Blog - Notting Hill Estate Agent

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National Portrait Gallery From 15th July
Steal a unique glimpse into the 19th Century Society of Paris and Victorian London by visiting the current exhibition of one of Frances greatest photographers Camille Silvy.

Camille Silvy pioneered the genres of theatre, fashion, military and street photography from the working classes to aristocrats and royalty. This will include over a hundred photographs, memorabilia and objects, many of which have not been exhibited since 1860.

On the 24th July for £25 between 11.00 - 15.30 you will also have the opportunity to join art historian and Blue Badge Guide Alan Read starting with a talk and visit to the exhibition followed by a 90 minute walk to explore parts of London associated with Silvy from Porchester Terrace to Bayswater.

Dont miss this chance if you are interested in looking through the eyes of one of photography's outstanding innovators. Tickets are £5 to book in advance call
020 7907 7079
The Serpentine’s Marks its 40th Birthday…
On a much brighter note…
If you are looking for something free to do this summer - head down to Hyde Park and put your feet up whist cooling down with a soothing smoothie at the Pavillion.
The Serpentine will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year in style- In the name of world-renowned French architect, Jean Nouvel. This iconic gallery will be raising the bar with this 2010 Pavillion- what will be the worlds first and most ambitious architectural programme of its kind and a first in the UK for this architect.

