The day began with the sun shining, but slightly cold. We were smart to arrive at the Churchill War Rooms around 10:30, beating the crowds who were queued up when we left. It is hard to believe that Churchill and his advisors and clerks were ensconced in this small space for so long. Much of the space remains as it was--his bed, the typewriters, the phones (one with a green receiver), and the maps with pushpins and yarn showing the progress of the war. You could almost smell the gunpowder and rockets and hear the noise of the bombing and sirens. The audio guide helped you understand what was really going on during this time. You heard Churchill talking to President Roosevelt. The small kitchen had been recreated as it was. Very moving.
Lunch at a pub consisted of fish and chips together with beer and wine. By the time we left there just before 3:00pm, the place was jammed.
We had dinner at the Savoy Grill which has been completely renovated. The space was beautiful and we enjoyed our meal and wonderful company. I think I am ready to swear off of traditional musicals--Top Hat was a revival and while the singing and dancing were very good and the costumes pretty it seemed very dated to me. I need more substance and hopefully we will see a modern day version of Strindberg's Miss Julie someplace in the 'burbs.
Tomorrow is yet another day of sightseeing--this time the Victoria and Albert Museum followed by a stop at Harrod's food halls. I am skipping Gilbert and Sullivan at Royal Albert Hall that some are going to see.
I enjoyed watching kids at the Wallace Collection sketching in the galleries. They got right into it.file://localhost/Users/marilynlichtman/Library/Application%20Support/iLifeAssetManagement/assets/sub/018bc9be4428b7c080ec05eab510a31872624fde3e/IMG_0237.JPG
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Saturday - May 18
It is Saturday and we are home. Here are some things we did during our time in the country.
Thursday - Our day began with Ray picking us up at the hotel. He is an exuberant, fun-loving, guy who has been a Blue Badge tour guide for 25 years. He certainly knows his stuff. We drove through parts of London that we had not seen before. I described some of them yesterday. Our dinner was in the town of Bray on Thames in a pub owned by Heston Blumenthal, the 3 star chef who has a gourmet restaurant in the town. The Hound's Head is a Michelin starred pub from the 15th century. Virag, our waitress from Hungary, was excellent and by the end of the evening we were laughing so hard we could not stop. Not sure what was so funny, but it didn't matter. Just good times together.
Friday - Breakfast served in the Pavilion at the Monkey's Island Hotel. Plentiful, and with wonderful French pressed coffee. Rosemary described it as the best coffee she had tasted so far.
We traveled through the countryside, stopping briefly for a look in the gardens of the Danesforth Hotel. (need to check this name). The gardens were gorgeous and we ducked in and around them. Then on to Oxford where we learned about the colleges (some 38 as I recall). We saw where President Clinton studied as well as many other buildings. Oxford is the oldest university in the English speaking world. Been home of the Rhodes scholarship for more than a century.
Our next destination was Blenheim Palace, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. We had a spot of lunch and then joined a group for a tour of the main rooms.
Our final stop was a swing through some of the towns in the Cotswolds. We stopped for a brief time in
Dinner was in the hotel's dining room. Adequate and plentiful, but certainly not gourmet.
More drinking and sharing our love for travel and the camaraderie we all shared.
This blog is not very easy to use and I often lose things. So when I want to place a picture I sometimes find that the entire entry has disappeared. Well, that certainly is annoying.
Thursday - Our day began with Ray picking us up at the hotel. He is an exuberant, fun-loving, guy who has been a Blue Badge tour guide for 25 years. He certainly knows his stuff. We drove through parts of London that we had not seen before. I described some of them yesterday. Our dinner was in the town of Bray on Thames in a pub owned by Heston Blumenthal, the 3 star chef who has a gourmet restaurant in the town. The Hound's Head is a Michelin starred pub from the 15th century. Virag, our waitress from Hungary, was excellent and by the end of the evening we were laughing so hard we could not stop. Not sure what was so funny, but it didn't matter. Just good times together.
Friday - Breakfast served in the Pavilion at the Monkey's Island Hotel. Plentiful, and with wonderful French pressed coffee. Rosemary described it as the best coffee she had tasted so far.
