As soon as Thomas Lyte discovered the MAC Venomous Villains make up range the sudden appeal of cobwebs, broomsticks and pumpkins could only mean one thing…Halloween is almost upon us.
Plum lips, black eyeliner and a powered pale complexion, keep the look of danger in place until the early hours with our fitting black lacquer compact mirror.
Thomas Lyte Black Lacquer Compact Mirror
- Mac Venomous Villains make up range
Instantly become a wicked lady in this beautifully cut leather dress, teamed with a pair of black mesh detailed boots and your ready for a night of treats.
Iro Pleat Front Matte Leather Mini Dress
- Leather Jimmy Choo Boots
We never imagined that spiders could be chic but after seeing the rather sweetly shaped heart cut-out abdomen we fell in love.
Zoe & Morgan Spider Ring
Wrap up warm and stay on trend with this seasons must have item…the cape! Teamed with these gorgeous leather skeleton gloves and gouet angora fedora you’ll be certain to have everyone bewitched!
JC de Castelbajac Skeleton Gloves
Yves Saint Laurent Asymmetric crepe cape
MALENE BIRGER Gouet angora fedora
Finally if you are planning on doing a little ‘trick or treating’ we suggest you ditch the plastic bag and keep things sleek and stylish with our stunning patent clutch.
Thomas Lyte Black Patent Clutch Purse
When only the best will do for all who knock at your door. Hotel Chocolat Halloween themed box definitely fits the bill but beware the little terrors will be sure to return again next year!
Hotel Chocolat
Who doesn’t like chocolate? There cannot be many who don’t like this wonderful confectionary delight and to have a story celebrating it never fails to surprise and delight. Written by the master words smith, Roald Dahl and illustrated by the talented Quentin Blake it is a feast for the imagination and speaks to the child in us all.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
C.S Lewis The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
A wardrobe that leads to a mysterious world called Narina – simply marvellous.
J.M Barrie Peter Pan
It is easy to forget just how wonderful a book is that you read when you were a child, or should I say a book that was read to you. J.M. Barrie understood not only children, but adults and most important of all, how to tell a good story.
J.K Rowling – Harry Potter
The series of 7 books has gathered adult fans children alike. J.K Rowling’s superior imagination and wicked sense of humour is quite remarkable. Harry will take his place with the other legends of children’s fiction alongside Alice, Frodo and Doherty.
Beatrix Potter – The Tale of Peter Rabbit
For over a century, Beatrix Potter’s art, her wonderful imagination has affected children and adults all over the world. There’s hardly a person who doesn’t know The Tale of Peter Rabbit! Her pictures and stories while charming and delightful, are also deep — and they show something vital and thrilling about imagination which every person, every parent, every child needs to know.
Enid Blyton – Noddy
Enid Blyton was always a natural storyteller who entertained her playmates with fantastic stories. She learned that tales with whimsical characters like in “Noddy” amused her friends the most, so she created the mythical Toytown where he could have grand adventures.
Mr Men Series of books –Roger Hargreeves
A whopping 46 Mr Men Books and 33 Little Miss books were written by the talented Roger Hargreeves. His tales are subtlety moral yet also sprinkled with humor that captures the imagination. Who would know what a tickle looks like, without his Mr Tickle!
Michael Morpurgo – War Horse
A truly thrilling and moving story.
Alice Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
The story of a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world full of anthropomorphic creatures. The tale plays with logic which has allowed the story to have its enduring popularity with adults as well as children.
