In recent days, I have been writing about progress in my kitchen.  Today, I thought it’s time to introduce the workers – Gary and Wills.

Gary has proven rather camera-shy, so I offer this photo of his coat and scarf, sitting in the dining room.  I first met Gary in the late 80s when I was furnishing my first home and he had a furniture shop in Blackheath.  Stripped pine was all the rage – the cupboard in the photo is one I bought from Gary.  Later, he closed his shop and started to offer his skills in the home.  Painter and decorator is definitely too narrow a label.  Interior designer is a label Gary shuns.  Nonetheless, he combines a talent for design with a vast array of practical skills.

Amongst the moments I have most enjoyed in working with Gary are those moments where we disagree.  I think “you can’t possibly strip back a wall to the bare bricks” but Gary says “let’s try it and see – we can always plaster over it if you don’t like it”.  We do, and the effect is wonderful.  Gary says, “You can’t possibly paint a bathroom purple” and here, too, we try it and see – my deep purple bathroom has often been admired in recent years.  I recognise that my creative self is well and truly indulged in the process of working together and balanced with Gary’s creativity, wealth of experience and practical skills.

Wills is less camera-shy.  He and Gary are working together in my kitchen as they have done in the past.  Wills is hard-working, diligent and easy to get along with.  Last week I enjoyed watching Wills open up the fire-place and I appreciate the care he has taken to minimise the passage of dust into the rest of the house.  He and Gary seem to me like brothers – Gary, especially knows how to “wind up” his work companion and Wills seems easily to take the bate.  I enjoy having them in the house.

In the spirit of celebrating, I take a moment to reflect on how deeply in I trust Gary and how much I appreciate his contribution in my life.  It’s not just that I enjoy the work he does for me – which alone would be enough.  He has been a key-holder of my home for the last twenty years, as he has of many other clients.  His work contributes to my need for beauty and creativity.  I enjoy his sense of fun and play.  I love having practical support.

If only it were not so early in the morning, I might want to raise a glass to Gary and Wills.