There was once a great city in Egypt. This city was large and prosperous. The streets were filled with wealthy people, and the markets of warm spices, sweet meats and most importantly silver and gold. Life was peaceful in this place, the people went about their lives farming, selling and enjoying the great arts of their time. However, cities this rich and wondrous often attract devilish plagues and monsters. That is exactly what became of this city in Egypt.

One day the people looked up in alarm, as a great shadow was cast across the sands. To their horror they saw a ferocious dragon looming above them, its great wings blocking out the sun that had fed their lives as far as memory allows. He roared his terrible roar and his evil eyes glimmered as he saw the beautiful gems, and precious metals that the city had to offer. His greed grew great and he decided he would have this city for his own. The people began to scream and cry as they realised what was to become of them. Many of the men ran into their houses and took up arms to defeat this beast. They charged, their sword, scythes and axes glinted in the remaining sunlight, but to the horror of those left behind the dragons skin was thicker than brass and no weapon could harm him. The dragon slew all those who dared to take against him and the city quickly became quiet and oppressed.

By now you may have heard of the model Rosie Mac.

The perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the spring season is the Avalon Spring Faery Fayre and Ball in Glastonbury. The event is organised by Karen Kay, editor of Fae Magazine. Although I have long been a subscriber to this faery tome as it feeds my lighter faery-fantasy side with glitter and gossamer wings, I had only attended one of her events when she held a London Faery Ball. As you’ll see from her event calendar she hosts a number of faery workshops, faery fayres and faery balls (is it just me who can’t say the phrase “faery balls” without imagining with amusement what’s beneath those leaf-hewn breeches?)

You don’t have to be a Thai monk, a Yakuza mafia member or a brave Samoan warrior to get a tattoo now a days. Let’s face it, whether it has to do with religion, power, bravery, belonging to a gang, rank, from China to India, from Egypt to Great Britain, people have always had a passion for marking themselves with symbols that often mean more to them than just a decoration. Tattoos – why do we love them so much? Are they not just a colouring on our skin, a simple visual confection? Or do they mark our souls as well? Perhaps even a little too deep? I’m not so sure about that. That’s why I decided to explore this topic a little further. And what better way to do it than to talk to a professional tattoo artist?

We were transported via a tunnel deep below the sea to another land, one where magical beasts appeared as visions for one night only. Transported back in time amidst the grand chambers and ballroom of Concert Noble in Brussels (a palace of a place commissioned by Leopold II in 1873 and decorated in Louis XVI style), to an age that didn’t exist – the world of The Swan Princess.

Something really exciting has come to London’s V&A Museum. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty explores the work of one of Britain’s most influential modern Gothic fashion designers and it’s the biggest one so far. What’s more, its been arranged in partnership with Swarovski – the company who create the exquisite stones that accent Alchemy’s sparkling jewellery and glassware ranges.

Solar Eclipse 1999 by Luc Viatour (www.Lucnix.be)

This week people in the UK and parts of Europe will see their most spectacular solar eclipse since August 1999.

The Alchemist interviews Natasha Scharf, author of ‘The Art of Gothic’: Part 2.

In which Natasha, already relaxed and comfortable with her erudite responses to the stimulating, though more rudimentary questions asked of her so far, is taxed a little further for her opinions with some slightly more sensitive enquiries…

The Alchemist interviews Natasha Scharf, author of ‘The Art of Gothic’: Part 1.

Amongst many exceptionally original, talented and inspiring artists, Alchemy Studios are also featured in Natasha’s latest and lavishly illustrated book, ‘The Art Of Gothic’. And reading through the compelling and illuminating narrative provoked several questions, including one or two subjective, philosophical ones.

The Alchemist managed to nail-down Natasha when seen at a public event in London, and Natasha obligingly elucidated:

Q: What inspired you to believe that this subject needed a new book creating for it?

February is the month of love – or so the Hallmark-hijacked Christian festival would have you believe