Woke up to torrential rain with the forecast showing rain for most of the day. I had booked to go on a free walk with a London guide around the Marble Arch area. Couldn't decide whether to go or not. I decided to go but if it was still pouring down when I got there I would give it a miss. The rain had just about stopped and I have to say it was an excellent walk. The guide was dressed as John Nash, the architect of the Marble Arch as well as many other buildings. His knowledge was extensive and the hour long walk was over in no time. I didn't even think of taking photos.
As I was in London I decided to just wander around and see what was happening. Normally my visits into London these days are either to visit an underground station or I have the grandchildren with me. But today I had no plans or children so I was free to roam.
This long, long queue on Bond Street went right around the corner. I have been known to join a queue without knowing the reason for the queue assuming it must be worthwhile. Although my curiosity was aroused, the rain put me off but I did follow the queue to the front to find out what was happening.
The queue ended at Sotheby's auction house. But these people were not there to bid at the auction but to see the items on display. Items belonging to Freddie Mercury are going on sale next month and the public can go and view them. As well as signed lyrics and clothes he wore on stage there are also paintings that he owned and Faberge jewellery. Maybe I should have queued. If I have some spare time I might just go back and see if I can get inside for a look. The opportunity won't arise again.
This road just off Piccadilly was very quiet. In fact I was the only person walking down it but this restaurant was setting up a live band outside. Not sure whether that will be enough to get the customers through the door in this horrible weather.
On the other hand, Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly was heaving. The peacock that you can see took four weeks to create, two days to install and features 1,298 hand cut feathers. The peacock has been fashioned from recycled tins of Fortnum's biscuits and empty tea caddies which will all be recycled once the display is taken down.The peacock was designed for the King's coronation as a tribute to his commitment to sustainability.
Fortnum and Mason's windows were full of sunshine.
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Spectra: Union Walter x Zoniel
I was now close to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. The Portrait Gallery has only recently reopened after being closed for a couple of years for refurbishment so I decided to go and have a look. It was rammed. I didn't stay very long as the crowds were too much but I did like the small section that I saw and will be back for a much longer view. Desperate for a sit down and cup of tea I found a quiet Cafe and then went home. I realised I have been missing out by not just popping into London to see what is happening as I used to at least once a week pre covid days. Hopefully I will not leave it so long before I return to my wanderings around London.
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Poor Freddie Mercury. He had a tragic end of life and now his treasures are being flogged off.
ReplyDeleteMe gusta ese pavo real y las flores tan bellas, que aprecio en tu fotografía.
ReplyDeleteYa me gustaría que la lluvia cayera pormi ciudad. Llevamos ya muchos meses de sequía . Aquí es un día soleado y la temperatura es de 42º.
LOVE the peacock and Freddie Mercury is a favourite of ours. I've never been to london but it's packed with history, I would be finding so much to photograph.
ReplyDeleteThat peacock installation is the most incredible
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to have a guide who is not just doing a job but has a passion for the subject.
ReplyDeleteThere are always new things to discover in London. The peacock is impressive
I doubt that any of Freddie Mercury's clothes would be much to my taste -or even fit! When I was younger tinned biscuits were such an infrequent purchase that the tins were recycled for years as containers for home made cakes. I doubt my mother ever threw away enough tins to make a sparrow, let alone a peacock. It is nevertheless an impressive piece of work.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been missing your forays into London, too! I love that peacock and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s what in the newly redone National Gallery. I don’t think I’ve ever missed a look on any of my trips to London.
ReplyDeleteI always thought you lived in London!! That peacock is amazing and all the windows at this iconic store. A nice jaunt, you saw a lot especially in the rainy weather. Love love love that you join queues just to see what's going on .. Curiousity is a wonderful virtue!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations ! I haven't been in Brussels since at least 5 years Covid + Rick. the whole July it has rained cats and dogs and I had no energy to go out with this humid weather. I wanted to go to London to see the Freddy exposition, but nobody pushes me. Since Rick is gone I became a couch potato...and then with my breathing problems I never know when I am OK ar not to walk without being breathless after 3 steps. I hope I will find my energy back when I am moving into my "castle" .
ReplyDeleteThe peacock is quite impressive.
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