The Meaning of the Acanthus – a little background information

The enduring images of Acanthus leaves throughout the arts, architecture, literature and design stretches back through history and are also widely seen in archaeology; subjects which have fascinated me all my life.  As a child in Turkey, I climbed over magnificent ruins, still lying unguarded, and the wonder I found in them sank indelibly into my soul. 

After a career in secretarial and PA work beginning solidly for a multi-national corporation in Paris, France, and in the UK, and working with small businesses after the birth and early years of my children, I graduated with a degree in archaeology and history.  A few years later I had the good fortune to work for a VIP foreign diplomat as a PA for his Estates Manager, looking after a number of very beautiful high-end private properties, both in the UK and France, including a magnificent country house and estate in Hampshire.  My daily PA work called for ensuring the properties were all running to order; that all issues of property and facilities management, including security and staff requirements, were carried out to the highest quality.  Alongside my work as a PA, I realised that the antiques and fine art collection had previously not been efficiently recorded so I set about developing systems to catalogue the magnificent collection throughout his properties, including and ensuring carefully coordinated and recorded shipping, deliveries and storage of purchases, together with building comprehensive inventories.  Apart from creating a valuable record for the owner, these inventories are used to ensure up-to-date valuations and insurance cover.

My most recent work has been for a company arranging the finest live-in carers to work with clients to ensure the best care for a wide range of needs in the best place to be - home!  I know how immensely effective and positive this can be as my own mother benefits from the care of a live-in carer in her late 90s.

Looking back into my past and a once-imagined career in the arts and with my love of history, archaeology, architecture, gardening and with my working ethos of delivering strong and loyal service, together with the marvellous experience I had working at an inspirational 18th century country mansion, the Acanthus leaf motif, the symbol of enduring life, has become meaningful to me in setting up the identity, significance and drive of my company.

 My principles are always to give you peace of mind, service, value and quality and I look forward to doing business with you.

Please do refer to my LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahira-martin-761b464/ for more about my career.