My first trip was to catch the Grayson Perry 'Who are you?" exhibition before it finished. My goodness that man is talented. I watched the TV shows about the making of his exhibition at the end of last year and thought I must go and boy am I glad I did. His work is just fantastic and knowing the story behind the work just added to the experience.
One of his vases
Part of a huge tapestry
more tapestry
Map of Days - Self portrait
Another trip with a friend from Yorkshire who came to stay, saw us visiting a roof garden in Kensington with great views over London and flamingos and ducks on the roof
How do they get that cow to stay so still?
View over the rooftops
there's a stream on the roof
and Flamingos
The sun was shining and it was a lovely place to chill and admire the views.
We also had a tour of the Globe theatre which I have been meaning to do for years. We had a fab guide who was funny and informative, probably an aspiring actor.
The stage
The standing area
The exhibition before the tour about how Sam Wanamaker got the Globe re-building project off the ground was fascinating too along with costumes and costume designers talking about their quest for the truth in re-creating authentic costumes of the time. I love the passion and talent some people have . That seemed to be a theme for the week as my friend had stopped off to see the coffin of Richard III before he was re-interned and the story of how his remains were re-discovered and the passion of Phillippa Handley, one of the driving forces behind that project, was fascinating too.
It's been lovely to get out and about and do some different things
xx
That vase is stunning. I bet seeing an entire collection of his works is amazing all at once. I love special trips into cities for culture, and food.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing to see his work, the scale of the tapestries and the detail of his work is amazing. Eating out was involved on both trips too - bargain all day breakfast in Covent Garden preceded Grayson Perry and market food in the city before the Globe tour, both yummy and great value.
DeleteI know how they keep the cow so still-bolts through to the ground!
ReplyDeleteRooftop gardens fascinate me, as do the vertical gardens you see up the sides of tall buildings. I've grown things in unconventional spaces, but never on the roof.
Of course, bolted to the ground, it's so obvious now you say!
DeleteThat was the most amazing rooftop garden I've ever seen, definitely a step up from a few planters and artificial grass.
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ReplyDeleteLooks like you've had a great time out and about :0)
ReplyDeletexx
What a wonderful outing you had Jayne! I never knew Perry did art until recently - I thought he was just a celebrity! A pal of FB just posted some photos of his tapestries. I need to read up on him.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and her two friends celebrated their 50th birthdays by going to England recently - I believe they are heading back today. They visited the Globe yesterday (or was it Friday...the time difference confused me). So envious!
Saw a documentary on the finding of Richard III - fascinating! I followed what I could on line about his re-internment.
And that rooftop garden is freaking me out - I am afraid of heights. But it is very cool if I don't think about falling too much. xo
Your sister has celebrated her birthday in style with an overseas trip - how fabulous! Do read up on Grayson Perry, I just love his work. Flamingos in a garden on a roof of a building in London was quite surreal in itself xx
DeleteGood to see a post from you, Jayne, and to hear about your trips to London.
ReplyDeleteLove Grayson Perry, he's an interesting and thoughtful artist with lots to say. Are the roof gardens on top of the old Derry and Toms building, where Biba used to be?
I'd like to visit the Globe theatre properly, I've only been in the bar... Typical! xxx
Hi Curtise, yes I think it is the old Biba building. The garden was hosting a private event the day we went so we visited the bar above and got an aerial view of the gardens. I need to see a show at the Globe now to experience it properly. xx
DeleteI just did some quick research on Grayson Perry. He is incredible! That is a show I would love to see and a person I would love to meet one day. Visiting London is on my to-do list. You made me even more determined to see it happen. I'm glad you had such a good time on both of these visits.
ReplyDeleteGlad I've introduced you to Grayson Perry. His work is incredible and as Curitise says, he is very thoughtful about his subject when he creates a portrait.
DeleteSo good to hear from you, Jayne! You had such wonderful experiences in London. I adore the city from a distance for quite a few years, some day will be there to see and feel the energy too. I am not familiar with Grayson Perry, will read about his artwork. The garden sounds and looks so delightful! And the Globe theatre - some things just so full of amazing history, how great to experience even a little part of it! xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Natalia, do research Grayson Perry, he is an interesting character and works in different mediums. I have just booked a ticket to go to see 'As you like it' at the Globe in September on one of my Friday's off work. xx
DeleteThat looks like a great outing! I really like the Grayson Perry vase and how exciting to tour The Globe or see a Shakespeare play there! The rooftop garden is beautiful. I wish we had one on my building but it will not have been built to support one. Maybe I could just sneak a cooperative cow up there. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Shawna, it was a good outing. Off to Scotland tomorrow so will try and put a post together about my trip when I get back. Been a bit slack on the blogging front. xx
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