Combining a mix of society's last word and both wit and wisdom, The Steeple Times covers food, drink and fine dining as well as luxury, travel, the arts, individuals of influence and current affairs in the United Kingdom, America and elsewhere. We are best described as being akin to "a cross between The Huffington Post and Private Eye".
The magazine's following is affluent, engaged and international. With 41% of readers coming from the UK and 38% from America, The Steeple Times also has strong presence within Canadian, Italian, German and Australian territories.
July 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
‘SHIT’ to be sold at Christie’s in South Kensington; it comes at quite a price A painting which simply depicts the word ‘SHIT’ is to be sold at Christie’s in South Kensington, London this month. Offered with an estimate of £2,000 to £4,000 ($2,590 to $5,180, €2,260 to €4,520 or درهم9,470 to درهم18,940) … Continue reading “Expensive Shit”
June 7, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Artist Enzina Fuschini showcases her take on Theresa May at an exhibition in Chelsea; the work is supposedly anything but political Italian artist and designer Enzina Fuschini held a press preview for her ‘Impact’ exhibition at Chelsea’s 508 Gallery on the Kings Road last night. Aside from eleven 100cm by 100cm oil on … Continue reading “A Take On Theresa”
May 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
As convicted paedo Rolf Harris walks free from court and his nutty supporters once again reveal themselves, it must be remembered he is still a convicted abuser of girls as young as eight Rolf Harris might well have walked free from court on Monday after a jury failed to reach a verdict on historical … Continue reading “Rotten Rolf”
May 14, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Chelsea studio house built for “spiritual artist” Arild Rosenkrantz and later home to the extremely eccentric lesbian heiress and powerboater ‘Joe’ Carstairs for sale for £8.95 million “Spiritual seeker” and artist Baron Arild Rosenkrantz (1870 – 1964) was born in Denmark, studied in Rome and married his Scottish cousin, Louise Mackenzie, in 1901. His … Continue reading “Spirit & Speed”
May 12, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
£144,000 per year sought for Oxfordshire mansion that was the scene of a most curious ménage-a-trois; it is owned by the writer Sofka Zinovieff “Tall and willowy” writer Sofka Zinovieff inherited Faringdon House in Oxfordshire at the age of 25 from her eccentric, bisexual uncle, Robert ‘The Mad Boy’ Heber-Percy, partner of the owner … Continue reading “Fun at Faringdon”
May 6, 2017
by General
New York born, Yale educated Jack Schlossberg is the only grandson of JFK. The son of designer and artist Ed Schlossberg and former Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, Schlossberg co-founded ReLight New York, a non-profit organsiation that installed fluorescent lights in low-income housing developments, whilst at school and has expressed a desire to pursue a … Continue reading “Jack Schlossberg (AKA John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg)”
April 17, 2017
by General
A 20-question interview with Paris based fashion designer Martin Raffa The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? The search beauty and harmony. From an early age, I understood the importance of both in my entourage. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s … Continue reading “Martin Raffa – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 13, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
A 20-question interview with contemporary artist Alexander Newley The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Eros, anger, anxiety, love – in perfect and contradictory admixture. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? When fate raises its sword to make you tremble, … Continue reading “Alexander Newley – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
March 31, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Chelsea “studio with living rooms” built for Augustus John and later owned by Dame Grace Fields DBE available to rent Though the Pembrokeshire born artist, bohemian and pacifist Augustus John (1878 – 1961) was best known for his portraits of Lawrence of Arabia and Dylan Thomas, he is also said to have fathered as … Continue reading “A Blank Canvas”
December 20, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Tracey Emin announces she’s quitting London after her plans to construct a carbuncle that resembles a Hitler-esque oven are rejected; Londoners rejoice Tracey Emin CBE, RA is no doubt liked by somebody, somewhere. She’s made a fortune from what she calls “art” and though her unmade bed is often derided as one of the … Continue reading “Terrible Tracey”
