Things I did in London recently:
- Victoria & Albert Museum exhibit: Tim Walker Wonderful Things
- Buckingham Palace State Rooms Tour
- The Royal Mews
- A Doll's House play at the Hammersmith Lyrica theater
I had no idea what to expect, the pictures looked interesting, and the tickets weren't that expensive(£15.00).
GREAT FIND!
Tim Walker is a fashion photographer who worked at magazines like Vogue, Bazaar, etc. Fashion is a world of luxury and fantasy and through his pictures, he captured it beautifully. I felt like I was in Alice and Wonderland the whole time.
Brought me back to my print days at both Y&R and J&J. Do you remember the magazine Taxi, that lasted for about 2 years? It was that magical, fantastical, beautiful imagery that swept you up to a different place in your imagination. Walking through the exhibit (less than an hour) let me escape from the world for an hour,
 |
| I love Grace Jones and hadn't heard about her in years. |
 |
This dress was borrowed from another exhibit. When we took a tour of "fashion at the V&A", they pointed out this dress was on loan to the Tim Walker exhibit. Tim recreated scenes from his favorite parts of the V&A. |
 |
Read Carefully |
 |
After we saw Tim Walker we went to the free Fashion talk. At first I was disappointed because they didn't show fashion, many jewels. But then it got better! I remember being in this room at the V&A but for the life of me can't remember with who I went with. |
 |
These vanity cases were part of Freddy Mercury's collection. On loan to the V&A from his sister. |
 |
Thanks for going with Kate, cherub. |
I'd never been in Buckingham Palace before. Rode by it hundreds of times. A few years ago took a free walking tour of London which included watching the Changing of the Guards, right outside of Buckingham Palace, but honestly, didn't even know you could go in.
A co-worker told me she took a tour of the State Rooms. They are only open for 2 months out of the year when the Royals are likely not there. What are the State rooms? Well, they are just like you see on TV. Where Kate Middleton entertains other ladies of state. Where the Queen holds court with other Royal dignitaries. Where historical Kings and Queens held diplomatic talks with other countries to sign peace treaties, talk war, establish trade and economies. It was just like I imagined it.
Unfortunately you can't take pictures inside. It was originally built for Queen Elizabeth and showed pictures of her coronation, expansion of the Palace, different points in history. The White Room, Green Room, Music Room, Drawing Room. Huge clocks, desks, chandeliers, dining room & dessert facts and re-creations. In one room, there is even a secret door where the Royal family walks in from their quarters. What's it like to live in there? Whats it like to live in a museum, historical place? What's it like to be a Queen? A Royal?
Buckingham Palace State Rooms (info and buy tickets here).
 |
I had no idea what The Royal Mews was but my co-worker went there and said it was great, so I said why not! Its the royal stable! |
 |
Some workers have worked here for generations, and you can see their apartments up above on the second floor. I did see a family riding their bikes. |
Re-imagined with Indian background. Very intense. Very empowering!
  |
On the weekend my friend Cindy & I met for "Bottomless champagne and sushi brunch" at Yashin Ocean House in Kensington. OMG I want to go back! |
 |
I was so relieved to leave the noisy & busy Marriott Residence Inn and move to a hotel out in the middle of no-where where our offices are (Walton Oaks). I stayed at the Mercure Burford Bridge Box Hill (town so small the address is "at the foot of the Hill"). I had room service of a very crispy and delicious fish & chips! Normally when we drive there we go on local motorways with tons of traffic & round-abouts but this time we went through beautiful green hills with tons of bike riders. Just beautiful! |
No comments:
Post a Comment