when visitors finish their tour through the STATE APARTMENTS at Buckingham Palace, they usually visit the QUEEN’S GALLERY where the spectacular VICTORIA AND ALBERT EXHIBITION is taking place. After these two visits, it is easy to suffer from visual exhaustion. But, let me make a suggestion: GO ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE QUEEN’S GALLERY AND HAVE A PLATE OF PASTA AND THEN RETURN TO THE PALACE TO VISIT THE ROYAL MEWS. At the ROYAL MEWS, a visitor will see fabulous carriages–including the “coronation carriage”– as well as the Queen’s fabulous fleet of cars. It is not a long visit, but the carriages in the ROYAL MEWS are absolutely exquisite. To encourage you, I am going to blog about the State landau–THE BRITANNIA. It is an amazing carriage.
The carriage called THE BRITANNIA was designed and built in Sydney, Australia, by Jim Frecklington at a cost of 620,000 pounds. It is the only carriage built for the Royal Family since Edward VII ordered the STATE LANDAU in 1910. THE BRITANNIA was a gift for the Queen from Australia, and the designers claim that the coach has more gold than any other vehicle made in Britain for almost 200 years. It is certainly intersting that the BRITANNIA was presented to the Queen by a Republican Prime Minister who wanted a referendum on the monarchy.
The designer and builder Jim Freklington learned his trade working in the ROYAL MEWS in Lonon.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Year after year, the Queen continues to reinvent her role as Sovereign in face of these ever-so-quickly changing times. She seems to have a sense for change which years ago would have been a debatable topic. These days we hear insensitive critics complain that the monarchy is not worth its price tag. Then again we hear that the Sovereign costs each British taxpayer .62 pence a year. Even at that, these modern moaners say they cannot identify with the tapestry of royal life. There is always this feeling that these critics dislike everything and want to sweep away all the cultural traditions which others love and cherish. The fact is that most Brits and visitors from around the world sense that the Queen makes an inestimable contribution. A visitor to one of our flats humorously said to me: I AM GOING TO LONDON TO SEE THE QUEEN. I asked her why she wasn’t going to visit the Prime Minister. I smiled over her response: WHO IS THAT? For some reason, England’s monarch seems to have intrigued us all and has for centuries. I am often in London during the STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, and I watch people’s faces as the royal coaches pass by. It is an amazing sight. Several years ago, Minnie Spooner–a humble lady from the East End–was asked on TV why she comes to the Palace to join the crowds on the Queen’s Birthday. In her heavy East End accent, she put her hand to her throat and said: I DON’T KNOW; IT IS JUST SOMETHING IN HERE. There was a real sense of national pride in Mrs. Spooner’s teary voice.
Traveling with a “theme” is fun. I am doing a tour called IN SEARCH OF VICTORIA AND ALBERT in August which will take us from Balmoral to Coburg–that’s a serious theme trip. But also, a visit to the NATIONAL GALLERY to see the newly cleaned MADONNA OF THE ROCKS and to the LOUVRE IN PARIS to see the earlier version of the MADONNA OF THE ROCKS is another theme trip. The Louvre version was painted earlier, mostly by DaVinci. The National Gallery version was painted entirely by the master. I wrote a blog on the newly restored MADONNA OF THE ROCKS in the National Gallery, but wouldn’t it be a fun trip to then go to Paris and see the earlier version? Wow! That’s traveling with a purpose. That’s exactly what I am going to do. Come join.
I have had several calls in the office about visiting the HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT this summer when the House of Lords and the House of Commons are not sitting. I am putting this information on the blog as the summer visits are taking place now.
I am always on the look-out for exciting experiences for my readers. The Sotheby’s sale of the jewelry once belonging to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor will be one of the most amazing auctions–November 30, 2010, London. Goodness, you don’t have to buy, but to be in the sale room watching this event will be an occasion you will never forget. I am posting some of the photographs that are being put out to the public to advertise this sale. These pieces of jewelry were auctioned several years ago after the death of the Duchess of Windsor, and now they are again surfacing. The atmosphere in the sale room will be electrifying. If you have ever wanted to attend an auction of this quality, this is the event. I predict that eventually these magnificent jewels will end up in a museum somewhere in the world. The pieces are so unusual and of such quality–they have such broad public interest. Also, the magnificent PRINCE OF WALES DIAMOND BROACH was bought by Elizabeth Taylor; let’s wait and see where that fabulous piece ends up. This is exciting stuff.
I am in the midst of writing a rather long post on the NATIONAL GALLERY in London when this charming photograph of the DUKE OF EDINBURGH came across my screen. The photograph was taken at the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace today. I thought my readers would enjoy seeing it. So, while I am working on the NATIONAL GALLERY blog, you can smile at this lovely photograph of the Queen’s consort. Through thick and thin, the Queen continues to stick with her man. Really nice.
I have written several posts about the new vitality in South London. The art galleries, restaurants, and clubs are thriving. Well, so is the church ALL SAINTS CHURCH, PECKHAM. The church started in 1867 when Peckham was a village on the edge of Camberwell and was a haven outside the intense bustle of Victorian London. Within a few years the church had grown from about 20 people to over 600 adults in the congregation, and there was even a children’s service for 800 children each Sunday afternoon.
ALL SAINTS HAS TWO SERVICES each Sunday, a morning service at 10:30 am and an evening service at 7pm. There is also a midweek service on Tuesdays at 11:00am. The services reflect the New Wine/SoulSurvivor style of worship. In 2005 the church released its first live worship CD YOUR FAVOR.
I realize that many of my readers stay on the north side of the Thames–probably because limited time allows visits only to the more famous church buildings like Westminster Abbey, Brompton Oratorio, and St. Paul’s. But for those who have a bit more time, start exploring South London. Great things are happening there. I have written about BOROUGH MARKET and the GLOBE, etc., but I think ALL SAINTS PECKHAM would be a wonderful experience. You would mingle with local Londoners and would be hearing accents which are so charming.
The famous TIMUR RUBY is one of the most beautiful jewels in the Queen’s private collection. This famous ruby is actually a spinel. It weighs over 352 carats and until 1851 was widely regarded as the largest known ruby in the world. Presented to Queen Victoria by the East India Company in October 1851 and remaining in the royal collection ever since, this stone has a long and colorful history.
Like many of the famous gems of the Orient, the TIMUR RUBY traveled to England amongst a collection of Indian Jewelry taken from the Lahore Treasury in 1849 when Britain annexed the Punjab to its Empire. Queen Victoria was well pleased by her gift–she particularly admired what she termed the “wonderful rubies” and on 23 October 1851 wrote in her journal: They are cabochons, uncut, unset, but pierced. The one is the largest in the world, therefore even more remarkable than the Koh-i-Nor (105 carats).
In Aprl 1853 Garrards set four of these so-called “rubies” in a new diamond-encrusted gold and enamel necklace of Oriental design with four diamond pendants also from Lahore. At the center of the necklace came te huge rose-pink stone of 352 carates that the Queen Victoria had especially noted. Two months later, Garrards adjusted the necklace to allow this stone to be detched for use as a brooch and to alternate with the recently recut Koh-i-nor Diamond.
This fabulous and unusual stone has remained in the Royal Collection. Even though Queen Victofria decided to alternate this broach with the Koh-i-nor, the broach was never worn. This is partly because the Queen did not wear or rarely wore colored stones after the Prince Consort’s death. The current Queen has never worn it either; however, there are rumors that she is considering having a dress made which would highlight this necklace. As of now, THE STONE IS A NO SHOW.