We traveled through the countryside, stopping briefly for a look in the gardens of the Danesforth Hotel. (need to check this name). The gardens were gorgeous and we ducked in and around them. Then on to Oxford where we learned about the colleges (some 38 as I recall). We saw where President Clinton studied as well as many other buildings. Oxford is the oldest university in the English speaking world. Been home of the Rhodes scholarship for more than a century.
Our next destination was Blenheim Palace, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. We had a spot of lunch and then joined a group for a tour of the main rooms.
Our final stop was a swing through some of the towns in the Cotswolds. We stopped for a brief time in
Dinner was in the hotel's dining room. Adequate and plentiful, but certainly not gourmet.
More drinking and sharing our love for travel and the camaraderie we all shared.
This blog is not very easy to use and I often lose things. So when I want to place a picture I sometimes find that the entire entry has disappeared. Well, that certainly is annoying.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Thursday - May 16
Our day in the country with Ray.
A drive through a large park area with deer running free.
The gardens at Hampton Court
Salisbury Cathedral - home of the Magna Carta
Stonehenge and Avebury
Bray on Thames - Monkey Island is our hotel and a pub in Bray where we had a wonderful dinner and lots to drink
The rooms are modest, beds lumpy, but the surroundings gorgeous with peacocks running free.
More later.
A drive through a large park area with deer running free.
The gardens at Hampton Court
Salisbury Cathedral - home of the Magna Carta
Stonehenge and Avebury
Bray on Thames - Monkey Island is our hotel and a pub in Bray where we had a wonderful dinner and lots to drink
The rooms are modest, beds lumpy, but the surroundings gorgeous with peacocks running free.
More later.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Saturday
The day began with the sun shining, but slightly cold. We were smart to arrive at the Churchill War Rooms around 10:30, beating the crowds who were queued up when we left. It is hard to believe that Churchill and his advisors and clerks were ensconced in this small space for so long. Much of the space remains as it was--his bed, the typewriters, the phones (one with a green receiver), and the maps with pushpins and yarn showing the progress of the war. You could almost smell the gunpowder and rockets and hear the noise of the bombing and sirens. The audio guide helped you understand what was really going on during this time. You heard Churchill talking to President Roosevelt. The small kitchen had been recreated as it was. Very moving.
Lunch at a pub consisted of fish and chips together with beer and wine. By the time we left there just before 3:00pm, the place was jammed.
We had dinner at the Savoy Grill which has been completely renovated. The space was beautiful and we enjoyed our meal and wonderful company. I think I am ready to swear off of traditional musicals--Top Hat was a revival and while the singing and dancing were very good and the costumes pretty it seemed very dated to me. I need more substance and hopefully we will see a modern day version of Strindberg's Miss Julie someplace in the 'burbs.
Tomorrow is yet another day of sightseeing--this time the Victoria and Albert Museum followed by a stop at Harrod's food halls.
Lunch at a pub consisted of fish and chips together with beer and wine. By the time we left there just before 3:00pm, the place was jammed.
We had dinner at the Savoy Grill which has been completely renovated. The space was beautiful and we enjoyed our meal and wonderful company. I think I am ready to swear off of traditional musicals--Top Hat was a revival and while the singing and dancing were very good and the costumes pretty it seemed very dated to me. I need more substance and hopefully we will see a modern day version of Strindberg's Miss Julie someplace in the 'burbs.
Tomorrow is yet another day of sightseeing--this time the Victoria and Albert Museum followed by a stop at Harrod's food halls.
Tuesday - May 14
I need to tell you about Monday evening first. We booked a round table at the Princess Garden in Mayfair. One of my very favorite restaurants. Just the right amount of food. The girls bought me a gorgeous scarf from the V&A. Now that I recall I had admired it, but said I wouldn't spend the money. How very nice of them. And they treated me to dinner as well.
What would be a wonderful treat while in London? Seeing the Queen. There we were--waiting for the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. And one of the bobbies said--there she comes. We turned around and out drove her car. She was with Prince Philip. We also snapped some wonderful pictures of the ritual. It rained on and off most of today--one shop keeper told me this was just the pitter patter of rain and was like this always. We didn't mind because it was lovely.
