We had missed the book signing of TOP DOGS – A British Love Affair when the author, Georgina Montagu was at Love My Human. I think we were travelling in Mexico or Phoenix – something like that.
The recently published TOP DOGS is a joyous read and celebrates the special relationship between beloved British dogs and their devoted owners. Featuring architects, fashion designers, florists, entrepreneurs – these and the other famous, creative and hyper-successful people have one thing in common when it comes to their canines: the strength of the bond between human and four-legged friend. This makes for tales of companionship that will be sure to uplift your spirits and make the heart sing.
We so enjoyed it that when Mum got a message that Georgina was going to be at the very dog-friendly Design Centre in Chelsea‘s Twinkle of Christmas Fair, (a place she frequents looking for all things interiors) she wanted to go along to meet her and to say thank you for the lovely book.
Having been in the world of doodles, we know a lot of part poodles and a toy poodle or two, but we rarely meet standard poodles. I think Rollo is the first standard poodle that I have met.
Georgina says in her book, ‘Some would say that the Standard Poodle is just that: the standard by which all other dogs are measured.’
Throughout the whole panel discussion about dogs, Pollo sat patiently and just took everything in. He must have been listening intently to what was being discussed about how dogs today live so differently than they did in the past.
At the end of the panel discussion, I got to take a photo with Rollo and Georgina.
When we went home, I looked through the book again and this time I can say I have met one of the TOP DOGS!
As you know, we have been on the dog scene for a good decade and it’s been Mum’s passion to figure out all the ways we can live our daily lives with our hoomans – sharing it on our blog for the many dog owners we know prefer to live life with us! And just when Mum thought she knew most things, Georgina was telling her about Montagu Matysik – the company of poodle-wool! Now, that’s new news!
May’s comment: Montagu Matysik is a collaboration between the author, Georgina Montagu and renowned London-based designer Marko Matysik.
It all began when Georgina happened upon a carefully wrapped package in the depths of a neglected family cupboard – the last remaining bolt of poodle-wool tweed that her great grandmother had given to each of her grandchildren.
Nellie Ionides, Georgina’s great grandmother, had provided homes for over 100 dogs and even ran a school for kennel maids in the bluebell woods at Buxted Park, her house in Sussex. One of Nellie Ionides’ more eccentric endeavours was the weaving of poodle-wool into fine tweed, from which she had suits and overcoats tailored in Savile Row for her grandsons — clothes that are still lovingly treasured by her descendants for their soft texture, subtle colour and durability.
When Georgina found the remaining bolt, stored for over 70 years, and still appeared as if fresh from the loom, it sparked an idea. Inspired by memories of her great-grandmother’s passion, Georgina decided not only to bring this one bolt of rare fabric to use, but to revive the craft itself and the spirit in which it was originally begun.
Working with Matysik, they quickly developed the collaboration into a creative partnership that has brought the lost art of weaving with poodle-wool into the 21st century, and has produced a new line of contemporary, sustainable, exquisitely made poodle-based felts and wools.
Their unique products celebrate the utter gorgeousness of Poodles. Their stunning collection range from handbags, frames and phone cases, to belts, dog collars and leads.
Classic design, uncompromising craftsmanship, startling whimsy. All handmade in Britain from finest poodle-wool. Who knew?
