I AM ABSOLUTELY STUNNED BY WHAT I FOUND. This is footage of a COMMAND PERFORMANCE at Covent Garden in 1953. If you know the faces of the British Royal Family at this time, this will be stunning footage. When I found it, I couldn’t believe my eyes: The Queen, The Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, the King and Queen of Norway, Queen of Tonga, the elegant Duchess of Kent, the very royal Princess Royal sister of King George VI, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, on and on. I can’t believe I found this—goodness! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Push the ROYAL OPERA NIGHT bar below and be sure to turn on the sound. This is really good stuff. Be sue you push the button to make the footage full screen.
Royal Opera Night
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Some days when I am in central London, I could scream if I see another souvenir shop. I like the souvenir stands with key chains on the occasion like everyone else, but then I hunger for something that really captures my imagination. Sometimes I need some quiet, down time and head to my favorite rare book store: MAGGS BROS RARE BOOKS on Berkeley Square. This wonderful book shop dates to 1853–imagine, only 12 years after Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert. MAGGS BROTHERS is one of the world’s oldest and largest dealers in antiquarian, first edition, autographed and rare books. Goodness, I do love the smell of an old bookstore. This bookstore boasts a ROYAL WARRANT validating the quality of the shop’s merchandise. May I post their website to perhaps interest you in a visit to this wonderful book shop.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Rave reviews greet END OF THE RAINBOW at Trafalgar Studios…
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Matthew Bourne’s CINDERELLA makes a glamorous return to Sadler’s Wells on 30 November…..
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
When you take the river trip down to Greenwich on a fair and sunny day, be sure you visit the 17th century Queen’s House. You can’t miss it with its grand vista right to the Thames. But, I want to pay particular attention to the TULIP STAIRS which are original to Inigo Jones’s residence for Queen Henrietta Maria. They are spectacular. There is a bit of fun history here as well.
Enjoy
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
The great painting ALLEGORY OF PEACE AND THE ARTS UNDER THE ENGLISH CROWN by Artemisia and Orazio Gentileschi was painted in 1626 for King Charles I for the ceiling of Inigo Jones’ QUEENS HOUSE at Greenwich. Charles I had Jones build this palace for the Queen Henrietta Maria. The building was the first Palladian building in England and would have appeared ultra-modern, even futuristic at the time it was built. The Queen lived in the Queen’s House for only a few years before Charles I was beheaded at the Banqueting House in London. This magnificent ceiling remained in this location before it was moved to Marlborough House, the new residence of the Duke and Duchess (Sarah) of Marlborough built in 1711.
During Victorian times, Edward VII (when Prince of Wales) and his glamorous wife Alexandra lived at Marlborough House. When Queen Victoria died in January 1901, George V and Queen Mary lived in Marlborough until becoming King and Queen in 1911. When Edward VII died in 1911, Queen Alexandra moved back to Marlborough House. When King George V died in 1937, Queen Mary moved back to Marlborough House where she died in 1952. At that time, the new sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II gave this fabulous 18th century house to the Commonwealth Secretariat. So, to view the ALLEGORY OF PEACE AND THE ARTS UNDER THE ENGLISH CROWN today, we must visit Marlborough House. How do we arrange this visit?
I have always wanted to be shown around the historical interior of Marlborough House to see the FINE ROOMS and particularly the great paintings depicting the great battles of the first great Duke of Marlborough. But my real desire is to see the ALLEGORY OF PEACE AND THE ARTS.
I have done my research and can provide these details. The FINE ROOMS in Marlborough House are now in the hands of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Public tours are offered each Tuesday morning and take about 2 hours. Groups can be between 10 and 25 persons. It is best to call 020 7747 6500 or email L.Gannon@commonwealth.int to be sure that a tour is taking place the Tuesday morning you are planning to visit.
Fabulous tour and not often part of visitors’ itineraries. Wonderful.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Harry is that brother every young man wished he had. He is devoted to his brother and thrilled about having a sister, Kate-now Catherine. All this talk of marriage and love is stirring his imagination again and has made a request of his brother that his ex-girlfriend Chelsy be invited to the wedding in Westminster Abbey on 29 April. I am sure Harry is kicking around ideas in his active mind, and those ideas deal with his South African “friend.” I make another prediction! Also, Pippa will take an important roll in the life of her sister who will one day be Queen. Wow! It must be almost unimaginable in their minds. Goodness me! Well, this article is really interesting. It talks about people we are all going to have in our lives as this fabulous story unfolds.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
So much interesting news is flying all over the Internet. Today’s topic of discussion is if there will be a ROYAL KISS from the Balcony of Buckingham Palace. Prince William and Kate are in charge of their wedding plans, but they have been consulting with the Queen who has made it very clear that she wants a BALCONY APPEARANCE and a ROYAL BALL at Windsor Castle. As we all know, the Queen loves a good party and is very skilled at organizing such magnificent events. Well, she has her chance this time. She is particularly happy because this ROYAL BALL will honor her grandson and future heir. She has even agreed to pick up the tab. By the way, who would ever have thought that Queen Victoria would have ever been found on the palace balcony waving to the crowds; she was the first sovereign to establish this tradition. (King George V and Queen Mary refaced Buckingham Palace during their reign and made the balcony grander and larger so growing-family groups could all show themselves to the public.)