A bit of shopping, looking in the windows on New Bond Street--the high rent district--and then a taxi back to the hotel before the evening's festivities. So tonight we basically split up--some went to high tea at the Dorchester Hotel, some went to dinner at The Ivy, and Rosemary and I are up to the bar for our usual wine and snacks. The concierge was able to get only 4 tickets for the play and I said I would skip it. So did Rosemary. Not a problem for me. I need to pack, do some work, and veg out. We leave tomorrow morning no later than 9:00am.
What would be a wonderful treat while in London? Seeing the Queen. There we were--waiting for the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. And one of the bobbies said--there she comes. We turned around and out drove her car. She was with Prince Philip. We also snapped some wonderful pictures of the ritual. It rained on and off most of today--one shop keeper told me this was just the pitter patter of rain and was like this always. We didn't mind because it was lovely.
A bit of shopping, looking in the windows on New Bond Street--the high rent district--and then a taxi back to the hotel before the evening's festivities. So tonight we basically split up--some went to high tea at the Dorchester Hotel, some went to dinner at The Ivy, and Rosemary and I are up to the bar for our usual wine and snacks. The concierge was able to get only 4 tickets for the play and I said I would skip it. So did Rosemary. Not a problem for me. I need to pack, do some work, and veg out. We leave tomorrow morning no later than 9:00am.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Saturday
The day began with the sun shining, but slightly cold. We were smart to arrive at the Churchill War Rooms around 10:30, beating the crowds who were queued up when we left. It is hard to believe that Churchill and his advisors and clerks were ensconced in this small space for so long. Much of the space remains as it was--his bed, the typewriters, the phones (one with a green receiver), and the maps with pushpins and yarn showing the progress of the war. You could almost smell the gunpowder and rockets and hear the noise of the bombing and sirens. The audio guide helped you understand what was really going on during this time. You heard Churchill talking to President Roosevelt. The small kitchen had been recreated as it was. Very moving.
Lunch at a pub consisted of fish and chips together with beer and wine. By the time we left there just before 3:00pm, the place was jammed.
We had dinner at the Savoy Grill which has been completely renovated. The space was beautiful and we enjoyed our meal and wonderful company. I think I am ready to swear off of traditional musicals--Top Hat was a revival and while the singing and dancing were very good and the costumes pretty it seemed very dated to me. I need more substance and hopefully we will see a modern day version of Strindberg's Miss Julie someplace in the 'burbs.
Tomorrow is yet another day of sightseeing--this time the Victoria and Albert Museum followed by a stop at Harrod's food halls. I am skipping Gilbert and Sullivan at Royal Albert Hall that some are going to see.
I enjoyed watching kids at the Wallace Collection sketching in the galleries. They got right intofile://localhost/Users/marilynlichtman/Library/Application%20Support/iLifeAssetManagement/assets/sub/018bc9be4428b7c080ec05eab510a31872624fde3e/IMG_0237.JPG it.
Lunch at a pub consisted of fish and chips together with beer and wine. By the time we left there just before 3:00pm, the place was jammed.
We had dinner at the Savoy Grill which has been completely renovated. The space was beautiful and we enjoyed our meal and wonderful company. I think I am ready to swear off of traditional musicals--Top Hat was a revival and while the singing and dancing were very good and the costumes pretty it seemed very dated to me. I need more substance and hopefully we will see a modern day version of Strindberg's Miss Julie someplace in the 'burbs.
Tomorrow is yet another day of sightseeing--this time the Victoria and Albert Museum followed by a stop at Harrod's food halls. I am skipping Gilbert and Sullivan at Royal Albert Hall that some are going to see.
I enjoyed watching kids at the Wallace Collection sketching in the galleries. They got right intofile://localhost/Users/marilynlichtman/Library/Application%20Support/iLifeAssetManagement/assets/sub/018bc9be4428b7c080ec05eab510a31872624fde3e/IMG_0237.JPG it.
Monday evening
On our schedule today was the National Gallery. A treasury of marvelous paintings arranged by time period and school. Some of us spent much time in the Dutch rooms; three Verneers captured our attention, but we also liked a piece by Cosimo of debauchery at a wedding. Centaurs everywhere with damsels on their backs.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/piero-di-cosimo-the-fight-between-the-lapiths-and-the-centaurs
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/piero-di-cosimo-the-fight-between-the-lapiths-and-the-centaurs
A voila/piano concert at St. Martin's in the Field was a lovely interlude at 1:00pm. These concerts are held daily and free to the public--with a suggested donation of 3 pounds 50. A bargain.
