Duff & Phelps

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Working Capital – where do I go for it now?

Despite Government initiatives such as Project Merlin - an agreement between the Government and the UK's four biggest banks - the current economic climate remains gloomy for SMEs, especially with the threat of the UK facing a double-dip recession – whatever the economists says – there is still a possibility of this happening!

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Faire Tales

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Karen Williams, founder of FAERIE-TALES recently received 1st Prize in the 3D Art Section of The 2012 All Media Open Art Competition, which is run by the Long Eaton All Media Art Club, an organisation that supports the Rainbows Children's Hospice and Educare Charity. 

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Caricatures by Chris Ryder

Chris has been working as a caricature artist for 10 years at venues throughout the UK and has steadily gained more and more popularity. Chris is a delightful lady who you will find a pleasure to work with whether it is at your function or working with her on your own project. She is based in the Midlands which makes her ideally placed for many locations for On Site work. Chris regularly works in Birmingham, Manchester, Solihull, Worcester, Shropshire, Stafford and London. She will travel to any location within the country.

If you wish to use Chris at a function you will undoubtedly find her charming. Not only is she skilful in her artistry but she is a very pleasant and socialable lady. Her caricatures are generally kind as you will see in the gallery which usually means that everyone is very pleased with the results. Check out her testimonial page to see the satisfaction of her clients. Chris is available for a variety of location work such as weddings, parties, special events, charity functions, corporate events, balls and dinners.

Chris appears regularly at the National Cartoon Festival in Shrewsbury.

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RD FINE ART
Timeless meaning in a Contemporary Image…..

Based in the south of England, RD FINE ART supplies original paintings and limited edition prints, created by one of the country’s leading artists Ronnie Ireland.

In a recent interview Ronnie described his inspiration to become an artist:  “I was born and raised in Glasgow. Due to long periods of illness during childhood, I found myself retreating into my own imaginative world, through my love of drawing. As I grew up, it became clear that drawing and painting were my passion Finally, a long held ambition was realised when I graduated in Drawing and Painting from Glasgow School of Art.”

Following Art School Ronnie felt he needed a wider context for his work and somehow managed to find time, in between teaching art, to embark on an Open University course specialising in 20th century arts; with the study of Music, History and Poetry giving a much wider range of reference to his work.

Ronnie’s work is to be found in collections around the world:  “My approach is in many ways traditional, following the methods of the great masters of figure painting At the same time I have always been fascinated by the way the camera captures people in both still and moving images. In my work, I try to combine these two potent sources of inspiration to make intriguing images.”

Having given solo and group shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Harrogate and Brighton, Ronnie has delivered many successful commissions producing Allegories, Portraits or Figure Studies for private as well as corporate clients: “Whether highlighting a corporate message in the Board Room, or realising a treasured theme for an individual, I will be delighted to create a unique artwork specifically for you.

TO ARRANGE AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS PLEASE CONTACT:  RONNIE IRELAND, RD FINE ART TEL: 07836 763 386 EMAIL: ronnieireland2@gmail.com  ALTERNATIVELY, VISIT WEBSITE: www.rd-fineart.com
 

WICKED WILLOW

Established in 1995, Wicked Willow grow their own willow to produce special and unique items of beauty for the garden and home. Wicked willow hopes to capture some of the beauty and essence of the world around us when they use wonderful natural materials.

Joolz, the sculptor at Wicked Willow is highly experienced in developing ideas with her clients for both large scale and small sculptures. Each Sculpture is tailor made to the client’s requests, from wild and domestic animals, figures, mythical beings and abstract pieces. Prices vary subject to size or complexity.

As well as sculptures, living willow features are also available. These are wonderful additions for your garden with the choice of a large arbour to create a natural garden room and dining area, a bench arbour creating a cosy sanctuary, or a beautiful archway to create excellent entrances or garden divides. Living willow features are easy to construct and can provide great fun for all the family.

Wicked Willow hold regular sculpture workshops at both the nursery in Tiverton, Devon, and at your home, work or school, allowing you to release your creativity and have hands on, fun. The workshops allow you to make the sculpture of your choice and take your creation home with you.

Wicked Willow sculptures make amazing presents for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. They can also be beautiful and distinct landmarks to make your business or organisation highly visible.

For more information visit www.wickedwillow.co.uk, call 07969 554052 or email jdoncaster@hotmail.co.uk.

THE ART OF HAPPINESS GALLERY

It will be three years this month since Suzanne Crook took a leap of faith to establish The Art of Happiness Gallery, a platform from which she showcases her unique, inspirational artwork.  In a recent interview Suzanne explained how art had enriched her life: “My art has brought me much joy and happiness. It fulfils a great need in me to be creative, to play and enjoy the wonders of the world around me. I appreciate the waves of the sea, laying in flower filled meadows and enjoying my being. Art gives me peace, stillness, fun, joy and happiness.”

Having lived in Cornwall for many years now, it came as no surprise that Suzanne chose this beautiful part of the country as home for her Gallery: “I feel very lucky to live in such a wonderful part of the world. I can see the sea from my studio window. It is always so inspirational, constantly moving and whatever the weather always looks beautiful. The land has it own enchantment, flower filled meadows, lush trees and woodlands and many sacred places full of beauty.”

Suzanne has successfully completed many commissions both for private and corporate clients, each piece being created to reflect the client’s unique specification.  Whether you are looking for a distinctive piece of art to hang in the reception area of your business, or a romantic image for your bedroom at home, Suzanne will draw on her artistic skill and ability to create something quite special: “As the needs of each client are so unique, I work closely with all my clients to discuss colours, feelings, thoughts, memories, words and dreams before I start working on the project.”

Suzanne has also been blessed with the ability to see ‘Angels’: “Ever since I was a small child I have been able to see angels and they have helped inspire my work over the years, enabling me to create inspirational pieces of art that bring both myself and my clients so much joy.”
 
As you would expect from an artist held in such high esteem, Suzanne has displayed her artwork in a great many exhibitions, including the Folk Museum, Helston; Contemporary Gallery, Padstow; Summer Light, Falmouth Art Centre, The Riverside Gallery, Fowey, all of which are in Cornwall, as well as Lauderdale House, London and CATTO, Hampstead.

Why not visit the Pizza Express in Falmouth from 24th November – 6th January 2012, where Suzanne is holding an exhibition of her artwork to raise funds for the Pheonix Stroke Appeal.

To browse Suzanne’s latest news visit her on facebook: The Art of Happiness Gallery

Suzanne Crook
THE ART OF HAPPINESS GALLERY
Islington Wharf, Penryn, TR10 8AT
Mobile: 07878 551713
Email: suzanne@theartofhappinessgallery.co.uk
Website: www.theartofhappinessgallery.co.uk

The Directors of the London & Home Counties Today publication are delighted to announce the deserving recipients of the much coveted Stone & Granite Supplier of the Year Award for 2011 as The Stoneyard, located in Sidbrook Orchards, Taunton.

The Award reflects the outstanding products and complete granite solutions that the company provides to its customers in the UK, as well as a high level of professionalism and service which is upheld in all contracts and projects that are undertaken.

Specialist Hotel of the Year 2011

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Sunbuster Blinds

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A Beautiful Mummy

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