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Rock Solid

Jimmie Durham Venice: Objects, Work and Tourism

Born in 1940 in the US, Jimmie Durham is an artist, essayist and poet. His works often, but not exclusively, challenge the idea of architecture, monumental works and narration of national identities by deconstructing those stereotypes and prejudices on which the Western culture is based.

The installation at the Spazio Carlo Scarpa will feature new objects formed from unexpected combinations: broken glass collected over the years alongside brightly coloured paint, 300 year-old Venetian bricks posed against elements from the tourist industry and everyday commerce of Venice. The exhibition will be accompanied by an artist book conceived as integral part of a single project. In this book, Durham has compiled writings and images – of objects he has assembled, as well as images of people and scenes of Venice – also his analysis of the underlying connections between the tourism industries, the stories of local workers and Venice’s history.

Diamonds are Forever

Beverly Hills’ jeweller Martin Katz is renowned for his exquisite taste and expert eye for transforming precious and semi-precious stones into dramatic, couture quality works of art. This skill has made his name synonymous with red carpet glamour and given him an A-list celebrity following. The superb platinum ring pictured here features a central oval diamond with a pear-shaped diamond on either side, microset with diamonds.

£714,000 / €990,000 / $1.094m 

On Reflection

The founders of Decorative Mirrors Online, Mark and Sarah Arrowsmith, are passionate about mirrors and the transformation that they can bring to a house. When searching for mirrors for their own home, they struggled to find high street stores that had enough choice of sizes and styles. Turning to on-line sellers, they found it difficult to imagine the mirrors in their own home because the images were so poor. As a result of their personal experience, they set out to make buying beautiful mirrors such as this Contemporary Sun Mirror as straightforward as possible. Finished in silver with bamboo flutes to give it a natural feel, the mirror is certain to make a statement in any room.

£659 / €937 / $1,028

The Draycott Hotel

This beautiful, lovingly restored red-brick Edwardian hotel is the epitome of classic elegance. It is located just around the corner from Chelsea’s fashionable Sloane Square and the beautiful borough of Kensington, making it the perfect location to explore everything London has to offer.

The Draycott Hotel provides highly luxurious accommodation that is traditionally elegant and quintessentially British within a peaceful city retreat. There is a choice of 35 tasteful and individually decorated boutique suites and rooms. Steeped in Edwardian splendour, each room is theatrically themed and adorned with Victorian antiques. Most of the suite rooms have their own cosy working fireplace and many offer a view of the tranquil private Cadogan Garden to which guests have exclusive access.

Personal touches such as complimentary tea and homemade biscuits at 4pm, champagne at 6pm, hot chocolate and biscuits at 9:30pm and an honesty bar in the hotel lounge add to The Draycott’s charm. With staff on hand to satisfy each guest’s every whim, the hotel aim is to become an indulgent and luxurious home away from home. 

Horological Machine No.6 ‘Space Pirate’ was one of only 81 products to obtain the highest-ranking ‘Best of the Best’ award among some 5,000 submissions at the famous Red Dot gala international design competition in Germany. This award coincides perfectly with the introduction of a new limited edition of Space Pirates: HM6 RT. Only 18 pieces in 18k red gold will be produced and these follow the first 50 pieces in titanium last year.

Inside the case and visible through no less than 10 sapphire crystals, lies the radical 475-component HM6 engine. Displaying time via revolving hour and minute spheres, it also features dual turbine regulators which act as shock absorbers for the automatic winding rotor, as well as a 60-second flying tourbillon – protected when necessary by a titanium ‘hyperspace shield’.

£149,520 / €211,100 / $233,265 + tax

BMW launches new 6 Series

More of a winning formula? BMW has opted for only mild styling revisions to its latest BMW 6 Series models. The interiors take on a more sportingly luxurious ambience thanks to new trim materials, centre console surfaces and lighting, and there is a more extensive range of standard and personalisation features.

The BMW ConnectedDrive navigation and infotainment package is fitted to every model, while concierge services accessed through an embedded SIM card allow drivers to set up a bespoke supply of information and connected-car services. All petrol models now have a sports exhaust system with a switchable valve which adds a more intense timbre to the engine soundtrack. Meanwhile, aerodynamic improvements along with the extensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies mean the six-cylinder models – petrol and diesel – are more fuel-efficient than before.

Dynamic Damper Control, Active Drive and Integral Active Steering, owners maximise personalisation of the driving experience, while the latest BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control help to minimise distractions and supplement the driver’s reactions to enhance safety.

The new 6 Series range is available in three model options; Coupé, Convertible, or the striking looking four-door Gran Coupé . Global sales of the previous model topped almost 80,000, with the Gran Coupe claiming almost half of those sales.All three body styles are available with a choice of TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder and V8 engines featuring the full gamut of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to save fuel and reduce emissions.

Prices range from £62,295 for the 640d Coupe to £97,300 for the M6 Convertible

Raising the Bar

Exquisitely crafted in walnut with scorched oak and brass detailing, the Orbis bar embodies innovation and precision craftsmanship at its best. Created by a small creative furniture workshop founded by designer maker Edward Johnson, Orbis is, to date, the most complex piece of furniture the team has ever made.

The top of the cabinet opens with the lightest of touch to reveal a luxurious bar with everything needed to mix favourite tipples. The central serving area is made using durable end grain walnut and has a beautiful ripple carved into the corner to hold lemons, limes, bar snacks or accessories. Around the serving area the bar has been engineered to store spirits along with a selection of glasses. The two doors on the front open effortlessly to reveal layers of curved shelves where vintage champagne and fine wines can be stored.

£36,000 / €51,210 / $56,215