Those who share our passion for medieval history doubtless also share our excitement at the news that archaeologists believe they’ve discovered the bones of King Richard III. We’re particularly thrilled because the discovery’s been made in Alchemy’s hometown of Leicester. We have a special soft spot for Richard, one of the most controversial figures in English history, reviled as a deformed, evil tyrant by his opponents, hailed as a just and honest ruler by his supporters. He died fighting his rival Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, though the location of his body has remained a mystery. Until, perhaps, now…

Richard had the posthumous misfortune to have the greatest writer in English literature briefing against him, in the shape of William Shakespeare, who depicted the King as a scheming, bloodthirsty hunchback in his play Richard III (c. 1591). Since then this image has dominated portrayals, most famously when Laurence Olivier donned the hump for a 1955 film version of the play. Though we confess we rather like the over-the-top performance of the horror star Vincent Price as Richard in the 1962 Gothic chiller Tower of London. In 1983, the comedian Peter Cook parodied the Shakespeare version by playing the King as a brave, nice man in the first episode of the popular BBC historical sitcom Blackadder.

Whichever version is closest to the real Richard III, hopefully we’ll know a little more about this fascinating monarch after the team from Leicester University conclude their investigations. There are already calls for the remains to be interred with appropriate pomp, though this is perhaps premature, as the DNA testing which will help confirm the skeleton’s identity will take several months. Famously, the insignia of Richard’s faction was the white rose of York, and some feel he should be buried in York Minster. It is, we confess, pure coincidence that roses entwined with skulls and bones is the chief motif in the Alchemy collection. But it’s one we’re proud of, and we hope you’ll excuse this exciting discovery as an excuse to show you a few designs we feel appropriate to celebrate this exciting archaeological discovery!…

Why not get your hands on Alchemy’s very own Skull & Rose inspired
buckle! You can order your Alchemist Rex Buckle (B13) online by visiting our approved list of dealers at: http://www.alchemyengland.com/buy

It was very sad when the Canadian actor Jonathan Frid died in April of this year, particularly as it prevented him from seeing his most famous character brought back from the grave in a lavish Hollywood production. For Frid was immortalised for a whole generation of American kids as the vampire Barnabas Collins, undead antihero of the cult Sixties TV series Dark Shadows. Among those fervent young fans were Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, and the recent Dark Shadows film was born of the duo’s youthful passion for the show, a Gothic soap opera relating the story of the ill-fated Collins family. Indeed, you might even blame the darkness that spices Burton’s film direction and Depp’s acting on countless happy afternoons the pair had both spent as kids, watching Barnabas baring his fangs on the small screen.

Critics were divided on the recent big screen Dark Shadows. While some praised the atmospheric sets and strong performances, others condemned the uneven tone in a film located deep within Depp and Burton’s Gothic comfort zone. Particularly critical were dedicated fans of the original show, who felt the heavy doses of 70s retro nostalgia and zany comedy were an insult to its inspiration, where the plots were always played out in deadly earnest, however outlandish they might be. Such adverse reactions were largely confined to American viewers. For, unlike Star Trek – a cult show that debuted in the same era – Dark Shadows wasn’t syndicated much beyond American shores. So, while ‘Trekkies’ are an international phenomenon, dedicated Dark Shadows fandom has remained largely confined to the US.

However, the recent release of a Dark Shadows DVD compilation in the UK has finally allowed curious Brit fang fans an opportunity to sample the soap for themselves. Subtitled ‘The Barnabas Collins Episodes’, the 3-DVD set offers the curious a taster via the first twenty episodes that features Frid’s popular vampire character, plus a host of background extras to help bring newbies up-to-speed on the world of the Collins family. At some ten hours, it seems odd to describe such a meaty package as a mere ‘taster’, but the original series ran to well over 1200 episodes. Indeed, Stateside, excitement has reached fever pitch among devotees with the recent release of the entire run in a coffin-shaped box. Running to 131 DVDs, plus plentiful extras, and retailing at around 500 bucks, this is clearly a serious release for serious fans. What will us foreign newcomers make of the less daunting prospect of the 3-DVD UK set?

