September « 2010 « The Anglophile

September 30, 2010

LONDON’S PIE AND MASH SHOPS

Filed under: Food — tmooresr @ 11:55 am

Our family friend who is for sure my son’s London buddy is a London taxi driver. His name is Johnnie Branch, and over the years, my wife has all but adopted this fine fellow. When Thomas Jr. comes to London, the two of them hang out with other taxi drivers who have “many things” to talk about. Thomas loves the chatter between the drivers, and he tells me all about it–well, most of it–when he gets home. One of the conversation topics of the taxi drivers is WHERE TO EAT. Most of the drivers were raised in the East End and are charmingly identified by their wonderful cockney accents.

PIE AND MASH is the food Thomas’s friends grew up on. Even my son has grown to love this very regional meal. So, last month, Johnnie took me to a PIE AND MASH SHOP in the East End, and I decided that it was time to have this experience. I must say the green parsley sauce called EEL LIQUOR SAUCE initially put me off, but I took up my fork and dug in.

I was relieved to learn that the sauce was green because of the parsley that is added to the mixture when the eels are boiled, but whatever it is, it was very tasty over the top of the minced meat pie and mash. I did not eat EEL which is taken from the Thames. Yikes! Not for me. But the pie, mash, and liquor was great.

I was very interested in the decoration of the pie shops: tiles, lino floors, and cafeteria-looking tables. I loved my visit, and I intend to go again. Most of the London Pie and Mash Shops are located in the East End; there are new Shops re-opening in Covent Garden and in other parts of London like the one on Goldhawk Road.

There is a website dedicated to an appreciation of PIE AND MASH crammed full of information: http://www.pie-and-mash.com_directory.htm

Don’t wait until you are my age to have the PIE AND MASH SHOP experience. Really fun

LONDON FOOD - so diverse!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 29, 2010

GREAT NEWPORT STREET – A flat in the Perfect Location ** In the midst of it all!

Filed under: LONDON CONNECTION FLATS — tmooresr @ 1:01 pm

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Wow! A flat on Great Newport Street is right where you want to be if you are visiting London for theater, movies, restauants, and clubs. A visitor can walk everywhere. This property is a 3-minute walk to Leicester Square, yet just out of the congestion of evening gatherings in this wonderful part of London.

All the theaters in Covent Garden and along Shaftesbury Avenue are within moments of the accommodation. If you know how difficult it is to “grab a cab” after a play, you will appreciate this location. THE NATIONAL GALLERY and the NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY are five minutes away. St. Martin-in-the-Fields is just down the road–perfect for all those wonderful evening concerts in this historic building. Ten minutes to St. Paul’s Cathedral–amazing! An evening on TRAFALGAR SQUARE overlooking nelson’s Column and the Equestrian Statue of Charles I is the ideal place to spend an evening, after theater, watching all the world go by. Fabulous. It is an easy 15-minute walk to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace from this property; in other words: PERFECT!

The flat is on the second floor, an easy walk-up in this small building in a very nice period building. The flat is being competely refurbished and wil be PERFECT by 1 November. (I will post a few now-photos to give you an idea of how nice and bright it is.) The lounge has large windows and is bright with good furniture, TV, internet, and phone. The kitchen has all machines, including microwave, washer/dryer, dishwaher, hob, oven, and all kitchen equipment. The master bedroom has a queen size bed, ample storage, and good light. The bathroom has shower over tub, wash hand basin, and loo. When one coniders the standard, the rate, and the LOCATION, it could not be better. if you like thater and restaurants like I love theater and restaurants, THIS IS THE ACCOMMODATION FOR YOU. Great choice. Don’t forget, the Jubilee Market and Covent Garden markets are 5 minutes from the flat, and tis is realy a fun place to spend time between your walks. It’s ideal.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS: Lunch and Evening Concerts ** October Schedule

Filed under: Music — tmooresr @ 9:07 am

I have written several posts about the concerts at St. Martin’s. When I am in London, I try to attend a concert in the magnificent Gibbs church at least three evenings a week. There is a small group that is always in attendance; we are sort of a “smiling group” who have shared these wonderful concerts. What is reassuring is I am the oldest person in the “smiling group.” Young individuals and couples fill the church. Young tourists are about 50% of the audience–really nice.

There is a complete schedule on the St. Martin’s website, but here are a few highlights for evening concerts and noon concerts.

