I managed to get to Pearson airport and fly out before the biggest snowfall Toronto has experienced in recorded history. My friend Sue very ably and safely drove me to the airport, through big patches of ice and whiteouts, and a couple of stupid drivers. And I am vey happy to say that Sue made it home safely.
There is no snow where I am, and today was very mild. Fingerless gloves and no hat. We went into London to go to the Radical Harmony: Helene Kroller-Muller’s Neo-Impressionists exhibit at the National Gallery, think Pointillism and Seurat
Helene Kroller-Muller was a serious collector of Neo-Impressionists, and her second love was Van Gogh, this exhibit was her collection. I still find it strange that I can take picture of the pictures! It feels odd, and of course the pictures taken by most people will be seen by hardly anyone, but it feels like a transgression. But here are some that I really enjoyed.
At first I could not relate to this painting, but as I learned more about it the more impressed I became. The sunlight on the water is luminous, and I can really relate to the bushes on the shore and their deepening shadows. It definitely looses something in reproduction sadly.
It was interesting to read about the style, and how other artists adopted it, and added their own “takes”, but also interesting that many found it to be too time consuming, and started to add their own elements. There was sharing of pictures by artists and discussions of the technique. It also seems to have been adopted by committed anarchist and communist artists who sought better conditions for workers, but also by women who were active not only in the arts, music and intellectual pursuits, but also advocating for women’s rights, such as clothing that was less restrictive. Sounds small, but imagine finally being able to run away from a dangerous situation.
After the exhibit we walked along the edge Trafalgar Square.
And on to Canada House, which I had never been inside before. We went through security and had a brief look at an exhibit in the entry way. Then on to Zedel.
I first saw Zedel on the day I walked in the anti-brexit march back in 2019. Suzy suggested it as a place for something to eat, but it was packed, but it kind of blew me away. It is an Art Deco restaurant, completely under ground. I had to go back, and today was the day.
Jane is holding up the menu for me, and John is finishing Celeraic soup with creme freshe. Of course it was written in French, but remembering the spelling is beyond me.
The place is amazing.
As we were eating Jane was musing about the location of the restaurant. She was pretty sure it was the site of The Regent Palace Hotel. She remembered staying there with our parents and M0m’s brother Murray and his wife and children. They had connecting rooms, a concept that has always captured my imagination. And she was pretty sure that Mom had worked there when she arrived in England, and probably until she had her first child in 1950.
It really is a small world. Can siblings or Robinson cousins add any further information?
Mary
Yes Mum did work at the Regent’s Palace Hotel at one point. But also at a building in Finsbury Circus at the back of the City of London College where I studied on Moorgate. And yes we did stay at that hotel (she was eligible for a discount I believe) when we went to meet up with Murray and Hil – though I don’t think they were staying at the hotel but with Mum’s cousin Gillian’s parents (Hilda ? and ? – anyone got a family tree to hand?) I remember going to breakfast in the restaurant in the basement. But only breakfast because it was too expensive when you have to feed a family of 7… even if the smallest ones did not eat much. It is the only hotel I ever remember staying in when we were young. Three of what in one day? Buildings? And I was expecting to see the 2nd Toorop painting that was mentioned…. hanging alongside… but oh well, can’t have it all. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow? Or are you flying out already. Surprised that you are flying east to get to Aussieland and not west? Oh and it’s crème fraîche… ‘sh’ is our English adaptation of ‘che’ in French… ‘sh’ does not exist in French – or very rarely…. enjoy your trip…. taraferthenoo.
Maggie
Thanks for that info Mary. It was Jane who connected the dots. She remembered the building and wondered if it had been the Regent’s Palace Hotel.
It was three posts in one week. I am now in Sydney, we get on the cruise tomorrow. It is great seeing Anne again, although we do talk. I flew east because I wanted to fly British Airways. And most flights going west go via a US airport and that was not on the books. And this way I get to spend a bit of time in the UK. Hope you are well and the eyes are getting better. Love Maggie
Marsha Pine
Thank you for this post. It is a joy to read about nicer weather while being almost completely covered in snow here. (Glad you luckily got away in time. ) I’m also always interested in anything Art Deco! Keep enjoying your adventures and keep us posted on events and sights.
Maggie
Yes, you really did get dumped on, I heard that it was the worst on record, and I just got out in time. I had been so worried about it I can’t believe my luck. Now I am seeing Art Deco everywhere. Amazing how that happens when you explore your interest in something. Stay safe and warm.