Culture the Victorian Way

The day started with rain so some inside activities seemed to be the order of the day. The forecast wasn't too threatening when we set off so we walked with jackets, hat and umbrella. We faired reasonably well with drizzle and a short shower or two the worst of it.

Along the way we found one high-end shopping street with street side flower displays getting into the Chelsea spirit.

Our journey took us straight past Harrods so we diverted inside for a little look along with quite a few other plebs.

Our first official activity - 2 hours wandering through the Victoria & Albert Museum. What a building and what amazing items they have for viewing and how well they display the exhibits. An excursion here whilst I was studying a History of Decorative Styles would have been just the thing. However it is never too late.

Art, architecture, furniture, fashion it was all here, current and dating back to the pyramids and everything in between.

My mind was blown trying to comprehend how many people and how many hours were taken to craft this tapestry.

I have never seen authentic armour before.

This balustrade was made from glass. I love glass.

Next activity to be fair and cater for Rod's interests - 2 hours wandering the Science Museum.

Earth and space, a good display of early steam engines dating back to James Watt, trains planes and automobiles, technology of all types from the earliest inventions to the present day. We hardly scratched the surface before it was time to move on. 

This bridge on one of the upper levels had us walking over glass. I love glass.

Astronauts and the practical logistics of space travel were displayed.

Then this evening we walked to the Victoria Palace Theatre to see Billy Elliot the musical.

It was absolutely splendid. Evertything about it was clever and well performed. Quite a few of the sets rose up from the stage floor or others pulled out from the side of the stage. At intermission Ice Creams  and drinks were sold from a person with a tray on each level inside the theatre just like in old movies. The decoration of the theatre itself was rich and sumptuous. It was a real treat.

Tomorrow Chelsea Flower Show (and a forecast of thunderstorms!)