October 26, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Former residence of sculptor with Liz Hurley as a neighbour for sale in Chelsea The self-described ‘actress’ and diva Liz Hurley is probably the most famous ‘name’ living in cherry tree lined Redcliffe Road, SW10 but a slightly more talented former resident was a sculptor named Alice Lindley-Millican (married in 1917, died November 1930). … Continue reading “Sculpting a Residence”
October 22, 2016
by General
A new addition to the South Kensington neighbourhood in October 2016, the Pret Prayer likes to get his mat out in front of all and sundry in Pret A Manager in Old Brompton Road, SW7. He also likes to paint and listen to his radio – on full volume, of course. He then joins the … Continue reading “The Pret Prayer”
August 30, 2016
by General
A selection of five of the best follies for sale in Britain and elsewhere A folly is unlikely to make an ideal home for a family, but for someone a little more quirky – a writer or artist perhaps – they can easily make an ideal home. Our selection of five of the … Continue reading “Five of the Best – Follies for sale”
May 9, 2016
April 22, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Remembering one of London’s great ladies, Marisa Masters
February 15, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Mayfair restaurant Coya to host a painting masterclass with an Argentinian artist Ana Pérez Grassano
January 19, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Shropshire cottage with a most unusual secret for sale for just shy of £200,000
December 4, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times’ first panel debate at the Library members’ club featured four art experts and the question: “What makes art sell?”
November 23, 2015
by General
‘The Steeple Times’ invites readers to attend its first panel debate and drinks reception where the topic will be: “What makes art sell?”
November 22, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Supporters of the paedophile Rolf Harris take to attacking one another
November 20, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Orvis marked thirty years on the British high street with a party at their flagship London store
November 1, 2015
by steepleadmin
Say ‘Balls to Cancer’ by buying a charity T-shirt designed by the media personality and author Christine Hamilton
September 30, 2015
August 20, 2015
by General
Born in Monza, Italy in 1982, Los Angeles and New York based photographer and director Francesco Carrozzini has worked with everyone from Tony Blair and Ban Ki-Moon to Justin Bieber and Kanye West.
July 27, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Rolf Harris finally gives a sign that he accepts his conviction
July 4, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples reviews Steven Berkoff’s first novel: ‘Sod the bitches!’ whilst the author shares his take on it in a video exclusive
June 25, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Spectacular items, art and objects at Masterpiece 2015
June 24, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Vivien Leigh’s retreat and final resting place for sale for £3.25 million
June 17, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
‘The Steeple Times’ asks the actor and star of ‘Mr Selfridge’ and ‘The Borgias’ Edward Akrout: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
June 15, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
A £30 million Mayfair apartment for an art lover that is being marketed by way of an extraordinarily detailed 69-page sales brochure
June 14, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Rolf Harris shows his true colours in a letter to a friend (who happily sold him down the river to the ‘Mail on Sunday’)
June 11, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Two venues that highlight the works of the renowned artist and illustrator Feliks Toposki
June 4, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Royal Academy surpasses themselves in the choice of including a stunning staircase as part of their Summer Exhibition 2015
May 27, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
A £25 million Westminster house that was the scene of all things scandalous
April 28, 2015
by General
London born Ken Howard is renowned as a painter of scenes in London, Cornwall and Venice.
April 27, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks realtor and star of ‘Million Dollar Listing San Francisco’ Justin Fichelson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
March 9, 2015
by General
The Steeple Times asks artist and curator Kate Enters: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
March 4, 2015
February 20, 2015
by General
Best known for his stunning window displays for Hermès and Ralph Lauren, Charlie Baker was born in New York’s Upper East Side
January 12, 2015
by General
The star of a Nespresso commercial with George Clooney, Louis-Marie de Castelbajac is a fashion designer, actor, artist and Armagnac producer.
January 2, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
This Jewish real-estate mogul and contemporary art patron co-founded RFR Holding LLC with his childhood friend Michael Fuchs in 1991.
