Plato once penned: "All is flux and no thing stays the same." This pretty much sums up my life lately, it's undergone a metamorphosis of sorts, many positive changes; new digs, single again {happy} officially became a British citizen and I'm making plans for some serious 2011 photography projects. This is a long overdue post, all about my October day out to London with my friend Mal. I don't get into London much so when Marilyn asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, I said "a trip to London of course !!" I wanted to see art. Lovely, gorgeous, spectacular art. The first thing I saw after getting off the train was nearly as good as art. A gaggle of broad-shouldered construction workers kitted out in sunkist orange. Mal suggested we get a quick cup of coffee in Pancras Station. She said "I think you'll like this train station."
I knew nothing about this historic terminus which is located in the heart of London and was really excited to explore it further. St. Pancras Station has been voted one of London's favourite landmarks and I can understand why. As you can see, it's interior is architectural genius. Originally called William Barlow's Shed, it's praised as one of the greatest feats of Victorian engineering. Barlow was chief engineer to the Midland Railway Company and undertook this project in around 1863. Historically, it served as a meeting place for soldiers during WWII. Many a movie and commercial has been filmed in St. Pancras in contemporary times and come Spring of 2011, the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel is to open doors to a 244 bed project. There is so much more I could write about this splendid depot but would only be repeating much of the information that's in the website link included at the bottom of this Prairie post. Hopefully, I've sparked your interest to read more about the rich history of St. Pancras.
There are two artists who have had a significant role in making Prancras special. The first, the talented Martin Jennings is responsible for this brilliant sculpture of famous Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman. In 1967, Betjeman, through broadcasting and journalism, took up the cause to save the rail station from being demolished. His adamant mission distinguished St. Pancras as a historic landmark and renovations to improve the building's character begin in the 1990's. This bronze masterpiece of Sir Betjeman, gazes eternally upward into the apex of his beloved St. Pancras. Jenning's has captured a perfect likeness of Sir Betjeman - his work is remarkable !
This 9 meter {29 foot} bronze couple in the photo below are eternally locked together in an embrace that sweeps you up in the moment. Virtuoso artist Paul Day, created this sculpture weighing 5 tons and aptly named it "The Meeting Place." This majestic copper and tin couple pay tribute to this lovely old rail station in an affectionate entwine. To me personally, they signify and contain all the heart and emotion of this building. If you think about it, how many sad goodbyes and joyous reunions have taken place in this lovely old structure. If only those old bricks could speak, the stories we would hear !!
The plinth that this bronze statue sets on is so incredibly intricate in it's detail, that one has to gaze at each small stone story for a long while so as to interpret what is really happening. If you ever get a chance to see it in person, you'll notice that each sculpted vignette evokes feelings of patriotism, humour, joy and sorrow. It very much defines what is, Britain.
Next stop was the London Museum. As we exited the underground, we were greeted by this unusual sign. It made me think for a moment - if I don't wet my pants when seeing this play, could I get a refund ? And also, do they include a diaper or perhaps give you a dry pair of knickers with each ticket you purchase ? It must be incredibly funny.
We stopped here in Trafalgar Square, near the door to the National Gallery and Mal says to me "That's Nelson's Column." I researched this stone monument and learned that Nelson's Column pays homage to one of England most important heros - Admiral Nelson who defeated Napoleon and additionally was victorious against the Spanish in several other important battles. Nelson lost a limb and an eye and eventually his life in defending his beloved England.
And here we are, at the steps of The National Gallery.
Sorry, but I cannot recall who painted this nude beauty - she's lovely.
I adore this Paris street scene by Pissarro.
The Flemish artist Jan Van Eyck's "The Arnolfini Marriage" My son-in-law commented that the groom looks a lot like Vladimir Putin. I would have to agree with you Daniel !
Caillebotte "Man Having Bath"
Degas is one of my favourite artists and I so love his rendering of a day at the beach.
The lighting on this canvas, the way in which the artist highlighted "Mademoiselle de Pompadour" is glorious.
Monet - "Ladies With Umbrellas"
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/canaletto-exhibition-film
I found this link on the National Gallery website. A splendid and informative film on Venice and the artist Canaletto. I was quite taken with his richly colouered and meticulously detailed paintings.
"Regatta On The Grand Canal"
Renoir - "Nude Woman Bather"
"The Execution of Lady Jane Grey" by Paul Delaroche. A very moving portrait of her last moments.
I saw my art and was satiated. Next, was a quick walk through the area of Notting Hill. Mal thought I would enjoy mooching in the shops - especially this one. A shop overflowing with so much {Brit.} jewellery that I was overwhelmed taking it all in.
And sparkly chandeliers as well !
Do you recognize this famous store front ? It's the book store from the movie "Notting Hill" with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
I snapped this shot in the All Saints {Spitafields} shop in Notting Hill. I love their edgy clothes, grunge boots and especially this wall lined chock full of old, foot pedal driven sewing machines.
It was getting dark and starting to spit rain as we headed back to catch the train. I happened to spy this Italian pizza restaurant and took an image of this attention catching window. Yes, that is a real car in the window. A day into London - it all goes by too fast ! Thank you Mal ❤ !!
http://www.pauldaysculpture.com/
http://www.martinjennings.com/betjeman.html
Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !!