Dark Shadows was an afternoon soap, and suffers from all of the limitations that implies – low budgets and little opportunity for such luxuries as second takes or proper rehearsal – leading to occasional fluffed lines, wobbling sets and such. You can also expect the same structure as a standard soap – complete with camp melodramatics, regular cliffhangers, and slowly revealed secrets, drawn out over several episodes. Of course, what makes Dark Shadows different is the Gothic atmosphere and supernatural elements. It’s a wildcard that adds a welcome tone of batty unpredictability to proceedings, as writers added not only the paranormal and monsters, but random time-travel and crazy dream sequences when they felt matters needed livening up. It is oddly addictive, even if it isn’t as polished or adult as modern Gothic serials like True Blood. But it’s probably fair to say that, without Dark Shadows and its reluctant vampire Barnabas Collins, maybe we wouldn’t have had such big-budget, prime-time supernatural soaps.

It might also be true that it was Dark Shadows and Barnabas Collins that ignited a passion for acting and melodrama in the young Johnny Depp, who has described the vampire as ‘a huge obsession’: ‘I wanted to be Barnabas Collins so much that I found a ring, it was probably one of my mother’s rings, and I wore it on this finger, and I tried to comb my hair like Barnabas Collins, and I was trying to figure out how I could get fangs. It really had a heavy impact on me, a heavy influence on me.’ Anyone wishing to take sartorial tips from Barnabas today will find less need for improvisation, not least courtesy of Alchemy. While we don’t do a wolf’s-head cane, anybody looking for a walking stick similar to Barnabas’s has plenty to choose from. Might we suggest the Beasts Claw walking cane (WS3) – Barnabas would adore the occult motif and find plenty of uses, within the grasp of the crystal ball.

Potential nightstalkers are even more spoiled for choice in the ring department. We think Barnabas might look most distinguished in the Mori Noir (R179 – a perfect blend of ostentation and funereal dignity…

Order Yours now by searching our approved Alchemy Dealers here:
http://www.alchemyengland.com/buy

Not only are we celebrating one of the biggest years in the U.K’s history, this year is extremely special for Alchemy as we are proud to be celebrating our 35th anniversary! An unprecedented three and a half decades of designing and producing alternative lifestyle products! We have inspired, set trends and stayed streets ahead of the rest and the best is definitely yet to come!!

Now for the first time since we began, and for the benefit of everyone, we have put all of our current collection into one single catalogue publication. We are proud to present to you the very first Alchemy 1977 alternative lifestyle catalogue. Divided into generic sections it is now very easy to find your flavour, your edge, your alternative!

Included in this Alchemy ‘super edition’ are this seasons new releases, our designers have again excelled themselves and created new releases that are totally unique and not to be missed. Perfect for Dark season’s ahead of us. New products are now in stock and available to order, to avoid any delay or disappointment, do not hesitate and order your new products today! So sit back and enjoy this stunning new catalogue, be inspired and stay forever alternative! To order any of the new collection, you can browse our list of recommended dealers at www.alchemyengland.com/buy

Or to receive your FREE copy of the brand new Alchemy1977 catalogue, click on the image below, and send us your address details

The popular saying “once in a blue moon” used to describe an event that rarely takes place, comes from the rare occurrence of two full moons in a calendar month. It is the second full moon which is known as The Blue Moon (although not blue in colour). Tonight (Friday 31st August) will see the second full moon of August and first Blue moon since March 2010.

Because the time between one full moon and the next is close to the length of a calendar month, the only time one month can have two full moons is when the first full moon happens in the first few days of the month. Most years have twelve full moons that occur approximately monthly. In addition to those twelve full lunar cycles, each solar calendar year contains roughly eleven days more than the lunar year of 12 lunations. The extra days accumulate, so every two or three years (7 times in the 19-year Metonic cycle), there is an extra full moon.

The moon will be at its fullest – reflecting the maximum sunlight from our vantage point on Earth – this afternoon at 2.59PM. Although sadly there’s no point looking up for those of us in the UK, as the moon will be below the horizon at this point. However if you look up tonight when our solar neighbour makes an appearance, you’ll be seeing the first ‘blue moon’ since March 2010, and the last one until July 2015.

