What's in your bedroom...

Styx – East London

2012-01-19T19:21:00.003Z

As Imentioned in the previous post I had the opportunity to do two bedrooms on newyears day at a party in East London. Soafter photographing Rich’s bedroom I stepped over the hallway and into Styx’sroom, shutting the party off behind me. Bright and girly, Styx’s bedroom is amassive contrast to Rich’s – like a dressing up box with a bed inthe corner, not too dissimilar to the bed in the film Amelie.

Styxsays “My bedroom is about: bed, clothes and music. There is always music in myroom; I think it feels empty without it. One of my favourite things to do isstay in bed on Saturday mornings listening to 6music or my new record player –my vinyl collection is a work in progress, so depending on my mood, I’ll put oneither: T-Rex, The Doors or Leena Horne. I love clothes and I like the factthat I have plenty of space to keep them and try them on.”

WhenI asked her what she would save if her bedroom were on fire, it was no surprisethat one of the items was clothing “I’d save my Alexander McQueen black leather studded shoe boots. And my pale blue ottoman that Ipurchased on eBay when moving into the house, it was an absolute bargain andthe colours set the room off nicely, it’s also useful if people are in my room asthey have somewhere to sit – looks good and it’s functional. I would definitelysave that one."

Rich – East London

2012-01-10T16:55:00.000Z

It was the 1st of January and it was cold and rainy in London Town - making my hangover feel all the more heavy. I needed something to lift my spirits and top up the spirits from the night before, so with the promise of a couple of bedrooms, off I went to a party in Hackney.
Rich has lived here for a few months with his flatmate, Styx. He played music in the living room whilst I carried on in his bedroom. I was pretty surprised to see how tidy his bedroom was, considering it was the day after news year's eve. His bedroom felt quiet and deserted - like it was missing out on the party, well I suppose it was. It is a completely functional space and does what it says on the tin; in terms of the appearance, it is the absolute opposite to his flatmates. As he says, “I only really use my bedroom for sleeping, working, oh and sex when I can actually get it.”
When I asked him what he would save if his bedroom were on fire, he said, “I'd probably die trying to save too much, but in order it would go: Mac, clothes, then camera. I'd then run to the lounge and try and save all my records, but there's quite a few - they weigh a lot and I'm small. Oh and I suppose I'd have to wake Styx up because she sleeps through everything.”
More of Styx later…

WIYB HQ - East London

2012-01-06T21:46:00.000Z

This is What's in your bedroom's, bedroom – sort of. I did for a moment think that I was going to reveal my bedroom, but as I started to take the pictures, I decided apart from this glimpse, my bedroom will still remain unseen.
I do, however, have two bedrooms that I will be putting up over the next two weeks. Both were found on new years day at a party in East London. So, keep your eyes out for new year posts, or you can follow me on Twitter for updates @Your_Bedroom

Josh & Sam - East London

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000Z

Here live the festive fools, Josh, Sam, and their pet rabbit, Henry. After a hard pre-Christmas graft of general merry frolics, they are taking a well-earned break.

As Josh says he sees the bedroom as a place of rest and Sam agreed, saying, “My bedroom meant more to me at Uni, but now I live with Josh, the living room is where I spend most of my time.” She laughs and says, “The bedroom is the place for the three S’s: sex, sleep and sickness. In no particular order, obviously.”

When I asked them both what they would save if their bedroom were on fire, Josh said, “Sam, wallet, iphone and my picture from above the bed – it’s called A Night at the Museum, by John Wilson, my Mum and Dad gave it to me last Christmas.”

Sam said, “Apart from Josh (he needs saving regularly) I would take my Tiffany necklace and ring.”

And in case you are wondering about Henry… they didn’t seem too worried, insisting she would be able to run fast enough to get away with them.

So, when Josh, Sam and Henry find the energy to re-emerge, they will be putting on a bit of Wham and jingling their bells to the chrimbo sounds of Last Christmas…

Merry Christmas Everyone

Andrew - Northampton

2011-11-26T16:58:00.010Z

Lucky for me that Andrew Collins, writer and 6music radio presenter regularly took pictures of his bedroom and kept a diary when he wasgrowing up, as a picture of a teen’s bedroom pre 1990 whatever is a raritycompared to today’s constant stream of digital documentation. I love this glimpse into Andrew's teenage bedroom, it reminds me of some of the boys bedrooms I spent time in when I wasgrowing up. It was taken in 1982 when Andrew was 16 going on 17.
He said, “My bedroom was in Northampton, where Igrew up. I'd shared a bedroom with Simon, my younger brother, for 14 years andin 1981 my parents had an extension built which meant I got my own room for thefirst time: a massive deal! I loved it because it was still relatively new, and it was mine. We were neverallowed to have locks on our doors as teenagers, but there was an unspokenetiquette about knocking before entering. So although it wasn't exactlyprivate, it was still a sanctuary of sorts, and I had been allowed to paint amural on my door, which you can't see in the photograph, but was basically alife-size cartoon of me, which seems pretty narcissistic looking back! It wasnot a huge bedroom, but I could set up my drum kit at the end of the bed, anddid, occasionally, much to the chagrin of our neighbours, no doubt.In the early 80s, twelve-inch vinyl was all the rage, and extended remixes, soI would have danced to one of them: Sound Of The Crowd by the Human League, orNowhere Girl by B-Movie, either would have gone well with hair spraying myenormous fringe into place.
My younger brother, Simon, and his friend Kevin, two years below me at school,used to sneak into my room and play my records at lunchtime. I discovered theirtreachery when I found my stack hi-fi still switched on when I got home fromschool one day. This is the fate of all older brothers. I shopped Simon to myparents and they told him off. In retrospect, I admire him for doing it. Ibecame good friends with Kevin after Simon had gone off, at 16, to join theArmy. We bonded over a love of The Cure.”
When I asked what he would save if his bedroom were on fire in 1982, he said,“I would have wished I could save my drum kit, but that's impractical, so itwould have been my 1982 diary, which I still have and offers a fascinatinginsight into the life of a provincial 17-year-old obsessed with the oppositesex and pop music.”

I discovered these pictures during my day job as Assistant Picture Editor for the Radio Times. Andrew wrote a feature about Marilyn Monroe and the new film My Week With Marilyn – it was my job to find the pictures for the piece. In the feature he mentions the 22 pictures of Marilyn he had on his bedroom wall when he was a teenager - as shown above. You can read the Radio Times feature here.

P-ta - SE London

2011-11-21T18:12:00.010Z

P-ta is the lead singer of the surrealistic, Pseudo Nippon –see the picture above of his rice ball hat, he wears when he is performing.
I text himto say ‘I’m outside’ and within moments he was there to greet me and take meinto the the squatted former print shop. Two people sat downstairs, smoking and chatting. We walked up stairs to the old office area. Someone had set-up a washing line in the hallway. Further down we walked, and then he said, “Here weare, this is my room.” I looked down, and there was the door, like something outof Alice in Wonderland, it was the tiniest bedroom door I had ever seen. Cutout of a large piece of stained wood, that P-ta had built, there was an arched shapeddoor - just big enough to fit a body on all fours through. He leant forwards andopened the door by pulling an orange plastic crab handle, “After you” he said,so I bent down and looked into a pinkish light. I threw my tripod through thesmall tunnel and crawled in. Seconds later, I pushed myself up into a boxed sizebedroom space. A mattress on the floor, covered with a brightly colouredblanket, and a shrine to the left. P-ta's shrine to fish. He said, “I’mreally into folk art, the different objects represent different Gods – somepeople give them to me and others are ones I have collected – I know as soon asI see something, that it’s right for the shrine. I also collect fish books,books about the ocean. One day I would like to have a fish book library. Iparticularly like the books from the 1970’s – the saturated colours and thestyle of the photography.” Tongue firmly in cheek, he says this all stems fromhis ‘made-up’ religion, Pork Tai Chi. He says the fish represent calmness andthe sea represents the unknown.

When he moved here a few months ago, the space was openplan. He decided to make the door the size it is, build a shrine in thereand paint the wall pink. There is nothing conventional or practical about thisroom, but for it’s novelty value, it is great. It feels like a secret cave nearan unknown ocean. I can almost picture him stood on a mound rocks, looking out tosea, playing his Shakuhachi.

When I asked P-ta what he would save if his bedroom, sorry I meanshrine, were on fire, he said, “I couldn’t choose which item to take, each one is as important as the other. I would leave everything and go.”

