Guy Manwaring: A Few of My Favourite Things

THE DAY THE WIND CHANGED
When we started A Few Of My Favourite Things a year ago, we didn’t expect that the industry at large would likely have to up-sticks and, almost entirely, work from home.

Therefore, it stands to reason that the next few Fave Things contributors will be taking us a through essential items from their well-established (or hastily constructed) home office/studios.

Right off the bat, we have Merman director Guy Manwaring, a former creative and established performance director whose work has spanned well-loved British brands like Specsavers, M&S and Warburtons.

Manwaring gives us a quick glance at the projects he’s hoping to complete whilst in isolation, alongside introducing us to his son’s well-disguised pet and proving that Mr T is the real deal.

THE MR.T CHEQUE

The two Snickers jobs I did with Mr.T were a goldmine for memorabilia, as he happily posed for photographs with crew, re-recorded their answerphone messages, and even gave me a mind-blowingly brilliant testimonial.

On one occasion, I found myself sitting beside Mr.T in a restaurant and I asked him what name he uses in his passport. He reached into his little man-bag and took out his passport, birth-certificate and cheque book to show how his name had been officially changed by deed Poll.

His other cheque book was in his company name: ‘Pity the Fool’!

THE PAINTING OF PUGLIA

This painting hangs over my desk.

I bought it when I lived in Rome, as I fell in love with the light in the image, and the composition in the square format.

It’s like a painted Instagram picture.

There’s a small tear in the canvas, and the paint is pretty badly cracked, but (like Italy) these are the imperfections that add to its charm.

The south of the Mediterranean is my happy place with its dry climate, crisp light and simple food. Having this picture over my desk gives me something to look forward to all year – especially through the dark British winters.

THE SIR WALTER SCOTT NOVEL: GUY MANNERING

I didn’t set out to build up a collection of these books, but they have slowly accumulated over the years, as I keep receiving them as gifts from friends.

I have never even gotten around to reading it.

I did start once but it’s incredibly boring.

Not at all like The Adventures of Guy Manwaring, which is an absolute page-turner.

THE CHAMELEON 

Marceline is my son’s pet Chameleon who is currently living on the plant by my desk, as my office gets more sunlight during the winter.

She’s named after Marceline the Vampire Queen from Adventure Time.

It’s nice to have the company when I’m endlessly writing treatments, although sometimes I forget that she’s there and get a shock when the plant starts rustling.

She recently had a starring role in a job I shot with Adam&Eve for Wren Kitchens. Since then, I’ve noticed that she’s been behaving like a bit of a diva.

In fact, I’ve got to go now, as she’s demanding another round of crickets.

By Jamie Madge