Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
April 19, 2013
February 20, 2013
KENWOOD HOUSE ART COLLECTION MAKING FRIENDS IN AMERICA UNTIL SEPTEMBER
I have been putting together articles lately about the great houses around London. Another of these great estates is Kenwood House in north London. I have enjoyed visiting this historic residence for years because of the stunning Robert Adams Library and the fine paintings. I want to warn travelers to London this year that the house will be closed until 1 September because of necessary restorations and conservation. While the conservation work is being done, the Kenwood House Art Collection will be making friends in the United States–returning to London early September. In the meantime, the great lawns are spectacular for a picnic or a game of soccer to stretch travelers legs. You will recognize the facade of the house because it played prominently Jane Austen movies and in the movie NOTTING HILL. Here is a bit of history about this lovely house, so much the work of Robert Adams, and the fabulous art collection.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
February 12, 2013
CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL: THE PERFECT DAY TRIP FROM LONDON
My purpose in posting these images of Canterbury Cathedral is to encourage a day trip from London to one of the fascinating and important religious site in Christendom. This ancient site has its roots in our architecture heritage, our history, and in our literature. Thomas Becket and THE CANTERBURY TALES are a part of everyone’s education; my father told me NOT to read several of the tales knowing that those would be the very ones I would read! And, he was right, of course. The site of the cathedral dates back to 597 AD; however, the church built in French Caen stone was built in 1070 after the Norman Invasion. In 1174 the cathedral was rebuilt to accommodate all the pilgrims coming to visit the shrine to Thomas Becket who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170 by knights of Henry II. (Interesting to note that there have been 4 murders in the cathedral including Thomas Becket). Well, I am not intending to give a history here; rather, I am interested in encouraging day trips from London for those eager for this level of experience into English history and architecture. Let’s take a look at the images which I hope will stir your blood to hop on the train from London direct to Canterbury. What a great day! Aren’t we having fun; it doesn’t get any better than this!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 27, 2013
WINDSOR CASTLE: MY LAST DAY-OUT-OF-LONDON BEFORE RETURNING TO THE STATES
Some of the members of the London Connection team had a free day, so Ricardo/Cristina/Ian joined me for a day out of London. I love to go at this time of the year because the semi-state rooms are open to the public, and there are few people and no lines. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and no snow or rain–perfect after a bitter January in London. We left Paddington Station at 9:30 AM and took the train to Slough where we caught the Windsor Castle Connection. It progressed like clockwork. Ian is our company photographer, so I had a professional teacher giving me suggestions about my new camera–the time on the train was really well used. We arrived in Windsor, wandered up from the station to the castle where the Gold Jubilee monument of Queen Victoria greeted us in all its glory. We then went into the grounds of the castle where we found hardly a soul there compared to the long lines and mobs of the summer tourist months. We could feel spring in the air, and the gardens were beginning to show buds and blossoms. The walls of Windsor Castle are as solid as the kingdom itself. St. George and the Dragon were sculptured in the walls from time to time, and historic dates fascinated: Elizabeth I, George III, and George IV. There was no photography allowed inside, but my conscience allowed just one picture of the Waterloo Chamber ceiling which was blazing with light from the outside; it was spectacular, and I couldn’t resist. After a wonderful visit, we went into the town of Windsor and had Sunday roast beef and Yorkshire pudding Sunday lunch at a little restaurant which once was the home of Nell Gwyn. I am going to write an article about this restaurant because the food was really good, and the owner was eager to tell us about the tunnel under the restaurant to the castle where Charles II and Nell reached each other without the public’s knowledge. We then walked over to the Scottish shop to look at the tartans which always intrigue me. What a wonderful way to spend my last day in England: my wonderful team having a day away from the job in Windsor Castle. Perfect. I will be back in the spring and again in August/September, but I will miss their energy, excitement and their many kindness to me.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
October 31, 2012
MONTACUTE HOUSE: A BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED ELIZABETHAN HOUSE
