Street Art - South Acton Estate

Coming to a wall near you!

W3 Gallery on Acton's booming high street, is no ordinary gallery. 

Of course it does what it says on the tin and exhibits like any other gallery you and I would know, but this little gem is different. As well as being able to view some of the fantastic works that come from our very own local artists, a whole host of incredible extra curricular arty activities happen regularly here too.

Fortunate enough to fall into the hands of Rachel Pepper, project manager at the W3 Gallery on 

Acton High Street, I was invited to attend one of the gallery’s ‘Art Walks’ where we had the absolute pleasure of meeting some local street artists and seeing some of their commissioned wall murals. 

For our talented local artists involved in such projects as the “Love Acton” Campaign, it sees community art projects adorning walls, bridges and parks lifting the spirits of those who see the artworks in and around the place that they live. 

Wall murals, paintings, sculpture and mosaics fill the once derelict and uninspiring looking estates, with joyful colour and expression. The campaign has seen the community working hard for over the past years, to transform some of the more uninspiring housing estates, 

to something everyone can be proud of.

One of the artists who we were fortunate in meeting is local street artist ATM, whose detailed paintings of rare and endangered British birds fill the once grey and dingy walls of South Acton Estate. 

ATM's love for painting birds was born out of his concern for the environment and "my desire to make political changes, to raise awareness and to try and inspire people to really affect change so things are done differently."

His beautiful rich tones and incredibly detailed paintings, display his meticulous artistic skills. 

“This is not graffiti,” says ATM “...it’s a new ethos to spread positive vibes through Street Art, not vandalise or criminalise.” Many of the residents have been involved in curating these “outside galleries,” and are excited to see the areas regenerating. 

Both the council and artists are working together to help with these projects and many of the residents have been involved in curating these “outside galleries,” and are excited to see the areas regenerating. 

“We are bringing what has already happened in East London, to West London” - ATM

A handful of his creations now adorn the walls of South Acton Estate. They have most certainly succeeded in beautifying the area, on that account of nature being re-introduced to an urban space albeit through the paintbrush.

The Acton Snipe

The gallery itself is a start point for anyone interested in getting involved with art locally, and was a pure stroke of kindness with the help of a government grant to the Acton Forum Committee (AFC) which helped it open. When the recession hit and many of the high street shops closed, ceasing the opportunity, they set up shop and began their mission. 

‘We have now lost count of the exhibitions we have had over the past 18 months.” Says Rachel. “Not to mention the on going local projects we see popping up every day.”We are extremely lucky to be so involved with what is one of the most exciting Art Movements yet, what so many of us are immersing ourselves into quite by accident, is a world of experimentation and free expression." 

The W3 Gallery is at the fore front of its existence www.w3gallery.org.uk

To find out more  about the Art Walk:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIGVaeOGpk4

Sepia Lotus Retreats - Capo Vaticano, Italy

Super exited to be so near to departure!

Dreaming of the Calabrian sunshine and all the delicious rest, revitalise and relaxation after a busy summer!

Brush up on your camera skills and enjoy breath-taking scenery from your yoga mat!

Still a couple of spaces left so please get in touch if you need that little post summer detox or if you have any further questions please email us at sepialotusretreats@gmail.com

Look forward to seeing you there!

Chloe, Charlie & Kate x

GYMCLASS

Wowweeee,  2015 - in full throttle!

December is always a blur, events nearly every night and if not working then definitely playing...

January definitely got away, February flew and spring has finally graced us with its presence, IT IS MARCH ALREADY! which means Crewe-Read Photography has been BUSY!

So what better a way to grab the new and 'kick ass year' by the nuts, than to introduce you to West London's newest and most fabulous Gym.

A hidden gem in Holland Park! Hooray!

GYMCLASS had just celebrated its official launch and with a room full of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful people, my job to capture the evening was more than a pleasure!

Fronted by celebrity trainer, fitness expert and gorgeous ambassador for her brand Helle Hammond, (former GymBox, City Altheletic and Barry's Bootcamp trainer too - the list is endless...) the studio, boasting with serious state of the art equipment, filled up in seconds with perfectly sculpted men and women sipping Champagne, and all here to support Helle and her fantastic fitness empire.

Helle and her daughter enjoying the party

Champagne and canapés c/o The Rum Kitchen

So naturally, I had to give it a go - to see what all the hype was about 

(and in a futile attempt to make gentle movements towards that perfect bikini bod...)

I'm not sure whether to thank Helle and her team for such a kind? gesture in inviting me along  for a work out, but in any case, off I went the following morning to Maciella Culliford's class who showed me the ropes (quite literally) and took probably The. Most. Gruelling (but hell it was satisfying!)  

GymClass Maximus (Glutes and Leg) workout

...that I have ever done! It was amazing!!

A circuit style workout using bikes, frames and the TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise) performance training tool that leverages gravity and the users body weight to complete each exercise, blended with HIT squats and glute assasination followed by ab-crunching mat work.

The Team

A truly unique experience and definitely the best work out I have ever been on, so definitely go and check it out and see what they have to offer! Something for everyone at GymClass!

For more information please email

info@gym-class.co.uk

0207 460 1764

GYMCLASS is open 

Mon-Fri   6am - 8.30pm

Saturday   8.30am - 5pm

Sunday     9am - 4.30pm

All images  ©Crewe-Read Photography 2015

Sepia Lotus Retreats - Marrakech

With our amazing Greecian retreat under our belts, and a huge amount of interest for those forthcoming - we are  absolutely thrilled to be announcing our second retreat!

This time we will be uncovering hidden treasures in the souks of Marrakech, exploring 

the Atlas Mountains with our cameras and broadening your knowledge of yoga 

whilst deepening your physical practice.