One of the great paintings of Queen Victoria in the early years is Thomas Sullly’s stunning portrait of the Queen. Thomas Sully was born in England; but at an early age, his family moved to the United States. When Queen Victoria was preparing for the coronation, an American club having loyalty to Britain asked Thomas Sully to go to London to paint the Queen. When he arrived in London where he had studied earlier, there were delays after delays. Finally, Sully started his portrait. When all the coronation portraits were completed, it was determined by Buckingham Palace that Sully’s portrait was the finest of all the portraits, capturing the spirit and personality of the young Queen.
This year, the Queen’s Gallery has its exhibition about VICTORIA AND ALBERT. The Queen’s version of the Sully portrait is spectacular. There is a second portrait in the Wallace Collection. What is so so interesting are the artist’s sketches and his color/paint study.
This is one of the most beautiful royal portraits in the Royal Collection. You will see variations in several locations in London this summer. So, when you are doing your visits this summer, keep an eyes open for this portrait. It will be highlighted in various locations.
I read the DA VINCI CODE and enjoyed the fun read. But what really interested me was the visit to TEMPLE CHURCH in London. I had visited the Church before, but I was really interested in a more educated visit after I had read the popular fantasy novel with historic references. I decided it was time to encourage my readers to visit TEMPLE CHURCH. This article was so informative and well written that I decided to post the article in its entirety. This is the real stuff! I hope you will visit TEMPLE CHURCH; it is really wonderful.
MR. JERRY HANCOCK is a major Western American artist. It is not London, but I wanted to share my enthusiasm for this artist. I will do a blog later in the month about his many national awards and some of his finest paintings. He is preparing to do a major show, and I will photograph some of the images to share with my readers. I have been buying his work for seveal years, and my children all have their names on the backs of the images. This is an outstanding artist who has been my friend for many, many years. I am posting three images of his paintings that I have just bought for our mountain home high in the Rocky Mountains. Before they are moved to the mountains, I wanted to share them with you. Within ten days, I will post some fabulous paintingss for your pleasure–and purchase, if you wish. The pair of plough horses is a large painting– 3 feet by 3 feet. It is really spectacular and will be beautiful over our mountain fireplace, above Deer Valley, Utah.
Jerry Hancock’s phone number is 801.731.1613 He will enjoy hearing from you.
One of my readers alerted me to the Museum in Docklands where I found these fabulous models of the 15th century LONDON BRIDGE. Today’s LONDON BRIDGE is just a modern road over the Thames; but the 15th century bridge was the center of London life: shops, houses, water wheels. It was the busiest location in the city. The stone buildings on the bridge lasted and were sturdy, but the wood structures burned, one after another– century after century. TRAITORS were beheaded, and the families were humiliated by having a family member’s head put up on a stick. Sir Thomas Moore is a good example. THIS THOMAS MOORE–the author of this blog– IS DOING ALL IN HIS POWER TO KEEP HIS HEAD ON HIS SHOULDERS as a spike on LONDON BRIDGE is not a happy thought.
Moving along, the reconstructions are fantastic. I like being in Venice where the Ponto Vecchio still has its shops and merchants–now thousands and millions of tourists buying gold jewelry. Really, when you consider the crowded conditions of the city, the bridge community really makes sense.
Enjoy the photos. I loved them.
JOCELYN at GROSVENOR PRINTS has been a dear friend of mine for many years. I have gathered some outstanding engravings from GROSVENOR PRINTS over the years. These magnificent engravings are the center of my English collection. Many years ago now, I bought the fabuous equestrian portrait of KING GEORGE III riding with the Dragoons and his sons. It is massive and once hung over my desk until I came to the office one day to find it GONE. Where did it go? IT WAS STOLEN. Who stole it? MY SON THOMAS, and it now hangs over HIS desk in his home office. I was slightly irritated, but my anger was assuaged when I realized that a young man liked it enough to steal it from his father’s office. And so it goes.
But, I really encourage my readers to visit GROSVENOR PRINTS. These engravings are amazing documents of historical events and usually are engraved copies of some of the great historical paintings which hang in museums and in royal residences.
FABULOUS
There are over four million maps in various forms at the BRITISH LIBRARY. Magnificent maps highlight the British Library’s unique collection of large-scale maps, many of which have never been exhibited before demonstrate why maps are about far more than geography.
THE KLENCKE ATLAS was given to King Charles II at the time of the STUART RESTORATION in 1660. Such magnificent maps and atlases were symbols of status and wealth. They were important items in private and royal residences.
Prior to 1800, these maps would have hung beside paintings and sculpture on the walls of palaces and grand private homes. No expense was spared with vast tapestries, large wooden globes, and painting in gold leaf commissions.
THIS IS MAGNIFICENT AND MUST NOT BE MISSED. Very beautiful.
CARNAVAL DEL PUEBLO, held in London since 1999, is the largest Latin American out-door festival in Europe, attracting people from diverse backgrounds in a day of Latin music, dance, and fun.
Carnaval del Pueblo is the event of the year for all Latinos and lovers of their culture. Londoners of all communities come together and share this intense cultural experience.
The festival brings a Latin experience to London with a carnival procession, Latin American artists in four different areas in Burgess Park.
THIS WILL BE A COLORFUL EVENT AND A FUN EXPERIENCE. Put your valuables in your front pocket. Hm! I can go to the British Museum to study Egyptian mummies, OR I CAN SPEND THE AFTERNOON WATCHING HALF-DRESSED BEAUTIES DANCING DOWN THE STREET–ALL THEIR NATIVE DANCES. Hm. I wonder which one will win out! AND, GREAT FOOD!
I will see at CARNAVAL DEL PUEBO on 1 August starting at 10:00 am
THE GRAND DUCHESS VLADIMIR’S TIARA is one of the Queen’s most interesting pieces of jewelry. The TIARA itself is one of the most exquisite examples of late 19th century Russian craftsmanship. The Grand Duchess was the grandest of the Grand Duchesses of the Imperial Court. She despised the Empress and set up an alternate court in the Vladimir Palace which dazzled the eyes of western visitors. She loved her pearls and her magnificent emeralds.
In 1918, the Grand Duchess and her family fled St. Petersburg and took refuge in the Caucus Mountains. Finally, in 1920, the family fled the country in an Italian ship to live in Venice. By the end of 1920, the Grand Duchess was living in Paris where she died later in the year.
The vast VLADIMIR jewel collection was hidden in the Vladimir Palace in St. Petersburg, undetected by the Bolsheviks. A member of the British Secret Intelligent Service who had befriended the Grand Duchess entered the Vladimir Palace and rescued the jewels which he smuggled out of Russia in a large diplomatic bag. The jewels were delivered to the Vladimir family in Paris where the Grand Duchess divided them between her children.
This prized tiara was given to Grand Duchess’s daughter the Princess Nicolas of Greece from whom Queen Mary acquired the jewel for her personal collection. It was given to Queen Elizabeth by her grandmother and now is one of the Queen’s favorite pieces of jewelry–with a very a long and eventful history.
When the jewel came into the hands of Queen Mary, who loved emeralds, she used the remainder of the CAMBRIDGE EMERALDS to alternate with the large baroque pearls which were original to the tiara. Queen Mary enhanced many of the jewels in her collection, so today her contribution to the Queen’s personal collection is remarkable.
I am posting pictures of the Grand Duchess wearing the Tiara, Queen Mary with the tiara, and several images of the Queen with her favorite jewel–with both pearls and emeralds.
As you are aware, I place a lot of importance on the SUMMER EXHIBITION AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE. Fabulous items from the ROYAL COLLECTION see the light of day which otherwise would remain hidden in the vaults of Buckingham Palace or would be brought out on the rare occasion for a ceremonial event.
