Modern art, bongo players, and living walls

Yesterday morning we checked out the Tate Modern, and again, I'm loving this city. No. 1, entry was free, which meant the place was crawling with art students...very cool vibe. No. 2, some of the installations/exhibitions were seriously provocative, and had me once again realizing just how prude we are as a nation. I mean, if the Brits are out-sexing us, we really need to step up our game! I was just at MoMA a few weeks ago, and didn't hear anyone say "gross" or "who decided that was art?". I'm sure different arguments can be made as to why that was, but just an observation. 

Then last night we had a fabulous dinner at the Landau at the Langham, and then hit the Maddox Club in Mayfair. Apparently an "it" spot, complete with snooty door policy and waif model types inside, but seriously fun! I'd tell you about the design, but I was somewhat distracted by napkin dancing and bongo players. (Hence, no photos from our journey.) But the manager tells me there about to change it up a bit and create a space where the chef and dj can "have a conversation". Stay tuned. 

Amazingly enough I woke up this morning (that's not the amazing part) and it wasn't raining. It was actually beautiful out, and has stayed so all day long. I had a fabulous treat when I met Miles and Stirling Johnstone, our friends from GS Magazine, and Martin Hulbert from Fox Linton Associates for lunch at the recently renovated Athenaeum Hotel. Martin took us around on a tour, and I now not only want to live in London, but want Martin to design my home...once I'm filthy rich of course. Here's a sneak peek at some of the interior details:

A bedroom in the penthouse suite, which they call the rooftop suite. It has the best view in all of London, as far as I can tell, and that's including a ride I took the other day on the London Eye. 

A desk chair and desk in a standard room. I won't even say it, I think you can see what I mean by his attention to detail. 

Custom-designed China, based on the Queen's pattern, set for tea time in the hotel's lounge. 

The vertical garden, courtesy of Patrick Blanc, filled with indigenous species. 

Then we headed over to the Dorchester spa, which Martin has also recently designed. I had already seen photos when we selected it for our upcoming spa issue, but they didn't do this space justice. And Martin's spa philosophy is something I could get used to: all about indulgence, no self-righteousness, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Check out the September issue of HD for the full story. 

Comments

[miles at GS]

thanks for this Tara, nice to see my name in someone else's site (a very rare occurrence) - I feel like Royalty!
Pleased that you enjoyed your trip. Martin's work is quite wonderful and I hope to see him featured in HD perhaps in the near future.
Thanks for kind words about rainy London.
Heatwave here, 29 degrees til Wednesday!
Take care
Miles

[air jordan 2]

Only has compared to the others early, diligently diligently, can feel the successful taste#.

[chanel j12]

I mean, if the Brits are out-sexing us, we really need to step up our game! I was just at MoMA a few weeks ago, and didn't hear anyone say "gross" or "who decided that was art?". asdfI'm sure different arguments can be made as to why that was, but just an observation.