Just a short stroll from Selfridges is one of my favourite lunchtime haunts. Blink and you would miss it, St. Christoper's Place is down a narrow alley ....
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lined with cute litle shops and leading onto a square packed with a choice of al fresco dining opportunity ....
After a quick lunch we decided to take the advice of Robyn (Paris Rendez-Vous) who suggested the Wallace Collection. In all the years I had lived in London, I had never heard of this place. What a find, free entry to one of the most spectacular personal collections I have ever seen and just a couple of blocks from Oxford Street. On walking into the museum I knew I belonged there, it was like coming home. Opulent rather than ostentatious, this vast array of treasure was an obvious labour of love. From the Sevres porcelain, portraits, furniture and trinkets, I was in antique heaven. I make no excuse for the image heavy post, what would you have me leave out ....
A quick break for second lunch/tea in the covered courtyard made the experience even more memorable ....
As wonderful as all this was, for my mind, the most spectacular collection was to be found in the armoury. I never imagined that equipment designed to inflict such pain could be so beautiful ....
What a fantastic recommendation. Thanks Robyn. The Wallace Collection is set to become a regular venue for us. Having spent three hours there I can say we only managed to absorb a small amount of information. There are thousands of items we missed, all with a story to tell and too much to take in on just one visit. This exhibition houses the famous portrait of The Laughing Cavalier. I didn't even get to see that as it is housed on the second floor. Can't wait for the next trip and if you are in the mood for a little culture, a better recommendation could not be made - it's free!
Maybe I should go to London...it looks absolutely amazing. Putting these charming places on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteHi CYW,
DeleteI too have an ever expanding bucket list, darned blogging!
Di. :-)
X
It's Yonks since I last visited London. I used to live and work there and I knew the place inside out. Now that I'm stuck at the back of beyond I don't seem to be able to organise a trip. I must take your example and just go.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: how did you get the same girl into the same photo twice?
Thanks for your offer of help with selling my bits and pieces. Wouldn't I have to have them valued first? I have no idea what they would be worth now.
Hi Friko,
DeleteI like your play on "yonks"!
The double image of the girl does look confusing. It's not twins, it's my daughter Megan. The first photo is her standing next to the narrow opening to St. Christopher's Place and the second is looking up the alleyway, confusing!
As for your items, a google search could give you price ranges on your items. There are so many online resources available now. There's always eBay for prices guidelines and there are also sites uch as Worthpoint which has records of what antique items sell for, both in private sales and at auctions. Also, most auction houses provide records of what has sold and for what cost. Give it a go and if you get stuck you can always send me a photo and I'll see what I can find out.
All the best
Di
xxx
its such a nice & Awesum blog provide info
ReplyDeletehope more people discover your blog because you really know what you’re talking about. Can’t wait to read more from you!
for more plz visit
debt management plan
Hi James,
DeleteThanks!
Don't have any debt, so don't need a plan :-)
Di
Hello Dianne:
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased that you had such a wonderful time in London and it is such a joy to look at your images of The Wallace Collection which is, of course, truly magnificent. We rather like the connection between it and Vita Sackville West's mother!
Selfridges remains one of our favourite department stores; we have held an account there for more years than we care to remember!
Hello Jane and Lance,
DeleteI haven't stopped thinking about it since we left. My only regret is we missed so much. There is a summer exhibition in the basement that we missed so we will have to return within the next 2 weeks to see that. It's worth the trip!
Yes, that relationship is open to debate methinks. He left her everything. Illegitimates attract :-)
Selfridges, for my mind, is not what it once was. It is just a designer outlet. Gone are the days of the affordable, bargain basement, buy anything under one roof department store. I don't want to pay £100 for an ordinary tee shirt. I don't want a £3000 handbag. I find it sad. My guess is very little British money is spent there. My home turf offered one of the most wonderfully iconic olde London department stores. Barkers on Kensington High Street. Again, gone but not forgotten, to make way for big designer names, outlets for clothing made in China at vastly inflated costs. I find myself spending a lot of time thinking about the good old days.
Much love
Di
xxxxx
Oh Di...so pleased you liked the Wallace Collection....it's an absolute treasure isn't it? It took my breath away too. Your images are divine...what a wonderful time you had. We'll be visiting London in December...for some Christmas shopping...can't wait. Paris is beautiful....but London has a style all its own!
ReplyDeleteRobyn,
DeleteA huge thank you for the recommendation. As you say, breathtaking. I have to stop by your blog today to catch up on your Berlin trip.
Much love
Di
XXX
My goodness, your erudite script and fascinating photos almost make me want to get back to Londahn again.
ReplyDeleteAlmost.