The Girl of Stuff - East London

2011-11-15T13:19:00.011Z

On a dark, damp, November night, I walked through the streets of Bethnal Green and wondered is this really worth it – I sometimes wonder this when I am on my way to do a bedroom.

Off the beaten track and into the maze of one of East London's many housing estates, I looked up to the inky high-rise, then went through the security system and into the stark metal lift. As it juddered up to the top floor I contemplated the thought of being at home, in the warmth, eating beans on toast, in the company of Attenborough. Then the lift opened and I stepped out onto the landing of the classic 1960's high-rise block, where the front doors to the flats are on an exterior shared balcony, almost replicating a typical terraced street. Right at the far end stood a waving, bright and sparky, Girl of Stuff – at that moment, the beans on toast and Attenborough disappeared over the balcony and I knew it was worth it. She wore electric pink leggings and a jumper with what looked liked the flash of fireworks all over it – a mirror of the brightly coloured 'stuff' she is in to.

She is a maker of things – a result of the recession and having a fondness for childlike, old school craft; she makes pom poms, cards and bunting. Massively inspired by bloggers Candy Castle and Hello Sandwich... who drew her attention to MT tape, and now is pretty obsessed, buying it in bulk when she spots some in the Sales.

When living in shared accommodation, she says she has always made her bedroom feel like home, disguising the standard landlord decor of magnolia paint and choice flooring, by distracting the eye with her interesting bits. She says, "My Dad was in the army – we moved eight times before I was ten. It has always been important to make each bedroom my own – surrounding myself with all my lovely things, that makes me feel happy."

I asked her what she would save if her bedroom were on fire, and she said, “My gold ring, it was my Mum's 21st birthday present from my Grandparents – I love wearing it. And my birth certificate, I reallylike the red stamp on it, and I know if I lost it I wouldn’t get a replacementthat looked anywhere near as good.”

Find The Girl of Stuff on Twitter @thegirlofstuff

Liz - North London

2011-11-04T17:31:00.002Z

Liz is an Interior Designer and shares her place in Stoke Newington with her illustrator friend, Katie, alsoknown as POPCORNY. Bored with thesea, they opted for the bright lights of London Town, and moved from Brighton justsix months ago.
Liz’s bed is grand and dominates her bedroom - it’s like the big romantic sleeping machine, has been plonked in a fairytale like cave – surrounded by antlers, feathers and sheepskin. She says, “It might soundobvious, but the bed is the most important part of the bedroom, for me, it’s myplace for relaxation.” She saysthat her bedroom is her experimental space too, and she regularly re-organisesher things, collected from from places such as, New York and Amsterdam– her objects, represent momentsin time.

When I asked Liz what she'd save if her bedroom were on fire, without hesitation, she said, "The picture of my Grandad, the antlers and my lamp - I love that lamp."

WIYB - Portugal

2011-10-11T17:53:00.002+01:00

After a long journeynot too dissimilar to, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, we eventually hit theisolated, but beautiful, lush winding roads of Southern Portugal. Being Cityheads, we glanced at each other with a look of both terror and excitement, atthe fact that there was nothing, in terms of civilisation, for what seemed likemiles. But, as the phone signal died, so did our apprehensions, quickly adapting tothe Yurt holiday’s beautiful setting. Not even a flared nostril at the site ofthe eco loo. Back to nature was just what we needed – if I could have grown abeard, I would have.

Chestnut Tree Yurt isa beauty – true fairytale. Derek and Hannah, the wonderful hosts, could not havedone more. Bring on more Glamping – it’s the future.

Casey - Chicago

2011-10-09T20:04:00.003+01:00

I present, What's in your bedroom's, first American offering, courtesy of WIYB's very own Chips for the Poor - he stayed on Casey's sofa on a recent trip to the States, quickly flashed me a picture of her bedroom - well it's more a stage than a bedroom - and I wanted more. So, Casey was kind enough to let me in. Unfortunately, I couldn't go all the way to Chicago to photograph Casey's wonderfully interesting abode, but the talented artist, Heidi Norton could.
The bedroom is in a building in the Humboldt Park neighbourhood of Chicago. It was a Catholic church that was converted into apartments in the 90's. Casey's apartment is the former church auditorium and the former stage is her bedroom. She has lived there just a few months with her two cats and the occasional couch surfer - like Chips for the Poor.
When I asked Casey what she would save if her bedroom were on fire, she said " My collection of vintage old-lady nightgowns."

Find Cassandra on Twitter @cassandracrane

Photo's courtesy of: Heidi Norton

Laura & Kev - Greater Manchester

2011-08-31T18:08:00.002+01:00

Through the arch window in a converted millin Stockport live Laura and Kev. She is a designer, illustrator and all roundcreative brain. He is an Architectural Designer and foodie.

LauraDrawer works between her home and studio. Surrounded by a rather nice bunch ofobjects from the likes of Donna Wilson and Orla Kiely, she has set-up herhome/office in the bedroom.

I asked them, “If the bedroom were on fire, what would you save?”

Laura, “Well, I’d grab some eggs. Boil anegg. Because the best thing to do in a crisis is boil an egg. Everyone knowsthat.”

Kev, “I’d grab some clobber.”

Wise words.

See more of Laura & Kev - click on Bed Heads and scroll down

Find Laura on Twitter @LauraDrawer

Matt - East London

2011-08-02T16:41:00.002+01:00

Matt is a corporate fundraiser for the NSPCC. After spending four years at his current place he has decided to up sticks and get out of the UK for a bit and experience something new in South-East Asia.

His room is fairly conventional, with a smattering of interesting pieces, like the pile of Margaret Atwood books that he was given by the World Book Night on the premise that he hand out the title to anyone and everyone, as it was one of the books he chose as a favourite from their list – originally he had forty and when I photographed his bedroom he was down to his final seventeen. The mask that his sister brought him back from Belize when she was on her Doctors elective in a hospital over there. And the lovely Stik picture he bought from one the artists shows.
When I asked Matt what he would save if his bedroom were on fire, he said, “At this moment in time, most importantly my passport, or I wouldn’t be able to get out of the country. My glasses, and the blue picture hanging over the bed, my girlfriend Claire gave it to me for my birthday.”

Suze - Bedhead

2011-07-28T19:32:00.003+01:00

Suze is the first Bedhead I photographed to create a set of portraits revealing more about some of the people behind the bedrooms. Click here to see her bedroom.

Jools - Portsmouth Postcards

2011-07-21T11:08:00.008+01:00

London girl, Jools Walker - Velo City Girl offered to take some pictures for me for a 'Postcards' entry, of when she stayed at her boyfriends in Portsmouth over the weekend of 15th July 2011. And they are quite sweet.
She said she would never stay away from home without her slippers. And the best thing about her weekend was the fry up breakfast on Sunday.

Michelle - North West London

2011-07-14T16:49:00.007+01:00

Michelle lives in a flat just a stone’s throw from the notorious former abode of Noel Gallagher, Super Nova Heights. On entering the communal door of the converted mansion block, I notice the beautiful ornate tiled floor, décor, and I wonder what it must have been like to live in such a place back in the day. And no, I can’t, I’m too consumed by the large array of giant framed Morrissey posters and gold discs propped against the wall of the swish staircase – far too big to fit into her little shared flat at the top of the grand old building – and sadly far too big to fit in my handbag.
Cherry Coke and American Spirit keep Michelle and myself company as she tells me about working in the music industry and her blog, The Racontourist, fuelled by her on-line dating missions it is both funny and unnerving. Her experiences really do make you realise what a minefield it is out there when you’re single and looking for that perfect match. Fortunately, unlike in her love life, she has found the perfect match in her flatmates – all like-minded, she says she has never felt more content.
One of the guys is almost like a time-share flatmate, makes her coffee as she wakes, before leaving for the day and coming back so late she is more than likely to be in bed. Rotation seems to be a reoccurring theme in Michelle’s home, she says, “My bedroom is small and living in such a small space is quite hard for me as I have lots of books, clothes and shoes, most of which are at my parents. So I seasonally rotate, from here to Kingston.”

When I asked Michelle what she would save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, “Well, I have a top three and they would be…

1 My paperweight that I stole from my Grandma’s estate when she died.

2 All of my Marc Jacob’s bags.

3 My Ipad.”

Find Michelle on Twitter @noirgames

Josephine - West London

2011-06-17T17:26:00.005+01:00

Josephine works as a Graphic Designer and started her blog, Love Panda Fresh, just over a year ago. In her super tidy bedroom she told me about her life long obsession with Panda’s, Johnny Cupcakes – her hero, who she once met and who is responsible for the Panda T-Shirt, her love of football and design.