What a wonderful experience.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 28, 2010

BASIA ZARZYCKA – AN AMAZING “GIRLIE” SHOP AT SLOANE SQUARE

Filed under: Give a party,jewelry — tmooresr @ 8:41 pm

YIKES, I am out of water, but I thought my female readers would enjoy this post. Our family used to have a flat near Sloane Square where I wandered and knew most shops. The shops were always very interesting–with a slight “wow” edge to them. But, they were certainly fun. One evening, I passed in front of BASIA ZARZYCKA’s shop at 52 Sloane Square, just behind Oriel’s. I stood in front of the shop and was really AMAZED at what was in the window. It was like a fairy’s world of flowers, bows, corsages, jewelry, beads-beads-beads. My wife met me for dinner and we walked back to look at the wedding dress that was in the window. My first reaction was WHO WOULD EVER WEAR SUCH A THING. But when I looked at the dress a second time with my wife, we decided that BASIA ZARZYCKA had created a gown–half peasant, half fairy–to be worn by a magical figure.

This evening, one of my daughters was talking about a piece of jewelry she had bought at the BZ Shop on Sloane Square. It brought back a flood of memories, and I thought I would post some images to intrigue some of my very feminine readers who might light to visit this shop while on a visit to London.

I don’t know if I would purchase unusual items in this shop, but I know that I loved visiting with my daughters. When young ladies are in this shop, it is as if they are transported to another sphere with all their hats, feathers, flowers, beads and glitter. When fathers and husbands are in the shop, I am sure they are confused with the writing on the tags: is this the shop phone number–it couldn’t possibly be the price!

But, goodness, isn’t it fun to dream a bit once in awhile? One of the ladies that was in the shop with my daughter said she comes here to get ideas for her own embroidery and bead work. I thought to myself: AH THERE IS A SMART GIRL.

Please enjoy the photos. They are amazing. And it is even more amazing in the shop.

Enjoy, young ladies. Run for the HILLS, Fathers and Husbands!

Yikes!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL IS HERE AGAIN….. (to a familiar tune!)

Filed under: Food — tmooresr @ 6:31 am

Just a HEADS UP that the second LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL runs from 4-18 October. The Festival is a celebration of EATING OUT.

More than 800 restaurants will be running attractively-priced minus which are designed to showcase individual restaurant’s cooking style and specialties. There is no question that London has joined the top five cities in the world for fine dining. I my opinion, it has surpassed Paris–much cheaper too.

For more information, go to www.visitlondon.com/londonrestaurantfestival

Wow! Is London the exciting place to be these days. The city is bursting from every side, full of life, fun, and FOOD.

FABULOUS.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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THE ARCHITECT JOHN NASH –IN SEARCH OF THE PRINCE REGENT’S FAVORITE ARCHITECT

Filed under: Art and Sculpture,BRITISH HISTORY,LONDON WALKS,London Tours — tmooresr @ 5:39 am

JOHN NASH’S contributions to the face of London is immense. Every part of the city was touched by the hand of Nash’s neo-classical style so admired by the Prince Regent, later George IV. In my mind, I have been organizing a visit to London built around the theme: IN SEARCH OF JOHN NASH. Such a search would lead me to almost every part of London and further afield, even to Brighton on the south coast of England. There would be several WALKS, CANAL RIDES, VISITS TO THE THEATRE, train rides, and even a TOUR of such buildings as Buckingham Palace.

Let’s talk about John Nash for a moment. Nash’s work attracted the Prince Regent’s attention in 1811 who commissioned the architect to develop an area then known as Marleybone Park. With the Prince’s backing, he developed a master plan for the area which stretched from St. James’s northward and included Regent Street, Regent’s Park and its neighboring streets, terraces, and crescents of elegant town houses and villas.

Nash took on the task of remodeling the Prince’s Ocean Pavilion at Brighton on the south coast, originally designed by Henry Holland. By the early 19th century, the Ocean Pavilion was transformed into the Brighton Pavilion which still stands today as a tribute of his work and the Prince Regent’s exotic taste.

Nash was also a director of the Regent’s Canal Company set up in 1812 to provide a canal link from west London to the Thames in east London. Today, this canal along with the surrounding buildings is one of the most scenic neighborhoods of central London.

Nash remodeled Buckingham House into Buckingham Palace, designed the Royal Mews, Marble Arch (once stood in front of Buckingham Palace), Trafalgar Square after the Royal Mews was moved to Buckingham Palace, Haymarket Theatre, Carlton House Terrace, and Cumberland Terrace. He also designed his home called East Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight which unfortunately was torn down after heavy use during World War II–it was strategically located on the Isle of Wight guarding Portsmouth Harbor.

Let me post some images of Nash’s architecture for those who might be interested in a trip to London in search of John Nash and his supreme architecture of the Regency Period.