October 23, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Basia Briggs recounts her role in the building of the Queen Mother’s Gate as a painting of it comes to the market I was instrumental in fundraising for the Queen Mother’s Gate in 1993 and now with the sale of a painting of them by the British artist Beverley-Jane Stewart, I was reminded of what a … Continue reading “A gate fit for a Queen: The Queen Mother’s Gate”
October 6, 2014
by General
The Steeple Times asks American gymnast, performing artist, contortionist and former addict Joe Putignano: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
September 12, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Legendary 1954 ‘Docker Daimler’ heads to auction Sir Charles Dunstone recently took to the seas in his newly refurbished 65-metre yacht, the Shemara. The vessel, which dates to 1938, was once owned by the legendarily extravagant duo Sir Bernard and Lady Docker and this weekend Dunstone has the opportunity to add one of the … Continue reading “A magical Daimler”
July 26, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Conor Mccreedy work sells for £100,000 Aged just 27, South African artist Conor Mccreedy has pulled off an extraordinary coup in selling a painting for just shy of £100,000 (R1.8 million ZAR).
May 5, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
This Surrey based violinist and Britain’s Got Talent contestant has been described as “a mixture of the Duchess of York and Patsy from Ab Fab”. Lettice Rowbotham has played for Prince Charles, President Vladimir Putin and at Harvey Weinstein’s 2014 post-BAFTA party and of meeting Oprah Winfrey commented: “No, I didn’t know who she was. … Continue reading “Lettice Rowbotham”
March 22, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
A roundup of the art worth seeing at BADA The BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair on Chelsea’s Duke of York Square is an annual showcase of art and antiques that range in price from £100 to £1 million. Here, The Steeple Times picks three of our favourite items on display that suit a … Continue reading “The best of BADA”
December 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with photographer Cyrus Mahboubian The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Artistic pursuits take up most of my time. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? I think the ethic of reciprocity “do unto others as you would have them do to you” is a … Continue reading “Cyrus Mahboubian: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
December 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with photographer Giacomo Brunelli The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Adrenaline. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “If you are going through hell, keep going” – Winston Churchill.
November 9, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Galerie Dumonteil’s ‘Splendor on the Riviera’ exhibition The opening of Galerie Dumonteil’s latest exhibition, Splendor on the Riviera, in New York was very much an Anglo-American affair.
August 27, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This heiress daughter of a Montana “robber baron” mining and railroad tycoon was a hence unseen recluse from 1930 until her death in 2011 following a painful divorce from the son of one of her father’s business associates after just two years of marriage.
August 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Chelsea’s answer to John Lennon adapts a Nissan Primera A recent addition to the streets of Chelsea is a Nissan Primera whose owner plainly took inspiration from John Lennon’s customised Rolls-Royce Phantom V.
August 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Jack Vetrianno puts painting on the market (and throws in a flat) Whoever buys Scottish artist Jack Vettriano OBE’s £2 million flat in Pont Street, Knightsbridge gets not only a one bedroomed flat, but also a painting titled Suddenly Last Summer.
July 11, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with singer-songwriter Tom Bem The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Success and positivity. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? I’ve adopted the Olympic motto ‘Faster Higher Stronger’. It’s mine now.
June 16, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This Roman Catholic novelist and Italian translator’s works have included A Darker Shade of Love, Web of Passion and Anita: A Memoir. A former debutante and model, Dunhill also writes about love, life and lunches on the site Angela Darling’s Blog and is a granddaughter of the luxury goods titan Alfred Dunhill.
June 3, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This poet and artist was born in Consett, County Durham and began writing aged just 13 during his time studying at a monastery in Shropshire. Famed for his amazing head of a hair and a regular at the Chelsea Arts Club, amongst Armstrong’s most poignant verses is one from his poem Who Am I in … Continue reading “John Armstrong”
May 12, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist Andrew Hancock: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? “The increasing sense that time is speeding up”. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Fearless for Your Love Forever!” – I inscribed … Continue reading “Andrew Hancock: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
May 11, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The youngest woman to have become a self-made billionaire ever. A former comedian and door-to-door fax machine saleswoman, Blakely founded the privately held Spanx undergarment business at the age of 27. Sales took off in 2000 when Oprah Winfrey endorsed the product and then when she signed a contract with QVC, 8,000 pairs were sold … Continue reading “Sara Blakely”
May 6, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks experimental disc jockey and background actor Morgan Delle Piane: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? All the virtues. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Equality and diversity.