This image of ELIZABETH I painted during the 16th century was emailed to me. I have never seen it before. It hangs in Westminster School at Westminster Abbey where it has been since it was painted. I thought my readers would like to see this marvelous imagine of the Virgin Queen. Wonderful. Enjoy!
I assume that all my readers and visitors to our flats in London (
But, the important addition to ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL is the ORIEL WINDOW which HENRY VIII added to the chapel. It is a private Oriel Window overlooking the altar and is called the CATHERINE OF ARAGON WINDOW–the theme of carving is the TUDOR ROSE.
A successful trip to London has a lot to do with location, location. Well, our new flat certainly fills the bill. Rarely does a visitor to London have the opportunity to walk out his front door to find Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church just across the street–right next door. Just past the Abbey are the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Hall. St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace are to the left , and Whitehall leading to Trafalgar Square is just up the street. Westminster Bridge and London Eye are just in front. How is that for location? Amazing. The apartment is in a fantastic period building, positioned in the heart of Westminster. It is a sleek, bright, and very comfortable one bedroom accommodation on the second floor– with lift. It has just been entirely refurbished with the most up-to-date equipment. The lounge is bright, comfortable with TV, sofas, and chairs. The sofa in the lounge is a pull-out and can accommodate a third guest if needed. The kitchen is all new with washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, hob/oven, and microwave. The dining area has a glass dining table and four chairs and is open to the kitchen. The bedroom has a queen size bed and good storage. The bathroom has a shower stall, wash hand basin, and loo–all excellent quality. Westminster Tube Station is five minutes away, and St. James’s Park Station is just around the corner. This is an ideal flat for 2 persons. When considering the budget, the location, and the quality, this is a superb accommodation. HIGH-SPEED INTERNET with wireless router (802.llb/g) has been installed for those traveling with computers.
Dozens of headless skeletons excavated from a northern English building site appear to be the remains of Roman gladiators, one of whom had bites from a lion, tiger, bear, or other large animal, archaeologists report.
A couple of years ago, a London friend of ours invited us to dinner to meet a friend of hers: TARQUIN OLIVIER, son of the famous Lawrence Olivier. We met at LE COLOMBIER RESTAURANT in Chelsea. The group was exciting, but the servings were fabulous. Besides RULES RESTAURANT in Covent Garden, LE COLOMBIER is my favorite restaurant. Every visit has been successful. I LOVE THEIR LAMB and GRILLED SHRIMP starters.
British political cartoons are often much more vicious than their North American counterparts. In one of the milder instances, the GUARDIAN’S Steve Bell invariably depicted Prime Minster John Major wearing his underpants over is trousers. Another editorial cartoonist, Martin Rowson, has shown post-Iraq war Blair drenched in blood.
I wrote a blog recently about the ROYAL VAULTS at Windsor. I also read where Princess Beatrice–Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter– died during World War II, and her remains were placed in the Royal Vaults. It was in the midst of World War II, and nothing else could be arranged. I keep running into these words ROYAL VAULTS. I read That Queen Mary wanted to inspect the Royal Vaults to be sure they were in good repair. To her chagrin, they were in complete disarray (to such a degree that she refused to have her remains placed in the vaults and were put into a marble memorial above ground in St. George’s Chapel). In response to my writing about the ROYAL VAULTS, one of my readers forwarded this image of what the Royal Vaults actually look like. At the far end, you will see the large central coffin. Those are the remains of George III with his consort Queen Charlotte to one side and a second family member on the other. George IV was also placed in the vaults as was Princess Charlotte who died in childbirth. This is certainly no great image, but at least we get an idea. I know that somewhere on the Internet there is a drawing of the Vault showing who is entombed there and the location of their remains. If anyone finds it, please email it to me. Thanks so much.
A Visit to Westminster Abbey is part of every visit to London. I visit the Abbey twice a year, either on my own or with guests. This magnificent abbey is like a book that never ends. Our family members were in the Abbey four or five time for Christmas music events, sitting in different locations every time. When I saw the name of THOMAS HARDY under my chair, the most wonderful feeling came over me. This is a very hallowed location in the Abbey, and I wanted to share it with you: POET’S CORNER.
Thanks,
Thomas Moore
I don’t know why, but I do know that I am going to the WEST END in August to see Whoopi. Come join me.
Tom
LONDON’S FISH MARKET IS ONE OF THIS CITY’S BEST FREE ACTIVITIES. The early-morning frenzy at BILLINGSGATE FISH MARKET near London’s Docklands provides fun and cheap entertainment–even if you don’t buy fish.
As visitors wade across the wet floor (it’s best to wear boots or waterproof shoes) busy porters push trolleys stacked with Styrofoam crates that are crammed with live eels, turbot, salmon, mackerel–virtually any fish in existence. ”Mind your back!” porters shout and if people don’t move quickly enough, porters might just push them out of the way. For while many people are here to sightsee, traders have a job to do and only about tree hours in which to do it.
ENJOY CLASSIC ENGLISH BREAKFAST RIGHT OFF THE MARKET FLOOR
The Billingsgate Seafood Training School offers cooking classes that include a tour with a seafood inspector and lots of tips on how to buy fresh fish and where to find the best deals. After the tour, students take their catch back to the kitchens above the trading floor and learn how to gut, clean, and fillet a whole fish followed by ways to stuff it, cook it, and present it.
Billingsgate is open to the public but the principal buyers are chefs, fish mongers and other food professionals who purchase large quantities of fish at wholesale prices. Even so, a surprising number of locals brave the early morning hours to purchase the freshest fish in town at the cheapest prices. There is no filleted fish for two here though. Domestic buyers must be prepared to buy large quantities and clean it themselves. Even though, fish is handed over in plastic bags, many regulars being large plastic gags or coolers to prevent leaks on the way home.
The original site was at lower Thames Street but in 1982 the market moved to its present site at Trafalgar Way near Canary Wharf in London, Docklands. Most fish arrives by road from ports around the UK, including Cornwall and Aberdeen. In recent years, there is a greater proportion of exotic and tropical fish in response to growing ethnic diversity in the area.
Wow! What an experience.
London has changed so much in recent years, especially after the rebuilding of London in 1945– after World War II. I found these 1870 images so interesting. In some cases, there is little difference between THEN AND NOW, but in other cases, Old London has been swept away.
If any of my readers have vintage photos, I would love to post them for all of us to enjoy.
Fun
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756-1791) lived in London from 23 April 1764 until 30 July 1765 while he wrote his first two symphonies and regularly performed before admiring audiences.
Here on 29 June 1764 Mozart performed his compositions on the harpsichord and organ at a benefit concert in aid of a newly established maternity hospital. The entrance fee was five shillings.
In order to occupy himself Mozart composed his first two symphonies, K16 and K19. His sister sat by his side reminding Mozart to give the horn something worthwhile to do.
WALKIG NORTH-EAST TO…
Leopold published Mozart’s SIX SONATAS FOR THE HARPSICHORD AND VIOLIN at this time, dedicating them to Queen Caroline.
Mozart also took singing lessons here from Giovanni Manzuoli, a resident singer and one of the most famous male sopranos of the time. In 1771 Manzuoli came out of retirement to create the title role in Mozart’s ASCANIO IN ALBA, in Milan, which Mozart composed when he was only fifteen.
Thanks,
Friends in London suggested I let my readers known about Darren Dalglish’s LONDON THEATER EMAIL NEWSLETTER. Several of my readers are avid theater fans and would like to follow the London theater news. Perfect!