1. PARK CRESCENT

2. CLARENCE HOUSE -The residence of Prince Charles and his family

3. MARBLE ARCH – Formerly the arch in front of Buckingham Palace, moved when the four wing was added to the Palace by Queen Victoria

4. CARLTON HOUSE TERRACE – Formerly the Prince Regent’s Carlton House was located here but torn down when Buckingham Palace was to be his residence.

5. THEATER ROYAL HAYMARKET

6. THE WEST FACADE OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE

7. NASH’S CONSERVATORY AT KEW GARDENS

8. THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ARCADE

9. THE REGENT’S CANAL

George IV and his architect NASH had almost transformed London into one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Nash’s master plans were so amazing and EXPENSIVE that his contemporaries were overwhelmed by the city’s transformation and the costs of the King’s enterprises. But for us today, Nash’s designs and creations are some of the most magnificent destinations in the city.

A visit to London to FIND NASH would be an exciting project. It would tie together some of the most beautiful architecture and give unity to a city that has grown far beyond the master plan of this amazing architect. Parliament learned early on that such splendid transformations in a bustling capital like London do not come cheaply; after the death of King George IV, Nash was let go from many of his projects like Buckingham Palace to be finished by architects and artists with less talent and less understanding of Nash’s GRAND DESIGNS.

FABULOUS, for sure!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 27, 2010

STANLEY HOLLOWAY — PROTOTYPE OF ALL THOSE BRIGHT, WITTY LITTLE REVUES FOR WHICH LONDON IS FAMOUS

Filed under: Film and Theater,London Theater,Music — tmooresr @ 9:03 pm

My father had absolutely no sense of humor. My grandfather never gave more than a smile–never a chuckle. My great grandfather hardly knew what a laugh was. All were named Thomas Moore, all were highly reserved, and all considered “frivolous laughter” unsettling. EXCEPT WHEN IT CAME TO STANLEY HOLLOWAY. When I was a child, STANLEY HOLLOWAY’s humor was very much a part of my family life. His FAMOUS ADVENTURES WITH OLD SAM AND THE RAMSBOTTOMS on the old ANGEL RECORDS was an enjoyable evening at home. It was one of the few times I really saw my father relax.

Such REVUES as ALBERT AND THE HEADSMAN, RUNCORN FERRY, ANNE BOLEYN (My father’s favorite), ALBERT AND THE LION were great sources of pleasure. Then came along THE LAVENDER HILL MOB which captivated my brother and my complete attention when we were in London. We loved it.

My Grandmother used to enjoy JONAH AND THE GRAMPUS, THE OLE IN THE ARK, ONE EACH APIECE, AND RUNCORN FERRY. These Revues were like Stand-up Comedy, full of situation comedy, heavy accents, and just simple slapstick. My Grandfather never laughed, but my Grandmother would howl as my father would tut-tut. I thought I would split my sides watching my grandmother who knew the dialects and the settings–it made her homesick for England of the early 30′s when Stanley Holloway was singing and laughing in the London dance halls.

As I grew older, I went to see MY FAIR LADY and fell in love with Audrey Hepburn. I remember thinking that Professor Higgins (Rex Harrison) was a mean and cruel guy, but Eliza Doolittle was a dream–I had a child’s crush on her. But the star of the show for me was STANLEY HOLLOWAY, Liza’s father Mr. Doolittle. When the old VHS came to the shops, I think my father bought the first copy. We watched it over and over.

As I was leaving church last Sunday, a dear friend of mine named David Castle wondered if I would like an old Angel Record which had been his English father’s. When I had the album in my hand, I read the title STANLEY HOLLOWAY and could hardly hold back a tear.

But what my friend told me was even more exciting: THERE IS TALK IN LONDON FOR A NEW SHOW ALL ABOUT STANLEY HOLLOWAY. It is Monday evening now, and I have been carrying around this vinyl record as if it were my scriptures. I thought I would try to copy some of the REVUES which I remember from my childhood. All those very English faces of my great grandfather , my grandfather, and my father who all loved Stanley Holloway have come back to me. I have loved the memory of these wonderful men who left me with such a rich heritage, but I felt I improved on the bloodline with a tremendous sense of humor and love of laughter. BELIEVE ME, IF A STANLEY HOLLOWAY SHOW SHOWS UP IN THEATERS IN LONDON, I WILL HAUL ALL MY GRANDCHILDREN TO SEE THIS WONDERFUL HUMOR.

