Perfection in Peckham as Production Location
With Jo, owner of Lyndhurst Grove, a unique film location in Peckham.
Acclaimed author, speaker, Creative director, and global communications powerhouse pushing the needle on creating impact across fashion, sport, culture and commerce Jo is also the owner of one of our stunning film shoot location hires. We managed to get an interview with her to get to know her a little better, and find out more about her inspirations for her gorgeous interior designing.
Hello Jo! Please tell us a bit about yourself?
I began my career as a published author and speaker on literature, theatre and women. My published work on the Woman & August Strindberg’s naturalist era can still be found in the National Theatre bookshop - which gives me a zing of surprise and pleasure whenever I visit!
Whilst I loved the creation of ideas and exploration of human storytelling - an academic and theatre audience is admittedly a niche one, and I wanted to create work that had more cultural impact and connection.
In my early 20’s; I fell in love with media and brands as the human storytellers of our epoch, and decided to move into brand storytelling. After a short stint in Fashion and Sport PR; in 2008; I was head hunted by Nike to lead their new evolution into fashion, women’s sport and culture - leading UK PR.
This wonderful invite led to an amazing 17 year career with Nike - leading teams in Europe, New York and eventually leading global communications for Nike Women at their World HQ in Portland, Oregon.
7 years ago - the magnetic pull back to London grew too strong, and Nike generously created a new Global leadership role for me; spearheading Nike’s Global collaboration and culture work for Women. The role allowed me to move back to my favourite city in the World and create a new portfolio for Nike of global visionaries and creatives to expand and dimensionalize women’s sport across fashion, art, music, culture and wellness.
Favourite collaborations and projects include - launching the Women’s World Cup innovation with Nike’s first show at Paris fashion week in 2019; conceiving Nike Dance with Parris Goebel & leading the global launch, building the Nike x Jacquemus partnership, world & brand from concept, debuting Nike’s pro Hijab innovation; and Conceiving Nike’s first Paris Couture show in 2022 “Goddess Awakened”. A 300 person celebration of womanhood in all its dimensions - featuring some of our best athletes, dancers, fashion collaborators and entertainers.
Today - I have created my own Company Glow; a creator of ideas and catalyst for impact across fashion, sport, culture and commerce and am working with clients across these spaces including Nike, Nensi Dojaka & Feng Chen Wang.
How did you discover Location Creation?
My dear friend, and often creative-ideas-incubator, the artist and designer Lisa King had begun working with Gillian and the team with her new house. She had found it a fantastic way to maximise the space - and allowing her more creative space and time. With my new creative venture Glow - and my new freedom, she recommended it as a route to do the same.
What are your design Inspirations for Lyndhurst Grove?
I have been very lucky to spend a year in India, time in Thailand and Bali; and visit friends in Africa often. With every visit, my admiration and awe for their distinctive artistry, culture and artisanship deepens — and I always seem to return with pieces that have captured my heart in the moment - big or small! Art, sculptures, beautiful side tables, textiles and memories from these countries are definitely infused throughout.
Vibe wise - I spend every summer with my group of best girlfriends “mermaiding” (a verb) through the smaller Greek islands - and the colours, curves, marble, ocean feelings of the islands; a place I feel so relaxed and happy; have definitely been the defining aesthetic and soul of the house.
My friendship group is a very creative one - and there are custom pieces from my friends Alexandria Coe, Kate Walters, Robyn, and Margot Bowman throughout the house - all of which hold powerful memories. Alexandria’s floor to ceiling work - of a group of women intertwined - supporting each other, and in beautiful harmony - sits at the heart of the house, on the second floor and outside my bedroom.
Can you share 3 ways your life/travel have influenced the design choices?
1: Greece - the curves, the marble, the blues, greens and White and the sense of the ocean !
2: My amazing female friends - the house is full of feminine curves in its shapes, and their art work
3: Literature and theatre will always be a source of inspiration - and my books and plays are found throughout.
Finally, what is your favourite space in the home and why?
My favourite space in the home is the dining room. I love to host, and have so many wonderful memories of parties, dinners and discussions into the night with my favourite people around that big table.
In this room, the overflowing bookshelf is where many of my literature and creative friends gather to pull ideas or inspiration, or borrow eclectic recommendations of things to read. And is also home to my first published book on the playwright August Strindberg.
The little art deco cocktail nook has also provided fuel to many a gathering - and is where I continue to hone my nocturnal craft as a world class martini and margarita cocktail waitress!