Thanks,
When you are in the Palace this summer, you end your tour in the WHITE DRAWING ROOM. My favorite royal portrait is the center of attention in this exquisite room. The 1908 portrait of QUEEN ALEXANDRA by Francois Flameng is my favorite royal portrait. It portrays the consort of King Edward VII wearing Queen Victoria’s small crown, Prince Albert’s blue sapphire broach, and the Queen’s Cartier Grisaille diamond necklace. On her left arm, she is wearing her favorite snake bracelet which she wears in almost every photograph or painting of the Queen.
The first image is a portion of the very large CORONATION PORTRAIT of Queen Victoria. These narrative canvases record an important event in English history; this portrait captures a coronation which began an entirely new age.
The second image is the STATE PORTRAIT OF QUEEN VICTORIA. She is wearing the State Crown (notice the Stuart Sapphire in the front of the crown) and Parliament joins her in the distance. The Queen said when she was first Queen: I WILL BE GOOD. After George IV and William IV, these must have been reassuring words.
The third painting is Winterhalter’s portrait of the Royal Family with the Queen accompanied by the Prince Consort and the first five of her nine children. This massive painting highlights the glory of family life.
The fourth portrait is King George III, the last King of America. This king detested excessive shows of wealth and splendor. Rather, he preferred to be remembered as a family king dedicated to scholarship, farming, science and technology, fine paintings, and BOOKS. This beautiful portrait reflects the tastes of this scholarly King. I have great respect for King George III.
The fifth portrait is King George IV, a complete contrast to his father George III. This king loved splendor, ceremony, works of art, architecture, on and on–everything to the extreme. He was a man of excess who had lost the love of his people. BUT, he was Queen Victoria’s uncle. We will talk about that in a moment.
The sixth portrait is one of the grand portraits of CHARLES I by VanDyck, the court painter. There are several Van Dyck paintings in the Royal Collection, but this particular portrait is important because it is an attempt to create a ABSOLUTE MONARCH to match the French King, Louis XIV who was painted in this same pose by Rigaud. This portrait had been sold by Cromwell, but it was returned to James II after the Stuart’s return to the throne.
The 18h century was a period of confidence and wealth in England. This confidence and industrialization in the country evidenced themselves in all aspects of life. Porcelain factories like Wedgwood, Chelsea, Derby, Worcester were flourishing. Adams, Chippendale, Linnell were the great furniture makers of the day. Fashion flourished.
Enjoy.
THE MAYFLOWER PUB, Totherhide Street SE16 is the only pub in England licensed to sell US and UK postage stamps?
TWO BREWERS, 40 Monmouth Street, WC2 was once called the Sheep’s Head as the severed head of a sheep was put outside the pub every day.
CHEQUERS, Duke of York Street SW1 was the first pub to be rebuilt after the Great Fire of London
A group of tourists from the Gambia in West Africa were visiting Westminster Abbey while I was showing some of our guests around Westminster Abbey. The Gambians were huddled around a statue which I had noticed but knew nothing about. They were speaking English, and I was very interested in what they had to say. The name WILBERFORCE was heard several times. I had seen a movie about WILLIAM WILBERFORCE several years ago, but the reverence these Gambian visitors had for this man represented by the sculpture made me realize I knew little about this history. After a bit of research, I was amazed how this great man had evaded my curiosity.
On 28 October 1778, Wilberforce wrote: ”God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners.” By the latter, he meant morals, for he had launched an attack on the decadence of the upper classes. Wilberforce, in short, was determined to make goodness fashionable. He resigned from his clubs and began to create an association of his peers who would govern their lives by decency of behavior. One of these was the playwright Hannah More who produced THOUGHTS ON THE MANNERS OF THE GREAT in which she argued that the poor could only be helped by reforming the rich. In 1789 she and Wilberforce began the foundation of schools to teach reading to the rural poor.
Of all of his many public works, Wilberforce is remembered most for the ABOLITION OF THE SLAVE TRADE. It was his lifetime’s labor. In his first publication, he attacked those who used SLAVERY as a means to wealth. He gathered around him a sympathetic group who encourage Wilberforce to publish a second book which attracted such friends as William Pitt to the cause of the Abolition of the Slave Trade. In this publication, Wilberforce stated: ”my grand arraignment of this most detestable and guilty practice, the SLAVE TRADE, is because it is chargeable with holding in bondage, in darkness and in blood one third of the habitable globe.” The Slave Trade was a lucrative trade, transporting and using African slaves on colonial sugar plantations in the West Indies. The slaves were seized on the coast of West Africa and transported by sea in appalling conditions, many of them dying on the way. The slaves were then formed into gangs of slave labor on the plantations, subject to the most barbarous and inhuman cruelty.
With respect,
Pieces of jewelry from the Queen’s collection have very interesting histories. They all have stories about how they came into collection. It is interesting to see the various pieces being worn by several Queens, generation after generation.
QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S STARBURST BROACH is a magnificent diamond creation, designed for a glamorous Queen who enjoyed the society of the EDWARDIAN AGE. Queen Victoria cautioned the Prince and Princess of Wales about extravagant styles, but Bertie and Alex would hear nothing of it. Marlborough House was the center of London society, and Edward and Alexandra held court in contrast to the dreary world of Buckingham Palace with a Queen who remained in mourning, year after year.
During the recent State Banquet at Windsor Castle for the President of France, the Queen wore her dazzling rubies: tiara, earrings, tiara. AND the ALEXANDRA STARBURST is brought out for this very elegant occasion.
I thought you would enjoy reading about this broach which the Queen will have on display at the QUEEN’S GALLERY this summer.
Tom
This vintage photograph really amused me. Remember, 1937 was a very challenging year: recent death of King George V, Abdication of EDWARD VIII, and finally the CORONATION OF KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH. The public had waited so long to know how this sequence of events would finally play out.
One man in this photograph just gave up with exhaustion on Coronation Day, 1937. Really amusing, but revealing. I thought you would enjoy seeing it.
Best,
This article delighted me. It is “fresh” and honest. Nice.
We have all been watching the Queen’s visit to Canada on television this past week. I have been particularly interested to see the Canadian reaction to the Sovereign as we move into another century. Actually, I was thrilled to hear that over 700,000 people lined the streets of Ottawa to see the Queen as she passed in her carriage. I have been considering what I would say about all this–it is really quite amazing. I think it is fair to say that no other individual world-wide would have drawn such crowds. It is interesting to ponder the reasons for this enthusiasm.
Thomas Moore
The STATE ROOMS at BUCKINGHAM PALACE will be open to the public starting 29 July until 29 September while the Queen is in Scotland. For visitors in London, this is one of the most interesting events of the summer season. After the State rooms, visitors will enjoy a special exhibit about the Queen’s Royal Tours. After you have gone through the palace, visit the the QUEEN’S GALLERY around the side of the palace where a most amazing VICTORIA AND ALBERT EXHIBITION is taking place. This year’s SUMMER OPENING will be one of the most interesting ever held at the Palace. Don’t miss it.
Tom
The Queen is 84 years old and continues to keep a demanding schedule. In light of the Queen’s busy schedule in Canada this week, the Palace published a history of the Queen’s schedule for the previous year. I think you will be amazed. THIS IS AN AMAZING SERVICE TO THE NATION. She goes on like her mother, the Queen Mother who lived to be over 100 years–full of enjoyment and enthusiasm. Really admirable.
THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, San Marino, California is a very short distance from where I grew up. I spent many hours wandering through the beautiful house where much of my interest in art had its start. My mother used to take my brother–who went along reluctantly–and me to see the great 18th century portraits which she loved so much. I remember her telling me that we should talk about the Gainsborough landscapes first because the painter preferred doing landscapes and painted magnificent portraits only to earn a living. She used to say that you will understand GAINSBOROUGH best if you know his landscapes well. Eventually, we made friends with BLUE BOY and the other stunning, aristocratic paintings by this splendid 18th century portrait painter.
As I grew older and began to wander through the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Kenwood House, the National Gallery, and the Wallace Collection, Gainsborough’s paintings became very familiar to me. A few years ago, the absolutely glorious portrait of QUEEN CHARLOTTE which is usually in the Queen’s Audience Room at Buckingham Palace was exhibited at the QUEEN’S GALLERY. When I saw this large portrait, I knew that I would have liked to know this great artist. IT HAD EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE EYE.
Thomas Gainsborough established himself as the dominant British portraitist of the second half of the 18th century. His paintings have found their way into almost every major museum in the world. In the community where we live, a local international family has five Gainsborough portraits. I own a large pastel portrait of a lady from the School of Gainsborough which I bought in Boston nearly fifty years ago which now hangs in one of the guests rooms in this old house. I have been fortunate to have the works of this painter somewhere near me for almost all my life. So, I decided to pay HOMAGE TO GAINSBOROUGH and drop my head at his burial site.
Kew was where the Royal Family lived in the 18th and early 19th centuries. St. Anne’s Church, Kew Green, had been first built by Queen Anne, but much enlarged by King George III since it was the church was closest to his residence at Kew Palace. Where else should the Gainsborough family worship than in the church where his clients attended services. When Gainsborough died 2 August, 1788, at the age of 61, his body was buried next to the walls of the Church. In the vaults of the church was the crypt where many members of the Royal Family were buried. During the 1930′s, Queen Mary set out to put the collections and Royal Vaults in good order. When she came to St. Anne’s Church to inspect the Royal Vaults, she found the site in complete decay and had the remains of the members of the Royal Family removed to the Vaults at Windsor Castle. But Thomas Gainsborough’s tomb remains in its original state, in good repair. He was buried next to FRANCIS BAUER, the botanical illustrator.
So, off to Kew I went; and with the greatest of pleasure I easily found the stone covering the remains of Thomas Gainsborough. I felt such great pleasure. Many of my readers go to Kew at least once during their visits. Please, stop at St. Anne’s Church, Kew Green, Kew, and pay HOMAGE TO THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH. A simple rose would be fitting. Wherever he is, I am sure he is painting–perhaps a rose!
Wonderful.
At least once each trip I go to RULES RESTAURANT on Maiden Lane in Covent Garden for STEAK AND KIDNEY PIE. Since I was a child, the paper ruffle around the pie is the way I thought STEAK AND KIDNEY PIE is served. However it is served, this is my favorite English meal. Friends have asked me how to prepare it at home, and I have said over and over that I don’t have a clue. So, I thought I would find a few recipes and pass them along. I have to say, in a good pub where the food is prepared on the premises, steak and kidney pie can be fabulous.
I like a pile of MASH and butter to go along with my pie with a good helping of peas, again nicely buttered and salted/peppered. So, let me show you some photographs of homemade STEAK AND KIDNEY PIES and then I will post a few recipes–they all seem so different.
Happy eating.
ED’S DINER STATES Ed’s Diner founded the American diner culture in the UK, creating a fun, family, dining experience when we opened our first site in London’s SOHO in November 1987. ED’S is the original 1950′s classic diner which has its roots in post-World War II culture. Our music is Rock ‘N’ Roll, our food tastes great, and we offer service with a smile.
SOMETIMES, WE ARE ALL KIDS. AND OFTEN I CRAVE A REALLY GOOD HAMBURGER AND A CHOCOLATE MALT. There are three ED’S DINERS in London, but the one in Soho on the east end of Compton Street is the only one I know. It is close to the theater district and all the nightlife of central London. AND THEY DO SERVE A FANTASTIC BURGER AND FRIES. Many of you are in London with your children, and I know you are also being out-voted! It will be OK and you will survive; the kids will have a great time.
THE AMERICAN DINER IN LONDON! YIKES.
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THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE STATION is Harrods and all the shopping in this luxury area. THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE STATION has two exits: one is right at Harrods and the main station exits at Harvey Nichol on Sloane Street. LUXURY GOODS everywhere. Beauchamp Place, the Cromwell Road, great restaurants–goodness, credit card shoppers will be in heaven. I like to window shop all around this area and then have lunch at the Cafe Rouge behind Harrods. A walk down Beauchamp Place where Diana Princess of Wales used to shop is great fun. If you are fashionably hungry, stop in for lunch at San Lorenzo’s. I love the pastry and bread department at Harrods for my favorite ALMOND CROISSANT. Our flats on Beaufort Gardens–this is the stop! Let’s keep traveling up the Piccadilly Line.
HYDE PARK CORNER is a small station, but it is the exit for THE HARD ROCK CAFE and your walks through Hyde Park and up Park Lake. Next stop, please!
PICCADILLY TUBE STATION is a lively spot! You are now in the heart of the Theater District–right up Shaftesbury Avenue. The entire street is one theater after another. One restaurant after another! And mobs of people. Friday and Saturday nights are a sea of people from all over the world, all trying to enjoy this amazing place. I love to walk up Shaftesbury Avenue looking at all the theater posters and people dressed up for a night out–LEVIS TO GOWNS BUT LOTS OF GLITTER since beads are the style. Boy, you know you are London when you are in this area. Our flats on Pall Mall and Cambridge Circus are reached from the Piccadilly Station.
LEICESTER SQUARE STATION is another lively spot! There are several exits, but they are all just different sides of the street. This is CINEMA land with motion pictures all around Leicester Square. There are some good restaurants here and LOTS OF PIZZAS and kebabs. THE NATIONAL GALLERY, TRAFALGAR SQUARE, THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, ST. MARTIN IN-THE-FIELDS, and THE NATIONAL OPERA are all reached from this station. Our flats on St. Martin’s Lane, Upper St. Martins, Charing Cross are near this tube station. THIS IS A LIVELY PART OF TOWN. And Fun! I love my evenings in a Chinese restaurant in China Town which is only five minutes from this tube station.
COVENT GARDEN TUBE STATION is another theater district exit. The ROYAL OPERA HOUSE is an experience of a lifetime. I saw AIDA here a few years ago have been back many times–all memories which I think about often. Rupert Friend and Keira Knightley and their world whirl around this area, often photographed in their hip clothes and shopping bags. There are several Italian restaurants like BELLA ITALIA, and Spanish restaurants, and Indian restaurants, clubs, wine bars, and pubs, pubs, pubs, and more pubs. The COVENT GARDEN PLAZA is always full of life. When I am wandering, I often find myself having pizza and tonic water and lime on the Plaza watching all the amusing entertainment around me. The stalls of Covent Garden are here. JUBILEE MARKET and my dealer friends are here. If you are going to RULES RESTAURANT for a special meal, this is your tube station. A walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral is wonderful. My family and friends had a fantastic meal in a pub during the Christmas holidays in this area. The CHESHIRE CHEESE is always a fun place. EVERY VISITOR TO LONDON WILL FIND HIMSELF IN THIS AREA MANY TIMES DURING A VISIT TO LONDON. It is a lively place to spend a lot of time. In the evenings, everyone is having a pre-theater meal or an after-theater dinner, and the restaurants are full of happy people. I like being here.