Dear Readers, if any of you hear anything further about a Holloway London Show, please get the information to me. Even if it is a stand-up comedy night in a club. I just want to hear the sounds of a voice from Liverpool on a London stage again. I hear that Ol’ Queen Mary loved these Revues and often listened to them when she wasn’t in the King’s presence–a stiff upper lip like my grandfather’s lip.

Aren’t memories wonderful! My father’s sensitivities couldn’t hold back a chuckle when it came to the humor, regional accents, and expressions from his childhood in England.

Marvelous.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 26, 2010

CLARENCE HOUSE GOES SOLAR — The Prince of Wales Marches On

Filed under: LONDON WALKS,THE PRINCE OF WALES — tmooresr @ 8:49 pm

When you take your walk from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace down the Mall, you will pass Clarence House, the home of Prince Charles and his family. It is the stunning white stucco building attached to St. James’s Palace and next to Lancaster House. If the Prince is in residence, his Standard will fly over the house. But now, not visible from the street, there is another attraction behind the roof colonnade: SOLAR PANELS. OVER THE TOP OF ALL HIS PETTY CRITICS THE PRINCE GOES IMPLEMENTING FURTHER EXPERIMENTS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT HE BELIEVES IN SO STRONGLY.

I have a lot of time for this amazing and far sighted man who is absolutely undaunted.

ENJOY THESE AMAZING IMAGES OF THE SOLAR PANELS ON TOP OF CLARENCE HOUSE. As you walk past the old NASH residence, you will know a unique fact about its workings that not many other people know.

Wink!

Tom

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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THE MAGNIFICENT ELEVEN * ROBERT CAPA

Filed under: caught with the camera — tmooresr @ 10:21 am

Several years ago, Mrs Moore and I went to France to teach at the University of Grenoble. In fact, it was the year of the Winter Olympics. We lived in Uriage and returned to the States only because we were expecting our first of five children. While there, we took an excursion with several university students to see the beaches of the Normandy Invasion. Actually, the real reason we went on this excursion was to escort a young lady and her student friends to Normandy to see her oldest brother’s grave who was killed in the June 6, 1944 landing at Omaha Beach in the first wave of men in the 16th Infantry. I will never forget what I saw when we arrived at the cemetery with the rows upon rows of white crosses. I got out of our car and stood there unable to speak. It was on this occasion that I first heard the name BOB CAPA. Our guide told us the history of Omaha and Utah Beaches and showed us plastic covered copies of pictures which she called THE MAGNIFICENT ELEVEN. Wow!

Britain had given its all in the Battle of Britain and endured hardships we can hardly imagine. I keep thinking of those images this guide showed our little group. This morning, I ran into them again while I was doing research on the internet about black and white photography. I said to myself: TODAY IS THE DAY. TODAY IS THE DAY TO POST THE PICTURES FROM THE MAGNIFICENT ELEVEN as well as other pictures from the first few days after the invasion.

Well, who was Bob Capa? Bob Capa was an Hungarian young man who went to Germany looking for work. As Nazi Germany became more and more aggressive, Capa moved to France, England, and finally to the United States. He became a photo journalist and recorded some of the most powerful images from the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and later conflicts. THE MAGNIFICENT ELEVEN are the 11 photos he was able to salvage from several rolls of film which were destroyed by mistake in London within hours after the NORMANDY INVASION. These images he took while he was with the troops landing on Omaha Beach–they are the real thing. Without doubt, they are some of the most significant moments caught on film during this victorious day of carnage.

Let me post several photos from Omaha Beach as well as photos from the first days of the invasion. They are absolutely fascinating. The invasion left from Dorset, Weymouth–all along that part of the English coast. These photographs are amazing, and I wanted to share them with you.

We must not forget! When you are walking down WHITEHALL in London, tip your hat as you walk past CENOTAPH. Yes, IN GRATITUDE. From now on, when I walk by, I will remember the images of BOB CAPA whose photographs recorded an incredible day in the history of the Free World.

Amazing! This is an image of the second day as the heavier equipment arrives

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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GAUGUIN: MAKER OF MYTH – AT THE TATE MODERN

Filed under: Art and Sculpture — tmooresr @ 5:29 am

The first major exhibition of Paul Gauguin’s works in London in 50 years is taking place at the TATE MODERN starting 30 September and running until 16 Januaary, 2011. HURRAH!

