As I wrap up Autumn issue of My Soho Times magazine in preparation for our print deadline, it suddenly feels as though the vibrant spirit of Soho is at a crossroads. In urgent message sent this afternoon, “Save Soho’s Mojo” penned by John James, the Managing Director of Soho Estates Limited shines a light on the significant challenges facing this iconic district. The once-unstoppable heartbeat of Soho seems to be fading… Can we rally together to revive its essence?
Before sharing the letter however, it is worth noting the irony that it reached my inbox, presumably intended for publication on a platform that I, a minority in many ways; black, female and under 40, self-funded. Despite the substantial economic value of Soho, amounting to millions, if not billions, of pounds, little seems to be reinvested into local independent grassroots initiatives. Yet, it is often those at the botom who vocally advocate for a flourishing Soho. I fully support the vision of a thriving Soho that serves the interests of all, including grassroots efforts and small enterprises.
Have a read of the letter below and let me know your thoughts!
“I’m not a fashionista – I’m an individualist and it shows in all aspects of my life including what I paint.”
– Geroge Skeggs
Myths And Legends: An Exhibition by George Skeggs
In the vibrant heart of Soho lies an exhibition that promises to captivate art lovers and myth enthusiasts alike. At 80 George Skeggs is proving he can still put on a show. Affectionately known as “Soho George,” his exhibition “Myths and Legends” showcases his recent work inspired by the legendary tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
“I’m not a fashionista – I’m an individualist and it shows in all aspects of my life including what I paint,” declares George, who at 80 years young continues to break the mold with his distinctive dapper style. A well-known figure in across London’s West End, George has long been admired for his impeccable fashion sense and artistic flair. His recent accolades, including being voted one of the most influential people in London, only add to his esteemed reputation.
The Journey Begins
George’s artistic journey was sparked in 1969 shortly after arriving in London’s West End. He embarked on a quest to find his own Holy Grail, a journey that would shape his artistic expression and lead him to explore the magical realms of colour, light, and form. The current exhibition beautifully encapsulates his adventures through a series of compelling paintings that bring to life the rich narratives of Arthurian legend.
“It’s been a long time coming. Brian the owner of L’Escargot on Greek Street has been asking me for a long time to have a one-man show. I finally caved in and we’ve done it. It’s been a great success tonight, selling a few paintings as well which I’m pleased about.”
A Legacy of Art
George Skeggs, born in East London, has spent over six decades living in Covent Garden (“I’ve been in Covent Garden since 1963“), solidifying his presence in the art world not only as a painter, but a fully-rounded creative frequently found at galleries as part of his “daily cultural calories”. His works have graced the walls of acclaimed venues such as The Whitechapel Gallery, the National Museum of Wales, and even Le Salon des Nations in Paris. Notably, three of his pieces were accepted for the Summer Exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts, further establishing his artistic credentials.
Skeggs’ work is subjective, inviting viewers to interpret each piece for themselves. “I can’t explain to people what they are. You need to look at them. It’s a bit like reading a book – you have to read it as opposed to the author reading it to you.”
Snaps from last night’s private view | Images by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
“These works have taken hundreds of hundreds of hours to do, each. They’re not done with Artificial Intelligence or with a computer. They’ve been done with a paintbrush on canvas, which is old school these days. I mean, I’m an older man now, so that is probably the reason. The younger generation wouldn’t spend hundreds of hours doing this. They just want to do it online with their new technology… I don’t understand that anyway.”
Interestingly, Skeggs’ work has a futuristic feel, almost 3D-like. On explaining his technique, Skeggs shares “It comes from the back of your imagination, down your arm onto the paintbrush. It appears as I’m doing. It’s created on the canvas – literally.”
Are we going to see more artwork in the future? “Yeah probably,” Skeggs shares enthusiastically, “I got into the mood now… I’m in the mood!”
Exhibition Details
“Myths and legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table” at L’Escargot serves as a testament to George’s unique vision and enduring passion for art. The exhibition runs from 23rd September to 21st October, with prices ranging between £2,000 – £3,000 for those interested in acquiring a piece of this fascinating collection.
Roll up, roll up, arts editor Gillian Smith shares a glimpse into this year’s BFI London Film Festival!
Movie madness and galas galore – excuse the alliteration, but the London Film Festival 2024 is coming up fast. The ball starts rolling on October 9th, thereafter it’ll be total immersion for film fans and cineastes alike, until the 20th that is, when everyone emerges blinking into the daylight. Just in time for Halloween, but that’s a whole other story.
Hands up who feels 100% confident, always, in every situation? I’m going to hazard a pretty safe guess that very few people would raise their hands. Even the most brazen will have moments of doubt, and for some of us, these moments are more like a constant stream of insecurities. And yet in the workplace, confidence is one of the best tools to help you progress in your career and provide you with high job satisfaction. It can be the difference between getting that promotion or being overlooked. You could literally be delivering the same quality of work in both scenarios, but in order to get that recognition, you often need to step out of your comfort zone and actively promote yourself.
In 2011 Tom Pellereau became Lord Alan Sugar’s first business partner after winning ‘The Apprentice’. Together, they established STYLPRO. The beauty-tech brand has recently unveiled seven new products designed to address everyday skin concerns; from cleansing to toning, mattifying and exfoliating.
Depending on your knowledge of the somewhat obscure pedestrian walkway seamlessly linking Dean Street and Wardour Street, you might recall a range of establishments that have occupied number 2 St Anne’s Court in Soho over the decades. One of the notable predecessors was the popular (Vodka) Revolution Bar, which shut its doors more than a decade ago. Following that, the ‘surf & turf’ restaurant Rex & Marino set up shop, offering a unique culinary experience for both pescatarian and carnivours alike. After a long period of closure post-lockdown, Zelman Meats closed down before Block Soho emerged as a new addition to the vibrant area two years ago. However, its presence was short-lived, as was the subsequent venture of Nanny Maroon, which promised Indigenous Jamaican cuisine but closed shortly after its launch event last year.
The beauty world has gone through a major glow-up thanks to the magical merging of skincare and other beauty realms. The concept of “skinification” has revolutionised our daily beauty rituals, seamlessly incorporating skincare ingredients into a wide range of products, from makeup to haircare and suncare. This evolution has transformed sunscreens from mere summertime essentials into year-round skincare staples, redefining our approach to personal care. Julia Ferrai shares more.
If Venitian cicchetti or Andalusian tapas is your idea of food heaven this summer, you’ve landed on the right page. The cooking series curated by unearthedⓇ, a Med Deli brand, showcased the expertise of three remarkable chefs and cookery book authors. Their goal? To guide British home cooks on a journey of cultural discovery and culinary mastery from the comfort of their own kitchens. Food writer Melina Zachariou shares more.
NailKind makes a splash this summer with the launch of their latest collection, Sea of Love, capturing the serene allure of the ocean. This exciting release introduces four captivating shades crafted from a vegan and cruelty-free formula. Beauty writer Julia Ferrari shares her thoughts…
With the Summer Olympic Games Paris (26 July 2024 – 11 August 2024) fast approaching, Nicholas Cox delves into the deep-rooted French connection closer to home. Soho offers a taste of France right in the heart of London through history and today’s contemporary restaurants. Bon appétit!
MY SOHO TIMES 