Flaming June

Choosing presents is tricky. Books and booze usually go down well but “things” are often risky. Many people are reluctant to add to their clutter. I was given an unusual and most satisfactory Christmas present this year …

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Paul and Bob

An unexpected aspect of the Paul Nash exhibition at Tate Britain is his use of photographs as an inspiration for surrealist pictures.

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Paul Nash

If you’re an old hand here you won’t be surprised that I enjoyed the Paul Nash show at Tate Britain. Let me fess up, hitherto I knew nothing about him.

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Under Doctor’s Orders

A friend, who must be anonymous, went for his annual check-up in Harley Street.

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The Flemish Panel

In April this year I wrote about Spanish author, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, and his novels. What better place to pick one up than in Valencia.

Churrigueresque

After finding the Holy Grail in yesterday’s post, today’s can only come as a disappointment but read on, in case you don’t know who wrote Luke’s Gospel.

An Evie Hone Window or Two

Last week I mentioned visiting old haunts in Highgate (Highgate Revisited). The primary purpose of my return was to go to St Michael’s which has perhaps Evie Hone’s third best window.

Cricket and Opera

  Camille Pissarro painted this picture of a cricket match in Bedford Park in 1897. He came to live in England in 1870 and the reason surprised me.

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Monday in Lyon

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is late 19th century and is perched above Lyon. It is a bit of a climb but was worth it for me as there was an unexpected bonus.

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Gleizes

Both Eurostar and TGV in France have more first class seats than passengers prepared to pay for them. This creates an opportunity to travel more comfortably at only a little extra cost.

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