Step inside the treasure trove of Mumma's Manly home

Step inside the treasure trove of Mumma's Manly home

Aug 19, 2024

Our founder Meg recently took the time to sit down with her grandmother, Beverly, aka Mumma.
Mumma has always been so witty, opinionated and expressive.
She isn’t afraid of colour and prioritises all of her close relationships.
Meg wanted to share a snippet into the decorative day to day of her 90 year old grandmother who has always inspired her sense of style, her love for others and the importance of curiosity particularly as you age.

We call you mumma, but do you have any other nicknames?

 

Not really, my name is Beverly and even puppa calls me Bev.
  
   
  
 
 
 

What's Your Starsign?

Libra, right towards the end!

   
  
   
  
   
   

Where did you grow up?

I was an only child and I spent a lot of my childhood at boarding school in Sydney getting up to no good.
 
 
 

 
  
 

Where do you live now?

Up on the hill in Fairlight, Sydney, Australia.
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

I have always loved visiting your house, there is such a warm pang of nostalgia that comes over me when I walk inside.
Have you lived here for a long time?

We moved here in 1999 from a rural property at Glenorie on the outskirts of Sydney.
 
 
 

 
 
 

Do you mind if I tell the world how old you are?

I’m 90 years old and I tell you what, I am not as sharp as I used to be.
 
 
 
 
 
 

  
  
  

Who is your favourite Australian artist?

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I actually love the work of Aboriginal Australian artist Julie Dowling from Western Australia whose work is hanging in my house.
    
  
  

 
 
 

What is your favourite piece of art in your house?

I have a few favourites. Meg that’s a hard one to pick. I will let you know.
Maybe this piece by Julie Dowling.
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  

Is there an artist you’re keeping an eye on or is that top secret?

Oh look, I’m not keeping my eye on anybody particularly now. Just my husband to make sure he’s not upto no good.
  
  
  

  
   
  

Why is art so important to you?

I just love the stories that it expresses.
  
  
   
  
   
   

Favourite piece of clothing you own and why?

What I wore to your older sisters wedding.
It is a vintage white cotton blouse with colourful embroidery and a pair of floral pants.
   
    
     
   
   
   
I bought the pants at a popular holiday town on the East coast of NSW, Scott's Head.
  
  
   
   
    
    

Favourite accessory?

Some of the jewellery I wear my best friend Marnie bought me back from Italy. They’re glass beads and I love them so much.
   
    
    
   
    
    

Favourite piece of Apres Studio clothing and why?

The silk velvet skivvy. It’s very flattering and comfortable and the colour is very rich!
   
    
      
   
    
    
   
    
    

Favourite restaurant in Sydney to take Puppa out on a date?

I don’t think I’ve ever taken him on one. ;)
We don’t eat out all that much, but I like going up to Bella Vista cafe Bella Vista cafe at North Head if we’re dining out.
   
    
    
    
    
    

Best coffee in Manly?

I will just ask Dennis, my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
Opposite the primary school on the corner of Darley and Wentworth street (Affogato By Chill Bar).
    
    
    
   
    
    

How do you stay so fit and agile?

To tell you the truth, I walk everyday and every second day I do my yoga.

How long have you practiced yoga?

I think I started about 25 years ago. When I was 65! It’s never too late to pick up good habits. I highly recommend it.
   
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 

Any secrets to keeping your mind so contemporary and your body so healthy?

I visit the art galleries quite often and I have a great circle of friends at yoga, from school and from my church.
I spend time on my relationships. My best friend Marnie and I meet up once a month at Potts Point at the same cafe. She’s on a walker now so I catch the Manly Ferry across to see her. We’ve been friends since primary school.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mumma lent me a cookbook that was given to her by her mother Ailie. I guess that makes it my great grandmothers.
I have passed on some helpful kitchen tips and some delicious recipes for you below.
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I personally don’t eat so much sugar, I lean towards savoury foods.
A way to add depth of flavour to any savoury dish is with pickles.
It is such a cheap and easy way to use any vegetables that might be getting old in the bottom of the fridge.
I have made a copy of Mumma’s Pickled Vegetables to pop into the next 200 orders.
(Vegetarian and vegan friendly).
  
 
   
 
 
 

Some final words from Mumma

Life’s a race, conditions vary, ends the same, the cemetery!
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Raspberry Silk Skivvy will be available soon for pre-order.
 
Photography by Britt Murphy

 
Mumma wears our Selvage scrunchie, Biscuit Plaid Ballerina Dress, Brown Herringbone BlazerButterfly Plaid Ruched Skivvy and Silver Oversized Lurex Knit



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