INNOVATION
each do. “I discovered Christopher Ward when I was looking for a ‘real’ watch, something special. I just couldn’t get excited about any of the multi-national brands. Many of them are so expensive but also many are cloned, copied and therefore cheapened in some way. I started looking for an
independent watchmaker to try to find something a bit different. I always prefer to buy things like my suits and shirts from independent companies as I like the personal touch. I like the feeling that you know the people who are the company. That ethos goes through everything we do at OHP,” he says. “When I found Christopher
James Clutton and Michael Volpe
“In 12 years I have only missed two shows and they were both because of family weddings. I just love coming in to work every day.”
Ward I immediately liked the sound of them - a British watchmaker, a personalised letter from the maker, a lovely presentation box, the no-quibble guarantee. I looked at the CW watches online and fell for the Malvern. It was the classic look.
The design based on the dials of the Aston Martin, another British classic, really appealed.
“It also helped that the casing was rose gold which matched my wedding ring. It just felt like this was my watch. I wear it every day and it always attracts positive comments.”
Like Christopher Ward, Opera
Holland Park is trusted by its customers. Whether for beginners looking for a “entry level” introduction or opera buffs who are delighted at an obscure Janacek revival, the company stands out alongside its better- funded rivals like the Royal Opera House or Glyndebourne by the commitment of its team to producing exciting, invigorating opera performances.
call everyone backstage, when to start, how long the interval is - and that timing comes from my Malvern watch.” OHP is owned by the London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, which supports the initiative with a grant. Business partners Volpe and Clutton have commenced negotiations, however, that will see them take the whole event private. This is likely to happen in 2013. “The Royal Opera House gets a subsidy of £26 million. English National Opera gets £17m. OHP gets £400,000, so we are all very proud of what we achieve. This is just what I was always looking for in my early days. People are surprised when I tell them I attend every single performance during the season. Why wouldn’t I want to
“When I found Christopher Ward I immediately liked the sound of them – a British watchmaker, a personal letter from the maker, a lovely presentation box, the no-quibble guarantee. I fell for the Malvern.”
Timing plays a crucial role in making the performances a reality. “The pre-production period for a new opera of ours is approximately 18 months,” explains Clutton. “It takes that long to choose the artistic teams, cast the singers, put the six different teams together. But it’s a fantastic feeling on the opening night when what started as an idea, a thought, a concept has been transformed into a show with an orchestra, 50 people on stage, dozens of people making it happen back stage and front of house, and a thousand people in the auditorium. But it all still has to happen to a schedule - when to
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA COMPETITION
Christopher ward are offering the chance to win 2 pairs of tickets for a VIP evening at the OHP performance of Gianni Schicci by Puccini and Mascagni’s Zanetto on June 29. To enter our simple online competition please see page 13.
Orderline 0844 875 1515 11
see all my hard work? In 12 years I have only missed two shows and they were both because of family weddings. I just love coming in to work every day.”
James wears a C3 Malvern Chronograph GWT £300. James Clutton is running the London Marathon on April 22 on behalf of Chickenshed (
www.chickenshed.org.uk), an inclusive theatre company that helps change the lives of children and young adults in north London. It is James’s first marathon. To support his fundraising, go to
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com /JamesClutton
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