Posts by Manorial Counsel Editorial
The history of electric cars goes back a long way
There is, understandably, a lot of chatter going on now about electric cars. The COP26 summit is highlighting the importance of some major shifts in habits, and how we travel day-to-day is one. But although it seems like the focus on electric cars has reared up suddenly, that’s not actually the case. Did you know…
Read MoreTerence Conran; chic homes and stylish food
Did you ever pop into Habitat after moving house? For those who did, it was a fun and empowering experience; one that gave you hope you could present a modicum of style to house-warming visitors, even though you were on a tight budget. The world of chic interiors suddenly seemed to open up when Habitat…
Read MoreBoodles – A Truly British Gem
If there’s one thing that makes the wealthy and elite stand out it’s beautiful jewellery. The craftsmanship that exudes amidst the sparkles catches the discerning eye, whilst the story behind the design sets for great after-dinner stories. In the UK, one provider of such jewellery is Boodles; a true gem of a family business. The…
Read MoreHighclere Castle – Downton Abbey and before
Ever watched Downton Abbey? It’s a wonderfully intense drama rich with history, period costumes, and stunning settings. Many of the location scenes are shot in Berkshire, with Highclere Castle being the centrepiece. Why, even Tatler has nicknamed the current home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon ‘Downtonia’. Highclere has been in the Carnarvon family for over…
Read MoreBond Street; the home of British elegance
Bond Street. A street name that oozes luxury. A prestigious piece of London that stretches between Oxford Street and Piccadilly, which hosts extremely expensive residences and, of course, gorgeously chic shops. Fashion houses, auctioneers, jewellers, and art dealers all enjoy an immense sense of satisfaction when they have an address on Bond Street. But how…
Read MoreFlying First Class
It’s glitzy. It’s glam. And it’s way up there in the prestige stakes. With hopping on a plane now something everyone can do, notwithstanding the current pandemic, just how have the airlines kept something back that’s a bit special? We thought we’d investigate. In the beginning The first commercial airline actually began in January 1914.…
Read MoreThe Royal Yacht Britannia… the end of a royal line?
The Royal Yacht Britannia; such an iconic symbol. The Queen even shed a tear publicly when the vessel was retired in 1997. In some ways, therefore, it’s no surprise that the recent sad passing of Prince Phillip has prompted discussions for a new royal yacht. He was the Duke of Edinburgh; and she now sits…
Read MoreA store should be like a song of which one never tires – Harry Gordon Selfridge
The title is a quote from a man whose vision, innovation, and creativity has delighted worldly and wealthy shoppers for generations. Harry Gordon Selfridge arrived in the UK from Chicago, noted its failings on the shopping front, and spotted an opportunity. And being the man of vision and means that he was, he set to…
Read MoreMalcolm Campbell – Man meets machine for the MPH battle
Malcolm Campbell was a determined man, no two ways about it. He demanded much of himself, his machines, and his mechanics. On Wikipedia he’s described as a British racing motorist and a motoring journalist, but in reality he was a lot more than that. And through his ever evolving iterations of Blue Bird (the vehi…
Read MoreCecil Beaton: A photographer with an eye for character
Cecil Beaton stamped his sardonic personality across society’s magazine pages for decades. But it was how he spread his innovative style across a breadth of subject matter that proved he was more than ‘just’ an iconic fashion photographer. Born in Hampstead, in January, 1904, Beaton’s childhood was suffused with middle-classdom and he was encouraged to…
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