Dinner at the Princess Garden rounded off a lovely day. My sweet friends bought me a gorgeous scarf from the V&A that was perfect for my outfit. And they treated me to dinner as well. I feel very cared for now.
Tomorrow will bring the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I am then going to the Saatchi Gallery and hopefully to high tea in the afternoon.
It is our last day here and we want to make the best/most of it.
Monday - May 13
Lots of catching up to do.
Saturday took us to the Churchill War Rooms. I think I talked about this someplace else, but just to keep things in order. This site is the actual place where Churchill and his advisors met and planned the various campaigns. I loved the maps with pushpins and yarn to mark advances of the fleet. I marveled at the small kitchen that served the meals for Churchill and his guests. You really felt as though you were there.
Probably a mistake, but we scheduled dinner at the newly reopened Savoy Grill. The space was gorgeous, but they sat us at a table that could have held 10 and there were only six of us so we had to do a little bit of yelling. We then went over to Top Hat, a revival, very traditional. The costumes were lovely and the dancing was quite good. I am tired of musicals so I have had my share for several years I think.
Sunday, Mother's Day, was sunny and brisk. Our plan was to go to the Victoria and Albert. The museum is overwhelming and somewhat difficult to navigate so we decided to join the guided tour just as it was beginning. A mistake--our guide kept her back to us much of the time, droned on about minute details that were not particularly interesting. We left and discovered the jewelry rooms (I would recommend); lots of grill work (moderately interesting), and the theatre section. Hooking up at the gift shop, we made our say to Harrods where we had a proper lunch in the tearoom on the second floor. The waiter asked us if we wanted separate checks--a first so far. Mary Jo and I decided we would shop a little and then walk to the Apsley House, home of the Duke of Wellington. We found our way and had a visit there using an audio guide. Four generations still live on the premises, including little Darcy, age 3 or so and set to inherit when his time comes. Although it was slightly raining we walked back to the hotel. Lots of walking for me and I was ready to get off my feet. We met in our usual spot in the 7th floor lounge. Dorothy and I stayed up there while others went to Royal Albert Hall. We chatted with some men who were private pilots. Lots of fine and some snacks.
Saturday took us to the Churchill War Rooms. I think I talked about this someplace else, but just to keep things in order. This site is the actual place where Churchill and his advisors met and planned the various campaigns. I loved the maps with pushpins and yarn to mark advances of the fleet. I marveled at the small kitchen that served the meals for Churchill and his guests. You really felt as though you were there.
Probably a mistake, but we scheduled dinner at the newly reopened Savoy Grill. The space was gorgeous, but they sat us at a table that could have held 10 and there were only six of us so we had to do a little bit of yelling. We then went over to Top Hat, a revival, very traditional. The costumes were lovely and the dancing was quite good. I am tired of musicals so I have had my share for several years I think.
Sunday, Mother's Day, was sunny and brisk. Our plan was to go to the Victoria and Albert. The museum is overwhelming and somewhat difficult to navigate so we decided to join the guided tour just as it was beginning. A mistake--our guide kept her back to us much of the time, droned on about minute details that were not particularly interesting. We left and discovered the jewelry rooms (I would recommend); lots of grill work (moderately interesting), and the theatre section. Hooking up at the gift shop, we made our say to Harrods where we had a proper lunch in the tearoom on the second floor. The waiter asked us if we wanted separate checks--a first so far. Mary Jo and I decided we would shop a little and then walk to the Apsley House, home of the Duke of Wellington. We found our way and had a visit there using an audio guide. Four generations still live on the premises, including little Darcy, age 3 or so and set to inherit when his time comes. Although it was slightly raining we walked back to the hotel. Lots of walking for me and I was ready to get off my feet. We met in our usual spot in the 7th floor lounge. Dorothy and I stayed up there while others went to Royal Albert Hall. We chatted with some men who were private pilots. Lots of fine and some snacks.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Friday, Part
Our plan today called for a visit to the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern. Then dinner and a British farce in the evening.