Several years ago, I went to England for an antique auction; there was a splendid Welsh dresser that I wanted to buy for our family. My grandmother had a beautiful 18th century dresser which I did not inherit, so I decided I would find another one. After my successful purchase, I spent some time with my friends the Ross family in Bridport/Stoke Abbott who were antique dealers specializing in 18th century furniture. During my visit, we spent a wonderful afternoon at MONTACUTE HOUSE. The house was spectacular, and I will never forget my first visit. The house’s restoration was a cooperative effort obetween THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, several private loans, and the National Trust. The gardens were beautiful. THE HOUSE HAD BEEN SAVED FOR THE NATION. I highlight MONTACUTE HOUSE because almost weekly I am asked by our visitors in London where they should go for a week outside London after they stay in this magnificent city. This magnificent house should be considered for their itinerary.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
September 26, 2012
THAMES BOAT TRIP “UP THE RIVER” TO HAMPTON COURT
One very warm fall day during our recent stay in England, Mrs. Moore and I wanted to take the Thames Boat Ride UP THE THAMES to Hampton Court. When Guests come to London, we always take them to Greenwich, DOWN THE THAMES, but Hampton Court is a different ride because it takes 2 1/2 hours each way and depends on the tide–the Thames is a tidal river. I have gone to Hampton Court on the river only once before, so it was time to renew my acquaintance with the Chelsea Bridge, Richmond, Kew, the locks, Henley-on-Thames and my antique dealer friend, and all the locations where the 18th and early 19th century painters used to stretch their canvases and paint. The day was perfect with beautiful blue skies, warm temperatures, and somewhat sane tourists riding with us. We brought a few egg salad sandwiches and chips from Pret because I am not too keen on boat snacks; from all appearances our sandwiches were a good decision. From the minute our boat left Westminster Pier in central London, my camera and I joined forces and delighted in all the beautiful views all the way up to Hampton Court. I was fascinated with the locks on the upper Thames; it was like going through a mini Panama Canal. I always marvel at the over-engineered Victorian construction all over Britain which still work well, and the locks on this river are a good example. Going to Greenwich is a “commercial” ride while going to Hampton Court on the river is an elegant and residential experience; they are two different worlds. Richmond-Kew-Henley all have an elegant 18th century feel with parades of houses with 18th century doorways, windows, and roof lines; for people with sensitive eyes, this ride is a real pleasure. Small pleasure boats of all kinds came along side our boat creating an almost “neighborhood” feeling on the river. I particularly liked the racing teams who were almost beautiful flying on the water, practicing for some future event. Wonderful. Finally, I spotted the Tijou fences and gates of Hampton Court where we spent a fantastic afternoon. I have written and posted an article about our visit to Hampton Court for this blog which I hope you will read. I took “a few” images of this river trip from Westminster Bridge to Hampton Court which I would like to share with you. I hope you will enjoy them. I certainly enjoyed taking them. THE OLD THAMES –LONG MAY SHE FLOW!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
June 15, 2012
WINDSOR CASTLE: THE PERFECT DAY TRIP OUTSIDE LONDON (Take the train: Paddington to Slough and transfer to Windsor–simple)
An entirely new world awaits you. It is like walking back in time. (Thanks for the photo, Joe. It is fantastic)
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
June 9, 2012
SYON HOUSE: THE MAGNIFICENT GROUNDS AND GARDEN SHOP
We return to the States in the morning, so we decided that we would spend the afternoon with our friend Maureen Walker in the gardens of Syon House. Syon House is the ancient residence of the Dukes of Northumberland who spend time between Arundel House on the border of England / Scotland and their thriving business at Syon House. I have written several articles at Syon House, but today I want to highlight the fabulous garden shop which is one of the finest retail garden shops I have ever seen. The quality of the plants is amazing. There was such a variety. I snapped away with my camera and whistled and smiled. What a wonderful afternoon. I love gardening, and this shop really lifted my spirits. GORGEOUS FLOWERS! Wow
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
May 30, 2012
RIVER CRUISE FROM LONDON, WESTMINSTER BRIDGE, TO GREENWICH
Stephanie and I decided that we wanted to have our own “flotilla” down the Thames before the Queen comes down on her barge on Sunday. So, we went to Westminster Pier and caught the 9:15 am boat for Greenwich. There are numerous destinations on the ride; you can get off at the Tower of London and Canary Wharf and finally Greenwich. The trip from Westminster Pier to Greenwich took about two hours. We showed our tickets, headed for the top of the boat so we could photograph with full views in front of us. It was a fabulous day–clear, very warm, perfect to be on the river. We sat down on the front top deck and settled in with sandwiches and treats and of course my bag of camera equipment. The boat departed and before me was the most wonderful view of the Houses of Parliament–snap, snap! Then I saw the most amazing Westminster Bridge detail which I had never noticed before: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s coats of arms–right there in front of me on the side of the Bridge. Prince Albert had been instrumental in the building of the new Westminster Bridge so it was very fitting to include his Arms with the Arms of the Queen. I was thrilled to see them. The bronze statue of Boetica was fabulous from the river with the tower holding Big Ben behind. Fabulous views.