When I asked Josephine what she’d save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, “I’d grab my colourful bag out of the wardrobe, throw in my laptop, my ipod, hard drive, my memory box full of letters and bits and bobs I’ve been collecting since school. And the pictures of my Mum when she was young.”

Find Josephine on Twitter @LovePandaFresh

Ali - East London

2011-06-01T15:20:00.014+01:00

This is a happy and a sad tale of a girl with two bedrooms. Ali, also known as Ali Coco Epps is a master wordsmith, performer and filmmaker. She is probably someone I’d never want to play Scrabble with, as pondering over words brings her nothing but joy - even down to changing all the original words to cheeky anagrams on a menu board her brother picked up Islington.

She is one of five inhabitants that live in this extraordinary space and has lived here for just five months. But as I took the pictures, the shed clock was ticking and by the end of the week, the little wooden bedrooms will be no more - meaning all the shed people have had to find new homes. She is very sad to leave this special place and the great people she has shared it with. But fortunately for Ali, her new pad is just one floor down, in this disused 1920’s factory building in East London.

This is her new bedroom - equally as compact and as sweet as her shedroom. All that is missing is the bed, which I am sure is in there now.

She has collected some delightful things over the years, including the 1920’s circus outfit hung on the wall, and the red clock that Ali Coco Epps and her fellow performers try to include in every film they make, some of which can be seen on the Patty & Hills YouTube channel.
I asked Ali what she’d save her bedroom were on fire? She said, “There is so much stuff, like my 1930’s dressing table, that I would carry on my back, along with the black and white photograph of my Mum - she sat for Stephen Dwoskin in the 60’s, an avant-garde film maker. And every story I have ever written since I was three.”

Jerry - East London

2011-05-19T17:31:00.003+01:00

One dark, late night in Dalston, I stumbled into Jerry at The Alibi on Kingsland road. She was working I was drinking. Jerry was promoting an event in The Alibi, for the lovely, the colourful, Lazy Oaf - who she does PR and Marketing for. For one night only they teamed up with Wah Nails who were making peoples nails look pretty in a corner of the club. I swiftly accosted Jerry and a few days later I’m in her bedroom photographing all of it’s vibrant, playfulness.
When I asked Jerry what she’d save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, “My pink robin on top of my TV, I think it best represents my childish taste and love of kitsch. It’s from a Christmas shop in Spitalfields Market, but sadly the shop isn’t there anymore - it used to be open all year round and I loved it.”
The oldest toy in her room is the pink Jelly Baby, she got it for Christmas when she was about five, she says that she has always been into collecting toys - being massively influenced by her Grandma and her Mum, who are both avid collectors. Her Mum’s house has lots of interesting pieces, glass cabinets filled with vintage toys and dolls, adorned with fairy lights.

Find Jerry on Twitter @thejerryberry

Anna & Tom - South London

2011-05-06T15:13:00.026+01:00

Anna is a food lover and has her own catering company, her mouth watering recipes and foody tips can bee seen at Anna's Cafe. Tom is an artist who regularly shows his work with the Hannah Barry Gallery.

They have lived in their flat in Peckham, with Omar the cat, for two years. Anna says, “I love things – I love collecting stuff as you go. Tom has just got back from India and he brought back this lovely bedspread and this amazing singing bowl.” If you have never heard or seen a singing bowl in action before, as I hadn’t, you should - it gave me mystical goose bumps.
I really liked being in Anna and Tom’s bedroom. It felt very serene and everything is well placed. Whilst I was taking the pictures, I liked the fact that Omar kept darting in and out, and Anna and Tom just hung out in there, chatting about their plans for the day – it all felt very homely.
When I asked Anna and Tom what they’d save if their bedroom were on fire, Anna said, “Tom, Omar, my toy monkey and Skeli, sitting over there on the red lamp – he’s a family heirloom, and been around for as long as I can remember – my Mum even had to sew his arm back on at one point.”
Tom said, “Nothing – I’m not attached to anything in here, really. Oh, well maybe I'd save my singing bowl.”

See more of Anna and Tom - click on Bed Heads and scroll down

Caspar - South London

2011-04-27T11:42:00.011+01:00

It’s the first time I have documented a nursery and I'm not massively familiar with small peoples bedrooms, but it's what I expected really - housing all the baby essentials: cot, toys, and baby changer. It would be interesting to see in the future, what stays with him, in terms of a sentimental object, like a teddy. Prior to Octavia and Sven having Caspar, I photographed their bedroom in October 2009, and both have kept their childhood teddies and said they would save them if their bedroom were on fire.

Katy - North London

2011-04-20T16:25:00.027+01:00

Katy is a Press Officer for The Dogs Trust and first appeared on the blog back in January 2010 - see her previous bedroom here. She has been in her fresh, new abode, for just two weeks, and in those two weeks she has got it looking good - in a similar vein to her last place, displaying a host of curios. Katy says, "I like bits."

When I asked Katy what she'd save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, "Bob, my dog cushion. My great grandfather's leather suitcase in which I'd put my mum's engagement ring and a wicked 70's gold and black maxi dress, that I have only worn out once but I often just waft round the house as it makes me feel super glam!"

See more of Katy - click on Bed Heads and scroll down
Find Katy on Twitter @pforpapa

Nic - East London

2011-03-10T19:22:00.013Z

Behind one of the many dusty doors that line Kingsland road in Dalston - above one of the commrcial premises, lives Nic and her girlfriend. Her bedroom doubles up as her office where she has just launched her new clothing range from, EagleRam. She says that she's never really been into very girly, flowery things, but her taste was swayed when she was left the Cath Kidston style bedspread and the Tiffany lamp by her Step Nan. The beautiful vintage Dior shoes were also her Nan's, but unfortunately they are too small for Nic.
When I asked her what she'd save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, "I'm not that sentimental and I'm not really bothered about things. I would definitely save my imac. It has my life on it - from my work to pleasure."

Find Nic on Twitter @EagleRam

Gwen - East London

2011-02-21T18:32:00.024Z

Gwen shares her flat in Dalston with four other people. She’s one of the lead singers in a band called The Pipettes. The other singer is her sister; she points to the mantle piece and says, “That’s my sister over there, in the picture. Taken when we were little. She’s the smaller one, which is funny because she’s now bigger than me.”
She moved from her hometown in Cardiff some years ago and comes from quite an unconventional musical family. Her mum is in a socialist street choir and her uncle is an organist and head of music at a church in Northern Ireland, he taught her piano.
Mirroring her bands style, her bedroom is very Kitsch - she is a lover of all things popular culture and has a massive passion for Elvis. She says, “I’m briefly enamoured by new artists, but always go back to Elvis. I think, for me, Josh Homme is probably the closest to a modern day Elvis.” If this theory is purely based on image, judging by the picture below, I’d have to agree.
When I asked Gwen what she’d save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, “I’m not sentimental. And I know it’s obvious, but I’d save my computer, not just because it has a lot of my music on it, but I see it as my window to the world. I love seeing what people are doing in terms of creativity and music - there’s so much to see out there and I do a lot of it from my computer.”

Josh Homme photo courtesy of PR
See more of Gwen - click on Bed Heads and scroll down
Find Gwen on Twitter @iamgwenno

Anna - North West London

2011-02-11T15:41:00.017Z

This bedroom almost has an invisible line of division, of girl versus boy - it's a perfect example of an unconventional bedroom. Anna loves knick-knacks and vintage, she has her own blog called, Yes Brian You Look Terrific. And her other half is a musician. So, in case you hadn't already guessed, this bedroom doubles up as a music studio and as a result Anna has had to seriously reign in her ‘stuff.’ As Anna says, she has had to create her own little areas, as her things were taking over. At first glance this room looks manic, but it actually feels quite peaceful, however, I think it does have the potential to get a bit hectic, especially when Anna's sorting through her clothes, her boyfriend is moving about, doing his music, and Arthur the cat is springing around getting up to all sorts of mischief. Once a timid rescue cat, Arthur is now a star in his own right and some of his antics can be seen here on a blog called Cat Party.

I asked Anna what she’d save if the bedroom were on fire, she said, “Well, obviously Arthur, and the computer, the computer is so important, it has all of my boyfriends music on it. And I’d quickly grab some photos too.”

