Look at this! Perfect for wandering around London for a holiday. It is fantastic.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 31, 2011
I AM OFF TO PARIS FOR LUNCH TODAY; I WILL POST IMAGES
At The London Connection, I am asked over and over if it is possible to have a ride on the Eurostar to Paris, have lunch, see a couple of museums, and then return to London the same evening. Well, I am going to do it today with my friend Maureen Walker. I’m sure we are going to have a really fun day and a delicious lunch.
I have several days of work to post when I get a moment after my return from Paris. I have been so busy lately I haven’t had my regularly scheduled fun: MY BLOG! But, I will be back soon with lots of fun things to talk about and beautiful images including an entire collection of PUB GLASS photos.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 27, 2011
PORTOBELLO ROAD AND THE JOY OF COLLECTING: A lifetime of pleasure
My mother used to say that life passes so quickly that most of us live with our memories and with our anticipations. I can hear her say those words, but they really didn’t mean much to me until I began to have a lot of memories piling up. I have always lived quite a bit in the past because I feel more comfortable with my old smelly books, my family’s silver and collections, and the bits I have added along the way. I find life very exciting because I have been able to relate my world to a past legacy that brings me great pleasure. I like old Persian rugs that have faded and mellow–a bright new carpet is almost painful. I remember visiting the Duchess of Beaufort at Badminton House years ago when she was putting a new Spanish carpet destined for the dining room on the roof of the house to “age” it because it was TOO BRIGHT–I grinned and understood completely. I like an old chair with old leather, an old picture that has hung on our family’s walls for many generations. I listen to the same old recordings, read my favorite books over and over again, clutter the walls with items which bring me great pleasure. I suppose as I grow older, I am invigorated by the items of great beauty which have grown more beautiful with age. It isn’t that I am an antique collector; rather, I prefer to surround myself with the best I can buy from another age. You can be assured that I like contemporary music, art, and architecture, but it is to the classics I return. I am an avid reader, but it is to Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Conrad, Shakespeare, Flaubert, Proust, and James Joyce I return year after year. My copy of THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE is almost worn out. So, in that light, you might understand what motivates me as I hunt and buy when I search the stalls at Portobello Road. Some of these wonderful dealers have been friends for many years. We see each other, and we have instant grins because we have so much history between us. So, here is what I came home with today. Lot of fun here.
A fabulous Chinese embroidery shawl done for the European 19th century society with magnificent fringe, all in perfect condition. This is a fabulous item and was the major purpose of my search today. It is the finest one I have ever seen. The ladies who sold it to me were wonderful, and I will write an article about them when I get a moment.
Three fabulous coral 18th century coral brooches mounted in gold. These are very rare and sought after. Lovely.
A nineteenth century French purse and silver frame of very fine quality. It is 15 inches long and exquisitely done. Rare to fine these items in such exquisite condition. It still has a hint of perfume sleeping in the fabric. Nice
The fringe is perfect. Sorry for the sloppy presentation
At the back of a glass case, I saw these two Staffordshire figures of UNCLE TOM and Eva. UNCLE TOM’S CABIN was one of the most popular American novels read in Britain during the 19th century. And of course, this emotional figure ended up on the mantles of British homes who identified with the struggle of this wonderful Uncle Tom and his love for a young white girl. When I saw these two figures, I got a lump in my throat. I have seen this figure in books of Staffordshire works, but I have never seen a real one. I decided I had to have them for the shelves in my library at home.
Well, the rain has poured down like torrents all day, so I decided that I would come back next week because I have my eye on a beautiful Georgian embroidered scene and a Sunderland Lustre Jug. I will be thinking about them during the week.