The Coronation of 12 May 1937 was a rather chaotic affair since the Heir Apparent Edward VIII decided he would get married to Wallis Simpson and abdicate. Everything was ready for the coronation, but now there was no King. George VI reluctantly was crowned on 12 May, and a new stamp had to be designed. The first design was rejected by the King and certainly by the Queen. The second design was accepted by the King, and the final version is one of the most beautiful stamps ever circulated by the British Postal Services. I am attaching the rejected design, the accepted tentative design, and the final version.
The Princess Elizabeth had married Prince Philip, and the Royal couple soon expected the King’s first grandchild. The King was eager to celebrate this event with a stamp suitable for the occasion. The first design was a silly proposal with the Princess Elizabeth surrounded with a leaf design and the King with his crown, and a cherub in the tree branches–ridiculous. Prince Philip was left out completely. That was rejected by Buckingham Palace. The second design had the King to one side and Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip holding a “stylized” baby–because no one knew if it was a girl or a boy. Finally, the postal services consulted with the King, and they both agreed that the situation was awkward so no stamp was ever circulated. I am posting both rejected versions. Very interesting.
Finally, I want to discuss two of the verions which were designed for the King and Queen’s up-coming Silver Wedding celebration in 1948. The first design was a complicated stamp with the King and the Queen facing each other with Windsor Castle between them. All kinds of filigree and dates complicate the design. The Queen said NO to that proposal. Finally, a simple design was presented to the Queen with the royal couple sitting together with their marriage dates on each side. The Queen is wearing Queen Victoria’s ORIENTAL CIRCLET TIARA and the massive Crown Rubies left to the Royal Family by Queen Victoria in 1901. It is a “family portrait” and something personal that delighted the Queen.
I have collected stamps since I was a very young child. I have always felt that STAMPS TEACH HISTORY. When you are in London, buy stamps from the post office so you have those special editions which are so beautiful. Forget the regular postage which you buy from the postcard shop or from the hotel desk. They are just regular stuff, not suitable for a real souvenir from London.
ONE OF THE GREATEST PAINTINGS IN THE WORLD HAS BEEN RECOVERED IN BERLIN. Caravaggio’s THE TAKING OF CHIRST (1573-1602) was stolen from the ODESSA MUSEUM OF WESTERN AND EASTERN ART in Odessa.
This seems to be the year of celebrations for the YOUNG VICTORIA. The movie THE YOUNG VICTORIA with Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend certainly contributed to the fun frenzy. Now the exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery about the young lives of Victoria and Albert is really exciting. I wanted to write a post about a piece of Queen Victoria’s jewelry which is a part of this theme.
Prince Albert had amazing talent in so many areas. He was involved in industry, education, social reform, constitutional monarchies, architecture, art, fresco, and jewelry. During their early lives together, the Prince designed a great deal of beautiful jewelry for the Queen. He designed a tiara with emeralds, now owned by the Earl of Harwood. He designed a tiara with sapphires, now owned by the Duke of Westminster. And he designed a third tiara with opals. This is the ORIENTAL CIRCLET TIARA now worn by the Queen.
When the Prince Consort died at the age of 41, the Queen never wore jewelery with colored stones again. So, the tiaras were unseen for nearly fifty years. Queen Alexandra inherited this tiara, but she removed the opals, believing they were bad luck. Queen Mary never wore the tiara. But the Queen Mother loved it and wore it with Queen Victoria’s rubies for many years. The following dramatic photograph of the Queen Mother wearing Queen Victoria’s tiara in Buckingham Palace was taken by Cecil Beaton and is an amazing image. When the Queen Mother died at 101 years of age, the Queen retained this beautiful jewel.
This tiara best exemplifies the jewelry of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s early years together. Hopefully, the Queen will place it in the Queen’s Gallery for the new exhibition about the lives of Victoria and Albert together.
Reading DAVID COPPERFIELD by Charles Dickens was one of my favorite school assisgnments. I remember how I felt as I hoped that the book would have a happy ending. Sometimes, I felt that DICKENS was too harsh and painful to read, but of course I was David Copperfield’s age, and I wanted to share my good life with him.
I stopped reading Dickens because there was so much LONDON FOG in the novels–until I was college age and had a better understanding of Victorian England and the slums of London. As a young adult, with all the idealism of my world, I began to understand what Dickens was all about. He gradually became a hero for me as he fought the battle for a better life for the poor–particularly for innocent children.
Charles Dickens is remembered all over London. His writing chair is in a museum, and his residence is still there. In the engraving shops, prints of Dickens from the Victorian period still are sought after. My son Richard and his wife Claire read to each other as they travel. I rode with them once on a trip, and they were reading Charles Dickens, a rather obscure novel at that!
If you are a Victorian novel fiend like I am, make your way to THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP. It has amazed me how this ancient building with roots to the 1600′s has survived. It is a tourist site now, but a visit here is just one of those things YOU OUGHT TO DO, like going to STONEHENGE and climbing to the top of St. Paul’s.
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Can anyone tell me what this image is? Can anyone guess where it is located in London? It is a fun story. I found it on one of my walks one evening. Some of my readers have seen them during your walks. Let’s see who has been walking in London.
TATE BRITAIN TODAY UNVEILS ITS NEW DUVEENS COMMISSION, HARRIER AND JAQUAR, BY FIONA BANNER. Banner’s large work, HARRIER AND JAGUAR, brings the highly-charged physicality of two real fighter jets, both previously active military service, into the unexpected setting of the neoclassical Dureen Galleries. HARRIER AND JAGUAR has been specially devised for the TATE BRITAIN DUVEENS COMMISSION 2010– supported by Sotheby’s.
COVENT GARDEN MARKET IS A MECCA FOR THOSE EAGER TO FIND THAT UNIQUE SOUVENIR. After I have overcome a long flight and have settled in, I wander to Covent Garden for a pizza on the Plaza and a stroll through Covent Garden stalls and Jubilee Market–simply enjoying myself and being relaxed.
BONDS PUPPETS sells its glorious puppets in JUBILEE MARKET. This gentle man proudly tells his clients all about his puppets and the stories they highlight. We bought several: Beatrix Potter personalities, elephants, snakes, dolls, bunnies, on and on. RAGGEDY-ANNE was the cotton doll that caught my wife’s eye–she had to have three of them for our youngest grand-daughters.
1 Travistock Court, THE PIAZZA Covent Garden, London WC2 8BD
DO I LOVE COLOR! A young man in London named LESTER HUTT decided he would see what various alcoholic drinks look like under a microscope. The images were so spectacular that he started taking photographs of these fabulous color arrangements. The microscope revealed the molecules that make up our favorite tipples.
When I saw these images from London this morning, I had to forward a few of them on to my readers. LONDON IS ALIVE! PERFECT TIMES FOR VISITING: tours, exhibitions, art, sports, pomp, fashion, fine food, antiques, and now ALCOHOLIC MICROSCOPIC ART. CONTACT INFORMATON: EMAIL: Service@bevshots.com Telephone: US 850.807.0507
These days, if you blink you miss a whole new world–so much is happening. I will try to keep you posted. I WILL DO MY BEST.
Goodness, what next! What a place this London really is.
Wonderful.
Tom
Wednesday, a top London art gallery will unveil an exhibition of works that had tricked its own experts–until scientific advances revealed cleverly produced fakes or unexpected treasures.
A Rembrandt turned out to be the work of a student in the master’s studio, and WOMAN AT A WINDOW was later modified because of concerns over morality.
