Furniture that's fit for a dame

Many years ago at the height of Shirley Bassey's chart-topping fame, I found myself trailing behind her round the aisles of the Safeway supermarket in London's King's Road.

Many years ago at the height of Shirley Bassey's chart-topping fame, I found myself trailing behind her round the aisles of the Safeway supermarket in London's King's Road. We reached the checkout at the same time and I couldn't resist peeking at her purchases, but her basket contained nothing more exotic than a heap of tins of Heinz Baked Beans.

When it comes to furniture however, Dame Shirley's tastes are strictly diva, as ...