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December 2015
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Living and Loving on the Riviera is the story of the
American architect Barry Dierks, his English partner
Eric Sawyer, and the stunning houses and gardens they
designed on the French Riviera during the 1920’s and
1930’s – for those who could afford them. From their own
home built into the red rocks of the Estérel mountains
and above the Mediterranean, Barry as the architect in
the partnership, with Eric as garden designer and
business manager, built or remodelled around 60 houses
in the south of France.
These were occupied by Americans, British
and French, many of whom have their own fascinating
stories. Handsome and sociable, Barry and Eric were
‘the two charmers’ of the Riviera social scene in the
years between the wars, indeed leading a charmed life
until the Second World War changed
From 'Living & Loving on the
Riviera', a new book by Maureen Emerson.
Copyright
©
2015 Maureen Emerson. |
November 2015
October 2015
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Maureen Emerson's new
book, 'Living and Loving on the Riviera' is now
finished, from a writers perspective, and is now out with a
number of publishers for their consideration. Let's hope
Maureen receives a speedy acceptance after all the effort
she has put into it.
September 2015
August 2015
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A great find - new
photograph found in the U.S.A. This photo is an official
press photo taken at the famous New York Plaza Hotel fashion
show. One of Winifred's 'Cintra' gowns is being modelled.
The show was held in the Golden Ballroom on the 9th November
1922 and this photo was taken the day before. The show, put
on by Winifred, was to raise money to establish the
Soldier's, Sailor's, Airmen's and Marine's club on Lexington
Ave. The establishment still exists today. To see more,
including the label on the rear, visit the 'Cintra' page or
click here.
Miss Josephine Morrison poses in one of
Winifred's famous 'Cintra' dresses the day before the Plaza
fashion show
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Author and friend, Julia
Stagg, has now published her latest book in the Fogas
Chronicles. Click
here
for full details.
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Many thanks to the
visitor from the U.S.A. who has just made a donation towards
the site running costs. Very much appreciated, thank you.
April - July 2015
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Royal Horticultural
Society Members - If you are a member of the RHS or can
obtain a copy of the June issue of their magazine 'The
Garden', it contains a five page spread on Winifred
Fortescue's original garden near Grasse. A good article with
much information about the plants and layout. The RHS are
running a trip to the gardens of the Riviera in May 2016 but
it does not include Winifred's. Full details on their
website at https://www.rhs.org.uk
March 2015
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Rhona Wells recently
visited Winifred's grave at Opio and kindly sent this
photograph. At the moment it is covered in flowering
cyclamens, many of which she has planted over the years in
tribute to Winifred's love of them. We know how much
Winifred enjoyed her garden and the Spring flowers - a
perfect tribute! Very many thanks to Rhona.
March 2015 in the hills
above Nice
March 2015 in the hills
above Nice
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“The little fishing villages of the coast, although
often very poor, must have had a potent charm in the
1920s and early 1930s. And in the tranquil hills which
rose high above, dotted with their small iron crosses,
there was much loveliness. The perfume industry at
Grasse was prospering and the harvests of wonderfully
scented flowers ran almost throughout the year. These
began with violets, then the species hyacinths and
jonquils. In June came the roses de mai and orange
blossom, mignonette and carnations. In July the
gathering of the tiny jasmine flowers was followed by
the waxy and delicate tuberoses. An edition of the
English language publication La Saison de Cannes tried
to encourage the international set to explore the
pine-scented hillsides and seek out at least a few of
their 164 villages and the multi-coloured anemones and
wild blue orchids on their terraces, backed by the
scented open spaces of the garrigue or shrub land. Few
did. Apart from sorties to the already fashionable St
Paul de Vence, it was the beaches, yachts, casinos,
elegant villas and, above all, others of their own kind
that were the great attraction.”
From 'Living & Loving on the
Riviera', a new book by Maureen Emerson.
Copyright
©
2015 Maureen Emerson. |
February 2015
February 2015 - the view of
the Mimosa from the balcony
January 2015
January 2015 - Nice Harbour at lunchtime
January 2015 -
The sun setting over the lovely Esterel mountains
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