See more of Anna & Arthur - click on Bed Heads and scroll down

Find Anna on Twitter @annabosworth

Hayley - North London

2011-02-03T18:34:00.012Z

Hayley is a food lover, and a Murakami obsessive. She is a digital researcher for T4, and runs her own rather good blog, Digital Rinse. Hayley shares her light and airy flat in Holloway with her friend.

She says, “I like my bedroom to be a bedroom. I don’t like clutter, well not in the bedroom, anyway. I want somewhere I can relax and not be distracted by stuff. My last bedroom was tiny – everything was everywhere and it did my head in.” She laughs and then says, “That’s why the clutter I do have now is under the bed. Style over substance, that’s me. In fact that’s my mantra.”
When I asked Hayley what she’d save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, “My footstool that I reupholstered. And my books, I’m a big reader and I love Murakami. His books make me want to go to Japan - I'm fascinated by the place. I can’t wait to see the film Norwegian Wood, based on his book.”

Find Hayley on Twitter @MissMcCool

Joff - East London

2011-01-26T17:04:00.007Z

Joff lives in his studio on the edge of the Regents Canal in East London. He is a self-confessed hoarder and says, “I’ve pared down a lot of my stuff over the past year. I find it hard to get rid of things. I don’t like bare spaces, they’re not comfortable for me.” His place is always busy with his kids, dog and his friends, hanging out and working in his studio next door, reviving some great pieces of old furniture, to sell in his shop Fandango. In fact he was actually kind enough to loan me a set of drawers for the What’s In Your bedroom… Oxfam window, back in November 2010.

I think his bedroom is secondary in his home; it’s more of a bed tucked away in his living space. So when I asked him what he would save if his bedroom were on fire, he said, “Well it's hard, because I’d want to save so much. But presuming the kids and the dog were okay, I’d save the Lego for them. Our guitars that are hung on the wall over there: my daughter, Ruby’s guitar is the one with the smiley face on it; my son, Bert’s the blue one and mine’s the one in the middle. It sounds strange but I’d also take my little Baby Belling cooker, I’ve had it over twenty years and I’ve roast many a chicken in that thing.”

Alex - North London

2011-01-18T11:41:00.001Z

Alex has lived in London for two years and has recently come back from travelling around South East Asia. He’s a Banker and shares his place with three other guys. He’s in the process of studying for another Banking degree, hence the textbooks. His room is not as glamorous as I’d maybe expected, but it does have the stereotypical elements of ‘the city boy’… almost like a teenage adult.

When I asked Alex what he’d save if his bedroom were on fire, he said “ My laptop and my photographs from travelling that I’ve just had printed.”

Lee - North London

2011-01-12T17:17:00.006Z

Lee works in the digital world of EMI Music and shares his place with three other people. His room is surprisingly bare with only a handful of items including his guitar he bought in Austin Texas when he was at the SXSW festival back in 2004.
When I asked Lee what would he’d save if his room were on fire, he immediately replied “Myself, I haven’t got anything else that I’d want to save.” But then he thought for a bit and said, “Well, I would save one thing but I’ve left it at my Girlfriend’s house in Wakefield. I told her about this song that I really like by a guy called A Gun Rack? It’s called The Great Octopus. I’ve seen him perform it, but it’s never been recorded, so unfortunately I didn’t own it until Christmas when she got me a copy by writing to him and asking for one. He actually had to record the song especially for me because he hadn't done it. I was so chuffed. He even painted me a little picture of an Octopus on the sleeve. Ha, so if it was here, I’d definitely save that.”

Find Lee on Twitter @leeshelton1085

Kat - East London

2011-01-06T12:18:00.008Z

Kat is a Producer for Gainsbury and Whiting and lives just a hop, skip and a jump from Old Street in East London. She shares her converted flat with two other’s and her bedroom is neatly concealed at the far end of the living room, behind a couple of bookshelves. In contrast to the modernity of the rest of the flat, her bedroom feels more like a country cottage, with a smattering of nice bits: the rather fetching gnome given to her by a fit bloke when she worked in a shoe shop in her youth, the Peace print, that took her goes to get hold of and then actually cost her more to get framed.
When I asked Kat what she’d save if her bedroom were on fire, she said “I’m not into saving stuff that can be replaced – not interested in electrical items. I’d save the framed picture of my Mum and Dad, over there, on the bed frame, and this slide which was taken of my Mum and I, in 1987, on my first birthday.”

See more of Kat - click on Bed Heads and scroll down

Find Kat on Twitter @KJD_KatDavey

Suze - East London

2010-12-25T11:38:00.023Z

It’s Christmas Day and it’s the return of The Suze. Being a muso I thought I’d make her my Christmas Number One. Suze has graced this blog on more than one occasion, first appearing back in March this year. She is a music PR for Warner Music and has lived in her new place, a stones throw from Old Street, in East London, for only a few months. And what a change it is to her last, small but perfectly formed bedroom. Big is beautiful and an urban beauty it is, great skull, gorgeous trinkets and mucho clothes and shoes.
O: Suze, what would you save if your bedroom were on fire? 
S: My iPod - I couldn’t live without my music. My digital radio, because when I’m not listening to music, I listen to BBC Radio 4 and without it I could not sleep, and my laptop because it has all my pictures on it from my U.S.A. trip this year with my best friend, Hayley.  
O: But how would you carry all this stuff?
S: I’d put them all in my newest bag and run for the hills, with as many shoes as possible.
O: Fair enough. So, seeing as though you’re my Christmas Number One, what would your all time number one song be?
S: Oh there are so many but it has to be, The 15th by Wire. I never get bored of listening to it. I’ll play it now…

See more of Suze - click on Bed Heads

Find Suze on Twitter @suzieseal

Lindsay - North London

2010-12-20T15:57:00.006Z

Lindsay is a Communications Assistant for Alfies Antique Market in London and has lived with her boyfriend in Holloway for just over a year. But they are looking for pastures new as they are out growing their flat. She says he’s very tidy but she’s not. Every few months she has a clear out because she has a bit of an obsession for shopping - she loves a bargain and can’t resist a charity shop or jumble sale.
Lindsay studied Graphic Design and has a liking for children’s illustration, hence her penchant for the Girl and Boy pictures, also known as big eyed or wide-eyed pictures. She tells me dealers don’t generally bother with them, because they’re supposed to bring bad luck. And some believe they have been linked with many house fires. She said she’s not bothered though - so far so good.
Well, after a bit of research I think she’ll be pleased to know, that the whole folklore started after a story ‘The Curse of the Crying Boy’ was published in The Sun in 1985 – when a chip pan blaze struck, a house was almost burnt to the ground, but a picture of the Crying Boy remained unscathed. Read on… So even if she was bothered, she's got nothing to worry about.
When I asked Lindsay what she would would save if her bedroom were on fire, funnily enough she said her boy, girl pictures. And, some pieces of jewellery that her Mum gave to her.

Jen - East London

2010-12-07T16:56:00.007Z

Jen is an architectural project manager and a lover of ‘space.’ So, I was quite interested to know what her dream bedroom would be like. She said “Ultimately I’d love to build my own bedroom and make it my own.” And rather than describe what it would look like, she described the elements: Scandinavia, wood, calm, minimalist, and landscape. Which is interesting as I think her room now, reflects these ideas. But, in terms of location it couldn’t be further away - plonked in the heart of Hackney, in a modern new build. She says, “It’s important that my bedroom feels cosy, especially in a shared place, where the only space I can be completely relaxed is in my bedroom.”
I asked Jen, what would she save if her bedroom were on fire? She said, “As much stuff as possible? But realistically, I’d take my phone and hard-drive, jump on my bike and ride off in search of my new forest hide out.”

Tom - South West London

2010-12-01T12:28:00.011Z

Tom is a designer and one part of ace design agency Mat Dolphin. He has lived in his flat in Tooting for five years.

A tidy place is a tidy mind. And Tom’s bedroom is certainly that. However, I thought, this is too good to be true, so when he said, “Have a look in the Cupboards, if you like?” I was expecting the contents to come tumbling out – like something out of a comedy film. But no, I was pleasantly surprised to see it was quite the opposite.
Unlike a lot of the bedroom people I have photographed, he has the luxury of living in his own place, so his bedroom isn’t so much his world, it is, what it is, ‘his bedroom.’ Like he says, “The bedroom, to me, is a functional space. I tend to relax in the living room. The bedroom is where I go to switch off - it just gets me through to the next day.”
When I asked Tom, what he’d save if his bedroom were on fire? He said, “It would have to be my watch, but the thing I would really want to save is actually in the living room. And without sounding like a massive cliché designer for liking film posters, I would really want to save my framed Anatomy of a Murder poster by Saul Bass.”

