Natural History's blog

A Q&A Series with some of our favourite stockists

Ever since Natural History was founded we’ve been asked where our collections are stocked in real, bricks-and-mortar shops and special online stores. Over the next few weeks we will be publishing Q&As from some of our favourite stockists across the UK, gaining an insight into their inspirations and passions.

We’ve been speaking to Jane McIntyre of Jane McIntyre Design in Winchester. Jane sources products from around the world, carefully selecting bed linen, lighting, furniture and other home accessories of unusual yet beautiful design, and showing them off in her Georgian town house turned quirky retail space.

 How would you describe your style in one sentence?

A little bit of this and a little bit of that.  

What are your inspirations?

Paintings by the old Masters, gardens in flower, ridiculously romantic stories, Baroque excessiveness and successful women.  

Most unexpected success?

Having children after ten years of hoping.  

Latest discovery?

Realising my body no longer keeps up with my brain.  

Most beloved possession?

My Land Rover

Favourite place to visit?

Greece

Favourite place to eat?

The Gourmet Pizza in Winchester - seriously underrated.

Favourite piece of advice?

Be yourself.

 What is your goal right now?

Achieving happiness.

What is your biggest project right now?

My shop.

What do you love most?

A fireside sofa with my children, dogs and cats.

 

Jane McIntyre Design

11 Southgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9DZ

01962 853882

jane@janemcintyredesign.com

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Surrocodelia

Surrocodelia

John James Audubon

John James Audubon

Elena Lapena

Elena Lapena

Surface View - Natural History Collection

Surface View have a wonderful new Natural History collection, inspired, just as we are, by antique encyclopaediae, vintage botanical prints and cabinets of curiosity. From delicate studies of ferns and trees to bright birds throwing curious shapes and macabre and mysterious skulls, there's something for every taste, and it's an easy and affordable way of updating a plain wall. 

Scarlet Ibis, Eudocimus Ruber by J J Audubon (Plate CCCXCVII from Audubon’s 'Birds of America', 19th Century coloured engraving)

Copy of De Materia Medica made by the Greek physician Dioscorides in 1460

Plate 160 from the John Reeves Collection of Botanical Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856. 

Q&A with Vicky Luther of Luther & Co.

Ever since Natural History was founded we’ve been asked where our collections are stocked in real, bricks-and-mortar shops and special online stores. Over the next few weeks we will be publishing Q&As from some of our favourite stockists across the UK, gaining an insight into their inspirations and passions.

This week, we’ve been speaking to Vicki Luther of Luther & Co

  

Luther & Co sell an eclectic and carefully-curated range of homewares, art, furniture and gifts in beautiful Conwy. 

 

How would you describe your style in one sentence?

My style is definitely eclectic, mixing modern and vintage items that either feel or look beautiful.

What are your inspirations?

The Welsh coastline, its beaches, its sky. They always inspire, because they are changing constantly and the colours are so beautiful. 

Most unexpected success?

My husband and I actually finding one another!

Latest discovery?

Fentiman's Rose Lemonade.

Most beloved possession?

18th century French gilt and coloured glass wall lights.

Favourite place to visit?

The Greek Islands, the light is incredible there.

Favourite place to eat?

Paysanne, in Deganwy.

Favourite piece of advice?

Be kind to others.

What is your current project?

Restoring our Arts and Crafts house to its former glory, or even better. It could take a while.

What do you love most?

Getting a cuddle with my dog, Jake.

 

Luther & Co

17 Bangor Road, Conwy, LL32 8NG

07976 849973

shop@lutherandco.co.uk

Twitter: @lutherandco

 

Olsson & Jensen

Olsson & Jensen

Natural History has been included in The Good Web Guide's 'Best Sites for Last Minute Gifts' alongside some of our favourite brands. Take a look!

http://bit.ly/Yb4R3Y

Bohman Sjostrand Photography

Bohman Sjostrand Photography

Photo Competition - Fabulous Fireplaces

We love fireplaces here at Natural History, even in Spring and Summer when they're in temporary retirement!

We'd love to see how you dress your fireplace - send us a photo at info@origin-of-style.com and tell us about it. We'll feature our top picks here on our blog in April - you can then vote for your favourite and the winner will receive a set of four large leather notebooks worth £200.

Here's our director's fireplace at her Oxford home, featuring budding hyacinths, Kathy Dalwood busts, vintage silver candlesticks and her favourite Astier de Villatte candle.  Her house is full of handy leather pouffes from Marrakech - great for parties (and building forts).  The print over the fireplace is a page from the fifteenth century Nuremberg Chronicle - Sarah was a medievalist before launching Natural History.