The adventures of Rupert the Bear – Mary Tourtel
Starting life as a comic strip in the Daily Express newspaper he rapidly gained a huge following and the comic strip swiftly became a series of books. I am sure you all remember the wonderful song:
There’s a little bear
Like you’ve never seen before
Who’s a lot of fun
Children everywhere grow to love him more and more
He’s the number one
There’s a million stories to be told
Of the things that he’s done
And he’s gonna share them all with you
So come along
Rupert, Rupert the bear
Everyone sing his name
Rupert Rupert the bear
Everyone come and join
In all of his games
Bowls
Bowls is steeped in rich English history, the most famous ‘story’ being Sir Frances Drake and the Spanish Armada. On July 18, 1588, Sir Drake was partaking in a game at Plymouth Hoe when he was notified that the Spanish Armada were approaching. His immortalised response was that “We still have time to finish the game and to thrash the Spaniards, too.” He then proceeded to finish the match which he lost before embarking on the fight with the Armada which he won. Whether this is just a ‘story’ we will never know.
Croquet
Croquet it quickly became popular in England in 1852. It was particularly embraced by women because it was the first outdoor sport which could be played by both sexes on an equal footing. The first national headquarters was the Wimbledon All England Croquet Club (later to become the Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Tennis
In the 14th century, Tennis found its way to England where both Henry VII and Henry VIII apparently became keen players and instigated the building of courts up and down the country. Supposedly, Henry VIII himself invented the ‘service’ – his servants used to throw the ball up in the air for him because he was too fat to do it himself.
Dominoes
Although domino tiles are clearly of Chinese inheritance, there is debate over whether the game played by Europeans was brought by the Chinese to Europe in the eighteenth century or, in fact, was invented independently. The word “Domino” is French for a black and white hood worn by Christian priests in winter which is probably where the name of the game derives from.
Dominoes Set in Black Lacquer Box - Thomas Lyte
Backgammon
Backgammon-type games have been played for thousands of years in all parts of the world and certainly during the Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras.
In the early seventeenth centurythe game of backgammon underwent a revival and swept across Europe again under a variety of different names which have mostly stayed the same until the popular game it is today. It is a subject of debate as to whether the term Backgammon is derived from the Welsh ‘back’ (little) and ‘gammon’ (battle) or from the Saxon ‘bac’ (back) ‘gamen’ (game).
Leather Backgammon Set - Thomas Lyte
Cribbage
The invention of Cribbage, Crib for short, was attributed to the poet Sir John Suckling (1609 – 1642) by his biographer, John Aubrey. Suckling was something of a scoundrel by all accounts, “the greatest gallant of his time, the greatest gamester both for bowling and cards, so that no shopkeeper would trust him for sixpence”. He was an expert at cards, dice and bowls as well as being a womaniser and notorious wit on top of his poetry day-job. These days Cribbage is one of the most popular card games around and is still played all over Britain in pubs and is The only card game that can legally be played for money in English pubs.
Contract Bridge
Bridge is derived from the 17th century card game whist, which was in vogue among the English nobility of the time. By the turn of the century, the game evolved into plafond (“ceiling”) in France and auction bridge elsewhere in the world. In 1925, the game that we know today was derived from auction bridge and plafond. Contract bridge was invented by the American Harold Vanderbilt, who had some invaluable idle time on a steamship cruise. Bridge is one of the few games played today by people of all ages, races, and nationalities.
Leather Games Box Set with Playing Catds, Cribbage Board, Contract Bridge Score Cards, Dominoes
Poker
There is nothing particularly original about the card play aspect of the game of Poker. Card games in Europe had for centuries featured all of the different scoring combinations and much of the similar principles of betting too. Poker is without doubt the most successful and popular betting and bluffing game in existence today. Supposedly we have also have poker to thank for the invention of the Sandwich. John Mantagu, the Earl of Sandwich, a keen poker enthusiast venerated the game of poker so much that he refused to leave his gaming table to eat. The legend goes that he ordered a waiter to bring him roast-beef between two slices of bread. The Earl was able to continue his game of poker whilst eating his snack.
Club Poker Chest Set in Wenge Wood
Old English Skittles
Of all the modern games, this is the game with the oldest pedigree. Illustrations from centuries ago show pins of exactly the same form and similar cheeses being hurled down the length of the alley in the same way. The game is now very rare but can still be played at the famous Freemasons Arms in Hampstead. Often under threat of closure, we can but hope that this last bastion of real Old English Skittles can be maintained for the future.
