Random Things #4

Because our visit is ending soon, here are some more random things.  

We have seen more unicorns during our visit than ever before.  

In addition to unicorns, we have seen  a lot of sheep.  Lots and lots.  (By the way, Bristol is the of Shaun the Sheep.)

Thatch roofs are still prevalent.  Many thatchers leave behind some advertising of sorts—a trademark on the ridge of the roof.  Below is a running squirrel.  

While zooming along the highway, we glimpsed two very large sculpted horse heads in a field.  One is pictured below.  The horses are Kelpies, mythical creatures that will drown you and steal your soul.  Who knew?

Here is a series of odd things to discover while roaming around town and country.  

We were told that Bristol has the greatest concentration of barbers in England.  We saw many shops, including one on wheels.

In Wiltshire, about three centuries ago, some blokes decided to sculpt some large horses into chalk hillsides.  Below is one horse still on the loose. 

Below is another very friendly horse. 

In Castle Combe, there is a 200 year old Sequoia growing.  It is non-native and its planting is mystery. Nevertheless, the tree is a lovely addition to a beautiful setting. 

Thanks for letting us share some more random things.

Another Visit to the National Gallery

While visiting London, we hoped to visit the National Portrait Gallery.  We were thwarted because the gallery is closed for renovation.  So, we returned to the nearby National Gallery and are so happy we did.  There is so much great art to see there.  We missed many great works during our earlier visit.  Plus, two special exhibitions opened since our earlier visit. 

And away we go.  

After visiting the Tate Britain and viewing many great works by J.M.W. Turner during a docent-led tour, we decided to search out more Turner’s at the National Gallery.  Here are a few paintings that represent his early work for which he is famous and some later works which seem to presage the Impressionist movement 30 years later.  

We also enjoyed two large harbor scenes painted by Turner, which are on temporary loan from the Frick in New York.  They were in a special exhibition and no photos were allowed.  So sad.  

The National Gallery is hosting another temporary exhibition featuring Eva Gonzalez, who was mentored by Édouard Manet.  Their work is quite similar and we enjoyed discovering Gonzalez and learning more about Manet.

We also viewed works in the permanent collection and Greg selected three paintings as being blog-worthy.  The last one is especially amazing.  Enjoy.  

Thanks for revisiting the National Gallery with us.  

Random Things #3

It’s time for more random things.  

While strolling around Edinburgh, we spotted all sorts of extraordinary sights.  Here are just a few.      

Below, one of the members of Blue Man Group appears to be climbing the façade of a building in the Old Town. 

A dragon-shaped corbel guards a doorway along the Royal Mile.  

Some random angel spreads her wings.  

The national animal of Scotland is a frequent sight. 

One morning, we enjoyed a typical Scottish breakfast, which included Haggis.  Yum!

More random things to come. 

A Visit to Westminster Abbey

Please join us for a visit to Westminster Abbey, located in the heart of London.  

What makes Westminster Abbey unique, in our view, is not its size.  Instead, the Abbey is packed with history in the form of tombs and memorials, along with other historical artifacts.  It is also the site of significant events in British history, from coronations to weddings to funerals.  

We toured the church and the adjoining monastic buildings, including the cloister.  We also toured a recently opened space, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, which overlook the church’s nave from many feet above.  (Sorry.  No photos of the galleries because photos are prohibited.  If you want to see some cool stuff (funeral effigies and the second coronation chair), we recommend a visit.)

Let’s take a photographic tour together.  

The church itself is majestic and beautiful.  

 

The church is filled with all sorts of tombs and memorials, including the tombs of past kings and queens, such as Edward I and Elizabeth I, and tombs and memorials of important people from long ago and today.  Here are several.

 

 

 

 

Some of the older monuments are especially ornate or poignant.  

 

The architecture and decoration of the church is beautiful.  Here are some examples. 

 

 

A recent addition to the church is a stained glass window designed by British artist David Hockney.  The window is dedicated to Elizabeth II and depicts Yorkshire in springtime.  

The Abbey will soon commemorate Remembrance Day (November 11).  The tomb of the unknown soldier and the lawn outside are accordingly decorated with red poppies.

The Abbey will next year host the coronation of Charles III.  The coronation chair is kept at the Abbey and has been for coronation for mor than 700 years. 

Thanks for visiting Westminster Abbey with us.