HB Edit - Edition 9
Sharing the things on my ebay watch list that I don't have the space or money for, but wish I did.
You are in for a treat this week. There are multiple (yes, multiple!) things that I was planning on gate-keeping on this edition of HB Edit, but in the spirit of total transparency, I’m sharing them instead. I’ve said it before: run, don’t walk.
Strictly speaking, these are plant stands. But, who’s to say they couldn’t be an incredibly stylish pair of martini tables? They’re quite low, but the perfect height to reach across from an armchair and pop your drink down, without having to exert too much effort. Divine.
I love slipware; plates, jugs, trays or dishes, it rarely disappoints. And this is no exception. This dish is the perfect place to put detritus from a jacket pocket, maybe old cinema tickets or those little pouches of extra buttons you get with new clothes. Or for a more practical purpose, to keep sunglasses, a watch or AirPods (rather than scatter these around a room). This is a piece most boys lack… let’s change that.
Many have asked for sets of chairs, and many have been disappointed when I only produce sets of 6. Behold, a set of 8 (and a total bargain). Yes, they need recovering (nothing a staple gun couldn’t sort), but they’re a classic style and could be incredibly smart.
Truth be told, I very nearly did not share this. I am still torn as I write this, because ultimately I want this in my own home. My interest has been piqued in day beds for a little while (maybe a future feature?), and none more than this. I like how architectural the shape is, which feels like a more masculine take on a chaise, and the oak feet are so pleasing. I don’t dislike the current fabric, but wish the previous owner hadn’t run out of steam and left the back and side blank. And the extendable end? Simply no notes.
We’ve all seen the TikToks: if you only use the big light, you’re a psychopath. Lamps are always on my list (we used to call a corner of my flat the ‘lamp graveyard’ because I had a glut of them), and I like the geometry of this design, and the use of leather. I think it would look smart with a hessian shade, or would that be too bachelor?
Storage can be in short supply, especially in bathrooms. Pieces like this are genuinely a game-changer. While you do have to be comfortable having your products on display (hide the hair-loss pills, Hugo), it at least stops you hoarding old bottles of suncream or whatever else lurks in cupboards under sinks. A classic shape, and could easily be painted. And cheap!
I’m just going to pre-empt the eye rolls by reminding you, dear reader, that this is in fact a wish list. And I am well aware of my many delusions - grandeur chiefly among them - but how can you not see the appeal of this capital?! The fact it is plaster and not stone feels somehow camp (?), and if anything that adds to its charm rather than detracts from it. Big yes.
This has been on my list for a little while. It’s interesting without being a statement piece, and would look so smart in any bedroom or sitting room. While not the cheapest, I think it would have high impact, so worth the investment.
Feature: for each edition, I will feature a person, object, room or place that inspires me.
This week I am writing about Salvador Dalí’s house in Cadaqués, Spain.
When looking for a summer holiday destination, I have a few non-negotiables. Firstly, the sea; the beautiful, cruel mistress that is the ocean is an absolute necessity for me in the heady months of July and August. Secondly, properly good food; it’s why Greece so often makes its way back to the top of the list with the likes of spanikopita, tzatziki, Greek salad and, of course, gyros. And thirdly, culture; call me middle-aged, but I am particularly partial to a church, historic site or museum when on holiday. It just makes it.
Cadaqués, in North-East Spain, came highly recommended and ticked all three boxes. We - myself and childhood besties Posie and Rufus - went hard on the beach-front, packing parasols, deck chairs and a coolbox with sandwiches, beers and gazpacho every day. The sea was crystal clear, and refreshingly temperate compared to the Greek sea, which can sometimes feel like a bath. We ate in the perfect mix of small, local restaurants and the odd smart supper. And the culture was spot on.
Not only is Cadaqués an attractive port town, with winding cobbled streets and an old church, it is also just along the coast from Portlligat and Salvador Dalí’s house. As many of you will know from HB Edit - Edition 2, a house museum is the pinnacle of culture for me, so it really sealed the deal. And my goodness it was perfection.
Dalí’s house in Portlligat was originally three separate fisherman’s huts, and Dalí and his wife, Gala, bought them up from as early as 1930 and expanded over time. They also bought the olive groves to the rear of the house, creating quite the empire. Dalí claimed it was the most easterly house in Spain, and therefore he was the first to see the sunrise every day. The house was his only place of residence, where he lived and worked, until Gala’s death in 1982.
It will probably not surprise you to learn that I am no surrealist. I am more of a realist, ordered and exacting, most definitely to my detriment. It was a bit surprising, therefore, how much I loved Dalí’s house, but love it I did.
I was mesmerised by the mix of surrealist details with the traditional Spanish elements; the white-washed walls and tiled floors. If anything, it was the perfect backdrop, allowing the fringed lemon yellow banquette to stand out, or the red and blue canopy over Salvador and Gala’s separate, double beds to sing. Everywhere you looked there was a Dalí-ism; dried flowers, convex mirrors, glass objets and candles (lots of candles).
In many ways, it felt like Dalí had got up and left the room a mere moment ago, rather than in 1984. Piles of trinkets, pairs of cloggs and pots of paintbrushes remained just as he left them. It’s the beauty of a house-museum, and this certainly is up there with one of the best I’ve visited.
And that one cultural excursion was sufficient! I had had my fill, and could return to the beach satisfied, to focus on the real objective of the holiday: the tan.
More anon!
Instagram: @hugobeazley
Postal address: 97 Regency Street, London, SW1P 4AL
Love love loveeee Hugo!