Jacob Gifford Head
@giffordhead.co.uk
Barrister & mediator.
Things I like: legal history & legal oddities; music & musical instruments; Mesopotamian history; & Portuguese wine and Port.
My professional website is: http://www.giffordhead.co.uk
Please email rather than DM!
Forgive typos.
Things I like: legal history & legal oddities; music & musical instruments; Mesopotamian history; & Portuguese wine and Port.
My professional website is: http://www.giffordhead.co.uk
Please email rather than DM!
Forgive typos.
That was a good evening. It's been far too long since I've seen the London Sinfonietta.
The big piece was Gérard Grisey's 1999 Quartre chants pour franchise le seuil but I absolutely loved Rebecca Saunders' Strirings Still II for small ensemble.
The big piece was Gérard Grisey's 1999 Quartre chants pour franchise le seuil but I absolutely loved Rebecca Saunders' Strirings Still II for small ensemble.
November 28, 2025 at 9:25 PM
That was a good evening. It's been far too long since I've seen the London Sinfonietta.
The big piece was Gérard Grisey's 1999 Quartre chants pour franchise le seuil but I absolutely loved Rebecca Saunders' Strirings Still II for small ensemble.
The big piece was Gérard Grisey's 1999 Quartre chants pour franchise le seuil but I absolutely loved Rebecca Saunders' Strirings Still II for small ensemble.
The .gov website has decided to annoy all road-naming pedants in the country by listing the Dartford Crossing as a motorway crossing on the M25 rather than an A-Road crossing on the A282...
November 28, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The .gov website has decided to annoy all road-naming pedants in the country by listing the Dartford Crossing as a motorway crossing on the M25 rather than an A-Road crossing on the A282...
Would it be unprofessional to title an offer sent to the other side as a "Black Friday Deal"?
November 28, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Would it be unprofessional to title an offer sent to the other side as a "Black Friday Deal"?
Gary Karr & Philharmonia, Dowden Bass Concerto, Barbican 1999.
Andrew Davis & BBCSO, Tippett's Mask of Time, RAH 1999.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus, QEH, 2008.
Shivkumar Sharma, Cadogan Hall, 2007.
Mittwoch aus Licht, Birmingham Opera, 2012.
Andrew Davis & BBCSO, Tippett's Mask of Time, RAH 1999.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus, QEH, 2008.
Shivkumar Sharma, Cadogan Hall, 2007.
Mittwoch aus Licht, Birmingham Opera, 2012.
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've seen
King Sunny Ade
SPK
Diamanda Galás
George Michael
Anthony Braxton
King Sunny Ade
SPK
Diamanda Galás
George Michael
Anthony Braxton
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've seen.
Pulp
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
American Music Club
Super Furry Animals
Chalk
Pulp
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
American Music Club
Super Furry Animals
Chalk
November 27, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Gary Karr & Philharmonia, Dowden Bass Concerto, Barbican 1999.
Andrew Davis & BBCSO, Tippett's Mask of Time, RAH 1999.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus, QEH, 2008.
Shivkumar Sharma, Cadogan Hall, 2007.
Mittwoch aus Licht, Birmingham Opera, 2012.
Andrew Davis & BBCSO, Tippett's Mask of Time, RAH 1999.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus, QEH, 2008.
Shivkumar Sharma, Cadogan Hall, 2007.
Mittwoch aus Licht, Birmingham Opera, 2012.
This is the sort of dangerous sale to appear in my feed.
I can’t play the Spanish guitar, but resonator guitars are one of the most attractive versions of that instrument. And, perhaps, a unique Art Deco musical instrument.
A great example of one being played here:
I can’t play the Spanish guitar, but resonator guitars are one of the most attractive versions of that instrument. And, perhaps, a unique Art Deco musical instrument.
A great example of one being played here:
November 27, 2025 at 7:23 PM
This is the sort of dangerous sale to appear in my feed.
I can’t play the Spanish guitar, but resonator guitars are one of the most attractive versions of that instrument. And, perhaps, a unique Art Deco musical instrument.
A great example of one being played here:
I can’t play the Spanish guitar, but resonator guitars are one of the most attractive versions of that instrument. And, perhaps, a unique Art Deco musical instrument.
A great example of one being played here:
I’d missed this being published.