When I was a youngster in high school, our art teacher asked us to do a biography of one artist whose work we liked–each month! Well, my first report was on Paul Gauguin. For a young lad, my eyes were the size of saucers, and I was wondering how I could write a biography while leaving out all the good parts! Hm! Well, I survived and included words like syphilis, paedophile, nude, sensual in my report. To my surprise, the teacher asked me to present my paper to the class! Yikes! How was I going to do that?! I stood before the class with a few prints of naked Tahitian woman lying in the most magical settings and talked about animals, exotic birds, wild animals, and tropical vegetation in the works of Paul Gauguin. There were a few chuckles from my friends at the back of the classroom; but for the most part, my school mates enjoyed the images I presented. I felt good about my presentation and felt accomplished when the teacher said that it was very well done–EVEN CLEVER! WINK!! She had no idea of all the time I spent figuring out how to avoid the best parts. Ever since, I have loved the works of Paul Gauguin while completely ignoring his notorious behavior. HE WAS A BOHEMIAN ADVENTURER–that is for sure.

Gauguin enjoyed disturbing the conventional society of his times and continued on with his portrayals of nude native women swathed in color and sensuality–all pretty tame to us these days. The artist had spent 7 years in the French Merchant Marines and traveled to some of the most exotic spots on the planet. His exotic themes startled his contemporary society as they relished his vibrant colors and masterful designs.

It is without doubt that Paul Gauguin was a genius, a great painter, and one of the most influential painters of his era. I have tired of Van Gogh’s SUNFLOWERS and French landscapes, but there is something further reaching in Gauguin which draws me back and back to his enticing images. When I was away at the University trying to concentrate on finishing a degree, I had a large Gauguin poster on one wall and a Chagall print on the other. Between the two of them, I was constantly distracted and transported. Sometimes, it didn’t take much.

GOODNESS, DON’T MISS THIS EXHIBITION. It will be wonderful. Call for tickets: 020 7887 8888

See you there. Hope they will let me take my own pictures–WITHOUT FLASH, OF COURSE!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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ANISH KAPOOR “TURNING THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN”

Filed under: Art and Sculpture — tmooresr @ 4:00 am

LET’S TAKE A STROLL IN KENSINGTON GARDENS.

The Bombay-born, contemporary sculptor ANISH KAPOOR is featured in the SERPENTINE’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITIONS PROGRAM with his large-scale, contemporary sculptures. The artist’s OBSESSION with stainless steel surfaces which distort the surroundings will reflect KENSINGTON GARDENS IN A SINGLE-ARTIST SHOW.

ANISH KAPOOR is a recipient of the TURNER PRIZE and has exhibited in all the major cities of the Western World. The KENSINGTON GARDENS SHOW is titled TURNING THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN, taken from the images projected from the highly polished steel creations.

Kapoor’s large sculptures are stunning in the grounds of Kensington Gardens where there are space and surroundings to beautifully exhibit the massive objects while drawing into the sculpture the images of people participating in the exhibition.

I will post a few images of KAPOOR’S work to give my readers an idea of what to expect. These are amazing objects which create a very contemporary feeling of polished surfaces, clean lines, and massive dimensions.

ANISH KAPOOR’S WORK IS AMAZING and is waiting to draw you into his works of art. I find them comparable to a ride in a spaceship. Sometimes, my mind takes a bit of time to digest and experience these beautiful objects. It is certainly worth the effort. Hm!

Have a enjoyable walk through Kensington Gardens. For me, London now has that ARTISTIC EXPLORATION that I once felt in Paris–It went somewhere, and that somewhere is LONDON.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 25, 2010

THE YOUNG VICTORIA * AN INTERVIEW WITH RUPERT FRIEND

Filed under: BRITISH HISTORY,English Country Houses,Film and Theater — tmooresr @ 12:32 pm

THE YOUNG VICTORIA is a beautifully presented movie about the early years of Queen Victoria’s life, especially those twenty years she was married to Prince Albert, The Prince Consort. Emily Blunt did a fantastic job–absolutely glorious. What a beautiful lady–flattering Queen Victoria a bit, hm! IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS MOVE, PLEASE DO. In fact, I will loan you my copy!

RUPERT FRIEND played the role of PRINCE ALBERT. He was amazing. I think he really captured the young gentle, sensitive, determined Prince. This interview with Rupert Friend came up on YOU TUBE. I want to share it with you. I hope this interview encourages my gentle readers to find a copy of this amazing film THE YOUNG VICTORIA. Some of you know the interiors of so many English country houses that I am sure you say to yourself: AH, THAT IS HAM HOUSE–AH, THAT IS LANCASTER–on and on; I know– I do just that!

Enjoy!

WONDERFUL.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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A FABULOUS FLAT IN KNIGHTSBRIDGE — PERFECT!

