Culture, expanse or desolation
From architects to explorers, experts reveal their most beautiful places on earth and why
because I went there when I was young, but I’ve been impressed ever since.
I like that flat landscape, it has a wonderful light. It’s constantly changing; the skies above it as well. Somehow, the atmosphere has a special magic. A lot of the things I draw are people talking to each other, gesturing, running about.
I put the scenery in as I need it and I suppose a vast landscape like that in Kent is quite the same – you don’t have to put the scenery in unless you need it. Everything within it becomes much more important. If everything is flat and you see only a tree, the tree becomes very important to the landscape. It’s endlessly fascinating to me.
Quentin Blake is an illustrator. See Quentin Blake: Inside Stories at London’s new House of Illustration
ROBIN HUTSON
A year ago, I took on a month-long motorbike expedition across southern Africa – biking through My grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, created the world’s first ocean floor habitat for humans. Because of this, I’d always been curious about living underwater. I found out about Aquarius Reef Base in the Florida Keys – the world’s only underwater laboratory – and recently led an expedition there.
I lived inside this tube for 31 days, one day longer than my grandfather’s team, in homage to those who came before us.
The Florida Keys has the largest subtropical reef system in North America: an underwater city, home to countless species. Living at this frontier, I saw a fireworks-like display of life – the majesty of County Cork is a green and magic place, and Ballyvolane is one of Ireland’s oldest houses. Built in about 1728, it is wonderfully grand the pillared hall is something quit special. The interior is perfect for unwinding, settling down to play cards or reading a book. It’s a plac to find serenity and the gardens ar very peaceful – in spring, the bluebells are spectacular.
Orla Kiely is a fashion designe
FLORENCE KNIGHT
Ostuni is a beautiful town that sits astride three hills overlooking the