Highly Decorated

I’ve been spending a lot of time (and a bit of money!) getting my house in order over the last few months. Literally and metaphorically!

Last autumn I had a new kitchen and bathroom fitted, and over the last couple of months I’ve had most of the rest of the house redecorated and spruced up. All of this has necessitated spending weeks away from home but I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been put up (and put up with!) by some incredible human beings (they know who they are), without whom I may well have crumbled.

I’ve also struck very lucky with my decorators. Philippa and Steve are real craftspeople who put passion into everything they do. Philippa is a very talented antique restorer, upholsterer and decorator with a wealth of experience in the business. Steve has worked for English Heritage, the National Trust, The V&A, The British Museum, the BBC and various other TV and film companies. He’s also led restoration projects in stately homes and churches - so I’m very grateful that he and Philippa are now living near me and agreed to take my extremely humble abode on as a project! They’re a lovely couple and full of interesting stories and anecdotes.

Today’s tune is absolutely no reflection on their skills! It’s Billy Bragg’s ‘Handyman Blues’ https://youtu.be/2YmHtISRcz0?si=kafzYKFmKIAreQ-p the video for which, for the benefit of overseas readers, features a selection of male British comedians/actors alongside Billy himself. How many can you name?!

I will say that comedian and potter Johnny Vegas (whom I once saw throwing pots live on stage, fact fans) is given the line “I’m not any good at pottery”. Harsh.

I’m due to move back home next week and I’m looking forward to getting all my stuff out from under the dust sheets and doing some serious nesting.

Thanks for everything Steve and Philippa!