I know this is a niche point—& I think Lady Hale has tried to address it a bit from YYZ’s review—but I do wish more of these sorts of books would come not from the Great and the Good but those sitting a first instance, wrestling with litigation in the raw.
I know this is a niche point—& I think Lady Hale has tried to address it a bit from YYZ’s review—but I do wish more of these sorts of books would come not from the Great and the Good but those sitting a first instance, wrestling with litigation in the raw.
While I was offline I reviewed Baroness Hale of Richmond's newest book. It's actually very good! I'm going soft. Free link here @ www.thetimes.com/article/6dd6...
Return of the Spider Woman: Lady Hale tours Britain’s courts
With the Law on Our Side is a pleasingly old-fashioned look at our legal system by the former president of the Supreme Court
www.thetimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I’d missed this being published.
I know this is a niche point—& I think Lady Hale has tried to address it a bit from YYZ’s review—but I do wish more of these sorts of books would come not from the Great and the Good but those sitting a first instance, wrestling with litigation in the raw.
I know this is a niche point—& I think Lady Hale has tried to address it a bit from YYZ’s review—but I do wish more of these sorts of books would come not from the Great and the Good but those sitting a first instance, wrestling with litigation in the raw.
I have one jury hot take which I think is often missed from the discussion. The primary importance of a jury in criminal trials is not because it is somehow more democratic than judges or because a jury can reach a perverse verdict. Rather it is the safeguard that come from a consensus of numbers.
November 26, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I have one jury hot take which I think is often missed from the discussion. The primary importance of a jury in criminal trials is not because it is somehow more democratic than judges or because a jury can reach a perverse verdict. Rather it is the safeguard that come from a consensus of numbers.
A leaflet arrives inviting comments on the local authority's Local Plan.
It starts:
"We all understand that new homes need to be built to accommodate the UK's growing population. But at a local area..."
There is absolutely no indication as to has commissioned it. What cowardly NIMBYism is this?
It starts:
"We all understand that new homes need to be built to accommodate the UK's growing population. But at a local area..."
There is absolutely no indication as to has commissioned it. What cowardly NIMBYism is this?
November 25, 2025 at 3:03 PM
A leaflet arrives inviting comments on the local authority's Local Plan.
It starts:
"We all understand that new homes need to be built to accommodate the UK's growing population. But at a local area..."
There is absolutely no indication as to has commissioned it. What cowardly NIMBYism is this?
It starts:
"We all understand that new homes need to be built to accommodate the UK's growing population. But at a local area..."
There is absolutely no indication as to has commissioned it. What cowardly NIMBYism is this?
Thinking about generative AI, I was wondering if there has been any discussion as to what the impact of it is on artists who used computers before they were fashionable? For example, in music, Xenakis experimented with computer-aided algorithms back in the 60s, resulting in intricate, complex music.
Iannis Xenakis - ST/10-1, 080262 (Audio + Full Score)
YouTube video by Ryan Power
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Thinking about generative AI, I was wondering if there has been any discussion as to what the impact of it is on artists who used computers before they were fashionable? For example, in music, Xenakis experimented with computer-aided algorithms back in the 60s, resulting in intricate, complex music.
Some days you just want to drink good Port. And my criteria for good Port is pretty much the Graham's style: well balanced fruit, acidity, sugar and tannins. Nothing fancy, just very good.
This is their 2nd label from Quinta dos Malvedos. It's always excellent value for vintage port.
This is their 2nd label from Quinta dos Malvedos. It's always excellent value for vintage port.
November 24, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Some days you just want to drink good Port. And my criteria for good Port is pretty much the Graham's style: well balanced fruit, acidity, sugar and tannins. Nothing fancy, just very good.
This is their 2nd label from Quinta dos Malvedos. It's always excellent value for vintage port.
This is their 2nd label from Quinta dos Malvedos. It's always excellent value for vintage port.
The pic is of the Torquay Pavilion which is a wonderful building, perfectly suited to the Torquay seafront. It is such a shame that it is dilapidated and really deserves better. (Also, Oldway Mansion, a few miles away, for that matter.)
