bandstand was given considerable freedom in choosing the book’s content. In order to capture the true spirit of St. James’s, we set out researching the area’s history, visiting local businesses and becoming familiar with the atmosphere and community. What we discovered was a place that was as welcoming as it was exclusive.

We interviewed business owners and royal purveyors who embodied the spirit of St. James’s, among them Jermyn Street perfumers Floris, cheesemongers Paxton & Whitfield and wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd. Our conversations were written up in an editorial style and accompanied by portraits.

Our approach to photography needed to be both luxurious and flexible. Portrait and lifestyle photographer Mark Manzi captured the reflectiveness of each of our interviewees and the finer details within their establishments. Architectural and interior photographer Rory Gardiner offered images that showcased the opulence of the building.

We opted for the highest-quality production throughout. This meant employing a Swiss bind and different stocks, from gold metallic sheets to printable cloth cover, and finishing with cover debossing, gilded edges and foiling. Across every element, we wanted the book to reflect the exclusivity of St. James’s.