Julia Campbell-Gillies
We are delighted to welcome Julia Campbell-Gillies to Hai Society! Julia is a triple threat; a model, a writer, and a florist. She grew up in South Africa and is based in London. In her journal she talks us through a perfect London Sunday and chats about some of her favourite paintings.
Julia’s writing and her flowers can be found via @juliacampbellgillies.
Talk us through your perfect London Sunday.
Sunbathing and writing in the park, then either expensive-but-good fish and chips from Fintastic on Broadway market or a passable-but-cheap roast from the Prince George. Make sure journal is up to date and change bedsheets.
If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, which three would you choose?
Nervous Young Man - Car Seat Headrest
Teens of Denial - Car Seat Headrest
Twin Fantasy (2018) - Car Seat Headrest
What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just finished I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman. It was incredible, I really recommend it.
What is the most beautiful object that you own?
My blue velvet sofa (pictured). It was the first piece of furniture I ever bought! It is good for languishing.
Are you more romantic or more pragmatic?
What does it mean if I don’t see a distinction? Sometimes, the most romantic thing you can be is functional, literal, comprehensible. I think this answer is very romantic, though. Someone once called me serious, which was an important compliment.
Is there a piece of art you would most like to live with?
I love Degas’ sculpture Little Dancer At Fourteen Years but I think it would really make me jump every time I’d see it in the corner of my eye. Maybe a painting. Less scary. Monet’s massive Nymphéas paintings… Though it would not fit in my flat- and I do love opening my windows. I don’t know how big La Primavera by Romaine Brooks is, but I have always loved it.
What is the most delicious thing you can remember eating?
I go to Sömine on Kingsland road and eat grilled confection every week. For years I have done this, and it is good every single time. That stands out to me more than uniquely good experiences. Sounding very pragmatic now.
Talk us through your perfect London Sunday.
Sunbathing and writing in the park, then either expensive-but-good fish and chips from Fintastic on Broadway market or a passable-but-cheap roast from the Prince George. Make sure journal is up to date and change bedsheets.
If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, which three would you choose?
Nervous Young Man - Car Seat Headrest
Teens of Denial - Car Seat Headrest
Twin Fantasy (2018) - Car Seat Headrest
What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just finished I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman. It was incredible, I really recommend it.
What is the most beautiful object that you own?
My blue velvet sofa (pictured). It was the first piece of furniture I ever bought! It is good for languishing.
Are you more romantic or more pragmatic?
What does it mean if I don’t see a distinction? Sometimes, the most romantic thing you can be is functional, literal, comprehensible. I think this answer is very romantic, though. Someone once called me serious, which was an important compliment.
Is there a piece of art you would most like to live with?
I love Degas’ sculpture Little Dancer At Fourteen Years but I think it would really make me jump every time I’d see it in the corner of my eye. Maybe a painting. Less scary. Monet’s massive Nymphéas paintings… Though it would not fit in my flat- and I do love opening my windows. I don’t know how big La Primavera by Romaine Brooks is, but I have always loved it.
What is the most delicious thing you can remember eating?
I go to Sömine on Kingsland road and eat grilled confection every week. For years I have done this, and it is good every single time. That stands out to me more than uniquely good experiences. Sounding very pragmatic now.