Well, when we arrived at the Tate we were just in time for a highlights tour so we thought we should do that. Our guide was so good that we followed him for the second hour. By then we were all ready for a bite to eat.
So I don't really understand the Tate Britain's collection. Mr. Tate gave the building to the British government in 1897--the same year that the Corcoran Gallery of Art opened in DC. Tate's family was not considered quite proper so the government was reluctant to accept the gift. But the deal went through. It is located on Milbank, once the largest prison facility (either in Britain or in Europe). British prisoners were held there before being sent to Australia. They are currently doing some refurbishing so it was a bit jumbled, but nevertheless quite interesting. What I don't understand is why they also have some contemporary works of art--ones that seem as though they should be at the Tate Modern. But never mind ; it must be about politics. We saw a David Hockney--Big Splash--the third in his splash series. Also Damien Hirst--a very large vitrine (large enough to have held a shark perhaps) that had a table, a pack of cigarettes and many cigarette buts. Our guide explained it was about the evils of smoking, etc. We also wandered into a room of paintings from the 1920s or so--all British artists. Some very unusual. None outstanding, but quite thought provoking.
Tonight's theatre was not my cup of tea--a classic British farce with lots of pratfalls and slapstick stuff. The plot made no sense. I didn't understand it, but the audience seemed to love it. So fortunately there is something for everyone. One Man, Two Guvnors at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Tomorrow we have an American musical--Top Hat. We also plan to go to the Churchill War Rooms in the morning. I understand it has been enlarged since my previous visit.
Here is the info about our terrific guide. Tell him I sent you.
Well, when we arrived at the Tate we were just in time for a highlights tour so we thought we should do that. Our guide was so good that we followed him for the second hour. By then we were all ready for a bite to eat.
So I don't really understand the Tate Britain's collection. Mr. Tate gave the building to the British government in 1897--the same year that the Corcoran Gallery of Art opened in DC. Tate's family was not considered quite proper so the government was reluctant to accept the gift. But the deal went through. It is located on Milbank, once the largest prison facility (either in Britain or in Europe). British prisoners were held there before being sent to Australia. They are currently doing some refurbishing so it was a bit jumbled, but nevertheless quite interesting. What I don't understand is why they also have some contemporary works of art--ones that seem as though they should be at the Tate Modern. But never mind ; it must be about politics. We saw a David Hockney--Big Splash--the third in his splash series. Also Damien Hirst--a very large vitrine (large enough to have held a shark perhaps) that had a table, a pack of cigarettes and many cigarette buts. Our guide explained it was about the evils of smoking, etc. We also wandered into a room of paintings from the 1920s or so--all British artists. Some very unusual. None outstanding, but quite thought provoking.
Tonight's theatre was not my cup of tea--a classic British farce with lots of pratfalls and slapstick stuff. The plot made no sense. I didn't understand it, but the audience seemed to love it. So fortunately there is something for everyone. One Man, Two Guvnors at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Tomorrow we have an American musical--Top Hat. We also plan to go to the Churchill War Rooms in the morning. I understand it has been enlarged since my previous visit.
Here is the info about our terrific guide. Tell him I sent you.
David Hamed
London Private Tours
+44 7956 861 857
Recap of city tour.
Although many of us had been to London, we decided--actually I decided--to hire a private guide to take us around. David Hamed picked us up just after 1:00pm in his SUV--space for everyone. We agreed that we would look at various neighborhoods/areas of Westminster and the City. We also decided to take a tour of Westminster Abbey. Many people were in line and the waiting seemed daunting. But the advantage of a private guide is that he can get you in and short-circuit all these challenges. So he parked his vehicle, bought us tickets, and we proceeded to enter. David's knowledge is encyclopedic. I don't recall seeing the tomb of the unknown soldier from the first world war--it was surrounded by replicas of poppies. I think we were struck by the number of luminaries buried in the Abbey--or at least with tombstones. Turns out many are buried elsewhere, but seem to have a spot in the Abbey. Someone--I don't remember now--was buried vertically because he couldn't afford the space for a horizontal grave. I am happy to recommend David as your tour guide and hope you will contact me if you plan a visit to London.
One fact I did not know was how the key gardens came into being. There are many little parks in London that are completely gated and you need a key to enter. The keys come with property so only those who live near the park can enter. Makes for cleanliness if not a bit of snobbery.
