Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
April 15, 2013
April 14, 2013
DORCHESTER HOUSE, PARK LANE – 1853-1929 — RESIDENCE OF ROBERT STAYNER HOLFORD — LATER THE AMERICAN EMBASSY
Mrs. Moore and I were discussing the wonderful lunches we have enjoyed in the Victoria and Albert Cafe over the years. In our discussion, the subject of the great fireplace in the dining area came up. It has always struck me as “something from elsewhere.” So, late last evening, I went on a search, and I was right! The magnificent fireplace was part of DORCHESTER HOUSE, PARK LANE and was moved to the V&A in 1929 when the great houses Dorchester House and Grosvenor House on Park Lane were torn down to make way for the famous London hotels we all know. So when you are enjoying your wonderful lunch in the V&A Cafe, note the famous fireplace. The twisted bodies of the fireplace give me a rather “Michelangelo” feeling. Interesting stuff
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
April 13, 2013
April 3, 2013
THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM: THE BRITISH LOVE OF SILVER
The British love of silver and silver plate is well known. Every piece is carefully hallmarked to indicate artist, year, and city. When King George IV was dying in 1830, he was concerned about the welfare of his last mistress Lady Conyngham. He suggested that he bequeath all the king’s silver and silver gilt to Lady Conyngham so that she could live comfortably after the King’s death. The great English silversmiths have left us some of the most magnificent pieces of silver which often glitter on the Queen’s table in Buckingham Palace. I love Georgian and Victorian silver, and I continue to add pieces to a large collection which I inherited. For me, a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington to see the fine silver collection is a wonderful collection. The magnificent silver of Paul Storr is absolutely fabulous.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
February 4, 2013
WILLIAM MORRIS AND THE FINEST MINTON TILES AT THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM
Having lunch in the Cafe at the V&A is a fabulous experience. Of course the food is wonderful: ham, turkey, pork, lamb, beef and lots of veggies and roasted potatoes! It is wonderful. But the cafe itself is beyond belief: Morris and Minton Tiles everywhere. I am no great fan of William Morris; I just don’t like “that” color of green and the dark atmosphere, but the setting at the Victoria & Albert will take your breath away. I remember when Stephanie and I first found the cafe, several years ago. I put my tray down and just stared from one wall to another. Last week, I took a few photographs as I was having my lamb, mint, and roasted potatoes. Believe me, I was fed in so many ways. Take a look. I think you will enjoy these images:
.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 21, 2013
ALFRED STEVENS VS JOSEPH DURHAM: MEMORIAL OF THE “GREAT EXHIBITION” 1851
This memorial to the Great Exhibition of 1851 was designed by Joseph Durham. It was the winning design in a competition. However, the other design which did not win the commission was the work of Alfred Stevens (1817-1875). Yesterday while I was particularly interested in a piece of sculpture which I had not seen before, I realized that I was reading about Alfred Stevens design which is now on display in the sculpture gallery of the Victoria & Albert Museum. I was fascinated.
This sculpture was Alfred Stevens’s model for a memorial of the Great Exhibition. Stevens produced this model for a competition in which sculptors were invited to design a memorial to the Great Exhibition of 1851. On top is standing a figure of Queen Victoria and around the base are allegorical figures representing the four continents. The winning design by Joseph Durham now stands behind Albert Hall.
I like the Minton tile of the winning monument which still stands behind Royal Albert Hall.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
January 20, 2013
THE VICTORIA & ALBERT: THE MAGNIFICENT FRENCH TRIBUTE TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE FOR HIS ASSISTING GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE AMERICAN CAUSE
I have never seen this gigantic piece of silver gilt before; in fact, it quite blew me away. Here in the shrine of British History stands a monument to the Marquis de Lafayette, without whose help, the American Colonies would never have achieved victory over Britain. The beauty, the irony of it all, the history all captured my lingering attention. Deep inside, I felt that the item should be on display at Mount Vernon–right?!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM: A TRIBUTE TO HENRY COLE, FIRST CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM
One of my goals for yesterday’s visit to the V&A was the Minton Tile Staircase and Memorial to Henry Cole, 20 years as first curator of the Victoria and Albert Museum. I have walked this staircase often over the years, but this was to be a visit for lingering among the beauty created by geniuses. The Minton Staircase is one of the most beautiful parts of this great museum and makes me conclude that perhaps the greatest work of art at the V&A is the building itself. Look at this photographs and pay tribute to the spirit of Henry Cole. I pay tribute here! The tribute to Prince Albert’s South Kensington vision for arts and engineering is certainly the spirit behind this great creation–note above the memorial to Henry Cole.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
THE GILBERT COLLECTION, THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM: “A THING OF BEAUTY……”
I wanted to highlight this exquisite 18th century gold and enamel box; the workmanship is extraordinary:
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