See more of Tom - click on Bed Heads and scroll down

Find Tom on Twitter @MatDolphin

Oxfam Dalston - East London

2010-11-22T13:13:00.021Z

Oxfam Dalston, not just a place for picking up a bargain whilst helping others along the way. But a place that feels very much part of the community and somewhere that amongst other things facilitates gigs and gives people the opportunity to use the window space as a platform for ideas. Having seen a few of the window displays, I wanted to have a go at creating my own, in-line with What’s In Your Bedroom... So, armed with an idea loosely based around fairytale and dreams, I approached Kevin the Department Manager and the rest is history. With no budget, some begging, borrowing (less of the stealing) and a few weeks later, on Saturday 20th November, myself and my bed-heads, Suzanne Murray and Mark Jenkins, made a little bit of winter bedroom cosiness, happen at Oxfam Dalston.

I thought it apt to create a bedroom for the display. A bedroom that is built from existing Oxfam stock and from elements of the rooms I have previously photographed for the blog. I contacted a selection of the contributors and asked them if they’d like to make a donation for the window to be then sold on for Oxfam. Amazingly, people were very kind and I ended up with an eclectic mix of items.

When I have previously bought second hand stuff, I have sometimes wondered about the history. Who owned it? Where it came from? Of course there is an advantage to not knowing, but on this occasion I thought it would be nice to give the buyer the opportunity to trace the item back to the original owner, via the blog, by following the instructions on the tickets attached to each item.

Have a look for yourself, by clicking on the links below, at the bedrooms that some of the items displayed in the window have come from:

Carly & Jim: Bambi.

Simon & Mat: Camels. Books. Crystal. Mickey Mouse object.

Simona: Wolf in a white top. Vintage earrings. Necklaces.

Suze/West London: Sparkly skirt. Gallows and Friendly Fires vinyl.

Cheapskate: Accordian. Limited edition tea towel. CD and vintage vinyl.

Annie: Vintage dolls. 50’s alarm clock.

Alison/East London: Bambi’s diamante necklace. Woolly hat. Books. Clothing on the right wall.

Chips For The Poor: Chips For The Poor 7” vinyl.

Stool with cushion: Helen

And here's us making it happen...

Big thanks to Fandango Interiors who kindly loaned the drawers.

Find Oxfam Dalston on Twitter @OxfamDalston

Victoria - North London

2010-11-11T17:12:00.026Z

Once upon a time there was a Media Arts Apprentice called Victoria, who at times felt like she was drowning in a bedroom of her boyfriend’s dirty socks. Whilst trying to keep afloat, she dreamt that one day she would have her own, sweet smelling, tidy abode. Some time later and as if by magic, she found herself in this Tim Walkeresque bedroom - a fairytale of trinkets, forests and birds - where she now lives happily ever after.

I asked Victoria what would she save if her bedroom were on fire? She said she’d save her Granddad's Halina camera. She has never met him but he was a keen photographer and would be very impressed that she’s now completed a degree in Photography.

Find Victoria on Twitter @dashvictoria

Sarah - North London

2010-11-04T17:39:00.024Z

Less is more but not in Sarah’s case, her bedroom is brimming with brilliant bits. She is a writer and her eclectic style spills over into her work, which can be seen on her blog, The Enchanted Hunters. Sarah has lived in this shared flat in Stoke Newington for two years and weirdly enough had the exact same bedroom in the next-door flat for a few years before that.

I asked Sarah, “What would you save if your bedroom were on fire?” she immediately said, “My laptop, because everything is on it.” Then I said, “If you could grab something else what would it be?” She said she’d take some clothes. One dress that she wore to a wedding last year, a grey jumper with lots of silver sequins on it and this fantastic, vintage tunic style top, she got it some years ago from a charity shop for a fiver and has never worn it, but just loves the fabric, and it is amazing - a heavy brocade, with beautiful stitching.

Find Sarah on Twitter @sarahdrinkwater

Claire - East London

2010-10-27T17:41:00.013+01:00

Claire has lived in her flat on the edge of Hackney Farm for three months, after having to move out of her old place where she held a regular supper club, Green Onions. Her new home is too small to host supper clubs, and is now one of the two people behind the tasty, Shacklewell Nights - a hidden dining venture in Dalston. Like the pictures of her new food venue, her bedroom is warm and cosy and making me want to have forty winks. When I asked Claire, “What would you save if your bedroom were on fire?” she said, “The photograph of my Grandma from off my dressing table mirror. And my teddy bear, Willy, that was given me by my Granddad when I was born.”

Find Claire on Twitter @everythingbut

..//Doc.5

2010-10-26T13:23:00.015+01:00

Love this Little Red Riding Hood illustration by Gustave Doré, 1883.

Naomi - Hampshire

2010-10-25T17:42:00.013+01:00

Drawn by her own fair hands, this is an illustrated snippet of Naomi's bedroom in Aldershot. She has a clever Twitter called, i_learnt_today and you can find her really great work here.
When I asked Naomi what she would save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, "I would grab my beanbag frog that belonged to my Dad."

Helen - East London

2010-10-18T12:11:00.017+01:00

I met Helen at a party in Dalston and when she told me her bedroom was her secret shame, I knew I had to photograph it. She lives in a shared flat in Hackney and says that she tries to be tidy but it's just not her and although it looks a mess, she knows where everything is - even her filing system that lies somewhere down the side of her bed. She is a keen knitter and also has a penchant for teaspoons - her obsession started when she went to a café and the teaspoon they gave her was so fancy that she stole it, since then her friends keep buying them for her. She now has a box full on top her wardrobe. I was quite taken by the knitted test patch and teaspoon ensemble hanging from her wardrobe doorknob - strangely good. If Helen’s bedroom were on fire, she would save a small stool that she made, she’s very attached to it and said, “I just really like it, my old house mate couldn’t believe I wanted to take it with me when I left, but I like it and I like the way I’ve attached a cushion to the top with wool.”

Misery Bear - Somewhere in the UK

2010-10-11T16:04:00.020+01:00

Misery Bear is a lonely, sometimes drunk bear, in search of happiness. He is the first to reveal his identity at What’s In Your bedroom… And, I think his bedroom was first glimpsed in one of his films, Trip to London, where he unfortunately ended up in a bad way - unlike in these pictures, where he looks perfectly chilled. He might think his life is miserable and worthless, but at last he’s not on the streets and he’s got a great bedroom. The Venetian style, mirrored furniture, makes it look like a boutique hotel. And, it seems this Bear’s no dumb dumb, soaking up the Observer, and wading his way through a weighty piece of JG Ballard. When I asked him what he’d save if his bedroom were on fire, the techno savvy, musical Bear said, “I’d save my Washburn acoustic guitar and my ipad.”

Photographs courtesy of: Nat Saunders

Find Misery Bear on Twitter @miserybear

Keir - South Manchester

2010-09-20T15:53:00.012+01:00

As Morrissey sang:

Just a rented room in Whalley Range

What do we get for our trouble and pain?

Whalley Range!..

...I wouldn’t say Keir's homestead is quite so glum. The multi talented chap of Inch Recording Studio and The Durutti Column has lived in his Victorian, three storey house, in Whalley Range, for over seven years. And has set-up a temporary recording studio in there. He says, “Vini prefers working from home – it’s more chilled.” He is also a speaker obsessive and when he totted up his collection, he has sixteen speakers in his house alone. Including the two vintage, Quad ESL 57's that resemble copper heaters, on either side of the chimney breast in his bedroom. Apart from being brilliant to look at, Keir informs me that because of the Electrostatic technology they're better than any other domestic speaker. I asked Keir, if his bedroom were on fire, what would he save? He said “The Quads are pretty special, but not as special as the pictures of my daughter, Lily, so I’d take the photo album of her, from my desk.”

Russ - East London

2010-08-25T12:30:00.016+01:00

Russ, originally from The Isle of Wight is living in a shared flat on the edge of Dalston. His room has a smattering of items that reflect his love of music and his job that involves booking the best of the newest bands for The Old Blue last, in Shoreditch, London. And also being one of the people behind a successful club night called Fuck The White Board. Never brave enough myself to get a tattoo; he has two (that I can see) but the one that caught my eye and his most recent, is of a pretty impressive Galleon ship, courtesy of Liam Sparkes at Shangri-la Tattoo, London.

