Welcome to the February issue of H&A! While I have no idea what the weather has in store for us this month, I do know I’ll be longing for some sunshine and an uplifting dose of colour, which is exactly what I hope this issue delivers. From our Style & Shopping section (from p10), which is filled with textiles and wallpapers featuring vibrant, painterly patterns, to Rhiannon Batten’s round-up of unusual – and often remote – romantic escapes (from p99), cheerful colours and the promise of spring weave their way through these pages.
This theme continues with our houses (from p37), all of which feature striking fabrics, wallpapers, paints and, of course, antiques. For artist and designer Helen Banzhaf, her collection of 1930s ceramics inspired a zingy palette; while Sheila Udy’s stash of textiles helped to revive a lacklustre interior, allowing her antiques to shine. On moving house, Posy Gentles scoured local markets in search of the vintage items and antiques that would ensure her Victorian terrace felt like home. And for Sarah and Andy Farr, curated collections of vintage glass and ceramics preserved the character of their Georgian farmhouse post-renovation.
As ever, our antiques section is packed with fascinating features. Ellie Tennant explores the history of ironstone china (p74) and, on page 86, Luke Honey clarifies classification in the world of cameos and intaglios. Returning to pattern and colour, Celia Rufey unpicks the complex process of creating successful pattern repeats in textile designs (p78) and Emma Longstaff celebrates the delicate beauty of Bilston enamel boxes (p82).
Charlotte Packer, Editor
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