Sunday 16 May 2010

Trip to the Big Smoke 2

On we went to the former home of Lord Leighton, pre-raphealite painter. It was stunning, wonderful tiles on the walls, vivid, bold colours and lots of sketches for his paintings and paintings by other artists of the time, G F Watts and Millais. Click on the link to have your own panoramic tour of the house - Leighton House Museum. I've loved his work ever since I saw an exhibition of his work at the Royal Academy in 1996.

I getting to the house we walked through Holland Park, a very wealthy part of London and spotted this house - adorned with beautiful tiles. It's good to get off the beaten track and spend some time walking around, imagining the interiors and the lives of the people who live there. We can only conclude that they must all work as bankers to be able to afford such wonderful residences.

This house, or one very like it, was being advertised in the local estate agents for rent at £10,000 per week, unfurnished! How do you afford it? My own pet theory is that the area is peopled with vampires who having lived for centuries have just amassed vast fortunes along the way, think there may be a novel in this, lol.

Then it was on the National Gallery for a bite to eat, a rest of weary hips and feet, and a soaking up of fabulous artworks and the obligatory postcard fest! One day I'll make a book to keep them all in, one day............
Then just time to hop on a tube and visit Paperchase's flagship store on Tottenham Court Road before closing time. Picked up a few art supplies with Mermaid ATCs, and some artwork for my front room in mind, well that was my excuse and I'm sticking to it. You can never have too many art supplies.

4 comments:

  1. Lovely London, haven't been to my home town for about 3 years now: I'm probably due a visit. I love your theory about the residents of Holland Park lol!

    Shirl x

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  2. What a great way to spend some time and an interesting account. I love the National Gallery and Paper Chase, your pictures made me feel very nostalgic.

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  3. Wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing your trip with us! I like your vampire theory. lol. Definitely a possibility. And I agree, you can never have enough art supplies. Thanks so much for your sweet visit! Have a lovely week ahead! :)

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  4. Your trip looks fantastic! I love the Pre-Raphaelites & have a Leighton print in my bedroom.
    The home pictures are just so beautiful! Lucky you!

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A big thank you for taking the time to pop by and comment, I really do appreciate it. Hope to see you at your bloggy home soon!