HOME GROWN:
On the trail of the famous white rabbit e BRIGHT IDEAS: with Claire Hornby
IN celebration of the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, there is a White Rabbit Art Trail in and around Ripon during the Easter holidays. The event is the brainchild of Gaynor Gray of Gray Finch, a quirky emporium on Kirkgate, which stocks several Alice-inspired pieces among its collection of gifts, art, homeware and taxidermy.
Gaynor says: “I love Knaresborough’s trompe-l’oeil trail at its annual festival and wanted Ripon to have something that would attract visitors. I came up with the idea of asking local artists and craftspeople to produce their own white rabbit, and for the trail to be in venues around the city to encourage people to explore.”
There are 27 artists taking part in the White Rabbit Art Trail. They work in a wide variety of media, including paint, sculpture, textiles and paper cutting. Trail maps are available from Gray Finch, Ripon Library and the Tourist Information Centre.
The event begins today and ends on Sunday, April 12. Gray Finch is at 13 Kirkgate and the white rabbit, pictured, is by textile artist Corinne Young, www. corinneyoungtextiles.co.uk THIS season, the Highlands are in all our hearts are we tuck up in tweed, check out checks and delight in the textures of distressed wood and simple, gorgeous natural colours.
This look turns for inspiration to smooth, seawashed pebbles and driftwood, and to rough-spun fabrics with a wealth of history woven into every swatch.
You can make a Highland Escape successfully in the bedroom thanks to its beautifully pale palette of oatmeals, calico whites and bleached whites – it’s restful on the eye whatever the size of the space and creates a calming atmosphere.
Furnishing is the place to start, and needs to have clean, simple lines. I’ve chosen the Aurora bedframe and matching wardrobe and chests of drawers for the bedroom. Its Shaker looks tick all the boxes for country style. Pale woods are one of the themes that run throughout; bleached floorboards and even wall panelling provide a wonderful neutral backdrop to key pieces such as the blanket chest – this has an on-trend recycled feel with its white-painted wood, and would make a talking point out of a forgotten corner.
Woods, wicker and basketwork keep the natural theme alive, while pots of white flowers displayed in terracotta and rough-glazed white pots add a pretty touch without being precious. Finish the look with found objects – smooth stones, shells, driftwood – to add the most personal of touches. This adaptable look has bags of style and yet remains comfortable, unpretentious and durable. No the wonder we’re keen to have a Highland fling at home this Spring.
Claire Hornby is creative stylist at Barker and Stonehouse. For more design ideas visit www.barkerand stonehouse.co.uk