Guildhall Art gallery and Roman Amphitheater in London
The Guildhall Art Gallery ⇒ is free to enter and is right beside Guildhall ⇐ . Beneath are the remains of a Roman Amphitheater (AD 70) made more atmospheric by illuminated competitors. The gallery houses a moderate size collection of quite impressive art including some pre-Raphaelite works.
Lord Mayor Sir Francis Wyatt Truscot by Charles Bell Birch
.
The Wounded Cavalier by William Shakespeare Burton
.
La Ghirlandata by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
.
Fair St George by John Gilbert
.
The Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar (painted) by John Singleton Copley
The painting is so large that it occupies two floors. I’m sure that’s Stephen Fry on the horse.
.
Demolition of London Bridge by J.W.S
.
Music Lesson by Frederic Leighton
.
Ninth of November by William Logsdail
.
The Woodmans Daughter by John Everett Millais
Inspired by a tragic poem with the same title by Coventry Patmore.
The National Gallery – London – UK
The Horses of Achilles in the style of Anthony van Dyke
The National Gallery (London UK) is adjacent to Trafalgar Square ⇐, St Martin in the Field ⇐ and the National Portrait Gallery ⇐. Entrance is free and you may photograph (no flash or tripod). You can also download images but with very limited use. The website is here ⇒.
Paintings like these provide an insight into past life, attitudes, stories and legends. Many show the enormous skill of the artists. All have been brightened a little to compensate for the low lighting and fading/darkening of paint. You might also like a selection of digitally enhanced versions that try to show their original vibrancy here ⇐.
The National Gallery Entrance (London)
The Fighting Temeraire by Joseph Mallord William Turner
The Virgin and Child with Saints by Lorenzo Costa and Gianfrancesco Maineri
Saints Christina and Ottilia by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Saints Genevieve and Appollonia by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Adriana van Heusden and her Daughter at the New Fish Market in Amsterdam by Emanuel de Witte
Seaport with the Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba by Claude
Dutch Vessels Close Inshore at Low Tide and Men Bathing by Wilem van de Velde
Infant St John with the Lamb by Bartoleme Esteban Murillo
London Interior of the Rotunda at Raneleigh by Canaletto
Phillip th IV Hunting Wild Boar by Diego Valazquez
Eaton College
National Gallery Portico – London
Sutton House
Lenenfold Parlour
So called because of its rare linenfold design wood paneling.
19 pics. Sutton House is not very big but it is a real gem and is well worth a visit. It was built-in 1535 by Sir Ralph Sadleir (Principal Secretary of State to Henry VIII) and has a long history of occupation including merchants, sea captains, Huguenot silk-weavers, Victorian schoolmistresses and Edwardian clergy. In later years it was used by WWII Fire Wardens, the ASTMS Union and then a squat/music venue/community center known as the Blue Room. The staff are friendly and helpful and it is well managed which results in a sense of preserved rather than restored.
More history here ⇒, website (opening times/small entry fee) here ⇒ and essential travel guide here ⇐. Note: sometimes the website (2019) is misleading about opening times and how to book a visit, you can contact here ».
There is also a Georgian Parlour, tea room, small cafe. outdoor seating areas, used book shop, cellar and chapel (little bare though), small garden/play area and community room. The site hosts a number of events and family themed days (check the website above).
Do use the paper guide provided on entry, otherwise it is very easy to miss a room or one of the treasure chests.
Art Gallery
If you click on twice to expand, then you will see the names of the young artists. The room also has an audio-visual guide.
Little Chamber
Great Chamber
Sir Ralph Sadleir MP
Lady Sadleir and Sir Edwin Sadleir both by Mary Beale
Victorian Room
Tudor Kitchen
That’s my selfie.
Top Floor
This is what remains of the the Blue Room squat, which has it’s own history.
Courtyard Seating
Breakers Yard Garden and Sand Pit
Shop
I do love a duck.
Floral Fusion 2
3 pics.
A little something to brighten the day (click on a picture for full screen and again to magnify).
A little more colour ↓.
A little less flowers ↓.
No flowers were harmed whilst making this display but several brain cells went walkabouts. 😀
Kensington Palace
17 pics. From Queensway Underground station, across the main road, through the main gates and along the broad avenue facing south through Kensington Gardens. After a short walk, a small clock tower and the Elfin Oak ⇐ can be seen on the right. A little further on, also on the right, is Kensington Palace. The palace was built in 1605. More of its history, from Wiki, can be found here ⇐. The official website, with admission prices etc, can be found here ⇐.
Non-commercial photography is permitted but the lighting is dim and there is a certain amount of glare. As a result it was necessary to use a higher ISO setting than I would normally wish and gives a brighter impression than is really the case. Nevertheless, if you like old houses, it is the most atmospheric that I have come across so far.
It is well worth using the map, provided with your ticket, and finding the Queen’s rooms. They are located behind a large wooden door and you may have to ask an attendant for access. However, the staff are very friendly, informative and helpful.
If you wait a little while, the shadow will dance accompanied by the sound of shoes upon the hard wood floor and occasionally a little music.
Above is Princess Amelia, a favourite daughter of George III. The shadow dancers will occasionally move into each others space and dance together.
One can only wonder at how many, during the long past, have gazed at this view from the window and of their thoughts and dreams. You might spare a moment to join them.
And, hats off to the artisans who built this for their skill and diligence.
You might also like to see some of Kensington Gardens Flowers ⇐ or perhaps what the local Water Fowl ⇐ do for fun.
The Painted Hall at the Naval College, Greenwich
The Painted Hall
9 Pics – Entrance is free and non-commercial photography is allowed without licence. The Chapel Pictures. Visiting Wonderful Greenwich and it’s History and Travel to Greenwich and Visitors Map
From May 2017 to early Sept 2017 there is an opportunity to climb trestles for a closer look. There is a charge during this time so please see the website ⇒.
A closer look reveals that shadows are painted on, to give a 3D effect.
Here again is a 3D effect.
.
At the Greenwich Visitors Centre
A word from our sponsors.
He’s stone deaf you know.
It’s very peaceful here.
Art in Victoria Park
Victoria Park, Bow, London, UK. – Click on an image to enlarge.
The progress of cheerful duck will always overide serious reflections.
I can do this all day.
Standing Guard on the Triffids (not in the same place)
At the Royal Inn on the Park That’s what I call a makeover
Freed From Time 