Filed under: LONDON CONNECTION FLATS — tmooresr @ 7:54 am

This email prompted me to write about one of our flats in Knightsbridge which has been very successful. THE LONDON CONNECTION staff understand the necessity of making people who are choosing and reserving a flat thousands of miles away in London feel secure and confident. We send out FEEDBACK letters quarterly so we know how people feel about our operation. We read these letters very carefully; and where possible, we attempt to correct shortfalls which are brought to our attention. BUT, we are really happy when we receive emails which make us feel we are doing a good job. As you all know, this is a family business of nearly 30 years, and we take pride in our efforts.

Our London team led by Cristina Teixeira is a major factor in our success. Her attention to detail is outstanding. But even more, she loves her job. She is one of the few people I know who can be in two places at once and juggle several balls at the same time. She is amazing, and we appreciate her efforts on our visitors’ behalf. When I received this email, I thought I would post it on our blog to help people considering our properties have confidence that we do our job well. But even more than that, our flats are outstanding. They are chosen to be in our fleet for various reasons: location-location-location, comfort, size, standard, history, theater, the owners. Let me tell you about the flat Mr. Gary Polin is talking about. It is one of our most successful flats.

Beaufort Gardens is a very elegant district in Knightsbridge. It is five minutes from Harrods on the Cromwell Road and set in a small street with beautiful trees and elegant white-washed houses and flats. Needless to say, this is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in London. The flat itself is owned by a very famous garden designer who has displayed at the CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW as well as in many other settings. She has a taste for clean lines, quality, and space. This flat in Beaufort Gardens is an excellent example of her fine sense of taste and style.

There are two bedrooms, each with its own bath/shower/loo. The lounge is on the raised ground floor and is tastefully presented with wonderful contemporary furniture of the highest quality. The kitchen is made for cooking. It is good size, well equipped, and perfect for those who are all-out cooks. The second double bedroom is on the garden level with patio and seating, and peace in this very busy part of London.

This is one of our best flats and has become very popular, booking months and months in advance. Let me show you a few photos of the interior. I think you will enjoy them.

Come visit London and stay with us in this wonderful accommodation. I think you will understand what prompted Mr. Polin to send his email to me.

Really nice. Thank you, Gary Polin. Please call me directly next time you are off to London.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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THE QUEEN’S PORTRAITS OVER THE YEARS * Time Marches On

Filed under: Art and Sculpture,The Royal Family — tmooresr @ 7:00 am

Thanks to a faithful reader, we learned that the Queen has sat for 140 portraits during her long and successful reign. I began to wonder where they all are. Some have been shown for the first time in the QUEEN’S GALLERY, and others show up in newspaper announcements. Until recently, there was a room in the NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY where the recent portraits weere displayed. I would check the display four or five times a year and was always amazed at some of the amazing images. But over the years, rock bands and hip actors have become more attractive to the viewing public, so the royal portraits are now few and far between at the National Portrait Gallery. I think that the NPG will learn eventually that public interest in the Queen and how she is portrayed is more lasting and rewarding for the general public than is the latest massive abstract portrait of Madonna in her flying corset. I love contemporary painting as much as anyone else–in fact, I am installing a studio in our old dog runs to paint massive abstracts (I think I am trying to startle my children as much as possible who constantly say that their papa is very old-fashion and not moving with the times–RUBBISH!)

I HAVE BEEN VERY INTERESTED IN SEEING THE PORTRAITS OF THE QUEEN WHICH HAVE BEEN COMING TO THE SURFACE LATELY. With the DIAMOND JUBILEE, the Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th Birthday, and Prince William’s wedding, there has been a great deal of focus on the Royal Family. So, let’s check out some of the portraits the Queen has actually sat for–all painted in Buckingham Palace. I clipped these images and explanations from the internet where I found this wonderful series. There were several more, but some of them made me wriggle a bit. I hope you enjoy these images. I think they are wonderful.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 24, 2010

TREASURES FROM BUDAPEST – A MUST-NOT-MISS EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY, PICCADILLY

Filed under: Art and Sculpture — tmooresr @ 11:42 am

The TREASUES FROM BUDAPEST is one of the most uexpected EXHIBITIONS in London for a long time. I was furious that I had to return to the States the day this exhibition opened. But, I don’t want my readers and visitors to miss this experience. Many of these magnificent paintings and drawings have been unseen in the West for many years. There are 221 exhibits–80 are drawings.

THE STAR of the exhibition is RAPHAEL’S MADONNA AND CHILD WITH THE YOUNG JOHN THE BAPTIST. It is often called the ESTERHAZY MADONNA. Exquisite.

