Norman Parkinson

One of my favourite photographers is Norman Parkinson.

Norman Parkinson (1913 - 1990) is one of the twentieth century's best known British portrait and fashion photographers.

He has worked for Harper's Bazzar and Vogue, revolutionising the world of British fashion photography.

Parkinson recognised how s studio setting, in some cases, stifled individuality, creativity and movement due to its stiff formality and professional restrictions. He therefore took his models out from this rigid environment.

He took pictures of glamorous women in various dynamic outdoor settings and managed to inject an easy casual elegance into his images.

His locations were dynamically varied, from the fashion capitals of the world to rural countryside roads. however he always manages to capture an essence of charm and sophistication, creating striking images.

I particularly love his photographs in which humour play a central role:

He transformed and modernised the face of fashion photography and his work has been recognised throughout the world making his style iconic of the twentieth century.

I discovered this photographer when I started collecting postcards and I found the postcards featured in Paperchase.

Winter Wellies

The snow clouds have returned to Aberdeen but luckily Santa was good to me last year and brought me Hunter's original Tall Gloss Wellington Boots in Raspberry! I have dug out and polished up my lovely wellies to keep my feet nice and dry.

The Hunter Boot story began in 1856. They were originally designed for trumping through Britain's countryside (and for jumping into puddles!), however they are now an established style classic and have become a fashion necessity for many, including festival goers.

Hunter have mastered the art of creating and manufacturing wellies using traditional techniques. All boots are made and finished by hand - all 28 individual pieces - and the brand have earned a legendary reputation for the lasting qualities of performance, durability and comfort, due to fine detail and workmanship.

Hunter boots have also been given the Royal stamp of approval, the Royal Warrant from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HM the Queen. So if they are good enough for the Royal Family then they are good enough for me!

And of course I kept the box they came in to add to my collection!