Mind you, that courtyard with al-fresco dining looks rather nice.
As one of my heros once said, "I love London, if it wasn't for the Londoners and the bloody Maltese waiters"
Hi TSB,
DeleteI have never been called "erudite" before, especially by a teacher. My English teacher, Mrs. Bell would say, "you didn't write this did you, someone must have helped you". Old cow! She did not like me, I was pretty, there was incapable of deep thought :-)
You would have loved the weaponry at the Wallace Collection, with your military background. It is a boys museum for sure, I had to drag John away!
The Maltese have gone, it's little Dubai! Great to visit, better to leave :-). Can't wait to go back - I'm so confused!
Di
xxxx
London is a great city for museums and shopping, and so many charming spots waiting to be discovered. Each time I go I manage to talk myself into some extravagant purchases, but that's what London and money are for.
ReplyDelete--Road to Parnassus
Hi Parnassus,
DeleteI didn't buy a thing. If anything had been on offer from the Wallace Collection, maybe, but from the High Street definitely not! The prices I find obscene. When the price of a handbag is equivalent to the cost of a weekend in Paris it's a no brainer! I would rather have the memories instead of advertise for Prada :-)
Great to see you!
Di
xxxxx
God, Di, you have such a beautiful life. And such an impeccable eye! I love how you state the museum made you feel like you'd come home and I particularly appreciate 'Opulent rather than ostentatious,' such a subtle but important distinction.
ReplyDeleteI was really drawn in by the angel of Selfridge's, then the candy shop looking like an apothecary, after that, I felt like I was in a whirlwind of all these delicious, interesting places with warm lighting and I realized your post made me hungry for things I didn't even know to want.
I love YONKS.
Thanks Suze, I love you too!
DeleteI love that it made you hungry for things you didn't even know you wanted. The thing it reinforced for me, is what amazing creatures we humans are. Those ornately decorated weapons must have been the Rolex of the day. Surely they were not just meant to be functional. The item I could have walked away with though was that tiny snuff box withe the emerald, ruby and diamond encrusted gold body. I must have stared at it for 15 minutes!
Looks like we will not make it to the USA this year. When we do, you will be the first to know. I am still planning on meeting you in Denver!
Much love
Di
Xxxx
Good morning beautiful DI!
ReplyDeleteI am breathless, really....as I see these incredible photos that you took, along with the dreamy and surreal (for me, any way...) of these items that I see only in movies. Though I have been to my beloved France, ENGLAND is now the next stop for me so I can see the birthplace of the language I speak, and the many customs that are a part of our lives here across the pond. Your daughter's photo in the background of the tea cup and pot is such a glorious shot...you must be proud.
WOW. You had a magnificent holiday, and thank you for taking me with you! LOVE! Anita
Oh Anita, you would love it. We loved it so much we are returning in 2 weeks for our wedding anniversary, including, no doubt a return trip to the Wallace Collection! We missed one of the exhibitions that ends on the 16th September and we really regret it.
DeleteIt's cooling down here now, much easier to sleep at night!
Have a good week.
Di
xxxx
Well, can I just copy and paste what Anita said? :)))
ReplyDeleteDear friend...I want to thank you as well for taking us along on your marvelous trip!
This museum...OMG, what a find! And I love the pedestrian street with the cafes and shops...Meg has just upped the glamour quotient a notch ;)
So happy your had a wonderful time.
We are getting geared up for school tomorrow...bye bye Summer!
Sending much love your way, sweet friend..
xoxo,
- Irina
Hello darling Irina,
DeleteWe had a marvellous time. Meg would not agree with you, she was annoyed I printed those pics! What's wrong with her. We are going back in a couple of weeks, more photos to follow!
Much love
Di
xxxx
Greetings Di ~
ReplyDeleteWe travel to London twice a year, and have not heard of the Wallace Collection. And it is free? I'm definitely putting it on our list. The metal armor suits are incredible. I have never seen such a collection! Thanks for sharing your trip. And thanks to Robyn for the suggestion :)
Cheers!
Loi
Loi,
DeleteIt's a must for you. You will love it!
Di
xxxx
Thanks for sharing all the photos! The Wallace Collection (had never heard of it) is incredible and I've never seen anything like the armor (excuse me... armour)! I especially love "Hans Schmaltz" (aka Hans Chickenfat or Hans Excessive-Sentimantility).
ReplyDeleteDo you ever visit London? It's a must visit if you do. I wonder what it's like to wear a Schmaltz?
DeleteDi
xxxxx
LOVE St. Christopher's Place. I wandered down there this spring and that's where I discovered the massive decorated eggs that were all over london!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to check the Wallace Collection.
Isn't it great, like a secret place. You would love the WC!