I thought my readers would love to read this article about THE ROYAL BALCONY KISS. Everyone’s camera will be ready for the photograph, I assure you. I know mine will.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Over the years, I have taken week-long courses at the Victoria and Albert. The first one I took was a fabulous course in English Porcelain. The next year, I took the second course which was European Porcelain. I have collected 18th century porcelain all my life, so these courses are very interesting to me. But what I really enjoyed were the lectures from the experts that the V&A brought in to enrich the courses. They were fascinating. As the years go by and I spend more time in England, I will be taking further courses. When I posted the ROYAL COLLECTION SUMMER STUDIES article this morning, I thought to myself that it is time to return to the V&A courses for new insights and stimulation. I own a very, very large Derby and Chelsea collection, and it so exciting to mingle with people who have collected some of the same things I have collected.
I am going to post the V&A front page of their course listing. Go to the V&A main website where it directs you to the various courses. The offerings are varied and exciting. Every year we have one or two clients to our flats who are in London to attend the V&A. I talk to them when they come home; and in every case, they have been very enthusiastic.
I think I am putting a V&A Course in my plans. What about you? It would be nice to meet. 
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
It has been my dream to attend THE ROYAL COLLECTION SUMMER SCHOOL. It takes place from 9 – 13 September, 2011. The summer studies has been offered since 1952. It is oriented to those who are working in the art world and is an intensive course. For my readers who work with special collections, museums, universities, municipal archives, or libraries, this is an experience not to be missed. I am posting two sources of information about this program. Goodness, I would love to go.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
VANESSA REMINGTON is the Queen’s assistant curator with access to the papers, photographs, and miniatures of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria was an avid collector of miniatures, and today there are over one thousand in the Royal Collection.This amazing collection is now presented in two volumes entitled VICTORIAN MINIATURES IN THE COLLECTION OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN. The two volumes are available at the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace for a mere 196 pounds for the two volumes. What a fabulous Christmas present suitable for a loyal ANGLOPHILE.
I am in line for my set. I am excited about this. Wow!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
A few moments ago, I received an email about our flat on John Adam Street, Covent Garden. We have a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom flat in this marvelous location–in the same building. Both flats were just completely refurbished within the past three months, so everything is absolutely new. From this flat, a visitor can be to Trafalgar Square in three minutes and to all the theaters in Covent Garden in 5/10 minutes. It is just perfect. Believe it or not, considering the location, the flat is perfect for quiet sleeping. How’s that. I am attaching the email I just received.
If a larger group is traveling together, both flats can be reserved to offer three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two kitchens, and two living rooms–one could be used as a 4th bedroom.
Very exciting property. Check it out on our website: www.londonconnection.com Property code is #1-2
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Simon Cowell is stirring the pot again! This time, Simon is promoting SUSAN BOYLE to sing I DREAMED A DREAM at the Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey. Wow! The plot thickens.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
This morning, I began writing an article on the sculptor of the Victoria Memorial when a very interesting email came across my screen. It announced a ROYAL WEDDING COUNTDOWN CLOCK.
So, I am posting the email explaining the site as well as the main page of the COUNTDOWN CLOCK. There is enough information there for my readers to check out the website and sign up for the countdown. It will be fun keeping an eye on the wedding events leading up to the big day at Westminster Abbey on 29 April.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
During the past several weeks, I have written two articles about the book THE MONUMENT MEN. I was so fascinated with the book, I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I read it twice because there is so much detail in the book, and I didn’t want to miss a thing. The ASTRONOMER by Vermeer is one of my favorite paintings, and when I discovered what that painting went through during the NAZI period, I was amazed. But, this evening, when Stephanie and I returned from our home above Deer Valley/ Park City where we went for Thanksgiving, we found this email from the author of this wonderful book. I thought you would all like to read it. Isn’t it always interesting that monsters like Hitler and Gooring are always countered by fine men who struggle to secure decency like the men in THE MONUMENT MEN.