Jean created the Pavillion in a vivid red which contrasts with the Serpentines fresh lawn- reflecting the London’s famous buses, phone and post boxes. His groundbreaking building will consist of bold geometric forms, retractable awnings and a gravity defying freestanding sloped 12m wall.
Be awestruck by the Pavillion down at the Serpentine this summer (10th July-17th October 2010) on the Serpentine Gallery Lawn. For more information visit www.serpentinegallery.org/2010/03/serpentine_gallery_pavilion_20_14.html
Jean Nouvel will be discussing his groundbreaking design at a talk, on Monday 12 July at 5pm.
7/7 the fifth anniversary
Five years ago today lives were changed, Kings Cross station amongst others became a war zone and ambulance stations were empty. Four young lives changed that of the hundreds injured and 52 lives claimed, make sure you join fellow Londoners today to take a two minute silence at noon.
Realisation sets in as you watch how many lives were so savagely stolen and those like Davinia Douglass scarred for life. However, five years on Davinia and many other survivors have battled on to an amazing recovery. On reading a couple of interview scoops with these brave survivors I noted just how many lives were effected- emergency services, commuters and those just on their daily routine.
No official events have been planned to commemorate the anniversary, although wreaths will be laid at the Hyde Park memorial- on behalf of Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson.
For full information on the 7/7 bombings visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_July_2005_London_bombings or visit Hyde Park today to pay your respects and remember those who lost their lives.
W11's Hottest Spots
Notting Hill has found fame through some of the biggest box office selling movies- today tourist’s flock to walk the same streets as Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant- we cant blame them!
Due to the popularity of the area and its monuments to such films Brit Movie Tours has created a tour tailor made to W11. Browse for a book in the travel bookshop or grab a coffee on Portobello Road and hope to bump into Hugh Grant (aka. Will Thacker). This heart throb proves very popular on these tours with a visit to a classic scene from another “romcom” Love Actually. If you see yourself as the next Gwyneth Paltrow or John Hannah try to re-enact one of the scenes from Sliding Doors or About a Boy as you are guided through the pastel coloured streets.
If you are more of a Michael Caine in The Italian Job fan you might enjoy seeing his (on cast) home and grabbing a few snaps- but don’t forget “You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!"- don’t follow his lead we advise to leave these on!
You will also enjoy wandering through Portobello Market at its peak- liven up your senses with the tastes, smells, sounds and enjoy the general ambience surrounding the streets.
For more information or to book a tour of these hot spots visit britmovietours.com/bookings/notting-hill-movie-tour/
Tickle your Artistic Tastebuds at the Doyle Devere Gallery
We’ve hunted down a little secret in the heart of Westbourne Grove- this gallery situated on Ledbury Road showcases some fantastic photography and contemporary artwork. Despite strong competition with the likes of the popular Whitewall Galleries and Hanina Gallery this boutique gallery has been going down a storm with the local residents.
With an unforgettable full glass front the building alone oozes style, housing some timeless masterpieces- current artists exhibiting include; Raif Adelberg, Peter Westh, Russell Young, Anna Nightingale & Ben Buchanan. A Personal favourite is the work of Russell Young- a treasure lies in that of a Marilyn Munroe portrait, Young has been extremely successful both in the UK and US with sell out shows and fast becoming one of the most collected and sought after artists of our time.
Hiding amongst these portraits you’ll find artwork from Damien Hurst- best known for his preservation of animals in formaldehyde- luckily this masterpiece won’t put you off your lunch as it doesn’t follow suit. While you are ogling the available artwork steal yourself a look at the Ben Buncanan show available only between the 11th June- 15th July- a stimulating display of photography showing a personal view on New York’s downtown art & club scene in the 80’s.
Westbourne Grove is packed full of little galleries and treasures, take a quiet stroll down the leafy streets and you’ll notice these discreet boutiques dotted about.
Don’t be disappointed pop down to the Doyle Devere Gallery to catch a glimpse of these masterpieces- Tuesday- Sunday www.doyledevere.co.uk
Portobello Road Market
Bring yourself back to hip Notting Hill- famous for its antiques markets and vintage clothing. With a recent victory (unlike the England Football Team) the residents of Notting Hill have spent months protesting against the change in Portobello Market’s key trade. For years the market has been known for its fantastic range of antiques, dealers have travelled miles for the unrivalled choice of antiques on display. In recent years the market has been over run with chain-store retailers. Campaigners are fighting against the representation these chain stores bear on such a renowned street- with American Apparel and Costa Coffee following suit, the campaigners are understandably worried about the effect these chain stores will have on the markets name.
Tourists flock to Portobello Road for the famous market stalls and the quirky small shops that line the street. It has been estimated that 40,000 people visit the market every Saturday (Friends of Portobello) to browse the antiques, haggle amongst the vintage clothing and get lost in the bric-a-brac arcades.
If you find the extra energy- take yourself up the southern end of Portobello Road. You’ll notice a contrast in the environment, this quiet road lined with multi-coloured monopoly houses is more residential and in the summer months the blossom trees make for a perfect Kodak moment.
Visit www.portobelloroad.co.uk for more information. Portobello Market is open every Saturday.
Kenwood House Picnic Concerts
Heading slightly North into the green expanses of Kenwood, Highgate- you’ll find yourself relaxing to some Jamie Cullum or Will Young. A perfect way to enjoy the sun this weekend with the concerts kicking off on Saturday- grab a picnic rug and enjoy the opportunity to have a delicious Carluccio’s picnic prepared for you. Top your picnic off with some Sicilian wine and scrumptious biscuits from Piedmont! Alternatively if you prefer a taste of your own culinary skills- you are also able to bring your own feast and alcohol.
This popular picnic has been taking place annually for nearly 60 years and 2010’s line up is a set winner- whether listening to the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra perform Vivaldi's Four Seasons or Jamie Cullum’s latest album look no further. Join the crowds lapping up the weekend sunshine with a cool Corona but be sure to remember the sun screen and some rehydrating water as its going to be a scorcher!
Enjoy the concerts this weekend and throughout the summer- to book your mouth watering picnic or for information visit www.picnicconcerts.com
Notting Hill Farmers Market
On a reoccurring note of traditional foods and markets, we have discovered a hidden secret in the heart of Notting Hill. Culinary connoisseurs should prick their ears up with this little gem- Concealed behind Waterstones in the car park you will find a farmers market piled high with fresh fruit, meats and vegetables.
A complete array of mouth watering foods are available; satisfy your taste buds with some freshly baked goods, handmade cheeses or preserves. You may find it more appealing to quench your thirst with a squeezed juice from Chegworth Valley Juices or tickle your senses with a pear cider, the options are endless.
Its also worth having a dabble with the gardening this weekend- a perfect opportunity for greenfingers to brighten up the garden while the sun is out- Grange Nurseries amongst others bears a selection of plants and flowers to suit all your gardening needs!
The farmers market has been running since September 1999 and like the pied piper of Hamelin it has a trail of dedicated local market shoppers. Many of the local restaurants and cafes stock up on their organic produce at this market- for the freshest produce rise early and enjoy the market at its peak.
If you are feeling adventurous pop down the road to Portobello Market- where you will be able to amble about and loose yourself in the traditional antique shops and bazaars.
Notting Hill Farmers Market runs every Saturday 9am- 1pm, Kensington Church Street W11 3PB
Golborne Festival 2010
It’s that time again- the second annual Golborne Festival has come around. On a spin off of the Notting Hill Carnival this festival has a more personal touch with an eclectic mix of live music, unusual foods and street entertainers- Golbourne Road is where you want to find yourself on the 20th June.
The festival will bring together a thriving community and some unusual arts and crafts. If you are able to make it over to Golborne Road make sure you visit the daily market (except Sundays) - with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available, and a weekend market packed with bric-a-bracs.
Make sure you get the chance pop your head into the Moroccan shops- the reason for Golborne Road becoming known as “Little Morocco”. A fantastic collection of traditional babouches, pouffs and hand woven throws line the streets. If you find yourself in a traditional shop make sure you are ready to barter with the owner- its part of their culture to enjoy the bartering and it’s key to be friendly.
Head down to the shisha filled restaurants where you will find some traditional and unusual foods- make sure you try a Tajine- a slow cooked Moroccan stew- you will be able to find an array of foods available. Once you have filled, sit back and enjoy a Moroccan mint tea- make sure you clean your teeth well before bed as this tea is ¾ sugar- but its a little taste of Morocco that you must experience.
The festival is taking place on the 20th June between 12-6pm- ensure you get there early as it is packed with fellow festival-goers.
www.golbornelife.co.uk/whatson.html