I asked Russ, if his bedroom was on fire what one item would he save? ”I thought about this for sometime – at first I thought my vinyl copy of my favourite ever song, Dancing with tears in my eyes by Ultravox. It took me ages to get hold of a copy, but I suppose I could always replace it. So I decided on my bass guitar. I played in punk bands when I was younger and bought it off Ebay when I was 15. It’s completely original. The guy who sold it to me made it from separate parts from other guitars. It’s cracked and allsorts, but it’s definitely the one item I’d save."

See more of Russ - click on Bed Heads and scroll down

Find Russ on Twitter @RussTannen

Katey - East London

2010-08-11T18:31:00.012+01:00

Katey is an Illustrator and lives in the heart of Dalston, London Town. She creates beautiful work with her fair northern hands, and I think her illustrative, child like qualities are reflected in her bedroom. Full of interesting bits and bobs, including the rather fetching Aubergine coloured Bambi, purchased from Mr Allsorts just off Essex Road, Islington. She works from home and likes the feeling of separation that the beams in her room give between her workspace and her bed area. Being a lover of Owls, I was particularly taken by the regular glimpses of Owl paraphernalia, which she informs me started between her and her sister when they were little. When they fought, they would pull a face that resembled an Owl, which in effect was a plea for mercy. The Owl obsession grew and they started to buy each other Owly things at every present giving opportunity. The majority of the collection, going back years, is hauled up at their Mums house in Manchester.

...I asked Katey, if her bedroom were on fire, what one item would she save… She went for the laptop, because all her work is on it, and it’s the one important thing she could grab in a blazing frenzy.

Chips for the Poor - North London

2010-08-03T12:02:00.011+01:00

Chips for the Poor is a musician living on the edge of Dalston in a flat amongst a maze like estate in De Beauvoir Town. He’s lived there about a year and has pretty much done the rounds of East London. Destined to perform he comes from a family of natural born entertainers, claiming his Nan used to play the piano in her home, wearing flat cap and braces, leaving the door open for all the neighbours to hear. And his other Nan, played in a band in the war. My kind of gals, reckon they’d be great fun down the pub. His room is a collection of stuff gathered over the years, ranging from his very own nappy pin circa 1976 – 78 (which I asked him to hold - he must get his good hands from his ex-hand model Mum) a collection of books and DVD’s - some of a dark nature, and two great pieces of artwork courtesy of his brother, Kid Acne.

…I asked him, if his bedroom were on fire, what one item would he save?...

At first he said a big bag of photos that he’d completely forgotten about and re-discovered recently - spending hours unearthing old memories. But then as we were in his bedroom, he said he’d also grab the T-shirt hanging on the wall - his brother screen-printed it for him round about 1995 and it’s a picture of Chips for the Poor with his cat.

See more of Chips - click on Bed Heads and scroll down

Find Chips on Twitter @chipsforthepoor

Alison - East London

2010-07-28T15:43:00.008+01:00

Alison is the person behind Dalston People, a brilliant website for everything you need to know about Dalston, London, and a Dalston People Twitter page, that I have come to rely on. Alison lives right on the edge of the lovely Broadway Market, in London Fields, Hackney. Feeling a bit worse for wear on my way into her bedroom, after one too many Sherry’s the night before, the summer breeze blowing through her bedroom window was just the ticket to distract my foggy head. This really is a room with a view - the grand Victorian Gas Towers on the Regents Canal leading to the London skyline peppered with many a building including the mighty Gherkin. I asked Alison, if her bedroom were on fire what one item would she save?… She said, “It’s a little bit sad really, but I’d definitely save my Care Bear. It’s really old and probably one of the first things my Mum and Dad bought me.”

Barry & Ben - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T12:28:00.004+01:00

This isn't just a tent, this is an estate. On first entering the beast, I notice that these boys don't mess around, seasoned Glasto goers, they've brought a fridge... cold beer on ice? Yes please. And no back breaking journey to and from the car, they have an industrial trolley. But, what a bloody mess, and that's after one night. Suppose you can't have everything. It's like a handbag, the bigger it is, the more you fill it.

Suze - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T12:16:00.004+01:00

Cool blue - very serene. This abode came in very handy for beating away, the hard partying aftermath.

Hayley & Mikey - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T12:10:00.005+01:00

This looks like a pair that spends more time out of their tent than in it. Far too tidy and there's two of them.

Rob - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T12:06:00.003+01:00

Aciiiiiiiid. This tent got it goin' on. Luxo party vibes.

Ned - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T12:03:00.004+01:00

Minimalist. More "squat" or "just passing" rather than "making myself at home." Got his loo roll though, essential.

Alison - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T11:57:00.003+01:00

This is more like it. No airs and graces. This looks like a tent that's seen some hard core festival action and more to come.

Lisa - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T11:54:00.004+01:00

Looks quite cosy doesn't it. At least if the festival is rubbish, she could always go for a nap, actually I think she might have done, fourteen hours in one go, in fact. zzzzzzzz.

Sally & Paul - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T11:50:00.004+01:00

These are the tidiest festival goers I know. They line up their shoes in a neat manner. They store their bits in tupperware boxes, neatly fold their clothes into separate plastic bags, the tidy list goes on.... Hats off to 'em.

Olivia - Glastonbury

2010-07-16T11:43:00.004+01:00

I entered the monster of all festivals mouth, Glastonbury, on Wednesday 23rd June, for five nights. I knew I was in for the long haul, so it was vital I supply myself with somewhere I could call home. Enough space to stretch. A comfy bed and a bathroom en suite consisting of a bowl for washing and a bucket for peeing. She did me proud.

..//Doc.4

2010-06-11T17:55:00.006+01:00

Tim Walker's pictures are so beautiful. I particularly like The Princess And The Pea rendition. Perfect fairy tale imagery. See his website here.

Annie - East London

2010-05-11T11:39:00.015+01:00

Annie is an Illustrator (see her stuff here) and lives and works in a lovely, Edwardian terraced house in Bow, London. She shares it with four other people and because of its traditional town house layout it never feels over crowded. Annie has named her bedroom ‘The Cottage’. I love this because it does feel like a little cottage. She was drawn to it four years ago because of its low ceilings and cosy feeling, compared to her previous home of high ceilings and cold warehouse appearance. She’s from North Wales and craves a bit of rural in the city and I think this room definitely gives her that. It over looks gardens, with lots of trees and birds. Being in there felt very peaceful.
I asked Annie… “If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?”…

“Because I’m a terrible worrier and if I had to get out quick, I wouldn’t have time to think about saving something sentimental so it would have to be my laptop because my whole life is on it. But, that would only be if I knew Biddy, my cat was safe.”

Ellie & Pups - South East London

2010-04-30T18:40:00.007+01:00

Ellie a Curator lives with Sophie my previous blog entry, in Camberwell. They met at SOAS University London and Ellie said “When Sophie came into my room, at Halls, with a four pack of Stella and two Crispy Creams, I knew we’d be friends for life.” Ellie’s bedroom is opposite Sophie’s, it is light and airy and full of interesting bits.

I asked Sophie…“If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save”…

Ellie – Well it’s a bit embarrassing really but I’d save my teddy, Pups. I’ve had him for years and he’s been to five continents with me: Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and Australasia. I can’t sleep without him, so I take him everywhere. His head fell off on the way to France once, I was so gutted - all his stuffing kept falling out. And most recently I debated over whether to take him on a work trip to Africa, I wouldn’t normally give it a second thought but I had to share a room with my boss. So I took him, and on the first night revealed him to her, I think she thought it was a bit weird at first, but then seemed completely accepting of him. I sometimes think I should maybe be a bit more chilled about him, like when I was at college we had to do a show and tell. I thought I should take something cool and interesting but in the end I just took Pups.”

Sophie & JR - South East London

2010-04-22T17:22:00.006+01:00

Sophie is a Project Assistant and has lived in this flat, in Camberwell, with a couple of her pals for just over a year. Her room is like the rest of the flat, a slightly more mature and very much cleaner version of a student residence. The flat with it's kitsch pictures of half naked ladies, male heart throbs and red wine in the afternoon. And in the bedroom, the Hoff to keep her company.

