Castle Howard

Another Architectural masterpiece that has provided me with endless inspiration is, Castle Howard.

Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, England. It is a private residence, and has been the home of the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years.

Its grandeur, its stately presence in its rural setting and its incredible architectural detail, have captured my imagination for many years. Not only is the home itself a masterpiece, but so to are the numerous garden follies, positioned over its magnificent landscaped acreage. 

Castle Howard is not a true castle, but is a term used for this English country house, as it was erected on the site of a former military castle. 

The building of Castle Howard began in 1699 and took over 100 years to complete to a design by Sir John Vandbrugh for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle . The house is surrounded by a large estate which, once covered over 13,000 acres and included five individual villages and its own railway station.

It is familiar to television and film audiences as the fictional "Brideshead", both in Granada Television's 1981 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited and a two-hour 2008 remake for cinema. Today, it is part of the Treasure Houses of England group of heritage houses.

Scented Candles

We are very excited to announce the delivery of our first scented candle range.

We have worked with one of Australia's best candle makers, in perfecting this range, selecting the best ingredients; the best wax and the best scents. 

Beautifully packaged, the candles reflect our design ethos, in timeless, traditional and elegant style. Fragrances include Leather and Wood, Lemon Verbena, Blackcurrant and Rose.

Delivery will be in time for Christmas this year. We will proudly unveil the finished product soon.

A glimpse of a current project...

One of our current projects, in Kew Victoria is coming together this week.

After months of detailing and selecting every finish, fixture and fitting, we have been overseeing the production of  a vast array of furnishings and accessories. Everything is now coming together perfectly on site.  A range of magnificent hand made chandeliers, beautifully upholstered sofas, silk rugs, vintage inspired window treatments and bespoke timber pieces, are all finally in place.

Today we been have supervising the installation of these pieces, and here is a glimpse of two of the formal rooms, nearing completion...

M

Le Petit Theatre Dior

Paris, March 1945 : in a city still lacking almost everything due to the hardships of World War II, an extraordinary exhibition attracted thousands of Parisian visitors. A veritable ode to the glory of French Haute Couture, The Theatre of Fashion assembled miniature versions of creations designed by the greatest couturiers of the time. Christian Dior witnessed this historic event. He was working for Lucien Lelong, the couturier who was behind this project, and must certainly have helped to make the outfits presented; Christian Bérard and Jean Cocteau, the artists who designed most of the decors, were Dior’s close friends. Weeks before the Armistice, Paris had been liberated and this event brought the promise of a brighter future, the beginnings of a renaissance and a return to beauty. A spirit of renewal that was beautifully expressed by Christian Dior’s “New Look” at his first Haute Couture show two years later, on February 12, 1947. 

In 2014 The Little Dior Theatre took us back to the event that struck Parisian hearts and minds in 1945. It was also a tribute to the meticulous handiwork of the House of Dior Haute Couture ateliers, whose talent is amply expressed in the miniature clothes, sewn to the nearest millimeter to resemble the originals in every tiny detail. From the tiny Bar suit to the miniature ball gown, they encapsulate all the essence and spirit of Dior in the delicate proportions of a doll’s house

Dramatic Details

We are working on a variety of new schemes this week.

One large project, which is now in full swing, requires some dramatic details in a formal dining room. Bold antique blocked colours and large scale vintage prints will be just the thing.

Old gold and dusty black velvet upholstery.  A large "Imperial Pheasant" print by Catherine Martin for window furnishings. American Oak with Cherry details for furniture. Its a beautiful blend of elements set against an antique white paneled backdrop.

Below is a taste of whats to come.

The Art of Wonderment

The Art of Wonderment continues the theme of printed interiors - with an absolute gem from the British Pathé filmmakers. This time in Greenford, Middlesex 1968, showcasing more large scale printing techniques. 

The stunning production of hand routed and hand blocked wallpaper printing...

Justin Bishop Interior Design Workshops 2016

The first of our Classic Interior Design Workshops kicked of last weekend.

A great group of participants, from Melbourne's Guest Furniture Group made up the entire class, and were enthusiastic and eager to learn. Many thanks to Jess, Sharon, Elsa, Narelle and Corinna for taking part in the days activities.

With catering by Cafe de Beaumarchais it was a very enjoyable day!

We look forward to continuing the workshop series throughout the year.

Period Home Renovator 2016

The 2016 issue of Australia's Period Home Renovator magazine is out now.

I'm very happy to be part of the issue once again this year, in a double page editorial, featured below.

This issue features new ideas for traditional homes; some insightful period style articles, great imagery and the Period Renovator 2016 Buyers Guide.

Merry Christmas

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From all at Justin Bishop Style & Design,
we would like to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas
and happy and safe new year.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2016.

 

Throughout the festive season,
we will be reporting in on our travels and design discoveries.

You will see everything right here, at 'Mr. Bishop - A Style & Design Journal' 

And of course, be sure to follow our activity on your favorite social media platforms by following the links below.

There is always something new to see.

Best Wishes,

Jae-Hyo Lee

As many if you are are I am a traditionalist when it comes to design. It has even been said that I'm 'anti modern'! However, from time to time a contemporary artist comes along who's work I find instantly appealing. Such is the case with the work of  Jae-Hyo Lee.

South Korean artist Jae-Hyo Lee is a master of manipulation. He turns discarded pieces of wood into attention-grabbing pieces of art that are both elegant and functional.

These incredibly sleek sculptures are the result of Jae-Hyo Lee’s meticulous work: having assembled various chunks of wood, he burns and then carefully polishes them to create visual contrast and a smooth surface.

“I want to express the wood’s natural characteristics without adding my intentions,” says Lee. “I like to make the most out of the material’s inherent feeling. Little things add up to transmit a stronger power, greater energy. That is why I have quite a lot of large pieces."

Below is a selection of Lee's recent work.