Nicholas Engert | Inspiration

For years before my parents had been holidaying annually on the Italian Riviera. Quite how or when they first found this beautiful part of the world, sadly, I never discovered.

As a fan of the detective books of Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham and Dorothy L Sayers, the period in which the stories are set is in itself fascinating on many levels.

To be born in the 1950s and spend one’s childhood in the 60s was to enjoy a good fortune denied to the previous generation.

There was a time when, in public, everyone would be adorned with a hat. It was unthinkable to be seen without a hat. Neither men nor women would venture out without the most defining of all accessories.

It is at once nonsensical but utterly pleasurable. And it is this pastime which has stolen my leisure, not to mention my writing time, during the past two months. I of course blame my younger son who, inventively, gave us...

When I was growing up in the 1960’s there stood in the corner of our sitting room a magnificent Grundig wireless set. This was radio as furniture - a statement. A polished mahogany cabinet with a facia comprising a loudspeaker grille, below which was the backlit glass “dial” which listed the radio stations from around the world.

The dining room is one of the few spaces in the home designed specifically for shared time — long meals, celebrations and everyday moments alike. Wallpaper plays a defining role here, adding depth, texture and personality in a way paint alone often cannot.

I have always been fascinated by symbols, badges and logos. These designs act as a gateway to a sub world of brands, clubs and memberships. They confirm identity and belonging.

It has been at least five years since I have worn a watch. I have a collection of timepieces, none of which are exceptional but all of which had broken down and remained unloved for over five years in a drawer.