Presenting Bugsy Malone

Oh what fun things London offers the nostalgia seekers. Like Future Cinema, this super fantastic-full-of-awesome production group that brings old movies to life in a theatrical setting. Me and Mr Handsome (looking good in the suit and tie) happened to come across free tickets to the show (thanks again IgersLondon), the old movie that was the theme of the evening: Bugsy Malone. Spotting 1920's dressed couples on the tubes was a treat to see, carrying a single flower and an old book (to be let into the theatre). Thick New York accents and street spies, gangster chase scenes and art deco details, spotlights and splurge fights, this really was too much of fun. On for exactly 3 more days at the breathtaking Troxy cinema. Go go go!

Rotherhithe Picture Library

Avoiding the mainstream, London's quirky, quiet crevices have good elements of surprise to them, perfect for photographs. The latest, as I wander around South London, is this library owned by Sands Films Studio. Not just any library. It's a giant visual reference mecca, giant scrapbooks filled with old photographs, patterns, adverts and costumes from every era you can think of. A visual junkie's version of bliss. What makes it even more magical is that this is where costumes, sets and props are made too. I was lucky to get a tour of the building, rooms filled with costumes from Pride and Prejudice, The Young Victoria and A Passage to India, hand-painted book props, rows of bonnets and button drawers, smiling seamstresses, ship-timber ceilings, a paper paradise. They even have a tiny cinema filled with comfie couches for their tuesday film club. I mean really. What could be lovelier.

One year on

Gazing Maven is one year today. And so. so. much. has happened since then. This little blog has been my visual diary for a year of my travels, and to mark the occasion, I have decided to showcase a new item on it. Since my move to London, I have already come into contact with so many inspiring creative minds, that I want to share each and every one of their visions. So, to mark this creative collective of not only my own thoughts but others  too, I can think of no better way to highlight this new colourful birth, than with photos of my afternoon with Zoe Thomas, a textile designer/ creative practitioner/ educator / and everything else of vibrance. Her home, a mirrored collection, a childhood haven, a splash of balloons and chalk reminders, fun spice racks, with kisses of colour. Her fabrics, as her life, are full of flowers, festivity and humour. In the grey of London, it was good to see colour again. It's hard not to want to create after afternoons like this.