The 2nd Earl of Snowdon, aka David Linley, founder of bespoke furniture and interiors company, Linley. David is also Hon Chairman for Christie’s in Europe, the Middle East, Russia and India.
If I were a FAIRYTALE, I would be Der Struwwelpeter (Shock-Headed Peter) by Heinrich Hoffman, which delighted and scared me in equal measure as a child. My sister and I were horrified by the severity of the parents – not how we’d been brought up at all.
If I were a TOOL, I would be a trowel because it is such a pleasing object and I love the feeling of soil in my fingers. I also like the idea of being a Runcible Spoon, as featured in The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear. The Runcible Spoon never existed, but we once made one at Linley as a joke and so many people commented, “So that’s what it looks like!”
If I were a PIECE OF MUSIC, I would be Piano Concerto no 21 – the Andante – by Mozart because I have spent much of the last few months listening to Radio 3. I find Mozart particularly peaceful and soothing.
If I were a PLANET, I would be Saturn because I find that the most mesmerising of the planets – to quote an old joke, it runs rings round the others!
If I were a COCKTAIL, I would be a Bloody Mary because it is such an event – there are so many different combinations and interpretations. Do you add sherry or Bacardi or horse-radish or Tabasco, for example? I love watching how each person makes their own.
If I were a BIRD, I would be a curlew because I love the fantastic “curlee” noise it makes, an echo of its name.
If I were a DANCE, I would be the Cucaracha because it made me laugh so much to see Alberto and Caroline Herrera dancing one on Mustique while stamping on cock-roaches!
davidlinley.com
Instagram: @linleylondon