For a brief but mortally terrifying transience, the incredible forces of the full moon are inexplicably combined with an obscure but powerful, cabalistic seal of Saturn, unleashing the wholly unnatural and utterly dreadful phenomenon of the Werewolf. The resulting man come wolf beast, will savagely terrorise all before him, creating the next generation of ill-fated victims. Order your Wulven Belt Buckle (B74) online by searching our approved online dealers www.alchemyengland.com/buy

Did you know the modern calendar has been around for 430 years? Its official name is the Gregorian calendar and it was introduced in Italy by Pope Gregory XIII back in 1582, although the concept of charting dates has been around much longer. The Gregorian calendar was adapted from a grid originally developed during the reign of Julius Caesar. The grid included so many leap years that by the 16th century, it was 10 days out! The Gregorian calendar was gradually rolled out across Europe over the next 400 years.

We tend to take calendars for granted now but when they were first conceived, they were an important way of ensuring that religious worship fell on the correct day. Originally hand-written as a chart rather than printed, they also ensured citizens knew when to pay their rents and taxes!

Calendars play an important role for Alchemy too and we’ve been designing our very own for several years following Gregorian methods. Our latest Rune Faerie calendar [CAL13] is an intricately illustrated grid that begins on 1 September and runs for 16 months. It also includes the Elder Futhark runes that were used by the Germanic tribes between 2 and 8 AD.

The Run Faerie Calendar is available to order now!
Visit www.alchemyengland.com/buy to browse our approved online dealers and order yours Today!

The trial of Russian punk band Pussy Riot has recently been dominating both music and political news. Back in March, three members of the feminist collective were arrested by local authorities and accused of hooliganism. Their detention came several weeks after they performed a protest song at Moscow’s biggest cathedral, Christ the Saviour. Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Yekaterina Samutsevich have already spent the last few months in prison. Human rights group Amnesty International has published a statement saying they find the trio “to be prisoners of conscience, detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression.”

The trial of the three young women has attracted worldwide attention and gained support from politicians and musicians alike, including Faith No More, Anti-Flag and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The verdict was announced on Friday 17th August. The three women were found guilty of “hooliginism motivated by religious hatred” and jailed for two years.

Alchemy Gothic supports freedom of speech with the Anastasia [A60] bracelet and matching ring [R160]. This Swarovski crystal decorated ornate set pays tribute to the elaborate style of the House of Romanov and takes its name from the murdered daughter of the last ruling tsar, Nicholas II.

A phobia is an intense, irrational, repetitive thought about an object or situation that can, unfortunately, control people’s lives.

Arachnophobia is one common phobia that people would admit to having and is more predominant in women more then men, but the extent to this phobia can vary, with some people having a mild form of anxiety, while others will panic if they see a picture of a spider, let alone come into contact with one!

There are many treatments for phobias to help people control there anxiety. Behavioural psychologists use a simple form form of treatment, known as flooding. This is were the person is exposed to there fear until the fear itself fades away. This treatment has been proven to be very effective when the individual is exposed gradually to their fear over a period of weeks.

Not all of us have a phobia of spiders, so why not purchase some of Alchemy’s spider inspired jewellery. If you do suffer from Arachnophobia why not try and overcome your fear, Alchemy style, by wearing some of our statement jewellery, such as the stunning ‘Emerald Venom Pendant’ (P432).. Or brave wearing the ‘Black Widow Studs’ (E169)

You can order yours online by visiting our approved list of dealers at http://www.alchemyengland.com/buy

LondonEdge SEPTEMBER 2012

From September 2nd – 4th London Olympia will once again play host to alternative trade show LondonEdge. The biggest and best show of its kind in the world, LondonEdge catering to a group of the most creative and exciting ‘niches’ in fashion and accessories.

The rock n roll, cool and kooky styles of the exhibitors is met year after year with an exciting and familiar buzz and positive atmosphere. After 12 years, LondonEdge continues to welcome back regular exhibitors as well as embracing new from the UK, Europe and worldwide and this September will not prove any different.

Whatever your thing, LondonEdge welcome’s a broad range of gorgeous, commercial & trend-led styles including retro, vintage, rock, swing, rockabilly, street, 40′s, 50′s, pin-up, burlesque, punk, 60′s, 80′s, mod and more. This is one of the longest standing and consistent fashion trade shows in the UK offering an ever-evolving platform for these markets.

When it comes to the business side of things this is one of the only shows where business is conducted at the shows and buyers can write orders there and then providing opportunity to get work out of the way with no pressure to put orders in at a later date.

