Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 27, 2012
THOMAS MOORE FLIES THROUGH LONDON ON THE BACK OF A MOTORCYCLE
WANDERING through London has been my way of life. I have walked London streets for over 60 years, and I have never tired of one single street or corner. Today has been another one of those fantastic days I so love in this “eternal” city. My dear friend Luis put me on the back of his motorcycle and I went flying through this ancient city, seeing this city that I know so well from the back of a speeding vehicle. I would have probably been frightened had I not known Luis so well and trusted him completely. I had a blast. We left central London, down the Strand into the City, around the Mansion house and the Bank of England, on to Tower Hill and then what was for me UNKNOWN TERRITORY. Traffic was thick as mush, but the bike ripped between buses and cars from one red light to the next one. Horns were sounding, drivers swearing, a few four letter words, and a lot of bouncing and flying along. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. But all of a sudden, I saw the street sign BRICK LANE, and I knew my camera was about to melt away with image after after of some of the most unreasonable graffiti I had ever seen. I loved it, every weird-strange-angry-curious-irredeemably vulgar figure. It was not so much the graffiti that I loved; rather, it was a world where people weren’t afraid to “give it a try.” People walked by these vibrant walls as if this is how the world is to be. There were a few cameras flashing; but they were souvenir visitors who wanted to be shocked or were going to write a blog about it–HM! Vintage clothing shops, motor bike garages, colorful galleries caught my eyes, and I was thrilled to be flying sitting on the back of a bike with my camera and very exciting eye balls. When we left Brick Lane and were ripping down Shoreditch Main Street, I saw a bit of colorful writing that said CHANGE NOW. It made me think, but not enough to discourage my fun ride with cold January breezes chilling my nose and ears. WHAT A BLAST! I hope you will enjoy these images–a bit weak because I was moving pretty fast. Yikes! Here it goes again!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 26, 2012
Architect NASH’s beautiful Georgian buildings along the MALL: Photo sharing
These beautiful buildings were built by the architect NASH for the Prince Regent during the first 30 years of the 19th century. They are built on the site of the old Carlton House, former residence of George IV when Prince of Wales. Notice the PRINCE OF WALES FEATHERS in the pediment of these exquisite buildings. These glorious structures are such a contrast to the restrained tastes of the Prince Regent’s parents, King George II and Queen Charlotte who lived domestically at Buckingham House and Kew Palace. Amazing story.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
LOST PORTRAIT OF JAMES VI OF SCOTLAND/JAMES I OF ENGLAND FOUND: FABULOUS ARTICLE by Philip Mould
I was directed to this article about another major art discovery. These are very important discoveries. Read this! Really exciting stuff.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE LAMBORGHINI in South Kensington: All that glitters might indeed be GOLD
Look what I ran into today. I didn’t buy one, but I was tempted–oh yeh!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
OH, I DO LOVE LONDON. PHOTOS ARE BETTER THAN A THOUSAND WORDS
I was at Buckingham Palace today, and I was leaving, this was the scene. I thought to myself: PHOTOS ARE BETTER THAN A THOUSAND WORDS. I knew my readers would love this photos.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 25, 2012
MY JOB IN LONDON: What actually do I accomplish during a working visit to London
I started the LONDON CONNECTION thirty years ago. We were the first American company offering private flats in London to foreign visitors. There were a few London agents who were connected to London real estate agents, but we were determined to find an alternative to the hugely expensive hotels which were frustrating travelers who were looking for affordable accommodations. I owned two flats in central London which I used as a starting point for THE LONDON CONNECTION. We had lots of fun and felt we had found an alternative to London hotels. Several London friends offered their homes to our company for visitor accommodations while they were away from London. Thirty years later, what do I do to occupy my time while in London? I join a splendid London team lead by the famous CRISTINA whose professional talent and energy are unmatched. While I am here, I view flats which have been offered to our company to accommodate visitors while the owners are away from London. These flats are private homes which are very interesting with beautiful furnishings and generations of family collections. I love to visit these properties. The more difficult part of my job is the buying and refurbishing of some of the most interesting properties which have remarkable potential. Our designer is a talented engineer whose fantastic work is now enjoyed by our clients. So, we have a remarkable team. We have grown from offering two family flats to a company that buys, refurbishes, and decorates some of the finest flats in London. I am very proud of the team which has proved capable and successful. I feel privileged to work with this professionalism. So, I take on private family flats, and I join the efforts to turn around a tired flat and watch the accommodation become a successful property which will become a happy temporary residence for a visitor enjoying London. Let me show you a few photographs which will show you my work. Remember, I work on my blog at least four hours a day; being in London gives me new ideas which will keep me writing for the next two months. I love it; I hope you enjoy it as well.
