India Hicks: A Slice of England

I loved the quality of this book. I loved the subject matter and I love all things English

This is neither a design nor a decorating book, you won't find overt lessons about form, function, color, and swatches. Rather, India Hicks hits her stride with her 3rd book, "A Slice of England," in this overview of fourimportant homes in her life: Broadlands, Britwell House, The Grove, and American Farm. The first three provide insight into the the lives of 2 influential men in her life, Lord Louis Mountbatten, and her father, 70's interior designer David Hicks, and her mother, Lady Pamela Hicks. The later, is her house in Oxfordshire, built with the 3rd most important man in her life, her husband, David Flint Wood. America Farm is a new house that is down-to-earth yet, maintains a palatial style. Photographed by Miguel Flores-Vianna, with a forward by Carolina Herrera, what becomes clear is that while she is descended from people with BIG pasts, and rubs shoulders with internationally known ones, Ms. Hicks has her own vision and style that is no less ambitious than those of her grandfather, father, and her equally precise (and amusing) mother. This book, the third in a trilogy (in India Hicks style), is an unpretentious glimpse into the collecting, decorating and home life of a woman, who is of this earth. Readers will enjoy her stories and understand that the heart of her style is family, history, curiosity and generosity. You won't find a lot of decorating tips, rather, what you'll see is how she pulls things together, a clever hand at collecting and showcasing everyday items to look extraordinary.

The media could not be loaded.  More than an interior design book this tells the story of the four generations of exceptional family homes that shaped the author's design philosophy and indeed sense of identity. Yes, there are gorgeous photos of the four English countryside homes, two decorated by the formidable David Hicks himself, but there is even more here. India shows in her own contemporary home, the fourth of the homes featured in the book, how elements luxurious and whimsical, new and old can be combined to create a space that is authentic to the inhabitants. She places her mother's vintage swim caps on display in acrylic boxes alongside an exquisite Georgian mirror and vellum scroll boxes. She inspires me to ask "what will I put on display in an acrylic box to share a bit of my family story or elevate an everyday object to treasure?" Certainly India has out-of-the-ordinary family hand me downs with which to work, but her modus operandi she shares in this book is one that can be embraced by anyone who wishes to create beautiful spaces that are authentic to the souls who inhabit them. Or, if that all seems a bit obtuse and you just want a mini espace to the romantic England countryside open this book and let yourself be carried away.

Book all that was expected

I thought this book was interesting - particularly as it pertains to her youth. I think her parents were fascinating. Her home is lovely. I do want to add that I recently ran into the India Hicks in Harbour Island. I did try to introduce myself and found her polite but cold and disinterested. She could really care less about meeting a fan. Her book moved from my coffee table to a shelf when I returned home. It was sad to meet someone that I admired and to feel so dejected. This probably impacts my rating to some extent.

It is a wonderful combination of a traditional coffee table book that focus’ on the four homes of the India Hicks. The photos of the grove are stunning, along with quirky little notes of person fascination. Lady Pamela Hicks feels part of the book as the history is also shared. Also great insights to the designs of David Hicks.

I loved this book! I am a lover of history, and this book gave a glimpse of an amazing lifestlye lived by the author's great-grandparents, grandparents and parents, continuing with her own memories. Her "slice of England" manages to appear so very elegant, but, at the same time, a family home. The tradition of gracious living continues!

Great pix and a wonderful read. But aligning herself with the awful Louis Mountbatten, a criminal incompetent and uber- arrogant slimeball, is uncool. India Hicks is spoiled and entitled and I celebrate her for that. But her grandpa was a monster.

Loved India Hick’s story & descriptions. She is an entertaining author.

It’s a wonderful read , beautiful photos.

A lovely book, arrived this morning as an Easter present to myself.Following on from her Island Style book which I bought last year and loved- the Hicks family and their combined style both in the house and the garden have long been a source of inspiration to me.The colourful David Hicks prints and enduring interior style sit perfectly in the new country home of his talented daughter and I am sure delight all and also comfort in equal measure.This is great present, a book I will enjoy reading and use for inspiration in attacking how to live a little differently but celebrating that individuality of Britishness, the past with wit, loving ones' home environment and above all- sharing it with friends and family.

It was very interesting to read and so pleasant to look at. Looks beautiful on my coffee table!

A truly phenomenal book of the most amazing collection of personal photography entwined with India’s family history.Ultimately, this loveliest book really showcases the most beautiful sense that is, the finest englishness at its very best.