HALLOWEEN American style has reached London. After all, London probably has more ghosts swishing and mincing around than any other city in the world. LONDON DUNGEON would be a good start, but let me introduce you to RICHARD JONES and his LONDON HALLOWEEN GHOST WALK.
RICHARD JONES wrote HAUNTED BRITAIN AND IRELAND so I am sure he knows all about how to celebrate HALLOWEEN. Goodness, it could be really spooky. I am posting his entire advertisement so my readers can contact his website and sign up for his walking tour of SPOOKY LONDON. How can you be in London without celebrating and enjoying Halloween which has become as popular as Christmas, it seems.
SO, LET’S GET SPOOOOOOOOOOooooooooky!
ATTB
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Set in beautiful landscaped parkland high on the north edge of Hamstead Heath, KENWOOD HOUSE is one of the most magnificent visitor attractions in London. This elegant Palladian villa was remodeled in the 18th century (1764-1779) by ROBERT ADAM and today houses a superb collection of paintings including masterpieces by REMBRANDDT, VERMEER, TURNER, AND GAINSBOROUGH as well as the SUFFOLK COLLECTION of rare ELIZABETHAN PORTRAITS.
The ADAM LIBRARY is considered by many to be his finest work. The classical friezes and grand colonnades are exquisite. The collection of paintings is outstanding and were left to the Nation by the First Earl of Iveagh in 1927–and how grateful we all are. My favorite is the magnificent VERMEER which draws viewers from all over the world, including me!
The views of London are spectacular from Kenwood House, and the great sweep of lawn overlooking ponds and London below is breathtaking.
I have had several calls in the office about visiting the HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT this summer when the House of Lords and the House of Commons are not sitting. I am putting this information on the blog as the summer visits are taking place now.
There are over four million maps in various forms at the BRITISH LIBRARY. Magnificent maps highlight the British Library’s unique collection of large-scale maps, many of which have never been exhibited before demonstrate why maps are about far more than geography.
THE KLENCKE ATLAS was given to King Charles II at the time of the STUART RESTORATION in 1660. Such magnificent maps and atlases were symbols of status and wealth. They were important items in private and royal residences.
Prior to 1800, these maps would have hung beside paintings and sculpture on the walls of palaces and grand private homes. No expense was spared with vast tapestries, large wooden globes, and painting in gold leaf commissions.
THIS IS MAGNIFICENT AND MUST NOT BE MISSED. Very beautiful.
The first image is a portion of the very large CORONATION PORTRAIT of Queen Victoria. These narrative canvases record an important event in English history; this portrait captures a coronation which began an entirely new age.
The second image is the STATE PORTRAIT OF QUEEN VICTORIA. She is wearing the State Crown (notice the Stuart Sapphire in the front of the crown) and Parliament joins her in the distance. The Queen said when she was first Queen: I WILL BE GOOD. After George IV and William IV, these must have been reassuring words.
The third painting is Winterhalter’s portrait of the Royal Family with the Queen accompanied by the Prince Consort and the first five of her nine children. This massive painting highlights the glory of family life.
The fourth portrait is King George III, the last King of America. This king detested excessive shows of wealth and splendor. Rather, he preferred to be remembered as a family king dedicated to scholarship, farming, science and technology, fine paintings, and BOOKS. This beautiful portrait reflects the tastes of this scholarly King. I have great respect for King George III.
The fifth portrait is King George IV, a complete contrast to his father George III. This king loved splendor, ceremony, works of art, architecture, on and on–everything to the extreme. He was a man of excess who had lost the love of his people. BUT, he was Queen Victoria’s uncle. We will talk about that in a moment.
The sixth portrait is one of the grand portraits of CHARLES I by VanDyck, the court painter. There are several Van Dyck paintings in the Royal Collection, but this particular portrait is important because it is an attempt to create a ABSOLUTE MONARCH to match the French King, Louis XIV who was painted in this same pose by Rigaud. This portrait had been sold by Cromwell, but it was returned to James II after the Stuart’s return to the throne.
The STATE ROOMS at BUCKINGHAM PALACE will be open to the public starting 29 July until 29 September while the Queen is in Scotland. For visitors in London, this is one of the most interesting events of the summer season. After the State rooms, visitors will enjoy a special exhibit about the Queen’s Royal Tours. After you have gone through the palace, visit the the QUEEN’S GALLERY around the side of the palace where a most amazing VICTORIA AND ALBERT EXHIBITION is taking place. This year’s SUMMER OPENING will be one of the most interesting ever held at the Palace. Don’t miss it.
Tom
The Queen is 84 years old and continues to keep a demanding schedule. In light of the Queen’s busy schedule in Canada this week, the Palace published a history of the Queen’s schedule for the previous year. I think you will be amazed. THIS IS AN AMAZING SERVICE TO THE NATION. She goes on like her mother, the Queen Mother who lived to be over 100 years–full of enjoyment and enthusiasm. Really admirable.
