Miro: The Ladder of Escape

Saturday afternoon at the Tate Modern and the Miró exhibition is packed. In a smart move, we chose to navigate the rooms back to front, eventually exiting at the entrance. Doing so led us to contemplate the following question: was it imperative for Miró, and indeed, did he, learn traditional, classical painting skills before turning to the impressionistic style he is famous for?

Our journey through the 13 rooms of his artwork led us to the answer; or rather, to Miró’s 1920s canvas; ‘The Farm’. This painting alone exemplifies both Miró’s ability to paint with the utmost skill, plus offers an early glimpse of his abstract work which was to arrive years later.

In short, The Ladder of Escape not only offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with Miró’s masterpieces, but also the chance to experience firsthand the natural development of Miró’s world renowned and instantly recognisable style.

The Farm, 1921-1922

Personages and Mountains, 1936

The Escape Ladder, 1940

Hope of a Condemned Man I, 11, 111, 1974

Miró: The Ladder of Escape is on at the Tate Modern, London, until 11th September.

Father's Day: It's all about the little things

This Sunday marks the one day of the year we dedicate to saying “thank you” to the most important men in our lives; our father’s. We’re thinking of doing things a little different this year too; with breakfast in bed (pancakes made by Milly) and long afternoon walks top of the list. After all, it’s the little things that count so here are some of our ideas to make Father’s Day all the more memorable.

Clean the car

Get out the bucket and soap, take to the sunshine and give Pa’s pride and joy a good old scrub. Just wait ‘till you see his huge smile reflecting in the squeaky clean finish!

Entertain a sports fan

Whether he’s a footie follower or loves lawn bowls, pick up some tickets or take to the outdoors for a game or two.

An afternoon stroll (plus refreshment!)

Amble up Primrose Hill to take in one of London’s prettiest views (this is what we'll be doing, picnic in arm) or if you’re keen to set out on longer toddle, try Time Out’s recommended walk from Parliament Hill to Primrose Hill that takes in plenty of refreshment stops too. Perhaps drop into the Bull and Last on Highgate Road for a quick drink or one of their legendary Ferrero Rocher ice creams to start your journey. Once on the other side of the heath, a quick stop off at The Hill to wet the whistle before ending your journey at The Queens.

Breakfast in bed

Get the kids involved and whip up Dad’s favourite fry-up then serve it in bed complete with a family-signed card, freshly-brewed tea and chocolates. And what breakfast in bed would be complete with out pancakes - whether smothered in bacon and maple syrup or sprinkled with sugar and lemon.

Here's a quick recipe for you:

4 oz Plain Flour

a pinch of salt

2 Large Eggs

9 fl oz milk

2 tablespoons melted butter (and a little extra for cooking them)

Sift flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, make a well in the centre and break the eggs into it. Start whisking the eggs into the flour, then gradually add the milk until it's well combined. When you're ready to cook the pancakes add the melted butter and stir in. Melt a small amount of butter in a frying pan over a medium heat then add enough batter cover the bottom of the pan (about 2 tablespoons) when all the bubbles on the surface have popped it's ready to flip. About a minute later it will be ready. Repeat until mixture is all used up.

Movie night

Pop-up some popcorn, download (or rent!) a few of Pa’s favourite flicks and take to the couch for some quality time together.

And of course what father's day would be complete without a gift. Here are a few ideas for you...

Kathleen Hill's Vintage Decanters are the perfect gift for a whisky lover. £82

Keep your father's papers organised with one of Rory Dobner's Precious Paperweights. £52

A great decoration for your father's wall with a limited edition print by Rory Dobner, £80

Wonder Walls

We recently stumbled upon design studio Custhom's incredible heat sensitive wallpaper, which got us thinking about how the 90's trend of whitewashing walls really has taken a back seat. Wallpaper is back in a big way, with the emphasis on statement-making designs and handcrafted details such as block printing and embroidery. It's time to give that feature wall a go.

Timmason Wallpaper by Lisa Bengtsson


Young Swedish pattern designer Lisa creates the most beautiful, unexpected wallpaper and prints.

Columbia Road Wallpaper (Mustard) by Custhom


Crafted in Custhom's Stoke Newington studio, this three-colour hand-screen print features resting lemon-hued butterflies.

Columbia Road Heat Sensitive Wallpaper by Custhom


Look closely, this print holds a secret - as the temperature rises in your abode, hidden images of butterflies and dandelions gradually appear.

Cottontail Wallpaper by Katie Deedy


Inspired by story telling and a love of pattern, illustrator and designer Katie creates her unique wallpaper under the alias Grow House Grow!

Ms Treat Wallpaper by Katie Deedy


A botanical beauty inspired by naturalists Charges Darwin and Mary Treat's work - a great way to bring the outdoors, in.

Monograms are having their moment

Add a personal touch to your kitchen, bathroom or even living room with artist Rory Dobner's story-telling tiles. There's something so charmingly Alice in Wonderland about them, and they make beautiful presents when framed.


Available in store at www.roostliving.com

Vintage Furniture, our pick of London's Best Shops

Vintage furniture never seems to go out of fashion. Its rise in popularity has, of course, meant a rise in price, but when you stumble upon a breathtaking haberdasher's cabinet from the 1920s, or 19th century gilt-finished mirror, the striking beauty of an original piece far out ways its price (don't forget, you can always try your hand at bartering too).

Through our inspiration trips and travels, we've happened upon some great shops that are a treasure trove of goodies and we just had to share them with you.