Prince Harry keeps his promise: I WILL HELP MY BROTHER. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are in Canada–The Prince of Wales is celebrating with the Welsh people–Prince William has joined his military mates (with Kate coming along!)–AND PRINCE HARRY IS TAKING NEW YORK BY STORM. These amazing photographs of the young Prince playing POLO in New York, engaging the crowd, reveal the STAR QUALITY of this kind-hearted young man. He has emerged on his efforts to become one of the real players in the royal scene today. THE QUEEN MUST BE THRILLED.
Cecil Beaton was certainly one of the great wits of the Twentieth Century. I have been working on an up-coming blog about the PHOTOGRAPHER CECIL BEATON and ran into a series of quotes. I thought you would enjoy them.
Funny
One of the most exquisite summer exhibitions is being held in the BRITISH MUSEUM: 100 EXQUISITE DRAWINGS BY ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ARTISTS 1400-1510 including the drawings of BOTTICELLI, FRA ANGELO, VERROCHIO, MICHELANGELO, RAPHAEL. This exhibition is one of the most important exhibitions ever put together, even rivaling the Queen’s collection at Windsor.
Enjoy
What’s next? The Queen has been on the throne for so many years, and it might be difficult to know what to do to celebrate a great occasion. But, a million dollar gold coin that weighs 220 pounds and is 21 inches in diameter is quite unusual, especially in these economically difficult times. Hey, it’s a Royal Tour to Canada and to New York, and I am excited about it as well. I just wanted to alert my readers so you can follow the tour on television and especially the Queen’s address to the General Assembly. The Canadian Centennial Navy celebration at Nova Scotia will also be spectacular. When I get the photos, I will post them. Spectacular.
FILM4 SUMMER SCREEN returns for 2010 29 July – 8 August. A highlight of the summer calendar, the series features everything from special previews to cult classics, all showing on a staate-of-the art screen with full surround-sound.
There is more than just the movies. Arrive early; come and picnic in the magnificent Edmond J. Safra Courtyard while DJs play or attend one of the companion events in BEHIND THE SCREEN.
The EMPRESS EUGENIE and NAPOLEON III became friends of Queen Victoria. When the French Imperial Family went into exile, they were invited to live in England as guests of Queen Victoria. The Emperor Napoleon III, the Empress, and their son the Prince Imperial are all buried in England. The Empress lived a long life, more than 90 years old, and died in 1920.
The Empress Eugenie had a passion for beautiful jewels. Her famous pearl and diamond tiara contained the largest natural pearl in the world. Her long five strands of pearls were admired. She and the ladies of the Imperial Court were magnificently dressed and often the subject of spectacular paintings, especially by Winterhalter.
Recently, Queen Elizabeth II has on two occasions worn a feather broach with a large sapphire and diamonds. She wore the broach to Royal Ascot which sent all the “royal watchers” scurrying trying to figure the broach’s history. It is a spectacular piece of jewelery and was given by the Empress Eugenie while she lived in exile in England to Queen Mary, then the Duchess of York, upon her marriage to the future King George V in 1893. This spectacular broach was left by Queen Mary to her granddaughter, the current Queen Elizabeth II.
I am attaching a page from a publication which shows some of the jewels which were wedding gifts to Queen Marry. Other than the wedding gifts from Queen Victoria and the Empress, the jewels were comparatively simple when compared to the elaborate collections Queen Mary left to her children when they were married.
Well, that is the story of the Queen’s SAPPHIRE FEATHER BROACH.
When I drive down the Embankment, in front of the Mercedes-Benz showrooms, a sculpture of the child and flying dolphin catches my attention. When friends come to London with their children–always hungry–I take them to the CARVERY AT THE TOWER THISTLE HOTEL AT THE TOWER OF LONDON. After our meal, we always seem to find ourselves outside gazing up and down the River with our eyes gravitating to the magnificent TOWER BRIDGE in front of us. Then we all want our picture taken in front of a fountain with another dolphin and flying figure. These two figures are two of several sculptures done by DAVID WYNNE.
I remember seeing the sculpture of the head of Prince Charles, the new Prince of Wales, wearing his new crown several years ago. Then came the bronze of the Queen which for many years was in one of the public rooms at Windsor Castle–now in one of the spaces added after the fire. The Queen wearing the Coronation Crown, all in bronze, takes your breath away.
David Wynne’s sculpture of the Beatles was so novel for this wildlife sculptor, but the bronze sculpture captures the spirit of the age; you can almost heir the voices of the era singing.
I particularly like THE RIVER GOD on the Tyne, not in London, but I saw it last year on my way to Edinburgh.
David Wynne captures in sculpture so many aspects of British life. As we all walk around London, particularly along the river and in Cadogan Square Park, we will meet his work often.
PRINCE HARRY PITCHING IN NEW YORK – THE METS
PRINCE HARRY WEST POINT
PRINCE HARRY WEST POINT – Receiving a gift from his military mates
PRINCE HARRY SPEAKING ON BOARD THE USS INTREPID
A quick post which I think will be of interest to our readers. The acclaimed country house opera festival comes to central London–via a big screen set up in the courtyard–for three days–showing live performances of BILLY BUD, THE RAKE’S PROGRESS, and a matinee screening of HANSEL AND GRETAL.
It is fascinating to learn about people through their possessions. This seems to be the approach that the V&A is taking with its current exhibit of Grace Kelly’s gowns. The larger part of the show consists of the French haute couture she favored as Her Serence Highness. The exhibition is interesting to see the gowns when Grace Kelly wore the Monegasque tiara on her head compared to the crisp silhouette she favored as a jobbing actress.
It is all so interesting. I suppose when you are HER SERENE HIGHNESS PRINCESS GRACE, you can wear what you damn well please.
This is an interesting exhibition at the V&A for 6 pounds until 26 September.
My wife sends her best wishes. My wife says she is going and dragging me along. I really do want to go.
Tom
These ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS will be on display from 3 July – 8 January at THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM in South Kensington.
Potter died on 22 December 1943 and left almot all of her property to the National Trust. Her books continue to see well throughout the world. Her stories have been retold in various formats including a ballet, films, and in animation.
Thomas Moore
The Queen attended WIMBLEDON today for the first time in 33 years. The Queen was warmly and enthusiastically received by the crowds who had come to Center Court. The Queen is amazing; 84 years old and still reaching out to her subjects and supporting her players.
Andy Murray must have been thrilled with the Queen’s visit to watch him play. She was not disappointed.
Serena Williams also curtsied to the Queen and enjoyed their exchange of greetings.
Martina Navratilova was warmingly received by the Queen–wonderful picture.
But the Queen showed her special enthusiasm for a Brit– a Scot– Andy Murray
The Queen has worn this sapphire and diamond feather broach on two occasions lately. The Queen has not been seen wearing this broach for a very long time. Can any identify it and tell us how it came into the personal jewel collection of the Queen?
EVENT PREVIEW: LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTER
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The JEWELS AT THE TOWER OF LONDON are on everyone’s itinerary for their visit to London. Without question, they are magnificent. But, one of the most historic jewels is the STUART SAPPHIRE which often goes unnoticed because it is located at the back of the IMPERIAL STATE CROWN. Let me tell you about its history.
This 104 carat cabochon sapphire belonged to ROBERT II ( grandson of Robert the Bruce), first monarch of the Stuart Dynasty of Scotland in 1371. The SAPPHIRE remained in the hands of the Stuart Dynasty for nearly 400 years and went into exile with James II in 1688. It came to England with James I and left England with his grandson James II when he fled to France. James II’s grandson returned to England and gave the STUART SAPPHIRE to King George III in 1800 in gratitude for the King’s pension to his Stuart relation Cardinal Stuart, the end of the Stuart line.