Well, I hope you have enjoyed reading this chatter. I have enjoyed writing it. Goodness, do I love being in London. I hope you do also.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
PORTOBELLO ROAD: I am off to Portobello Rd in search of a Chinese Shawl
I am looking for an exquisite monochromatic Chinese shawl with exquisite fringe. I will keep you up on my search. Wish me luck. Here is the style I want, but no color. Difficult to find in superb condition. I AM OFF!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 26, 2011
SEVEN DIALS: A walk down MONMOUTH STREET to St. Martin’s Lane
Are you familiar with the SEVEN DIALS are of London, just near Covent Garden? I was on my way to look at an area of London near Covent Garden where our clients like to stay. I don’t know SEVEN DIALS very well and decided that it was time for me to become more familiar. I walked from the top of Monmouth Street to the SEVEN DIALS MONUMENT and on down to St. Martin’s Lane. I had a great time and found myself pulling my camera out of my case and shooting images right and left. A friend of ours in California stays at a hotel on Monmouth when he comes to London on business, so I checked it out–really, very nice if you want to stay in a luxurious room about the size of a box and pay 300 pounds a night–but it is very beautiful. But what did attract me was shop after shop of boutique items of very good quality. People were crowding the shops, and people were buying. The coffee shop was the hit on the street–small retailer, venting his coffee aroma out to the street. That coffee “fragrance” just pulled you in. I stood at Seven Dials and saw Covent Garden shops to my left and St. Martin’s Lane ahead of me. I ended up in the ACADEMY OF FLOWERS which was a really beautiful spot. What a fun short stroll. Yes, there are three pubs in the immediate area–and good ones, I hear from people on the street.
And there you are–right back on St. Martin’s Lane where several of our flats are located. Great walk, and eye candy everywhere. Fun
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE OF 47 YEARS: An Amazing Journey
47 years is a long time, I suppose, but it has flown by. Stephanie and I met when we were still teenagers; I can remember the day. I will be in England this 3 September, and Stephanie will be in the States taking care of our obligations there. We have enjoyed 5 children–all amazing children with wonderful achievements–and now 13 grandchildren bring us lively excitement and joy. It never ends. Stephanie and I have traveled the world over several times and have gathered and gathered items which have brought us great happiness. She is well educated with three degrees, attends the gym at 5:00 AM every morning, is a devout and attending Christian with an unwavering testimony of the mission of Jesus Christ, and above all is a most loving and caring wife. I always say she loves with elegance and class–she’s a pretty classy chick! We have laughed, and laughed harder, and have never stopped laughing. We have cried a bit here at there, but we always keep moving in the same direction. I think she enjoys sending me off to England or wherever from time to time so she can put her life back together again. A friend asked Stephanie years ago: HOW DID YOU AND TOM GET TOGETHER?–YOU ARE SO DIFFERENT. Stephanie answered: HE WAS JUST THE CHEAPEST ENTERTAINMENT I COULD FIND. These days, she would agree that I am good entertainment, but NOT CHEAP anymore. Forty-seven years and what an amazing journey it has been. I bought her three 18th century enamel boxes, a fabulous hardstone and cameo early Victorian necklace, and a pair of earrings with diamonds and topazes. I am having a fabulous emerald brooch made, but she may have to wait a year to receive it–something to look forward to. THANKS, DEAR. You have been PERFECT and a STAR Wow! I miss your being in England.
