A Useful Recommendation With Veronica Ditting
Words by Ellie Hay
Barbican-based creative director Veronica Ditting shares her useful recommendation for everyday – an Olla irrigation pot. This simple self-watering system for plants is particularly helpful as she prepares to travel to Kyoto in Japan for her new exhibition ‘Folio Folio Folio: Print by Veronica Ditting’.
On at the prestigious kyoto ddd gallery and curated by art historian Emily King, the exhibit will showcase Veronica’s influential body of work in print over the last two decades including her catalogue of cultural projects along with her legacy at The Gentlewoman, and printed matter for Hermès.
Plants are dear to Veronica, but taking care of them doesn’t come easy, with concerns about over- or under-watering them, and travelling quite a lot for work. The eco-friendly irrigation pots can put her at ease. She’s been using them since last summer, and so far, so good.
Tell us about your useful recommendation.
You can place these unassuming terracotta pots in planters or the ground alongside plants and fill them with water which releases slowly through the unglazed material. The age-old irrigation technique supposedly reduces water usage by 50% to 70%! I have a multitude of them in the planters along my balcony and inside my home. The nicest looking ones I have come across are from Poterie Jamet from France, but due to the dreadful import taxes in the UK, I’ve been ordering a range from local suppliers. If you’re using the pots in your garden or balcony, I’d recommend getting ones with a lid.
What qualities does an object need to have to be in your home?
I have fairly eclectic taste and anything I purchase simply has to either spark joy, be of comfort or be functional. In other words, I have a lot of ceramics, pillows and I love smart kitchen gadgets.
Tell us about a recent wardrobe purchase.
A powder-green suit by Jil Sander – the shirt is elegantly tailored, a subtle string keeps it in shape; the trousers have a pressed centre crease and loose seventies fit. It’s sharp but not too formal, so it’s perfect for meetings and such. My friend Abnit Nijjar, Jil Sander’s women’s ready-to-wear design director, advised me. Who better to have by your side when shopping?! I love wearing it with a Sophie Buhai Jasper necklace I got last year. It has the most beautiful silver scroll clasp. Sophie is a woman of classy details.
Is there a skincare product you are enjoying at the moment?
My agent AeLi gifted me a facial at Ada Ooi’s clinic a little while back. Afterwards I purchased the Intensive Elixir Treatment, a light-weight oil. It smells just incredible – sandalwood and rose essence – I wish they’d made it into a fragrance. I went down the skincare rabbit hole during the pandemic, I didn’t give it much attention before but now I’m certainly hooked.
Is there something you can tell us about living in the Barbican, that visitors might miss?
At first, the estate seems so tough to navigate, the way-finding system is upsettingly useless. As a resident getting food deliveries is a near impossibility; another good reason not to order any takeaway.
You have the nicest view onto the Barbican lake coming from the high-walks down by Salter’s Hall, heading west. Parts of the London Wall, dating back to 200AD are situated on the edge of the estate – one is obscurely inside one of the car parks nearby! Also, cinema tickets are only £6 on Monday nights. I wish the martini bar was better than it is, but it does the trick pre or post movies.
What do you make for dinner when you are tired?
Something quick and satisfying such as spinach, shallots, garlic and fried eggs. If I’m lucky there are sweet potatoes on my kitchen counter, they roast so quickly.
‘Folio Folio Folio: Print by Veronica Ditting’ is on from June 08 — July 28, 2024 at the kyoto ddd gallery.
