Local Business Showcase - W.W. Warner Antiques

This month, my showcase features W.W. Warner Antiques, a wonderful and beautifully rare local porcelain, pottery and glass dealer. 

Meissen Bottger Teapot

I am proud to say that I have been working with W.W. Warner Antiques, photographing their beautiful porcelain pottery and glass since 2010. 

Bow Fortune Teller

W.W. Warner Antiques are located in the small Kent village of Brasted, just a short train-ride from London, and have been dealing in porcelain, pottery and glass for over 50 years.

The majority of their stock consists of ceramics from the 16th to 19th centuries, with particular emphasis on 18th and 19th century British porcelain, including the Chelsea, Derby and Worcester factories. They also have a substantial collection of Continental porcelain including pieces of Meissen and Sevres.

W.W. Warner Antiques’ Managing Partner is Chris Jowitt, who has been involved with the business for over 20 years and prides himself on providing an excellent service to his clients. Chris regularly advises and sells to renowned museums, and is happy to provide a restoration service and valuations.

Tournai Madonna and Christ Child

Coming next…..

In our March newsletter we will be ‘In Conversation’ with Chris Jowitt to learn more about his work.

Chris worked with Cometa Warner, wife of the original founder, Walter Warner, who ran a successful shop in London, before retiring to Kent. Cometa handed over the business fully to Chris in 2000 and since then he has managed and built the Warner brand. Chris will give us his unique perspective on this unique business and industry.

Stella

New for 2018! Stella Books: Family

I am proud to launch a new range of the original ‘Stella Books’, focused on capturing family life. 

My ‘Stella Books’ Collections started in 2012 when I was commissioned to photograph collectors prized-possessions around the world which included cars, motorcycles and houses.  A selection of my original books are featured on www.stellascordellis.com.

All too often, family photos today live on our computers and phones. Time goes so fast, and we quickly build up treasured and personal images that live virtually and are rarely enjoyed. This is why, I have expanded my range of 'Stella Books' to capture family life. My new offer gives families the opportunity to portray daily life and special occasions over time and in different settings. 

The book can be compiled either on a one-off shoot, or I could work with a family through the seasons. It is a perfect surprise for a big birthday, or wedding anniversary and I believe it is a truly priceless offer.

Stella Books: Family is presented on the highest quality Mohawk Superfine paper and leather bound with the option to emboss or monogram.

Stella

Gifts to Warm the Heart

Look no further for original Christmas gifts for loved ones:

There is still time to gather the family for your studio or woodland photo-shoot to give treasured photographs to loved ones, alternatively, we have a number of joyous gift ideas for you to appreciate together.

Enjoy a family photo-shoot to mark a celebration or landmark birthday in 2018, presented in five different 10" x 8" finished photographs in a unique luxury 'Memory Box' - a gift for someone special for all the family to experience in the New Year, either at our studio, your home & garden or a nearby woodland.

A personal 'Memory Box' to keep your memories safe for generations to come.

Don't forget to include man's best friend for their own exclusive photo-shoot or to join yours.

Each gift box contains a voucher for a photo-shoot to enjoy in 2018 - beautifully presented in a silver plated frame (tarnish resistant so no cleaning!) for the carefully crafted photograph from the recipients photo-shoot to be displayed in.

Follow this link to the 'Christmas Special Offers' page on our website to see the selection of exclusive gifts to choose from.

Simply come into the studio or call us on 01883 722282 to pay and collect.

With love

Stella x

Christmas Special Offers

With Christmas just a few weeks away we have a selection of luxury SMS Creative Photography - Gift Box - Special Offers, for you to treat your loved ones.

Each gift box contains a voucher for a photo-shoot to enjoy in 2018 - beautifully presented in a silver plated frame (tarnish resistant so no cleaning!) for the carefully crafted photograph from their photo-shoot to be displayed in.

This link to the 'Christmas Special Offers' page on our website shows you the selection of exclusive gifts to choose from.

Simply come into the studio or call us on 01883 722282 to pay and collect.

With love
Stella x

London Classic Car Show 2016

I was delighted to have been given the opportunity to photograph the Preview Evening of The London Classic Car Show on Thursday 18th February, having photographed the first show last year I was keen to see what was in store for 2016.

Guests included Jenson Button, Gordon Murray, Ari Vatanen, Bruno Senna, Jodie Kidd, Tom Ford, Jonny Smith and the evening was hosted by Suzi Perry.

One of the show’s main events was the Classic Six Nations Cup in which teams of ten iconic classic cars from the six leading car-producing nations vied for votes from visitors.

And when all the votes had been counted, the UK team – which included such varied machines at the original Mini, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Le Mans Bentley, McLaren F1 supercar, Aston Martin DB5, Land Rover and Graham Hill’s 1968 title winning Lotus 49 Grand Prix car – narrowly beat an Italian team full of Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis. 

Below are my highlights of The London Classic Car Show 2016 Preview Evening.

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One World Champion, made an impressive entrance driving a McLaren F1 – the supercar was celebrated at the show in a special display curated by its designer Gordon Murray.

Suzi Perry, Jensen Button and Jodie Kidd with the McLaren F1.

Classic car dealers crammed the halls with impressive displays of rare and valuable classic cars, many with six figure price tags. By the end of the show they delightedly reported sales of many millions of pounds.

A quote from the Event Director Bas Bungish:-
“If we were delighted by how the first London Classic Car Show was received in 2015, we were blown away by the response to the 2016 edition. From the moment the show opened right until the final curtain each day, the halls were buzzing with visitors. They loved the special displays and really got involved with the show: more than 9,000 for example, voted in the Classic Six Nations Cup.

“And the really good news is that we are already starting work to make the 2017 London Classic Car Show even better. Make a note in your diaries now: 23-26 February 2017,” said Bungish.

That's a date in my diary I don't want to miss!

Thanks for reading, I'll be back once a month with updates.

Stella

Where it all began

My journey with photography began back in the 70s, I had a fascination for being able to preserve a moment forever.

The recent photograph above with my first camera and light meter.

The picture below shows a photograph I took as I embarked on my apprenticeship 40 years ago, I came across this whilst I was having a sort out over Christmas, it immediately took me back to the day I pressed the shutter.

It was the first picture I took for my college course work, I processed the 35mm film and printed the picture too, it was the beginning of my colourful journey, as I celebrate my 19th year, today 10th February, since I opened my studio SMS Creative Photography.

Picture Library Of course photography goes much, much further back, to the 19th century. The Getty Archives in London house a vast collection of images from the beginning to present day.

The glass negatives below must be at least 100 years old. I enjoyed an educational tour of the archives given by Vice President Matthew Butson, about the millions of images available that cover almost every event photographed in history and much, much more!

Matthew Butson, Vice President, of the Getty Hulton Archive.

Rarely seen album of photographs of the Queen at home with her sister Princess Margaret. Thanks for reading I'll be back next month with more news.

Bye for now.

Stella