Here is a family flat we have added to our portfolio today:
Now,let me show you the work we do to bring back a tired property. There is a great sense of achievement when these accommodations come alive again! Enjoy
We meet wherever we can squeeze in some time. Here is a typical scene. I am the photographer, Cristina, and Marco are deep in discussion. Really wonderful and successful.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
PHOTOGRAPHERS SHARING IMAGES: Wandering along the Thames
Moments ago, I received an email from a photographer whom I met a few weeks ago while we were both waiting for the sun to go behind the Houses of Parliament. We exchanged email addresses so we could share photographs which we had taken with great enthusiasm in London that day. I saw an image he had taken of me looking through my lens at the Palace of Westminster, waiting for the right lighting. I just received his images, and it is wonderful to add another photography friend I will hook up with when I am in London. We are having lots of fun!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, THE V&A: Putting a face to the name
The V&A Museum, the Victoria ad Albert Museum. When you arrive at the V&A for your visit to explore this fabulous museum, look up –above the entrance–and enjoy the very royal figures of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. I suppose that is what we call PUTTING A NAME TO A FACE. Really beautiful sculpture, for sure!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 24, 2012
LONDON FLOWER STALLS
FLOWER STALLS are everywhere in London. Last evening, while I was wandering around the Mansion House, I ran into a wonderful flower stall. I stopped, took a photo, and chatted with the lady who owned the stall. She told me she went to the modern Covent Garden at 5:00 AM each morning and buys her flowers she will sell throughout the day. While I was talking with this lovely person, she told me that she has several friends who also have stalls, and they meet up in the morning for breakfast at the Covent Garden Market on the South Bank and select their flowers which they take away with them each morning. I was fascinated by this charming lady who says there are over 500 flower stalls in London. Goodness, I love London.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE ROYAL MALL: ADMIRALTY ARCH — “To the glory of Queen Victoria from a grateful people”
On the east end of the Mall, just off Trafalgar Square, facing Buckingham Palace, ADMIRALTY ARCH stands as an entrance gate to “Royal London.” It was begun in 1901 by King Edward VII as a tribute to his mother, Queen Victoria; however, the King died in 1910 before ADMIRALTY ARCH was finished. It was completed under George V, Edward VII’s son and heir. The architectural detail is beautiful, and Wellington’s nose is on the passage on one of the Arches which the cavalry would tap as they passed by, giving them luck as the forces went to war. Wellington was thought to be good luck. When I was photographing the building, a young couple came by. He was explaining to his girlfriend the story of Wellington’s nose. I was really impressed and amused. I don’t this the girlfriend had a “clue.” Fun.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
NOTES COFFEE SHOP ON ST. MARTIN’S LANE – London 2nd Place winner
NOTES COFFEE SHOP on St. Martin’s Lane is a popular gathering place in Covent Garden. I remember when it was a shop where tapes and fabulous opera recordings could be purchased. In the past two years, NOTES has been turned into a fantastic gathering place, a coffee shop, where great snacks and hot drinks can be taken while chatting about music or the business of the day. I have met friends here twice this month, and I have enjoyed both visits. If you are in the ST. Martin’s Lane area, stop by NOTES for a warm drink to meet friends. I love to search the shelves which line the walls for opera recordings. It is a really great atmosphere. Nice
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
“London is a man’s town with power in the air…..Paris is a ……..”
We all know these famous poetic lines. But as tourists, we come to London and wonder where this LONDON POWER is. It isn’t in Knightsbridge; that is definitely a woman’s part of town. It isn’t Knightsbridge where all the shopping is thriving. It isn’t Mayfair or Covent Garden where there is fashion and elegant residences and flats. So where is the POWER IN THE TOWN. Today wandered in the drizzle through the City where the Royal Stock Exchange, the Mansion House, and the Bank of England are. Let me confirm that after this walk, I have found where MAN’S POWER IS IN THE AIR. Let me show photographs of the Exchange, the Mansion House, and the Bank of England. I think you will understand this poem. I really enjoyed this walk. Often, when we come to London, we rarely enjoy the fabulous architecture because we are busy in the wonderful tourist destinations in the West End. What a wonderful day. Enjoy!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
STAMP COLLECTING: THE STAMP CENTRE
Today, I spent some time in THE STAMP SHOPat 110 St Martins Lane, London WC2N 4BA (020 7240 1963). I met a gentleman named John Livesey who gave me a little tour of his small shop. I loved it a lot. He showed me some of his oldest and most important stamps and discussed with me the details of the Royal Stamp Collection at Buckingham Palace. The elderly gentleman loved his shop, and he inspired me. I took a few shots of his little shop; hopefully the stamp collectors among my readers will visit THE STAMP CENTER on St. Martin’s Lane. Fun
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE LONDON CONNECTION’S NEW CHELSEA ONE BEDROOM FLAT www.londonconnection.com
