The Essence Of English Life

by Sheila Pickles

A warm and nostalgic mood colors this celebration of British life, homes, and landscapes. Organized by the rhythm of the seasons, this volume brings readers along for an intimate look at traditional English holidays, events, and pastimes. Sheila Pickles embroiders her prose with excerpts from well-loved British authors, and both are accompanied by sumptuous still-life photographs. 40 full-color photographs.

86 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 1993

About the author

Sheila began her career working for Franco Zeffirelli in the worlds of theatre, film and opera in Italy in the 60s. "He was my education," says Sheila. "He was the first one to open my eyes to the whole world of the Arts. In Rome beauty was all around me." At Zeffirelli's suggestion she took over the dying business of Penhaligon's - the historic perfume house making colognes and special preparations for discerning gentlemen - and spent the next two decades brilliantly bringing the business back to International life. Starting with the launch of several exquisite new scents, her creativity took her into designing original luxury gifts and finally into publishing. Sixteen unique scented anthologies of verse and prose redefined the giftbook market including the international bestseller, The Language of Flowers. Two million copies sold!

With the Objets d'Art Jewellery website, Sheila has created a 21st century version of her books, now on line for the next generation. Showing the inspiration and provenance of the jewellery gives a special meaning to which everyone can immediately relate. "Working in the Uffizzi Gallery in Florence with Zeffirelli during the Florence Flood in 1966 was a cathartic time for me", says Sheila. "This was when I realised for the first time the full value of the past and what it can offer us in the future."

Sheila’s creative spark and enormous energy are taking her into a new world, mastering website technology and new marketing techniques in a different direction close to her heart - the beauty of jewellery.

Sheila has two children, James who works in film and Charlotte who is a make-up artist. Charlotte has lent us her beautiful face and is one of the jewellery models.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book as it tells of the England of yesteryear and is quintessentially all things English!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila Pickles wanted a book that showed all the best things about the England of her youth, so with a nostalgic look back, she wrote this one. There are no actual chapters, but four sections depicting the seasons of the year exploring appropriate traditions, activities, foods (including some of the wonderful recipes), games and hobbies. She covers house flowers; gardens; classic and old favourite children's and adult books (where I happily discovered some new-to-me English authors); decorating; and trips to the seaside. She also discusses toys, collecting silver, and English china.

There is much more involved in this lovely trip down memory lane; causing me to read it repeatedly, particularly specific sections throughout the year. Included in each section is poetry by John Clare, and wonderful full-colour photos on each page. This has become such a favourite that it is one of the dozen or so that I'd grab if the house was on fire.