Talbot Capes Fine Art Management offers high-quality, discreet curatorship and care for art collections of all sizes and contents. The team handles everything from cataloguing, provenance research and inventory management, to shipping and installation, advising on climate control and conservation. Working to museum quality standards, they ensure the highest level of care to art collectors all over the world.
Prior to founding the company, director Sarah Capes had worked in both the public and private sectors of the art world for over ten years; exclusively with private collections for five years. She identified a clear market need for a business that could combine the curatorial skills necessary for public museums and galleries with those needed in private collections.
“The most exciting part of being an art collector is looking at art, making a purchase, and enjoying hanging that piece on the wall. But every work of art has a life of its own beyond that. Even a brand new contemporary artwork needs to be appropriately cared for in order to preserve it for future generations: it needs to be skilfully installed and well-lit, in safe environmental conditions. It needs to be properly logged, photographed and documented in a secure database, in order to save time and money on administrative procedures later down the line. All public museums and galleries have at least one curator – if not several – carrying out these tasks, and we believe that private collections should be able to secure with absolute confidence that same detailed level of care.”
By combining research, administration, curatorship and preventive conservation advice, Talbot Capes Fine Art Management provides peace of mind that not only are their clients’ artworks being appropriately preserved, but the value of the collection is fundamentally protected. Sarah and her expert team streamline what can be the daunting and time-consuming process of organising the documentation associated with every art collection – purchase records, sales invoices, photography, literature, import / export documents; this in turn can streamline a host of other processes, from organising insurance policies to legacy and estate planning.
The art market remains an opaque and unregulated one, where it can be difficult to know who to trust. As impartial and unbiased curators, Sarah and her team are able to offer honest opinions and act as a sounding board when clients are presented with acquisition proposals.
Having an overview of an entire collection allows the team to advise on acquisitions that will contribute thematically and sensibly to the collection as a whole, which can subsequently increase its value.
Many collectors lack the time to organise and manage their collections themselves. Talbot Capes Fine Art Management alleviates all of the many tasks involved, removing the burden from the collector and allowing them to carry on focussing on what it is they truly love: collecting.
“Sarah is a fantastic exponent of the art world. Her attention to detail and her approach to research and client support has been exemplary, and it has been truly inspiring to work with her and to benefit from her knowledge and expertise.” – Private Client, London
Partner Spotlight – Sunseeker Charters
As dream vacations go, it’s safe to say there’s nothing quite like chartering your own yacht. Allow us to set the scene…you’re surrounded by friends and loved ones, exploring new coastlines and visiting new places, from the intimacy and exclusivity of your own private surroundings. Eating the finest freshly prepared meals and sipping on your drink of choice while blissfully soaking up the sunshine, listening to the laughter in the air and relaxing in the height of luxury. It’s your holiday, your way.
To find out more about the finer details of luxury yacht chartering, we sat down with Katie House, Group PR, Marketing & Events for Sunseeker London Group, and Charter Broker for Sunseeker Charters, to discuss popular winter sun destinations, Sunseeker Charters fully tailored service and how to decide on what yacht is right for you…
Would you mind starting by telling us how the Charter arm of Sunseeker came about?
As proud carriers of the Sunseeker name, we are the dedicated go-to company for clients and brokers worldwide looking to find Sunseeker Yachts and other premium brand yachts to charter.
Sunseeker Charters was founded by the late Sunseeker Co-Founder, Robert Braithwaite some 15 years ago and like Robert, we see the great importance of offering our clients the option to charter as well as buy these stunning yachts.
With the support of the Sunseeker team of over 150 across 40 offices, spanning 20 countries, we market our fleet in over 12 different languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Egyptian, Greek, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian and Maltese so all clients are able to converse comfortably in their mother tongue.
With over 25 years of experience, our Group is able to seamlessly combine the ease of chartering direct with the ability to offer our Sunseeker Owners an opportunity to offset their costs by adding their vessels into our charter programme. Marketing our Charter vessels to our very own database of over 50,000 qualified Sunseeker clients and prospects, we provide the opportunity to secure charter bookings throughout the year.
What are your most popular winter sun destinations and which ones would you recommend?
Some stand out and popular destinations for chasing the sun in winter are Dubai, the British Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean. Warm weather, vibrant marine life, pristine beaches and azure waters make it a charterers paradise.
Sunseeker Charters offer a fully tailored service. Could you explain to us how this unique process works?
From the outset we work alongside you, gathering as much detail as we can about your perfect getaway. We then set about producing an itinerary for you and your guests, detailing day by day where you’ll be cruising and what you can hope to see along the way. We also take care of the finer details such as private jet charters, luxury car transfers, beach club bookings or restaurant reservations, as well as offering you expertise on the best anchorages and marinas to visit.
As soon as you step onboard any of our yachts, it’s the crew that deservedly take centre stage. Each member handpicked by us for being the very best at what they do. Our chefs, stewardesses and deck crew are there for your comfort, while our captains are your key in unlocking the door to your chosen cruising grounds.
