Back in the 1990s, there were a clutch of It-girls so ubiquitous and recognisable that you knew them by their first names only – a level of fame usually reserved only for stadium sell-out pop/ rock acts (see also: Madonna, Elvis, Elton, Bono et al). Tamara, Tara, Normandie, Amanda and Isabella may not have been rock gods, but they did sparkle, adding endless fun to those whose company they kept, as well as for the rest of us who merely read about them and dissected their every antic and outfit in the papers over our morning coffees. Party girls they may have been, but they certainly beat the current crop of reality ‘stars’ for interest, vicarious entertainment and glamour.

In 2019, Tamara Beckwith told William Cash in an interview for Tatler that, ‘We were just seen as a bit wild and having a great time, without having to get up too early to go to a job. The fact we were all sort of friends, or soon became friends, only added to the enjoyment for others who were watching us.’

But all girls – whether ‘It’ or not – must grow up, and though, for Tamara Beckwith Veroni, the social whirl did not stop, it did change character. The wild years may be behind her, particularly given her role as mother to two young children and one grown-up one, and ‘glam-ma’ to her granddaughter, Luna, but she has only gained focus. With Ghislain Pascal, she founded Chelsea’s Little Black Gallery, a boutique photography gallery. And in the aftermath of losing her mother to cancer, she co-founded The Lady Garden Foundation, set up to raise significant funds for gynaecological health, to help drastically reduce diagnoses of the five gynaecological cancers and improve their outcomes.

She is also a contributing editor for Hello! Magazine; has presented innumerable television shows; written columns for a handful of glossy magazines; and fronted ad campaigns as well as being an ambassador for luxury brands Vicedomini, Alberto Morretti and Wolford. Her acting credits include playing Lady Margaret Marchmont in Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband alongside Prunella Scales, and performing Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues with Anita Dobson and Mina Anwar in Manchester, and with Su Pollard and Jenny Jules in Dartford, High Wycombe and Canterbury.

Here, she opens up her considerable black book to share some of its most habitually thumbed pages.

Image: © Laura Pannack

Favourite place in all the world?


The magical mountains with my husband and my family. There is something very other worldly and also humbling when sitting looking at a massive mountain range, imagining how long they have been around and how the world has changed around them.


Dream holiday?


DREAM HOLIDAY Jj-ying-9Qwbfa_RM94-unsplash

I think it would have to be Japan. I have travelled to so many wonderful cities and countries all over the world, but the idea of touristing around Japan with its ancient traditions and futuristic alter ego just really appeals to me. Their culture and the people and of course the beauty. Mount Fuji with its snowy peak, and I love the idea of the cherry blossom obviously. And to see a Geisha in all her finery… that would be an adventure.


Most coveted item right now?


My first artwork by Cig Harvey, ‘All The Pinks’, from her series, Blue Violet. It’s going to hang in my hallway and think it will be such a happy piece to look at everyday. Incredible colours.


Proudest professional moment to date?


I think my Lady Garden Foundation being included in The President’s Circle at The Royal Marsden was a real pinch-me moment. Meeting the Duke of Cambridge on our induction day was naturally bitter-sweet, but I did feel my mother would be looking down and feeling rather proud of what our foundation has managed to accomplish. My co-founder and chairwoman Jenny Halpern Prince and I were standing in front of a beautiful photograph of the late Princess of Wales and the Duke couldn’t have been gentler or funnier.


Your dream future project?


I would like to see some real earth-shattering progress in the curing of the five gynaecological cancers. I am a co-founder of The Lady Garden Foundation and we are full steam on fundraising and also raising much needed awareness. We are six of us and it is really a labour of love, especially to those of us who have lost our mothers to one of these awful diseases.


Who has been your most inspiring mentor, professionally or personally?


I was incredibly lucky to have a very sound and tight family growing up, so family life has always been super important. My father was self-made and my husband’s father was too. My own husband, whilst obviously my greatest friend, is also truly inspiring. He too is self-made, which I hope then transcends the message to our two young children. Seeing him suffer setbacks and having to fight many battles in his business life is utterly heart-warming. He, I feel, deserves my admiration the most.