I am also anxious to see the 17th century Genoese GIOACCHINO ASSERETO’S THE MOCKING OF JOB

There are all kinds of information about this exhibition all over the internet, but I wanted to bring the event to my readers’ attention. This is an exhibition that must not be missed.

THE ROYAL ACADEMY, PICADILLY, LONDON Telephone: 020 7300 8000 12 pounds entrance! Cheap at any price, right?

TODAY until 12 December, 2010

After all these years behind the IRON CURTAIN, it is now in London at the ROYAL ACADEMY for all to enjoy. Really wonderful.

Don’t miss this. I am kicking myself that I am not in London at the moment; but I am on my way!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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STOREY’S LTD – ENGRAVINGS AND PRINTS ON CECIL COURT HEADS UP!

Filed under: Art and Sculpture,Small Museums,Souvenirs — tmooresr @ 8:34 am

It is like bees to honey that I make my first visit when I arrive in London: STOREY’S LTD on Cecil Court–for me, it is a small museum. Cecil Court is fabulous, as you know. But, STOREY’S is the first place to visit. I LOVE ENGRAVINGS AND PRINTS. I have written several posts about my enthusiasm for this shop, and I am so rewarded by my readers’ kind responses about my enthusiasm for this old Victorian street.

I called Tim at STOREY’S just a few minutes ago to ask him to email me every so often an image of one of his most interesting engravings which I can share with my readers. I am eager to post these marvelous images. For those who are in London in the near future, go visit Tim at STOREY’S and tell him HELLO for Thomas Moore. He is a very knowledgeable shop keeper who loves to share his collection. You might like to start your own collection. I WARN YOU; IT WILL BE ADDICTING. BUT, HEY, WHAT A WAY TO GO!

COVER YOUR WALLS WITH ENGRAVINGS! Your friends and family will think you are nuts, but you will be whistling with the happiest of happy smiles on your face. Absolutely FABULOUS. Of course you are talking to a real LOONY about these things.

Are we having fun? Goodness me! Watch for my occasional posts with Tim’s wonderful ENGRAVINGS. Thanks so much’

TEAR & SMILE

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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JJ FOX CIGAR MUSEUM * St. James’s

Filed under: BRITISH HISTORY,fashion — tmooresr @ 7:17 am

My very-English grandfather smoked a cigar and a pipe! When I was very young, I remember my father wandering in our gardens with a cigar . My mother used to say: ”Oh, I can’t stand the smell.” Well, at a very early age, I became a closeted lover of cigar and pipe fragrances. I have my grandfather’s pipe, and I often look at it and wonder where it traveled with this English gentleman. Let me tell you about a MUST SEE SMALL MUSEUM in London. You don’t have to be a cigar fancier, so don’t be shy. Present yourself at JJ Fox & Robert Lewis’s shop at 19 St. James’s Street, London. Feel comfortable to walk in and walk downstairs to the CIGAR MUSEUM. Take your camera; IT IS FASCINATING.

JJ FOX was established in 1787 and is one of the three oldest shops in St. James’s, certainly one of the most historic areas of London. This fine establishment has been supplying superior cigars to London’s elite over a 220 period and proclaim that their establishment suffers from two qualities: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

Oscar Wilde became an established customer in 1891. Winston Churchill visited often. His chair is still in the museum, and you can sit in it and let your imagination dance with cigars! Every Sovereign has given a Royal Warrant to JJ FOX since it was established, except Queen Victoria who frowned on the cigar culture, but her son BERTIE made up for his mother’s displeasure by being one of the firm’s best customers. Even the Emperor Napoleon III gave his warrant as did Edward VII, George V, George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, The Queen, and the Duke of Edinburgh. That list should validate the firm’s claim of top quality.

What a wonderful place–full of memories and history. While you are walking up St. James’s Street, come to # 19 and take a peek!

19 St. James’s Street, London SW1A 1ES – wow! What an address. www.jjfox.co.uk

3 Cheers for the Cigar Capital of the World! London.

Just fun and a lot of history! FOR SURE. For where a man’s cigar is, there also lies his heart! Amusing.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 23, 2010

ANGLOPHILES, WHO CAN IDENTIFY THIS IMAGE?

Filed under: Solve the question — tmooresr @ 6:01 am

What an amazing image. Who knows what and where it is?

