So, onto the museum. It's huge. As I walked through some of the galleries, I tried to jot down an impression. Here are a few: awe inspiring old tapestries, familiar Turkish tiles, gorgeous snuff boxes (who knew?), claustrophobic ceramic display, fabulous costumes, intricate architectural models, impressive sculptures and make me want to go back to India, display of rugs, dresses and miniature paintings.
I had favorites in every area. I absolutely love Turkish and old Iranian tapestry and tile work. Some how, in a past life, I had to have been associated with those things. They are familiar to me in a way that they really have no reason to be. I feel at home when I see them; and I want to take them home and surround myself with them.
The ceramic collection on the 6th floor was claustrophobic. There were many rooms, with display cases on each side, and two center, floor to ceiling height, completely filled with examples of every known pattern from every region of the of the world. I'm not exaggerating, totally. By the third room, the "less is more" adage kept running through my mind. I had seen in a promotional brochure a photo that had six teapots on a shelf. Silly me, I thought that I would find one case, with, you know, ten teapots. But no, there were teapots and teacups and creamers with sugar bowls in all the rooms, in many cabinets, on tons of shelves. I felt completely overwhelmed. I liked looking and seeing all the shapes, patterns and styles, but about half way through, all I could think about was going home and tossing out all my collectibles. It was just too much.
Wisely, I moved on to the more serene room of old tapestries. What a room. It is climate controlled and dark, as to preserve as much of the color and fiber as possible. To see so many in one room was absolutely amazing. I took a couple of pictures, no flash, and they are red and dark. But still, they are reminders of the glory that are those tapestries.
Leaving the tapestries is a fun costume gallery. They have pieces from a recent production of the Lion King, as well as others from older theater productions. Also displayed are outfits worn by Mick Jagger, Elton John and other rockers. There is a hands on corner where kids can try on costumes and have their pictures taken. That was fun to see.
The Art of Architecture room was just up my alley. In the center of the long room sat models of all types of buildings -- public schools, private homes and well known structures. The model of the Alhambra caught my eye. Heather and I went there in 1985 and I think it is still in my top five of most beautiful buildings ever. The tile work and archways are enough to make a girl swoon.
There area sculptures and carved building facades in many areas. The way the museum is set up, you often get to look at a piece from ground level and then from a storey or two up. I really enjoyed taking pictures from the different vantage points.
Around lunch time, I bought a sandwich and drink and took my tray outside, to an enclosed courtyard, complete with fountain. This is what I wrote while eating, --kids playing in the fountain, not minding the directions of no disturbing the water jets. Parents don't seem to care or notice. An under-10 year old girl wearing a yellow cropped sweater and red flower print dress that barely covers her tush wades into the fountain, right up to her ankles. She hikes up her dress as if the hem was in danger of getting wet. Must be instinctive. She has a good 14 inches to clear before she needs to worry about that.
The wind whipped through the courtyard, and several times I had to hang on to my paper plate. With mussed hair, I went back inside and into the India room. I loved it -- from the embroidered gowns, to the rugs and miniature paintings. The emphasis in that particular gallery was on the British in India, and that is what I took pictures. The miniature paintings and older rugs that pre-dated the British didn't photograph well. I haven't been to India in 15 years, but still, seeing those pieces brought a fierce longing to return.
I was on my way out when I spotted a post card of a mother and child statue. I hadn't seen that it my travels. Lucky me, it was located in the sculpture area to the left of the gift shop. I put the post card down and went out in search. I found it. It was lovely. What was more fun, however, was watching a couple reenact the Rodin sculptures and taking the photos on the IPad. They were having a great time and really made me smile. I should have taken a photo of them!
I would be remiss if I didn't include the glass sculpture that hands in the entryway rotunda. I was able to take one picture from the third floor and the others are from down below. It intricate, delicate and stunning.
I left with plenty of time to go to a house wear place that Tyler told me about, Emma Bridgewater. I will return there, for sure. The mugs with birds and the ones with flowers are great. Then it was on to my ear appointment at 3:45. What a waste. The doctor doesn't think that the cyst is the cause of my ear pain, nor did he give me any idea as to the cause, nor any suggestions on how to make it go away. He did say that I should have it checked out sometime in the next three months. Helpful. I left, two days of per diem lighter, and walked to Liberty. I was going to give the needlepoint thing one more try. I'm glad I did because I found a canvas for a tea cozy that is very sweet. I'm happy.
The three of us walked out together and they waited for my bus to come. The bus route passed Kings Cross Station and St. Pancras. I want to go back there and take pictures. The building is enormous and beautiful. The British Library is right next store. I think there is something to see in there as well. I don't think I'm going to be able to see all the sights on my list before I leave, especially if I spend a night in Bath this weekend or next.
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