Just because...
I must have flowers, always, and always (Claude Monet)
Dear reader, I hope this finds you well, and managing to hit that sweet spot between “isn’t the weather glorious!” and “ummm, this isn’t right? 27 degrees in April?!”. Personally, I’m not entirely sure what that sweet spot is, I’m constantly trying to balance the scales of twenty-first century life, I hope you are doing better! Anyway, the sun is shining, the air is balmy, it feels like I’m abroad. In April! (Yes, you’re probably getting this in May, but what’s a day out between friends?)
Last Saturday was a beautiful day too. I spent my afternoon on Hilbre Island - 50% of my visits to this tiny little island have been in the past couple of months. Having lived in Hoylake for 30 years, looking over at the island from the end of my street, I kinda feel I should have visited more often. But, now I have both the opportunity and a good reason, being part of the BADA project Drawing out Hilbre Archipelago.
Hilbre is a precious place, with (depending on the weather) a strong sense of sanctuary, it’s becoming something of a happy place for me. If you know me in the real, you might know that I often cite IKEA as my happy place (which may come as a surprise if we don’t know each other irl!). But Hilbre… in the right light, in the right weather conditions, it really is something else out there. It was incredibly still. Being mostly overcast, the shadows were softened and the light diffuse. Pockets of brilliant colour are found all over the island, and on Saturday, a subtle glow enhanced things further. Candy pink thrift, golden trefoil, the rich rusty red of the sandstone. Lime green alexanders provided a stunning backdrop for the unexpectedly brilliant blues of the bearded iris.
Bluebells and bracken jostled for space, an unexpected combination on a treeless island. There was speculation as to the origin of the narcissus, iris and bluebells. Perhaps they arrived with the monks who established a small cell on the island in the mid 12th century. Perhaps the feud between the Bouy Master and the Telegraph Master - neighbours on a tiny island who did not speak for several years - was the cause. Legend has it the gardens were immaculate (this may have been related to the feud), perhaps the iris escaped? Whatever the back story, the flora is magnificent. And maybe it was simply the abundance of flowers that made me feel so content. But I think it was something else. There is a special sense of isolation out there, when most of the visitors are gone, or simply when you are on your own, wandering, meandering, looking, discovering. I’m not sure what my outcomes will be as far as this project is concerned, but I know I’m going to enjoy it.
Hmm, IKEA as a happy place, I’m going to explain. I think this stems from my childhood summers in Denmark. Minimalist Scandinavian interiors are super popular. now but IKEA didn’t open in the UK until 1987. For fifteen years before that, my summer memories are of friends and family in what to my eyes were fabulous, minimalist Scandinavian interiors - a huge contrast to the dark Yorkshire decor of the seventies and eighties. So…IKEA is my happy place. It makes perfect sense! So come on, I can’t be the only one with a stage happy place? What is yours?
Just sharing the truth, friends. Thanks for reading. News from the studio is below. Until next week, with love, as always, Ling
CLASS UPDATES
Please note: all classes in May, June, July are subject to very low availability, book early to secure a space!
All studio based classes are now listed on paperbydragonfly.com There are classes throughout May, June and into July and the page will be updated whenever there are new classes. All other classes, events and stockists can be found here: Events and Stockists.
A .pdf with all available classes at the studio and all other venues (and clickable links!) is available to download here.
All photos by Ling Warlow 2025
Those colours and textures on the island are quite something. Enjoy the warmth while it lasts (I’m feeling slightly underwhelmed after yesterday turned out to be our only warm sunny one!)