It sometime occurs to me that the British have more heritage than is good for them.”
Bill Bryson
Britain is an almost inexhaustible resource of heritage and culture, so rich in history, sights, and tradition, as to be overwhelming. The numbers alone are staggering. Over 500,000 buildings listed as historically significant, 12,000 medieval churches, 10 royal palaces in London alone, and over 600,000 known sites of archaeological interest.
Most importantly, Britain’s heritage and culture is not trapped and stagnant inside Museums. It is alive, contemporary, colourful, and thriving. Furthermore, it is constantly evolving and staying vibrant by combining established traditions with new ideas and imported cultures.
It is this thriving, fascinating heritage and culture, which is so loved and admired world-wide, that Beyond Curated celebrates through our exclusive, luxury experiences. Our distinctive journeys are designed to bring you the very best of British tradition in breathtakingly beautiful settings. Our experiences include private visits to historic royal palaces, fine dining in unique spaces and insightful master classes, presented by leaders in their fields.
Recently, while the world has been on hold to contain the spread of Covid-19, we have arranged a series of webinars, specifically curated around our passion for British culture and heritage. We have been privileged to host some excellent speakers, who have brought smiles, inspiration, and insights to our audience.
Magic, Diamonds, and Insights
At the beginning of the lockdown in April we were seeking a way to counter the bewilderment and frustrating that we were all feeling. We therefore selected speakers for our first webinar whom we knew would inspire and help us to connect.
Alessandro Borruso, as Deputy Director of Sotheby’s Diamonds, is a leading expert on the world’s rarest diamonds and fine jewels. Allessandro gave us a fascinating peek inside his world and helped us to understand what makes a stone truly remarkable and rare. Beyond Curated is delighted to collaborate with Sotheby’s to bring you a private masterclass and showcase of rare diamonds, which can be added as an element of any of our London experiences.
Said Chaarwari has trained over 3,000 sales and marketing professionals from leading luxury brands. Said provided guidance and inspiration to increase our awareness of diplomacy and tact to communicate sensitively with our audiences, which is needed more than ever during this pandemic.
Finally, Beyond Curated’s go-to illusionist, Ian Sav, brough a magical element to the evening, with some jaw-dropping illusions. We partner with Mr Sav to bring his world-class entertainment to our private fine dining events.
Bond and Beyond
Since Ian Fleming’s book Casino Royal was published in 1952, James Bond has become an undeniable icon of British culture. Our second webinar in April brought together three distinguished speakers who each brought their unique knowledge and perspective to our most famous spy.
James Nicholls is a broadcaster, writer and photographer living in Sydney, Australia. James gave us a fresh perspective on Bond’s iconic cars and why they have endured as the ultimate symbols of British cool.
Richard Bagnold has dined in, and reviewed, every Michelin starred restaurant in the UK. He has used the lockdown period to read every Bond novel to study the food and drinks favoured by 007. Richard spoke about Bond’s food and drink preferences and how a few of these dishes are prepared and served at some of the best restaurants in the world. Beyond Curated is partnering with Richard and one of London’s leading hotels to bring Bond enthusiasts a unique 007 themed experience, which will include Vodka Martinis and private fine dining at Bond’s favourite restaurant.
One of the most intriguing and lesser known aspects of the Bond films are the in-jokes created by the inclusion of specific paintings and other works of art. Claude Piening from Sotheby’s 19th Century European Paintings department shared some of these in-jokes with us and discussed fascinating facts that link Sotheby’s and Ian Fleming.
Beyond the Tower Walls
In May we invited you to take a virtual journey behind the walls of the Tower of London in our most popular webinar to date. Beyond the Tower Walls provided a glimpse into the world of our signature experience, The Tower By Night. This rare and privileged experience provides private access to the tower, private viewing of the crown jewels, a champagne reception, fine dining and the ancient ritual of The Ceremony of the Keys.
This Tudor-themed webinar coincided with the anniversary of Queen Anne Boleyn’s execution. Author and historian, Alison Weir, shared some of her extensive knowledge of the Tudor Queens. Alison is Britain’s top-selling female historian, and the fifth-bestselling historian overall. She has sold over 3 million books worldwide. Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession, is part of her best-selling series Six Tudor Queens.
Further historical context was provided by Siobhan Clarke, a Guide Lecturer for Historic Royal Palaces based at Hampton Court Palace. Siobhan has lectured for prestigious cruise lines, the National Trust and the British Museum.
Legend has it that if the ravens leave the Tower of London, the tower and the empire will fall. Needless to say, the tower ravens are well looked after. As Yeoman Warder and Raven Master, Christopher Skaife, is directly responsible for their welfare. His humorous style and eccentricity makes him a fascinating character. His autobiography, The Raven Master, has sold millions of copies, enchanting audiences with his unique relationship with the iconic ravens.
As Chief Exhibitor and Chief Warden at the Tower of London, Nivek Amichund, is responsible for the safety of no less than the Crown Jewels! Nivek lives at the Tower with his wife, Kristy, daughter Erin and French Bulldog, Buddy. Nivek shared his unique perspectives on the Jewels and daily life at the Tower.
Churchill, Bubbles and Beyond
At the end of June, we welcomed you to discover Churchill, the man, through wonderful insights into his personal life and character. We were joined by Stuart George of Arden Fine Wines, who spoke about Churchill’s drink preferences, in particular Pol Roger, his favourite champagne. It may be a myth, but Churchill is said to have polished off a bottle over lunch on most days of the week. Participants could participate in the Pol Roger champagne tasting by purchasing a case beforehand at a very special price, courtesy of Arden Fine Wines.
Churchill expert and Blue Badge Guide to the Cabinet War Rooms, Antony Robbins, gave an excellent, wide-ranging presentation of many aspects of Churchill’s’ life, from his unique sense of style, to his unusual mannerisms and daily habits.
The webinar concluded with a repeat visit from Mr Sav, our go-to illusionist, who never fails to amaze us with his incredible illusions, which on this occasion were themed around Churchill’s life.
Beyond Curated is bringing a number of Churchill themed elements to its menu of exclusive experiences, including private visits to the Cabinet War Rooms.
Preparing for Date Night
Adding to our portfolio of immersive virtual experiences we are delighted to present ‘Preparing for Date Night’ in partnership with Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design, Arden Fine Wines and Head of Magic, Mr Sav. Our Managing Director, Linda Hugo and Elizabeth Marsh will guide you through an evening of champagne tasting, an interactive floral masterclass and mind-blowing magic delivered in the comfort of your home. The event will take place across various dates. Please contact enquiries@beyondcurated.com to learn more.
Important Heritage Jewels and Beyond
Our next webinar will be on August 4, and will delve into the symbolism, tales, and intrigue behind some of history’s most celebrated jewels with renowned historians and fine jewel experts.
Please register you interest to attend at https://beyondcurated.com/
Whilst we are by no means in the clear with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are beginning to see the first promising signs of a gradual resumption of activity in the world.
It’s time to start dreaming and planning to create your Heirloom Memories.
Our passion for creating rare and insightful experiences which uplift and delight, has never been stronger. We look forward to getting back out in the real world very soon.
In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy some of the unique elements that form part of our signature experiences through our webinars.
Recorded highlights of some of our webinars can be seen online. Just search for Beyond Curated on YouTube and please subscribe to our channel.