Scoped out the early morning bus situation to get me to the tour starting point early Friday morning. Looks like I’ll have to be out of here not long after 5:30am to make sure I have plenty of time to get to the meeting point.
Visited the National Collection on tuesday. The first painting I saw upon wandering in was “Sunflowers” by Picasso. However, the most memorable for me would have to be “The execution of Lady Jane Grey” by Paul Delarouche.
It is a little morbid, but still it captures the scene wonderfully.
“Lady Jane Grrey reigned as Queen for nine days Im 1553 until deposed by supporters of Catholic Queen Mary.
She was beheaded at Tower Hill early the following year, aged 17″
One of the good things about London is that most of the galleries and museums are free for the general exhibitions, donations are strongly encouraged though.
Further wandering laneded me in Covent Gardens. For any fan of “Spooks”, this is home to the masonic hall that plays home to the fictitious MI5 HQ.
Didn’t have my camera with me, but I’ll definitely be heading back again.
What’s news in Oz?
It’s great not hearing about what “mullet mouth” (thanks Robyn for that one) is doing every day.
4 Comments
What happened in Oz? Costello released a hell of a budget. I still think he’s one of the best treasurer’s we ever had.
May 10th, 2006 at 4:21 pm. Permalink.
Will, you have obviously found the best way to see London,- on foot. Have you been to the British Museum & the Victoria & Albert yet? What about the Globe Theatre? Don’t forget a day trip to Windsor & Cambridge. So much to do and so little time!! Oz news - Miners released in Tassie, Sofie Delizeo still critical, “mullet mouth” still breathing, Costello still smirking, Beasley still “blah”, Telstra shares
still down - just more of the same.
May 11th, 2006 at 8:00 am. Permalink.
good morning Will.sounds as though you are finding your way around and just as you take off for the next leg of the trip.You have an invitation to visit Debbies family in Surrey they are such lovely people like Deb they will be back before you finish in England.
May 11th, 2006 at 9:03 am. Permalink.
I remember the painting of Lady Jane Grey’s execution and like you was moved by it. I think the hoplessness and tragedy of the situation (one so young and seemingly defenceless) has been captured very well by Delarouche. ‘Sunflowers’ was stunning though. You can almost feel the warmth radiating from the flowers. As Robyn suggests, try and get to Windsor and if possible attend evensong and the cathederal (voices so pure your skin will crawl in the nicest possible way of course). The Tower of London is always great for some juicy history (including the execution place of Lady Jane Grey) and sinister plots. Check the Raven’s are still there please, if not, it’s all over…according to legend.
May 11th, 2006 at 11:37 am. Permalink.