TH/E Bedside Series: Casting Director Ben Grimes

Welcome to the fourth of our bedside series, where we are celebrating our friends through their most intimate and telling space: the bedside table. From well-worn novellas to classical tomes, cups of coffee and personal totems from afar: what we are keeping close in this time of introspection are signals of who we are and where we imagine ourselves to be.

Asking our friends what they are reading, what they are seeing, what they are thinking and what are they smelling first thing in the morning and last thing late at night, Timothy Han / Edition takes a look at how scent can impact our environments, surroundings and our homes in a global time of uncertainty and change.

For our fourth conversation, we spoke to model turned casting director Ben Grimes, who Timothy first met when they shared adjoining studios in East London at the start of their careers.

Beginning as a model walking for brands like Chanel and Marc Jacobs helped Ben to distil her vision on beauty and build her later reputation as a casting agent. She has become known for challenging industry norms through the casting of unusual faces that go against the stereotypical norms. She has been brought on to find talent for brands ranging from Celine to Chloé and A.P.C. to Adidas; as well as for editorials shot by some of the leading contemporary photographers including Juergen Teller, Harley Weir and Ethan James Green.

Here Ben tells us about life as a new mom during lockdown and why she chose a Timothy Han / Edition On the Road candle.

What do you have on your bedside table?
My everyday jewellery, a photo of my grandparents, a rose quartz lamp, a dummy (for my 6-month-old, not for me) and my retainer (which I forget to wear most of the time)

What are you reading right now and why? 
At the moment reading a book is impossible, however, I’ve been making sure I regularly read Future Crunch’s blog on Coronavirus. They filter all the good news and good developments in relation to the crisis and it’s a great counterbalance to the news.

What TH/E candle do you have on your bedside table and why that particular scent from the range?
On The Road, because if I was able to be reading a book right now I would be re-reading that one.

What does TH/E candle remind you of?
Better times.

What made you fall in love with TH/E's scents?
Unique and timeless.

What are you spending your time doing at home during lockdown?
Looking after Vincent, my 6-month-old son. Also Attempting a bit of work, renovating the house we just completed on and growing as many vegetables as possible. Radishes have been particularly successful. And speaking to friends and family via FaceTime and Zoom. Oh, and baby classes on Zoom are good too!

What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Feed Vincent.

What is the last thing you do at night?
Kiss my boyfriend Martin.

Explore the complete Timothy Han / Edition candle range here.