Darts
The sport of darts began as training in archery in Medieval England. Archery students shortened some arrows threw them at the bottom of an empty wine barrel. A game as fun as darts could not be hidden from the upper classes and they soon put their own stamp on the game. The oft married Henry VIII was reputed to enjoy the game immensely. So much so, that he was given a beautifully ornate set by Anne Boleyn. Darts remained largely an Anglo-American sport until the Victorian age when it was spread world-wide by the great expansion of the British Empire. It seems that the “sun never set on the British Empire”. At the same time, there was never a time when a dart was not in the air.
Thomas Lyte Official Supporter of England 2018
The England 2018 World Cup Bid announced the signing of Thomas Lyte as an Official Supporter.
Thomas Lyte has had a long-standing relationship with the Football Association and has maintained and restored the FA Cup for over a decade. Based in London their team of leather craftsmen and silversmiths are recognised as some of the best in the world.
In addition Thomas Lyte have commercial relationships with over 60% of the FA Premiership clubs and provide iconic trophies and awards for governing bodies and sports federations around the world. In addition, they will be aiding the Bid by providing bespoke document cases during the upcoming inspection visit.
Andy Anson, England 2018 Chief Executive said:
“Thomas Lyte is a strong British brand and we‟re delighted they‟re supporting us. Their involvement will add a firm national identity in the coming months.”
Kevin Baker, Thomas Lyte Chief Executive, said:
“Thomas Lyte is very proud to have been invited to provide the England 2018 bid with bespoke designed products for visiting guests.
We are a modern, ethical brand with a passion for English craftsmanship. There is a strong fit with the 2018 bid as “Englishness‟ is at the core of both our propositions.”
There is nothing wrong with buying the same item for each of your bridesmaids especially when you can have it personalised.
At Thomas Lyte we are able to engrave or emboss your purchase to enable you to create a truly unique gift.
Thomas Lyte Leather Journal in Mustard
Thomas Lyte Geometric Ballpoint in Sterling Silver
Every girl needs a note book/journal/diary and we have the perfect colourful collection of them. To make the gift truly unique we are able to emboss with your bridesmaids name, date or initials. Show your love by completing the gift with a stunning personalised sterling silver pen!
Compact Mirror in Silver Plate
One of our best sellers and a perfect keepsake gift for bridesmaids of all ages. Our pretty flower silver plated compact mirror will not disappoint. Have it engraved with their name, the wedding date or simply kept plain.
Pearl Earrings
A timeless essential for all ladies. A pair of beautiful pearl earrings will help show your bridesmaids just how much you appreciate them.
And to ensure they are kept in perfect condition our Leather Jewellery Roll in Plum, this can also be embossed with initials.
Plum Leather Jewellery Roll
Keep the younger bridesmaids excited about the big day with their very own bridesmaids book. Designed to
allow bridesmaids to record everything that happens before and during the big day.
My Day as a Bridesmaid
Our suggested gift on the day would be this Silver and Pearl ID Bracelet along with our
Mini Leather Jewellery Roll. Emboss the jewellery roll with her initals and you have a beautiful start to your ‘little maids’ jewellery collection.
Silver & Pearl ID Bracelet
Mini Jewellery Roll in Mustard
Giving bridesmaids gifts doesn’t have to be expensive so here are a couple of small tokens that will keep you in budget while still showing how much you love & appreciate them.
Small Token by Spaceform London
For a little extra fee you can have your own personal message etched onto these peices of glass.
Write your own dedication to appear in the front of the book. You can also choose yourself, family and friends to play six leading characters. Simply substitute the names of the leading characters with your chosen names.
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz
What’s Inside?
This Autumn, Thomas Lyte opens its flagship store in the Burlington Arcade, Mayfair. Arranged over three floors the Thomas Lyte temple of luxury pays homage to English craftsmanship in leather and silver, at its finest.