This beautiful one bedroom flat in the heart of Chelsea is available from 1 March. It is an exquisite flat, beautifully arranged to create a comfortable and warm accommodation. Check out the website for availability: www.londonconnecction.com Chelsea Manor Street
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
“I NEVER KNEW THAT ABOUT LONDON” By Christopher Winn
I have been reading I NEVER KNEW THAT ABOUT LONDON this early morning. What a great way to prepare for a trip to London. I found the book in the NATIONAL GALLERY. The ISBN number is 978-0-09-194319-6 Wonderful information and beautiful photographs. I paid 20 pounds, and it is full of great information.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
A VISIT TO THE POST OFFICE: A STAMP COLLECTOR’S PARADISE
A few days ago, I went to the post office to obtain stamps to send a few cards. I visited the “collector’s desk” where I was able to look through books of UK stamps. My visit was a real treat, and I thought my readers would also the post office. I was thrilled with the “historical” themes of most of the current issues. I certainly wished I had had some of my older grandchildren with me–maybe a stamp collector in the batch? Look at this series of stamps showing the Royal Houses in British history. I love them and am taking them home for my collection.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 23, 2012
JOE ALLEN RESTAURANT: 13 Exeter Street, London WC2E 7DT 020 7836 0651
The LONDON CONNECTION’s interior designer and I had dinner at JOE ALLEN’S in Covent Garden to discuss flats we are planning to refurbish and redecorate. We had a great meal at this well establish restaurant. Ian Churchill had lamb, and I had lobster. We had a great time and excellent food. Really recommend. The setting is wonderful.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
LONDON’S PASSION FOR THE LATEST FASHION AS WELL AS VINTAGE
Wow! Look at this! The images speak for themselves!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM: “HOW WAR CHANGES LIVES”
I wrote an article about THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM during my last visit to London. I was amazed by the number of responses I received. I imagine that some of the interest was from students preparing World War II term papers for school. I couldn’t believe I did not have any images of particular items in the Museum’s display–not even of the Duddle Bug. Perhaps some of these images will help; I took them yesterday afternoon. HOW WAR CHANGES LIVES is the name of the great displays. REALLY, it is a fabulous museum–even the TRENCHES in the basement. Certainly a fantastic Museum to include in your London itinerary.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE WALLACE COLLECTION’S MAGNIFICENT MINIATURE PORTRAITS AND BOXES
18th and 19th century Miniature portraits and exquisite presentation boxes are ART FOR ARTS SAKE in its finest form . I inherited a few, and I have bought a few others in the past. Visiting the fine examples at the Wallace Collection on Manchester Square is a regular visit for me. I was angry with myself on this visit to Manchester Square because I brought the wrong lens for my camera, but I still couldn’t resist gathering the best images I could take for my blog. I think my readers will still get an idea of the quality that is to be found in these cases at the Wallace Collection.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 22, 2012
START OUT RIGHT: FINDING ANTIQUES
I did it wrong. I have collected all my life and have added to my parents and grandparent’s collections. But, I did the collecting, and my children were told DO NOT TOUCH. Well, now, I have only one child who is even interested in fine antiques. One of my sons told me he is not sentimental whatsoever. So, what should I have done!? When I started my walk down Portobello Road, outside a silver stall, I noticed this box of items–all for 2 pounds each. I thought to myself that this is where I should have started with my children. They would have had a wonderful time collecting little bits like this as a starting point. As they grew older, they would have become more “aware,” and perhaps would have had a taste for fine old things. When I see house plans which my children create, I ask them what in the world they are. They say they are MINIMALISTS! I have to laugh when I think of piles of books, walls and walls covered with everything under the sun, and layers of Persian rugs on top of layers, and not an uncluttered table top to be seen. Oh well, to each his own, I suppose. A MINIMALIST–that’s like going to town naked, and that would be a sight! Yikes. Oh dear, what a dilemma!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
VINTAGE LEATHER CASES: PORTOBELLO ROAD’S SPECIALIST ROB SMITH
Rob Smith’s vintage leather case stall on Portobello Road is outstanding. I purchased four cases from Rob by the Internet in December and collected them when I got to London this month. Rob Smith is a real professional who knows his merchandise and has been in the Market all his life. He is one of those “real” dealers who are vanishing on the street, one by one. But, Rob is determined to see that great quality merchandise is still available for his clients. This is a real gentleman whom I respect a great deal. When you go to Portobello Road, stop by his vintage leather case stall and tell him HELLO for Thomas Moore. Nice. Goodness, don’t miss this stall. Saturday, when I was there, I was really tempted by a magnificent HERMES case made when traveling in style was essential. I haven’t seen a vintage case like this for a long time. It is exquisite. You do a great job, Rob. Keep it up. You have your followers.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