With such a vast selection of yachts on offer, how does the team ensure that a client is matched perfectly?
Choosing the right type of yacht for your family charter depends on various factors, including your preferences, the size of your family, your budget, and the activities you plan to do during your charter.
There are many considerations to help you decide the perfect boat for you:
- Group Size: Consider the number of people in your family. Smaller families may find a smaller yacht suitable, while larger families may require a larger motor yacht with multiple cabins.
- Budget: Yacht charters can vary significantly in price. Establish a budget for your charter, including not just the cost of the yacht but also additional expenses like fuel, crew gratuities, and provisions. Keep in mind that larger yachts typically come with higher costs.
- Destination: Think about where you plan to charter. Some areas may have specific types of yachts that are more common or better suited to local conditions.
- Activities: Consider the activities you want to enjoy during your charter. If you’re interested in water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, or paddleboarding, you’ll want a yacht with the necessary equipment and storage space. If you prefer a more relaxed cruise, a yacht with a spacious deck and comfortable seating will be ideal.
- Amenities: Different yachts come with varying amenities. Some may have luxury features like a hot tub, a barbecue grill, or a fully equipped kitchen, while others may be more basic. Decide what amenities are important to your family’s comfort and enjoyment.
- Duration: Consider the length of your charter. If it’s just for a day or a weekend, you might opt for a smaller yacht. For longer trips, especially if you plan to stay on board for an extended period, you’ll need a yacht with more space and amenities.
Ultimately, your family’s preferences and comfort should guide your choice. Consider the style, size, and layout that will best suit your family’s needs and desires.
At Sunseeker we can help you navigate your options and find the right yacht for you, while also providing valuable insights into the chartering process and destinations available.
What’s included in a Sunseeker Charter? What luxuries and special touches can people expect?
Included in the charter fee is the use of vessel, the expert crew, water toys (these vary depending on the size of vessel chartered) you will also pay VAT based on the area you are chartering from and APA (advanced provisioning allowance) this is typically 35% of the charter fee and this covers fuel, food, drinks, mooring fee’s and any other expenses you may have while on charter. APA is managed by your captain.
And finally, why would you recommend a Sunseeker Charter holiday over a more traditional hotel break?
Chartering a yacht offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for those seeking a unique and luxurious vacation experience. It allows you to enjoy all the benefits of owning a superyacht, without the running costs.
When chartering a yacht, you have exclusive use of the vessel, ensuring privacy and a personalised experience. This means that we can create a tailored itinerary based on your preferences. You can choose your destinations, anchor in secluded coves, and enjoy the luxury of the high-end amenities on board.
As yacht charter is such a high-end personalised service, the professional crew are there to cater to your every need throughout your time at sea. We have the flexibility to adapt your plans based on weather conditions and your preferences throughout the trip.
Many yacht charters offer gourmet dining experiences prepared by talented onboard chefs. You can enjoy one-of-a-kind menus and dine in picturesque settings, which may be sat on the deck with ocean views. There is an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate breathtaking landscapes while waking up to a different view every morning and enjoy the beauty of the sea and nature.
Yachts often carry a variety of water toys and equipment, such as paddleboards, snorkelling gear, jet skis, and even scuba diving equipment, meaning you can engage in water sports and activities at your leisure.
Yacht charters are an excellent option for spending quality time with family and friends. You can bond over shared experiences, enjoy leisurely meals together, and create lasting memories over special occasions, giving you the intimacy, you may not find elsewhere.
For more information or to discuss a booking, contact Katie today.
Where to Wine and Dine in London
By Amira Hashish
If when it comes to eating out the wine list is of equal importance as the menu then this roundup is for you as we wanted to shine a light on the restaurants that prioritise their drinks lists just as much as their food offerings (maybe even more). From the lauded Noble Rot in Bloomsbury to Peckham Cellars and Sager + Wilde’s grown-up era, here are some of our favourite wine-first eateries in London…
Noble Rot
In its own words, this is a “shrine to the vine” with three award-winning restaurants in Bloomsbury, Soho and Mayfair. Our favourite is still the original restaurant in a townhouse on Lamb’s Conduit Street dating back to 1701. Formerly a bootmaker, a surgery and an electrical shop, it was first converted into a wine bar by a descendent of Admiral Nelson in 1974. These days Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew, the duo behind importers Keeling Andrew & Co and Shrine to the Vine wine shop, are at the helm. They continue to put wine at the forefront of their offering but the food packs a punch too. Believe it or not, Noble Rot started its journey as a magazine and continues to publish issues to this day.
Book: noblerot.co.uk
Hide
Spread over three floors, with a statement staircase (you’ll see why it deserves a shout out when you visit) and views over Green Park, Hide is a polished and considered Michelin restaurant from the team behind Hedonism Wines. Acclaimed chef Ollie Dabbous and bar guru Oskar Kinberg joined forces with Hedonism’s founder Evgeny Chichvarkin to create a day to night space that works with small farmers and suppliers from across the UK. A tasting menu with matching wine flights is also available on both floors and it is a sumptuous experience.