April 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist and sculptor Marina Cowdray: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Accepting each moment as it appears. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Laugh often and don’t take life too seriously. … Continue reading “Marina Cowdray: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
April 22, 2013
by Thomas "T.J." James
Thomas James chats with artist Conor Mccreedy The quintessence of any artist is what distinguishes them from others. So, when I met with Conor Mccreedy to ask him about his, he begins by reading me his artistic statement: “I lose myself in a divine invention, where judgment is laid aside and my experiences in … Continue reading “Mccreedy’s quintessence”
April 21, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Polygamous Lord Bath is as famed for his “wifelets” as he is for his erotically styled paintings. A prolific writer, this peer passed the management of his Longleat estate to his heir, Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth, in 2010. The pair subsequently fell out and in April 2013, Lord Bath stated: “I don’t feel inclined to … Continue reading “The Most Hon the Marquess of Bath”
April 19, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist and gallery manager Zuleika Parkin: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Joy, art and love. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my … Continue reading “Zuleika Parkin: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
April 7, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist and animal rights activist Jess Black: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? I think humour. Life is so blah when taking too seriously. I try to find the humour in everything. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our … Continue reading “Jess Black: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
March 27, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a historic £22 million residence on London’s Cheyne Walk Cheyne Walk in Chelsea is amongst the addresses that an estate agent would describe as “the most sought after in London”. Up there in the company of the Bishops Avenue, Grosvenor Square and Cadogan Square, it has moved from having been home … Continue reading “Taking a view”
March 15, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
This singer-songwriter grew up in rural Devon but has become a “word-of-mouth” star and a “one-man One Direction”. This whisky loving Englishman cites his influences as Van Morison, Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel and won both BRIT Awards he was nominated for in 2013. He states that he “doesn’t really believe in fame” and … Continue reading “Ben Howard”
March 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Their story is a modern day equivalent of that of Romeo and Juliet and Vanity Fair chronicled their deaths as The Golden Suicides. “Handsome” Blake, a digital artist and painter who worked with Malcolm McLaren and Fox Searchlight, and “sexy” Duncan, a writer, game designer and filmmaker best known for the “girl-centric” game Chop Suey, … Continue reading “Jeremy Blake and Theresa Duncan (1971 – 2007 and 1966 – 2007)”
March 4, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks artist Anna-Louise Felstead: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My old headmaster Peter Pyemont once said in a Friday assembly: “The more you put into life, the more you get out of it”. I have lived by those words ever since. … Continue reading “Anna-Louise Felstead: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
February 18, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of the home of a circus heir and the revival of Billy Smart’s Circus Billy Smart, Sr. (1894 – 1966), a travelling showman and father of 10 children (he was himself one of 23), bought a circus in 1946 and quickly became known as an extraordinary entertainer. One of his son’s, Billy … Continue reading “A Smart move”
January 28, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
An abstract artist, former model and animal rights campaigner. Born near Chicago, Black rejected his Jehovah’s Witness upbringing at the age of 17. His 2012 “Leather Bound in Black or Red” collection about his family’s transition away from the religion attracted great interest and collectors of his works number the American footballer Jay Cutler and … Continue reading “Jess Black”
November 17, 2012
by Andreas Kirchberger
Andreas Kirchberger captures the atmosphere at a private view of the works of Robert Fry On Thursday 25th October, Ilona Pacia and Jesper Thomsen of Mews42 Gallery hosted a private view of the works of Robert Fry in Princes Gate, South Kensington. Andreas Kirchberger was on hand on behalf of The Steeple … Continue reading “Fry’s delight”