Wonderful. I knew you would enjoy this email from Mr. Edsel.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
THE WORLD’S ATTENTION IS ON WESTMINSTER ABBEY. The Royal Wedding has turned the spotlights on this historic and majestic setting in anticipation and preparation for the Royal Wedding.
Enjoy these photos. Here is Westminster Abbey and the high altar. I am sure the Queen is overjoyed. I am pretty excited myself!
THRILLING.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
THE TRADITIONS of the Royal Family are always so interesting. Since the wedding of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) in 1923, the gold used for Royal wedding rings has come from the Cologan ST. DAVID’S GOLD MINE in Northwest Wales. The gold is preferred because of the “pink” hues in the gold. A large gold nugget was given to the Queen in recent years to carry on this tradition. It has been reported that additional gold will be needed to carry on the wedding ring tradition.
The Prince will be able to design the rings as did his father for both Diana and Camilla.
One more fun detail.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
This morning, the phone is ringing off the hook about availability for possible visits to the London for the Royal wedding. We have been caught off guard, but I am posting the flats that are available from 25 April – 2 May. there will be a 7-night-stay requirement for any period of time which includes 29 April, 2010. I thought it would be best to post the available dates up front to give my readers what is available at this moment. I suggest that you refer to the live website at www.londonconnection.com
Goodness, this is going to be fun. I will be in London for this occasion to keep a running dialog for my blog about this exciting event. What a time to be in London.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
It was announced today from St. James’s Palace that Prince William and Kate Middleton will marry on 29 April 2011 in Westminster Abbey. The Palace wanted to announce the good news before the Queen left on a State Visit to the Gulf.
Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed that the day will be a NATIONAL HOLIDAY so that as many people as possible will be able to celebrate what the PM calls a national celebration.
It is reported that Kate and William chose the Abbey because it will hold 2,200 guests, but the Abbey has an intimate feeling with immense royal connections. The Queen herself was married here in 1947. She must be thrilled that her grandson has made this decision.
These are happy days, folks. Now let’s watch as all the details revealed–one by one! The wedding presents from the Queen will be the most interesting. A TIARA? I THINK SO
I AM ATTACHING PHOTOS OF PREVIOUS WEDDINGS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, and Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
While writing an article on BEER, I found this coronation of KING GEORGE VI image. I thought it was stunning, and all those in the photograph are identified. This wonderful King–who never wanted to be king and suffered from a stutter- will again be the center of public attention with the up-coming film THE KING’S SPEECH. Believe me, I am anxious to see it. I am sure the Queen who loved her father deeply will be anxious about how the King is portrayed.
Remember, this is the King who brought Britain through World War II. His devotion to his people made him a King far greater than himself. A fabulous story.
This is spectacular.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Queen Alexandra, the consort of King Edward VII, was one of the most beautiful Queens ever to sit on the British throne. She was the great Edwardian Queen who inspired Tennyson to write poetry. She reigned over the Marlborough Set which eclipsed Queen Victoria’s gloomy court at Buckingham Palace. Queen Alexandra was loved by the British people who marveled at the great beauty of this kind and tolerant Queen.
Queen Alexandra loved her jewels. Portraits and photographs reveal the extensive collection the Queen had gathered. She warmed her lonely life–deserted by an unfaithful King–with her children, the public, and hr fabulous jewels.
Let me share a few photos. You will notice that many of these jewels are worn even today by Queen Elizabeth II, one hundred years after Queen Alexandra.
Nice. Really nice.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
CLEMENTINE McGAW is having a solo exhibition HUMAN SUFFERING THROUGH CONFLICT on St. Martin’s Street WC2H 12 – 22 January 2011. The images are exquisite and the cause is deserving. I am very eager to support this exhibition on St. Martin’s Street because I believe in the artist and the cause, but also, the family are our friends.
Let’s support THE HUMAN SUFFERING THROUGH CONFLICT exhibition 12-22 January 2011.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
What a fun idea. I know you can get there, but I don’t know if you can get home after this tour. What fun
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Christmas is a magical time of the year. But Christmas shopping can be a real drag. I think the best way to put fun into shopping is to hit the Christmas markets. Goodness, all the street markets selling unique gifts which fit into our budgets during these economical challenging times will make hunting that perfect gift a lot of fun. Surprise someone; find the perfect gift from a Christmas Market like gloves, wood Christmas ornament, a pillow, a cap, or a unique piece of glass. This is the way to put the MERRY back in CHRISTMAS.
I am posting a list of markets you might want to check out. If you know of others, I will let me readers know.
Wonderful.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