Our current window campaign features the Thomas Lyte receipt envelops in an array of colours.
Whilst our shop fit is underway and to keep prying eyes at bay we decided to wrap the store in Thomas Lyte coveted leather envelopes. In the lead up to the hotly anticipated launch we are having a little fun and running a weekly competition through twitter. Each Monday we will give three clues along with a question on twitter. Followers will have until Friday to answer the question and win the prize. And as we are feeling particularly generous this season entrants have the chance of winning a stunning gift from the Thomas Lyte collection with items ranging from £75.00 – £1500.
This competition launches on Monday 19th July.
For your chance to win, log onto Thomas Lyte on twitter for daily clues, www.twitter.com/thomaslyte
The Thomas Lyte Temple of Luxury
Once inside the store, the ground floor is devoted to a stunning collection of ladies bags, modern leather accessories and lifestyle pieces. Descending to the lower ground floor you enter a matt black club room introducing you to the men’s universe. Amongst great leather tote bags, stunning leather luggage the club room presents some of the most sublime sporting silver trophies straight from the Thomas Lyte Silver workshops.
The store’s first floor will be the private client suite, accessible by appointment only. The store’s interior scheme is based on a concept of ‘heritage with a modern twist’ which reflects the strong Arts and Crafts values of Thomas Lyte. The exciting new space is navigated by following dramatic floral streams which have been extracted from the Thomas Lyte logo. Throughout the space there are subtle but quirky details to discover , like the deep buttoned leather window beds with silver stalks which hold classic silver salvers which act as ‘display trays’. Incredibly all these silver salvers are made at the Thomas Lyte Silver workshops. The store has been designed by leading edge interiors agency, ‘i-am’ associates.
Thomas Lyte 12-13 Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London
- Thomas Lyte Men’s Floor
‘When we launched Thomas Lyte in 2007, it represented the dawning of a new type of luxury, where fine craftsmanship and great workmanship have a central role in producing modern, but distinctly English, accessories. We own and manage our own workshops and the Mayfair store is a small step in challenging the preconceptions of modern English luxury. The original concepts of luxury were born out of the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement that valued products which were bespoke, individual, handmade and of exquisite quality. The consequence of this ‘craft’ philosophy being replaced with a ‘bottom-line’ philosophy has meant luxury goods companies have been big contributors to the closure of craft workshops. Therefore this new store is a physical manifestation of our defiance of this erosion in critical product values’. Kevin Baker Thomas Lyte, CEO.
“ ‘i-am’ are delighted to be working with the team at Thomas Lyte in the implementation of their first store in Burlington Arcade. From an early stage we identified with their core brand philosophy ‘English for Luxury’ and have enjoyed translating this into a rich expression in-store. We believe this will showcase the brand’s exciting new product ranges as well as their unique heritage, establishing them in their own position in the market and providing a platform to build awareness and appeal to its target customers” – Pete Champion, Project Creative Director.
Show Love with Luxury this Father’s day – and it doesn’t have to break the bank! Here is our selection of top 10 Father’s Day gift ideas, all under £100. And to sweeten the deal, our in house engraver and embosser Mark has kindly offered to personalise your gifts for free! Simply enter the code TLDAD during checkout.
1. Leather Credit Card Wallet £50
Leather Credit Card Wallet
The slim, silk lined credit card wallet is the perfect men’s accessory which won’t ruin the line of a tailored suit. Can be personalised with a set of initials.
2. Silver Plated Hip Flask £58
Silver Plated Hip Flask
The sleek and compact design is a modern take on an old favourite. Can be personalised with initials or a personal message.
3. Silver Plated Cufflinks £55 – £60
Silver Plated Anchor Cufflinks
You will be sure to find dad’s favourite in our range of whimsical designs from horse shoes to propellers all of which can be engraved with a set of initials.
4. Leather Cufflink Box £95
Leather Cufflink Box
If dad already has more cufflinks than he knows what to do with, then why not give him this stunning leather, sued lined box to keep them in? Add the finishing touch with the embossing of his initials.
