On Saturday 16 January Dreweatts, in association with Savills, held its' first virtual event 'Restoration, Regulation, Re-invention: Creating a Country House for the 21st Century'. Our guest speakers Thomas Heatherwick and Ian Abell joined James and Sophie Perkins in conversation with Carole Annett to offer a fascinating insight into the challenges and opportunities in creating a country house for the 21st century and the importance of unique collaborations between the patron, the designer and the artist.

If you were unable to attend, the event is available to watch on demand here.

Carole Annett (Your Host)

Interiors Editor, Country & Town House

Carole Annett has been happily immersed in the world of interior design for almost 20 years. Latterly at Conde Nast, she is now interiors editor at Country & Town House magazine and host of the weekly House Guest podcast (on iTunes, Entale and British Airways inflight entertainment). A weekly chat with the people behind the houses, hotels and brands seen in glossy magazines.

Thomas Heatherwick

Founder, Heatherwick Studio

Thomas Heatherwick is a British designer whose prolific and varied work over two decades is characterised by its ingenuity, inventiveness and originality. Read more...

Ian Abell

Co-Founder of Based Upon

Based Upon is a London studio employing over 30 artists and designers under the direction of the company’s founders, twin brothers, Ian and Richard Abell. Read more...

James & Sophie Perkins

Owners of Aynhoe Park & Parnham Park

James Perkins is a restorer of historic houses, a music-industry veteran, a collector and an aesthete. In the 1990's, James became well known as the founder of the dance music organisation, Fantazia.

After a stance at London College of Fashion - Sophie worked at what was then Cult clothing and Superdry as Junior Buyer. From there went on to open her own online vintage clothing boutique and an ethical clothing label that used waste clothes and fabrics.

Read more...

The auction Aynhoe Park: The Celebration of A Modern Grand Tour takes place next week from 20-22 January. Don't forget to register to bid. Follow the link below to browse the online catalogue, discover videos, news and insights and take the Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour of Aynhoe Park!

Aynhoe Park auction information