When I asked Sophie “What one item would you save if your bedroom was on fire?” She replied with much excitement about her one and only love, JR. She said, “One time I left JR in Preston after visiting family and my Dad had to drive three hours back there to get him, if he hadn't the consequences would have been too much to handle. He’s been there all my life. He was my first ever pressie bought for me from a shop called JR (hence the name). Things have come and gone over the years but he’s always been there. I often think if I got married, would it be inappropriate for him to be in bed with me and my Husband?” Only time will tell.

Mr Cheapskate - Surrey

2010-04-07T17:00:00.007+01:00

By some random chance, I stumbled across Mr Cheapskate, via the wonderful world of the Internet. He lives somewhere in Surrey and is a Musician, Writer and Illustrator. See his stuff here . I asked him to do me a quick sketch of an interpretation of his bedroom space, and this is what he came up with. He spends a fair amount of time in his bedroom. And says, it's been nice to spend a bit of time away from it after spending a mammoth amount of time in there lately, mastering his album.

I asked him… “If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?”…
He said, I think almost everything in there at the moment is replaceable apart from my faithful 60s combo organ – so I'd have to save him. I've already saved him from a skip, so it would be a continuing theme. I quite like the idea of it all going up in smoke and starting again though. Figuratively speaking of course.

Joel - South East London

2010-04-01T13:19:00.015+01:00

Joel graduated last year from Camberwell College of Art, in Graphic Design. His work (see it here) is pretty minimal and tidy, unlike his bedroom - completely quashing my idea that designers are generally tidy sorts. In fairness, he has just moved into an artist’s studio in Peckham - hence the whirlwind style, aftermath. I like it though, apart from being loads to look at, it’s realistic. He lives in the house with six people and surprised himself when he realised he’d been living there for nearly six months.

I asked him… “If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save”…
J - Erm, I’d take my digital radio, and at least then, when I have nothing, I’ll still have music to listen to.
O - What station do you listen to?
J - 6 Music.
O - Me too, where we gonna be when it goes?
J - I know, it’s definitely the best. Radio 1 leaves me wanting to be hanging from a noose. The music they play. I hate shit like that. It’s like… you know….
O - Like what?
J - You know… like that auto tune, generic shite. Lets put it on and see…
So he did, and indeed it was rubbish. Playing ring tone pap. Like Joel put it “If there was a music hell, that would be it.”

Suze - West London

2010-03-19T12:33:00.012Z

Shoes, shoes, Suze… So many pairs, but none to wear…

She is an A&R Captain, and shares a little flat with her friend, on a grand old street, in Maida Vale. Being a bit of a Magpie, I was drawn to her dressing table - a delight of magic potions and twinkly bits. I think this is a girl that spends more time out of her room, than in it. With just enough space to sleep, choose a new outfit and get ready for the next heady night out.

When I asked her what one item she would save if her room were on fire, she simply replied “Everything if possible. But, realistically, I’d prioritise the shoes I'm liking best at the time."

..//Doc.3

2010-03-18T11:50:00.013Z

Sacrificio de Tarkovsky, música de cinematic (Dawn)
This is a beautiful film piece I found via a link on Twitter from one of my favourite writers: Haruki Murakami. I know nothing much about it, or the maker, but it certainly leaves me wanting more. Click the link and watch...

Griff - South East London

2010-03-11T15:05:00.014Z

Griff is a Photographer and shares a bedroom with two other people, in a squat in Camberwell. I caught him just in time, as he’s moving out this week to pastures new. He was the first person to enter the property in July 2009, making his bed in the corner of a room, 3 floors up. Since then, Tom and Olly arrived at the space, building framed structures from found timber, to house their own beds. In the room, they also have an extra mattress on the floor, for friends to crash. Griff isn’t bothered that he has to move – in fact he embraces the situation, saying "Change is progress and it should be seen as positive thing."

I like his attitude. And for someone who lives in what looks like utter chaos, he is charmingly laid back.

I asked him…”If the room was on fire, what one item would you save”… "My tool box/bike bits box/technical drawing kit (it all comes in one, handy engineers box). It’s everything I need to fix my life with."

Laura & Kev - Greater Manchester

2010-03-04T11:47:00.026Z

Laura an Illustrator and Kev an Architectural Technologist, share a flat, in a converted mill in Stockport. This is the first bedroom I have documented using illustration. Very fitting as some of my earliest influences are illustrations: ..//Doc.1 The fairy-tale quality of Laura’s drawings made her the ideal person for the job, and thankfully she was kind enough to lend her magic hand. Abstract as they are, I like that you can see 'mill like' references in the work, particularly with the bare brick and high arched windows.

I asked them both… If the bedroom was on fire, what one item would they save?…

Laura, "I would save Kev, I’m nice like that. And if he weren’t there, I would save my vintage, polka dot dress that belonged to my best friend Adele."

Kev, "My bottles of Borolo and Gigondas from the bottom of the wardrobe."

Andrea & Andy - Manchester

2010-03-02T13:29:00.018Z

On the streets of Stretford, where Morrissey once roamed, you’ll find the large, but humble abode of Andrea and Andy. She’s an all round Muso and He’s a DJ and music creator, also known as Mr Scruff. Destined to be together, they met in a darkened DJ booth, of a basement club in Manchester. Right at the top of their three-storey house, the low-lit bedroom is a sanctuary for escaping the aftermath of mad nights out and the hubbub of the daily grind.

I asked them both… If the bedroom was on fire, what one item would they save?…

Andrea, "I would save my two framed photographs, they are completely precious and irreplaceable. The picture of me when I was little with my Mum, was taken at a coach park on our way to London; it reminds me of happy times. And the second one was taken at my Graduation with my Dad. "Without a blink of an eye, Andy said, "My Wife."

Ethan - Greater Manchester

2010-02-24T11:03:00.031Z

Nine years old Ethan lives in Stockport with his Mum, Dad and Brother, Leo. I’ve got to say, Ethan’s bedroom is probably as big as my one bedroom flat in London. I asked him… If the bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?

Ethan – I would take my teddy, Fred. Because he’s really cosy and soft, he makes me feel comfortable and helps me get to sleep at night. I won him last year at a summer fate. We had to cover our eyes and take a ticket out of a box. I got Fred’s. Well I also got six others too, but after sleeping with them all on that night, I decided I liked Fred the best.

Leo - Greater Manchester

2010-02-22T17:36:00.020Z

Leo is a football crazy, football mad, six years old. He lives with his Mum, Dad and Brother in Stockport. He lives, eats, breathes football and his position is Left Wing. I believe talented, left footed players are hard to come by – I reckon he’s a star in the making. His team is Manchester City Football club and he would love to play for them. Leo says his favourite player is Teves, because “I think he’s really nice and really good at football”.

I asked Leo… “If your room was on fire, what one item would you save?”… Leo - I would save my football kit and my ball, because when I have to go and play football I need my kit and without it I wouldn’t be able to play.”

Kathryn & Dom - Greater Manchester

2010-02-19T14:24:00.013Z

Kathryn a Personal Assistant and Dom a Café manager live in a classic, northern, terraced house in Stockport. The place smacks of an old Lowry painting. The small streets filled with dark, red brick buildings and the occasional plume of smoke disappears from chimneys, into the sky.

I enter their house and in the words of a young Tracey Barlow ‘leave me alone, I’m going up stairs to listen to me tapes’… So I climb the steep Victorian stairs, reach their bright little bedroom and grab myself a bit of northern pie.

…I asked them both “If the bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?”… Kathryn did the talking and said – I’d take the box of photographs from under the bed because they go way back, not just my family and friends but Dom’s too. Then Dom would follow me out with all my jewellery.

Bobby - South East London

2010-02-09T15:39:00.012Z

Peckham - home of the Trotter’s, The Hannah Barry Gallery and the artist, Bobby Dowler . Bobby lives and works in his flat in Peckham and as he puts it, aspires to be a minimalist. He doesn’t get too attached to ’things’ and probably would prefer his bedroom to be clear, much like a blank canvas. However, I think he might have a case of not being able to see the brush stroke for the paint, as I think his room is a definite nod towards minimalism - so calm and intimate, that you want to mess it up a bit, by getting naked and having a paint party.

I asked Bobby… “If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?”…With a deadpan expression, he said - My Blow-up Doll. But she’s not in the mood for having her photograph taken today. And besides, the guy who I got her from, down my local pub, said I shouldn’t really show her to anyone because her type is particularly rare, so much so, that all women would want to be her, and all men would want to be with her.

