Last week I took a trip into the heart of the city to visit the chandelier exhibition of Madeleine Boulesteix in Clerkenwell. I have to confess I got a little lost on my way and took a moment of contemplation in a church. As I pushed open the doors I was greeted by air filled with incense and the sight of a beautiful interior. I had stumbled across St Peter's Italian Church.In the early 19th century this area of London was a poor neighbourhood of densely populated slum-ridden alleys. By 1850 nearly 2000 Italian immigrants had settled here. They were mainly employed as street muscians, street vendors or as artisans producing plaster figures, looking glasses and picture frames. They had no church of their own but in 1845 St Vincent Pallotti a Roman Catholic priest thought of building a church in London for Italian immigrants. In 1863 the Church of St. Peter was consecrated. It seems entirely appropriate that I found modern day artisan Madeleine selling stunning chandeliers just around the corner from the church. I have long admired her work and as it was my birthday I celebrated by buying a wonderful duet with a vintage toast rack in the centre. It was great to finally meet Madeleine who was delightful. As I left excited with my purchase the heavens opened. I sought shelter in the Modern Pantry and had afternoon tea which was wonderful. Pouring tea from an antique sliver teapot was a perfect way to end the day!http://www.themodernpantry.co.uk/
Your new chandelier is lovely! Does the picture mean you've found a spot for it at home? And we should definitely do tea at the Modern Pantry. I still owe you birthday tea and cake :)
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Isn't it a luxury to have time to get lost these days - so glad you did!, little chandelier seems to have settled in very quickly. I haven't been to the Pantry yet but will put it on my list. Lovely to meet you.
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