourliving
Kate Wickham | Ceramic Vessels left: £295, right: £380

Next on the agenda was visiting the Sarah Hamilton Open House with Mini Moderns and Paul Craig. Sarah’s house has recently been featured in 25 Beautiful Homes and is an unusual Mid-Century design set in Dulwich Woods with stunning views over London. Ahem, I can tell you it’s bright and gorgeous just like the woman herself! Shot by the talented James Balston, take a look here. If you want the full renovation story with before and after pics, read Sarah’s post here.

Below you’ll see snippets of some of the collections of the clever, talented and super nice Mini Moderns. Launched in 2006 by London based designers, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, Mini Moderns is an interiors brand specialising in applied pattern across a range of products including wallpapers, fabrics, cushions, rugs and ceramics. You can now buy a selection of their products in John Lewis.

Mini Moderns - Festival Wallpaper - Sarah Hamiltons Prints Open House - colourliving
I’m in love with this Festival Wallpaper that is now permanently staying in Sarah’s living room.

Mini Moderns - swatch book - Sarah Hamiltons Prints Open House - colourliving
Mini Moderns swatch book. A phlethora of inspiration!

Paul Craig is an interiors photographer. Multi-talented, here he’s showing us how creative he really is! I’m in love with these two images below and although there were some beautiful black and white photography, I had to go for the colours!

Paul Craig © | Moroccan Lanterns - colourliving
Photo courtesy of Paul Craig © | Moroccan Lanterns

Paul Craig © | Grand Canyon - colourliving
Photo courtesy of Paul Craig © Grand Canyon

Sarah Hamilton Prints is sold through many galleries or retailers, in the UK and abroad. Sarah is a passionate artist and makes all her beautiful art in her very sunny South London studio. I was rather excited to be able to take a peek at her studio.

Sarah Hamilton Prints - Sarah's studio - colourliving
Sarah makes prints, cards and woodblock, as well as mirrors and furniture. Her style is contemporary, with a Mid-Century Scandinavian feel. You can tell that everything is made with love and passion!

Sarah Hamilton Prints - Sarah's studio - colourliving
I’ve seen some of the sketchbooks where the designs originate after which everything is hand or digitally printed!

Sarah Hamilton Prints - Sarah's studio - colourliving
I couldn’t resist taking a photograph of these rather colourful and fun sculptures. Sarah, if they ever need a new home, I’m your girl!

Isn’t unique art just the best? I felt thoroughly inspired! Thank you all….

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14 Comments

  • Reply Catherine@farmhousehome May 20, 2014 at 7:44 am

    Fabulous festival and what beautiful unique pieces. I’m always inspired by the talent of artists like these. Fun sculptures in the last photo. xx

    • Reply tina May 20, 2014 at 11:06 pm

      There’s definitely something wonderful about visiting artists and looking at unique, inspiring art.
      Ha. I loved those chaps…. xx

  • Reply alisonsye May 20, 2014 at 11:42 am

    Very sunny post. Always pleased to see South London on the radar.
    Love Sarah’s work, so it’s nice to see her studio.
    Have been admiring that festival wallpaper for some time, great.
    Pia’s beautiful glass pieces are stunning, and Paul’s Grand Canyon is breathtaking.
    Enjoyed that trip, Tina, thank you x

    • Reply tina May 20, 2014 at 11:07 pm

      The sun was beaming the day I visited Dulwich…
      Ha. Happy you could do some armchair visits:-) x

  • Reply Hollie@MiaFleur May 20, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Great round-up thank you, Tina! I met Sarah when we were both exhibiting at the East London Design Show a while back, but I didn’t know her house had been featured in 25 Beautiful Homes, so I enjoyed having a peek! x

    • Reply tina May 20, 2014 at 11:19 pm

      Pleasure Hollie.
      Sarah is lovely and talented.
      Her house is stunning.
      Glad you enjoyed x

  • Reply gudy May 20, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    Kate Wickham’s pieces are my favorites here, they remind me so much of a French artist whose name I just can’t remember right now (will come back). I think they are very special! Thanks for letting me discover her. xx

    • Reply tina May 20, 2014 at 11:20 pm

      Oh, I wondered which of the ceramics you would like… I agree they are gorgeous and I think rather reasonable. Definitely on my wishlist xx

  • Reply Mel May 21, 2014 at 5:05 am

    Oh that looks like my kind of day! I love the Janet Stahelin Edmonson ceramics, really nice! My favourite would have been going to Sarah Hamilton’s home, what a treat. xx Mel

    • Reply tina May 23, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      Ha. Come over….:-)Yes, beautiful work she has…. and I agree, visiting artist’s houses is such a treat.
      Well, I had real fun and loved it. xx

  • Reply Doris May 21, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    What a great festival and an equally great post. I too also enjoyed Sarah Hamiltons house, it looks beautiful and she has such great style. Thanks for sharing Tina. xD

    • Reply tina May 23, 2014 at 6:30 pm

      Thank you Doris:-)
      A perfect Sunday… great people and great art!

      Sarah’s house was a real treat. xx

  • Reply Gerard @WalnutGrey May 21, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    That’s quite a colourful, happy & eclectic post. Lovely overview. Dulwich is indeed a wonderful part of London, albeit a little too twee for me. But still, it does have that quaint village feel. And I must say, those India Stacking Vessels are pretty cool!

    Thanks Tina xx

    • Reply tina May 23, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      Hahaha. ‘Colourful and Eclectic’.
      I know what you mean by Dulwich being twee but as I only visit occasionally it’s nice and pretty.
      I also like that villagy feel.

      Those Vessels look stunning, honestly xx

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