Sunday, January 24, 2010

Come For An Afternoon At The V&A...

As flurries pelted down, my friends and I walked past the Natural History Museum on our way to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Walking into the V&A is a visual treat. The lyrically modern blown glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly hangs amid the classical architecture of the museum. Straight ahead is the gift shop. Try and get out without even a small bag! To the left is one of the current exhibits, "Decode, Digital Designs Sensation". This part of the exhibit is mesmerizing as it changes, stops to reveal a word and changes words again. We stood here about 5 minutes to see if there was a pattern, but the words appeared to be random.To the right opens into the Medieval and Renaissance wing. You'll find angels, religion, fighting, drama, fashion and love among the exhibits....the prevailing themes of life through all ages. Of course, there is so much more in this collection that is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design. The museums in London have free admittance, so I never feel like I have to see everything and I come often to these national treasures.
When you get weary,
the V&A Cafe has an old world charm as you sip hot tea with scones or many other choices. We were saving our appetites for dinner, but coming here was a nice warm finish on this cold January afternoon. As my friends and I walked back to the hotel, we once again passed the nearby Natural History Museum as the ice skaters enjoyed the last week of the skating rink. The lights and decorations from the holidays were also displaying their last bit of glory. The chilly and brisk walk back to the hotel had us more than ready for our planned dinner at an Indian restaurant. In this month of short days and long dark nights, there is plenty of light to be found.♥

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15 comments:

linda said...

these photos are just fabulous!
feel like i am along with you & your
friends...
the chihuly is such a wonderful
juxtaposition in the museum.
cannot wait to get back to london soon!

Kathy Walker said...

Oh how I loved the tour! I shared the link with my daughter who has spent the last three summers working in the British Library/Museum. She is anxiously awaiting her visit to the V & A to see the Medieval exhibit.

Ju (The Little Teochew) said...

MAGIC, Diane! I love these lil trips you bring us on. You're so lucky to be able to visit different exciting cities!

Zurin said...

OHH I just so enjoyed that Diane!!! so so much.tq . If Iwere there and looking at that gorgeous beyond words chandelier I dont think I would have moved. I have never in my life seen a chnadelier as brilliantly coloured and arstistic as that. Its pure genius!!! Im still gushing over it as I write, my heart missing a beat as I look at it now. OH MY!

I LOVE museums! and free too. omg.

Karen@Mignardise said...

Absolutely wonderful photos! You make London look so romantic, which I'm sure is not the case this time of year.
I was at the V & A probably 30 years ago. After seeing this, I want to go back asap.

Linda said...

Wonderful pics...I have not been to the V & A in years...thanks for the little visit...

La Table De Nana said...

I can't believe how independent and amazing you are..all these trips and I don't even drive into my city..Oh I admire you and thank you for taking us to all these places..I love the street shot w/ the headlights and I LOVE the Caroussel~

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the tour! We would love to visit the museums in Londay someday. Denise

Cheryl said...

Oh wow, it was if I were transported to a new place as I sit in my familiar chair. Everything so gorgeous and intriguing. Thanks so much for the mini vacation.

food with style said...

i love riding on your coatails! or should i say contrail~

Barbara said...

I'm crazy about the Victoria and Albert Museum! Especially the fashion section. And such fun to see it in the winter- I'm always there in the spring.

What a delight to see a photo of the Dale Chihuly piece in the entrance!
I've been to several of his exhibitions here and enjoyed every one.

Kathleen said...

Thank you for a great tour! Your photos are lovely!

Creative Minds said...

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Looks like you had fun

Lori (All That Splatters) said...

I love it when you share photos of your travels, giving us a glimpse of worlds far away. Your pictures are beautiful and informative. I love "traveling" with you!

Kate at Serendipity said...

It's been too long since I've been to the V&A. Somehow we've not visited London for a couple of years. Hmmm...not sure why.

I love the Chihuly. I have a story about his work. When I worked as a consultant, I had a law firm as a client. The managing director of the firm loved to keep me waiting in the lobby (I didn't mind--I charged from the time of the appointment!). In his lobby was a magnificent piece of glass--a bowl that was one color inside and another outside. It had the most delicate rim of yet another color, and was deformed as if it were melting. It was absolutely gorgeous. Next to it was a small booklet about the artist. It was, of course, Dale Chihuly. Shortly thereafter he had a big exhibition at the Corcoran and I got to see it all. I've been a huge fan of his ever since. Thank you, Mr. Lawyer!

I love the photos here. The light is magnificent.

I need to get back to London.