Last night our conversation in the lounge was so loud that a staff person came and said she was going to close the door--we were sitting in a kind of executive conference room. Lots of thoughts about feminism, changes over time and generational differences and the viewpoint among some of today's women that maybe what some of us lived through and fought for isn't what it is cracked up to be. I think the conversation will continue.
Friday will include the Tate Britain and theatre.
One fact I did not know was how the key gardens came into being. There are many little parks in London that are completely gated and you need a key to enter. The keys come with property so only those who live near the park can enter. Makes for cleanliness if not a bit of snobbery.
Last night our conversation in the lounge was so loud that a staff person came and said she was going to close the door--we were sitting in a kind of executive conference room. Lots of thoughts about feminism, changes over time and generational differences and the viewpoint among some of today's women that maybe what some of us lived through and fought for isn't what it is cracked up to be. I think the conversation will continue.
Friday will include the Tate Britain and theatre.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Jet Lag
Thursday I awakened just after 4:00am London time. Try as I might, I could not fall back to sleep. So up and about for breakfast in the lounge around 6:15. Every kind of thing you would want to eat--fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, breads, eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, smoked salmon, cheeses, and meats. And even more. A veritable feast--and someone else sets up and cleans up for you. Very nice to be on vacation.
Selfridges-- According to wikipedia (the source for many facts) H. Gordon Selfridge was born in 1856 in Ripon, Wisconsin, and in 1879 joined Field, Leiter and Company (later to become Marshall Field & Company), where he worked for the famous Chicago retailer. He worked his way up through the firm, married Rose Buckingham of the prominent Chicago Buckingham family, and amassed the fortune with which he built his new London store.
Selfridges-- According to wikipedia (the source for many facts) H. Gordon Selfridge was born in 1856 in Ripon, Wisconsin, and in 1879 joined Field, Leiter and Company (later to become Marshall Field & Company), where he worked for the famous Chicago retailer. He worked his way up through the firm, married Rose Buckingham of the prominent Chicago Buckingham family, and amassed the fortune with which he built his new London store.
Selfridge's innovative marketing led to his success. He tried to make shopping a fun adventure instead of a chore. He put merchandise on display so customers could examine it, put the highly profitable perfume counter front-and-centre on the ground floor, and established policies that made it safe and easy for customers to shop – techniques that have been adopted by modern department stores the world over.
Either Selfridge or Marshall Field is popularly held to have coined the phrase "the customer is always right",[3] and Selfridge used it regularly in his extensive advertising.
Selfridge attracted shoppers with educational and scientific exhibits and was himself interested in education and science, and believed that the displays would introduce potential new customers to Selfridges, generating both immediate and long-term sales.
In 1909, after the first cross-Channel flight, Louis Blériot's monoplane was exhibited at Selfridges, where it was seen by 12,000 people. The first public demonstration oftelevision was by John Logie Baird from the first floor of Selfridges from 1 to 27 April 1925.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the roof of the store hosted terraced gardens, cafes, a mini golf course and an all-girl gun club. The roof, with its spectacular views across London, was a popular place for strolling after a shopping trip and was often used for fashion shows. During the Second World War the store was bombed in 1940, 1941 and 1944 causing catastrophic damage. After the devastating bombing of the department store in 1940 owner H. Gordon Selfridge vowed never to open the rooftop gardens again.[4]
A Milne-Shaw seismograph was set up on the Selfridge store’s third floor in 1932, attached to one of the building's main stanchions, unaffected by traffic or shoppers. It recorded the Belgian earthquake of 11 June 1938 which was also felt in London. At the outbreak of war, the seismograph was moved from its original site near thePost Office to another part of the store. In 1947, the seismograph was given to the British Museum.
Selfridges had expanded over the years to include fifteen provincial stores, but these were sold to the John Lewis Partnership in the 1940s.[5] The remaining Oxford Street store was acquired in 1951 by the Liverpool-based Lewis's chain of department stores, which was in turn taken over in 1965 by the Sears Group owned by Charles Clore.[6] Under the Sears group, branches in Ilford and Oxford opened, the latter remaining Selfridges until 1986, when Sears rebranded it as a Lewis's store. In 1990, Sears Holdings split Selfridges from Lewis's and placed Lewis's in administration a year later. In March 1998, Selfridges acquired its current logo in tandem with the opening of the Manchester Trafford Centre store and Selfridges demerger from Sears.