📣 Do you live in the SOUTH WEST? We need your nominations for our Top Ten Endangered Buildings list 2026! Email us about your local threatened, dilapidated and neglected Victorian and Edwardian buildings. 🧵
Read more here: bit.ly/4hybqrc
📷 Morgan Ellis Leah
Read more here: bit.ly/4hybqrc
📷 Morgan Ellis Leah
November 24, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The pic is of the Torquay Pavilion which is a wonderful building, perfectly suited to the Torquay seafront. It is such a shame that it is dilapidated and really deserves better. (Also, Oldway Mansion, a few miles away, for that matter.)
Worth noting that this is a continuation of a very, very ancient discipline. Although back in 1815 BCE—when someone was asked to draw this one up—they went far beyond 12 when studying multipliers.
November 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Worth noting that this is a continuation of a very, very ancient discipline. Although back in 1815 BCE—when someone was asked to draw this one up—they went far beyond 12 when studying multipliers.
If we are doing old videos of Christmas Parties may I direct you all to Slaughter and May in 1981?
For those of us who weren't around at the time, it is remarkable just how far law (especially Big Law) has changed in the last 45 years from the lack of women solicitors to the piles of paper.
For those of us who weren't around at the time, it is remarkable just how far law (especially Big Law) has changed in the last 45 years from the lack of women solicitors to the piles of paper.
November 23, 2025 at 9:46 PM
If we are doing old videos of Christmas Parties may I direct you all to Slaughter and May in 1981?
For those of us who weren't around at the time, it is remarkable just how far law (especially Big Law) has changed in the last 45 years from the lack of women solicitors to the piles of paper.
For those of us who weren't around at the time, it is remarkable just how far law (especially Big Law) has changed in the last 45 years from the lack of women solicitors to the piles of paper.
The main reason I love the Horniman museum is its collection of musical instruments, particularly wind instruments, which is one of the best in the country.
Some highlights of today’s visit.
(Sorry for the terrible photographs: I’ve been failing to take good photographs in this room for 20 years!)
Some highlights of today’s visit.
(Sorry for the terrible photographs: I’ve been failing to take good photographs in this room for 20 years!)
November 23, 2025 at 5:53 PM
The main reason I love the Horniman museum is its collection of musical instruments, particularly wind instruments, which is one of the best in the country.
Some highlights of today’s visit.
(Sorry for the terrible photographs: I’ve been failing to take good photographs in this room for 20 years!)
Some highlights of today’s visit.
(Sorry for the terrible photographs: I’ve been failing to take good photographs in this room for 20 years!)
A trip to one of my favourite places this afternoon: the Horniman Museum in South London.
I love everything about this place, starting with the beautiful tower, designed by Charles Harrison Townsend.
Apparently Horninan's office was in the room with the circular window above the arch.
I love everything about this place, starting with the beautiful tower, designed by Charles Harrison Townsend.
Apparently Horninan's office was in the room with the circular window above the arch.
November 23, 2025 at 3:07 PM
A trip to one of my favourite places this afternoon: the Horniman Museum in South London.
I love everything about this place, starting with the beautiful tower, designed by Charles Harrison Townsend.
Apparently Horninan's office was in the room with the circular window above the arch.
I love everything about this place, starting with the beautiful tower, designed by Charles Harrison Townsend.
Apparently Horninan's office was in the room with the circular window above the arch.
This is loads of fun*. Highly recommended.
[* Assuming you are into this sort of typography!]
[* Assuming you are into this sort of typography!]
November 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM
This is loads of fun*. Highly recommended.
[* Assuming you are into this sort of typography!]
[* Assuming you are into this sort of typography!]
An advert arrives form the London Type Foundry which includes this rather fun typeface.
Trying to work out whether I could find a place for it in my work...
londontype.co.uk/fonts/ldn-bl...
Trying to work out whether I could find a place for it in my work...
londontype.co.uk/fonts/ldn-bl...
November 21, 2025 at 11:49 AM
An advert arrives form the London Type Foundry which includes this rather fun typeface.
Trying to work out whether I could find a place for it in my work...
londontype.co.uk/fonts/ldn-bl...
Trying to work out whether I could find a place for it in my work...
londontype.co.uk/fonts/ldn-bl...
Really enjoyable seminar last night at @thomasmorechambers.bsky.social on Asset Protection in Financial Remedy Proceedings with my colleagues.
It gave me a chance to talk about all sorts of tools from the Chancery Division we can deploy in the Family Court to protect and recover assets!