Fandango
2 Cross Street, N1



Fandango offers an edited selection of lighting, furniture and decorative items that have been sourced from all over Europe. Prices vary from £65 for a 1960's glass table lamp to above £975, the price of the original 1947 Morris Cloud Table we adore.


Elemental
67 Brushfield Street, E1


Spitalfield's market is a place we could lose many, many hours. We can't help but take a peak in Elemental every time we're at the market. This is where you'll find industrial-style lighting and haberdashery cabinets to die for.

The Peanut Vendor
133 Newington Green Road, N1



Barny and Becky, the founders of The Peanut Vendor, are obsessed with all that is old. They seek out pieces of furniture and antiques that not only nod to the past in their design, but speak to modern day interiors trends too. We love their gold-encircled mirror (and the fact that you can but it online too).

Little Paris
39 Park Road, N8

You'll find Parisian hats, 60's film posters and beautiful antique jewellery dotted here and there amongst striking pieces for the home at Little Paris. Our favourite pieces include the mini green 'La Tour Eiffel' and these adorable scales.



New Vintage
256 Battersea Park Road, Sw1

Run by a friendly lady named Julie, this tiny little shop is absolutely crammed full of original and reworked dressing tables, patchwork blankets and quirkily upholstered chairs. You'll occasionally find pretty wire birdcages too, usually in the price range of a pocket-friendly £20. Stock changes frequently (due to very affordable prices) so bear that in mind if you fall in love with an item as you'll need to buy it on the spot!

Spotted: Wire Chairs

We can’t help but notice an upsurge of chic, wire chairs. Often inspired by vintage furniture, today’s models have been reimagined in eye-popping shades, some are carefully crafted by hand and all look equally as good either in the home or outdoors. Here we share with you four of the best around.

Bend Seating’s ‘Farmhouse Chair' - $450 (approx £278)

Furniture designers Bend handcraft each Farmhouse Chair, inspired by the architecture of old Amish barns. Both comfortable and completely beautiful this one steals our vote, even if it does come in a little pricey.

Farmhouse Chair

Bertoia Wire Chair (Vintage) - £125

Simple yet striking, this beautiful grid design was created back in 1952 by Italian artist, sculptor and furniture designer Harry Bertoia for the iconic furniture specialists Knoll. Available at Fuse Vintage.

Bertoia Wire Chair

Habitat ‘Zach’ - £170

Wire design, plastic in construction Habitat’s Zach comes in classic black or white. We love the idea of mixing both colours for a modern dining table look.

Zach Chair

Charles Eames (Vintage) – price on application
Design duo Charles and Ray Eames pioneered modern chair design back in the ‘40s and ‘50s and have created some of the most innovative (and also some of the most copied) designs to date. While a real investment piece, this set of six chairs is a real masterpiece and exemplary of the cutting edge design Charles and Ray are renowned for. Available at Klassik Mobelkunst, an online furniture and art specialist.

Eames Chair

Afternoon tea, al fresco

With the sun’s rays beaming down announcing the long-awaited arrival of summer, here at Roost HQ we’re making the most of it and taking to the garden for afternoon tea and cake!

We know outdoor spaces come in all shapes and sizes too, so whether yours is a sprawling countryside paddock or a minimalist urban balcony, our refreshing ideas make for the easiest of treats that can be enjoyed almost anywhere.

Rose hip tea

For a refreshing take on tea, try swapping your usual builder’s best for a cuppa infused with summer blooms. Simply add one handful of rose hips (available from good whole food stores, or your garden!) to five to six cups of boiled water. Allow the tea to infuse, then add honey to sweeten and decant into a gently warmed teapot. Potter Linda Bloomfield’s classic shape is just the ticket! Prefer a more thirst-quenching option? Allow the brew to cool, and ease into a large jug filled with crushed ice and slices of lemon.

Homemade old-fashioned lemonade (the cheat’s guide)

Nothing says summer quite like a cooling glass of traditional homemade lemonade. However, if you’re short on time (or just desperately thirsty!) mix lime juice cordial with soda water and serve with hunks of ice and a straws for fast-track refreshment.

The sweet treat

The pièce de résistance! No afternoon tea is complete without classic English scones, fresh berry jam and clotted cream. They’re so easy to make, why not try our simple recipe to impress your guests?

Ingredients:

350g Self-raising flour, plus more for dusting

¼ Tsp salt

1 Tsp baking powder

85g Butter, cubed

3 Tbsp of caster sugar

175ml Milk

1 Tsp vanilla extract

A squeeze lemon juice

One beaten egg, to glaze

Jam and clotted cream, to serve

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and mix in the salt and baking powder. Adding the butter, rub the mixture with your fingertips until it looks like breadcrumbs, then add the sugar.

2. Warm the milk (for around 30 seconds in the microwave) then add the vanilla and lemon juice and set to one side. Put a baking sheet in to a preheated oven - 220°C (fan) 200°C (gas).

3. Make a well in the middle of the mix, add the milk and stir fairly quickly. Once you have combined all the mixture, scatter a little flour on your work surface, pop the dough onto it and add a little more flour to both this and your hands. Fold the dough over two-three times, and then pat it into a circle about 4cm deep.

4. Take a flour-dusted 5cm cutter and cut four scones, and repeat, refolding the dough as needed. Brush the tops of the scones with egg, then place them onto your preheated baking tray and bake for 10 minutes until risen and golden-topped. Place your freshly-baked scones onto a cake stand (we love the one above by London-based ceramicist Fliff) and serve with a selection of jams and lashings of clotted cream!