Book: hide.co.uk
Peckham Cellars
Founded in 2019 by three friends and long-time South East London residents – Luke, Ben and Helen – Peckham Cellars is a wine bar and bistro experience that feels local but elevated. An eclectic and expansive collection of wines can be purchased to be enjoyed at home or drunk alongside a seasonally inspired menu of small plates. The core of the list is from France and Spain with a head chef from foodie haven San Sebastian. Each month Pablo Urain Alfonso develops a fresh, seasonal menu from the best of British and European produce to complement the tipples.
Book: peckhamcellars.co.uk
Authentique – Epicerie & Bar
An 800+ wine list is never to be sniffed at and the team behind Authentique – Epicerie & Bar have passionately sourced every bottle on it. The brainchild of four French guys who grew up with a penchant for artisan food and drinks, their Tufnell Park space shares their enthusiasm for Francophone Gastronomy with a love of great wine. The menu is rotated every six weeks and many of the winemakers pop up in store for special events.
Book: authentique-epicerie.com
Sager + Wilde
Its dark, moody, cosy bar on Hackney Road cemented Sager + Wilde as a go-to haunt for excellent wines and a cheese toastie. However, the Paradise Row outpost takes it into more of a grown-up realm with a bonafide restaurant to boot. The wine still plays a key role in proceedings and we are pleased to report the signature naturally lit vibes are in full swing. Love your work guys.
Book: sagerandwilde.com
Bar Douro
Tucked underneath a railway arch in Flat Iron Square or in a blue and white clad restaurant on Finsbury Avenue Square, Bar Douro gives authentic Portuguese food and wine a home in London. The azulejo tiles which adorn the dining rooms transport us to the coast and the largest selection of Portuguese wines in the UK are a divine accompaniment to the sharing plates.
Book: bardouro.co.uk
Weino Bib
The UK’s only natural wine shop focusing on sustainable packaging, all of Weino Bib’s wines are farmed sustainably and made by people with minimal intervention. So when you are perched on the bar tucking into delicious dishes, you know you are making a conscious environmental effort too. The blackboard at the Dalston taproom displays some of the latest bottles and you can ask any of the knowledgeable team for advice on what to pair with your meal.
Book: weinobib.co.uk
Renegade
Renegade is a London based urban winery that breaks all the rules. Making around 12-14 wines a year, from classical styles with a twist to wines that are entirely unique, they produce around 40-60,000 bottles annually. Their Walthamstow wine bar also turns into a restaurant Wednesday to Saturday with Sunday now open for roasts.
Book: renegadelondonwine.com
The Remedy
Mediterranean inspired small plates are paired with an ever-changing wine list in this cosy Fitzrovia gem. Italy, France and Spain take centre stage on a monthly rotation in a convivial atmosphere. The wine list is the result of endless research for new and exciting wines from all over the world with a focus on small producers with a low intervention approach alongside those with a more traditional touch. Enjoy tasting by the glass with more than 200 references or splash out on the cellar list for old vintages and rare wines.
Book: theremedylondon.com
The 10 Cases
Covent Garden’s Bistrot à Vin serves a frequently changing menu of modern Franco-European food and a wide selection of wines, by the glass and bottle. The clue is in the name with only 10 cases of any wine being ordered to keep things fresh and interesting. A casual option comes in the form of Cave à Vin, reserved for walk-ins, with wine, cheese and charcuterie on tap. You can order from the bistrot menu too.
Book: 10cases.co.uk
Primeur
This very local secret in Islington found its home in a former car garage and feels all the more enticing for its unexpected setting. The blackboard menu changes every day and is updated on its Instagram page. Low-intervention wines, all of which come by the glass, carafe or bottle, are paired with the dishes to make for a laid-back but well-curated experience.
Book: primeurn5.co.uk
Vinoteca
Vinoteca has become such a staple amongst London’s wine and dine scene that there are now several branches around the capital from Chiswick to Borough. Small producers are always championed on the wine list and the menu is modern British with a European twist. Whether you are in the mood for a snack or a full-blown dinner Vinoteca has you covered.
Book: vinoteca.co.uk
Wine Rooms
With ‘Rooms’ in Kensington and Hammersmith’s Brackenbury, these sociable environments recognise that great wine is worthy of great food. You can sample a selection with a pre-paid card or order by the bottle. British cheeses or Spanish meats are on offer for nibbles or indulge in the main menu to make more of an evening of it.
Book: winerooms.london
Vagabond
What started as a little shop in Fulham in 2010 branched into an Urban Winery at Battersea Power Station, nine wine bars in London and two outside, each with more than 100 wines by the glass. As the wine offerings grew so did the food options and Vagabond now serves up food menus across its branches.
Book: vagabondwines.co.uk