5. Leather Passport Cover £70
Leather Passport Cover
The travelling dad will appreciate this Breuninger leather passport cover. It features handy pockets for boarding passes or credit cards and can be embossed with a set of initials.
6. Leather Valet Tray £78
Leather Valet Tray
Handy for travel or home, the suede lined , English bridle leather valet tray will ensure that dad’s bits and bobs are tidy, but more importantly easy to find! Can be personalised with a set of initials.
7. Leather Keyring £35 – £45
Leather Keyring
What do you get for the dad that has everything? A personalised keyring could be the perfect accessory, in a bold colour that is easy to spot dad will be reminded of you every time he reaches for them. The slim design also means it won’t bulk out his pockets.
8. Leather Bound London A-Z £49
Leather Bound London A-Z
Every London dad has a tattered version of this, either in the bottom of his briefcase or in the front of the car.. so why not bring his up to par with our London A-Z which is beautifully bound in leather and can be embossed with a set of initials for that extra personal touch.
9. Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen £85
Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen
This compact ballpoint pen in Sterling Silver can be personalised with a set of initials. Dad will be reminded of your thoughtfulness every time he pens his thoughts.
10. Silk Woven Tie £75
Silk Woven Tie
What is father’s day without a tie? At least it’s not socks and boxers right? Bring dad’s wardrobe up to scratch with a beautiful silk woven tie. The unique flower design is a welcome addition for summer months and is sure to brighten up a work or leisure occasion.
All of Thomas Lyte products are beautifully gift wrapped in our signature boxes. Order by 15 June for guaranteed Father’s Day delivery, but if you are running a bit late just give us a ring on 020 7751 8844 and we will be happy to help with any last minute rushes! Should you need any more inspiration be sure to visit our Father’s Day Wishlist. Happy Father’s Day!
Thomas Lyte had a fun few days at this years Polo in the Park. The sun shone and the sound of champagne corks popping could be heard all around.
Thomas Lyte had a stand in the luxury retail village and we were delighted to meet so many Thomas Lyte fans. We had a welcome visit from Jodie Kidd who choose the Black Kenley Sports Bag to carry around her essentials.
Jodie Kidd on the Thomas Lyte stand
Jack Kidd’s team New York won, standing triumphantly holding the Thomas Lyte Spitfire Trophy at the end of three days of competing
Team New York holding the trophy
Having put together my lust list for Sheerluxe this month I wanted to share those items which didn’t make the cut.
Given I have recently had twins girls, running around in heels is not ideal and I find my wardrobe is now full of ballet pumps, so I am always on the look out for exciting patterns or colours and I have my eye on Oscar De Le Renta’s snakeskin ballerina flats.
Oscar De Le Renta
I got married in lace so I always look for an excuse to wear it whenever I can. I love 3.1 Philip Lim’s lace shift dress, perfect to wear on my anniversary!
3.1. Philip Lim lace dress
I had a wonderful conversation last weekend with girlfriends as to what would make their lust list and my gorgeous sister-in-law Nicole, admitted that it had to be Valentino and I have to say she is right, this seasons cream embroidered mini dress is quite sensational.
Valentino
Attention to detail is a must for me and 3.1. Philip Lim is famed for detail. I love this ribbon and beaded embellished sheer cotton top.
3.1. Philip Lim
As many of you have probably realised by now I have a penchant for soft muted tones so you can imagine my delight when I came across Giorgia Scarpa’s pretty blush drawstring bag at Matches.
Giorgia Scarpa
Candles Candles Candles…. I love them and my favourite this season is Carriere Freres Industrie in Royal Lilly.
Carriere Freres Industrie
See our master Silver Smith Kevin Williams on repairing the FA Cup Trophy Here:
After watching the game and engraving the cup live at Wembley Stadium Kevin Williams was interviewed on Talksport Radio – Listen to the whole interview here
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