LEEDS CASTLE ACQUIRES HISTORIC PIECE FROM LADY BAILLIE’S ‘LOST’ COLLECTION The exquisite secretaire à abattant (writing desk), sold off following Lady Baillie’s death in 1974, has been acquired by Leeds Castle Foundation thanks to generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the dedicated efforts of the Castle’s curatorial team. Designed by the esteemed 20th century designer, Stéphane Boudin, and intricately painted in trompe l’oeil (from French meaning ‘to deceive the eye’) by Roger Natter, the secrétaire will be re-united with two existing Boudin commodes already in situ within the castle. Its acquisition into the Leeds Castle collection is the first time that an object has been returned to Lady Baillie’s original collection. Boudin, whose expertise earned him the sobriquet the ‘decorator’s decorator’, partnered with Lady Baillie from 1935 until his death in 1967, to create many of the interiors within the castle; including the Blue Bedroom, the Library, and the Dining Room. Boudin’s global renown also earned him commissions with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and he later worked closely with Jacqueline Kennedy to redecorate several rooms within the White House, including the Red Room. Leeds Castle extends its heartfelt gratitude to the players of The National Lottery and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their unwavering support, belief in the Castle’s mission, and their commitment to preserving and enhancing our shared cultural heritage. https://leeds-castle.com EMPOWERING BRIDES TO EMBRACE THEIR OWN BRIDAL STYLE Vicki’s Boutique celebrated its 4th anniversary this April and are ready to reintroduce themselves to customers and suppliers. The boutique is run by two sisters, Hannah and Megan, who named the boutique after their grandma, Vicki. Vicki was a wedding designer and maker in the ‘50s, and her very own wedding dress, made from curtains, hangs proudly in the boutique. Hannah and Megan’s goal is to bring personal flair and something new to the bridal industry. Four years ago, they set out to create a boutique that they would want to experience as customers. They aimed to create a unique space that not only provided a beautiful environment but also housed a collection of dresses that brides had never seen before. Their research quickly revealed the underappreciation of British Bridal’s homegrown talent. Some of the most iconic bridal gowns have been handcrafted in this country! Exquisite British gowns have shaped history, and they think there is something so beautiful about brides being a part of the British bridal story. To find out more or to book an appointment, please visit vickisbride.co.uk THE ULTIMATE BITE-SIZED GUIDE TO WEDDING PLANNING Wedding planning just got easier with the launch of The Wedding Lounge, a new podcast designed to provide engaged couples with expert advice in easily digestible, 20-minute episodes. Hosted by UK wedding planners Natasha Hildyard (founder of Natasha Spencer Weddings and Events) and Evie West (founder of The Country Blush), this podcast is set to become an essential tool for brides, grooms, and anyone involved in planning a wedding. With busy couples in mind, The Wedding Lounge takes the stress out of wedding admin by delivering practical, no-nonsense advice in short engaging discussions. Covering everything from budgets and wedding etiquette to wetweather plans and marquee logistics, each episode packed with insights from two UK-based wedding planners. The podcast will also feature expert interviews, with upcoming guests including County Marquees, Wildbox Bars and Juniper & Co. New episodes are released every Tuesday morning; The Wedding Lounge is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Player FM, Deezer, Boomplay, and more. Instagram: @theweddingloungepodcast NEWS Nearlywed Catch up on news in your local area LOCAL NEWS 9
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