You are a glorious creature, and you are a STAR!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE LOCRIAN ENSEMBLE OF LONDON: St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Last evening was a wonderful concert at St. Martin-in-the-Field. I bought a seat in the balcony just over the players. When I am alone, this is where I like sit. I went early because I was in Trafalgar Square and decided to go early and soak up the atmosphere of this fabulous Gibbs 18th century church which became the model for the Anglican churches in colonial America. To hear Mozart, Bach, and Vivaldi by candlelight in this setting is the perfect way to finish the day. In the balcony–18 pounds, can you believe? Wow! I would go almost every night if I had the time. Maybe I will meet you there sometime.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE VINTAGE SHOWROOM: FOR THE MEN
Vintage shops are popping up all over London: 40′s, 50′s, and 60′s dresses, shoes, and hats–all for women. What about the guys? Aren’t men “vintage” as much as the ladies are “vintage”? Well today, during my wandering around SEVEN DIALS, I ran into THE VINTAGE SHOWROOM. What a really great pleasure to run into a shop which is so well run with quality vintage merchandise. I do have to chuckle, however. At 68 years of age, everything I see in the vintage shops hangs in my closet at home. I buy and buy and buy every year–what clothes I like, I buy–and now my grandsons are always checking out grandpa’s closet with their eyes on my bomber jackets, lettermen jackets, and my shoes gathered since 1950. Sorry, Kids, you will have to wait a bit longer, but you can go to THE VINTAGE SHOWROOM at 14 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden,London WC2H 9LN. I enjoyed my visit today–readers, wander in and have a look! Nice folks; I liked them. www.thevintageshowroom.com
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD: TENDER IS THE NIGHT
TENDER IS THE NIGHT Look at this! I would love to have this book. Look at all the names attached to this First Edition. Magnificent. I am drooling.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
NEAL’S YARD, MONMOUTH STREET, SEVEN DIALS
While you are wandering around SEVEN DIALS, walk up Monmouth Street until you see the marker that says NEAL’S YARD. There are little shops, salad bars, and a wonderful variety of jewelry shops. But for me, the attraction is the setting. Believe me, you will have a good smile. Wow! I love the area around SEVEN DIALS–it has become a very up-market shopping area with lovely boutiques. Have a look!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
NOTES ON ST. MARTIN’S LANE: Meet up with friends
NOTES on St. Martin’s Lane is a gathering place every afternoon. It is next to the English National Opera House and is a perfect place to meet before and after the opera. It is also a fantastic place to search the shelves and shelves of classical music disks. NOTES is always packed with people having a coffee and a sweet roll. This afternoon, I was not in the mood for dinner, but I was in the mood for a snack–a sweet! So, off to NOTES I went. I was thrilled to find DIE ZAUBERFLOTE, LA TRAVIATA, IL TROVATORE, AND MANON. I have wanted to own the LEONTYNE PRICE and PLACIDO DOMINGO recording of IL TROVATORE, and I was thrilled to find it sitting on the shelf, right in front of my delighted eyes. Cost? 9 pounds! I wore out my CD of LA TRAVIATA WITH SUTHERLAND AND BERGONZI, and I found it for 9 pounds. Gosh, what a fantastic snack at NOTES! A real bonanza. Go have a snack while you are wandering down St. Martin’s Lane on your way to St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
SALT BEEF SANDWICH AT SCOTT’S ON NEW ROW, COVENT GARDEN
I am an aggressive traveler; I go from morning until evening–mixing business with pleasure. Over the years, I have created patterns which do not change. Monday is always ANTIQUES at Jubilee Market, and Saturday is always ANTIQUES on Portobello Road. In between those two “always do’s” I fit in museums, exhibitions, theater, and shopping. But I do have moments I sit and put my feet up. One of those moments is spent at Scott’s sandwich shop in New Row. I have written about this shop several times, but today, I decided that I had to let my readers know about the SALT BEEF SANDWICHES which I enjoy at least once a week. It is so tasty, and I love being in the shop talking to Scott and his wife and two daughters if they happen to be out of school. Today was really special. The sandwich was outstanding, and the children were the servers. I love to sit at the small table by the door and listen to all the chatter between Scott and his clientele which he has built up over twenty years. I love these relationships; I get a real kick out of Scott. He is a really great guy, and he makes a SALT BEEF SANDWICH which is without equal. Enjoy wandering down NEW ROW before grabbing my small table by the front door. Yummy, believe me.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 25, 2011