It gave me a chance to talk about all sorts of tools from the Chancery Division we can deploy in the Family Court to protect and recover assets!
November 21, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Really enjoyable seminar last night at @thomasmorechambers.bsky.social on Asset Protection in Financial Remedy Proceedings with my colleagues.
It gave me a chance to talk about all sorts of tools from the Chancery Division we can deploy in the Family Court to protect and recover assets!
It gave me a chance to talk about all sorts of tools from the Chancery Division we can deploy in the Family Court to protect and recover assets!
Reposted by Jacob Gifford Head
Clever advertising image, in an evil, cancerous, sort of way ... #WillsTobacco
November 19, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Clever advertising image, in an evil, cancerous, sort of way ... #WillsTobacco
Noticeable age divide between those who make notes by hand and those who prefer to poke away at their tablets, c.725BCE.
November 19, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Noticeable age divide between those who make notes by hand and those who prefer to poke away at their tablets, c.725BCE.
I realised recently I'd fallen off Gardiner Houlgate's mail list. Which is probably a good thing since I've had respite from eg trying to work out what I could sell to raise the cash to buy this 1820s serpent offered in their December sale...
November 18, 2025 at 8:19 PM
I realised recently I'd fallen off Gardiner Houlgate's mail list. Which is probably a good thing since I've had respite from eg trying to work out what I could sell to raise the cash to buy this 1820s serpent offered in their December sale...
This was lots of fun! We had a really interesting discussion about Non Contentious Dispute Resolution and private FDRs. Plus some excellent pizza!
Sarah Lucy Cooper, Jacob Gifford Head @giffordhead.co.uk and Sam Frost gave an interesting and insightful seminar to Boyes Turner and Blanchards Law in Reading on:
Overseas properties – getting it right on divorce
Conduct – current law and practice
Private FDRs – law, procedure and tactics
Overseas properties – getting it right on divorce
Conduct – current law and practice
Private FDRs – law, procedure and tactics
November 17, 2025 at 6:37 PM
This was lots of fun! We had a really interesting discussion about Non Contentious Dispute Resolution and private FDRs. Plus some excellent pizza!
This is a good offer. I still live in hope that one day Pevsner will also be able in digitally. Imagine how great it would be to be able browse a digital map and click on buildings to read their descriptions.
Also a bit sad that they don’t offer a “complete set” bundle, having seen OS do that!
Also a bit sad that they don’t offer a “complete set” bundle, having seen OS do that!
In case anyone hasn't seen this, the offer includes ALL the Pevsner 'Buildings of England' series. 50% off with the code 'FIFTY' at checkout.
Pevsners: yalebooks.co.uk/pevsner-arch...
Pevsners: yalebooks.co.uk/pevsner-arch...
November 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
This is a good offer. I still live in hope that one day Pevsner will also be able in digitally. Imagine how great it would be to be able browse a digital map and click on buildings to read their descriptions.
Also a bit sad that they don’t offer a “complete set” bundle, having seen OS do that!
Also a bit sad that they don’t offer a “complete set” bundle, having seen OS do that!
Something that really strikes me about this* reporting is how the Parish Council was only fined £100 but also ordered to pay £130,000 in costs. There really ought to be a proportionality test in the Magistrates' courts, together with a process for proper detailed assessment.
[* last week's news.]
[* last week's news.]
Council fined over lengthy Chapel-en-le-Frith play area legal fight
The five-year long legal battle started with noise complaints over a park games area.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Something that really strikes me about this* reporting is how the Parish Council was only fined £100 but also ordered to pay £130,000 in costs. There really ought to be a proportionality test in the Magistrates' courts, together with a process for proper detailed assessment.
[* last week's news.]
[* last week's news.]
I volunteered to assemble a flat pack chest of drawers this evening, not realising it was held together by 163 screws! Oddly they were all JIS screws. Made it feel like I was working on a vintage Japanese synthesiser or something... Wonder what sort of design process resulted in that choice.
November 16, 2025 at 10:25 PM
I volunteered to assemble a flat pack chest of drawers this evening, not realising it was held together by 163 screws! Oddly they were all JIS screws. Made it feel like I was working on a vintage Japanese synthesiser or something... Wonder what sort of design process resulted in that choice.