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Friends of the Union
See below a list of useful links. If you would like to be added to this page please email  michala@unionclub.co.uk
 The
Spider drawings on show at the union are part of a collection of Spider work that has been shown around
London, Kings lynn and Tokyo. The piece ‘Spiderlings’ was used for a collaboration with Helmut Lang NYC as part of their spring/summer collection 09.
I was then invited to show the drawings for a solo exhibition spread over 4 venues in Tokyo,
to celebrate the launch of the collection.
I began studying spiders because my studio is at the end of my garden , and my garden is full of them!
I am interested in the way people project their psychological dramas of fear onto these creatures and my own feelings of awe and repulsion are all used in my work.
The symbolism of the spider as the great and terrible mother lies deep in our psyche. I am interested in what evokes these powerful feelings and by getting close and drawing
out the beauty in the untouchable I achieve a better understanding.
 Currently
showing in our dining room is the work of Mauricio Ortiz, he is a well-kept secret of collectors worldwide who have been quietly acquiring his work in recent years. UK
fans include Jamie Oliver, Robert Plant, and Roman Abramovich. Mauricio recently won the Shelter House of Cards design competition to much acclaim and is proud to be a
guest artist at The Union. “To be a member of the modern elite is to regard wonder with studied indifference. Yet wonders still persist, stubbornly,
on the margins of our modern age. A wonder is something that so forcibly grabs your attention you are incapable of ignoring it. And because they don't fit into existing
categories, wonders are perfect objects for making you rethink the world. An expression of New World reality which at once combines the rational elements of European civilization,
and the irrational elements of primitive America provide a context for my work. The alchemy of these opposites often produces a hybrid. This amalgamation reveals supernatural
characteristics describing the spirit of the object, which is staged as a curiosity.” Mauricio Ortiz
LES CAVES DE PYRENNE • WINE WHOLESALERS
www.lescaves.co.uk
 ‘Les
Caves De Pyrene’ – Independent boutique importers and wholesalers of bio-dynamic, organic and just plain outrageous wines from some of the most perverse and
off the wall artisan producers in Europeland – to know their wines is to enter a different world. The Union is thrilled to recommend a visit to their cellar door
shop at Pew Corner (near Guildford) and to be slowly working with their ‘dedicated’ rep ‘Filthy Phil Barnet’ who knows a thing or two about proper
lunching. Pew Corner, Old Portsmouth Road, Artington, Guildford, GU3 1LP 01483 538820
 Great
long standing friends of the Union, John & Helen Beach & family have upped-sticks and moved to sunny Ibiza. You can rent their house for July and August
(they won’t
be there) and also the first 2 weeks in September . Their gorgeous Finca has 5 double bedrooms, including one en suite casita. 12 acres of land and woodland • Sky
TV & internet WIFI • Stunning views and sunsets • Very child friendly.
For Union friendly rates and availability please email Helenbeach@mac.com or see facebook
page for
more photos!
TAVOLA DELI • 155 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W11 2RS
 Godfather
of Modern British cooking Alastair Little and his fruity missus, Sharon, operate their excellent Italian delicatessen at 155 Westbourne Grove, where a daily selection
of expertly prepared meals are available for all those Knotting Hillbillies who can’t, or won’t cook for their dinner parties themselves. Both are founding
Union members and even had their wedding reception with us. One of them is always in shop daily and they are always happy to advise on life and death matters culinary.
0207 229 0571
ROOMSCAPE • NEW HOME FOR VINTAGE FURNITURE SPECIALISTS
www.roomscape.net
 Often at The Union we
get asked where do we get the groovy furniture and lighting? One of our secret places is Roomscape, which has just launched www.roomscape.net along
with a new showroom. The move from traditional shop to larger showroom with a stronger online presence, reflects the changing needs of Roomscape’s customers.Quality
at affordable prices.Sergio and Blair will be happy to meet you by appointment at Belmont Street, Camden, London, NW1 8BS, +44 (0) 7956 645 492, info@roomscape.net
GV ART • GALLERY & EXHIBITION SPACE
www.gvart.co.uk
 GV Art have been entertaining
us with their artists at the Union for several years. Union members are invited to visit GV Art's New Gallery Space which is situated in the heart of Marylebone. The gallery
operates indoor and outdoor exhibition space spread over two levels. GV Art supports established international artists, as well as nurturing the careers of young artists
from the UK, Europe and America. Their exhibition programme encourages collaborations with the worlds of theatre, dance, and music, as well as academic exchange and community
based projects.
49 Chiltern Street London W1U 6LY, 020 8408 9800. Tuesday to Fridays 11am to 7pm, Saturdays 11am to 4pm or by appointment.
 Founding member
Louise Cross has a delightful Holiday Cottage for rent (sleeps 4) in the tiny fishing village of Mousehole, near Penzance in Cornwall. The village has several restaurants
(Fore Street Restaurant in the harbour being a particular favourite of guests), as well as a grocery shop and several gift shops/galleries. Within 10 miles of Porthurco
and Sennen beaches (surf lessons available), as well as the busy town of St Ives and the rugged coastline of Lands End. If you don't fancy the 5 hour drive from London,
you can always opt for the plane to Newquay and pick up a hire car (40 mins to Mousehole), or take the train from Paddington to Penzance from where you can take a hopper
bus or taxi or hire car (all available outside station) around the coast to Mousehole. The village itself has a small beach area suitable for toddlers and the pub (The Ship
Inn) serves cold beer in plastic glasses for those on child-care duties. For more information, bookings and prices, please see our website above.
 The Constant Gardener Trust was set up by members of the film crew of The Constant Gardener, to directly benefit the people in the areas of Kenya where filming took place.
The Trust provides education, sanitation and other support, and is run by volunteers, ensuring the maximum amount of money reaches the areas in which it is most needed.
We are delighted to host an annual Oscar Night Party in February each year in support of the Trust, and since we are visited far too regularly by the volunteers who
run it, can confidently say we believe THESE friends are doing a great job. For more information about the Trust, please visit the website.
 Murray Lachlan Young - Founding member and Union 'Poet in Residence' for the last 15 years - Murray is the original Rock 'n' Roll Poet. He made poetry cool by
landing a million pound contract in the 90's (now blown, sadly) - not that it was always so. In the early years he would regularly walk across town for a hot meal and a
chance to dry his socks at the Union. Now of course well known from silver screen, stage and radio; with each year his elevation to 'National Treasure' becomes more
assured.
MALET ARMS, NEWTON TONY, WILTSHIRE • COUNTRY PUB
 Noel and Annie Cardew are old friends of the Union, now
happily well out of London and running one of the finest country pubs
in the South of England. Noel cuts a broad swathe across several counties, not least husbanding the local estate herd of deer (and butchering his own venison) and playing
demon electric blues guitar in the house band, during their annual summer 'Maletstock'. By any well established benchmark - the ‘Country Pub Landlord’s
Country Pub Landlord’. Great food, great beer, luverly boozer! There’s a pint in the pipe for any Union member who asks - just tell ‘em ‘Doc’ sent
you. 01980 629 279 ‘More beer Vicar?’
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ion (n) 