In September 1998, Selfridges expanded and opened a department store in the newly-opened Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester. Following its success, a second 125,000-square-foot (11,600 m2) store was opened in Exchange Square inManchester city centre. A 260,000-square-foot (24,000 m2)[7] store opened in 2003 in Birmingham's Bull Ring.
In 2003, the chain was acquired by Canada's Galen Weston for £598 million. Weston, a retailing expert who is the owner of department store chains such as Holt Renfrew and Brown Thomas as well as major supermarket chains in Canada, has chosen to invest in renovation of the Oxford Street store – rather than to create new stores in British cities other than Manchester and Birmingham.[8] The Chief Executive is Irish retailer, Paul Kelly, who has worked for the Weston organisation since the mid-1980s.[citation needed]
I had no idea about the history of this shop. That Selfridge came from Ripon, Wisconsin is especially surprising to me. As a child, I attended camp at Green Lake, Wisconsin, very close to Ripon. Hardly seemed like a spot that would have an entrepreneur --one who worked for Marshall Field (my first employer as a teenager) in Chicago. We were all very impressed with the store--a clerk told us it had won acclaim as the best store in the world--beating Harrod's, KaDaWe (Berlin), Bloomies (New York and beyond), etc. One of our group commented that the departments looked curated--as though in an art museum. I definitely need to return before we leave.
Last night's dinner was a few blocks from the hotel--perhaps not the place one would go to in London, but a pleasant, neighborhood, family-owned, Italian pizzeria with typical southern Italian fare (e.g. lasagna, spaghetti, calamari and so on). Dorothy and I shared a dish and we just about ate the 1/2 portion since it was so large.
The sun is shining brightly and I look forward to a day walking this morning and touring this afternoon.
Stay tuned and please comment.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Wednesday - May 8
The queen addressed parliament this morning, but since we weren't officially invited, we were not able to attend. Our plane was a bit late, but the car was there for us and the sun came out as well.
Price shock is one thing that really hits you when you order a simple cup of soup and coffee. 17 pounds translates into almost $25. We will definitely look for alternative venues--and have a few in mind already.
Selfridges has an amazing display of goods. The shoe section makes Nordstrom's look meager and perhaps even Bergdorf's can't compete. 7-8 inches stiletto heels, heavy boots with silver studs that seemed to weigh 5 pounds, shoes with bunnies instead of heels, etc. I neglected to take some photos so may have to return to do so.
The driver chatted us up the entire time and so we had his viewpoint on Cameron and Obama as well as Maggie, the Ice Queen.
Some observations--lots of people from the Middle East, very integrated cultural scene, many people out and about. Still having trouble getting theatre tickets, but hopefully something will turn up.
Off to take a much needed shower.
Price shock is one thing that really hits you when you order a simple cup of soup and coffee. 17 pounds translates into almost $25. We will definitely look for alternative venues--and have a few in mind already.
Selfridges has an amazing display of goods. The shoe section makes Nordstrom's look meager and perhaps even Bergdorf's can't compete. 7-8 inches stiletto heels, heavy boots with silver studs that seemed to weigh 5 pounds, shoes with bunnies instead of heels, etc. I neglected to take some photos so may have to return to do so.
The driver chatted us up the entire time and so we had his viewpoint on Cameron and Obama as well as Maggie, the Ice Queen.
Some observations--lots of people from the Middle East, very integrated cultural scene, many people out and about. Still having trouble getting theatre tickets, but hopefully something will turn up.
Off to take a much needed shower.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Today's the day
We are off to London today. We hear the weather is improving but still in the 60s. And perhaps overcast with rain. So raincoats and brellies will be taken by all.
Most of us are traveling together and will meet at the airport for drinks and a bite to eat. Tomorrow we will take a walk near our hotel on Park Lane, get some rest, and meet at the bar around 6:00pm. Dinner is scheduled for 7:30 at a nearby restaurant.