As we traveled down the river, we saw a massive black and white canvas with the images of the Royal Family taken at the time of the Silver Jubilee covering a building site which the building company did not want to ruin the Queen’s Flotilla. It would so wide, I could hardly get it all in my camera’s eye at such a close distance. Then we enjoyed HMS Belfast and views of Tower Bridge at the Tower of London. It was one of those rare moments when the draw bridge on Tower Bridge was up allowing the many tall sails come up the Thomas on their way up the river to join the Queen’s flotilla. I was quite amused to see even a very early 14th century boat with its colorful sails and early design–a replica, of course.
We passed under Tower Bridge and looked back at the Tower of London–got a lump in my throat as that very historic site was framed by Tower Bridge. Further on, fabulous flats which were once the warehouses of London were draped with the Union Flag, celebrating the great Jubilee Celebrations this week. Loyal subjects for sure. The guide on the boat told us to look up one of the warehouse docks to see the area where Charles Dickens chose for many scenes in his many novels. I could see old Fagin and Oliver Twist crawling around like real criminals. It was history coming alive. I loved every minute of it.
We traveled on further and saw the MAYFLOWER PUB which was built out of the timber from the original Pilgrim vessel. Finally, after a most delightful ride on the top of the boat, we arrived at Greenwich with Sir Christopher Wren’s great Naval Academy before us. It was stunning. The Cutty Sark was directly in front of us and the Observatory at Greenwich sat on top of the hill. It was all just fabulous. No wonder the Queen is going down this great river. The symbolism is obvious. We loved every minute of it. I have taken this boat ride down to Greenwich many times, and I never tire of it. But this ride, there was a lot of activity on the river with many more boats heading up the river to prepare for the Queen’s River Procession of a thousand boats on Sunday at 12:00 noon. Brilliant. Here are a few images of our ride down the river–our little Flotilla. It is going to be 70 degrees in London, so we are looking forward to another fabulous day.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
February 20, 2012
LAS VEGAS IMAGES: 2 flights depart London each day– direct to Las Vegas
My Las Vegas hotel was filled with my English friends. I am sure I talked to everyone of them. They came for sun, for fun, for shopping, for bachelor parties (naughty fellows!), for the gardens, for the animals, for the shows, for gambling, and for a trip to Hoover Dam–one of the greatest engineering masterpieces of all times. I learned that there are two direct flights each day leaving Heathrow and Gatwick to Las Vegas McCarron International Airport. When we used to drive from California to Salt Lake years and years ago, Las Vegas was nothing more than a bump in the road with a few clubs and casinos on the tiny street called the STRIP. It was a railroad town. Well, all that has changed. There were large groups of English, Germans, Japanese, Australians, Canadians, French, and of course British. Las Vegas is a fantastic international playground where there is so much to do. I thought you might like to see some of my images. We drove from Las Vegas back to Salt Lake City this afternoon. It is an easy ride, but what a difference in weather: from bright sun to clouds and snow–perfect for the skiing. What a fabulous world we live in. So much fun to be enjoyed! Lots of it.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
