You’re Invited! Dining with Cultural Inspirations: Moray Forrest, International Sales Director, Newmor Wallcoverings
Imagine hosting a dinner party where every detail – from the enchanting venue to the eclectic guest list – reflects the passions and inspirations that have shaped your creative life and work. In this joyful feature, we step into the mind of Moray Forrest, International Sales Director at Newmor Wallcoverings, to explore their ultimate dinner party with the people who have influenced them as creatives.
Our Party setup
Venue
Palazzo Pitti’s has to be my choice, having visited Florence numerous times in the last 18 months. Its bold Renaissance blocks and oversized rooms feel dramatic but relaxed, perfect for seating six wildly creative minds, and myself! The theme would be big ideas, big wine, and even bigger conversations.
Menu
We’re in Italy, let’s do Italian!
Red Wine, Brunello Di Montalcino, 2007.
Crostini di Fegato (chicken liver pâté on toast) to start.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A massive, thick-cut T-bone chargrilled and seasoned only with salt and pepper, and served very rare, for main.
Dessert would be Zuccotto, a traditional Florentine dome-shaped, semifreddo sponge cake soaked in liqueur and filled with ricotta, candied fruit, and chocolate.
…and for the vegetarians
Starter Cecina, a savoury chickpea pancake.
Main Course, Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli.
Dessert, Crostata with semolina cream and chocolate.
Entertainment
Vivaldi for atmosphere whist eating, so conversation can be had. I nearly chose The Who, but I may not be able to hear Leo, Toni and Di talking!
Post meal entertainment, U2 circa 1989 to incorporate The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum albums. When I was 16, I skived school to go and watch them in Paris, sorry mum. Then some Nirvana concluding with Marvyn Gaye and Sam Cooke, old skool!
Our Guest List
Leonardo Di Vinci
My admiration for him is due to his boundless curiosity and refusal to be confined to one discipline, a true polymath. He combined art, science and invention with effortless imagination, always questioning how things worked and how they could be improved. His ideas, observations would make for an unforgettable evening. The last time I was in Florence I stayed at a property next door to the birth of Lisa Gherardini (Mona Lisa). Say no more!
Muhammed Ali
Not sure he fits the criteria, but he’s invited anyway. The man was a mountain, not only for his greatness in the ring, but his confidence, wit and unwavering sense of identity. He understood the power of words, presence and personality as much as performance. I would love to hear the stories, the humour and get his perspective. This would be chance to hear firsthand how his belief, courage and charisma shaped a legacy far beyond sport. What a legend!
Giorgio Armani
He inspired me through his timeless approach to design, simplicity, restraint and elegance creating a lasting impact. The design in The Wolf of Wall Street was crisp and smart, and who can forget American Gigolo! He proved that confidence doesn’t need excess. He developed a global brand built on quiet, assured sophistication and vision. A very cool individual!
Princess Diana
Again, perhaps not a ‘creative’ but she would bring warmth, empathy and emotional intelligence. The table is already filled with brilliance and personality. I feel she would be the connector, drawing people into meaningful conversation. I always got the impression she had the ability to put others at ease, listen with sincerity and speak with grace. She would, no doubt, be able to hold her own in this dynamic group!
Antoni Gaudí
He had fearless originality and ability to draw nature, faith and imagination into architecture that feels alive. Having visited Sagrada Família in Barcelona, various times from 2018 -2025 during the restoration, it’s now exposed almost completely. It would be great to hear the thinking behind designs that still feel daring, organic and ahead of their time. Also, not a hallucinogen in sight!
Jimmy Carr
Having seen him in Brighton recently I believe he would be the perfect counterbalance to the towering creativity and big personalities around us. His razor-sharp wit would keep the atmosphere light and the conversation flowing. He has a knack for asking disarming questions and finding humour in the profound. Where the others bring vision, legacy and intensity, Jimmy would bring timing, perspective and laughter. He’s a funny man!
Moray has been part of the Newmor journey for 15 years, serving as Sales Director for the past decade. His role focuses on championing the products and strengthening the Newmor brand across the UK and international markets, including the USA, Canada, Africa and Europe. While he is very loosely involved in the broader direction of product design and marketing, he firmly believe in empowering our experts to lead in those areas. This allows Moray to concentrate on building relationships, opening new markets and ensuring our collections reach designers and specifiers worldwide, helping position Newmor as a trusted name in interiors. BTW, he’s also an avid Liverpool fan!