It has been 60 years to the day since The Queen’s accession and to mark the Diamond Jubilee, John Walker & sons have created something rather special.
The Luxury Diamond Jubilee Whiskey by John Walker & Sons will today become one of the world’s rarest whiskys. Only 60 editions will be released for sale worldwide, with each bottle worth £100,000.
Diamond Jubilee has been maturing for 60 years, it is a specially crafted blend of rare malt and grain Scotch Whiskies.
In strengthening the connection to HM further, the final, traditional step of marrying has been carried out in casks made by the John Walker & Sons coopers using oak provided by kind permission of The Queen from her private Sandringham Estate.
More than 60 (yep, there’s a theme here….60!) artisans have been involved in producing this very special whisky including QEST scholars.
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust is the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association that preserves rare craft and conservation skills.
John Walker & Sons have pledged that £1,000,000 of the sales of Diamond Jubilee will be donated to QEST.
Other supreme craftsmanship in evidence here can be seen in the form of Baccarat Crystal. The multi-faceted, diamond-shaped decanter which rests on a crystal stand has six radial legs, each one reflecting a decade of The Queen’s enduring reign.
Hamilton & Inches, Scotland’s leading jeweller and silversmiths have been responsible for a Britannia silver decanter collar set with a half-carat diamond, a John Walker & Sons Ltd Royal Warrant and entwined JW&S monogram to adorn the crystal, and a silver transit stopper.
Cumbria Crystal, the only maker of English full lead crystal, have created a bespoke lead crystal glass, cut with six main facets to mark six decades of The Queen’s reign and with the John Walker & Sons monogram engraved in the base.
The Diamond Jubilee whisky from john Walker & Sons is a truly special whisky, made using the finest ingredients and craftsmanship.
Whisky fit for a Queen!
The wonderful St Pancras Renaissance hotel in London has always been a keen supporter of the art world, but recent developments sees this support go further.
Harry Handelsman (CEO of Manhattan Loft Corporation) and Thang Vo-Ta have launched St Pancras Editions, showcasing limited edition artworks including silkscreen prints, sculptures and photographs working closely with contemporary masters and the best emerging talent, which are available for sale and on show at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
The inaugural St Pancras Editions ‘Jean Harlow 2011’ was famous 60s pop artist Gerald Laing’s final ever work. In 1964 as commissioned by Robert Indiana, the original Hollywood starlet became the subject for Gerald Laing; it was here that the iconic ‘Jean Harlow’ artwork was born.
Exclusive to St Pancras Editions, this original silkscreen print allures beautifully to 60’s Hollywood glamour and sophistication.
No expense was spared in creating this luxurious artwork, the highest quality materials were used, including real Italian platinum leaf and silver-dollar foil.
Co-founders Harry Handelsman and Thang Vo-Ta have committed to choosing artworks which they believe will have an evergreen appeal, each with its own unique story.
Speaking of the ‘Jean Harlow 2011’, Thang Vo-Ta says; “It was a true honour to have had the opportunity to work with the 60s Pop Art pioneer Gerald Laing on creating this print, which we believe will have an evergreen appeal through its glamorous and sophisticated depiction of the legendary Hollywood icon Jean Harlow”.
The print is limited to only 200 and individually numbered. These editions will become lasting legacies for generations of art enthusiasts; celebrity collectors include Sadie Frost and Grace Woodward.
On Friday, we reported on two of the most expensive phones. One of them contained shavings of dinosaur bone and I wanted to explore this area further.
There is a showroom in Pimlico, London, that offers the most amazing bounty of luxury crystals, fossils and minerals.
Fossil hunter and adventurer Dale Rogers has taken years to scour the globe, seeking out the finest historical artefacts…aka an interior designers dream.
Dale Rogers Ammonite houses a collection that includes pieces dating back over 450 million years.
His collection of geological wonders have taken years to accumulate, and have taken him to The Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the USA, Japan, Dubai, as well as including some perilous moments in Afghanistan.
Starting with a modest stall in London’s famous Portobello Road, Dale Rogers Ammonite has exhibited across the globe from the UK and USA (Arizona) to Japan and Dubai.
With pieces ranging from a few centimetres to over 2 metres, there are treasures to suit every price point, ranging from a modest £50 to over £20K. Still a little better on the pocket than that £6,000,000 phone!
These incredibly rare fossils, minerals and crystals can be bought from the gallery on 77 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PH, and viewed on the website.
Leading Champagne label Krug and happiness are a familiar partnership. The supreme bubbles are synonomous with good times and celebrations.
Now there is a free London exhibition by Krug, titled ‘Happiness’. The exhibition at 6 Burlington Gardens from December 13th to December 20th.
Krug has asked celebrity patrons of arts and luminaries to ‘create their own version of happiness’ through donating something to the exhibition that embodies happiness to them.
The uniqueness of this free London exhibition is down to each interpretation of happiness. The results of this are sure to lead to an intriguing display!
Contributors include arts patrons David Bailey, Vivienne Westwood, Sienna Miller, Muiccia Prada and many others, with all proceeds from the sales of each exhibit going to support the Royal Academy Schools, raising vital funds for the Royal Academy Schools.
Lady Amanda Harlech is the Co-curator of the Happiness Exhibition along side of Edith Devaney of The Royal Academy. Creative consultant to Chanel and Fendi, Lady Amanda Harlech understands the true meaning of happiness.
Incorporating creativity and passion into her everyday work, she is extending her talent and enthusiasm by partnering with Krug and the Royal Academy for this invigorating presentation.
The first UK gold Kilo coin was unveiled today by the Royal Mint. This is one kilo of fine gold and only 60 will ever be produced. With a price tag of £100,000, this is one of the most exclusive (and expensive!) pieces of London Olympics 2012 memorabilia.
It will also be one of the most valuable and sought after. The gold kilo coin was designed by influential sculptor, Sir Anthony Caro RA.
In addition to the first UK gold Kilo, a silver Kilo has also been designed by fellow Royal Academician and internationally renowned artist, composer and writer Tom Phillips RA. Priced at £3,000, 2012 silver Kilos will be minted.
Both Kilo coins are presented in beautifully crafted, specially designed presentation boxes accompanied by individually numbered Certificates of Authenticity. Sir Anthony Caro has personally signed and numbered the certificates for each gold Kilo coin.
During the manufacturing process, a special press and production technique were used to achieve the highest ever relief on a coin struck by the Royal Mint.
Sir Anthony Caro’s first UK gold kilo coin design incorporates the theme of the 2012 London Olympics, and depicts the sports equipment used for Weightlifting, Boxing, Football and Athletics framed by a laurel wreath and the official London 2012 logo.
It is unlikely that these coins will ever be circulated due to their size and weight, not to mention value, so Sir Anthony created more of a sculptural medal than a coin.
For further information on the Royal Mint’s full London 2012 collection, please visit royalmint.com.
