Revered interior designer Virginia Tupker is highly sought after for her lush and perceptive high-end residential and commercial endeavors which span the globe. Raised in the heart of Chelsea, London, the visionary creative was immersed early on in the prismatic spheres of fashion and design, leading naturally to a distinguished career as a magazine editor with notable publications including House & Garden, Vogue, and Vogue Living. Whitewall caught up the ever-inspired Virginia Tupker to discuss top places to shop for antiques and textiles in London, as well as where to enjoy the best Indian food in town.
Portrait of Virginia Tupker by Dylan Chandler.
WHITEWALL: As an interior designer, what do you love about London?
VIRGINIA TUPKER: I love shopping for antiques and textiles in London and no matter how quick my visit I always make sure to make it to the Pimlico road. It gives me a chance to visit the neighborhood where I went to school and have so many memories and all my favorite dealers also happen to be there. The British perspective on design is always so refreshing and inspiring.
“The British perspective on design is always so refreshing and inspiring,”
Virginia Tupker
WW: What locations, spaces, or exhibitions are on your must-see/must-do list when in London?
VT: Pimlico Road, Portobello, PAD fair, Lots road, V and A Museum. The Battersea Show is fantastic—I found so many treasures this year. The store Guinevere is also always a must-see but rather devastatingly it is closing at the end of this year!!
Where to Find Respite and Refreshment in London
WW: What are your favorite spots to grab a bite and to relax/find a bit of respite?
VT: This trip I finally went to Gymkhana for a quick bite between Decorex and PAD—definitely one of my new favorite restaurants in London and the best Indian food I’ve ever had. Lunch at La Famiglia at World’s End near Penny Morrison and Guy Goodfellow shop. The outdoor terrace is lovely in the spring/summer. This trip I enjoyed a lovely dinner at the bohemian and colorful Chelsea Arts Club which has a very convivial and cozy dining room.
The Most Inspiring Spots in the City
WW: Where do you go to find inspiration when in London?
VT: I love just walking the streets of Holland Park, Notting Hill, and Kensington near where my mother lives. The architecture of the row house and the gracious squares, it’s all very inspiring.
I love attending the antiques shows and trade fairs and I also always make sure to go to Tissus D’Helene at the Design Center for fabric inspiration. I always enjoy meeting with my favorite dealers and seeing what’s new.
The Best of London According to Virginia Tupker:
1. Make Time to Visit Pimlico Road Design District
Belgravia in Bloom Festival, photo by Simon Jacobs/PA Media Assignments.
Pimlico Road Design District is a meeting place for world-class craftspeople, artisans, curators and makers. A truly unique area; not only will you find the eponymous brands of world-renowned designers here but also the designers themselves, resulting in a creative neighbourhood that tells a story of style, inspiration and exceptional craft. — Pimlico Road
2. Explore Design Innovation at PAD London in Berkeley Square
Jewelry Cabinet / Selenite Cabinet. Selenite, bronze, embroidery, natural pigments. H. 200 cm; W. 80 cm; D. 50 cm. Courtesy of Stéphanie Coutas.
As PAD London 2024 opened its doors for the sixteenth time, Berkeley Square once again became the epicenter of global design innovation. Running from October 8th to 13th, the fair showcased a stunning array of galleries from around the world, offering a seamless blend of contemporary and historical design that appeals to collectors and connoisseurs alike. This year, with 62 galleries, including 12 new participants, PAD continues to define the upper echelon of design fairs, merging aesthetic brilliance with cultural significance.
3. Embark on the Power of Creativity at the V&A Museum
Mary Quant and models at the Quant Afoot footwear collection launch, 1967,
© PA Prints 2008, Courtesy of the Victoria & Albert Museum.
The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. Our mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge, and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere. We share a 5,000 year old story of creativity through exhibitions, events, educational programmes, digital experiences, conservation, research and an ever-evolving national collection of over 2.8 million objects spanning every creative discipline. — V&A
4. Dine at the Two-Michelin Starred Gymkhana
Courtesy of Gymkhana, London.
Gymkhana is inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, and play sport. In 2024, Gymkhana was awarded Two Michelin stars for its classic Indian cuisine, after its first star in 2014. —Gymkhana