Where would you live if you could live anywhere?


I think I would live in the countryside if truth be told. Although I am a London girl through and through, I would move to the countryside in a blink. We moved to Chippenham for the first lockdown by total chance and it was life changing for our family. We absolutely loved every moment – my children still talk about it all the time. Feeding the swans and bird-watching were all new things for them. Especially a very busy woodpecker we named Woodie.


What book is on your nightstand/ kindle right now?


I am certainly a book girl but have less and less reading time in the normal school term.
Having just received my copy of my lovely friend and fabulous jeweller, Theo Fennell’s I Fear for this Boy, I will enjoy making time to read it this summer. I love buying books – it just isn’t the same on a kindle!


Best film you’ve seen recently?





Again, a bit hopeless of the film front but I am off to see ELVIS this weekend and I can already tell you it will surpass all my wishes. We are Elvis mad as a family, so how can it possibly disappoint?


Best binge-watched TV show?


An Anatomy of a Scandal. I loved this show, Sienna Miller was magnificent. Rupert Friend was so real it felt like a million boys I used to know. Very dark but utterly compelling. Normally I watch one episode at a time but simply was not able to with this series. Captivating.


Top podcast of the moment?


I keep meaning to listen but…….


Your hero?




I am very old-fashioned and I think my hero has to be The Queen. These last few years for her just must have been draining and emotional. I admire her for how she has conducted her life of duty and responsibility. What a legacy. She is most certainly worthy of her place in heaven.


If you were an animal, what would you be?


IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL Waldemar-brandt-zQsCISvBY2E-unsplash

Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a tiger. I am certainly a tiger mom with my children when it comes to sports, but I also could happily identify with being a glorious flamingo.


What did you want to be when you grew up?


An interior designer.


Worst job you’ve ever done?


I did a weird book review show for Richard & Judy’s morning show years ago in Provence. The young chippy male producer had decided I was awful and entitled before we even flew so that was hard work.


Favourite dish to cook?


FAVE MEAL TO COOK Claudio-schwarz-cgcteFH-azk-unsplash

My children are rather cheeky about my cooking (being half Italian) so I think it’s safe to say my roast is probably the best thing I cook – with all the trimmings. I can also now make a reasonable crab spaghetti.


Favourite café/ restaurant?


Harry’s Bar in London. Luciano just knows how to make it special every time you are there. He is a true old-school Italian and brilliant at managing everything. I love too many places around the world to even try to list.


What tune always makes you want to dance?





Those Were The Days My Friend by Mary Hopkin. My best girlfriend Emma Gold and I loved it so it’s very sentimental.


Favourite website or app?


KOIBIRD is my guilty pleasure.


Most useful thing on your desk?


Pots and pots of colour co-ordinated pens.


Which five people, dead or alive, would you find most interesting to be stuck in a lift with?




Elvis. John McEnroe. Alessandro Michele. Dame Joan Collins. Marilyn Monroe. Baroness Valerie Amos. Usain Bolt. I can’t choose five I am afraid!


Favourite building?




Waddesdon Manor. I find it jaw-dropping in its beauty. The house is full of mystery and the history is of course deeply interesting. Lord Jacob Rothschild has become a Patron of our Lady Garden Foundation and he invited us to be the first group around his Mrs Alice exhibition. An amazing family home filled with treasures, beautifully maintained. It goes without saying the grounds and gardens are spectacular.


Favourite Instagrammer or tweeter?


All my fabulous friends who don’t post 20 times a day. That I find intrusive, but I love watching their children and their triumphs unfold. It lulls you into the feeling you are keeping in touch. I also enjoy the American Emmanuel Acho – his voice is incredibly convincing. I love all of his posts. He spells the obvious out.


Your screensaver?


My three children.


What would your biography be called?


The Trials and Tribulations of TT Petals.


What would be your epitaph?


A Crazy Life Well Lived & Loved.

Tamara Beckwith Veroni is co-founder of The Little Black Gallery and one of the founders of The Lady Garden Foundation.

By Nancy Alsop
July 2022