Due to be another fantastic show, LondonEdge attracts UK and international buyers and business from retailers all over the world. With a great mix of new and established brand’s there is always a great atmosphere whilst providing a new and entertaining show – not just for buyers but for exhibitors too.

With crazy catwalk shows, stage acts and walkabout performances, this show famously offers the ultimate feast of entertainment unlike any other trade fair.
Coming up this September will be a wild catwalk show combining entertainment with fantastically styled fashion previews, free haircuts and Betty Bangs & Rolls at Mister Ducktail stand, a LIVE car wrapping and live tattoo art at Pauls Chop Shop.

There are other new and exciting changes with LondonEdge this season so keep watching for further information by visiting www.londonedge.com

2nd – 4th September 2012, The National Hall, Olympia

Find Alchemy at London Edge! Come see us at Stand H30!

People have been using the power of positive thinking to attract what they want and the kind of life they want from the universe for centuries! Even the likes of Albert Einstein, Beethoven, da Vinci and Winston Churchill have used this method of positive thinking to change their lives for the better, and these are to name but a few!

“you create your own universe as you go along” Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Everybody on the planet is special and deserves a wonderful life and to have good positive things happen to them, but many people let life get them down, but ultimately we hold the key to our own happiness!
We all know about “the secret” which talks about changing every aspect of our lives and turning any weakness or suffering into strength , health and joy.

All of this is achieved through the simple changing of our thoughts and the way we think about things. There are no limits to what you can achieve and nothing is impossible. Thinking, feeling and visualising good things happening to us orders them through the universe and brings them to us.

The universe is our magic genie and our wishes are its command!
If changing the way you think and feel is something new for you then you may need something to focus your positive thoughts into.

The Prana Talisman is an excellent tool for this and can be kept close to you at all times to remind us of our goals and wishes, and to also remind us that we are amazing! To purchase one of these amazing Talismans you can visit www.pranatalisman.com

With Bloodstock nearly upon us, we thought we’d try and catch a few words with the festival’s founder, Paul Raymond Gregory. In addition to masterminding the UK’s best-loved heavy metal fest, Paul’s also an acclaimed artist, responsible not just for designing Bloodstock’s inimitable logos featuring S-tan the Derby Ram, but also for painting album covers for the likes of Molly Hatchet, Dio, Blind Guardian, and Saxon. Despite catching him at his busiest time of the year, Paul was kind enough to spare us a few minutes and share a couple of behind-the-scenes insights on the mighty Bloodstock…

I get the impression that a passion for Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings novels led you to art, that led you to album cover design, that led to metal… Is that roughly the road that led to Bloodstock as it were?
I’ve always had a passion for art and this is who I am first and foremost. For me, being a child of the sixties was great, as I was introduced to bands that were influenced by the Blues – The Rolling Stones, John Mayall, Eric Clapton etc. – which led me to discover Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Howlin’ Wolf and a plethora of other great Blues musicians. So, the point of my rambling is, I like the idea that one thing can lead to another if you can be arsed to connect the dots. As an artist my preferred genre is Fantasy. Again, Fantasy has had an influence on music and vice versa for centuries, so, for me, my art was bound to meet my musical tastes at some point.

What’s your current personal music taste? Anyone you’re particularly looking forward to this year? 
Blues, Rock and Metal, but not necessarily in that order. I won’t go the route of my favourite for this year, but will say I can’t wait

The atmosphere and line-up at Bloodstock are always great – I get the impression that this really is a metal festival for fans, by fans – is that the secret of your success?
Bloodstock is metal through and through, but if there is a secret, I’d like to know what it is so I could market it. The fact is ‘for fans by fans’ is the reason the festival has grown. We take what we do seriously, and even if it’s not the secret of our success, we certainly are a team of metalheads.

Dubiously metal acts like Pendulum have caused a lot of controversy on other bills – are you ever tempted to expand your musical remit?
We always look to develop the festival.

The cancellation of Sonisphere caught many by surprise this year – is Bloodstock still weathering the current economic climate well?
Not so much the economic storm – the weather has been more extreme than some metal acts and has seen the cancellation of quite a few festivals. As to your question, we’re still here and the weather’s looking great.

Bloodstock runs from August 9th-12th – for further details check out the festival site http://www.bloodstock.uk.com/pages/home As ever, Alchemy will be there, so visit our stand to check out our latest designs, throw some horns, or just say hello. See you there!