Monday, August 30, 2010

Suspended Art......As you wish

While scurrying through the V&A, on the hunt for the historical furniture section, I stumbled on this artful beauty. I didn't get the artist's name as I was being hurried along by my company. The metal pieces surrounded by the stark white ceiling just grabbed my attention. Not to mention the
symmetrical nature of this existence. Art is either aesthetically pleasing or it is not. This pleases me.
To me this piece is clever, fresh
and unique.




Enjoy your Monday.......
Marilyn

Friday, August 27, 2010

Still in London & Still Lovin' London

Still in London and still lovin' London. I've been to many places and seen many things. In fact, my camera is operating in overdrive. One of my absolute favorite things to do is photograph architecture. 


Architecture is art - Historical to Modern - Old to New - Small to large - Simple to Ostentatious - Art is Architecture. One thing that facinates me is the juxtaposition of classical/historical architecture and modern architecture. 


Walk with me through these series of shots I captured during my walking tour of London.
















(ALL photos secured by MGR)

Hope you've enjoyed the photos 
Thanks for visiting


Have a fab weekend!!!!

Marilyn

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Interiors for my Inspirational Library

So, my brother, George, got on my case (in a friendly lovingly brotherly kind of way - his way of sayin I miss u sis') during our last skype convo for the lack of blog posts. Well, there's good reasons for that. Between museum visits and English country house visits every week and studying, this girl gets exhausted. By the time Friday arrives, I don't want to touch the computer. I'd much rather grace the presence of some store. 

Any way, on to this week's features: Cool interiors......
Lobby and restaurant - Club Quarters, Trafalgar Square
Love how the ceiling mirrors the floor pattern - Hallmark of Robert Adam
Floating light fixtures caught my attention
Tulip Stairs - The Queen's House



The remaining pictures feature interiors from Harrods 



Someone's office or library is where I'd place this beauty
Love the curves and lightness of this table
I've always had a thing for animals
Love this tiered coffee table 
Bedroom outfit by Fendi - I'd love to feature this in someone's bedroom
Listening to the Natuzzi Rep - This chair features built-in speakers, which is why I have a giant smile on my face. Music to my ears...........

(ALL images by MGR)

Hope you enjoyed the post baby bro.....


Cheers!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

V&A Museum - My Favorite Museum

You've got to appreciate a place that has the best museums and collections. IMHO, The best part about London are the compilation of great museums. And, they're free to boot.

Latest visit: Victoria and Albert Museum (a design museum)

It's my favorite because it has architecture, art (decorative and fine arts), glass, fashion, metal, sculptures and jewelry under one roof. 







Rotunda Chandelier by Dale Chihuly, where he explores the space-changing potential of the form. 
This chandelier was specifically designed for the V&A's Grand entrance. 
2000 components - 1724 kilos

I couldn't take my eyes off the magnificence - the colors captivated me. 
Juxtaposition of Contemporary and Historical = Brilliant!


"Samson Slaying A Philistine" 
1562 by Giovanni Bologna

Love this piece - my favorite thus far
The movement is diverse with each viewpoint
The details are impecable


Inspirational fountain - Love the form and composition
Another contemporary piece in this Renaissance setting





ALL images by MGR

While I enjoyed my visit, it was too short. There's so much more to see at the V&A. 
I'll definitely revisit and bring you some more. 

For now......ENJOY!!!!

Marilyn

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

A Day in Henry VIII's Domain

Hampton Court Palace is mostly assocaited with Henry VIII; however, he was not the first owner of this magnificent estate. Buried beneath the palace is the first known house that was built for the Knights Hospitallers of St John before 1338. 


Cardinal Thomas Wosley, personal advisor to Henry VIII, acquired Hampton Court in 1514. Wosley turned the manor house into a palace wherein he entertained his King and foreign dignitaries. 


After many additions to the palace, Wosley was removed after he failed to annul Henry VIII's marriage to Queen Katherine of Aragon because she could not give him a son. 


Henry VIII was a charismatic, athletic and handsome brute who was married six times. The palace underwent many transformations after Henry VIII's acquisition's of this magnificent structure. Royal tennis court, bowling alleys, a great hall, multiple kitchens (covers 36,000 sq ft) and a private chamber were added shortly thereafter. 


One of many tapestries that can be found around the palace. Not only were tapestries a sign of wealth but also served as a sound and noise barrier. Henry VIII collected over 2,000 tapestries.


The famous Tudor chimneys were designed by Wosley.


Ceiling of the Queen's (Queen Caroline) Staircase


Marble Fireplace


Hammer beam ceiling of the Great Hall. Can you spot the Eavesdroppers? 




The Baroque addition to the palace.



Privy Gardens: just one of the many gardens situated on the palace grounds. 
Gardens cover 750 acres and are tended by a team of 38 gardeners and specialists. 200,000 flowering bulbs are planted throughout the formal gardens each year. There are about 8,000 trees in gardens and estate.  



Ceiling and stained glass detail of the Great Watching Chamber. This room was the first of the King's apartments where members of the Yeomen of the Guard were stationed to 'watch' and control access. Can you see Cardinal Wosley? 


The Great Fountain Garden


(ALL Images by MGR)
Here I am having a little fun........

I truly enjoyed visiting Hampton Court. Such a magnificent structure. 
Next time you're in London, include this place on your must see list. You'll be glad you did. 

Marilyn



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