So, when you are admiring the IMPERIAL STATE CROWN at the Tower of London, be sure you look carefully at the 104 carat STUART SAPPHIRE at the back of the crown. It is one of the most historic and symbolic stones in the crown and has a 700-year connection to the kings and queens of England and Scotland.
Wow! What history. There is so much written about the Crown Jewels, but I wanted to be sure my readers did not overlook the STUART SAPPHIRE which has an amazing history: the history of the union of Scotland and England. Perfect.
COLUMBIA FLOWER MARKET IS OPEN EVERY SUNDAY MORNING. The MARKET was established in 1869 as a covered food market by philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts for 400 stalls with flats above in a tall Gothic building. The market closed in 1886 because the traders preferred selling outdoors.
The MARKET is popular not only with plant and flower buyers but also with photographers and television companies who regularly film here.
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Prince William is certainly a well-rounded young man. Today, the Prince will follow in the footsteps of his father Prince Charles as he becomes a fellow of the National Academy of Science of the UK.
Great news
THE LONDON CONNECTION offers this exceptional conversion of a mid-19th century white stucco terrace in the heart of MAYFAIR (WC1). The apartment at MADDOX SGTREET has been completely refurbished to create very special and luxurious accommodations in a fantastic two bedroom/two bathroom apartment in one of the most fashionable locations in central London.
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On 15 August, THE LONDON CONNECTION will have available two fantastic flats on JOHN ADAM STREET IN WESTMINSTER, WC2 LONDON. One of the flats is a one bedroom flat, and the second flat is a two bedroom flat.
The building is a new conversion of a Georgian brick-building which provides two charming apartments situated in the West End a few moments away from TRAFALGAR SQUARE in an amazing location. The apartments at John Adam Street have been completely refurbished to create very special and luxurious accommodations in one of the most central locations in central London.
The apartments are located 30 seconds from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, one minute walk to the River Thames, 2 minutes from Covent Garden and Leicester Square, 3 minutes from St. James’s Park and Green Park, and five minutes from the house of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben.
Check out our website 
It is time to pack your surfboard and get on the road to the MUSEUM OF BRITISH SURFING. From June 12 to 19 September, 2010, there will be an exhibition AN ART HISTORY OF BRITISH SURFING HISTORY at WOODHORN, QUEEN ELIZABETH II COUNTRY PARK, ASHINGTON, NORTHUMBERLAND NE63 9YF. This is a spectacular venue on the north east coast of England.
Very interesting.
A reader sent me this picture this afternoon. I had to share it with my readers. Does it not say it all? What a fantastic image. FABULOUS.
My olest son– whom many of you know in the LONDON CONNECTION OFFICES here in the States– recently was in London working with ourLondon team, looking at new flats, and riding his “miracle” 
After dinner, he left the restaurant only to find that his bike had been stolen. He called me on the phone and said: I HAVE JUST HAD THE MOST HORRIBLE DAY OF MY LIFE. I thought for sure he was in a hospital with a crushed skull and missing one leg. Well, it turned out that some thug had made off with his IBIS bike. He contacted his good friend SCOT NICOL owner of 
The front fork was a pre-production NINER CARBON FRONT FORK in “solid gold” color. The serial number of the fork was also unique as this was the only bike with such a serial number. The racing tires were RACING RALPH TIRES.
And what about the bike? The GOLD fork has been recovered, and IBIS CYCLES and their representatives in London are hot on the trail of this unique bicycle. This carbon fiber IBIS bike won’t be difficult to track down: unique color, unique serial number, and IBIS clearly evident on the frame. The PUNK, Mr. Dean Settle, will be the key to finding it.
There has been a lot of chatter lately about the high fashion at Royal Ascot. During all this interest in Ascot hats and dresses, I heard an expression I have never known before: BLACK ASCOT. So, I went on the search.
King Edward VII loved dressing up and attending Royal occasions, particularly ASCOT. It was the EDWARDIAN AGE, and the women were absolutely elegant, and the men were debonair and urbane.
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What can we do with a wretched old soul who wakes up on Saturday morning with the excitement and energy of a young fellow enjoying the first day of his honeymoon? I suppose we have to do a serious investigation to see what is in his head. Usually, it is the excitement of a MARKET and ANTIQUE STALLS. Your poor old author here has this dilemma, and I am assured by my doctor that there is NO cure. Could be worse like having no money to buy anything. Hopefully, I have saved enough to buy a perfect antique button for my wife’s sewing kit.
CHURCH STREET MARKET on a Saturday morning is fascinating. I put my few pennies and my Oyster Card in my front pocket and have a thrilling time. Like many of London’s markets, CHURCH STREET reaches a crescendo at the weekend. On Friday and Saturday, stalls selling cheap clothes, household goods, fish, cheesse, and antiques join the everyday fruit and vegetable stalls. ALFIES ANTIQUE MARKET (No.13-25) houses around 100 dealers selling everything from jewelry to furniture–and of course the Staffordshire figure of Queen Victoria.
FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY has visited London today for events to mark the 70th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle’s radio appeal to German-occupied France. The visit is the first by a French president to mark General de Gaulle’s broadcast on 18 June, 1940.
During a ceremony at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Mr. Sarkozy told them he brought the “brotherly greetings and eternal gratitude of the French people” who remembered what Britain had “accomplished for our freedom.” He also awarded the LEGION D’HONNEUR to six of the veterans–three of them British–who took part in the Operation Dragoon landings in Provence in August 1944. Mr. Cameron said the anniversary was a “reminder that Britain and France are not just neighbours in the geographical sense but also in the emotional sense.” He said he was committed to working with France to face “huge challenges.”
I am going to relate a story which I hope will interest you. It is a long story. LEONORA CARRINGTON is the center of my interest–her name has entered my life again. When I was thirteen years old, my mother decided that I should take LEARNING SPANISH seriously. Living in Southern California allowed me to have many occasions to speak Spanish, and the Mexican people who helped around our house were not allowed to speak English to my brother and me. But when I was 13, my mother got serious and my world changed. My mother could see how the world was changing, and she wanted my brother and me to be ready for it. Both my brother and I speak Spanish fluently today.
A family friend had been living in Mexico City for several years. My mother and this gentleman had been friends and neighbors off and on since their childhood, so our family trusted him as you would family members. He suggested to my mother that I attend a summer school program in Guanajuato, north of Mexico City where a friend of his was in charge of the summer school program.
I arrived in Guanajuato about a week before summer school started and lived with a wonderful family who owned the local Guanajuato newspaper. Their house was a fine colonial residence with three floors around a central patio. Three days before school began, my roommate arrived. He had half of the large room, and I filled up the other half. He came from New York City from one of the famous old New York families and was in Guanajuato to study 19th century Spanish literature specializing in the works of Don Benito Perez Galdos. His name was David Henry V………..and he was traveling with a family maid. DHV was 19, but we got on great. His maid from home was Flora.
Mexico was perfect for Leonora. The folklore, the colors, the native scenes appealed to this artist who had run away from her staid family in England. She became friends with Remedios Varo who had joined the Republican forces during the Spanish Civil war and had also fled to Mexico and carried on with her painting. The third friend was the Jewish Hungarian photojournalist Katin Horna. They were a new breed in Mexico, a real change from the muralist Diego Rivera. These ladies were the Marc Chagall and Giorgio de Chirico of the new art world of Mexico, ladies who focused on psychological states which resembled dreams and fantasy. Theirs was a metaphysical world–quite apart from the art tradition of Mexico.
FABULOUS