..//Doc.2

2010-01-25T17:19:00.012Z

Ralph Gibson. What a guy. Such a great photographer. I found his book of Women in a book shop in my late teens (now out of print, but you can find his lovely images in this book: Infanta. He's one of the first photographers that truly inspired me; beautifully simple, black and white imagery. I later found out that his father was a lighting man on Hitchcock's film sets and Ralph himself spent a lot of time on the sets. I think you can really see the Hitchcock influence in his work.

Sarah - North London

2010-01-21T17:05:00.009Z

Sarah is a boy’s wear designer. When I shot her room she lived in a shared house, in North London and was in the process of moving, hence the boxes and slight disarray. Sarah’s room is girly but not in an obvious, trinkets, bags and clothes way. She admits to being a bit of a print obsessive and a lover of all things Japanese.

I asked Sarah… “If your room were on fire, what one item would you save?"…

Sarah – it would have to be my wood cut Japanese print. I used to look at it, in an art dealers shop in Angel. But never thought I would own it because I couldn’t afford it. So when my Mum and Dad asked me what I wanted for my 30th Birthday, I knew instantly what to ask for. And here it is. Apart from being beautiful, I love its slight strangeness. It sort of reminds me of something you might find in an Aunts house – something unusual that you always go back to and look at… One day, I want to be one of those Aunts.

Pete - North London

2010-01-21T12:58:00.008Z

Pete a Sign Writer, lives in a shared house in Stoke Newington. In fact, he's just moved out. I would like to say, this is why his room was so messy, but it’s not. Apparently, it always rocked that “just been burgled” look. I’m not complaining though (although I think his girlfriend might) as it makes a really good WIYB.

And this may come as a surprise, but, when I asked Pete what one item he would save if his bedroom were on fire, he actually said, he would save nothing. Oh well - onwards and upwards. I’ve got good vibes for Pete’s bedroom in his new home.

Katy - North London

2010-01-12T11:55:00.011Z

Katy a Press Officer shares a terraced house in Wood Green. Her room, has lots of pretty, little antiquities, reminiscent of a well laid out vintage boutique.

I asked Katy… “If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save”…

Katy – That is far too difficult for me to answer. I am so attached to all of my things, valuable or not. Objects represent, time, moments and places, so I couldn’t simply choose one item. I would have to grab my bag and load it up with as much stuff as possible.

..//Doc.1

2009-12-18T12:00:00.029Z

This is the first document of a few pieces that have inspired me, from childhood and later on in life. Children’s books: the story of, Marigold In Godmother's House by Joyce Lankester Brisley, and The Princess And The Pea by Hans Christian Anderson. I love the illustrations in these books.

Marigold wakes and picks up a jug of water, of it's own accord, it lifts away from her and starts to pour into the floor, creating a small rock pool for her to bathe in.

...Did you sleep well... The Princess And The Pea. Illustration by Edmund Dulac.

And a few years ago I stumbled upon The Great Bed Of Ware at the V&A in London. I was so bowled over by its size - it’s colossal. And I would love to spend the night in it. Many have had lots of fun and slept in this over the years. It was a bed in a guesthouse in Ware, Hertfordshire, around 1590. Graffiti from its inhabitants can be seen engraved into the woodwork.

Amechi - East London

2009-11-26T12:37:00.008Z

Amechi is a Fashion Designer and London Editor of Flux magazine. He has a room, in a creative, cavernous space, also known as a shared warehouse, somewhere in Dalston. As with all my bedroom people, I had planned to meet him there, but he was out, so someone let me in and left me to it.

Amechi’s room is definitely keeping it real. I felt like I was stepping onto the set of a Corinne Day photo shoot - all that was missing, was Mossy sprawled out on the bed.

His absence prevented me from asking him, what one item he would save, if his bedroom was on fire… However, watch this space – I might catch-up with the Scarlet Pimpernel soon, when I’ll be sure to let you know.

Simona - East London

2009-11-18T12:41:00.008Z

Simona a fashion designer and swimmer, lives in a cute, little flat, just off Broadway Market, near London Fields. Her room is like a trinket box of old school glamour, a quality instilled by her Grandmother as a child back in Sicily. And, I love the fact that she has a surfboard on her wall - what more could WIYB ask for.

I asked Simona… “ If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?”…

Simona – I would save my Grandmothers engagement ring. It is diamond and white gold, the cut of the diamond is extremely rare. I was obsessed with it as a child. Every time I saw my Grandmother I would ask if I could wear it. All my family knew how much I loved it and that’s why it was left to me. And, that’s why I keep it by the bed, so if anything happens, I can quickly grab it and go.

Hayley - Manchester

2009-11-11T15:10:00.006Z

Hayley an Exercise Scientist lives with her Dad in Northenden. I like Hayley’s room of feathers and lights; it’s a hybrid of super girlyness and Manchester boy - a girl after my own heart.

I asked Hayley… “If your room was on fire, what one item would you save?”…

Hayley – I would save my jewels. A lot of them are vintage and there would be no way of replacing them. And, because I had a complete nightmare about a year ago, when my computer died on me, I would also make a grab for my hard drive, with ALL my music on it.

Aphrodite - East London

2009-10-30T14:57:00.007Z

Aphrodite works in Music PR and lives with her sister in Hackney. Where do I begin, so much stuff, so little time. Her room is crammed to the rafters with all manner of clothes, accessories and good ole fashioned girly stuff. “A walk in wardrobe, with a bed in it.” as Aphrodite likes to call it. I loved it. And, although it looks mega busy, it truly does feel in order.

I asked Aphrodite… “If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?”…

She said - I would not leave behind, Miss Perfect Proportions and my Nurofen Express. The first has kept me company since I started being serious about art at 10. I know her body better than anyone’s – life long companion. She reminds me of my imperfections. The second is another long time friend and the worst enemy of my regular chronic migraines. I’d go insane without them.

Sam - South London

2009-10-22T11:47:00.006+01:00

Sam a musician shares a house in Battersea. His room is a perfect example as to why I started to record bedrooms. With space at a premium, he utilises, what appears to be every square inch. His room is multi functional, not just a place to sleep but also the space he uses to create music. It may look busy but it also feels very comfortable and warm.

I asked Sam… “If your bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?”…

Sam – The Harptone guitar, without hesitation. A folk musician called John Tams loaned it to me about ten years ago. It has helped me massively with my music writing and without doubt, it’s irreplaceable. One of it’s kind; it was made in New Jersey in 1973. In fact, I have only ever seen one other musician play a Harptone, and that was George Harrison, at The Concert for Bangladesh. It’s been that well used I have had the inside reinforced twice. I keep asking John if he wants it back, but all he says is, “If you’re still using it, keep hold of it."

Octavia & Sven - South London

2009-10-14T13:17:00.008+01:00

Octavia a Picture Researcher and Writer. And Sven, Co-Director of the Hannah Barry Gallery, live in a great, little, garden flat in Peckham. Their room feels very tranquil and definitely brings the outside in. Sven has collected most of the artwork in the room since he has been working with the Hannah Barry Gallery. More than just a bedroom, their room feels like a gallery space too.

I asked them both... "If the bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?"...

Sven - Would save all the art, he said - he couldn't commit to just one piece (taking it a bit too seriously there, Sven!)

Octavia - I would save the teddies. The yellow one is mine from my babyhood, and the rabbit is Sven's but he wouldn't admit that he'd save it in the fire, so I'll do it for him if I can...

Simon & Mat - South London

2009-09-25T15:13:00.011+01:00

Simon a Writer and Mat an Artist live in a lovely, railway cottage style house in Nunhead. I like the fact that their room is bright and airy, with lots to look at. I felt quite at home when I was in there, could have got my head down for forty winks.

I asked them both... If the bedroom was on fire, what one item would you save?"...

Simon - I would save my cabinet because it belonged to my Grandparents; it's beautiful, so it reminds me of classic design and times past.

Mat - My painting because I just love it. It was painted in 1886 by a woman called Alice J Weatherstone. It also belonged to my late former partner Brian.

Matt - North London

2009-09-15T12:10:00.008+01:00

Matt a Photographer lives in a live/work space in Shoreditch.The bedroom is on a mezzanine level, over looking the rest of the studio. For a large open space, I liked the cosiness of his bedroom.

If Matt's bedroom was on fire, he'd save his mobile phone.