WINDSOR FARM SHOP: Windsor Castle
Yesterday, Maureen Walker picked me up in central London to go to Windsor Castle. We take the M4 from London and then leave the motorway at Datchet. As we reach one of the royal gates into Windsor Great Park, we spot the sign we are looking for: WINDSOR FARM SHOP. The produce is all organic, and the meat and vegetable pies are made on the Windsor estate. This project is the Duke of Edinburgh’s special project, and the produce is wonderful. So, if you are on your way to the castle for a visit, stop at the WINDSOR FARM SHOP to have lunch. It is really fun.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY LONDON: “THE TUDORS”
THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY is a treasure house in London. The portraits of historical British personalities line the walls and are grouped by eras in British history. Today I went to the National Portrait Gallery because I wanted to see the exhibition of Tudor Portraits. Henry VII, Henry VIII, Mary Tudor, Queen Elizabeth I , Edward VI are magnificent as one enters the gallery. I have seen these portraits all my life, but to stand before the original images is a particularly wonderful experience. Anne Bolyn painted in life–amazing. The Coronation Portrait of Elizabeth I exudes all the power identified with the Tudors. This is the Queen who would one day defeat the Spanish Armada in the English Channel, making England the powerful sea power in the world. What a fabulous exhibition. While you are on Trafalgar Square, step around to the side and have a visit in the NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY. It’s free. Fabulous
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 24, 2011
“DID YOU SEE WHAT I SAW”?: the Rolls Royce of Diana, Princess of Wales
This afternoon, Maureen and I were on our way to the Duke of Edinburgh’s green grocer’s shop on the Windsor Estate to find some wonderful organic vegetables. We were stuck in traffic when I looked at the car next to our vehicle. It was a fabulous Rolls Royce. Since we were stopped in traffic, I started a conversation–usual. Then I noted the flag insets on the car, so I knew this once belonged to an important person who flew a personal standard. The driver knew I was keen about the car. He said it belonged to Diana Princess of Wales. I grabbed my camera and was very unhappy when the traffic began to move. I did get a photo of the standard inset and the gilt hood ornament. The car was spotless and in magnificent condition. What a fun moment. Nice
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
MY LONDON AFTERNOON WALK: That’s how to know London
After a very busy morning looking at flats, I decided I wanted to take the open bus tour of London. NO SUCH LUCK. It has been drizzling for two days, so I decided I would go on a walk with my faithful camera. I love this moist weather when the flowers are so colorful, and London is at its best. Let me take you on my walk with me. I started walking down Charing Cross past all the book shops which I have wandered through for years. Old books are so beautiful.
Of course I had a delicious pastry at PATISSERIE VALERIE
Should I go to Cafe Rouge for a Pepper Steak tonight? Delicious with French Fries
Theater? Not tonight because I am going to St. Martin’s for the Faure Requiem
I thought I would walk into Leicester Square to talk to my 1/2 price theater ticket sales people. They are still there.
Ah, tonight is the FAURE REQUIEM. I am very excited. I will now have all seen all the great requiem in St. Martin’s Church. Brilliant!
I walked into Trafalgar Square, nodded at George Washington and admired this exquisite square
I am on my way to Covent Garden to meet Cristina for lunch. I am passing Harp Pub and enjoying the beautiful flowers
I haven’t eaten at this Mexican restaurant, but I will on this trip and will let you know
Walking past RULES RESTAURANT and on to Covent Garden where everyone likes to gather including me!
And there I meet up with Cristina, our outstanding London MANAGER. What a capable and nice person. Our family love her.
What a fantastic walk! Now back to the flat for a short nap so I am at my best for the FAURE REQUIEM. I am really going to enjoy this concert. Wow!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
August 23, 2011
THE MYSTERY OF THE VANISHING LOO: SOLVED!
