Willow Emporium

28/01/2026

In memory of my darling friend Gill, who always brought me white roses.
Can still hear your laughter, still expect you to be at my gate any moment, still listening to what you are telling me to do.
One year and one week on, still reeling from the shock.

The greatest gift in life is a treasured friend.

One in a million, our Treasure Chops.

31/12/2025

Happy birthday dear Dad, on what would have been your 99th birthday.
Aubrey strawberry
Musician, humanitarian, ahead of his time.
Thanks for believing in me, for the memories and for always staying in touch through the ether.
I am who I am because of you.

26/10/2025

It's been 2 months since my summer holiday in Italy - feels like yesterday and also eons ago.
Tugging on the heart strings is real.

Some of my favourite 'off the beaten track' places on the Ligurian coast - the southern part of the Italian riviera.

1. A gem of a beach, popular holiday destination for Italians and largely undiscovered by outsiders.
2. Quiet lane where the stray cats are fed daily.
3. Found a villa to rent.
4. Fritto misto - mouthwatering mix of seafood and vegetable slivers in a lighter than air, crispy batter.
5. Strolling
6. Tea towel at the market. Both buildings I've stayed in are in the photo.
7. Stone church surrounded by cicada filled pine trees, adjacent to the old castello.
8 to 12. Antiques market, including a Willow pattern tureen that haunted me the whole day. Walked away knowing it would be too difficult to transport home... but when it was still there after I returned from a train trip up the coast, of course it came home with me 😂.
13. Even the drain covers are exquisite.
14 & 15. Castle in the sea.
16. Farewell dinner on my favourite beach. People sitting on the waters edge played cards until light stopped play. Love how Italians of all ages make full use of the beaches.

24/09/2025

24/09/2025

Amarylis rivaling Jack's Beanstalk, and other obsessions 🤍🤍
White flowers and Willow pattern china always bring me joy.
Antique tureen on top of the cabinet called my name recently in my favourite little town on the Ligurian coast.
White orchids seem very happy here - some even blooming and in bud for the second time - see last 2 photos.
Tip from a stranger in a shop - water orchids with banana peel water - looks like it's working.

19/08/2025

Previous visits to Pisa have left me with a rather negative impression - 'roadside ladies' plying their trade and urine stenched antiques market, not to mention the hordes taking selfies with the monument to subsidence.
Feeling rather ashamed of my disrespect, I recently took a little extra time to explore this ancient city and get a different perspective.
1. From behind the Duomo, the angle is even more obvious.
2 & 3. View from the ancient city wall. Had this perspective all to myself, high above the crowds.
4. Piazza dei Cavalieri
5. Palazzo delle conchiglie (Shell Palace) in the orto botanico.
6 & 7. Inside the incredible Palazzo Blu.
8. Santa Maria della Spina 13th century Church.
9. Cafe Settimelli - in the building in which Galileo Galilei was born - in Borgo Stretto.
10. Without actually trespassing, I often peek into open doorways. The rewards are plentyful.

28/05/2025

Springtime in Tuscany - who would like to join me in Spring 2026?
Visit my favourite places, away from the crowds.
Do you love history, architecture, antiques markets, exploring off the beaten track?
Hand picked accommodation, eat where the locals eat, experience authentic Italy.
Very small group.
Interested to know more?
Send me a pvt message.
Andiamo - let's go to Italy.

12/12/2024

Found chandelier crystals at an antiques market in Italy and knew they were going to be my Christmas decorations this year (and probably forever).
Thanks to my darling friend Gill for finding the perfect twig to be a mini tree.
It's going to be a sparkly Christmas.

09/07/2024

What do you do for fun on a rainy day?
I love doing the dishes - but only when they're antique Willow pattern platters.
There are more, but they don't fit on the table.
Somewhat obsessed 💙💙

04/07/2024

Come with me to Italy in October.
Love antiques, art, history, architecture and needing some 'la dolce vita'?
Send me a pvt message and let's chat about escaping to Tuscany, avoiding the crowds and seeing my favourite hidden gems.
Bring a friend (or two, max) on our teeny tiny mini tour, tailored for you.

21/04/2024

Morning stroll through roads barely wide enough for a horse and carriage.
Wisteria filling the air with its heady fragrance.
Springtime in Italy, before the summer crowds. Sublime.
Last photo is of the entrance to our rented apartment building.