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
http://www.londonconnection.com
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
Wow! Look at this! The images speak for themselves!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
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
http://www.londonconnection.com
It is 10:30 PM here in London, and I have just returned from a Sunday evening stroll through Theater Land and Movie Square–that’s Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square. I knew I couldn’t take this walk during a week evening because of the thousands and thousands of theater and movie goers that fill the street. Strolling down Shaftesbury Avenue was electrifying even on a Sunday evening. I love London theater, and some plays and musicals I have seen several times over the years. New York? OK–sure. London–YES, YES, YES! I can’t tell you why–it just is! Come take a walk with me down Shaftesbury Avenue.
This will be Leicester Square when the refurbishment is completed this spring
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
My son Thomas comes home from London with glowing reports about his lunches at PICCOLO BAR on Sloane Street at Sloane Square. Maureen and I decided we would meet up for lunch and spend our time “gossiping.” I told Maureen to pick the restaurant. Where did we go? PICCOLO BAR. I had heard all about the little lunch stand, and I knew I was in for a real treat. Well here are my lunch photos. I am behind the camera, and Maureen is wearing her vibrant pink coat. What a wonderful time we had enjoying a prawn salad sandwich, sausage roll, and a bottle of fizzy water. It was great, and everyone else was also enjoying their lunch. There was a line, a queue, to place an order for a fabulous lunch. I am now a real fan. I like to be where people are enjoying themselves.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
I have written on several occasions that for me the finest three museums in London are the V&A, Buckingham Palace, and the Wallace Collection. I visit the Wallace Collection every time I am in London; the quality of the collection is simply the finest. The French Sevres, furniture, and paintings are amazing–there is simply no equal anywhere. The quality is without question, but I am always stunned by the huge quantity in one setting. Madame de Pompadour’s great Sevres dominates the collection. It is as if the English pulled up a huge moving van and took it all to Buckingham Palace and to Manchester Square. The exquisite taste of the French 18th century court demanded the “impossible” quality–almost finer than the eye could see. Every time I see the Sevres, I have to say to myself that these fine pieces of exquisite porcelain represent man’s ability to create a beautiful world. Look a these images! THE COLORS AND DESIGNS DAZZLE THE EYE. Imagine the world in which these creations “lived.”
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Two years ago, I published this image of Britannia. In two years, no one has figured out where it is located in central London. All the leaves are off the trees now, so I am hoping someone will identify this BRITANNIA before spring leaves. I will give you one hint: IT COULDN’T BE MORE CENTRAL. Let’s see who can figure it out. JUST FOR FUN.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
This early Sunday morning, I received an email here in London alerting me to the amazing CHARLES DICKEN’S VICTORIAN LONDON by Alex Werner and Tony Williams. These images are stunning; I wanted to share them this morning. Really interesting. Look at these!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
The big SLIPPER is gone off the front of the Palace Theater and the UMBRELLAS are up as “SINGING IN THE RAIN” comes to Cambridge Circus. I am trying to squeeze into the show before I go home. Funny, I can hum those tunes in my mind from years and years of knowing the movie SINGING IN THE RAIN. It looks fun–ALL THAT DANCING AND SINGING!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
Today is Saturday here in London, so naturally I am focused on my day at Portobello Road to visit all my friends who are people with stories to tell. I love the “fish stories” about the antiques that were once on the stalls and about how the Market has changed. I love these stories because in the 50 years I have been haunting this market, so much HAS changed. Meissen, Sevres, Staffordshire figures, and pewter/ brass used to fill the stalls. Little by little, the excellent old dealers weren’t so young any more, and the people who wandered down the street weren’t looking for Sevres in any way, shape, or form. Once people wanted really fine pieces of pewter, then the taste for vintage clothing took over. Many of the old dealers just died off or couldn’t make the change to accommodate the tastes of the people spending the cash. Some dealers loved the Market so much, so they reinvented themselves to survive on the street. I write a lot about the wonderful Kashden family. They are honored PORTOBELLO ROAD dealers of years and years. They were young with black hair and long sideburns and sold fine pewter and very early documents. As the Market changed and as we all grew only a little older with gray hair– and well fed, yet retaining elegant figures, Portobello clients decided they wanted vintage clothes rather than fine pewter. My friends the Kashdens had handled fine clothing in the professional careers over the years, so they decided they could offer the best VINTAGE CLOTHING on Portobello Road. I love to sit behind their stall and watch hundreds of people try on Hillary’s hats, fur coats, and their daughter Laura’s fabulous vintage purses. I have more smiles watching all this than I do anywhere; it is the most exciting place in London. People are great, and people from all over the world are even “GREATER” when they gather on the Market. There are the Italians buying fur coats, Spaniards buying crocodile vintage purses, and young people from all over the world trying on Hilary’s vintage hats. Put it all together, and you create the electricity that makes us all best friends–now members of the MUTUAL ADMIRATION SOCIETY. Look at these photographs of the KASHDEN EVOLUTION. They are fabulous. Oh my goodness! The good old days! Na Na Na It is more fun now than ever before. I know because I have been on the street during both eras. Don’t miss out; this is great fun. I mean real fun!
I hope you have had some fun. We have.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
I was wandering down Portobello Road, and my eyes caught sight of an amazing bracelet which the dealer who owned it was not willing to sell. I was thrilled when I saw it, and relieved that I could not have it–wow! That was close! It was a silver bracelet made during the first 30 years of the 19th century when the British were still celebrating their victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. There were three large reverse paintings on glass mounted in silver–probably created in China. The glass on the left was an image of Nelson’s ship. The center reverse painting on glass was a portrait of Lord Nelson. The third painting was an image of the Battle of Trafalgar in the midst of the naval encounter. The piece of jewelry fascinated me. It was a piece of history created near to the time of the great victory–another evidence of the great jubilation that occurred in England at the time of the great naval victory at Trafalgar, establishing the unquestioned supremacy of British naval power. Fabulous item. Sorry I could not own it. But, I did photograph it and will enjoy these images as I hope my readers do.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
http://www.londonconnection.com