You might guess the WHAT. But be careful about the WHERE.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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THE TUDOR CHRONICLES 1485-1603 by Susan Doran

Filed under: BRITISH HISTORY,lphotogrdaphy — tmooresr @ 5:46 am

ANOTHER SLEEPLESS NIGHT. I keep all my notes in little leather-bound volumes which I buy at Barnes and Noble. I keep them by my side of the bed, and when I visualize a new post for my blog–usually in the middle of the night–I make notes and then try to go back to sleep. So, off to the bookstore I went to collect my notebooks. When I walked into the shop, right in front of me, was THE TUTOR CHRONICLES by Susan Doran with one of those SPECIAL PRICE TAGS on the front of it–$19.00. I sat down in one of the chairs in the coffee shop in the bookstore and started to read this large, large tome. The text was an “easy read,” and I was off into my own world. The images, pages after pages of them, fascinated me. There were pictures there which I had never seen, and I have been looking through books about the Tudors for 40 years.

The reign of Elizabeth I has been my favorite period in English history–well, next to the Prince Albert Period of Queen Victoria’s reign. As I went through the book JUST LOOKING page by page, the thought came to me that this would be a great book for my readers to have on their coffee tables. $19.00–hey, come on–that’s lunch at the Chinese take-away these days. Really, I have never seen such a collection of fabulous photographs from the Tudor Period in my life–all in one book!

After our usual evening rituals in this house–garden, dinner, dog, and Sweetie–I lay down to start reading. It is now early the next morning, and I have been reading all night. I have really enjoyed it. The author is SUSAN DORAN who is currently Senior Research Fellow at Jesus College, Oxford. Her primary interests relate to the reign of Elizabeth I, in particular the theme of marriage and succession. She has published and edited sixteen books, most notably MONARCHY AND MATRIMONY: THE COURTSHIPS OF ELIZABETH I; QUEEN ELIZABETH I; MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS: AN ILLUSTRATED LIFE.

I am not selling books on my blog, but I don’t hesitate to recommend one from time to time. I have had huge pleasure between the covers of this book during the night–yikes, that sounds awful!–and I know that my readers will enjoy it. Most Barnes and Noble bookstores have the same inventory, so I think you will find this publication on their discount table just as you enter the front door. IF NOT, ASK THE CLERK. There won’t be too many people in our communities who will be looking for THE TUDOR CHRONICLES except a few goofy Anglophiles like you and me.

THE BOOKS ARE NOW HIGHER THAN THE LAMPSHADE BY THE BED. My son Thomas says I live in a cocoon of books, paintings, and journals. Oh well, I can’t help myself. I am going to post a few of the images from the book just to whet your appetite; remember these images are just snapshots to give you an idea–they are not intended to be professionally presented. THE COLLECTION OF PICTURES is fabulous; I hope this gives you a good idea of the content.

Now tell me this isn’t FUN. Yikes!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 22, 2010

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ST. GEORGE * ENGLAND’S STANDARD

Filed under: BRITISH HISTORY — tmooresr @ 9:14 pm

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ST. GEORGE was organized to promote “Englishness.” The Society was organized in 1897, and Queen Victoria was the first patron. One hundred and twenty-three years later, the Society thrives with Her Majesty the Queen as it patron with BRANCHES all over the world. Several years ago now, I joined the Royal Society because I wanted to keep touch with the organization’s efforts to promote England. I have attended meetings and celebrations in England with my friends who are also members of the Society and live in the United Kingdom. Periodically, I receive the Society’s publication ENGLAND’S STANDARD.

I just received the current ENGLAND’S STANDARD which is dedicated to the celebrations of ST GEORGE’S DAY all over the world. Also highlighted are the BATTLE OF BRITAIN recognitions with Prince Charles honoring the airmen from that glorious air campaign to protect THIS ISLAND from German invasion.

I enjoy receiving my ENGLAND’S STANDARD because I enjoy the articles, the pictures, and that ENGLISH FEELING I get when I stand and sing LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY, just like we all do at the end of the PROMS in Albert Hall, London. I am posting the contact details with phone numbers, fax numbers, and email address for those who would like to join the organization. MAYBE WE OUGHT TO HAVE THE ANGLOPHILE BRANCH with branch headquarters in ……….wherever you want.

Just one heck of a lot of fun. Talk about Englishness, one of my readers asked if my real name is THOMAS MOORE or is that my ANGLOPHILE name. I smiled to myself because time and time again I am asked the same question when people call to book one of our London flats. When they wish to call back, they ask whom they should contact. I tell them THOMAS MOORE. They chuckle and say: ”Oh, that’s easy to remember.” When I was a child, I didn’t like my name: LITTLE TOM THUMB, TOM-TOM-THE PIPER’S SON, on and on! I had no idea about another very famous Thomas More until my father sat me down and told me a Thing-or-Two.

Goodness, this is fun.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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