The rooms were immaculate and the breakfast was superb. They even offered us an extra bed in case the need for one arises but the queen size bed was more than enough." And another comment. "Now, let's talk about this bathroom for a second - namely, the shower. I have traveled all over this planet, and have stayed in some of the world's best hotels. Really.
Most of us are traveling together and will meet at the airport for drinks and a bite to eat. Tomorrow we will take a walk near our hotel on Park Lane, get some rest, and meet at the bar around 6:00pm. Dinner is scheduled for 7:30 at a nearby restaurant.
You can see our location on the map insert.
A quote from someone who stayed here recently. "We stayed at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House for 3 days and each day was a stay worth remembering. My aunt was with me as a tourist from the Philippines and I didn't made a mistake in choosing this hotel. Aside from having the best location, the people working in the hotel were wonderful. Very courteous and always willing to give a helping hand.
The rooms were immaculate and the breakfast was superb. They even offered us an extra bed in case the need for one arises but the queen size bed was more than enough." And another comment. "Now, let's talk about this bathroom for a second - namely, the shower. I have traveled all over this planet, and have stayed in some of the world's best hotels. Really.
And I can tell you that WITHOUT A DOUBT - this was the best shower EVER. This shower is everything that would make Nancy Pelosi have a stroke and heart attack simultaneously - as it shoots out more water at you than should be legal. How good that water feels - - I do not have the words to describe. You simply have to try it yourself, with the rainshower head spewing out water at a force even the skies can't duplicate. Heavenly." Let's hope this is true.
Our walk in the neighborhood will take place tomorrow afternoon. I hope we are ready for it.
Friday, May 3, 2013
5 days before we fly
Awakened to a clear, crisp day in the DC area. All of us are making lists about what to take (or not) and what the weather will be. I suspect that many black pants will be in our suitcases.
I have been reading the 12 million dollar shark about the art industry, branding, and money. Quite an eye opener. I am not sure if today there is a group of young British artists, many of whom are featured in this book. It is Damien Hirst's shark that is the subject of the title. I recall seeing the Turner prize for a number of years. I could never quite understand why the winners were selected. The Turner prize, first given in 1984 and shown at the Tate Britain is for an under age 50 British visual artist. It seems as though it has always been surrounded with controversy. In 2002 the culture minister described the work as conceptual bullshit. Another group protesting against the lack of figurative paintings. Hirst described it as a media circus designed to raise money for the Tate.
Here are some winners whose names I recognize. In 1984 Malcolm Morley won 10,000 pounds. In looking at the winners and nominees I notice that many of the nominees who lost won in subsequent years. Anish Kapoor won in 1991--his sculpture is prominently featured at Millenium Park in Chicago. Rachel Whiteread won in1993 for her sculpture. (There is a large one at the East Wing.) 1995 brought Damien Hirst. Tracy Emin's bed did not win in 1999, but created a controversy. I am unfamiliar with some of the more recent winners.
We begin our look at art at the Tate Britain.
I have been reading the 12 million dollar shark about the art industry, branding, and money. Quite an eye opener. I am not sure if today there is a group of young British artists, many of whom are featured in this book. It is Damien Hirst's shark that is the subject of the title. I recall seeing the Turner prize for a number of years. I could never quite understand why the winners were selected. The Turner prize, first given in 1984 and shown at the Tate Britain is for an under age 50 British visual artist. It seems as though it has always been surrounded with controversy. In 2002 the culture minister described the work as conceptual bullshit. Another group protesting against the lack of figurative paintings. Hirst described it as a media circus designed to raise money for the Tate.
Here are some winners whose names I recognize. In 1984 Malcolm Morley won 10,000 pounds. In looking at the winners and nominees I notice that many of the nominees who lost won in subsequent years. Anish Kapoor won in 1991--his sculpture is prominently featured at Millenium Park in Chicago. Rachel Whiteread won in1993 for her sculpture. (There is a large one at the East Wing.) 1995 brought Damien Hirst. Tracy Emin's bed did not win in 1999, but created a controversy. I am unfamiliar with some of the more recent winners.
We begin our look at art at the Tate Britain.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Last minute stuff
It is less than one week now. We have been making plans, figuring out wardrobe, and generally getting ready to travel across the Atlantic for some quality time with friends and art.
Some of us have traveled to London many times and others not at all. This should prove to be an interesting trip.
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