I have been very curious about the mystery of the VANISHING LOO in front of the Palace Theater. I have been staying various flats to understand how each one works. I carry on this routine at least three times a year. When people call our office to book a flat, I want to be sure I have first-hand knowledge of the property. My son Thomas Jr. does the same routine when he is in London in October and in April. Well, out my bedroom window in the Cambridge Circus flat where I am staying, I have been fascinated by the “iron man” which seems to appear and disappear like a ghost. Thousands and thousands of people gather in the theater districts of London each evening and night where pubs, restaurants, and clubs are everywhere. So, about 8:00PM this IRON MAN suddenly appears–certainly better than the walls of buildings! When I wake up in the morning, I look out and the IRON MAN has been taken away. Or has it? I got up early this morning to find out the truth. Well, I saw it all happen this morning. An employee came along and cleaned the three urinals in the single cylinder from top to bottom. THEN, he sat back and pushed a button and the IRON MAN disappeared into the ground. Really, an amazing invention. I think I will put one in my garden–my grandchildren and I find the distance to the bathrooms in the house too far away! What a great idea.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF THE PEOPLE: WILLIAM AND CATHERINE
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE HEROES. The social disturbances in London, Birmingham, and Liverpool are passing into history, but the areas most affected by riots will never forget the immediate response by the Royal Family. Charles and Camilla were first on the scenes trying to help. Harry spontaneously jumped in. But the emerging feeling is that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have become THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF THE PEOPLE. Their warm and sincere concerns have been felt throughout the country. There is an immediate affection for the young couple who seem to embody the hope and future of the country. People want to see them, touch them, and march in their parade. They are really STARS. I am in England and am watching this emerging image of the Duke and Duchess. It is clear that the young couple enjoy being part of “just people” in the streets of Britain. YES! Here’s HELLO MAGAZINE’s article.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE LONDON CONNECTION’S TALENTED DRIVER: Mr. David Norman
David Norman and his team of drivers are spectacular. He collects people at the airport after they have come through HM Customs and eager to get to their accommodations in central London. I call David “talented” because he helps people solve their problems: luggage, meeting friends, meeting the let-in lady. He also takes visitors on tours outside of London and returns them to London. Yesterday, I was checking out some of our flats and ran into one of our return clients, Gigi. She and I were delighted finally to meet after all these years of doing business. Right off, Gigi warned me that I was not to occupy David’s time while I was in London because she had plans for him. That is the typical response to this wonderful driver. He is a great guy. The company considers David one of the major components of our company. The visitors LOVE him and his fabulous Mercedes taxi/van. Perfect!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
TIME OUT MAGAZINE: The minute you touch down in London
To be well informed about London and London life makes a real difference in a visitor’s stay. The minute one arrives in London, get an Oyster Travel Card for the buses and tubes, and then step into a shop and buy a TIME OUT MAGAZINE. There are excellent articles about restaurants, exhibitions, theater, and concerts. You can also subscribe to the publication and follow along on the Internet. A “must-have” for a visitor to London.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
TRAFALGAR SQUARE: AN ARTIST’S PLEA FOR WORLD PEACE
WOW! I was walking to Whitehall through Trafalgar Square, and look what I found. AN ARTIST’S PLEA FOR PEACE. I was moved.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
DON’T WE LOVE THE ENGLISH
I had to chuckle!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
ST. JAMES’S PARK, A ROYAL PARK
During this very busy trip, finding moments to get my breath are appreciated. I was walking through St. James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace, on my way to St. James’s when I decided that the beautiful weather in this setting had to be a fun part of my visit. I watched people feeding the squirrels and ducks and swans. It was a beautiful day and the chairs were all set out for the sun worshippers. It was all so inviting, especially with the Palace, Clarence House, St. James’s Palace, and Lancaster House as backdrops. I sat down on a park bench to enjoy the scene for a moment when an elderly gentleman asked to share my bench. I was delighted. His name was David. I loved it when he started to tell me his story. He was 86 years old, retired from the Coldstream Guards, and comes to the Park every Friday and then goes to the Guards Officers Dining Room for dinner. I urged him to keep talking. I was thrilled to hear that he was the Queen’s Piper for 30 years and traveled to Balmoral when the Royal Family went off to Scotland each July/August/September. I saw him checking his watch, and I knew he had an appointment at the Barracks, so I helped him wind down his telling stories. In a charming way, David told me that he has rather bad eyesight, and if I see him in the Park on a Friday in the future I am invited to join him on his bench. The charm of that elderly man! I was the richer for having met him. I often have to talk to myself to slow my pace and “smell the roses”–especially when I am sitting in St. James’s Park, my favorite park in London.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
BUCKINGHAM PALACE: THE TWO QUEENS AT THE PALACE
I love these stories. The Queen Bee and the Queen Regnant both share Buckingham Palace. I love these articles which give insight into the Queen’s personality. She is so modern and “with it.” Yeh, 85 years old and going strong. Maybe the key is HONEY, her own honey.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
