Category: Architecture

From Russia …

The Romanov Tombs  You need to know your iconostasis from your elbow and not muddle them up with a reredos in Russian churches. But let’s get back to my childhood at Barmeath. My grandfather was a fount of knowledge and I lapped it up, like I slurp gin now. The general sense of the story… Continue reading From Russia …

A Tale of Two Town Halls

This magnificent building was completed in 1897. It cost £28,000; considered extravagant by its opponents. It fronted onto Brook Green Road and Hammersmith Broadway. It was Hammersmith Town Hall. It was designed in the ornate Italian manner, a style that had been popular for metropolitan municipal architecture since at least the 1860s but which was… Continue reading A Tale of Two Town Halls

Ritz Crackers

Christmas Cracker This poem about Anthony Blunt, would have delighted John Julius Norwich; it surely would have been in his Christmas Cracker. Who’d have guessed it? Blunt a traitor And a homosexualist, Carrying on with tar and waiter – There’s a sight I’m glad I missed. It would earn its place because it comes from Harvest… Continue reading Ritz Crackers

East West Street

Philippe Sands QC, a British and French international lawyer, professor of law at University College London, commentator and author has written a remarkable book: East West Street.

The Men Who Built Downing Street

Many Prime Ministers have left their stamp on Downing Street, starting with Walpole who hired William Kent. The next significant intervention was by Robert Jenkinson. Who?

Ducks in a Row

Two red-eared terrapins bookend a pair of ducks and a cormorant at Chiswick House yesterday. While the gardens have evolved the basic layout is William Kent’s and almost all his eye-catching features remain, including Burlington Gate.

Pembroke Lodge

Here’s a list of Oxford graduates with a PPE. I got a PEA at Durham; Psychology, English and Anthropology.

Rare Breeds

Last summer I visited the royal mausolea in the Home Park at Windsor. The post covered all the good bits, so you didn’t see this.

Leptis Magna and Virginia Water

I spent a week in Libya in November 2005  ; I took  a direct flight to Tripoli to meet friends who were already in the country; I only had hand luggage; this had consequences.