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Valentine Delights From Dennis Severs’ House

February 4, 2024
by the gentle author

I am thrilled to announce that Rupert Thomas, new director of Dennis Severs’ House and formerly editor of ‘The World of Interiors,’ has asked me to become an Associate Creative Director at the house, involved with devising and creating events including these below.

Photograph by Amy Merrick

Valentine’s Card Workshop

Next Saturday 10th February 2:30pm-4:30pm

Be inspired to make a gorgeous Valentine card for your beloved at a two-hour class in the beautiful eighteenth-century drawing room of Townhouse Spitalfields in Fournier Street overlooking Christ Church.

Introduced by Rupert Thomas, Director of Dennis Severs’ House, with an illustrated lecture on nineteenth-century Vinegar Valentines by The Gentle Author and a tutorial on the making of cards by floral designer and art director, Amy Merrick. 

Vinegar Valentine from the Mike Henbry Collection at Bishopsgate Institute

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Ticket price covers all materials including blank cards, replica Victorian paper cut-outs and a range of other decorative elements, as well as complimentary tea, coffee and freshly baked cake.

This event is in support of Dennis Severs’ House.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET

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Photograph by Lucinda Douglas Menzies

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Dennis Severs’ House

Dennis Severs House is opening from 5pm – 9pm on Wednesday 14th February for a special Silent Night to celebrate St Valentine’s, providing the opportunity for wordless trysts and amorous assignations conducted solely in looks and smiles.

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For one night only, Ambrose the pink canary will be guest of honour, trilling songs of love. And stylist Amy Merrick has created some Valentine details throughout the house as evidence of the Jervis family’s flirtatious spirits.

What could be more conducive to romance than exploring Dennis Severs’ House by candlelight with the intimate object of your affections at your side? Advance booking essential.

CLICK HERE BOOK FOR DENNIS SEVERS’ HOUSE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

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Photograph by Amy Merrick

Valentine Card by Simon Pettet

This delightfully playful Valentine by ceramicist was designed by Simon Pettet, made when he was in his twenties and living with Dennis at 18 Folgate, creating all the magnificent delftware which adorns the house to this day.

These are large cards.

183mm x 190mm, accompanied by an off-white envelope.

Printed by Calverts of Hackney.

CLICK HERE TO BUY A VALENTINE CARD

4 Responses leave one →
  1. February 4, 2024

    Alas, I am more cynic than romantic. I blame my age. The concept of a Vinegar Valentine appeals to my sentiments.
    However, I do value friendship and self-love immensely. I wonder that we don’t have a special day in the calendar when we can look into a mirror and say: ” You are a marvellous person and I love you very much!”

    Congratulations dear GA, on being appointed an Associate Creative Director of Dennis Severs’ House, I could think of no better appointee.

    I will attend on Saturday and conjure up as much romantic inclination as I can muster.

  2. Susan permalink
    February 4, 2024

    Good heavens! What a wonderful opportunity, being offered that position! My heartfelt congratulations 🙂 Also, on a side note, World of Interiors is my favourite magazine, bar none – I have FAR too large a collection of this quirky publication at home. Sadly, I cannot attend this event, given that my home is 3,000 miles away…

  3. Bill permalink
    February 5, 2024

    Yes, congratulations! Quite a triumph for all involved. And, yes, the WOI. The only reason to read a magazine.

    Now, that bed, that amazing pile of sumptuousness, that tent of pomp! Is it a new creation? Never saw it in any photograph before now.

    One could gaze at it for a lifetime, and, at its conclusion, say it was a life well-lead.

    So dreamy!

  4. Cherub permalink
    February 5, 2024

    Aren’t the Valentine’s cards just beautiful? There is a lovely collection of old ones in the V and A.

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