Relax, Revive, Rejuvenate

Spaces are limited so please get in touch ASAP to avoid disappointment!

For more information and to receive our info pack and booking form please send us an email:

sepialotusretreats@gmail.com

Sepia Lotus Retreats

7 Night Yoga and Photography Retreat

Villa Zaharoula, Zakynthos, Greece

26th September - 3rd October 2014

This is the ultimate escape for yoga enthusiasts, photographers of any level, anyone

keen to learn a new skill, or someone who is simply seeking some well-deserved rest

and relaxation.

You will spend a week at a luxury villa, which boasts stunning sea views, beautiful

living space and mouth-watering local food. Our inspiring and passionate yoga teacher

Charlie Morgan will hold daily yoga classes; a morning meditation and a dynamic

Vinyasa Flow class to energise you for the day, followed by a candle-lit restorative and

relaxation class in the evening. Between yoga classes, our bubbly and talented

professional photographer Chloe Crewe-Read will be leading you through a week long

journey, which will provide you with all the advice and photography tips you need to

really make the most of your camera, or simply learn an amazing new hobby.

We also have our very own in-house cook who will provide you with delicious

breakfasts, and the choice of lunch or dinner. Chill out between practice around the

swimming pool or read a book in a hammock, making the most of the villa’s exquisite

surroundings and fantastic views of the Ionian Islands.

* * * 

Programme details

Date 26th September – 3rd October 2014

Cost from £825 per person based on 8 people booking, excluding flights

Price includes

· 7 nights at the stunning, luxury Greek villa in the Ionian Islands, a short drive

from local beaches

· Dedicated healthy chef for detox or Mediterranean food

· Breakfast and one other meal included daily – the other to be eaten out at nearby

restaurants at your own expense

· Dedicated yoga teacher for the week – daily dynamic and energising morning

practice and evening restoration and relaxation class

· Dedicated photography teacher for the week

Relax, Revive, Rejuvenate

Here at Sepia Lotus Retreats, we pride ourselves on the personalised nature of our

retreats; each one is different and customised to your individual needs. We provide a

service specifically tailored to you, and understand you are likely to be in need of some

rest, a little revival and wish to acquire some new skills whilst on holiday. In light of

this, we have deliberately built in lots of time to rest in our daily itinerary, allowing you

to do as much or as little activity as you wish.

*All classes are optional and we encourage you to do whatever will ensure you have a

very relaxing experience.

Snapshot of the beautiful Zaharoula Villa where we will stay.

Charlotte Morgan - Yoga Instructor

 

Charlie has been practicing yoga for 12 years, initially from a work-out perspective.

Following a life-changing trip to the Himalayan Yoga Institute in India, she decided to

leave the corporate world and deepen her knowledge of yoga further. She became a

certified teacher in Bali with WLYA (affiliated to The Yoga Institute of Santacruz,

Mumbai, India – the world’s oldest organized yoga institution) and went on to set up

her own studio in Somerset, U.K. She now teaches group classes at various top yoga

centers in and around London, private one-to-ones and has taught internationally.

Charlie teaches a unique style of Dynamic Vinyasa flow with an emphasis on correct

body alignment, breathing, toning and the importance of meditative relaxation. Charlie

aspires to share the positive effects that yoga has had on her life with others. Her

classes are accessible to those of all ages and abilities, maintaining the philosophy that

‘yoga is for all’.

Charlie is Yoga Alliance registered and ambassador for Sweaty Betty.

* * * * *

Chloe Crewe-Read - Photographer

 

Based in London, Chloe Campbell (nee Crewe-Read) works under her maiden name as

a professional, commercial, portrait, and event photographer.

With a background in both traditional and modern methods, Chloe’s flair for

photography began in the darkroom at school whilst being able to experiment with

different techniques.

Her love for creating beautiful images carried on throughout her university years and

reading photojournalism at The Arts London University gave her a distinct

documentary style which is seen throughout her professional events work today.

Capturing a moment is a wonderful thing and as her love for images continues to grow,

so too does her desire to share her knowledge of the medium. Whether you are a first

timer to photography or an experienced enthusiast, all levels of experience are welcome

and Chloe will offer you a chance to improve or learn new skills in a fun, sociable and

relaxing atmosphere. She will also guide you through a number of ways to get to grips

with your camera, make the most of natural lighting and and create a personal work

flow to ensure your photos don’t just stay on your computer at home, but are printed out and enjoyed by everyone!

* * * * * 


For more info please check out our website www.sepialotusretreats.com

When the sun shines....

Please excuse the recent silence on my blog.

Here's a small selection of images from the last couple of months... ENJOY!

Cx

Springtime in Paris

Paris, France

  

The Pont de l'Archevêché & Cathédrale Notre Dame, Paris

Cathédrale Notre Dame, Paris

The Parisian house that singer songwriter, Serge Gainsbourg lived in from 1969-1991,
5 bis Rue de Verneuil, remains a celebrated shrine 

    

Looking up inside the Eiffel Tower

Waiting in the rain outside The Musée d'Orsay

Inside looking out, Musée d'Orsay

Funny Women, Comedy evening
Union Club, Soho

Jo Brand in conversation with Suzy Bennett

Jo Brand

Concierge networking evening

Tory Burch, New Bond Street.

  

'On the Roof with Q' at Selfridges

 Oxford Street, London

'Frozen' themed Children's Party 

Gloucestershire

Christening 

Chelsea, London

Best Of British Polo

Tidworth Polo Club, Wiltshire 

Alicia Lowes, Soprano
Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square

For more information or to get in touch please contact Chloe 

chloe@crewereadphotography.co.uk 

Many thanks.