What’s getting you through the summer?
BOOKS. All sorts, high and low. Currently obsessing over ‘Jewelry for Gentleman’ and just finished the novels ‘Asymmetry’, ‘Dear Edward’ and ‘Such a fun age’.
PAINTINGS that I see in real life and in books (old favourites Cy Twombly and Agnes Martin and newer obsessions Julian Hooper, Michael Dell, Heidi Middleton & Kristy Gorman).
DISCOVERIES (I don’t need to own them but it’d be better) like a still life jug by Richard Wilson. A ring by Josef Koppmann. A trainer by Axel Arigato (I do own these!)
DS & DURGA smells like the Big Sur candle (also guilty).
DIPS in the sea followed by a L’Opera-gin spritz and some salty peanuts.
MOLLY & the Chromatics and Tame Impala.
CRICKET but only as background noise.
What are your ambitions for Exhibit A?
Keeping it small but a little bit fun and exciting. We have ideas about what’s next. Could it be wearable? Smell-able? A political movement focused on spheres? A novel maybe… or socks. I’m excited.
Are you working on anything at the moment… can you give us a number?
Yes! I am contemplating number 542. And 641.
What does collaboration mean for you?
It’s about making something better than you could alone.
What is the significance of No. 580?
580 is ‘Plants and botany’ in the Dewey Decimal system.
I’ve always admired the Maison Margiela number grid as a system although I’m more of a words person- I spend a lot of time in libraries.
I’m interested in the way the Dewey Decimal system is evolving and that nerds in committees still sit around deciding what goes where. My goal is to memorise it but I’m not sure I’m up to it at this stage of life.
I love libraries. The saddest thing that happened last year was our local library closing.
We need to know, in your eyes what is the ultimate gin cocktail?
One that’s very, very cold in good glassware. I’m inclined towards the classics- a negroni with Cocchi vermouth, a martini with 3 parts gin 1 part vermouth. One green olive, 2 at a pinch. No brine.
Pink gins are appealing. A tray and snacks always make the drinks taste better.
The location is important too. For example, I’d never drink a cocktail in a sport’s bar. Or the bath. That’s on a par with breakfast in bed.