DeleteDi
Xxxxx
I loved all your images. The museum is gorgeous but the shots of London warm my heart. I wish I could visit some time soon.
ReplyDeleteAny plans to visit Loree?
DeleteX
geez....these photos are so outstanding you could do a teaser tour book.
ReplyDeletethey sure make me want to go!!!
love xox
Renee,
DeleteAfter you get yourself settled in Maine it's only a short hop over the Atlantic! I could meet you in London :-)
Di
xxxxx
I am in love with these gorgeous photos!! Someday, London...someday! :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see that you popped in to visit me, dear friend...
I am BEYOND ready for Fall...I do love every season, but with one of the hottest Summers on record here...we are welcoming the cooler temps with open arms!
Still hot and rather humid this week...
And is Cardiff having cool weather? I hope you are having a terrific week, dear Dianne!
Sending you love,
- Irina
Someday Irina, keep wishing, I would come to London to meet up!
ReplyDeleteIt is turning cooler here, much easier to sleep at night. I love this time of year.
Until we meet dear friend.
Much love
Di
xoxoxo
If I ever get over to Europe again...I will be getting myself to Cardiff too, don't you worry! :)))
DeleteThen maybe we could go to London TOGETHER...Elizabeth and Anita...are you coming??
;) What do you think, dear friend? How amazing would that be!
I am glad it's cooling down a bit for you...we had a chilly breeze today as well.
State Fairs can be quite interesting if you know where to look. And where else could one find every food imaginable, deep fried, and on a stick! hee...
Big hugs,
- Irina
Hello Di!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see you back in blogland! I have been thinking of you a lot lately! As I said it looks like you had a fabulous time in London, I have high hopes that we are going to meet up in the New Year!!! Either on your side of the pond or mine. As I always tell you you are more than welcome to visit me!
I am happy to hear the weather is cooling off, I love nesting season. My favorite time of the year. Still scortching here, today 90, and 100% humididty. Miserable.
What are your plans for the weekend? I am feeling a tiny bit better, if I sis with an ice pack and don't move. Not too conducive for getting a lot done and let me tell you I have a ton of stuff to do. Typical.
I hope you have a great night, thank you for coming to visit me!
xox Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth,
DeleteI have no doubt we will meet on our travels one day! No firm plans for the weekend yet but I do know we have to do some work on the deck to stop a few leaks! Not very glamorous I'm afraid. It means my hands will be covered in black stuff for the next week, it gets under the fingernails and won't come out :-(
How is your back now, hopefully on the mend, poor you, I have been there so know exactly how you feel. Keep smiling honey and try to enjoy the enforced rest.
Di
xxxxxx
Wow, such delicious photos! As I was in London only last week, you've tempted me to go back again :D I'm glad I found your blog :D
ReplyDeleteHi Yarrow,
DeleteI did see your London photos. I love that one of the horse/stag statue at Marble Arch, it's a spectacular statue! Great to see you.
Di
xxx
Di,
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to reply to your reply in the comments, but blogger won't let me. Did you know that this is happening?
No, can't say I noticed TSB, seems to be OK this side of the world. Have you googled it?
DeleteDi
X
Oh how I miss London..I miss listening to British English speakers :). Lovely Meg looks amazing like one of the characters in Sex ad the city...city of London . The third painting is to die for :).
ReplyDeleteSlowly making my way back to BlogLand!!! WOW ... what a fabulous trip ... it's always wonderful to discover treasures right in our own backyards. Thank you for sharing such great photos!! xo HHL
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, the details of that first photo, that CROWN (OH DEAR, I LOVE IT) and the photo of the white tea cup with your darling daughter in the background are masterpieces, DI.
ReplyDeleteAnd your sweet visits always make me happy. Thank you for your support and kindness....oh how life dishes out the lessons to each and every one of us, doesn't it?
BE WELL and enjoy the steady calm of another glorious day.
Anita
So, so beautiful! It looks like you had an amazing time. I went to London once, and since, I've always dreamed of returning. You may have just given me the courage to put that ticket on a credit card! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic post Dianne, some wonderful choices for your whistlestop tour of London. A visit to see the Wallace collection is seriously overdue here. The detail in the armoury is exquisite. Can you imagine being dressed in such outfits before going off to fight. How do I look? Battle-Fabulous Dahling! X
ReplyDeleteI see I've missed an anniversary (many more), Meg starting college and a new job, and a cute haircut, but I could not resist stopping here. I absolutely LOVE that photograph of the alley leading to the open square. GORGEOUS. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tour with us. I feel like I'm in a storybook.
ReplyDeleteIt's been wonderful visiting today, Di.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Much love,
Marcia