
Colourful flowers decorate a gift shop in Corbridge, England.
Okay, I had one photo of the fabulous Di of Designers' Block UK and me standing in front of the closed RE store in Corbridge. Di and her charming partner Harvey live in a fantastic cottage in Northumberland National Park; David and I were staying in a riverfront apartment in York. We met in Corbridge specifically to go to RE, only to find it closed (on Mondays)! My husband David took our photo with my camera; which he dislikes (he has a fancy schmancy Nikon digital). As the photo is less than flattering, let's give it a miss.
We met Di and Harvey at The Angel, a lively pub in Corbridge and had coffee and tea before heading to RE. Since it was closed, we were FORCED to go to an antiques shop, Hedley's of Corbridge, which specialises in Arts and Crafts furniture. You know how I admire the Arts and Crafts style; I was in my element. My mind was racing, trying to work out what pieces might fit in our Paris apartment. I even asked Di and Harvey if a particular chair (see below) would fit in their car when they come to Paris next month. The cheek! That is, until I discovered the price, which gave me pause. These items are rare and seldom come on the market; when they do, they're typically snapped up in a heartbeat.
We left the store without buying a single thing, although I took the shop owner's details, in case I had a brainstorm about how to afford the chair or fit anything else into our apartment. Di bought a gorgeous silver candlelabra, which will probably be gussied up for her Ghost Furniture line. Then Di and Harvey took us for a stroll by the River Tyne and around the town, highlights in the photos below. After a pleasant lunch at The Angel, we drove about 45 minutes up and down roller-coaster hills and through some breathtaking scenery to their cottage. It is in a remote, stunningly-beautiful area, with wide-open spaces and views well worth the drive. And of course, the cottage is exactly what you'd want a cottage to be - small, but cozy and decorated in Di's unique style of elegance, with a bit of whimsy. Naturally the cottage has a spiral staircase, as one might expect from such stylish owners.
After tea, we had a special treat: not only did we get to see some pieces of Di's Ghost Furniture line in her workshop, Harvey the webmaster treated us to the "world premiere" of the Ghost Furniture website. I expect Di's brilliantly quirky designs will be flying out the door soon. The "Green Tea" and "Foot Stool" are two of my favourite pieces. Watch for them in September!
At the end of the afternoon, David and I reluctantly bid our new friends farewell. Luckily, next month, they're coming to Paris. Di and I will be off to the brocante at Chatou and to visit Agape Deco in Paris.

This bridge built in Roman times has survived centuries and catastrophic weather, including floods. The oldest of the medieval bridges, it was finally replaced in 1674.

The River Tyne, fast-flowing and swollen after recent heavy rains.

Houses glimpsed through the trees while standing on the bridge.

A grand mansion in Corbridge.

A local shop window - Di says this sculptural rendition has been featured in the window "for donkey's years."

Arrows once were fired through slots at unwelcome visitors approaching the Vicar's Pele in Corbridge.

This tower was built around 1300 AD for the local vicar. Until the 17th-century, it was lived in as a fortified vicarage.

The city sign with historical highlights of the town.

Another town pub, The Black Bull. I adore these old stone buildings.

This is the Shapland and Petter Arts & Crafts chair that made my heart skip a beat. Note the hand-carved detail and the handpainted peacock feathers. The chair next to it (at left) is a William Morris design.

Another fine example of Arts & Crafts furniture. We don't need another table but I like the honeycomb effect on the top of this one.

Arts & Crafts buffet cabinet with original hardware.

Arts & Crafts oak chest with original drawer handles.

Another beautiful buffet cabinet.

A crewelwork fire screen in excellent condition.

A Liberty & Co. bureau or secretaire.

A vintage oak desk with slots for files and mail.

Vintage clothing and porcelain pieces.