#452 THE SECRETS OF VOGUE HOUSE

GRANT SCOTT, STUCK IN A LIFT WITH PRINCESS DIANA

For decades, beyond the grand entry hall guarded by the infamous ‘two Peters’, Vogue House London was a creative hub where magazine layouts were crafted and the world's most famous photographers plied their trade.

Vogue House embodied the glamour and grit of fashion's storied history in London. But that legacy came to an end when the building’s lease was sold to a shipping billionaire in Monaco for a hefty £75 million. Vogue House, in its Hanover Square form, is no more. Yet, such a landmark in editorial history can't disappear without so much a whimper.

Today, I’m talking to someone who knows its secrets firsthand: Grant Scott, a former art director with Tatler, a title that shared the address. He’s written a new book, "Inside Vogue House: One Building, Seven Magazines, Sixty Years of Stories," and he’s here to share some stories from that book, plus a handful that didn’t make it in. Steady yourself for a peek behind the scenes and the state of the magazine industry in 2024.

Also from the mailbag, inspiring letters on the emotional power of photography, show flasks on the beach, some surprise walkers encountered along the path, road trips across America and a new linguistic game!

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LEARN:

MORE ABOUT names, words, THE MUSIC and places FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Published by Orphans, written by Grant Scott: "Inside Vogue House: One Building, Seven Magazines, Sixty Years of Stories."

This Invisible Illness is Andrew Gifford’s first photo project about ME/CFS a complex and challenging health condition. Also read his articles on Substack and follow his project on Glass.

Robert Darch is the photographer referenced by Andrew Gifford, who has been mentoring Andrew through his project.

Hannah Gimblett is a; “Passionate photographer specialising in botanical work. All images are captured via my bedside photo setup due to complex chronic illnesses.”

35mmc is a community-authored blog about photography and cameras. It is edited and published by Hamish Gill. The focus for the website was historically 35mm film cameras, mostly compact cameras and rangefinders.

Sarah and Ian, the couple I met whilst walking today. This is their website that explains their life change to become explorers.

Katie Edwards’ train windows feature made in America, a BBC feature.

Miles Aldridge is a British fashion photographer and artist.

Robin Derrick is a British creative director, photographer, and designer, best known for his roles as Creative Director of British Vogue as well as launching international editions of the magazine.

David Bailey CBE is an English photographer and director, most widely known for his fashion photography and portraiture.

When Avedon shot Nastassja Kinski and a Boa Constrictor. A story referenced in today’s interview with Grant Scott.

Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton CBE was a British fashion, portrait and war photographer, diarist, painter, interior designer, costume designer and set designer for films and the theatre.

Norman Parkinson CBE was an English portrait and fashion photographer.

Helmut Newton was a German-Australian photographer known for his provocative, erotic black-and-white fashion photos featured in Vogue.

Terence Daniel Donovan FRPS was an English photographer and film director, noted for his fashion photography of the 1960s.

Brian Duffy was an English photographer and film producer, best remembered for his fashion and portrait photography of the 1960s and 1970s.

Leonard Freed was an American documentary photojournalist and longtime Magnum Photos member.

Peter Dench is a UK-based photographer, presenter, writer, author, educator, curator and Co-Director of Photo North Festival.

MUSIC LINKS: Denitia with Gidon Schocken sang and wrote the playout song today I owe it to you. Music on the show is sourced primarily from Artlist.


GEOFF WARING

Photograph used with permission by Grant Scott on behalf Geoff Waring. Copyright. Dame Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue since 1988 leaves Vogue House for the last time.


GLENN SOWERBY

Glenn's new show flask takes him for a walk to the beach.


DOMINIC SAGAR

Dominic Sagar's road trip blog.


NEALE JAMES

Sketchbook pictures from today’s photowalk, including meeting with Sarah and Ian.


VIDEO LIBRARY

The following videos/subjects are referenced within today’s show.

Neale James

Creator, podcaster, photographer and film maker

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#453 THERE’S MORE TO A PORTRAIT THAN A FACE

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#451 THE BIG SCOTTISH RETREAT SHOW