November 15, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Matthew Steeples delves into the history of Albany, Piccadilly and discovers an affordable way of living there Albany, off Piccadilly in Mayfair, was most probably London’s first apartment block and it’s certainly the city’s most exclusive. It may be next to the Royal Academy and opposite Fortnum & Mason but surprisingly few have even … Continue reading “The badgers of Albany”
November 4, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
“I don’t know what’s going to happen if my music career goes wrong,” states this Tottenham born singer. Having been named “one of the most influential people in the world” by TIME Magazine and broken the record for the longest number-1 album by a woman in Billboard history, she really need not worry. Adele’s still … Continue reading “Adele Adkins”
October 4, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Nicky Haslam adds another string to his bow Nicky Haslam is a man of many parts. He’s best known as an interior designer and author but over the years, in chameleon like fashion, he’s variously styled himself as Liam Gallagher, bought a house in Transylvania on the net and once told Vanity Fair he’d … Continue reading “Video of the Week: Total Control”
October 1, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The sale of a $25 million mansion modeled on Marie Antoinette’s favourite retreat that has connections to Levi Strauss & Co., Yehudi Menuhin, the Zodiac Killer and a controversial dot-com tycoon Modeled on the Petit Trianon, a small château in the grounds of Versailles that was favoured by Louis XVI’s wife Marie Antoinette, the … Continue reading “Going under the Kosh”
June 30, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
An outstanding painting by Edward William Cooke At Masterpiece yesterday, a painting immediately caught my eye on Martyn Gregory’s stand but what intrigued me further was the title attached to it. Steeple Rock, signed and dated 1873, attracted my interest firstly because of its outstanding quality but equally, as I’d never heard of … Continue reading “Steeple Rock”
June 3, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This dynamo opened her first store at 154 Walton Street in Chelsea in 1994 and admits she had no money and made every error in the book whilst starting out. It all paid off as the Jo Malone brand that was created in her kitchen was sold to Estée Lauder in a multi-million pound “deal … Continue reading “Jo Malone MBE”
May 23, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Berkoff is a titan of the stage and a might with a pen. He’s best known for playing the darkest of characters but in reality he’s charm personified. Berkoff beat Julie Burchill in a libel case in 1996 and finds it “flattering” to play evil characters. He lives on the river in a converted warehouse … Continue reading “Steven Berkoff”
May 15, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The youngest ever student at the Heatherly College of Arts, Peregrine Heathcote has morphed from portrait painting to a focus on something a little more Gatsby-esque. He grew up on Cheyne Walk and now lives in the country with his charming wife, Louise. This Old Harrovian’s stunning paintings hang in some of the finest collections … Continue reading “Peregrine Heathcote”
May 13, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
“Britain’s ultimate interior designer” is a man of many talents and guises. Haslam flits from party to party by night, but by day writes, edits and designs. He’s performed cabaret at The Savoy and Bellamy’s and interior watercolour renderings by him are held by the Victoria & Albert Museum. This trendsetter’s life is indeed summed … Continue reading “Nicky Haslam (Nicholas Haslam)”
May 9, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Co-founder of Artition, a social network and marketplace for artists, dealers, collectors and institutions. This Chelsea resident is often to be found in the V&A library by day but at night he’s most likely to be rocking the club circuit at The Cuckoo Club.
May 7, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
There is barely anyone this contemporary portraist hasn’t painted. George W. Bush, David Cameron, Minnie Driver, Prince Philip, Paris Hilton and Rupert Murdoch all number amongst his subjects. The son of Conservative politician Tim Yeo, he’s now made it his mission to poke fun at the politicians and personalities he depicts and even went as … Continue reading “Jonathan Yeo”
May 5, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
An “urban abstract” artist who also paints a superb portrait. His family founded the renowned CV Travel empire that turned Corfu into “Kensington-on-Sea.” George Osborne rented his mother’s home in Corfu 2008 and whilst there controversially met with the billionaire financier Nat Rothschild and Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. One of four brothers, he’s exhibited at … Continue reading “William Cookson”
April 28, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Born in Israel, Ohad Maiman served in the Israel Defense Forces for three years but it is photography that is his true passion.
